Abstract: A desalination system is provided that may be operated in a self-sustained fashion. The desalination system is comprised of (i) a wind turbine; (ii) an air compressor coupled to, and powered by, the wind turbine; (iii) a compressed air storage tank for storing the pressurized air from the air compressor; (iv) a pneumatic actuator that is powered by compressed air stored in the air storage tank; (v) at least one compression cylinder coupled to, and powered by, the pneumatic actuator; (vi) a source of salt water that is introduced into the compression chamber(s) of the compression cylinder(s); and (vii) a reverse osmosis desalination column that is configured to receive pressurized salt water from the compression cylinder(s) and output desalinated water.

Abstract: A portable device for filtering and purifying water comprised of an outer chamber and an inner chamber that is slidable within a section of the outer chamber, and a small pore size pre-filter, whereby water is drawn through the pre-filter into the first container section of the outer chamber where it is isolated and treated with a disinfectant agent, then is drawn out of the first container section and into the second container section, and then into the inner chamber, where it is passed across another filtering material such as an activated carbon bed, removing any remaining contaminants before the potable water exits through a mouthpiece.

Abstract: A personal, portable drinking container has a bottle with a neck, a reservoir, and a top opening in the neck providing access to the reservoir. A cap is removably fitted on the neck to close the opening. A filter assembly is provided in the bottle and carries a filter media with a finite useful life. An indicator can be provided on part of the drinking container and set by a user to indicate a parameter relevant to the useful life. The filter assembly can have a cage connectable to the container. The filter media can be in the cage and the indicator can be on the cage or the bottle. The filter media can be cylindrical with an open center and have a pleated layer of non-woven, cellulose material and a film layer of non-woven fabric material. The filter assembly can be capable of a liquid flow rate of at least about 15 ml/sec passing through the filter media.

Abstract: A floor drain cover includes a draining frame, a net-shaped disk mounted in the top wall of the draining frame, a fixing bracket mounted on the draining frame, a movable lid pivotally mounted on the fixing bracket and movable relative to the draining frame, and a rubber pad mounted on the movable lid and movable to seal the bottom wall of the draining frame. Thus, when the ambient waste water in the floor drain flows toward the draining frame, the movable lid is pressed by the pressure of the ambient waste water so that the movable lid moves the rubber pad to seal the bottom wall of the draining frame, thereby preventing the ambient waste water in the floor drain from flowing backward, and preventing the floor from being contaminated by the ambient waste water.

Abstract: A water separator for continuous separation of water, air and particles includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, an upper chamber connected with a lower chamber, and a three-way valve located in an air connection pipe being adapted to establish a connection between the upper and lower chambers in a first position and closing the connection to the upper chamber and allowing atmospheric air to enter into the lower chamber in a second position. The upper chamber includes a coarse filter capturing particles from the liquid flow to the lower chamber. The water separator includes a main tank and a safety tank, which are connected through a connection pipe from the upper chamber in the main tank to the safety tank and through the air connection pipe from the lower chamber in the main tank to the safety tank. The inlet pipe is through the lid of the main tank.

Abstract: A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane.

Abstract: A water recovery method and apparatus which uses a desiccant, such as lithium chloride, to recover water vapor from the engine exhaust of a vehicle. The apparatus uses liquid-contactor to transfer water vapor from the vehicle exhaust to the liquid desiccant. The desiccant is then transferred to a reverse osmosis system which separates the liquid desiccant into potable water and a concentrated desiccant.

Abstract: A maple sap reverse osmosis system that comprises a feed pressure pump configured for receiving maple tree sap, a filter bank, at least one pressure pump operatively connected to the feed pressure pump through the filter bank, at least one recirculation pump operatively connected to the at least one pressure pump, each recirculation pump having an associated housing having an input positioned at a bottom portion of the housing, a permeate output and a concentrate output, the housing enclosing a membrane producing permeate and concentrate from the maple sap and an air inlet operatively connected to a housing in a exit position. The housings are serially connected from an entrance position housing to the exit position housing through associated inputs and concentrate outputs and wherein the housings can be completely drained of liquid through the input of the entrance position housing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to dialysis venting devices and related methods. In some aspects, a dialysis system includes a fluid inlet line, a venting device in fluid communication with the fluid inlet line, and a fluid outlet line in fluid communication with the venting device. The venting device can include a housing defining a fluid chamber, a valve member disposed above the fluid chamber between a lower seat and an upper seat, and a pump that is operable to draw fluid into the fluid chamber from the fluid inlet line and to force fluid out of the fluid chamber into the fluid outlet line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aeration and ventilation of a fuel system of a motor vehicle, with a pipe union for connecting the device to the fuel system, the pipe union being connected via a connecting element to a three-way valve via which the pipe union can be fluid-connected alternately to an air inlet opening or an air outlet opening of the device. Furthermore, there is a filter element which is located in the flow path between the air inlet opening and the three-way valve. The filter element, the three-way valve, and the connecting element are accommodated in a common housing. An especially compact and space-saving device is devised by the integration of the three-way valve, connecting element, and filter element into one unit.

