Abstract: A flexible diaphragm, flexible bag or bladder tank used to store and dispense, cool or heat, and sterilize drinking water or beverages under pressure, may include at least one orifice, at least one ultraviolet sterilizing unit located within it, and at least one thermo-electric unit attached to or inserted within it.

Abstract: For processing raw water into drinking water, a dispensing apparatus is provided with a filter member disposed in a water tank through which the raw water is made to flow. The filter member captures microorganisms contained in the raw water. A heating arrangement is thermally connected to the filter member and heats the filter member to kill the microorganisms that is captured by the filter member. It is preferable that the dispensing apparatus further provided with a adsorber member for adsorbing unfavorable substances contained in the raw water.

Abstract: A polishing agent recovery and reuse method and device for the same removes large impurities by a filtration device, concentrates by an ultrafiltration device, and continuously recovers polishing agent. Polishing agent used in polishing a semiconductor board or a coating formed on top of a semiconductor board is collected in a pre-processing container after use. Large impurities are removed by a dual fine filtration device. The resulting filtrate is concentrated by an ultrafiltration device. The concentrated solution may then be mixed with filtrate from the dual fine filtration device to further concentrate the polishing agent. The concentration of the polishing agent in the concentrated solution, the pH, and the temperature of the solution are continuously monitored and controlled. The filtrate of the ultrafiltration device is further treated to remove impurities, resulting in pure or ultrapure water. The recovered polishing agent may be reused in further polishing steps.

Abstract: A single-cell wastewater treatment and reuse system designed for wastewater flows of less than 1,500 gpd includes a wastewater treatment cell having a volume in the range of about 14 to about 42 times average daily discharge from a wastewater source, such as a residence, and an overlying reclaimed water storage volume which, for one temperate location, is sized to store about 120 days of reclaimed water. An end of an air conduit disposed in the treatment cell at an elevation higher than the cell bottom but substantially lower than a top margin of the treatment cell provides 2,500 cubic feet per pound of introduced biomass. A pump is operated to selectively withdraw reclaimed water for a beneficial use such as plant irrigation.

Abstract: A tank (1) for an apparatus for receiving and conditioning organic waste by anaerobic bioconversion, in particular, waste produced by restaurant kitchens and other facilities, includes a main enclosure wherein bioconversion takes place, and a secondary enclosure (18) for receiving and storing ground organic waste before it is transferred to the main enclosure for completion of its bioconversion. A hopper (4) or other device for receiving the organic waste is associated with a grinder (2) and is connected to the secondary enclosure (18) of the tank for feeding the ground organic waste. A recirculation system (12, 15) for recycling the contents of the tank includes a pump (13), means for distributing (17a, 17b) the contents of the main enclosure between the different levels thereof, and separate means (9, 22) for removing solid residues and liquid waste.

Abstract: A washing machine in which the washing assembly (3) is anchored to the stationary structure (1) by means of anchoring devices (2), each one of which includes at least two elastic elements (10, 20) arranged in series and enclosed in a rigid housing (50). Firmly secured to first end portions (11, 21) of the elastic elements (10, 20) there are rigid elements (14, 24) that extend inside the respective elastic elements (10, 20) and have their free end portions in the shape of hooks (15, 25) defining the anchoring points of the device (2). The free end portions (15, 25) protrude from apertures (33, 43) provided in mutually opposed bottom portions (32, 42) of the housing (50) against which are capable of abutting the second end portions (12, 22) of the same elastic elements (10, 20). As a result, the latter are subject to a variable extent of compression during the washing cycle.

Abstract: The base assembly of a fuel filter assembly includes a base member and a bimetallic disc. The base member has a fuel supply inlet for receiving a flow of new fuel from a fuel tank and an inlet plenum in fluid communication with the fuel supply inlet and the filter cartridge. The base member also has an excess fuel inlet for receiving a flow of excess fuel from the fuel injection pump, an excess fuel outlet in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a fuel passage providing fluid communication between the excess fuel inlet and the excess fuel outlet. The bimetallic disc is disposed in the fuel passage adjacent an opening in the wall separating the fuel passage from the inlet plenum. The edge portion of the bimetallic disc is flexed away from the wall to open the opening when the temperature of the excess fuel is below a predetermined value, warming the new fuel to prevent formation of wax crystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulation of aeration in a biological filter of the type comprising conveyance means (3) bringing water to be filtered into the lower part of the filter, a filter bed (2) acting as a support to the biomass, means of distributing an oxygenated gas (5, 5a) in the filter bed (2), a layer of filtered water (7) above the said filter bed, a nozzle for (4) of discharging the filtered water in the upper part of the filter, characterized in that it consists of taking account of the efficiency Ct with which the biomass uses the distributed oxygen to regulate the said distributed oxygenated gas flow and/or its concentration in molecular oxygen, in order to optimize the quantity of molecular oxygen distributed by the said distribution means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heating, reacting, and/or treating a stream containing oxidizable matter. Recycle reactor is used alone or in conjunction with plug-flow reactor. Density differences in the recycle reactor facilitate flow within the recycle reactor without substantial external heat exchange.

