Tangential Flow, Spiral Or Convolute Baffle Patents (Class 210/304)
  • Patent number: 6383383
    Abstract: A combination cyclonic separator, multi-stage filter and pump is disposed within a cylindrical housing disposed around a vertical axis. A fluid inlet in a bottom portion of the housing causes the water to circulate with greater flow on the outside of the housing than on the inside thereof, thereby causing debris suspended within the water to accumulate closer to the inside and bottom than to the outside and top of this portion of the housing. A plurality of plates causing the flow to go between a first plate and the inner wall of the housing and through an opening in the inside of the second plate serves as part of a second stage of filtering large particles. A third plate disposed above the second plate forces water again between the periphery of the second plate and the inner wall of the housing to complete a preferred embodiment of the second stage filtration. A filter media is interposed in the housing after the second stage and catches the finer particles suspended in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Water Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Novak
  • Patent number: 6368497
    Abstract: A mobile oil recycling system adapted for use with an oil-lubricated combustion engine. The inventive system includes an evaporation chamber for changing the pressure of the oil from a first pressure to a second pressure lower than the first pressure. Metering holes in a textured three-dimensional evaporation surface at the second pressure allow oil to spread over the three-dimensional surface area and evaporate contaminants from the oil. In a specific embodiment, the system further includes a filtering system for removing solid contaminants from the oil. A housing contains and supports the filtering system and the contaminant removal chamber, and directs the flow of oil through the recycling system. In a more specific embodiment the housing includes a base having an oil inlet for allowing pressurized oil to enter the oil recycling system and an oil outlet for allowing oil at atmospheric pressure to exit the recycling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Robert F. de Sylva
  • Publication number: 20020030005
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen Crompton, Paul Blanche
  • Publication number: 20020020679
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, William F. Aitkenhead, Joseph D. Antocci
  • Patent number: 6337016
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in known apparatus for removing or separating certain contaminants and debris from drainage water. The known device has a tank defining a chamber with an inlet and a pair of vertically spaced outlets. A bulkhead with openings is spaced opposite the inlet and extends from the base of the chamber. A baffle is located between the bulkhead and the outlets and extends from the top of the chamber to near the bottom. An orifice plate or plates is adjustable mounted in series with the outlets and controls the rate of flow therethrough. The system thus has four sections, namely a non-floating particulate containment chamber; a floating particulate containment chamber; a flow control chamber; and an outlet chamber. In accordance with the invention, a fluid-previous media is provided at the interior of said apparatus in or abounding the flow path of the drain water proceeding between said inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Mycelx Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Haluk Alper
  • Patent number: 6337017
    Abstract: A fluid separator which includes an outer housing and a center fluid inlet tube which has a beveled lower end. Fluid enters the top of the housing into the inlet tube rotating as it passes downwardly through the tube and out the beveled end with the heavier particulate matter in the fluid settling to the bottom of the housing and the separated fluid being directed upwardly along the housing to the exterior of the inlet tube and out an outlet port in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Philip A. McCulloch
  • Publication number: 20010052490
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: JOHNNY WONG, WILLIE L. STAMEY, GREGORY KEITH RHYNE
  • Patent number: 6251296
    Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicate via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member. The separation member comprises two cooperating members movable between an open position and a closed position to provide access to the particle receiving chamber to empty the collected contents therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Dave Petersen
  • Patent number: 6238110
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of a bath (15) for processing photographic material comprises a tank (14) adapted for holding the bath, a container (18) for holding a feedstock fluid and a separator (1) in fluid communication with the container to receive feedstock fluid from the container. The separator comprises a fluid inlet port (2), a liquid outlet (4), a vent opening (3) and means adapted for separating liquid and gas by a cyclone action. The separator provides a manifold for merging inlet flow connections from several containers. The invention provides an apparatus, a method, a manifold, and a use of a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Glunz & Jensen A/S
    Inventors: Tommy Jensen, Jens Havn Thorup, Henrik Wegge
  • Patent number: 6228260
    Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicate via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member. The apertures have baffle members for reducing the flow of fluid in the particle receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: G. B. D. Corp.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Dave Petersen
