Abstract: A portable, manually-operated water filtration pump for purifying water. The pump includes an inexpensive, disposable filter cartridge which can be easily changed when the filter elements are no longer effective. The pump uses a lever to actuate a double-acting piston. The lever is collapsible to one side of the pump for compact storage. The filter cartridge is a tubular cylinder having an inner bore forming the pump cylinder. A cylindrical mechanical filter is concentric with and adjacent to the inner bore to filter out particulates larger than 0.3 microns. A fluidized granular activated charcoal filter surrounds the mechanical filter to absorb chlorine and chlorine-related compounds such as herbicides and pesticides. The pump pumps filtered water into a bottle adaptor which will fit most standard water containers. A prefilter is provided to screen out large particulates from the pump to enhance the life of the filter elements.

Abstract: The device has an elongate net with an extended, open mouth. The net forms a channel-shaped volume in which floating debris from a swimming pool can be collected. A tubular frame member extends lengthwise across the mouth of the net, and floats are provided to support the net and the tubular frame member at the surface of the pool water, with the mouth of the net orientated to receive floating debris. In operation, the tubular frame member is connected to the return flow inlet of the swimming pool so as to receive a portion of the flow returning to the pool through the inlet. Sprays on the tubular frame member are directed into the net. There is also an outlet for directing another portion of the return flow of water into the swimming pool so as to create a swirling flow of water in the pool which encourages floating debris to migrate about the pool to the net.

Abstract: An improved tool for removing a highly contaminated outer filter from a control rod drive during a maintenance operation. The tool slides onto the control rod drive and surrounds the outer filter with a shield. The shield has a window for removing the screws used to mount the outer filter on the control rod drive. The tool has a support for the spud on the inside thereof. A U-shaped handle is slidably inserted into guideways so that it interlocks with circumferential slots in the shield. The arms of the inserted U-handle latch underneath the ring flange of the outer filter, whereby the outer filter is captured by the tool. The filter-mounting screws are then removed by unscrewing through the aligned window in the shield. Thereafter, the outer filter is removed from the CRD when the outer filter removal tool is lifted.

Abstract: A system for containment of a supercritical water oxidation reactor in the event of a rupture of the reactor. The system includes a containment for housing the reaction vessel and a communicating chamber for holding a volume of coolant, such as water. The coolant is recirculated and sprayed to entrain and cool any reactants that might have escaped from the reaction vessel. Baffles at the entrance to the chamber prevent the sprayed coolant from contacting the reaction vessel. An impact-absorbing layer is positioned between the vessel and the containment to at least partially absorb momentum of any fragments propelled by the rupturing vessel. Remote, quick-disconnecting fittings exterior to the containment, in cooperation with shut-off valves, enable the vessel to be isolated and the system safely taken off-line. Normally-closed orifices throughout the containment and chamber enable decontamination of interior surfaces when necessary.

Abstract: A disposable device for absorbing and removing liquid lipids, primarily molten fats and oils, from the surface of an aqueous food mixture. The device comprising a multitude of capillary passages separated by partitions of a pellicular material possessing both hydrophobic and lipophilic properties. The capillary passages and partitions extend vertically through the device between its upper and lower faces. When exposed to the surface of an aqueous food mixture, the device selectively absorbs liquid lipids but does not absorb appreciable quantities of water or other ingredients present in the food mixture.

Abstract: In order that higher demands on the purity of the separated liquid can be satisfied, a cleaning plant (12) having wash chambers (13a,b) for the cleaning of the filter plates (8) is arranged in longitudinal direction alongside of a filter press (1). By means of a transport device (30) having a displacement device (32) which is moveable along rails (31a) and is equipped with a raisable and lowerable gripper (37) which can be engaged via pawls with filter plates (8), the filter plates, after the opening of the filter press (1), are transported one after the other into the cleaning plant (12), sprayed in one of the wash chambers (13a, b) with simultaneous drawing off of the air or subjected to an immersion bath, possibly disinfected or impregnated, dried and transported back. By the development of the cleaning plant (12) with two wash chambers (13a, b), idle paths of the displacement device (32) are substantially avoided.

