Structural Installation Patents (Class 210/153)
  • Publication number: 20130213905
    Abstract: An unclogging filter apparatus has an irrigation outlet and a flushing outlet. A filtering element moves between at least an operational position and a flushing position. When the filtering element is in the operational position substantially all of the fluid flowing into the apparatus is directed out the irrigation outlet, while the filtering element is disposed for removing a particle from the fluid flowing into the apparatus. When the filtering element is in the flushing position, the filtering element is disposed for flushing the particle out the flushing outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Amir Cohen
  • Publication number: 20130206658
    Abstract: A heat exchange system may include a first heat exchange circuit and a second heat exchange circuit. The first heat exchange circuit may circulate a first working fluid sequentially through a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a membrane contactor. The second heat exchange circuit may direct a second working fluid sequentially through the first heat exchanger and the membrane contactor, where the second working fluid includes solute and solvent. The first heat exchanger and the membrane contactor may transfer heat energy from the second working fluid to the first working fluid, and the second heat exchanger may transfer heat energy from the first working fluid to a third working fluid. The membrane contactor may extract a portion of the solvent from the second working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hailing Wu, Zidu Ma
  • Patent number: 8470174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration device including a flat filter module and a base housing, on which the flat filter module is placed. A wall of the base housing includes a polymer cellular lightweight construction material, or a fiber composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Microdyn-Nadir GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Kiene, Reinhard Voigt, Stefan Krause
  • Publication number: 20130146517
    Abstract: A filtering assembly for collecting sediment from fluid of a powertrain device is provided. The filtering assembly includes a bottom pan and a sediment trap. The bottom pan has a bottom surface and is configured to collect the fluid of the powertrain device. The bottom pan may have a side wall cooperating with its bottom surface to define a cavity within the bottom pan. The sediment trap has opposed upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface may be attached to the bottom pan. The upper surface is configured to receive the sediment when the sediment falls toward the bottom surface of the bottom pan as the sediment is acted on by gravity. The sediment trap is configured to trap sediment received through its upper surface. A method for collecting sediment from the fluid of a powertrain device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Craig D. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8460520
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: David Rigby
  • Patent number: 8454839
    Abstract: Methods for modifying the physical, chemical and/or biological properties of a fluid by irradiation are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprising supplying a flow of a fluid to an irradiation chamber; focusing the flow of the fluid so as to create at least one fluid layer; and applying radiation to the fluid layer in a defined portion of the irradiation chamber thereby modifying at least one physical, chemical or biological property of the fluid layer is provided. Systems for the implementation of such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Macopharma
    Inventor: Pierre-Eloi Bontinck
  • Publication number: 20130098816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile water purification station capable of producing up to 30,000 gallons (151,400 lpd) of EPA/WHO-standard clean and aesthetically pleasing potable water per day which is self contained and operates as a stand-alone unit powered by integrated solar array and wind generator or utilizing gravity feed from a water source located above the geographic location of the unit. Furthermore, the mobile water purification station of the present invention, provides a parallel arrangement of filtration and purification elements and is able to continuously provide potable water while half the system is undergoing cleaning and regeneration by back flushing with stored prior produced potable or filtered utility water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: International Water Company
    Inventor: International Water Company
  • Publication number: 20130092613
    Abstract: The present invention provides a board having the functions of draining, blocking, containing, and collecting water, in which only a single draining board is installed at a place requiring smooth drainage so that a water-draining function, a water-blocking function, a water-containing function, and a water-collecting function can be all performed, thereby avoiding the necrosis and withering of landscaping trees. The inventive board includes: a coupling structure for drainage including a lower water-draining board and an upper water-draining board disposed on the lower water-draining board; and a filter disposed to surround the coupling structure for drainage in a tightly sealed state, the filter having a coefficient of permeability of more than 0.001 cm/sec in the vertical direction. The lower-water-draining board includes a pair of opposed vertical portions extending upwardly from both end edges thereof in such a fashion as to be flush with the top surface of the first protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Due Hurn Ko, Duk No An
  • Patent number: 8420022
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the treatment and purification of fluids (e.g., water) using a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a fluid flow conduit having an LED light source and a photo-catalytic material disposed therein. The LED light source emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength between about 265 nm and about 400 nm. In operation, the photo-catalytic material absorbs the ultraviolet light from the LED light source, and releases free radicals into the fluid. The free radicals then degrade organic substances (e.g., bacteria) in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Biological Illumination, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Soler, Fredric S. Maxik, David E. Bartine, Valerie Ann Bastien, James Lynn Schellack, Eliza Katar Grove
  • Publication number: 20130056428
    Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising: a first fluid purification media comprising a rigid porous purification block, comprising: a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fibrous, nonwoven fabric disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SELECTO, INC.
