Diverse, E.g., Combined Agitators, Scrapers, Aeration Blowback Patents (Class 210/408)
  • Patent number: 7445716
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy with in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton LP
    Inventors: Mark A. Quintel, Christopher S. Rau, Michael E. Isch
  • Patent number: 7442295
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification and treatment apparatus using a combination of sedimentation, filtration, and bio-contact aeration processes, which comprises at least one rapid water purification filter having a hopper base for settled sludge and a filtering tank; at least one cylindrical settling basin for sedimentation and filtration; and at least one aeration basin having an under water and an over water bio-film contact parts, for rapidly filtering raw water or wastewater contacted with bio-contact aeration, and performing water purification and treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jian-Rung Cheng, Tong-Fu Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20080210620
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating waste water, said device comprising a closed housing (1) containing at least one stack of disks through which waste water can flow. A circulating pump is provided for pumping the fluid, said pump forming a structural unit comprising the housing (1) and the stack of disks arranged therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventor: Steffan Madsen
  • 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: 7395935
    Abstract: A filter device is provided with a filter tank, a filter drum disposed in the filter tank, and a drive mechanism which rotates the filter drum. The filter element is composed of a porous plate that is formed with a large number of circulation holes. The porous plate is formed into a cylindrical shape. An inlet port opens in an outer peripheral surface of the porous plate. An outlet port opens in an inner peripheral surface of the porous plate. The circulation hole is formed by etching. A smallest opening of the circulation hole is formed between the inlet port and an intermediate part with respect to a plate thickness direction. An opening width of the circulation hole increases from the smallest opening toward the outlet port to form a tapered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bunri Incorporation
    Inventor: Minoru Tashiro
  • Patent number: 7381323
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus is provided which is easy to maintain, manage and which enables preservation of filtration characteristics due to the fact that filtration is carried out by use of a gelatinous filter apparatus. In the filtration apparatus, filtration characteristics can be maintained by providing a bubble supplying mechanism for removing a sedimentary layer comprising removables that is formed on a surface of a filtration film and a filtration characteristics restoring mechanism for restoring the filter film clogged by the removables by causing a back-flow of filtered water accumulated in a cistern. Filtration apparatus maintenance and management are facilitated by improving recovery efficiency of the precipitated removables by tapering a lower part inside a raw water tank and providing a recovery tank for recovering removables via a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignees: Sanyo Aqua Technology Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki, Motoyuki Tsuihiji
  • Patent number: 7347933
    Abstract: A self-cleaning screen that automatically cleans both the inside and outside surfaces of the cylindrical screen using only the rotation of the cylindrical screen itself. This self-cleaning ability is accomplished by using a fixed brush on the exterior surface of the screen, and a freely rotating brush on the interior surface of the screen, where the freely rotating brush is driven by the movement of the screen itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Intake Screens, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell M. Berry, III, Russell M. Berry, IV
  • Patent number: 7344637
    Abstract: An apparatus serves for removing fine material to be screened from waste water. The apparatus includes a sieve grate (6) and a detaching device (16). The sieve grate (6) is cylindrical, and it is rotatingly driven. The sieve grate (6) allows for waste water to flow from its interior towards its exterior. The sieve grate (6) includes a supporting body (13) and a mesh sieve (7). The supporting body (13) is located at the exterior of the sieve grate (6). The supporting body (13) is made of a perforated sheet metal including comparatively large openings (37). The supporting body (13) provides for resistance and stability of the sieve grate (6). The mesh sieve (7) is located in the interior of the sieve grate (6). The mesh sieve (7) forms a separation surface (14) for the material to be screened. The mesh sieve (7) includes meshes of a comparatively small size. The mesh sieve (7) is fixedly connected to the supporting body (13). The detaching device (16) is arranged outside of the sieve grate (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hans Huber AG Maschinen-und Anlagenbau
    Inventor: Christian Frommann
  • Patent number: 7288186
