Abstract: A water intake and pretreatment system (10) comprising an inlet for delivering water from a natural source to a reservoir (12); said inlet to reservoir having a net screen (16) to prevent entry of organisms above a predetermined size and including a one-way gate (30) to allow organisms to exit the reservoir; said reservoir further comprising a granular filter media for water and algae filtration; and a drainage layer for removal of filtered water from the granular filter media to a drainage outlet. A local backwashing apparatus (40) is included for localized backwashing of the granular filter media.

Abstract: A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a conventional curbside storm drain of the character having spaced apart side walls that define a fluid flow channel through which fluid flows. Additionally, the apparatus senses the nature and extent of contaminants contained within the fluid.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system wheel including a hub having an axis of rotation and having lateral and oppositely lateral sides; a plurality of spoke pairs having distal ends and having proximal ends, each proximal end being attached to the hub, each spoke pair having lateral and oppositely lateral spokes, each lateral spoke being intersected by an axially extending plane of orientation, and said each oppositely lateral spoke being intersected by the same plane of orientation; a first plurality of axially extending through spaces, each through space being bounded by an adjacent pair of the spoke pairs; an annular rim having an outer surface, the distal end of each spoke being fixedly attached to the rim; and a plurality of treads, each tread being fixedly attached to the annular rim's outer surface.

Abstract: A livestock fence assembly is provided for use across a waterway having a flow direction and a substantially horizontal bed surface. The fence assembly includes: a foundation having a bottom portion configured to be disposed parallel to and below the bed surface, a top portion configured to be disposed proximate the bed surface, and an interior region between the top portion and bottom portion; and a plurality of spaced apart poles, each having a proximal segment secured to the bottom portion of the foundation and secured to the top portion of the foundation, and having a distal segment extending upwardly in a plane which forms an angle ? between 30° and 75° relative to the flow direction, wherein the assembly is substantially devoid of any structure between distal segments of adjacent poles.

Abstract: This invention is made of a rotational hollow blade (11) turbine, which can be installed in watercourses for power generation. This system may include up to six propellers placed in hexagon shape, since this is the recommended shape for a better collection of the river flow, so that their movement does not obstruct the turbine rotation, and increases speed when immersing and emerging. The mentioned propellers are assembled on top of an axis of rotation, and the latter has an emission pinion (12) on both ends, which connects to a receiver pinion (13) placed inside a reduction gear box. Several turbines can be installed depending on the motive power of each hydric flow, and on the connection to two flow generators, one on each side, so that the power falling upon the turbine is regular and balanced.

Abstract: A separator for separating solids and liquids from slurry includes a housing defining a liquid channel and oriented at an acute angle such that a top end is positioned higher than a lower end. A slot sieve extends between and supported at opposing side edges of the housing and is suspended above the liquid channel, the slot sieve including a vibration zone and at least one reaction zone. A slurry delivery apparatus positioned to deliver slurry to the top end of the slot sieve. A liquid removal conduit fluidly coupled to the bottom of the liquid channel. A mechanical vibrator assembly is coupled to the vibration zone of the slot sieve to directly impart mechanical vibration to the reaction zone of the slot sieve and to couple the mechanical vibration to the at least one reaction zone of the slot sieve to dislodge solids from slots of the slot sieve.

Abstract: A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.

Abstract: A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.

Abstract: A power plant which operationally combines a downstream turbine unit (7) and an upstream grating assembly (8), includes a grating (16), a supporting structure (17), and an element (18) for associating the grating (16), which has a structure that enables movement of at least the upper portion of the grating (16) between an upright position for the debris-stopping function and a folded-down position for discharging the floating debris stopped by the grating (16).

Abstract: A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.

Abstract: A screen system having first and second side members, each having a locking gear reversibly movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. A screen is coupled to the side members. The screen has openings and is rotatable from a closed position to an open position. The screen is engagable with the locking gears to preventing the screen from rotating from the closed position to the open position. A trigger plate is movably coupled to the screen, rotates from a first position to a second position and is engagable with the locking gears to prevent the locking gears from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. The trigger plate disengages with the locking gears when water flows against it, allowing the locking gears to move from the locked position to the unlocked position and the screen to rotate from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm, water passing through a storm water drain system vault. The storm water filtering system has a vault having chamber having a floating skimmer panel between the inlet thereto and the outlet therefrom. The skimmer panel has a filter passageway therethrough for filtering the storm water while the floatable skimmer panel captures floatable debris and trash from the storm water. Storm water entering the vault inlet passes through a filter element in the skimmer panel and out the vault outlet and also can pass under the floating skimmer panel when the floatable skimmer panel is floated to a raised position to thereby prevent storm water from accumulating on the inlet side of the wall.

