Serially Connected Distinct Treating Or Storage Units Patents (Class 210/195.1)
  • Patent number: 6432312
    Abstract: The present invention provides improvements for indoor closed systems used to raise aquatic life, along with methods to overcome the current problems associated with such indoor closed systems. The present invention provides an aquatic life rearing system which reuses water in the rearing process and does not pollute lakes or streams due to waste water discharge. The improvements include a method of preventing performance degradation of equipment which removes ammonia from the rearing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph T. Fuss
  • Patent number: 6428697
    Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: William W. Edgar
  • Patent number: 6423268
    Abstract: A blood heating system for use in open heart surgery including an arterial/venous fluid circuit, a cardioplegia fluid circuit independent of the arterial/venous fluid circuit, a first heater in heat exchange relationship with the arterial/venous fluid circuit, a second heater in heat exchange relationship with the cardioplegia fluid circuit, a power supply connected to the first and second heaters so as to supply a desired electrical power, to the first and second heaters, and a controller electrically interconnected to the power supply and to the first and second heaters such that the first and second heaters cannot be activated simultaneously. A relay is electrically interconnected between the first and second heaters and the power supply so as to deactivate one of the heaters when the other of the heaters is activated. A timer is connected to the relay so as to alternately activate and deactivate the respective heaters after a desired period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Luther M. King, Douglas E. Platt
  • Patent number: 6413427
    Abstract: A compact nitrogen reduction wastewater treatment system for treating a waste liquid, the system comprising a single tank. The tank includes an inlet, an aerobic treatment compartment, an anoxic treatment compartment, a suspended micromedia compartment, an aerator, and a tank outlet. The aerobic treatment compartment includes aerobic treatment bacteria and is in fluid communication with the tank inlet. The anoxic treatment compartment is laterally disposed relative to, and in fluid communication with, the aerobic treatment compartment. The suspended micromedia compartment includes separating media. It is positioned laterally relative to, and is in fluid communication with, the anoxic treatment compartment. The suspended micromedia compartment is also laterally disposed relative to, and in fluid communication with, the aerobic treatment compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ecokasa Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary A. Tipton, Douglas E. Fessel
  • Patent number: 6413418
    Abstract: Oxygen is mixed with waste water at an early stage in a water treatment facility, to reduce odor caused by anaerobic reactions of sulfur. Waste water is withdrawn from a collection basin, by a pump connected to a suction pipe, and is mixed with oxygen from an external source. The mixture, having been saturated with oxygen, is then returned to the collection basin through a discharge pipe. The end of the discharge pipe is positioned at a higher vertical level than the end of the suction pipe, to prevent gas from entering the pump which would cause cavitation. Also, the end of the discharge pipe has a blind flange, such that the oxygen-enriched water exiting the discharge pipe flows in a direction which is non-parallel to the axis of the pipe. This arrangement provides better mixing of the oxygen with the water in the basin, and prevents the oxygen-enriched water from flowing too soon to the suction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: MG Industries
    Inventors: Sudhir R. Brahmbhatt, J. Michael Forde
  • Patent number: 6402945
    Abstract: A method of handling grey water and optionally at least a portion of black water for disposal from vehicles such as boats, recreational vehicles or rural dwellings such as cottages, camps and the like, not having direct access to sewer systems, involves the treatment of such waste water with ozone. A batch system is used whereby a predetermined quantity of water to be treated is captured in a treatment tank. A circulating pump withdraws water from the tank and pushes the water along a treatment conduit, the conduit containing an ozone/water mixer and returns the water to the treatment tank. The treatment conduit has a discharge valve that is maintained in a closed position for a selected period of time. Ozone is fed to the ozone/water mixer from an ozone generator which is advantageously fitted with an air pump to pressurize the feed gas. After the selected treatment time, the batch is discharged to a drain through the discharge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Great Lakes Clean Water Limited
    Inventors: Graham Edward Swales, James Edward Swales, Thomas W. Bain, Hubert Roger Hart
  • Patent number: 6398957
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems which utilize an interacting surge anoxic mix zone for facilitating nitrogen removal and an aerobic sequential batch reaction, clarification and decantation zone for facilitating aeration for BOD removal and nitrate production for the surge anoxic mix zone. Sludge reduction may also be accomplished by anaerobic recycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Mikkel G. Mandt
