With Preliminary Chemical Manufacture Patents (Class 210/192)
  • Publication number: 20020104788
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating water with ozone includes a first conduit and a passageway for admitting ozone into the first conduit. There is a second conduit having a top, an inlet connected to the first conduit and an outlet. There is a third conduit having a top and a vertical portion extending downwardly adjacent to the outlet of the second conduit. The third conduit has a bottom with an outlet below the outlet of the second conduit. The outlet of the second conduit is no more than one-third the distance from the top of the third conduit to the outlet of the third conduit. There is a passageway connecting the third conduit to the first conduit above the outlet of the second conduit. The passageway is sized to permit a reduced flow of water through the third conduit compared to the flow through the second conduit and provides means for gas discharged from the outlet of the second conduit to rise through the vertical portion of the third conduit to increase dissolving of the gas in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Shaw
  • Publication number: 20020104787
    Abstract: A water treatment control system using a fluorescence analyzer includes an activated carbon injection equipment 4 having an activated carbon injector 4a, a fluorescence analyzer 7 provided on the upstream of the activated carbon injector 4a, and a flowing water flowmeter 6. An activated carbon injection rate necessary to reduce a trihalomethane formation potential is calculated by an activated carbon injection rate calculating apparatus 8 based on a measured value from the fluorescence analyzer 7. An activated carbon injection amount from the activated carbon injector 4a is controlled by an activated carbon injection amount control apparatus 9 based on the activated carbon injection rate and a measured value from the flowing water flowmeter 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Seiichi Murayama, Futoshi Kurokawa, Masao Kaneko, Kotaro Iyasu, Kenji Taguchi, Kie Kubo, Shojiro Tamaki, Akira Hiramoto, Takumi Hayashi, Nobuyoshi Kaiga
  • Patent number: 6428710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation and delivery of ozonated water to at least one user point, according to which a storage buffer tank is provided for the ozonated water, and an upstream ozonation loop is provided, making it possible to feed the tank with ozonated water, the upstream ozonation loop comprising a component for controling the flow of water flowing in the loop. A fresh-water supply line is also provided, connected by its downstream part to the upstream ozonation loop and fitted with a component for interrupting the freshwater flow, the loop portion located between the tank and the connection point of the fresh-water supply line being fitted with a component for interrupting the recirculation flow upstream of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour L'etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Carinne Kempen, Stéphane Laroye
  • Patent number: 6428696
    Abstract: The present process proceeds from an aqueous reaction solution containing a chlorite and a halogen-free oxidizing agent which is present in an excess of up to double the required stoichiometric amount. The pH of the reaction solution is set at between 5.5 and 9.5, preferably between 6 and 9, and the reaction solution is reacted at ambient temperature until almost all the chlorite has been converted into chlorine dioxide. In this way a chlorine dioxide-containing solution is obtained which is free not only from residual chlorite but also from chlorate and other undesirable by-products and can be used directly as such in water treatment. Preferably an aqueous chlorite solution with a pH or more than 9.5 and an aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent are mixed with one another in order to produce the reaction solution, the pH of the aqueous mixture being adjusted by means of a proton donor present in the oxidizing agent solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Fritz Küke
  • Patent number: 6409918
    Abstract: An ozonated ultrapure water supply system that prevents reduction of the dissolved ozone concentration in the supply pipe system and maintains the dissolved ozone at points of use along the supply system at desired concentrations. This permits the system to supply ozonated water in long pipes. The system includes a sequential arrangement of a circulatory main pipe 3 for supplying ultrapure water, an ozonated gas supplying device 4, and at least two output branch lines 8 each having a gas/liquid separation device 9 and an ultimate point of use 7. The output branch lines are spaced downstream from the ozonated gas supplying device such that the ozone concentration in the ultrapure water has increased to a stable level and the ozonated ultrapure water at each output branch line is at this same stable ozone concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Tetsuo Mizuniwa, Junichi Ida
  • Publication number: 20020074290
    Abstract: A system and method for treating water to be used for drinking. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons having, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Lonald H. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20020070180
    Abstract: A system and method for treating water to be used for irrigation. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons has, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Lonald H. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6395181
    Abstract: Wastewater can be treated using a combination of a settleable solids separator, such as a vortex separator and a membrane separation system. Removal and segregation of materials that adversely affect operation of the membrane separator earlier in the treatment process can improve water throughput, water quality and the lifespan of system components. Physical separation of settleable solids and floatable materials from the wastewater prior to treatment with a membrane separator can allow higher flow rates to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Great Circle Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Mullerheim