Abstract: A portable lubricant filtration system and method is provided for facile pre-filtering of used or new lubricant prior to pumping the lubricant into its intended machinery.

Abstract: An apparatus having flotation ballasts, a flotation platform and on the flotation platform, an intake equipment, such as a screen, check valve and/or pump intake and a coupling for a discharge pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention comprises, there are a plurality of substantially symmetrical flotation ballasts, each having a ballast chamber. The composition of the flotation ballast may be made of a material having a density appropriate for the fluid in which it is to be submerged. The method includes the steps of using an apparatus as herein described to ascend and descend intake equipment.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus having a vessel defining a chamber adapted to contain a water treatment chemical over which a dosing liquid can flow from an inlet to form a dosing reservoir at the bottom of the vessel. A supply of dosing liquid is connected to the inlet. The interior of the vessel communicates with a conduit along which an entraining pressurized flow of water can be fed for treatment and via an opening in the conduit that is connected to a bottom outlet of the vessel. A venturi is located in the conduit adjacent the opening so that the velocity of the pressurized water is increased as it passes over the opening and entrains a dosing stream from the dosing reservoir into the pressurized flow. The venturi also applies suction to the interior of the vessel, which draws dosing liquid into the vessel from the supply.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the, filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or separator for further treatment.

Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus includes a physical filter unit. The physical filter unit includes a filter screen layer therein to filter impurities which are large particles and a distal end connected with a changeable fluid dirt activation unit to discharge the bubbles and particles of the waste water. A side wall of the storage cylinder is provided with a storage pipe to communicate with the top of at least one microorganism filter unit. The microorganism filter unit includes a microorganism filter cylinder to purify the waste water through microorganisms. The waste water treatment apparatus further includes a water storage unit. The water storage unit includes a water storage cylinder to collect the treated water for use.

Abstract: Analytical methods using hydrogen/deuterium exchange are provided which reduce or eliminate the back-exchange of deuterium for hydrogen. The methods, which are useful in protein and peptide mapping, include the steps of (a) providing a peptide or protein comprising a solvent accessible hydrogen; (b) exchanging the solvent accessible hydrogen for a deuterium; (c) separating the peptide or protein with supercritical fluid chromatography; and (d) analyzing by mass spectrometry the mass of the separated peptide or protein. Supercritical fluid chromatography enables the observation of fast exchanging hydrogen atoms missed using conventional liquid chromatography methods.

Abstract: A liquid filter arrangement is provided, as well as methods of assembly and use. The liquid filter arrangement includes an anti-drain back valve assembly therein. Advantageous features, relating to a preferred filter cartridge and preferred anti-drain back valve arrangement, are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the air-free filling of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus with a physiological electrolyte solution and for the venting of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus during operation includes using a chamber in a blood-removing line system. The blood-removing line system, including the chamber arranged therein, is filled with a physiological electrolyte solution, with a valve arranged above the chamber and connected thereto being opened to fill the chamber completely with the physiological electrolyte solution until it comes into contact with a hydrophobic filter arranged above the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: Corrosion Resistant Ozone Generators, including ozone generating chips, for various purposes including spas, pools and jetted tubs as well as methods for making and using such Corrosion Resistant Ozone Generators.

Abstract: A dechlorinator for dechlorinating a stream of water comprises a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. The housing defines a flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A filter is operatively supported in the housing and located in the flow path. At least one dechlorinating tablet is operatively supported in the housing and located in the flow path downstream of the filter for dechlorinating water flowing from the filter to the outlet.

