Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water are provided. In certain examples, the system may include a first stage, a second stage fluidically coupled to the first stage and a third stage fluidically coupled to the second stage. In some examples, the system may provide treated water having a specific resistance of greater than or equal to 1 Megohm-cm. In certain examples, the water recovery rate using the system may be 90% or more by volume.

Abstract: A system for sanitizing a potable water station includes a pair of conduits providing a fluid connection between the potable water station and the system. It also includes a pump operable for circulating water from the potable water station through one of the conduits to the system and through the other of the conduits from the system to the potable water station. Further, the system includes an ozone generator for injecting ozone into the circulating water to destroy bacterial contamination. A method for sanitizing a potable water station includes the step of circulating water from the potable water station and back to the potable water station. It also includes the step of generating ozone with an ozone generator. Further, the method includes the step of injecting ozone into the water circulating from and back to the potable water station.

Abstract: A liner assembly (322) for a sand trap (10) includes a retainer layer (329) that is positioned between a base (18) of the sand trap (10) and a filling material (16) within a cavity (13) of the sand trap (10). The retainer layer (329) is covered by the filling material (16) so that the retainer layer (329) is substantially unexposed. The retainer layer (329) includes a plurality of spaced apart projections (330) that can be formed from plastic, such as synthetic turf material. In certain embodiments, the filling material (16) fills the spaces between the projections (330). The retainer layer (329) can be substantially water impermeable and can cover at least approximately a majority of the surface area of the cavity (13). The retainer layer (329) can be positioned within the cavity at an angle (328) that is at least 10 degrees relative to the horizontal (300).

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.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multifunctional water supply tank with pressure-stabilized water storage and quality-distinguished supply of service and potable water, which includes a service water storage room with a water inlet and a water outlet, a potable water storage room communicated with the service water storage room and containing purifying agents, a potable water outlet, and a water outlet communicated with a solar water heater, the present invention solves the problems of insufficient water pressure of tap water pipe network and the secondary water contamination during water supply by the pipe network, meanwhile it heats and preserves the temperature of the water supply tank cover and the water supply pipe walls, and separates pure water from service water, solar heated water, and purified potable water for separate metering and utilization.

Abstract: In order to use so-called gray water for the flushing of toilets, for example in a conveyance such as a passenger aircraft, the gray water is passed through at least one filter, preferably through a coarse filter followed by a fine filter, into a treatment tank where it is anodically oxidized. The rinsing is performed by a pump that may be a rotary pressure pump or a piston cylinder pump. The pump passes the processed or oxidized water through an excess pressure valve and through at least one spray nozzle into a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A device for separating water immiscible hydrocarbons from water contained on vessel decks by spill rails with at least one scupper comprises a rigid liquid impermeable body adapted to be attached on the inside of a spill rail at a scupper and which defines with the spill rail a chamber that has an opening at the bottom end of the body which opening is at a level below the bottom of the scupper.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing sanitation in a kitchen equipped with an oil/grease separator includes a barrier made of two vertical portions connected by a horizontal portion to bound a volume between the oil/grease separator and a kitchen wall and prevent the ingress of debris. The vertical portions have lower flanges for affixation to a floor, edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the wall, and horizontal ears at upper ends. The horizontal portion has downward edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the kitchen wall and is readily cut to a length for the oil/grease separator.

Abstract: A wind energy installation having a tower, a gondola supported by the tower, a rotor mounted in the gondola, and at least one pressure pump that is mechanically driven by the rotor and that feeds a raw water-treating reverse osmosis plant, the components of the reverse osmosis plant being arranged within the tower.

Abstract: A method and system for continuously treating ship ballast water enroute to reduce or eliminate harmful microorganisms therefrom, before discharge of the ballast water into coastal waters. During the ships voyage, and before the ballast water is discharged, the ballast water is continually passed through an interconnected UV sterilization system for treatment by ultraviolet radiation. One or more dispensing pumps are provided to transport the ballast water through the length of the UV system, which includes one or more UV units to process and sterilize the ballast water. In cases where large volumes of water need to be processed or where individual ship design is limiting, secondary piping to divert the flow of ballast water from the main piping system through placement of diverter valves, may be added to incorporate additional UV units or pumps. Flow jets secured to the inside of a ballast tank or hold may also be used to ensure proper circulation and mixing of the ballast water to be treated.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for managing a water supply in a water tank are presented herein. A submersible pump is placed inside the water tank. The thrust of the pump causes a considerable increase in water circulation about the water tank, thereby resulting in a more consistent water supply. Chemical disinfectants are added directly in front of the pump, thereby resulting in better mixing. Additionally an outlet from the pump provides a testable sample for measurement of the concentration of the chemical disinfectant. The measurements of the concentration of the chemical disinfectant are provided to a programmable logic controller which makes real time adjustments to the chemical disinfectants that are added.