    Abstract: A self cleaning filtration device wherein an activation piston, laterally supported within an activation cylinder is immersed in filtrate within the confines of an immersion chamber. The immersion chamber receives filtrate from a disk filtration stack via orifices and sparger support tubes (the “Tubes”). Gas pressure (i) drives the piston, the Tubes, and the disk compression block upward and (ii) forces the immersion chamber fluid through the Tubes to separate the disks. The Tubes contain gas entrainment orifices on the side of the piston that are configured to facilitate entrainment of gas into the fluid. The entrained fluid impacts the opened disks with a high energy dispersed scouring action, to flush the disks clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: James Jeffrey Harris
  • Patent number: 7250109
    Abstract: In the backflush filter (10) according to the invention, in which the flushing back of the filter inserts (15) which are received in several filter chambers takes place by means of flushing filtrate loaded by compressed air, the flush valve (35) and the mud drain valve (39) are actuated by a common drive, whereas the valves or the valve bores (45, 46) are dimensioned in such a manner that the flush valve only releases the connection to the filtrate chamber (19?) of the filter inserts (15?) to be flushed back, when the mud drain valve has already at least partially released the connection between the mud chamber (24?) of the affected filter chamber (14?) with a mud outlet (40). By this, it is ensured in a particularly simple manner that at the backflush process the pressure level in the mud chamber has already dropped before the filtrate for the backflush is loaded with compressed air (see FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Boll & Kirch Filterbau GmbH
    Inventors: Rudiger Lennartz, Heinz Sindorf, Willi Rott
  • Patent number: 7077957
    Abstract: A screening device which is particularly useful for separating solids from liquids when sewerage systems overflow. The device includes an inner apertured chamber and an internal brush arrangement for sweeping over the apertures to prevent clogging. A spray enables the apertured chamber to be washed after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Son Screen Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stephen John Posselt
  • Patent number: 7055699
    Abstract: A self-cleaning mechanical filter comprises a mechanism for simultaneously cleaning the internal surface and the external surface of a filter element. The filter is provided with structure for performing suction scanning of solid materials accumulated on the internal surface of the filter element, and structure which can be operated in synchronization with the suction scanning structure for backwashing the external surface of the filter element during a self-cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Amiad Japan Inc.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Takatsuka
  • Patent number: 7028849
    Abstract: Screen apparatus comprising a screen (10) which allows fluid to pass through it whilst providing a barrier to non-fluid matter in the fluid. A jet outlet (22) is arranged to direct a jet of fluid across that side of the screen (10) on which such matter would otherwise tend to collect when the apparatus is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: CSO Technik Limited
    Inventor: Colin Froud
  • Patent number: 6899807
    Abstract: A solid and liquid separation device, comprising: a housing, the housing having an inlet, a solid outlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid outlet located in a lower portion of the housing; a screen located within the housing, the screen positioned above the liquid outlet at an inclined angle, wherein a lower end of the screen is directly below the inlet; a conveying assembly, mounted in the housing located above the screen, and including two rotation shafts co-operating with two drive members, a plurality of connecting rods mounted between the two drive chains, each drive chain comprising at least one longitudinally flexible link, each connecting rod including a scraper, the scraper capable of contacting the screen for driving solids toward an upper end of the screen; and, a squeeze assembly, including a cylinder for supporting solids falling from the upper end of the screen, the cylinder provided with a threaded rod that is configured to be driven to rotate by a power member, the threaded rod capable of output
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Sophia Cummings
  • Patent number: 6890441
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from a suspension includes a hollow cylindrical column having a central axis therethrough. The column has an interior with a cross-section, perpendicular to said axis, that is constant along said axis, and that extends from a first end to a second end of the column; one central tube axially disposed in said column and extending from said one end toward said opposite end, said central tube having an outer wall of constant diameter, said cylindrical column and said central tube defining an annular zone between them, extending axially from said first end of the column to at least near said second end of the column; at least one filter in said outer wall of the said central tube, forming the only direct communication between the said annular zone and the interior of the tube and at least one filter in the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: NIRO Process Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Johannes Jansens, Johannes de Graauw
  • Patent number: 6833069
    Abstract: A magnetic filter removes magnetic particles from fluid communicated through the filter. The filter includes elongated, circumferentially spaced magnetic elements which capture magnetic particles entrained in the turbulent passing fluid. The magnetic elements must be cleaned periodically to remove the particles from the elements by moving a scraper plate from one end of the housing to the other. At the end of travel of the scraper plate, the particles are scraped upon non-magnetic end portions (which may contain residual magnetism) of the magnetic elements, from which they are flushed by fluid communicated through the inlet port out through other ports provided on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Gunther E. Asterlin