Abstract: The anti-clogging drainage inlet is adapted for use in lawn or field environments that require drainage systems to prevent flooding or unwanted pooling during periods of rain. The inlet includes a grate mounted to a rectangular frame. The frame and the grate are adapted to be positioned in the opening of a conventional drainage box in a manner that the top surface of the grate is flush with the surface of the lawn or field. A linkage system is mounted to the frame and grate and operates to raise the grate from its flush position. The linkage system includes a container positioned below the grate and within the drainage box.

Abstract: A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.

Abstract: A screen cleaning apparatus for use, for example, in connection with a discharge conduit of a sewage pumping station, may include a housing, a screen, a rake and a float. The housing may operate to contain a fluid (and/or define a container for the other components) and include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The screen may be positioned in the housing and define one or more apertures. The rake may also be positioned in the housing and have one or more protrusions, with each protrusion extending into a respective aperture in the screen. The float may apply a force to the rake so that the rake moves relative to the screen and in dependence upon variations of a volume of fluid received in the housing. Accordingly, the rake may rise and fall will the fluid level to remove debris from the screen.

Abstract: The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system. The storm water filtering system has a floatable skimmer therein for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water and a separate filtration system to filter non-floatable pollutants from water passing therethrough.

Abstract: A wastewater screening device includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater flows, including a plurality of laterally spaced apart screening rods interconnected by cross members, such that solids in the wastewater are captured by the screening member. A plurality of wiping elements are positioned between the screening rods and shift longitudinally to clear screenings from the screening member. Each of the wiping elements has at least one end projection disposed laterally between opposite sides of the screening member, and a tapered wiping surface.

Abstract: A screening device for wastewater includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater in an associated channel flows from a bottom side thereof to a top side thereof. An overfall wall is positioned in the wastewater channel. A clearing member is shiftable relative to the screening member for cleaning screenings therefrom, and is positioned upstream of the overfall wall. A waterwheel is positioned in the wastewater channel at a location downstream of the overfall wall, and is operably connected with the clearing member for mechanically shifting the same to remove the screenings from the screening member without using external power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen lock-unlock system for automatically locking and unlocking a screen that is within a fluid channel wherein the screen is rotatable relative to the channel from closed to open. The system includes an actuator comprising a flapper and a trigger, wherein the flapper is rotatably connectable to the back of the screen. The flapper is operably connected to the trigger for moving the trigger. And, the system is further summarized, according to one aspect, as follows. It includes a lock bar wherein the lock bar is rotatably attachable to a screen support structure, the lock bar being rotatable by movement of the trigger. The lock bar intercepts the rearward arc path of a blockable part (such as a flange extending laterally from the screen). The flapper is located and oriented with respect to the closed screen for at least part of the flapper to be rotatable in response to pressure from impact fluid.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning drain structure includes a cover member, a base, a fan blades set and an object expeller set. The fan blades set is installed interior of a holding space of the base A wind power device extends from the object expeller set, and functional connection of the bearing between the fan blades set and the wind power device is used to effect rotation thereof, Accordingly, when a water flow flows past the fan blades set or the wind power device is blown by the force of wind, then a plurality of strip members of the object expeller set and a plurality of strip members of the wind power device rotate around the cover member about the bearing as center, thereby enabling the drain to achieve the objective of clearing away foreign objects to allow unimpeded water flow.

Abstract: A protection device for a side entry pit, device having a frame to clamp to the exposed edge of the cover of the pit, and a screen of chains attached to the frame and extending beneath the opening of the pit to prevent trash from entering the pit. The protection device also includes a screen to prevent debris such as dirt and gravel entering the pit, the device including a wire mesh supporting a material such as filter foam to prevent the debris entering the pit, while permitting the passage of water therethrough.

