Of Filtrate Patents (Class 210/196)
  • Patent number: 6017446
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene H. Harms, Stephen N. McEwen, Michael C. Harms, John L. Creps
  • Patent number: 6010624
    Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of contaminated sediment found in rivers, lakes and certain bodies of water, wherein the contaminated sediment is removed from the body of water as part of a liquified mixture including both water and the contaminated sediment. The water is separated from the contaminants by treating the sediment through the introduction of a solidifying compound, certain specified sorbents and a cementitious material. The result is a solidification of the treated contaminants into a solid structural configuration which facilitates disposal of the resulting solidified contaminants as by ocean dumping or disposal at an appropriate landfill site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Larsen
  • Patent number: 6004470
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a first liquid phase from second liquid phase and entrained air and solids. More particularly, the apparatus removes tramp oil, metal shavings and other solids from coolant used in metal-working machines. The apparatus can also be used to remove air and solids from a single liquid phase. The apparatus is compact and simple to use. It overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art devices, including their tendency to become plugged with oily material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Tim Abril
  • Patent number: 5993647
    Abstract: A slurry filtration system for supplying a slurry to a polisher to perform a chemical mechanical polishing process. The system comprises a first three-way valve, to receive the slurry supplied from an external system; a slurry pump, to control the slurry flowing from the first three-way valve, and to maintain a circulating state of the slurry within the circulating system after the chemical mechanical polishing process comes to a stop; a slurry filter, to filter a plurality of large size particles in the slurry pumped from the slurry pump; a second three-way valve, to supply the slurry flowing from the filter to the polisher; and a transportation pipe, connecting between the first and the second three-way valves to transport the slurry from the second three-way valve back to the first three-way valve when the polishing process has stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chao-Yuan Huang, Peng-Yih Peng, Juan-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 5993663
    Abstract: A liquid filtering system in machine tools which uses, in a recycling circuit, a work tank, a dirty liquid tank, a filter and a clean liquid tank in which water of a very low conductivity is used and adding at least one ferric oxide flocculent based on a polyelectrolyte polymer to the low conductivity water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ona Electro-Erosion, S.A.
    Inventor: Javier Maidagan Larrumbide
  • Patent number: 5989416
    Abstract: A filter bed base for the treatment of wastewater discharged from a dwelling, business or like producer. The filter bed base is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper and lower surface. The upper surface of the filter bed base has a plurality of orifices for distributing filtered effluent into various chambers inside the base. The lower surface of the base has a plurality of orifices which are positioned beneath a select number of the chambers for discharging a portion of the filtered effluent into the soil underlying the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Stuart Albert Gorton
  • Patent number: 5989418
    Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-soo Shin
  • Patent number: 5989413
    Abstract: A fuel filter with a pressure regulating valve for fuel circulated from a fuel tank and injected into an internal combustion engine. The fuel filter comprises a filter pot closed by a cover and an annular filter element for radially filtering flow from the outside in. Fuel flows in and out through main flow connections on opposite sides of the filter. There is a recirculation connection to recirculate fuel. There is a pressure regulating valve on one end of the filter housing with the discharge connection. The pressure regulating valve operates against atmospheric pressure and has a spring-loaded diaphragm which acts in conjunction with a closure ram to close the inlet port of a recirculation flow duct which passes through the center of the filter and connects the regulating valve to the return connection. The diaphragm is fastened with the valve seat in a sealed manner to the edge of the pressure regulator housing, which open into the filter port and is formed in the cover of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, Knecht Filterwerke
    Inventors: Stefan Jauss, Fritz Vogt, Lothar Mauz, Adolf Triffterer, Walter Schiffer, Jurgen Schrepfer
  • Patent number: 5985141
    Abstract: A two part system providing initial filtration of free oil and dirt followed by biological filtration with a copper wool and brass wool filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Edward L. Murphy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5985149
    Abstract: A bioremediation process employing an improved bioreactor comprises pumping contaminated ground water from a recovery well in a contamination site, passing the water through a fully pressurized bioreactor wherein the water is enriched with nutrients and oxygen and treated with microorganisms native to the contamination site, and returning the enriched and treated water and microorganisms in a finely dispersed state to the contamination site, thereby enhancing bioremediation in a subsurface bioactive zone. The recirculation is accomplished with only the recovery well pump. The bioreactor is a fully pressurized fluidized bed bioreactor. The bioreactor includes a recirculation loop driven by a fluidization pump. The loop has a first branch that returns a portion of the recirculating water directly to the bioreactor inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Richard M. Raetz, Al E. Tester