  • Patent number: 6391209
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing organic and inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass and the endpoint of the oxidative process detected by a sensor. Residual organics, and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment. Inorganic contaminants are removed from the electroplating bath by selective ion exchange resins or electrodialysis, while particulate and suspended colloidal particles are removed by filtration before the treated plating bath is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Matthew Belongia, Zhen Wu Lin, John E. Pillion, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
  • Patent number: 6391195
    Abstract: Apparatus and a process are provided for treating used drilling mud, particularly that produced during clearwater drilling. A structural and highway transportable skid comprises two or more settling tanks connected in succession. Flocculation aids settling of solids to the bottom and clarified liquid forms at the surface. Clarified liquid flows from one tank to the next successive tank. Clarified liquid is produced from the last of the successive settling tanks. The tanks have flat bottoms. Passageways extend between each successive tank for gravity-flowing liquid from one tank to successive settling tank. A solids tank or centrifuge is also mounted within the skid. The solids and settling tanks are located for weight-balancing. A rotational suction is positioned in the bottom of each settling tank and having one or more radially extending conduits which rotate about an axis and have inlets at their distal ends which traverse an inscribed circular path about the periphery of the tank's bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Layton
  • Patent number: 6387254
    Abstract: Phosphorus in wastewater is removed by using an apparatus including a settling tank, an anaerobic tank, an aerobic tank, and a final settling tank. Nitrogen in wastewater is removed by using an apparatus including a settling tank, an anaerobic tank, a nitrification tank, and a final settling tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuo Takechi, Masahisa Tanabe, Toshiaki Tsubone, Jun Miyata, Kei Baba, Satoru Udagawa, Shinichi Endo
  • Patent number: 6387265
    Abstract: A method for managing a water system habitat environment and a system for managing a water system habitat environment are provided in which oxides which accumulate in a relatively small-scale water environment are continuously and effectively reduction changed and released into the atmosphere, such that a balance between oxidation changing and reduction changing of solute can be achieved. Furthermore, building up to a balanced state can be carried out in a short period of time from creation of the water environment, and the balanced state can be maintained over a long period of time. Soil (22), in which an organic carbon source (21) is mixed-in in a predetermined amount with respect to an amount of water in a pond (10), is covered, to a predetermined thickness, on substantially an entire bottom of a depression (4) which is to become the pond (10) and whose bottom portion has been subjected to a waterproofing treatment (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Takachiho Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Hosoya
  • Patent number: 6379560
    Abstract: A filter assembly for a water purifying apparatus including a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge includes first and second ends and an interior volume containing a filtering medium. A plurality of end caps are respectively connected with the first ends of the plurality of cartridges and each end cap includes a water inlet and a water outlet. A removable manifold is coupled with the water inlets and water outlets and the manifold includes a pair of auxiliary ports. One auxiliary port directs water from the cartridge assembly to an auxiliary processing device and another auxiliary port directs the water from the auxiliary processing device back to the filter assembly. The water inlets and water outlets extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of each cartridge. The cartridge includes an outer tubular member in fluid communication with the water inlet and an inner tubular member in fluid communication with the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermodyne Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Tilp, Steven C. Peake, Chester E. Chomka, Thomas J. Larkner, Eric J. Willman, Kerry W. Leppert, Tina M. Timmerman
  • Patent number: 6375843
    Abstract: A liquid solid separation apparatus having a porous metal pipe sealed inside a non-porous metal pipe which allows a portion of the liquids, e.g., hydrocarbons and water to pass through the first pipe into the non porous pipe from which they are removed while solids are retained within the porous pipe. In the process there is a system pressure which aids in the filtration and a circulating velocity which removes the detained solids. Preferably a portion of these solids with reduced liquid content are recycled back to the system, mixed with fresh feed. By recycling a porion of the recovered solid concentrate the velocity of the flow in the system kept constant and the system itself is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Environmental Safeguards, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Leon Potter, Ross D. Roberts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6368500
