Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for filtering fluid, preferably effluent fluid in a septic system, by providing a staged, filtering array in an effluent flow path, the stages positioned in an orientation designed to maximize filtering capability in conjunction with predetermined aperture positions and dimensions.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor with one or more drive jet openings for rotating the rotor to separate particulate matter from a fluid. A filter element is disposed inside the rotor, and the filter element includes depth filter medium for removing from the fluid sticky contaminants having the same general density as the fluid, such as sludge or varnish compounds. The rotor has a split flow configuration in which a portion of the fluid is routed to the filter element and the rest of the fluid bypasses the filter element to maintain fluid pressure of the fluid discharged from the drive jet openings. In one form, the depth filter medium is impregnated with a chemical that changes a property of the fluid, like acidity. In another form, the depth filter material is contained in a capsule for easy disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating waste water. The system may be applied to any application for the treatment of waste water which benefits from an equalized flow into the waste water treatment processes, such as industrial batch discharges, storm water settling and screening, and septic receiving at a waste water treatment plant. The system comprises a single primary settling tank for the processes of grit removal, flow equalization, fine screening and primary clarification. The system further comprises the use of a flow measurement device on the discharge side of the primary settling tank to provide a uniform flow to downstream processes. The system further comprises placement of a fine screen on a discharge mechanism which controls the effluent flow from the primary settling tank.

Abstract: A stormwater filtration system includes a stormwater containment structure including a bottom surface, an inlet that receives stormwater and an outlet through which filtered stormwater exits the stormwater containment structure. A flow structure is at the bottom surface. The flow structure includes a conveyance conduit running along the bottom surface of the stormwater containment structure and in fluid communication with the outlet of the stormwater containment structure. The conveyance conduit includes a port extending through a sidewall of the conveyance conduit. A saddle includes an upper component and a lower component connected to the upper component such that the upper and lower components straddle the conveyance conduit at the port. The upper component includes an opening in communication with the port and the lower component supports the conveyance conduit above the bottom surface.

Abstract: The disclosed principles for providing a chemical-free filtering of particulate down below sub-micron levels, while concentrating the particulate into a sludge. The disclosed principles integrate cross-flow filtration (i.e., micro-filtration or ultra-filtration) with a settling tank (or “weir”) to provide sequential filtration and dewatering of an aqueous media. The disclosed technique operates chemical-free and is continuous. Applications for systems and processes in accordance with the disclosed technique are wide, and include aggregate fines removal, sediment removal, replacement for clarifiers, etc.

Abstract: A modular wastewater clarification device that may be positioned external to a septic tank or, alternatively, installed internally within a septic tank chamber to produce sufficiently clean water for lawn and agricultural uses. The modular clarification device includes a filter having a smaller size than the pre-filter bridging between the primary and secondary chambers of a septic tank. In one embodiment, the modular filtration unit resides outside the two-chambered septic tank and receives pre-filtered septic tank effluent fluids stored in the secondary chamber that has accumulated pre-filtered effluent. In another embodiment, the modular wastewater clarification device resides inside the secondary chamber and filters the accumulated pre-filtered effluent.

Abstract: A process for measuring and controlling the circulation of fluids in endoscope channels that includes placing at least one endoscope into a tank. Further, one or more inlet channels of the endoscope are coupled to one or more valves with connectors, saturating the tank and inlet channels with a fluid from at least one fluid supply in fluid communication with at least one circulation pump. Further still, at least one hermetic chamber having a known volume and the one or more valves, such that the hermetic chamber and valves are completely filled with the fluid. Controlling the fluid flow within the hermetic chamber with at least one controller, wherein the controller controls and records the emptying with one or more sensors detecting a high level and a low level of the fluid, and verifies the known fluid volume and flow rate from the recorded emptying of the hermetic chamber.

Abstract: A simple device, skimmer or utensil perfect for removing unwanted fat, impurities or foam from excess starch accumulated on the surface of soups, stocks, sauces, stews, or boiling pasta; wherein the skimmer is slowly inserted into the cooked liquid and by gently rotating its handle back and forth and gradually dipping the plate into the liquid, the fat, grease, or unwanted foam is spilled onto its holding plate; thus, removing from the cooked food unhealthy fat and/or other unwanted impurities.

