With Particular Liquid Receiving Means Or Foraminous Bed Retainer Patents (Class 210/289)
  • Patent number: 5770071
    Abstract: A wastewater filter having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a first body portion connected to the fluid inlet, a second body portion connected to the first body portion, a filter support disposed in the second body portion between the first body portion and the fluid outlet, and a particulate filter material filling an area between the second body portion and the filter support and extending into the first body portion. The filter support has a plurality of openings formed therein. The total area of the plurality of openings is greater than a horizontal cross-sectional area of the particulate filter material in the first body portion. The particulate filter material filters wastewater passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: T. Gig Drewery
  • Patent number: 5762785
    Abstract: A swimming pool filter including a cylindrical receptacle made of plastic material and casket-forming ends to which a valve head is coupled, the latter to be connected by conduits to a diffusor and a manifold located, respectively, at the top and bottom of the receptacle; the filter including sand as filtering material, and a buffer is located between the bottom of the receptacle and the manifold occupying a predetermined sand-free space, which buffer when subject to an inner overpressure that causes the receptacle to expand, prevents the sand from accumulating at the bottom of the receptacle, thus neutralizing the pressures that may act upon the manifold. The cylindrical wall of the receptacle is reinforced with a band made of a resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Aplister, S.A.
    Inventor: Robert Garrigos Ruiz
  • Patent number: 5746914
    Abstract: A filter assembly for use in an air remediation system is provided. The filter assembly includes a first and second filter member, each of which has a plurality of openings to define a plurality of separate flow passages. A granular filter material layer is disposed between the first and second filter members. A frame structure containing each of the first and second filter members as well as the granular filter material forms the self contained filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Graphite Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Hanna, Kevin L. Burmeister
  • Patent number: 5707536
    Abstract: A filter cartridge containing resin beads for purifying fluids such as water and chemicals has a cylindrical housing with an interior compartment containing a fixed septum and a moveable piston-like septum. The resin beads are packed between the fixed septum and the moveable septum. The moveable septum is displaced upstream to account for expansion of the resin beads while the flow of the fluid through the filter cartridge causes the upstream septum to maintain a packing pressure on the resin beads. The downstream fixed septum will preferably have a cone-like shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher A. Meissner
  • Patent number: 5688588
    Abstract: A drinking straw that purifies water by forced movement of water through the straw. The straw is composed of: 1) a filter plug made of a fibrous structure, the filter plug having sides, a first end, a second end, and a firmness sufficient to avoid collapse of the fibrous structure under a specified pressure drop; 2) a water purification material integrated in the fibrous structure; and 3) a liquid impervious wrapper covering the sides of the filter plug, the wrapper defining openings at the first and second ends of the filter plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dennis Cotton, Dennis Stein Everhart, Elizabeth Deibler Gadsby
  • Patent number: 5685975
    Abstract: A water softening device includes a cylindrical housing with an inlet formed at one end for admitting water to be treated. A filtering material is located in an upstream zone adjacent the inlet. A plate is positioned in relative spaced relation to an opposite end of the housing. A downstream zone, free of filtering material, is located between the plate and the opposite end. Openings are formed in the plate to allow passage of softened water to flow between the upstream and downstream zones. A conduit is axially located in the housing and has a first open end communicating with the downstream zone. A second end of the conduit forms an outlet of the device. A check valve is located at the first end of the conduit for allowing unidirectional flow of water undergoing softening from the downstream zone to the conduit, the check valve restricting flow between the zones during brine regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: BWT France
    Inventors: Dominique Joubert, Michel Pecolatto, Martial Sabatier, Veronique Tharreau, Jean Michel Arribard
  • Patent number: 5626750
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fluid to remove at least part of a component or components from the fluid in a reciprocating flow ion exchange system. The apparatus includes a vessel having a central holding chamber that is enclosed at each end by an end cap. A packed bed of ion exchange particles is held within the central holding chamber through the use of upper and lower retaining means so that a particle free cavity is created above and below the particle bed. The flow of fluid is distributed substantially evenly across the end of the particle bed by the pressure drop through the bed when one of the particle free cavities is filled with pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Drake Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan F. Chinn