  • Patent number: 5965015
    Abstract: An oil-water separator system and method to separate contaminated oil and water into clean water and free coalesced oil for collection and removal. The system includes a process tank for the oil and water, a pump to pump the oil and water through first and second stage oil-coalescing filters and through a full depth, fibrous filter under back pressure to provide filtered clean water of selected purity; typically, less than 20 ppm. The coalesced and filtered oil-water is returned and recycled to the process tank wherein a free coalescing oil layer forms on the surface, which free coalesced oil is removed by a belt skimmer for collection and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Whatman Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Ronan, Kenneth A. Perrotta, Paul E. Rebe
  • Patent number: 5958240
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating waste water to generate clarified water for reuse in industrial processes which includes the steps of adding agents to the waste stream to generate floccules, aerating the waste stream to cause a portion of the floccules to float, decanting floating floccules and lighter than water immiscible pollutants from the top surface of the waste stream, directing the waste stream through an incline clarifier so as to permit heavier than water floccules to form sludge in a bottom region of the clarifier. Sludge and decanted pollutants are sent to a bioremediation tank where hydrocarbons are decomposed and the remaining sludge is dewatered and compacted to a solid condition for disposal in a public waste facility. The clarified water is transferred to a steam generator or pressurized water delivery system for reuse. The invention is particularly useful for equipment cleaning operations such as in truckyards or airports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoel
  • Patent number: 5951857
    Abstract: A system is provided for changing hydraulic oil in vehicles such as airplanes, which enables rapid replacement of dirty oil and rapid cleaning of oil to meet military/commercial aircraft specifications for reuse. The apparatus includes a frame (40), dirty and clean oil tanks (14, 16) mounted on the frame, a filter tank (30) with filters (32) mounted on the frame, and pump and valve means (20) for controlling the flow of oil. Initially, the apparatus is rolled up to an airplane, dirty oil in the hydraulic reservoir of the plane is pumped into the dirty oil tank, and clean oil from the clean oil tank is pumped into the airplane reservoir. Thereafter, while the apparatus is moved or is stationary, dirty oil from the dirty oil tank is pumped through filters of the filter tank and into the clean oil tank for an initial cleaning, and thereafter the oil is continually circulated from the clean oil tank through the filtered tank and back to the clean oil tank to polish the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: William Osborne
  • Patent number: 5942107
    Abstract: There is disclosed a portable assembly for treating hazardous waste water having a plurality of paired filter units having filter mediums and operated at high filter rates to minimize solids build up wherein solids are caused to be smashed and broken by shear forces and wherein chemicals are sequentially added to facilitate solids reduction, to oxidize organic compounds and to precipitate dissolved solids and wherein the process stream is subjected to ultraviolet light to reduce organic loading and downstream ultra filtration units to further reduce solids followed by reverse osmosis and/or ionization treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph B. Busch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5935446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for purifying water used for forming a water curtain of a wet spray wall in paint spray and/or glue processing booths, wet dust removal plants and the like. The water to be purified is caught in a receptacle (1) and the water is sucked out under the surface of the water present in said receptacle (1), mixed with air and introduced into a basin (14) at the bottom side of said basin (14). The water mixed with air is introduced into a basin (14) which widens in upward direction, and contaminations floating on the surface of the water present in said basin (14) are pushed towards an outlet disposed near one side of said basin (14) by means of a pusher, whilst the water flows out on the opposite side of the basin via an overflow. A few perforated plates disposed one above the other are provided in the basin (14) whose sectional area gradually increases in upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Robbert M. H. H. Weisz
  • Patent number: 5935457
    Abstract: A machining fluid processing apparatus for an electric discharge machine capable of easily exchanging a filter for a new one. A filter is horizontally supported on a support table in a tray which is provided over a machining fluid tank. The contaminated machining fluid is supplied from the contaminated machining fluid tank to an attachment pipe in the filter by a pump. The contaminated machining fluid passes through the filter while machining dust is removed from the machining fluid. The clean machining fluid is then returned to the clean machining fluid tank. The exchanging of the filter is performed by removing a nut and a seal washer, detaching the used filter from the attachment pipe and attaching a new filter thereon. Since the filter is not submerged in the machining fluid and is drawn out horizontally along the support table, the filter exchange is made easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Kita, Hiroyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 5925240