Abstract: A drain trap assembly for separating sediment from wastewater released from kitchen, bath or washroom appliance such as a sink or tub including a conduit with a first upper inlet portion and second upper outlet portion. Between the inlet and outlet is located a lower bend portion. Interrupting the lower bend portion is a third conduit portion including a cup closure for sediment accumulation area out of the wastewater pathway. Affixed to the closure cup and extending generally upwardly within the drain trap assembly and across the wastewater flow is a strainer in the form of at least one plate including through-holes sized to reject particulate sediment and other solids of a predetermined size. A second embodiment of the strainer takes the form of a mass of fibers affixed to the closure and extending across the wastewater flow. Closure removal automatically withdraws the strainer, offering ready access to accumulated sediment.

Abstract: A free-jet centrifuge for the cleaning of lubricating oil comprising, a housing with a removable cover, a rotor rotatable arranged in the housing and with channels for feeding and removing the lubricating oil. The rotor is of split design with a drive part and a dirt trapping part which can each be flowed through by their own partial lubricating oil flow and which are designed with torque transmission means which are engageable and disengageable. The dirt trapping part is separable from the drive part. Means are provided to prevent or restrict the axial mobility of the dirt trapping part relative to the drive part, which are ineffective or detachable when the cover is removed. The drive part extends from the bottom towards the top into the dirt trapping part or entirely through it. The drive part comprises all parts serving for the rotatable bearing of the rotor and the drive part is securely positioned against axial removal with an opened cover.

Abstract: Ultrasonic devices for preventing microbubbles and/or microparticles from reaching the brain during a PCI or cardiovascular surgery. Devices 27 and 77 are designed for implantation in the chest cavity and operate in combination with needle vents or other vent systems for removing diverted microbubbles. Systems 77 and 83 are designed for noninvasive employment. Devices 57 and 87 are particularly designed to prevent microbubbles from reaching the great origins of the carotid arteries and/or for diverting bubbles that might reach the vicinity and otherwise pass through. Improved devices 11 and 94 separate microbubbles from a flowing bloodstream and produce a cleansed stream.

Abstract: Provided a process for producing a polycarbonate which comprises reacting an aqueous alkali solution of a dihydric phenol with phosgene in the presence of an organic solvent to produce a polycarbonate oligomer and subsequently polycondensing the oligomer, wherein an emulsion solution of a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent obtained in the polycarbonate oligomer production step is introduced into a coalescer to separate the emulsion solution into a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent phase and an aqueous phase, and the polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent phase is subjected to polycondensation. Thus the emulsion solution of a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent obtained in the polycarbonate oligomer production step is efficiently separated to reduce the content of impurity-containing water in the oligomer for producing a polycarbonate having excellent quality and to a obtain wastewater having a low content of organic materials.

Abstract: A unitary or modular, pre-cast, drive-down pit system suitable for use in a heavy equipment wash installation. The completed pit collects runoff generated by the washing of heavy equipment such as construction, industrial, farming, or road-building equipment. The pre-cast concrete separation unit and separate wall sections have tongue and groove mating ends that facilitate assembling the pit and provide for sealing against leakage of water. The separation unit has up to four chambers: a primary solids collection section; a secondary solids settling chamber; a free oil separating section; and a pump water holding section.

Abstract: A fuel filter of an internal combustion engine has a filter housing in which water separated from the fuel may collect within the filter so as to permit collection of the largest possible quantity of separated water in the smallest possible overall volume. This fuel filter has a liquid line which leads out of an area of the filter housing that is exposed to fuel and in which separated water can settle out due to gravity into a water collecting chamber situated outside the filter housing. There is also an upper area of the water collecting chamber which is connected by a connecting line mounted there to a fuel delivery line of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying polluted water is disclosed, which can naturally remove polluted water stagnated in a treatment tank. The apparatus includes a treatment tank and an infiltration tank. The treatment tank has an inlet at its one side, and first and second outlets at its other side. The treatment tank treats the polluted water that flows through the inlet and discharges the treated polluted water through the first outlet. The infiltration tank is connected to the second outlet and has a plurality of infiltration holes formed on the body thereof. The infiltration tank allows the treated polluted water that flows from the second outlet of the treatment tank to permeate into the ground though the plurality of infiltration holes. Since the polluted water stagnated in the treatment tank can be naturally released, odor due to decay of the polluted water and a subsequent insect infestation can be prevented. In addition, maintenance fees to maintain to the treatment tank can be reduced.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for treating a fluid containing solids which has been flushed back from a reversible flow filter, comprising a sedimentation device for separating solids from the flushed back fluid by a process of sedimentation in a sediment collecting region which enables solids to be removed in a manner free from filter-aids and which exhibits as small a degree of fluid loss as possible, it is proposed that the sediment collecting region is arranged to be subjected to a positive pressure and/or a negative pressure in order to remove residual fluid from the sediment collecting region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fat separator device having a container with a spout portion and a cover portion releasably attached to the container. The cover portion including a surface having at least one aperture to allow for passage of a liquid through the cover portion and a plug portion extending down from the surface, the plug portion being operable to releasably cover the spout portion of the container.

