With Movable Support Patents (Class 210/241)
  • Patent number: 6641729
    Abstract: A water purifying device, wherein water purification tubes are combined with a bicycle or a motorcycle having a drive wheel assembled in a body thereof. The purification tubes are mounted on the body, a feed pump is connected to the water purification tubes and a water source is connected to the feed pump through a connector. The drive wheel is connected to the feed pump through the connector. The feed pump is driven by the drive wheel, water source water is fed to the water purification tubes, and water is purified by the water purification tubes for making drinking water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Basic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20030196951
    Abstract: Spent pyrophoric reaction catalyst from a reaction mixture is removed safely, cheaply, and rapidly using a single plate pressure filter. After hydrogenation, the reaction mixture is decanted, the desired hydrogenation product is removed, and catalyst-rich material which settles at the bottom of the vessel is delivered to a single plate pressure filter fitted with a filter bag 40 of permeable material. The spent catalyst is retained in the filter bag 40 and stored under water awaiting recovery. The filter apparatus 1 comprises a container having a domed base 2, a generally cylindrical sidewall 3 terminating in an upper rim 4 closed by a lid 5 having lifting lugs 6. The lid 5 is fixed in pressure-tight engagement with the sidewall 3 by flange engaging screw clamps 7 and an embedded polytetrafluoroethene gasket 8. The filter bag 40 is held in position by a band 11 and may be readily released for removal of the spent catalyst material. The bag 40 may be reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: William Tully
  • Patent number: 6627089
    Abstract: A truck houses a closed recirculation system having a series of hoses, filters and pumps interconnecting a first point and second point, preferably hydrants, of a water supply system. A flow of water pumped outside of the water supply system through the filters causes an increased water flow within the section of the water supply system between the second and the first point to clean the section of deposits, sediment, particulates and other undesirable matter. All of the filtered water is returned to the water supply system. The water may be inspected and chlorinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Chris E. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6620314
    Abstract: A unit 1 for producing pyrogen controlled water on a small to medium factory scale comprises a number of charged ultrafiltration units 10 arranged in parallel. Orifice plates 15 are used to restrict and control the flow of deionized water to each filter 10. The filter units 10 are mounted on a frame 2 with a wheeled chassis 3 which may be pushed or moved by a forklift truck to a site where pyrogen controlled water is required. The unit 1 has an inlet line 4 for connection to a supply of deionized water and an outlet line 6 for connection to a user of pyrogen controlled water. The unit 1 may be purged with nitrogen from a supply 18. Sampling ports 17 in a common supply inlet 4 and a common outlet 6 ensure that the filtration efficiency can be closely monitored. The flow of water is monitored by a flowmeter 19 and pressure sensors 16 upstream of each filter facilitate a high level of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: William Tully, Evelyn Madigan
  • Patent number: 6616833
    Abstract: A water pollution remediation system includes a plurality of decontamination modules that are self supporting and interconnectable for sequentially removing a plurality of different contaminants. The modules are designed to be independently transportable to a ship for decontaminating bilge water, in particular, after a fire when a foaming fire suppressant composition has been introduced into the bilge water. The modules may be placed on the deck of the ship, connected together and powered by the ship's hydraulic, electric and bilge pumping systems to provide comprehensive decontamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Gerard Lynch
  • Patent number: 6616839
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable water treatment facility. The water treatment facility has housing on castors. The housing houses the water treatment member. The housing has various doors which are locked to make the housing tamper resistant. The housing has an external sampling station which allows a technician at any point in time to ensure that all of the liquids being provided by the water treatment member meet specifications. This system has a modular water treatment member consisting of various filters, tanks, and pumps which are attached to one another by short fluid conduits with quick disconnects. The system is computer monitored, capable of remoting data offsite and producing an audit trail capturing system operational parameters and quality of water produced over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell, David H. Albright
  • Patent number: 6607666
    Abstract: A mud tank cleaning system includes a debris collection sweep that drives debris towards a collection zone in a mud tank, whence the debris can easily be mechanically disposed of through an opening in the mud tank. Preferably, the collection zone is in a central depressed part of the mud tank to allow gravity to assist in moving debris towards the collection zone. Preferably, a pair of collection sweeps are used on opposed sides of the collection zone. The collection sweeps are preferably pivotally mounted to follow an arcuate path along the surface of a cylindrical confining wall of the mud tank. Sweep drive mechanisms operate the sweeps. The collection sweeps are preferably used in conjunction with a disposal sweep that sweeps debris collected in the collection zone by the collection sweeps out of the collection zone and through the opening in the mud tank, from where it may be readily disposed of. The mud tank is typically operated in conjunction with a hydrovac vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Robert C. Rajewski
