Parallel Filters With Flow Controller Patents (Class 210/340)
  • Patent number: 5443722
    Abstract: A duplex strainer for straining material includes a housing, housing inlet port through which material enters the housing under pressure for straining and an outlet port through which strained material exits the housing. The housing includes a first strainer chamber having the first and second ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. A second strainer chamber includes third and fourth ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. The first port opposes the third port and the second port opposes the fourth port. A valve control structure includes a first three-way ball valve disposed within the housing for controlling fluid flow between the first port, third port and the housing. A second three-way ball valve is disposed within the housing to control fluid flow between the housing, second port and fourth port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Mueller Steam Specialty
    Inventors: Ashvin D. Desai, Robert Whritenour
  • Patent number: 5405528
    Abstract: An improved microporous, modular filter structure assembled from replaceable filter cartridges (25) housed within a filter cartridge assemby (10) connected at opposed ends by means of symmetrical headers (41). The headers include a tube within a tube structure whereby they are adapted to conduct first and second fluids independently to both adjacent, like interconnected headers and into and out of filter cartridges (25) to which each header (41) is connected at both ends of each cartridge. Manifolds (100, 101) include a similar tube within a tube structure which allows them to be connected to the ends of rows of interconnected headers (41) whereby a modular filter bank can be constructed of indefinite dimension and capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Memtec Limited
    Inventors: Michael R. L. Selbie, Bruce G. Biltoft, Philip Guilfoyle, Noel S. D. Wood
  • Patent number: 5397630
    Abstract: An expanded fiber composite structure and process for making an expanded fiber composite structure are provided. The expanded fiber composite structure is made up of a fiber mat held in partial compression by a monolithic plastic coating on the fibers, the structure having a plurality of interstitial voids which may optionally be filled with a polymeric interstitial material. The process includes impregnating a fiber mat with a plastic material, compressing the mat to impregnate the mat with the plastic, fully wetting each fiber and creating a substantially void-free fiber/plastic matrix, and reducing the compressive forces on the mat, allowing the fibers to rebound and expand the mat to a predetermined desired thickness, in the process creating the interstitial voids. The structure is then cooled such that the plastic material stiffens and itself retains the structure at the desired thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bang M. Kim, Donald E. Woodmansee
  • Patent number: 5397470
    Abstract: The filter comprises a tubular body (1) provided with fixing flanges (2,3) for a fluid pipe. An upstream distributing plate (4) is perforated with orifices and extended by sockets (5) which are engaged in the up-stream ends of filtering elements (6). These elements (6) extend axially inside of the body (1). The filter comprises in its downstream part a collector (12) provided with bevelled tubes (13) which are engaged in the down-stream ends of the filtering elements (6). This collector (12) is continued by an elbow (11) which is followed by a single flush branching (7) opening laterally outside of the body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Charles Doucet
  • Patent number: 5395516
    Abstract: A filtration system for filtering dope of a solvent-spun fiber manufacturing plant in which dope to be spun flows from a source of supply (10) through a series of filter assemblies (15) (21) (23) to jets (22(b)) of each spinning heads (22). The filtration system comprises, in flow series, a first stage filter assemblies (15) having filter elements with the finest pore size of the series (typically 20.mu.) and a final stage filter assembly (23), immediately upstream of the jets (22(b)) of each spinning head (22). The final stage filter assembly is of the coarsest pore size of the series of filters (typically 80.mu.) and is equal to, or less than, the size of the jet holes (typically 80.mu.). The filter media of intermediate filter assemblies (21) between the first (15) and final (23) stages increase in pore size as one progresses from the first filter assembly (15) to the final filter assemblies (23) along the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Courtaulds Fibres (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Gary E. G. Gray
  • Patent number: 5364525
    Abstract: A device for purifying water comprises a filter unit (10) containing an osmotic membrane and provided with an inlet (11), a filtrate outlet (12), a return conduit (14) for a recirculating large flow of unfiltered water and having an outlet (22) for a small flow of reject water,According to the invention, two ion exchange units (17, 18) are arranged in parallel and connected to the filter unit (10) in such way that raw water entering the device is first passed through one of said ion exchange units to be softened, and that the reject water is passed in the opposite direction through the other ion exchange unit to regenerate the same. Valve means (19, 24) are provided for alternately shifting the ion exchange units between the functions of softening and regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Peter Hagqvist, Per Fonser, Fredrik Dellby