  • Patent number: 6395177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decoloring liquids, in particular ground water, by means of a membrane filtration unit, wherein the following steps are carried out: i) subjecting the ground water to a biological treatment in a bioreactor; ii) feeding the effluent from the bioreactor of step i) to the membrane filtration unit, in which membrane filtration unit a separation between biomass and decolored ground water takes place; followed by iii) feeding back the biomass from step ii) to the bioreactor. The invention also relates to decolored ground water and to a device for decoloring liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: N.V. Waterleiding Friesland
    Inventors: Jacobus Cornelis Van Winkelen, Walterus Gijsbertus Joseph Van Der Meer
  • Patent number: 6391191
    Abstract: A domestic countertop water treatment apparatus comprising a water treatment reservoir which is at least translucent; a housing having an ozone source in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for treating water in the water treatment reservoir; a carbon block filter and a water pump mounted in the housing, the carbon block filter and the water pump in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for removing treated water from the water treatment reservoir and passing the treated water through the carbon block filter; and, a treated water reservoir which is at least translucent and is positioned downstream from the carbon block filter for receiving treated water from the carbon block filter whereby, as treated water is dispensed from the water treatment reservoir to the treated water reservoir, the level of water in the water treatment reservoir is visibly lowered while the level of water in the treated water reservoir is visibly raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Conrad
  • Patent number: 6391192
    Abstract: An automated apparatus for introducing a mixed liquid base (lime) in a first container or tank (106, 106A) into a biological sludge in a second container (110, 110A and 110B) is described. The second container is used to house the sludge for a short period of time (2 to 12 hours) and then the liquid sludge is sent to a storage tank (112) for a longer period of time (6 months). The system (100) enables flushing of the lime supply conduits (108, 108A and 108B) with water to prevent clogging. The treated sludge is applied to soil as a fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: HTI, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Haag
  • Patent number: 6382467
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To improve temperature control and cooling efficiency, the present invention preferably employs heat exchangers adjacent to the nozzle assemblies. The present invention can take the form of a multi-fluid dispensing gun having such a nozzle and heat exchanger relationship and having the pressure controlling valve as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Saveliev, Thomas Gagliano, James R. Schuster, Louis J. Paolini, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020050479
    Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Robin Scott
  • Patent number: 6375833
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering pond or aquarium water includes a container (1,2) with an inlet chamber (15) having an upstream region (36) and a downstream outlet (13) leading to an outlet chamber (22). A filter (16) is positioned in the inlet chamber (15) between the upstream region (36) and the outlet (13). In use, progressive clogging of the filter causes the water pressure in the upstream region (36) to rise until it reaches a predetermined threshold when a normally-closed relief valve (28,29) opens to allow water to pass from the upstream region (36) to the outlet chamber (22) without passing through the filter (16). The valve has a coloured valve stem (28) providing a visual indication that the valve is open and that the filter is blocked and requires cleaning. In one embodiment, the outlet chamber (22) contains a source (19) of ultra-violet radiation to which the flow of water is exposed, regardless of whether the valve (28,29) is in the open or closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hozelock Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Ian Michael Marston, Andrew David Boddy
  • Patent number: 6372148
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for purifying the water in spas or hot tubs are provided. Such apparatus include an ozone generator sized and adapted to purify the water in a spa or jetted tub, the ozone generator including a chip electrode assembly adapted to produce ozone from air using an electric discharge; and a transfer assembly cooperating with said ozone generator to pass ozone produced by the ozone generator to the water in the spa or jetted tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Del Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank G. Martin, Dennis Lavelle
  • Publication number: 20020040874
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device for reducing the level of a chemical compound in a fluid. The device comprises: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a flow-through fluid treatment zone having comprising: a radiation source, an adsorbent and a photocatalyst. The fluid treatment zone is reversibly operable between: (i) a first mode in which the fluid flows in a first direction and at least a portion of the chemical compound is adsorbed on the adsorbent; and (ii) a second mode in which the fluid flows in a second direction different from the first direction in which the adsorbed chemical compound is exposed to radiation from the radiation resulting in photooxidation of the chemical compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Apostolos Kantzas, Cooper H. Langford, Amit Bhargava, Alex Starosud
  • Patent number: 6361698
