Comminuting Patents (Class 210/173)
  • Patent number: 6193879
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Eco-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 6146522
    Abstract: Odors can arise from an enclosed waste processing system designed to convert solid waste into an aqueous pulp and extract a solid phase and an aqueous phase from the waste. The odors are the result of anaerobic portions of the system in which anaerobic microorganisms convert waste including fatty soils into volatile odor components including low molecular weight carboxylic acids. The action of these microorganisms can be controlled by maintaining the pH, of the aqueous phase common to all portions of the system, at above a pre-selected alkaline pH. Such a pH can be maintained by dosing the aqueous phase in the system with an appropriate amount of one or more alkalinity sources on a timely basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Fernholz, Keith L. Ware
  • Patent number: 6106703
    Abstract: A waste treatment system for use on a vehicle having an exhaust manifold, the waste treatment system comprising a holding tank for receiving waste from a head, a galley, a shower or a bilge tank. At least one macerator is connected to the holding tank such that the macerator grinds the waste from the holding tank and recirculates it, as appropriate. A reducer is connected to the at least one macerator for reducing the size of the output of the at least one macerator. A centrifugal separator separates the relatively large waste particles coming from the reducer from the relatively small waste particles and liquid waste and recirculates the relatively large particles back to the holding tank. The remaining particles are sent to an injector pump that injects the waste, through an injector nozzle, into the exhaust manifold of the vessel. A control module controls the operation of the system based on various parameters, the parameters derived from various sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Namon A. Nassef
  • Patent number: 6096219
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the pre-treatment of hazardous biological and chemical contaminants from a waste fluid stream prior to discharge to a waste water treatment facility such as a publicly owned water treatment works or a similar privately operated facility. The method includes breaking apart tissue samples with a macerator, contacting a waste fluid stream with ozone, preferably in a vibrational mixer, which thereby acts as a promoter of hydroxyl radicals, passing the mixture through strong and weak unpolarized magnetic fields, static discharge and neutralization units, and finally, exposing the mixture to ultraviolet radiation. If found necessary, a subsequent static discharge and neutralization unit may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sanitrol Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Green, Michael G. Nickelsen
  • Patent number: 6059972
    Abstract: A tank (1) for an apparatus for receiving and conditioning organic waste by anaerobic bioconversion, in particular, waste produced by restaurant kitchens and other facilities, includes a main enclosure wherein bioconversion takes place, and a secondary enclosure (18) for receiving and storing ground organic waste before it is transferred to the main enclosure for completion of its bioconversion. A hopper (4) or other device for receiving the organic waste is associated with a grinder (2) and is connected to the secondary enclosure (18) of the tank for feeding the ground organic waste. A recirculation system (12, 15) for recycling the contents of the tank includes a pump (13), means for distributing (17a, 17b) the contents of the main enclosure between the different levels thereof, and separate means (9, 22) for removing solid residues and liquid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Fran.cedilla.ois-Regis Mahrer
  • Patent number: 6056885
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for using ozone to disinfect, decontaminate and deodorize animal manure. The invention contemplates injecting ozone gas into manure, while the manure is rotated on an auger in a sealed chamber. As a result of the invention, the manure is disinfected, decontaminated, and deodorized, while nutrients in the manure and a neutral pH are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Eric Wasinger
  • Patent number: 6039867
    Abstract: A method is described for the continuous disintegration of microbial sludge in a sewage clarification or sewage treatment plant wherein the microbial sludge is decomposed biologically by bacteria and the resultant sludge (5) is exposed to sonic radiation in a treatment vessel (1) in order to split the cell walls of the microorganisms. With that, the sonic radiation shall be generated asymnetrically in the treatment vessel (1). The intensity of the sonic exposure lies in an area of 500 to 1500 W/m2 and the sludge (5) is fed with a mean dwell-time of 2 to 4 minutes in counter-flow through the treatment vessel (1). The device for carrying out the method possesses a treatment vessel (1) with an eccentrically arranged sonic resonator arranged within (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Telesonic AG
