Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of a solid/liquid suspension by filtration includes a tank filled with a suspension to be treated. At least one cavitied plate is located in the tank and has at least one internal cavity. The plate is immersed in the suspension to be treated. The plate is inclined with respect to the vertical and only a lower inclined face of the plate is covered with a filter medium, the upper face being solid. The compartment of the cavitied plate communicates with a conduit which collects filtered suspension. Gas flushing pipes are positioned below the plate for emitting gas bubbles that pass across the filter medium and remove material clinging thereto.

Abstract: A system comprising an ozone generator for generating ozone and a venturi for mixing the liquid to be ozonated with the generated ozone. The ozone generator is coupled to an orifice for supplying the generated ozone thereto. A pump is coupled to an outlet of the reservoir for pumping liquid to be ozonated from the reservoir to venturi. An outlet of the venturi is connected to a return inlet of the reservoir for supplying ozonated liquid back to the reservoir. A mixing chamber interconnects the outlet of the venturi to the return inlet of the reservoir, and the mixing chamber facilitates adequate mixing of the ozone supplied to the liquid to be ozonated and facilitates substantially complete dissolving of any remaining ozone bubbles and ozone pockets within the liquid to thereby result in substantially uniform mixture of ozonated liquid for supply back to the reservoir having an increased contact rate of ozone to liquid of about 80% to 90%.

Abstract: A digester method and system for processing farm waste is provided. Specifically, the present invention provides a small-scale digester that processes approximately 0.1% to 10% of a raw waste stream at a temperature of approximately 100° F. The remaining 90% to 99.1% of the raw waste stream is directed to a waste lagoon without passing through the digester. Once the digester has processed the waste stream directed thereto, the processed waste is fed to the waste lagoon thereby inducing greater methane production.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating water to be supplied to a ballast tank uses a water pathway having a main inlet for connection to a body of navigable open raw water containing sediment and marine organisms, and a main outlet for connection to the vessel's ballast tank(s). A centrifugal separator is provided in the pathway and has a separator inlet for receiving the raw water. The centrifugal separator separates sediment with some water from the raw water to produce initially processed water which contains at least some marine organisms. The separator has a first outlet for returning the sediment with some water to the body of raw water and a second outlet for supplying the initially processed water to the pathway.

Abstract: A device of oil removal and transport comprising a bulk material having an inlet region and an outlet region, which is in liquid communication with a reservoir. A membrane is hermitically sealed to or about the inlet region, wherein the membrane is liquid permeable and has an average pore size not greater than 100 micrometers. The invention also relates to a method of oil removal and transport using this device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for the depuration of drinkable water for domestic use comprising at least an active coal filter, a volumetric pump, a nanofiltration membrane and a regulation and control system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering wastewater from laundry operations. A substantially closed loop series of tanks, conduits and pumps hold and transfer water output from a wash machine through a series of filters, including a lint pulloff filter, a multimedia pressure filter, a clay filter, and a carbon filter. The water is ozonated to coagulate suspended solids and to disinfect and is subjected to ultraviolet light to disinfect and to reduce residual ozone.

Abstract: A device for delaying water deoxidation has a main container, a motor disposed in the main container, a magneto-oscillator disposed in the main container, a pressure bottle disposed in the main container, a first water tube, a first non-return valve connected to the first water tube, a first three-way joint connected to the first non-return valve, a second water tube connected to the first three-way joint and the motor, a third water tube connected to the motor, a second three-way joint connected to the third water tube, a fourth water tube connected to the second three-way joint, a second non-return valve connected to the fourth water tube, a fifth water tube connected to the second non-return valve, a third non-return valve connected to the fifth water tube, a mixer connected to the fifth water tube, a first water inlet pipe connected to the mixer, the magneto-oscillator connected to the first water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe connected to the magneto-oscillator, and a second water inlet pipe conn

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.

Abstract: A liquid contaminant separation system that includes a liquid surface skimmer having an interior with a wall perimeter sealed by a vertically sliding float. The float has a tubular body with slots in the tube wall, and a vortex cavity in an upper section thereof. The structure of the float provides for flow of liquid from a supply reservoir through the slots in the float wall, over a top edge of the float into the vortex cavity, and then down into the collection reservoir of the float. The float level is determined by the level of liquid in the collection reservoir. Vertical slots in the wall of the collection reservoir extend above the level of liquid in the supply reservoir. The float body must be sufficiently iong so that lower ends of the slots are blocked by the float body. This ensures that liquid from the supply reservoir will flow into the float only at the top edge of the float, thereby enabling the system to effectively separate the desired liquid from the contaminating liquid.