Abstract: A structure for diverting fish away from water intakes comprises a porous dike having a bottom portion, a central portion, and a top portion, the top portion preferably being submerged a short distance below the surface, and the central portion having flow passages. In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom portions comprise solid blocks and the flow passages in the central portion are lined with zebra mussel resistant sleeves to minimize clogging. Preferably the sleeve can be readily replaced as desired.

Abstract: An oil or coolant distribution device is provided for attachment to a rotating shaft (2). The device includes a chamber (18) having an outlet towards a radially innermost portion thereof so as to form a weir. Centrifugal force ensures that debris in the oil or coolant is forced to the bottom of the weir where it is trapped.

Abstract: A drain strainer for debris is located in drain line having a side outlet extending to a drain line flow space. The strainer has a body bounded by sidewalls contiguous with an annular forward end wall for abutting with the drain flow space to prevent the passage of debris. An array of apertures in the strainer body, which is hemispherical or planner with upstanding sidewalls, is sufficient in number and size to maintain water flow while extracting and retaining debris occurring in the drain line flow space. A closure assembly is formed by a closure plate that supports a seal acted on by a retainer for forming a fluid tight seal with the side outlet opening of the drain line segment.

Abstract: A collection device for a gutter is provided. The device includes a housing having an upper open end sealably connectable to the gutter about a bottom opening in the gutter and a lower end and a screen extending from the lower end through the housing to the upper end. A first compartment is formed on one side of the screen within the housing to receive water and debris as they enter the bottom opening. A second compartment is formed on another side of the screen to substantially receive only water flowing through the bottom opening and into the first compartment. A down spout outlet is formed on the lower end in the second compartment. A debris outlet formed in the lower end of the first compartment and a trap door is sealably connectable to the lower end to enclose the debris outlet to contain the debris.

Abstract: A device for the emulsification and separation of small amounts of immiscible liquid phases has essentially a cover plate (2), which can be tightly connected to a base plate (1), where microchannels (4,4a,5,6,6a) in the form of grooves are cut out on the inner surface (3,3a) of the base plate (1) and/or cover plate (2). In a mixing zone, two microchannels (4,4a) run in a wave shape crossing one another a number of times. In a subsequent separation zone, they run essentially straight combined in a common microchannel (5). The otherwise tightly sealed-off microchannels (4,4a,5,6,6a) can be filled and emptied again via inlet apertures (8,8a) and outlet apertures (9,9a).

Abstract: A tidal-powered desalinization system is mounted on a barge that oscillates about fixed pier structures, generating a two-way pumping action. The two-way pumping action is changed to a single direction flow of seawater. The sea water is directed into an on-board desalinization system. Fresh water is produced and collected in reservoirs, without an intervening generation of electricity.

Abstract: A filter element assembly used to filter liquid-state process stream. The assembly includes first and second tubes. A ring is seated in one of the tubes. One or more filter elements extend from the ring into one of the tubes. The ring has a lip that extends beyond the outside of the tubes. Opposed open ends of the tube abut opposed surfaces of the ring lip. A seal surrounds the open ends of the tube and the ring lip. A clamp surrounds the seal. Liquid that flows between the ends of the tubes and the ring lip forces the seal against the clamp and the outer tubes to prevent the liquid from flowing beyond the seal.

Abstract: A sprayer, which in one embodiment, is a hand held ergonomic sprayer is disclosed herein. The sprayer may include: a housing through which water flows; a handle for gripping by a user, which is joined to the housing; at least one spray nozzle operatively connected to the housing; and, a connection for a hose, the connection being joined to the housing. In one non-limiting embodiment, when the sprayer has one end of a water-filled hose connected thereto, the combination of the sprayer and suspended portion of the hose has a combined center of gravity that passes through the axis of the sprayer handle. The sprayers described herein may also have other features, and provide other benefits that do not require the sprayers to have an ergonomic design.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for filtering sand, other debris, and pollutants from rainwater does not utilize electricity or complex valves. The apparatus includes a tank, preferably concrete, having at least one inlet, an overflow outlet, and a filter proximate the tank outlet. The overflow outlet in one embodiment comprises an overflow weir having at least one side and an open top. A screen is attached to the top of the overflow weir and/or the tank outlet, and is preferably made from stainless steel or plastic. The screen is preferably sized to filter sand. In use, rainwater enters the tank, debris settles, and water exits the outlet and the filter. When a large amount of fluid enters and fills the tank, the fluid level reaches the overflow. At this point, any excess rainwater that cannot exit through the screen will flow over and into the overflow opening and exit the tank outlet.

