Abstract: A filtration system comprising a housing whose overall surface, excepting a bottom surface and an upper surface, is tightly closed, a filter medium disposed within the housing, an air jetting portion disposed within the housing at a higher location than the filter medium, and a propeller fan disposed at an upper portion of the housing and rotated by air which is jetted from the air jetting portion.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus and method having a housing, a filter element, an inlet, a first discharge outlet and a second discharge outlet. The housing includes a bottom and an upwardly extending surrounding wall. The filter element is disposed in the housing and spans the surrounding wall with the filter element spaced above the bottom of the housing to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and the filter element being angled, preferably 45 degrees from the horizontal, so that one end of the filter element is lower relative to the other end. The inlet is in fluid communication with the upper chamber for receiving waste water containing particulate contaminants. A first discharge outlet is in fluid communication with the lower chamber for discharging filtered waste water. The second discharge outlet is in fluid communication with the upper chamber adjacent the lower end of the filter element for discharging filtered particulate contaminants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the purification of a polluted liquid, especially a washing liquid used at a washing installation, by sucking the polluted liquid and leading it through at least one filter and next leading back the liquid purified thus to a take-off point, whereby the liquid flow carried through the filter is maintained at a substantially constant level. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method comprising a suction line connected to a source of polluted liquid, a discharge line for the purified liquid debouching at a take-off point, at least one filter unit positioned between the suction line and the discharge line, a pump connected therewith in series and a device for limiting the amount of liquid flowing across the filter unit positioned in series with the filter unit.

Abstract: A wastewater pretreatment tank assembly reduces the amount of solid matter on sludge in household sewage before the wastewater is introduced into a municipal sewage treatment system. Bacteria and enzymes are added to the wastewater in a first chamber where the sludge is digested. Then the wastewater spills over a weir into another chamber where ammonia is stripped. The wastewater is aerated and optionally chlorinated. The pretreatment of household sewage reduces the burden on the municipal sewage treatment facility, and reduces the risk of exceeding the capacity of the facility.

Abstract: A vibratory screen apparatus (10) for the separation of solids has a cleaning system to clean the screen bed (15) of adhering solids, such as matted fibrous materials. A water discharge assembly (52) includes a water dispensing tubular member (60) in which elongate slots (76, 78) are provided to discharge pressurized water in a continuous stream or curtain across the entire width of the screen bed (15). The water dispensing tubular member (60) is mounted on a movable slide (54) for back and forth movement along the length of the screen bed (15) by a sprocket chain (72). An endless belt conveyor (104) has an upper run (108) on which the solid materials are deposited enclosed within a tubular conduit (114) for protection of the solid materials being transported by the conveyer (104).

Abstract: An automatic system to precisely maintain bactericidal action in a reservoir of water equipped with a recirculation system, such as a swimming pool, decorative fountain, spa, cooling water reservoir or the like. The automatic system includes: a service loop which bypasses a portion of the recirculating water past sensors which measure the pH and oxygen reduction potential (ORP) of the water and in which acid and halogen are injected by a chemical feed unit; an electronics unit for determining the injection quantity of the acid and/or halogen needed to restore pH and ORP to stored set-points, and for controlling the chemical feed unit in response to the injection time determination; and an optional telecommunication unit for reporting process control status to a remote location and allowing modification of the process parameters, selection of operating modes, and performance of diagnostic tests from the remote location.