  • Patent number: 5618426
    Abstract: Lateral member assembly for use in an underdrain lateral distribution system is made of plastics but is as capable as much heavier and more costly prior art metallic assemblies in supporting a bed of filter media which must be periodically backwashed with liquid and gas. Complementary elements, including a rigid extruded floor plate member having longitudinally extending side edge channels, and an overlying screen member having flange portions adapted to be retained by undercut recesses in the side edge channels, are adapted to be assembled to each other to form hollow lateral assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the screen member is telescopically assembled to the floor plate member to cause the screen flange portions to interlock with the recesses in the side edge channels. The resulting assembly is sealed against leakage where the members are interlocked by a pair of flexible, integral plastic sealing strips which are co-extruded with the rigid floor plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Wheelabrator Water Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Eischen, Stephen A. Uban, Richard C. Maxson
  • Patent number: 5597479
    Abstract: An improved electro-coalescent/magnetic separation (ECMS) system for removing contaminants from water, including desalinization, comprises a device for exposing a stream of water to be treated to an electric field, followed by introduction of ionized coagulating substances, including ionized gases and/or metal ions, followed by plural filter stages. The first filter stage may comprise a polarizable glass, alumina, or ceramic media provided as a bed in a tank with an underdrain, so as to provide substantial residence time. A polishing filter may comprise a very fine fiber or organic gel filter element confined between relatively flexible electrically-conductive screen members and provided with a DC power supply to polarize the filter. This assembly is confined between relatively rigid, perforated members such that the filter assembly can move slightly upon backwash to dislodge caked-on contaminants or the like, while preserving the structural integrity of the filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Aqua-Ion Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5595653
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting an analyte from a liquid sample, comprises a microcolumn having a microparticulate media therein, the media being sandwiched between two compression layers. Preferably, the compression layers comprise a binder-free glass fiber, held in the microcolumn by upper and lower polypropylene mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Cera, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Good, Alan F. Redmond
  • Patent number: 5549822
    Abstract: The water purification filter is coupled intermediate any conventional shower head feed pipe and shower head. The filtration device is toroidal with a serpentine flow path. The filtration device envelopes the feed pipe which enables the shower head to remain within substantially the same location as before the insertion of the filter. To purify the shower water, the filter contains a filter media coupled between two filter screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: George E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5545319
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in an ion exchange unit or column comprising a riser pipe, a port coupled to one end of said pipe, a first rigid cylinder having apertures therein mounted concentrically on the pipe, a port coupled to the space between the pipe and said cylinder, a mesh sleeve concentrically mounted about the cylinder, a sieve mounted about the mesh sleeve, a second rigid cylinder concentric with the pipe and near its outer end, a second mesh sleeve mounted about said second rigid cylinder and a sieve bag containing the second mesh sleeve. The aperture size in said sieve material is only sufficiently fine to prevent the passage of ion exchange resin beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Hart, Bashir M. Ahmed, Carlos Gonzales, William G. Kozak
  • Patent number: 5536404
    Abstract: A system for controlling effluent discharge having an inlet for passing wastewater, a filter connected to the inlet for removing solids from the wastewater, a filtered water retaining tank connected to the outlet of the filter for accumulating a portion of the water passed from the filter, a filtered water outlet connected to the outlet of the filter so as to pass filtered water exterior of the system, and a controller connected to the filtered water retaining tank so as to selectively pass a flow of the accumulated water into the filter. The filter includes a first body portion connected to the inlet, a second body portion connected to the first body portion, a filter screen disposed in the second body portion between the first body portion and the outlet and having a plurality of openings therein, and a particulate filter material filling an area between the second body portion and the filter screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: T. Gig Drewery
  • Patent number: 5486289