    Inventor: Ehud Levy
  • Patent number: 8382993
    Abstract: A removable drain filter apparatus (20) with an housing (22) connectable with upstream and downstream drain pipes (40, 46) has a filtering chamber wider than the drain pipes and divided into an upstream portion (78) and a downstream portion (82) by a generally planer filter element (50). A hatch cover (32) carries a downwardly extending central core (76) with an O-ring seal (84), a filter securement member (86) for pressing the filter element (50) against an underlying support ledge (29) and a drain hole plug (88). The location of the O-ring (84) relative to the filter element (50) and the plug (88) being tapered enables the filter housing (22) to be drained of any water during removal of the hatch cover and before the watertight seal is broken to eliminate leakage of drain water out of the housing (22) when the hatch (31) is completely opened. The filter (50) bends out of the way of a plumber's auger (96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Drain Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis E. Wisek, Kenneth T. Duffy, Sr., Troy W. Livingston
  • Publication number: 20130032178
    Abstract: A removable multi-stage filter assembly for a dishwasher system is provided, comprising: a plurality of concentric filter stages having a varying degree of filter granularity; and a closed bottom that retains soils for manual collection by an end user, wherein the closed bottom has at least one drain opening. A dishwasher system is also provided that comprises a tub; a fluid circulation system for circulating water in the tub; and a removable multi-stage filter assembly, wherein the removable filter assembly comprises a closed bottom and at least one drain opening, and wherein the removable multi-stage filter assembly retains soils for manual collection by an end user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Kyle Durham
  • Publication number: 20130020241
    Abstract: A gutter shield device comprising a first body portion and a second body portion laterally bordering an intermediate body portion that includes a perforated plane out of which arises upward protruding elements that contact the undersurface of a micro-mesh or screen filter comprised of eighty or more threads per inch. The gutter shield includes on the bottom of it's perforated plane at least one downwardly extending element to interdict and redirect downward any forward flowing water present on the underside of the perforated plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Edward Higginbotham
  • Publication number: 20130001171
    Abstract: A process and system are provided for controlling hardness in recirculated cooling water, wherein chemical addition is independent of pH determination. Hardness is determined in a make-up water stream provided to a cooling water system. Chelant is continuously added to the make-up water stream, the amount of chelant being a function of the make-up water hardness. A side stream is circulated from the cooling water system to a reactor. A conditioner is added to the reactor based on the amount of chelant. The conditioned side stream is retained within the reactor to precipitate a percentage of suspended solids, and a portion of the precipitated solids are removed as necessary to maintain a fluid bed level. A clarified water stream is withdrawn from the reactor and returned to the cooling water system circulation. A chelant concentration of from 600 to 800 ppm is maintained in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Rick Harve Maxey, James Russell Matthews
  • Patent number: 8273254
    Abstract: A method of sanitizing water contained in a spa is provided which comprises installing a chlorine generating cell including a diamond electrode in a filter compartment of the spa, employing a resin-filled calcium remover bag to reduce the hardness of the water, adding salt to the water; and operating the chlorine generating cell to generate chlorine and other sanitizing agents for sanitizing the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Michael McCague
  • Publication number: 20120234771
    Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater using concentrated solar energy are described herein. The system includes a lens that is positioned either on or adjacent, or forms part of a façade of a building. A fluid passageway, through which the wastewater is circulated, is positioned either within or adjacent the lens. The lens is configured to direct solar energy onto the wastewater to treat the wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Anna Dyson, Jason Vollen, Mark Mistur, Peter Stark, Kristin Malone, Matt Gindlesparger
  • Patent number: 8206579
    Abstract: An aquarium filtration system with enhanced features comprising a continuous flow of filtered and processed water as well as a continuous drain system is herein disclosed. In such a manner, the water is continually changed over time, thus minimizing required emptying and/or cleaning. Additionally the system holds and maintains the desired pH level and water hardness, while controlling ammonia and nitrite levels. A filter on the incoming water line removes chlorine and other chemicals before the water passes onto the aquarium. The system works in conjunction with a conventional automatic water level controller. Automatic check valves control water flow and prevent back flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Leon Shaw