Abstract: A germfree drinking water dispenser includes a reservoir for receiving and reserving drinking water such as mineral water and an ozone injecting device. The ozone injecting device includes a compact ozone generator and an injection opening which is opened into the reservoir. Ozone generated by the ozone generator is injected, by e.g. a blower, through the injection opening into the drinking water at the reservoir. The ozone injecting device is activated only for a short necessary period of time when the dispenser is out of service. So that, after the drinking water in the reservoir is fully sterilized, a sufficient period of time is allowed to lapse for any ozone remaining in the water to dissolve until the next first use of the dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a filter apparatus in which liquid influent is passed through web filter material on a rotatable filter frame into a filter effluent compartment and wherein the filter material is intermittently backwashed during a filter time by a suction device at an outer side of the filter material which draws filtered liquid from filtered effluent compartment in a backwash direction through the filter material, and wherein the filter material on the filter frame is subjected to a wash operation during a wash time by directing a high pressure liquid spray at one side of the filter material. The pressure in the suction device during backwashing is monitored, and the wash operation is initiated after the pressure in the suction device reaches a preselected sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An acid dispensing system and method of dispensing swimming pool acid into a water circulation system of a swimming pool. The acid dispensing system includes a unique normally closed valve having an inlet connected to a supply of swimming pool acid and an outlet connected to a suction line of the water circulation system. The opening and closing of the valve is solenoid operated and regulated by two separate timers. The first timer delays opening the valve for a period of time (preferably about an hour) following activation of the pump in the water circulation system. The second timer allows the valve to remain open momentarily immediately following the first timer delay during which acid is drawn by suction only into the water circulation system (a time period of about a minute or less).

Abstract: A method is provided in accordance with this invention for treating wastewater in a tank having comminute, mix and settle sections. The method comprises receiving wastewater in the comminute section, comminuting solids in the wastewater, mixing the wastewater with air in the mix section, mixing the wastewater without further addition of air, mixing the wastewater with air again, directing wastewater to the settle section, separating solids from the wastewater, returning the solids to the mix section, and discharging the effluent from the tank. In another aspect, this invention relates to an improved apparatus for carrying out the method of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor, purification system for disinfecting, washing, and concentrating solid wastes, which include contaminated soil, highly concentrated biosolids, spent animal bedding, and spent diapers, etc.A solid waste is fed into the reactor of this invented apparatus. At least one disinfecting and chemical agent (including cationic surface active agent known as quaternary ammonium compound) is fed together with water (as needed) into this reactor to disinfect and process said solid waste with the assistance of a mechanical mixing means inside said reactor. A disinfecting gas is fed to the same reactor as needed. After the period of feeding, disinfecting, processing, and mixing is over, the process water is drained. The disinfected and processed wet solid waste is discharged to an expulsion chamber means which removes residual water and compacts the disinfected and processed solid waste.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed which utilizes only one fiberglass tank which has no compartments but includes a first flow equalization collector surrounded by a cylindrical partition which vertially eliminates hydraulic turbulence and creates a pre-strat zone. A novel floating decanter is disclosed and programmable circuitry including timing of aeration, liquid levels and decanting processes with the results of producing a quality supernatent affluent heretofore unavailable in such a simple system.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus including a rotatable drum and a filter member defining at least a part of the side wall of the drum. A liquid containing solid particles, such as used wash water from a vehicle washing facility, is introduced into the drum by a sump pump or the like and a motor including an electrically-operated brake rotates the drum at a sufficient speed to force a liquid filtrate or filtered water outwardly through the filter member and cause a layer of relatively dry solids to collect on the inner surface of the filter member. Operation of the drum motor is terminated at the same time or shortly after operation of the sump pump is terminated and the brake is energized at the same time.

Abstract: Simplified single cell fluid flow apparatus for flotation removal of suspended impurities and liquids are provided wherein the method and apparatus are directed to an induced gas liquid coalescer for flotation separation of suspended impurities. The apparatus provides for a separation vessel which can be fabricated to withstand internal pressure requirements experienced in flotation separation devices wherein the apparatus induces maximum gas volumes consistent with optimum mass transfer of gas medium to suspended impurities in the liquid while controlling intercell or vessel chamber turbulence. Such maximum gas induction achieved without turbulence is through the use of microscopic gas bubbles. Such microscopic gas bubbles provide massive surface area with which the suspended impurities adhere and allows for various apparatus utilization.