Abstract: Filter unit assembly located at an operator-designated position is provided for enabling fluid flow through a removable mesh filter and ready disconnectibility from a vacuum line with the avoidance of liquid spillage from the filter unit assembly. The filter unit has a chamber which is open at one end and closed at its other end except for an outlet conduit displaced from the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second outwardly extending grip means which are displaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of the chamber, first and second supports for permitting the unit to rest in different stable positions, and a cap member for which engages and closes the front end of the chamber and has an axial inlet.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid fuel to a motor vehicle fueling station in which fuel from an underground storage tank is pumped to the motor vehicle fueling station and in which the underground storage tank has a vertical riser pipe extending upwardly therefrom through which fuel is pumped, the system including a vessel having a partition therein dividing it into an upper and a lower zone, the vessel being removable attached to the riser pipe and providing closed communication between fuel pumped from the underground storage tank into the vessel upper zone, one or more filter cartridges positioned in the vessel upper zone and having communication through the filter cartridges into the vessel lower zone, a removable lid closing the vessel top, fuel flowing from the storage tank passing upwardly through the riser pipe and into the interior vessel upper zone, through the filter cartridge and into the vessel lower zone and through an outlet opening communicating with the vessel lower zone and through piping to a

Abstract: A chemical feed-transport unit for transporting water-treating chemicals and introducing them into a water supply comprises a cylindrical tank with semispherical top and bottom supported on a metal transportable skid. The tank has a flanged top opening with removable cover and a top inlet for introduction of water for flushing and cleaning the tank. The tank has a chemical-resistant, plastic lining to prevent chemical attack to the walls thereof. The bottom of the tank has inlet and outlet openings with valves controlling water flow therethrough and an outlet opening for draining the contents during the flushing and cleaning operation. The supporting metal skid is rectangular in shape with channel members forming the sides and sheet metal plates forming the top and bottom thereof. The edge walls of the skid (walls of the channel members) have slots therein sized and spaced to receive the lifting members of a fork-lift apparatus.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed which utilizes only one fiberglass tank which has no compartments but includes a first flow equalization collector surrounded by a cylindrical partition which vertially eliminates hydraulic turbulence and creates a pre-strat zone. A novel floating decanter is disclosed and programmable circuitry including timing of aeration, liquid levels and decanting processes with the results of producing a quality supernatent affluent heretofore unavailable in such a simple system.

Abstract: A phase separator apparatus is disclosed which utilizes phase separator modules for insertion in a separation tank. The modules include a frame for retaining a plurality of impingement plates within the frame utilizing removable retention means, such as slots, allowing easy removal and replacement of the impingement plates. The phase separator module also includes vertical baffles for blocking the flow of fluid to be separated and forming a quiescent region on either side of the impingement plates normal to the direction of flow to the fluid to be separated. The removable retention means, such as slots in the frame, not only allow removal for cleaning and maintenance of the plates, but also provide a means for adjusting the spacing of the gap between the plates, the plate length or a combination of both, in order to modify the efficiency of the separator.

Abstract: A pool skimmer of the invention includes a pair of rectangular frames hinged together along adjacent first short frame members by a plastic hinge member extending substantially the length of the short frame members, a pair of poles attached at an intermediate position along each of the short frame members and a net held by each of the frames. The pool skimmer is almost as wide as the pool being skimmed. The hinged frames are folded together when the skimmer is not being used. In use, the skimmer is unfolded and two operators, each holding a pole, position the skimmer in the water at one end of the pool and walk along opposite sides of the pool with the skimmer in the water between them. At the other end of the pool, the skimmer is removed from the water, debris collected in the net is emptied and the skimmer is folded for storage.

Abstract: A new apparatus for extracting water from product or sewage sludge on the spot is provided. It is characterized by a frame matched to the dimensions of a low loader and having lifting supports which can be pivoted in and out and which have multi-step vertical adjustability. Filter presses of substantially higher capacity than those on known apparatuses employing a semitrailer can be used.