  • Publication number: 20120144855
    Abstract: A modular water filter assembly is disclosed. The modular water filter assembly includes a primary module having primary filter media for treating water; a secondary module having a first end and a second end; and a manifold defining an inlet connectable to a water source, and an outlet connectable to a water dispenser. The secondary module is removably coupled to the manifold at the first end thereof, and to the primary module at the second end thereof, the secondary module defining a flow path for carrying water therethrough. The water filter assembly is variably configurable for treating water passed from the water source through the inlet of the manifold and through at least one of the primary module and the secondary module and then through the outlet of the manifold. An appliance incorporating such a modular water filter assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Ramesh Janardhanam, Abdel J. Hamad, Richard Devos, Alan Joseph Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120144759
    Abstract: A filter assembly that has a filtering method overlying an expanded metal skeletal structure, said expanded metal employing sidewalls that are Long Way of the Diamond having their greatest length parallel to a roofs edge and whose sidewall members are angled toward oncoming water flow, the skeletal structure being attached to a filtering member. The filtering assembly able to be secured to a building by means of a hanging assembly. The hanging assembly comprising a gutter hanger with a rear double hooped element; the rear most hoop engaging an upward raised element of a receiving channel pre-fastened to a fascia board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Higginbotham, Karen M. Sager
  • Patent number: 8182674
    Abstract: The device (100) serves to separate solid particles from the water of a flow (E) feeding a hydraulic machine of the turbine, pump, or turbine-pump type. The device has flow inlet and outlet zones (104, 105) for the flow that are spaced apart along an advance axis (X100) of flow advance through the device (100). The device (100) comprises a plurality of ducts (110) placed in parallel, each having a mouth and a downstream end between the inlet zone (104) and the outlet zone (105). In section perpendicular to the advance axis (X100), each duct presents a section in the form of a spiral with a radius of curvature that increases from the mouth towards the downstream end or from the downstream end towards the mouth, with each duct (110) presenting a thickness measured in a generally radial direction relative to the advance axis that is less than 10% of the width (l110) of said duct, measured parallel to said axis (X100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Hydro France
    Inventor: Serge Prigent
  • Publication number: 20120097620
    Abstract: A apparatus for treating ballast water with acrolein which is to be connected to a main ballast water line of a ballast water unit, comprises a reactor device to which acrolein derivate and water is to be fed for generating an aqueous acrolein solution, a branch line which is connected to the main ballast water line for branching off a partial ballast water stream, and a mixing device which is connected to the branch line and an acrolein solution supply line from the reactor device and is designed for diluting the aqueous acrolein solution from the reactor device, and a feed device for supplying the aqueous acrolein solution from the mixing unit to the main ballast water line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Holger Blum
  • Publication number: 20110315610
    Abstract: In a device (V) for catching rainwater from a downpipe (F) comprising an opening (11), wherein the device (V) comprises a branch pipe (5) with a water-catching blade (12) at the end, a support member (1) traversed by the branch pipe (5) and a retaining means, and comprising a branch pipe (5) engaging into the opening (11), a catching blade (12) placed in the downpipe, and wherein the downpipe (F) can be fixed in the area of the support member (1) covering the opening (11) by means of the retaining means (H) at the downpipe (F), the retaining means (H) comprises at least one undercut engagement hook (17) that can be passed through the opening (11), and an engagement hook tensioning system (S) is functionally interconnected between the support member (1) and the engagement hook (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Otto P. Graf
  • Publication number: 20110278221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating urea-containing water. The invention also relates to a domestic toilet provided with such a device. The invention also relates to an animal accommodation provided with such a device. In addition, the invention comprises a method for treating urea-containing water. The device comprises a nitrification unit adapted to oxidize urea to nitrates and carbon dioxide, wherein the nitrification unit is also provided with an oxygen feed, a gas discharge and a throughfeed for feed of waste water nitrified by the nitrification unit to a filtration unit connected to the nitrification unit. The nitrification unit preferably comprises nitrifying bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY
    Inventors: Christel Dominique Paule Paille, Christopher Andre Antoine Lasseur, Josef Johannes De Swart, C.J. de Swart, Robertus Christiaan Josephus Suters
