Downflow Inlet, Upflow Through Filter Medium Patents (Class 210/311)
  • Patent number: 11344830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering unpurified water using modular filtration units are disclosed. According some embodiments of the invention the modular filtration unit may include a modular removable filtration cartridge with pressed non-woven geotextile fabrics and a frame assembly, and a filtration container. The filtration container holds the modular removable filtration cartridges and has walls that form a basin. A first wall has an inlet for receiving water into the filtration container and a second wall has an outlet for draining water out of the filtration container. The water is filtered by the modular removable filtration cartridges as it flows across the basin from the inlet to the outlet. The modular filtration units may be combined together to form a zoned filtration assembly, which may be inserted into the hull of a floating swimming pool. The zoned filtration assemblies may filter natural water as it fills the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Friends of +Pool, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong-Ping Wong, Oana Stanescu
  • Patent number: 11071259
    Abstract: An irrigation recirculation system and methods of filtering and cleaning water within the irrigation recirculation system. The system includes an above the ground water source and a fluid flow conduit that conveys the water into a filter element within a basin. The filter element separates solids from the water by causing the water to change direction before continuing on a fluid flow path. The water is then stored and distributed by a self-cleaning storage system that convey the filtered water to sprinkler heads of the irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Kevin McClain
  • Patent number: 10428528
    Abstract: A rainhead (1) comprising: a tub member (3); an internal receptacle (8) in the tub member (3) having an internal wall (7) forming a weir spaced from an external wall (9) of the tub member (3); an inlet (4) arranged to direct water flowing from a gutter into the internal receptacle (8); and, a chute (11) between the internal wall (7) and the external wall (9), the chute (11) being arranged to receive water overflowing from the internal receptacle (8) to allow it to drain from the chute (11) through a chute outlet (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: DAM BUSTER IP PTY LTD
    Inventors: David John Pockett, Russell John Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 10202285
    Abstract: Vaults, boxes, systems, and methods of treatment systems to capture pollutants from storm water runoff and prevent the conveyance of these pollutants from entering a receiving water body or landscape area, which is designed to be a part of a local permanent storm water drainage infrastructure. A single treatment box, vault and system combines both drainage conveyance, multi-level treatment techniques, variable hydraulic capabilities, and easy and inexpensive methods for servicing the system. A flow spreader can split incoming water to pass into dual screen filtration systems. The system can include components selected from a shelf beneath the spreader, at least one baffle, skimmer, deflectors, media filtration and water pressure lines with spray heads for cleaning debris on a sloped floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Suntree Technologies Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Happel
  • Patent number: 9770847
    Abstract: In a method for fabricating a separation fence (1) to be used in a hydrometallurgical liquid-liquid solvent extraction settler, the fence is manufactured of polymer resin. The fence (1) is manufactured as a shell-like integral piece by rotational molding. The fence (1) is a rotationally molded shell-like integral piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Rami Saario, Henri Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 9561455
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid filter device. The fluid filter device comprises: a primary filter section having a first porous section; and a secondary filter section having second porous section; wherein: (i) the primary filter section and the secondary filter section are in fluid communication with one another, and (ii) the first porous section has a greater porosity than the second porous section. There is also disclosed a fluid isolation device for isolation an exterior fluid from a surface of an enclosure containing interior fluid. The device comprises a sleeve element movable between: (i) a retracted portion in which exterior fluid contacts the surface of the enclosure, and (ii) an extended position in which exterior fluid is isolated from contacting the surface of the enclosure. A distal portion of the sleeve element is configured to actuate a backwash element configured to backwash the interior fluid from the enclosure when the sleeve element is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: TROJAN TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Jim Fraser, Ronald P. Cook, Glen E. Latimer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8858794
    Abstract: A waste/sediment collecting container has a front vertical wall, a back vertical wall, two side vertical walls, and a sloped bottom surface. Along the lowest portion of the sloped floor surface lays a debris grate which allows water and pieces of sediment to pass through (but prevents larger pieces of waste from passing). The collection container includes a sump directly beneath the debris grate for collecting heavy sediment which passes through the grate. Sloped walls along the sides of the sump lead to U-traps on both sides of the container that allow liquid to pass through but prevent any solid waste from leaving the sump. Solid waste may be removed from the sump by removing the threaded service cap from the drain hole. Located beyond the traps are filter chambers having drain holes for inserting sediment filters which liquid passes through and exits the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Lappeman
  • Patent number: 8858795
    Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus includes a first surrounding sidewall having inlet and outlet apertures, with first and second end portions, a cover attached to the second end portion and a domed end attached to the first end portion. Also included is a second surrounding sidewall with primary and secondary end portions, being co-axially disposed within the first surrounding sidewall, with a first environment interior disposed therebetween, a second environmental interior disposed within the second surrounding sidewall, and a third environmental interior disposed within said first surrounding sidewall. Further included is a primary strainer disposed between the first and second environments, a vane forming a helical channel within the first environmental adding a centrifugal velocity to the fluid to separate heavier fluids and particulates. Also, a secondary strainer is between the second and third environments, and a filter media is in a third environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey G McLane
  • Publication number: 20140154641
    Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for settling particles from waters that come out of plants that produce waste waters with hazardous components, utilizing vacuum power generated by vacuum generator down the waist water draining line. The method comprising a device with separation and sedimentation chamber, that allows phase separation through a unique cyclone-generating design, which leads to a filtering-chamber equipped with a dual pore-size filter that allows significant segregation of particles by particle size and mass, and thus allows highly efficient separation of hazardous particles from the waste water, which could exit the apparatus of present invention with significantly low content of hazardous particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Etai Bogen
  • Patent number: 8349181
    Abstract: A filter cartridge, which is suitable in particular for purifying dental waste waters, has a housing with three different spatial regions which receive three different filter materials having different filter properties. The first filter material is preceded by a sedimentation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Duerr Dental AG
    Inventor: Eberhardt Nonnenmacher
  • Patent number: 8257585
    Abstract: A debris catcher uses induced circulation from a venturi to urge debris laden flow into the lower end of a housing. An inlet tube maintains velocity so as to keep the debris moving with the fluid stream as it goes up the inlet tube. A screen fits over the open end of the inlet tube and runs down around the inlet tube toward the entrance of the debris laden fluid into the lower end of the housing. There is a clearance around the cylindrical portion of the screen so some flow can exit that way. There is also an open exit through the top of the screen that can be reached after the fluid stream makes two hairpin turns. Many modules can be stacked. Each module has a large screen area for flow to exit and progressive modules can have smaller screen openings in an uphole flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Davis, Paul L. Connell
  • Patent number: 8142651
    Abstract: A tank has a side wall bounded by a top and a bottom. An axis extends vertically through the tank. An inlet line for water of a first condition extends through the top with a lower end at a lower extent of the tank. An outlet line for water of a second condition has a lower end within an intermediate extent of the tank. A dispenser at the lower end of the water inlet line has apertured legs extending radially within the tank. An oscillator within the tank above the dispenser is operatively coupled to the inlet line for mixing all of the water of a first condition entering the tank through the inlet line while thereafter forwarding all of the mixed water of a first condition to the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Larry J. Chernoff
  • Patent number: 8070963
    Abstract: A method for purifying fluids and a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank includes: a perforated plate spaced from an upper and of the sedimentation tank dividing the sedimentation tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; an inlet adapted to inlet fluid into the tank; a first outlet, positioned above the perforated plate for outletting a clarified fraction of the fluid; a second outlet positioned at a bottom of the tank, for outletting a concentrated sludge fraction of the fluid; a pump; and a washing mechanism, positioned at least partially above the perforated plate; wherein the pump is adapted to provide a washing fluid to the washing mechanism when a level of fluid in the sedimentation tank is below a predefined level; and wherein the washing mechanism washes an upper surface of the perforated plate by the washing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Odis Irrigation Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Vladimir Bomze
  • Patent number: 8070965
    Abstract: Separating a multi-phase mixture influent even during excessive flows of specific phases. The dynamic phase separator includes a chamber divided into two regions by an inner wall disposed radially inward relative to an outer wall. A gross separation region is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, while a fine separation region lies inside an area defined by the inner wall and top of the chamber. Influent to be separated is fed through an inlet into the gross separation region. A plurality of porous disks are mounted to a rotatable shaft and disposed in the fine separation region. The outer and inner walls are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for adequate rotational velocity of incoming tangential flow of the influent and dwell time sufficient for natural separation of lighter phases from heavier phases within the gross separation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Tarves, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8034234
    Abstract: The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system. The storm water filtering system has a floatable skimmer therein for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water and a separate filtration system to filter non-floatable pollutants from water passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas H. Happel
  • Publication number: 20100140180
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of contaminated liquid are provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus, and an optional integrated electrocoagulation capability. The integrated apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Scott W. POWELL
