On Different Levels Patents (Class 210/262)
  • Patent number: 6290847
    Abstract: A gravity-flow water filtration cartridge is disclosed herein. The cartridge includes a housing having a compressed bed of ion-exchange resin disposed within an upper region thereof and a high surface area cyst-reducing filter element that is disposed within a lower thereof. The housing includes a middle chamber which separates the compressed bed of ion-exchange resin from the cyst-reducing filter element. The housing further includes a hydrophobic air vent conduit having an entry end that is positioned above a topmost surface of the cyst reducing filter element and an exit end that is positioned at least at a lowest surface of the cyst-reducing filter element, wherein the entry end includes a membrane having at least one hydrophobic side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Willard A. Cutler
  • Patent number: 6277274
    Abstract: A water treatment system, method and apparatus for removing sediment, chemical pollutants and debris from contaminated stormwater runoff using physical, chemical and biological processes by passing runoff water preferably through a two-stage filtering and treatment system. The apparatus includes a first stage chamber filter system comprising a water storage area, a mulch layer, a soil mixture of aggregate, organic material, soil, and live woody and/or herbaceous plants. The second stage treatment system is a water-filled lower chamber with baffles to increase the flow path of treated runoff through the chamber. Contaminated stormwater runoff or wastewater effluent is directed to and passes through the first stage chamber by gravity where the contaminated water is filtered and treated by the mulch, soil and plant filter media under aerobic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Larry Steven Coffman
  • Patent number: 6270664
    Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of water comprising a first compartment containing a filtration unit for receiving untreated water, a second compartment containing polyphosphates, a housing containing the first compartment and the second compartment, and a polyphosphate dosing unit comprising a partition between said first compartment and said second compartment, an inlet tube, affixed to the partition, allowing a small portion of water filtered in the first compartment to flow into the second compartment containing polyphosphates, an outlet tube, affixed to the partition, from which the flow of polyphosphate-containing water is drawn out of the second compartment by the Venturi effect, wherein the filtration unit in the first compartment produces filtered water, the major portion of which, other than said small portion of water flowing into said second compartment, being discharged without contacting polyphosphates, such that the amount of polyphosphate distributed in the water is substantially proportional to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Yigal Tsabari
  • Patent number: 6264832
    Abstract: An apparatus (18) for receiving rain water from a water collecting means (20) and treating this water according to a treatment cycle. The apparatus has a stop tank (24) to hold incoming water while a treatment cycle is being executed in a main tank (32), so there is no mixing of the treated water with water to be treated. The main tank has various reservoirs (42, 52, 62), valves (30, 40, 50) and buoyant elements (68, 70), and the water flow is strictly controlled by gravity and the buoyancy of the water. Treating solutions such as a mineral solution and a chloride solution are added in predetermined quantities to the water during the treatment cycle, and the treated water is stored into a storage tank (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Fazlollah Panahi
  • Patent number: 6214242
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for stripping a volatile compound from waste water comprises creating a high velocity spray of air and stream of water at a first inlet to a first expansion chamber to volatize the compound, recombining the water and air flow through a second and successive expansion chambers and recreating a spray at each such chamber, whereby additional volatile compounds are released from the water at each stage to steadily reduce the contamination of the water. The decontaminated water and volatile compound-laden air are separately collected after exiting the last expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick B. Swensen
  • Patent number: 6183643
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for denitrification of a liquid, such as water, comprises a vertical processing tank (11) including: a bottom section (20) partially filled with activated sludge (22), bottom section (20) having a bottom (12) having a concave upward facing inner surface (13); a horizontal filter (40) spanning tank (11) above sludge (22); an anaerobic process section (50) including a denitrifying biomass section (54); and an oxidation section (60) including a diffuser (61). The method comprising the steps of: injecting impure water (90) into sludge (22) so as to travel helically upward to mix with sludge (22); filtering with filter (40); denitrifying with denitrifying biomass (54); and oxidizing the effluent water from anaerobic biomass (54) in oxidation section (60) including bubbling air from diffuser (63). Water (90) effluent from tank (11) is sterilized with an ozonation device (86).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: AG Tech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Goodley