  • Patent number: 6602408
    Abstract: A filtration system is described for a water garden having a reservoir 10. The reservoir includes a lid 14 and a tubular intake 26 connected to a water line 20 for receiving unfiltered water. The improvement includes a cup-shaped retainer 40 and one or more upright filters 60. The retainer includes a side wall tubular intake 48 mated to the reservoir intake 26 and a lower surface having an opening 50 supporting the filter upper end and may also include a handle 52 supported on the reservoir rim. The filter encompasses the opening so that substantially all unfiltered water entering the retainer intake portion flows downwardly into the upright filter. The retainer is removable from the reservoir and the filter may be removable from the retainer by handle 68.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Edward B. Berkey
  • Patent number: 6596174
    Abstract: A fuel recirculation and cleaning assembly comprising a planar surfaced support base, an upright support secured to the support base and a flange extending from support base to form an enclosed area around the planar surface. A filter assembly for separating water from fuel and trapping particulate matter is mounted to the upright support and a discharge pump is fluidly connected to the filter assembly discharge water separated from the fuel by the filter assembly to a water storage tank. A magnetic microbial decontamination device is secured to the upright support and fluidly connected to the filter assembly by a conduit to receive filtered fuel from an outlet of the filter assembly and pass the fuel through a magnetic field which destroys microbial residues in the fuel. A circulation pump is mounted on the support base and is fluidly connected to an outlet of said microbial decontamination device by conduit means to discharge treated fuel to a fuel storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Alexander C. Marcus
  • Patent number: 6561497
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of bioremediation by mixing a gas and in particular a high oxygen content low pressure gaseous stream with water at a higher pressure, dissolving the gas in the water at elevated pressures by subdividing the water into fine droplets and thereafter injecting such water into soil containing contaminated groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: William A. Newman
  • Publication number: 20030080055
    Abstract: An odor reducing assembly for use in a marine vessel or RV waste holding tank including an aeration tube and an aeration pump. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom portion of the holding tank. The aeration tube may be provided by a separate aeration tube or may be incorporated into the macerator/discharge pump. The aeration pump is in fluid communication with the aeration tube and supplies pressurized air to the aeration tube during operation of the marine vessel or RV. The aeration tube is disposed in a bottom-most portion of the holding tank and is submerged in sewage. Pressurized air from the aeration pump is injected into the sewage via the aeration tube and creates an oxygen-enriched aerobic environment therein. Air from the holding tank is continuously vented to atmosphere during operation of the aeration pump via a vent in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20030075494
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a building with the entire requirements of AC/DC electrical power, fuel gas, and pure water in a single integrated unit. The method is based on the convertion of graphite from solid state to a gaseous state using an electrolysis process underwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Randall J. Miranda
  • Patent number: 6547964
    Abstract: A mud tank cleaning system, is formed from a mud tank having confining walls. An opening is provided in the confining walls of the mud tank. A removable cover is mounted on the mud tank over the opening. A sweep is mounted in the mud tank and is operable to sweep mud in the mud tank towards the opening in the confining walls. A sweep drive mechanism is operably connected to the sweep for operating the sweep. A hydrovac vehicle is formed of a frame mounted on wheels, a mud tank mounted on the frame, a water tank mounted on the frame, a water pump mounted on the frame and hydraulically connected to the water tank to pump water from the water tank for use in hydrovac operations, a blower mounted on the frame and connected by lines to the mud tank for removing fluids from the mud tank; and a boom line mounted on the mud tank for conveying fluidized materials to the mud tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Robert C. Rajewski
  • Patent number: 6533944
    Abstract: The method relates to the recovery of fine sand on floating production equipment in the form of a floating grab-bucket type excavator or floating bucket chain dredger. In this case, the dredged material is dewatered and transported to shore via floating conveyor belts. The dredged material is transferred to dewatering screening machine having a dewatering deck with a dewatering coating. Below the dewatering deck the screening machine has a blind bottom covering the entire surface area, whereby in the direction of conveyance the end zone is provided with a discharge. The discharge is directed at a hydro belt separator, which has a revolving endless conveyor belt with a washing trough as the separation bed, and an ascending part leading away from the washing trough. The running direction of the conveyor belt is in the direction of the ascent, whereby the dredged material is transferred at the discharge of the screening machine to the washing trough of the hydro belt separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Wolfgang Rohr
  • Patent number: 6511605
