Abstract: An oil-filter assembly has an upwardly open can generally centered on an upright axis and having at an upper rim a mounting ring having in turn an axially upwardly directed annular seal surface and, offset axially downward therefrom, an annular upwardly directed annular shoulder surface. A filter insert of filter material in the can has an annular outwardly directed flange sitting on the shoulder surface and an upper end wall. A cover fittable over the ring has a lower surface engageable with the seal surface of the ring and with the end wall of the filter insert. Fasteners press the cover down on the ring and filter insert and retaining the cover in place on the ring.

Abstract: An oil filter body with two protruding tabs positioned to rest flush with the top edge of the oil filter. The key is a plastic unit designed to fit over the top of the oil filter and the key has two male posts which correspond to and fit into the filter's protruding female tabs. The key has a handle-like grip providing the user with a secure and comfortable grasp on the tool.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed formed of a bag having sidewalls of a semi-permeable material. A debris dam is provided at the upper edge of one of the sidewalls and has a generally cylindrical shape formed from a porous material. The filter is intended for use in conjunction with a drainage system and the bag is mounted to be positioned below the catch basin of such system and the debris dam fits within the overflow slot normally provided. When water or another liquid passes through the filter any solid debris which the liquid might have been carrying is removed and trapped in the filter bag.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly is provided having an inlet member, a transfer conduit and an opened based air cavity positioned in close proximity to the inlet member. The skimmer assembly acts to draw a fluid from a surface of a body of the fluid. The air cavity provides buoyancy during operation of the skimmer assembly to retain the inlet member slightly below the surface of the fluid. Various configurations of inlet member are explained. Typically, the inlet member, trailing the transfer conduit, will be free to float relative to the surface of the body of fluid. Various placements of pumps and filter members are disclosed. A churning of the fluid entering the skimmer assembly provides for foam fractionation wherein solids within the fluid may be separated from the fluid for subsequent removal prior to return of the fluid to the body of fluid. Various methods are disclosed to remove air bubbles containing the trapped solids from the fluid stream.

Abstract: In order to greatly shorten the filter exchange time required for detachably winding a filter (20) on the opening portions (2) formed in the outer circumferential surface of a filtration drum (1), projecting or recessed annular mounting portions (6) are respectively formed near edge portions of the outer circumferential surface of the filtration drum, to have portions (7) which prevent the wound filter from moving toward the center in the thrust direction of a main shaft (4) of the filtration drum and which maintain the filter liquid-tight, and the filter (20) is firmly fixed with fastening means (22).

Abstract: A filter box of the type used for separating solid materials from liquid having an outer shell constructed of a liquid impervious material and an inner shell having perforated sides and flooring and being disposed within said outer shell and spaced therefrom so as to define a material collection area between the two shells. Upon loading liquid-laden material into the filter box through the open upper end thereof, liquid and smaller particles pass through the perforated sides and flooring of the inner shell into the collection area leaving the larger solids within the inner shell for removal. One end of the filter box defines a hinge-mounted door for providing access to the interior of the filter box for removal of the larger solids as well as access to one end of the material collection area.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for filtering particulate matter from a fluid flow pumped from a coolant pool for a nuclear reactor. The apparatus comprises a large vessel with an interior chamber in which is rotatably supported a turntable in the form of a rigid basket-like support structure on which a large number of disposable filter cartridges are removably secured. Part of the turntable is a manifold assembly for distributing contaminated fluid received from a central conduit to the inlet side of the filter cartridges in the chamber. The vessel serves as a containment for coolant processed through the filters whereby the cleansed coolant may be conducted outwardly from the vessel through an outlet port and piped back to the pool of origin. Gate means are provided on the vessel in the form of normally closed ball valves which allow, during shut-down of the apparatus, extension, into and through the vessel, of tools to manipulate the turntable within the vessel and to accomplish filter cartridge replacement.

Abstract: The sewer basket is to be positioned at any selected level within a vertical sewer pipe having an interior surface and an opening at street level without in any way modifying the same. A basket support is provided comprising an expandable support for extending entirely around the interior surface of the sewer pipe and having at least one pair of opposite spaced free ends that define inturned ears through which a bolt extends and the ears are spread apart by nuts screwed on the bolt. For a sewer pipe of circular cross-section, the basket frame and the support frame are both of circular shape, the expandable frame having a single pair of spaced ears with a single bolt extending through the ears. For sewer pipes of quadrilateral shape, both the basket and the support frame are similarly quadrilateral, the support frame being made of two U-shaped sections each having opposite free ends defined by inturned ears and a bolt with nuts extending through each pair of ears.