  • Patent number: 6129841
    Abstract: A portable water treatment assembly and water treatment method are disclosed in which the water to be purified is placed in an upper container together with a suitable bactericide, and is held in that container until the bactericidal action is complete. At that time, an elongate dowel is manually manipulated to open a passage between the upper container and a lower container to drain the purified water through a sediment cartridge in the upper container to remove sediment from the water, and through a cartridge in the lower container containing a medium to remove the bactericide and/or other potentially distasteful ingredients from the water, and the purified water is collected in the lower container for subsequent dispensing and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Eagle Spring Filtration, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dann
  • Patent number: 6120687
    Abstract: A vessel (10) for placement on a land site for treatment of wastewater, in which an inlet (22) communicates wastewater, grit, and suspended solids into a grit collecting chamber (24) for settling grit particulates therefrom. An aeration zone (34) receives air from nozzles (37) for facilitating biological digestion of the suspended solids and conversion to activated sludge. The activated sludge communicates through an airlift (70) to a mixing chamber (30) which also receives wastewater with suspended solids from the grit collecting chamber. The air from the nozzles (37) creates an upflow of wastewater and activated sludge to secondary clarifiers (42) having sludge receiving plates (48) on which the sludge settles, accumulates, and falls from, resulting in treated water in the upper portions of the secondary clarifier (42). The treated water discharges in a trough (62) from the vessel (10). A method of sanitary treating of wastewater is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Boris Oyzboyd
  • Patent number: 6103111
    Abstract: Tourmaline fine powders are mixed with glass powders having melting point between 500.degree. C. and the transition temperature of tourmaline, and the grains are formed from the mixture and sintered at a temperature below melting point of the glass. Tourmaline powders are stacked in the glass matrix in the tourmaline composite grains prepared above. When water passes through a case including many such grains, the water contacts with the grains and is converted to activated water by the grains. By using the activated water, a structure such as a moving vehicle or an outer wall of a building can be washed efficiently without a detergent. Further, the grains can be used in an apparatus for recycling wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignees: Mino Ganryo Kagaku Corporation, Hikohiro Sano
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kakamu, Hikohiro Sano, Minoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6059963
    Abstract: An installation for the simultaneous separation and removal of fats and oils in waste water, which includes a treatment container chamber for receiving a liquid medium. Out of the treatment container chamber, through a bottom outlet, is an overflow pipe running upwards and which opens outwardly outside of the treatment container chamber as a discharge pipe, so that its inside bottom edge, at the point where it opens outwardly, defines a level of a medium in the treatment container chamber. A support material in the form of a plurality of plastic tubes is wound with lengths of polyester cord colonized with a fat and oil-degrading yeast microorganism Yarrowia lipolytica W1 in the treatment container chamber. A nutrient solution container, with a metering pump for feeding NH.sub.4+ into the treatment container chamber, as required, is included as a source of nitrogen for the fat and oil-degrading microorganism, along with a device for supplying the microorganisms with air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Biorem AG
    Inventors: Dana Horakova, Rudolf Horak, Miroslav Nemec
  • Patent number: 6039866
    Abstract: In a fluidized bed filtering apparatus, for preventing particles of filtering material from entering into a feed pipe to clog the feed pipe and lowering the frequency of washing operations, a filtering material layer made of granular filtering material is supported by a supporting layer disposed in a filtering chamber so as to provide a space in the lower portion of the filtering chamber and two lines of a first feed pipe the outlet of which opens in the filtering material layer and a second feed pipe the outlet of which opens within the space are provided for feeding corrupt water into the filtering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Tanaka, Koichi Tsuzuki, Noriyo Nishijima, Fumitaka Handa, Shiro Nakadaira