    Abstract: A system for treatment of collected waste comprises a waste receiving pit; at least one first separator for separating between first waste material having a specific gravity equal or less than that of water and second waste material having a specific gravity above that of water; at least one crusher for receiving said first waste material, substantially crushing at least a particulate portion thereof to a smaller particulate form to obtain treated waste material and producing a liquid product comprising water carrying the treated waste material; at least one acetogenic fermentor for receiving said liquid product and for anaerobic acetogenic fermentation thereof to produce a first fermented effluent; at least one methanogenic fermentor for receiving said first fermented effluent and for anaerobic methanogenic fermentation thereof to produce a second fermented effluent; at least one liquid feed line for feeding at least one of said first or said second effluent into one or more of the system's devices for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Arrow Ecology & Engineering Overseas (1999) Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Asa, Israel Faig
  • Patent number: 6358407
    Abstract: A device and method for the filtration and purification of suspended solids from high turbidity wastewater or other fluids using a slow circulating fluid stream flow inside a vessel of fluid containing a mixture of coagulant and suspended solids. By determining and using a calculated velocity of the flow of the fluid in the vessel, suspended solids are caused to separate from the fluid in which they are suspended by natural actions of gravity and pressure differentials in the vessel ceasing the rise of the suspended solids. The suspended solids are filtered from the water or other fluid by a filter layer of the suspended solids themselves which form a filter element for the fluid at a determined level in the vessel wherein suspended solids are separated and drain back though a return orifice leaving cleansed fluid to rise through a secondary filtration system of buoyant balls floating at a higher lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Taiouan Liao, Chunjiang Liao, Manhoi Lam
  • Patent number: 6358411
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant comprises a first containment vessel, a second containment vessel forming an aerobic treatment chamber, the second containment vessel having an inlet and an outlet, there being a compartment formed in the first containment vessel that effectively divides the first containment vessel into a pretreatment chamber and a holding chamber. An outlet from the pretreatment chamber is in open communication with an inlet to the second containment vessel, while an outlet for the aerobic treatment chamber is in open communication with the inlet to the holding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20020030012
    Abstract: A process is provided to create a treated recycle stream through pre-treatment and solids separation for reuse in animal feeding operations without odors and creates a treated liquid effluent that can be stored for reuse, or can be land applied without odors and is free from pathogens and nutrients. Additionally the methods describe a means of converting animal manure to organic fertilizer and removing nutrients from the liquids to create a feed supplement from biomass. The organic fertilizer is non-leaching and free from pathogens. The entire process is accomplished in a reduced footprint from other treatment processes and allows waste ponds to be removed from service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: John Michael Sullivan, Gregg Anthony Crocco
  • Patent number: 6349835
    Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method and installation, which consist in subjecting the water to be treated to membrane filtration (1) to satisfy the requirement for a relatively high flowrate of water for ordinary use (UF), subjecting the water that has been subjected to membrane filtering to reverse osmosis filtering (2) to satisfy the requirement for a smaller flowrate of water of improved quality (OS) and, outside periods of production of water filtered by reverse osmosis, sweeping the upstream face of the osmosis membrane (9) with the flow of membrane-filtered water drawn off to be consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Polymem
    Inventors: Franc Saux, Jean-Michel Espenan, Jean-Claude Bontemps
  • Patent number: 6346197
    Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: McKay Creek Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert J. Stephenson, Bruce D. Tennant, Donald Hartle
  • Patent number: 6342155
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a filter assembly, a water storage tank, a circulating unit connected to the storage tank for receiving water from the storage tank and for returning the water from the circulating unit to the storage tank, a UV sterilizing unit connected to the circulating unit and adapted to sterilize the water flowing through the circulating unit, a fluoridating unit connected to the circulating unit and adapted to add fluorine to the water flowing through the circulating unit, and a water supply part connected to the circulating unit adapted to supply the sterilized and fluoridated drinking water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Kintech Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Kuo
  • Patent number: 6342159
