Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, a dialysate pressurizing line 5, a dialysate pressurizing pump 51 provided in the dialysate pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided in the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing a dialysate into a communication line of the dialysate, the dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.

Abstract: A coolant purification system for purifying and removing particles from the coolant used in machining operations. The system uses a rare earth magnetic separator in combination with bag-type filters and deep level filters that are arranged in sequences so that the filters that tend to clog more frequently due to the removal of small particles will not be clogged by particles that are easily removed by coarser filters of this system.

Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed-type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, an RO water pressurizing line 5, an RO water pressurizing pump 51 provided in the RO water pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided at the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing RO water into a communication line of the used dialysate, dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.

Abstract: To bring maximum sterility in a stationary drinking water supply installation with a water tank, the invention provides a method for filling a drinking water installation in which, after filling a tank with fresh water, the water is circulated at least over a filter. The invention also provides an apparatus for drinking water supply from a drinking water tank with a supply pipe connectable to a fresh water source and which has a three-way valve (6) with an inlet (4) connected to the fresh water intake (3), as well as a second inlet (22) and a supply pipe (5) leading to the tank (2). There is also a return pipe (21) leading from the water tank (2) to the second inlet (22) of the three-way valve (6) and a circulating pump (9) in the water circuit formed by the return pipe (21) and supply pipe (5).

Abstract: Water from a septic tank is aerated, at an above-ground aeration station. The aerated water is infiltrated onto the floor of a trench in the ground through drainage holes in a pipe. The pipe is pressurized with water during dosing. The pipe is arranged to sag down between support posts, whereby water drains completely out of the pipe between dosings, evenly along the length of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention describes a filter container, system and method for filtering sewage effluent from a septic tank. The filter container includes a body having a lower end and an upper end, having walls forming a floor positioned at the lower end and sides connected to the floor and positioned to define an inner cavity extending from the lower end to the upper end. The body of the container has a mouth opening positioned at the upper end to provide access to the inner cavity. A lid is positioned on the upper end of the body so as to cover the mouth cavity to thereby close the container. A plurality of pipes connect the container in fluid communication with the septic tank or with another container, the plurality of pipes including at least one inlet pipe for delivering sewage effluent to the inner cavity and at least one outlet pipe for discharging filtered sewage effluent from the inner cavity.

Abstract: An aquarium-maintenance system has a transparent filtering canister (1) with quick-joint inlet attachment (3) and quick-joint outlet attachment (8) to transparent aquarium tubing (5, 13) together with a handle (14) to allow quick, convenient and clean replacement and/or back-flow cleaning of filtering members (11). A system pump (12) has variable output capacity for filtered water circulation and optionally for aquarium flushing with a cannister bypass (19), discharge conveyance (21) to a drain-water disposer (22), refill conveyance (24) from a refill-water source (23) and back-flow conveyance (16) from a wash-water source (17). This is a comprehensive aquarium-maintenance system that is adaptable totally or in part to all sizes and types of aquariums (6).

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus. The semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus includes: a tank having an inlet and an outlet, for storing a chemical solution; a pump interposed between the inlet and outlet of the tank, for circulating the chemical solution contained in the tank; a filter interposed between the pump and the inlet of the tank; at least one main body connected to an outlet of the filter; a pumping cycle sensor for changing the pumping operation of the pump into a pulse signal; and a controller for measuring the cycle time of the pulse signals generated by the pumping cycle sensor to determine the level of deterioration of the filter.

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).

Abstract: A circulation and filtration system is provided for use with water gardens having a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height. The system includes a reservoir, an intake line, a pump, and a return line. The reservoir is located near the water container and is capable of holding a reserve of water. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes an upright basket filter located therein. The intake line includes a first end opening positionable within the water container near the preferred fill height and a second end opening connected to the basket filter. During use, water flows into the basket filter through the intake line via gravity. The pump is located either within the reservoir or externally from the reservoir though connected to the reservoir through additional piping. The return line includes a first end connected to the pump and a second end positionable at a desired location in the water garden.