Abstract: A device for separating constituents of a fluid mixture includes an elongate vessel oriented at an acute angle to horizontal. The vessel is operable to receive the fluid mixture and direct the fluid mixture to flow in a convection cell spanning substantially a length of the vessel. The convection cell is formed by gravitational forces acting on the fluid mixture and is operable to deposit a heavy constituent of the fluid mixture about a lower end of the vessel and a light constituent of the fluid mixture about an upper end of the vessel.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.

Abstract: A filtration system for metalworking fluids has panel filter elements arranged in cells in which the filter frames and panels are approximately parallel to one another. The filter frames are disposed such that the filter surfaces are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drag-out tank within which they are installed. The filter elements are constructed by affixing a microscreen filter to a wire mesh support structure. The wire mesh structure provides as much support as the perforated plates of the prior art, while featuring significant gains in effective filter area when compared with perforated plate constructions.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment mechanism includes an interior chamber having a peripheral wall preferably provided with two diametrically opposite openings in each of which is received a flow port member having a flow equalization port therein. Depending upon wastewater levels and surges, the flow port members can be removed and replaced by other flow port members of an identical construction, except for different sizes of design flow equalization ports thereof.

Abstract: The replaceable, outside-in flow filter element with integral annular trap provides a simple, efficient, tubular filter element that combines the advantages of inside out-flow and outside-in flow filters. The element includes end caps with pleated filter media extending there between. A solid tube is secured between the end caps in a position spaced radially outward from the media. The annular space between the media and the tube forms an integral, lateral, outer trap for containing filtered out particulate matter. The trap allows the particulate to be removed with the used filter element during conventional replacement. The inlet end cap includes openings spaced from an end of the filter media whereby a portion of the openings overlap the media in plan view such that inflow through this overlapping portion of the openings will flow radial outward in the space between the openings and the filter media to the annular space.

Abstract: A unitary mobile power generation and water management facility is presented. The unitary facility includes a multitude of basic service components mounted on a mobile platform. The unitary basic services facility may include interconnected units, such as: a water storage and distribution unit, a wastewater unit, and a power generation and distribution unit.

Abstract: According to a blood plasma collection tool of the present invention, a phenomenon that blood cells in blood spontaneously precipitate due to an effect of gravitational force takes place in the very narrow microspace (separation part) having the very narrow depth in the direction of gravitational force of not greater than 1 mm, and the overflow channel functions as a dam against the separation part so that the blood plasma separated out as supernatant fluid can overflow beyond the overflow channel, whereby the blood cells separated out can be prevented from entering the collection part. Therefore, blood plasma can be collected by accurately and readily separating blood plasma and blood cells in a small amount of blood from each other in a short time, using a small tool having a simple structure.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of residential wastewater which comprises a septic tank, a holding tank in fluid communication with the septic tank and a reactor containing a plurality of media on which the wastewater is sprayed, and cyclonic clarification means. The system is designed to treat the wastewater such that it does not need to be passed to a drainage field for final disposal.

Abstract: A drain trap assembly for separating sediment from wastewater released from kitchen, bath or washroom appliance such as a sink or tub including a conduit with a first upper inlet portion and second upper outlet portion. Between the inlet and outlet is located a lower bend portion. Interrupting the lower bend portion is a third conduit portion including a cup closure for sediment accumulation area out of the wastewater pathway. Affixed to the closure cup and extending generally upwardly within the drain trap assembly and across the wastewater flow is a strainer in the form of at least one plate including through-holes sized to reject particulate sediment and other solids of a predetermined size. A second embodiment of the strainer takes the form of a mass of fibers affixed to the closure and extending across the wastewater flow. Closure removal automatically withdraws the strainer, offering ready access to accumulated sediment.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a replaceable filter cartridge for use with a reusable filter canister. The filter cartridge includes a cylindrical filter media having top and bottom ends respectively mounted within top and bottom end caps. The bottom end cap includes a sidewall that surrounds at least a lower portion of the filter media. A contaminant containment chamber is defined between the sidewall and an outer side of the filter media. When the cartridge is mounted within the canister, the radial sealing element engages an inner surface of the canister to provide a circumferential seal. The sidewall also includes a living hinge positioned below the sealing element.