  • Patent number: 6214223
    Abstract: A toroidal shaped plasma mass filter for separating heavy mass ions (M2) from light mass ions (M1) includes a platform having an annular shaped surface with a circular axis of rotation located midway between the inner and outer circumferences of the platform. An arched wall covers the platform to create a plasma chamber with the wall at least at a distance “a” from the axis of rotation. A plasma source is mounted on the platform in the chamber between the axis of rotation and the wall to generate a multi-species containing light mass particles (M1) and heavy mass particles (M2). In the chamber, the toroidal component, B&phgr;, of a helical magnetic field, B, is crossed with an electrical field, Er, having a positive potential Vctr along the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Archimedes Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Tihiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6210575
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a suspension, comprising a collection vessel; and a cyclone fixably received within the collection vessel, the cyclone having an inlet for receiving the suspension, a wall having at least a filter medium for separating the suspension into at least two components, and a lower underflow outlet for dispensing one of the two components, wherein the filter medium is porous and in communication with a catalyst, a hydrophillic, or hydrophobic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: George G. Chase, Steven C. Schapel
  • Patent number: 6190545
    Abstract: A drainwater treatment system positionable within a horizontal flow passage of a drainage system utilizes a partition which divides the flow passage into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. In addition, a mid-panel is supported within the upstream chamber for dividing the interior of the upstream chamber into an upper section and a lower section so that the drainwater enters the upper section before entering the lower section through a first opening provided in the mid-panel. A conduit is also joined between a second opening provided in the mid-panel and the opening of the partition for conducting drainwater from the lower section of the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber so that the drainwater which enters the upper section and then into the lower section is decelerated to flow conditions at which debris and suspended are permitted to separate and settle from the drainwater before being conducted from the lower section and into the downstream chamber through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Remedial Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Kelly Williamson
  • Patent number: 6187178
    Abstract: A separator includes a barrier 53 for retaining solid material thereon and an automatic mechanism for alternately preventing and allowing the flow of liquid to the separator outlet. When the flow is prevented, the liquid backs up through the barrier and washes the solids to a solids collection region 55. In one embodiment, the automatic mechanism includes a pivoted flap 101 and, in another embodiment, a siphon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro International PLC
    Inventors: Paul Jeremy Lecornu, Bruce Peter Smith, Robert Yawgyamfi Andoh
  • Patent number: 6183641
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a longitudinally extending housing having a fluid inlet port; a plurality of spaced apart members rotatably mounted in the housing to transmit motive force between fluid introduced through the fluid inlet port and the members and to separate the fluid into at least two fluid streams; and, a fluid outlet port positioned on the housing for receiving each fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Ted Szylowiec
  • Patent number: 6183633
    Abstract: A separator for separating material from a fluid which includes an inlet, a separating chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, a holding chamber, a deflector for deflecting material entrained in or moving with fluid entering the separating chamber from the inlet towards the holding chamber, and an outlet for permitting flow of fluid from which the material has been removed from the separating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Swinburne University of Technology
    Inventor: Donald Ian Phillips
  • Patent number: 6176904
    Abstract: An arterial blood filter device for removing foreign particles and undissolved gases from blood flowing through the device, having a cylindrical housing enclosing a cylindrical filter element between a hollow upper cap forming an inlet chamber and a flat lower cap forming an outlet chamber. The upper cap has a vertical gas outlet and has a horizontal tubular inlet with the outermost wall of the tubular inlet extending tangentially from the outermost wall of the base of the upper cap. A principle feature of the invention is a stepped dome having a circular base with a diameter closely matched to the outer diameter of the filter element and attached to the upper end thereof. The stepped dome includes hemispherically shaped upper surface extending into the inlet chamber and having a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of the circular base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Brij M. Gupta
  • Patent number: 6125826
