With Baffle Perpendicular To Flow Direction Patents (Class 210/320)
  • Patent number: 10738455
    Abstract: In a system and method for retaining or detaining a fluid beneath a ground surface, a plurality of modules, each having at least one vertically disposed side portion supporting a horizontally disposed roof are provided. The plurality of modules, each being in fluid communication, either directly or indirectly, with each of the other modules, are arranged in an assembly having a plurality of rows and columns. Each of the rows and columns contain at least one flow obstructer such that fluid flow through each of the rows and columns is circuitous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Retain-It, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. Burkhart, Sr., Ronald E. Burkhart, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9879211
    Abstract: A large-type horizontal device and a method for continuous methane fermentation. The whole distribution of a fermentation compartment uses a U-shape plane layout, which is a snap-back type and uses a material propeller. The material propeller has two axes and two blades and is constantly occluded with counter rotation. The irreversible propulsion of materials can be realized through counter rotation of two occluded blades. The propeller is set at the bottom of the main partition of the fermentation compartment. The propel ability of propeller can be changed through changing of rotation speed. Counter rotation of two occluded blades can realize material propeller without material reverting. The inlet and outlet entrances of the reactor in the disclosure are near to the ground and can be operated conveniently. The homogeneous output of materials and entire plug-flow can be realized at the same time without material mixing in the whole process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Beijing University of Technology
    Inventor: Hong Yang
  • Patent number: 8939295
    Abstract: A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure is provided that comprises first and second fiber layers each comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. The polymeric fibers of these fiber layers have diameters greater than one micron and collectively define interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths through the first and second fiber layers. The structure also comprises a plurality of nanofibers disposed intermediate at least a portion of the first fiber layer and at least a portion of the second fiber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Essentra Porous Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Bennett C. Ward, Geoffrey M. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 8801928
    Abstract: A fuel supply device (1), particularly for an internal combustion engine (6), is equipped with a particulate filter and a water trap. In order to improve the separation effect, while simultaneously reducing the separation material that is required, it is proposed to configure the water trap (5, 8, 30) as a separate component connected downstream of the fuel filer (4) and to provide it with a first separation stage made of coalescent material and a second separation stage made of hydrophobic material, and to dispose the separation stages such that between them the fuel is diverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Steffi Kiedaisch, Martin Klein
  • Patent number: 8771512
    Abstract: In a separation membrane module in a module main body, an upper horizontal partition plate forms an upper fluid channel, a lower horizontal partition plate forms a lower fluid channel, a plurality of vertical outer tubes are fixed between the upper horizontal partition plate and the lower horizontal partition plate, and vertical tubular membrane elements extend through the respective outer tubes with a gap. An upper end of the gap is in communication with the upper fluid channel and a lower end of the gap is in communication with the lower fluid channel. An upper end opening of each of the membrane elements is open to outside of the module main body and a lower end opening each of the membrane elements is closed. A vertical partition plate is provided in either the upper fluid channel or the lower fluid channel to form an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Suguru Fujita, Yoshinobu Takaki, Yoshihiro Asari
  • Patent number: 8517182
    Abstract: A reflux backwashing mechanism for automatic fluid filtration, includes a hollow shaft sleeve (12) is located inside of the fluid inversion chamber (2); a blade (11) and a baffle plate (10) are connected with the hollow shaft sleeve (12) which is provided with an opening (9) at a position of the lower part of the baffle plate (10); a hollow core shaft (13) with an upward opening is located inside of the hollow shaft sleeve (12); and the shaft wall of the hollow core shaft (13) is distributed with through holes (14); and the hollow core shaft (13) is installed on an upper baffle plate (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Ye Zheng, Peng Zheng
  • 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: 8349176
