Baffle Preceding Or Within Sediment Trap Patents (Class 210/305)
  • Patent number: 7540954
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Chasedai Environment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeong-Chan An, Jae-Hong Jeong
  • Patent number: 7534344
    Abstract: An upflow stormwater filter has horizontally aligned filter media to provide a high throughput for treatment of contaminated water, longer life to filter media, and without material head drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignees: AquaShield, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Kelly Williamson, Eric Rominger
  • Patent number: 7527731
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic device for removing sediment and other materials from storm water runoff is provided. An exemplary embodiment of this device includes: a first substantially cylindrical chamber a second substantially cylindrical chamber concentrically disposed within the upper portion of the first chamber, a first baffle concentrically disposed within the second chamber, and a second baffle disposed within the lower portion of the first chamber. A water inlet is attached to or formed integrally with the second chamber; a water outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber; and an optional bypass outlet is attached to or formed integrally with the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Yuming Su, Gayle F Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7524415
    Abstract: The invention concerns a plant comprising, on a vertical axis, a homogenizing vessel (1) followed by a settling vessel (2) and a flocculating vat (3). The homogenizing vessel (1) is fed by tangential intake (92) of the effluent and the input (611) and the output (612) of the upper tube (61) comprise a helical guide (613, 614) for driving the effluent in rotation. The lower tube (62) of larger diameter than that of the upper tube (61) is terminated by an outlet in the form of an upside-down cone (622) with reduced cross-section (621). The lower portion (31) of the flocculation vat (3) is truncated, with an apex angle, smaller than that of the upper portion (32), said lower portion (31) being parallel to the cone of the outlet of the lower tube (62), and anti-backflow cones (7, 8) surround the conduit (6) in the settling vessel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Bernard Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7514011
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Del Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Patent number: 7509759
    Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering dredge spoils includes a floating barge having a planar upper surface or deck. One end of the barge, such as the stern, is partially flooded or otherwise ballasted so that the deck slopes downwardly from the bow toward the stem. Dredge spoils removed from a waterway are deposited onto the bow where they flow down toward the stem. A plurality of concrete blocks on the deck form an attenuator that, in turn, defines one or more settling ponds on the surface of the barge. A weir across the stem of the barge forms an additional settling pond at the rear of the barge. Solids suspended in the water removed from the waterway settle out onto the deck when the dredge spoils are deposited onto the bow. Remaining solids suspended in the water deposit onto the deck as the water flows through the settling ponds. The relatively clear water that remains then flows back into the waterway off the stem of the sloped barge after passing through the settling ponds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: General Construction Company
    Inventors: Brian Bernard Langdon, Kenneth Anthony Preston, Thomas Edward Coultas
  • Publication number: 20090078630
    Abstract: Separator for removing impurities, especially smaller particles, from rain water. It comprises a first reservoir (2) and a second reservoir (6). The first reservoir (2) performs the function of removing the heaviest portions of the impurities, but is also provided with a lamellar device (4), wherein small drops and impurities of the rain water may be combined to larger impurity aggregates. The second reservoir (6) is divided into a first chamber (6a) and a second chamber (6b), said chambers communicating with each other. A tube (5) provided with perforations (5?) is arranged above the lamellar device (4), through which rain water containing impurities is able to flow from the first reservoir (2) and into the first chamber (6a). The first chamber (6a) is provided with a filter (9). In this way, a more efficient purification of rain water than using the known separator is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Arne Bonnerup
  • Patent number: 7507333
    Abstract: Runoff water from parking lots and filling stations is cleaned by first passing via an inlet pipe tangentially into a vortex chamber where the swirling action separates the contaminants from the water. Floating contaminants are stored in the vortex chamber, trapped at the top of the chamber by the roof of that chamber and at the lower part of the chamber by a skirt. That roof has an access opening to permit removal of the floating contaminants. The body of the fluid thereafter moves downward into a settling chamber where heavier-than-water contaminants settle. As the fluid in the settling chamber builds up, it passes through cleaning screens to a clean water outlet. A by-pass overflow pipe to process very large volumes of water extends upward from the settling chamber. Each screen may have louvers for preventing contaminants from blocking the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Austin Meyermann