    Abstract: A water treatment system having dosing control for providing treated water having very low organic and ionic contamination, that can be accurately dispensed. The water treatment system having dosing control includes a water inlet hydraulically connected to a pump having a variable speed motor. At least one water treatment device is hydraulically connected downstream of the pump, at least one outlet valve is hydraulically connected downstream of the water treatment unit, and a recirculation line is hydraulically connected from the outlet valve to the pump. The output of the pump is controlled by a regulating device connected to the variable speed motor. The system provides for lower electrical current usage and reduced acoustical disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick C. Wilkins, Li-Shiang Liang, Herbert Bendlin, Stephane Dupont, Achim Brust, Felix Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 5911876
    Abstract: A system for remediating groundwater contaminated with radionuclides, consisting of an underground bed of crushed zeolites. Distribution pipes convey contaminated groundwater to the zeolite bed by means of a pump, which draws the contaminated water through wells from an underground plume of released waste mixed with groundwater. The radionuclides in the water undergo capture with the zeolite minerals, and lock into the zeolite crystal lattice. After the contaminated water passes through the zeolite bed, it is collected by a series of collection pipes and conveyed to a sampling station, where it can be determined whether the water has been decontaminated sufficiently to discharge it by piping to a river outfall or back to the ground. When functioning, the system contains the released contaminants on the waste site and prevents further spread and migration of the contaminated water by means of the cone of depression created by the pumping well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Jane Anne Rose
  • Patent number: 5908550
    Abstract: A water reclamation system for a vehicle wash system that provides water that is purified to enable reclaimed water to be used in a positive displacement pump. The reclamation system provides for continuous flow of water through the vehicle wash settling pit with an aerator to oxygenate the water and prevent odors typically produced by stagnant water from wash system settling pits. The water reclamation system is operable to clean the carwash system settling pit except for the primary pit in which the debris accumulated from the secondary settling pit is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: InterClean Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Pasi Kaipainen
  • Patent number: 5902488
    Abstract: A slow sand filter system having a slow sand filter located under water and a scraping mechanism. The scraping mechanism has at least one auger and a shaft, the auger extending across the width of the slow sand filter and being supported in the center thereof by the shaft such that the auger is horizontal. The auger may have a shroud located along the length of the auger and spaced therefrom. The auger moves the schmutzdecke layer across the slow sand filter. The slow sand filter system may have recycle, to permit passing water through the slow sand filter system at a rate less than the maximum vertical flow rate and recycle of a portion of said water passing through the slow sand filter system back to the body of water and removal of the remainder of the water to another location. The method permits operation of the slow sand filter system to provide a variable supply of water without minimal disruption of the filter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis Scott Prince
  • Patent number: 5888385
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment and recovery of spent vehicle coolant that involves the following steps:a) removing the spent coolant from the engine;b) treating the spent coolant with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to cause dissolved metals therein to form insoluble particles;c) treating the spent coolant of step b) with an aqueous basic coagulating agent such as a polyquaternary ammonium compound in its hydroxide form;d) filtering the spent coolant from step c) through a set of filters and then through a bed of carbon particles, to produce a relatively cleaner liquid; ande) adding to the relatively clear liquid a combination of corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents and alkali, whereby the treated coolant can be recycled to the vehicle for effective coolant performance therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Century Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Ische, Michael W. Johnson, William S. Dea, Thomas D. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5885463
    Abstract: A process for continuously controlling the pH value of an industrial process liquid removes impurities contained therein from the liquid and controls its pH value. If necessary, an aqueous solution having an acid or basic character is added. The purified process liquid having the desired acid or basic pH value is fed to the industrial process, maintaining the character of the aqueous solution constantly acid or basic by means of ion exchange resins and repeating the above steps. The system comprises a first tank (11) with a pH-meter (18) for the process liquid to be treated, a second tank (12) for the aqueous solution, pumps or the like (13,16) for recirculating the process liquid in the first tank (11) and supplying it to the industrial process and for recirculating the aqueous solution in the second tank (12), and a valve arrangement (20) for admitting to the first tank (11) the pH adjusting liquid to be added to the process liquid to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ecografica S.r.1.