Abstract: An apparatus controls treatment of water flowing through a boiler and includes a device that monitors the conductivity of the water. A controller opens a drain valve at periodic intervals, and closes the drain valve when the conductivity drops below a defined threshold. A mechanism measures the volume of water that flows into the boiler and a chemical is added to the water when a specified amount of water has flowed into the boiler. Alternatively the application of the chemical can occur at regular intervals of time. The chemical is applied for a user definable period of time. The application of the chemical is suspended when the cessation of water flow into the boiler is detected.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for treating fluid, in this case wastewater, comprising a treatment vessel or tank (2), means (3) to supply wastewater to be treated in a pulsed sequence to the vessel, and means (4) to supply treatment fluid, in this case comprising oxygen to the vessel or tank (2) in a pulsed sequence opposite to the pulsed sequence of the supply of wastewater to be treated.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve for discharge of a pressurized dissolved air flotation aqueous treatment liquid from a high pressure reservoir to a low pressure body of liquid to be treated is provided. The valve includes a discharge head body adapted to be attached to a conduit supplied with pressurized treatment liquid which is provided with a central opening for discharge of a treatment liquid. The opening is controllable by means of a reciprocable cap positioned to reciprocate from a position whereon it restricts flow of liquid through the opening to a position wherein flow in unrestricted. The cap is attached to a reciprocable piston rod attached at its opposite end to a piston that is movable within an enclosed cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a port or opening on each side of said piston into which a source of pressurized air connectable to cause movement of the piston and thus opening and closing of the valve by selectively directing the flow of said pressurized air to either side of the piston.

Abstract: A portable ozonization system having a tank mounted on a base housing a battery, pump and associated components. A photovoltaic battery charger is mounted on a surface of the tank. Water from the tank is periodically circulated from under the control of a low voltage DC timer by the pump through a venturi where it is subjected to DC generated ultraviolet radiation to treat virus, cysts, bacteria and organic material. Water is withdrawn from the tank for use through a filter to further enhance the water quality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved purging of a liquid drain system for a liquid separator used in a moisture laden process vacuum system wherein the liquid separated from the flow stream by the separator is collected in an accumulator which in turn is periodically pressure purged to quickly remove the liquid contents of the accumulator while such accumulator is out of fluid communication with the liquid separator so that the vacuum process need not be interrupted. A pressure responsive drain valve is connected between the separator and the accumulator. The pressure used to purge the accumulator also activates the normally opened drain valve to inhibit the fluid flow between the separator and the accumulator. A pressure responsive drain is connected to the accumulator and opens in response to the increased pressure used to purge the accumulator and close the normally opened drain valve.

Abstract: Automatic treatment of a drain system is provided by the controlled injection of a bio-active liquid at established intervals into the drain system. A container of the treatment liquid is provided with a pump coupled between the container and the drain. Fluid level sensing means is located in the container and fluid temperature sensing means is located in the drain system. When the temperature is within range and the fluid level is sensed, the pump is periodically operated to inject a quantity of fluid directly into the drain system without operator control.

Abstract: Contact lenses are purified by contact with ozone in a compact system that includes an ozone generator, a purifying liquid in a lens chamber, and a pumping system for flowing liquid and gas in a way that brings ozone dissolved in a purifying liquid into contact with the lenses. In some embodiments, undissolved ozone can also contact the lenses. Several preferred arrangements are shown for accomplishing the lens purification with such an ozone disinfection system.