Abstract: A waste liquid and smoke disposal system which combines the functions of a smoke extraction system and a waste (typically, liquid) collection system, typically in, but not limited to, a surgical environment. The smoke extraction system and the liquid waste collection system are connected to supply the waste materials collected thereby to a waste treatment (e.g. decontamination and/or sterilization) and disposal system. These three systems are all combined into an integrated system wherein the treated waste can be safely returned to the ambient. In one embodiment, the integrated system is provided as a cart-mounted apparatus to provide mobility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting electrolytic production or feeding of a sanitizer such as halogen for treating a water body such as a swimming pool or spa. A microprocessor is responsive to sensors monitoring pH and temperature of the water body to predict demand for sanitizer which varies dependent on pH and temperature and direct a controller which automatically modifies the ON time during an ON/OFF cycle for the sanitizer production system in response to changing demand resulting from changing measurements in temperature and/or pH of the swimming pool water. The controller also modifies an ON/OFF cycle for a circulating pump when demand predicted by the microprocessor exceeds the capability of the sanitizer producer or feeder under an existing ON/OFF pump cycle.

Abstract: A filter system is disclosed which comprises a housing having a first inlet and a first outlet. A filter element is located between the first inlet and the first outlet. A temperature sensitive valve controls communication between a first inlet side of the filter element communicating with the first inlet and a return line from a fuel pump so that when the fuel temperature is low, hot fuel returning from the pump is supplied to the first inlet side of the filter element. When the fuel temperature increases, the returned fuel is returned to the fuel reservoir rather than to the first side of the filter element.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a process and apparatus for treating biosolids resulting from the treatment of biological wastewater streams. The invention relates to autothermal aerobic treatment of biosolids where temperature is controlled by adjusting the amount of shear generated through jet aeration devices. The invention provides for a truly aerobic environment under which thermophilic microorganisms will thrive.

Abstract: Highly concentrated waste water is subjected to a partially aerobic method in the reaction chamber of a vertical reactor (1). Aeration of the waste water is performed by regulating the redox potential. To this end, means (14) for measuring the pH value, on the one hand, and means (15) for measuring the redox potential value of the treated waste water, on the other hand, are arranged in a bypass line. The process computer acts via a regulator (31) on a regulating member (19) which regulates the supplied amount of air, and regulates the redox potential value according to the measured pH values in accordance with a predetermined relationship stored in a memory device (33). By means of regulating the redox potential by guiding the pH value, an essentially constant high rate of decomposition of 90% COD is achieved.

Abstract: The automatic grease separator receives wastewater containing grease and other light fluids, separates the water portion from the light fluids portion, and stores the light fluids portion. A computer is used to control the operation of separator functions including automatic transfer of light fluids from the separator to grease containers and automatic shut-down of the separator when its capacity is exceeded. Warning devices which indicate malfunction or the need for maintenance also are controlled by the computer. The grease separator uses grease level sensors based on capacitive level sensing. These sensors are insensitive to coating of the sensors by grease and oil. The grease and other light fluids are maintained in a fluid phase by the thermostatic-controlled addition of hot water. This feature provides an added element of safety by eliminating the need to heat the separator by a resistant heater which introduces the possibility of a grease fire.

Abstract: The integrated water treatment control system incorporates control of filtration, heating, chemical treatment and water conditioning; a programmable display shows values of key parameters, operational settings and system status; a user-selectable multi-line, multi-language display panel has menus and submenus; a remote access displays through modems and computers; an in-line computation of water saturation index handles sensor and panel keyboard inputs; and a dynamic probe failure detection system is also included.