Abstract: A device for delaying water deoxidation has a main container, a motor disposed in the main container, a magneto-oscillator disposed in the main container, a pressure bottle disposed in the main container, a first water tube, a first non-return valve connected to the first water tube, a first three-way joint connected to the first non-return valve, a second water tube connected to the first three-way joint and the motor, a third water tube connected to the motor, a second three-way joint connected to the third water tube, a fourth water tube connected to the second three-way joint, a second non-return valve connected to the fourth water tube, a fifth water tube connected to the second non-return valve, a third non-return valve connected to the fifth water tube, a mixer connected to the fifth water tube, a first water inlet pipe connected to the mixer, the magneto-oscillator connected to the first water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe connected to the magneto-oscillator, and a second water inlet pipe conn

Abstract: Bioremediation of waste water traveling through a sewer system is accomplished by suspending in selected manholes a self-powered feeder device for delivering a desired amount of a solid microbial wastewater treatment preparation. The feeder device is preferably a) sealed to prevent moisture from causing caking or clumping of the solid microbial treatment preparation, b) controlled by a programable microprocessor and c) powered by a self-contained battery pack that allows the device to function for a desired period of time without maintenance or manual handling.

Abstract: An oil or coolant distribution device is provided for attachment to a rotating shaft (2). The device includes a chamber (18) having an outlet towards a radially innermost portion thereof so as to form a weir. Centrifugal force ensures that debris in the oil or coolant is forced to the bottom of the weir where it is trapped.

Abstract: A rotomolded hydraulic reservoir includes a plastic container body defining a container cavity for receiving hydraulic fluid and forming a filter cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. An insert, such as an aluminum bushing, is molded in the container body adjacent the filter cavity and a removable filter element positioned with the filter cavity and coupled to the insert.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact water dispersal system located on an outdoor ground site. The system includes a water treatment system resulting in treated water with an organic loading of less than about 20 ppm and a suspended solids concentration of less than about 20 ppm. The water flows from the water treatment system to an interior discharge pipe having a plurality of perforations. Through the perforations, the water flows into an exterior discharge pipe surrounding the interior discharge pipe, the exterior discharge pipe also having a plurality of perforations. The exterior discharge pipe is surrounded by a layer of wicking material. A volume of fill material surrounds the interior discharge pipe, the exterior discharge pipe, and the layer of wicking material, thereby dispersing the water therefrom.

Abstract: Described is a method for installing a gray water reclamation system in an existing plumbing infrastructure. A flexible conduit 26 is connected to the drain of a gray water source by moving the flexible conduit through an access 36 in the plumbing infrastructure and through the drainage conduit 41 to the drain where one end of the flexible conduit is coupled thereto. The other end of the flexible conduit is located adjacent the access and is in fluid communication with a filtration apparatus 27 and a storage vessel 28 so that the gray water may be filtered and then stored. A plumbing snake may be used to move the flexible conduit through the existing plumbing infrastructure.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic gravitational separator and an attending drainwater filtration section positionable within a horizontal flow passage of a drainage system utilizes a circular-walled collection cavity into which drainwater is directed so that a swirling motion is imparted to the drainwater collected within the collection cavity. Furthermore, a baffle plate is supported within the collection cavity adjacent the exit opening thereof to isolate the exit opening from the swirling motion of the drainwater collected within the cavity. The filtration section includes a filter disposed downstream of the exit opening of the collection cavity so that drainwater which exits the collection cavity is subsequently routed through the filter.