    Abstract: A system for mechanically stabilizing a bed of particulate media which undergoes changes in volume during operation. A tubular column is provided which is closed and ported at a first end and open at a second end. A piston assembly is supported in the column for containing a bed of particulate media. The piston assembly comprises a piston having at least one opening for conveying a fluid through the piston. A fluid connection is attached to the piston in fluid communication with the opening. The fluid connection may move relative to the tubular column. A resilient seal is arranged about the piston to provide sealing engagement of the piston and the tubular column and to provide proper alignment therebetween. Porous barrier elements are positioned in the column so as to prevent the undesired escape of particulate media through the tubular column port and through the piston opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward D. McCullough
  • Patent number: 5482620
    Abstract: A permeable ditch underwater water purification apparatus purifies source water using the principle of self-purification of water. This apparatus includes impermeable ditch walls on a tapered bottom. The apparatus also has an open top side. A granular filter layer is filled in the ditch body. Collector (counter-rinsing) pipes are provided at the bottom of the granular filter layer, and a filter protecting layer is provided on the surface of the granular filter layer. This apparatus can maintain the thickness of the granular filter layer all the year round. When blockage of the filter layer occurs, water from another ditch is pumped, and the remaining impurities in the granular filter layer can be forced away by water pumped into the collector (counter-rinsing) pipe. After sterilization by adding an appropriate amount of chlorine into the purified water, the quality of water will meet the standards for drinking water in effect in China, and the purified water may be supplied directly for use by the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Kecheng Liang
  • Patent number: 5368729
    Abstract: A solid phase extraction device has a solvent-compatible permeable membrane with a bubble point greater than the normal operating pressure differential used and a sorbent material retained by two disks or frits so that when pressure is applied, the sample to be processed will pass through the membrane, but the membrane will not permit air to pass therethrough, and the sorbent remains wet throughout the process. The device has an input port and an output port and operates to maintain a pressure differential between the ports. Sorbent material is entrapped between two disks or frits. Located above the sorbent material is a support having a grid surface. The support prevents the frit from "riding up" the column of the barrel. Ultrasonically welded to the support is a solvent-compatible permeable membrane. The membrane is hermetically sealed to the support and the support is self-locked to the interior barrel of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Stefkovich, Alfonso Liu
  • Patent number: 5364540
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a fluid stream wherein the fluid stream is passed through a first filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a first preselected micron level, then through a desiccant media bed zone including a multiplicity of desiccant beads to dry the fluid stream and then through a second filtering zone to remove particulate materials therefrom above a second preselected micron level below said first micron level so as to remove smaller particulate materials including particulates from said first filtering zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: George J. Sciuto
  • Patent number: 5354460
    Abstract: A step-down nozzle for the even distribution of fluids at the interface between phases in a column or cell accommodating a plug flow operation is structured with an internal flow channel of recursive configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: The Amalgamated Sugar Company
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Kenneth R. Petersen, Teunis Vervloet, Michael W. Mumm
  • Patent number: 5342424
    Abstract: A method of forming a fibrous composite that includes forming first and second layered groups of fibers extending in side-by-side relation; and passing gas such as air through the groups of fibers to effect controlled reduction in overall thickness of the two groups of fibers. The two groups of fibers are typically bonded together, and a think flexible, porous support layer may support the first layer which consists of glass fibers of smaller diameter than the glass fibers in the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Jack R. Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 5332497
    Abstract: A self-supporting modular underdrain member for use in a liquid filtration system comprises a main body or housing including a pair of longitudinally extending inclined walls which may have a pair of generally triangular transverse walls connecting the inclined walls to one another, the inclined walls each being provided with a pair of longitudinally extending recesses and a plurality of orifices communicating with each of the recesses. A pair of flanges are connected to the inclined walls for attaching the underdrain body to a floor surface so that the inclined walls, any transverse walls and the floor surface define a cross-sectionally triangular underdrain chamber. Two pairs of elongate cover plates are attached to the inclined walls over the recesses to form in each of the inclined walls a pair of longitudinally extending plenums for the equalization of backwash air and water flow. Each of the cover plates being provided with a plurality of spaced slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward M. Shea, J. Holland Scott