    Abstract: In a kind of modular integrated water purifying device, including reaction tank, sedimentation tank and filter pool, a pump is connected to the top side of the reaction tank through pipes and valves. There are variable grid hole mixing paddles in the reaction tank, forced outlet pipe at the bottom of sedimentation tank and the same-flow ramp board in the middle. The sedimentation water collector is set up below the board, with the purified water outlet tube connected. The traveling sludge sucker sits on the top of filter tank and move back and forth. Blanket-shape filters is vertically fixed in the filteration tank, the mud-suction pump below to the raveling mud-suction machine connects to the mud-suction pipe another side to the blanket-like wedge filters. At the bottom of the filteration tanker lie the water-collecting main pipe and clean water outlet, the effluent weir is fixed inside of the filteration tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Tongji University
    Inventors: Yalei Zhang, Zhiping Kuang, Yisun Chen, Yongkuan Huang, Gu Chen, Xuefei Zhou, Wei Huang, Zheng Shen
  • Patent number: 8097155
    Abstract: An above ground water clarifier is described. The clarifier includes a spray system for receiving water from an external system and disposing the water onto a filter tray rack. A first recovery chamber is positioned below the filter tray rack for receiving filtered water that is gravity fed through the filter tray rack. A second recovery chamber is positioned adjacent to and fluidly connected with the first recovery chamber. The first and second recovery chambers are formed to filter out solids and/or oils before passing the water to a sump chamber and/or the sewer. The sump chamber includes a plurality of tiered pumps for pumping the water back to the external system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: G. Thomas Ennis
  • Patent number: 8016121
    Abstract: Disclosed is a droplet separator system which is disposed in or on a flow duct and is used for separating liquid and/or solid particles from the medium flowing in the flow duct. The system comprises a frame with a base plate, a cover plate, and a trough that is located at the bottom end of the frame and is used for collecting and discharging liquids/solids, a cap area and a lateral area. A plurality of profiled droplet separators (3) is retained by the frame. The frame is provided with at least one device for deflecting and/or increasing the resistance and/or reducing the rate of the flow, the device being arranged in and/or adjacent to the trough area, cap area and/or lateral area of the frame. This allows entrainments or leakage flows to be largely eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Munters Euroform GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Schmitz, Peter Wandres
  • Patent number: 8017009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel filter having a filter element and connections for the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. In order to permit a more compact design, the fuel filter employs flat, block-shaped filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Julen Burgoa Arteche, Cesar Garcia Benitez, Enrique Casillas Torres, Julian De La Azuela, Candido Juara Ropero, Teresa Serrano Gil
  • Patent number: 8003062
    Abstract: A microchannel has a substrate body; a separation channel which is formed within the substrate; at least two (first and second) connection ports which are formed at one end of the separation channel close to the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate body; and first and second branch channels connected respectively to the first and second connection ports. When the substrate body is perpendicular to gravity, a blood sample containing blood cells and plasma, flows from one end of the separation channel. Before the blood sample gets to the other end of the separation channel, the blood cells in the blood sample settle out. The blood cells having settled out are then separated into the branch channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Kyoto University
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kotera, Masao Washizu, Hidehiro Oana
  • Patent number: 8002982
    Abstract: A water/wastewater filtration tank includes a fluid deflector coupled to the inner surface of the water/wastewater filtration tank to divert fluid traveling along the inner surface of the tank into filter media within the tank. The fluid deflector includes a back plate coupled to a tank wall and a flange extending outwardly from the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: All Service Contracting Corporation
    Inventors: Brian K. Burcham, Timothy D. Wallis, Donald L. Tate
  • Patent number: 7981182
    Abstract: A labyrinth box can include a housing that has an open end, a closed end, and defines two cavities. A cover is configured to cover the opening and can include a divider that extends into one of the two cavities of the housing to define first and second chamber passageways in that cavity. An inlet port is located in the bottom closed end of one of the cavities and an outlet port is located in the other of the cavities. The surfaces that define the chambers can be configured such that the box can be oriented in different positions and still work, namely, in horizontal and vertical positions. When in the vertical position, the divider can include surfaces that are angled off of the horizontal plane and towards the inlet port such that water and debris will return to the inlet port via gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott Jeffrey Volchko
  • Patent number: 7977088
