Abstract: A device (1) for separating and filtering particles and organisms from a high volume flowing liquid operating under low pressure. The device (1) includes a conical or cylindrical shape inlet chamber (3) were liquids enter tangentially creating a circular flow without creating a vortex, the liquids accelerate into a separation and filter chamber (14) where the liquids spin around a longitudinally disposed filter element (11) in the center of the chamber (14), with the centrifugal forces separating out larger and heavier particles towards the perimeter of the separation and filter chamber (14), and where smaller particles having a specific gravity closer to that of the liquid are filtered when the liquid penetrates through the filter element wall into the center of the filter element and flows out one of the longitudinal outlets of the unit. Ultraviolet light irreparably damages bacteria, microorganisms and pathogens contained in processed ballast water and may be incorporated as part of the system.

Abstract: A separation method and apparatus are disclosed having particular application for effecting removal of sand from a production wellstream, enhancing the quality of recovered oil, gas and water output streams (12, 13, 14) and reducing erosion caused by entrained sand. The wellstream is passed initially through a cyclone separator (4?) which separates substantially all the water and sand as underflow and substantially all the oil and gas as overflow. A gravity separator (11) separates the overflow from the cyclone separator (4?) into oil, gas and water, and a further cyclone separator (17) separates the underflow from the first cyclone separator (4?) into water and sand.

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: An apparatus for removing particulates from a wastewater stream includes a chamber having a wastewater inlet and wastewater outlet which promotes a generally horizontal wastewater flow. A grating is provided in the chamber between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet having a screen size for preventing the passage of particulates having greater than the select effective diameter from the wastewater inlet into the wastewater outlet. The grating is vertically inclined relative to the direction of the wastewater flow. A baffle within the chamber is configured to cooperate with the grating to generate a vortex in the wastewater having a velocity component parallel to the face of the grating which urges particles trapped by the grating along the grating toward a surface of the wastewater to suspend particles in the wastewater as the wastewater flows between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for separating liquid products and catalyst particles from a slurry used in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor system. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are characterized by a separation system that uses a sedimentation chamber, which contains at least one inclined channel that enhances the settling of particles within the slurry. The enhanced settling separates the slurry into a catalyst-rich bottom stream and a catalyst-lean overhead stream. The catalyst-rich bottom product stream is preferably recycled to the reactor, while the catalyst-lean overhead stream can be further processed by a secondary separation system to produce valuable synthetic fuels. The inclined channel may be provided by a structure selected from the group consisting of tube, pipe, conduit, sheets, trays, walls, plates, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A screening device which is particularly useful for separating solids from liquids when sewerage systems overflow. The device includes an inner apertured chamber and an internal brush arrangement for sweeping over the apertures to prevent clogging. A spray enables the apertured chamber to be washed after use.

Abstract: A fuel filter includes: a filtration chamber consisting of an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder disposed concentrically with a predetermined space, a bottom part that closes an opening end on one end side of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and a lid part disposed with a fuel suction pipe and a fuel sending pipe, that closes an opening end on the other end side of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder; and a filtering member that is accommodated in a filtration chamber and filtrates fuel that flows into the filtration chamber. In this filter, a centrifugal force applying member for centrifuging the fuel that flows into is disposed at the end of the filtering member on the lid part side. A groove portion extending along an inner wall face of the outer cylinder is formed on the bottom part.

Abstract: A grit removal device, as may be used in a water or wastewater treatment plant, has a vortex grit collector and a mechanical conveyor for removing the grit from the collector. The grit collector includes a tank having an influent channel and an effluent channel, and a stirrer or other mechanism for inducing vortex flow within the tank. The tank has a sump located beneath it, wherein grit settles. A mechanical conveyor, such as a rotating screw, removes and dewaters grit from the sump to an exterior location. The conveyor is preferably offset from the horizontal. The invention also includes a method of grit removal employing the device.

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 new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.

Abstract: An engine block on an engine with angled oil outlets adapted to engage a reusable fluid filter, consisting of: a pre-cast filter-connecting segment; the pre-cast filter-connecting segment having a filtered oil inlet in fluid communication with the engine and also including a number of angled oil outlets in fluid communication with the engine. The angled oil outlets are arranged circularly about a central axis of the pre-cast filter-connecting segment, and extend downwardly from the engine block at a first angle and outwardly at a tangent to a cylindrical reference surface parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

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: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.