Abstract: A system for treating human waste in remote or portable toilet facilities, including a holding tank that stores waste; a heat reservoir that receives waste from the holding tank, heats the waste to kill fecal coliform bacteria therein present, and routes the heated bacteria-free waste back through the holding tank. The holding tank maintains the heated bacteria-free waste separate from the contaminated waste but passes residual heat from the bacteria-free waste to the untreated waste. In one embodiment, a centrifuge receives the bacteria-free waste from the holding tank, separates the liquid waste from the solid waste, and discharges the liquid waste from the system. In one embodiment, the waste is pumped through the system to be heated in incremental portions.

Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic microorganisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water to produce potable water includes a filter connected to an inlet of a heating unit in turn connected at an outlet to an input of a container with cooling components for separating out heavy water. The heavy water separator is coupled at an outlet to a tank having cooling and heating components and an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating the water sample from the heavy water separator with ultraviolet radiation during a freezing and subsequent warming of the water sample. A storage vessel and a silver ionizer are disposed on a downstream side of the ultraviolet treatment tank. Various operations, including timing and water transfer, heating cooling and irradiating, are controlled by a programmed computer. Temperature sensors are disposed in the heating unit, the heavy water separator and the irradiation tank for monitoring temperatures of the water in the heating unit, the container and/or the tank.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining hemodynamic parameters during an extracorporeal hemotherapy, in which the blood arrives via the arterial branch (20) of the extracorporeal circuit (9) of the hemotherapeutic device (7), which is in fluid communication with arterial section (21) of a fistula (6), into dialyzer (10) or into a filter of the hemotherapeutic device and is recirculated via the venous branch (22) of the extracorporeal circuit (9), which is in fluid communication with venous section (23) of fistula (6). The temperature T.sub.A prevailing in the arterial branch (20) of the extracorporeal circuit (9) is measured under a changing blood flow, the temperature T.sub.V of the venous branch (22) of the extracorporeal circuit being kept constant. From the determined value pairs of the arterial temperature T.sub.A and of the extracorporeal blood flow Q.sub.B, those parameters of a predetermined function T.sub.A (Q.sub.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for activation of a digesting agent for an organic material, the apparatus including a tank, a device for activating the digesting agent in the tank, and a device for enabling the activated digesting agent to contact the organic material. The activating device is preferably a heating element. The enabling device is preferably an exit pipe. The invention has particular application in the preventative maintenance of a grease trap drainage system.

Abstract: A fuel filter constructed and arranged with a heater and designed for fuel-water separation includes a unitary housing (casting) which has an open top to be closed by a threaded lid and a closed base which in combination with a surrounding sidewall defines an interior space. A fuel filter cartridge including a filter element, centertube, and top and bottom endplates is disposed in the interior space such that there is a water collection space between the bottom endplate and the closed base of the housing. The lid includes a plurality of snap-fit fingers arranged in an annular array for press-on attachment to the top endplate. A heater ring is provided within the housing and is positioned around the filter cartridge. The heater ring provides both a flow path for entering fuel and a plurality of positive-temperature-coefficient stones which assist in the heating of the fuel. Control of the heater ring is provided by a heater connector and thermostat combination.

Abstract: A new and improved two-stage oil bypass filter device is provided to enable effective and efficient removal of both solid particulate and volatile oil contaminants while also allowing the addition and mixing of certain oil additives as required by specific internal combustion engine or industrial applications.

Abstract: An integrated aquaculture system and method are provided that include interrelated and symbiotic modules for adaptively bioremediating wastewater, producing food in the form of fish, and producing plant biomass for animal feed. The system is ecologically and economically self-sustaining. In one embodiment, the system contains a fish cultivation tank, an algal floway, and a water hyacinth system. Two modes of operation are contemplated: a recycle mode and a flow-through mode. The water hyacinth system includes harvesting, conveying, and chopping apparatus.

Abstract: A water purifier which works in accordance with the membrane distillation principle includes a degassor for degassing incoming crude water prior to commencing the membrane distillation precess; a membrane for the membrane distillation of degassed water; and an outlet which functions to discharge a residual quantity of degassed undistilled water when a degassed undistilled water level has fallen to a predetermined lower level in a container which receives the crude water to be purified. The container is provided with an upper level sensor and a lower level sensor and a temperature sensor. The upper level sensor functions to activate the start of circulator for the circulation of crude water through the degassor, and also to activate the start of crude water heater. When the level of water in the container falls, the lower level sensor functions to activate opening of the outlet means so as to discharge remaining undistilled water.