Abstract: In waste water installations, the amount of falling rainwater which increases as a result of heavy precipitations is diverted into lakes and waterways in order to relieve the sewage treatment plant. In order to remove the impurities carried along with the rainwater, the water is purified using a purification device. A retaining element is disposed behind the purification device in the direction of flow. This element is at least partially detachable connected to a base surface and can be used to release the through-flow in the region of the base surface of the purification device in an intermittent manner. The retaining element is pivotable around an axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method, using the apparatus, for blocking the passage of solid materials into or through a channel while permitting the passage of fluid; automatically releasing the blocked solid materials under predetermined conditions when priority is given to maximizing the passage of fluid; automatically re-closing after the accumulated solid materials have passed downstream, and resuming the blocking of solid materials; and, repeating the process upon recurrence of the predetermined conditions. Although the invention relates to street storm-water drainage channels, particularly inlets to catch basins, it can be applied to any fluid-flow channel where blocking the passage of solid materials is important but where there are conditions under which priority should be shifted from blocking the solid materials to releasing them downstream.

Abstract: A transportable waste collection system for collecting waste found in a body of flowing water, including non-navigable waters, the system having a flotation platform adapted to floating in the body of water; a waste collection conveyor mounted on the platform having collection and discharge ends; a device for separating the waste from the body of flowing water and conveying the waste along the conveyor to the discharge end; a storage receptacle for storing the conveyed waste; and a water wheel interconnected with and providing power to the waste separation device.

Abstract: A filtering device, in particular for fish basins, has a housing (10) encompassing a filter chamber (20) and a filter drum (30), which is rotatably disposed in the filter chamber (20) and is loadable with water to be purified, about which a filter belt (40) is guided along part of its circumference from a dispensing roller (42) to a receiving roller (41) that is driven by a paddle wheel (5) disposed outside the filter chamber (20). The paddles (51) of the filter wheel are activated by unpurified water in such a way that the filter belt (40) is wound from the dispensing roller (42) onto the receiving roller (41). As the filter belt that loops around the filter drum becomes increasingly dirty and the water level in the filter chamber rises as a result, the unpurified water that is delivered by a pump flows over an overflow onto the paddle wheel as a mechanical drive means and places a receiving roller for the dirty filter belt into rotation.

Abstract: An automatically openable and closeable gate system that will find primary use with the street curb opening to a catch basin or vault of a storm drain system, and for other similar openings, the system having a gate which during dry and low-flow water drainage situations will be in a closed position such that items of trash, debris, litter, leaves and the like will be prevented from entering the basin, vault or system, yet in periods of heavy rainfall or other heavy water run-off situations will automatically open to allow free flow of water into the basis or vault to alleviate water accumulation in the adjacent street and other surrounding areas.

Abstract: A debris separating apparatus for use in downspout below an eaves trough comprises a main housing having a water and debris inlet, a water outlet, and a debris outlet. A debris deflector mounted within the main housing between the water and debris inlet and the water outlet is sloped downwardly towards the debris outlet and has a plurality of parallel slots that permit water to pass from the water and debris inlet to the water outlet. A rotatable debris ejecting member has outwardly projecting fingers and water receiving receptacles mounted on the fingers. The debris ejecting member is rotatably mounted within the main housing beneath the debris deflector such that the outwardly projecting fingers project through the slots in the debris deflector and such that the outwardly projecting fingers travel along the slots in the debris deflector as the debris ejecting member rotates, to thereby eject debris accumulated on the top of the debris deflector.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for removing small solids from water. The device includes an axle and a plurality of rotational filtering units installed on the axle. While rushed and hence rotated by water and small solids, the rotational filtering units filter the small solids. The device consumes little energy other than the water provides.

Abstract: Improved fabricated subcomponents, components and rotating biological contactor embodiments that are assembled from, and that incorporate, such subcomponents and components are achieved. The components comprise tank sections, bulkheads, contactor drums, paddle wheels, shaft assemblies including associated bearings and supports, each of which may be assembled from preformed subcomponents if desired. Rotating biological contactors are assemblable at an installation site, which may be a confined space if desired, by two men with simple tools. In an assembled rotating biological contactor, the shaft assemblies can rotated by an electric motor, by fluidic pressure exerted upon paddle wheel blades, or by both in combination.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber are one or more baffles forming gaps and having apertures. The gaps define a longer water flow route through the chamber and the apertures disperse the storm water within the chamber. This increases storm-water residence time which encourages settling of particulate matter such as sand and grit. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a screen that is elevated for separating and suspending miscellaneous debris such as vegetative matter, paper, and plastic, and that extends substantially all the way across the chamber to laterally disperse the storm water in the chamber. In alternative embodiments, there are included one or more baffles, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A pivotal gate system to be installed across the drain opening to a catch basin of a storm drain system and having a catch basin blocking gate that is adapted to rotate from a closed position extending completely across the drain opening at which to trap and prevent leaves, litter and other debris from entering the catch basin during dry periods and light rainfall to an open position removed from the drain opening at which to permit rainwater to enter the catch basin during periods of heavy rainfall. A water wheel is mounted for rotation within the catch basin. The water wheel is coupled to the catch basin blocking gate by way of a pulling cable. The water wheel rotates in response to impact forces caused by rainwater dropping downwardly on a plurality of scoops extending around the water wheel. A rotation of the water wheel generates a pulling force in the pulling cable to be applied to the catch basin blocking gate whereby to cause the blocking gate to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A flow control baffle is suspended from a pivot shaft across a drain passage to restrict passage of waste material; the shaft is connected to a torque limiter which prevents rotation until a selected load is applied to the baffle upstream face; the torque limiter has a number of detent balls that are forced into detents by a series of springs acting thru a spring seat; increased flow increases torque on the baffle with the increasing torque transmitted through the baffle shaft and to the torque limiter. When the liquid reaches a preset level, the balls are forced out of the detents against the force of the springs and the baffle is free to rotate and float on the liquid surface. As the liquid level recedes, the baffle will return to its original vertical position, the balls will re-engage in the detents and lock the baffle in its original position and ready for the next cycle.

