Abstract: The filter bed containing aquatic plants planted therein is provided with a lengthwise and/or transverse drainage arrangement containing a predetermined number of drain pipes. Particularly during the growth phase of the aquatic plants, the drainage arrangement constitutes a by-pass flow path by-passing the aquatic plant-containing filter bed. The throughflow through such by-pass flow path is controlled as a function of the operating conditions using adjustable control devices. Furthermore and in order to also control the hydromorphous conditions of the aquatic plant-containing filter bed, outfeed level control devices are provided for controlling the hydraulic gradient along substantially the entire aquatic plant-containing filter bed as a function of its operating conditions. The throughflow through the aquatic plant-containing filter bed thus can be controlled for achieving optimum purification of the inflowing liquid under substantially all occurring operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and system of continually reforming sewage and other organic materials into liquid oils and gases by pyrolysis using the contained and entrained water in the inorganic and organic constituents of the sewage.

Abstract: A water purifying apparatus includes a water line extending from a source to a nozzle and having a filter, a sanitizing element and a venturi in the line. An ozone generator is connected to the venturi to supply ozonated air to the water flowing through the line. The ozone sanitizes the nozzle as water is discharged into a bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing chemical oxygen demand levels in water which includes the steps of:(a) mixing the water to be treated with at least one oxygen source;(b) contacting the water with a first, activated alumina catalyst;(c) contacting the water with a catalyst selected from the group consisting of Group VIIIB metals, Group IB metals, or mixtures thereof;(d) reacting chemical contaminants in the water with the oxgen source; and finally(e) contacting the water with an adsorptive material such as activated carbon.The present invention also includes a method and apparatus for regenerating the catalyst in situ by contacting the catalyst with alkaline and acidic aqueous inorganic regeneration solutions.

Abstract: An add-on device (10) for converting a conventional manual faucet to an automatic faucet includes a body (12) that includes an adapter (14) by which the add-on device is mounted onto the outlet of the manual faucet. A conduit (32) provides a fluid path from the faucet outlet to a device outlet (18), and an electrically operable valve (30) is interposed in the conduit (32). A control circuit (26) operates an ultrasonic transducer (20) to sense objects in a target region near the device outlet 18, and it operates the valve (30) to permit water to flow out the device outlet (18) when the transducer detects a moving object in the target region.

Abstract: A system of continuously and efficiently separating liquid from sludge is disclosed which includes two parts, the mixer conditioner and the rotary drain. The two parts are virtually always used together. The mixer conditioner may include an adjacent vertical receiver which may serve to extend residence time. The receiver, if used, is connected at the bottom to the tangential inlet line to the mixer conditioner. This inlet line provides the means for circulation therethrough the watery sludge to which has been added a flocculant in a gentle manner so as to cause mixing while not causing shearing. A slow moving horizontal impeller operates to maintain the spiraling motion initiated at the tangential inlet. The outlet, also tangential, delivers to the rotary drain. The rotary drain is a compartmentalized cage that is decreasingly baffled from compartment to compartment.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for obtaining a dye image on an image receiving material by applying an image forming solvent to a heat development photosensitive material and/or the image receiving material comprises: a solvent application device for applying the solvent to the heat development photosensitive material and/or the image receiving material to circulate and reuse the solvent; and a cation exchanger and/or a pollutant adsorbent disposed in the solvent application device so as to come into contact with the solvent. Accordingly, since Ca.sup.2+ ions, Mg.sup.2+ ions, etc., can be removed, the apparatus effectively prevents the fouling of the solvent.

Abstract: A fluid flow chamber cassette that can be mounted with either its front wall or rear wall against a supporting machine and has a flexible tube that extends from a sidewall and forms a loop that is symetrical about a loop axis that is transverse to the side wall so that the loop will be acted upon by a pump roller on the machine both when the front wall is against the machine and when the rear wall is against the machine. Also disclosed is automatically fixing the initial liquid levels and amounts of air in venous and arterial chambers of fluid flow transfer device apparatus by having the arterial chamber inlet enter the arterial chamber at a position higher than the arterial chamber outlet, having the venous chamber inlet enter the venous chamber at a position higher than the venous chamber outlet, and priming the apparatus by causing reverse flow, so that the liquid rises in the venous and arterial chambers to the level of the entrances of the inlets.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the oxidation of an aqueous suspension of organic matter at elevated temperature and pressure is disclosed. The organic matter is oxidized in a reactor having a reaction zone consisting of static mixer vane arrangement. The oxidized matter and oxygen-containing gas are circulated through the static mixer to promote the oxidation of the organic matter in reducing COD to the desired level.