    Abstract: Disclosed is a biomechanical apparatus and method for the continuous phase-separation and biological treatment of ship bilgewater contaminated with petroleum and biodegradable materials. The apparatus includes a pumping system attached directly to the bilge or waste oil holding tank for removing the biodegradable material(s) contained in the bilge waste aqueous and non-aqueous phases, which is integrated with a system for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilgewater. The system for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilgewater preferably includes petroleum- and hazardous material-degrading microorganisms. In operation, the three stage apparatus combines functions to physically separate petroleum hydrocarbons from the water phase, process and microbiologically destroy the petroleum hydrocarbons in the water and monitor and direct the discharge of the processed water overboard or recirculation back into the bilge compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Ensolve Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Caplan, Donald W. Kelemen
  • Patent number: 6338795
    Abstract: A second purifying apparatus 2 for furthermore purifying working solution purified by a first purifying apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of the first purifying apparatus 1. A working-solution introducing pipe 42 which is capable of diffusing and discharging the working solution from the lower end thereof is disposed in substantially the central portion of the working-solution accumulating tank 40 in which the working solution is accumulated. A filter 44 for vertically sectioning the working-solution accumulating tank 40 at an intermediate position is provided. A weir 45 is formed at an upper end of the working-solution accumulating tank 40. Moreover, a separating wall is formed along the inner wall of the weir 45. A solution gathering groove 47 is provided for the outer surface of the weir 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Okajima, Kazuyoshi Takei
  • 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
  • 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: 6315837
    Abstract: A slurry of contaminated sand and water is delivered to a solid/liquid hydrocyclone (2) surmounting a pressure vessel (1). That is divided into two sections (3, 4) by a bulkhead (5) leaving a gap between the sections at the top. The partially cleaned sand from the hydrocyclone (2) is dropped into one section (3) while the water is directed to the section (4). The sand is then fluidized with clean, preferably recycled water and directed back through the hydrocyclone (2). This is repeated several times, progressively cleaning the sand. Oil removed by the process floats on the water in the section (4) and is discharged to drain (22). Provision for degassing the pressure vessel (1), discharging the fully cleaned sand, and for flushing and draining the pressure vessel is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Clarkson Barclay
  • Patent number: 6315899
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating a lighter liquid and a heavier liquid may comprise a settling tank sized to receive a mixture of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid. The settling tank permits the formation of a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. A weir positioned adjacent the settling tank allows the first upper liquid fraction to flow over the weir. A trough positioned adjacent the weir receives the first upper liquid fraction and effects a secondary separation of the lighter and heavier liquids by allowing the first upper liquid fraction to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. A first drain having an elevated inlet end is positioned in the trough so that the first drain removes the second upper liquid fraction from said trough. A second drain positioned in the trough has an inlet end that is positioned below the inlet end of the first drain so that the second drain removes the second lower liquid fraction from said trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Cyprus Amax Minerals Company
    Inventor: Ramon A. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6309338
    Abstract: In a method for the treatment, in particular stabilization, of materials containing environmentally noxious constituents, especially from the incineration of waste, in which the materials are treated with ferrous compounds and water, the materials are washed and stabilized chemically using a solution containing ferrous ions (Fe++) which allows the formation of stabilizing ferric oxides (Fe+++) on the materials, the ferric oxide formation being carried out by means of an oxidation under controlled conditions with respect to the nature and the amount of oxidizing agent, temperature and pH, whereafter, if desired, the treated materials are subjected to a thermal after-treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Volund ApS
    Inventor: Thomas Højlund Christensen
  • Patent number: 6299779
    Abstract: A method for re-use of the same water to do multiple loads of laundry over and over again. The method includes the step of collecting the used wash water from a washing maching. A lint/grit removal stop is followed by a second lint removing step. A free oil removal step is followed by a grease, hydrocarbon and suspended solid removal step undertaken by a media filter. A hydrocarbon absorption filter step is then followed by an activated carbon filter step. The used wash water is further purified by an ozone injection step. Still further, a heat exchange step is provided before the step of re-introducing the used wash water back to a washing machine facility from whence it came.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Harley J. Pattee