  • Patent number: 7504058
    Abstract: A low cost oil, grease removal assembly includes a rotomolded plastic container having an inlet and an outlet; a rotomolded plastic basket support located at the inlet inside the container; a rotomolded plastic outlet baffle located in the container at the outlet; a plurality of container cover sections including a first section to cover the basket support, a second container cover section having an oil, grease removal mechanism downstream of the basket support and upstream of the outlet baffle, and a third container cover section to cover the outlet baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Publication number: 20090045125
    Abstract: Drain trap assembly for separating sediment from discharged wastewater including a conduit with a first upper inlet portion and a 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 out of the wastewater pathway. Affixed to the cup closure and extending generally upwardly within the assembly and across the wastewater flow is a strainer including at least one plate with through-holes sized to reject particulate sediment and other solids of a predetermined size. Another strainer embodiment includes fibers affixed to the closure and extending across the wastewater flow. A strainer support leg may be concave to guide or deflect sediment-laden wastewater downwardly to the accumulation area and may include at least one wastewater flow aperture. Closure removal automatically withdraws the strainer, offering ready access to accumulated sediment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Gurmu
  • Publication number: 20090045124
    Abstract: A screen apparatus for use in a well bore. The apparatus comprises a latch; a first tubular disposed within the latch, the first tubular having an internal retrieving profile; a screen extending from the first tubular, and wherein the screen contains a first portion with a first outer diameter, and a second portion that extends to a second outer diameter, and wherein the first outer diameter is larger that than the second outer diameter The apparatus further comprises a diverter device operatively attached to an inner portion of the first tubular, and wherein the diverter device contains a passage to divert the fluid to an outer portion of the screen. In one preferred embodiment, the screen comprises a series of longitudinal slots of progressively smaller length. Also, the screen may contain a stepped outer diameter portion and inner diameter portion. A method of cleaning debris is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Benny Donald Mashburn, Douglas A. Beynon
  • Patent number: 7470361
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing an environmental control system so as to allow for separate sizing of treatment and bypass capacity while also offering the ability to make or change either treatment or bypass capacities at different times. This is accomplished by containing the treatment and bypass functions in separate chambers, using screen, baffle, or coalescing media pack to further refine effectiveness and capacity of each structure independently. The control structure and interceptor structure may be pre-engineered to a variety of sizes, capacities, or other specifications. This allows simple selection of a specific control structure and a specific interceptor structure from a variety of combinations, eliminating the need for custom engineering for each installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher N. Eberly
  • Patent number: 7468129
    Abstract: An oil-water separator for use in a trench, which surrounds an oilfield. The separator is positioned in the ground such that an inlet conduit extends at about the same level as the bottom of the trench. The trench water is admitted into the housing, where it contacts a plurality of buoyant oil-absorbing members, causing the oil particles to adhere to the surface of the oil-absorbing members. An outlet conduit located downstream from the oil-absorbing members is connectable to a pump to cause the oil-free water to be pumped from the housing and diverted away from the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Rene James Landry, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7410569
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Turhan A. Tilev, John Wayne Nowicki, Kenneth Frederick Packer
  • Patent number: 7300590
    Abstract: A drainage system for separating oil and debris from water run-off wherein a chamber in the path of flow of the run-off includes a downwardly inclined screen and a debris-collecting fence beneath the screen to maintain separation between the debris and water; and an organic absorber may be positioned in the path of flow of the water beneath the screen to remove organic oils from the run-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Robert K. Weir, Steve E. Esmond, Larry Quinn
  • Patent number: 7297266