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).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having an aeration tank (20) is provided with an operations control center (12) that includes a controller (64) and an aerator pump (50) mounted atop a base (58), which is in turn mounted atop a platform (56). A plurality of electrical lines (66) extend from the controller through respective conduits (90, 92, 94, 96). The conduits extend through and are sealingly engaged by holes in the base and the platform. A compression fitting (136) and coupler (154) are included to provide a fluid-tight seal. This arrangement is advantageous because it prevents corrosive gases from entering the operations control center and corroding the terminals thereof. Also described is a wastewater treatment system that includes a pretreatment tank (244), an aeration tank (20), and a pump tank (202) secured together by a connector that includes bands (260, 262) and spacing means (264, 268) for maintaining a fixed-spaced relationship between the tanks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for treatment of liquid. Liquid is introduced into a reaction vessel (10) and rises inside a first chamber (12) of the reaction vessel (10). The liquid is led out of the first chamber (12) downwardly along an outer surface (40) of the first chamber (12) in a thin film into a second chamber (14). In a third chamber (16) energy for raising the internal energy of the liquid is supplied to the liquid by means of an energy supply device (30). The treated liquid is withdrawn from the reaction vessel (10). The energy supply device includes an ultrasound-emitting transducer in which a piezoceramic disc (82) is supported via an elastic seal (84) between a pot-shaped housing member (78) and a sleeve (80).

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 filtration system for concentrating radioactive debris particulate provides efficient filtration, concentration and transport to collection canisters of radioactive particles from a refueling cavity, spent fuel pool, or other water volume where small particles must be removed from the water. The system includes a flushing pump module that draws contaminated water from a cut zone enclosure. The flushing pump module has a separator that removes large size particulate from the contaminated water. A solid media filter module receives the contaminated water from the flushing pump module and removes medium size particulate from the contaminated water. The solid media filter module has a structure for ejecting the medium size particulate and passing the ejected particulate to a concentrate handling module having a purge tank and a slurry transfer pump. A disposal canister station receives the medium size particulate from the slurry transfer pump and fills disposal canisters for transport and storage.

Abstract: A multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device is described. The multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device includes a pump for pumping coolant through said recycling device, a processing tank for receiving used coolant, a fresh coolant tank for receiving fresh coolant, a filter for removing particulates from coolant, a coolant outlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, a coolant inlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and a plurality of control valves for directing flow of coolant through the recycling device. The plurality of control valves are adjustable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration. The first configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the fresh coolant tank through the pump and through the coolant outlet hose, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank.

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.

Abstract: An improved dual-stage pump system is provided for the accurate pumping and filtering of viscous fluids. Two hydraulically activated pumps are provided in series with a filter and reservoir disposed in-line between the two pumps. The reservoir acts as a source bottle for the second pump and allows the first pump to pump the viscous fluid through the filter at a rate independent of the dispensing rate of the second pump. By operating the first pump at a rate independent of the second pump, back pressure at the filter is avoided. Each hydraulically activated diaphragm pump is equipped with an improved diaphragm that is pre-formed to the geometries of the process fluid cavity thereby eliminating any inaccuracies in the operation of the pumps due to expansion of retraction of the diaphragm during pump operation.

Abstract: A quenchant management system having a quenchant separation module for separating a heavy phase polymer such as polyalkylene glycol (PAG) from water. The quenchant separation module includes a heating section for elevating the temperature of the fluid to be separated to provide initial thermal separation. The quenchant separation module also includes a coalescer for further separating the heavy phase from the light phase of the input fluid. In order to obtain a predetermined polymer concentration and the heavy phase, the output flow rate of the coalescer is varied in accordance with the concentration and flow rate of the input fluid.

Abstract: A waste liquid and smoke disposal system which combines the functions of a smoke extraction system and a waste (typically, liquid) collection system, typically in, but not limited to, a surgical environment. The smoke extraction system and the liquid waste collection system are connected to supply the waste materials collected thereby to a waste treatment (e.g. decontamination and/or sterilization) and disposal system. In a preferred embodiment, the waste treatment system includes a plurality of heat exchanger units for efficient controlling of the temperature of the waste material during the waste treatment process. These three systems are all combined into a integrated system wherein the treated waste can be safely returned to the ambient. In one embodiment, the system is provided as a cart-mounted apparatus to provide mobility.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a treatment tank with an inlet and an outlet, a pump tank having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the treatment tank, and a connector affixed to a wall of the treatment tank and to a wall of the pump tank so as to maintain the treatment tank and the pump tank in fixed spaced relationship to each other. A pretreatment tank has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the treatment tank. The connector is affixed to the wall of the pretreatment tank so as to maintain the pretreatment tank and the treatment tank in fixed spaced relationship to each other. The bottoms of the treatment tank, the pump tank and the pretreatment tank are arranged in coplanar relationship. The connector is in the form of a band extending around a portion of a circumference of the walls of the treatment tank, the pump tank and the pretreatment tank.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a container having an inlet for introducing liquid to be treated, a screen provided in the container having an outlet for delivering out treated liquid, and flow creating means for creating, in said container, a flow of the liquid to be treated having a direction which is different from direction of a flow of the liquid to be treated into the screen.