  • Patent number: 5341834
    Abstract: A multiport valve for a water transfer system passes water, drawn by a pump, through a plurality of collectors. A programmable controller controls operation of the pump and a stepper motor which positions the multiport valve in a time series sequence according to user instructions. The multiport valve is formed with a first valve head having an intake port and multiple separate outlet ports. The respective outlet ports are connected to the respective collectors at respective collector inlets. A first rotor bears against the first valve head and forms a seal between the first rotor and first valve head. The first rotor is formed with a first coupling channel for coupling the intake port of the first valve head to different outlet ports according to the rotational position of the first rotor. The multiport valve incorporates a second valve head formed with an exhaust port and a plurality of separate inlet ports coupled to the respective plurality of collectors at respective collector outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: McLane Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Doherty, Susumu Honjo, John D. Billings
  • Patent number: 5308484
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus for thermoplastic synthetic plastics material comprises a housing (1) in which a carrier body (4) formed by a piston, for two screen nests (8,9) is bearingly supported for displacement in direction of its axis. In the filtration position the melt streams from a supply channel (2) via inflow channels (10 to 13) into distribution spaces (14,15) located in front of the screen nests (8,9), then through the screens and via outflow channels (18,19) into a discharge channel (3). Each distribution space (14,15) is subdivided by at least one wall (21) and into each of the so formed compartments terminates an inflow channel (10 to 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventors: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, Georg Wendelin, Gerhard Wendelin
  • Patent number: 5286381
    Abstract: A filter assembly particularly useful for the nuclear industry is provided with a number of cylindrical cartridge filters attached to a plenum chamber which is formed by a rotational moulding process. A rod is provided on the assembly which can be attached to an automatic handling device to allow remote fitting and removal of the filter assembly into and from a casing. The assembly is easy and cheap to manufacture and can be destroyed after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Roger A. Buttery, Charles N. Rothwell
  • Patent number: 5277092
    Abstract: A sheet cutting apparatus comprising a sheet feeding table, a cutting table and a sheet take-up table. Air lines, filters in the lines and air pumps draw air from the cutting table to collect any dust, etc. The air passes through filters, then to the blowers and from the blowers air is directed outwardly to the sheet feeding table and take-up table which lifts the material from the table. First and second pressure sensors are provided to detect the pressure to the blower and when a pressure difference exceeds a specific level an alarm is sounded to provide a warning. Then the filters can be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Kinta
  • Patent number: 5277093
    Abstract: A sheet cutting apparatus comprising a sheet feeding table, a cutting table and a take-up table. A blower draws air from the cutting table through filters and also blows air to each of the sheet feeding tables and sheet take-up tables. Sensors are provided to detect air pressure and if a difference in air pressure of a specific level is detected an alarm is sounded. The blower is reversible so that air can be blown through the filters and switching means is provided to switch the reversed air away from the cutting table. Thus, the filters can be cleaned after a certain amount of dust, etc., has been collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Kinta
  • Patent number: 5262047
    Abstract: The local reclamation system includes an accumulation tank for a soiled solution. A tank outlet valve selectively allows a flow of the solid soiled solution into the remainder of the system. A blend conduit leads from the outlet valve. An oxidizing supply selectively provides an oxidizing agent to said soiled solution downstream of the outlet valve in the blend conduit. A blend pump receives the soiled solution with oxidizing agent to promote the flow of the soiled solution through the system and a more uniformed disposal of the oxidizing agent throughout the solution. A six stage filter section selectively removes particulate matter. A biologic stage promotes a sterile reclaimed solution and a solution accumulator accumulates and stores the solution. Repeated injections of oxidizing agents occur before filter stage sections and pumps. The reclaimed solution can be reused or discharged without penalty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventors: Charles O. Benskin, Harley A. Weisse
  • Patent number: 5236581
    Abstract: A spa having a filter assembly mounted in a sidewall and accessible through the coping at the top periphery of the spa. The filter assembly has a plurality of filter elements and a chemical dispensing mechanism easily accessible and replaceable through the coping. The filter assembly is downstream of the pump and heater to prevent cavitation erosion of the pump impeller. A pressure valve allows water to by-pass the filter assembly when clogged or operated at high pump rates. The top of the filter assembly is concealed in a well defined in the coping and closed by a cover having a profile matching that of the coping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Conway Products Corporation
