With Multi-layer Beds Patents (Class 210/290)
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Patent number: 6969469Abstract: The present invention is a method of using crumb rubber from recycled tires as a filter media. The use of crumb rubber as a media differs from conventional sand or anthracite filters in several ways. The crumb rubber media is compressible which allows the porosity between rubber particles to decrease through the filter bed. The crumb rubber media compresses as headloss increases, allowing for better effluent quality late in the run. The crumb rubber media allows greater depth filtration. The crumb rubber media can be used at high filter rates, greater than 20 gpm/ft2. The crumb rubber media performs similarly to other traditional filter media in respect to turbidity and total suspended solids removal. The crumb rubber media properties are closely tied to media size and shape, with smaller media providing better effluent qualities and larger media allowing longer filter runs at higher flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventor: Yuefeng Xie
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Patent number: 6966987Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying process water by filtration comprising a housing containing a filter media, having a bottom gravel bed and an upper silica bed, and a fluidizer for backwashing the filter media. Process water is tangentially introduced and caused to swirl in the housing above a filter media, before passing downwards through silica and gravel beds. The swirling increases the through capacity of the treatment device and reduces the amount of particles that would otherwise become imbedded in the filter media. Backwashing is accomplished by forcing fluid, through first and second components of the fluidizer, into the filter media. The first component is a channel formed in the manifold which provides backwash fluid to the bottom of the gravel bed. The second component provides backwash fluid at the gravel bed—silica bed interface by a series of radially spaced fluidizer arms.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Process Efficiency Products, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Morgan, Jr., Stuart H. Smith, III
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Patent number: 6953525Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: MS Filter Inc.Inventor: Robert LeCraw
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Patent number: 6936176Abstract: A transportable water treatment system comprising: an inlet adapted to receive water having a pressure of between 10 to 60 psig, a primary regenerable filter connected so as to receive water that has flown through the inlet, the primary regenerable filter configured to separate solids from water flowing therethrough, a secondary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter connected downstream from the primary regenerable filter, and a chemical feed unit connected downstream of said secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit configured to treat water flowing through introduction of chemicals to the water, a water discharge pipe adapted to discharge treated water from the chemical feed unit, where said inlet, the primary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit, and the discharge pipe make up a transportable water treatment and the transportable water treatment is adapted to fit within a bed of a sub-compact pickup truck.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Water Missions InternationalInventors: George C. Greene III, George C. Greene IV, Sean P. Kerrigan
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Patent number: 6887373Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for treating water is provided including a treatment mode comprising the steps of drawing said water from a pressurized water source through a controlling device to a treating vessel, the water inlet of said treating vessel being substantially at the top of a treating vessel, contacting said water with pressurized air present at the top of said treating vessel to release substantially all hydrogen sulfide and offensive odors present in the water and to dissolve oxygen in the water which reacts with soluble iron in the water to form ferric oxides, flowing the water through a filter bed of calcite mineral to remove substantially all sediment present in the water and to neutralize the ph of the water and to remove substantially all the ferric oxides from the water, the ferric oxides fastening to the calcite minerals and to already fastened ferric oxides, flowing the water to a final media means and to the outlet of the treating vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Inventor: Brian McCoy
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Patent number: 6872308Abstract: The present invention provides for a condensate polisher system that comprises a feed water flow that enters one or more deep bed condensate polishers. These deep bed condensate polishers contain ion resin beads that exchange a single ion type, typically cation resin for power generation systems. The feed water passing through the deep bed condensate polishers has a substantial portion, and even all of the cations in solution removed. This produces a semi-purified water flow that is then fed into one or more powdered resin polishers. The powdered resin polishers, which contain mixed powdered ion exchange resins or single type powdered resins depending on the nature of the semi-purified water flow, then finish the purification process on the water, producing a purified water flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventor: James C. Bellows