    Abstract: A solid waste treatment apparatus and/or comprises a tank comprising an interior volume and an outlet and a liner comprising a floor and a plurality of upstanding exterior walls and at least one upstanding interior wall forming a first chamber and a second chamber in the liner. Each one of the exterior walls comprises a permeable surface. The at least one interior wall comprises an impermeable surface. The apparatus includes a multi-panel sieve disposed in the second chamber. A tank includes a removable lid comprising a window in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. A separator housing may be disposed on the lid and coextensive to the window, the housing comprising a planar sieve disposed at an angle in the housing and an inlet in fluid communication with the planar sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Danny Smith
  • Publication number: 20110031194
    Abstract: A separation system for separating a fluid mixture includes a uniaxial cyclonic separator (2) having a first inlet (16) for receiving a fluid mixture, a separation chamber (18) for separating the fluid mixture by cyclonic action into a dense first fluid and a less dense second fluid, a first outlet (22) for the first fluid and a second outlet (26) for the second fluid. The system further includes a reverse flow cyclonic separator (32) having a second inlet (30) for receiving the first fluid from the first outlet (22), a separation chamber for separating the first fluid by cyclonic action into a dense third fluid and a less dense fourth fluid, a third outlet (34) for the third fluid and a fourth outlet (36) for the fourth fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Mir Mahmood Sarshar, Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Carl Wordsworth
  • Patent number: 7862711
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment facilities having biofilm contact and solid-liquid separation functions are disclosed, wherein a biofilter unit having biofilm contact, inclination plate precipitation and de-filming functions comprises an inclination plate settler formed with a plurality of inclination plates (2), each plate spaced in parallel relative to water surface at a predetermined downward angle and a predetermined distance apart, and spacings formed by the plates (2) are filled by biofilm media (3,3a) formed with specific surface-increased and bio-affinity materials so that micro-organisms can attach and grow in the shapes of biofilms therein, and de-filming means for separating biofilms attached to and grown on the biofilm media (3, 3a) and solids deposited on the surfaces of the inclination plates (2) by applying shearing force to biofilm media (3, 3a) and inclination plates (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Green Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Bae Han
  • Patent number: 7828965
    Abstract: A water treatment arrangement which can, for example, be used in a sewer cleaning vehicle is described. An exemplary arrangement includes a separation device for a supplied mud-water mixture and a water tank which is connected to it for cleaned water. The separation device and the water tank can form a structural unit. The separation device for the mud-water mixture can be surrounded, at least in areas, by the water tank for cleaned water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Dietmar Kaiser AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7695675
    Abstract: A method of inactivating microorganisms such as viruses within a fluid such as a biological fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a UV reactor, which may take the form of an elongated generally annular reaction chamber surrounding at least one elongated UV lamp, moving the fluid within the reaction chamber in a primary flow directed along the length of the UV lamp, and inducing a circulating secondary flow within the fluid with the secondary flow being superimposed on the primary flow. As the fluid moves through the reaction chamber in the primary flow, it is circulated repeatedly toward and away from the UV lamp in the circulating secondary flow to provide uniform and controllable exposure of the entire volume of fluid to ultraviolet radiation. Microorganisms such as viruses are thus inactivated while desirable components in the fluid, such as proteins, are preserved without the use of a free radical scavenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignees: Bayer Healthcare LLC, Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Kaiser, Hans-Juergen Henzler, Joerg Kauling, Rolf Treckmann, Kathryn Remington, Cynthia J. Galloway
  • Patent number: 7666301
    Abstract: A settling and retention basin includes an interior chamber having a peripheral wall preferably provided with two diametrically opposite openings in each of which is received a flow port member having a flow equalization port therein. Depending upon wastewater levels and surges, the flow port members can be removed and replaced by other flow port members of an identical construction, except for different sizes of design flow equalization ports thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jan D. Graves
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 7651660