    Inventor: Loren R. Perry
  • Patent number: 5234580
    Abstract: A decanting apparatus for a waste water treatment reactor which includes a float system which may be independent of the decanting apparatus end which allows the decanting apparatus to be removed without removing the float system. The decanting apparatus is a unique ball-funnel-shaped sleeve combination which may be powered internally or externally for removal of effluent that allows decanting below the surface at the most optimum level and may be intermittently operated on demand by floating switches or a programable timer. The decanting apparatus may be utilized in various applications including a gravity flow situation and two or more of these decanting apparatus's may be combined to provide more volume of effluent if required. This decanter is also ideal for environments where lower temperature extremes may form ice upon the upper layer of the fluid within the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: D. Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 5230793
    Abstract: Individual machine tools are supplied with coolant by individual filtration units which separate metal chips from the coolant in order to provide a clean supply to the machine tool. A central vacuum unit is capable of sucking chips from all of the filtration units and delivering the chip to a central processing area for disposal or salvage. To enable chips of different metals to be separated and salvaged, the vacuum unit is capable of discharging its output to a selected one of a plurality of hoppers in the central processing area. In order to further increase the flexibility and salvageability of the overall system, a plurality of vacuum units may be associated with the filter units, with any given vacuum unit being operable to selectively serve any given filter unit and capable of being selectively served by any given hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Barnes International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Lenhart, Terrence Connell
  • Patent number: 5228985
    Abstract: A portable cooking oil filtering unit has an outer housing completely enclosing all the filter stages and providing access to the stages for maintenance purposes via doors and removable closures. The housing has an inlet conduit for connection to a cooking vat drain outlet, and an outlet conduit for returning filtered oil to the cooking vat. A first stage filter in the housing is connected to the inlet conduit for filtering relatively large size particles from the oil, and the filtered oil is connected to at least one additional filter stage for filtering smaller particles from the oil. A pump is connected downstream of the final filter stage, between that filter stage and the outlet conduit, for drawing oil through the filter stages under vacuum rather than pumping it through the filters under positive pressure. One of the filter stages is accessible to allow oil-life enhancing chemicals to be added to the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: LaRoche Filter Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wells, Robert E. Lebo, Roger Ignon, Steve G. Hauser, Dan R. Haynes, Sandra Haynes, Robert L. Serber
  • Patent number: 5176828
    Abstract: A tangential flow filtration apparatus which utilizes a single manifold formed of a stack of manifold segments to introduce liquid to be filtered into the apparatus and to remove a filtrate stream and a retentate stream from the apparatus is provided. A plurality of filtration modules are stacked between the manifold and a plate. Holes and sealing means are provided within the filtration modules to effect flow of the filtrate, retentate and feed liquid through the stack and manifold while preventing admixture of the filtrate with the retentate or the feed liquid. A feed manifold is positioned at an intermediate position within the stack of manifold segments. All manifold segments with the exception of the most downstream manifold segment or most upstream manifold segment from the point of introducing incoming liquid must have a filtrate exit from both ends of the manifold segment. The most downstream or the most upstream manifold segment also can have filtrate exits from both of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Proulx
  • Patent number: 5171433
    Abstract: A filter device includes a tube connectible to a fluid line for the fluid to be filtered, and a housing enclosing the tube and including a partition dividing its internal chamber into two compartments each including a filter body. The housing and partition are movable axially of the tube to position the partition with respect to the inlet opening at: (a) a first position to cause both filter bodies to perform a filtering function, (b) a second position to cause the first filter body to perform a filtering function, or (c) a third position to cause the second filter body to perform a filtering function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Peretz Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5160037