    Inventors: Karl Frei, Klaus Luger
  • Patent number: 5944985
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5944986
    Abstract: A magnetic separation apparatus which coagulates substances to be removed in liquid by adding magnetic substances and a flocculent to liquid to be treated and adsorbs and captures the thus obtained magnetic aggregates by utilizing magnetic field of magnetic substances which move relative to the liquid to be treated, and other magnetic separation apparatus comprising a magnetic filter which contains charging magnetic metallic elements placed in a magnetic field and which magnetically adsorbs and captures the magnetic aggregates, are appropriately combined to remove the magnetic aggregates from the liquid to be treated with good efficiency. Substances to be removed in liquid can be removed with further good efficiency by employing a method of separating the magnetic aggregates separated by the magnetic filter from liquid with a centrifugal separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihide Saho, Hisashi Isogami, Minoru Morita, Koichi Tsuzuki, Hiroaki Okajima
  • Patent number: 5891330
    Abstract: A system for treating human waste in remote or portable toilet facilities, including a holding tank that stores waste; a heat reservoir that receives waste from the holding tank, heats the waste to kill fecal coliform bacteria therein present, and routes the heated bacteria-free waste back through the holding tank. The holding tank maintains the heated bacteria-free waste separate from the contaminated waste but passes residual heat from the bacteria-free waste to the untreated waste. In one embodiment, a centrifuge receives the bacteria-free waste from the holding tank, separates the liquid waste from the solid waste, and discharges the liquid waste from the system. In one embodiment, the waste is pumped through the system to be heated in incremental portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Nathan Morris
  • Patent number: 5837142
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating sanitary wastewater using membrane filtration are disclosed. Designed principally for complete on-site sewage treatment and disposal, the system separates wastewater into liquid and concentrated solid components by membrane separation; then dries, disinfects, and deodorizes the solid component by a variety of methods to render it reusable or more easily stored and disposed. The liquid component is discharged or reused as is, or is further treated to render it disposable or reusable for particular applications. Alternatives for treating the solids component include mixing with alkaline admixtures and composting with other cellulose-based wastes. Alternatives for treating the liquid component include deodorization and biological stabilization by ultraviolet radiation and ozonation. Preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of a membrane filtration system, a liquid treatment subsystem, a solids treatment subsystem, and a flushing subsystem are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Great Circle Associates
    Inventors: Steven B. Mullerheim, Guy W. Roy
  • Patent number: 5830366
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for filtering or straining water taken into a marine vessel so as to remove solid contaminants that may impede operation of water consuming devices on the vessel such as electrical generators, air conditioners, refrigeration systems, propulsion engines and the like. Solid contaminants retained by a filter or strainer are collected and then macerated and removed by a macerator pump. The solid contaminants removed and macerated include marine weeds, grasses, solid matter and marine organisms, including, but not limited to jellyfish and fish of such size as may be able to enter the sea water intake served by the invention. The water so treated may be fresh, brackish or salt water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Charles B. Husick
  • Patent number: 5820541
    Abstract: A process, formula and apparatus for the treatment and sterilization of biological, solid, liquid, ferrous metallic, non-ferrous metallic, toxic and hospital dangerous waste or residual material utilizes a mixture of oxygen, ozone, water, and optionally, carbon dioxide, in variable proportions and rates. The apparatus comprises an oxygen container (10) and a carbon dioxide container (11) from which the oxygen and the carbon dioxide are incorporated through respective conduits (13) and (15) to an ozonizer (1) provided with cooling water inlet (16) and outlet (17). The conduits (13) and (15) exit adjacent to the ozone conduit (14), up to the injector (3), and are actuated by the pump (2) and pass through the mixing conduit (4) to the absorption and outgassing tank (5) from which the conduit (6) for the washing fluid passes to the treatment tank (7) having a degasification valve (12) or catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Biozon, S.L.