Abstract: The water treatment apparatus utilizes membrane separation technology to separate clean product water from a contaminated water source. Chemical pretreatment of the raw feed water, chemical cleaning of the membrane separator(s), and chemical treatment of the final recovered product water required by conventional membrane separation apparatus are eliminated in the water treatment apparatus. The water treatment apparatus may treat raw feed ground water and surface water sources as well as waste water sources including those exhibiting oily wastes, high metal levels, organic wastes from sources such as textile processing, sewage waste streams, food processing, and others. The water treatment apparatus also reduces the problems associated with recirculation of the waste stream, reduces water wastage, and provides advantages in power and horsepower requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ship ballast water before it is discharged into coastal waters. The ballast water may contain a generalized and diverse species population of harmful non-indigenous microorganisms. Before discharge, the ballast water is oxygenated and deoxygenated to reduce the populations of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms, respectively. If anaerobic microorganisms are of no concern, the oxygenation step can be eliminated. Also, a method and apparatus for treating large volumes of any water, to reduce the population of a wide spectrum of diverse species of microorganisms wherein the water is deoxygenated, and then held in a sealed space for a period of time until the aerobic population has been reduced.

Abstract: Dual-flow filter for the biological purification of effluents, particularly water, comprising at least two filtration cells, arranged in series, in fluid communication, with one another so that the effluent to be treated passes through them successively, these two cells being separated by an intermediate box provided with aeration means, wherein the first filtration cell is of the ascending flow type and the second filtration cell is of the descending flow type, and the aeration in the intermediate box takes place countercurrentwise with respect to the liquid flow moving through the box, with a movement of the flows guided with the aid of a siphon partition.

Abstract: A subsea raw water injector including a pump which is connected to an injection string and a filter connected to an inlet of the pump to remove particulates from the surrounding sea water. The filter is in the form of an inclined tube settler disposed such that particulates separated from sea water flowing through it are discharged to the seabed.

Abstract: A high strength wastewater treatment system having a first tank with an inlet and an outlet, an aerator positioned within the first tank for passing oxygen into wastewater within the first tank, a second tank having a clarifier compartment positioned therein, an aeration device positioned in the second tank for passing oxygen into a liquid within the second tank, and a pipe connected to the first tank and the second tank for passing liquid from the second tank to the first tank. The second is interconnected to the outlet of the first tank. The second tank has an outlet extending from the clarifier compartment. In particular, the pipe has an end opening within the second tank and a diffuser connected to the pipe within the first tank. The diffuser is a venturi diffuser having a narrow section and a wide section. An air pump is connected to the venturi diffuser for injecting air into the narrow section. This delivery of air serves to draw liquid from the second tank through the pipe and into the first tank.

Abstract: An oil separating buoyant surface vessel for separating oil from surface water level from a large body of oil-contaminated water and for economically reclaiming this oil The vessel comprises a pair of lateral buoyancy members and a liquid flow-through separator rigid open frame integral to the buoyancy member and destined to be maintained in partly submerged condition in water. The separator frame comprises a first chamber having a front surface water intake port, and a pair of first channel members extending to a rear surface water outlet port; a second chamber located rearwardly of the first chamber; a third submerged chamber located beneath the first and second chambers and having a second channel member, extending to a front submerged water outlet port, a third arcuate channel member, an intermediate section of the third channel member extending spacedly over water line, and a fourth upright channel member, opening at its top end mouth into the second chamber over water line.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-well plates and column arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed. In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that overcome many of the problems associated with is the prior arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes.

Abstract: A materials treatment system which initially separates liquid and solid components with a separator. The system can be advantageously utilized for household sewage handling, however various components have other applications. Once the separator separates the solids and liquids, a fire tube combusts the solids with microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are treated in a liquid treatment system which includes additional particle filtration/separation, treatment of the liquids with an oxidant liquid, and an ultraviolet treatment. An advantageous microwave cavity assembly is also provided for dehydration/combustion of solids exiting the separator and/or for solids filtered from liquids in the liquid treatment system.

Abstract: Odors can arise from an enclosed waste processing system designed to convert solid waste into an aqueous pulp and extract a solid phase and an aqueous phase from the waste. The odors are the result of anaerobic portions of the system in which anaerobic microorganisms convert waste including fatty soils into volatile odor components including low molecular weight carboxylic acids. The action of these microorganisms can be controlled by maintaining the pH, of the aqueous phase common to all portions of the system, at above a pre-selected alkaline pH. Such a pH can be maintained by dosing the aqueous phase in the system with an appropriate amount of one or more alkalinity sources on a timely basis.