  • Patent number: 5322629
    Abstract: Storm water runoff is treated by passing the runoff through a bed of high quality leaf compost material to remove pollutants from the runoff prior to discharge into a water receiving system, such as a river, lake or storm water drainage system. Apparatus for treating storm water runoff is disclosed having at least one chamber for containing compost defined by a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls; an influent pathway for providing storm water to the compost chamber, a drain field positioned beneath the compost chamber for receiving storm water from the compost chamber, a layer of water permeable material interposed between the compost chamber and the drain field providing fluid communication between the compost chamber and the drain field while preventing the flow of compost material into the drain field, and a storm water outlet in fluid communication with the drain field for discharging treated storm water from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: W & H Pacific Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5300224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a one piece or unitary filter assembly for attachment to a waterline to remove chlorine and other substances from water. This unitary assembly provides a rechargeable or reusable filter assembly for use with hot water passing through a concentrated bed of 100% granulated or powdered zinc and includes a removable diverter/screen element to enable zinc to be added to or removed from an internal chamber formed therein. The preferred method of treating water utilizes 100% zinc filter media to react with or remove chlorine and other substances more efficiently from water, thereby allowing a greater volume of water to be treated, as well as the treatment of water at elevated temperatures. The pure zinc filtering media used has the added advantage of achieving a more efficient oxidation of chlorine while meeting current EPA standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Frederick A. Farley
  • Patent number: 5248417
    Abstract: Double flow-through filtration apparatus requiring the bulk of the water to be treated to twice flow through filtering media contained within a filter housing. The housing includes an inlet port for receiving water from a source; a combination port for water flow to and from a storage tank and an outlet port which may lead to a water tap. Untreated water from a source flows into the filter housing through the inlet port. A cup type check valve prevents flow directly to the storage tank, forcing the water through the filter media for a first treatment. A filter tube, extending through the media, in cooperation with a check valve of the slip type, permits once treated water to flow to a storage tank and prevents backflow into the tube. Once the water tap is opened, the once treated water flows form the storage tank, through the combination port, by the cup valve, and through the filter media a second time before exiting the outlet port of the housing and the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Roger P. Reid
  • Patent number: 5215660
    Abstract: A filter drier (10) for an air conditioning or refrigeration system, has a body (12) with an interior area (20). The unit has an inlet opening (24) and an outlet opening (30). The outlet opening is in connection with an outlet tube (34) that extends substantially the length of the interior of the body. Donut shaped housings (54, 56) holding particles of desiccant material, are sandwiched between a first baffle (36) and a second baffle (72). The housings have an upper filter pad (58) of rigid, coarse fiber material, and a filter bag (62) of fine, flexible fiber material. In each housing, the filter bag is attached to the filter pad about its outer periphery at a seam (66), and at a seam (68) which is adjacent an opening (60) in the pad, through which the outlet tube extends. The filter bags of the donut shaped housings are deformed upon assembly to insure contact with the inner wall of the housing and the exterior surface of the outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Mosher, Jim J. Melfi
  • Patent number: 5213683
    Abstract: A chromatography column having a media supply and product/buffer inlet assembly positioned at the inlet of a dispersion section at the top of the column and an outlet assembly positioned at the collection section at the bottom of the column for receiving and discharging product components and buffer liquid and for discharging liquefied spent media. The media and product inlet assembly includes a housing having a product and buffer inlet passage including a selectively movable media supply nozzle extending through the housing. The nozzle may be positioned through the dispersion section into the column housing for spraying media in the form of a slurry into the column housing, and may be withdrawn after the media bed is packed. The collection section of the column includes a hollow rod extending through a discharge conduit through which spent media may flow. The rod has a probe at the upper end for entering into the column, a point at the end of the probe being adapted to puncture and chip spent hardened media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Chromaflow, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Mann