    Inventor: Manuel Berlanga Barrera
  • Patent number: 5770058
    Abstract: A centrifugal soil separator for a dishwasher having a rotating centrifuge connected for rotation with a centrifugal impeller, the centrifugal impeller providing a majority of recirculating wash water for the dishwasher while the centrifuge accepts a second portion of flow and spins that portion of flow for soil separation and to achieve a pumping action to move that quantity of water to the wash water delivery system with the quantity of water moved by the centrifugal impeller. By a coordinated stopping, reversing and starting action of the centrifuge, soil collected therein can be disposed to a soil sizing and drain apparatus for flushing and draining the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Jozwiak
  • Patent number: 5698095
    Abstract: In the agitation chamber (11), the human waste and the flush water from the flush toilet (20) are mixed. A heat accumulator (12) is provided in the discharge path of the exhaust gas. The drying chamber (13) heats the discharge from the agitation chamber (11) using the heat of the heat accumulator (12). The moving device (18) moves the scraper (16) and the suction port of the suction device (17) in the drying chamber (13). The scraper (16) scrapes off the residual human waste stuck in the drying chamber (13). The suction device (17) suctions the residual human waste in the drying chamber (13). The water accumulation chamber (14) recovers the water vapor from the drying chamber (13). The recovered water is transported by the pump (15) to the flush tank (30) for the flush water, and thus recirculated. The space for holding the flush water can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kami
  • Patent number: 5584990
    Abstract: The method of cleaning porous ceramic filters with a backwashing apparatus comprising an accelerating circulation path and a unit for mixing accelerated water with high-pressure air can be implemented with compact equipment to achieve efficient cleaning. The pool water purifying apparatus and system that adopt this method of cleaning porous ceramic filters comprise a filtering system that uses the ceramic filters, a disinfecting unit and an adsorbing unit and, optionally, an ultrafiltration unit as an additional filtering unit, and are capable of removing not only bacteria but also viruses so that the water purified by this apparatus and system may be as clean as potable water. Such an extremely high efficiency of water purification achieved by the apparatus and system can be maintained over a prolonged period since both the filtering and adsorption means can be cleaned by backwashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Akitoshi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5579789
    Abstract: A food soil handing system for a dishwasher is provided. A main carrier arm has two driver arms rotatably mounted thereon. Each driver arm turns a driver gear engaged with a stationary ring gear. Rotation of the driver arms results in rotation of the main carrier arm, providing significant torque. The main carrier arm is disposed above a drain plate having perforations to drain wash water. A pair of resilient wipers are secured to the main carrier arm to wipe across the plate as the carrier arm rotates. The wipers mash soft food particles through the perforations. Hard items are either swept around or passed over by the wipers for later retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond W. Spiegel
  • Patent number: 5433842
    Abstract: A marine vessel waste treatment system includes a tank for receiving successive charges of liquid and solid waste material. A water conduit conducts heated water from the vessel's engine through the tank to heat the contents thereof above the level at which coliform bacteria can survive, thereby reducing the count of such bacteria to a level at which it is safe and acceptable to discharge the material into a waterway. A macerator pump is mounted in the tank for operation only after the temperature within the tank is sufficiently high. An electrically operated heating element is also mounted in the tank to accelerate the treatment of waste and can be used alone when desired. A thermal switch at the waste material input inhibits discharge if a fresh charge of material is received when the system is ready to discharge, thereby preventing discharge into the environment of untreated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: Nathan Morris, Donald P. Gross
  • Patent number: 5417806
    Abstract: A method of removing fine contaminants from waste paper fibrous material (S) is described with solution (1) and pre cleaning (2) whereupon the fibrous material is first subjected to a washing treatment (3) and then to a flotation treatment (5). The washing filtrate (12) from the washing treatment (3) is cleaned in a filtrate-flotation treatment (4) so that a cleaned fraction (14) can be returned into the useful material (13) of the washing treatment. The so cleaned waste paper fibrous material can be passed to further treatment steps such as flotation, bleaching and/or dispersion. The reject material from the filtrate-flotation (4) is, in one embodiment, again subjected to a flotation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Sulzer-Escher Wyss GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Matzke, Bruno Michelewski