Abstract: A settling grid separator apparatus and method of use which provides deep dehydration of high flow rate sludge in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. The apparatus and method comprise and utilize an efficient mixing of the sludge with a flocculating agent or polymer solution, and sludge flow quieting techniques to reduce disturbances and promote flocculation of clustered solids. Free surface liquid rejection, a series of traps, and pressurized filtering utilize gravimetric, hydrometric, and densimetric techniques to separate liquid from suspended solids. Gravitational forces are utilized throughout the apparatus and method to promote separation of higher density solids from the lower density liquid carrier. Upon separation, solids with a minimal liquid content are controllably discharged for proper disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A portable cleaning device for removing sediment from an enclosure retaining water. The cleaning device includes a pump, a housing, and a receptacle. The pump creates a fluid flow through the cleaning device. The cleaning device draws water from the enclosure into the housing through a tube. The housing includes an inlet passage and an outlet passage defined within the housing. The fluid flow path through the cleaning device is at least partially defined by the inlet passage, the receptacle and the outlet passage. The inlet passage receives the fluid flow from the tube and empties the fluid flow into the receptacle. The outlet passage receives fluid flow out of the receptacle. A filter is connected to the outlet passage and prevents relatively large particles in the water from entering the outlet passage. The fluid flow proceeds from the outlet passage toward the pump through an outlet tube.

Abstract: A system to collect by vacuum conveyance, separate, and discharge two mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities comprising a prefilter vessel 200, a vacuum tank 100, an optional heavy phase intermediate separation stage 40, and an optional light phase intermediate separation stage 30. Vacuum tank 100 is under a constant regulated vacuum, which sucks mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities from their respective remote source(s) through conduit(s) connected to vacuum tank 100. Collection conduits can have manually, mechanically, or electro-mechanically controlled valves at their source ends. Any grit, sediment, particles, and/or floatable debris in the collection conduits is first removed, and then any entrained air in the mixed liquid stream is removed, from the mixed liquid stream prior to undergoing any phase separation stages. Initial phase separation occurs automatically in vacuum tank 100 without any phase interface detection devices.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering liquids including a filter membrane, a main body which is arranged upstream from the filter membrane, and which has a feed channel perpendicular to the surface of the filter membrane, a gap extending between the filter membrane and the main body forming a tangentially directed cross-flow, and a return channel which is used to return the tangential flow to the feed channel. The flow is primarily returned thereto by means of a contraction in the feed channel at the mouth of the return channel. Preferably, a solid separator is disposed in the return channel. At least one baffle element is arranged in the feed channel in order to create a turbulent flow. The tangential flow along the filter membrane is used to clean said membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device (10) for filtering a liquid, in particular a hydraulic oil, having a substantially cylindrical filter housing (12), which accommodates a filter element (30) and can be closed off by means of a cover (18), the filter element (30) having an associated untreated region (70) with an inlet (22) for supplying liquid which is to be filtered and a clean region (74) with an outlet (26) for removing filtered liquid, and the filter element (30) comprising an end plate (58) which is remote from the cover (18) and on which there is mounted a radially acting sealing element (62) for sealing the untreated region (70) of the filter element (30).

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solids from a liquid. The apparatus and method comprises a first separator for circulating the solids and the liquid to concentrate the solids within the liquid. The concentrated solids are discharged into a second separator. The second separator extends upwardly for separating and discharging the concentrated solids from the liquid.

Abstract: A device for cleaning liquids, in particular edible oils, by means of a filter in a filter housing, the filter being connected downstream of a pump, and a motor for driving the pump, which has a rotor having a rotor disc with vanes in an immersion housing being provided in a housing, the housing, immersion housing and filter housing together forming a unit which can be at least partially introduced into the liquid which is to be cleaned and removed therefrom.