Abstract: An improvement in efficiency of marine type oil spill clean up is achieved by using slideable fastners and support legs extending from a floatable unit to hold a skimmer unit in a relatively fixed horizontal position while using retractable cables with a hydraulic tensioning means to maintain the skimmer in a nearly constant relationship to the wave surfaces.

Abstract: An oil or grease removal assembly of the type used to remove such contaminants from the surface of a body of water includes a rotatable disk made of plastic or other material to which such oil contaminants have an affinity, disposed in cooperative relation to an elongated trough having scraper blades for engaging the opposite sides of the disk for the removal of the oil contaminants therefrom with the trough disposed and structured to direct such oil contaminants away from the disk and the body of water such as to an outlet chute during the continuous rotation of peripheral driving of the disk. The trough has a hook-like element to permit it to be removably mounted straddling the disk.

Abstract: A coal slurry washer which, importantly, is portable for usage at the site of the coal slurry, where the components are disposed on movable platforms capable of highway travel. A mast or boom is provided which carries, at the free upper end thereof, cyclone-sieve bend components, assuring an effective elongated gravity discharge path to a dryer component therebelow. The platform carrying the mast provides space for receiving the cyclone-sieve bend components during a non-use or transporting position of the latter, further assuring the desired portability.

Abstract: A phase separator apparatus is disclosed which utilizes phase separator modules for insertion in a separation tank. The modules include a frame for retaining a plurality of impingement plates within the frame utilizing removable retention means, such as slots, allowing easy removal and replacement of the impingement plates. The phase separator module also includes vertical baffles for blocking the flow of fluid to be separated and forming a quiescent region on either side of the impingement plates normal to the direction of flow to the fluid to be separated. The removable retention means, such as slots in the frame, not only allow removal for cleaning and maintenance of the plates, but also provide a means for adjusting the spacing of the gap between the plates, the plate length or a combination of both, in order to modify the efficiency of the separator.

Abstract: The device consists of a unit comprising a housing closure plug (13) extended by a cylindrical body (14), a maneuvering rod (20) mounted along the axis of an opening (18) passing axially through the plug (13) and the cylindrical body (14), a device (25, 26) for moving the maneuvering rod (20) axially, over a limited length, the head (30) for closing the filter (2) connected to one of the ends of the maneuvering rod (20) and a device for locking (38, 41) the head (30) onto the filter body (5). The device (12) makes it possible to carry out the replacement of the filter (2) packing without employing a handling module and special tooling for dismantling the filter head.

Abstract: Filtering system which periodically filters cooking oil used in deep fat frying employs a flat, single sheet of filtering material pressed at its outer peripheral edge areas in sealing relationship against the bottom of a vessel having a sump area below the bottom surface. Filtered oil is pumped from the sump area back to the fry tank after filtering. The improvement includes the single sheet and a mechanism for applying downward thrust of the sheet edges against the bottom, such mechanism utilizing fixed ledge means in said vessel to act as an abutment or anchor for the downward thrust-applying elements. A removable filtering screen maintains the sheet above the bottom of the vessel and is preferably removably interconnected with the thrust applying mechanism during installation and removable of filtering sheets in filtering position.

Abstract: An in-line leaf trap (100) is disclosed having a housing defined by a main body (112) and a separable lid (114). A filter (116, 118) is provided in the leaf trap for gathering debris. A locking ring (124) is provided having an inner threaded region (126) engagable with threads provided on the main body of the housing to seal the housing. The locking ring (124) includes a plurality of spokes (128) extending between the ring and central cylindrical yoke (130). The spokes are provided to facilitate rotation of the locking ring with one hand. In the preferred embodiment, a handle (190) is provided on the main body.

Abstract: A completely submersible, remotely operated underwater suction device for collection of irradiated materials in a nuclear pool is disclosed. The device includes a pump means for pumping water through the device, a filter means for capturing irradiated debris, remotely operated releasable connector means, a collection means and a means for remotely maneuvering the collection means. The components of the suction device may be changed and replaced underwater to take advantage of the excellent radiation shielding ability of water to thereby minimize exposure of personnel to radiation.