  • Patent number: 5387350
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method and apparatus for treating and/or disinfecting medical wastes wherein the medical wastes may be shredded and the contact vessel may be sealed and may be under greater pressure than atmospheric pressure and may have a detention time of no more than 5 minutes. An organic hydroxy acid or carboxylic acid and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite are mixed in the contact vessel. The reaction between the acid and chlorite produces chlorine dioxide which is the active substance used to treat and/or disinfect the medical wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: George L. Williamson
    Inventor: James A. Mason
  • Patent number: 5340472
    Abstract: A method for processing wastes from the machining of ferromagnetic materials in which the wastes are mixed with a washing solution in a first tank and oil or oil-and-water emulsion adhering to the wastes is dissolved. Ferromagnetic components of the wastes are then separated from the washing solution in the first tank by means of a magnetic field, and non-magnetic components are then subjected to a washing in a following second tank. The ferromagnetic components are fed to an additional tank where they are washed again. The separated and degreased components are then filtered out of the washing liquids using suitable filtering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Heck, deceased
  • Patent number: 5333801
    Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Disposable Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Chambers, Sr., Craig J. Fennessy
  • Patent number: 5320286
    Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Disposable Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Chambers, Sr., Craig J. Fennessy
  • Patent number: 5296136
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids and liquids has an initial separator for removing coarse solid material from a mixture of solids and liquids, a first screen for separating further solid material from the liquid and a first auger extending axially through the first cylindrical screen for removing the separated further solid material from the first cylindrical screen. A second screen receives the liquid from the first screen and separates fine particles from the liquid, and a compactor between the first and second screens compacts the solid material removed from the first screen by the first auger. A second auger is provided in the second screen for mixing and removing the compacted solid material and the separated fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Gunther Abel
  • Patent number: 5282980
    Abstract: A method for treating liquid waste water sludge after its generation and separation from the waste liquid involves forcibly impacting sludge particles and microbial cells against a contact surface to thereby fragment the particles into smaller-sized particles and break apart the organic cells. As a result of such a fragmentation process, water located in the pores of the sludge particles is released, thereby enhancing a subsequent dewatering process performed on the sludge. The destruction of the cells permits a subsequent solids digestion process to work more efficiently, while also permitting a more complete conversion to dissolved sugars, proteins and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Kinetic Dispersion Corporation
    Inventors: S. Alan Kew, Robert M. Kritzer, Bruce E. Soule
  • Patent number: 5240599
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fragmenting waste water sludge particles to destroy sludge particles and to enhance a dewatering process performed on the sludge. Sludge is passed through a slotted rotor that centrifugally propels the sludge through slots in a surrounding annular stator. Sludge particles forcibly impact against the side surfaces of the stator slots to fragment into smaller sized particles. During the fragmentation process water located in the pores of the sludge particles is released. The free water can later be separated from the sludge in a dewatering apparatus. When passing through the rotor and stator slots, organic cells are broken apart and a portion of each is converted to dissolved sugars and proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Kinetic Dispersion Corporation
    Inventors: S. Alan Kew, Robert M. Kritzer, Bruce E. Soule
  • Patent number: 5207904
    Abstract: Apparatus for composting biological waste material, comprising a screen for separating the waste material into solids and liquids, a sludge outlet for adding sludge to the solids to form a mixture therewith and a compacting section for compacting the mixture. Further sludge is mixed with the compacted mixture to form a further mixture therewith, which is composted in a composter. The liquid separated from the biological waste is screened to remove fine solids and the fine solids are added to the first-mentioned mixture prior to the compacting thereof, the liquid being added to the further mixture in the composting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: 396234 B C Ltd.