Abstract: A water, ice and sediment trap attached to the lower portion of the fuel chamber of a carburetor for an internal combustion engine. The sediment trap receives and retain particles and fluids heavier than gasoline and stores them away from the fuel flow path. The sediment is retained in a transparent sediment tube which enables theuser to visibly inspect the trap for sediment accumulation. Sediment accumulation can be drained by removing a plug firmly received in the bottom end of the sediment tube.

Abstract: Waste water contaminents are treated and/or removed in a process and a separator that incorporates a hydrocyclone, a constrictive collection passageway for lighter materials to be removed from the water by a skimmer and skimmer ramp that effectively entrap and remove floatable contaminents while clarified water is removed from the separator at a point below the skimmer and above the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and an apparatus for effecting that process in which waste water to be cleaned is finely divided into a current of entrainment gas and evaporated. The water vapor formed is superheated, so that the impurities occur as a solid residue and can be collected. The heat of the purified and compressed mixture of entrainment gas and water vapor is used to superheat the water vapor in the current of entrainment gas.An optimal separation between water and the substances contaminating it which cannot be evaporated is accomplished with a low expenditure of energy by introducing the water into a current of inert entrainment gas and by heating the mixture of entrainment gas and water vapor thereby formed, before the separation of the solid particles, in the heat exchange with the purified and compressed mixture of entrainment gas and water vapor by cooling it to below the saturation or dew point temperature.

Abstract: A system is provided for washing down equipment, aircraft and vehicles used in the application of pesticides on crops, and accumulating the wash water with its dissolved contaminants. The wash water is passed through an activated charcoal filter to remove the contaminants, and the filtered water is then converted to steam, which is also run through a second activated charcoal filter so that, with the double filtration system, only pure steam is vented into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A connector (2) for peritoneal dialysis comprises a female connector piece (4) and a male connector piece (6). The male connector piece comprises a central tube section (22) whose diameter tapers at a step (26). Furthermore, the female connector piece (4) comprises a valve means (52) which consists of an annular seal (54) and a valve plate (58) which is pressed by means of a pressure spring (60) against the sealing ring (54). On connection of the female connector piece (4) with the male connector piece (6) at least one pin (46) on the male connector piece engages in a guide groove (48) which is formed in a sleeve (10) in which the female connector piece (4) is provided.

Abstract: A filtering device (15) for use in a cooling system for motors or engines such as for example vehicle or boat engines or alternatively stationary engines having a cooling circuit around which the coolant passes. The device includes a bag-like member (16) which is comprised at least in part by mesh material, the bag-like member, in use, being disposed within the coolant circuit, so that the coolant passes through the mesh material and the bag-like member collects deposits carried by the coolant therein. A magnet (17) may also be provided within the bag-like member. Furthermore, the bag may be stretchable so that the mesh can expand under pressure.

Abstract: A water softener cabinet for a water softener system employing the side-by-side arrangement of a brine tank and a resin tank. The brine tank is provided with a concave wall portion for removably receiving the resin tank. This nested arrangement reduces the amount of floor space required for the water softener system but maintains the advantage of easy separability of the brine tank from the resin tank to facilitate maintenance of the former.

Abstract: A flat plate vessel comprising an extraction device having a sliding frame on the flat plate, the frame being associated at least with one upwardly open channel, which is parallel to the flat plate and is provided with a transport screw, in which the vessel is first of all closed by a cover having an opening communicating with an inlet duct for material to be subjected to anaerobic fermentation and an opening communicating with a discharge duct for gas produced during fermentation; secondly, at least one activating shaft for the sliding frame and the drive shafts for the transport screws are surrounded by sealing gland devices; and finally, the channels provided with transport screws end at at least one discharge channel, the cross-section of which reduces towards the outlet opening, and in which there is located a transport screw extending towards the outlet opening, without however reaching this opening, and this screw forms, in the region of the discharge channel the cross-section of which narrows, a plug

Abstract: The instant invention provides structure for removing "globs" of oil from water from a feed withdrawn from subsurface deposits. The "globs" are homogenized into the feed with a static mixer. The oil is subsequentially removed by conventional liquid separation means.