    Abstract: A method and system for wastewater treatment is described and is particularly suitable for industrial lagoons and pits. Specifically, an ozone gas is homogeneously distributed through an upper stratum of a contained liquid thereby creating an aerobic “cap”, while still maintaining an anaerobic lower stratum. A perforated tube or plurality of tubes fixed within the upper stratum serves to distribute the ozone. Alternately, a buoyant vehicle propelled across the surface of the liquid may also serve to distribute the ozone and create the ozonated “cap”. The vehicle provides an additional benefit of crust fragmentation and prevention thereby inhibiting and eliminating fly propagation, and hygienically improving lagoon or pit operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Ling Tai
  • Patent number: 6361686
    Abstract: A treatment carafe for an apparatus for treating ozone with water is disclosed. A treatment carafe has a water inlet which is automatically sealed when the user places the carafe on a base member. There is also provided a gas conduit so that off gases which accumulate in the carafe may be vented during the treatment cycle. The gas conduit is automatically connected in air flow communication with an off gas conduit when the carafe is placed on the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20020023865
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-element filtering system assuring serial filtration of a liquid through multiple filter cartridges while enabling flushing without requiring removal of the filter cartridges. Both conventional and reverse osmosis filtration is performed, sequentially, within the system. The filter cartridges are held within a canister which is pressed against the cap and constrained against rotation with the cap. The canister is divided into chambers, and has passages in its floor arranged to enable serial transfer of liquid from one chamber to the next. Flushing employs liquid introduced under normal pressure. Passages leading to the flush liquid outlet enable flushing to proceed when the flush liquid outlet is opened. At other times, filtered liquid will pass through passages leading to the filtered liquid outlet. Liquid is circulated to assure filtration even when flushing, so that contamination of filtered liquid is precluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Donald A. Northcut, Douglas W. Northcut
  • Publication number: 20020023866
    Abstract: An ozone-based water purification system is disclosed. In this system, a mixing venturi injects ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a stream of water to be treated. Following ozone and sanitizer injection, the stream of water is passed to a contact region where the ozone and sanitizer are allowed to react with contaminants and biota. The stream is then mixed by several mixing devices to allow residual ozone and sanitizer to further react with contaminants and the biota. Particularly, a counterflow system is employed wherein the stream is directed downward at several points so that bubbles containing ozone are forced to flow upward against the flow, lengthening ozone contact time. Also, the ultraviolet lamp used to generate ozone is mounted so that ultraviolet light therefrom is exposed to the flow of water, providing additional sterilizing effects. In addition, a novel mixing venturi is disclosed that mixes a gas containing ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a motive flow of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20020020675
    Abstract: A portable oxidant generator for generating a chlorine or chlor-oxygen solution suitable for sterilizing contaminated drinking water, thereby providing a water disinfection system and potable water. The oxidant generator includes an electrolytic chamber and a power supply or source. The chamber holds a salt brine solution such that the solution is in contact with an anode and cathode included in the chamber. The power supply provides electrical charge that is passed between the anode and cathode through the salt brine solution. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a combination manual pump/switch is activated and injects electrolyte into the cell chamber and electrolyzes the solution. In one embodiment, as electrolysis proceeds, hydrogen gas is liberated and causes a gas pressure within the cell chamber thereby forcing the freshly generated oxidant solution from the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Frank Hand
  • Publication number: 20020017496
    Abstract: In a pollutant decomposition process for decomposing pollutants by bringing pollutants contained in air into contact with air which contains chlorine, under irradiation by light, at least part of a chlorine-generating solution present in a chlorine generation region is fed to means for forming functional water by electrolysis to effect regeneration and is again fed to the chlorine generation region. Also disclosed is a pollutant decomposition system used in such a process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Akira Kuriyama, Kinya Kato, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20020014461
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Scott A. Mollema
  • Publication number: 20020011434
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Scott A. Mollema
  • Publication number: 20010054578
    Abstract: Containers for use in a dispersal with the containers enabling a fluid mixing stream to separately and controllably disperse two different water treatment materials into a water treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 6332980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating raw influent water to remove particles, algae and toxic chemicals from the water. Basically, air is dissolved in recirculated water under high pressure in an air contactor unit, the air saturated water is intimately mixed with the raw, particle bearing, water in a particle mixing system, and the water, particle and air mixture is passed through an air bubble separator wherein bubbles formed when the pressure on air saturated water is reduced carry away toxic gases and particulate material. If desired for further cleaning the water can be sent through a second series of air contactor, particle mixer and air bubble separation, but with a gas comprising ozone to further remove suspended particles and non-volatile dissolved organic matter. In order to improve mixing of the particles and the air saturated water passing through tubes, preferably a pattern of dimples is formed on at least part of the interior wall of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jack Moorehead