    Inventor: Gunther Abel
  • Patent number: 5207901
    Abstract: Watercraft bucket including a loader which is arrangeable on the watercraft so that it is partially submerged under the water surface during the advancement thereof. The loader has a sieve-like bottom and a lower section configured like a depression chamber with at least one ejector which continuously expels the conveyed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: O.C.S. Officine Costruzioni Speciali S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Ravagnan
  • Patent number: 5173257
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously treating infectious waste, which comprises: (a) introducing bulk unseparated infectious waste material into a receiving container means, the receiving container means adapted to receive a flow of disinfectant such that the receiving container means remains substantially free of infectious contaminants; (b) shredding the waste material by a primary shredding means; (c) separating the shredded waste material from waste residue in a separation tank means having a predetermined fluid level thereby producing a waste slurry; (d) pumping the waste slurry into a reactor vessel means; (e) contacting the waste slurry with a disinfecting fluid in the reactor vessel means for a sufficient amount of time to disinfect the waste slurry; and (f) dewatering the disinfected waste slurry to recover solid disinfected waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Erich H. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5160354
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing blowing agent from polymeric foam. The apparatus comprises a comminution zone into which extraction liquid and polymeric foam may be introduced. The upper end of the zone is of larger cross-sectional area and tapers to a lower end of a smaller cross-sectional area. A plurality of blades are located within the comminution zone, and are adapted to comminute the polymeric foam and impart a vortex to the liquid and foam. A quiescent zone is directly connected to the lower end of the comminution zone so that comminuted polymeric foam and extraction liquid may be passed directly from the comminution zone to the quiescent zone. Baffles for attenuating the vortex created in the comminution zone are located within the quiescent zone. The foam then rises to the top of the quiescent zone and is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Du Pont Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Ascough
  • Patent number: 5116574
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously treating infectious waste, which comprises: (a) introducing bulk unseparated infectious waste material into a receiving container, the receiving container adapted to receive a flow of disinfectant such that the receiving container remains substantially free of infectious contaminants; (b) shredding the waste material by a primary shredder; (c) separating the shredded waste material from waste residue in a separation tank having a predetermined fluid level thereby producing a waste slurry; (d) pumping the waste slurry into a reactor vessel; (e) contacting the waste slurry with a disinfecting fluid in the reactor vessel for a sufficient amount of time to disinfect the waste slurry; and (f) dewatering the disinfected waste slurry to recover solid disinfected waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Erich H. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5114081
    Abstract: A system for mechanically and biologically decomposing a garbage discharged from a house, a restaurant or the like at high operational efficiency is disclosed. The system includes a disposer for disintegrating the garbage into a large number of pieces, a solid/liquid separator for separating water from the disintegrated garbage and a garbage decomposing vessel for biologically dissolving the solid disintegrated garbage from which water has been substantially separated in the solid/liquid separator. To promote biological decomposition of the solid disintegrated garbage in the garbage decomposing vessel, pulverized wood is normally used instead of soil as a raw material for forming a decomposing bacillus growing bed in the garbage decomposing vessel. Prior to practical use, the pulverized wood is thermally processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignees: Mitsui Home Co., Ltd., Shinyou Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shintaro Takenaka
  • Patent number: 5087420
    Abstract: An improved infectious waste treatment system wherein infectious waste is fragmented and converted to a liquid or liquid/sludge form and then is chemically disinfected in a precisely controlled and timed batch process. The disinfection process takes place in an airtight sealed container to insure against release of pathogenic agents into the atmosphere. The process produces a non-toxic and non-infectious liquid or liquid/sludge waste residue which can be safely released into a sanitary sewer, landfilled or otherwise environmentally disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Puretech Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5078965
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the batch treatment of infectious waste material in a fluidized bed reactor utilizing gas oxidation, preferably ozone gas diluted in air. The process and apparatus provide for the disinfecting of infectious waste in a rapid, cost efficient manner allowing for disposal of such infectious waste material in an environmentally acceptable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Erich H. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5077007
