Belt Type Patents (Class 210/400)
  • Patent number: 7674386
    Abstract: A slurry filtration system and apparatus with peripheral elements for conditioning a slurry prior to entry into a pressure filter (32) and the control of fluid and liquid introductions into the filter (32) to produce a desired filter cake or filtrate. The system includes a controller (16) for controlling the operation of the peripheral treatment for the introduction of coagulants, flocculants and polymers to treat or condition a slurry introduced into the filter (32) and the control of additional peripheral equipment for treatment of the slurry with liquid clearing or cake forming gas, steam, or drying or conditioning gas within the filter chamber (40) for the production of both filtrate and filter cake from the filter (32) to a form desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventor: Steve C. Benesi
  • Patent number: 7662279
    Abstract: A filtering device, in particular for fish basins, having a housing (10) encompassing a filter chamber (20) and a filter drum (30), which is rotatably disposed in the filter chamber (20) and is loadable with water to be purified, about which a filter belt (40) is guided along part of its circumference from a dispensing roller (42) to a receiving roller (41) that is driven by a paddle wheel (5) disposed outside the filter chamber (20). The paddles (51) of the filter wheel are activated by unpurified water in such a way that the filter belt (40) is wound from the dispensing roller (42) onto the receiving roller (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Rupp
  • Publication number: 20100032384
    Abstract: A method for increasing the removal of a higher fraction of liquid from the press cake in any belt press is described. Specifically, the invention incorporates a series of rollers that create multiple pinch points to compress the solid fraction while removing liquid. After each pinch point, the solid material is allowed to separate from the belt, fall by gravity, and repack so that more liquid can be released at each successive pinch point than is possible if the material is fed to multiple rollers and pinch points in series without decompressing as is done is prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: William Harris Moss
  • Patent number: 7651619
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating dry matter from liquid includes an enclosed separation environment capable of being pressure regulated. Within the enclosed separation environment, a suspension is brought into contact with at least one filter so as to accumulate dry matter on the at least one filter. The filter with the dry matter passes through at least one set of rollers such that liquid is removed from the dry matter on the at least one filter to form a substantially dry filter cake. Thereafter, the substantially dry filter cake is removed from the at least one filter. The above steps are performed in the enclosed separation environment either under vacuum or overpressure. The invention may be used in various fields such as the food industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Preben Bøje Hansen, Peter Stubbe, Hanne Birch, Kirsten Grønning Sørensen
  • Publication number: 20090321346
    Abstract: An oil skimming device for removing tramp oil and floating particles from the surface of water-miscible liquids. The conveying elements of the skimmer are in the form of endless flexible chains or O-rings are being moved through the liquid by a drive element which is located above the liquid surface. The skimmer is easy to operate and can be” simple and fast mounted with a magnetic base to mostly any metal surfaces (cooling tank covers, machine body, etc. An oil skimmer device with a low degree of structural outlaws to provide a solution, for small upwardly open access areas in the tank or container and with changing liquid levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Juergen Heberlein, Alfred Uhl
  • Patent number: 7638061
    Abstract: Coolant fluid cleaning method, system, and apparatus use a rotating magnet to remove particulate matter from a fluid used to cool or lubricate a machining or other operation. Such system includes a rotating magnet in fluid communication with apparatus circulating fluid past the rotating magnet. A scraper blade removes particulate matter which is picked up by the rotating magnet. The system or apparatus can include a dirty fluid reservoir, one or more conveyor which removes chips and particulate matter from the dirty fluid reservoir, and a clean fluid reservoir. The rotating magnet collects particulate matter in the dirty fluid reservoir and discharges the collected particulate matter to a discharge conveyance. When the rotating magnet is used in combination with a disc filter, the magnet relieves some cleaning load from the disc filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hennig Incorporated
    Inventor: Robin C. Moore
  • Publication number: 20090314721
    Abstract: A mechanism in a horizontal belt filter controls the position of the drainage belt to ensure its alignment with the vacuum pan. A section of belt rollers supporting the drainage belt is mounted on a movable structure capable of shifting the rollers laterally to the degree necessary to compensate for misalignments between the drain holes and the vacuum pan. The control operation is implemented with a detector capable of sensing the position of the drain holes in the belt with respect to the vacuum pan. A signal is sent to an actuator that causes the belt rollers to move laterally in the direction required to maintain alignment of the drain holes with the vacuum pan. A dual-drive system is preferably utilized to provide a more uniform force distribution along the drive pulley and to increase torque, thereby also advantageously increasing the capacity of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph L. Wood, Jay L. Breinholt, Brandon G. Rose