  • 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: 6296762
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Gambro AB
    Inventors: Lennart Jönsson, Birger Hallberg, Sven Jönsson, Stefan Knutsson, Lennart Olsson
  • Patent number: 6274054
    Abstract: The method of the present invention is to pump contaminated water, either by pushing or drawing, through a particulate filter and then through a contact chamber containing firstly copper wool and secondly brass wool. This method may be applied to a wide number of applications in which water is subject to either algae or bacterial contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Edward L. Murphy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6274375
    Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Allied Directives, LLC
    Inventor: Pearson Vernie McMinn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6270658
    Abstract: To bring maximum sterility in a stationary drinking water supply installation with a water tank, the invention provides a method for filling a drinking water installation in which, after filling a tank with fresh water, the water is circulated at least over a filter. The invention also provides an apparatus for drinking water supply from a drinking water tank with a supply pipe connectable to a fresh water source and which has a three-way valve (6) with an inlet (4) connected to the fresh water intake (3), as well as a second inlet (22) and a supply pipe (5) leading to the tank (2). There is also a return pipe (21) leading from the water tank (2) to the second inlet (22) of the three-way valve (6) and a circulating pump (9) in the water circuit formed by the return pipe (21) and supply pipe (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Digmesa AG
    Inventor: Heinz Plüss
  • Patent number: 6261456
    Abstract: Waste water containing fluorine, nitrogen and organic matter is treated by introducing the waste water into a water tank filled with calcium carbonate mineral and anaerobic microorganic sludge. An upper portion of the water tank is occupied by the anaerobic microorganic sludge concurrently with natural precipitation of the calcium carbonate mineral toward a lower portion of the water tank. Calcium ions dissolving from the calcium carbonate mineral precipitated in the lower portion of the water tank are made to chemically react with the fluorine in the waste water. At the same time, the organic matter in the waste water is treated by utilizing anaerobic microorganisms in the anaerobic microorganic sludge in the upper portion of the water tank. The nitrogen in the waste water is treated to be reduced by reducibility that the anaerobic microorganisms in the waste water own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata
  • Patent number: 6254769
    Abstract: An aquarium-maintenance system has a transparent filtering canister (1) with quick-joint inlet attachment (3) and quick-joint outlet attachment (8) to transparent aquarium tubing (5, 13) together with a handle (14) to allow quick, convenient and clean replacement and/or back-flow cleaning of filtering members (11). A system pump (12) has variable output capacity for filtered water circulation and optionally for aquarium flushing with a cannister bypass (19), discharge conveyance (21) to a drain-water disposer (22), refill conveyance (24) from a refill-water source (23) and back-flow conveyance (16) from a wash-water source (17). This is a comprehensive aquarium-maintenance system that is adaptable totally or in part to all sizes and types of aquariums (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Ryan S. Whittaker
  • 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: 6241877
    Abstract: A circulation and filtration system is provided for use with water gardens having a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height. The system includes a reservoir, an intake line, a pump, and a return line. The reservoir is located near the water container and is capable of holding a reserve of water. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes an upright basket filter located therein. The intake line includes a first end opening positionable within the water container near the preferred fill height and a second end opening connected to the basket filter. During use, water flows into the basket filter through the intake line via gravity. The pump is located either within the reservoir or externally from the reservoir though connected to the reservoir through additional piping. The return line includes a first end connected to the pump and a second end positionable at a desired location in the water garden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Edward B. Berkey
  • Patent number: 6235191
    Abstract: In a water purifying apparatus having a filter for filtering raw water to produce filtered water, a sterilization unit irradiates the filtered water with ultraviolet rays to produce treated water. A recirculating arrangement is capable of recirculating the treated water through the sterilization unit. It is preferable that a water supply sensor detects supply of the treated water out of the water purifying apparatus to produce a supply detection signal and operation of the receirculating arrangement is controlled in response to presence and absence of the supply detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sanden Corp.