  • Patent number: 6332979
    Abstract: A cooling tower water purification system uses an electrical cleaning method by passing water over or through an anode and a cathode. The pH of the water is monitored and adjusted using injected CO2 gas. The water can also be mechanically filter to remove the now dead biofilm and biomass as well as any scale or other debris. An additional embodiment can use an additional device such as a water jet to “stir” the bottom of the cooling tower to increase the efficiency of the filter in removing any built up or remaining biomass, scale or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: TLC Envirotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Steffens, James H. Joyner, Boyd R. Waddle
  • Publication number: 20010042708
    Abstract: An ozone water purification system is disclosed. In this system, ozonated water flow proceeds alternately upwardly and downwardly through a series of vertical tubes. In order to disturb the laminar flow within the tubes, several types of turbulence-inducing devices may be mounted within the tubes. Such a mounting may be made so that the devices are removable for cleaning. In addition, the tubes may be circularly arranged so as to conserve space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2000
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6312588
    Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of water contaminated by micro-organisms and chemicals by means of a three stage process is taught. The apparatus consists of a prefiltration stage, an ozonation stage, and a post filtration stage. The contaminated water is initially drawn from a reservoir through a filter through a bed consisting of a porous media, calcium bentonite, zeolite, activated carbon and a second porous media. The filtered water is then passed into a ozonation chamber wherein gaseous ozone is introduced so as to oxidize contaminants. The reduction/oxidation condition in the ozonation chamber serve to control the cycle time. Once the water is disinfected it is passed through a second filter consisting of a porous media and activated carbon before being dispensed into a clean water carafe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Ted Szylowiec, Richard Stanley Phillips
  • Patent number: 6306296
    Abstract: An apparatus for injection of a gas into aquifer is described. The apparatus includes a gas generator that generates gas such as ozone for injection into the aquifer. The apparatus includes a casing and a packer disposed through the casing. An air injection passageway disposed through the packer and coupled to the gas generator. A pump is disposed within the casing and have an inlet above the packer and an outlet below the packer. The casing has an outlet screen that has a pore size less than about 200 microns. The apparatus has a microporous diffuser coupled to the gas generator, said microporous diffuser including a body having a porous portion with a pore size less than about 200 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Publication number: 20010030153
    Abstract: A domestic countertop water treatment apparatus comprising a water treatment reservoir which is at least translucent; a housing having an ozone source in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for treating water in the water treatment reservoir; a carbon block filter and a water pump mounted in the housing, the carbon block filter and the water pump in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for removing treated water from the water treatment reservoir and passing the treated water through the carbon block filter; and, a treated water reservoir which is at least translucent and is positioned downstream from the carbon block filter for receiving treated water from the carbon block filter whereby, as treated water is dispensed from the water treatment reservoir to the treated water reservoir, the level of water in the water treatment reservoir is visibly lowered while the level of water in the treated water reservoir is visibly raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Wayne Conrad
  • Patent number: 6303039
    Abstract: A method to control microbial growth and other contaminants present in the water of climate control systems includes using tablets or packets to effectively control the growth of microbes such as fungus, molds, bacteria, and virus present in water for an extended period of time. The tablet or packet formulations include at least two metals and at least one chelating agent. Optionally, more soluble salts are also added to the formulations to induce an initial shock of the biologically active compounds in the water followed by a slower release of the less soluble chelating agents and metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mainstream Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Dwight D. Back, Robert P. Scaringe, John A. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20010027940
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for treating ozone with water is disclosed. A treatment carafe has a gas conduit so that off gases which accumulates in the carafe may be vented during a treatment cycle. The gas conduit conveys the off gas from the carafe to an ozone destructor via a passageway. An accumulator is provided in the passageway upstream from the destructor to hinder water entrained in the off gas from contacting and damaging the destructor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Wayne Conrad, Terry Bohrson, John Stouth, Mike Badgley, Joe Garrison, Shawn Nielsen, Richard Zulik, Deryk Lisicky
  • Patent number: 6299761
    Abstract: Ozone is generated and combined with water. The combined water and ozone are then mixed to provide a substantially homogeneous mixture which subsequently is transported along a confined flow path having a length sufficient to provide substantially complete decomposition of the ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ozonaid International, Inc.
