Directly Applied To Separator Patents (Class 210/209)
  • Patent number: 5993651
    Abstract: An endless screen lifts fecal matter and sewer influent debris from an influent channel. The endless screen is powered by an externally positioned air cylinder driving a pawl and rachet to move the screen in an elliptical path. A tank positioned below a top drop point for the screen receives the fecal matter and debris. A paddle mixer breaks up the fecal matter for return to the sewer channel and a conveyor picks up the debris and deposits it in a landfill receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Bruce O. Wiesemann
  • Patent number: 5958225
    Abstract: A filter system is disclosed which comprises a housing having a first inlet and a first outlet. A filter element is located between the first inlet and the first outlet. A temperature sensitive valve controls communication between a first inlet side of the filter element communicating with the first inlet and a return line from a fuel pump so that when the fuel temperature is low, hot fuel returning from the pump is supplied to the first inlet side of the filter element. When the fuel temperature increases, the returned fuel is returned to the fuel reservoir rather than to the first side of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventor: Peter Francis Bradford
  • Patent number: 5948248
    Abstract: A coolant filter for a diesel engine having a mechanism for delayed release of chemical additives into the coolant being filtered. The present invention provides a spin-on canister type coolant filter which combines the functions of filtering the coolant of the diesel engine cooling system with the function of adding supplemental coolant additives to the coolant to reduce or eliminate the effects of cavitation erosion caused by vibration of the cylinder liners of the diesel engine. The filter includes a chemical additive cartridge mounted within an outer shell and a filter cartridge mounted about the chemical additive cartridge and inside the outer shell. Coolant to be filtered passes by the chemical additive cartridge, which slowly releases the chemical additive into the passing coolant stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5935432
    Abstract: A device for separating components, such as fibrin I from blood, by way of centrifugation about a central axis of rotation comprises a first annular chamber defined by an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, both walls being concentrically accommodated about the axis of rotation, and by a top wall and a bottom wall, where the top wall or the bottom wall is formed by a piston body displaceable within the first chamber. The device comprises furthermore a second chamber communicating with said first chamber through a first conduit and being defined by an outer cylindrical wall concentrically accommodated about the axis of rotation, said bottom wall of the first chamber, and another bottom wall. The second chamber is adapted to be placed below the first chamber during the centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventor: Niels Erik Holm
  • Patent number: 5935431
    Abstract: An integrated filtration and sterilization apparatus including an ultraviolet lamp disposed within an ultraviolet radiation permeable sleeve such that a gas conduit is formed between an outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp and an inner surface of the sleeve; a filtration member disposed about the sleeve such that a permeate chamber is formed between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the filtration member; a feed chamber disposed about an outer surface of the filtration member; a liquid feed for feeding a liquid to the feed chamber and a liquid removal line for removing liquid from the permeate chamber; a gas feed for feeding an oxygen-containing gas to the gas conduit and a gas removal line for removing an ozone-containing gas from the gas conduit; and a mixing device for mixing liquid removed from the permeate chamber and ozone-containing gas from the gas conduit downstream from the permeate chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Amos Korin
  • Patent number: 5925243
    Abstract: An inline cartridge filter for treating coolant liquid used to cool industrial application such as cooling towers and chillers, combustion engine includes an annular filter media disposed around a cylindrical biological control element which includes a biocide for controlling the growth of bacteria and a pH control agent for controlling the growth of algae in the coolant liquid. The filter media and biological control element form a disposable filter element which is mounted in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Clark, Johnny H. Wong, Christopher L. Loafman, Michael D. Adams
  • Patent number: 5911877
    Abstract: A device for maintaining effective bacterial levels within a collecting container of an organic matter collection system of the type having a collecting container having a bottom and a liquid to air interface-surface is provided. The bacterial incubator has an enclosure defining an interior, the enclosure adapted to be positioned beneath said liquid to air interface-surface. The enclosure has a plurality of apertures therethrough, the apertures sized to allow the flow of wastewater into the interior of the enclosure. Placed in the interior is a packing having a high surface area. The apertures in the enclosure are sized to retain the packing in the interior. The packing is adapted to allow wastewater to flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Interbio, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Peter Perez, John A. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 5908553