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the batch treatment of infectious waste material in a fluidized bed reactor utilizing gas oxidation, preferably ozone gas diluted in air. The process and apparatus provide for the disinfecting of infectious waste in a rapid, cost efficient manner allowing for disposal of such infectious waste material in an environmentally acceptable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Erich H. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5060872
    Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Chambers, Boyd, McKinley and Associates
    Inventor: Joseph W. Chambers, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5054696
    Abstract: A medical waste disposal system is provided for disposing of biologically contaminated waste material situated inside a rigid, form-stable container. The disposal system includes a processing unit for shredding the waste material into a shredded mass and for transporting the shredded mass into a disintegrator. The disintegrator mixes the shredded mass with a liquid disinfectant solution to disinfect the shredded mass and disintegrates the shredded mass into an unrecognizable particulate waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Medical SafeTEC, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Mennel, Joseph H. Wilson, Martin E. Elliott, Gary D. Gann
  • Patent number: 5034122
    Abstract: A bar grid is formed with multiple vertical rods supporting multiple horizontal roll formed elements with a flange at a front edge of each element. The grid is mounted in a water effluent stream on each side of a solid filter screen or grinder and funnels solid material down to the compactor without buildup of solids on the grid screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Wiesemann Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce O. Wiesemann
  • Patent number: 5022987
    Abstract: A skimmer craft for removal of a layer of oil or other floating pollutants from the surface of a body of water including a pair of spaced-apart pontoons with a horizontal floor plate extending between the pontoons. A sump box is positioned at the rear of the skimmer plate or floor and defines a fixed water exit with the sump. The floor and sump are vertically adjustable as a unit. The sump box has a horizontally-extending weir through which oil may enter into the sump. The sump includes a comminutor unit which will reduce and break-up agglomerations in the oil. Propulsion units are positioned along the sides of the pontoons and at the bow and stern of the vessel at predetermined locations. The propulsion units may be selectively operated to establish a controlled flow pattern to direct water and the associated oil layer into the floatation pool where the oil layer is skimmed off and directed into the sump. The propulsion units are also operable to pilot the craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Robert C. Wells
  • Patent number: 4964576
    Abstract: A combination of raw coal and water is introduced as a slurry into a vessel. Chemicals are introduced at a feet inlet. The mixture is reduced by interaction with a bed of agitated grinding balls. Air is introduced into the lower portion of the vessel and forced upwardly through the circuitous passages among and between the grinding balls. The rising air bubbles carry the more hydropholic product upwardly into a froth compartment of the vessel and through a discharge outlet of the vessel. Wash water is introduced into the upper portion of the vessel and descends through the froth and the ball passages carrying entrained and less hydrophobic particles into the grinding chamber. The non-floatable material flows downwardly from the grinding chamber to a refuse zone for discharge as refuse from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Rabinder S. Datta
  • Patent number: 4919346
    Abstract: A solid waste handling system for screening and grinding solids entrained in an influent liquid stream flowing within a chute between laterally spaced vertical sidewalls utilizes at least one solids diverter horizontal rotating screen unit fixedly mounted within the chute and at an angle to the influent liquid stream with an endless loop open mesh screen mounted for rotation on a frame assembly such that one upstream face of the screen is vertical and moves horizontally across the stream in a direction towards the downstream offset grinder unit. The grinder unit has a housing with an upstream facing inlet port and mounts internally within the housing stacked interengaging shredding members for rotation about their axes in the path of flow of the solids bearing influent. Motors mounted to the units above the influent liquid stream level drive the screen and shredding members of respective units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignees: Disposable Waste Systems, Inc., Chambers Boyd McKinley and Associates
    Inventor: Joseph W. Chambers, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4877531
    Abstract: A process for treating smoke, aqueous sewage and solid waste/refuse materials by digesting all three waste material into an odor-free pumpable slurry. The slurry is screened to separate solids from the aqueous solution. The odor-free solids may be used as fertilizers and the odor free solution may be used for irrigational purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Albert L. Burkett
  • Patent number: 4872977
    Abstract: A solid waste retrieval device utilizes a rotating drum carrying a plurality of teeth to lift dried sludge from an underlying sand bed such that substantially no sand is removed with the sludge. The device moves over the sludge and compresses it beneath a forward rolled radius section to prevent buckling and disruption of the sludge ahead of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Davis G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4760717