  • Patent number: 7614503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating liquid and solid material from a mixture which includes a filter cloth for allowing through the liquid and holding back the solid material; a carrier belt for supporting the filter cloth with the mixture thereon, wherein the carrier belt is provided with one or more openings close to at least one of the side edges or at least eccentrically thereof; a support construction for supporting the carrier belt movable relative thereto; and a suction box arranged under the support construction and/or on the side of the carrier belt and connected to the optional openings in the carrier belt for extracting liquid from the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Pannevis B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Marinus Marchal
  • Publication number: 20090242469
    Abstract: A filter assembly has an inlet for supplying a fluid to be cleaned and an outlet for returning cleaned fluid. A cloth filter is disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The filter has a web of filter cloth wound on a supply roll and guided along an effective filter area to a takeup roll for receiving clogged filter web. A motor is connected to the takeup roll for rotating the takeup roll and for transporting the filter cloth forward across the effective filter area. A switching device is connected to selectively energize the motor and to index the filter cloth forward by an amount less than a length of the effective filter area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Gerry Calabrese
  • Publication number: 20090145837
    Abstract: A grit elevator (30) including a plurality of solid screens (104) in the form of a rotatable endless belt, one or more grit collectors (116) on the interior of the endless belt, and a grit inlet (172) leading to the interior of the endless belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Nigel RC Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7510650
    Abstract: A filtering device suitable for filtering a flow of fluid in a channel includes a plurality of filter elements coupled to one another to define a filter loop. The filter loop is configured to position a filter element in the channel to filter a portion of the flow of fluid. The filtering device also includes a plurality of resilient seal members. Each seal member is coupled to one of the plurality of filter elements such that the seal member is at least partially compressed by an adjacent filter element. At least one seal member inhibits the flow of fluid between the filter element to which the seal member is attached and the adjacent filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: WSG & Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Wilcher, Robert J. Slaby, Nathan L. Panek
  • Patent number: 7510086
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for sealing off a fluid-filled, stationary pressurized compartment from an endlessly circulating, impermeable belt of a machine for producing and/or refining a paper, paperboard, tissue or other fibrous web with the help of at least one seal of the pressurized compartment, whose contact pressure toward the belt is variable, wherein the belt is pressed by the pressurized compartment against a co-driven support element and the fibrous web runs alone or jointly with one or more function belts between the belt and the support element. The sealing is improved in this case, while producing as little leakage and wear as possible, in that the contact pressure of the seal is controlled as a factor of the drive power and/or the drive torque channeled into the belt and/or as a factor of the leakage of fluid through the gap between the seal and the belt and/or as a factor of the pressure of the fluid in the pressurized compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Joachim Henssler, Christoph Haase, Herbert Boden, Helena Johansson
  • Publication number: 20090071893
    Abstract: A bandscreen comprising a pair of spaced-apart, endless drive chains (4,5), a plurality of spaced-apart screen-supporting members (18) each spanning between the drive chains, and a plurality of screens (10) each of which is held in position by being engaged with, but not attached to, a respective pair of the screen-supporting members (8), only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Price, Nigel RC Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7404904
    Abstract: There is a method of capturing, removing or collecting the particulate matter from a fluid containing a toxic liquid reaction and particulate matter produced from the reaction. The method includes partly or completely disposing a screen into the toxic fluid. Mixing the toxic fluid allowing the particulate matter to contact the screen. Moving the screen to capture the particulate matter on the screen. Removing the particulate matter from the screen by washing or scraping. There is also a cleaning apparatus to capture, remove or collect particulate matter from a toxic fluid. A cleaning apparatus contains at least a screen and a structure securing the screen. The cleaning apparatus can optionally include a scraping or washing means, a drive means, a flow inducer and a housing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Melvin Stanley
  • Patent number: 7402242
