Recirculation Patents (Class 210/194)
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Patent number: 6074554Abstract: A system for dissolved air floatation treatment of a liquid stream where the system includes a pump having an impeller cavity with input and output ports, and an impeller with an eye disposed adjacent the input port. The impeller draws liquid through the input port and drives the liquid toward the output port and creates a subatmospheric pressure zone in the cavity away from the eye. The pump includes an air introduction port opening into the subatmospheric zone to introduce significant quantities of air into the cavity for mixing with the liquid stream. The system also includes a tank adapted to receive the liquid stream from the pump with dissolved air introduced therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Roper Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Ray, Mark M. Oandil, Gary L. Olin
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Patent number: 6059965Abstract: Installation for the sterilization of a body of water wherein the water is conveyed through a heat exchanger to a heat source, where it is heated up to the sterilization temperature. This stream of hot water transfers its heat to the incoming stream of water, leaving the heat exchanger at a temperature that is only slightly higher than that of the incoming water.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventors: Karsten Andreas Laing, Johannes Nikolaus Laing
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Patent number: 6053328Abstract: The invention realizes a baffle for a reactor for liquids purification, said reactor comprising: a tank containing the liquid to be purified; a plurality of injectors suitable for introducing in the tank said liquid to be purified; one or more rotating blades arranged inside said tank, suitable for keeping agitated said liquid to be purified. Said baffle is applied to at least one of said one or more blades and it is formed of a disk supplied with a plurality of through openings suitable for favoring, during the rotation of said blades, the passing of the descending flow of liquid during the purification, and of the ascending flow of aeriform substance dispersed in said liquid, in order to favor the stabilization of the turbulent motion of the liquid itself in correspondence with said blades.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Comer SpAInventor: Flavio Magaraggia
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Patent number: 6054046Abstract: A gas treatment system for liquids can increase gas exposure and contact time. A liquid stream is directed into a vortex chamber (130). The vortex chamber (130) creates a downward spiral flow of the liquid stream forcing it into an upper end inlet (145) of a contact tank (114) and downward in the contact tank (114). When the liquid stream reaches a lower region (170) of the contact tank (114), a portion is drawn into a draw tube (120) while the other portion is drawn into a re-circulation system (160). In the re-circulation system (160), a gas injector system (166) entrains bubbles of a treatment gas into the liquid stream creating a re-circulated stream that is displaced into an upper region (168) in the contact tank (114). The portion drawn into the draw tube (120) then moves upwardly to a degassing chamber (146) wherein the treatment gas is separated from the liquid and delivered through an outlet (124) for use.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: William R. Nelson
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Patent number: 6017446Abstract: A flume system for use with a floor mounted filtration apparatus and a floor mounted in-line machine section is provided. The machine section receives a flow of clean coolant from the filtration apparatus and has a series of machine outlets for outputting dirty coolant carrying particulate generated by the machine section. The system includes an elongated floor mounted flume disposed adjacent the series of machine outlets to receive the machine outputted dirty coolant. The flume has a slope of less than 2% and is coupled at an outlet end to the filtration apparatus. A discharge pipe is mounted adjacent a distal end of the flume for introducing a stream of coolant into the flume in a direction generally toward the outlet end. The stream of coolant introduced into the flume causes the flume to have an efficient hydraulic radius such that a minimal amount of coolant flows within the flume at a sufficient velocity to wash away the particulate from the flume into the filtration apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.Inventors: Eugene H. Harms, Stephen N. McEwen, Michael C. Harms, John L. Creps
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Patent number: 6017449Abstract: A device for distributing and dispersing highly pressurized air-saturated water, preferably for use in a flotation tank (1) of a water purification plant, is placed adjacent to inlet openings (2) through which water to be treated in the flotation tank (1) passes. The distribution and dispersion device includes a pre-dispenser (27, 28) which is arranged in a distribution pipe (21, 22) or its supply conduit (24), and which includes a perforated pipe mounted, preferably, coaxially in the distribution pipe or the supply conduit. Air-saturated water passes through the perforations or throttling holes (26) resulting in a first pressure decrease and subsequent dispersion. The water then passes to the distribution pipe (22) from which it passes through one or more openings (23) in the wall of the distribution pipe (22), and is forced out the flotation tank (1) during a further decrease in pressure and dispersion of the water.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Inventors: Hans Eriksson, Kent Isaksson