    Abstract: A device for automatically feeding soluble fluid treating agents in tablet form into a fluid body having an elongated member, a platform member adaptable for holding a plurality of tablets and being selectively positionable relative to the fluid body, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the present device to a portion of the structure surrounding or containing the fluid body. When a plurality of tablets are loaded onto the platform member, the platform member can be selectively positioned such that any portion of one or more of the plurality of tablets can be immersed within the fluid body. Each tablet preferably includes an opening extending therethrough adaptable for receiving the elongated member, the present device having particular utility in a wide variety of different fluid treating applications including toilet bowl tank applications and swimming pool/spa applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Stellar Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Thomas V. Connelly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6506311
    Abstract: A wet material treatment apparatus includes an inlet hopper for introducing the wet material into the apparatus. The hopper feeds the wet material into an injector auger that physically directs the wet material into a high velocity air stream produced by a blower thereby directing the flow of the wet material through the apparatus. The wet material moves from the injector auger into a cyclone that separates the wet material through specific gravity and desiccation into a substantially liquid and a substantially solid portion. The substantially liquid portion is discharged through a first outlet in the cyclone to a wet scrubber, while the substantially solid portion of the wet material is discharged through a second outlet. The apparatus can be mounted to a trailer for mobile transportation, and can include two cyclones operating in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Global Resource Recovery Organization
    Inventors: Richard DeGarmo, Stan Gibson, Loran Balvanz
  • Patent number: 6506310
    Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Del Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Patent number: 6485638
    Abstract: A system for automatically cleaning swimming pools includes a unitary body having a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool or proximate to the interior surface of the containment wall, a propulsion subsystem operable to selectively propel the body in either a forward or rearward direction, and a cleaning subsystem operable in either a water surface cleaning mode for skimming or scooping or a wall surface cleaning mode for vacuuming or sweeping. The subsystems are powered by an electric source such as solar cells and/or rechargeable batteries and/or a wire extending to the unitary body from an external power source. An alternative embodiment uses separate top and bottom units tethered together by an electric conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Publication number: 20020157994
    Abstract: A unit 1 for producing pyrogen controlled water on a small to medium factory scale comprises a number of charged ultrafiltration units 10 arranged in parallel. Orifice plates 15 are used to restrict and control the flow of deionized water to each filter 10. The filter units 10 are mounted on a frame 2 with a wheeled chassis 3 which may be pushed or moved by a forklift truck to a site where pyrogen controlled water is required. The unit 1 has an inlet line 4 for connection to a supply of deionized water and an outlet line 6 for connection to a user of pyrogen controlled water. The unit 1 may be purged with nitrogen from a supply 18. Sampling ports 17 in a common supply inlet 4 and a common outlet 6 ensure that the filtration efficiency can be closely monitored. The flow of water is monitored by a flowmeter 19 and pressure sensors 16 upstream of each filter facilitate a high level of control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: William Tully, Evelyn Madigan
  • Publication number: 20020153324
    Abstract: A water pollution remediation system includes a plurality of decontamination modules that are self supporting and interconnectable for sequentially removing a plurality of different contaminants. The modules are designed to be independently transportable to a ship for decontaminating bilge water, in particular, after a fire when a foaming fire suppressant composition has been introduced into the bilge water. The modules may be placed on the deck of the ship, connected together and powered by the ship's hydraulic, electric and bilge pumping systems to provide comprehensive decontamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Gerard Lynch
  • Patent number: 6464884
    Abstract: A portable water treatment unit is provided for purifying contaminated water, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster that compromises a region's water supply. The treatment unit is configured to treat water drawn into the unit. The treatment unit comprises an inlet connected to a pump. The pump outlet is connected to a solid separator for removing larger particles such as sand and silt. A series of filters is connected to the pump outlet, the filters being arranged from coarsest to finest. The filters remove smaller particles from the water. The water from the filters eventually flows into an ultraviolet light disinfection unit configured to purify water by emitting ultraviolet light thereon. An outlet of the UV light disinfection unit is configured to expel purified water for drinking and other uses. Pressure gages are provided for monitoring the pressure drops across the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Ashok J. Gadgil
  • Patent number: 6465225
    Abstract: For manipulation of particles in a fluidic microsystem (15) in which the particles are moved in a predetermined reference direction in a suspension liquid, the microsystem (15) is closed off at least at its end (17a, 17b) pointing to the reference direction. The particles move under the influence of centrifugal forces and/or gravitational forces in the suspension liquid which is stationary in relation to the microsystem (15), with the centrifugal forces and/or gravitational forces essentially extending parallel to the reference direction. Furthermore, the particles in the microsystem (15) are exposed to deflection forces whose direction differs from that of the reference direction. (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Evotec OAI AG
