Abstract: A filter assembly, particularly for use with a plastic bottle having an open neck with an inside diameter of about 50 mm or less (e.g. about 25 mm), includes a tube of filtering material connected to one surface of a cap while a valve extends from an opposite surface of the cap. The tube is preferably of filtering material such as activated carbon with plastic binder, having a substantially continuous liquid-porous sidewall, a hollow interior, a first closed end, and a second open end. The tube is operatively connected to the cap second surface at the tube second open end by sonic welding, a mechanical connection, or adhesively. The cap has a fitting portion for cooperating with the bottle neck, such as internal screw threads or a snap portion. The valve may be a reciprocating valve, a baby bottle nipple, or a spray device. A biocidal medium may be disposed within the hollow interior of the filter tube, and the tube may be wrapped with a filter material having a pore size of about 1-4 microns.

Abstract: A treated silica composition particularly useful for solid phase extraction in chemical analysis, the silica having both phenyl and propylsulfonic acid functional groups; a cartridge for extraction which comprises the treated silica; a column for extraction which comprises the treated silica; and a method for solid phase extraction which uses the silica composition. A method for analysis of gamma hydroxybutyric acid is also disclosed which uses the treated silica.

Abstract: A radial flow filter for use in a bottle, such as a carbon block filter, having a substantially tubular solid wall siphon shield or shroud mounted at one end of the filter element and defining an annular siphon space. The shield is mounted adjacent one of the filter when it is connected to a cap for closing a bottle, having a manual valve (such as a push-pull valve), and is mounted adjacent the other end of the filter when the filter is connected to a drinking straw. The siphon shield allows dispensing of almost all of the water present at the cap when the bottle is inverted for the cap-mounted embodiment, or adjacent the bottom of the bottle for the straw-mounted embodiment, without drawing significant amounts of air through the filter through non-submerged portions of the filter. That is, the maximum amount may be dispensed from the bottle without aspirating air through the filter.

Abstract: A water treatment system with a backwashable precise prefilter unit includes a backwashable prefilter column installation and a five-channel ball valve. The five-channel ball valve connects the water supply with both ends of the backwashable prefilter column installation. The backwashable prefilter column installation may be composed of three filter columns arranged in series: the first packed with quartz sand, the second with Cu-Zn alloy, and the third with sintered microporous polyethylene. The five-channel ball valve has three different working positions, namely, a cleaning water position, a discharging water position, and a backwashing position. The useful life of this backwashable precise prefilter unit can be more than three years. This backwashable precise prefilter unit may be used for independent water cleaners, as well as the precise prefilter for different kinds of water treatment systems, such as reverse osmosis water treatment systems.

Abstract: A bathtub spout water filter for use with a bathtub spout having a spout body with an open rear, and an open front for water egress with a female threaded fitting located behind the open front. The bathtub spout water filter has a frustum-shaped filter body with enclosing sidewalls, a rearwardly extending male threaded end for water ingress adapted to screw into a bathtub spout water supply line, and a frontwardly extending male threaded end for water egress and adapted to screw into the female threaded fitting in the bathtub spout. Filter material is contained within the enclosed filter body.

Abstract: A personal portable filtration device for removing contaminants from water. In one form, the filtration device is attachable to an ordinary drinking straw, and in another form the filtration device is attachable to an enlarged section of a tubular member. In a first embodiment of the first form, the drinking straw is insertable at one end into an opening in the filter device, whereby the filter device is applied externally of the straw, and in another embodiment the filter device is sized and shaped for insertion into an end of the straw. In one embodiment of the second form, the filter device is received in an enlargement at one end of the tubular member, and in another embodiment is received in an enlargement between and spaced from the ends of the tubular member.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a bottle having a circular cross-section neck or open end includes a fine filtration media having a mean pore size of about 1-3 microns and capable of removing contaminants of 3-4 micron size and larger, and an inner filtration media disposed radially inward of the fine filtration media. The inner filtration media includes activated carbon, preferably a porous activated carbon/plastic matrix having a porosity of between about 10-150 microns. The outer housing contains the fine filtration media and the inner filtration media, and is dimensioned to pass through the neck or open end of the bottle. The fine filtration media preferably comprises sheets on opposite faces of a microfiber filter media formed of glass microfibers of varying cross-sectional diameters, with the fine filtration media in a pleated or accordion configuration. A filter assembly may also be provided having a spring pressed straw.