Abstract: A portable liquid-solid separator for handling sludge in bulk with an upright vessel having a bed with a drain and surrounding sides. A grate overlays the interior of the vessel, bed and sides. A filter overlays the grate, extending up the sides and overlapping the side grate. The separator is filled with a sludge which is then separated by gravity filtration and the wicking action of the filter. Liquid is drained out the bottom of the vessel and the solids are transported within the vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a bath tub style trailer with dumping capabilities.

Abstract: A separation system for removing drilled solids from a drilling fluid being circulated in a well including a vibratory screen apparatus (10) and method for separating materials having a base (12) supporting a vibratory support frame (13) for relative vibratory movement. A pair of transversely aligned motor vibrators (88) are mounted on a transverse horizontal support (82) secured between opposed sides (64,66) of vibratory frame (13) generally in the area of the center of gravity of the vibratory from (13). The motor vibrators (88) have rotational axes (L3) extending at an angle A with respect to the horizontal and being in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the screen bed.

Abstract: Discloses apparatus for separating the solids from a liquid of a sludge or slurry which includes a slurry source, a slurry container receiving slurry from the source and a filter cage removably mounted inside the container. The filter cage includes a cage frame, a supported screen liner mounted within the cage and a filter liner removably fitted inside the liner. The container has a liquid drainage conduit removably connected to a suction device for removing liquid from the drainage chamber. The container is constructed and adapted to be picked up, carried about, and tilted to remove solid material deposited within the filter cage. The filter cage is constructed and adapted to be hoisted up out of the container and separately moved about and tilted to remove solids deposited within the filter cage. A liquid injection apparatus may be provided for injecting a selected amount of a flocculating agent into the slurry received into the container to cause flocculation of solid particles in the slurry.

Abstract: A special, easy to use, economical frame is provided to quickly and efficiently align water purification cells in a vertical stack. The dependable, effective frame has moveable side and back posts and convenient crank or slide rod adjustments.

Abstract: Dredging apparatus including a diver-operator controlled and hand-held dredge head which permits the diver to move about freely in the water bed being dredged, and provides for continuously dredging the mixture of water and solids from a first body of water and pumping the mixture to a second solids collecting body of water. Submersible, hydraulic dredge pumps are used in the bodies of water. The conveying water is continuously reused in a quasi-closed system by being returned to the immediate vicinity of the nozzle or alternatively being returned through a sleeve concentrically mounted around the nozzle. The returned water discharges downwardly to counterbalance the weight of the operator-held dredge. The second, solids collecting area may take the form of a truck body into which the solid material is dumped and the dredge water passes through into a filter tank from which it is pumped and returned to the dredge area for reuse in transporting additional solids.

Abstract: A portable, submersible water purification system for use in a pool of water containing radioactive contamination includes a prefilter for filtering particulates from the water. A resin bed is then provided for removal of remaining dissolved, particulate, organic, and colloidal impurities from the prefiltered water. A sterilizer then sterilizes the water. The prefilter and resin bed are suitably contained and are submerged in the pool. The sterilizer is water tight and located at the surface of the pool. The water is circulated from the pool through the prefilter, resin bed, and sterilizer by suitable pump or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the resin bed is contained within a tank which stands on the bottom of the pool and to which a base mounting the prefilter and pump is attached. An inlet for the pump is provided adjacent the bottom of the pool, while the sterilizer and outlet for the system is located adjacent the top of the pool.

Abstract: A paint waste separating and collecting apparatus comprising a separator tank for receiving cleaning water laden with paint waste and discharged from a cleaning device, and a circulating passage for supplying cleaning water stripped of the paint waste from the separator tank to the cleaning device.