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.

Abstract: A flow management system comprising a first panel having a fluid pathway and a second panel having a fluid pathway for passing a second fluid. The fluid pathway of the first panel passes a first fluid. The first panel includes a first compartment to receive a volume of the first fluid. The second panel includes a second compartment to receive a volume of the second fluid. The first and second panels are aligned so that the first compartment overlays the second compartment. The flow management system may be placed within a gap defined by a first surface and a second surface. The first and second compartments are disposed within the gap so that the second compartment bears against the second surface as the second fluid fills the second compartment and forces the first fluid out from the first compartment as the first compartment bears against the first surface.

Abstract: A filter device is described for obtaining a filtered sample of fluid for measuring purposes from a container or tube conduit. The device has a closed fluid circuit including a first filter element 4, a pump conduit having a pump 27 therein, and a second filter element 5 arranged so that a sample of fluid is suctioned from the container or tube conduit via the first filter element 4, through the pump conduit 26, 28 and then back to the container or tube via the second filter element 5 or vice versa. An optical probe 17 for measuring purposes can be arranged within the carrier tube 7.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling waste water treatment is disclosed. A feed-forward controller adjusts chemical injection pumps in response to signals from the contaminant zone, while delays to accommodate the time required for the contaminated water to reach the reaction or DAF tank are provided. Flow rate information from downstream of an equalization tank, but upstream of the chemical injection pumps, is monitored. By using both the data from the contamination points and the flow meter, the chemical injection pumps more accurately provide the necessary amount of chemicals to accommodate both volume of contaminated water and contaminant concentrations in the waste water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing salt from seawater to produce potable freshwater. In the first preferred embodiment, a reverse osmosis system containing one or more reverse osmosis devices (“RODs”) is supported by a platform on the sea floor. In the second preferred embodiment, a cylinder is supported by a flotation device, and the reverse osmosis system is retained on the cylinder. In both the embodiments, an elongated brine return runs downhill on the sea floor. The RODs each contain a membrane that will allow water molecules, but not sodium and chlorine ions, to pass through. Due to the pressure differential, freshwater passes through the membranes by reverse osmosis, and is pumped out of the pressure hulls to a storage facility onshore.

Abstract: Automated systems and method for processing blood and other fluids are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit selected from one of two or more circuits. The circuits are mounted on a re-usable hardware component or module. The system includes a programmable controller including programs for use with the fluid circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the flow of a fluid through a dosage pump in a dialyzer including an auxiliary pump disposed between a fluid source for the dosage pump and the dosage pump itself, a slave chamber between the auxiliary pump and the dosage pump, the slave chamber including a level detector for detecting a predetermined level of the fluid in the salve chamber and emitting a signal when the level of the fluid is below the predetermined level, and a controller for activating the auxiliary pump after the level indicator emits the signal such that the slave chamber is refilled with the fluid by the auxiliary pump after the suction stroke of the dosage pump has drawn the fluid into the dosage pump and caused the level indicator to emit the signal. Methods for monitoring the flow of a fluid through the dosage pump are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.

Abstract: A microtiter reaction system (15), comprising, a support rack (16) having an array of reaction wells (18) disposed therein, each reaction well (18) having an open top end (30) and a closed bottom end (32); a plurality of generally funnel shaped reactor caps (20) with each of reactor cap (20) being received into open top end (30) of each reaction well (18); a porous gas-permeable layer (22) positioned over support rack (16), gas-permeable layer(22) having an array of holes (23) therein with each hole (23) being positioned over open top end (30) of each of the plurality of reaction wells (18); gasket (24) positioned over porous gas-permeable layer (22); and a top cover (26) positioned over gasket (22).

Abstract: A microbial resistant water purification and collection system generally comprises a reverse osmosis filter assembly having a filter inlet in selective fluid communication with a system inlet and a filter outlet in fluid communication with a water storage container. The filter inlet is separated from the filter outlet by a filter membrane. At least a portion of the storage container is located at an elevation above the filter membrane such that filling of the storage container creates a head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane. A shut-off valve is interposed the system inlet and the filter inlet to block fluid communication from the system inlet to the filter inlet upon reaching a minimum head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane.