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a fluid medium having a housing in which a primary filter is located, the primary filter being disposed in an inlet chamber and receiving fluid medium to be filtered therefrom and directing the filtered fluid medium into an outlet chamber located in the housing for discharge therefrom. A secondary filter is located in the housing and is provided with a by-pass valve that is responsive to an increase pressure in the inlet chamber as a result of obstruction of the primary filter, the fluid medium being directed through the by-pass valve and into the secondary filter for entry thereafter into the outlet chamber for discharge from the housing. A by-pass filter is also provided and filters coarse particles from the fluid medium prior to passing through the by-pass valve and into the secondary filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Edward M. LeCour
  • Patent number: 5152895
    Abstract: In relation to time intervals or pressure loss, the successive flushing via the same flushing channel (10) of several filter elements (7) is brought about by the direct sweeping of the internal surface of said elements (7) by the fluid to be filtered. It comprises a tubular body (1) and an upstream distribution plate (4), each feeding a filter element (7) extending axially inside the body, and a downstream aperture. At its downstream end there is a distributor comprising several inlets linked to the downstream end of the elements (7), said inlets being linked by channels (22) to a single outlet, itself linked to a flushing branch pipe (8) opening laterally outside the body (1). This distributor comprises a rotor (18) which, depending on its angular position, separately connects each of its inlets to the shared outlet of distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Charles Doucet
  • Patent number: 5149449
    Abstract: In a method for filtering a suspension through a stationary filter having a vertical filter element arranged in a pressure vessel and for re-conditioning the filter after filtering, the filtrate is discharged from the bottom of the filter element during the main part of the filtering. After filtering, unfiltered suspension is discharged in a known manner from the pressure vessel later to be returned to the suspension inlet. Thereafter, back-wash is performed with another medium other than filtrate, an outlet for material deposited on the filter element being opened for removal of said material together with the back-washing medium. Preferably, before back-wash, drying of the material deposited on the filter element takes place by means of a gas medium circulating within the filtering plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventors: Kent Strid, Rolf Oswaldsson
  • Patent number: 5141638
    Abstract: A filtrating apparatus is disclosed in which a filter unit and a washing unit for effecting a fluid washing are unified into one system. A plurality of filter elements of main filters provided in the filter unit are made of sintered material containing metallic fiber. A nominal filtration rating of the filter elements is greater than 0.3 .mu.m but smaller than 2 .mu.m. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the smooth filtration of beer funguses without any necessity of interchanging filter elements. It is therefore possible to reduce a running cost and filtration cost and to save a space for the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Kirin Beer Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichiro Mori, Naoki Inoue, Yuuichiro Sakai, Yoshiyuki Kitamura, Noboru Hibi, Masamitsu Mizuki, Atsushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5135665
    Abstract: Multichamber-candle filter element for filtration of a residual volume of a suspension with rapidly settling solid components, includes at least two chambers (1,2) positioned in succession above each other, a lowest of the chambers being from 1/3 to 1/10 of a total length of the candle filter element, and a separate filtrate delivery pipe (8,9) extending into each of the chambers to provide a separate filtrate outlet for each chamber and a partition member separating each of the chambers from each other in a fluid-tight manner. The multi-candle filter element also has a fluid-tight cover plate (6) and a fluid-tight bottom plate (3) and fluid permeable walls (14,15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignees: DRM, Dr. Muller AG, Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo Birkenstock, Wolfgang Gay, Glenn Hohle
  • Patent number: 5114583
    Abstract: The filter unit is of the type comprising a casing (2), filter tubes (5) associated with a filtering surface (6), shaker means (7) for the filtering surface (6), a suction pipe (10) associated with the casing and a suction pipe (11) associated with one or more turbines and characterized in that the casing (2) comprises above the filtering surface (6) at least two separate chambers (13,13') each independently connected to the suction pipe (11) associated with one or more turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Antonio Concin
  • Patent number: 5104553
    Abstract: The filtering apparatus is used in combination with at least one analytical instrument, especially a particle analyzer and substantially comprises a controlled pump unit having an inlet side and an outlet side. The inlet side of the controlled pump unit is connected to a reservoir for a liquid medium to be filtered. The outlet side is connected to a filtering unit. An intermediate storage unit for intermediately storing the filtered liquid medium is connected to the filtering unit. The filtered liquid medium is fed to the analytical instrument from the intermediate storage unit which contains level detectors for detecting the liquid level in the intermediate storage unit. The level detectors are connected to a control unit for controlling the controlled pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Adrian Lorenz, Heinz Scherrer
  • Patent number: 5095740