  • Patent number: 6833077
    Abstract: A precoat renewal system for a filter, such as a disc filter. The renewal system includes a plurality of nozzles coupled to spray piping and valving with each nozzle being positioned for spraying an area of one side of a disc. The nozzles and at least a portion of the spray piping is movable such that the nozzles may be displaced relative to the discs. The nozzles and piping are arranged in groups or zones with each zone covering a specified percentage of the discs in the filter and each zone representing about 40% or less of the surface area of the filter media of the discs in the filter. The system may be configured such that high pressure fluid may be supplied to that particular zone for removal of a precoat layer on the disc while other zones may be concurrently washed with a lower pressure fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: GL&V Management Hungary Kft.
    Inventor: Peter J. Flanagan
  • Patent number: 6833071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a slurry utilizing a displacement filtering principle. The filter apparatus desirably includes an inner filter and an outer filter. Both the inner and outer filters are preferably substantially annular in shape and positioned concentrically with respect to each other. A particulate collection volume is at least partially defined between the inner and outer filter. The method includes directing a flow of slurry into the particulate collection volume under sufficient pressure to force fluid within the particulate collection volume through one of the inner and outer filters and any particulate matter blocking a filtering surface of the inner and outer filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Patent number: 6830679
    Abstract: A filtration device is provided in which wastewater, in the form of a colloidal solution containing microparticles, is guided to tank, circulated, and filtrated using a second filter. The device includes a gel film that is formed by suction on the surface of a first filter. The suction pressure in this process is made extremely weak to maintain the filtration capacity while extending intervals prior to clogging of second filter 2. Furthermore, a filtration device is realized with which the gel film of second filter that becomes adsorbed onto the surface of first filter can be separated readily by stopping the suction and filtration can be continued again thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyuki Tsuihiji, Hirofumi Iinuma, Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki
  • Patent number: 6821444
    Abstract: A self-cleaning fuel oil strainer, coupled to a continuous fuel flow, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire fuel oil filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of fuel oil into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of fuel oil then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain subchamber which exits through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: James Benenson, Jr., David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6787046
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the continuous filtering flow rate through a pressure liquid filter unit of liquid-to-be-filtered having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter clement gaps sized substantially larger than said particles and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of the liquid-to-be-filtered and sized larger than such filter element gap. A pressure liquid filter unit containing a filter element having gaps, a given gap being sized to reliably pass the carrier liquid and coalescing solids particles at a first relatively low liquid flow rate, but blocking coalescing solids particles passage therethrough due to bridging of said gaps by the coalescing solids particles at a relatively high liquid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen De Kock, Christopher Rau
  • Patent number: 6730219
    Abstract: The filter has a framework with an inlet end, a solids outlet end and an outlet for a separated product between the ends. A fabric filter extends in the framework from end to end and is supported by movable rings, resilient members and dampers enabling axial extension and contraction of the filter. The resilient members, rings and dampers form a unit removable from the framework. A propeller turbine extends through the filter and is supported at opposite ends, and a drive is coupled with the turbine at the one end of the framework. A quick assembly/disassembly mechanism with a rail extends along the framework and is engageable with its cap for removing same and affording access to the unit enabling withdrawal of the unit from said framework and reinsertion of a filter unit composed of a filter and respective movable rings, resilient members and dampers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Attilio Turchetti
  • Patent number: 6676834
    Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter, coupled to a water flow having particulates therein, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire water filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of the water flow into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of water then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain a subchamber which exits through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: James Benenson, Jr., David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6666976
    Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter, coupled to a water flow having particulates therein, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire water filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of the water flow into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of water then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain subchamber which exits through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: James Benenson, Jr., David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6638425
    Abstract: A magnetic filter removes magnetic particles from fluid communicated through the filter. The filter includes elongated, circumferentially spaced magnetic elements which capture magnetic particles entrained in the fluid. The magnetic elements must be cleaned periodically to remove the particles from the elements by moving a scraper plate from one end of the housing to the other. At the end of travel of the scraper plate, the particles are scraped upon non-magnetic end portions (which may contain residual magnetism) of the magnetic elements, from which they are flushed by fluid communicated through the inlet port out through other ports provided on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Filter Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunther E. Asterlin
  • Publication number: 20030178359
    Abstract: A screening device which is particularly useful for separating solids from liquids when sewerage systems overflow. The device includes an inner apertured chamber and an internal brush arrangement for sweeping over the apertures to prevent clogging. A spray enables the apertured chamber to be washed after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen John Posselt
  • Patent number: 6613238
    Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for clearing debris from fluid channels. In one embodiment, the device has a fixed screening member that is permeable in part wherein debris will collect. A movable scraper then scrapes along the screen and removes the debris therefrom and transports the debris to a desired location. In embodiments of the invention, the surface that comprises the screening member may be arcuate, and may be a surface of revolution. Different portions of the screening member may or may not be permeable. The invention may also include an overflow mechanism where overflow water is diverted into a separate unscreened fluid stream. Further, the invention may be suitable for use within a sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Charles M. Schloss
  • Patent number: 6592760
    Abstract: A vertical basket centrifuge utilizing a plow supplemented with a spring air lance hose having a ball and socket joint for affixing the hose to a nozzle, and passages to allow the gas to by pass the ball and socket joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Dowdican, Roy T. Taylor, Nathan E. Betzen
  • Patent number: 6581783
    Abstract: A fine solids separator 10 including a hollow housing 12 having a generally cylindrical wall 11. Located within the housing 12 is a cylindrical screen member 15 that is preferably formed of expanded metal mesh. The screen member 15 encloses a chamber 22 to which a flocculated sewage is delivered by means of an inlet duct 23. Located within the chamber 22 is an impeller 26 which at least aids circulation of liquid within the chamber 22 about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 22. Liquid leaves the chamber 22 via the screen member 15 and an outlet 25 extending from an outlet chamber 24 located between the member 15 and housing 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: CDS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Paul George Blanche, Brian Philip Formby, Hongshun Li
  • Patent number: 6517722
    Abstract: A self-cleaning fuel oil strainer, coupled to a continuous fuel flow, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire fuel oil filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of fuel oil into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of fuel oil then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain subchamber which exits through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: James Benenson, Jr., David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6500344
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for filtering particles out of a liquid, in which the liquid containing particles is supplied to a sedimentation tank (12), and the liquid is made, by means of hydrostatic liquid pressure prevailing in the tank, to flow through a filter member (18) on the shell surface of a drum (14) mounted in the tank (12). When the liquid in the tank has risen to a predetermined level above the drum (14) as a result of clogging of the filter member (18), cleaning of the filter member (18) in situ in the tank is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventors: Hyosong Lee, Lars Ehnstrom
  • Patent number: 6485634
    Abstract: A filtration system includes a magnetic drum for removing ferrous shavings and a dual canister filter unit equipped with replaceable filter bags. This palletized system may be plugged into most machine tools to filter the shavings-laden coolant to remove the metal shavings, tramp oil, sludge and dirt from liquid coolant to extend its useful life and minimize or eliminate down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Synergy Applications Inc.