    Inventor: Desheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6287465
    Abstract: Provided are an ozone generator 24 for generating ozone, an atomizer nozzle 27 arranged inside and adjacent to a top of a sewage-treating waste water treatment vessel 16 for spraying ozone and water in mixture, a compressor 25 for supplying ozone generated by the ozone generator 24 to the atomizer nozzle 27 and a pump 26 for supplying water to the atomizer nozzle 27. Surface of the sewage is covered with ozone and fine water particles which are sprayed from the atomizer nozzle 27 into the waste water treatment vessel 16, and hydroxyl radical with high activity is generated by the ozone and water molecules In the fine water particles to oxidize the smell components, resulting in suppressing diffusion of offensive smell out of the waste water treatment vessel 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Watanabe, Fumio Hayashi, Hiroshi Dazai
  • Patent number: 6280633
    Abstract: A liquid purification apparatus which uses ozone to purify water is disclosed. Off-gas from the purification process is passed through an ozone detector that provides an electric signal corresponding to the ozone concentration in the off-gas. The electric signal is monitored and used to control the length of the ozonation process. The detector comprises a MgO2 and CuO based ozone destroying catalyst which generates an electric potential when used to decompose ozone into oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Richard M. Duff, Terry B. Bohrsen
  • Patent number: 6279882
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for oxygenating a liquid. The apparatus includes a liquid pump fluidly connected to an injector having a liquid inlet forming a nozzle, a liquid outlet and an oxygen inlet therebetween, the injector arranged such that the injector liquid inlet is above the injector liquid outlet, and a downwardly opening first diffuser portion connected to the injector outlet. The first diffuser portion is serially connected to a second diffuser portion located below the first diffuser portion. Liquid being pumped by the pump is conducted downwardly through the injector and the first diffuser portion to the second diffuser portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Life International Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Littman, Kent L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20010015339
    Abstract: In a method of improving the quality of diesel fuel, an oxidizing gas is formed into sub-micron size bubbles which are dispersed into diesel fuel, after which the treated fuel is recovered. The oxidizing gas is preferably ozone and is utilized immediately upon its manufacture. By means of the method, sulfur is removed from the diesel fuel and the cetane rating thereof is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Sherman
  • Publication number: 20010010318
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Saveliev, Thomas Gagliano, James R. Schuster, Louis J. Paolini,
  • Patent number: 6264836
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating a fluid, particularly water and wastewater, uses pulsed ultraviolet (UV) light in an automatic pump driven configuration that separately and in real time adjusts each UV reactor module for both water flow and UV power (average and peak intensity) to accommodate a wide range of influent conditions, thereby producing the quality of water discharge desired by the operator. Process control is configured on the basis of a UV transmission-based feedback control loop and on a truly active and independent adjustment of each reactor module, as opposed to the relatively passive and dependent adjustment techniques of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Robert M. Lantis
  • Patent number: 6261464
    Abstract: A portable oxidant generator for generating a chlorine or chloro-oxygen solution suitable for sterilizing contaminated drinking water, thereby providing potable water. The oxidant generators include an electrolytic chamber and a power supply or source. The chamber holds a salt brine solution such that the solution is in contact with an anode and cathode included in the chamber. The power supply provides electrical charge which is passed between the anode and cathode through the salt brine solution. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply includes an energy storage device that is charged to predetermined voltage. The energy storage device is preferably charged by a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The present invention includes a brine storage compartment in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Miox Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Curtis M. Mitchke, John K. Hickerson, Timothy A. Cushman, John F. White
  • Publication number: 20010007314
    Abstract: In a method of removing organic contaminants from a liquid, an oxidizing gas is formed into sub-micron size bubbles which are dispersed into an initially contaminated liquid, after which the treated liquid is recovered. The oxidizing gas is preferably selected from a group including ozone and chlorine dioxide and is utilized immediately upon its manufacture. An oxidizing liquid may be employed in conjunction with the oxidizing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6258260