    Abstract: A system for determining the level of particulate contaminants in a fluid utilizes a porous filtration element having filtration pores therethrough in fluid series with a volume indicator. Preferably, the filtration medium is provided with filtration pores which have a generally predetermined size such that oversized particles of the particulate contaminants are accumulated on one side of the filter medium. In one embodiment, filtration of the fluid continues until the filtration medium is blocked entirely, and then a reading of the volume of fluid which has flowed therethrough is taken. The fluid thus accumulated can be forced back through the filter medium in a backflush direction such that the accumulated particulate contaminants are washed away, thereby rendering the filtration medium ready for a subsequent measurement. In automatic embodiments of the invention, a bistable valve may be utilized, the flow states of the valve being switched to shift from the filtration phase to the backflush phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Diagnetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim A. Hodgson, James C. Fitch
  • Patent number: 5089131
    Abstract: The present invention is a multi-bank, transportable filter unit wherein all connections are mechanical and are isolated from the fluid being filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: J. Michael Gentry
  • Patent number: 5076914
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating ferromagnetic materials from fluid media has a working passage divided by a partition into sections filled with an insert of ferromagnetic material. A magnetizing system is arranged coaxially with the working passage. An arrangement for imparting reciprocations to the magnetizing system is fashioned as at least two electromagnetic coils with one such coil at the opposite ends of the passage, parameters of the coils being such as to ensure movement of the magnetizing system between two extreme positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventors: Vyacheslav I. Garaschenko, Alexandr V. Sandulyak, Oleg J. Korkhov
  • Patent number: 5057232
    Abstract: The filter element for use in a container includes a central pipe (2) closed along its length and also provided with an opening at a lower end thereof; a cylinder surrounding this central pipe in a concentric manner and having a closable lower end, the closable lower end of the cylinder projecting beyond the lower end of the central pipe and being provided with a base; and at least two cylindrical filter means (1), which are arranged radially and symmetrically with respect to the cylinder and which communicate with the cylinder, and a group of connecting pipes, each of the cylindrical filter means being connected by one of the pipes with the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: DrM, Dr.Muller AG
    Inventors: Ivo Schumacher, Werner Stahl, Walter Stocker, Patrick A. Muller
  • Patent number: 5055207
    Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for filtering particles and gels from cellulose ester dope by passing the dope in plug flow through a tubular filter so as to cause particles and gels to migrate towards the center of the stream and shear forces along the filter walls to reduce the viscosity so that the boundary layer will exude through the filter walls. The concentrate containing the particles and gels is thereby separated from the filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Albert E. Spaller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5045213
    Abstract: Waste water treatment for the removal of heavy metals is optimized by continuously removing and filtering a sample flow of treated waste water subject to pH level control to determine the presence of remaining metals in solution to be precipitated. Filtering of the sample removes metals precipitated by pH level control. Optimized pH level control can cause precipitation of most non-chelated and/or non-complexed metals, so that controlled feeding of a precipitating agent, preferably a calcium dithiocarbamate, to the treated waste water is effectively determined by only those metals remaining in solution, which are typically either chelated and/or complexed heavy metals. The filtered sample is injected with a diluted solution of the precipitating agent, and then a turbidity meter is used to determine the degree of turbidity of the injected clear sample. The resulting degree of turbidity corresponds to the level of precipitation caused by injection of the diluted precipitating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Southern Water Treatment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5024763
    Abstract: The filtering apparatus of the invention comprises a filter housing having a water inlet and a water outlet as well as a filter bell dome connected to the housing. A main filter member and thereabove a reversing flow filter member are coaxially arranged on a filter support member located in the interior of the filter bell dome. The filter support member is spirally movable within the filter bell dome. Further, reversing flow filter member cleaning brushes and main filter member cleaning brushes are fixedly mounted in said filter bell dome. In the operating position, the passage through the reversing flow filter is obstructed such that the water to be filtered flows through the main filter member from the exterior to the interior thereof. In the backwashing position, the filter support member is spirally displaced and simultaneously obstructs the direct access to the exterior of the main filter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Arthur Schlaginhaufen Ing.