Abstract: A system is described for the treatment of aircraft toilet waste water to permit discharge of the treated water to the atmosphere during flight, utilizing the pressure differential that is created between the aircraft's cabin pressure and the external atmosphere. The system includes a filter to remove suspended solids and other contaminants from the waste water, and may also include means to purify the water to potable water standards and means to recirculate the treated water for reuse on the aircraft.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system comprises an impulse turbine operatively connected to a source of water to be purified. A feed pump is connected to the impulse turbine to supply a source of high pressure water to be purified. A first purification membrane chamber is connected to the feed pump to receive a supply of high pressure unpurified water from the feed pump. The first purification membrane chamber has an outlet for discharging purified water and a discharge opening for discharging high pressure unpurified water. A hydraulic turbocharger has a turbine end T and a pump end P. The pump end P has an inlet for receiving the high pressure unpurified water from the first purification membrane chamber and an outlet which discharges the high pressure unpurified water. A second purification membrane member chamber is connected to the outlet of the pump end P of the hydraulic turbocharger for receiving the high pressure unpurified water.

Abstract: A purification apparatus and method for enabling the purification of the lake and pond waters, is installed as a fluidized bed sewage system directly on the raw water area. The apparatus takes in the raw waters in the lake and pond and purifies the water. The purified water is fed back to the raw water area by the pump.With this purification apparatus, the salt materials such as phosphate in the lakes, and the overall area of the waters can be purified while preventing the generation of phytoplanktons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction and discharge apparatus for a drilling fluid, which is used in material removing treatment of hard constructional components formed of concrete, stone, break work, and the like, and including at least two air- and liquid-tight reservoirs (1,2), with the first reservoir being connected with a vacuum-producing device (6) and a suction conduit (3), with the second reservoir (2) being connected with an overpressure-producing device (4) and a discharge conduit (4), and with both reservoirs (1, 2) being connected by a conduit (5).

Abstract: A portable pump-type reverse osmosis apparatus includes a portable cart having a tub-like housing (12). A pair of elongated cylindrically-shaped R.O. units (36 and 37) sandwiched between a support means (25) and a cover means (45) are positioned within the housing. Both the support and the cover means include a contoured surface having recesses (29, 30, 46, and 47) that snugly engage a substantial portion of the R.O. units. A pump (55) enclosed by a spacer (65) is positioned above the cover means. A water container (75) is positioned above the pump to receive, hold, and dispense purified water from the R.O. units. To protect the unit from an inadequate water supply, a pressure switch (120) is included to permit operation of the R.O. units only when the incoming line pressure is within a preselected range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treatment of drilling mud and cuttings, comprising a screen, a centrifuge (10), a degassing system (6), a discharge system directing the drilling mud back to the active drilling mud system (13, 14), a transport system (17) transporting the cuttings. The screen is a rotating drum (3), and the drum is situated in a mainly enclosed housing (1) with the housing being connected to a vacuum suction system. The solid material discharge from the rotating drum (3) is connected to a downstream centrifuge (10), by a mainly enclosed pipe system (9). A weighing cell (16) for cuttings is connected to the centrifuge (10).

Abstract: The invention provides a system 10 for treatment and purification of domestic household effluent, and for the elimination within said system of organic solid wastes, comprising elements 12 and 14 for separately collecting first and second constituents of the sewage of a domestic residential unit, lavatory sewage comprising said first sewage constituent, and bath, shower, wash basin, laundry, kitchen sink sewage and the like comprising said second sewage constituent, a first and a second dual-purpose vessel 22 and 24, each vessel having at least one inlet port 18 and 20 and at least one outlet port 26, 28, 30, 32 and being arranged so that during the time period that one of said vessels 22 receives said first sewage constituent and acts as a collector and settling tank, the remaining vessel 24 operates as an anaerobic reaction vessel, the vessel operating as an anaerobic reaction vessel carrying out a decomposition process during which the volume of sludge 34 contained therein is greatly reduced by conversion

Abstract: An automated system for processing biological fluid includes a pressure differential generator, a biological fluid processing assembly, and an automated control arrangement coupled to at least one of the pressure differential generator and the biological fluid processing assembly. The automated system may include a porous medium, such as a red cell barrier medium, a leukocyte depletion medium, or a combination red cell barrier/leukocyte depletion medium. The automated system may also include a sensor producing a signal reflecting a parameter of fluid flow.