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Patent number: 6015498Abstract: Ashes are used when they have the particle size of fly-ash, i.e., when they have just been produced by a combustion process. They can be used, inter alia, for dehydrating and/or stabilizing sewerage plant sludge or sludge from surface treatment plants, for detoxifying liquid, semi-liquid or solid media contaminated by heavy metals and the like, and for removing pollutants from hydrocarbon-containing liquid or semi-liquid media.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignees: Raymond M. Gleizes, TerrilsInventor: Raymond M. Gleizes
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Patent number: 6001242Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid is provided. The apparatus is preferably used to filter particulates from water used to flush a pipeline after a cleaning operation, after hydrostatic testing or during product displacement at a high flow rate. The apparatus includes an inlet valve for receiving the turbid liquid from a liquid source connected to a gas buster for discharging the turbid liquid and air into a break tank located beneath the gas buster. A self-cleaning portable liquid filter having an inlet is connected to an outlet of the break tank and includes a screen filter for receiving the turbid liquid from the break tank. Particulates from the turbid water are accumulated on an internal surface of the screen filter and clean water is discharged from the filter through a discharge port. A flush mechanism is provided to rinse the accumulated particulate cake from the surface of the screen filter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Pipetronix, Inc.Inventors: Dale England, Harvey Futrell, Gunnar Kopp
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Patent number: 6001189Abstract: A method for wet processing of a semiconductor-containing substrate that reduces contamination in the wet process by removing undesired sources of gas contamination, the method comprising: pumping a processing liquid through a degasifier, exposing the semiconductor wafer, in a vessel, to the degasified processing liquid; and optionally recirculating the processing liquid through the degasifier and back into the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: J. Brett Rolfson
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Patent number: 6001243Abstract: Systems and methods for heating, reacting, and/or treating a stream containing oxidizable matter. Recycle reactor is used alone or in conjunction with plug-flow reactor. Density differences in the recycle reactor facilitate flow within the recycle reactor without substantial external heat exchange.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Chematur Engineering ABInventors: James M. Eller, Roy N. McBrayer, Jr., Richard D. Peacock, John S. Barber, Walter H. Stanton, Fred Applegath, Gordon H. Lovett, deceased
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Patent number: 5993650Abstract: The present invention relates to a granular carrier and a method for producing the same, and to an apparatus for treating sewage or waste water by using the granular carriers. The granular carrier comprises a tire powder of 100 parts by weight, an EVA or its derivative of 30 to 50 parts by weight, and an activated carbon or inorganic micropowder equivalent thereto of 5 to 15 parts by weight. The granular carriers producing method comprises the steps of: mixing a tire powder of 100 parts by weight and an EVA or resin of 30 to 50 parts by weight, resolving the EVA or its derivative of the mixture at a temperature of 100 to 250.degree. C., bonding an activated carbon to the tire powder, extruding the mixture, cutting the mixture extruded, and attaching the activated carbon powder to the EVA or its derivative dissolved on the surface of the cut part of the mixture. The sewage or waste water treatment apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Sam Kwang Aqua-Clear, Inc.Inventor: Hai-Soo Kim
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Patent number: 5980760Abstract: A blood separation system operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region of a blood processing chamber for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface, which carries mononuclear cells, between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The system removes packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber, while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The system operates in a second mode to remove the interface from the chamber by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region. An outlet path conveys the removed interface from the chamber. The outlet path includes a first sensing element to locate mononuclear cells in the removed interface and provide a sensed output upon locating mononuclear cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I Brown, Daniel F Bischof, William H Cork, Robert J Cantu