Abstract: A new water cap with built-in filter and air pump for filtering unfiltered water within a container. The inventive device includes a filtering portion position interiorly of a container. The filtering portion includes an upper microscreen disposed within the open lower end of the conduit. An upper layer of foam is disposed below the upper microscreen. A filtering cartridge is disposed below the upper layer of foam. A lower layer of foam is disposed below the filtering cartridge. A lower microscreen is disposed below the lower layer of foam. An air pump is coupled with respect to the container. The air pump is in communication with an interior of the container. The air pump has a check valve and an adjustable or standard air flow valve in communication therewith.

Abstract: A liquid deionizing twin bed apparatus of the type used in conjunction with a pressure vessel having an inlet for receiving untreated ionized liquid and an outlet through which the treated deionized liquid exits the vessel. The apparatus is comprised of at least one liquid permeable container having an anionic exchanger bed containing materials adapted to absorb one type of charged particle from the fluid and also having a cationic exchanger bed containing materials to absorb oppositely charged particles from the liquid flowing therethrough. The anionic and cationic beds are positioned in series in the liquid permeable container relative to fluid flow therethrough and the liquid permeable container is adapted to be removably housed within the vessel for removing spent anionic and cationic materials and replacing spent anionic and cationic materials by inserting a new liquid permeable container having unspent anionic and cationic materials into the vessel.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluid dispensing apparatus. The fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a fluid storage portion comprised primarily of a substantially flexible material, a fluid exit portion, and a filter cartridge disposed between the fluid storage portion and the fluid exit portion. The arrangement and construction is such that the action of squeezing and/or inverting the fluid storage portion forces fluid stored withing the fluid storage portion to pass through the filter cartridge and towards or out through the fluid exit portion.

Abstract: A filler-packing apparatus comprises a bundled filler-receiving space assembly, a movable bottom stopper assembly having bottom stoppers which are insertable into bottom openings of the filler-receiving spaces of said assembly, and top stoppers which are respectively insertable into top openings of the filler-receiving spaces and enabling packing filler in a plurality of columns in a short period of time. A filler-packing method uses this apparatus and thereby enables packing of the filler into the filler-receiving spaces in short period of time uniformly. An assembly of columns is uniformly packed with a filler and assembled by using the filler-packing apparatus and the filler-packing method.

Abstract: A receiver/dryer includes a canister with a cylindrical sidewall, an integral lower end, and an open upper end. A pick-up tube is disposed centrally within the canister. The lower end of the pick-up tube has a wedged-shape and is supported by the lower end of the canister. The upper end of the pick-up tube has an annular groove that carries an O-ring seal. A lower baffle and lower filter pad are received over the pick-up tube with the lower baffle having a tight slip-fit therewith. Loose desiccant is supported by the lower baffle and filter pad. An upper filter pad and upper baffle are received over the pick-up tube, with the upper baffle having a slip-fit therewith. An upper end cap is secured to the open end of the canister, with the pick-up tube being received within an outlet passage in the upper end cap, and the O-ring seal providing a fluid-tight seal between the pick-up tube and the end cap.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible fluid filter is disclosed. The filter comprises, in part, a filter medium for filtering impurities from a fluid and a lower rim sealably disposed around the filter medium. The filter further includes an upper rim and a fluid impervious collapsible wall connected between the upper and lower rims. The filter medium, the lower rim, the collapsible wall and the upper rim define a fluid containing reservoir. The collapsible wall of the filter can be collapsed between the upper and lower rims so as to minimize the volume occupied by the fluid containing reservoir and by the filter for storage purposes and can be expanded between the upper and lower rims so as to maximize the volume occupied by the fluid containing reservoir and by the filter generally during use.