    Abstract: A water filter is packaged in a way that permits longer dwell time and greater volume in a dwell passage of the water filter. In one embodiment the water filter includes an influent passage where a biocide is imparted to the water, a dwell passage where the water remains in contact with the biocide for at least a predetermined duration, and an effluent passage where the biocide is removed from the water. The water filter includes a replaceable cartridge mounted in a pressure vessel. By arranging the dwell passage to include a pan-shaped portion in the bottom of the vessel and an axial portion along the extremity of the cartridge, greater volume, greater mixing, and more effective disinfecting result. Another embodiment includes a series of baffles on the exterior surface of the cartridge that create further turbulence for mixing the biocide with the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Roger P. Reid
  • Patent number: 5906724
    Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole fractions according to the relative-charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The apparatus having an internal cooling system allows for dissipating heat generated by the electric field of the apparatus. The internal cooling system, consisting of a plurality of cooling tubes to circulate coolant material, prevents cellular degradation typically associated with the high heat generated by the electric field and permits the use of a higher voltage gradient to shorten separation times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: BioSeparations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Sammons, Garland E. Twitty, Joseph G. Utermohlen, Rizwan Sharnez
  • Patent number: 5904858
    Abstract: A filter for separation of a liquid from a solid has a turbine surrounded by an elongated filter body and forms a short first stage with short-pitch blades, providing a high axial impulse and low radial impulse, followed by a long second stage with long-pitch blades providing primarily radial displacement. Water vapor can be injected to promote juice extraction and is fed axially into the shaft and emerges from outlets therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Attilio Turchetti
  • Patent number: 5897770
    Abstract: A feeder insert apparatus for a tubular water filtration cartridge utilized in household point of use water filtration systems. The feeder insert allows a chemical to be fed into a incoming water supply at a controlled rate by employing a bypass system that allows a predetermined amount of incoming water to flow past the feed chemical without contacting the chemical. The amount of water in the bypass flow can also be manually adjusted through the use of two adjustment mechanisms, an adjustable ring and a rotatable end cap, located on the feeder insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Plymouth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Hatch, Bruce A. Stump
  • Patent number: 5891329
    Abstract: A water tapping fixture with an outlet opening which is connected to a supply connection through a pipe having at least one valve, wherein an ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the pipe connected to the water tapping fixture. The ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged closely adjacent the outlet opening of the fixture. The outlet opening may be arranged in a head which is movable relative to a base part and the ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the head. Such a head may be, for example, a shower head which is connected through a hose to a wall fixture. The head may be connected through a flexible line to the base part and a feed line for the ultraviolet light radiating device is attached to the flexible line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Karl F. Massholder
  • 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: 5830352
    Abstract: A reagent delivery system comprises an axial hub passing through the center of two equal-diameter, spaced apart discs, wherein the hub and discs are positioned in a sleeve such that an annular reagent chamber is provided. When the sleeve is moved in either an up or down axial direction the so-formed chamber is opened and the reagent is released. Such a regent delivery system is particularly useful in a centrifuge for concentrating or preparing blood products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventor: Niels Erik Holm
  • Patent number: 5795481
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of aqueous effluent with a view to its purification, the process including at least one stage consisting of causing the water to pass into the interior of at least one battery of several biological filters with fixed cultures or other devices with fixed cultures operating in parallel, characterized in that it comprises supplying the filters at constant flow and to cause the number of filters supplied and the number of filters not supplied in the battery, to be varied, in accordance with the total flow of aqueous effluent to be treated. Such a process allows the performance of biofilters and other devices with fixed cultures to be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: OTV Omnium De Traitements Et De Valorisation S.A.