  • Publication number: 20110278242
    Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising: a first fluid purification media comprising a rigid porous purification block, comprising: a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fibrous, nonwoven fabric disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Selecto, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud Levy
  • Publication number: 20110278243
    Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising: a first fluid purification media comprising a rigid porous purification block, comprising: a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fibrous, nonwoven fabric disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Selecto, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud Levy
  • Publication number: 20110253611
    Abstract: A gutter shield device comprising a first body portion and a second body portion laterally bordering an intermediate body portion that includes a perforated plane out of which arises upward protruding elements that contact the undersurface of a micro-mesh or screen filter comprised of eighty or more threads per inch. The gutter shield includes on the bottom of it's perforated plane at least one downwardly extending element to interdict and redirect downward any forward flowing water present on the underside of the perforated plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Edward Higginbotham
  • Publication number: 20110233120
    Abstract: A food scrap strainer includes a housing, a first straining basket disposed within a lower portion of the housing, and a second straining basket disposed within the housing above the first straining basket. The housing includes a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion. The first basket includes a first flange and the second basket includes a second flange having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first retaining portion and larger than an inner diameter of the second retaining portion. In an example embodiment, a sink bowl is attached to the housing, and a lip is attached to an upper portion of the sink bowl. A plurality of threaded extensions project downwardly from a lower side of the lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Calvin N. Ihler
  • Publication number: 20110215059
    Abstract: A filter medium for strainers used in the emergency sump of a nuclear power plant ECCS. The filter medium is employed with double wall, concentric tube type strainer modules. The filter medium is preferably constructed of a woven or knitted stainless steel wire material and is shaped in a cylinder so that it can be inserted between two concentric strainer walls, concentric tube type strainer in such a manner that water that passes through the strainer must pass through and be filtered by the filter medium before the water can be pumped to the reactor core. The filter medium is inserted through the bottom of the strainer module and is held in place by an x-shaped retainer. The filter creates varied approach velocity of the fluid and results in non-uniform fibrous debris accumulation on the strainer, insuring acceptable strainer debris hydraulic head loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: James Aaron Smith, Atul Harihar Patel, Louis Thomas Carr, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110177550
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of a saline water including: treating the water to adjust the salinity thereof and produce treated water having a predetermined salinity level; and directing at least a portion of the treated water having said predetermined salinity level to a bioreactor housing a microalgae for generating biomass; wherein said predetermined salinity level of the treated water is predicated by the specie of microalgae housed in the bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: BRINEMAG PTY LTD
    Inventor: David McMurran
  • Publication number: 20110174705
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for a filtration system including an outer shell having a first end and a second end, an inlet and an outlet located on the first end, and at least one cam track located on the outer shell. The cam track including a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface forming a channel having an entry portion and an exit portion. The first opposing surface including a locating detent. The second opposing surface including a first advancing cam positioned before an indexing stop and a second advancing cam positioned after the indexing stop in a direction of travel from the entry portion to the exit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Matt R. Branscomb
  • Publication number: 20110168611
    Abstract: The wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater. In one embodiment, the wastewater treatment system includes a steel-reinforced plastic tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers. The first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. The second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The third chamber includes a sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the third chamber through an outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel M. Early, Scott F. Easter
  • Patent number: 7972570