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating debris removing skimmer for swimming pool and other similar bodies of water. The skimmer comprises a generally rectangular enclosure which comprises an inlet opening coupled to a flow control door or flapper. The skimmer further comprises a conveyor assembly which comprises a pair of cylinders around which is disposed a conveyor belt. The first cylinder is located at the top generally on the side opposing the inlet opening. The second cylinder is located near the inlet opening and preferably under the water level when the skimmer is installed. One of the cylinders is motorized so that when a debris, carried by the water through the inlet opening, is pushed against the conveyor belt, it is carried by the belt toward the top of the enclosure and ultimately outside the enclosure. The conveyor belt does not extend above the skimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Duckett
  • Patent number: 7393451
    Abstract: A compressible boot seal for sealing the side of a vertical traveling water screen with flights. The boot seal is formed by a U-shaped, bent nylon plate having a bottom base that resides in the boot section at the lower end of the traveling water screen and two upwardly extending arms that are attached at their distal ends to a side of the water screen support. The plate is bent at the intersection of the base and the arms to form a living hinge that allows the plate to deflect toward the side of the support on contact with side edges of the flights. The hinge seals the plate against the side edges of the flights. A resilient filler material fills the void between the plate and the side of the support to prevent sand and debris from interfering with the deflection of the side seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip J. Wunsch, Rocky Portillo
  • Patent number: 7381329
    Abstract: A belt press solid/liquid separation apparatus is provided for separating organic mixtures with substantial amounts of moisture to produce separated solids with solids content of 50-90% while retaining 99% of the incoming solids in the filter cake. Specifically, the invention incorporates a double-belt press apparatus with a non-permeable upper belt, a highly permeable lower belt, a wedge type zone with adjustable spring compression, and a means for re-screening belt press filtrate with either a single belt press or multiple belt presses configured as a multi-step cascade of belt presses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: William Harris Moss
  • Publication number: 20080110838
    Abstract: A belt press solid/liquid separation apparatus is provided for separating organic mixtures with substantial amounts of moisture to produce separated solids with solids content of 50-90% while retaining 99% of the incoming solids in the filter cake. Specifically, the invention incorporates a double-belt press apparatus with a non-permeable upper belt, a highly permeable lower belt, a wedge type zone with adjustable spring compression, and a means for re-screening belt press filtrate with either a single belt press or multiple belt presses configured as a multi-step cascade of belt presses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: William H. Moss
  • Patent number: 7364652
    Abstract: Screening apparatus (101,901) for use at an overflow weir (301, 902) in a sewerage system. The apparatus comprises a continuous moving screen band (201, 902) and a band cleaning mechanism (608). A first portion (801) of the screen band is configured to move along the weir towards one of its ends, and a second portion (803) of the screen band is configured to move along the weir towards its opposite end. A steeper portion (805) of the screen band extends to an elevated position (806) above the first and second portions, and the band cleaning mechanism is arranged to remove solid matter from the screen at said elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Three Star Environmental Ltd.
    Inventor: David Grant Middleton
  • Patent number: 7344638
    Abstract: A filter apparatus separates fine particles such as pine needles, threads, hairs and seeds from a liquid influent. A rotating grid assembly has multiple grid sections mounted by top-to-bottom connected links, supporting a filter media having specified openings sufficient for entrainment of miniscule particles. Grid sections are interchanged for collection and discharge of various sized particles using the same apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hydro-Dyne Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Ryan Conroy
  • Patent number: 7334688
    Abstract: A filtration system includes a filter medium that has two side edges. The filter medium is moveable in a longitudinal direction, and at least a segment of the filter medium is used to filter a fluid. Seals are used to seal the filter medium segment's side edges, and the seals are moveable with the filter medium in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, the seal may not need to be raised or deflated during indexing of the filter medium. Additionally, the indexing of the filter medium does not create wear on the filter medium and seal and does not cause distortion or tear of the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Brian W. Pahl, Stephen Haub
  • Patent number: 7326335
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for removing solids from water in a canal during or immediately after a rainstorm. The apparatus includes a plurality of filters and a carrier. The filters filter the solids from the water while moving in and taking impact from the water. The carrier carries the filters in a cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Water & Soil Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventor: Hsu-Chen Chuang