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Patent number: 5976365Abstract: A reactor apparatus including a fluid bed reactor wherein liquid to be processed is conducted upwardly therein through a solid bed to fluidize the bed, the bed including particulate solids having biological material supported thereon, and the liquid forming an effluent head above the bed. The reactor apparatus also includes a control apparatus for removing excess biological material from the reactor. The control apparatus includes a tubular separator column which is emersed in the liquid effluent head, and a telescoping sludge valve that has a draw-off port communicating openly with the effluent head surface and that is adjustable to raise and lower the draw-off port relative to the effluent head surface to control the sludge withdrawal rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1994Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Envirex, Inc.Inventor: Peter J. Petit
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Patent number: 5976388Abstract: An improved autologous blood salvage system is provided in which blood is removed from a patient and may be processed in a manner wherein an anticoagulant solution is for cycled for reuse. Further, the system may be employed for contemporaneous blood filtering and red blood separation. In one embodiment, anticoagulated blood is contemporaneously filtered and defoamed within a rotating processing bowl, while red blood cells are separated, washed and collected within the bowl and an anticoagulant solution is cycled from the bowl for re-use. During a red blood cell removal mode, the flow of anticoagulated blood into the bowl may be suspended/terminated and the bowl pressurized to remove the red blood cells. The improved system provides for the recovery of a high quality red blood cell product, with reduced processing time requirements/user training, and reduced disposable componentry and related costs.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Cobe Cardiovascular Operating Co., Inc.Inventor: Gary Allen Carson
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Patent number: 5972212Abstract: A waste water purifying apparatus utilizes microorganisms, which comprises an inner casing (1), an outer casing (2), a waste water supply tank (3) and an air supply pipe (4). The inner casing is a vertical type and its upper and lower end are open. Plural porous discs 7 of polyethylene which have liquid passages (6) are piled in the inner casing with each space between every two carrier discs.The outer casing is a vertical type whose bottom is closed by a bottom cap (12) and arranged coaxially with the inner casing with a downward circuit (13) for liquid there between. The outer casing has outflow ports (14) for the treated water.The waste water supply tank is for having waste water a head to flow into the outer casing, above which a waste water supply pipe (15) is open. The tank communicates with the outer casing by means of a leading pipe (19) and it is provided with an overflow to keep a water level constant.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Hongo Company LimitedInventor: Kenjiro Hongo
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Patent number: 5972223Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Gambro ABInventors: Lennart Jonsson, Birger Hallberg, Sven Jonsson, Stefan Knutsson, Lennart Olsson
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Patent number: 5948247Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting dialysis devices are disclosed including a first circulation conduit for circulating a first fluid through at least a portion of the supply conduit to a dialyzer in order to disinfect that portion of the supply conduit and a second circulation conduit for circulating a second fluid through at least a portion of the removal conduit from the dialyzer for disinfecting that portion of the removal conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Gambro ABInventors: Bjorn Gillerfalk, Sture Hobro, Jorgen Jonsson, Erik Linderup
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Patent number: 5948261Abstract: The invention relates generally to a process and apparatus for treating biosolids resulting from the treatment of biological wastewater streams. The invention relates to autothermal aerobic treatment of biosolids where temperature is controlled by adjusting the amount of shear generated through jet aeration devices. The invention provides for a truly aerobic environment under which thermophilic microorganisms will thrive.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventor: Richard L. Pressley
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Patent number: 5942118Abstract: Highly concentrated waste water is subjected to a partially aerobic method in the reaction chamber of a vertical reactor (1). Aeration of the waste water is performed by regulating the redox potential. To this end, means (14) for measuring the pH value, on the one hand, and means (15) for measuring the redox potential value of the treated waste water, on the other hand, are arranged in a bypass line. The process computer acts via a regulator (31) on a regulating member (19) which regulates the supplied amount of air, and regulates the redox potential value according to the measured pH values in accordance with a predetermined relationship stored in a memory device (33). By means of regulating the redox potential by guiding the pH value, an essentially constant high rate of decomposition of 90% COD is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventor: Hans-Werner Besten