Abstract: A chamber has an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a collection reservoir having an adjustable weir with a skimming edge for skimming off floating matter such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, one or more baffles, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a pivotal filter that catches clay during typical storm flows and pivots out of the way during higher flows. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, one or more baffles, and/or a collection reservoir for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.

Abstract: A system to exclude trash from curbside drains during periods of no or slow water flow, but opening to permit full entry during heavier flow such as during heavy rains. The system may have a linkage preventing opening by force on its barrier, and to assure that it will remain open should downstream drainage systems become flooded.

Abstract: A trap for a curbside drain opening to exclude solids of excessive size from the drain and trap them for analysis and recovery. The trap has a face which will open at high rates of water flow to avert flooding that might be or caused by plugging the drain opening. A filter is optionally provided to remove selected pollutants from the water stream for recovery and analysis.

Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber are a screen, one or more baffles, a collection reservoir, and a pivotal filter. The screen is elevated for separating and suspending miscellaneous debris such as vegetative matter, paper, and plastic. The baffles increase storm-water residence time to encourage settling of particulate matter such as sand and grit. The collection reservoir has an adjustable weir for skimming off floating matter such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. And the pivotal filter catches clay during typical storm flows and pivots out of the way during higher flows. In addition, a method for maintaining the pollution trap includes removing the screen for cleaning, suctioning out the particulate matter and oil, and replacing the pivotal filter member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method, using the apparatus, for blocking the passage of solid materials into or through a channel while permitting the passage of fluid; automatically releasing the blocked solid materials under predetermined conditions when priority is given to maximizing the passage of fluid; automatically re-closing after the accumulated solid materials have passed downstream, and resuming the blocking of solid materials; and, repeating the process upon recurrence of the predetermined conditions.

Abstract: An insert for use in a sewer system to remove oils and solvents carried by surface water runoff. The insert includes a holder and a quantity of water permeable, hydrophobic, oil and solvent absorbing material such as melt blown polypropylene. The holder has two functions. It holds an effective quantity of the absorber and holds it in such a way that the surface water is exposed to the absorber to allow oils and solvents to be absorbed. The insert in preferably placed, cartridge-like, at the inlet or outlet of the sewer system so that it may be quickly checked, replaced and serviced. In one embodiment, the insert also contains a leaf trap.

Abstract: A prevention system is provided for disallowing trash from entering a catch basin during a dry season, and employing an apparatus attached to the opening of a storm drain and having a plate movable between open and closed positions, and operated by an insert placed inside the storm drain catch basin, a water filtering replaceable bag or bags placed in the insert, and a water receiving canister below the bag or bags. Contaminants are removed from water that is used to impose weight to open the plate and then discharged.

Abstract: A floating system for collecting floatable debris is provided with curtains that direct the flow of water that contains floatables into the traps of the system while functioning as a pressure relief mechanism for the system which avoids placing excessive hydraulic forces on the system under extreme flow conditions. Inlet flow confining curtains have means for allowing the curtain to lift from the bottom of the waterbody as flow becomes progressively more extreme. The means may include patterns of weights in a series of normally horizontal pockets that are fabricated into the curtain at various distances below the water level that hang down to the bottom of the waterbody under normal conditions. The weights are graduated with the heaviest at the top and the lightest at the bottom. Alternatively, openings or windows are formed in the curtain and covered with mesh to allow flow through the windows while containing floatables larger than the size of the openings in the mesh.