Abstract: A loop circuit method and apparatus for dredging a first area water and in which the water being used to transport the solid material (the dredging water) is continuously routed around in a loop and used repeatedly to convey the solid material from the first area to a second, solids collecting area. The loop circuit may be either quasi-closed or completely closed depending on where the returning dredge water is discharged at the first area. An improved dredge head which may be operated by a diver and in which the returning dredge water is discharged adjacent the nozzle and acts to stir up the material in that location. Alternatively, the returning dredge water can be discharged directly in the nozzle of the dredge head and acts to help convey the material picked up by the nozzle, and this constitutes a completely closed circuit.

Abstract: A filter bag sealing device includes a sub-assembly that can be conveniently inserted into and removed from a filter housing. The sub-assembly comprises a filter basket, a filter bag, and an annular retainer. The three components are joined together by a locking mechanism that includes a pair of cams mounted to a shaft with stepped ends. The shaft extends between two lugs on the filter basket. A seal retained in the filter basket and a rigid ring in the mouth of the filter bag are placed between the filter basket and the retainer. Selectively rotating the cams draws the filter basket and retainer together to form the sub-assembly with a tight seal between the basket and retainer. The filter basket periphery includes a seal for sealing the sub-assembly to the inner diameter of the housing wall.

Abstract: A centrifuge for the removal of solids from liquids, for example, the removal of solid fission products from dissolved nuclear fuel. The centrifuge is mounted behind a solid wall and is provided with a pivotable catch tray which cooperates with a feed inlet extending through the wall of a casing about the bowl of the centrifuge. The catch tray is pivotable between a first position at which it cooperates with the feed inlet to introduce feed liquid into the bowl and a second position at which it is removed out of cooperation with the feed inlet to permit withdrawal of the bowl from the casing through a removable plug in the wall.

Abstract: Liquids can be separated from the solids contained in slurries, sludges, etc. by forcing a liquid-permeable fabric, downward into the slurry so that solid materials are retained below the liquid-permeable fabric and liquids can be pumped or drained from above the liquid-permeable fabric. Apparatus is provided, comprising liquid-permeable fabrics and weighting means.

Abstract: An arrangement for scraping the filtered solids build-up from the surface of a drum filter is disclosed, in which a scraper is mounted with an edge against the surface so that rotation of the drum will accomplish scraping of the surface. Clutching engagement with a rotary drive member is produced by a predetermined extent of axial shifting of the drum against the resistance of a spring bias force. The drum is also arranged to be subjected to an axial pressure force developed by flow through the filter so that clutching engagement is automatically produced upon build-up of solids to a predetermined extent to cause a level of pressure force to be developed to produce a consequent axial shifting sufficient to produce clutching engagement and rotation of the drum. A drag out conveyor moving through the tank engages a rotary sprocket which comprises the rotary drive member, and the scraper edge and drum are positioned to directly deposit the scraped solids on the conveyer to be removed from the tank.

Abstract: A dewatering method and apparatus is disclosed which uses a ramp at one end of a perforate conveyor in which the incline of the ramp may be adjusted while the dewatering operation is taking place. The ramp receives material to be further dewatered after the material has moved along the length of the perforate conveyor. The ramp causes the material to roll back upon itself as the material tends to move up the ramp, which rolling back action enhances dewatering. An actuator is coupled with said ramp for effecting movement of said ramp with respect to the conveyor to adjust the incline of the ramp with respect to the upper surface of the conveyor. In this way, the operator may readily optimize the rolling back action of the material to be dewatered to, in turn, thereby provide optimum dewatering. The ramp is also capable of being completely lifted out of the flow of material to be dewatered while the apparatus is in operation and while the dewatering process is being carried out.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating liquids and particularly water and oil. The separating apparatus includes a tank containing two coalescent cells or units, one of which receives the liquids directly from a supply pipe and immediately disperses the liquids through a perforate recess into the cell. The liquids are partly separated in that cell and further in the second cell. Oil is separated from the top of the tank into a separate chamber and water is separated from the bottom into another chamber from which it is discharged and can be recirculated. The cells, which contain bodies with a high surface-to-weight ratio and are made of a material having an affinity for oil, are readily removable from the system for cleaning or replacement of the bodies.