    Inventor: Makoto Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6235199
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for biological-processing unit fluid conveyance and pumping systems. The invention teaches methods of reducing fluid flow resistance and reducing pumping requirements for supplying fluid to the biological-processing unit. Some preferred embodiments of the invention are optimized for dialysis machines and dialysis clinics. In some select embodiments the invention is accomplished utilizing two supply legs in fluid parallel communication. A clinic utilizing fluid parallel supply legs has reduced fluid resistance as compared to a clinic utilizing series arranged supply legs. This reduces initial set-up costs, operating costs and time to construct fluid conveyance systems. Other advantages and embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
  • Patent number: 6228266
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus using a plasma reactor and a method of water treatment are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a polluted water inlet and a polluted water outlet; a plurality of beads filled into the interior of the housing; a pair of electrodes, one of the electrodes contacting with the bottom of the housing, another of the electrodes contacting an upper portion of the uppermost beads; and a pulse generator connected with the electrodes by a power cable for generating pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon Yong Shim
  • Patent number: 6224752
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having an aeration tank (20) is provided with an operations control center (12) that includes a controller (64) and an aerator pump (50) mounted atop a base (58), which is in turn mounted atop a platform (56). A plurality of electrical lines (66) extend from the controller through respective conduits (90, 92, 94, 96). The conduits extend through and are sealingly engaged by holes in the base and the platform. A compression fitting (136) and coupler (154) are included to provide a fluid-tight seal. This arrangement is advantageous because it prevents corrosive gases from entering the operations control center and corroding the terminals thereof. Also described is a wastewater treatment system that includes a pretreatment tank (244), an aeration tank (20), and a pump tank (202) secured together by a connector that includes bands (260, 262) and spacing means (264, 268) for maintaining a fixed-spaced relationship between the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Aqua Partners, Ltd.
    Inventor: T. Gig Drewery
  • Patent number: 6217760
    Abstract: The waste water treatment system comprises a waste water treatment facility having an inlet for the entry of waste water and an outlet, and a re-circulation tank including an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the waste water treatment facility is in fluid communication with the outlet of the re-circulation tank. The system includes a distribution chamber including an upstanding wall, a floor, an inlet, and at least two outlets conduits. A first outlet conduit is in fluid communication with the re-circulation tank; and a second outlet conduit is in fluid communication with a discharge conduit. At least one flow distribution chamber outlet conduit typically includes an inlet opening which is disposed at the same vertical height as the floor of the distribution chamber to allow the entry of waste water which has entered into the distribution chamber, such that substantially no waste water entering into the distribution chamber through the inlet will be retained within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Tom Bovington
  • Patent number: 6210578
    Abstract: The invention presents a residual water treatment plant for small flows, characterized by the combination of a primary sedimentation zone followed by anoxic and aerobic packed zones, placed serially all of them, with packing, alternating descending and ascending flows and aerated according to the oxygen requirement, there being a recirculation of treated water with sedimented mud between the secondary sedimentator and the first anoxic compartment or primary sedimentation zone, which produces treated water with enough quality for reutilization activities, after prior disinfecting (for example, watering, automobile-washing, flushing of sanitary facilities, floor-washing, and so forth). The plant requires the use of a low energy consumption air compressor, especially specified to minimize its maintenance and noise. The treatment microplant has a compact design, which requires a small area (of the size of a water cistern for 1100L, 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Morgan Sagastume, Adalberto Noyola Robles
  • Patent number: 6207047
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of wastewater is provided. The basic device includes a wastewater inlet, a connecting means and a bioreactor. The bioreactor is a substantially water-tight compartment which has its bioreactor inlet fluidly connected to the connecting means which is fluidly connected to the wastewater inlet. Inside the substantially water-tight compartment is controlled porous media inoculated with nitrifying aerobic bacteria. Additionally, many applications will require a plurality of bioreactors to be able to handle larger loads of wastewater. The plurality of bioreactors are connected in series by a plurality of bioreactor connecting means, each bioreactor connecting means fluidly connecting one bioreactor's outlet to another bioreactor's inlet. Effluent enters the plurality of bioreactors through first bioreactor's inlet and exits the plurality of bioreactors from the last bioreactor's outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sea Sanitizer International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard Gothreaux