Abstract: A pour-through water treatment device. The device comprises a carafe, a pour tray including a lower portion, an outer lid, and an inner lid. The outer lid is sealed to and substantially covers a forward portion of the lower portion, and has a lip extending over an upper edge of the carafe. The inner lid covers an opening in the outer lid for pouring untreated water into the pour tray. A bayonet-type filter locking and sealing arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter cartridge which can be filled with granular filter material, approximately in the shape of a cup open at the top which can be closed with a lid. This filter cartridge has a base (1) with at least one outlet aperture (2), has a sieve means (12) and side walls (3) and is for filtering liquids, in particular water. In order that even small granulate particles of, for example, .ltoreq.200 .mu.m wide cannot pass through the outlet apertures (2) in the base (1), and nevertheless good through flow of the liquid to be purified is ensured, it is provided according to the invention that 1-64 outlet apertures (2) are provided, each with a fabric insert (12) with plastics frames (11), with a pore size in the fabric of 50 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m, preferably 80 to 200 .mu.m.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose shower/tub filter unit are shown and described, the filter unit containing a chlorine-removal media and a scale-inhibiting media. The housing of the filter unit is adapted to attach universally to various water sources, such as a pipe or faucet and to a showerhead or hand-held spray unit. The filter unit preferably has an arm extending out from the main body of the filter unit, and the filter unit preferably extends upward and outward from the attachment point on the pipe or faucet. This way, a single filter unit may either be positioned a) substantially above a shower pipe to place the showerhead generally at a similar level as it would be without the filter unit in place, as in a United States shower configuration; or b) to fit under but extend out from a tub faucet, as in a European shower configuration. The filter unit has a replaceable cartridge that includes a carbon block and scale-deposit-inhibiting phosphate spheres contained in a space inside the carbon block.

Abstract: Filtering element for hose fittings of irrigation systems, in particular but not exclusively for gardens or kitchen gardens, comprising a rigid tubular body at least partially filled with filtering material and having a first end and a second end respectively connectable to a first and to a second terminal of a fitting.

Abstract: A Stormwater Drain Filter for removing sediment and liquid hydrocarbons comprised of a tank having a central outlet which flows into a sewer inlet and is surrounded by a floating boom which is hydrophobic and liquid hydrocarbon absorbent.

Abstract: An adsorbent package is provided for mounting to a filter or bleed nipple that is, in turn, attached to a bright tube or other fluid flow conduit in an auto or truck accumulator or receiver dryer. In a preferred form of the invention, a centrally disposed opening is provided in the adsorbent package and is surrounded by a rigid collar. The aperture is dimensioned so that it will be force or snap fit over a flange or the like on a filter.

Abstract: A modular water treatment and 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 each having a specific water treatment function, such as the removal of a particular material from the water by the use of 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 ultra violet light, for the purpose of sanitizing the water.

Abstract: By making the fluid seal an integral part of either the filter element or the filter housing, the reliability of fluid filter assemblies is improved. In addition, the process for manufacturing filter assemblies and their individual components can be more easily automated.

Abstract: In a device for introducing gases into liquids, in particular water, at least one prefilter being incorporated into the liquid feed, followed by an atomization device with a connection to a gas supply, and at least one further postfilter being incorporated between the atomization device and a storage container, the filters, the atomization device and the storage container are combined in a modular design to form a compact installation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and remanufacturing a water treatment device having a media bed includes assembling a housing from a length of open pipe and a pair of end caps. One end cap is secured to each open end of the pipe. At lease two openings are formed at opposite ends of the housing. The housing is charged with media by passing the media through the openings in the housing. A pair of screens are provided in the housing outwardly of the media, and a pair of fittings are provided in the openings outwardly of the screens. The end caps may be permanently secured to the pipe, such as by an adhesive or other known techniques, prior to charging the housing with media. The water treatment device may be charged with media by forming a slurry, made up of the media and a liquid, and passing the slurry through the opening in the pipe. Liquid may then be drawn out of the housing through one of the fittings. At least one of the end caps may include a wall portion which overlaps a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: An improvement in a water filter cartridge of the type having a substantially frustoconical vessel member defining a vertical axis and containing a granular purifying agent which is insoluble in water. The vessel member has a screen-like end wall portion at the lower end thereof. A hollow substantially frustoconical cover member is attached to the vessel member and coaxial with the vertical axis thereof. The cover member defines an annular rim portion and a first slanted portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the rim portion, and a substantially flat-topped second portion, the first portion having a multiplicity of vertically oriented water entry flow slots arrayed therearound. The vessel member and the cover member together define a container for receiving and retaining said granular purifying agent therein. A first layer of filtration material is disposed within said vessel member and layered upon said granular purifying agent. The water filter cartridge is for use in a water filtration device.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: A filter arrangement with a cellular structure in which a plurality of filter chambers extend in the direction of the medium to be filtered. There is a filter cloth or fabric attached to each of the two sides of a cell frame which closes the filter chambers on both sides. The filter chambers are each provided with a filling of predominantly active charcoal granules. To achieve a simple and advantageous structure of the filter arrangement, the cellular structure is in the form of a rectangular cell frame each with rectangular filter chambers, preferably made of synthetic resin. Appropriate, right-angled partition walls inside the cell frame and the installation of reinforcement members can result in filter chambers of optimum size.