    Inventor: Andre Lesouef
  • Patent number: 5772873
    Abstract: A coolant filter for use in filtering a coolant solution which flows through the coolant filter includes a filter housing assembly which is made up of an outer housing which is crimped to a nutplate which defines an internally threaded flow outlet. A generally cylindrical filter element is positioned inside of the filter housing assembly and a first endplate is bonded to the end of the filter element which is adjacent to the nutplate. A second endplate is bonded to the opposite end of the filter element and helps to define an interior space within the filter element. A supply of supplemental coolant additive is contained within an osmotic film enclosure which is positioned within the interior space. The osmotic film enclosure provides a slow release mechanism for controlling the rate of release of the supplemental coolant additive into the coolant solution. In one embodiment of the present invention, the slow release mechanism includes a diffusion tube which defines a diffusion orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Hudgens, Charles L. Matheson
  • Patent number: 5766456
    Abstract: The invention features a water purifier for purifying water in a pool having a volume less than about 13,500 gallons. In general, the water purifier has a threaded fitting that allows it to be removably-attached to a water-exchange fitting, preferably on the side of the pool. The water purifier contains a purification material for purifying the water. The purification material preferably can be a silver-containing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Fountainhead Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr., Peter P. Yurchision
  • Patent number: 5759389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to various methods, such as an above-ground method and an in-ground method, of using a palladized iron bimetallic system for the dechlorination of chlorinated organic compounds from effluents containing the same. The use of palladized iron bimetallic system results in the dechlorination of the chlorinated organic compound into environmentally safe reaction products. The present invention also provides kits, devices, and other instruments that use the above-mentioned palladized iron bimetallic system for the dechlorination of chlorinated organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Research Corporation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quintus Fernando, Rosy Muftikian, Nic Korte
  • Patent number: 5753116
    Abstract: A coolant filter assembly for attachment to a coolant circulation system of a motor or to a motor housing is provided. The filter assembly includes a housing that accommodates a cylindrical filter cartridge. The housing is sealably connected to the coolant circulation system. The filter cartridge accommodates a sealed chamber between the two opposing ends of the filter cartridge and the inner surface of the filter cartridge. The sealed chamber may be comprised of a continuous sealing layer. As the housing is attached to the coolant circulation system, the sealing layer is punctured or otherwise broken to release liquid coolant additive to the coolant circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignees: Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co., KG & Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Dieter Baumann, Bernhard Batram, Jorg Homberger
  • Patent number: 5707512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Hubert Riemer, Reinhard Pinter
  • Patent number: 5695651
    Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of liquid waste such as sewage. The invention provides a method of screening of liquid waste to remove solid material therefrom, comprising passing the liquid waste in a downward stream through a suspended sack filter, and agitating the sack filter and the liquid stream by discharging a stream of bubbles upwardly through the liquid from below the sack filter. The invention also provides an inlet screen, comprising an upright hollow column (1), having an opening at the top across which a sack filter (6) is positioned, the sack filter extending downwardly into the column, and an air diffuser (8) at the lower end of the column, and an outlet (5, 23, 34) from the column, whereby in use liquid waste flows into the top of the column, through the sack filter to the outlet, the sack filter and liquid waste being agitated by discharge of air from the air diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Apoc Limited
    Inventor: David P. Froud
  • Patent number: 5690820
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods, systems and apparatus for producing primary treated brine, i.e. <20 ppm calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium ions at the wellhead of underground salt caverns formed by depletion of their salt content by previous solution mining operations. The purified brine produced is maintained in an anerobic state and transported to chlor-alkali plant installations for use in electrolysis cells for the production of chlorine, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. Raw brine produced at an operating brine wellhead is injected into a depleted salt cavern along with the treatment chemicals required to purify the raw brine. A novel installation including a producing well or wells, a depleted well cavern or caverns, and support facilities for producing primary treated brine is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Brine Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Becnel, Jr., Thomas M. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5662799
    Abstract: A coolant filter for use in filtering a coolant solution which flows through the coolant filter includes a filter housing assembly which is made up of an outer housing which is crimped to a nutplate which defines an internally threaded flow outlet. A generally cylindrical filter element is positioned inside of the filter housing assembly and a first endplate is bonded to the end of the filter element which is adjacent to the nutplate. An endplate member is provided for attachment to the opposite end of the filter element and is configured in such a way so as to define an interior chamber where supplemental coolant additive pellets are stored. A closing plate is applied across the open end of the interior chamber so as to create an enclosed chamber for the supplemental coolant additive pellets. A slow release mechanism is provided for controlling the rate of release of the supplemental coolant additive from the enclosed chamber into the coolant solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Hudgens, Charles L. Matheson