Abstract: An additive dispensing device is provided. The additive dispensing device includes a reservoir configured to contain a supply of an additive. The reservoir is in fluid communication with a dispensing chamber of a metering valve device by a first one-way valve. The metering valve device is configured to dispense a portion of the additive from the dispensing chamber into a housing by a second one-way valve. The additive dispensing device further includes a thermal expanding member disposed in the dispensing chamber. The thermal expanding member is configured to expand and contract between expanded and contracted positions, respectively, in response to temperature. The thermal expanding member decreases a pressure in the dispensing chamber as the thermal expanding member moves toward the contracted position, such that additive is drawn from the reservoir into the dispensing chamber through the first one-way valve.

Abstract: A water purification system and method. A closed water recirculation loop supplied at one point by a water inlet with water to be purified, and having at least one outlet point of use of the purified water. Also included is a pump and a water purifier on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point, in the water flow direction. The system includes two independent valves, including a first valve on the loop upstream of the pump and a second valve upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point. The first and second valves are selectively opened and closed to recirculate all the water treated by the purifier.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method for processing fluid captured from a vehicle surface to provide a desired fluid product. The system includes sensors and control circuitry to determine system fluid volume levels and/or the ambient temperature of the system to safeguard the system against non-requested activation or deactivation.

Abstract: A dental waste containment and removal system and method for containing and removing dental waste produced at a dental services facility involves transferring dental waste containing a contaminant such as mercury from a patient's mouth into a dental waste container under a vacuum pressure such that the dental waste is temporarily retained within the dental waste container. The dental waste may then be removed from the dental waste container from a remote location, such as from the exterior of the dental facility, by pumping or suctioning the dental waste, and transported to a treatment facility.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment in which a flow-inverting device is interposed between a blood treatment unit and a blood pump placed on an artery branch connected with a vascular access of a patient. The flow-inverting device allows the blood flow within the filtering unit to be kept unchanged even following an inverted circulation in the patient-side artery and vein branches controlled by the blood pump.

Abstract: A filter for use with overhead sprinkler irrigation systems is disclosed. The filter includes a hollow cylindrical body, a removable screen, and a manually-actuated plunger adjacent the screen. The plunger is positioned for reciprocal movement through a debris outlet between an open, debris-discharging position, and a closed filtering position. The plunger defaults to the closed filtering position by pressurized water flowing through the body. The water is simultaneously filtered through the screen and passes out a clean water outlet while debris accumulates within the body. The plunger may be manually retracted to the open, debris-discharging position at any time, whereby accumulated debris is flushed out of the body through the debris outlet by residual water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Device for treating water with a supply (3); a treatment tank (4); a drain (9); a regulator (13); and a bypass (22) which connects the supply (3) to the drain (9), characterised in that in the main canalisation (2), on either side of the regulator (13), is provided a shut-off valve (12, 14); in that the device (1) comprises a first shunt canalisation (18) which bridges the first shut-off valve (12) and the regulator (13) and comprises a second shunt canalisation (20) which bridges the regulator (13) and the second shut-off valve (14), whereby both shunt canalisations (18, 20) comprise a shut-off valve (19, 21), and whereby the shut-off valves (12, 14) are open on either side of the regulator (13) during the treatment phase, whereas the other shut-off valves (19, 21) are open during the rinse or regeneration phase.

Abstract: A back-water trap unit comprises a housing having an outer perimetric wall sealed to a base to define an enclosure, and a removable housing cover comprising inlet apertures. An interior wall, shorter than the housing wall, is sealed to the base to define an inner compartment and an outer compartment within the enclosure, the inner compartment being sealed by a cover secured to the upper interior wall edge and the inside of the housing wall. A flapper valve secured to the interior wall within the inner compartment is rotatable in response to liquid pressure to open or close an inlet aperture proximate the lower interior wall edge. An outlet through the housing wall as high as or above the upper edge of the inlet aperture allows discharge of fluid from the inner compartment, while the flapper valve prevents unwanted back-flow from the inner compartment to the outer compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor or gasket operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter assembly for membrane filtration—of liquids, and more in particular a spiral wound filter assembly with improved filtration performance. Provided is a spiral wound filter assembly comprising a permeate channel (5; 305, 325) for transporting permeate to the permeate outlet (12), said permeate channel being provided with at least one flow restriction (13; 113, 120; 213; 333) in form of check or control valves or ridges, for increasing the pressure in at least part of the permeate channel. The invention further relates to an apparatus comprising such a filter assembly, and to methods for using this apparatus.