  • Patent number: 5203995
    Abstract: A filter for a machine tool operative to filter one of steel, brass, and copper from a liquid agent is disclosed herein. The filter consists of a cylindrical container having a closed top end and a closed bottom end, an upper duct positioned near the top end of the container, a lower duct positioned near the bottom end of the container and having a lower diffuser fluidly connected thereto, and a filtering element surrounding the lower diffuser. The filter element consists of ilmenite particles having a density (d) of about 6 g/cm.sup.3 and a size ranging between a smallest size of about 0.2 mm and a largest size of about 1.0 mm, the ilmenite particles being in the form of grains having sharp edges and irregular sized faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Martinez M. Fernando
  • Patent number: 5188732
    Abstract: An ion-exchange resin holder (18) to recover silver from photographic rinsing water with a perforate inlet (37) and outlet (29) resin restrainer between which a mass (38) of ion-exchange resin is restrained in the holder and a liquid restrainer (32) near the inlet for deflecting part of the incoming water towards the bottom end, and for allowing another part of said incoming water to pass undeflectedly towards the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Marc A. De Niel, Dirk F. de Ruijter, Leo N. Vackier, Bart J. Verlinden
  • Patent number: 5186826
    Abstract: An improved apparatus (10) is made available for separating at least two biological substances in solution by adsorption and comprises in the upper interior section (28) of its housing (10) a means effecting a partial constriction of the cross-section of said interior section (28), said section thereby being divided into an upper and lower subspace (34; 36), and which is further distinguished in that the upper subspace (34) and the lower subspace (36) are in flow connection with each other both as regards the solution to be separated and the adsorption agent particles, the feed tube (40) for the solution to be separated being arranged in such a manner that the discharge of the solution to be separated takes place in the lower subspace (36), and the apparatus is a self-contained in unit in sterile form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Veit Otto, Wolfram Weber, Iris Muller-Stein, Wolfgang Schiebler
  • Patent number: 5171443
    Abstract: Regeneration of a granular media is produced by mechanically forming a slurry of the media in a liquid and separation of the liquid from the granular media by rapidly rotating a separator element having small openings through the slurry, as flow of a liquid granule slurry is drawn out through the openings, the movement producing a scrubbing action keeping the openings clear of the granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5156738
    Abstract: Underdrain lateral system, which is especially adapted for use in a gravity filter bed, includes, as its preferred embodiment, scallop-shaped laterals having an upper, wrapped wire, slotted screen surface. The screen surface supports and retains the filter media particles directly, without the necessity of an underlying gravel layer, and is itself supported by channel-shaped rod members which are welded to the wires. The web portions of the channel rods perform the function of simultaneously distributing air and water during backwashing, and include small apertures in upper channels and larger apertures in lower channels to cause a plenum to be formed inside the laterals which ensures that the distribution of air and water will be uniform throughout the lateral, even if the lateral is not perfectly level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Johnson Filtration Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Maxson
  • Patent number: 5084168
    Abstract: A filtering assembly is provided for removal of certain substances from a solution. More particularly, apparatus are provided for removal of hazardous or environmentally unacceptable chemicals from a first solution before it is discharged. The device includes a cylindrical housing having a spaced apart inlet and outlet. Adjacent the inlet, a metal precipitate chamber is provided to collect precipitates which includes rolled fiberglass for capturing precipitates. A filter subassembly is provided on the downstream side of the inlet. The solution is then directed through an adsorption chamber containing activated carbon. In this chamber, certain chemicals are absorbed onto the carbon. A second embodiment of the invention provides multiple inlets for chemicals being introduced into the chamber as well as a water inlet. The chemical inlets are provided with distribution manifolds to evenly disburse the incoming solution within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Manfred Woog
  • Patent number: 5045195
    Abstract: A portable personal water filtration and purification device which includes an elongate tubular filter housing with layers of mechanical filtration and contains a layer of granular activated charcoal impregnated with silver located between the layers of mechanical filter medium. A mouthpiece limits the rate of flow of water through the filter unit, while making it convenient to draw water through the filter. In one embodiment, a filter unit is attached to a flexible drinking tube and the filter unit is located within a portable water container conveniently carried by a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Accuventure, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Spangrud, Martin S. Rifkin