    Abstract: A screen apparatus for improved separation of particulates from a fluid stream. The screen is configured and arranged to filter relatively large particulates from the fluid stream as the fluid stream passes from a storage chamber of the tank to a tank outlet. The screen is removably affixed to a diverter, such as a baffle, used to divert a portion or all of the fluid into the storage chamber. The screen is preferably shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the diverter to aid in the smoothing of the fluid flow within the retention section of the tank. The screen may be entirely porous, or it may be non-porous at its leading edge to minimize particulate build-up at the transition from the tank interior wall to the screen. The apparatus may optionally include a second screen to provide additional filtering of floating particulates as the fluid level in the tank exceeds the crown elevation of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Cobb, Vaikko P. Allen, II, John E. Richardson, David R. Charlton, Derek M. Berg
  • Patent number: 7297265
    Abstract: A backwash strainer is equipped with a mechanism for enhancing performance of a backwash operation by imparting a cyclonic flow to liquid to be filtered. The backwash strainer includes a generally cylindrical filter element that defines an interior chamber having an inlet through which liquid to be filtered can flow. A backwash arm is rotatably mounted within the interior chamber of the filter element. An impeller ring is positioned proximal the inlet for imparting cyclonic flow to a liquid flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Walter A. Booth, Vincent A. Amarosa, Alan R. Levin
  • Patent number: 7294256
    Abstract: A storm water filter system for filtering storm water being fed into an in-ground well includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, with the outlet being connected to an in-ground recharge well. A plurality of open chambers are formed in the housing. An inlet filter box has an open end located in the housing and positioned with the open end facing the housing inlet. An outlet screen filter is positioned over the outlet for capturing debris from water entering the outlet and has a bypass for water to pass when the filter becomes partially blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventors: Henry Happel, Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 7285211
    Abstract: A retention treatment basin system and method 10 that handles an influent of combined wastewater and sewer overflows. The influent includes floatable 12 and settlable solids 14. The basin includes a ceiling 16. The retention treatment basin has one or more influent channels 20 that duct the influent into the basin. A weir assembly 22 extends upwardly from the floor, over which the influent flows. A cell 24 receives the influent passing over the weir. At least some of the settlable solids are retained in the cell. A baffle 26 traps at least some of the floatable solids in the cell. Part of the influent passes under the baffle. One or more up-flow screen systems 28 with bars having a triangular cross-section extend from the baffle that are pervious to fluids for receiving the influent and arresting movement of floatable solids therethrough. The screen system creates a floatable-solids depleted effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell, Roth & Clark
    Inventor: David Brody
  • Patent number: 7282143
    Abstract: A septic tank includes a chamber, an inlet through which waste water enters the chamber, an outlet, and an outlet pipe mounted to the outlet. At least one partitioning member is mounted in the chamber and separates the chamber into at least a first subchamber adjacent to the inlet and a second subchamber adjacent to the outlet. The partitioning member includes a plurality of through-holes allowing communication between the first subchamber and the second subchamber. The partitioning member prevents the suspensions and deposits in the first subchamber from entering the second subchamber. A submersible pump may be mounted in the first subchamber for creating recycling currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Tuan Liao
  • Patent number: 7276154
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: VAV Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Schaefer, Valery D. Zimin, Vladimir N. Shtern, Michael A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7169303
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracorporeal processing of blood or other body fluid for the treatment of conditions, such as sepsis, autoimmune disease, or toxemia related to kidney failure, liver failure, or drug overdose are provided. In an extracorporeal treatment system, a fraction of a body fluid is passed into a treatment fluid, at least a portion of which is then passed through a sorbent suspension reactor for treatment by a sorbent suspension. The treatment fluid circuit can be maintained at a fixed volume, which enables accurate fluid balance between the patient and the extracorporeal circuit. Some or all of the treatment fluid, optionally also containing nutrients and/or therapeutic agents, is returned to the patient. In a peritoneal dialysis system, dialysate is passed into a patient's peritoneal cavity, recovered from the cavity, passed through a sorbent suspension reactor in accordance with the invention, and returned to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: HemoCleanse Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Sullivan, David J. Carr, Stephen R. Ash
  • Patent number: 7138048
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly O'Connor, Laurens van der Tak, Albert M. Wollmann
  • Patent number: 7083721