Abstract: A container (14) with a content (8) has at least one hypochlorite compound, in particular a calcium hypochlorite compound, for generating an aqueous solution, and at least one inlet attachment (46) for attachment to a water supply line (48) and at least one outlet attachment (50) for attachment to an outlet line (52, 92) for a liquid composed of the incoming water and of the content (8), wherein the content (8) is located in accordance with the flow between the inlet attachment (46) and the outlet attachment (50), and the container (14) is designed as a transportable exchange unit that is sealed off from the outside in the unattached state.

Abstract: A combination filtration and ion exchange system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a valve rotor, a carbon treatment tank, an ion exchange treatment tank and a valve. The valve rotor having a source water inlet, a service water outlet, a water treatment outlet, a water treatment inlet and a drain outlet. The carbon treatment tank having a service inlet and a service outlet, the service inlet coupled to the water treatment outlet. The ion exchange treatment tank having a service inlet and a service outlet, and the service outlet is coupled to the water treatment inlet.

Abstract: A replaceable liquid filter, particularly for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, having a substantially cup-shaped housing with a concentrically disposed outlet opening for the filtered liquid and at least one inlet opening for the liquid to be filtered and a filter element sealingly disposed between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The housing is connected to a top plate, and the top plate is connected to an end plate. A connector for releasably coupling the replaceable liquid filter to a mating part is disposed concentrically in the region of the cover plate, such that the connector extends axially beyond the contour of the replaceable liquid filter.

Abstract: A strainer/filter unit for effectively collecting solid, liquid or gaseous substances at the source and the method of using the strainer/filter unit. The strainer/filter unit includes a housing, a one-way valve at one end of the housing, and a filter having a certain depth and thickness within the housing. The filter is formed from a plurality of layers of material with pores such that pores of one layer partially overlap pores of subsequent adjacent layers. Matters entering the strainer/filter unit are collected in the filter while travelling through filter via a tortuous path.

Abstract: A canteen including a reservoir for containing unfiltered water; a filter; a spout; and a pump for pumping water from the reservoir, through the filter, and then out the spout as filtered water.

Abstract: The initially cold water streams of a household hot water plumbing circuit are accumulated in a storage container to be thereafter drained off with the cold water stream, at various flow restricted levels, thereby conserving water use. This accumulate may be adjustably admixed into the waste products of a household drinking water purification system, thereby diluting it to acceptable levels that may be useful for washing and the like. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the fresh water stream may be admixed into the water purification waste water stream. Each of these water conserving functions is conformed to be combined in a stepwise manner, thereby accommodating budgetary and use growth constraints.

Abstract: A water-purifying device for increasing oxygen content has at least one filter and a gas-liquid mixing device, and the gas-liquid mixing device comprises a pump and a spiral tube, wherein air enters the pump through a first gas inlet valve disposed at the front end of the pump and is mixed with the water source in a gas-liquid phase within the spiral tube to form a large amount of fine bubbles, thereby achieving the effect of increasing the oxygen content in water.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating a drilling fluid mixture including feeding the drilling fluid mixture to a hydrocyclone (or hydrocyclones) with a flow-volume-adjustable inlet for controlling flow of the drilling fluid mixture into the hydrocyclone(s). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A device for preventing sedimentation by regulating the flow of waste water through drain draining-wells, with or without a pump. The device has of a swirl chamber with connected outlet pipe and provided with an air injector. The swirl chamber which is tapered, generates a vortex flow in which the air added by the air injector gives the sludge particles a certain amount of buoyancy, making it easier for them to accompany the water flow without being precipitated.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly is disclosed for a machine, such as an internal combustion engine, that has an oil output port and an oil input port. A mounting plate is fixed with an outer enclosure and is adapted for securing to the machine. The mounting plate is further adapted to conduct oil from the machine into a peripheral portion of the outer enclosure, and then returning oil from a central portion of the outer enclosure back to the machine. Oil may pass from the peripheral portion to the central portion through a primary filter having a first porosity. A pressure-actuated valve is fixed fluidly between the peripheral portion and central portion of the outer enclosure. Oil may pass through the pressure-actuated valve only when an oil pressure differential between the peripheral portion and the central portion of the outer enclosure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for hemo(dia)filtration comprises an extracorporeal blood circuit and a supply line of a replacement fluid to the extracorporeal blood circuit. The supply line has a bifurcation which divides a main branch (24) into a pre-dilution branch (25) and a post-dilution branch (26). A pump tube tract (29) is predisposed in the supply line for coupling with a circuit pump of the replacement fluid. An expansion chamber is predisposed in the extracorporeal blood circuit and is fluidly connected to the pre-dilution branch. The invention provides a disposable fluid circuit usable for performing a hemodiafiltration treatment with pre-dilution and post-dilution which is couplable simply, rapidly, economically and reliably to a machine for monitoring the treatment.