Abstract: A variable vortex, baffle fluid filter apparatus for installation primarily in urban storm water drain sumps. A circular, filter channel that is enclosed on all four sides by filter screens, includes a cylindrical baffle screen that is attached concentrically below the channel for moving impurities to the sump bottom. Provision is made for manually adjusting the velocity of the fluid inlet flow. An angle adjustable, pivotable vane is provided in front of the inlet opening to adjust inlet flow velocity and vortex strength, to keep inlet impurities from sticking to the filter screens. The filter unit provides 150 percent more treatment capacity than comparable filter units and provides easy access for maintenance to all parts.

Abstract: A separator for separating particles entrained in a fluid is disclosed. The separator includes a sleeve adapted to be mounted over a rotatable shaft for forming a cavity therebetween, an inlet to the cavity, an outlet to the cavity and means for imparting a centrifugal force on fluid within the cavity. The means for imparting the centrifugal force is operatively connected to the shaft so that, in use, spinning of the shaft creates the centrifugal force. In use, a slurry of fluid and particles enters the cavity through the inlet, the particles are caused to separate from the fluid by action of the centrifugal force, and the separated particles and fluid leave the cavity via the outlet with the particles tending to be closer to the sleeve than the shaft.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic separator to separate floatable material from a liquid includes a separating vessel having a cylindrical outer wall; an inlet means for introducing the liquid into the vessel in a manner to promote a low energy rotational flow of liquid in the vessel; a base at one end; a top wall at the end opposite the base, the top wall including an axial outlet opening for receiving a flow containing floatable material separated from the liquid flow to the vessel; a flow modifying member provided within the vessel to define with the top wall an annular opening which is spaced from the outer wall; an annular dip plate spaced from the outer wall of the vessel, the dip plate comprising an upper edge spaced from the top wall to define a gap for the flow of liquid containing floatable matter; and an outlet separate from the axial outlet opening in the top wall, comprising a conduit for removing a primary liquid flow from the vessel, which conduit communicates with the interior of the vessel at a substantially ax

Abstract: A flow conditioning apparatus, a separation system which includes the flow conditioning apparatus and cooperating downstream separation equipment, and a method of using the system are described. The system separates liquid components of differing densities from a fluid mixture. The flow conditioning apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and a swirl chamber extending along a swirl axis. The inlet and outlet cooperate with the swirl chamber to create a swirling of a fluid mixture passing through the swirl chamber to ideally induce coalescence of liquid droplets. The inlet and the outlet typically direct fluid to flow in a circumferential direction relative to the swirl axis to create a helical flow. The flow of the fluid mixture through the apparatus encounters a minimum of fluid shear and associated droplet dispersion.

Abstract: An agricultural or industrial water filter comprises a spin plate, a flow distributing sleeve, and a cone basin. The spin plate includes fluid passageways disposed at a 20 degree angle relative to the axis of the filter. The flow distributing sleeve is disposed in between the screen and the filter chamber. The screen may be oversize with a screen area that is a multiple of the screen area of a standard screen. The sleeve comprises a plurality of axial slots which are more narrow at the proximal side and wider at the distal side. The end cap is coupled to a bottom of the filter chamber and disposed adjacent to a bottom of the screen. The end cap comprises a cone coupled to the top of a basin. The cone extends upwardly into the space within the screen. A narrow annulus with a small cross-sectional area is formed between the bottom edge of the cone and the top of the basin. The basin includes a flush tube to flush out particles collected in the basin and to cause a high velocity flow through the annulus.

Abstract: A high conductivity particle filter provides a flow path to subject a fluid stream to a series of turns. The turns require an abrupt directional change for the fluid stream. Traps are positioned in proximity to the turns to capture particles, which have greater inertia than the fluid. The flow path may be a spiral or a series of parallel paths. A cross sectional area of the flow path may be progressively decreased to increase flow velocity and particle inertia.

Abstract: A water reservoir treatment system for a swimming pool, water tank, spa, or fountain water, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system preferably comprises, in sequence, a water circulation system, a vortex separator for initial separation of particulates, and an absorption or adsorption filter which may be a conventional pool filter using sand, diatomaceous earth, or paper cartridge as filtering medium.

Abstract: A manifold assembly (12) for a medical waste collection device (10) includes a manifold housing (14), a manifold cap (16), and a connection (18). The housing (14) includes a support structure (22) and a bottom (20) having a wall (24) extending upwardly about an axis (26) and defines open periphery (28) having a shoulder (32). The support structure (22) defines a filter support surface (30). An outlet port (34) is disposed on the bottom (20). The surface (30) includes an inner ring (38), an outer ring (40), outer spokes (44) and inner spokes (52). The cap (16) includes an intake port (58) and is disposed on the housing (14) to define a chamber (56) having filters (60, 62) supported on the surface (30). The cap (16) includes a top (64), skirt (66) and ribs (70, 72). The connection (18) includes a brim (74) having a lip (76).

Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a housing generally symmetric about its central longitudinal axis and an inlet for introduction of a fluid containing dispersed substances. An outlet for the cleaned fluid includes a tube through the bottom wall of the housing having an axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. An outlet for the dispersed substances has the shape of an annular channel in the bottom wall disposed adjacent the tube and adjacent a rotation axis of the fluid whereat high-density substances settle.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly has an outer canister in which full flow and bypass flow filtration sections are operatively housed in a nested relationship. Oil forced into the canister has imparted thereto a vortex flow pattern which forces contaminant particles in the oil away from the full flow filter section before the oil passes therethrough. The bypass filtration section is disposed within the full flow filtration section and creates a second vortex flow pattern in the oil which induces a small portion thereof to flow through a bypass filter element while at the same time causing the entire balance of the oil to bypass this filter element and be discharged from the canister after having traversed the filtering portion of only the full flow filtration portion of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A means separates solid matter from liquid and includes a perforated separation panel through which the liquid can pass and which prevents the passage of the solid matter of a size larger than a predetermined size. When solid matter becomes located against the panel, the flow of liquid along the face of the panel on which the solid matter is located will tend to cause the solid matter to move from the panel so that the panel is self cleaned and does not become obstructed by the solid matter.

Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An agricultural or industrial water filter comprises a spin plate, a flow distributing sleeve, and a cone basin. The spin plate includes fluid passageways disposed at a 20 degree angle relative to the axis of the filter. The flow distributing sleeve is disposed in between the screen and the filter chamber. The screen may be oversize with a screen area that is a multiple of the screen area of a standard screen. The sleeve comprises a plurality of axial slots which are more narrow at the proximal side and wider at the distal side. The end cap is coupled to a bottom of the filter chamber and disposed adjacent to a bottom of the screen. The end cap comprises a cone coupled to the top of a basin. The cone extends upwardly into the space within the screen. A narrow annulus with a small cross-sectional area is formed between the bottom edge of the cone and the top of the basin. The basin includes a flush tube to flush out particles collected in the basin and to cause a high velocity flow through the annulus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum filtration device for aqueous media that includes a hydrophilic tubular filter element in a cylindrical housing and at least one hydrophobic gas-permeable membrane, coupled with a gas bleed-off valve to allow the escape of air entrained in the filtration medium.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle includes a fluid supply line leading from a fluid supply tank of an associated engine and a fluid pretreatment device communicating with the fluid supply line. The fluid pretreatment device includes a housing, a conical structure extending in the housing, a collection cup supported on the housing, and a draw tube. The housing includes a wall, and the wall cooperates with the conical structure to define a particle separation chamber in the housing for separating particles from a fluid flowing through the separation chamber to produce a pre-cleaned fluid. The collection cup receives and holds the particulate matter separated from the fluid in the particle separation chamber. The draw tube extends into the particle separation chamber for leading the pre-cleaned fluid back to the fluid supply line.

Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.

Abstract: A sealed centrifugal clarifier with a pre-sterilized and disposable container which lines the separation chamber is disclosed. More particularly, the centrifugal clarifier contains a feed port that allows a liquid-solid mixture to be continuously fed into the device wherein the solid is sedimented by rotation of the separation chamber and the clarified liquid is released into an outside receptacle through an effluent port. The throughput rate of the clarifier is adjustable and can be determined as a function of the fill radius of the separation chamber.

Abstract: A process and system for recovering fine coal having a size at or below 400 mesh. The process and system includes a series of cyclone separators, a vibrating screen, a centrifuge and a flow path to clean, recover and dewater fine coal having a nominal size of 3 mm down to 400 mesh or below. The process and system includes the use of commercially available components arranged in a novel manner to efficiently recover fine coal for use in various energy supplying systems.

Abstract: An engine block on an engine with angled oil outlets adapted to engage a reusable fluid filter, consisting of: a pre-cast filter-connecting segment; the pre-cast filter-connecting segment having a filtered oil inlet in fluid communication with the engine and also including a number of angled oil outlets in fluid communication with the engine. The angled oil outlets are arranged circularly about a central axis of the pre-cast filter-connecting segment, and extend downwardly from the engine block at a first angle and outwardly at a tangent to a cylindrical reference surface parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: An automated fluid filtration system is disclosed, the system providing flexibility and accuracy for the investigative development of liquid separation processes. The system can be used for optimizing the protocol parameters of laboratory scale separation processes towards larger, commercial scale processes.