  • Patent number: 7658841
    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: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Rene James Landry, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090308803
    Abstract: A filter, filter element and filter assembly are provided. The filter includes a water separating device for separating water from a dirty fluid flow. The water separator includes a fluid flow path that varies in cross-sectional area to vary pressure of the fluid therethrough. A top portion of the water separator is formed as a structurally independent piece from a bottom portion of the water separator. The top portion may be permanently or releasably secured to filter media of the filter via an end cap coupled to an end of the filter media. The bottom portion may be integrally or releasably secured to a housing of the filter. The bottom portion may also be integrally formed with a center tube upon which a filter element mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Farrell F. Calcaterra
  • Patent number: 7625488
    Abstract: A unitary plumbing apparatus is disclosed that serves as a drain waste water strainer trap for sinks and other plumbing fixtures as well as a filter or strainer for the exiting waste water to keep the drain pipe free flowing or to recover valuables lost into drain lines. The filter or strainer can be removed from the apparatus for cleaning by removing a cap at the bottom of the apparatus. The cap can be removed by hand. The top and bottom sections of the body of one embodiment of the apparatus are mutually rotatable for convenience in connecting inlet and outlet apparatus conduits to standing plumbing drain piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Dale M Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20090211974
    Abstract: The invention concerns a water clarifying device comprising a flotation zone (c), a membrane-based filtering zone (e) and extracting means (d), the flotation zone (c) and the membrane-based filtering zone (e) having a common partition wall (P), the common partition wall (P) including in its lower part an opening (o) directly allowing through flotated water towards the filtering zone (e), thereby feeding the membranes with flotated water from down upwards both in filtering phase and in backwashing phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: DEGREMONT
    Inventors: Veronique Bonnelye, Jacques Moles
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 7291262
    Abstract: The invention provides a runoff water purification system for removing pollutants which accumulate on road surfaces, thereby reducing the workload of the sewage water treatment plants and preventing environmental water pollution. The system 1 is installed under the ground of the side of the road 2. Runoff water runs into the system 1 through a curb inlet 120, is purified and discharged to a sewage pipe 56. The system is made up of a concrete box 11, in which a wall 10 separates the box into a maintenance tank 7 and a treatment tank 9, both of which are connected to each other at their lowest ends. Runoff water flows into the maintenance tank 7 and to the treatment tank 9, through the connecting conduit where pollutants are removed, and discharged to the sewage pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hokukon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Saburo Matsui, Shinobu Kobayashi, Sadakatsu Kimura
  • Patent number: 7141167
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: N F T Nanofiltertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wilfried Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7120949
    Abstract: The purpose of this multi-purpose drain is to prevent foreign matter from intruding into the down stream drainage system while providing a means to maintain the flow of liquid through the system should the primary path of flow become clogged. This invention has a wide variety of uses in all industries and can help individuals of diverse backgrounds maintain their drain piping system. The breakthrough and background of this invention relates directly to the beverage service and hotel service industries. I contend that this product can significantly reduce the labor and maintenance costs of drainage systems of all types. It can be used universally by the homeowner and maintenance professional alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert George Wilburn
  • Patent number: 7005060
    Abstract: A surface water runoff filtration device comprises an intake which is adapted to receive storm water and other surface water runoff. The surface water runoff flows from the surface through the intake to a point below the filter media, and then up toward the surface through the filter media. This device may be used in both catch basin storm drains and inline drains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: StormTrain LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Pitt, David A. Woelkers, Jeffrey K. Suhr
  • 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: 6860991
    Abstract: An interior pipe has an upper end, a lower end and a central extent. An exterior pipe has an upper region receiving the central extent of the interior pipe and a lower region receiving the lower extent of the interior pipe. The lower region terminates with a removably coupled plug. A T-shaped pipe has an upper, lower and central portions. The upper portion is coupled with respect to the interior pipe. The lower portion is coupled with respect to the exterior pipe. The central portion is adapted to be joined to a wastewater line. Water passing from the sink will flow downwardly through the interior pipe and upwardly through the space between the interior and exterior pipes passing through one or more screens, then laterally through the central portion of the T-shaped pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel D. Hagon
  • Patent number: 6835306
    Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly (10) operable to provide both return-side and supply-side filtration, as, for example, of a fluid entering and leaving a sump (14) as it circulates in a vehicle transmission (12). The fluid filtration assembly (10) broadly comprises a return-side filter (18) and a supply-side filter (20). The return-side filter (18) includes a filter media (33) operable to filter relatively small particles. Fluid flow through the return-side filter (18) may be accomplished using any of three described alternative embodiments, including upflow, downflow, and direct feed. The supply-side filter (20) includes a filter media (42) for filtering needed fluid as it is drawn back into circulation. The supply-side filter media (42) is a low restriction filter media operable to filter only relatively large particles, thereby decreasing bottle-neck effects and minimizing pressure drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Craig S. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20040251185
    Abstract: A surface water runoff filtration device comprises an intake which is adapted to receive storm water and other surface water runoff. The surface water runoff flows from the surface through the intake to a point below the filter media, and then up toward the surface through the filter media. This device may be used in both catch basin storm drains and inline drains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Pitt, David A. Woelkers, Jeffrey K. Suhr
  • Publication number: 20040104159
    Abstract: A reusable, ecological, long lasting, washable, non disposable filter for lubricant oils and fuels to be used in internal combustion engines or in any other equipment to help prolong the live of the lubricant oils and equipmen One or several essentially cylindrical independent filtering element place one inside the other, each filtering element consisting of a fine stainless steel cloth of a different mesh as needed for an optimal filtration, filtering out large, medium and small particles down to 5 microns if needed. The fin stainless steel cloth is enclosed in and retained by an open mesh and a number of rods that forms a cage extending longitudinally between two en caps being joint to form an assembly of a single unit by resin caps at each en thus forming an independent, leak proof filtering element that keeps the fine stainless steel cloth in position even during cleaning procedure that includes pressurized air that is forced through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Julian Terrazas Benavides, J. Cesar Faraon-Chaul Zakka
  • Patent number: 6733664
    Abstract: A filtration device for separating concrements, fragments or other body material from liquids which are processed by means of a lithotripter connected to a suction device equipped with a peristaltic valve and sucked out of body cavities. The device has a functional zone having an inlet zone connected at one end to the lithotripter, and an outlet zone connected to the suction device. There is a collection zone mounted on the functional zone and connected to the other end of the inlet zone. A filter element is disposed between the functional zone and the collection zone, so that body material processed by the lithotripter will be deposited in the collection zone, and the filter element will separate the body fluids collected by the lithotripter from the body material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ferton Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Andreas Menne, Wolfgang Merkle
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6500338
    Abstract: A fuel filter/dryer having a casing, and the casing having an inlet and an outlet. At least a portion of the casing is filled with a desiccant through which the fuel flows. Also within the casing, is a particulate filter which removes harmful particles from the fuel. The desiccant is of a type that changes color when saturated with water. The casing is transparent to allow the change in color to be viewed in order to ascertain whether or not the fuel filter/dryer needs replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Baah
  • Patent number: 6203698
    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 a filter for filtering the fuel. The filter 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 filter. 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: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: David Paul Goodrich
  • 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: 6143173
    Abstract: The present invention provides an economical and efficient means for removing grease and other contaminants from restaurant wastewater. There is a need for an easily removable drain filter. The present invention meets this need, as it is a low-cost, disposable, and efficient means for removing these contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Dan Luo, Yan-Yan Liu
  • Patent number: 6083391
    Abstract: For separating solids from a mixture of liquid and solids arising at a dental treatment site, a housing (1) has a solids separator chamber (12) in which there are sedimentation dishes (14) which are arranged coaxially above one another and through which the mixture flows from the bottom upward. Both the mixture outlet and the liquid outlet (24) are arranged above the submerged sedimentation dish (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Bruno Pregenzer, Alfred Konzett
  • Patent number: 5916442
    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 media for filtering the fuel. The filtering media 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 media. 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: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: David Paul Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5776332
    Abstract: By providing a fuel treating system with a strategically positioned sight-glass, it is possible to replace an fuel filter without either spilling large amounts of fuel all over or allowing for air bubbles, which can degrade the lubricating system's operation and cause siphoning. The sight-glass is positioned above the fuel inlet and outlet passages but below the filter. Thus, as soon as no fuel is seen in the sight-glass, a mechanic knows that the fuel filter has been substantially emptied of fuel yet the fuel inlet and outlet are still full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 5762790