  • Patent number: 5656159
    Abstract: A filter cartridge has an inner filter element and an outer filter element concentric therewith. The filter elements define a water flow space between them and a container of sanitizing granules is positioned in the space. The granules kill waterborne bacteria that come into contact therewith. In a more specific embodiment, the container is in a riser tube positioned in the water flow space. In another embodiment, the cartridge includes two riser tubes, each holding a container of sanitizing granules. In the alternative, one riser tube holds a container of an oxidizer such as chlorine or bromine pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrel F. Spencer, W. Sean Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5632906
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring a centrifugally separated component in a liquid contained in a flexible bag is disclosed. The apparatus is composed of a centrifugal container for accommodating flexible blood collecting bag filled with blood, and a pushing mechanism for pushing the blood collecting bag. The pushing mechanism is composed of a pair of rollers for pushing a soft material part of the cylindrical portion of the centrifugal container from opposite directions in such a manner that the soft material part is deformed inwardly to project inside the centrifugal container and increase inner pressure of the flexible bag to transfer separated component out of the flexible bag. According to the apparatus and method, the yield for collecting the separated component obtained by centrifugal separation can be increased, and the time required for collection can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Ishida, Atsuo Nakamura, deceased, Norio Hosono
  • Patent number: 5626755
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating waste streams utilize controlled introduction of microscopic gaseous bubbles to create, in a single vessel, as many as three separate biological environments in discrete, stratified zones. In preferred embodiments, bubbles of air are introduced at the bottom of the vessel, creating an aerobic zone in this vicinity. Depletion of oxygen by microorganisms resident in this layer creates an anoxic zone that drifts upward, establishing itself above the aerobic layer. The two layers remain segregated due to the intolerance of aerobic microorganisms for the overlying anoxic environment, the sharpness of the interface depending on the degree of intolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Micronair, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene E. Keyser, Don M. Holcombe
  • Patent number: 5624573
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the disinfection of a liquid medium having a transmission of <75%/cm with the help of UV radiation. The apparatus comprises a plurality of UV radiators combined to a modular UV irradiation battery around which flows the liquid medium to be disinfected. Each UV radiator is oriented in parallel relationship to the flow direction of the liquid medium to be disinfected. The UV radiators are arranged in a matrix like array, particularly in a plurality of rows, each second row of said plurality of rows of UV radiators being offset with reference to the two adjacent rows by an amount corresponding essentially to half the center distance between two adjacent UV radiators located in the same row. The UV irradiation battery is enclosed by an essentially tube shaped housing, the inner contour of the housing essentially corresponding to the outer contour of the UV radiator battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Rudolf Wiesmann
  • Patent number: 5622621
    Abstract: A rotating drum divided in axial spaced compartments with one of the compartments includes paddles and coalescing material to separate the fluid from the liquid and the other compartment includes a stationary third pump and a stationary water pump for effectively separating fluid such as oil or gas from liquid such a water. Another embodiment includes a simplified version of the fluid/liquid separator adapted for zero gravity environment and includes a device for purging the lines from air prior to pumping the liquid. An electrical sensing circuit including conductivity sensors or an electronic controller including pressure sensors serve to control the rate of removal of the separated component or controlling the purging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Kramer
  • Patent number: 5597482
    Abstract: Water purification apparatus provides an elongate ultraviolet lamp extending into a surrounding hollow tube capable of passing ultraviolet light. The lamp and tube are surrounded by a housing, with water inlet and outlet, which provides an annular flow path around the hollow tube through which water may pass for exposure to ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet reflective surface in the annular flow path reflects ultraviolet rays through the water. A unique seal is provided around an open end of the hollow tube to seal the lamp from water in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Solly Melyon
  • Patent number: 5591330
    Abstract: An oil filter utilizes a thermoplastic material having oil oxidation and acidification arresting additives mounted in a casing between a particle filtering material (such as cotton fibers) and a felt pad. The thermoplastic material is desirably high molecular polypropylene in the form of rice-shaped pellets, or spaghetti-shaped strands. The additives comprise about 10-17 weight % of the thermoplastic material/additive combination, and as the thermoplastic material is dissolved by above ambient temperature oil, the additives are released. The thermoplastic material pellets or strands are formed by mixing anti-oxidation and anti-acidification additives with liquid thermoplastic material to form a mixture, extruding the mixture into spaghetti like strands having a thickness of about 0.0625-0.125 inches, cooling the strands, cutting the strands into discrete elements, and then placing the discrete elements into an oil filter held in place to contact oil and to gradually dissolve to release the additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: T/F Purifiner, Inc.