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Patent number: 6869528Abstract: The present invention filters runoff water containing oil and an emulsion of oil and water. A tank receives the inlet water and feeds it to a reservoir which in turn feeds the water to the cylindrical filter cells. The water passing through the filter cells is received by a manifold which feeds the clean water to an outlet. However, when the runoff water has a high rate of flow the reservoir soon overflows and the excess water flows directly to an outlet. The reservoir may be either above or below the filter cells. If above, the water entering the inlet flows downward to a reservoir which is perforated to provide water to the filter cells. If, however, the reservoir is below the filter cells it has a perforated top which feeds the filter cells. The water in the reservoir is under pressure. The filter cells may be cylindrical. They have an inner vertical cylindrical passageway surrounded by one or more cylindrical layers. One filtering media is in said inner passageway.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventor: Thomas E. Pank
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Patent number: 6863808Abstract: A water softener system including a hard water flow pipe through which hard water flows, a modular water softener assembly, and a regeneration tank is provided. The modular water softener assembly includes an elongated tube having a first end, a second end, a length extending therebetween, and a predetermined inner volume for storing an amount of water softening particles. The water softener assembly also includes a first end cap coupled to the tube at the first end having a first port in flow communication with the hard water flow pipe and a second port in flow communication with an outlet pipe through which soft water flows. The water softener assembly is supported by the hard water flow pipe and the outlet pipe. The regeneration tank contains a regenerate for regenerating the water softening particles and is in flow communication with the water softener assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David M. Fullmer, Richard L. Butsch
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Patent number: 6858139Abstract: A single housing comprising a diluent inlet, a solution outlet, and a plurality of discrete reagent beds comprising at least one reagent in dry form, wherein said reagent is present in the discrete reagent bed in a proportion sufficient for production of a complete hemodialysate solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Prismedical CorporationInventor: Michael A. Taylor
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Publication number: 20040188338Abstract: A liquid treating apparatus includes a treating tank having at least two walls formed with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet through each of which a liquid to be treated flows, respectively, and a filtering layer unit including an antibacterial filtering layer, an adsorptive filtering layer and a filtering layer, the filtering layer unit being disposed between the liquid inlet and outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Akechi Ceramics Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinari Kato, Satoshi Kameshima, Mitsuro Hyakumachi, Yoshihiro Taguchi, Hideki Watanabe, Hayato Horinouchi
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Publication number: 20040168968Abstract: This invention presents an ion exchange media including a plurality of cation exchange zones and anion exchange zones in flow paths that are contained in a substantially nonporous resin transport framework. During electrodeionization and other potential applications the ion exchange media of the invention prevents unfavorable water splitting at resin-membrane interfaces and encourages water splitting at resin-resin interfaces where the water splitting may be constructively used to regenerate the resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Ravi Chidambaran, Pavan Raina, Devesh Sharma, Narendra Singh Bisht
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Patent number: 6773589Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a tank having an upper chamber and a lower baffle, layers of stone and carbon between the upper chamber and the lower baffle, a water inlet to the upper chamber, and a water outlet below the lower baffle. The upper chamber is divided by a vertical baffle which separates the water inlet from a backwash outlet. A backwash inlet is provided below the lower baffle. An air manifold coupled to an air pump is placed between the lower baffle and the upper chamber. During backwash, air is mixed with water to cause a turbulent flow. The baffle in the upper chamber prevents filter media from exiting the apparatus during backwash.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: James P. Sharkey
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Publication number: 20040144727Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for treating water is provided including a treatment mode comprising the steps of drawing said water from a pressurized water source through a controlling device to a treating vessel, the water inlet of said treating vessel being substantially at the top of a treating vessel, contacting said water with pressurized air present at the top of said treating vessel to release substantially all hydrogen sulfide and offensive odors present in the water and to dissolve oxygen in the water which reacts with soluble iron in the water to form ferric oxides, flowing the water through a filter bed of calcite mineral to remove substantially all sediment present in the water and to neutralize the ph of the water and to remove substantially all the ferric oxides from the water, the ferric oxides fastening to the calcite minerals and to already fastened ferric oxides, flowing the water to a final media means and to the outlet of the treating vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Brian McCoy