Abstract: A filter assembly including an integral filter cartridge and storage pouch is disclosed herein. The storage pouch is configured to hermetically surround the filter cartridge upon removal of the cartridge from an opening of a liquid drainage conduit of the assembly. The drainage conduit can include a shutter for closing the opening of the drainage conduit upon removal of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A portable debris remover for use under the surface of a volume of water collects or removes debris from an underwater surface by entraining the debris into water and then filtering the water. The portable debris remover includes a body housing with a body mechanism that includes an inlet to receive water with the entrained debris and an outlet configured to discharge water after filtering. A hand operated squeezable bulb is connected to the housing and is operable between an at-rest position and a compressed position. As the bulb is squeezed to the compressed position, water is urged outwardly though the filter and past an open outlet check valve at the outlet. As the bulb is released to return to the at-rest position, some water comes in past the outlet check valve to back flush and clean the screen before the outlet check valve closes. Thereafter, water is urged into the bulb through the now open inlet check valve. The bulb is removable from the body housing so that debris can be removed from the bulb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WTS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element configured for straight through flow and a handle member secured to the filter element. The filter element may typically have a plurality of flutes where selected ones of the flutes are open at upstream portions and closed at downstream portions, and where selected ones of the flutes are closed at the upstream portions and open at the downstream portions. In one embodiment, the handle member is secured to the central core member. In some embodiments, the handle member and the central core member are a single molded construction. The handle member can include a single aperture, such as an elongated slot, or a plurality of apertures. A method for servicing a system having a straight through flow filter element includes grasping a handle secured to the filter element, and pulling the handle to remove the filter element from the system.

Abstract: A water purifying device that has a collecting jug for purified water, in which a funnel with a filter cartridge filled with purifying medium is fitted in a removable manner, the jug can be closed at the top with a lid. Grips for removing the lid are arranged on the lid, and an indicator is provided for indicating the exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is inexpensive, easily readable and reliably functioning to show the state of exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is secured in an aperture in the top surface of the lid, an indicator panel of which can be seen externally from above and which, by an electronic, battery driven circuit, shows only the respective state of time elapsed, without cooperating with separate signaling.

Abstract: A compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter defines a large surface area while simultaneously occupying a relatively small space and defining a small footprint. The filter comprises a body of filtration media and an outlet fitting which is integrally molded to the filtration media and provides communication from the interior of the filter to an associated fuel pump to which it is typically mounted. The filtration media of the body is folded upon itself in a multiple accordion fold configuration and sealed along the non-folded edges. The resulting surface area to size (footprint) ratio provides improved flow capacity, reduced pressure drop and extended service life.

Abstract: The filtering device is adapted to be removably attached to the distal end of a discharge hose of a washing machine for filtering lint and other particulate material from liquid discharge by the washing machine. The device includes an elongated tubular coupling having a generally cylindrical side wall with a centrally located axially extending passage therein, with the cylindrical side wall having an entrance end and an exit end. The centrally located passage has a diameter generally equal to the outside diameter of the hose. The side wall at the exit end has an inwardly turned flange which provides a stop for the hose when received in the centrally located passage. Removable fastening means extend through the side wall and the hose for securing the hose in place in the coupling. The exterior surface of the coupling has a pair of outwardly extending hooks. A removable and replaceable lint-collection bag has an opening for receiving at least part of the coupling and hose.

Abstract: A multi-stage, modular water filter apparatus having at least first and second filter housings engageable with one and other, and each being engageable with a water inlet member, a water outlet member and a fluid filter cartridge for removing undesired components in a water supply.

Abstract: In order to facilitate removal of an air filter from a housing, the air filter has a flexible tab which provides a finger grip. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible tab is disposed between a molded gasket and an expanded metal screen which covers the downstream area or dirty side of a pleated filter media.