    Abstract: A hydraulic-permeation type environmental water-runoff filtration-system applicable to street curb-inlet type drainage-chambers, which generally cooperatively interconnect with street and parking-lot drains. The BLUEBAY-BMP™ pollution-trap provides advantage of community-tailored filtering stages, the preferred embodiment seting forth a convenient user-friendly prefabricated-kit assembly employing a basic build-in-place containment-housing which can be readily adapted to the studied needs of a given community,—without incuring alteration of existing sewer-stormdrains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: Stewart D. McClure, Ivan R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7052605
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Ivona Posavac, Andreas Schmidt, Zbiginiew Combrowski
  • Patent number: 7033496
    Abstract: A casing surrounds a horizontal axis to define a cavity. The cavity has a top, a bottom, and axially front and rear ends. The casing is configured to conduct a mixture of a liquid and debris through the cavity from the front end to the rear end. Front and rear walls cap the casing at the front and rear ends. A horizontal outlet tube extends through the rear wall and defines a horizontal outlet channel with a bottom. A transversely-extending weir extends upward from the bottom of the cavity. The weir has a horizontal top edge located above the channel bottom and spaced below the top of the cavity, and further has fluid flow apertures below the channel bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hancor, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris Odell Thacker, Bill Russell Vanhoose, Howard Leander Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7022243
    Abstract: A separation tank having an inlet and an outlet and forming a low flow path and a high flow path, both conveying water from the inlet to the outlet. At normal, low flows, the water enters the inlet and passes through the low flow path having treatment chambers to remove, respectively, heavy materials and floatable materials. At high flows such as with heavy storm runoff, water exceeding a predetermined flow rate is conveyed from the low flow path into the high flow path where there are baffles to treat the water to remove both heavy materials and floatable materials. In optional embodiments, there is a filter/recharge chamber that may contain a filter and/or a groundwater conveyance system such that filtered or unfiltered water can be discharged from the low flow path through a groundwater conveyance system to groundwater, to the normal outlet, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Graham Bryant
  • Patent number: 7011743
    Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber are one or more baffles forming gaps and having apertures. The gaps define a longer water flow route through the chamber and the apertures disperse the storm water within the chamber. This increases storm-water residence time which encourages settling of particulate matter such as sand and grit. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Clark Joseph Use, John Sebastian Moll
  • Patent number: 6994783
    Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a screen that is elevated for separating and suspending miscellaneous debris such as vegetative matter, paper, and plastic, and that extends substantially all the way across the chamber to laterally disperse the storm water in the chamber. In alternative embodiments, there are included one or more baffles, a collection reservoir, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Clark Joseph Use, John Sebastian Moll
  • Patent number: 6974537
    Abstract: The diesel purifier produces a fuel of high purity that meets the full ignition requirements at the combustion chamber of the engine. The purifier comprises a purification chamber encapsulated by an external body of the unit wherein, the purification chamber has a barrier with conical and cylindrical parts surrounded by a filter, such that fuel flows from the unit inlet through a pipe to the conical part, further wherein the upper part of the unit has a relief valve, the lower part has a heating element, and a water sensor connectable to sound and light indicators at a cabin dash board, and at the bottom there is a drain valve and filter, which is secured at the outlet of the unit. The above purification process depends on causing of some differences in the density of contaminants which contributes towards the settling of heavy impurities and the light contaminants are separated by a wire filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Ali Hasan Hamdan Abdelqader
  • Patent number: 6960295
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jaleleddine Chaouachi, Remco Linnewiel
  • Patent number: 6953527
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: David R. Brower, Kevin D. Steffes
  • Patent number: 6951607
    Abstract: A mobile chamber has an inlet for receiving polluted water and an outlet for pollution-free water to flow out. A mobile trap operating system includes an output pump, an input pump, a pollution tank, and a liquid tank, all operably connected to the chamber. Within the chamber is a collection reservoir with a skimming edge for skimming off floating pollutants such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. Alternative embodiments include a screen, baffles, and/or pivotal filter for further separating the pollutants from the water. A method for separating the pollutants from the water includes directing the water from the water tank at the pollutants and into a collection pool of polluted water, drawing the polluted water into the chamber, receiving the skimmed pollutants from the collection reservoir into the pollution tank, and receiving the pollutant-free liquid from the chamber into the liquid tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventors: Clark Joseph Use, John Sebastian Moll