    Inventor: Antonio Carriero
  • Patent number: 5873996
    Abstract: This invention comprises a process and apparatus for producing purified drinking water from surface or ground fresh water sources using no chemical pretreatment or coagulants, by usage of a positively-charged filtration media to attract the typically negatively-charged suspended solids present in the water source. The process, which can be portable, includes a filtration system having a filtration/recirulcation/backwash component and a disinfection step. The process further includes a system controller which receives electrical signals from float controls to control the filtration, recirculation, and backwash steps. This process produces drinking water which meets or exceeds the guidelines set by the World Health Organization for turbidity and microbiological content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Puraq Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Rozelle, E. Robert Baumann
  • Patent number: 5871647
    Abstract: The wastewater treatment unit is operable under high intermittent flow rate variations. It comprises a first clarifier in which is carried out a gravitational settling of solids and a second clarifier comprising a network of parallel plates inclined with respect to the vertical and a portion defining a collecting pit. Each plate has an upper edge positioned at a height lower than the filling level of the first clarifier to define an overflow giving access to the collecting pit. The network of plates allows to carry out a further settling of solids to create a counterflow of settled matter toward the first clarifier and a flow of clarified wastewater falling in the collecting pit. A filtering chamber is positioned above the first clarifier and comprises a filtering media supporting a biomass for digesting the organic content of the wastewater coming from the second clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Yves Lord
  • Patent number: 5863423
    Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed. The filter includes a waterfall discharging portion. The waterfall discharging portion has a penetrating hole formed at upper portion of a front panel of a pocket type filter and discharges the washing water introduced via a guide passage into the interior of a dehydrating tub. The waterfall discharging portion includes a first protrusion protruded from lower portion of the penetrating hole having a semi-spherical shape and a second protrusion extended from rear upper portion of the penetrating hole. Accordingly, a part of the washing water discharged from the pocket type filter is guided upwardly by the guide passage and discharged into the interior of the dehydrating tub to strike the laundry in the dehydrating tub after the flow speed of the washing water is increased by the first and second protrusions. The washing efficiency against the laundry is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-soo Shin, Ki-pyo Ahn
  • Patent number: 5861093
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and cooling liquid, with four filtration chambers are connected by a series of passageways. The apparatus is mounted on a cart so that it may be rolled into position under a machine quickly and easily. Once the apparatus is in position, the machine is drained of its debris-laden oil which flows directly into the first chamber and through the first wire mesh filter. The liquid is then forced either by gravity or by pressure through the remaining chambers and their respective filters which have progressively smaller pore sizes. The tortuous movement of the liquid around the weirs helps to cool the liquid while the filters remove foreign particles from the liquid. Once the liquid reaches the fourth chamber, a pump is used to pump the cleansed liquid back into the machine so that it may be reused. The inlet to the pump may be fitted with an optional fifth filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Scott A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5858220
    Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed. The filter includes a pocket type filter which filters fluff intermingled in washing water and has a front panel. The front panel is provided with a mesh net abutted to an inner surface of reinforcement member of the front panel. In addition, a filter case receives the pocket type filter therein and is provided with a washing water accelerating part at lower rear side. The washing water accelerating part gradually decreases the sectional area of the space defined by the filter case and a dehydrating tub so that the washing water is accelerated and introduced into the interior of the pocket type filter. The fluff attached to the mesh net is prevented the washing water to be easily flew so that the efficiencies of the filter and a washing machine are enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-soo Shin
  • Patent number: 5858218
    Abstract: A coolant reclamation device for use in conjunction with a conveyor of a first width wherein the conveyor receives solid contaminants and coolant from a machine tool operation. The conveyor transports the solid contaminants and coolant to the coolant reclamation device. The coolant reclamation device includes an elongate body which defines a chamber and contains an elongate opening which provides direct access to the chamber. The device also includes an elongate screen located over the opening. The coolant reclamation device is positioned relative to the conveyor so that the solid contaminants and coolant discharged from the conveyor impinge the screen whereby the solid contaminants remain on the surface of the screen and the coolant passes through the screen into the chamber. The elongate body contains a return port through which the chamber is in fluid communication with the coolant reservoir via a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Setlock, Richard B. Reffner
  • Patent number: 5851386