Abstract: A water purifier includes filters for purifying water, hot and cold water tanks for storing hot and cold water, and heating and cooling mechanisms for heating and cooling the stored water. A key input pad enables a user to select desired hot and cold water temperatures. A data backup device includes a memory for storing the selected hot and cold water temperatures, and for immediately storing any changes in the selected temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a vapor-phase nutrient to contaminated soil for in situ bioremediation. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for containing a quantity of the liquid nutrient, a conduit in communication with the interior of the housing, means for causing a gas to flow through the conduit, and means for contacting the gas with the liquid so that a portion thereof evaporates and mixes with the gas. The mixture of gas and nutrient vapor is delivered to the contaminated site via a system of injection and extraction wells configured to the site and provides for the use of a passive delivery system. The mixture has a partial pressure of vaporized nutrient that is no greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid. If desired, the nutrient and/or the gas may be heated to increase the vapor pressure and the nutrient concentration of the mixture.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a beverage distills aqueous influent into a forerun overhead fraction that is the first result of a distillation operation, a distillate, and a bottom products fraction that is left over from the aqueous influent without being distilled. The forerun overhead fraction is removed, the distillate is sterilized and remineralized into the beverage, and the bottom products fraction is removed so the process can begin again with more aqueous influent.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating grease from an effluent stream containing grease and water includes a separation tank, having a separation chamber; in which the grease and water in the effluent separate with the grease floating on top of the water. Grease is heated to a liquid state then pumped from the separation tank when the depth of the grease has reached a predetermined depth below an upper surface of the effluent in the separation tank. The pumping of grease from the separation tank is interrupted after a predetermined period of time. Separated water passes through a relatively low passage to a trap chamber which has a water outlet.

Abstract: A filter monitoring device for use in monitoring the purity of a fluid through a filter includes a pressure differential sensing device in communication with the filter. The filter monitoring device defines an inlet port which is in communication with the supply of fluid upstream of the filter and an outlet port which is in communication with a supply of fluid downstream of the filter. The differential pressure sensing device comprises at least one movable device which is in contact with both the upstream and downstream supplies of fluid and moves in response to changes in the pressure differential of the fluid. Different total differential pressures are accommodated by corresponding stiffness of a biasing device. The differential pressure sensing device also comprises a distance sensing device which continuously measures or detects the distance of travel of the movable device.

Abstract: An apparatus is constructed and arranged for activation of a digesting agent upstream of where it is introduced to contact an organic material. The apparatus includes a container for housing dormant digesting agent communicating with a tank having a temperature controlled heating element for activating the digesting agent and a valved exit pipe coupling the tank to a system containing the organic material to be digested. Timers control movement of the agent from container to tank and then out of the tank. The apparatus is particularly applicable to maintenance of drainage systems such as those handling effluent from restaurant kitchens.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated extraction of an analyte from a sample positioned in a sample containment cell having a fluid passageway structure for communication of an extraction fluid to and from the cavity of the cell. The apparatus includes a loading tray, an oven assembly mounted proximate the loading tray, a fluid communication assembly mounted proximate the tray, a cell manipulation assembly and a controller. The cell manipulation assembly brings an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit of the fluid communication assembly into sealed relationship with the sample containment cell and uses the conduits to pick up and move the cell to and from the cell tray and oven assembly.

Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic micro- organisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the volume of the liquid hazardous waste stream generated as a byproduct of the dry cleaning process combines an air atomization apparatus, and a temperature controlled water injection apparatus. The air atomization apparatus disposes of separator water by misting. The temperature controlled injection apparatus uses dry cleaning separator water to create and boil an azeotropic mixture in the still of the dry cleaning machine itself. Consequently, the storage and disposal of separator water is eliminated and almost no solvent is left in the residue of the still before disposal.

Abstract: To avoid deposits on the restrictor that channels extractant into a collector, a heated capillary tube pressure release restrictor, has a thermally insulated outlet end in a collecting trap substantially colder than the capillary tube. The restrictor is heated between the insulation and the capillary tube by Joulean heating. The solvent in the trap is at a pressure of 5 to 200 psi above atmospheric pressure. The thermal resistance of the insulation is selected to reduce the heat added to the extractant to a minimum and yet cause the temperature of the extractant to be in a range within which it is sufficiently hot so it does not freeze when added to the collection solvent but not so hot as to reduce partitioning of the extract and extractant before the extractant leaves the collection solvent. It has a thermal conductivity no greater than 60 BTU's per hour, per square foot, per inch for a one degree Fahrenheit difference.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for extracting organic compounds from solid materials. A generator vessel has a removable closure for receiving a solid or liquid solvent which is heated with a resistive heating element to a gaseous or supercritical phase. The removable closure is unencumbered because the side wall is penetrated with an outlet for the gaseous or supercritical solvent. The generator vessel further has a pressure transducer that provides an electronic signal related to pressure of the gaseous or supercritical solvent. The apparatus of the present invention further includes at least one extraction cell having a top and a bottom and a wall extending therebetween, wherein the bottom is sealably penetrated by an inlet for gaseous or supercritical solvent received through a manifold connected to the outlet, the top having an easy-open removable closure cap, and the wall having an outlet port.