Abstract: A system is provided for water purification for a recirculation shower in a transport with a filtration unit, a first backwash line and a second backwash line. The filtration unit is designed to filter used shower water. The first backwash line and the second backwash line are designed to clean the filtration unit with a backwashing. The first backwash line is designed to convey backwash water to the filtration unit. The second backwash line is designed to discharge backwash water from the filtration unit.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method for operating the same includes a pressure tank having a first end and a second end, the pressure tank has a first volume adjacent to the first end and a second volume adjacent to the second end and a third volume between the first volume and the second volume and a fluid passage fluidically coupling the second volume to the first volume. The reverse osmosis system also includes a plurality of membranes disposed within the third volume generating permeate and a permeate manifold receiving permeate from the membranes and fluidically communicating permeate out of the pressure tank. A feed line couples feed fluid into the pressure tank. A first pump pressurizes the feed line. A second pump is disposed within the tank and circulates brine fluid from the second volume through the fluid passage.

Abstract: Water-purifying apparatus which generates anions and processing method thereof, which activates water through generating anions to obtain good quality purified water corresponding to pure life-giving water. Raw water introduced into the water-purifying apparatus is introduced into an inflow pipe formed in a zigzag shape and rotating units are rotated by flow rate of the introduced raw water, to raise a vortex phenomenon to generate bubbles. Accordingly, anion content and dissolved oxygen amount increases. Moreover, filter members filter poisonous impurities in the raw water to provide good quality purified water.

Abstract: A reverse flow rinsing fluid filtering device, particularly for large diameter piping. Housing (12) has inlet port (14), outlet port (20) and a battery of filtering discs divided into three groups D1, D2 and D3 by partition rings 80a and 80b.

Abstract: the chamber including a filter for filtering fluid from a pump to the container and a check valve to check flow of water from the container to the pump housing.

Abstract: A system for water purification, filtration and item sanitization are described herein. In one embodiment, a water filtration device uses an extruded carbon sheet or granulated activated carbon to filter unpurified, gravity-fed water. A filtering medium is provided within a lower opening of an upper reservoir for filtering unfiltered water passing therethrough, the filtering medium being located above and not extending into a lower reservoir. The device can be a stand-alone water container or incorporated within a water purification system having a further purification technology located in a base in fluid communication with the water container. The base can include controls for informing a user when the water filtration or item sanitization has been completed. Practical applications include drinking water filtration, sanitization of household items, medical equipment, and the like.

Abstract: A gray-water recycling system for reclaiming gray-water for use in toilets and lawn care. The system includes a reservoir adapted to treat gray-water and includes an intake pipe, an outlet pipe and an overflow pipe. An inlet coupled to the intake pipe supplies gray-water to the reservoir. A filter is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe for filtering gray-water to define processed gray-water. A pump is fluidly coupled to the by a pipe. A first valve (24) controls flow of the processed gray-water from the pump. The first valve is fluidly coupled to the pump, a fresh water inlet and a processed gray-water outlet. The first valve is adapted to open the fresh water if the water pressure from the processed gray-water falls. Also included is a pressure valve (52) adapted to manually adjust the pressure of the processed gray-water outlet and to allow a flow of fresh water in the event the solenoid of the first valve fails to operate.

Abstract: A fluid filter centerpost assembly in combination with a fluid filter cartridge for creating a “no filter-no run” design according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an oval-shaped design for the centerpost assembly and an oval-shaped design for a seal that is positioned between the centerpost assembly and the fluid filter cartridge. The centerpost assembly includes a main body having an oval shape in lateral cross section in unitary construction with a radial flange and interior shelf. The interior shelf defines a flow opening and a movable valve ball is positioned on the interior shelf and is able to move in the direction of the flow opening due to incoming fluid pressure. The fluid filter cartridge includes a closed endcap with a blocking pin such that when the fluid filter cartridge is installed, the blocking pin is positioned to prevent the valve ball from closing off the flow opening.