    Abstract: A self-washing device for separating and filtering solid particles from a ow of liquid includes a tubular casing defining an internal chamber, a tangential liquid inlet opening into the internal chamber and arranged to create a vortex in the internal chamber which acts to centrifuge out solid particles and carry them at the vortex periphery, a tangential liquid outlet for discharge of liquid carrying the solid particles from the internal chamber, and a tubular filter disposed longitudinally within the internal chamber for taking and filtering a portion of liquid flow at a center of the vortex, the filter having a longitudinal central duct communicating with at least one longitudinal liquid outlet for the filtered liquid. The device is of particular use in a fuel injection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Brocard, Michel Fran.cedilla.ois Le Texier, Alain Sartori
  • Patent number: 6093320
    Abstract: Tank cleaning system is formed by an upper deck having a spout potion and a deck portion, injectors and a separation chamber having a conical bottom wall and a top formed by a waste baffle. The injectors connect the deck portion with the separation chamber so that the waste baffle and upper deck are axially separated to provide an outlet passage therebetween. The injector passages direct water through the upper deck and waste baffle into the lower chamber and impart a significant velocity component tangential to the chamber to the water flowing therethrough to impart a helical flow to the water in the chamber. A debris outlet passage is provided adjacent to the bottom of the lower portion of the chamber. The dirt laden stream enters the chamber through the injectors and dirt is separated by centrifugal action in the chamber and rejected through the debris outlet while the cleaned water passes through the outlet passage and is returned to the surrounding water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Future Sea Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Theodore Baxter White
  • Patent number: 6090276
    Abstract: A separator for separating solids from a liquid/solid mixture. The separator has a cylindrical separation chamber in which a stream is subjected to centrifugal forces against a separation wall. An exit port near the bottom of the separation chamber passes solids and some liquid into a filter chamber where the liquid passes through the filter and in response to a negative pressure in the separation chamber the liquid is made to return the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventor: Steven D. Ford
  • Patent number: 5972229
    Abstract: A method for filtering out particles from a fluid is disclosed, wherein unfiltered fluid is guided into a filter housing of a filter apparatus and filtered fluid is guided from the filter housing, and wherein a rotary filter element, which has a filter structure and is arranged in the filter housing and is rotatable about an axis thereof, is rotated at a speed which is sufficiently high that all particles passing in a fluid flow into the area of the rotary filter element are affected by its structure and are ejected therefrom, whereas the fluid passes the structure of the rotary filter element substantially freed from the particles and flows off from the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Nyfotek AS
    Inventor: Eric Gustaf Lundin
  • Patent number: 5972215
    Abstract: A particle separator having a housing, a radially centered core, helical augers which force a fluid stream in a helical flow direction, and separator devices for the progressive separation of particles from a particulate contaminated fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Refaat A. Kammel
  • Patent number: 5958233
    Abstract: A new process and apparatus efficiently dewater aqueous solids residual after fermentation and distillation, such as corn stillage. The feed stream of aqueous solids slurry is fractionated into two or more substreams in such a way that one of the substreams contains predominately heavy particulate solids and has substantially improved free-draining characteristics. A second substream contains lighter particles, entrained fines of the heavy particles, and a major portion of the liquid from the feed stream. The free-draining substream is dewatered using a device such as a screen centrifuge or a screw press, both of which produce a cake of relatively high solids content. The remaining liquid from the feed stream is concentrated in an evaporator, before being mixed with the dewatered solids which may be dried to produce an animal feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Ralph H. Willgohs
  • Patent number: 5938921
    Abstract: An improved fuel filter cartridge can be used with a header of a conventional fuel filter assembly. The cartridge has a water coalescing sock filter enclosed within a housing and a generally conically shaped water separating baffle with a spiralling rim and an outer barrier at the lower periphery of the baffle. As water droplets coalesce and fall off the bottom end of the sock filter, they are intercepted by the water baffle and coalesce on the radially inward side of the downwardly spiralling rim and the radially inward side of the outer barrier. As the water droplets spiral outwardly toward the outer barrier, they agglomerate. The water, thus separated and routed away from the fuel stream, exits the water baffle at an outlet of the outer barrier and falls to the bottom of the filter cartridge under the influence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, Michael J. Williams
  • Patent number: 5925249
    Abstract: Apparatus for screening pulp suspensions containing heavy impurities is disclosed including a casing with an inlet for the pulp suspension at the lower end of the casing, a stationary screen mounted within the casing, a rotor mounted for rotation within the stationary screen thus forming a screening zone between the rotor and the stationary screen, with the inlet disposed within the rotor, the rotor including at least one opening adjacent to its upper end for transferring the pulp into the screening zone and a chamber for the heavy impurities disposed adjacent to either the upper or lower end of the casing, the rotor including strips or grooves for moving heavy impurities from the inner surface of the rotor to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Industries AB