  • Patent number: 7326336
    Abstract: The water intake rotary screen comprises a mobile filter designed as an endless loop formed of a succession of flexible and articulated filter panels. It is associated with a suction system adapted to generate a local contraflow through the filter to take up successively elements retained thereby and direct them to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: E. Beaudrey et Cie
    Inventor: Philip Jackson
  • Patent number: 7314141
    Abstract: A belt filter for effecting separation of liquid from solids where, at the collection zone, a filter belt or belts is changed shape so as to provide a supporting shape to bold liquid, which is then fed into a nipping zone. In an embodiment there is a single belt used which is folded in a middle portion to provide the supporting shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Hedley Day
  • Patent number: 7311846
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ferrous metal particles from non-ferrous metal particles suspended in a liquid, such as a coolant from a machining operation, in which mixed particle containing liquid is discharged across a horizontal, non-magnetic separating surface; the magnetic ferrous metal particles are captured by a magnetic force exerted by an array of parallel magnets disposed underneath the separating surface, the non-magnetic non-ferrous metal particles are washed by the liquid into a collecting flume from where they can be passed to a filtering station for removal from the liquid, and the captured ferrous metal particles are scraped from the separating surface and conveyed to a ferrous metal discharge by a scraper conveyor which moves transversely to the discharge direction of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Comer, Mark Schroder
  • Patent number: 7303685
    Abstract: A feedback control for a polymer dispensing system, which otherwise continuously adjusts the polymer feedrate so as to keep the measured streaming current of filtrate from a sludge dewatering process at one predetermined setpoint. The feedback control includes a video camera focused on sludge as it trails behind plows on a dewatering belt, a video image processing system for converting the video signal into single numbers known as “camera readings”, and a computer programmed both to compare them with a “camera reading” setpoint and to determine whether the filtrate charge is more positive or more negative than it normally is whenever the “camera reading” deviates from its setpoint by a threshold amount. A controller, activated by the computer, incrementally resets the polymer feedrate in such a direction as to restore the normal cationic charge of the filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: John W. Clark
  • Patent number: 7252739
    Abstract: The method is for distributing cellulose pulp that has a 2-12% consistency. A manifoid housing is in fluid communication with distributor housing. The distributor housing has holes that are distributed along a generatrix of the distribution housing. The cellulose pulp is fed into an inlet of the manifold housing. The feed screw is rotated to convey the cellulose pulp in the transverse direction through the distributor housing. The feed screw sweeps across the holes in the distributor housing to urge the cellulose pulp through the holes. The cellulose pulp is uniformly fed through the holes and then through an inlet to dewatering drums. The cellulose pulp is run between the dewatering drums and a trough to form a pulp web. The pulp web is dewatered in a press nip formed between the dewatering drums. The dewatered pulp web is collected by a feed screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: GL&V Management Hungary Kft.
    Inventors: Goran Brottgardh, Axel Lamas, Bo Clarstrom
  • Patent number: 7152745
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the opposed side edges of a fluid treating belt filter (3) by employing an inflatable elastic tube (18). Opposed sealing surfaces are spaced apart from each other defining a gap there between which can be brought into sealing relationship by activation of the tube (18). The tube (18) being tested prior to and during sealing. Fluid that bypasses the seal are collected for rycycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Brian W. Pahl, Frank M. Croket, Richard L. Duncum
  • Patent number: 7135109
    Abstract: A fine filter screen assembly includes a frame assembly and a rotatable shaft supported in the frame. A drive is configured to controllably rotate the shaft and at least one drive drum is positioned on the shaft for rotation therewith. The drive drum has an external surface that is substantially defined by a high friction surface and a fine filter grid is supported in the frame assembly and positioned about and in contact with the drive drum such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the fine filter grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: USFilter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 7048850
    Abstract: A traveling water screen comprising an endless foraminous belt with flights. The foraminous belt forms a water screen extending from a lower end in a flowing stream to an upper end above the surface of the stream. The stream flows through openings in the foraminous screen. The flights, which may be scoops, are arranged in spaced apart relation on the outer surface of the water screen. The water screen is driven in a direction so that its upstream portion advances upward and its downstream portion downward. The flights form inclined surfaces across the width of the screen from a point of highest elevation to one or more points of lowest elevation at one or both side edges of the screen. As the screen moves, the flights lift fish toward the surface. As a flight breaks the surface, fish slide down the inclined flights toward one or both side edges of the screen to be diverted safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph M. DePaso, Omair Zubair, Kyle J. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 7029579