  • Patent number: 6939461
    Abstract: A chamber has an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a collection reservoir having an adjustable weir with a skimming edge for skimming off floating matter such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, one or more baffles, and/or a pivotal filter for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Clark Joseph Use, John Sebastian Moll
  • Patent number: 6936163
    Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber is a pivotal filter that catches clay during typical storm flows and pivots out of the way during higher flows. In alternative embodiments, there are included a screen, one or more baffles, and/or a collection reservoir for further dispersing, detaining, and/or filtering the storm water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Clark Joseph Use, John Sebastian Moll
  • Patent number: 6899808
    Abstract: A system for processing polluted water utilizing a first container having an inlet for receiving polluted water and a third container having an outlet for treated water. A second container is also employed and lies between the first container and a third container. A pair of partitions separate the first and second containers and the second and third containers. The first partition includes a weir, which is transversely offset from another weir found in the second partition. The third container includes filters for particulate matter and oil products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Chris Ott
  • Patent number: 6878270
    Abstract: A low cost oil, grease removal assembly includes a rotomolded plastic container having an inlet and an outlet; a rotomolded plastic basket support located at the inlet inside the container; a rotomolded plastic outlet baffle located in the container at the outlet; a plurality of container cover sections including a first section to cover the basket support, a second container cover section having an oil, grease removal mechanism downstream of the basket support and upstream of the outlet baffle, and a third container cover section to cover the outlet baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 6866778
    Abstract: A drainage tank for granular material/liquid mixture includes a low part and a high part provided with a lid. A device for separating the liquid and the granular material is arranged in the low part. A device for evacuating excess liquid is arranged in the high part and includes a number of overflow sleeves passing through the lid. The overflow sleeves have, above the lid, an overflow edge that is adjustable in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Kerschenmeyer, Wolfgang Van Hooff, Jean Hartz
  • Patent number: 6849176
    Abstract: An oil/grease separator separates a lighter liquid from a mixture of the heavier liquid and a lighter liquid. A housing has an inner volume, an inlet to receive influent flow, an outlet to discharge the heavier liquid, which defines a static liquid level, and an outlet port above the static liquid level to discharge substantially all of the lighter liquid and portions of the heavier liquid. The lighter liquid floats on the heavier liquid, so that large volume flows into the inlet raises the liquid level in the housing, flowing the floating lighter liquid through the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Charles Kemp
  • Patent number: 6808626
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Del Corp.
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Patent number: 6797161
    Abstract: A chamber having an inlet for receiving polluted storm-water runoff and an outlet for the storm water to flow out. Within the chamber are a screen, one or more baffles, a collection reservoir, and a pivotal filter. The screen is elevated for separating and suspending miscellaneous debris such as vegetative matter, paper, and plastic. The baffles increase storm-water residence time to encourage settling of particulate matter such as sand and grit. The collection reservoir has an adjustable weir for skimming off floating matter such as motor oil, other hydrocarbons, and detergents. And the pivotal filter catches clay during typical storm flows and pivots out of the way during higher flows. In addition, a method for maintaining the pollution trap includes removing the screen for cleaning, suctioning out the particulate matter and oil, and replacing the pivotal filter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Clark Joseph Use, John Sebastian Moll
  • Patent number: 6783683
    Abstract: A stormwater pollutant separator system is provided with the system having a stormwater pollutant separator, a by-pass system, an intake conduit and an outflow conduit connected together. The stormwater pollutant separator includes a chamber with a weir plate and siphon plate therein. The chamber has first, second, and third sections. The first section is located between the chamber first end and the weir plate. The second section is located between the weir plate and siphon plate. The third section is located between the siphon plate and the chamber second end. In one embodiment the third section has filter material placed intermediate the siphon (sometimes referred to as the second weir) plate and the second end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick X. Collings