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Publication number: 20040118765Abstract: The present invention provides a deep gradient-density filter device capable of effectively filtering a fluid containing a distribution of particles in the range of approximately 25 microns to approximately 0.2 micron at a fluid velocity of at least approximately 100 cm/hr and an initial hydraulic permeability of greater than approximately 10 cm/hr/psi. The deep gradient-density filter device comprises several layers of filtration material, each having specific predetermined particle retention properties. In one product embodiment of the present invention, the deep gradient-density filter device uses “loose” fibrillated cellulose fiber material as a primary filter element. In a method aspect of the invention, the deep gradient-density filter device is used for either the secondary clarification of industrial-scale cultured or fermented protein-containing biopharmaceutical fluids or the primary clarification of pilot-scale volumes of said fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: David P. Yavorsky, Jonathan Royce, Matthew Alexander Tomasko, Ven Anantha Raman
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Publication number: 20040099593Abstract: The present invention discloses a new concurrent dialysate cartridge purification system for hemodialysis, particularly, a purification system whereby apatite and/or calcium phosphate and sodium polyphosphate are substituted for the standard zirconium oxide and zirconium phosphate, respectively. The concurrent dialysate cartridge purification system is comprised of multiple layers and at least one or more cation and/or anion exchange layer and at least one or more purification layer. One advantage of the concurrent dialysate cartridge purification system is the cost effectiveness of apatite and/or calcium phosphate and sodium polyphosphate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: Potito de PaolisInventors: Potito U. De Paolis, Saleh Salehmoghaddam
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Publication number: 20040094465Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Rajan G. Rajan, Mathu Rajan
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Patent number: 6719910Abstract: A stormwater treatment system which comprises a housing having a first filter layer and a second filter layer positioned within the housing. The first filter layer absorbs contaminants from stormwater to produce a first treated stormwater having an effluent concentration that meets the USEPA Water Quality Criteria when stormwater permeates the first layer. The second filter layer precipitates substantially all of the dissolved contaminants remaining in the first treated stormwater when the first treated storm water permeates through the second filter layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: The Board of Governors for Higher Education, State of Rhode Island and Providence PlantationsInventors: Leon Thiem, Rhett Grant
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Patent number: 6696284Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological filter for the purification of waste gases comprising a bed of biologically active carrier material consisting of pith extracted from coconut husks, the bed being contained such that the waste gases are brought in contact with the said bed and removed from the bed at points spatially separated from the inlet points.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Ajit Haridas, Swachchha Majumdar
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Publication number: 20040011720Abstract: 001 Fluid enters (1) flow container through (2) inlet. Gravity forces fluid over porous stone, screen and smaller rock to break down impurities. Fluid exists through (A) outlet and (a2) compression seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Ronald Lee Pampel
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Publication number: 20030222009Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: MS FILTER INC.Inventor: Robert LeCraw
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Patent number: 6641727Abstract: A filtration cartridge faucet assembly contains a filtration cartridge having a filter core that is concealed beneath a sink deck through the use of an escutcheon mount. The escutcheon mount permits access to a renewable filtration cartridge from above the sink deck while concealing and protecting the filtration body. The renewable filtration cartridge is equipped with a flow control device, as well as counter rotation devices that prevent undesirable outrotation of a threaded cap.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: American Standard International Inc.Inventors: Jeff Aldred, Brian Hunter, Robert P. Magyar, Wilhelm Koch, Juergen Sponheimer, Konrad Bergmann