Abstract: A floating pond skimmer is coupled by a fluid conduit to a remote filter/aerating apparatus. The skimmer sucks a mixture of solids and water, grinds/chops the solids, and pumps the reduced solids and water through the conduit to the filter/aerating apparatus which separates the solids from the mixture and aerates the water from the mixture. The floating skimmer preferably includes a vortex chamber, an on-board pump with a grinding impeller, an adjustable ballast, and an anchor. The filter/aerating apparatus includes an inclined screen and a drain tray beneath the inclined screen coupled to a water discharge conduit. Optionally, an aeration pump is coupled to the discharge conduit. Also optionally, a removable solid waste hopper is located at the lower end of the inclined screen. Otherwise the solid waste simply falls into a compost pile at the bottom of the inclined screen.

Abstract: A septic tank includes a chamber, an inlet through which waste water enters the chamber, an outlet located below the inlet, and an outlet pipe including an outlet section extending through the outlet. The outlet pipe further includes an inclined section in the chamber and extending downward from the outlet pipe. The inclined section includes a closed lower end. The inclined section further includes a suction portion located below the outlet. The suction portion includes a plurality of through-holes in a circumference thereof for sucking dischargeable purified waste water in the chamber into the inclined section and then discharged via the outlet section.

Abstract: A unitary or modular, pre-cast, drive-down pit system suitable for use in a heavy equipment wash installation. The completed pit collects runoff generated by the washing of heavy equipment such as construction, industrial, farming, or road-building equipment. The pre-cast concrete separation unit and separate wall sections have tongue and groove mating ends that facilitate assembling the pit and provide for sealing against leakage of water. The wall sections have built-in rebar attachment and water block elements at an angle so as to provide for a strong and waterproof bond with the ramp floor. The ramp floor is concrete, poured after installation of the separation unit and the wall sections to complete the finished drive-down pit. The separation unit has up to four chambers: a primary solids collection section; a secondary solids settling chamber; a free oil separating section; and a pump water holding section.

Abstract: A water kettle having a receptacle (1) with an inner space (2) for receiving water (3) therein and with a pouring spout (4) for pouring water from the inner space (2). The water kettle is further provided with a particle catcher (9) for catching particles from the water in the kettle. The particle catcher (9) has an inlet (11) for catching descending particles (13) which faces upwards when the kettle is in an upright position. This causes loose particles to be caught from the water and to be retained particularly effectively. Furthermore, a particle catcher for use in such a water kettle is described.

Abstract: A fuel tank for use with small internal combustion engines, the fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet and storing a quantity of fuel therein. A hydrophobic barrier is positioned within the fuel tank in flow communication with the outlet, and permits the passage of fuel therethrough while preventing the passage of water therethrough. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the intake system of the engine. The hydrophobic barrier may be positioned at an inclined angle proximate the fuel outlet, such that water droplets within the fuel are deflected downwardly toward the lower portion of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower wall with a depressed area defining a water trap in which water may collect, the water trap spaced laterally away from the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet.

Abstract: A pre-separator feed well for use with hydrous slurry feed is provided in a hindered-bed separator that includes an elongate body defining an interior space with upper and lower portions. The feed well is elongate and includes a vertically adjustable conical plate adjacent the bottom thereof for control of downward flow of heavy material. The top of the feed well includes an overflow weir including an overflow ring having a plurality of vertical slots through which flows the lighter material onto an overflow weir adjacent an overflow launder and to an outlet pipe. Feed is introduced into the upper portion of the feed well in a tangential manner. A perforated barrier may be mounted below the feed well in some circumstances. Teeter flow is introduced in a lower portion of the separator and flows upwardly. Alternatively, the lower part of the separator can be perforated for heavy/coarse material discharge.

Abstract: A grease removal system includes a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank, which is fluidly coupled to a secondary tank. The secondary tank contains an enzyme solution which biodegrades the grease. The grease removal system may also include a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank which is fluidly coupled to a replaceable container. Grease is diverted from the grease trap tank into the replaceable container and thereafter discarded. The grease removal system may include a grease trap tank utilizing a unique arrangement of grease baffles and solids baffles which work together to isolate grease within a single region of the grease trap tank for ease of disposal. Finally, the grease removal system includes two level sensors which detect the level of grease within the grease trap tank and, at the appropriate level direct the accumulated grease from the grease trap tank.