Abstract: A microbial resistant water purification and collection system includes a reverse osmosis filter assembly 19 having a filter inlet in selective fluid communication with a system inlet and a filter outlet in fluid communication with a water storage container 12 for storing filtrate. At least a portion of the storage container is located at an elevation above the filter membrane such that filling of the storage container creates a head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane to enable a backflow of filtrate therethrough. A mechanical shut-off valve 27 is interposed the system inlet 11 and the filter inlet to block fluid communication therebetween, wherein activation of the shut-off valve occurs by the physical contact thereof with the storage container upon reaching a minimum head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sanitizing and cleaning filtration systems is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber fluidly connected to a source of fluid for backwashing the system, and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the fluid. A filter media is positioned within the chamber. The method of sanitization involves backwashing the apparatus to remove debris, then continuing to circulate the backwash fluid through the system while increasing the temperature of the fluid, until the temperature of the water and apparatus is sufficient to deactivate microorganisms. The method may also involve increasing the disinfecting power of the fluid by adjusting the pH of the fluid. The apparatus may be provided with a scavenger to assist in the substantially complete removal of fluid from the chamber during and after a steaming or cleaning process.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A coolant supply and recycle system and method for cleaning used machine tool coolant and returning it to the machine tools for reuse. A tank receives used coolant containing metal chips from one or more machine tools. A pump is in communication with the tank, and is operative to extract used coolant from the tank into an inlet portion of the pump. Within the inlet, the pump includes an inducer-chopper operative to prime the pump and to chop the metal chips to effect a reduction in their size prior to discharging the used coolant from the pump. An impeller is recessed in the pump above the inducer-chopper to create a vortex of the used coolant and sized-reduced metal chips and force them from the pump discharge. The pump discharge portion is connected to a filter for removing the metal chips and supplying the clean coolant back to the machine tools.

Abstract: A portable water filtration system with two water reservoirs and a filter capable of meeting the drinking and cooking water needs of a family or small group of people. The portable water filtration system is also capable of back flushing the filter, thus increasing the filter life and efficiency of the filtration system.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems which utilize an interacting surge anoxic mix zone for facilitating nitrogen removal and an aerobic sequential batch reaction, clarification and decantation zone for facilitating aeration for BOD removal and nitrate production for the surge anoxic mix zone. Sludge reduction may also be accomplished by anaerobic recycle.

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.

Abstract: A domestic countertop water treatment apparatus comprising a water treatment reservoir which is at least translucent; a housing having an ozone source in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for treating water in the water treatment reservoir; a carbon block filter and a water pump mounted in the housing, the carbon block filter and the water pump in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for removing treated water from the water treatment reservoir and passing the treated water through the carbon block filter; and, a treated water reservoir which is at least translucent and is positioned downstream from the carbon block filter for receiving treated water from the carbon block filter whereby, as treated water is dispensed from the water treatment reservoir to the treated water reservoir, the level of water in the water treatment reservoir is visibly lowered while the level of water in the treated water reservoir is visibly raised.

Abstract: A contaminant flushing machine for removing contaminants from a container, such as an engine transmission or transmission cooler which includes hoses for coupling to the transmission cooler and a pump for circulating fluid through the hoses and the transmission cooler and a fluid filter having a reduced tendency towards causing vaporization of the fluid. Also included in the contaminant flushing machine is an automatic aeration system for injecting air into the circulating fluid at predetermined intervals. Additionally, a reverse flow piping circuit is included to permit automatic and electric manipulation of the flow direction of fluid through said transmission cooler while at the same time not altering the direction of flow of fluid through the pump.