Abstract: A removable culvert grate for placement adjacent the inflow end of a culvert. The grate includes a vertical grate having a plurality of slats to prevent the flow of beaver workings or similar debris therethrough, and a horizontal platform extending outwardly from the lower edge of the vertical platform. A linkage bar is provided extending from the upper edge of the vertical grate for connection to a power source such as a winch. The grate may be placed adjacent the inflow of a culvert, and, after beavers have constructed a dam or similar debris has collected against the vertical grate, the unit may be lifted by a winch carried in a pick-up truck or similar vehicle, carrying with it the debris.

Abstract: The tubular trash net is a cleaning and collecting device for pre-treatment of sewage, where the water which is to be separated from waste trash materials is led through a collecting net (8), after which the net (8) containing the separated trash is drawn through mechanically-driven rollers (10) which simultaneously de-water the trash prior to its being conveyed, together with the used net (8), to a container for disposal, while runoff pre-treated water is sent on for either further treatment or deep-water outfall.

Abstract: A filter of the type including a filter drum mounted within a settling tank containing a liquid to be filtered, with filtering flow drawn through a filter media on the outer surface of the drum, in which a fluid connection to the liquid circulation system is established by interfitting of tube sections as the filter drum is lowered into the tank at installation. Guiding members are included to properly position the drum as it is lowered to insure the tube sections move together as the filter drum is lowered. A valving arrangement is disclosed in one embodiment for isolating the particular drum filter from the circulation system upon removal. In another embodiment, an arrangement is utilized for producing intermittent rotation of the drum by engagement with the flights of a drag-out conveyor.

Abstract: A mobile fluid purification unit comprises a plurality of treatment tanks mounted on a skid and interconnected by hoses for series flow, parallel flow or a combination of series and parallel flow for carrying out a variety of treatments of the liquid. A plurality of such mobile units can be mounted on a larger vehicle and connected to one another by one or several hoses to provide greater capacity and variety than is possible in a single mobile unit. A cover which may include a heater can be provided for the unit or units.

Abstract: A fluidized bed plate has been provided which provides uniform flow of a sodium-gold-cyanide or sodium-silver-cyanide solution in gold and/or silver recovery by means of sorbing or desorbing in a fluidized carbon bed. The bed plate comprises a floor grate which supports a screen mesh which in turn supports one or more layers of shot. Carbon particles are supported by the shot. The flow of the fluid is uniform through the mesh and shot because of the arrangement of the voids created between the shot due to their natural stacking characteristics. This fluid flow is effective in fluidizing the carbon particles uniformly with little abrasion. A unique tank design permits desportion of the carbon particles while the tank is temporarily taken off-line. After the tank is reactivated it can be placed back on-line as required. The fluidized bed plate of this invention can be used in a column where processing of the solution in series is desired.

Abstract: Described is a water purifier comprising a collecting container (1) with pouring spout (2) and handle (3), a funnel and a cover (5) which can close the funnel, wherein provided at the bottom of the funnel is an opening for receiving a filter cartridge containing a purifying agent.

Abstract: Apparatus for jet aeration of wastewater which may be readily retrieved for cleaning or other servicing and replaced in service. Methods of placing the aeration apparatus in service are also provided.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for removing from one of a number of filter pits, and loading for protective storage in a disposal drum, radioactive filters used in nuclear power generating stations, and for replacing spent filters. The apparatus includes a transportable base adapted to be placed adjacent the respective filter pit and a hoist mechanism mounted on the base. The hoist mechanism includes a vertical tower or mast mounted on the base, a generally horizontal boom mounted on and extending outwardly from the top of the mast, a grab mechanism for engaging various specially adapted articles, including spent filters to be removed and new filters for replacement, means for operating the grab mechanism from a remote location, a lift mechanism for supporting the grab mechanism from the outer end of the boom and for raising and lowering it in a vertical path, and means for operating the lift mechanism from the remote location.