Abstract: A dewatering system for separating a stream of liquid from the items traveling therein. The dewatering system includes a primary grid which catches the stream of liquid from a flume or other device. The liquid stream, but not the solid items, passes through the primary grid and is caught by a baffle which smoothly redirects the liquid. The baffle is arranged with respect to the primary grid so that the surface of the stream flow through the grid is substantially tangential to a leading portion of the baffle.

Abstract: A screen system used in fluid channels has emergency discharge doors. The emergency discharge doors are located within the debris plate of the bar screen system and can be opened, as needed, to prevent fluid from overflowing should the grid screen become obstructed. The emergency discharge doors are located within rectangular openings in the debris plate in which the doors sit flush with the debris plate when closed. The emergency discharge doors can be opened manually, when needed, with handles that are preferably located at the top of the screen system. Lifting the handles releases the locking pins that keep the doors in place, allowing the doors to open freely in response to the fluid pressure on the upstream side of the screen system.

Abstract: A pollution control device (10) for removal of litter and sediments from a flowing stream of stormwater or the like, the device including an upwardly inclined flume (11,18) adapted to be disposed adjacent the discharge end of a stormwater outlet (16) with a collection container (12) at the opposite end of the flume, the flume (18) and the container (12) being fabricated from expanded metal mesh screen. During stormwater flow, litter entrained with the stormwater is urged up the inclined path of the flume (18) for collection in the container (12) whereas sediments are screened from the flume (18) and the container (12) through apertures in the expanded metal screen and pass through to a sediment sump (29) disposed beneath the device (10). Stormwater which has been so screened is then permitted to flow further downstream. A method of separating litter and sediments from a flowing stream of stormwater is also claimed.

Abstract: A separator for separating material from a fluid which includes an inlet, a separating chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, a holding chamber, a deflector for deflecting material entrained in or moving with fluid entering the separating chamber from the inlet towards the holding chamber, and an outlet for permitting flow of fluid from which the material has been removed from the separating chamber.

Abstract: The helix boom removes floating objects from a waterway by transporting them to the waterway side for containment and subsequent removal. Lateral transport across the waterway width is accomplished by the rotation of the buoyant boom transversing the waterway. Energy from the moving water causes the rotation of the floating boom. A continuous narrow helically shaped fin is affixed to the cylindrical surface of the boom. The water flow impacting the boom and helix causes the apparatus to rotate. Floating objects are impeded by the cylindrical boom. The rotating helix contains the floatables within the fins, causing the translational movement of the floatables across the boom face to the waterway side where the floatables may be deposited into a collection bin. Multiple booms may be utilized down stream for redundancy. An individual boom may be comprised of small segments connected together on a center hub.

Abstract: The screening apparatus of the invention has a main cylindrical chamber linking a waste water inlet pipe to a refuse pipe and to an overflow outlet pipe. The waste water inlet pipe conveys water from a city sewer duct or the like, and this water is destined to be conveyed to a water treatment plant through the refuse pipe. However, during important storm water flow rate conditions in the waste water inlet pipe, the water level in the main chamber will rise since the refuse pipe will overflow due to a too large quantity of water. The screening apparatus includes a coaxial, cylindrical rotor defining a vertical through channel, and an annular grate being located intermediate the top and bottom of the main chamber and extending from the bottom edge of the rotor radially outwardly to the peripheral wall of the main chamber, where the annular grate is fixedly anchored. The rotor carries brooms adjacent the grate underface.

Abstract: A porous, conical structure for submersion in a body of water for rotation by water action. A screw blade in the structure confines as well as propels fish toward an outlet end of the porous structure. A support structure for the porous, conical structure may be embodied in a buoyant platform while a modified form of the collector utilizes a permanent ground supported structure. A receptacle is provided at the outlet end of the porous, conical structure for reception of fish and other collected matter. The receptacle may be a walled structure or the end of a bypass conduit enabling diversion of the collected matter and water away from the body of water. A lift and pivoted bearing permit elevating of porous, conical structure from the body of water.

Abstract: A feed box assembly including a feed box for feeding a slurry or other mixture to a screen, the box having an adjustable gate for controlling the rate and impingement angle of the feed on a screen and seals on the gate and cooperating fixed deflectors in and on the box for preventing the fluid mixture during feeding from spewing around sides of the gate.