    Abstract: Washing machine for washing off or separating plastic film, for example polythene, from paper or cellulose fibers or other pollutants comprising a container 1 into which the material to be washed consisting of plastic film with residual quantities of paper or cellulose or other pollutants is introduced at the same time with the water or subsequently thereto and then stirred by washing mechanical means, wherein said container 1 has a concentric surface 3 inside it which is provided with holes and forms an annular chamber 4 and wherein one or two vertical rotary shafts 5 and 6 are provided rotating in opposite directions with respect to each other and respectively bearing two series of radial agitators 7 and 8 penetrating into each other in the center of the container so that the water containing paper or cellulose fibers or other pollutants passes through the holes being thus discharged separately from the plastic film and wherein each of said series of agitators 7 and 8 carries one or more agitators provided
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Fibropolimeri S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Ponzielli
  • Patent number: 4655916
    Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile sludge handling apparatus which comprises first, second and third vehicles (2, 3, 4) which are coupled together to form a composite mobile unit. The first vehicle (2) carries a sludge-pump unit (5), and the second vehicle (3) carries a filter unit (6) which is arranged to receive sludge pumped thereto from the first vehicle (2) and to separate-out solid material from the sludge. The third vehicle (4) carries a conveyor unit (7) which is arranged to receive separated-out solid material from the second vehicle (3) and to convey such material to a discharge point for the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Feluwa Schlesiger & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jost Schlesiger
  • Patent number: 4632752
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling thermoplastic strands issuing from an extrusion die, the apparatus including a cooling trough between the extrusion nozzle and the granulator. The trough has two coolant drainage regions, a first being connected to a gravity drain and a second having means applying air downward through apertures in the trough. A conical separator for granulate is provided following the granulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Friedrich Hunke
  • Patent number: 4627116
    Abstract: A compost toilet apparatus is disclosed, in which a box-like container for reserving raw sewage is divided into a fermentative chamber and a reservoir chamber, additives such as beet moss are dumped into the raw sewage reserved in the container so that the mixture of the additives and raw sewage is subjected to aerobic fermentation by a stirring unit and a blower, and the water content in the raw sewage is evaporated by the fermentative heat to produce an approximately granular mixture. The mixture is reserved in the reservoir chamber, while germs, parasites or the like in the container are killed by the fermentative heat. As a result, the raw sewage can be simply hygienically disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Inventor: Hiroshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 4582612
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating sewage sludge in which the sludge is conveyed to a vessel having an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The sludge is channelled through a first dispersing means to a plurality of second dispersing means by which it is dispersed throughout the oxygen-rich atmosphere where it is completely oxygenated. Preferably, the first dispersing means comprises separable components which define the channelling means. Preferably, the second dispersing means are aligned with the channelling means and either arranged around the inner periphery of the vessel, or attached to the first dispersing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Long Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4581136
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with the clarification of waters that contain usable sludge, fibres or equivalent. The objective is to recover the usable material, e.g., as fuel, and at the same time to prevent pollution of waters. According to the invention, the separation of the solids, such as fibres and any other utilizable material, from the water takes place so that the water containing solid material is fed into or onto a mobile and utilizable layer of material placed on a perforated moving base, e.g. a wire-bottom conveyor (5), so that this material layer functions as a filter.The invention is in particular suitable for the wood processing industry, wherein the water coming from the barking drum (1) is passed into a clarifier tank (7), from which the water containing fibres is pumped onto a layer of bark material carried on a wire-bottom conveyor (5), whereby the bark layer filters the water passing through the bark layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Inventor: Vaino T. Saalasti
  • Patent number: RE33492
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling thermoplastic strands issuing from an extrusion die, the apparatus including a cooling trough between the extrusion nozzle and the granulator. The trough has two coolant drainage regions, a first being connected to a gravity drain and a second having means applying air downward through apertures in the trough. A conical separator for granulate is provided following the granulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Automatik Apparate-Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Hunke