  • Patent number: 6036860
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by utilization of an automated gas-injection system. The remediation apparatus also incorporates a valve configured to protect the system from detrimental, and potentially dangerous, overloadings of hazardous substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Peter J. Tolan
  • Patent number: 6024870
    Abstract: A sewage filtration system for efficiently filtering sewage waste material from smaller residential areas without the use of expensive sewage treatment plants. The inventive device includes a conventional septic tank connected to each building structure's sewage system, a pair of fluidly connected two compartment tanks connected to the conventional septic tanks, and a final phase filtering tank fluidly connected to the pair of two compartment tanks. The final phase filtering tank comprises a tank, a cover, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, a first tube connected to the outlet tube, a second tube fluidly connected to the first tube wherein the second tube is water permeable, at least one sand or gravel layer above the second tube, a layered filter structure above the sand or gravel layer that receives the filtered liquid from the inlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Eugene R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6013180
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mineral filtering apparatus in which the raw water is passed through a plurality of filtering processes, such as automatically filtrating without pressure, multiply filtering, ions exchange, sterilization, deodorizing, and releasing mineral substance. The filtering apparatus generally comprises a cover, an inlet water box, a first filtering unit, a filtering box, a second filtering unit, a storing reservoir, a mineral substance barrel that is disposed within the reservoir, an outlet filtering core that is disposed within the reservoir, a spout, a bottom bracket, and a water pan. The storing reservoir is provided with a mineral stone barrel with which the water soluble mineral substance is released. When the raw water flows from top to bottom, it can be treated with filtrating, deodorizing, ions exchange, sterilizing, magnetizing processes such that the treated water is clean and suitable for direct drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Wei-Renn Wang
  • Patent number: 5988283
    Abstract: A Vertical Combined Production Facility, or gas-well production system, in which the separation of each phase (hydrocarbon gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and produced water), dehydration of natural gas, removal of minute traces of water from the hydrocarbon liquids, and polishing of produced water, are performed in a single pressure vessel. Additionally, the pressure vessel is installed in a vertical configuration such that the pressure vessel shell also serves as the structural support for a small deck and helideck. Additionally, the inlet heating of the well flow-stream is accomplished by a heat exchanger installed in the dehydration/regeneration heater (reboiler).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Union Pacific Resources Company
    Inventor: Don Mike Gann
  • Patent number: 5958239
    Abstract: Multi-level drainfields for purifying septic tank liquid effluent have a plurality of vertically-stacked filtration medium layers with air space therebetween. The space-saving drainfield modules may be custom-fitted in size, number, type and thickness of layers to meet the requirements of a home, family and habits. Effluent may be percolated through each filtration layer, which may contain baffles, from top down or bottom up, in series or in parallel, and may be recirculated, if necessary, to render the effluent safe for discharge as clean ground water. Drainfield modules may be combined for high-capacity effluent handling, and may be installed underground or aboveground, where protective housing can permit light to reach the effluent therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Sing
  • Patent number: 5904850
    Abstract: A settling device (2) for a fluid containing liquid, gas and particulate material comprises liquid-discharge elements (15) fitted close to the water level of the fluid and supply elements for supplying the fluid at the bottom of the settling chamber. In the settling chamber one or more caps (12) are disposed with their longitudinal axis at an angle to the water level, such that fluid supplied at the bottom of the settling chamber flows obliquely up, forced along the bottom of the at least one cap. Whilst gas bubbles contained therein collect in the ridge (17) of the at least one cap. The gas collected in the ridge of the at least one cap is trapped by elements (18) beneath the water level of the fluid. Preferably, use is made of a row containing a multiplicity of caps (12) which are disposed in oblique, overlapping and parallel arrangement. The caps (12) can be fitted at an angle of 60.degree. relative to the water level and preferably have a mutual interval of about 6 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Paques B.V.