    Abstract: A distributor nozzle for a two-phase charge, to be used in fixed-bed reactors in order to increase the area over which the mixture is dispersed and to make its flow rate the same over the whole area of the bed in the reactor. The device includes a number of fixing bars and a deflector cone frustum. The deflector cones or cone frusta may have more than one angle in order to improve the distribution, and they have a number of apertures or slits and a number of vertical directing elements or a directing cage or frame to direct the stream of the two-phase charge in order to increase the area over which the mixture is dispersed and to make its flow rate the same over the entire area of the bed in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobas
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Vidal Vieira, Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Donizeti Aurelio Silva Belato, Ademaro Marchiori, Jorge Roberto Duncan Lima, Fabricio Torres, Carlos Otavio Brito
  • Publication number: 20110048473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder (1) for a cleaning lance (19) with an insertion compartment (3) for accommodating at least a front end of the cleaning lance (19), wherein the insertion compartment (3) runs from an insertion opening (2) for the cleaning lance (19) at an angle downward to a drain end (4) with a fluid drain (5), and relates as well to a vehicle washing facility (18) with a cleaning lance (19) and a holder (1) for the cleaning lance (19) The problem of creating a holder for a cleaning lance and a vehicle washing facility that can securely prevent clogging of the holder's fluid drain and any downstream fluid reprocessing system, are easy to clean and operate reliably is solved by the holder according to the invention in that the holder (1) has a screen insert (6) that can be inserted into the insertion compartment (3). A vehicle washing facility according to the invention has such a holder (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: WashTec Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Robert AUER
  • Patent number: 7875192
    Abstract: A slurry dividing apparatus is configured to divide a main slurry stream into smaller constituent slurry streams, wherein each stream contains a desired proportion of suspended solids. The dividing apparatus includes a main flow channel and a plurality of branch flow channels extending upward from a flow divider that terminates an upper end of the main flow channel. The main slurry stream enters the main flow channel, at an inlet opening thereof, and is decelerated, by an upward extension and expanding cross-section of the main flow channel, before reaching the flow divider and being divided into the smaller constituent slurry streams flowing within the plurality of branch flow channels. Each of the smaller streams flows up and then over a weir, which extends across an upper portion of each of the branch flow channels, and then down into a corresponding discharge flow channel of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Carter Day International, Inc.
    Inventors: Pius N. Eigenmann, Stephan Barclay Meydell, III, David A. Hauch
  • Publication number: 20100294704
    Abstract: A draining-filtering device for a water closet, includes a trough for holding stuffs and excretion, in which at least a stirring device is arranged, each stirring device having a pivot and a stirring part, the draining-filtering device is placed under the bottom of the treating trough, which includes at least one liquid-draining trough for draining excessive liquid in the treating trough and arranged at the bottom of the treating trough, at least one liquid-conducting trough for holding the liquid drained off from the liquid-draining trough arranged under the bottom of the treating trough with respect to the liquid-draining trough, and at least one filtering device for filtering the stuffs and excretion in the filtering through covered over the liquid-draining trough arranged in accordance with the liquid-draining trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Andy Mingfen Tung
  • Publication number: 20100288711
    Abstract: With a method for removing slag, particularly slag that occurs during synthesis gas extraction, from a slag bath situated in a pressurized container, into a collection container for the slag, below the slag bath in the direction of gravity, whereby a device for breaking up the slag is provided below the slag bath, if necessary, and a sluice valve is provided between the containers, the corresponding methods of procedure and systems of the types in question are supposed to be clearly improved, improving the slag removal and avoiding environmentally burdensome vapors or waste gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: UHDE GmhH
    Inventors: Johannes Kowoll, Eberhard Kuske
  • Publication number: 20100264079
    Abstract: Food waste streams may be managed efficiently with a waste-processing facility, which in some embodiments may be co-locating a food distribution facility. The waste processing facility includes a pulper fluidly connected to an input configured to receive a heterogeneous waste stream including biodegradable and non-biodegradable components, the pulper configured to mechanically de-fiber the biodegradable component and form a de-fibered biodegradable material, and an anaerobic membrane bioreactor fluidly connected downstream of the pulper and configured to produce biogas and anaerobic effluent from the de-fibered biodegradable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Feed Resource Recovery