Abstract: A filter and housing (10) for waste water treatment includes a housing (10) having a plurality of coaxially mounted vertically extending sections adaptable to receive a filter cartridge therein. An upper section (12) is provided with an outlet consisting of at least two coaxially aligned rings (22) of preselected diameters wherein the thickness of the rings and the spacing between the rings is sufficient to receive waste water treatment outlets of different diameters. The filter cartridge is comprised of a stacked arrangement of a plurality of disc-dam units (32) wherein each disc-dam unit (32) is provided with a serpentine configured first dam (46), the first dam extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc-dam unit, the first dam having terminating ends spaced at outer terminating edges (34a, 34b) of the disc dam unit to define a cord segment therebetween. The terminating ends are connected by a second dam (46) having a height less than the first dam.

Abstract: A filter-testing fixture holds a single fuel filter and is adjustable to accommodate a range of filter sizes and shapes. The fixture has a base section that defines a water collection reservoir, and the base opens upward toward a housing. Water separated from fuel in the housing thus drains into the reservoir. A fuel inlet conduit passes through the reservoir, one end of the conduit being disposed above the base section. The first, or filter-supporting, adapter is removably attached to this end of the conduit, and both the first adapter and this end are disposed within, the housing. The housing removably and sealingly mates to the base, and a cap assembly likewise removably and sealingly mates to the housing. A second, repositionable, filter-holding adapter is connected to the inner surface of the cap.

Abstract: A cartridge filter is provided having a housing body, a sump releasably attached to the housing body, and a filter cartridge within the housing body releasably attached to the housing body by a screw connection. The sump is attached to the housing body by a separate screw connection. The screw connection includes a first screw formation on the sump having a sloped screw surface and, at the leading end, a lug projecting above the sloped screw surface. A second screw formation is also provided on the housing body having a sloped screw surface along which the lug can run. A further projection is positioned on the housing body to engage the leading end of said first screw formation and to deflect the lug so that the first screw formation hooks over the trailing end of the second screw formation, when the connection is fully tightened.

Abstract: A radial flow septic tank includes: a main body having a wall and a floor defining a cavity; an inlet disposed at approximately a center of the cavity; an outlet having a collection device disposed around an inside perimeter of the wall of the main body; and a column disposed within the cavity at approximately the center of the main body, the column having openings to allow the flow to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A filter device according to the present invention comprises: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirl, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirl are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause a swirl, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirl and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device.

Abstract: A portable cleaning device for removing sediment from an enclosure retaining water. The cleaning device includes a pump, a housing, and a receptacle. The pump creates a fluid flow through the cleaning device. The cleaning device draws water from the enclosure into the housing through a tube. The housing includes an inlet passage and an outlet passage defined within the housing. The fluid flow path through the cleaning device is at least partially defined by the inlet passage, the receptacle and the outlet passage. The inlet passage receives the fluid flow from the tube and empties the fluid flow into the receptacle. The outlet passage receives fluid flow out of the receptacle. A filter is connected to the outlet passage and prevents relatively large particles in the water from entering the outlet passage. The fluid flow proceeds from the outlet passage toward the pump through an outlet tube.

Abstract: A portable purifying system for improved filtering and/or separating of cleaning solutions such as solvents, particularly those used in parts washers. The purifying system utilizes a removable reservoir to provide a smaller reservoir within a larger reservoir such as a parts washer. The portable purifying system provides an apparatus and method of use to perform the following steps: using re-circulating solvent from the larger reservoir, washing oily parts in such manner that oily residue from the washed parts is deposited in the smaller reservoir; separating cleaner portions of solvent from dirtier portions of solvent within the smaller reservoir using density differences to separate by gravity action cleaner portions from dirtier portions; moving the cleaner portions of solvent into the larger reservoir; and periodically emptying and cleaning the smaller reservoir.

Abstract: A system for limiting the size of particulate matter entering a septic tank pump contains a strainer that has a straining screen through which the pump draws liquid from the septic tank. A nozzle receives some of the effluent being pumped by the pump and is aimed toward the screen for directing effluent toward the screen to dislodge particulate matter from an area of the screen while the pump draws liquid through the screen. The screen and nozzle are arranged for relative movement so that the area of the screen being acted on by the effluent from the nozzle changes as the pump operates. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for separating and renewing phases of a diphasic liquid—liquid mixture, in which a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase are circulated in counter current in a liquid—liquid extraction device. The device is in the form of a straight hollow cylinder with one of the bases being either the wall of the device or being in contact with the wall of the device. The device also includes an input orifice for the phase the user wishes to trap, an output orifice that is smaller than the input orifice for the phase that the user wishes to trap, separated, and a third orifice of an intermediate size when compared to the size of the input and output orifices for evacuating a non-desired phase.