With Time Control Patents (Class 210/138)
  • Publication number: 20100122946
    Abstract: A water disinfection apparatus includes a chamber adapted for connection to a pressurized water source. An ultra violet light is oriented to shine ultra violet rays into the chamber and to disinfect water therein, and a normally closed output valve connects the chamber to a supply valve. A control senses when a connected supply valve has been opened, and is operative to turn the ultra violet light on when the connected supply valve is opened; open the output valve after the ultra violet light has been turned on; close the output valve off after a supply time period expires; and turn the ultra violet light off when the output valve has been closed. The ultra violet light is turned on at all times that the output valve is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Udo Staschik
  • Patent number: 7708898
    Abstract: A system for removing particles from a slurry tank includes a filtering device and a controller. The filtering device collects and removes particles deposited within the slurry tank and the controller controls the placement and movement of the filtering device with respect to the slurry tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Mario P. Bochiechio, Gary M. Tamiso, David R. Scott, Mark F. Bartholomew
  • Publication number: 20100102004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide pulsed fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points utilizing pulsed magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along a fluid flow path. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Publication number: 20100096304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel filter (1) with a filter element (2) for separating particles and water out of a fuel flow flowing through the fuel filter (1), a collecting space (6) for collecting the separated water (7), and a dewatering device (3) for discharging the separated water (7) out of the fuel filter (1). Here, it is essential to the invention that the dewatering device (3) has a hydrocarbon adsorber (9) for adsorbing hydrocarbon components which are entrained in the separated water (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Matthias Gänswein, Peter Koppi, Pia Küsgens, Sven Siegle
  • Publication number: 20100096305
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus (10) includes one or more treatment tanks (12, 14). Each treatment tank (12, 14) has an associated oxygenation treatment circuit (18) including a gas and liquid mixing chamber (20), a gas injector (22) upstream of the mixing chamber (20) and one of an oxygen generator (24) or an ozone generator (26) supplying gas to the gas injector (22), and a pump (28, 29) for pumping wastewater from the treatment tank (12, 14) through the mixing chamber (20) and back to the treatment tank (28, 29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: SEAIR INC.
    Inventors: Harold Kinasewich, Chris Kinasewich
  • Patent number: 7699979
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the capture, detection, separation, isolation and quantification of contaminants in a starting material. Also disclosed are competitive assay methods for the detection and quantification of contaminants in a starting material. Kits for use with the method are disclosed as well. A system for capturing, separating and/or concentrating contaminants from a material is also presented. The system captures, separates and/or concentrates contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, and/or larger items, such as insects, from a variety of materials, such as food, and environmental and clinical materials. In general, the system uses a rotating magnetic field to mix the material with magnetic particles to capture the target contaminants, and a fixed magnetic field to separate and concentrate the captured target contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventors: Yanbin Li, Madhukar Varshney, Zunzhang Ye
  • Patent number: 7699993
    Abstract: Wireless methods for dispensing water supplied by a main purification unit to a remote dispensing device. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Larkner
  • Patent number: 7695613
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a chlorinator mounted inline in a water purification system having a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and an upper compartment having an electronics section with a controller unit contained within the electronics section and in electrical communication with a power source and an at least one electrolytic plate. The system having a heat sink member in thermal communication with the controller, wherein the flow of the water in the water purification system cools the heat sink member and the controller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: KBK Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Doyle, Keith Schulte, Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100044286
    Abstract: A water-purification pretreatment system removes raw water of suspended solids heavier in specific gravity than water before a water-purification treatment of raw water taken from a water source and the system includes a liquid cyclone configured for raw water to inflow thereto and to be swirled inside thereof to separate from raw water suspended solids heavier in specific gravity tan water, an inflow line connected with the liquid cyclone for raw water to be supplied to the liquid cyclone and configured for raw water being supplied to swirl inside the liquid cyclone, and an outflow line configured for raw water having suspended solids separated therefrom to outflow as pretreated water from the liquid cyclone, allowing for a reduced load on a treatment of solid suspended solids as a water treatment for water purification plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Takashi Menju, Mii Fukuda, Yasushi Yamamoto, Kazuyoshi Aoki, Takeshi Matsushiro, Futoshi Kurokawa, Atsushi Yukawa, Tokusuke Hayami