  • Publication number: 20040159602
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Brower, Kevin D. Steffes
  • Patent number: 6773585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid separating device for separating fluids and solids from a composite liquid. Said separating device comprises a channel (12) which is arranged transversely upwards with a closed lower end and an outlet (19). Said channel is provided with an axial screw conveyor (14) which is arranged in the interior. A filter tank (22) communicating with said conveyor is located above the channel (12). An inlet (32) for the composite liquid to be separated is located at the upper edge approximately in the middle of the filter tank (22). A rotation filtering device (34, 70, 92) is arranged at the free end of the filter tank (22). Said device partially dips into the fluid contained in the filter tank (22). The invention provides a means for effectively separating a composite fluid into three different fractions, the clear liquid, a sludge fraction and a particle fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstenchnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Lucas Menke, Gisbert Wünsche
  • Patent number: 6761822
    Abstract: A filter for filtering a fluid, such as lubricating oil for an engine, has a first element for trapping small particles and a second filter element for trapping sludge, the second filter element being stacked on the first filter element. A flow-deflecting element is disposed between the first filter element and second filter element to provide a spinning motion to oil flowing from the second filter element as that oil joins oil which is passed through the first filter element. The spinning motion of the oil from the bypass filter element encourages mixing of the oil from the second filter element with the oil filtered by the first element. A centrifugal separator is disposed in an annular space between the filter elements and filter housing for imparting a rotary motion to the fluid prior to the fluid passing through the filter elements. This removes large particles from the fluid by centrifugal force so that large particles do not add to the contaminant load in the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Keith Rhyne, Mark Allen Roll, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr., Johnny Wong
  • Patent number: 6743354
    Abstract: A catch basin is provided for insertion into a pre-existing storm drain connected to a storm drain system, the storm drain having a shoulder around its upper periphery for supporting a pre-existing, perforated storm drain cover. The catch basin selectively controls the flow of liquids and viscous materials into the storm drain system, and includes a flexible, fluid impermeable container extendable into the storm drain with its edges extendable over the storm drain shoulder about the periphery thereof. The flexible, fluid impermeable container includes a drain hole providing an outlet to the storm drain system. A rigid valve member is attached to the flexible, fluid impermeable container and is configured to selectively open and close the drain hole. The rigid valve member includes a vertically extending wall surrounding the drain hole and extending upward therefrom a distance h to define an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: R. Douglas Evans, Jr., Matthew J. Huff, Robert J. Starr
  • Patent number: 6641720
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Crompton, Paul Blanche
  • Publication number: 20030136720
    Abstract: A system for separating particles from fluid which includes a receptacle for containing the fluid, a lid for covering the receptacle, and a filter assembly which includes a filter component shaped to fit the receptacle, an o-ring encircling the perimeter of the filter component for securing the filter assembly in the receptacle, and at least two baffles attached to the bottom of the filter component for reducing the motion of the fluid around and through the filter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas R. Lamb
  • Patent number: 6592754
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Richard H. Chilibeck
  • Patent number: 6540926
    Abstract: The fuel filter assembly for filtering and removing water from a fuel under pressure includes an outerhousing, an inner sleeve member, an annular space between the outerhousing and the inner sleeve member, and filtering means for filtering the fuel. The filtering means is positioned within the sleeve member. The fuel inlet is at the upper end of the outer housing and provides fluid flow between the outer housing and the inner sleeve. The fuel inlet and annular space are positioned and dimensioned to provide a downward, non-circumferential, substantially laminar flow in the annular space. The inner sleeve member extends downwardly to a position below the bottom of the filtering means. The downwardly flowing fuel and contaminants must turn 180 degrees and flow upward through the filter media to the outlet. The slow moving denser components settle out in the accumulation chamber. The accumulation chamber is the region within the lower end of the outerhousing, below the filter media and the annular sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: David Paul Goodrich