    Abstract: Described is a reactor for irradiating ultraviolet light into a fluid reaction medium (3). The reactor consists of at least one housing (15) which encloses a tubular cavity, with a radiation source (1) for generating ultraviolet light and an inner tube (2) which, together with the housing (15), forms an irradiation chamber (26) which, in particular, is of annular shape, the irradiation chamber (26) being connected at least with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for the reaction medium (3) and is perfused by reaction medium (3) in the longitudinal direction of the tube (2), the irradiation chamber (26) being equipped with means (6, 25) for generating an additional radial flow routing of the reaction medium (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Kaiser, Jörg Kauling, Hans-Jürgen Henzler, Isabell Günther, Franz Schmitt, Erhard Beckers, Stefan Quest
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7494803
    Abstract: An apparatus for bio-composting domestic waste from residential dwellings, comprised of a tank, a multi-chambered liner and a separator. Domestic waste influent enters one end of a sluice, which has ribs on its surface directing the influent onto the upper section of an inclined sieve. The inclined sieve is angled downward and is permeable. The influent waste flows down the inclined sieve, and free water drops downward through the sieve while separated waste solids slide off the lower edge of the inclined sieve. The multi-chambered liner is set inside the tank under its lid. The multi-chambered liner is partitioned into a first chamber running the length of the liner on one half its wide, which the other half its width is subdivided into a series of smaller sub-chambers running the length of the liner. The chambers are separated by permeable partitions. The walls of the liner are permeable, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Danny R. Smith
  • 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: 7427356
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a gravity draining automatic FOG interceptor with solids removal capability used as a first stage in the treatment of gray water. A preferred embodiment comprises a multi compartment container, the compartments separated by baffles, having a serviceable solids strainer in a first compartment, a second compartment having a cogged belt for FOG removal and collection, a third compartment for collection of clarified effluent, and a fourth compartment for tertiary treatment of the gray water effluent, for example, the introduction of biotechnology. The unique baffle configuration prevents biotechnology backflow migration from the fourth compartment with resulting bacterial contamination of the FOG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Chapin
  • Patent number: 7416670
    Abstract: It has been discovered that a mechanical flotation system (10) having only two cells (18, 20) can be nearly as efficient as one having more cells, yet provide an apparatus with a considerably smaller footprint, significantly reduced capital and operating costs, as well as be resistant to floating oil recovery platform wave effects. The dual-cell mechanical flotation system (10) has, in sequential order, an inlet chamber (16) and two gasification chambers or cells (18, 20), each with at least one gas ingestion and mixing mechanism (32), and a discharge chamber (24). A common primary skim collection channel (40) atop the partition (44) dividing the gasification chambers (18, 20) efficiently channels away the bulk of the floating collected matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin Stacy, Kenneth C. Tolmie, James C. T. Chen
  • Patent number: 7413090
    Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants from a fluid, comprises a annular filter element having first and second ends, a filter housing containing the filter element and having first and second ends and a substantially cylindrical side wall defining an annular space between the side wall and the filter element, an end plate secured to the first end of the filter housing and having at least one fluid inlet therethrough adjacent to the first end of the filter element so that the fluid enters the filter housing through the at least one fluid inlet and flows into the annular space, and a directional fluid insert having at least one of fm disposed between the first end of the filter element and the end plate. The fins provided to cause the fluid entering the filter housing through the at least one fluid inlet to swirl around the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp LLC
    Inventors: Brian Scott Crawford, Robert H. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7232035
    Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants from a fluid, comprises a annular filter element having first and second ends, a filter housing containing the filter element and having first and second ends and a substantially cylindrical side wall defining an annular space between the side wall and the filter element, an end plate secured to the first end of the filter housing and having at least one fluid inlet therethrough adjacent to the first end of the filter element so that the fluid enters the filter housing through the at least one fluid inlet and flows into the annular space, and a directional fluid insert having at least one of fin disposed between the first end of the filter element and the end plate. The fins provided to cause the fluid entering the filter housing through the at least one fluid inlet to swirl around the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp.