Abstract: A chemical mixing apparatus comprises a preferably cylindrical mixing tank having a flow inlet at the lower bottom central portion of the tank, the flow inlet providing an injection conduit which proceed vertically a distance into the tank. A floc concentration tube is provided with an inner bore, the tube being vertically mounted in the tank about the injection conduit with the tube having a lower fluid inlet and an upper fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being in communication with the tank by means of a plurality of perforations in the tube at the fluid inlet adjacent the bottom of the tank. A rotatable propeller shaft having a mixing propeller mounted thereon is attached to the tank structure, the shaft being mounted at least in the tube bore above the injection conduit with the propeller being between the lower fluid inlet and the upper outlet immediately adjacent the outlet of the injection conduit.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered mixing aerator rides on an upright beam member for submersion in a body of water such as an equalization basin, oxidation ditch or sludge holding tank used in sewage treatment plants. The aerator employs a submersible, hydraulically powered mixing motor driving a propeller which is mounted on the beam member by a slidable bracket for height adjustment. The beam member is swingably supported to allow adjustment of the vertical plane angle. Because the beam member is also mounted for rotation, substantially any attitude or position of the mixer can be selected for creating an efficient flow pattern within the body of water. The speed at which the propeller is rotated, and therefore, the rate at which the water is circulated and aerated, is selectively adjustable. The hydraulically driven motor provides for a low speed and high torque rotation of the propeller without the use of a reduction gear.

Abstract: A motorized lifting mechanism for the rake arms of a sedimentation tank which comprise spaced vertical pairs of pivot link arms interconnecting the rake arm frame to a main center rake arm drive cage and wherein the rake arm frame is in turn interconnected to a motorized jack lifting screw by means of a cable to raise the arm upon the pivoting of the pivot arms.

Abstract: A swimming pool leaf trap and main drain assembly collects and removes leaves and other debris from the floor of a swimming pool. The assembly includes a main drain recessed in a swimming pool floor and formed with a drain opening connected to a return line. The main drain removably houses an apertured basket that receives leaves, the normal downward flow of swimming pool water through the main drain trapping the leaves within the basket. The cover of the basket is provided with a lifting ring which is engaged by a brush handle to raise the basket to the surface. During such upward movement, the downward force of water through the basket holds the leaves within the basket. An anti-vortex plate covers the main drain opening when the basket is removed from the main drain. The cover of the basket is released from the basket at the surface to permit removal of the leaves trapped within the basket.

Abstract: A material collector for a fluid container having a bottom drain outlet, such as a swimming pool. The collector includes an open top receptacle provided with a perforate side wall or bottom wall. An imperforate skirt extends outwardly and downwardly from the upper margin of the side wall and has an outer periphery spaced from the side wall for engaging the bottom of the fluid container when the receptacle is spaced above the drain outlet. A dome-shaped cover above the receptacle forms a duct with the skirt to permit material, such as debris, to be swept by the flow of the fluid of the container into the open top of the receptacle where the receptacle collects the material as the fluid continues to flow through the perforate wall of the receptacle and into the drain outlet of the container therebelow. A post or line releasably coupled to the receptacle permits the receptacle and the cover to be lifted together out of the fluid in the container and emptied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hoist to be used in combination with an apparatus for filtering molten metal. The hoist of the present invention is used both to position the filtering vessel, and to back-flushing metal through the filter element. The present invention also relates to the method of back-flushing. Back-flushing serves to dislodge particulate and thereby clean the filter element. When the filtering vessel is submerged in a molten metal bath back flushing serves to aid the exchange of the molten metal interior to the filtering vessel with the molten metal exterior to the filtering vessel, and in so doing aids in minimizing the temperature difference between molten metal interior and exterior to the molten metal filtering vessel. Periodic back-flushing significantly extends the life of the molten metal filtering apparatus.

Abstract: A method of inserting a stack of interconnected corrugated plates, into a housing having spaced side walls is disclosed which utilizes the distortability of resilient material making up the corrugated plates to change at least one dimension of the stack and permit insertion of the stack in the housing. A combination of the first distorted and then released stack, with the housing is also disclosed. The method of inserting and stack with housing combination is useful in liquid separators for separating liquids at different densitites.