Abstract: A simplified single cell fluid flow apparatus for flotation removal of suspended impurities and liquids are provided wherein the method and apparatus are directed to an induced gas liquid coalescer for flotation separation of suspended impurities. The apparatus provides for a separation vessel which can be fabricated to withstand internal pressure requirements experienced in flotation separation devices wherein the apparatus induces maximum gas volumes consistent with optimum mass transfer of gas medium to suspended impurities in the liquid while controlling intercell or vessel chamber turbulence. Such maximum gas induction achieved without turbulence is through the use of microscopic gas bubbles. Such microscopic gas bubbles provide massive surface area with which the suspended impurities adhere and allows for apparatus utilization which is smaller and more compact for comparative treatment volumes.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the monitoring and treatment of circulating water of open circulation systems, preferably in cooling tower circulation systems, in which at least one partial minor stream is continuously diverted from the main circulating water supply and directed through a compact module in which, in an automatic sequence, the pH value of the partial stream is measured and adjusted by the addition of any necessary acid, the conductivity of the partial stream is measured, preferably inductively, and an elutriation unit is activated to drain excessively conductive water, corrosion inhibitor is added to the partial stream in dependence upon the quantity of fresh water added to the circulating water, organic and/or inorganic biocides can be added and the partial stream is filtered and returned continuously to the main circulating water supply.

Abstract: A procedure and means for filtering and homogenizing liquid substances and for automatic cleaning of the filters. In the procedure are utilized an ultrasonic generator (4) connected in conjunction with the filter unit (1; 2) and ultrasonic oscillators (1.11; 2.11) thereto connected, their power and frequency being controlled on the basis of the differential pressure present across the filter units (1; 2), the liquid pressure acting in the filter unit, the liquid flow rate, signals from liquid temperature pick-ups. In order to enhance the cleaning event of the filter elements (1.2; 2.2) taking place with ultrasonics, the filter unit (1; 2) is emptied during the cleaning phase, making use of compressed air conducted into the filter. In order to facilitate the liquid filtering event and to reduce the need of cleaning action with ultrasonics, during normal filtering an ultrasonic power is maintained which is sufficient for homogenizing the liquid.

Abstract: An ion exchange method for the separation of hemoglobin A.sub.2 from other hemoglobin components normally present in human blood involves the use of three buffer solutions in succession, with specified ionic strengths and pHs. The first has a phosphate buffer at 1 to 20 mM and a pH of 6.5 to 6.9; the second has phosphate buffer at 15 to 55 mM and a pH of 6.4 to 6.8; and the third has phosphate buffer at 60 to 100 mM and a pH of about 6.4 to 6.8. The first is continued until substantially all hemoglobin A.sub.1a and A.sub.1b has eluted from the column, the second until substantially all A.sub.1c, F, and A.sub.0 is eluted, and the third for the elution of A.sub.2.

Abstract: A time control device provided in a water conditioning apparatus, and including a control mechanism, a main shaft, a main wheel rotating about the axis of the main shaft at a constant speed, and a skipper wheel rotating about the axis of the main shaft and rotated by the main wheel through a predetermined angle. The control mechanism controls a flow of liquid in the apparatus in accordance with a rotation of the main shaft, to carry out a liquid treatment. A pin engageable with a projection cam formed on a housing is provided at the main wheel to rotate the skipper wheel through the predetermined angle, and a finger member is provided on the skipper wheel to transmit the predetermined angle rotation to the main shaft, so that the main shaft drives the control mechanism to control the flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically treating a drain system to prevent or at least minimize clogging problems particularly in grease traps of the type provided in restaurants and other food preparation establishments. The apparatus includes a valve for directing fresh water into the grease trap for pretreating the trap in preparation for the injection of bioactive liquid cultures by the pump. The liquid cultures liquify and digest contaminants in the grease trap which are flushed therefrom by fresh water. The apparatus is controlled by a system which cyclically operates the apparatus in accordance with a preferred operational sequence and at adjustably variable time periods.

Abstract: Screen cleaning showers for a sludge dewatering rotary screen thickener are kept open and effective by periodically rotating a steel wire brush positioned coaxially within the cleaning shower manifold. Shower nozzles are set into the manifold to assure full mechanical wiping of a nozzle interior surface by the axially rotating brush bristles. Brush rotation is motor driven. An automatic controller periodically and simultaneously rotates the nozzle cleaning brush and opens a normally closed solenoid valve in the shower manifold drain line.