Abstract: An outside filter for an aquarium has a housing having an inner chamber, a removable cover for closing the inner chamber of the housing, a supply conduit for supplying water to be filtered into the inner chamber of the housing, a withdrawal conduit for withdrawing the water from the inner chamber of the housing, a motor-operated pump for withdrawing the filtered water, a device for producing a vacuum for aspirating water with air which is contained in the supply conduit during a displacement, the inner chamber of the housing together with the discharge conduit forming a system which communicates with the supply conduit and during the production of the vacuum is hermetically sealingly closed from outside and serves as an evacuatable pressure chamber, the device for producing the vacuum inside the system which is closed.

Abstract: A pool skimmer basket assembly is submerged in a filter passage. The filter passage communicates with a filter opening formed in a wall of a pool. The basket assembly operates to separate and capture debris entrained in pool water entering the filter opening and moving downstream through the filter passage. The skimmer basket assembly is accessible through a user access opening communicating with the filter passage, such that the skimmer basket assembly is readily removable by a user for periodic emptying and cleaning. The skimmer basket assembly includes a basket defined by walls and having an open top arranged for receiving pool water. A filter is provided for separating debris from pool water flowing downstream through the filter passage and through the open top of the basket. An extendable handle is attached to the basket for being grasped by the user to lift and remove the basket outwardly from the filter passage through the access opening.

Abstract: A radial flow filter for use in a bottle, such as a carbon block filter, having a substantially tubular solid wall siphon shield or shroud mounted at one end of the filter element and defining an annular siphon space. The shield is mounted adjacent one of the filter when it is connected to a cap for closing a bottle, having a manual valve (such as a push-pull valve), and is mounted adjacent the other end of the filter when the filter is connected to a drinking straw. The siphon shield allows dispensing of almost all of the water present at the cap when the bottle is inverted for the cap-mounted embodiment, or adjacent the bottom of the bottle for the straw-mounted embodiment, without drawing significant amounts of air through the filter through non-submerged portions of the filter. That is, the maximum amount may be dispensed from the bottle without aspirating air through the filter.

Abstract: A filtration device for a waste water treatment tank is provided with a level alert device positioned within the filter to provide a warning or alarm when the filter becomes plugged. The level alarm device is positioned so that as the waste water level gets beyond a certain preselected limit an alarm will actuate a micro-switch which is in actuating relation with an alarm device outside the waste water treatment tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluid dispensing apparatus. The fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a fluid storage portion comprised primarily of a substantially flexible material, a fluid exit portion, and a filter cartridge disposed between the fluid storage portion and the fluid exit portion. The arrangement and construction is such that the action of squeezing and/or inverting the fluid storage portion forces fluid stored withing the fluid storage portion to pass through the filter cartridge and towards or out through the fluid exit portion.

Abstract: Sludge accumulations can be quickly removed from a vat containing liquid resin, by a manual mechanism that includes a porous platform adapted to rest on the vat bottom wall. Lifter arms extend upwardly from the platform to mount lifter handles at the vat upper edges. The handles can be pulled upwardly to lift the porous platform out of the vat. Sludge is retained on the platform, while liquid resin drains into the vat.

Abstract: A filtering device for aquariums, of the type to be hung on the outside of an aquarium, having a casing housing at least one filtering mass, an electric pump for drawing water from the aquarium through a dip tube, and a member for returning the filtered water to the aquarium. The base of the casing separates a first chamber housing an impeller of the electric pump from a chamber housing the filtering mass and is provided with at least one aperture providing communication between said two chambers.

Abstract: A wastewater skimmings dewatering unit that includes a drip bucket having a bucket compartment having an open top defined by a threaded lip and a bottom through which a number of drain opening are provided; a locking ring with the center opening and an internally threaded inner edge that is companionately threaded to engage the threaded lip of the drip bucket; a dewatering sack constructed from nylon mesh screening having a top edge that is sized to fit over the threaded lip of the drip bucket such that a sack bottom is suspended above the bottom and held in place by screwing the locking ring onto the threaded lip of the drip bucket.

Abstract: A pour-through water treatment device. The device comprises a carafe, a pour tray including a lower portion, an outer lid, and an inner lid. The outer lid is sealed to and substantially covers a forward portion of the lower portion, and has a lip extending over an upper edge of the carafe. The inner lid covers an opening in the outer lid for pouring untreated water into the pour tray. A bayonet-type filter locking and sealing arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: Filtering element for hose fittings of irrigation systems, in particular but not exclusively for gardens or kitchen gardens, comprising a rigid tubular body at least partially filled with filtering material and having a first end and a second end respectively connectable to a first and to a second terminal of a fitting.