Abstract: A method for the removal of organic compounds from columns of air or water. The method utilizes a solidifying organic polymer-based filtration media and activated carbon placed in separate containers and arranged in an in-line, two phase process to extract organic compounds and metals from feed streams containing emulsified or suspended concentrations of organic contaminants by absorbing and solidifying the organics into an easily retrievable, disposable mass. The treated feed streams exit the process containing acceptable limits of the organic compounds and metals within the fluid columns to permit their free release into the environment.

Abstract: A counter top water filter unit intended for domestic use to be placed adjacent to a sink and having an inlet at its lower end which is coupled to the sink faucet. The filter unit includes a cylindrical-shaped carbon particle filter cartridge which has a longitudinal passage extending from one end to the other, and a removable pre-filter screen coaxial with the cartridge and surrounding the cartridge, both elements being removably mounted within a cylindrical filter housing, the housing being closed at its upper end and open at its lower end. A replaceable electronic display monitor unit is mounted in an outlet housing fitted to the top of the cylindrical filter housing. The state of the life-span of the filter cartridge is shown on the display monitor in terms of colored indicator lights which denote whether the filter cartridge is within, nearing an end to, and outside its expected life-span.

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.

Abstract: An oil absorption filter for extracting free oil from the used wash water of a laundry has platforms which extend in parallel and laterally across a tank, but do not reach across the total length of the tank so as to provide an avenue of fluid flow between the platforms.. Multiple entrances are provided into the tank to resulting in a slow flow of used wash water into the tank so as to encourage free oil to separate from the used wash water. Hydrophobic socks are vertically arranged in rows and placed through holes in the platforms. A partitioned pumping chamber is provided with an entrance proximate to the bottom of the tank which is the only avenue of entry for oil-filtered water to access the pumping chamber. A sump pump connected electrically connected to a level float pumps the oil filtered water out of the pumping chamber and out of the oil filter.

Abstract: The small filter comprises a housing (1) and a grip (2). A pump (6, 7, 8) can be operated with the grip. Disposed concentrically around the pump are an activated charcoal filter (3) and a ceramic filter (4). The grip is substantially beaker-shaped with convex front wall (11) and cylindrical lateral walls (14). In its rest position, it enclosed the upper end of the housing, such that the small filter is very compact while the grip still has large gripping or seating surfaces for the fingers and the ball of the thumb.

Abstract: A combination filter assembly and flexible, portable bottle having a bottom opening with a sealing cap attached thereto, to filter out substantially all INORGANICS, ORGANICS, RADIOLOGICAL CHEMICALS and MICROBIOLOGY held in water in the bottle. The filter assembly may be attached to an adapter sealed to the top of the flexible bottle. Water in the bottle passes through the filter assembly and out a top nozzle or valve when the flexible bottle is squeezed. The flexible bottle is filled with water through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A water filter system having a housing for a plurality of serial-flow connected filter cartridges with distinct filtering characteristic related to the direction of flow of water being filtered. Each filter cartridge has a membrane wrapped activated carbon filter body. One of the filter bodies includes a heavy metal bacteriostat. The cartridges are each releasably retained in a manifold by keyed connectors including rotatable locking rings. Each cartridge having a distinct filtering characteristic includes a keying structure to ensure that the cartridge can only be connected to the manifold for placement in proper serial-flow relationship in the system. The filter system includes a spent filter cartridge indicator. The filter system is particularly suited for countertop placement and connection to a faucet.