    Inventors: Harry F. Warren, Jeffrey S. Demenik, Jeffrey A. Enterline
  • Publication number: 20020158005
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing debris suspended in a main fluid flow using a fluid strainer that uses an integrated nozzle/diffuser for discharging debris that is dislodged from an internal porous surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6461503
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for the filtration of fluid media, in particular for the pre-screening of media, that has a primary pack of hollow discs, which are arranged parallel to each other at regular distances to each other, the walls of which are made of a sieve material. The apparatus also has a primary, hollow shaft, which penetrates and is fixed to the hollow discs, connecting its interior to the cavities of the discs, and is fitted with a drive. Also included is a secondary pack of discs, which are arranged similarly to the hollow discs of the primary pack. There is a secondary shaft that is arranged similarly to the primary shaft. The two packs with their respective shafts are designed and arranged in such a way that the discs of one pack protrude into the spaces between neighboring discs of the other pack. There is a container that encloses the packs and the shafts. The container has an inlet for the medium to be treated, as well as an outlet for the retentate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: aaflosystems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Bläse, Hans Olapinski, Hans-Peter Feuerpeil
  • Publication number: 20020139740
    Abstract: A magnetic filter removes magnetic particles from fluid communicated through the filter. The filter includes elongated, circumferentially spaced magnetic elements which capture magnetic particles entrained in the fluid. The magnetic elements must be cleaned periodically to remove the particles from the elements by moving a scraper plate from one end of the housing to the other. At the end of travel of the scraper plate, the particles are scraped upon non-magnetic end portions (which may contain residual magnetism) of the magnetic elements, from which they are flushed by fluid communicated through the inlet port out through other ports provided on the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Gunther E. Asterlin
  • Patent number: 6451213
    Abstract: An apparatus for de-watering sludge. A main shaft is rotated about a longitudinal axis at a first rate. A screw shaft coupled to the main shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. Screw flighting coupled to the screw shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. A first and second stage drum are rotated about the longitudinal axis at a second rate. Sludge is introduced to a first area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the first stage drum. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a first slot coupled to the first stage drum. The sludge is transported with the screw flighting from the first area to a second area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the second stage drum, the second area being larger than the first area. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a second slot coupled to the second stage drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Wawcon, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Huebner
  • Patent number: 6395186
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the continuous filtering flow rate through a pressure liquid filter unit of liquid-to-be-filtered having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than said particles and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of the liquid-to-be-filtered and sized larger than such filter element gap. A pressure liquid filter unit contains a filter element having gaps, a given gap being sized to reliably pass the carrier liquid and coalescing solids particles at a first relatively low liquid flow rate, but blocking coalescing solids particles passage therethrough due to bridging of said gaps by the coalescing solids particles at a relatively high liquid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen De Kock, Christopher Rau
  • Patent number: 6354442
    Abstract: A filter system (10) comprising a filter medium (11) for filtering contaminants from a process fluid, having a filtration side on which contaminants collect and a filtrate side from which filtrate flows; a counter-flow generator (20) located on the filtrate side that directs a localized stream of counter-flow fluid (23) from the filtrate side to the filtration side of the filter medium (11) to thereby dislodge the contaminants from the filtration side of the filter medium (11), wherein the localized stream (23) traverses a substantial proportion of the filter medium (11). The filter system (10) optionally further comprises a clearing-flow generator (30) or like means located on the filtration side of the filter medium (11) which clears contaminants from the filter medium (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: University of South Australia
    Inventor: Yuri Obst
  • Patent number: 6270684