  • Patent number: 5032261
    Abstract: A filtration system for filtering out bacteria, Giardia cysts, turbidity and other impurities in raw water supplied to a home or the like including a sealed container divided into an upper and a lower chamber by a support plate, the support plate supporting a quantity of filter material sufficient for filtering out undesired bacteria, turbidity and other impurities from the raw water; the sealed container having a raw water inlet pipe communicating with an inlet area above the filter material for supplying the raw water, and a filtered water outlet pipe communicating with the lower chamber for exhausting filtered water from the container; and further including a geofilter cloth provided on top of the filter material for supporting a biological "schmutzdecke" growth thereon which, along with the filter material, filters out bacteria, turbidity, Giardia cysts and other impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Dufresne-Henry, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon R. Pyper
  • Patent number: 5028322
    Abstract: A strainer assembly for use in a filter having a granular media bed supported above a floor. The strainer assembly includes a low profile body member having a two tiered construction, the bottom tier having a larger diameter than the upper tier. Each of the tiers has a series of substantially equally spaced apart, generally vertical, slot openings formed therein. The total area of the openings in the bottom tier is from about 3 to 15 times greater than the total area of the openings in the upper tier. An improved distribution/fastening means is provided for directing fluid through the body member and for retaining the body member in position above the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: The Graver Company
    Inventor: Alfonse J. Soriente
  • Patent number: 5008008
    Abstract: A universal swimming pool water filter apparatus for a bottom opening tank comprising multiply useful dual reverse flow port means and cooperating filter medium support having various filtered water passing openings arranged to accommodate fixed cloth or free particulate filtering media, the port means flow being varied with the type of filtering medium support so that a minimum of different production parts are needed to meet all filtering needs, with a consequent reduction in manufacturing equipment and parts inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: James Lockshaw
  • Patent number: 4995976
    Abstract: An orally usable filter straw for the purification of water by forced movement of the water through the straw. The straw includes an elongated tubular conduit having an inlet for reception of the water at a distal end of the conduit and having an outlet at a proximal end of the conduit for expulsion of the treated water. Beginning at the inlet of the straw, the straw includes the following materials retained within the conduit: a removably mounted filter, a purification resin, activated carbon granules, and a bactericide resin. A mouthpiece is mounted at the outlet of the conduit to allow the device to be suitably received by a human user. The straw includes a series of porous spacers positioned within the conduit to segregate the materials retained within the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Water Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon A. Vermes, David M. Botts, Charles A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4971688
    Abstract: The apparatus relates to separation apparatus (1) for separating at least two elements contained in a liquid or gaseous fluid, the apparatus including a separation chamber (60) of adjustable height delimited by a piston (30) slidably mounted in a piston cylinder (2). A variable pressure may be applied to the face (34) of the piston (30) situated outside the chamber (60). The piston cylinder (2) is mounted in a protection cylinder (6) in which a fluid may flow for maintaining a given temperature inside the separation chamber (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Centre Technique Industriel: Institut Textile de France
    Inventors: Combes J. Francois, Chatelin Roger, Wattiez Daniel, Gavet Loues
  • Patent number: 4966698
    Abstract: A stream of contaminated liquid flows into a vessel, and through a filter media, while clean liquid exits the vessel leaving the contaminants deposited on the filter media. The deposited contaminants are scrubbed from the media by circulating the media along a toroidal flow path within the vessel until the contaminants have been transferred from the media into the liquid. The scrubbing action is achieved by a punp suction which is spaced from a pump discharge. The pump discharges through a perforated nozzle. The nozzle extends through a housing. An annulus is formed between the nozzle and the housing. Dirty scrub water flows from the pump, through the nozzle perforations, into the annulus, and away from the vessel, while at the same time the toroidal flow path is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Clifford J. Hensley
  • Patent number: 4946599