Abstract: A method of wetting a plasmapheresis filter with anticoagulant in a plasmapheresis system having a venepuncture needle, a plasma separation device connected in series by a fluid conduit, including operating the system such that an initial limited volume charge of anticoagulant is introduced into the conduit (for wetting the filter of the separation device) in advance of whole blood flowing from the donor towards to the separation device (and pushing the anticoagulant charge ahead of the whole blood into the separation device).

Abstract: The device for reducing the volume of an aqueous waste effluent includes a holding tank, a heating tank for receiving waste effluent from the holding tank and including a heater for heating the waste effluent to a predetermined temperature which is below the boiling point of water and high enough to cause a portion of the water to evaporate and be discharged as water vapors, an agitation pump for continuously recirculating the liquids contents of the heating tank and filter units mounted on top of the heating tank for separating solids and particulate matter from the resulting slurry and returning the filtrate to the heating tank.

Abstract: An ion exchange method for the separation of hemoglobin A.sub.2 from other hemoglobin components normally present in human blood involves the use of three buffer solutions in succession, with specified ionic strengths and pHs. The first has a phosphate buffer at 1 to 20 mM and a pH of 6.5 to 6.9; the second has phosphate buffer at 15 to 55 mM and a pH of 6.4 to 6.8; and the third has phosphate buffer at 60 to 100 mM and a pH of about 6.4 to 6.8. The first is continued until substantially all hemoglobin A.sub.1a and A.sub.1b has eluted from the column, the second until substantially all A.sub.1c, F, and A.sub.0 is eluted, and the third for the elution of A.sub.2.

Abstract: A process for automatically treating a drain system to prevent or at least minimize clogging problems particularly in grease traps of the type provided in restaurants and other food preparation establishments. The process employs an apparatus which includes a valve for directing fresh water into the grease trap for pretreating the trap in preparation for the injection of bioactive liquid cultures by the pump. The liquid cultures liquify and digest contaminants in the grease trap which are flushed therefrom by fresh water. The apparatus is controlled by a system which cyclically operates the apparatus in accordance with a preferred operational sequence and at adjustably variable time periods.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for chemically decontaminating PCB-contaminated dielectric fluids utilizes three reactors through which the contaminated fluid is processed on a repetitive, sequential batch basis automated by a programmable controller. The processing of each reactor batch includes a charging cycle during which a reactor is filled with contaminated fluid, a reaction cycle during which the PCBs are destroyed by reaction with reagents introduced into a reactor, and a discharging cycle during which the reactor is emptied of decontaminated fluid and reaction by-products into a decanting tank for ultimate separation. The controller coordinates the sequential batch processing through the three reactors in 120.degree. time phased relation such that a charging cycle of one reactor batch, a reaction cycle of a second reactor batch and a discharging cycle of the third reactor batch are all coincident in time during normal operation.

Abstract: A system to chlorinate swimming pool water including one or more buckets containing sodium hypochlorite solution. The valve having a stationary part with a downwardly open cavity and a rotatable part rotatably mounted in the cavity. The stationary part having multiple ports and the rotatable part having a mating through passage. The ports being interposed in a line from the bucket to a swimming pool water recirculating pump so that flow of the sodium hypochlorite solution from the bucket to the pump only occurs when the through passage registers with the diametrically opposed ports. A battery-powered clock motor and reduction gearing connected to the clock motor and to the rotatable part and the reduction gearing rotating the rotatable part 180.degree.

Abstract: A suspension is filtered by a granular filtrating layer while flowing through the granular filtrating mass as a vertical ascending current. The granular mass is, for the purpose of being washed with air, driven continuously by a compressed air ejector into a tube where it follows an ascending motion and at the outlet of which it is washed with water above the layer where the filtration is carried out. Thereafter, the washed mass is recycled by gravity onto the upper portion of the filtration layer. The charged granular mass which has been subjected to the first or air washing operation is fluidized above the filtration layer and subjected to an extra washing operation with water and pressurized air.