  • Patent number: 6207054
    Abstract: A method of biologically cleaning polluted water uses active sludge and at least three zones, where at least one zone operates as a biological treatment zone and at least two zones variably operate as a biological treatment zone and as a clarifying zone. By this method, the polluted water is fed to a zone operating as a permanent biological treatment zone, where a back-mixing is performed during a period between this zone and a zone variably operating as a biological treatment zone and which has operated as a clarifying zone during a previous period. As a result, the drawbacks are overcome which the known T- and V-channel methods are encumbered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Bent Tholander
  • Patent number: 6200472
    Abstract: The Three Stage Sewage Treatment System (“TSSTS”) processes sewage for buildings not connected to a municipal sewer system. It employs a three stage process for cleaning sewage in a single, light-weight, easy-to-install unit. Sewage is initially cleaned anaerobically in the pre-treatment tank as gravity acts to separate solids from the effluent. Sewage then flows into the aerobic tank for further cleaning by aerobic microorganisms and continued gravity separation of solid contaminants from the effluent. The aerobic tank is divided into an inner chamber and an outer chamber by a funnel-shaped clarifier. In the TSSTS, the clarifier is a separate piece with a lip around the top of the funnel-shaped main body. The lip of the clarifier rests atop the sidewalls of the aerobic tank, and the clarifier hangs down in the aerobic tank, with an opening in the bottom of the clarifier held above the bottom of the aerobic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Hubbard H. Donald, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6197188
    Abstract: A filtration system for concentrating radioactive debris particulate provides efficient filtration, concentration and transport to collection canisters of radioactive particles from a refueling cavity, spent fuel pool, or other water volume where small particles must be removed from the water. The system includes a flushing pump module that draws contaminated water from a cut zone enclosure. The flushing pump module has a separator that removes large size particulate from the contaminated water. A solid media filter module receives the contaminated water from the flushing pump module and removes medium size particulate from the contaminated water. The solid media filter module has a structure for ejecting the medium size particulate and passing the ejected particulate to a concentrate handling module having a purge tank and a slurry transfer pump. A disposal canister station receives the medium size particulate from the slurry transfer pump and fills disposal canisters for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: GE Nuclear Power LLC
    Inventor: Edward F. Lamoureux
  • Patent number: 6197153
    Abstract: The method for de-inking paper pulp produced by the reduction to pulp, with water, of old papers of various qualities according to which a stream of air bubbles (C) is sent through the flow (E2, S2, E3, S3) of pulp at least once, is characterized by the fact that a countercurrent of water (E1) is sent into the stream of de-inking air bubbles after said bubbles have passed through the pulp and become laden with ink particles so that the countercurrent releases the particles (fibers, fines, fillers) borne along by these de-inking bubbles and carries them away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: E & M Lamort
    Inventor: Alain Serres
  • Patent number: 6190554
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems which utilize an interacting surge anoxic mix zone for facilitating nitrogen removal and an aerobic sequential batch reaction, clarification and decantation zone for facilitating aeration for BOD removal and nitrate production for the surge anoxic mix zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mikkel G. Mandt
  • Patent number: 6178566
    Abstract: A toilet housing and waste collection and treatment system purify wastewater to a satisfactory level. When solid wastes are conveyed from individual toilets (31)-(33) into an active circulation chamber (16) in a toilet housing (10), the solid wastes are subjected to air exposure treatments in the active circulation chamber (16). The wastewater exposed to air in the active circulation chamber (16) is then purified through a three-phase flowing structure in first and second active water chambers (51) and (52), with the three-phase flowing structure including water, air, and carrier particles containing aerobic microorganisms. The wastewater so treated flows into first and second sediment separation chambers (53) and (54) where solid wastes are settled down and separated from the wastewater. The treated water is then supplied to a water reservoir (56) which in turns supplies the water to the respective toilets (31)-(33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nihon Shinko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Yagi