    Inventors: Brian Scott Crawford, Robert Henry Ferguson
  • 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: 7101480
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus in which the various components that constitute the apparatus (prefilters, osmotic membrane filters, pump, et cetera) are contained in an enclosure. The enclosure includes a body provided with compartments that accommodate the components of the apparatus and at least one cap provided internally with channels for conveying the water in output from one compartment to the next. In this manner, the components of the apparatus are mutually connected without the need to use piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Franco Carlotto
  • Patent number: 7065863
    Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a mechanism for preventing a liquid from splashing from a liquid tank, and a component mounting apparatus with this liquid splashing prevention mechanism. The liquid splash prevention mechanism has a first seal member with a circumferential outer face attached to a first driving lever in a lubricating oil tank, and a second seal member with an arc face set in the lubricating oil tank correspondingly to the first seal member so that a sealing gap for preventing lubricating oil from scattering is formed between the first seal member and the second seal member. Moreover, the lubricating oil is filled in the sealing gap. Scattering of the lubricating oil is more surely prevented by this arrangement. Quality degradation to be caused by adhesion of the lubricating oil to printed boards and the like can be prevented, and productivity can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kurayasu Hamasaki, Kunio Sakurai, Minoru Yamamoto, Hirotsugu Uemori
  • Patent number: 6979399
    Abstract: A paint spray booth sludge recovery system, apparatus and method is provided for water washed paint spray booths. The spray booths are used with a tank or pit which can accommodate flotation for removal of spent paint. Preferably, the tank has a drop box section, a chemical treatment section, a weir box section and a booth recirculation pump section. A series of weirs are used to separate the spent paint and send a concentration thereof from the weir box to a separator or centrifuge. The water level in the system is controlled by sensing the weir box water level to keep the water crests over the weirs at the desired levels. Scavenging and agitation are provided in the tank to keep it entirely clean for prolonged periods without any accumulation, even during downtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Steve E. Telchuk
  • 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: 6955763
    Abstract: It has been discovered that a mechanical flotation system having only two cells can be nearly as efficient as one having more cells, yet provide an apparatus with a considerably smaller footprint, significantly reduced capital and operating costs, as well as be resistant to floating oil recovery platform wave effects. The dual-cell mechanical flotation system has, in sequential order, an inlet chamber and two gasification chambers or cells, each with at least one gas ingestion and mixing mechanism, and a discharge chamber. A common primary skim collection channel atop the partition dividing the gasification chambers efficiently channels away the bulk of the floating collected matter. At least one baffle depending from the top of the vessel near the primary skim collection channel helps dampen the action of the fluid containing the suspended matter when the vessel is affected by wave motion against the floating oil production platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Petreco International Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin O. Stacy, Kenneth Tolmie, James C. T. Chen
  • Patent number: 6951615
    Abstract: A grease removal system includes a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank, which is fluidly coupled to a secondary tank. The secondary tank contains an enzyme solution which biodegrades the grease. The grease removal system may also include a solid interceptor fluidly coupled to a grease trap tank which is fluidly coupled to a replaceable container. Grease is diverted from the grease trap tank into the replaceable container and thereafter discarded. The grease removal system may include a grease trap tank utilizing a unique arrangement of grease baffles and solids baffles which work together to isolate grease within a single region of the grease trap tank for ease of disposal. Finally, the grease removal system includes two level sensors which detect the level of grease within the grease trap tank and, at the appropriate level direct the accumulated grease from the grease trap tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Tripodi, Carl R. Nicolia, Douglas R. Wroblewski, Robert J. Burnham
  • 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: 6787028
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating substance tank (1), especially for a portable handheld work apparatus (2) having a fill opening (3) and an outflow opening (4). The operating substance tank (1) is configured from a first housing part (6) and a second housing part (7) connected to the first housing part in order to configure the operating substance tank (1) in a simple assembly so that the operating substance can be made available without disruption. A filter wall (8) is configured as one piece from a housing part (6) and partitions the tank housing (5) of the operating substance tank (1) into at least two spaces (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Klaus-Martin Uhl, Thomas Schweigert, Florian Hoche
  • 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: 6660160