    Inventor: Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga
  • Patent number: 5900137
    Abstract: A system for separation of fluids and drill cuttings received-from a borehole during an under-balanced drilling procedure. The system is designed to cope with significantly varied pressures and flow rates, particularly in relation to gas content of drill fluids returned to the surface during the drilling process in a production zones and to provide effective separation and to reduce the detrimental effect due to the presence of the drill cuttings in the returned drill fluids. In the present invention there is utilized a first stage, high pressure vessel in which a major portion of the gases ad drill cuttings are separated, and a second stages horizontal low pressure vessel, preferably of greater volume than the high pressure vessel, in which further separating is achieved, including the separate removal of the drilling liquid to be returned to the drill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Edwin Daryl Homan
  • Patent number: 5897772
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for environmental applications such as waste water treatment, de-inking of recycled paper, chemical/biochemical waste clean-up, and mineral beneficiation, using a multi-stage flotation column. A series of draft tubes arranged axially and separated by baffles provides individual mixing stages in the flotation column and a special gas distributor generates fine gas bubbles. The draft tubes create repetitive loop flow of the feed fluid in each flotation stage. This provides uniform distribution of the gas bubbles throughout the column and significantly enhances mixing and contacts of the gas bubbles with the impurities to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Shiao-Hung Chiang, Daxin He, Fuxin Ding
  • Patent number: 5888382
    Abstract: A filtration tank and means for subsequent purification of filter bag purified waste water, especially grey water, which is introduced into the top of a filter tank and is evenly distributed by means of spray nozzles on the top layer of purification media, which are built up in layers in a tank around a built-in central pipe. The layers of purification media consist of varying types of material and grain size, density, weight, ect. The water passes through the varying layers of purification medium and is collected on the bottom of the central pipe, where a pump lifts the water through a U.V. treatment apparatus for sanitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Bakelittfabrikken A/S
    Inventors: Lars Ringdal, Lars Westlie, Jens Christian K.o slashed.ler
  • Patent number: 5888388
    Abstract: A filtration unit e.g. for ponds comprises a housing divided into a radiation chamber (18) with a water inlet (20) and a filtration chamber (19) with water outlets (21,22). A weir (23) in the partition wall (17) between the chambers controls the water level in the radiation chamber (18). One or more UV tubes (25,26) are mounted in the radiation chamber (18) above the water level therein controlled by the weir (23). Preferably the housing has a cover which is in two parts a first (33) of which extends over the radiation chamber (18) and is secured by screws or the like so that it cannot be removed inadvertently, and the second (34) of which extends over the filtration chamber (19) and is hinged to give ready access to the filtration chamber (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Pet Mate Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Peter Kirk
  • Patent number: 5871647
    Abstract: The wastewater treatment unit is operable under high intermittent flow rate variations. It comprises a first clarifier in which is carried out a gravitational settling of solids and a second clarifier comprising a network of parallel plates inclined with respect to the vertical and a portion defining a collecting pit. Each plate has an upper edge positioned at a height lower than the filling level of the first clarifier to define an overflow giving access to the collecting pit. The network of plates allows to carry out a further settling of solids to create a counterflow of settled matter toward the first clarifier and a flow of clarified wastewater falling in the collecting pit. A filtering chamber is positioned above the first clarifier and comprises a filtering media supporting a biomass for digesting the organic content of the wastewater coming from the second clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Yves Lord
  • Patent number: 5858218
    Abstract: A coolant reclamation device for use in conjunction with a conveyor of a first width wherein the conveyor receives solid contaminants and coolant from a machine tool operation. The conveyor transports the solid contaminants and coolant to the coolant reclamation device. The coolant reclamation device includes an elongate body which defines a chamber and contains an elongate opening which provides direct access to the chamber. The device also includes an elongate screen located over the opening. The coolant reclamation device is positioned relative to the conveyor so that the solid contaminants and coolant discharged from the conveyor impinge the screen whereby the solid contaminants remain on the surface of the screen and the coolant passes through the screen into the chamber. The elongate body contains a return port through which the chamber is in fluid communication with the coolant reservoir via a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Setlock, Richard B. Reffner
  • Patent number: 5846413