Abstract: A point of entry water treatment system. Components mounted on a base frame are interconnected and provide a system and method for treating freshwater, including from a lake, river, well or cistern, to provide potable water. A pre-filter removes sediment and reduces turbidity, followed by chlorine disinfection of the water. Finally, the water passes through an activated carbon filter to remove remaining free disinfectant and by-products resulting from the application of the disinfectant. Controls are provided that prevent untreated water or raw disinfectant from being output by the system. The controls also dampen the cycling of the system major components to reduce wear and maintenance.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a water purifying apparatus including a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge includes first and second ends and an interior volume containing a filtering medium. A plurality of end caps are respectively connected with the first ends of the plurality of cartridges and each end cap includes a water inlet and a water outlet. A removable manifold is coupled with the water inlets and water outlets and the manifold includes a pair of auxiliary ports. One auxiliary port directs water from the cartridge assembly to an auxiliary processing device and another auxiliary port directs the water from the auxiliary processing device back to the filter assembly. The water inlets and water outlets extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of each cartridge. The cartridge includes an outer tubular member in fluid communication with the water inlet and an inner tubular member in fluid communication with the water outlet.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has first diaphragm pump means, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and accumulator/second diaphragm pump means connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting the recovery of grease and oils from an aqueous waste stream is disclosed. This is accomplished by a combination of steps which include removing coarse food solids from the waste stream, allowing the oils to separate from the water in a separation zone, removing the oil layer to a storage zone, removing the water layer to a heat recovery zone and transferring heat values from the recovery zone to the separation zone with vapor compression refrigeration. The invention saves energy by recycling the heat of the kitchen waste stream to the separation zone. The recovered oil is useful as a marketable product that can be converted into many useful products. When a fines filter is used in the process, the discharged water can be used for non-agricultural uses such as lawn watering or can be used in water closets and urinals.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.

Abstract: A device and method for the filtration and purification of suspended solids from high turbidity wastewater or other fluids using a slow circulating fluid stream flow inside a vessel of fluid containing a mixture of coagulant and suspended solids. By determining and using a calculated velocity of the flow of the fluid in the vessel, suspended solids are caused to separate from the fluid in which they are suspended by natural actions of gravity and pressure differentials in the vessel ceasing the rise of the suspended solids. The suspended solids are filtered from the water or other fluid by a filter layer of the suspended solids themselves which form a filter element for the fluid at a determined level in the vessel wherein suspended solids are separated and drain back though a return orifice leaving cleansed fluid to rise through a secondary filtration system of buoyant balls floating at a higher lever.

Abstract: A gray-water recycling system for reclaiming gray-water for use in toilets and lawn care. The system includes a reservoir adapted to treat gray-water and includes an intake pipe, an outlet pipe and an overflow pipe. An inlet coupled to the intake pipe supplies gray-water to the reservoir. A filter is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe for filtering gray-water to define processed gray-water. A pump is fluidly coupled to the by a pipe. A first valve (24) controls flow of the processed gray-water from the pump. The first valve is fluidly coupled to the pump, a fresh water inlet and a processed gray-water outlet. The first valve is adapted to open the fresh water if the water pressure from the processed gray-water falls. Also included is a pressure valve (52) adapted to manually adjust the pressure of the processed gray-water outlet and to allow a flow of fresh water in the event the solenoid of the first valve fails to operate.

Abstract: An apparatus for thickening liquids or thin sludges by water extraction, having a bottom, a tub having an underside, stands supporting the tub on the bottom, a ripening time chamber for receiving the liquids or thin sludges, first devices for admixing a polyelectrolyte for flocculation in the ripening time chamber, a conveyor belt for further dewatering the liquids or thin sludges, and second devices for delivering liquid extracted from the conveyor belt and thick sludge discharges. At least the conveyor belt, the ripening time chamber and the second devices are accommodated in the tub, which thus acts as a frame and a lateral boundary for the conveyor belt, the ripening time chamber and the second devices. All connections required for operation are disposed on the underside of the tub, and the underside of the tub is spaced above the bottom by the stands.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method and installation, which consist in subjecting the water to be treated to membrane filtration (1) to satisfy the requirement for a relatively high flowrate of water for ordinary use (UF), subjecting the water that has been subjected to membrane filtering to reverse osmosis filtering (2) to satisfy the requirement for a smaller flowrate of water of improved quality (OS) and, outside periods of production of water filtered by reverse osmosis, sweeping the upstream face of the osmosis membrane (9) with the flow of membrane-filtered water drawn off to be consumed.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.

Abstract: A dialysate preparing apparatus in which concentration of dialysate can be finely adjusted is provided. The dialysate preparing apparatus comprises a chamber 2, the inside of which is divided into four compartments 21, 22, 23, 24 by movable partitions 25, 26, 27; a dissolving solution supply line 1 for supplying dissolving solution to the first compartment 21; a solution tank 5; dialysate preparing lines 31, 32 connecting the solution tank 5 with the first compartment 21 and with the second compartment 22, respectively; a transporting pump 4 provided in the dialysate preparing line 32; a concentration meter N; a powder supply means 7; and dialysate lines 61, 62 connecting the second compartment 22 and the fourth compartment 24 with a dialyzer D, respectively; a circulating line 81; and a waste liquid discharge line 9.