Abstract: A draining wall includes a plurality of panels filled with a granular filtering material and separated from each other by intermediate elements cast in the ground, a member, embedded in the lower part of each intermediate element, enabling communication to be established between the panels of each pair of adjacent panels, and auxiliary devices applied into contact with the end faces of the intermediate elements so as to cover the mouth of the communication-enabling members. Each auxiliary device is open on the side applied against the intermediate element, has a height greater than the diameter of the mouth, delimits a volume around the mouth, and has either perforations over at least a part of its surface whose size is smaller than that of the granules constituting the filtering material or an opening to which a perforated pipe acting as a receiver is connected.

Abstract: A system and method for treating farm animal waste, such as hog and poultry waste, to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wastewater treatment pits and thus control smell is disclosed. The farm animals are housed in structures equipped with grated flooring to permit animal waste to fall into pits or reservoirs below. The pits contain water inoculated with a special assemblage of natural microbes to which oxygen is supplied through piping arranged in the pits. These special microbes have an affinity for ammonia and convert much of the animal waste into carbon dioxide, fatty acids, and water. The system also includes a second piping network situated beneath the grated flooring which serves to create a negative air situation by which escaping foul-smelling air is pulled back into the wastewater to permit further action on the VOCs by the microbes in the water.

Abstract: Reject waste water adapter coupling fitting, system and installation method for use with a household undercounter reverse osmosis (R/O) water filtration installation associated with an in-counter sink having a garbage disposer with its outlet connected by standard slip fit plumbing fittings to a sink drain trap plumbed to the household sewer system. The R/O reject waste water undercounter drain line is coupled into the sink drain trap in parallel drainage relation with the disposer outlet plumbing fittings by a baffle Tee plumbing fitting having first and second inlets perpendicular to one another with their input drainage liquid flow separated by an internal baffle. The garbage disposer outlet is coupled by a standard slip fit single inlet/outlet conduit plumbing fitting to the baffle Tee first inlet. The baffle Tee has a single outlet slip coupled to the inlet of the trap.

Abstract: A materials treatment system which initially separates liquid and solid components with a separator. The system can be advantageously utilized for household sewage handling, however various components have other applications. Once the separator separates the solids and liquids, a fire tube combusts the solids with microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are treated in a liquid treatment system which includes additional particle filtration/separation, treatment of the liquids with an oxidant liquid, and an ultraviolet treatment. An advantageous microwave cavity assembly is also provided for dehydration/combustion of solids exiting the separator and/or for solids filtered from liquids in the liquid treatment system.

Abstract: A drainpipe filter kit for installation on a sink drain, the kit having the parts necessary to install a substitute drain pipe with a filter canister between the sink drain and the sink trap, the kit including a drainpipe segment with end fittings for connection to a sink drain and trap, and a removable canister connected to the pipe segment having a drain spigot and a disposable filter packet. The filter packet includes a dissolvable sanitation tablet, the canister being easily removed after draining for disposal and replacement of the filter packet.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming gray water includes a drainage conduit (41), a main drainage conduit (35), a gray water conduit (26), a filter apparatus (27), and a storage vessel (28). The drainage conduit is coupled to the drain (40) of a source of gray water (21) and to the main drainage conduit. The gray water conduit extends from the drain into and through the drainage conduit and then into and through a predetermined length of the main drainage conduit to the filtering apparatus. The vessel is provided for receiving and storing filtered gray water from the filtering apparatus. Preferably, the gray water conduit includes a funnel (45) for conducting gray water from the drain and into the proximal end of the gray water conduit. The funnel includes a grating (50) and at least one opening (51) for permitting the gray water to flow into the drainage conduit, bypassing the gray water conduit, in case the gray water conduit becomes obstructed.

Abstract: An animal waste treatment system, particularly adapted to process the waste from a large-scale confined animal facility, has two treatment cells and a holding reservoir. Each of the treatment cells has an anaerobic zone which is two to five feet deep and an aerobic zone on top of the anaerobic zone which is at least twelve feet deep. Effluent from the facility is introduced into the anaerobic zone of the first cell; the aerobic zone of the first cell has a fluid connection to the anaerobic zone of the second cell. Residence times are preferably twenty-one days per cell. The aerobic zone is created by the injection of air with a coarse aerator. Oxygen introduced by the aeration oxidizes reduced nitrogen compounds and other volatiles; much of the nitrogen escapes as N2 to the atmosphere. A portion of the cleaned water is returned to the facility for dilution and flushing purposes. The rest of the cleaned water is used to irrigate crops.