    Abstract: A compact dissolved-air-flotation (DAF) clarifier and clarification process utilize three zones for clarification which operate in sequence in a single clarifier. Raw water with suspended solids enters a flocculator at the center of an annular tank where microscopic air bubbles introduced to the inflow float flocked contaminants to form a floating sludge layer. A first clarification, calming and degassing occur here. The water then flows radially outwardly into the tank where further quiet clarification occurs. A third level of clarification occurs in a lower portion of the tank, specifically, in a set of plate-like lamellae, radial and conical, which form inclined channels where a final clarification occurs. The bottom wall of the tank has a set of apertures which allow a gravity flow of clarified water through a layer of pressurized gas to an underlying collection compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Lenox Institute of Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Milos Krofta
  • Patent number: 5840183
    Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of oil and other substances from a liquid such as water consisting of a first, vertical and mainly cylindrical reservoir in which separation takes place by means of gravity, a second reservoir for additional separation, and a third reservoir in which separation takes place by means of flotation such as inducing gas. The second reservoir is coated round the first reservoir over a part of the cylinder, with the third reservoir above the second reservoir and also around the first reservoir. In the wall between the first and the second reservoir, interconnecting tubes are located. The second and the third reservoir are connected with each other via an opening in a ceiling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Development Inc.
    Inventor: Johannes Hermannes Bakker
  • Patent number: 5837132
    Abstract: By providing a fuel treating system with a strategically positioned sight-glass, it is possible to replace an fuel filter without either spilling large amounts of fuel all over or allowing for air bubbles, which can degrade the lubricating system's operation and cause siphoning. The sight-glass is positioned above the fuel inlet and outlet passages but below the filter. Thus, as soon as no fuel is seen in the sight-glass, a mechanic knows that the fuel filter has been substantially emptied of fuel yet the fuel inlet and outlet are still full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 5795474
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by mechanical means or by utilization of an gas-injection system. The invention also contemplates a valve configured to protect remediation apparatuses from detrimental overloadings of hazardous substances during a remediation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Peter J. Tolan
  • Patent number: 5788849
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filter system (10) for use in filtering contaminants and sediments as well as introducing aeration of the liquids flowing into a storm drain (20). The filter system may include a housing (12) that is positioned beneath the storm drain, underneath the outer grating (24) of the storm drain. A rack (14) holds a plurality of filter components (16) in a substantially horizontal orientation within the housing. The filter components house filter materials, including absorbent materials and/or geotextile fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventors: James E. Hutter, Jr., Christopher D. Probst
  • Patent number: 5788838
    Abstract: There is provided an ultrapure water production system which allows recycled waste water to be microbially treated and thereby reclaimed without causing any clogging of treatment system due to abnormal propagation of microorganisms, and which allows ultrapure water with 1 ppb or lower TOC to be obtained. This ultrapure water production system includes a lower part having an anaerobic organism treatment part (12), and an upper part which is placed above the lower part via a separating wall W.sub.B having an opening (16) and which has a biological treatment equipment including an aerobic organism treatment part (1). Since lower anaerobic microorganisms and upper aerobic microorganisms consume nutrition sources for microorganisms, treated water which is difficult for microorganisms to propagate can be obtained. Further, not only TOC but also organic nitrogen compounds are treated by the microorganisms, by which treated water with low electrical conductivity can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Seiji Okamoto, Atsushi Yokotani, Kazuyuki Sakata
  • Patent number: 5776332
    Abstract: By providing a fuel treating system with a strategically positioned sight-glass, it is possible to replace an fuel filter without either spilling large amounts of fuel all over or allowing for air bubbles, which can degrade the lubricating system's operation and cause siphoning. The sight-glass is positioned above the fuel inlet and outlet passages but below the filter. Thus, as soon as no fuel is seen in the sight-glass, a mechanic knows that the fuel filter has been substantially emptied of fuel yet the fuel inlet and outlet are still full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 5770059
    Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus is located between an industrial plant and a municipal sewer to treat and control the flow of waste water from the plant to the sewer. The apparatus includes an equalization basin, a water clarifier mechanism, and a flow rate control mechanism for maintaining a relatively constant water flow rate through the clarifier in spite of major changes in water level in the equalization basin. The flow rate control mechanism includes an upstanding water column and a pump for delivering water from the equalization basin to the column. The column establishes a constant liquid head for controlling water flow through the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Choong H. Rhee