  • Patent number: 7662277
    Abstract: An improved wastewater treatment apparatus is provided. The waste treatment apparatus illustratively follows a primary treatment system such as, for example, a septic tank, a primary clarifier, a lagoon, or an activated sludge process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin R Chaffee
  • Patent number: 7655150
    Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7651608
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for denitrification of treated wastewater from an aerobic wastewater treatment system in which oxygen levels in the aeration chamber of an aerobic digestion vessel are cycled between an anoxic environment, i.e., when the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel contains from just above 0 to just less than 1 ppm dissolved oxygen to an aerobic environment wherein the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel has a dissolved oxygen content of about 1 ppm or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20100000944
    Abstract: Control equipment for an extracorporeal blood circuit (2), in which the extracorporeal circuit (2) has an access branch (8) and a return branch (10) connected to a blood treatment element (4; 4, 11a; 4, 11v; 25; 25, 11a, 25, 11v), is provided with a sensor for measuring a first temperature (TP) of the blood leaving a patient (P) along the access branch (8), with a heat exchanger formed by a portion (19) of the return branch (10) and by a device for regulating the temperature (T) of the blood coupled to the portion (19) of the return branch (10), and with a control unit (15) for operating the regulating device (18) as a function of the first temperature (TP) and of a reference temperature (Tset).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Francesco Paolini, Francesco Fontanazzi, Massimo Zaccarelli
  • Patent number: 7641791
    Abstract: A control system comprising a timer based controller and a valve wherein the timer-based controller has a fixed period and the timer based controller regularly cycles the valve between a first condition and a second condition with the first portion of the cycle directing a first flow of water through a dispensable material and the remaining portion of the cycle directing a lesser flow of water through the dispensable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090321330
    Abstract: A separator (1a) under the invention for the taking of blood serum or blood plasma contained in a blood sample from a separating strip comprises a top part (3), a bottom part (4) and a joint (5). Said top part (3) and bottom part (4) are linked by the joint (5) in a pivoting way. Bottom part (4) is designed to support the separating strip. At least one nose (7a, 7b) is provided at the bottom part (4) and/or underside of top part (3) which can exert local pressure on the separating strip once top part (3) and bottom part (4) are folded together thus pressing blood serum or blood plasma out of the rear end of the separating strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Dieter Pfaff
  • Patent number: 7632402
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a water characteristic of a body of water by controlling the cyclic release of a water characteristic material into the body of water with or without the system being responsive to a level of the water characteristic in the body of water with the system capable of being controlled from a display or from a wireless control module or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: King Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7621978
    Abstract: A timer that starts a time cycle when a filter is placed into a housing is disclosed. The timer cycle will not reinitiate a new time cycle when the previously used filter is removed from the housing and reinserted into the housing. In one embodiment, the filter timer assembly includes a filter having a filter media surrounded by a filter frame, a housing for supporting the filter, a piercing post connected to the housing moveable between a first resting position and a second position in direct contact with the filter frame, and a timer connected to the piercing post. The piercing post punctures a portion of the filter frame to create an opening in the filter frame. The timer initiates a count when the piercing post is actuated to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ronald C. Johansson
  • Publication number: 20090283462
    Abstract: A filter assembly is provided. Embodiments of the filter assembly allow for the continuous filtering of the frying oil, while the fryer is on-line. The filter assembly may include a dirty chamber, a clean chamber, a pump configured to suck the frying oil through the chambers, and a toggle clamp configured to move the filter assembly between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to seal a filter media portion between the two chambers. The pump is configured to suck oil into the dirty chamber and through the filter media and into the clean chamber in order to filter dirt from the oil. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to allow the removal of now dirty filter media portion from between the chambers and the insertion of a new clean filter media portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Kurt Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20090266753
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing microbial solution into a drain line. The system includes a disposable cartridge adapted to hold a quantity of microbial solution. The cartridge may be provided to the end user containing only a dry mix of microbes in a carrier medium. The end user may then remove a replaceable tab covering a fill hole, fill the cartridge with clean water, and replace the tab. The cartridge may then be inserted into a dispensing assembly, which includes an actuator that engages a nozzle on the cartridge at regular intervals. When the actuator engages the nozzle, a small amount of microbial solution is dispensed and routed through a tube to the drain line. The tube may attach to the drain line through a self-tapping valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: David Johnson, Reginald Salinas, George Pearson