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Patent number: 6605214Abstract: A single housing includes a diluent inlet, a solution outlet, and a plurality of discrete reagent beds comprising at least one reagent in dry form, wherein the reagent is present in the discrete reagent bed in a proportion sufficient for production of a complete hemodialysate solution.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Prismedical CorporationInventor: Michael A. Taylor
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Patent number: 6605216Abstract: A compact, rapid upflow deep media filter for removing suspended solids from a liquid flow, which includes: a filter casing having a liquid inlet port, a liquid outlet port, and a filter bed composed of a volume of granular filter media and located between the inlet port and the outlet port; and a screen, selectably movable between a first operative position and a second operative position within the filter casing, whereat in the first operative position the screen maintains the filter bed in a packed state so as to permit filtration therethrough of a liquid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port, and whereat in the second operative position the screen does not maintain the filter bed in a packed state such that in the presence of a liquid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port the volume of filter media expands so as to enable separation therefrom of suspended solids accumulated during filtration of the liquid flow therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Sinomed Ltd.Inventor: Ilan Lederman
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Publication number: 20030116504Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adsorbent for removing arsenic species from ground water and/or surface water systems. Such adsorbent removes both As(III) and As(V), thereby providing potable water. Also provided is a method and/or device (e.g., filter) for removing arsenic species from contaminated waters utilizing such adsorbent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventor: Rajan K. Vempati
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Patent number: 6572769Abstract: A water treatment apparatus including a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventors: Rajan G. Rajan, Mathu G. Rajan
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Patent number: 6541273Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed which are useful for detecting the presence of various pesticides, including aryl pyrazoles such as fipronil. Pesticide residues are extracted from a variety of samples, including soil and/or water samples using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. The samples are then concentrated, and transferred to an solid phase extraction cartridge. The SPE cartridge includes activated charcoal, silica gel, magnesium-silica gel and an amino-functional silica sorbent, or suitable equivalents thereof. After cleanup, the eluate containing the analyte of interest can be concentrated to a standard sample size and the amount of pesticide residues quantitated. In a preferred embodiment, the column chromatography materials are assembled in a solid phase extraction cartridge with frits between the chromatography materials. This facilitates the use of the cartridge in standard automated analytical equipment, for example, robotic equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Aventis CropScience, S.A.Inventor: Robert S. Plaisance
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Publication number: 20030047513Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing contaminants from lipophilic fluids, adsorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Dewey Edward Burton, Arseni Valerevich Radomyselski, Paul Amaat Raymond Gerald France
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Patent number: 6531063Abstract: A septic system and method for the removal of nitrogen contaminants, such as nitrates and ammonia, from a wastewater effluent. The system comprises one or more zeolite tanks which contain a regenerable, granulated zeolite material to receive wastewater effluent from a septic tank and to capture the nitrogen contaminants to provide a treated, decontaminated effluent to flow out of the tank into a leach field. The system includes a secondary treatment.tank to reduce suspended solids and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the wastewater effluent prior to introduction into the zeolite tank. The system also includes an ion sensor to monitor the ammonium ion concentration in the system and to signal the need to regenerate the zeolite tank with saline water.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Inventor: Jane Anne Rose
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Patent number: 6495014Abstract: A porous immobilized ion-exchange material is provided. Also provided is an electrodeionization device incorporating the material. A method for subjecting a fluid to electrodeionization, is provided utilizing porous immobilized ion-exchange material. A salient feature of the material is that it can be regenerated in situ.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: University of ChicagoInventors: Rathin Datta, YuPo Lin, Dennis Burke, Shih-Perng Tsai
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Patent number: 6489132Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Safety Associates, Inc.Inventors: Virginia C. Gordon, John T. Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John F. Elias