Abstract: A method of filtering coolant for a central coolant system supplying clean coolant to a plurality of machining stations. The method simultaneously filters the coolant in a single tank through both a perforate drum filter and a paper filter to obtain clean coolant of two distinct clarity levels. The coolant of enhanced clarity resulting from the operation of the paper filter either can be supplied to a machine requiring such coolant clarity (e.g., a gun drill) or can be used as a "polishing filter" to remove fines from the coolant in the central system.

Abstract: Effluent treatment for the woodrooms of wood processing industries, e.g. paper and pulp mills, wherein the water separated from the bark and containing fibres is passed back onto an existing conveyor of wet bark, provided with a perforated bottom, so that some of the fibre contained in the water is filtered and mixed with the bark and passes along with the bark to dewatering.

Abstract: A yarn-threading method and device wherein a suction gun being fed with a pressurized liquid jet of not less than 80 kg/cm.sup.2 G is placed next to a running yarn; the yarn is attracted and taken into a yarn-guide hole of said suction gun, producing a state of attracting the yarn running at a speed of not less than 4,500 m/min.; and with this state of the yarn being maintained, the suction gun is moved to thread the attracted yarn on a winder means rotating at a speed of not less than 4,500 m/min.

Abstract: Water is recovered and purified from exhaust gases of internal combustion engines which produce water vapor when a hydrocarbon fuel is burned. The present invention passes the engine exhaust through a particulate filter then a catalytic reactor to remove the impurities and then through a precooler and a condenser so as to extract the water therein. The water is then passed through a polishing column and recovered for use in the vehicle.

Abstract: A solar water conditioning apparatus for a fishpond which includes a top container and a lower container interconnected by an elongated member. The top container is adapted for exposure to the atmosphere and the bottom container is adapted to be immersed in the fishpond. On the top of the top container is provided a device for converting solar energy into electric power which actuates a motor so as to operate an air pump to introduce fresh air into a hollow column which has its lower portion embedded in a filtering medium of the bottom container and has its upper portion extended outward from the bottom container. The apparatus not only replenishes the amount of oxygen dissolved but also filtrates some polluting material.

Abstract: An edible oil cleaner wherein a perforated plate is provided to define a filtering zone within a filter housing, a portion of a filter web paid out of a roll thereof pivotably supported in the housing is disposed to lie over the perforated plate, the web is inserted at its downstream part between nip rollers to be movable when subjected to a rotational force of the nip rollers, and a motor for rotating the nip rollers is intermittently energized in response to a detection of deterioration in the filtering function of the filter web portion on the perforated plate, whereby impurities are continuously automatically filtered off from the edible oil introduced into the filter housing to effectively prevent the oil from being oxidized and to remarkably improve its durability.

Abstract: A filter for removing debris of a predetermined size from a fluid path has a first face disposed transversely in the fluid path and a second face disposed substantially parallel to the first face and displaced therefrom in the direction of fluid flow. The displacement of the second face from the first face substantially defines the strength of the filter with respect to deformation by the fluid flow. The first and second faces cooperate to define a plurality of apertures extending through the filter. The apertures are of a size to preclude passage of the debris while presenting a predetermined resistance to the fluid flow. That predetermined resistance is substantially independent of the filter's strength.