    Abstract: A filtering system for filtering effluent in a septic system comprising a filter housing with sides, a top and an open bottom, a filter element holder secured within the filter housing, wherein the filter element holder contains a top and a side portion, a discharge opening in the filter housing located generally above the filter element holder for discharging filtered effluent from the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements, each secured to the filter element holder, each with a top, bottom and side, wherein the bottom of each filter element is closed to prevent flow of the effluent through the bottom of the filter element, wherein each filter element contains filtering slots for filtering solids contained in the effluent and a separation element for separating one filter element from other filter elements, which element does not significantly impede the flow of effluent through the filtering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Zoeller Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Zoeller
  • Patent number: 5599460
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor (10) and method for detecting the presence of water or glycol in an oil system. The water/glycol sensor includes a water/glycol concentrator (12) which concentrates the water and glycol in a concentrating zone (84). A water/glycol detection probe (14) is located in the concentration zone (84) such that minute quantities of water or glycol in the system may be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventors: Michael Van Schoiack, Peter von der Porten
  • Patent number: 5248420
    Abstract: Provided below the funnel-shaped outlet opening of a receptacle filled with wet slag sand is an outlet funnel which is closed to begin with and forms a conical annular gap around the receptacle. This gap fills with slag sand, as a result of which dewatering occurs according to the principle of the siphon effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Calmes, Radomir Andonov, Emile Lonardi
  • Patent number: 5240593
    Abstract: A purification method and device for purifying industrial liquid such as oil from contaminates including first container housing for receiving the industrial liquid in bulk and separating liquid and particulate contaminates therefrom by reversing a flow direction of the received liquid. The thus processed liquid is transferred to a second container and is subjected to a further filtration by forcing the liquid under high pressure through at least one filter element accommodated in the second container. The high pressure on the at least one filter element results in a compression of the at least one filter element thereby precluding the liquid being processed from bypassing the filter element. A further filter barrier seal element may be provided above the at least one filter element and serves as a final filtration prior to a discharge of the liquid from the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: James G. Moredock
  • Patent number: 5238117
    Abstract: This invention relates to a screen separator for separating metal adsorbent particles from a pulp and includes a screen separator for separating metal adsorbent particles from a pulp including an open topped and closed bottom cylindrical screen for axially vertical location, in use, in a tank containing pulp with the open top of the screen at or adjacent the full pulp surface level in the tank, an impeller which is located in the screen with its axis of rotation vertical, drive means, and a drive shaft connecting the drive means to the impeller with the impeller being adapted to drive pulp in the screen upwardly to a level above the surface level of the full pulp level in the tank when the impeller is rotated in the screen. The invention further extends to a method of separating the particles from the pulp by means of the separator and to a metal recover process which employs the separation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Kemix(Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Stanley G. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5221470
    Abstract: A waste water treatment plant is disclosed that uses aerobic bacteria to digest solid particles in the waste water. The plant includes a filter located just upstream of the outlet through which the water leaves the plant. The filter comprises an elongated sheet of plastic material that is wound upon itself with adjacent layers narrowly spaced to form an elongated narrow passageway. Aerobic bacteria grows on the walls of the passageway and across the top of the filter to digest the last solid particles from the water as the water slowly rises through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 5147544
    Abstract: The invention relates to a generally cylindrically shaped container having a filter medium positioned therein and a plurality of partitions, each extending upwardly from the bottom of the container providing a plurality of adjacent lower sections to include an inlet section within the container. The inlet section has an inlet port on one side of the filter medium interconnecting the inlet section with the inlet of the container, and each of the sections has an outlet port on the other side of the filter medium. When blood is introduced into the filter, the blood flows initially and at low flow rates only through the inlet section, and at sufficiently higher flow rates the blood level exceeds the height of the partition of the inlet section and further flows successively over the partitions and through the adjacent sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Dideco S.r.l.
    Inventor: Pietro Vescovini
  • Patent number: 5049266
    Abstract: A water treatment module (14) has a sedimentation compartment (20), into which water is introduced under high pressure. A filter or microsieve (1) can be provided upstream of the sedimentation compartment (20). Above the sedimentation compartment (20) there is located a flooded first fixed bed reactor (22) for microbiological denitrification, which is flowed through from below. The water travels by way of an overflow device (34) and a sprinkler system (36) through which dissolved nitrogen is stripped and oxygen enrichment from the air occurs, into a second fixed bed reactor (38) for microbiological denitrification. This is constructed as a drip device, and is flowed through by air in a chimney-like fashion. Below the second fixed bed reactor (38) is located a catch basin (44) with a drain (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Metz Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Gotz, Ludwig Scheibinger, Peter Steinbach