Abstract: A storm-drain insert has separate collection systems for trash and oil or other hydrocarbons. A tilted grate separates trash from oily inlet water and directs the trash to a separate basket, and the water flows through a corrugated, flexible canister containing a hydrophobic, compliant, oil-absorbent, copolymer material arranged in a number of bodies having high surface area. Preferably, the material is formed with a binder in a novel extrusion process. The inserts can be suspended in a storm drain adjacent to a curb inlet.

Abstract: A method of applying a curable powder coating, to a selected portion of a spin-on filter housing, uses a fluidized bed coating apparatus to provide a slip-resistant enhanced gripping surface when cured. This slip-resistant coating is applied to a selected portion of the exterior surface of the filter housing, in order to provide an easily grippable slip-resistant textured surface, once the powder has been cured. The textured coating according to the invention may be applied to a bare untreated plastic or metal surface, or alternatively, may be applied overlapping a cured layer of a conventional coating. A preferred coating is a thermosetting paint powder. In a first embodiment of the invention, a slip-resistant textured surface coating may be applied to the entire exterior surface of a spin-on filter housing, except the base plate thereof.

Abstract: A pool skimmer basket assembly is submerged in a filter passage. The filter passage communicates with a filter opening formed in a wall of a pool. The basket assembly operates to separate and capture debris entrained in pool water entering the filter opening and moving downstream through the filter passage. The skimmer basket assembly is accessible through a user access opening communicating with the filter passage, such that the skimmer basket assembly is readily removable by a user for periodic emptying and cleaning. The skimmer basket assembly includes a basket defined by walls and having an open top arranged for receiving pool water. A filter is provided for separating debris from pool water flowing downstream through the filter passage and through the open top of the basket. An extendable handle is attached to the basket for being grasped by the user to lift and remove the basket outwardly from the filter passage through the access opening.

Abstract: A separator tank for rain water and waste-water treatment includes a container divided by a divider into an upper by-pass compartment and a lower treatment compartment. The divider includes a drop pipe assembly having a tapered cross-section. The drop pipe assembly includes a drop pipe having a T-shaped connection. For assembly, the drop pipe is lowered down through an opening in the divider and forms a friction fit with the opening. The drop pipe assembly also optionally includes an appropriately sized flow restricting plate positioned over the opening in the divider.

Abstract: A clearing device for a centrifugal separator holds a cake on a filtering medium lining at least the perforated part of a rotating basket. The clearing device includes several clearing members which, when arranged at rest, are more or less parallel to the generatrices of the perforated wall of the basket and between this wall and the filter medium, are spaced angularly, each clearing member resting, via one of its ends, on one wall of the basket and being equipped, at the other end, with a control means capable of receiving a longitudinal compressive force which, by deforming the clearing members causes the formation of at least one convex projection which locally deforms the filtering medium. The clearing device also includes actuating means capable of coming into contact with the control means of each clearing member to shift it in the direction for forming the projection.

Abstract: An improved apparatus 10 and corresponding methods for in-situ application of chemical in a swimming pool or spa or the like. Apparatus 10 generally has a handle receiving portion 50, a handle receiving base 90 to which the handle receiving portion 50 is attached, and at least one securing component 11, 13, or 14. The at least one securing component is made of suitable material (i.e. soft, flexible, bendable, twistable material such as strap, wire, twine, string, or the like) to allow adjustment to surroundingly secure around any size and/or shape container 60. One form of the at least one securing component is straps 11. The straps 11 are inserted and secured near receiving slots 92, and they are placed and surroundingly secured around the container 60. The ends 22 and 24 are secured to the base 90 by folding over an end piece 19 of each strap 11 so that VELCRO.TM. hook and loop fastener material 15 located on the underside of each end piece 19 engages and attaches to VELCRO.TM.