    Inventors: Ryan Begin, Shane Eten
  • Patent number: 7799216
    Abstract: Drain trap assembly for separating sediment from discharged wastewater including a conduit with a first upper inlet portion and a second upper outlet portion. Between the inlet and outlet is located a lower bend portion. Interrupting the lower bend portion is a third conduit portion including a cup closure for sediment accumulation out of the wastewater pathway. Affixed to the cup closure and extending generally upwardly within the assembly and across the wastewater flow is a strainer including at least one plate with through-holes sized to reject particulate sediment and other solids of a predetermined size. Another strainer embodiment includes fibers affixed to the closure and extending across the wastewater flow. A strainer support leg may be concave to guide or deflect sediment-laden wastewater downwardly to the accumulation area and may include at least one wastewater flow aperture. Closure removal automatically withdraws the strainer, offering ready access to accumulated sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Gurmu
  • Publication number: 20100230336
    Abstract: A pool skimming device comprising an outer body with an outlet to the pool pump line, a hollow mating member which floats within the outer body so that its top rim is at the surface of the pool and a litter basket which fits within the floating member. The device has an inlet to attach a pool suction device and the outer body has a backing plate which fits over the opening of the pool skimmer box which provides access to the pool pump line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Allan Davies, Paul Maarten Degroot
  • Patent number: 7754079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant-based sewage treatment system for purifying waste water including at least one planter, a supply unit which supplies waste water to be purified to the plant-based sewage treatment system, a discharge unit for discharging purified water from the plant-based sewage treatment system, and plants placed inside the planter. The plants are arranged, without a substrate, inside the planter. At least a portion of the planter is situated on a building roof. A space is provided between the planter and the building roof and an exchange medium from the building can be flowed through the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Hartmut Bauer
  • Publication number: 20100121559
    Abstract: A fuel management system for using water for on-board vehicular separation of ethanol from ethanol-gasoline blends is described. Water or a water-alcohol mixture from a secondary tank is mixed with the ethanol-gasoline blend resulting in separation of the ethanol. By using on-board vehicular separation, the consumption of the externally supplied liquid from a secondary tank can be decreased to less than 1% of the gasoline consumption. This allows for long refilling periods for the externally supplied fluid. In another embodiment, a water-based fluid is directly injected into the cylinders of a spark ignition engine to eliminate knocking without causing misfire. In a further embodiment, an alcohol-based fluid is also used in those circumstances where injection of the water-based fluid may cause misfire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Daniel R. Cohn, John Heywood
  • Publication number: 20100044290
    Abstract: The construction of a system including a hydrotransistor and a self-cleansing water body, which could be a construction or a part of a stream, lake or other natural water-body, to convert drinking-water sources or polluted surface waters into purified water for recycling either as drinking water supply or as groundwater recharge, wherein the articulate matter in the treated water is filtered by hydrotransistor, and the dissolved nitrates and nitrite being utilized by diatoms which have been induced to grow in waters becoming slightly acidic through the dissolution of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090283409
    Abstract: A target compound treatment apparatus of a size capable of being mounted under a sink, the apparatus comprising a destruction zone in which an aqueous solution containing at least one target compound is exposed to a destruction agent adapted to convert the target compound into destruction byproduct; a filtration zone in which a filtration agent removes the destruction byproduct from the solution; and a flow inducer/pump adapted to cause the aqueous solution to flow through the apparatus. The destruction agent may comprise an acid, a base, an oxidizing agent, or a reducing agent. The destruction agent may be available on a surface of a solid substrate disposed within the destruction zone, or it may be available in a gaseous or liquid reagent that is admixed with the aqueous solution. The filtration agent may be comprised of an adsorption media such as activated carbon and/or other filtration means for removing destruction byproduct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Tommy Stern, Todd McGee
  • Patent number: 7531088