    Inventors: GĂĽnter Fuhr, Rolf Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 6455017
    Abstract: Detergent cleaning is combined with ozone disinfection in a single, preferably mobile sanitizing unit. A detergent cleaning solution, preferably under pressure, is directed onto a surface to be cleaned. Subsequently, an aqueous ozone rinse is applied to the surface following removal of soils by the detergent. Because the ozone rinse functions to sanitize the target and remove residual detergent, and works best when delivered without substantial pressure, construction and ozone generation are simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Kasting, Jr., Dwayne H. Joines, John V. Winings
  • Publication number: 20020121475
    Abstract: A wet material treatment apparatus includes an inlet hopper for introducing the wet material into the apparatus. The hopper feeds the wet material into an injector auger that physically directs the wet material into a high velocity air stream produced by a blower thereby directing the flow of the wet material through the apparatus. The wet material moves from the injector auger into a cyclone that separates the wet material through specific gravity and desiccation into a substantially liquid and a substantially solid portion. The substantially solid portion is discharged through a first outlet in the cyclone to a wet scrubber, while the substantially liquid portion of the wet material is discharged through a second outlet. The apparatus can be mounted to a trailer for mobile transportation, and can include two cyclones operating in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Richard DeGarmo, Stan Gibson, Loran Balvanz
  • Patent number: 6434879
    Abstract: Mesh cells (30) for machine-made netting (51) use pairs of mesh bars (35) made from a continuous length of material and meet at a common coupler (34). Such mesh bars (35) have a lay with a common direction throughout the length of material. In a zig-zag pattern used in knitting machine-made netting (31), the longitudinal axis of symmetry (38) of mesh bars (35) turns at each coupler (34). Towing such mesh bars (35) causes water to flow past pairs thereof in two different directions with respect to their common lay. The directions of water flow are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry (38) of the mesh bars (35). As water flows past the mesh bars (35), the cross-sectional shapes of the mesh bars (35) produce a net component of force that is oriented in a direction perpendicular to a combined drag component of force for the mesh bars (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: OTTER Ultra-Low-Drag, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sherif Safwat, Valentin G. Perevoshchikov
  • Patent number: 6436283
    Abstract: A self-contained, portable rainwater collecting and purifying system for collecting, filtering and disinfecting rainwater or other precipitation primarily for drinking purposes. In a preferred embodiment the portable rainwater collecting and purifying system is characterized by a housing which contains the system components. The bottom of the housing is typically fitted with skids or wheels, and a pair of sloped water collection panels is typically hinged to the housing for receiving the falling rainwater. A collection gutter receives the rainwater from the panels and drains the rainwater into a vertical standpipe fitted with a typically screen filter or filters. As the rising water in the standpipe eventually overflows, the overflowing, partially filtered water leaves the standpipe and enters a water collection tank through a hopper typically fitted with a gravity-flow filter or filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Eddie D. Duke
  • Patent number: 6432305
    Abstract: A water-filtering kit has a filter container (1, 28, 32, 37, 41). A water filter (8) is positioned on an interior portion of the filter container. A filter-inlet connection (9) on the water filter is positioned in tube-access proximity to an inlet-tube aperture (10) in the filter container. Similarly, a filter-outlet connection (11) on the water filter is positioned in tube-access proximity to an outlet-tube aperture (12) in the filter container. The filter container is sized and shaped to contain an inlet tube (13) and an outlet tube (14) which can include one or more hoses in a compacted mode that includes winding, spooling and rolling. The filter container has a container top (7, 31, 36, 40) proximate which or to which a filter head (25) of the filter is attached. The filter, the inlet tube and the outlet tube are positioned in the filter container for storage and transportation. The inlet tube and the outlet tube can have quick disconnects (21, 22, 23, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Randall G. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6432304
    Abstract: A remotely operated filtering system for ballast tanks used on naval vessels. A basket shaped filtering net is used in connection with the tanks and is controlled by a remote control operated by a human operator. The operator controls the movement and the operation of the filter when filtering is needed. The system includes a video monitor and an illumination means in connection with the filter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Hap Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6406618
    Abstract: A portable fire sprinkler chemical feed apparatus is provided that can be coupled between a fire sprinkler system and its corresponding make up water supply for automatically treating the water of the fire sprinkler system with chemicals by monitoring the water flow conductivity. Where the chemicals fed include a biocide and corrosion inhibitor, the apparatus keeps the chemicals isolated from each other until they reach a reacting chamber where the chemicals are thoroughly mixed and then delivered to the fire Sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 6391208
    Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: David O. Burrow
  • Patent number: 6391198