Abstract: Magnetic separator for the purification of liquids with a tube which conducts the latter, contains balls or wire screens as magnetizable bodies and is surrounded by a coil for magnetizing the bodies. The tube contains, in the flow direction of the liquids over the major part of its length, balls and subsequently wire screens. A common coil is associated with the balls and the wire screens for magnetizing. The balls and the wire screens are connected to a common flushing line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a pulp suspension in the manufacture of paper employing a controlled drainage thickener and a screw type pulp press. Pulp is fed into the thickener where the feed screw contained therein delivers it to a vertical discharge column. A screw type conveyor delivers the pulp suspension from the vertical discharge column into a vertical inlet column associated with a screw type pulp press. A sensing means is provided to measure the consistency of the pulp entering the press, and a sensing means provides a control signal which is arranged to modulate operation of a discharge valve on the thickener to keep the consistency of the pulp entering the screw type pulp press within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the clarification of waters that contain usable sludge, fibres or equivalent. The objective is to recover the usable material, e.g., as fuel, and at the same time to prevent pollution of waters. According to the invention, the separation of the solids, such as fibres and any other utilizable material, from the water takes place so that the water containing solid material is fed into or onto a mobile and utilizable layer of material placed on a perforated moving base, e.g. a wire-bottom conveyor (5), so that this material layer functions as a filter.The invention is in particular suitable for the wood processing industry, wherein the water coming from the barking drum (1) is passed into a clarifier tank (7), from which the water containing fibres is pumped onto a layer of bark material carried on a wire-bottom conveyor (5), whereby the bark layer filters the water passing through the bark layer.

Abstract: A waste disposal system for treating and disposing of infectious waste articles in a substantially controlled, closed, aseptic environment and for converting such infectious waste articles into a safely disposable, non-infectious non-toxic residue of solid waste independent from disinfecting liquid waste. A waste delivery conveyor transfers waste articles from an input region to preliminary waste processing apparata for preliminarily fragmenting the waste for further treatment by the system. Disinfectant spray is deposited on the waste as it enters the preliminary waste processing apparatus with the fragments resulting therefrom, together with the disinfectant liquid, being transferred to rotary hammermill elements to convert the fragment disinfectant solution to a solution of fine waste particles and disinfectant solution. Liquid solid particle separator apparata then separates the solid waste particles from the liquid disinfectant for independent evacuation of same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing the charging tendency in a flowing non-aqueous liquid which has a dielectric constant of less than about 50, by passing the liquid through an ion exchange resin charged with a weakly polar active group. Also disclosed is a combination of a transformer cooled by flowing organic insulating liquid and an anionic ion exchange resin and means for passing the liquid through the resin.

Abstract: A self-contained sewage waste disposal system is provided including a housing structure and a toilet bowl adapted to receive human waste and fluid for diluting the waste, transporting the waste and rinsing the bowl is provided in the housing structure. A removable filter cassette is placed in the housing structure in communication with the toilet bowl. The bowl is adapted to be flushed to dump the contents into the filter cassette and to be subsequently refilled. The coarse and fine particles of solid waste material are separated from the fluid received from the bowl by filter material in the cassette. The solid material is stored in the cassette in a compact manner for subsequent disposal upon removal of the cassette from the housing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a screening assembly for separating fines from a miscella stream including same and comprised of a screening element angularly disposed in a housing assembly beneath an inlet conduit means and over a miscella collection zone.

Abstract: Process for the extraction of solids from liquids containing solids granulated by heat effect and/or solids the moisture content of which is reducible by heat effect, especially from colloidal solutions with protein content, suspensions and slurries for reducing the fat content of the solid material, in the course of this process grains are formed in the liquid with heat effect, or the moisture content of the grains is reduced, then they are removed from the liquids and dried. The equipment for implementation of the process is also subject of the invention. The process is characterized by heating the liquid to 50.degree.-125.degree. C. temperature with heat transfer ("instant heating ") for a short period, maximum for 2 minutes, then the heated material is kept at 50.degree.-125.degree. C. temperature for at least 2, preferably for 5-15 minutes. This is followed by separation of the grains from the liquid phase with filtration in a space containing vapor of 50.degree.-125.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention comprises a portable, multi-stage filtration system utilized in filtering water for an oil and gas stimulation process commonly known as fracking. Three stages are used, the first being a straining operation reducing the size of particulate matter in the water to about three-eighths of an inch. The second stage is a centrifugal separator, reducing the particle size to about 50 microns. The final stage utilizes a cartridge-type filter giving a final particle size in the water of about 5 microns. In this manner, water which is injected into the well head during the fracking process and which is obtained from readily available sources such as ponds, streams and the like is relatively free of particulate matter which can foul the fracking process. The invention, by virtue of being mounted on a trailer, is portable and thus can be easily moved from site to site.