    Abstract: A waste-oil cleaning apparatus includes a processing tank for holding waste-oil, and arranged such that non-oil liquids in the waste-oil settle in the base of the tank. A conduit and valve arrangement is provided for withdrawing the settled non-oil liquids from the base of the tank. The apparatus also incorporates an oil cleaning unit including a pump, a mesh filter and a centrifuge. Waste oil in the tank is cleaned by pumping oil out of the tank and passing the oil sequentially through the mesh filter and the centrifuge after the settled non-oil liquids are withdrawn from the base of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher G. Paul
  • Patent number: 5849202
    Abstract: A process and device for the filtration of solid-liquid mixtures, in particular, solid-liquid suspensions with readily sedimenting substances, uses a filtration device such as a rotary filter optionally operating at an overpressure and in a pressure vessel. The process primarily comprises producing a movement in addition to the natural or usual filtration movement of the or in the mixture. Conveniently, a filtration device and, in particular, with rotary filters in a pressure vessel, includes a partly open feeding device, in particular, a feeding pipe for the supply of mixture or suspension, and a device for additionally influencing the natural or usual filtration movement of or in the mixture or suspension for generating an additional flow of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft M.B.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Hubert Riemer
  • Patent number: 5846409
    Abstract: An adjustable continuous filtration system for cooking fats and cooling oils. Using a variable orifice restriction such as a valve, the amount of cooking fat or cooking oil recycled to a filter is controlled in accordance with the results of testing the discharged cooking fat or cooking oil for quality control, by changing the size of the orifice. If the discharged fat or oil not within industry standards, the proportion being recycled is increased. If the fat or oil tests appreciably above industry standards, the proportion recycled to the filter is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald J. Zappe
  • Patent number: 5837444
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a subpopulation of cells larger than a predetermined size from a collagenase distended organ by circulating fluid through a closed loop system. The closed loop system includes a digesting chamber to liberate cells from the organ, a cell collection chamber, and a filter adjacent the cell collection chamber for retaining cells larger than the predetermined size. The circulating fluid transports liberated cells through the cell collection chamber to the filter. Subsequently, the cells on the filter are flushed back into the cell collection chamber by a density medium. A tube then withdraws the desired subpopulation of cells from the cell collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Kumarpal A. Shah
  • Patent number: 5816212
    Abstract: In an oil supply device for a machine having different categories of oil consumers, to which respectively one supply loop provided with at least one pump is provided, it is possible to achieve a simple structure and advantageous operating costs in that all supply loops can be provided with oil from a common oil tank, that at least one supply loop having a self-cleaning filter provided with an outlet for oil sludge, and that a separating device is provided, which can be charged at least with the oil sludge from each self-cleaning filter and which has a clean oil outlet terminating in the oil tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Man B & W Diesel A/S
    Inventors: Henning Lindquist, Poul Cenker
  • Patent number: 5817231
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus for purifying input water and dispensing a user selected quantity of purified water into a portable container in response to deposit of a predetermined amount of money. The apparatus comprises a first purified water path and a second purified water path. The first purified water path includes a reverse osmosis filter and a storage tank. The second purified water path includes an ultraviolet sterilizing unit connected between the tank and a dispensing unit with one or more dispensing valves. A recirculation water path periodically recirculates tank water through the ultraviolet sterilizing apparatus to improve and maintain the purity thereof. Another water recirculation path may be provided to recirculate concentrate from the reverse osmosis filter to a filter inlet line where it is mixed with input water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: American Dryer Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Souza
  • Patent number: 5810172
    Abstract: A method for recycling contaminated flush water from a wet electrostatic precipitator emission control system in a wood panel fabrication process. The recycled flush water containing solid byproducts from the emission control system is combined with wood products in a wood panel fabrication mix in a predetermined ratio of flush water to wood products, resulting in a finished wood panel having improved internal bond strengths and formaldehyde scavenging capacity without the need for excess binding resins and formaldehyde scavengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Blaine F. Sorenson, Gary A. Raemhild
  • Patent number: 5807485
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the continuous biological treatment of ship bilge water contaminated with petroleum and biodegradable materials. The apparatus includes a pumping system attached directly to the bilge or to an oil-water phase separator, for removing the biodegradable material(s) contained in the bilge waste aqueous phase, which is integrated with a means for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilge water. The means for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilge water preferably includes petroleum- and hazardous-degrading microorganisms. In operation, a phase separator system on the ship separates the free-product phase from the contaminated bilge water. The separated free-product is removed for off-site disposal. Contaminated bilge water is fed into the microbiological treatment system for further treatment with eventual discharge overboard or recirculation into the contaminated bilge area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Ensolve Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Caplan, Donald W. Kelemen
  • Patent number: 5772871