    Abstract: A separation apparatus, in particular intended for separation of amalgam from water, includes a pre-settling chamber, a distribution chamber and a fine settling zone. The fine settling zone includes a plate package, with a plurality of plates fixed with spacing, forming settling channels. The plates can be machined so that they are provided with a large number of fine bumps and recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sweden Recycling AB
    Inventor: Leif Ernryd
  • 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: 6517719
    Abstract: A storage tank includes an oil and water separator in which the frontal area of the coalescers is increased relative to known arrangements of coalescers in oil and water separators. By arranging the coalescers such that the surface area of the coalescers is increased, the efficiency of the coalescers is increased. In some preferred embodiments, the coalescers are arranged in a bank with free flow fluid paths between the coalescers in the bank, each of the paths being closed by a baffle on one end and open on an opposite end, and the baffles are arranged such that the open and closed ends of paths alternate. In other preferred embodiments, the coalescers are arranged in a tubular fashion and fluid flows from the outside surface of the tube through the coalescers and out a central path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventor: John Burwell
  • Publication number: 20030000884
    Abstract: A combination filter element comprising a bundle of hollow microporous fibers housed within an extruded carbon block, wherein the carbon block is fabricated to balance particle retention capacity against absorption capacity to provide a composite filter with desirable pressure drop, filter life, and particulate and chemical contamination reduction, and a filtration device, in which combination filter element may be employed, having a base portion including a sump which has an inlet and an outlet and a base which has a reception port for receiving the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, William Contaxis, Wei-Chih Chen, Laurence W. Bassett
  • 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: 6438866
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flow disrupter within the flow path of a slurry comprising a desired particulate matter and a transport fluid so as to impart a force angularly disposed to an otherwise obtained direction of travel, thereby preventing the formation of a sheet of aggregated particulates against the screen surface. In a method in accord with the present invention a force is imparted to the desired particulate matter in an angular direction to the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Carter Day International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan B. Meydell, Cedric J. Adams
  • 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: 6360898
    Abstract: A filter and housing for waste water treatment includes a housing having a plurality of coaxially mounted vertically extending sections adaptable to receive a filter cartridge therein. An upper section is provided with an outlet consisting of at least two coaxially aligned rings of preselected diameters wherein the thickness of the rings and the spacing between the rings is sufficient to receive waste water treatment outlets of different diameters. The filter cartridge is comprised of a stacked arrangement of a plurality of disc-dam units wherein each disc-dam unit is provided with a serpentine configured first dam, the first dam extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc-dam unit, the first dam having terminating ends spaced at outer terminating edges of the disc dam unit to define a cord segment therebetween. The terminating ends are connected by a second dam having a height less than the first dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse, Jr., John Christensen
  • Patent number: 6350379
    Abstract: A filter for filtering a fluid, such as lubricating oil for an engine, has a full flow filter element and a bypass filter element stacked on the full flow filter element. A flow-deflecting element is disposed between the full flow filter element and bypass filter element to provide a spinning motion to oil flowing from the bypass element as that oil joins oil which is passed through the full flow filter element. The spinning motion of the oil from the bypass filter element encourages mixing of the oil from the bypass filter element with the oil filtered by the full filter element. During operation of the engine this arrangement tends to provide cleaner lubricating oil and therefore reduces engine wear while increasing the time interval between scheduled maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allen Roll, Gregory Keith Rhyne, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6338795
    Abstract: A second purifying apparatus 2 for furthermore purifying working solution purified by a first purifying apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of the first purifying apparatus 1. A working-solution introducing pipe 42 which is capable of diffusing and discharging the working solution from the lower end thereof is disposed in substantially the central portion of the working-solution accumulating tank 40 in which the working solution is accumulated. A filter 44 for vertically sectioning the working-solution accumulating tank 40 at an intermediate position is provided. A weir 45 is formed at an upper end of the working-solution accumulating tank 40. Moreover, a separating wall is formed along the inner wall of the weir 45. A solution gathering groove 47 is provided for the outer surface of the weir 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Okajima, Kazuyoshi Takei
  • 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