Abstract: A process for minute dosing of effluent in a gravity media filter includes filtering incoming sewage in a pre-filter to produce a liquid effluent filtered to less than 100 microns, and pumping the effluent from the pre-filter to a pulse-feeding device preferably comprising a pressure vessel having a controlled pulsing unit. Effluent in the vessel is intermittently discharged in short pressure pulses volume controlled at preselected time intervals. The effluent from the pulse feeding device is forward pulse-fed to an array of drip irrigation emitters spread out over a surface area of a gravity filter containing a filter media such as a sand and gravel filter. Small doses of effluent are fed to the surface area of the gravity media filter by the emitters at a rate substantially less than a standard drip irrigation rate, owing to the intermittent pressure pulses. One preferred drip rate is greatly less than 2 liters per hour.

Abstract: A system for recycling waste water from showers, bath tubs and lavatories to provide flush water for toilets and urinals. The system includes a receiving tank A, an overflow conduit 4, a make-up water conduit 16, a pump B, and a hydro-pneumatic tank C. The system ensures that a sufficient supply of flush water is available at a required pressure to meet the toilet flushing demand. Preferably, the distribution piping for the recycled waste water is of a different size or color in order to in order to avoid accidentally connecting the non-potable flush water supply to a potable use. Mechanisms are also provided so that the flush water can be scented, colored, filtered, or disinfected.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing floating and subsurface contaminants from a machine tool coolant bath is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a floating skimmer for collecting floating contaminants from the surface of the bath connected to an oil trap having an imperforate shell with a fluid tight column extending below the interface. A return conduit and a positive displacement pump are in series with the skimmer and oil trap. A submersible pump is disposed in the bath near the bottom for collection of water and water density contaminants and is connected to a remote filter assembly having a housing and a removable filter element. The filter assembly and the oil trap are both accessible without affecting the operation of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for purifying water is described. The apparatus includes a supporting housing, a source of power, a filter device containing at least one interchangeable filter unit having one or more filter elements, a mechanism for driving water through the filter device and a timing mechanism for monitoring elapsed time of operation and a mechanism for monitoring cumulative volume of water having flowed through the filter device which are each coupled to a filter memory. The mechanism for driving water through the filter device includes a cylinder holder on which an interchangeable gas pressure cylinder can be mounted, a gas release mechanism housed in the cylinder holder, a flow regulator and conduits connecting the other components together.

Abstract: A separator vessel and a biological reactor vessel are connected in tandem to remove separable wastes from waste water and to deactivate toxins, respectively. In a first embodiment, waste water is gravity fed into the separator vessel where it flows downwardly through a bed of loose pellets that causes coalescing of organic matter. A cone-shaped deflector, having its wide end facing downwardly, deflects the downward flow radially outwardly toward the side walls of the separator vessel. Heavy waste accumulates in a cone-shaped waste concentration zone at the bottom of the separator vessel and is pumped away to a disposal point. Lighter water reverses its downward direction and is pulled upwardly into the cone-shaped deflector by a pump and sent to the biological reactor vessel where nitrification changes toxins to harmless nitrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of water contaminated by micro-organisms and chemicals by means of a three stage process is taught. The apparatus consists of a prefiltration stage, an ozonation stage, and a post filtration stage. The contaminated water is initially drawn from a reservoir through a filter through a bed consisting of a porous media, calcium bentonite, zeolite, activated carbon and a second porous media. The filtered water is then passed into a ozonation chamber wherein gaseous ozone is introduced so as to oxidize contaminants. The reduction/oxidation condition in the ozonation chamber serve to control the cycle time. Once the water is disinfected it is passed through a second filter consisting of a porous media and activated carbon before being dispensed into a clean water carafe.

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.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for treating ozone with water is disclosed. A treatment carafe has a gas conduit so that off gases which accumulates in the carafe may be vented during a treatment cycle. The gas conduit conveys the off gas from the carafe to an ozone destructor via a passageway. An accumulator is provided in the passageway upstream from the destructor to hinder water entrained in the off gas from contacting and damaging the destructor.