  • Patent number: 5718824
    Abstract: An improved collector hood for a sedimentation tank. The collector hood is disposed within the tank and separates the tank into an upper reaction compartment and a lower settling compartment. The collector hood has the shape of an inverted funnel including a tubular upper portion connected to an outlet in the sidewall of the upper reaction compartment and a downwardly diverging conical wall lower portion, the periphery of which engages the sidewall of the tank for separating the tank into the upper reaction compartment and the lower settling compartment. A plurality of downcomer pipes are arranged around the axis of the collector hood and depend from the downwardly diverging conical wall into the lower settling compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: Shyam Kannan, Raghavachari Kannan
  • Patent number: 5707513
    Abstract: The treatment system is for use with septic tank effluent. Water is passed over polyurethane foam blocks, arranged in a heap so that air can circulate freely around the blocks. The size of the foam cells is small enough that water soaks into the blocks and is retained therein. The foam is soft and easily deformed. At the points of block-to-block engagement, the blocks deflect and conform to each other, giving rise to a large contact area through which water can pass between blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: E. Craig Jowett, Michaye L. McMaster
  • Patent number: 5695651
    Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of liquid waste such as sewage. The invention provides a method of screening of liquid waste to remove solid material therefrom, comprising passing the liquid waste in a downward stream through a suspended sack filter, and agitating the sack filter and the liquid stream by discharging a stream of bubbles upwardly through the liquid from below the sack filter. The invention also provides an inlet screen, comprising an upright hollow column (1), having an opening at the top across which a sack filter (6) is positioned, the sack filter extending downwardly into the column, and an air diffuser (8) at the lower end of the column, and an outlet (5, 23, 34) from the column, whereby in use liquid waste flows into the top of the column, through the sack filter to the outlet, the sack filter and liquid waste being agitated by discharge of air from the air diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Apoc Limited
    Inventor: David P. Froud
  • Patent number: 5690822
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a filter for purifying water, and a tank for storing purified water. The tank includes a discharge hole for discharging excess water disposed above a certain level in the tank. A conduit structure communicates with the discharge hole for conducting the discharged excess water. The conduit structure includes vertical interruptions for preventing a backflowing of the discharged water back into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Wook Suh
  • Patent number: 5688401
    Abstract: Spent solutions from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220) for removal of any unsettled fines. Many of the clumps of flocculated solids become enlarged enough to individually extend across and substantially fill a cross-sectional area of the conduit. As a result, the enlarged clumps substantially block passage of and strain from the solution remaining fine particles which then adhere to the clumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Bober, Terry W. Pearl, Dominick Vacco, David C. Yeaw
  • Patent number: 5685980
    Abstract: A water purification unit including a water inlet having a filter adapted to remove undissolved contaminants from a raw water source. The water inlet is coupled to a water reservoir including a semi-permeable membrane adapted to remove dissolved contaminants from raw water source. The filter and the membrane function to produce permeate water having undissolved and dissolved contaminants removed therefrom. The unit further includes a pressure source positioned within the water reservoir, wherein the pressure source forces raw water through the semi-permeable membrane. In addition, the unit is provided with a purified water container in fluid communication with the water reservoir adapted to receive the permeate water, wherein the purified water container is coupled to an oxidizing agent source. The oxidizing agent from the oxidizing agent source contacts the permeate water to destroy any contaminants that still may remain in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: Walter Patapoff, Jim Lung Wong
  • Patent number: 5674392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid treatment assembly comprising a filter (4) which itself comprises filtering elements (5) and a cleaning device (12) for periodically cleaning each filtering element including a conduit (17) for the evacuation of the cleaning fluid filled with impurities resulting from the cleaning, the treament assembly further comprising a centrifuging device which itself comprises a rotary enclosure (37) connected to a fluid admission conduit (28).According to the invention, the filtering elements (5) and the enclosure (37) are contained in a single casing (1A-1B), while the admission conduit (28) is directly connected (29-30) to the conduit (17) for evacuating the cleaning fluid.The invention finds an application in the construction of a compact and reliable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Moatti Filtration S.A.