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Patent number: 5942116Abstract: An anaerobic sludge digester has a top, a bottom, sloped sides leading to the bottom, and a draft tube with an upper end spaced downward of the top of the digester and a lower end spaced upward of the bottom of the digester. The draft tube may have a propeller, impeller, or jets that enable liquid to be transported through the draft tube from one part of the digester to another. The digester has a discharge mouth positioned within the digester to receive heavy material that is pumped from the bottom of the digester and which flows outward across the liquid surface. One or more spray nozzles are located above the liquid surface to break up foam and emulsions. The mouth may also be used to effectively remove scum and light solids from the liquid surface. A shutoff valve on a discharge pipe extending from the discharge mouth can be closed while sludge is added to the system, causing the liquid level to rise above the mouth.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventors: Sidney E. Clark, John R. Currie, John J. Fassbender
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Patent number: 5928509Abstract: There is provided a new bubble floating type separator applicable to a waste water regeneration system which can purify a relatively small amount of waste water by a simple and small-scaled apparatus. The bubble floating type separator comprises a liquid passage for delivering a liquid which contains suspended solids, and an injection pipe, connected to said liquid passage, for injecting a gas selected from air, oxygen gas and ozone gas. A gas-liquid mixer is connected to the liquid passage at a downstream portion of the injection pipe, and a cyclone type bubble separator is connected to a downstream portion of an outlet of the gas-liquid mixer. The cyclone type bubble separator has a discharge port, at a central upper portion, for discharging bubbles floating along with the suspended solids, a cyclone body, and a liquid discharge port at a lower circumferential portion of the cyclone body for discharging a processed liquid so that the suspended solids are removed together with the bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignees: Hikoroku Sugiura, Kazumi Uchida, Seiji Suzuki, Nobumoto IsozakiInventor: Hikoroku Sugiura
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Patent number: 5928616Abstract: In a solvent extraction method a contactor comprises a forward extraction section comprising sub-sections thereof and a back extraction section comprising sub-sections thereof. To enable higher concentrations of solute to be obtained in the backwash liquor, the contactor is operated with recycle of partially-loaded solvent, via a line from a back extraction sub-section to a forward extraction sub-section.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLCInventor: Geoffrey Horrocks Bailey
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Patent number: 5897772Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for environmental applications such as waste water treatment, de-inking of recycled paper, chemical/biochemical waste clean-up, and mineral beneficiation, using a multi-stage flotation column. A series of draft tubes arranged axially and separated by baffles provides individual mixing stages in the flotation column and a special gas distributor generates fine gas bubbles. The draft tubes create repetitive loop flow of the feed fluid in each flotation stage. This provides uniform distribution of the gas bubbles throughout the column and significantly enhances mixing and contacts of the gas bubbles with the impurities to be removed.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventors: Shiao-Hung Chiang, Daxin He, Fuxin Ding
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Patent number: 5895567Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning organic waste material from waste fluid. This comprises a container at least partially filled with carrier elements, a waste fluid feed debouching into the container close to a vertical end, a fluid outlet connected to the container close to the opposite vertical end, carrier circulation means comprising a pump for pumping round water with carrier elements taken up therein, provided with a pump inlet and outlet respectively close to opposing vertical ends of the container, a sediment drain at the bottom of the container and control means for periodically switching on the carrier circulation means.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Patent Care B.V.Inventor: Jan Wytze Van Der Herberg
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Patent number: 5893970Abstract: A self-diluting feedwell for a thickener or settling tank includes a delivery pipe for providing an influent feed stream of slurry, a nozzle for directionally discharging the influent feed stream, and an eductor structure including a launder zone for receiving the nozzle discharge, a throat zone for creating a reduced pressure area for eduction of diluent into the launder zone, and a discharge zone for dispensing the diluted influent into a thickener or settling tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Leonard J. A. Wood, Simon D. Turner, Timothy J. Laros, Robert C. Emmett, Jr.