    Abstract: A screening device useful in water and waste water treatment plants separates fluid flow into two streams. The screening device is perforated so that solids having a predetermined cross-section will be maintained within a first fluid stream, and a portion of the fluid flow that has been screened of solids will flow into a second split-off fluid flow. The streams may go to different locations; only the first stream need be processed for the solids. The screening device is preferably cylindrical or another surface of rotation or a section of such a surface, and rotates. These features help maintain the screening device free of solids, and supplemental cleaning devices may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Schloss Engineered Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Schloss
  • Patent number: 6267879
    Abstract: Described is a continuous liquid filtering apparatus having a preliminary filtering chamber 9, a filtering chamber 3, a filtered liquid chamber 12, and an electromechanical cleaning system. In operation, after entering inlet 1, liquid passes through coarse screen 2 into the filtering chamber 3. The liquid then passes through a multi-layer sintered filtering element 4 before exiting the apparatus through the outlet 6. The electromechanical cleaning system includes a hollow connector unit 10 having dirt suctioning members 5 and spraying nozzles 11 for cleaning the sintered filter element. The cleaning system is activated whenever the liquid differential pressure exceeds a predetermined valve indicating that the cylindrical filter requires a cleaning treatment. The spraying nozzles 11 are in fluid communication with the filtered liquid chamber 12 via booster pump 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Odis Irrigation Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Shemuel Gil
  • Patent number: 6241902
    Abstract: An apparatus for de-watering sludge. A main shaft is rotated about a longitudinal axis at a first rate. A screw shaft coupled to the main shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. Screw flighting coupled to the screw shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. A first and second stage drum are rotated about the longitudinal axis at a second rate. Sludge is introduced to a first area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the first stage drum. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a first slot coupled to the first stage drum. The sludge is transported with the screw flighting from the first area to a second area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the second stage drum, the second area being larger than the first area. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a second slot coupled to the second stage drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Wawcon, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Huebner
  • Patent number: 6227380
    Abstract: A filter apparatus for liquids containing impurities, in particular solid particles, preferably for filtering plasticized thermoplastic synthetic plastic material, has a housing (1) in which at least one stationary, substantially flat filter (5) is disposed. The liquid to be cleaned is supplied to the filter (5) in the region of its periphery through at least one supply channel (3). The cleaned liquid is conducted off the housing through at least one downstream channel (7). At least one scraper element (17) is pressed with its scraping edge (31) against the upstream-side surface (11) of the filter (5), this scraper element (17) being movably connected to a scraper carrier (12) which can be rotated by a drive means (15) around an axis which is directed substantially perpendicular to the upstream-side surface (11) of the filter (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, Georg Wendelin
  • Patent number: 6227379
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently separating solids from liquid/solid slurries are disclosed. The slurry to be separated is retainably placed within a container having one or more lift paddles secured within its inner cavity. The container is supported for rotation about an axis and has drive means for slowly rotating the container. As the container rotates, the lift paddles lift a portion of the retained slurry, allowing the liquid portion to fall back into the primary slurry pool to be separated, and lifting coarse solids toward the top of the rotation path of the paddles. The separated solids slide by gravity from the lift paddles as they approach the top of their rotation paths and into a collection tray. A filter that rotates with the container filters fine solids from the liquid portion of the slurry and also deposits the fine solids on the collection tray. The filtered liquids can be readily pumped from or recirculated to the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: NTH, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton A. Nesseth
  • Patent number: 6217782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the filter surface (2, 3) of a filter medium in a suction drier. According to the invention, in order to mark the surface to be cleaned, in contact with the surface to be cleaned there is set a sealing surface (4) that forms an essentially closed space for the surface to be cleaned, and that into said closed space, there is conducted cleaning liquid (7) in order to carry out the cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Timo Tuori, Hannu Sekki, Jorma Ihalainen, Pentti Pirkonen, Hannu Mursunen
  • Patent number: 6187177