    Inventor: Borje Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 5916531
    Abstract: A spiral fixed-bed module used to provide contact and interaction between a fluid stream and solid particles, comprises a fluid distribution element formed by a pair of laterally coextensive envelope-like fluid communication channels being spirally wound into a cylindrical structure with adjacent layers spaced apart forming spiral loops of spaces of uniform width. The element is then disposed in a cylindrical casing, and immobilized therein by packing solid particles into the spaces between the layers of the spiral channels, and the spaces between external surfaces of the element and inner surfaces of the casing. A fluid stream introduced into a first of the channels will be directed to flow through the solid particle layers via the porous side walls of the distribution channels, and exit from the second channel. The module packed with adsorbent particles provides a thin-bed adsorber, and can use very small adsorbent particles for efficient adsorption without giving rise to high pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Chuen Yong Pan
  • Patent number: 5911879
    Abstract: A filter/drier for receiving and discharging a flow of refrigerant having a header with an inlet passage forming a plenum and an outlet passage through the header. A louvered baffle plate has peripheral tabs crimped over an annular flange on the header to form a subassembly. A cup-shaped shell containing desiccant, with a layer of fibrous filter material over the desiccant, is assembled over the header subassembly and sealed to the header by weldment. The peripheral spaces between the crimped baffle tabs provide exclusive flow dispersion to an annular collector space in the header which communicates with the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William N. Eybergen
  • Patent number: 5908550
    Abstract: A water reclamation system for a vehicle wash system that provides water that is purified to enable reclaimed water to be used in a positive displacement pump. The reclamation system provides for continuous flow of water through the vehicle wash settling pit with an aerator to oxygenate the water and prevent odors typically produced by stagnant water from wash system settling pits. The water reclamation system is operable to clean the carwash system settling pit except for the primary pit in which the debris accumulated from the secondary settling pit is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: InterClean Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Pasi Kaipainen
  • Patent number: 5882509
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating wash water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a settling tank in which sludge is separated from the wash water, a circulation tank for temporary storage of the clean wash water from the settling tank, and from which the clean wash water can be recycled for washing further chips, and a hydrocyclone for separating water from the sludge for recycle to the settling tank. Methods for treating wash water utilizing such apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Industries AB
    Inventor: Per Perman
  • Patent number: 5882530
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a suspension, comprising a collection vessel; and a cyclone fixably received within the collection vessel, the cyclone having an inlet for receiving the suspension, a wall having at least a porous section for separating the suspension into at least two components, and a lower underflow outlet for dispensing one of the two components, wherein the other of the two components is received by said collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventor: George G. Chase
  • Patent number: 5879552
    Abstract: A self-purifying filter apparatus comprising (1) a filter having a first surface and a second surface; (2) flow control means, such as a vacuum pump, for causing a stream of fluid interspersed with solid particulates to pass from the first surface to the second surface through the filter, thereby removing some of the solid particulates from the first stream of fluid and depositing them on the first surface; and (3) a purging device, such as a small reservoir of water (potentially formed, in part, by water previously filtered by the filter), for causing a second stream of fluid to pass from the second surface to the first surface through the filter without substantially changing the position of the filter, thereby rinsing and removing from the first surface at least some of the solid particulates that were deposited there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Michael T. Bradfield
  • Patent number: 5879545
    Abstract: A compact cyclonic filter assembly used for separating unwanted debris from a fluid. The cyclonic filter assembly uses the centrifugal forces to separate large pieces of debris from the fluid and a filter to separate the remaining unwanted debris from the fluid. The present invention can be contained in a compact single housing which may be disassembled for easy cleaning and replacement of parts. The cyclonic filter assembly of the present invention has a vertically oriented cylindrical tube which receives a tangential injection of the debris laden fluid. The tangential injection causes the fluid to circulate around a cylindrical vortex finder which is inside of and coaxial with the tube. The centrifugal forces acting on the debris causes the debris to move outward away from the center of the vortex. The vortex finder has an opening which pulls in the relatively clean fluid near the center of the vortex while the debris laden fluid settles into a collection chamber below the cylindrical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