Abstract: Reject waste water adapter coupling fitting, system and installation method for use with a household undercounter reverse osmosis (R/O) water filtration installation associated with an in-counter sink having a garbage disposer with its outlet connected by standard slip fit plumbing fittings to a sink drain trap plumbed to the household sewer system. The R/O reject waste water undercounter drain line is coupled into the sink drain trap in parallel drainage relation with the disposer outlet plumbing fittings by a baffle Tee plumbing fitting having first and second inlets perpendicular to one another with their input drainage liquid flow separated by an internal baffle. The garbage disposer outlet is coupled by a standard slip fit single inlet/outlet conduit plumbing fitting to the baffle Tee first inlet. The baffle Tee has a single outlet slip coupled to the inlet of the trap.

Abstract: A breakaway gutter (30) comprising a flexible trough (32) having a rearward edge (34) permanently connected to a building (36) proximate an overhanging edge (38) of a roof (40) of the building (36). Structures (42) are connected to the building (36), for retaining in a detachable manner a forward edge (44) of the flexible trough (32), so that the flexible trough (32) will be in a position to receive water from the roof (40) when it rains. The forward edge (44) of the flexible trough (32) can disengage from the retaining structures (42) by pressure exerted by the weight of snow on the roof (40) in winter, to prevent damage to the flexible trough (32).

Abstract: A drain trap having a T-shaped base portion with a removable filter arranged for visual inspection and cleaning. The filter has a flow-through inspection reservoir insert with a filter cap extending downstream therefrom.

Abstract: A strainer device is provided for use with a water inlet for a heat exchanger tube. The strainer includes a base portion with an anchor for frictionally holding the strainer in the inlet end of the heat exchanger tube, a stop to prevent inward movement of the strainer into the heat exchanger tube past a predetermined position, and a plurality of trap bars or a strainer assembly to prevent the entry of shells and debris of a size greater than a predetermined maximum into the tube inlet while, at the same time, avoiding excessive pressure drops or the accumulation of excessive debris on or adjacent to the strainers.

Abstract: A protective and aesthetics-enhancing cover for disposition over the open end of a drain pipe projecting outwardly from a building structure. The protective cover comprises a convexo-concave disk which has an outer surface convex away from the building structure and an inner surface concave toward the building structure. The convexo-concave disk is sized so as to effectively hide the drain pipe from view. A tubular mounting flange projects from the disk on the concave surface thereof for coupling to the drain pipe in a telescopic arrangement to thereby hold the cover on the end of the drain pipe. An opening is formed in the disk to allow water to drain from the drain pipe and through the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for separation of liquid and solid waste materials from a mixture or other combination of such materials. A container is provided with a vertically disposed interior screen or perforated wall that is capable of retaining solid material while permitting liquid material to pass therethrough. The perforated wall divides the container into first and second portions. Waste material is provided to the first portion, and liquid material is removed from the second portion. Preferably disposed in the first portion is an onion bag or other porous, screening or filtering material for receiving the combination of liquid and solid material and retaining of the solid material. Liquid material can be removed from the second portion via a drain, or alternatively by a pump controlled by a liquid level sensor. The pump would be operated whenever the liquid level sensor sensed a sufficiently high predetermined level of liquid in the container.

Abstract: An elongated, conical cage of spaced-apart rods is disclosed, each rod having a first and secured to the apex of the cone, and a second end terminating in the open of the cone which is formed by a circular ring-shaped rod. The open end of the conical cage and the circular rod forming the open end are secured to a band preferably constructed of metal which forms a fixation device for securement to the exposed end of the pipe. Preferably, the rods forming the conical cage are spaced apart by approximately six inches, a distance which has been found sufficiently wide to enable debris to flow through and out of the apparatus, and sufficiently narrow to prevent entry of small animals such as beavers into the apparatus.

Abstract: A spraying system to be used on wastewater settling tanks for skimming the top scum layer into a drain. The system includes a spray nozzle that causes the top liquid layer to move in a circular fashion about the center of the tank. The nozzle can be in the form of a wall mounted spray unit that sprays water onto the surface of the contained wastewater. The nozzle can also be in the form of a multiorificed tubular body mounted directly onto the top of the drain trough. Water sprayed from the latter nozzle is directed into the trough and thereby causes a suctioning of the scum layer into the drain. The system can employ either of the nozzles or both nozzles in combination.