    Abstract: A drain trap assembly for separating sediment from wastewater released from kitchen, bath or washroom appliance such as a sink or tub including a conduit with a first upper inlet portion and second upper outlet portion. Between the inlet and outlet is located a lower bend portion. Interrupting the lower bend portion is a third conduit portion including a cup closure for sediment accumulation area out of the wastewater pathway. Affixed to the closure cup and extending generally upwardly within the drain trap assembly and across the wastewater flow is a strainer in the form of at least one plate including through-holes sized to reject particulate sediment and other solids of a predetermined size. A second embodiment of the strainer takes the form of a mass of fibers affixed to the closure and extending across the wastewater flow. Closure removal automatically withdraws the strainer, offering ready access to accumulated sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Gurmu
  • Patent number: 7449107
    Abstract: A self-contained dehydration toilet having an odor-capturing steam and water recovery system. The dehydration toilet comprises a toilet bowl, a dehydration engine connected to the toilet bowl, a steam, gas and vapor conduit from the dehydrating engine, a water supply infusion tank which receives steam, gases and vapor from the dehydration engine to the infusion water tank, an ozone generator which supplies ozone to the water supply, a vacuum pump connected to the infusion water tank, and a power source supplying power to the dehydrating engine, the ozone generator, a control circuit and the vacuum pump. The dehydrating engine has a heating device and helical paddles to aid in the dehydration process. The dehydrating toilet reuses steam and captures odors and vapors with diffusion chambers in the infusion water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Lumbert
  • Publication number: 20080245714
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant-based sewage treatment system for purifying waste water comprising: at least one planter (50, 54); a supply unit (46) with which the waste water to be purified can be supplied to the plant-based sewage treatment system (10); a discharge unit (38) with which the purified water can be discharged from the plant-based sewage treatment system (10), and; plants (58) that are placed inside the planter (50, 54). These plants (58) are arranged, without a substrate, inside the planter (50, 54). At least a portion of the planter (50, 54) is situated on a building roof (42, 74). According to the invention, a space (78) is provided, at least in areas, between the planter (50, 54) and the building roof (42, 74) and can be flowed through by air or an exchange medium from the building (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Hartmut Bauer
  • Publication number: 20080210611
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for adding a lubricating additive to a diesel fuel. In one exemplary embodiment a diesel fuel filter is provided, the diesel fuel filter comprising: a housing having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening configured to define a flow path therethrough; filter media disposed in the flow path; and an additive cartridge configured to disperse a lubricating additive into diesel fuel passing through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Scott J. Tabb, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Gary B. Zulauf, Peter D. Unger, Weston H. Gerwin, Daniel E. Bause, Gerard W. Bilski
  • Patent number: 7413650
    Abstract: A compact dehydration engine and method for treating human waste and gray water residual electro-coagulants that includes a heated waste dehydration chamber that has low energy consumption and low water consumption in use. The system can be employed in stationary or mobile platforms that include multiple toilets and gray water sources for reclamation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Lumbert
  • Publication number: 20080190859
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of contaminated fluid and wastewater containing residuals from food processing and waste and residuals from animal feeding operations and effluent from the digestion of these residuals is disclosed. The process is carried out in an enclosed tank using a separation procedure that maintains the state of the separated solids in the same state as they were upon introduction to the system, i.e., aerobic, anaerobic or anoxic, based on the condition of the solids upon introduction to the system. The system utilizes rotary flow instead of rakes to harvest the solids from the effluent. The process has applications in the recovery of emulsion in wastewater treatment and the operation of digesters for re-feeding to the digester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Stoermann
  • Publication number: 20080169249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for clearing water in a water supply system from micro-organisms, such as Legionella. The water is thereto first filtered to retain a substantial amount of the micro-organisms, and subsequently radiated to inactivate micro-organisms that may still remain in the water, wherein said radiating step acts on the water at least as this water leaves the water supply system through a supply opening, such as a shower head, sprinkler, irrigation nozzle or the like. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for clearing water supplied by a water supply system from micro-organisms, a water supply system provided with such apparatus and a shower unit comprising an apparatus according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Ultra Violet Star Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Stephan Ter Stege