  • Patent number: 5865899
    Abstract: A process for refining a raw sugar, particularly raw sugar from the sugar cane sugar industry, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:(a) remelting of the raw sugar for obtaining a raw sugar syrup,(b) carbonatation or phosphatation of said raw sugar syrup, and(c) tangential microfiltration and/or tangential ultrafiltration of the raw sugar syrup, which has been subjected to carbonatation or phosphatation.The process is completed by the steps of:(d) decolorization of the sugar syrup resulting from step (c), and(e) crystallization and/or demineralization of the sugar syrup resulting from step (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Applexion
    Inventors: Marc-Andre Theoleyre, Stanislas Baudoin
  • Patent number: 5866000
    Abstract: A mixture of liquid particles dispersed in a fluid is introduced into an upright cylindrical separator at one end of an involute channel formed therein by a coaxial spiral partition of fibrous material to flow continuously under near plug-like flow conditions in an involutional or evolutional direction. The centrifugal force of the fluid in the channel causes the particles to impinge the fibrous material, separate from the fluid, and form films of the liquid which drains by gravity to a collection at the bottom of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: George C. Yeh
  • Patent number: 5849065
    Abstract: A device for separating gas bubbles out of medical fluids, in particular blood, has a substantially cylindrical chamber, an inlet connection arranged in the longitudinal direction of the chamber, an outlet connection and a flow-guide member attached to the inlet connection and having a plurality of flow channels, which extend in a space curve out of the longitudinal direction of the chamber in a direction running substantially tangential to the inner wall of the chamber. An orifice, which is sealed by a hydrophobic membrane, is provided in the cover part of the chamber. Since the outlet orifices of the flow channels are arranged directly underneath the cover part, the membrane is circumflowed by the inflowing fluid, avoiding the formation of dead zones. The device makes it possible to separate out air bubbles with a substantial degree of reliability, without the danger of the hydrophobic membrane becoming obstructed from contact with the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventor: Ralf Wojke
  • Patent number: 5843304
    Abstract: A materials treatment system which includes filtration and treatment of solid and liquid components of a material, such as a waste material. A filter or substrate assembly is provided which allows liquids to pass therethrough, while retaining solids. The solids are then incinerated utilizing microwave energy, and the liquids can be treated after passing through the filter element, for example, utilizing a treatment liquid such as an oxidant liquid. The filter assembly can also include an exhaust filter assembly which removes solids or particulate matter from exhaust gasses, with the retained solids/particulates incinerated utilizing microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Wastech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Marchesseault, John M. Rummler, Heinz Sauk-Schubert, Thomas Beal
  • Patent number: 5833868
    Abstract: A portable water recycler for cleaning and recycling water used in a produce washing system or another similar system. The portable water recycler is most particularly advantageous in the recycling of water used in a potato washing system. The portable water recycler includes a conveyor filter which removes and conveys debris generally laterally while allowing water to pass generally vertically through a funnel and into a reclaiming tank. The reclaiming tank has a sloped floor and a bottom outlet. Dirty water is discharged from the bottom outlet and pumped through at least one centrifugal separator for further separation of particulate material from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick W. Bajema
  • Patent number: 5830371
    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 angled 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 filter receptacles, 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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Gerald F. Smith, William J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5814216
    Abstract: The screening apparatus of the invention has a main cylindrical chamber linking a waste water inlet pipe to a refuse pipe and to an overflow outlet pipe. The waste water inlet pipe conveys water from a city sewer duct or the like, and this water is destined to be conveyed to a water treatment plant through the refuse pipe. However, during important storm water flow rate conditions in the waste water inlet pipe, the water level in the main chamber will rise since the refuse pipe will overflow due to a too large quantity of water. The screening apparatus includes a coaxial, cylindrical rotor defining a vertical through channel, and an annular grate being located intermediate the top and bottom of the main chamber and extending from the bottom edge of the rotor radially outwardly to the peripheral wall of the main chamber, where the annular grate is fixedly anchored. The rotor carries brooms adjacent the grate underface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: John Meunier Inc.