Abstract: Treatment of sewage water contaminated by phosphorus is accomplished by passing the water through iron oxide. The iron oxide is placed in close proximity to soft resilient open-cell foam, which serves to slow down, and even out, the rate of travel of the water while under treatment, thus increasing the residence time.

Abstract: A reusable fluid absorbing device for separating water from oil includes a water-permeable liner bag disposed within a rigid housing container. The rigid housing container includes at least one throughhole that fluidly couples the interior of the housing container to the exterior of the housing container. A removable end cap provides access to the housing compartment interior, allowing for removal and replacement of the liner bag. The liner bag is sealed shut and made from water-permeable material. A water-absorbing mixture of material is disposed within the water-permeable liner bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection and containment of hydrocarbons that may be spilled or leaked by equipment utilizing an internal combustion engine, transmission or fuel tank prevents pollution of the environment. Hydrocarbons accumulated in a spill collection apparatus are directed to a spill containment device where they are absorbed and solidified into a rubber-like mass. Solidification of hydrocarbons and retaining them within a hydrocarbon impermeable housing prevents them from contaminating the surface below the equipment and facilitates their handling for disposal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a replaceable filter cartridge for a use in a water filtration device. The cartridge has a substantially frustoconical vessel member defining a vertical axis with the vessel member having a screen-like end wall portion at the lower end thereof, which end wall portion permits water to flow therethrough. A hollow substantially frustoconical cover member is attached to the vessel member in coaxial alignment with the vertical axis. The cover member has a multiplicity of vertically oriented water entry flow slots. A non-planar compressible first mass of filtration material is frictionally retained within said cover member and a non-planar compressible second mass of filtration material is positioned within said vessel member in juxtaposed relation to said end-wall member. A granular purifying agent, which is insoluble in water, is contained within said vessel member, and layered upon the second mass of filtration material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-way valve comprising a valve casing having a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets, first and second chambers defined in the valve casing, a partition disposed between the first and second chambers and having a plurality of fluid paths, a plurality of valve elements each engaging a corresponding fluid path from the first chamber side for opening and closing the fluid path and a driving device having cams which selectively drive the valve elements from the second chamber side. The multi-way valve can be manufactured as a small-sized one, and therefore, a water purifier using the valve also can be assembled as a small-sized one as a whole. The amount of resident fluid in the valve can be decreased, thereby improving the hygienic property of the water purifier. The operation for taking off or exchanging valve elements can be simplified.

Abstract: A combination faucet assembly and filter assembly is provided wherein these respective assemblies are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship by pipes preferably located in a common housing structure. The combination is adapted for use in association with a kitchen sink or the like. The faucet assembly incorporates a valve for mixing hot and cold tap water and for diverting cold tap water for passage through a filter in the filter assembly. A spout is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. A pivotable faucet lever is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. The lever has a universal type of movement capability and is manipulated by an operator to accomplish regulating of either such mixing of such divertiing, and also the regulating of water volume issuing from the spout. Preferably, in mixing hot and cold in an operator selected ratio are fed to a mixing chamber adjacent the valve before dispensing of the resulting water mixture from a spout.

Abstract: Water purification is achieved by contacting the water with a container of charcoal, zeolite and a bimetallic alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the three components are segregated from each other and contained in a bag having three compartments.

Abstract: A filter means for liquids with a filter cup (2) filled with filter material (1), the base (3) of which has at least one sieve-like outlet aperture (4) for the liquid, and with a lid (7) which is provided with at least one sieve-like inlet aperture (13) for the liquid, and is joined in a liquid-tight manner to the filter cup (2). In a preferred embodiment a fabric insert (9) is provided between the filter cup (2) and the lid (7). The fabric insert (9) is provided with at least one fabric piece (19) projecting into the filter cup (2) which fabric insert has a pore spacing sufficiently small to prevent passage of particles larger than 200 .mu.m.

Abstract: The main application of the invention lies in making cartridges, filters and complete filter systems for regeneration purposes, in particular for regenerating swimming pool water, and for that purpose it comprises at least a system for physically treating water by means of an inert granular material enclosed in at least one envelope through which said water can flow, passing through said material; according to the invention, the material is of cellular structure, having relative density of less than 1, and is constituted by pozzolan having a grain size that is less than or equal to 25 mm.