    Abstract: A system for use in filtering a slurry using air pressure to squeeze the slurry material and dewatering it. The system including a source of slurry, a chamber, a filter belt that passes through the chamber, a manifold inlet supplying the slurry to a first side of the filter belt to form a uniform moist cake of the filter material, an inlet seal and an outlet seal to seal a belt inlet and a belt outlet formed on the chamber, and a source of the pressurized air selectively applicable to the chamber to dry the moist cake of filtered material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Floyd G. Tapp
  • Patent number: 7029580
    Abstract: A sludge concentrating apparatus comprising a sludge tank for storing sludge and a filter cloth having a shape of endless belt which turns between upper and lower rollers, further comprising filtering means of which at least the lowermost of rollers is immersed in the sludge, washing means of the filter cloth, and a filtrate chamber having a filtrate introducing port in contact with the filter cloth and a weir, wherein a sludge distributing tank serving as sludge introducing means into the sludge tank is provided near the upper end of the filtrate introducing port, and a concetrated sludge discharge tank serving as concertrated sludge introducing means with the filter cloth in between; said sludge concentrating apparatus further comprising coagulant adding means for adding an acid, and a flow adjustment device serving as a sludge uniform feeding means which feeds sludge fed into the sludge tank uniformly in the width direction of the filter cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignees: Japan Institute of Wastewater Engineering Technology, JFE Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Suzuki, Kinichiro Kouno, Takashi Etou, Itaru Sakai, Satoru Udagawa, Arimitsu Ishii
  • Patent number: 7014754
    Abstract: A filter screen that is used in filtering water and that includes a frame and a grid assembly that is supported by the frame for movement. The grid assembly includes a continuous unbroken drive chain having a guide link, and a screen panel. The screen panel is coupled to the guide link for selective movement between an operating condition and a maintenance condition. When the screen panel is in the operating condition the screen panel is fixed relative to the guide link for movement with the guide link and for filtering water. In the maintenance condition, the screen panel is pivotable relative to the guide link to permit access to the interior of the filter screen for inspection of chain components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: US Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 7011741
    Abstract: A pressure-filter apparatus includes at least one filtration chamber coupled with a source of slurry. The filtration chamber is also coupled with a source of fluid at an elevated pressure, which may be arranged in series or in parallel with a source of wash fluid. The pressure-filter apparatus may also include a source of fluid at a conventional pressure. The source of fluid at elevated pressure has a limited volume for initially treating the slurry within the chamber. The source of fluid at conventional pressure has a substantially unlimited volume for completing the treating of slurry within the chamber. The relative volume capacity of the two fluid sources provides an improved efficiency in the treatment of the slurry and the overall efficiency of the apparatus by limiting the time and capacity of accumulation of elevated pressure fluid while using the conventional pressure for extended treatment of the slurry within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Steve C. Benesi
  • Patent number: 7001512
    Abstract: A process for treating waste products discharged in a waste water from an animal operation, such as a swine confinement facility includes a holding tank for receiving waste water from the flushing of the facility in which solids to accumulate at the bottom thereof; wherein as conveyor transfers solids from said bottom at a rate preventing agitation of the waste water, to a compactor for removing additional water content and to a product dryer for converting the solids into a dry product. The product dryer includes a water heating system with water lines connected in a closed loop to the holding tank. The heating system thermal treats the circulating waste water and waste solids to a temperature sufficient to reduce undesired constituents therein. The product dryer is vented to a separator for recovering ammonia contents in the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: David Ralph Newsome
  • Patent number: 6994785
    Abstract: A fine filter screen assembly comprising a length of filter screen having a relatively fine filtering surface and terminating at opposite ends with opposed end shafts. Generally open connecting means interconnect the opposed end shafts to define a continuous loop structure. At least one removable filter grid having a substantially fine filtering surface is removably mounted between the opposed end shafts such that the continuous loop structure has a substantially continuous relatively fine filtering surface. Removal of the grid allows internal access to the screen assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 6946078