Abstract: An automatic demand chlorination system for use with a recirculation unit for a body of fluid, the body of fluid has a chemical therein. The automatic demand chlorination system comprises a chemical sensing unit for detecting the amount of the chemical and producing a signal, a chemical feed unit for feeding the chemical into the recirculation unit, an electronics unit for controlling the feeding of the chemical, and a solenoid unit for actuating the chemical feed unit. The electronics unit comprises input signal regulation means for receiving the signal of the sensing unit and generating a regulated signal; comparator means for comparing the regulated signal with a predetermined signal representative of the desired amount of the chemical in the recirculation unit and generating a chemical infeed signal; and solenoid timer means for receiving the chemical infeed signal and activating the solenoid unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating sewage is disclosed wherein incoming sewage is in turn put into a balancing tank, an aeration tank and a precipitation tank, settled sludge in the precipitation tank being returned to the aeration tank, which aerates the sewage in adjusted relation with its flow rate, but permits intermittent aeration in the absence of sewage flowing into the aeration tank and prolonged aeration after termination of sewage flow into the tank.

Abstract: A self-contained device for sterilizing water is provided comprising a sterilizing product injection apparatus supplied with power by electric batteries so as to cause injection of the sterilizing product into a pipe transporting water to be treated, a water meter mounted in said pipe and having a head capable of generating a pulse each time the meter has recorded the flow of a predetermined amount of water, and an electric power regulator controlled by said pulses and which, whenever it receives a pulse, lets the current from the battery pass in the form of a short duration signal, the regulator interrupting the current from the battery between the pulses emitted by the meter.

Abstract: In an operating system for a centrifuge rotor having valve means being operable by means of so called operating liquid for opening and closing peripheral outlets in the rotor, an injector device for supplying operating liquid to the rotor is used which comprises a chamber divided by a movable wall into an air side and a liquid side. The liquid side of the injector device is maintained in hydraulic contact with an injection inlet to the centrifuge rotor before an opening procedure is to be started, which is effected by opening a time controlled air valve on the air side of the injector device. The air valve is further connected to a compressed air source through a buffer vessel so that a controlled air pressure is used for the injection of operating liquid to the rotor.

Abstract: A filter belt is progressed stepwise over successive vacuum boxes by a guide roller at the forward end of the upper run being extended from its retracted position to its full line position while vacuum to the boxes is shut off. A displaceable roller permits this by taking up any slack in the belt and return movement of the belt upon retraction of the foremost guide roller is prevented by a unidirectional arrangement in at least one of the rollers guiding the lower return run of the belt. Slurry is fed onto the belt by a first nozzle, optional wash liquor is fed onto the resultant filter cake by a second nozzle and optional recirculated wash liquor is fed by a third nozzle all under the influence of a control which provides for such feed only for a predetermined period of time during the actual movement of the belt.

Abstract: A low cost automatic system for making up a chemical solution for use in a water treatment facility includes a mixing tank having high and low liquid level switches disposed therein. A water supply line having a remotely-controlled solenoid valve supplies water to the mixing tank. A pressure regulator in the water supply line maintains the water pressure in the line between about 5 pounds per square inch and 125 pounds per square inch. Water treatment chemicals are stored in a supply tank and are fed by a metering pump to the mixing tank through a supply line. An electrical control circuit is responsive to the high and low liquid level switches in the tank. The control circuit operates the solenoid valve in the water supply line and the chemical pump as required to maintain a supply of chemical solution in the mixing tank.