    Abstract: An oil-water and oil emulsion separation system using a plurality of transport vessels as the separation tanks. The containers or tanks are arranged in series with sludge or oil removed first and thereafter remaining oil is removed and finally a relatively pure aqueous solution is returned to the system. The unit is useful with parts washers or any apparatus with which water is contaminated by free oil or sludge. A floating skimmer is placed in the user's sump and a vacuum draws this into a series of containers in which it is processed and in which sludge and oil are successively separated. A positive displacement pump is used. A manifold having vacuum relief valves for at least one container is also provided. In one embodiment, flow restrictors are placed in at least one manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Porter, William J. Shortreed
  • Patent number: 6383394
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rendering waste sorbent material recyclable. The method includes collecting polymer-based sorbent materials containing one or more solvents, treating the waste material in a centrifugal treatment system for removing the solvents from the polymer-based sorbent materials whereby the sorbent materials have a residual solvent content that renders the materials non-hazardous for transportation to a remote recycling site. The treatment system includes a fume collection system and a centrifuge disposed in the fume collection system. The sorbent materials are charged into the centrifuge and the centrifuge is operated for extractive removal of solvents therefrom and collection of the extracted solvents. The sorbent materials are rendered non-hazardous by the centrifugal treatment system enabling the materials to be taken off site for use in making recycled parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventors: David L. Briggs, John K. Clement, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6379547
    Abstract: Method for dewatering of water-containing sludge in a sewage well or the like, wherein the water-containing sludge is collected in a tank, the sludge is separated in a downstream filter and the purified water is returned to the well, wherein at least one adjustable and inflow controlling valve is coupled between a suction tank and a downstream filter, a feeding device is arranged for continuous or intermittent discharge of the sludge separated in the filter to one or more compressing units, intended for compressing of the fed sludge, further comprising a container for storing the compressed sludge and tanks units and pumps for receiving and transporting the squeezed out and purified, respectively, and in the process oxygenated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: AB Aqua Equipment Co.
    Inventor: Bo Larsson
  • Patent number: 6379542
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface of a pool submerged in a liquid. The apparatus comprises an elongated cleaning body adapted to migrate across said surface and having a top portion and a bottom portion, a track positioned at the top of the cleaning body, and a ball bearing weight member sealed in the track and having the ability to roll from the first end of the track to the second end of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Letro Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanford F. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6365046
    Abstract: An automated system for removing waste grease is provided employing a pump, the pump being used to draw waste grease from a grill grease trap via an intake assembly and pump the waste grease through the system, the intake assembly comprising a wand, hose, and in-line filter. The intake assembly is connected in flow communication with a suction line which guides waste grease into the pump. A pressure line then guides the pumped waste grease out of the pump and to a waste grease storage container which may be connected to the system. The suction line, pump, and pressure line are heated to prevent solidification of the waste grease as it flows through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew P. Burke
  • Publication number: 20020033363
    Abstract: A containerized polluted-water treatment apparatus which is mobile and transportable and easily installed in the neighborhood of a polluted water source without any particular works, characterized by comprising at least one container that has a water inlet and a water outlet and is provided with a water treatment unit having biological supports and a combination of a power unit and a control device by which the water treatment unit is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: RESOUSE BIOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Moriju Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6352645
    Abstract: A system (20) is presented for extraction of debris (22) from a tank (24) of potentially radioactive water (26) in a nuclear-powered energy-generation facility. The system (20) utilizes a subaqueous reversible motor (28), a subaqueous pump (30) magnetically coupled to the motor (28), and a subaqueous filter housing (50) removably coupled to the pump (30). A filter (52) having a metallic filter element (56) is incorporated into the filter housing (50). A control unit (34) is electrically coupled to the motor (28) and determines a rotational direction thereof from outside the tank (24). When the motor (28) is run in a forward rotational direction, the pump (30) produces a forward flow (36′) of water (26), substantially all of which passes through the filter (52) so that debris (22) in the water (26) is entrapped in the filter (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company
    Inventor: Troy Arnett Wilfong
  • Patent number: 6325753
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which comprises a portable treatment method and apparatus for treating sediment and other waste material. A preselected solid composition is added to the sediment as it is drawn through a system which mixes the sediment and composition thoroughly to produce a homogenous mixture, which is then in turn deposited in a storage device for eventual removal from the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignees: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Environmental Products & Services, Inc.