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Patent number: 6461501Abstract: There is provided herein a new skimmer apparatus and a new filter mechanism for use in ornamental ponds and the like. According to a first preferred embodiment there is provided a skimmer apparatus which has an enclosing container with a lower terminus that has a perimeter that is larger than that of the upper terminus. This allows the skimmer to be weighted/locked down within the pond itself and substantially reduces or eliminates the risk that the skimmer will float upward if it is emptied of water. Additionally, there is provided a filter which includes a spline and grove combination to firmly attach a pond liner the filter underneath its snout. Further, there is provided a pond filter which contains a true sedimentation chamber within the bottom portion thereof. Finally, there is provided an adjustable-width skimmer snout.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Hardscape Materials, Inc.Inventor: C. Bradley Porter
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Publication number: 20020117437Abstract: A self contained filter for a recirculating tank is used in a septic system. The self contained filter is a mattress-like filter made of woven material encapsulating aggregate material therein. The weave of the mattress-like woven material is smaller than the aggregate material. In another aspect, at least one mattress-like filter is placed within a tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventor: Carlos V. Perry
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Publication number: 20020096466Abstract: A self contained filter for a recirculating tank is used in a septic system. The self contained filter is a mattress-like filter made of woven material encapsulating aggregate material therein. The weave of the mattress-like woven material is smaller than the aggregate material. In another aspect, at least one mattress-like filter is placed within a tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Carlos V. Perry
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Publication number: 20020070155Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus including a pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation or movement of a packed bed of a solid catalyst and/or solid adsorbent which is provided on the packed bed. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus in which a pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation of the top surface of the solid catalyst packed bed is provided on the packed bed, or in which a water-permeable pressure layer having an ability of following up the deformation of the solid catalyst packed bed is provided on the packed bed. Such pressure layers are effective in sufficiently preventing the solid catalyst from moving in the packed bed. As a result, there is no problem such as the abrasion of solid catalyst mainly caused by its movement, the deterioration of the performance thereof, and an increase in pressure loss, thereby treating waste water in a stable manner for a long period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 1998Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: YUSUKE SHIOTA, TOHRU ISHII, KIICHIRO MITSUI
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Patent number: 6383373Abstract: A biological filtration apparatus comprises: a raw water introducing section for introducing raw water as water to be processed; a biological filtration section, disposed on the lower side of the raw water introducing section, for biologically purifying/refining/filtrating the raw water so as to yield processed water; a support section, disposed on the lower side of the biological filtration section, for supporting the biological filtration section, the support section having a liquid and gas permeability; and a water collecting section, disposed on the lower side of the support section, for collecting the processed water; the biological filtration section including a packed bed comprising a hollow carrier particle, made of a resin, having a true specific gravity of at least 1.01 g/ml but less than 1.2 g/ml.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Akio Nakao, Masanobu Koseki
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Patent number: 6322705Abstract: A water-based heating or cooling plant incorporating a filtration device and a pipeline network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration device having a tank with an upright column of horizontal layers of granulated filtration materials, the densities in the layers increasing from the layer at the top downwardly to the most dense bottom layer, at least one layer being a mechanical layer and at least one layer having a chemically active material to increase the pH value of the water to a magnitude exceeding neutral. The invention includes a method for operating the plant and for backwashing the granulated filtration material.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: RC EnWa A/SInventor: Svein Olav Stornes
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Patent number: 6319400Abstract: A deep bed filter principally used for filtration of contaminated aqueous fluid comprises a layer of polymeric cylindrical particles in combination with a layer of anthracite particles and a layer of sand. The polymeric cylindrical particles are approximately 1.5 millimeters in diameter and in the range of 6-12 millimeters high, with a specific gravity of approximately 1.15. When the filter is backwashed particles of anthracite mix with a portion of the polymeric particle layer, thereby creating larger surface voids for penetration of larger contaminant particles into the filter.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Gene Hirs