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Patent number: 5888407Abstract: Materials including suspended particles are brought together and then separated into two streams one of which only contains the particles, the output streams having different composition from inlet streams. Separation is effected in filtration modules which include a moving runner with wall conditioning elements which dislodge accumulated particles from porous walls of filters.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventor: Robert Arthur Benson
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Patent number: 5885448Abstract: A system for thermophilic aerobic destruction of pathogenic organisms and organic matter within waste water treatment sludge includes a tank for maintaining the sludge and an air transfer apparatus for injecting air into the sludge near the bottom thereof so as to bubble up through the sludge and react exothermically with the thermophilic microorganisms therein so as to kill or destroy the mesophilic microorganisms within the sludge. The thermophilic reaction is preferably controlled within a desired temperature range by control of the flow of fresh air versus recycled air being injected into the sludge. The fresh air to recycle air ratio can be controlled by several different mechanisms so as to produce the desired temperature range. The air is also utilized to mix the sludge within the tank. A pumping apparatus is also provided for transferring sludge into and out of the tank and for recirculating the sludge for purposes of auxiliary mixing.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: IP Holding CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Norcross, Yanlong Li
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Patent number: 5876594Abstract: The patent claims concern a method for a more efficient "wet ?combustion! oxidation" of COD-containing effluents from industrial processes and municipal plants and for a more efficient COD-reduction by enzymes in aerobic and anaerobic biological cleaning processes and for same sorts of effluents. The method implies a strong increase of the reaction speed between added oxygen and the elements in the liquid to be oxidized through so-called "Turbo Oxidation", which implies that the liquid is submitted to strong movements nd turbulence during several circulations within one or more liquid circuits during continuous addition of oxygen. By the same method, COD reduction by enzymes can also be made more effective. The single circuit is placed in connection to and communicates liquid-wise with a pressurized reaction tank, from where the developed reaction gases are continuously let out.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Inventor: Sigurd Fongen
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Patent number: 5865993Abstract: A filter centrifuge includes a centrifuge drum having a solids removal opening for solids collected in the centrifuge drum. A solids drying housing into which the solids removal opening opens is provided. The solids drying housing has a sieve bottom, a gas inlet for introducing a drying gas, and a gas outlet for removing the drying gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: Heinz-Jurgen Wienicke
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Patent number: 5858219Abstract: A cooling tower water treatment system removes contaminants include chlorine, calcium carbonate as calcite, and microorganisms from water in the system with redox media in a fluidized bed. The treatment system includes a treatment bed, in the form of a column, having a reaction chamber of a first diameter and a retention chamber of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. Redox media, in the reaction chamber, is fluidized by water flowing in a direction countercurrent to gravity and is held in place, without the use of screens or filters, by a reduction in flow rate of the fluidizing media resulting from the larger diameter of the retention chamber. Preferably, the treatment system includes a physical filtration unit, such as an automatic backwashing sand filter, to prevent entry of particulates and scale into the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventors: Joel E. Kusmierz, George R. Babb
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Patent number: 5833868Abstract: A portable water recycler for cleaning and recycling water used in a produce washing system or another similar system. The portable water recycler is most particularly advantageous in the recycling of water used in a potato washing system. The portable water recycler includes a conveyor filter which removes and conveys debris generally laterally while allowing water to pass generally vertically through a funnel and into a reclaiming tank. The reclaiming tank has a sloped floor and a bottom outlet. Dirty water is discharged from the bottom outlet and pumped through at least one centrifugal separator for further separation of particulate material from the water.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Recot, Inc.Inventor: Rick W. Bajema
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Patent number: 5827425Abstract: A grease recovery system includes a basin with an inlet port to connect the system to a waste disposal network, e.g., a sink in a restaurant, and to an outlet port for draining substantially grease-free water into a sewer network. A grease outlet port provides for recovering grease from the system. The basin holds waste water to a level corresponding to the height of the outlet port above a floor of the basin. The inlet port is above that level so that incoming waste water drains into the basin. An inlet baffle is arranged within the basin and adjacent to the inlet port to force waste water entering the inlet port downwards toward the floor. A first blocking baffle, mounted to the floor, reduces waste water flow along the floor after the waste water passes through the inlet baffle, so that grease rises to the water level downstream of the inlet baffle. A motorized belt sub-system is mounted within the basin to rotate a belt which attracts grease to the belt's surface and along the water level.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Inventor: Nick McKinnon