    Inventor: Arthur Schlaginhaufen
  • Patent number: 4988445
    Abstract: A filtration system and method constitute the subject matter of the present invention. The system comprises first and second filtration stages which are joined in series with each stage comprising a plurality of filtration modules range for parallel flow. The concentrate from the first stage forms the feed for the second stage and a portion of the second stage concentrate is recirculated to the first stage feed stream. A feed pump and a recirculating pump together with appropriate flow controllers and valves provide means for effecting control over both pressure and flow rate within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Koch Membrane Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde W. Fulk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4973406
    Abstract: A device for the separation of particulated solids from a pressurized fluid, in particular from a viscous mass of a thermoplastic material, with a cleaning system for the filtration element based on the "return pressure" principle.The device comprises a body having a fluid inlet conduit, two filtration assemblies that are connected to two conduits flowing together into an outlet conduit, and a flow-dividing valve that in rest position connects the inlet conduit with the separation conduits through the filtration assemblies, while in the cleaning position for one of the filtration assemblies the inlet conduit is connected with the other filtration assembly, thus causing part of the fluid that has been separated by this filtration assembly to pass with counterpressure through the filtration unit that is in the cleaning stage and through a discharge outlet housed in a compartment of the valve.In a similar manner the cleaning of the other filtration assembly is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Giuseppe Ponzielli
  • Patent number: 4971687
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for purification and/or sterilization or disinfection of water which has a head with water inlet and outlet openings and a housing secured in water tight relation to said head in which there is a cylindrical filter, preferably of activated charcoal. Between the filter and the housing is an outer water channel communicating with the water inlet so that water entering the apparatus is purified by passing through the filter to an inner channel communicating with the water outlet. Water is sterilized or disinfected by an ultraviolet lamp inside the filter over which water that has passed through it flows to the water outlet. The apparatus may be used in multiples which are connected in series or parallel to obtain a greater degree of filtration and disinfection than obtainable in a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: John B. Knight, Jr.
    Inventor: Ellis Anderson
  • Patent number: 4944875
    Abstract: A device for the production of ultrapure water comprising tubes containing water treatment elements joined by two end plates. Grids are disposed between the tubes and the end plates to retain resin or carbon particles. Connector terminations provide a hydraulic connection between a control unit and the tubes. The filter is mounted in the tubes by means of an adapter which also provides a seal between inlet and outlet sides of the filter. Holes are provided in the connector terminations and the end plates to enable selection of the path of fluid in the water treatment elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Millipore, S.A.