Abstract: A biological decomposition toilet automatically controls stirring of the mixture of organic waste and activating material as a function of the moisture content of the mixture. Rather than sensing mixture moisture content as a function of water vapor pressure above the mixture, the moisture sensor is disposed below the surface of the mixture, either in a specially-formed recess in the toilet wall or directly immersed in the mixture. A heater is disposed near the air inlet opening and is energized when the sensed moisture is above an exceedingly high moisture level so as to evaporate moisture from the incoming air. The stirrer mechanism includes plural motors and respective parallel spaced drive shafts having radial mixing prongs spaced longitudinally and axially along each shaft. Adjacent shafts are rotated in opposite directions. The prongs of any one shaft have equal lengths, but the prongs of adjacent shafts are of different lengths to encourage a serpentine circulation path for the mixture during stirring.

Abstract: A high-pressure transfer device, utilizable with wood chips or particulate material, includes low-pressure inlet and outlet ports, with low-pressure shoes associated therewith, and high-pressure inlet and outlet ports with high-pressure shoes associated therewith. A rotor containing a plurality of diametrically through-going pockets operatively communicates with the ports. The low-pressure ports, and shoes, are quadrate in cross-section, and retainers are provided surrounding the low-pressure shoes for guiding radial movement thereof. The retainers include end portions which engage side walls of the high-pressure shoes for guiding radial movement thereof. Biasing means bias the shoes into operative association with the rotor to maintain effective sealing between the rotor and housing, unaffected by radial deflection of the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to the art of vacuum pre-coat filtering to produce solids capable of being incinerated for their heat value and recovery of non-combustible solids. Specifically, the invention deals with rotary vacuum filtering apparatus containing a coating layer on the filter drum screen of a combustible non-fibrous particulate filter aid, preferably charcoal, which forms an efficient filter bed, is capable of being scraped from the bed in thin film form with the filtered out solids thereon and is capable of being incinerated eliminating heretofore necessary disposal expense.

Abstract: A vibratory container for flocculating waste water obtained upon vibratory abrasive finishing or the like, having an outlet and a feed connection which continues into a feed channel which extends into the inside of the container and is arranged in siphon-like manner with respect to the outlet pipe. For improved treatment of even chemically complex working liquids, the inside of the container is subdivided by partition walls into a plurality of chambers arranged one downstream of the other in the direction of flow. Connections are associated with the first two chambers arranged downstream of the feed channel within the initial region of the flow. The connections serve to introduce flocculation preparation chemicals, while a final connection is provided for the addition of the flocculating agent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of crude oil and well fluids and equipment used in conducting the well fluids. Solar heating means are provided to heat the well fluids to improve the treatment qualities of the fluids. A solar heater is connected to an oil well flow line to remove paraffin and demulsify at the oil well site.

Abstract: A high-pressure transfer device and method of utilization thereof are provided which allow flexing of the transfer device housing, and significant wear of the relatively rotatable components, without leakage. The transfer device includes a rotor having at least five diametrically through-going pockets, and enclosed by a housing having an exterior periphery and four ports disposed around the exterior periphery for registry with inlets to and outlets from the pockets. An interior screen is provided in each rotor pocket, and the rotor is cylindrical. Sealing structures are disposed between the rotor and housing around the external periphery of the rotor and interior periphery of the housing, the sealing structures maintaining effective sealing despite any relative movement between the housing and rotor, such as radial deflection of the housing. The sealing structures preferably comprise removable sealing shoes of a less wear-resistant material than the rotor.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating oil and other floatatable debris from the sand on a beach by localized flooding of the beach is disclosed. Suitable large diameter conduits are provided to introduce large quantities of water to a selected area of the beach, the water mixing with the sand and causing oil and other debris on or buried in the sand to float, and thus to rise toward the surface of the sand. A second flooding operation refloats the debris and a skimmer mechanism then removes the floating oil and other material while allowing the water to return to the beach area. The water supply is provided by means of suitable conduits carried by a truck, tractor, or other beach vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the water required for flooding is obtained from the ocean by an extension of the supply conduits, with the forward motion of the tractor providing the required water flow through the conduits to the area to be cleaned.