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Patent number: 6287469Abstract: A method and equipment are disclosed for tertiary sewage treatment by naturally-occurring microorganisms after the sewage has passed from a septic tank or other primary treatment device. Tertiary treatment occurs within enclosed, controlled conditions in a recirculation tank housing a recirculating spray system and a filter bed. The recirculation process is controlled by a timer and a timer float responding to the wastewater level in the recirculation tank. A mixing zone is provided in a bottom portion of the recirculation tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Ashco-A-CorporationInventors: Paul R. Ashburn, Edward T. Cogar
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Patent number: 6274041Abstract: An integrated filter for removing impurities from a fluid stream. The filter includes a first element adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by physical adsorption, and a second element adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by electrokinetic adsorption. Either or both of the first element and the second element further may be adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by sieving. The first element generally may be composed of loose particles or granules, or the first element may be composed of a porous block of an adsorbent, wherein the block is permeable to fluids and has interconnected pores therethrough. The second element generally is composed of a porous, charge-modified fibrous web which includes fibers prepared from a thermoplastic polymer. For example, the thermoplastic polymer may be a polyolefin. As another example, the porous, charge-modified fibrous web may be a nonwoven web, such as a meltblown or microfiber glass web.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Bruce S. Williamson, Kevin P. McGrath
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Patent number: 6267882Abstract: The invention describes a filter container, system and method for filtering sewage effluent from a septic tank. The filter container includes a body having a lower end and an upper end, having walls forming a floor positioned at the lower end and sides connected to the floor and positioned to define an inner cavity extending from the lower end to the upper end. The body of the container has a mouth opening positioned at the upper end to provide access to the inner cavity. A lid is positioned on the upper end of the body so as to cover the mouth cavity to thereby close the container. A plurality of pipes connect the container in fluid communication with the septic tank or with another container, the plurality of pipes including at least one inlet pipe for delivering sewage effluent to the inner cavity and at least one outlet pipe for discharging filtered sewage effluent from the inner cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Shooting Star L.L.C.Inventors: Michael H. Houck, Thomas K. Weaver
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Patent number: 6245701Abstract: The invention relates to a porous ceramic used for producing alkali ion water. The ceramic of the invention includes finely particulate zeolite having an average particle size of 0.1 to 40 &mgr;m and an alkali ion producing material as components. Besides the above components, the invention preferably comprises a fibrous mineral and/or a clay mineral. To produce the ceramic of the invention, a slurry obtained by grinding zeolite by a wet process, a slurry obtained by grinding the alkali ion producing material and the clay mineral by a wet process and a slurry obtained by grinding the fibrous mineral are first mixed and stirred to prepare a mixed slurry. This mixed slurry is then dried and fired to obtain a sintered body.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Japan Zeolite, Inc.Inventor: Takashi Sato
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Patent number: 6238556Abstract: A filtration system for filtering particulate matter from a liquid, the filtration system comprises a pre-filtration apparatus and a main filtration apparatus. The pre-filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a back-washing outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering large particulate matter from the liquid and passing fine particulate matter. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The fluid outlet and back-washing outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The main filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering fine particulate matter from the liquid. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Fluid Art Technologies, LLCInventors: William D. Hawk, Gary D. Cryer
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Patent number: 6197193Abstract: A water filter used for treating tap water. The water filter provides a consumer with protection against major water contaminants found in municipal water supplies. The filter includes a cylindrical filter cartridge with a number of filter layers therein. The filter cartridge includes an upper filter cap and a lower filter cap received in opposite ends of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of filter pads which may or may not be used as dividers between the various layers of filter material. The filter pads are designed to remove large and small sediments in the water. In an upstream upper portion of the cartridge is layer of a granulated zinc and copper alloy. The zinc and copper alloy is used for removing chlorine and some heavy metals in the water and acting as a bacteriostat for keeping bacteria from growing inside said cartridge. In a center portion of the filter cartridge is a layer of granulated activated carbon.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Virgil L. Archer