  • Publication number: 20090230032
    Abstract: A treatment device for magnetically treating liquid in a liquid container includes a container holder to receive the liquid container. An active cooling unit is associated with the container holder to cool the liquid within the liquid container. At least one magnet associated with the container holder to generate a magnetic field within the liquid in the liquid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20090223879
    Abstract: A treatment device is for magnetically treating liquid in a liquid container. A container holder receives the liquid container. At least one permanent magnet is associated with the container holder to generate a magnetic field within the liquid in the liquid container. A treatment timer is associated with the container holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20090211956
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and separating magnetic particles in a liquid comprises a holder having a plurality of apertures configured as an array of rows and columns and a plurality of containers capable of receiving liquid containing magnetic particles, each container being sized to be placed in one of the apertures; plural magnets capable of being moved relative to the containers between a first position and a second position to change the position of the magnets and magnetic particles in the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the magnets between positions at a sufficiently high speed that the particles do not settle down due to gravitational forces during motion between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Iqbal Waheed Siddiqi
  • Publication number: 20090211973
    Abstract: A method for operating a tapered flow pressure driven arrangement containing a plurality of membrane modules, which comprises positioning said membrane modules in at least two successively arranged flow stages, such that the number of membrane modules operating in parallel in a given flow stage is greater than their number in the consecutive flow stage, passing a feed stream through a flow stage to generate a permeate and a concentrate, directing said concentrate to the consecutive flow stage and passing said concentrate therethrough, while periodically replacing one or more of the membrane modules belonging to said consecutive flow stage with one or more membrane modules belonging to the previous flow stage, wherein the periodicity of said replacement is such that the surface of membranes disposed in said consecutive flow stage is exposed to super-saturation conditions associated with the passage of said concentrate for a period of time that is shorter than the time required for said concentrate to precipita
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jack L. Gilron
  • Publication number: 20090211954
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for denitrifying a solution that includes a denitrification tank configured to receive a portion of the solution for a period of time. Controlling an amount, duration and frequency of introduction of polyethylene glycol into the solution promotes indigenous heterotrophic bacteria depleting dissolved oxygen in the solution and obtaining oxygen from nitrate in the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Murphy J. Cormier, Ronald J. Suchecki, JR., Robert K. Pertuit, Donald L. Brown, Troy L. Cormier
  • Patent number: 7569138
    Abstract: A replaceable cartridge filtering jug includes a device for counting and displaying the filtering cycles performed by the cartridge to indicate that the cartridge is exhausted at the end of a period corresponding to its efficient useful life. An auxiliary counting and display device is also included which is capable of counting the filtering cycles performed in a subsidiary period of the period to indicate an item of data representing the temporary efficiency of the cartridge in the subsidiary period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Laica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Moretto
  • Patent number: 7563361
    Abstract: A system for fluid treatment that provides alternative regeneration cycles within the same fluid treatment device. A second alternative regeneration cycle is available within the same device, which has independent cycles or processes from the first regeneration cycle. The first and second regeneration cycles can be programmed at the same time and be programmed to alternatively run based upon the number of individual cycles run, the time the cycles have run, the amount of fluid that has passed through the device, or the concentration of brine and/or chlorine in the fluid within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Water-Right, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Gruett, Kurt Gruett, Glenn Gruett
  • Publication number: 20090173677
    Abstract: A comprehensive submarine maintenance system permits the cleaning of organic pollution adhered to the substrate provided by submerged cultivation systems and/or structures, ships, and submerged equipment both in sea waters and fresh waters, and accomplishes the simultaneous removing, suctioning, and filtering effect, generated by a removing device interconnected to a suctioning device while the latter is in turn connected to an accumulation and filtering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Rodrigo Andres Geraldo SEURA
  • Publication number: 20090166276