    Inventor: Gilles Filion
  • Patent number: 5804062
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating a liquid containing suspended solids comprising a clarifying vessel and a number of filters positioned around the periphery of the clarifying vessel for receiving and filtering liquid from the clarifier. A filter may be backwashed by isolating that filter, filling the other filter cells with clarified liquid and draining them into the isolated cell to remove filter media contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: David K. Wyness
  • Patent number: 5788848
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating material which includes solid and/or particulate matter from flowing liquid and/or gas. The apparatus includes a separation panel positioned in a fluid flow path, and the separation panel is housed in a separation chamber. Fluid can be introduced into the separation chamber by an inlet to establish a circular flow of the fluid within a confine of the separation panel, so material entrained in the fluid is trapped within the confine of the separation panel. The separation panel, separation chamber and inlet can be dimensioned and disposed such that as the apparatus operates, the flow of the fluid outside the separation panel is in a direction opposite to a direction of the flow of the fluid within the separation panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventors: Paul Blanche, Stephen Crompton
  • Patent number: 5785850
    Abstract: A device for filtering fluids which is cleanable and re-usable is described. The device includes a cylindrical canister, a cylindrical lid and a filter cartridge. The device is adapted to be disposed in a fluid flow circuit, filtering particulate from the fluid circulating therein. The filter cartridge is quickly removed, cleaned and reused. The fluid enters and exits the device from the top end through fluid inlets and an outlet extending through the lid perpendicular to the lids upper planar surface, thereby reducing the amount of space required to mount the device. The fluid inlets include sloping fins that direct fluids in the filtering chamber in a spiraling action, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Certified Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Donald C. Lynch, Alan Lonneman
  • Patent number: 5771922
    Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, teaches a flow restrictor which accomplishes within a single unitary integral device cyclonic separation of larger, heavier solids from lighter smaller solids; collection of retained solids in a relatively large collection chamber; straining of certain solids to further protect the device from plugging; and flushing a fluid, e.g. the primary flow stream, through the device to facilitate removal of collected solids.In one embodiment a device according to this invention has a main body with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Fluid flowing in through the inlet encounters a vaned end of a hollow mandrel with one or more vanes or a mandrel with a deflector thereon or both which induce turbulent flow in the fluid and directs solids entrained therein away from the mandrel to a solids collection area or chamber within the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5698099
    Abstract: A hydro-dynamic separator incorporating a solids interceptor (21) upstream of the overflow (19) for intercepting solid matter above a predetermined size entrained in liquid flowing towards the overflow (19), the solids interceptor (21) comprising: (a) a wall (51) terminating in an upper edge (51a) which constitutes a weir in the flow path of liquid flowing to the overflow (19); (b) a barrier (53), extending from the said wall (51) towards a solids collection region (55), said barrier (53) comprising a plurality of openings (69) to permit flow of liquid therethrough but to retain solids, the upper surface of the barrier (53) being disposed such that solids retained on the barrier (53) are washed across the surface by the flow of liquid towards the solids collection region (55); and (c) a liquid collection region (59) beneath the barrier (53) for collecting liquid flowing through the openings (69) in the barrier (53), said liquid collection region (59) being in fluid communication with the overflow (19) of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hydro International plc
    Inventors: Garry William Fagan, Timothy John Lamb
  • Patent number: 5690813