    Inventors: Theophile Christophe, Jean-Claude Moatti
  • Patent number: 5665236
    Abstract: A system for purifying a liquid including a reactor and a clarifier with the clarifier arranged at an elevated position relative to the reactor so that residue from the clarifier can be returned to the reactor hydrostatically. Liquid in the reactor is aerated using an agitating means with the agitating means also used to transfer liquid from the reactor to the clarifier. The liquid is fed to the clarifier at a constant, controlled rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Tecroveer (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Zacharias Joseph Van Den Berg
  • Patent number: 5647977
    Abstract: A system is provided for removing impurities anticipated to be found in industrial waste water, which system is particularly well suited for waste water systems such as those used for laundry or vehicle washing operations. The system includes aeration, mixing/flocculating, and contact media mechanisms to remove suspended solids, hydrocarbons, organic materials and undesired dissolved minerals from the treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 5616241
    Abstract: A system for treatment of influent materials such as wastewater, gases, solid and liquid waste, and sludges utilizes an anaerobic reactor followed by at least one sludge separator and at least one sludge conditioner. In the sludge conditioner, anaerobic and aerobic biological actions, chemical or other treatment methods are applied to produce the optimal make-up of the conditioned sludge in the system overall. Single channel or multiple channel conditioners are possible. In such a system controllable cultivation and use, and controllable conversion of constituents in said influent materials are provided. The method of controllable anaerobic treatment is illustrated as a stand-alone anaerobic treatment, coupled anaerobic/aerobic treatment, combined anaerobic/aerobic treatment, treatment of wastewater within collection networks, treatment of wastewater sludges, and treatment of gases. The aerobic reactor can be stacked on top of the anaerobic reactor, with optional gas collection above the aerobic reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Boris M. Khudenko
  • Patent number: 5609733
    Abstract: System and method for treating toxic washwater from ink, paint, pesticides and the like. The wash water is heated to a temperature on the order of 100.degree. F. in a sump positioned beneath a bed of horse manure media containing aerobic fungi and bacteria. Washwater is foam lifted from the sump to a level above the media and allowed to filter down through the media. Hot dry air is blown into the media from the side to maintain the media at a temperature on the order of 100.degree. F. and thereby promote microbiological activity and evaporation of the water in the media. Warm moist air from the media is cooled to condense the moisture, and the condensed moisture is collected as distilled water. A prefilter removes excessive amounts of solids from the washwater before it is introduced into the sump, and a Carnot cycle system provides the necessary heating and cooling for the water, media and air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Bio-Gest, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Edward Burton
  • Patent number: 5601706
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating of sewage or waste water comprises an aggregate separator (30, 32, 34). The apparatus includes a waste water reservoir (12), a device (22) for circulating the waste water (16) in the reservoir (12), and a replenishing chamber (38) for the waste water containing the aggregate. The apparatus is characterized in that there is provided at least one settling tank (66) into which the waste water contained in the waste water reservoir (12) can be delivered through a conduit (64), and in that a further conduit (82, 90) is provided between the settling tank (66) and a concrete mixer (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Horst Brenner
    Inventor: Horst Brenner
  • Patent number: 5591347
    Abstract: A simplified single cell apparatus and method for removal of suspended impurities in liquids using gas flotation and filtration is provided wherein the method and apparatus are preferably directed to induced gas flotation separation of suspended impurities in combination with a filter media for filtration removal of remaining suspended impurities. A filter media is contained within the single cell apparatus such that liquid exiting the vessel must pass through the filter media after having been subjected to flotation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Unicel, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Cairo, Jr., John A. Young