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Patent number: 5824212Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing air from blood which contains air. The air-containing blood is conducted in the form of a cyclone stream through a cyclone device, preferably drawn therethrough, so that centrifugal forces for the separation of the air from the blood are produced in the rotating cyclone stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Kevin Business CorporationInventor: Alexander Brockhoff
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Patent number: 5814229Abstract: Water to be treated is introduced into a basin having a closed bottom and an outer wall. A stationary diffusor is located at the bottom at a position spaced from the outer wall and produces air bubbles of varying size acting to lift water impurities toward the surface of the water and to circulate the water in the basin as a first stream flowing vertically upwardly from the diffusor, horizontally outwardly toward the outer wall, vertically downwardly toward the bottom and horizontally along the bottom back to the diffusor. A second stream is caused to circulate circumferentially in the basin. The first and second circulating streams cooperate to cause foam and slurry formed on the surface to concentrate in an outer peripheral flow path from which the foam and slurry are removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Puraq ASInventor: Elvind Lygren
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Patent number: 5811016Abstract: There are described a method of and an apparatus for removing sand from waste water loaded with sand and organic substances which is set forth in circulation in a vertical container (1) in which the organic substance moves upward to an overflow (13), while the sand sinks downward toward a discharge conveyor (3) connected to the container (1) from beneath, and is discharged after a certain settling period. To achieve a substantial separation of the sand and the organic substances, the settled sand is stirred by an agitator, with simultaneous rinsing with fresh water delivered to the container bottom region, and is discharged in an amount, which insures a predetermined minimal height of the settled sand.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Noggerath Holding GmbH & Co. KG.Inventor: Franz Zierler
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Patent number: 5776335Abstract: A flotation/entrainment reactor is poured with a plurality of concentric tubes forming respective chambers, the tubewear for receiving and filtering a liquid from solids contained therein, and with an inlet cylindrical base receiving the liquid and guiding it and, a rising flow along a cone wall of a frustoconical cap mounted on the base to the region of formation of a foam column in one of the concentric tubes encompassing an imaginary apex of the cone wall of the cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbHInventor: Horst Overath
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Patent number: 5773526Abstract: For the anaerobic fermentation of solid organic waste substances, solid waste is mixed with liquid material, particularly anaerobic slurry, and the temperature of the mixture is brought to a value between 25.degree. and 70.degree. C., preferably between 30.degree. and 40.degree. C. (mesophilic) and between 55.degree. and 65.degree. C. (thermophilic). By means of spontaneous rising of lightweight material and by means of flotation, a layer (10) of solid material floating on a methane-generating zone is formed from said mixture in a reactor. Said floating layer moves from a supply end (7) or a mixing section (2) to a discharge end (14) of the reactor, hydrolysis and acidification of solidorganic material taking place in the floating layer. The fermented floating layer is discharged via the discharge (14) end independent of the residence time of fluid and slurry in the methane-generating zone under the floating layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Paques Solid Waste Systems B.V.Inventors: Meine Van Dijk, Jelle Faber
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Patent number: 5755976Abstract: A pneumatic bubble aeration reactor and method for conditioning bodies of liquid comprising at least one upwelling bubble conduit, at least one return conduit fluidly connected to the upwelling conduit via a fluid reservoir and a secondary gas-diffuser positioned adjacent the top of the return conduit. A liquid driving diffuser introduces oxygen-rich gas bubbles into the upwelling conduit at a velocity sufficient to cause the downward flowing liquid in the return conduit to exceed the natural tendency of the secondary gas to flow upwardly. This driving action is coupled with a reactor geometry to assure a liquid velocity that exceeds the rise velocity of the bubbles, causing the bubbles to reach the exit end of the return conduit. An expansion chamber is provided at the exit end of the return conduit to present a decreasing velocity gradient to the fluid passing through the return conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventor: Robert W. Kortmann