    Inventors: José E. Rodriguez, Howard M. Citron, Richard C. Colarusso, Larry A. Vetter, Brian Kalab
  • Publication number: 20010032809
    Abstract: A system for automatically cleaning swimming pools includes a unitary body having a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool or proximate to the interior surface of the containment wall, a propulsion subsystem operable to selectively propel the body in either a forward or rearward direction, and a cleaning subsystem operable in either a water surface cleaning mode for skimming or scooping or a wall surface cleaning mode for vacuuming or sweeping. The subsystems are powered by an electric source such as solar cells and/or rechargeable batteries and/or a wire extending to the unitary body from an external power source. An alternative embodiment uses separate top and bottom units tethered together by an electric conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Patent number: 6306294
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus for cooking oil includes an open top reservoir 11 mounted to a portable stand 17 having wheels. The reservoir includes a bridge portion 14 supporting a filter housing 30 therein. A pump 31 is mounted to the stand below the reservoir. A flexible conduit 39 is provided for extracting cooking oil from a deep fryer and for discharging cooking oil from the reservoir back to the fryer. The flexible conduit is in fluid communication with the pump 31 via a first rigid conduit 37 and the pump is in fluid communication with the filter housing via a second rigid conduit 42. Advantageously, the rigid conduits are located within the reservoir so that there is little danger of an operator making contact with the conduits and being burned in the normal course of operation. Furthermore any leaks which develop in the conduits will discharge directly into the reservoir. Preferably, a deflector plate 49 is provided above the oil outlet 45 in order to deflect blow-back oil downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Ian Blair
  • Patent number: 6280611
    Abstract: A method and apparatus powered from the suction side of a pump for cleaning the interior surface of a pool containment wall and the upper surface of a water pool contained therein. The apparatus includes an essentially unitary cleaner body and a controller for selectively causing the body to move either in a forward direction or a non-forward direction. The controller includes (1) a periodic control device for alternately defining forward and non-forward states and (2) a motion responsive control device defining a first condition when the forward motion of the body exceeds a certain threshold and a second condition when the forward motion of said body is less than said threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Patent number: 6258268
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: John W. Lake
  • Publication number: 20010004974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning the sand beds of slow sand filters, infiltration basins and pools of other types having sand beds in water treatment works and similar plants, while the filter is in service, by removing a few centimeters of the bed surface, cleaning the sand of the sludge or filter film formed on the bed surface, returning the cleaned sand to the bed, and discharging the separated sludge, suspended in water to drain or to a suitable disposal site. This is achieved using a tracked cleaning machine equipped with a submersible pump (7) and nozzle (8) to remove the top layer of sludge-bearing sand from the bed, cleaning the sludge from the sand thus removed in a hydrocyclone (13), returning the cleaned sand to the bed via a spreader plate (15) and discharging the water-suspended sludge to a drain or to a suitable disposal site through a hose (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Weda Poolcleaner AB.