Abstract: In a non-evaporating dehydration of brown coal, the coal is crushed and classified into lumps and fine particles. The lumps of coal are subjected to a non-evaporating dehydration in which waste water is produced. The waste water is contacted with the fine particles of coal so that components which affect the COD value of the water are absorbed by the coal particles. The coal particles are then burnt to produce saturated steam which is used in the non-evaporating dehydration.

Abstract: Disclosed is method and apparatus including a tank in which shredded corrugate is immersed and shuffled in a solvent fluid capable of attacking and weakening the adhesive bonding the core ply from the liner plies; said corrugate being advanced from its entry point into the tank to an exit point therefrom at a timed rate to limit its absorption of the solvent fluid prior to its transfer to delaminating apparatus.

Abstract: Waste disposal apparatus suitable for the collection of waste from a vacuum sewer system, which comprises a tank (1) having a waste inlet (2) and a waste outlet (10, 12) and means (4) for reducing pressure in the tank such that, in use, the waste inlet is above the level of waste in the tank and reduced pressure is maintained above the waste level and waste can thereby be drawn through the waste inlet, in which the tank further comprises an air inlet (6) through which air can be caused to pass into, and thereby cause aerobic digestion of, waste in the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating oil and other floatatable debris from the sand on a beach by localized flooding of the beach is disclosed. Suitable large diameter conduits are provided to introduce large quantities of water to a selected area of the beach, the water mixing with the sand and causing oil and other debris on or buried in the sand to float, and thus to rise toward the surface of the sand. A second flooding operation refloats the debris and a skimmer mechanism then removes the floating oil and other material while allowing the water to return to the beach area. The water supply is provided by means of suitable conduits carried by a truck, tractor, or other beach vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the water required for flooding is obtained from the ocean by an extension of the supply conduits, with the forward motion of the tractor providing the required water flow through the conduits to the area to be cleaned.

Abstract: An improved rendering process and system including the use of both a slurry evaporator and cooker. Renderable material is ground and mixed with oil to form a slurry which is then cooked under vacuum in an evaporator to remove some moisture. The resulting partially dewatered slurry is partially deoiled, and the solids residue resulting from deoiling is cooked in a cooker to remove additional moisture. The hot vapors generated by cooking the material in the cooker are used in the steam jacket of the evaporator. Preferably the dewatered solids residue from the cooker is further deoiled.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of granulate from hot-melting mixes comprises a pourer connected by a filter-containing conduit to at least one mixing and melting device. The strip pourer is disposed above a cooling conveyor which feeds to a crushing device. The pourer comprises a heated tubular body provided on its under side with discharge nozzles arranged in at least one row. A filter is disposed within the tubular body across the discharge nozzles to prevent unwanted particles from reaching the nozzles.

Abstract: A filter for purifying a fluid containing ferromagnetic particles, e.g. water in the primary circuit of a nuclear reactor using pressurized water, comprises a cylindrical envelope containing steel beads and provided with a coil for magnetizing the beads. The beads are supported in a cylindrical basket located in the cylindrical envelope and the side wall of which is perforated in certain zones. Deflectors are arranged within the basket radially opposite the perforated zones of the basket side wall. Fluid to be purified enters through a central drip tube which is provided with radial perforations in zones radially opposite the deflectors which serve to prevent fluid passing through the beads in a solely radial direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating an elastomer from a mixture of the elastomer and water containing up to about 90% by weight water by feeding the mixture into a thermally controlled, vertical separator containing a rotating screw, simultaneously feeding excess water under pressure into the separator, withdrawing concentrated elastomer containing less than about 10% by weight total volatiles (including water) from the metering section of the separator and withdrawing feed water and excess water from a water discharge port located near the upper end of the separator.In addition, apparatus for isolating elastomers from mixtures of elastomers and water is provided.

Abstract: A chromatography cartridge stabilized by radial compression is disclosed with integral distributors each composed of two abutting thin plates, one with generally radial slits and the other with radially-displaced apertures. Also disclosed are a replaceable filter cap which fits in the cartridge inlet and a holder for radially compressing the cartridge with pressure sequentially generated by pistons and applied across a flexible sleeve.