    Inventor: Byron Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 5578202
    Abstract: In a water processing system for processing highly contaminated water, comprising an anaerobic chamber, an aerobic chamber, a buffering chamber, and a recycle for recycling part of the water received in the buffering chamber back to the anaerobic chamber, filter material forms a buoyant filter layer in an upper part of the water received in the anaerobic chamber without any constraint imposed on the filter material with the result that the filter layer can be highly resistant against clogging, and can be easily maintained with the result that the overall system can be made both simple and economical. Either an upflow arrangement or a downflow arrangement is possible for the anaerobic chamber. Furthermore, by using an integral structure combining various processing units into a single processing vessel, the overall size of the system can be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Daiwa Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Hirane
  • Patent number: 5565096
    Abstract: A natural filter for ecological systems is provided. The apparatus includes a rock medium container for holding rocks for filtering life, means for circulating water, means for floating the apparatus, and means for supplying sunlight to the filtering life and the normally unreachable depths of water. This natural filter maintains a healthful environment for aquatic creatures by providing means to naturally circulate and cleanse the water thus encouraging biological growth and preventing the eutrophication of that body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: John J. Phelan
  • Patent number: 5556535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the purification of a polluted liquid, especially a washing liquid used at a washing installation, by sucking the polluted liquid and leading it through at least one filter and next leading back the liquid purified thus to a take-off point, whereby the liquid flow carried through the filter is maintained at a substantially constant level. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method comprising a suction line connected to a source of polluted liquid, a discharge line for the purified liquid debouching at a take-off point, at least one filter unit positioned between the suction line and the discharge line, a pump connected therewith in series and a device for limiting the amount of liquid flowing across the filter unit positioned in series with the filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Micro Tec B.V.
    Inventor: N. Van Der Est
  • Patent number: 5552040
    Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil comprises placing a quantity of oil within a circuit, and placing a filter in the circuit, the filter having surfaces including interstices which contain a quantity of a liquid additive at a time of placement in the circuit, the additive being washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and operation of the circuit to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps. The oil may be an synthetic ester based oil or a mineral oil. The additive either reacts with an organic acid formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit to neutralize the acid, or alternatively the additive coats metallic wear particles formed during operation of the circuit so that organic acids formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit cannot attach thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Baehler, Henry R. Vanderzyden, Kenneth N. Baker
  • Patent number: 5547570
    Abstract: A screening device for pulp production includes a cylindrical container for continuous flow-through of a fiber suspension and further includes an inlet to the container and an outlet for the fiber suspension, a moveable support member mounted in the container and which supports hollow screening members for vertical movement; a tubular enclosure open at opposite ends is mounted on the supporting member which enclosure has a moveable piston mounted therein, a hydraulic cylinder being connected to the piston to move the piston in a portion of the enclosure with the hydraulic drive mounted outside of said container with transmission members connected to said supporting member which will therefore absorb the reaction forces generated in moving the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping Technologies AB
    Inventor: Ole Richter
  • Patent number: 5482630
    Abstract: A process and system for the reduction of nitrate to nitrogen in a fluid medium. Anaerobic bacteria fed by a carbon source are used for nitrate reduction. The addition rate of the carbon source and process residence time are controlled using the oxidation-reduction potential of the fluid medium to achieve a desired level of nitrate reduction. An industrial process control system may be used to monitor inputs and control outputs. A column of suspended beads may be used as the anaerobic bacterial bed for denitrification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Phillip G. Lee, Philip E. Turk, John L. Whitson
  • Patent number: 5480540
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for separating solids from fluids is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a spray feed inlet, a distributor cup and a heat exchanger and it allows for solid recovery under pressure without requiring substantial solvent volatilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 5435912
    Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil and a filter in a transmission which converts a variable speed input (10) into a constant speed output (14 or 20) for driving an generator (16 or 22) producing constant frequency power in an airframe in accordance with the invention utilizes a filter having interstices wetted prior to placement in an oil circuit (24) with a quantity of a liquid additive that is washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and/or operation of the transmission to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps and solids, that are retained in the interstices of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Baehler, Henry R. Vanderzyden
  • Patent number: 5391297
    Abstract: A process for degerminating and treating aqueous liquids with gas having improved efficiency and an apparatus for simultaneously degerminating and gas treating liquids are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Solvay Umweltchemie GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Sell, Andreas Mann
  • Patent number: 5374354
    Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil and a filter in a transmission which converts a variable speed input (10) into a constant speed output (14 or 20) for driving an a generator (16 or 22) producing constant frequency power in an airframe in accordance with the invention utilizes a filter having interstices wetted prior to placement in an oil circuit (24) with a quantity of a liquid additive that is washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and/or operation of the transmission to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps and solids, that are retained in the interstices of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Baehler, Henry R. Vanderzyden
  • Patent number: 5308490
    Abstract: A plant suitable, in particular, for denitrifying sewage purification by the activated sludge process comprises several tanks which are charged with untreated water via a common delivery conduit which is preferably designed as a ring main. This delivery conduit, which is arranged above the maximum water level in the tanks, has an essentially horizontal course and serves as storage space for the sewage feed to the individual tanks via rapid-closing and -opening gate valves for spontaneous or gravitational emptying into the particular tank. The delivery conduit is preferably designed as a closed double channel with a lower discharge conduit, which is located below the minimum water level in the tanks, for discharging the sludge/water mixture to the final clarification tank. It is expedient to include an operation bridge or walkway with the delivery conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Forschungzentrum Juelich GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schroeder, Dietmar Loch, Bernhard Woeffen, Joost Groeneweg, Carl J. Soeder
  • Patent number: 5277802
    Abstract: A filter system (10) is disclosed that includes a filter assembly (12) and input/output hardware (14). The filter assembly includes a housing (16) and cap (18) that cooperatively support a prefilter (20) and main filter (22) in a fluid flow path. Fluid flow through the filter assembly occurs radially through the prefilter and axially or radially through the main filter. The main filter includes an alkaline leaching agent to raise the pH of fluid flowing therethrough to, for example, between 8 and 10. A method is also disclosed for evaluating the effectiveness of the filter system in reducing a select contaminant from the fluid by evaluating the effectiveness of the filter system in raising the fluid's pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Healthguard, Incorporated
    Inventor: Percy E. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5271829
    Abstract: A dispenser for introducing treatment material into an interceptor or grease trap for the purpose of digesting the grease or other hazardous materials which is separated from waste water which flows through the grease trap. The dispenser includes a housing having a compartment for holding a quantity of grease digesting material and a dispensing opening at the lower end of the compartment. A restricter is located at the dispensing opening for enabling the digesting material to pass from the dispensing opening to the grease and other materials to be treated in the chamber of the grease trap at a constant restrictive rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Richard J. Heppenstall
  • Patent number: 5258118
    Abstract: This invention relates to a reusable filter unit for an internal combustion engine wherein the filter fulfills both a filtering function and an additive function, the filter including a filtering part with replaceable filtering media and an additive part adapted to receive replaceable chemical additives. The filter part includes a generally toroidal shaped plastic element for receiving a generally cone shaped replaceable filter media, which can be agglomerated fiber, the element fitting into, and permanently bonded to, an outer shell, with the additive part being located below the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrice Gouritin, Jean Y. Bouchet, Daniel Fertil