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system including a raw water tank, a module which includes a filtration membrane, a feed pump, a filtered water tank, a backwash pump which flows filtered water backward from the filtered water tank to the module, a valve and a channel which switch the direction of the water flow between the forward and reverse directions, a controller which suspends the supply of raw water from the raw water tank to the module, switches the valve and channel to the reverse direction, makes the backwash pump to supply filtered water from the filtered water tank to the module thereby backwashing the filtration membrane, and washing drainage treatment line including which treats backwashing drainage generated by backwashing of the filtration membrane, and returns the water to the raw water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Norimitsu ABE, Seiichi Murayama, Takeshi Ide, Akira Morikawa, Shojiro Tamaki
  • Publication number: 20090139928
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for biologically treating fluids, in particular municipal or industrial wastewater or the like, the apparatus comprising a pair of reservoirs each containing growth medium having a biofilm thereon, the apparatus being arranged to pump the wastewater from one reservoir to another such as to alternatively expose the biofilms within the reservoirs to air and wastewater, thus making it possible to achieve sequential aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic conditions in the biofilms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Michael Rodgers, Jr., John Mulqueen, Jr., Rose C. Mulqueen, Jr., Edmond O'Reilly, Jr., Xinmin Zhan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090114602
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes and business methods and wastewater treatment units for converting the waterborne residuals from wastewater generated by food processing plants into an ingredient suitable for use in animal feeds. The ingredient produced by the processes of the present invention has a high protein content and can be used as a replacement for conventional sources of animal feed protein such as fish meal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew J. Logan, Seth Sprague Terry, Randy Swenson
  • Publication number: 20090095666
    Abstract: A system for producing high purity water, and particularly for the production of water that is suitable for injection, as well as method of using the same, are disclosed. The system includes a unique combination of known water purification methods that is particularly well-suited to the production USP purified water and USP water that is suitable for injection. The system minimizes potential for organism growth within the system by providing multiple means of organism destruction and removal and by not utilizing any standard water treatment media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Heiss
  • Publication number: 20090090670
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having an anoxic biological treatment zone, an aerobic biological treatment zone and a separator. The concentration of oxygen in streams within the system is strategically managed for improved removal of nutrient from the wastewater. A source of biodegradable carbon may be introduced to reduce the concentration of oxygen within the system. An effective treatment time under anoxic or aerobic conditions may further be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Elefritz, Wenjun Liu
  • Patent number: 7510662
    Abstract: A contaminant-flushing machine for removing contaminants from a container, such as an engine transmission, air-conditioner coil, or transmission cooler, which includes hoses for coupling to the transmission cooler and a pump for circulating fluid through the hoses and the transmission cooler, and a fluid filter having a reduced tendency towards causing vaporization of the fluid. Also included in the contaminant-flushing machine is an automatic aeration system for injecting air into the circulating fluid at predetermined intervals. Additionally, a reverse flow piping circuit is included to permit automatic and electric manipulation of the flow direction of fluid through said transmission cooler while at the same time not altering the direction of flow of fluid through the pump. The flow reversals are repeated with a cycle of three (3) seconds in one direction followed by a flow in the other direction of one-fourth (¼) of a second, thereby creating an overall flow of fluid primarily in one reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis B. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7504058
    Abstract: A low cost oil, grease removal assembly includes a rotomolded plastic container having an inlet and an outlet; a rotomolded plastic basket support located at the inlet inside the container; a rotomolded plastic outlet baffle located in the container at the outlet; a plurality of container cover sections including a first section to cover the basket support, a second container cover section having an oil, grease removal mechanism downstream of the basket support and upstream of the outlet baffle, and a third container cover section to cover the outlet baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Publication number: 20090050561
    Abstract: A system and method for processing wastewater into usable water is provided. The method comprises: receiving a supply of wastewater; passing the wastewater into a refractory vessel having a heat generator associated therewith; increasing the temperature of the wastewater to a predetermined temperature using the heat generator for a predetermined amount of time to produce heated exhaust gases containing at least one product gas and water vapor; separating the at least one product gas and water vapor; and condensing the water vapor to produce usable water. The system comprises a refractory vessel defining a heat processing zone, a heat generator that is used to increase the temperature of the wastewater to produce a heated exhaust gas containing at least one product gas and water vapor, a scrubber to separate the product gases and the water vapor, and a condenser to condense the water vapor into usable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jon Inman Sattler