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting a bottled water dispenser for use with a continuous source of water are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, means for reducing the pressure and filtering the continuous source of water are provided. In a most preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to substantially reside within the existing dispenser apparatus, thus eliminating the need for bottled water. A housing is provided which contains a filter in an upper portion thereof, the lower portion shaped to conform to an existing tank within the bottled water dispenser in order to provide good thermal communication between the apparatus of the present invention and the existing refrigeration means. Chilled water is retained in the lower portion of the housing and is filtered upon demand, thus providing freshly filtered water to the user at a pressure and velocity substantially the same as that produced using a bottled source, without the contaminants expense and inconvenience associated with bottled water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignees: Thomas L. Craig, Thomas J. Carroll
    Inventor: Thomas L. Craig
  • Patent number: 4941975
    Abstract: A star-shaped filter nozzle has a central member and filter nozzle arms radially protruding therefrom. Each of the filter nozzle arms has one end removably connected in a lateral opening of the central member. The portions of the filter nozzle arms and central member connecting other are adapted to form complementary parts of a bayonet lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Kleemeier, Schewe & Co. KSH GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Schewe
  • Patent number: 4923606
    Abstract: A precast concrete, plastic-jacketed filter underdrain block for downflow or upflow filter units is disclosed. The plastic jacket additionally functions as a mold for the concrete. The plastic molds become an integral part of the finished filter underdrain block. Thus, relatively lightweight, inexpensive plastic molds can be fabricated and shipped to the filter construction site where they are filled with concrete, cured, and then placed in the filter unit to provide an underdrain system. The underdrain blocks may be equipped with handholds to facilitate the handling and placement of the blocks in the filter vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Tetra Technologies
    Inventors: Richard D. Gresh, Robert B. Netherland
  • Patent number: 4921607
    Abstract: The prefilter assembly is provided with a central cavity in which a plurality of tubular porous tubular elements are provided with the remaining space being filled by a mass of shattered metal particles. During filtration, the shattered metal particles eliminate dead space within the filter while also filtering out micro gels which may be in the polymeric material. The shattered metal particles also reduce the possibility of gel formation due to cross-linking of the polymer mass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Hoeganaes Corporation
    Inventor: Isaac L. Langley
  • Patent number: 4885083
    Abstract: A single chamber filter module containing a buoyant bed of filter particles through which the fluid to be filtered is passed in an upward direction through the bed so that the solids become trapped within the bed. The filtrate is withdrawn from the upper end of the module. Periodically, the filter bed is rehabbed by dispersing the bed, washing the entrapped solids from the particles and discharging the solids from the lower end of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Inventor: James V. Banks
  • Patent number: 4877525
    Abstract: A vessel for production of deionized water having increased resistance to corrosion and internal contamination. A throughpipe provided with external threads is welded to the domed bottom and the inner tank bottom and extends into the interior of the vessel. A corrosion-resistant coating is applied to the interior of the vessel and partially upwardly on the threaded portion of the throughpipe such that the gasket prevents deionized water and other corrosive materials from attacking and delaminating the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Micron Technology Inc
    Inventor: John W. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4863611
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing material from a biological solution consisting of a reactor chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a bioactive compound immobilized on particular supports within the reactor, means for retaining the particular supports within the reactor, means for recirculating the solution and the supports at a high flow rate within the reactor, and means for agitating or dispersing the recirculating solution-support mixture throughout the reactor chamber so as to prevent packing of the supports while not subjecting the solution to excessive or damaging forces.In the given example, an apparatus for the extracorporeal removal of heparin from blood is provided. Heparinase is immobilized on cross-linked agarose beads recirculated at a high flow rate through the reactor. Agitation of the blood-bead mixture sufficient to prevent packing of the beads within the reactor chamber is provided by means of a series of openings in the recirculation tube dispersing the mixture throughout the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Howard Bernstein, Margaret A. Wheatley, Robert S. Langer
  • Patent number: 4844796