    Abstract: An ozonizer and water purifier equipped with the ozonizer comprising an ozonizing discharge element; an electric circuit for applying a voltage to the ozonizing discharge element so as to produce an ozone-generating discharge; a housing having an opening formed therein for receiving the ozonizing discharge element; a cover which seals the ozonizing discharge element in the housing; and a device for turning off the voltage applied to the ozonizing discharge element when the cover is removed. In another embodiment, at least a part of the cover or housing is transparent so as to enable detection of the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naotoshi Morita, Sachio Wakita
  • Patent number: 6251264
    Abstract: A method for purifying water containing organic matter includes dispersing photo-catalyst particles and an inorganic coagulant into the water; oxidizing the organic matter by activating the photo-catalyst particles by irradiating them with light; maintaining the diameter of the photo-catalyst particles to be equal to or less than 0.1 mm; and condensing the photo-catalyst particles and the inorganic coagulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Tanaka, Koichi Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 6251287
    Abstract: A system for treating a nitrate contaminated liquid to remove deleterious or undesirable nitrates therefrom wherein a supply of ionized nitrogen is entrained into a continuous stream of a nitrate contaminated liquid and thereafter is exposed to treating apparatus which changes the nitrates in the nitrate contaminated liquid into at least ionized nitrogen which then combines with the ionized nitrogen entrained in the continuous stream of a nitrate contaminated liquid to form a separated nitrogen gas and a treated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Water Systems Integrators, LLC
    Inventors: William M. Fields, Donald L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6251289
    Abstract: In a method of removing organic contaminants from a liquid, an oxidizing gas is formed into sub-micron size bubbles which are dispersed into an initially contaminated liquid, after which the treated liquid is recovered. The oxidizing gas is preferably selected from a group including ozone and chlorine dioxide and is utilized immediately upon its manufacture. An oxidizing liquid may be employed in conjunction with the oxidizing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: GRT, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6248242
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Spring Water Delivery System and in particular to a system for bulk delivery of potable spring water to a customer's home. This system includes a bulk water supply truck equipped with a pumping system and an onboard ozone generator for delivery of potable tank water to a customer's supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew G. Martin
  • Patent number: 6248235
    Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation purification system includes an ultra violet light source and a filter that comprises a pleated wire mesh substrate with a nanophase metal oxide oxidation catalyst suspended on the substrate, wherein the catalyst is applied without an adhesive using an electromechanical plating process. As a fluid containing organic contaminants is directed through the filter in the presence of ultra violet light from the light source, the catalyst oxidizes and decomposes the organic contaminants into environmentally harmless components. Methods of making the purification system including preparing a solution of catalyst and applying the catalyst without adhesive binding material to the filter substrate electromagnetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Robin Scott
  • Patent number: 6238555
    Abstract: An amperometric bromine control system accurately maintains a desired concentration of bromine within a home spa or in other water features. The control system employs amperometric sensing to measure the bromine concentration in the spa water and uses this measurement to control the electrochemical production of bromine through the oxidation of aqueous bromide. The level of bromide in the spa water desirably is greater than 50 ppm in order to obtain a linear relationship between the current level sensed through the amperometic measurement and the concentration level of bromine in the water. In this manner, the control system can accurately measure the bromine concentration in the spa water and precisely maintain the bromine concentration within a desired range between about 2 ppm and 6 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: BioQuest
    Inventors: Michael A. Silveri, Emil Milosavljevic, Caba Calic
  • Patent number: RE37369
    Abstract: A coolant filter for use in filtering a coolant solution which flows through the coolant filter includes a filter housing assembly which is made up of an outer housing which is crimped to a nutplate which defines an internally threaded flow outlet. A generally cylindrical filter element is positioned inside of the filter housing assembly and a first endplate is bonded to the end of the filter element which is adjacent to the nutplate. An endplate member is provided for attachment to the opposite end of the filter element and is configured in such a way so as to define an interior chamber where supplemental coolant additive pellets are stored. A closing plate is applied across the open end of the interior chamber so as to create an enclosed chamber for the supplemental coolant additive pellets. A slow release mechanism is provided for controlling the rate of release of the supplemental coolant additive from the enclosed chamber into the coolant solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Hudgens, Charles L. Matheson