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating contaminated waste water into a substantially uncontaminated homogeneous extract water portion and into a heterogeneous raffinate fluid portion. Upon being subjected to sufficient circular flow, in an environment emulating the action of a centrifuge, the heavier liquid and solid components are caused to gravitate out of the waste water. This apparatus is constructed with an elongated housing means which is preferably disposed between a water storage tank and fluid contaminant discharge device. Contained longitudinally within the elongated housing is a separator chamber having a portion of a frustoconically shaped centrifugation surface which directs the incoming waste water into a turbulent and circular pattern. As the waste water gains momentum during this centrifuge-like flow pattern, it abruptly strikes a substantially vertical impact plate which precipitates the forced separation of the impurities and contaminants from the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher Frank Coale
  • Patent number: 5658458
    Abstract: Recycling apparatus for use in a closed-loop waste-treatment system includes components for removal of inert materials. Typically, the system includes a treatment vessel used in conjunction with a clarifier in an internal recycle configuration; clear water from the top of the clarifier is conducted away from the system as treated effluent, while a portion of the biomass settling at the bottom of the clarifier is returned to the head of the treatment vessel through a hydrocyclone and screen arrangement to remove inert content, thereby substantially increasing the efficiency of biological waste-digestion processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Micronair, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene E. Keyser, Don Marvin Holcombe
  • Patent number: 5658840
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of Ziegler-Natta type catalyst systems, containing, as active constituentsa) a titanium-containing solid component, which contains in addition to a compound of titanium at least one electron donor compound, and is present in an inert solvent in the form of a suspension, and, as co-catalyst,b) an aluminum compound andc) optionally further electron donor compoundsin which, following the preparation of the titanium-containing solid component a), the inert solvent present in the suspension is removed by first filtering the suspension in a first step, and then removing further solvent from the filtered material in a second step by applying a pressure difference at temperatures of not more than 100.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Kolle, Patrik Muller, Rainer Hemmerich, Erich Kolk
  • Patent number: 5639366
    Abstract: A solids concentrator for a liquid and solid mixture utilizing a first container including an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a transverse dimension that is larger than the transverse dimension of the lower portion. A second container fits within the first container and includes upper and lower portions that are configured to fit within the first container. The upper portion of the first and second containers forms a channel or chamber therebetween. Another chamber is formed between the lower portions of the first and second container, but is narrower across than the first chamber. The flowable liquid and solid mixture is introduced into the first chamber to induce a swirling flow to the second chamber and the inner space of the second container at the bottom of the concentrator. A solid-rich portion of the liquid solid mixture is removed from the lower portion of the inner space of the second chamber or the second chamber itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Bazell Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Graydon C. Bazell, Michael P. Engel
  • Patent number: 5632894
    Abstract: A blood filter for use in filtering blood having side walls, a top, and a bottom joined to the side walls defining an axis with a filtration element surrounding at least a portion of the axis is disclosed. A delivery conduit delivers blood to the interior of the filter at an angle extending upwardly away from a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the filter to form a vortex which is offset from the filter axis for release of entrapped air through an overlying top vent offset from the central axis, and an exit conduit connected to the interior of the filter element allows blood to flow from the filter element to an exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Gish Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. White, Kenneth Galt, Tichakorn Chaikumnerd, Jack W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5597492
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for discharge limitation and simultaneous temporary storage of waste water and also separation of settleable and floating matter from foul water and is notable for the fact that it comprises a cyclone chamber (2) which is connected to an inlet (1), which is constructed in accordance with the natural spiral shape of the vortex and which comprises round openings (4; 6) at the top and bottom, and in that a rotationally symmetrical container (8) seamlessly adjoins the top opening (6), in which container (8) a guide pipe is disposed which extends centrally from the top opening (6) to just below the upper edge (10) of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Anton Felder