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Patent number: 5755966Abstract: Biological activation waste water purification method is disclosed, wherein the waste water is biologically purified in an activation process. Activated sludge is pumped into a circulation circuit comprising a flow channel and at least one distribution channel. Raw waste water is added to the activated sludge to form an activation mixture which is gradually denitrified as it flows through the circulation circuit. The activation mixture is aerated so as to suspend the activated sludge in the mixture while gradually saturating the activation mixture with oxygen so as to change the denitrifying of the mixture to the nitrifying of a mixture as the mixture flows through the circulation circuit. The activation mixture then flows to a fluidized bed filter where it is separated into purified water and activated sludge.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventors: Svatopluk Mackrle, Vladimir Mackrle
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Patent number: 5733457Abstract: An extracorporeal fluid treatment apparatus which is selectively operable in a disinfecting mode or a treatment mode includes an inlet line, a pre-treatment portion, an input pump, a heater, an input shunt, a filtration device, a post-treatment portion, a drain line and an output shunt. The apparatus also includes a combination of valves which are selectively positionable in disinfecting mode to create an input fluid circuit which includes the pre-treatment portion and the input shunt, and which is in fluid isolation from the post-treatment portion and from the filtration device. In disinfecting mode, the valves are also selectively positionable to create an output fluid circuit which includes the post-treatment portion and the output shunt, and which is in fluid isolation from the pre-treatment portion and from the filtration device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: COBE Labortories, Inc.Inventors: Roy S. Hovland, Byron W. Larson, Jo-Ann B. Maltais
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Patent number: 5714060Abstract: A hemodialysis machine has ports of a disinfection manifold for receiving the arterial and venous line connectors terminating the arterial and venous lines. The ports are in fluid communication with a hydraulic system that circulates disinfection fluid through the machine including the extracorporeal circuit. The ports are constructed so as to provide a gap extending circumferentially around the arterial and venous line connectors. When the disinfection fluid circulates through the ports of the disinfection manifold, the fluid circulates around the external surfaces of the connectors as well as through the internal fluid passages, thereby insuring a complete disinfection of the connectors.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: AKSYS, Ltd.Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Dennis M. Treu, Frederick H. Peter, Jr., Thomas M. Feldsein, Kenneth E. Pawlak, Wayne F. Adolf
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Patent number: 5698094Abstract: A device for the biological treatment of liquids, especially sewage, including at least two compartments between which a vertical wall is inserted so that the compartments communicate with each other by free passages above and below the wall. The liquid to be treated is introduced into the compartments which contain particles which are supports for microorganisms exhibiting a density that is lower than that of the liquid to be treated. A gas is injected into the lower part of one of the compartments in order to establish, in the two compartments, a concurrent, continuous and orderly circulation of the multiphase mixture consisting of the liquid, solid and gaseous phases. In the lower part of the compartment not having gas injection, and above the recovery of the treated liquid, in the region where the change takes place in the direction of the flow passing from one compartment to the other, a system is provided for separating the less dense phases (particles, gas) from the multiphase mixture.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: DegremontInventors: Smati Abdellatif, Valentina Lazarova
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Patent number: 5693222Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation tank system is disclosed which is configured to provide educted gas or air into recirculated effluent fluid from the tank which includes a pump system which increases the dissolution rate of gas into the effluent fluid thereby eliminating the need for retention tanks and related equipment which adds to high equipment costs. The dissolved gas flotation tank system of the present invention also provides a pre-contact chamber for assuring immediate and intimate contact between the suspended solids in an influent feed stream and the recirculated effluent fluid in which gas is dissolved, as well as flocculant when used, to produce a better agglomerate structure for improved flotation and separation. The dissolved gas flotation tank of the present invention also provides an improved means of removing and processing float from the tank, and employs a dewatering system enhanced by the addition of chemicals or flocculants into the float removal system.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Anthony G. Galvan, Ravinder Menon
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Patent number: 5676841Abstract: Blood collection systems and methods minimize citrate toxicity in donors. The systems and methods convey whole blood at a prescribed rate Q.sub.b into a separation device for separation into red blood cells and a plasma constituent. The systems and methods add anticoagulant including citrate to the whole blood. The systems and methods control Qb (in ml/min or equivalent) based upon a citrate equivalent blood flow rate EqQB.sub.CIR, where: ##EQU1## where: CIR is a selected nominal a-symptomatic citrate infusion rate (in mg/kg/min or equivalent),AC is a selected anticoagulant ratio,Wgt is the donor's weight (in kg or equivalent), andCitrateConc is the citrate concentration in the anticoagulant (in mg/ml or equivalent).Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Richard I. Brown