  • Patent number: 5565098
    Abstract: A reactor for the biological treatment of water comprises a reactor vessel (1), a fermentation chamber (3) bounded in the vessel, inlets (10) for introducing influent into the fermentation chamber, a settling chamber (4) above the top boundary (2) of the fermentation chamber (3), for separating out sludge from treated water, a downer (5) extending downwards from the settling chamber through the fermentation chamber, for returning separated-out sludge to the fermentation chamber (3), and an outlet (11) for discharging effluent from the settling chamber. In order to improve and accelerate the separation of sludge from effluent in a simple manner, at least one supply line (8a, 9a, 17) opens out tangentially into the settling chamber. A whirlpool is produced in the settling chamber by the supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Paques B.V.
    Inventor: Sjoerd H. J. Vellinga
  • Patent number: 5549820
    Abstract: Spent solution from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220) for removal of any unsettled fines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Bober, Terry W. Pearl, Dominick Vacco, David C. Yeaw
  • Patent number: 5540836
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for substantially reducing or eliminating total suspended solids (TSS), biological organic discharge or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) contaminants. The system includes at least one mixing chamber for mixing wastewater with at least one dewatering agent or chemical and air to form an aerated mixture and at least one tank having a plurality of compartments for facilitating flotation, settling and removal of contaminants from the aerated mixture as it flows through the tank. Preferably, the system includes first and second mixing chambers and first and second tanks arranged in series with each of the tanks including drag lines for removing floating and settled contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas J. Coyne
  • Patent number: 5522990
    Abstract: An oil removal device for separating floating oils from water or water-based liquids. A rotating disk lifts viscous oils frown the water or water-based liquid. The oil is removed from the disk by wiper blades on either side of the disk on the downward part of the disk's travel. The oil then falls into channels and is channeled into a storage container. A support frame comprising a base and a center post attached to the base is connected to and supports the disk, wiper blades and channels. A gravity separating chamber could be used in place of the storage container. Water collected by the disk is diverted from the oil by a small-scale gravity separator module. The gravity separator module includes a weir having a gap or space at the bottom to separate the water from the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Steven Davidian
  • Patent number: 5520803
    Abstract: A simple, rapid, efficient and inexpensive process for on-site recycling of wastewater with minimal odor wherein the solid wastes generated by the water treatment process are dewatering on-site by solar energy to water content levels. below those required for disposal. All operations, including solar dewatering, are accomplished in a compact unit which may be mobile. The solar dewatering unit includes a drying pan over which a solar collector window arrangement is disposed.In the process, wastewater, a water purifying composition and an oxidizing agent are additively mixed together in a first reactor settling tank and the resulting composition is neutralized to a pH of between 7.5-9.4. The added water purifying composition is then allowed to precipitate wherein it binds to and precipitates heavy metals as well as other impurities. The precipitated purifying composition forms a non-hazardous sludge at the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Container-Care International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Russell, Louis Mohar
  • Patent number: RE36527
    Abstract: A combination filter and evaporator unit for use in small engine applications includes a filter member that is screw threadedly engaged to the evaporator unit to facilitate replacement of filter media as needed. The design of the unit constrains incoming oil to flow first through the filter media and then to an evaporation chamber. A central hub and a bottom wall of the evaporation chamber are directly heated by a heating element, and the evaporation chamber is closed by an imperforate lid so that heat loss is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Premo Lubrication Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Arntz