Abstract: A water pacifier that includes a hollow and rectangular parallelpipedly-shaped collection chamber, a hollow, vertically oriented and cylindrically-shaped purifying chamber, a circular-shaped filter, an electric heater coil, and a bimetallic strip. The collection chamber collects purified water. The purifying chamber purifies water to be collected in the collection chamber. The filter filters the water being purified in the purifying chamber. The electric heater coil boils the water filtered by the filter. Also, the bimetallic strip selectively opens and closes a centrally-disposed throughbore in a fiat and horizontally-oriented bottom of the purifying chamber in response to the temperature of the purified water it is in contact with, so that when the water boiled by the heater coil reaches 210 degrees F.

Abstract: A filter unit comprises a metallic supporting plate possessed of stepped through holes opening with a larger diameter in one main surface and with a smaller diameter in the other main surface (wherein the diameter ratio of larger-diameter openings to smaller-diameter openings is desired to be in the range of 1:0.01 to 1:0.5) or a pressureproof supporting plate having in one surface thereof inclined liquid flow grooves arranged in a radial pattern and concentric circular liquid flow grooves adapted to intersect the radially arranged liquid flow grooves and a membrane filter disposed on the surface of the supporting plate containing larger-diameter openings or liquid flow grooves. This filter unit is ideally used for finely dividing and uniformly sizing suspended lipid particles assuming a definite average particle size and a specific particle size distribution.

Abstract: The amount of electrical power delivered to a dialysate heater in the dialysis machine is maximized without substantially exceeding a predetermined maximum allowed power consumption for the dialysis machine. The instantaneous power consumed by the machine is measured and compared to the maximum allowed power consumption. The excess of power beyond the instantaneous power consumed up to the maximum allowed power consumption is then made available to the heater. The worst case power consumption limitations of the dialysis machine components do not adversely affect the heat available from the heater. The rate at which dialysis treatments may progress may increase or the time required for dialysis treatments may decrease.

Abstract: The centrifuge (1) described has at least one device (11,12) designed to control the operation of the centrifuge, the devices being mounted to rotate with the rotating part of the centrifuge and to be operated by a mechanical actuator (13) also rotating with it. Such devices may, for instance, be drain valves, periodically opening discharge valves, sill height adjustment devices, pressure-control devices, temperature-control devices, etc. At least one part of the devices of this centrifuge to be controlled independently of the centrifugal force is designed so that the rotating actuator (13) changes its shape as a function of the temperature and has at least one temperature-specific shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system adapted to control water flow in a swimming pool system including a swimming pool having a filter tank. The pool control system includes a control circuit for controlling at least a first pool water valve assembly and a second valve assembly so as to control water flow to the filter tank and from the filter tank to the swimming pool. The control circuit is adapted to maintain the water levels in the filter tank and swimming pool to within a prescribed water level. Each pool water valve assembly is preferably fitted with a potentiometer and air solenoid coupled to the control circuit for respectively determining the position of each respective water valve and controlling the position of each water valve. The system also features a central, programmable processing unit and apparatus for transmitting data between a remote location and the processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste water streams is constructed by introducing a mixture of pre-heated waste water and an amount of a oxidant lower than that required to oxidize all the organic matter in the waste stream into the front port of an elongate tubular reaction chamber maintained at supercritical temperatures and pressures. The amount of oxidant is high enough, it initially raise the temperature of the stream in the reaction chamber to 750-1,200.degree. F. A first injection side port is located downstream from the front port of the reaction chamber at a distance at which the temperature has reached a maximum value, and 90-100% of the available oxidant has been consumed. Oxidant and water are simultaneously injected through the first port, in a manner that the amount of oxidant is adequate to oxidize to oxidize a specified amount of organic matter, and the amount of water is effective to counterbalance the heat produced by the ration of the co-injected oxidant with the respective organic matter.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating sewage sludge having the steps of providing sludge at a desired rate, mixing the sludge with at least one alkaline additive at a proportionate rate to the sludge to raise the pH of the mixture to at least a desired level, providing a pasteurization chamber having a means to heat the contents of the chamber, continuously delivering the sludge and alkaline additive mixture to the inlet opening of the pasteurization chamber, heating the pasteurization chamber to maintain a minimum temperature of the sludge and alkaline additive mixture in the pasteurization chamber, continuously conveying the sludge and alkaline additive mixture without any substantial agitation of the mixture for a desired duration through the pasteurization chamber such that the thixotropic mixture does not become watery, and continuously discharging the sludge and alkaline additive mixture from the discharge opening of the pasteurization chamber, whereby harmful pathogens are destroyed in the sludge.