    Inventor: Yves Gaignet
  • Patent number: 4940535
    Abstract: A solids flow distribution apparatus is disclosed for use with two or more solid separation devices, such as shale shakers. The appartatus includes a plenum in communication with a source of flow of solids and liquid, such as from a drilling rig's mud system. The plenum includes lower outlets positioned adjacent inlet zones for each solid separation device. Valves are positioned across the lower outlets for regulating the quantity of solids and liquids that flow into the inlet zones of each solid separation device. A variable distribution apparatus is included within the plenum adjacent the flow inlet for regulating the proportion of solids directed towards each solid separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Fisher, Grant A. Young
  • Patent number: 4935151
    Abstract: In a process for degassing and filtering liquids, particularly coating emulsions, a feed stream (F) is subdivided into a process stream (N), which is fed continuously to a process use through a main filter (16), and a recycled fractional stream. The fractional stream (T) is used to backflush successive sections of the main filter (16) and in turn is filtered through a supplementary filter (21, 22). In the apparatus for the process, a backflushing device (17) is associated with the main filter (16), the fractional stream (T) is used as a flushing means and the filter surface of the main filter (16) is cleaned progressively. Thus, a liquid with a continually constant grain size distribution, without gas bubbles and particles that cause defects, can be delivered continuously to the specific use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Dac-Vong Do
  • Patent number: 4923068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically propelling a charge of backwash fluid by a compressed gas such as steam to backwash a filter in a filter pair. The method and apparatus provides for backwashing a filter with at least three backwash phases, a first mainly comprising a charge of backwash fluid passing through the filter with significant speed, a second relating to use of flashing steam for secondary cleaning and scrubbing of the filter elements, and a third relating to use of low pressure steam for autoclaving and sterilizing the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: CDP Product Development Corporation
    Inventor: Francis R. Crowson
  • Patent number: 4923599
    Abstract: Waste water treatment for the removal of heavy metals is optimized by continuously removing and filtering a sample flow of treated waste water subject to pH level control to determine the presence of remaining metals in solution to be precipitated. Filtering of the sample removes metals precipitated by pH level control. Optimized pH level control can cause precipitation of most non-chelated and/or non-complexed metals, so that controlled feeding of a precipitating agent to the treated waste water is effectively determined by only those metals remaining in solution, which are typically either chelated and/or complexed heavy metals. The filtered sample is injected with a diluted solution of the precipitating agent, and then a turbidity meter is used to determine the degree of turbidity of the injected clear sample. The resulting degree of turbidity corresponds to the level of precipitation caused by injection of the diluted precipitating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Southern Water Treatment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Bowers
  • Patent number: 4921598
    Abstract: A central control valve arrangement for a water treatment system. The central control valve arrangement includes two independently positionable four-way ball valves and at least one of the balls of the ball valve serving as valve body includes with two L-shaped boreholes so that a multitude of couplings between the connections of the ball valves is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Kurt M. Desch
  • Patent number: 4909933
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for allowing mixing of solutions in low gravity environments so as to carry out crystallization of proteins and other small molecules or other chemical syntheses, under conditions that maximize crystal growth and minimize disruptive turbulent effects. The apparatus is comprised of a housing, a plurality of chambers, and a cylindrical rotatable valve disposed between at least two of the chambers, said valve having an internal passageway so as to allow fluid movement between the chambers by rotation of the valve. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a valve is provided having an additional internal passageway so that fluid from a third chamber can be mixed with the fluids of the first two chambers. This alternate embodiment of the invention is particularly desirable when it is necessary to provide a termination step to the crystal growth, or if a second synthetic step is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Daniel C. Carter, Mary B. Broom
  • Patent number: 4907610
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a swimming pool which includes a mobile cleaning unit and/or stationary cleaning heads. Manual and automatic modes are included. The system is suitable for both gunnite and polymer liner pools, spas and the like. No energy is required other than that normally required for circulation of water through the conventional filtration apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Crystal Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Meincke
  • Patent number: 4904382
    Abstract: A filtering system for water treatment incorporating one or more filter assemblies each including a head member having fluid inlet and outlet ports, a replaceable filter cartridge closed at one and the other end being insertable into said head member, said head member including a manifold member and a filter cartridge supporting member operatively associated with the head member and movable relative to the manifold member between a load-unload position and an operating or running position, means for securing the filter cartridge against rotation in the filter cartridge supporting member, and seal means between the manifold member and filter cartridge supporting member for sealing off both the influent and effluent when the filter cartridge supporting member is in the load/unload position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Everpure, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack W. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 4863590