    Abstract: A reconditioning system which withdraws coolant from a machine tool sump, filters solids from the coolant, removes tramp oil from the coolant, kills bacteria in the coolant, and returns the reconditioned coolant to the machine tool sump. The reconditioning system includes a separator tank having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coalescer pack located between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet to separate tramp oil from the coolant. An ozone generator is connected to the separator tank for dissolving ozone into the coolant to kill bacteria, yeast and fungus. An in-sump pickup includes a flexible intake hose connected to the separator tank coolant inlet, a suction nozzle having a generally rigid tube attached near an angled or fluted inlet end of the intake hose, and a ring-shaped float encircling the rigid tube. A discharge hose connects the separator tank coolant outlet and the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Aircom Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Lyon, William F. Bettag, Ronald W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5766475
    Abstract: An on-site waste water treatment system is disclosed suitable for domestic or other sewage. After the initial separation of the gravity settleable solids in a treatment tank, the effluent is conveyed to a recirculation/dosing tank. The recirculation/dosing tank has three level indicators which transmit information to the system controller. The low level indicator provides enough waste water to dose a media bed and dilute effluent from the treatment tank. While the low level indicator is activated, the waste water will circulate through a disc filter to a recirculating media bed. From the media bed, the effluent is returned to the recirculation/dosing tank, the waste water flows from the treatment tank to the recirculation/dosing tank and activates the second level indicator, enabling the system to pass the combined effluent through a disc filter to a final disposal field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: American Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Mayer, Thomas A. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 5750021
    Abstract: An oil supply and return tube structure for oil tanks in cars and ships includes a base having a large oil return hole, a large oil intake hole, a small oil intake hole, a small oil return hole, an air inlet and a float hole to allow dimensional and wavy filtering of oil in the oil tank. By means of a float in conjunction with a sensor in a float shaft, the oil level may be detected. An air discharge valve is provided for adjustment of air pressure in the oil tank. A sinuous tube is provided to protect the sensor in the float shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Chung-Ho Liang
  • Patent number: 5728295
    Abstract: Metal ions and/or complexes of metal ions are removed from a solution by formation of an insoluble chelated complex of the metal ions and a polymeric precipitating agent. A two-step process of mixing the influent with the precipitating agent is used to induce rapid precipitation and obtain large, self-agglomerated precipitate without addition of flocculating agent and/or pH adjustment. In addition, parallel loops are employed to simultaneously discharge treated metal-free solution and effectively collect/remove the precipitate-containing sludge without interfering with each other. The metal capturing capacity of the polymeric precipitant is maximized by forcing the influent solution through layers of the collected precipitate and by recycling unsaturated metal-precipitant complexes in the processing loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Hunt Photographic Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Hailing Duan
  • Patent number: 5725761
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally toward a modular apparatus for the circulation, filtration, and chlorination of water in an in-ground swimming pool. In more particular, the invention disclosed herein relates to a modular and transportable pool-side unit in which the entire filtration and circulation systems, as well as the lighting and chlorination systems, for the pool are contained. Additionally, the instant invention utilizes a novel traveling main drain, wherein the functions of a conventional pool main drain and an automated pool sweeper are combined. The traveling main drain is moved about the bottom of the pool by the expulsion of water through a single horizontally mounted jet, said jet being free to rotate in a horizontal plane about the central axis of the device and thereby seek another movement direction when the device becomes blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Harold L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5720885
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating and dewatering of sludge taken from small-scale sewage treatment plants. The apparatus, which preferably is mounted on a vehicle, incorporates chamber-type units for dewatering, which can be connected by way of feed and return pipes, controllable valves, and pumps that can be switched on and off. A dewatering vessel with filter walls and separate sludge and filtrate chambers is connectable with a sludge chamber and a filtrate chamber, respectively, of a second dewatering vessel by way of joining pipes comprising at least one feeding pump and one controllable valve each, a radiation chamber arranged in the filtrate return pipe of one of the dewatering vessels, and a stone trap arranged in one other sludge feed pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Simon Moos Maskinfabrik A/S
    Inventor: Simon Moos
  • Patent number: 5711871
    Abstract: Improved magnetic separation devices for magnetic separation procedures are provided. The improved separation devices contain matrices which provide uniform pores or channels that reduce the entrapment of air or non-target substances, and decrease the loss of target substances due to mechanical disruption. Target cells, from various systems and organs, or other target biological substances are labeled in conjunction with a suitable specific binding member, and isolated using the devices and methods of the present invention. In its simplest form, the cell separation system of the present invention has two main components: a magnetic separator and a cell separation reagent. A more complex separation device includes fluid passages, collection and storage containers and the separation column. The fluid circuitry can be constructed with integrated valves, or the valves may be applied externally to the fluid pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Miltenyi Biotec GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Miltenyi