Abstract: Debris vacuum device including a suction bulb. In a first embodiment the suction bulb includes a hollow tube with an inlet check valve located at one end and an exhaust check valve located at the opposing end. A screen is provided to extend across the interior of the tube intermediate the ends. By squeezing the walls of the tube, water can be forced out the exhaust check valve with the inlet check valve closed. Then as the flexible walls expand to their original shape, water and debris are drawn into the tube to the inlet check valve while the outlet check valve is closed. In a second embodiment, a bulb having a single opening into the interior is used. An inlet tube for drawing debris and water has one end inserted into the interior of the bulb. The bulb opening is also connected to an exhaust port to allow water to be forced out of the interior of the bulb. An inlet check valve is placed across the inlet tube and an exhaust check valve is placed across the exhaust port.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly includes a housing (12) with a removable element (24) mounted therein. The housing has an inlet port (14) in direct fluid communication with a chamber (18). The outlet port (16) is in direct fluid communication with a central standpipe (22). The standpipe has a flow element (42) movable therein for controlling the condition of flow openings (36) in the standpipe. The element includes projections (88) for engaging recesses (90) in a cover (28) to selectively latch the element and cover together. The cover further includes a cover projection (82) for supporting a projection (78) on end cap (60) of the filter element, which opens flow into the standpipe only when the element is installed. When the element is removed, the flow element prevents the introduction of contaminants into the standpipe.

Abstract: The small filter comprises a housing (1) and a grip (2). A pump (6, 7, 8) can be operated with the grip. Disposed concentrically around the pump are an activated charcoal filter (3) and a ceramic filter (4). The grip is substantially beaker-shaped with convex front wall (11) and cylindrical lateral walls (14). In its rest position, it enclosed the upper end of the housing, such that the small filter is very compact while the grip still has large gripping or seating surfaces for the fingers and the ball of the thumb.

Abstract: A combination filter assembly and flexible, portable bottle having a bottom opening with a sealing cap attached thereto, to filter out substantially all INORGANICS, ORGANICS, RADIOLOGICAL CHEMICALS and MICROBIOLOGY held in water in the bottle. The filter assembly may be attached to an adapter sealed to the top of the flexible bottle. Water in the bottle passes through the filter assembly and out a top nozzle or valve when the flexible bottle is squeezed. The flexible bottle is filled with water through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A cartridge-filter cleaning spinner comprises a handheld spindle rod that can accommodate a variety of filter sizes. The spindle rod has two inward pointing slip-ring hand-tightened hubs. A cartridge filter is loaded on the spindle rod by removing one of the slip-ring hand-tightened hubs, slipping the cartridge filter onto the spindle snug against the other slip-ring hand-tightened hub, and then reinstalling the first slip-ring hand-tightened hub on the spindle rod. The cartridge filter is then free to spin around while the spindle rod handles themselves remain stationary. A water jet from a garden hose is then directed at one end of the cartridge filter to one side so the cartridge filter begins spinning. The water jet is then worked down slowly to the opposite end while keeping the spinning action going. The process is then repeated, but with the water jet directed to the other side so the cartridge filter spins in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) with a filter housing (12) and a bag-type filter element (14). A collar (36) is disposed inside the housing below an opening (42) through which a process stream is introduced into the filter assembly. The filter element includes a filter bag (70) to which a sealing ring (72) is attached. The sealing ring is formed to define a channel (84) in which the collar is seated. The sealing ring also has a lip (86) that snap secures against a complementary stepped surface (60) formed around the collar. A gasket (85) attached to the sealing ring forms a liquid-tight barrier between the collar and the sealing ring. The collar is also formed with a boss (62). The sealing ring defines a alignment notch (88). In order to seal the filter element in place, boss (62) must seat in alignment notch (88); this ensures that when the filter element is secured in place, it is properly aligned with the other components of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A water filter outer shell having an improved sleeve and top cover. The top cover and sleeve are formed with interior and exterior conical surfaces, the lower half of the conical surface of the outer shell having exterior threads. The top cover is fastened by screwing interior and exterior threads near the conical surfaces of the top cover and outer shell to eliminate three components from the known device. The tightness and water permeation seal are thus stronger and more effective. The structure has lower production costs to improve market competition.

Abstract: In a bypass filter unit, in particular, for filtering supplies of hydraulic oil in a bypass flow, comprising a motor-driven pump and a fixedly mounted filter housing closeable by a cover and containing an exchangeable filter element, it is proposed that the drive of the pump, the pump and the filter housing be arranged coaxially with one another, with the end of the filter housing that is closeable by the cover pointing upwards, that the filter housing be directly connected to the pump, and that the filter housing form a receptacle for the clean oil while the filter element is being changed, so as to enable changing of the filter element and renewal of the filter in a simple way and without risk of soiling the clean oil side.