Abstract: An ultraviolet-based or dual mode water purifying system operates under household water pressure to provide a batch treatment of contaminated water. Treated water is stored in a pressurized reservoir, from which it may be released for use. A treatment cycle is initiated by a drop in pressure within the system, which occurs when sufficient water has been withdrawn from the reservoir. The pressure drop is detected by a pressure gauge linked to a UV lamp dimmer, which causes the UV lamp to change from a reduced-output standby mode to an operative mode. The dimmer may be further linked to a thermostatic switch positioned adjacent the lamp, to reduce the output of the lamp when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level, and to a backwash event control, to increase the lamp output to the operative level during filter backwash.

Abstract: In a mechanical cell for blending elastomer particles and solution into uniform mixtures, a solid core with an entrance surface, an exit surface spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the entrance surface, and a plurality of minute core passageways therebetween for flow of an elastomer-containing hydrocarbon solution from the entrance surface to the exit surface, the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution without plugging the passageways. Typically the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene, a nitrile rubber, and a copolymer of a 1,4-conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic monomer, to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution comprising a vinyl aromatic monomer.

Abstract: Sewage water with entrained solids as an effluent is fed into the trough bottom shaped process tank that is a totally enclosed tank other than for inlets and outlets therefore. The system disposes of water from sewage effluents and also residual solids thereof and is fed sewage to a controlled depth in a tank trough with high temperatures used to sterilize the effluent. A two-speed motor driven mixer driven at low speed continually mixes and blend the sewage effluent at the same time air from a blower is bubbled through the mixture. Heat is added to increase water vapor saturation capability of the air flow through the system. The air/vapor mixture flows through a recuperative heat exchanger supported within the tank above the surface of sewage effluent contained therein, absorbing heat with flow, through a catalyst bed in a chamber with circulation through the heat exchanger and on out an exhaust vent with impurities oxidized and vented with air flow.

Abstract: A water purifying and heating apparatus having a pump supplying water to a purifying filter connected by conduit to a boiler and capable of being used with domestic electric power supply. The load current required for start-up of the pump is reduced, and the automatic flushing effect of the hollow fiber membrane filters is obtained as is hot water as needed, without reducing the treatment efficiency of the purifying filter even though the temperature of water being treated is low.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus for the purification of various oil products such as combustion oil, lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, or transformer oil is disclosed, including a housing, a rigid, hollow core mounted longitudinally within the housing, and filter paper wound around the hollow core so that the oil flows axially through the filter paper in the housing from a high pressure end to the lower pressure end, and in which passages extend between the interior of the hollow core and the filter paper and a valve is provided for establishing fluid communication between the interior of the hollow core and the low pressure end of the filter.

Abstract: A filter medium is backwashed to cleanse it of cake when a fluid pressure difference across the filter medium rises to a predetermined degree. Since the pressure difference is subject to change not only with the amount of the cake but also with the temperature and flow rate of the fluid being filtered, not only the pressure difference but also at least either of the fluid temperature and flow rate is constantly monitored. A correction coefficient circuit is provided which has stored thereon pressure difference characteristics at various temperatures and/or flow rates of the fluid including a pressure difference at a rated temperature and/or rated flow rate. The correction coefficient circuit computes a correction coefficient by comparing the pressure difference characteristic at the monitored temperature and/or monitored flow rate of the fluid with the pressure difference characteristic at the rated temperature and/or rated flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A system for automatically preventing the discharge of spilled oil from electrical distribution substation equipment into streams or ground water. The system utilizes a containment basin, sump, electric operated water drain valve and a thermal dispersion type oil/water interface detector. The oil/water interface probe is placed at a specified height in the sump. It is capable of determining if the probe is in oil, water or air. The interface detector along with other relays will allow water to be draped from the containment basin but prevent oil from being discharged. The system will also initiate an alarm which may locally or remotely warn that a spill has occurred.