  • Patent number: 5705059
    Abstract: Improved magnetic separators, devices and methods for magnetic separation procedures are provided. The improved separation devices contain matrices which provide uniform pores or channels that reduce the entrapment of air or non-target substances, and decrease the loss of target substances due to mechanical disruption. Target cells, from various systems and organs, or other target biological substances are labeled in conjunction with a suitable specific binding member, and isolated using the devices and methods of the present invention. In its simplest form, the cell separation system of the present invention has two main components: a magnetic separator and a cell separation reagent. A more complex separation device includes fluid passages, collection and storage containers and the separation column. The fluid circuitry can be constructed with integrated valves, or the valves may be applied externally to the fluid pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Stefan Miltenyi
  • Patent number: 5688398
    Abstract: A device for filtering an electrically insulative and thermally conductive medium includes at least one heater immersed in the liquid medium and at least one solid particle filter immersed in and permeable to the liquid medium. The immersed filter is located in a natural convection current of the liquid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom Transport SA
    Inventors: Jean Jacquelin, Claude Agnoux
  • Patent number: 5676828
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying waste water to reduce nitrate content and biochemical oxygen demand is provided. The apparatus includes an ammonification and denitrification region having a substantially anaerobic environment, a nitrification region having a substantially aerobic environment, and an effluent drainage region. Effluent circulates through the ammonification and denitrification region and the nitrification region to convert organic nitrogen-containing compounds in waste water to nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Fluidyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kallenbach, Justin M. Buchanan, Matthew H. Goodrich, Ronald V. Skinner, Greg R. Poncelet, Trina J. Kallenbach
  • Patent number: 5658458
    Abstract: Recycling apparatus for use in a closed-loop waste-treatment system includes components for removal of inert materials. Typically, the system includes a treatment vessel used in conjunction with a clarifier in an internal recycle configuration; clear water from the top of the clarifier is conducted away from the system as treated effluent, while a portion of the biomass settling at the bottom of the clarifier is returned to the head of the treatment vessel through a hydrocyclone and screen arrangement to remove inert content, thereby substantially increasing the efficiency of biological waste-digestion processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Micronair, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene E. Keyser, Don Marvin Holcombe
  • Patent number: 5656156
    Abstract: A solvent parts washer of the closed cycle type has an additional, independently controlled continuously cycled pump which recycles the solvent through a bypass filter. The pump has a suction inlet at the bottom of the parts washer bin and continuously passes a flow of solvent through the pass filter. This is one of a number of filters, commonly known as paper towel or paper roll filters, in which a liquid to be filtered is forced at a high pressure and low flow rate along the interstices between adjacent compacted sheets of a filtering medium. Such filter media and filters have relatively low flow rates because of their cleaning (filtering) capability is by absorption rather than screening, but have an exceptionally high ability to remove particles down to the sub-micron level from a filtered liquid. An agitator pipe in the solvent return flow serves to flush particulate contamination into the filter pump inlet. The invention maintains the solvent substantially free of contamination above the 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Charles Sims, Don S. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 5647977
    Abstract: A system is provided for removing impurities anticipated to be found in industrial waste water, which system is particularly well suited for waste water systems such as those used for laundry or vehicle washing operations. The system includes aeration, mixing/flocculating, and contact media mechanisms to remove suspended solids, hydrocarbons, organic materials and undesired dissolved minerals from the treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 5645725
    Abstract: A process and a device for biologically treating an organic waste mixture containing organically polluted waste water and solid components. The process and the device involve exposing the organic waste mixture to a first decomposition stage where the solid components and the waste water are separated from one another and where the solid components are decomposed under predominantly aerobic conditions. The waste water is then passed to a second decomposition stage where the waste water is decomposed under anoxic conditions. Thereafter, the waste water is passed to a third decomposition stage where the waste water is decomposed again under aerobic conditions thereby creating recirculation water. At least a portion of the recirculation water is returned from the third decomposition stage to the first decomposition stage for continuously recirculating water through and between respective decomposition stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Protec Partner Fuer Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Dorit Zitzelsberger, Gerd Ahne, Josef Winter, Karl Bleicher