    Inventors: Anders Ekenback, Klas Lange
  • Patent number: 6248242
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Spring Water Delivery System and in particular to a system for bulk delivery of potable spring water to a customer's home. This system includes a bulk water supply truck equipped with a pumping system and an onboard ozone generator for delivery of potable tank water to a customer's supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew G. Martin
  • Patent number: 6228256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning the sand beds of slow sand filters, infiltration basins and pools of other types having sand beds in water treatment works and similar plants, while the filter is in service, by removing a few centimeters of the bed surface, cleaning the sand of the sludge or filter film formed on the bed surface, returning the cleaned sand to the bed, and discharging the separated sludge, suspended in water to drain or to a suitable disposal site. This is achieved using a tracked cleaning machine equipped with a submersible pump (7) and nozzle (8) to remove the top layer of sludge-bearing sand from the bed, cleaning the sludge from the sand thus removed in a hydrocyclone (13), returning the cleaned sand to the bed via a spreader plate (15) and discharging the water-suspended sludge to a drain or to a suitable disposal site through a hose (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Weda Poolcleaner AB
    Inventors: Anders Ekenbäck, Klas Lange
  • Patent number: 6227379
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently separating solids from liquid/solid slurries are disclosed. The slurry to be separated is retainably placed within a container having one or more lift paddles secured within its inner cavity. The container is supported for rotation about an axis and has drive means for slowly rotating the container. As the container rotates, the lift paddles lift a portion of the retained slurry, allowing the liquid portion to fall back into the primary slurry pool to be separated, and lifting coarse solids toward the top of the rotation path of the paddles. The separated solids slide by gravity from the lift paddles as they approach the top of their rotation paths and into a collection tray. A filter that rotates with the container filters fine solids from the liquid portion of the slurry and also deposits the fine solids on the collection tray. The filtered liquids can be readily pumped from or recirculated to the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: NTH, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton A. Nesseth
  • Patent number: 6228255
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable water treatment facility. The water treatment facility has housing on castors. The housing houses the water treatment member. The housing has various doors which are locked to make the housing tamper resistant. The housing has an external sampling station which allows a technician at any point in time to ensure that all of the liquids being provided by the water treatment member meet specifications. This system has a modular water treatment member consisting of various filters, tanks, and pumps which are attached to one another by short fluid conduits with quick disconnects. The system is computer monitored, capable of remoting data offsite and producing an audit trail capturing system operational parameters and quality of water produced over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell, David H. Albright
  • Patent number: 6207051
    Abstract: A portable hydraulic fluid handler cart capable of transporting liquid storage containers and providing filtered fluid transfer. Quick-disconnect couplers at the cart and system adapters, along with replaceable filter cartridges, maintain fluid integrity at the system and serviced equipment. An electric motor, transfer pump, retractable extension cord and power control switch mount to the cart. Forks, rails and an adjustable clamp contain a liquid drum to the cart. A pair of handles and four wheels facilitate gripping, tipping and transport of drum containers. A kickstand stabilizes the cart when used alone. The filter media at the cart and adapters is selected to simultaneously filter liquid-borne and airborne particles and water from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Steven D. Anderson, Kenneth R. Anderson, Nancy A. Faust
  • Patent number: 6200473
    Abstract: A combination of a water tanker and a water treatment system containing an oyxgen generator, an ozone generator and a tank mixing eductor for in-transit treatment of water. At least the ozone generator is supported by an air suspension system which is specifically designed to eliminate vibration which may otherwise damage the ozone generator. A pump re-circulates water from the tank, through an ozone injector and back in to the tank through the mixing eductor. The invention provides at least two distinct operating modes which include complete water sterilization using ozone and simple water oxygenation followed by tank sterilization after livestock transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: G. Scott Fahey
  • Patent number: 6149802
    Abstract: A solvent recovery apparatus for recovering low volatility solvent from a washing fluid slop includes a settling system and a filtering system. The settling system includes one or more settling stages and an off-take by which settled, re-usable solvent may be recovered. The filtering system uses a single filter press to filter batches of wastewater, with solids, and batches of solvent sludge, with solids, such that cleaned wastewater filtrate may be discarded, benign removed solids may be dried and sent to landfill, and solvent filtrate may be returned to the input end of the solvent recovery apparatus for re-processing. The solvent recovery apparatus can use a two stage settling system which permits an initial separation of most of the wastewater, and a secondary settling of a solvent rich portion of the slop. The secondary settling can be performed with a system of alternating settling tanks in which one tank is allowed to settle while another is being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd.
    Inventors: Dino Louis Zavarise, Kenneth Oswald Dunn, Bernardus Murray Antoine Henri Tangelder