    Abstract: A body fluid treating circuit comprising a block for collecting a body fluid from a human body, a body fluid treating block and a block for returning the treated body fluid to the human body, said body fluid treating block comprising a plurality of treating units for treating the body fluid by passing therethrough, the units being arranged in parallel flow relationship, body fluid feed and return lines connected to each of the treating units so as to selectively feed to and return from the units through line switching means, regenerating liquid feed lines connected to each of the units so as to selectively feed the regenerating liquid to the units through line switching means, washing liquid feed lines connected to each of the units so as to selectively feed the washing liquid to the units, discharge lines for discharging the regenerating liquid or washing liquid connected to each of the units so as to selectively discharge from the units through line switching means, and a means for measuring the salt concen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignees: Yokogawa Electric Corp., Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michikazu Ohnishi, Hiroshi Ohgoshi, Satoshi Takada
  • Patent number: 4861494
    Abstract: A pressurized filter is disclosed of the type including a filter media layer disposed in a filter chamber which is pressurized with a feed layer to cause filtering flow therethrough, and a diaphragm in the chamber operated to dewater the chamber after each cycle of operation, featuring a total volume totalizer measuring the volume of liquid inflow required to operate the diaphragm during each dewatering cycle, the duration of the next filtering cycle adjusted in a direction to increase or decrease the cycle duration so as to increase or decrease the accumulation of filtered solids to achieve on optimal accumulation. A plurality of filter units are stacked and organized into independently operated sets, enabling continuous filter operation by alternate cycling of each set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 4859332
    Abstract: A filter leaf cleaning system for use in a suction-type filter apparatus having a tank to receive polluted liquids to be filtered or clarified includes a cleaning system header connected to a filtrate discharge conduit for diverting a portion of filtrate flow into the cleaning system, valve means connected to the cleaning system header for controlling filtrate flow into the cleaning system, a dispersing conduit connected to the cleaning system header adjacent a particulate-filtering surface of each filter leaf and having an opening for directing the filtrate flow across the particulate-filtering surface to flush particulates from the surface toward a solids collecting section of the tank housing the filter leaf. In addition, or in the alternative, the cleaning system may employ a membrane wiping member for sweeping movement across the particulate-filtering surface to brush residue or particulates from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Willard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4849103
    Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided comprising a number of cylindrical candle filters, each of which contains a displacement body forming a space of uniform width between itself and the candle filter. The filter material of the candle filter is supported by a cylindrical supporting body which has passages through which a plastic melt to be filtered can flow. A number of filter apparatuses can be arranged on concentric circles on a cylindrical filter housing so as to minimize the dwelling time of the plastic melt flow through the filters and to minimize the pressure loss over the length of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Herbert Peiffer
  • Patent number: 4849104
    Abstract: A filter module comprises a plurality of parallel substantially tubular filter elements each of which comprises a ceramic support. Two apertured end plates are attached to a protective casing and each filter element is fixed via flexible seals into respective apertures in these end plates. The module is assemble by a method which begins with molding the blanks from an elastomer material that is resistant to organic solvents and to corrosive liquids and has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 95 and an elastic elongation per unit length in excess of 10%. Each blank can have any form of outside surface and has an internal cavity with a surface matched to the ideal external shape of a filter element, except that its dimensions are slightly smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the filter element. The resulting blanks are then fitted onto the ends of the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite Societe des Ceramizues Techniques
    Inventors: Daniel Garcera, Jacques Gillot
  • Patent number: 4849113
    Abstract: An improved continuous polymer filter of the screen belt type employs a valve arrangement to selectively apportion the extruder output flow through at least two filter paths. In the neutral valve position both filter paths receive polymer at equal flow rates creating a pressure across the screen belts that is too high to permit the screen belts to be advanced when a clogged belt section requires replacement with a clean section. To effect screen belt advancement, the valve is actuated to reduce the flow rate in the filter path requiring the replacement while increasing the flow rate to the same degree in the other filter path so that the net flow rate remains substantially constant. The screen belt receiving the reduced flow experiences a sufficiently reduced pressure drop thereacross to permit it to be advanced in a conventional manner, after which the valve is returned to its neutral state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: William H. Hills