  • Patent number: 7491322
    Abstract: A method of and system for removing phosphorus from wastewater using a waste sludge that has a high affinity for phosphorus. In order for the waste sludge to be used in a flow-through contact reactor to remove the phosphorus from a wastewater stream, the waste sludge is pelletized. The waste sludge pellets are packed into one or more flow-through contact reactors. In the configuration described herein, phosphorus removal is maximized by flowing the wastewater through the reactor(s) in a “pulsed” manner, rather than continuously. Thus, wastewater is flowed through the reactor(s) for a period of time and stopped for a period of time. By giving the sludge absorbant a rest period, the absorption capacity of the sludge is increased significantly, thus decreasing the frequency of regeneration or replacement of the sludge. Sludge regeneration can be accomplished with a stripping step using an alkaline solution of pH 13, followed by rinsing with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: Philip L. Sibrell
  • Patent number: 7491321
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from fluid in a system where the fluid is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allow oxygen-containing gas from a compressed gas source to flow into the tank through a shuttle valve, which is opened by the gas pressure. Simultaneously, a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The solenoid valve also operates to close the gas supply line and connect the shuttle valve through a vent to atmosphere. Pressure within the tank closes the shuttle valve, which in turn closes the drain valve and disconnects the shuttle valve from the tank. A one-way-flow valve prevents fluid or gas from flowing from the tank backwards through the shuttle valve to the solenoid valve and out the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hellenbrand, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward T. Maas, Paul A. Beres, Kevin A. Hellenbrand, William M. Kavey, Daniel A. Klein
  • Publication number: 20090039024
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a device (1) and method for performing steps of a multi-step process in parallel. The device (1) and method feature a rotor assembly (13) having vessel stations (33) and stator assembly (15) having work positions. The rotor assembly (13) rotates the vessels (17) to the work stations to perform steps of a multi-step process at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Jenkins, Paul D. Rainville, Sylvain Cormier
  • Patent number: 7485217
    Abstract: A dental unit water line (DUWL) monitoring and maintenance apparatus, for monitoring a DUWL. The apparatus has a cleansing unit attached to the DUWL for cleansing the fluid passing there through. A control unit controls the cleansing unit associated with the water line. A monitoring unit monitors the operation of the dental unit when used by a dentist and stores data related to that operation. A timer times and records data relating to both periods of dental unit activity and inactivity, wherein, in use, the control unit operates to receive data from the monitoring unit and the timer and, based upon that data and reference data controls the operation of the water line to control flow of fluid through that DUWL and controls the cleanser to control the overall cleansing procedures associated with both the dental unit and associated DUWL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Adept Water Technologies A/S
    Inventors: David Napper, Henry Lund Pedersen, Lene Rubner-Petersen
  • Publication number: 20090001002
    Abstract: Waste water purification plant by means of plants and waste water purification process. The waste water purification plant (10) has at least one plant container (32), a feed unit (16), an evacuation unit (36) and plants. Waste water to be purified can be supplied to the purification plant (10) by the feed unit (16). Purified waste water can be discharged from the purification plant (10) by the evacuation unit (36). The plants are arranged in the plant container (32) without a substrate. A plant container (32) preferably has at least two plant basins (82-98). At least one other container (20, 24, 26, 146, 162, 172, 186, 188, 197) can be provided. At least part of the plant container (32) is arranged on the roof (147) of a building. Plants of at least two different plant species are provided in the plant container (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Hartmut Bauer, Frank Kozianka, Sandra Endisch
  • Patent number: 7452472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of grease collected in a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor via a pump which may be activated by a programmable timer. In an embodiment, a hydro-mechanical grease interceptor includes a tank having a tank inlet and a tank outlet; a tray positioned inside the tank; and a pump located inside the tank, the pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, wherein the pump inlet is located within the tray at a level below the tank outlet. The interceptor may include a timer coupled to the pump to control operation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Josam Company
    Inventors: Barry Hodgekins, Craig Swider, Wenwei Wu, legal representative, B. Scott Holloway, Ronghua Zhou
  • Patent number: 7438799
    Abstract: A portable, refillable water dispenser serving batches of water purified of organic and inorganic pollutants includes a portable, refillable and hand-holdable vessel for holding and pouring water having a spout and, inside the portable, refillable and hand-holdable vessel, moving water and still water processing module cooperative to remove inorganic and organic pollutants from water received batchwise by the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Headwaters R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy A. Vandenbelt, Jeremy Hamilton, Troy C. Anderson, Charles R. Lanning