Abstract: A water conservation system for a plating line comprising a series of treatment tanks and a plurality of rinse tanks utilizes timed inlets for admitting fresh water to each of the rinse tanks for a short period of time immediately following the introduction of a part into the rinse tanks. A sediment tank receives the discharge from each of the rinse tanks via overflow ducts, and a holding tankreceives overflow from the sediment tank. The contents of the holding tank are transferred to a treatment tank for batch treatment. A logic circuit controls sampling and testing of the treatment tank to determine the PH condition thereof and to initiate the addition of a predetermined amount of an appropriate neutralizer to the treatment tank.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid waste with ozone by passing the liquid to be treated between complementary horizontal electrodes having therebetween electrically conductive particles so as to form an electrode bed, pulsing air simultaneously with said liquid, and maintaining between said electrodes an electrical potential so that as the air and liquid pass through said electrode bed, the bed expands to establish electrical contact between the electrodes thus to create localized arcing between particles in the bed and to form ozone.

Abstract: Provides a self-cleaning conic reaction chamber having specific multiple conduit connections, sealable closure, internal mixer, external vibrators and dependent sludge accumulator which chamber can be flow connected to readily available handling units to form a stepwise acid/iron/alkali assembly for treating contaminated liquid such as sewage or other waste water so as to obtain uncontaminated liquid and sterile sludge. Stepwise flow can be automated by adding stepping timer and electronic controller responsive to pH probes and pressure-, liquid level- and turbidity-sensors plus remote controlled valves, pumps, blowers and metering devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for reducing eddy currents in a clarifier to restrict sludge from entering the clear water zone of the clarifier by periodically pulsing air to the sludge return line from the bottom of the clarifier to the top of the aeration chamber in a sewage treatment plant of both the land base and marine type.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction apparatus, which apparatus comprises a liquid-liquid extraction column with timing controls for sequentially pulsing the light and heavy phases and controlling the operation of the valves which introduce into the withdraw from the column the liquid phases, based on the percent of phase-volume changes occurring in the liquid-liquid extraction in the column.

Abstract: This invention relates to the controls for a water conditioning system with an operating valve having a simplified drive mechanism and a brine valve made from plastic materials and readily assembled for adaptability to softener systems of various sizes and having flexible coupling means which enable rigid plumbing parts to be connected with the plastic valve assembly.

Abstract: An on-site wastewater treatment system is disclosed suitable for domestic or other sewage. After separation of the settleable solids from incoming wastewater by means of a septic tank or other means the effluent is passed into a basin holding particles of a media through which the effluent travels. The media bed removes a substantial amount of the suspended solids in the effluent and some of the BOD (biological oxygen demand material). The filtrate is collected and uniformly dispersed, preferably by spraying, over the surface of the same media bed for travel therethrough a second time. The effluent carries oxygen from the air into the media. The media retains the effluent until the surface tension of the effluent between the particles of the media bed is overcome by gravity, at which time it is displaced from the media and discharged. During the retention time aerobic action in the media bed reduces the bacterial count of the effluent significantly.

Abstract: The disclosed system for controlling the chemical balance of a body of liquid, such as a swimming pool, compares the output of a chemical balance sensor immersed in the liquid with a standard indicative of the desired chemical balance, then dispenses a chemical into the pool to adjust its balance towards the desired balance. A timer limits the duty cycle of the dispenser to a relatively short dispensing interval followed by a longer non-dispensing interval permitting the dispensed chemical to disperse throughout the pool, the sensing and dispensing cycle then being repeated if appropriate. Preferably, there are a plurality of sensors, comparators and dispensers, each dispenser having a timer to limit its duty cycle. Also, preferably an over-range alarm is employed to alert an attendant when the chemical balance of the pool departs from a given range.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an engine installation using marine water as a coolant and having an intake conduit system for drawing marine water to the engine including a strainer at the inlet and a filter between the strainer and the water pump. To clean the filter and strainer which periodically becomes clogged with foreign matter while the engine is operating, a valve mechanism is provided between the filter and the water pump which is operative to close the conduit to the pump and to admit compressed air to the filter side of the valve mechanism for a short time to blow back the clogging material from the filter and strainer to the sea. In a semi-automatic embodiment the valve mechanism is a solenoid operated 3-way valve which is preferably operated from the pilot house for a short interval of about 10 seconds when the boat operator observes an above normal engine temperature.