Abstract: A waste treatment system for use on a vehicle having an exhaust manifold, the waste treatment system comprising a holding tank for receiving waste from a head, a galley, a shower or a bilge tank. At least one macerator is connected to the holding tank such that the macerator grinds the waste from the holding tank and recirculates it, as appropriate. A reducer is connected to the at least one macerator for reducing the size of the output of the at least one macerator. A centrifugal separator separates the relatively large waste particles coming from the reducer from the relatively small waste particles and liquid waste and recirculates the relatively large particles back to the holding tank. The remaining particles are sent to an injector pump that injects the waste, through an injector nozzle, into the exhaust manifold of the vessel. A control module controls the operation of the system based on various parameters, the parameters derived from various sensors.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.

Abstract: A counter top reverse osmosis water purification system, suitable for home use, is connected to a water supply and contains a closed fluid treatment circuit extending to a water outlet. The closed fluid circuit flows through a plurality of replaceable water treatment modules mounted on a flowboard and each having a specific water treatment function, such as the removal of a particular material from the water by the use of reverse osmosis, filtration, carbon adsorption, ion exchange or the addition of a chemical to balance the desired water conditions. Preferably the circuit also includes traversing a radiation device, for example an ultraviolet light, for the purpose of sanitizing the water.

Abstract: A combination water-purification and ice-dispensing system features an air cooler on the ice bin to prevent the congealing of ice. Four slanted agitator blades also break up chunks of ice back into ice cubes. Excess water from the ice maker is recycled into the ice maker. Double shutters prevent the dispensing of contaminated ice. An ice-bag dispenser and taper are included. A single kiosk can have both a purified water and an ice dispenser.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for separating water from a solvent during dry cleaning. Included is an inlet capable of receiving a mixture of dry cleaning fluid and water from a basket of a dry cleaning apparatus. The dry cleaning fluid includes a siloxane composition. Also provided is a flow controller for urging a flow of the mixture received from the outlet. Coupled to the flow controller is a coalescent media that receives the mixture urged by the flow controller. A chamber is coupled to the coalescent media for receiving the mixture from the coalescent media to separate the water and the dry cleaning fluid. Also coupled to the chamber is an outlet to remove the dry cleaning fluid from the chamber in the absence of the water.

Abstract: A system and method for producing potable water from a brine source uses an Archimedean screw to elevate water to an elevated point. The water is then filtered to desalinate the water through a series of filters arranged in a vertical shaft using gravity to move the water through the filters. The vertical nature of the screw and shaft reduce land requirements and costs. A power source turns the screw and relies on renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and tidal/wave power. A turbine is used to recapture any energy in the descending water. The screw, renewable energy power source, and turbine reduce the energy requirements and costs. A brine recycling system recovers the removed brine and various elements and minerals are separated.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance. The variation of the apparatus can recycle heated fluid back into the apparatus once used to heat the heatable substance.

Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: An alarm mechanism for use in chlorinators using chlorine tablets. The alarm mechanism signals when the chlorine tablets have dissolved to a pre-determined quantity and are in need of replenishment. The alarm mechanism has a low tablet register mechanism and an indicator. The low tablet register mechanism registers when the chlorine tablets dissolve to the pre-determined quantity, and preferably includes a counterweight mechanism calibrated and constructed so that it is activated when the chlorine tablets dissolve to the pre-determined quantity. The indicator indicates when the low tablet register mechanism registers that the chlorine tablets have dissolved to the pre-determined quantity. Preferably, the indicator includes a sensor and an alarm. The sensor senses when the register mechanism registers the dissolution of the chlorine tablets to the pre-determined quantity. The alarm, such as a horn or a light, signals the activation of the sensor.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus for increasing oxygen concentration in water. The water purification apparatus includes a water pump provided in a water tank for pumping water to produce a water flow, an ejector connected to the water pump for mixing the water from the water pump with air and ejecting the water mixed with the air therethrough, an air intake pipe connected to the ejector for supplying air thereto, and a jetting outlet connected to the ejector and formed with a porous jetting nozzle having small punched openings on an end portion and outer circumference thereof and a bugle-shaped tube accommodating the porous jetting nozzle therein.

Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus, and associated methods of use, are provided for treating in a closed-loop configuration a volume of effluent contained in a holding vessel. The apparatus includes one or more treatment tank units arranged to hold a volume of molecular filtering material capable of removing one or more toxic contaminants from the effluent, al least in part, as the effluent contacts the surface areas of the molecular filtering material within each tank unit. A pump unit is provided to draw effluent from the holding vessel and deliver the effluent to selected tank units to effect treatment. The apparatus further includes fluidic conduit structures to fluidically couple the holding vessel, a pre-filter, the pump, and each selected tank unit.