  • Publication number: 20080251451
    Abstract: The invention provides a waste treatment apparatus for the microbial treatment of waste, and comprises at least one reactor vessel (12) for containing waste, waste feed means (7) adapted to feed untreated waste into the vessel, microbial feed means (48) adapted, in use, to feed micro-organisms into the waste, aeration means (28) adapted to aerate the waste in the vessel, and waste outlet means (5) adapted to remove treated waste from the vessel. The invention also provides a method of treating waste, using the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Stuart Christian, Nicholas Foster
  • Publication number: 20080251435
    Abstract: A contaminated fluid recovery apparatus includes a sludge removal mechanism having a dirty tank, a conveyor, and a magnetic drum which is arranged in the fluid circulating section. The contaminated fluid recovery apparatus is provided with an overflow tank. The overflow tank has a function to keep a fluid surface of the dirty tank in a position higher than the fluid circulating section and the magnetic drum. The magnetic drum is located horizontally between a lower portion and an upper portion of the conveyor. The conveyor scrapes out chips deposited on a bottom portion of the dirty tank toward an exit section. A scraping member, which is in contact with the magnetic drum, drops sludge attracted to the magnetic drum toward the lower portion of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Minoru Tashiro, Makoto Tashiro
  • Patent number: 7435340
    Abstract: This disclosure describes wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In one exemplary method, a wastewater is split into first and second wastewater fractions. The first fraction is delivered to a membrane bioreactor, which may produce an effluent with a low pollutant concentration, and the second fraction is delivered to a biological wastewater treatment system, which may yield a higher pollution concentration yet have a shorter solids retention time. Some implementations of the invention can routinely meet or even exceed pollution discharge standards quite economically during normal operation, yet retain significant flexibility for handling seasonal or sudden variations in the flow rate of wastewater into the system. In select adaptations, waste activated sludge containing heterotrophs, autotrophs, and (optionally) polyphosphate accumulating organisms is delivered from the membrane bioreactor to the biological wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignees: CH2M HILL, Inc., CH2M HILL Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Johnson, Glen T. Daigger, George V. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20080210607
    Abstract: A filter trap into which waste water can be dumped to separate particulate matter from the water. A sensor senses when the liquid level in the filter trap rises above a predetermined level, and triggers an alarm to indicate the filter basket is full of particulate matter and must be removed to dispose of the contents. The withdrawal of the filter basket from the filter trap causes the inlet thereto to automatically close so that waste water cannot be dumped into the filter trap when the filter basket has been removed. A sensor senses when the filter basket has been removed to provide a visual indication thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Owen
  • Publication number: 20080202995
    Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: AQUA INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: James Andrew Senkiw
  • Patent number: 7410568
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating sludge, comprises a press for dewatering the sludge, a compaction device for receiving and compacting sludge dewatered by the press, a shredder for receiving and shredding sludge compacted by the compaction device, and a tube conveyor for conveying shredded sludge from the shredder. The press is controlled to vary the flow rate of the sludge in response to at least one sensed operational parameter of the press, such as the momentary power for operating the press, pressure in the sludge in the press, sludge concentration in the press, sludge feed flow to the press or separated water flow from the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nordic Water Products AB
    Inventor: Jesper Christopherson
  • Patent number: 7407473
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for setting energy saver sleep modes for use in a centrifuge systems. The centrifuge system contains an energy saver touch screen control which can be either manually set or automatically set to turn the centrifuge on or off at predetermined times. This allows the centrifuge system to be readily available to a user, resulting in lower wear and tear being placed on the major systems of the centrifuge and waste less energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC
    Inventor: Vincent Saviano
  • Patent number: 7396452
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inlet to convey a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a rotating chamber such that an interface forms between at least portions of such components at a first location. At least one outlet removes at least one of the first and second components. A controller is adapted to introduce the first fluid and is operable to move the interface from the first location to a second location and to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The controller is operable to determine a flow rate of the first or second component based, at least in part, on the time interval between when the interface moves from and returns to the second location. At least one sensing assembly is adapted to sense the location of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I. Brown