    Abstract: The method for separating ferrate salts from a solution comprising providing contact between the solution of essentially of aqueous hydroxide and the ferrate salts and a surface having a magnetic attraction, magnetically securing the ferrate salts to the surface; and eliminating contact between the solution and the surface. Contact is provided by immersing the surface in the solution, passing the liquid ferrate mixture over the surface, or combinations thereof. The magnetic attraction may be induced by permanent magnets, electromagnets, and combinations thereof. The apparatus for ferrate production comprises an electrochemical cell having an iron-containing anode, cathode, and an aqueous hydroxide solution in fluid communication with both the anode and the cathode, and a magnetic separator in fluid communication with the aqueous hydroxide solution for separating ferrate salts from the aqueous hydroxide solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Zoran Minevski, Jason Maxey, Carl Nelson, Dylan Taylor
  • Patent number: 6942786
    Abstract: Cleaning device having an endless filtering belt (31) guided through a waste water container (33) for filtering of waste water. The filtering belt is guided over a series turn rollers (32, 34, 36, 37) so that the belt in a certain region runs substantially horizontally with the filtrate faced downwards. Within this region there is a rod shaped blowoff device (43) for blowing air towards the filtering belt. Below the blowoff device (44) there is arranged a screw conveyor (42) for removing residues dislodged from the filter mesh. The filtering belt (31) is located adjacent to a transmission belt (51) and is pressed against the same by a clamping rail (58) within the rising section (38) of the filtering belt. The device is provided with a control device (4) adapting the filtering belt movement with the waste water supply, thus keeping the waste water surface below a certain level to provide a high degree of dewatering within the upwards rising section of the filtering belt (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Salnes Filter AS
    Inventor: Audun Fosseng
  • Patent number: 6942789
    Abstract: A waste water filter screen assembly that has a substantially open foot section to promote more efficient flow through. The rotating grid is generally free hanging. The present invention further provides a drive assembly with square, high friction drive drums mounted on the drive shaft. The present invention further provides idler roller assemblies mounted for guiding the rotating grid adjacent the filter screen assembly head. The open foot section, drive assembly and idler roller assembly are useable with filter grids of both the link element type and the panel type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: USFilter Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen B. Wilcher, Juan Fernando Segura, Nathan Lawrence Panek, Alan Wallace Steele
  • Patent number: 6896801
    Abstract: The magnetic separator has a tank with a pair of dual conveyor chains, spaced apart, at opposite sides of the tank. A plurality of frames with spaced apart magnetic rods are suspended from the conveyor chains in a manner allowing the frames to swivel and always hang vertically as the chains traverse their endless path. The liquid in the tank flows through the frames and ferrous particles are attracted to the magnetic rods. The rods are cleaned and the ferrous particles removed at a wiping station. Each frame has a scraping edge which contacts the bottom of the tank and drags out the non-magnetic particulate which has separated from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: H.R. Black Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Anderson, Jason L. Sisler
  • Patent number: 6890429
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating waste water containing biological wastes such as animal waste generated in livestock-raising operations, wherein the waste water is subjected to a series of operations to separate solids from the liquid phase of the waste water and to biologically treat the waste water to break down organic components. The separated solids are stored for further treatment or conversion into useful materials. The treated liquid phase can be put to various uses. In one embodiment, the treated liquid is recycled as flush water for flushing animal waste from an animal barn, whereby little or no liquid phase escapes the system into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Hog Slat, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Herring, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6871744
    Abstract: A solid-liquid mixture is electro-dewatered by apparatus having a conveyor belt for receiving an electric charge and having the mixture deposited thereon and an element above the conveyor belt receiving an opposite electric charge with the conveyor belt an element cooperating to apply a compressive force to the mixture and characterised by the conveyor belt including discrete electrically conducted segments which are permeable to the liquid. The upper element is preferably in the form of a rotary drum or second conveyor belt but it can be in the form of a pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: CRC For Waste Management & Pollution Control Limited
    Inventors: Sarah A Miller, Barry Kenneth Johnston, Christopher Veal
  • Patent number: 6871745
