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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A germicidal UV reactor for use in fluid purifiers is provided, in which the UV reactor comprises an UV lamp with an UV transparent primary envelope and also an UV transparent secondary envelope around the primary envelope. The outer surface of the secondary envelope is in contact with a flowing fluid to be purified. There is an isolating space between the outer surface of the primary envelope and the inner surface of the secondary envelope. At least one of the outer surface of the primary envelope and the inner surface of the secondary envelope is provided with electrical means for heating and thus enhancing UV emitting efficiency of the UV lamp.

Abstract: A load control system and apparatus to control the load to different elements is disclosed. The load control system is attached to both an air conditioner and a pool filter system. The pool filter system has a predetermined run time and is only operating when the air conditioner is not. When the air conditioner turns on, the load to the pool filter system is disconnected. When the air conditioner turns off, the load is returned to the pool filter which resumes running at the point in the run time where the pool filter had previously left off. The load control system provides a more efficient and better use of energy resources.

Abstract: A vacuum transport system suited to moving FOG-laden water. The system includes a first reservoir and at least one vacuum pump in fluid communication with the first reservoir and operable to produce a vacuum within the first reservoir. A first accumulator is positioned to collect FOG-laden water from a first FOG-laden water source. A first valve is operable to selectively provide fluid communication between the first accumulator and the first reservoir. FOG-laden water can be drained from the first reservoir into a grease interceptor disposed in the building exterior.

Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. 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.

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.

Abstract: A system for processing supercritical and subcritical fluid capable of bringing the inside of at least one processing container (1) formed in a flow passage into a supercritical or subcritical high pressure field, wherein thermal operation is applied to process fluid to apply thermal expansion to the fluid to produce a pressure difference between the processing container (1) and the outside, whereby a specified temperature and the high pressure field suitable for the processing of the supercritical or subcritical fluid can be provided in the processing container (1).

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.

Abstract: A system for the chemical treatment of wastewater may be discharged in a night spray system, an on demand system or a dosing system. Tank 12 receives wastewater, and a discharge pump 16 pumps wastewater from the tank in the night spray system. A sensor 24 deactivates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined low level, and in some applications activates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined high level. A liquid disinfectant pump 38 pumps liquid disinfectant to the tank, and a controller 30 activates a liquid disinfectant pump for a selected time interval as a function of the discharge system.

Abstract: A system for sanitizing and refilling a potable water system onboard a transport vehicle includes a potable water supply conduit, a potable water feed conduit, a potable water return conduit, a drain conduit, and a sanitizing and refilling station wherein the system is operable in a self-flush mode, a sanitizing mode using ozone, and a fill mode. A method of sanitizing and refilling a potable water system onboard a transport vehicle includes the steps of purging stagnant water from a sanitizing and refilling station, draining stagnant water from the transport's potable water system, sanitizing the transport's potable water system using ozone, draining the transport's potable water system, and filling the transport's potable water system by delivering fresh water.

Abstract: A water treatment system which includes a control valve with a venturi for drawing air into a tank. The passage of untreated water into the control valve draws air into a tank for oxidation of the water. The flow of the air into the tank is independent of the flow of treated water from the system.

Abstract: An organic matter disposer is disclosed, including a tub, a drum rotatably provided in the tub so as to store organic matters therein, a stirrer provided in the drum so as to stir the organic matters, a driving device for rotating the drum and the stirrer, and a heating device for drying the organic matters.

Abstract: A method for filtering the water of an aquarium, a water cultivation tank or similar water bonds, by means of a filtering system comprising a closed vessel and defining a chamber, a filtering body housed in the chamber, a circulation pump having a suction duct, communicating with the aquarium by interposition of a siphon and a delivery duct communicating with the aquarium. Vent means are also provided to eject the air from the chamber. The method comprises the steps of: filling the filtering body with a predetermined amount of water; starting the pump; short-circuiting the pump by means of a fluid passage by putting the delivery duct in communication with the closed vessel; keeping the pump short-circuited at least up to determine the siphon trigger; subsequently stopping the pump; keeping the pump stopped to allow the air to escape from the chamber and the filtering body to be filled with water; re-starting the pump.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.