Abstract: In order to produce a magnetic separator for separating particles from a fluid, comprising a collection chamber through which the fluid is arranged to flow, and a device for producing a magnetic field by means of which the particles are retained in a collector region of the collection chamber during a collection phase, whereby only a very small amount of liquid is lost when the particles retained in the collector region of the collection chamber are removed from the collection chamber after the collection phase, it is proposed that the magnetic separator comprise a sluice chamber having a closable inlet opening through which the particles collected in the collection chamber are transferable into the sluice chamber, and also having a closable extraction opening through which the particles are removable from the sluice chamber.

Abstract: A water filter includes an egg-shaped housing formed from a lower shell and an upper shell. The lower shell is divided into an intake chamber and an outflow chamber. A filter or membrane is placed between the upper and lower shells.

Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from a fluid environment is provided. The system includes a device having housing with a substantially cylindrical upper portion and a substantially conical lower portion. The device also includes a chamber at an intersection between the upper portion and the lower portion, and an inlet in communication with the chamber for generating a cyclonic flow pattern into the conical lower portion. As the cyclonic flow with a suspension of solids is introduced into the lower portion, the flow decreases in velocity. Thereafter, the flow rises within the conical lower portion at a velocity less than the settling velocity of the solids, generated by gravitational forces, thereby resulting the separation of the solids from the fluid. The ascending fluid substantially free of solids can be collected through an upper portion, while the settled solids can be collected towards an apex of the conical lower portion and subsequently removed.

Abstract: A fluid filter which comprises a canister having an open end and a closed end, the canister sealing to an adapter body to prevent leakage between the canister and the adapter body, the adapter body having a plurality of fluid inlet ports extending through the adapter assembly body into the cavity formed by the canister and the adapter body assembly, a threaded fluid outlet port extending through the adapter body, a threaded ring adapter for adapting the outlet port to a variety of connection configurations, a multistage wire mesh filter element having a weave which is designed to prevent fluid contaminants from passing through the filter element while inhibiting the contaminant particles from becoming lodged in the filter mesh, the fluid inlet ports in the adapter body being formed at an angle to create a tornado type turbine fluid motion within the canister to suspend contaminants which are blocked from passage through the screen in the fluid and allow such contaminants to settle in the canister out of the f

Abstract: A hydrodynamic gravitational separator and an attending drainwater filtration section positionable within a horizontal flow passage of a drainage system utilizes a circular-walled collection cavity into which drainwater is directed so that a swirling motion is imparted to the drainwater collected within the collection cavity. Furthermore, a baffle plate is supported within the collection cavity adjacent the exit opening thereof to isolate the exit opening from the swirling motion of the drainwater collected within the cavity. The filtration section includes a filter disposed downstream of the exit opening of the collection cavity so that drainwater which exits the collection cavity is subsequently routed through the filter.

Abstract: A continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system including a filter portion and a mud re-circulation manifold for receiving partially filtered slurry, containing the slurry and mixing the slurry with liquid ready for use and thereby enabling a continuous, re-circulating flow through the filter portion. The continuous flow slurry cleaning apparatus and system further include a tank for storing and delivering liquid ready to be used by a drilling machine. The continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system further includes a mud circulation/agitation system for keeping solids in suspension and for mixing additives along with the liquid ready for use and thereby modifying the makeup of the liquid ready for use.

Abstract: A fine filter assembly for a dishwasher includes a filter body having a soil accumulation trough. The soil accumulation trough defines a substantially helical flow path between a fine filter inlet and an outlet. A natural flow path is therefore provided to efficiently clean fine the filter assembly with downwardly directed fluid jets generated by a lower spray arm assembly. Soil is directed to a fine filter drain tube with relative ease, thereby facilitating use of more efficient use of a drain pump inlet as a soil collection chamber during wash cycles.

Abstract: A means separates solid matter from liquid and includes a perforated separation panel through which the liquid can pass and which prevents the passage of the solid matter of a size larger than a predetermined size. When solid matter becomes located against the panel, the flow of liquid along the face of the panel on which the solid matter is located will tend to cause the solid matter to move from the panel so that the panel is self cleaned and does not become obstructed by the solid matter.

Abstract: A reusable filter for mounting on an engine is disclosed herein. The filter includes cylindrical reusable filter mounted in a housing. The reusable filter includes an outer screen, an inner screen, and a ported cylinder between the outer and inner screens. The ported cylinder has a plurality of acutely angled oil-directing openings extending toward the inner screen to cause a swirling fluid motion in a partially filtered compartment around the inner screen to assist in trapping sediment in a contaminant trap located between the inner and outer screens.

Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a housing generally symmetric about its central longitudinal axis and an inlet for introduction of a fluid containing dispersed substances. At least a portion of the housing wall is shaped to form a flow rectifier. An outlet for the cleaned fluid comprises a tube through the bottom wall of the housing having an axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. An outlet for the dispersed substances has the shape of an annular channel in the bottom wall disposed adjacent the tube and adjacent a rotation axis of the fluid whereat high-density substances settle.

Abstract: A filtering assembly for removing particles from a liquid is positioned coaxially within a vertical, pressure-tight housing 11 having a tangential inlet 21 at an upper end and an outlet 24 at a bottom end thereof. The filtering assembly includes a filter bag 13 positioned on the exterior surface of a perforated cylinder 14. Untreated liquid from the inlet is filtered as it flows radially inward through the filter assembly. A wash-down device 28 is position at an upper end of the housing for removing solids that have built up on the exterior surface of the filter bag. A controller initiates a wash-down of the filter bag upon detecting a predetermined pressure differential across the filter assembly. After closing the inlet and outlet, the controller opens a vacuum-break valve D causing the filter bag to pulse and thereby initially dislodging entrapped solid particles for easy wash-down.

Abstract: A filter having a substantially cylindrical or slightly tapered body design which has a plurality of elongated apertures formed therethrough. Each aperture is defined side to side by a pair of elongated, wedge-like rib members disposed one on each side of each aperture, and top to bottom by a pair of cross members which present a substantially square top side and an angularly declining bottom side. The end effect is a substantially rectangular entry aperture for fluid flow with the exception of the declining bottom side which promotes smooth, low resistance entry flow. The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacture of filters having the above-described characteristics. In particular, the preferred method involves an injection molding process in which a molten plastic (such as high-density polyethylene, HDPE) is injected into a two-part mold.

Abstract: A filter cartridge which removes particulate contaminants from liquids includes an annular filter element which, for example, may be a pleated paper filter element, as well as an array of fins which impart a spiral motion to the liquid prior to the liquid passing through the filter element. The spiral motion imparts a centrifugal force to the particulate contaminants causing heavier filter contaminants to move away from the filter media to proximity with the wall of a housing enclosing the filter media and to subsequently accumulate in an axial space disposed beneath the filter media. Since the filter media does not need to remove particles already precipitated out of the liquid, the life of the filter media is extended, the capacity of the filter media is increased, and the distribution of contaminant particles over the upstream side of the filter media is made more uniform.

Abstract: An improved sewer apparatus comprising a maintenance hole and an influent line for carrying sewage to the maintenance hole, a vortex form disposed substantially within the maintenance hole which accepts the sewage from the influent line, the vortex form having a spiral channel of decreasing diameter, and a conduit also disposed within the maintenance hole and fluidly connected to the vortex form and extending substantially downwardly from the vortex form to a flow exit near the maintenance hole base. The improved sewer apparatus reduces the release of odorous and corrosive gas emissions from sewage into the sewer and surrounding environment and improves aeration of the sewage.

Abstract: Improved self-cleaning filter, comprised of a casing (1) with an entry (2) for water towards an encircling chamber (5), a filtering element based on a plurality of grooved disks (10), an axial passage (14) in the breast of these disks and an axial exit (9) for clean water. The filtering element (10) is completed in its lower end by a flap (11) that closes the axial passage (14) in the backward movement of water during cleaning, forcing it to go through side collectors (15) unaffected by the flap (11) and in which established are windows (16) for the exit of water, obliquely oriented in a side direction to make the disks (10) rotate during cleaning, also oblique in a vertical direction to take advantage of the separation between the disks (10) and distributed helically (15), the support tower (6) of these disks completed in a retractile rammer (21).

Abstract: A blood filter (1) has a small priming volume and a high ability of trapping and removing the air bubbles. The blood filter (1) according to the present invention includes a housing (5) accommodating a blood inlet (8), a blood outlet (9), an air bubble outlet (14), and a filter element (3) disposed in the housing (5). The blood inlet (8) is preferably disposed in the vicinity of a bottom surface (7) of the housing. The housing (5) includes a spiral chamber (10) defined between an inner wall (5b) and an outer wall (5a) of the housing (5) and a center chamber (11) defined within the inner wall (5b). The spiral chamber (10) extends in a helix shape to surround the center chamber (11). Due to such a structure, even when air bubbles are introduced to the blood filter (1) through the blood inlet (8), the air bubbles are effectively separated from the blood in the spiral chamber (10). The blood filter having such a spiral chamber (10) is unlikely influenced by the blood flow rate and the amount of air bubbles.