  • Patent number: 5232584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor, purification system for disinfecting, washing, and concentrating solid wastes, which include contaminated soil, highly concentrated biosolids, spent animal bedding, and spent diapers, etc.A solid waste is fed into the reactor of this invented apparatus. At least one disinfecting and chemical agent (including cationic surface active agent known as quaternary ammonium compound) is fed together with water (as needed) into this reactor to disinfect and process said solid waste with the assistance of a mechanical mixing means inside said reactor. A disinfecting gas is fed to the same reactor as needed. After the period of feeding, disinfecting, processing, and mixing is over, the process water is drained. The disinfected and processed wet solid waste is discharged to an expulsion chamber means which removes residual water and compacts the disinfected and processed solid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: International Environmental Systems, Inc., USA
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Wang, Mu H. S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5209842
    Abstract: An oil filter cartridge for internal combustion engines that employ oil filters in their operation. The input side of the cartridge is filled with microscopic solid lubricating particles of polytetrafluoroethyline (PTFE) dispersed in an oil carrier base. The microscopic particles of PTFE are of varying sizes, with the finest below the minimum given size of the filter and pass immediately into the oil circulating system. The larger sizes are gradually broken down by the high temperature, pressure and swirling flow within the filter cartridge so as to gradually pass through the filter to provide enhanced lubrication by the circulating oil during the operating life of the oil filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Stephen E. Moor
  • Patent number: 5200070
    Abstract: A water cooler is arranged to receive a bottle member in an inverted orientation thereto, with the water cooler having a top well and an associated opening to receive the water bottle. The top wall includes a top wall flange mounting a torroidal collar, with the torroidal collar positioning a filter member within the water cooler, wherein the filter member includes an inner wall and an outer wall with filtration material therebetween. The inner wall includes inner wall apertures cooperative with outer wall apertures directed through a floor of the outer wall, with the inner wall apertures oriented through the inner wall adjacent an upper end of the filter member to maximize filtration of water through an associated filter material. The invention is arranged to further include a flotation container to permit imparting of additives into the water as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Kevin P. McMenamin
  • Patent number: 5178763
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for transforming a sterile pyrogen-free liquid into a substitution liquid using an exchanger. The method includes the steps of flowing first and second liquids over opposite sides of a semipermeable membrane, the first liquid being sterile and pyrogen-free. Both liquids contain at least some electrolytes of blood including at least a buffer agent or a precursor of a buffer agent. At least some of the electrolytes have different concentrations in the two liquids. When purifying blood by hemodiafiltration, this method has the particular advantage that, rather than discarding the second liquid, it can be used for hemodiafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Hospal Industrie
    Inventor: Marc Delaunay
  • Patent number: 5176836
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for maintaining continuous, long-term microbial control in the water supply for potable, hygiene, and experimental water for space activities, i.e., space shuttle, orbiter lab, Lunar base, Mars base, deep space missions, etc., as well as treatment of water supplies on earth. The water purification is accomplished by introduction of molecular iodine into the water supply to impart a desired iodine residual. The water is passed through an iodinated anion exchange resin bed. The iodine is bound as I.sup.-.sub.n at the anion exchange sites and releases I.sub.2 into the water stream flowing through the bed. Suitable anion exchange resins are Amberlite IRA 401S (Rohm & Haas); Dowex SBR (Dow Chemical); and Ionac ASB-1P (Sybron Corp.). The concentration of I.sub.2 in the flowing water gradually decreases and the ion-exchange bed has had to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Richard L. Sauer, Gerald V. Colombo, Clifford D. Jolly
  • Patent number: 5160606
    Abstract: A waste water recovery system for transporting waste water to a reuse entity, such as an irrigation system, utilizing a holding tank having an upper portion and an opposite lower portion. A waste water conduit directs water into the holding tank. Water from the holding tank is transported through an outlet conduit by the use of a pump. An overflow conduit permits water to leave the waste water holding tank should excess amounts of waste water flow into the holding tank. A power switching mechanism activates the pump only when the holding tank contains a predetermined amount of waste water. The waste water is treated in the holding tank by gaseous ozone to obviate microbial activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventors: Mitch D. De Simone, Bruce G. Heieren