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved distributor including a conduit having an inlet end to receive incoming slurry and an outlet end to feed slurry onto a treatment apparatus such as a filter. A plurality of spaced apart diverter rows are arranged within the conduit between the inlet and outlet ends including a first diverter row comprising one adjustable diverter that is selectively adjustable to divide incoming slurry into either two slurry streams or into three slurry streams. A last diverter row is provided adjacent the outlet end, and the last row includes a plurality of spaced apart non-adjustable diverters make a last division of the slurry before it is discharged onto the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: John D. Lynn, Alvin M. Nestler, Nazareno M. Medei
  • Patent number: 6846421
    Abstract: A liquid filter method includes use of a filter media belt enclosed by sealably mated cover pan and floor pan defining a vacuum chamber connected to a sealed clean liquid tank, with clean liquid pumped out continuously to draw liquid to be filtered into an upper region of the filter chamber via an inlet hose connected to a source of liquid to be filtered. The cover pan is lifted after the vacuum is relieved to allow indexing of the filter media belt. A main control valve to the clean liquid tank is closed and pumping liquid continues during indexing. A vacuum control device limits the maximum vacuum developed in the clean liquid tank and a vacuum pump removes air from the tank for priming and to eliminate excess accumulated air. A hose seal for the cover is mounted to the filter belt to be moved in and out by the belt movement, allowing cleaning of the seal. A double loop hose seal creates an intervening space into which liquid is directed to minimize air leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Publication number: 20040262242
    Abstract: Screening apparatus (101,901) for use at an overflow weir (301, 902) in a sewerage system. The apparatus comprises a continuous moving screen band (201,902) and a band cleaning mechanism (608). A first portion (801) of the screen band is configured to move along the weir towards one of its ends, and a second portion (803) of the screen band is configured to move along the weir towards its opposite end. A steeper portion (805) of the screen band extends to an elevated position (806) above the first and second portions, and the band cleaning mechanism is arranged to remove solid matter from the screen at said elevated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: David Grant Middleton
  • Patent number: 6818126
    Abstract: A filter system for receiving an oil-in-water emulsion contaminated with an emulsified contaminant oil, and separating the emulsified contaminant oil from the oil-in-water emulsion includes a filter media for receiving the oil-in-water emulsion and emulsified contaminant oil, having an inner filter element formed from a 95 percent single pass efficiency 48 micron (5 micron nominal) filtering material of needle punch polypropylene felt, an outer filter element formed from a 95 percent single pass efficiency 19 micron absolute filtering material of a polypropylene microfiber material and a porous spunbond polypropylene sandwiching the outer filter media. The filter clement de-emulsifies the emulsified contaminant oil from the oil-in-water emulsion into the contaminant oil and the oil-in-water emulsion, separates the de-emulsified contaminant oil from the oil-in-water emulsion, coalesces the separated contaminant oil and passes both the coalesced de-emulsified contaminant oil and the oil-in-water emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Heritage-Crystal Clean, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Larson
  • Publication number: 20040195168
    Abstract: A screen, for cleaning a fiber suspension, includes at least one separating unit containing a housing, a parabolic rotor, a screen basket, an accept chamber, and a reject outlet. The reject outlet is located in the vicinity of the maximum rotor diameter. The screen also includes one or several devices for interrupting the axial flow located in the vicinity of the maximum rotor diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Helmuth Gabl
  • Publication number: 20040195167
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drum type paper stock refine screen capable of efficiently filtering a refined paper stock to the outside of a laterally suspended rotary drum and efficiently discharging foreign matter to the outside of the drum while rotating the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Eiichi Kamo, Nobuyuki Kamo
  • Publication number: 20040195169
    Abstract: A screen, for cleaning a fiber suspension, includes at least one separating unit containing a housing, a parabolic rotor, a screen basket, an accept chamber, and a reject outlet. The reject outlet is located in the vicinity of the maximum rotor diameter. The screen also includes at least one feed for dilution water located in the vicinity of the reject outlet, particularly directly below it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Helmuth Gabl
  • Publication number: 20040094469
    Abstract: A dehydration machine includes a hollow inner roller having a plurality of first holes defined through a wall thereof and a plurality of longitudinal ribs radial ribs extend from an outer surface of the inner roller. The radial ribs each have second holes and a porous outer tube is mounted and fixed to the longitudinal ribs and the radial ribs so as to squeeze the paper pulp on a belt. A sucking device has a sucking tube inserted in the inner tube and supported by several support frames connected to an inner periphery of the inner roller such that the paper pulp is dehydrated while being squeezed by the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Ta Hsieh