Abstract: A showerhead system with internal filtration media includes a fluid-tight pressure housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the outlet substantially co-axial with the inlet, the housing having a substantially cylindrical internal surface. The system further includes several porous radial disks axially disposed internally to the pressure housing and having circumferential edges in integral communication with the internal cylindrical surface of the pressure housing. The system also include filtration media positional within regions defined between the porous disks. The system additionally includes at least one rigid radial disk axially disposed within the axial distribution of the plurality of porous disks, the rigid disk including groups of apertures. The rigid disk may or may not have an integral securement to the internal cylindrical surface of the pressure housing such that its axial position, within the system, is defined by filtration media packed on either side of it.

Abstract: A pressure vessel housing that can be brazed and leak tested before adding desiccant material, eliminating the risk of damaging desiccant bags during assembly. The desiccant is added to the housing of the pressure vessel through an existing inlet opening in the top of the accumulator housing, thereby eliminating the potential for damage to the desiccant and the desiccant container while maintaining the integrity of the housing because no additional openings in the housing are required to access the desiccant material. A screen permanently mounted inside the pressure vessel supports the loose desiccant material and another screen removably attached to the inlet opening provides access to the loose desiccant material housed within the pressure vessel. A method of making the pressure vessel allows the accumulator assembly to be leak tested before the desiccant is added, reducing scrap and allowing repair of accumulator assemblies.

Abstract: An improved metal particle removal and retention apparatus includes a canister-retention bracket, a liquid inlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, a liquid outlet channel connected to the canister-retention bracket, and a canister assembly connected to the canister-retention bracket. The canister assembly is in communication with the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and a plurality of magnet attachment assemblies are attached to the canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a plurality of interior particle-reception pans attached to a plurality of interior pan-reception portions of the canister housing. The interior pan-reception portions are in registration with the exterior magnet-attachment-reception portions. An outflow tube is connected to the canister-retention bracket and is in communication with the liquid outlet channel. The outflow tube includes a plurality of oil receiving apertures.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis drinking water treatment system with a backwashable precise prefilter unit includes a super precise filter, a pressure pump and its automatic control system, a reverse osmosis membrane (or a nano-filtration membrane), a pressure tank, a post filter, and a drinking water dispensing apparatus. In front of the super precise filter, there is an independent backwashable precise prefilter unit. This unit is composed of three filter columns: the first packed with quartz sand, the second with a Cu--Zn alloy of high purity, and the third with sintered microporous PE. A five channel ball valve connects the water supply with the backwashable precise prefilter unit, and then with the super precise filter. The five channel ball valve has three different working positions, namely, a cleaning water position, a discharging water position, and a backwashing position. The useful life of this backwashable precise prefilter unit can be more than three years.

Abstract: A storm drain filter is sized to cover the opening of a storm drain. It includes a top debris tray removably positioned within a bottom media tray. Each tray includes a peripheral trough surrounding a central overflow opening. The top tray is shorter in height than the bottom tray, so that a filter media receiving chamber is defined between the top tray and the bottom tray. Filter media is positioned in the filter media receiving chamber. A handle is attached across the central overflow opening of the top tray. In a first embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the top and bottom trays are perforated. In a second embodiment, the inner walls of the top and bottom trays are perforated. In either embodiment, water flowing into the filter is distributed around the top trough, passed through the perforated surface of the top tray, the filter media, the perforated surface of the bottom tray, and into the storm drain. Hydrocarbons and other contaminants are filtered by the filter media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter for removal of hydrocarbons and synthetic hydrocarbons from water by adsorption and/or absorption. The invention comprises a flow-through filter. The filter comprises at least three layers of filter media that extend radially in relation to the longitudinal axis of the filter. The first and third layers of filter media are comprised of a first material that is hydrophobic and removes hydrocarbons from contaminated water through adsorption or absorption and the second layer is comprised of a mix of the first material with a second material, a generally rigid granular spacer. The layers of filter media are separately placed within the casing, but are not spaced apart from one another.