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Patent number: 5676848Abstract: Materials including suspended particles are brought together and then separated into two streams one of which only contains the particles, the output streams having different composition from inlet streams. Separation is effected in filtration modules which include a moving runner with wall conditioning elements which dislodge accumulated particles from porous walls of filters.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Inventor: Robert A. Benson
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Patent number: 5676847Abstract: A method for recovering crystals from a crystal-containing slurry, which comprises supplying the slurry to a rotary filter having a rotating cylindrical filter medium, filtering the supplied slurry in a filtering region to retain the crystals on the filter medium and washing the filter cake formed on the rotating filter medium repeatedly in a plurality of washing regions by spraying a washing liquid onto the cake in each region by supplying any one of washing regions on the aft side in the rotating direction of the filter medium with the spent washing liquid of the washing region adjacent to said one washing region on the fore side in the rotating direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1994Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Ryoichi Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Sakata, Hiroshi Suzuki, Etsuro Okamoto
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Patent number: 5672269Abstract: A filter and pressure relief assembly for an adhesive supply unit comprises an adhesive supply hopper (12), a filter basket (20) disposed within a cavity (18) defined within a filter block (16), and a filter plug (22) for retaining the filter basket (20) within the filter block (16). Inlet port (32) provides an infeed of adhesive from the hopper (12), an outlet port (36) leads to an applicator, and a return port (54) and conduit (56) return adhesive back to the hopper (12). The filter plug (22) contains a pressure relief valve (44) which opens and connects the inlet port (32) to the return port (54) and conduit (56) so as to return adhesive to the hopper (12) under over-pressurized conditions, and a pair of O-ring members (100, 102) for respectively engaging small and large diameter regions (104, 106) of the cavity (18).Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: James B. White
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Patent number: 5662804Abstract: Disclosed is a clarifier for use in treating a liquid containing non-soluble particles in suspension in order to separate these particles from the liquid. It comprises a tank, a liquid supply duct opening into the bottom portion of the tank and an injector for injecting a gas under pressure into at least part of liquid supplied to the supply duct in order to saturate this liquid with said gas and thus to generate gas bubbles as the saturated liquid is subject to depressurization within the tank. The gas bubbles that are so-generated adhere to the particles in suspension in the liquid and lift them up to form a floating layer of sludge in the top portion of the tank. A scraper is provided in the top portion of the tank for skimming off the layer of sludge while it is formed. A plurality of plates extend at an angle within the tank above the supply duct.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1996Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Les Traitements des Eaux Poseidon Inc.Inventor: Reneau Dufour
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Patent number: 5660721Abstract: An apparatus for removing undesirable compounds such as radon, volatile organics, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane from contaminated well water which utilizes a recirculating system which is selectively operable to decrease the contamination of the treated water below a given level wherein the contaminant removal is achieved by providing an interface between the radon contaminated water and air in order to allow the undesirable compounds such as radon, volatile organics, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane to move from the water into the air due to the greater affinity therefore. The apparatus is designed to be used with a conventional residential or small commercial water well supply system and maximizes radon removal preferably by aspirating or baffling a gravity feed radon removal system for water which may include passing thereof through mass transfer packing material.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: E-Group, L.L.C.Inventors: Karl Kyriss, Jeffrey Careaga, Kenneth Bather, John Micolucci
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Patent number: 5656171Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing corrosion and lime deposits caused by water impurities on surfaces exposed to the water is disclosed herein. The apparatus and method employ a recirculation system for directing water through a magnetic treatment unit and a deflector system for flushing the surfaces subjected to corrosion and lime deposits. In the case of a water heater the deflector system includes a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct flows of magnetically treated water against a tank wall of the water heater, and a spiral loop with perforations facing a heating element or a cluster of heating elements of the water heater for directing flows of magnetically treated water against surfaces of the heating elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Michael Graf Strachwitz