Abstract: A coated metal drum (38) for a skimmer apparatus mounted on a buoyant frame (10) floating on a body of water for removal of hydrocarbon material from the body of water. The coated drum (38) has a metal drum base (80) which is blasted to provide a roughened cylindrical surface for the coating (84, FIG. 4). The coating comprises a vinyl ester resin material which is sprayed in a plurality of layers (86) onto the roughened metal surface and is cured to provide a hard abrasion resistant surface for the adherence of hydrocarbon material thereon.

Abstract: A storm drain filter is sized to cover the opening of a storm drain. It includes a top debris tray removably positioned within a bottom media tray. Each tray includes a peripheral trough surrounding a central overflow opening. The top tray is shorter in height than the bottom tray, so that a filter media receiving chamber is defined between the top tray and the bottom tray. Filter media is positioned in the filter media receiving chamber. A handle is attached across the central overflow opening of the top tray. In a first embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the top and bottom trays are perforated. In a second embodiment, the inner walls of the top and bottom trays are perforated. In either embodiment, water flowing into the filter is distributed around the top trough, passed through the perforated surface of the top tray, the filter media, the perforated surface of the bottom tray, and into the storm drain. Hydrocarbons and other contaminants are filtered by the filter media.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: A filtering appliance for cleaning cooking oil in a food fryer is designed and dimensioned for single-handed portable use in "hand-gun" fashion. The appliance has an elongate casing means (10) with a hand grip (14) at one end adjacent a pump-and-motor assembly (21, 34). An intake nozzle (11) conducts oil to be cleaned to a cartridge style filter (29) made by stacking annular elements (30, 31) cut from a commercially available filter material of fibrous mat forming a matrix holding particulate filtering media. The filter (29) is axially spring loaded to accommodate yielding of the filter material. The appliance discharges into the food fryer through a duct (15) outside the casing means (10). Thus, the oil is re-circulated to achieve cleaning.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a body of water by passing an elongated net having a C-shaped cross section over the surface and slightly immersed in the water. The elongated net is supported by elongated rigid members that include C-shape brackets that are cooperatively disposed therealong. A rubber band with cooperating slots is positioned over the arcuated plate of the brackets trapping the elongated net in place. An upright wheeled assembly is perpendicularly mounted to the elongated net and includes a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the net. The upright wheeled assembly includes a cooperatively positioned handle for imparting motion to the structure.

Abstract: A portable liquid surface skimmer efficiently removes small spills of petroleum derivatives from the surface of water, and is useful, for example, on thin sheen spills of oil or gasoline, in boating marinas. The skimmer is controlled by a long handle held by an operator, with a swivel connection to the skimmer body. The skimmer body is placed in the water empty, to take on a controlled amount of water as ballast, putting the skimmer at a proper level to skim the surface using a floating weir. A withdrawal conduit from the skimmer's sump leads to a storage tank or more preferably to some form of separator on shore or on a dock, for further separation of water from the contaminants. In one preferred form of the system and method, the skimmed oil/water mix is passed through a special filter medium which removes the petroleum sufficiently that the water can be returned to its source, eliminating the need for hauling large volumes of liquid away to a disposal site.

Abstract: A pump and filter assembly comprising a filter cover secured onto a filter body by a locking ring. A one-piece latching mechanism, integral to the locking ring and composed of flexible material, biases a latching end of the latching mechanism against the locking ring, causing the latching end of the latching mechanism to project through a slit in the locking ring into a notch on the outside of the filter body when the filter body is completely threadably engaged with the locking ring. The latching portion of the latching mechanism is easily biased away from the slit and the notch, facilitating disengagement of the locking ring from the filter body and filter cover. The entire latching mechanism is itself easily removed from the locking ring, facilitating repair or replacement of the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a base and a disposable, plug-in cartridge. The cartridge contains a pair of hollow cylindrical, porous, solid water treatment elements designed to treat water flowing radially through their walls. The cylindrical elements are mounted so as to act in parallel, thereby achieving the advantages of a long, thin-walled element in a compact configuration.