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser enables purification of water, removal of water hardness and sterilization of water which is normally accomplished by a precipitation/floculation process used in a bottling plant. This apparatus can treat the water for beverage dispensing purposes and will not require high capital expenditures. The apparatus includes a removable, disposable cartridge having a reactor or first section filled with sand, carbon granules or other heat-conducting material for removing the bicarbonate content and other impurities from the water and a filter or second section having a filter and activated carbon screen for removing solids, traces of chlorine and dissolved organic material from the water. The apparatus also includes heat exchanger coils and a heating element for raising the temperature of the water as well as a holding tank having a gas trap for collecting and removing carbon dioxide and chlorine gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: George Plester
  • Patent number: 4773998
    Abstract: A water filter formed of an upright closed vessel having water inlet and outlet openings adjacent the top thereof, an outlet pipe extending within the vessel from the water outlet opening to adjacent the vessel interior bottom, a permeable barrier filter positioned within the vessel adjacent the interior bottom and affixed to the lower end of the outlet pipe, the vessel being filled with a particulate filter medium, preferably charcoal or the equivalent, the filter medium surrounding the barrier filter, and the barrier filter being formed by a short length tubular wall of impervious material having an opening in the tubular wall, a filter inlet pipe received in the opening in the tubular wall and extending within the housing, the end of the filter inlet pipe within the housing being closed and the pipe having a plurality of small openings therein, two semi-circular permeable foam plastic filter members within the interior of the housing, the semi-circular filter members being the thickness substantially that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Elmer G. Heinrich
  • Patent number: 4753726
    Abstract: A filter distributor is disclosed which includes a plurality of radially-extending conduits or laterals pivotally mounted at their inner ends on a hub and extending to outer ends substantially adjacent to the outer wall of the filtered tank. Each lateral is provided with an inner strainer and an outer strainer. The outer strainers are sized to service an adjacent zone along the outer portions of the tank and the inner strainers are sized to service adjacent inner zones. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer strainers have an open flow area twice as great as the inner strainers and service the outer two thirds of the tank. The strainers are positioned substantially at the centroid of the adjacent zones which they service. The sizing of the strainers and their location is arranged so that substantially uniform flow occurs through all of the filter medium during normal filtering operation and backflow operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Essef Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Suchanek
  • Patent number: 4750999
    Abstract: A filter includes a bed of particulate solids for removal of contaminants from a fluid directed in a downstream direction therethrough. A barrier is located downstream of the bed of particulate solids and includes an anchoring member having flexible members joined thereto and projecting outwardly therefrom. The flexible members are closely spaced to each other for providing a closely-spaced network of flexible members to establish multiple barrier layers in the downstream direction of fluid flow through the barrier. In one embodiment the barrier is in the form of a planar member generally coextensive with a bottom wall of the filter and includes a plurality of anchoring members spaced-apart horizontally from each other. In another embodiment the barrier is in the form of a strainer with the anchoring members being spaced-apart vertically from each other and with the flexible members joined thereto being spaced transversely along the anchoring members to provide the multiple barrier layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Roberts Filter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Roberts, Douglas H. Eden
  • Patent number: 4705628
    Abstract: For the treatment of various diseases including autoimmune diseases such as myathenia gravis, articular rhematism, lupus erythematosus, etc., immunity-related diseases such as glumerulonephritis, bronchial asthma, polyneuritis, etc., organ transplantation such as transplanted kidney rejection, AOB incompatibility bone marrow transplantation, etc., tumor, hypertension, and hepatic insufficiency, immunoglobulin adsorbents comprising a hydroxyl-containing water-insoluble carrier to which a diamine compound having the general formula:NH.sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.n NH.sub.2wherein n is an integer having a value of 3 to 9 is attached through a silane coupling agent or a derivative thereof, to which diamine a heterocyclic compound is attached through a difunctional reagent, are useful as they can selectively and efficiently adsorb specific proteins such as immunoglobulins and immune complexes which are pathogenic substances in the diseases, exhibit minimized non-specific adsorption, and are safe and easy to sterilize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Yamamoto, Tadashi Sameshima