Abstract: A ship-mounted oil spill recovery apparatus includes a spill barrier in the form of a floating boom that can be placed around an oil-carrying ship or vessel to confine oil discharge in an area immediately surrounding the vessel. The spill barrier is connected to a plurality of support booms located on the vessel which move and maintain the spill barrier. Oil recovery lines are attached to the spill barrier for immediate deployment with the spill barrier. The recovery lines are connected to transporting hoses that extend back to the vessel and are connected to a main on-board oil recovery system. Recovered oil is transported to storage enclosures that float in the body of water away from the ship. Transporting lines connecting the storage enclosures with the recovery system transport the recovered oil from the recovery system to the storage enclosure.

Abstract: A method for using a foamed liquid for cleaning and/or inerting a vessel is described which allows for continuous recycling of the foam and its breakout liquid and gas components into regenerated foam which is continously directed back into the vessel.

Abstract: Injection-molded intake-water filtering apparatus designed for use with electric power generating stations and the like, comprising a rectangular elastomeric grid in which the number and spacing of the longitudinal elements are both adjustable. The lateral spacing between the longitudinal elements is established by cylindrical sleeves through which pass transverse rods which bind together the longitudinal elements to form the grid. The elastomeric material used is of a hardness, strength, and elasticity necessary to resist the large forces to which the trash rake is exposed and sufficiently smooth that ice-nucleating centers and marine-growth anchors are effectively absent on the surface of the finished grid.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in augmenting the separation of oil and water flowing comingled in a stream having a conduit through which the stream of comingled water and oil passes, an assembly of nodules formed of catalytic metal alloy, the nodules being generally cylindrical and having longitudinal notches on the external cylindrical surfaces and the nodules being arranged in subassemblies, each subassembly being formed of three nodules affixed to each other in a layer such that a longitudinal notch of each nodule mates with a longitudinal notch of the other two nodules to provide a central opening through the subassembly, and a central axial shaft received within the central opening retaining a plurality of the subassemblies. The complete assembly is positioned within the conduit so as to be engaged by the water and oil flowing therethrough. Each nodules being formed of an alloy of copper, zinc, nickel, lead and tin which augments the separation of the oil and water.

Abstract: The present invention represents an automatic produce hydration system of improved efficiency and design. The system is self-contained, and adaptable for use in both pre-existing and new produce display racks. The system first includes a filter unit designed to remove foreign particulate materials from incoming water. In fluid communication with the filter unit is an automatic filter cleaning system for ejecting collected foreign particulate materials from the system at selected time intervals. After filtration, the water is introduced into a pressurization system. Once the pressure has been increased, pressurized water is delivered through an external water delivery line having a plurality of spray heads associated therewith. The spray heads have restriction means therein to ensure that a fine mist-like spray is delivered to the produce materials.

Abstract: A plant consisting of modular elements for reducing organic wastes by degrading them by means of earth worms, comprising a tank for organic wastes, arranged outside the plant assembly, an inclined main screw feeder for lifting the materials onto work stations and discharging them onto horizontal screw-feeders arranged at any work station, the horizontal feeders conveying the materials to horizontal conveyers which discharge them into modular containers arranged on the work stations, whereby, at the end of the transformation, the material is discharged through hoppers onto conveyors arranged at the plant base and conveyed to storage containers.

Abstract: The invention provides a septic tank system of greatly improved effectiveness in maintaining optimum bacterial action for a maximum length of time by utilizing a plurality of serially-connected tanks with the water level in each successive tank being lower than that in the first tank so that gravity flow is established between the successive tanks. A unique transfer means is provided between each of the successive tanks comprising one or more horizontal pipes having their inlet ends closed, each horizontal pipe having a wide opening in the upper portion thereof at a level preferably above the centerline of the pipe in order to permit the removal of scum through said openings by entrainment and/or suction action of the fluid flowing through the transfer pipe, thereby permitting gases to freely escape through the scum from the effluent surface of each tank and preventing deleterious effects of trapped gases upon the biodegradation action normally produced in each successive septic tank.

Abstract: An automatic well skimmer for removal of floating contaminates and oil and gasoline seepage from water wells. A cylindrical well bailer is lowered and raised by means of a motor driven cable hoist programmed to lower the bailer in small increments after detecting the liquid level and to lift the bailer before it is completely filled with liquid. When lifted to the surface the liquid is dumped from the bailer and the bailer is returned to the well. The timing of the controls can be varied to permit skimming at rates comparable to the seepage of hydrocarbons into the well and the bailer can be stored below ground in the well between cycles to prevent freezing of the unloading mechanism.