    Abstract: A filter unit for filtering pressurized liquid carrying solid contaminants, comprising a housing having a cavity, an unfiltered liquid inlet port, and a filtered liquid outlet port. The filter unit also has a filter element having a generally cylindrical shape positioned within the housing, an interior, and a porous filter sleeve having an exterior face, the interior of said filter element in fluid communication with the filtered liquid outlet port and the exterior face of the sleeve of said filter element in fluid communication with the unfiltered liquid, so that, in operation, unfiltered liquid carrying solid contaminants flows into the cavity of the housing through the unfiltered liquid inlet port, the filter element filters the solid contaminants from the liquid, and the filtered liquid passes through the sleeve of the filter element to the interior thereof before exiting the filter unit via the filtered liquid outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Scott E. Ogburn
  • Patent number: 6187180
    Abstract: The apparatus for removing bodies (41) from a liquid in which the apparatus includes a first container (1) which is provided with an inlet (13) through which the liquid is supplied to the first container, and a second container (2) which, in the lower region (35) of the apparatus, surrounds the first container. Between the wall (17) of the first container and the wall (27) of the second container, there is formed a space (26). The wall of the first container is provided with passages (15) through which liquid passes from the first container to the space (26). The passages (15) are dimensioned so as to separate bodies (41) transported by the liquid towards the inside of the wall (17) of the first container. A helix (3) is disposed in a path (7) which is formed by the wall of the first container and is oriented at an angle (&agr;) to the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Spirac Engineering AB
    Inventor: Richard L. Bruke
  • Patent number: 6177006
    Abstract: A filtering device includes a container having an inlet for introducing liquid to be treated, a screen provided in the container having an outlet for delivering out treated liquid, and flow creating means for creating, in said container, a flow of the liquid to be treated having a direction which is different from direction of a flow of the liquid to be treated into the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Tadayoshi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 6155430
    Abstract: The invention provides a clog-resistant filter for separating solids from liquids, of the type wherein the liquid is passed from a filter inlet through a circular-section hollow filter element the filter being provided with means for the discharge of collected solids during filter operation, the filter comprising a housing provided with an inlet for the liquid to be filtered and provided with a first outlet for filtrate and with a second outlet for liquid containing a high concentration of solids, a hollow filter element insertable into the housing, the internal side of the filter element being in fluid connection with the inlet and the external side of the filter element being in fluid connection with the first outlet, a textured volume reduction device inserted in the filter element and being of a size and shape so as to occupy a major portion of the hollow of the filter element, the volume reduction device having a textured outer surface, the outer surface of the volume reduction device and the internal si
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hoshen Water Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Goodman
  • Patent number: 6132203
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oil burning system that is capable of burning oils of varying viscosities, including high viscosity waste oils and low viscosity heating oils. Suitable as a new installation or a retrofit modification, the present invention incorporates the use of a variable rate, high-pressure oil delivery system, along with an oil pre-heater, in conjunction with a modified high-pressure atomizing nozzle. Installed in a sliding drawer burner arrangement that allows for quick and easy access, the oil burning system also includes a means by which particulate matter and carbonization build-ups are removed from the burner nozzle automatically, thereby eliminating the need for frequent cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Radek Masin
  • Patent number: 6110388
    Abstract: The sludge filtration device comprises: a filter (1) placed over an approximately horizontal box (4), this filter (1) constituting, in its filtration position, the bottom of a filter chamber (8) of essentially vertical axis; a piston (10) suitable for closing the filter chamber in the top part; means (3, 11) for causing relative movement between the box (4) provided with the filter (1) and the piston (10) so that a liquid filtrate flows downwards through the filter (1) and so that a cake of solid matter remains on the filter (1) at the end of the operation; and a scraper device (31) provided for removing this cake. The piston is made in the form of a filter piston (10) so that a liquid effluent passes through the filter piston (10) as the volume of the filter chamber (8) is being decreased, and a suction pumping means (P) is provided for removing the effluent above the filter piston (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.
    Inventors: Marcel Norais, Bernard Neveu