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Patent number: 6193881Abstract: An in-situ reactor with hydrologic cells is provided to facilitate recovery of metals such as gold from rocks, or purification of salts such as potassium or magnesium chloride formed by evaporation of brines, by injecting into a source aquifer a fluid, which flows through and reacts with the solids or host rock within the in-situ reactor and then flows into a sink aquifer, from it is drained or pumped out via an exhaust borehole into a plant or a facility for further chemical treatment.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Tarim Associates for Scientific Mineral and Oil Exploration AG.Inventor: Kenneth J. Hsu
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Patent number: 6187194Abstract: An aeration and filtration system for eliminating waste products in a fluid body having a surface floor is disclosed. The aeration and filtration system includes a support bed disposed above the surface floor of the fluid body and a filter bed of porous media disposed above the support bed. The system further includes a pump having a plurality of inlets adjacent the fluid body level, at least some of the inlets being a plurality of perforated pipes connected to the pump for drawing fluid to and through the filter bed, and a motor connected to the pump.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Ichthyotech, Ltd.Inventor: Thomas Byrne
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Patent number: 6177005Abstract: Ultrapure water having a reduced amount of TOC and a low electrical conductivity is produced in correspondence with a variation in water quality of raw water. A first water tank has an anaerobic organic matter treatment chamber and an aerobic organic matter treatment chamber which are communicated with each other at their bottom portions. Activated carbon bags are arranged in upper portions of both the chambers, and Bincho charcoal is stowed in the lower portion of the chambers. With this arrangement, carbon compounds and organic nitrogen compounds in the water to be treated are biologically treated by microbes, thereby reducing the TOC. Furthermore, nitrate nitrogen generated through the organic nitrogen compound treatment process is denitrified by the anaerobic microbe, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the water to be treated.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Toyoichi Nasu, Takahide Miyamoto, Seiji Okamoto, Kazuyuki Sakata, Masami Sera, Atsushi Yokotani
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Patent number: 6143186Abstract: A continuous filter device for liquids has a filter chamber that receives a granular bulk material forming a filter bed. The filter chamber has rectangular inner-walls with a liquid-permeable inlet side and a liquid-permeable outlet side positioned opposite the inlet side. A liquid-impermeable outer wall is positioned at the inlet side and forms together with the inlet side an inlet chamber. The inlet side has openings allowing flow of a liquid to be filtered from the inlet chamber into the filter chamber. A liquid-impermeable outer mantle is positioned at the outlet side and forms together with the outlet side a filtrate collection chamber. The outlet side has openings allowing filtrate flow from the filter chamber into the filtrate collection chamber. A cone-shaped removal chamber is connected to a lower end of the filter chamber. A flow discharge chamber is connected to an upper end of the filter chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventor: Sabine Van Unen
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Patent number: 6132610Abstract: An endotoxin adsorption system of the present invention comprises a combination of a cation exchange resin having sodium as a counter ion and a cation exchange resin having sodium and one or more metal ions other than sodium as a counter ion, and adsorbs an endotoxin without decreasing of the concentration of cations.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Kaneka CorporationInventors: Fumiyasu Hirai, Eiji Ogino, Takashi Asahi, Nobutaka Tani
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Patent number: 6103108Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Larry D. Kohlenberg
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Patent number: 6100081Abstract: Apparatus for the purification of waste water and/or waste gas using a biofilter containing a filtering material, wherein the waste water move downwardly thereinto while the waste gas move upwardly or downwardly thereinto, is disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneous purification of waste water and waste gas, comprising a filtering material comprised of a succession of layers. More conveniently, the apparatus comprises sufficient filtering material between the gas inlet and water outlet to ensure that the water coming out of the apparatus has not been substantially contaminated by the upwardly moving waste gas. In a preferred embodiment, the upper layer of filtering carrier material has a substantially lower filtration capacity than a lower layer of filtering carrier material, to prevent clogging of the filtering material upon downward flow of the waste water. Further disclosed is an apparatus for simultaneous purification of waste water as waste gas moving both downwardly.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Centre de Recherche Industrielle du QuebecInventor: Gerardo Buelna