Fluid Cleaning Patents (Class 210/409)
  • Patent number: 7351335
    Abstract: A filter module provided with a housing (3) having an inlet (6) for a liquid to be filtered and an outlet (10) for filtered liquid, with a first filter element (7-9, 12) accommodated in the housing (3), in the form of a porous mass provided with a central through-opening, to which the inlet (6) connects, and with a second filter element (1) accommodated in the housing (3) in the form of a number of lengths of tube-shaped filtering membrane (2), which together define a cylinder shape, which cylinder shape, at at least one extremity, between the open-ended filter membranes (2), is filled up with a sealing material, to which extremity the outlet (10) connects. The inlet (6) connects to the central through-opening of the first filter element (7-9, 12), which is surrounded by the second filter element (1), which has the form of a tubular casing obtained by winding from tube-shaped filtering membrane (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Norit Proces Technologie Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Lute Broens, Harry Futselaar, Ingo Blume, Annemieke Bernadette Edmond Mattheeuws, Michiel Jan Lensink, Lucas Johannes Cornelis Kouters, Marc Johannes Fleuren
  • Patent number: 7309366
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for cleaning filter cake from the interior of a baghouse bag. A nozzle through which compressed gas flows is positioned on the interior of a bag such that gas is directed to, and thereby disrupts, the filter cake. The compressed gas flows in the same direction as a gas that is being filtered by the baghouse, thereby avoiding the effects of reverse-flow cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7303672
    Abstract: A liquid/solid separator system mounted on a mobile cart and connected to a process tank for reducing the rate at which fluids are consumed in manufacturing processes. The system may include automation and also may include a shear-stepped screen including tilted wire wedge wires arranged at varying cant angles. The system may include a fine screen basket received in a settling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: William O. Irvine
  • Patent number: 7294257
    Abstract: A filter unit for filtering particulates and other foreign matter from a water supply, comprising a filtering chamber. At least a portion of an exterior of the filtering chamber being provided with filtering chamber in use. The mesh being sized to filter particulates and other foreign matter from the water. The filter unit further comprising an outlet through which filtered water exits the filter unit, and a rotatable member located within the filtering chamber, the rotatable member having at least one outlet spaced from an internal face of a mesh. The axis of rotation of the rotatable member being such that the at least one outlet traverses at least a substantial portion of the internal face of a mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Filmlight Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Jackson
  • Patent number: 7267236
    Abstract: A water treatment device includes a container, a longitudinal water collecting tube, a filter unit, and a plurality of longitudinal water jet tubes. The longitudinal water collecting tube is mounted within the container, and has a tube wall formed with a plurality of water inlet slots. The filter unit includes a stack of alternately disposed filter membranes and rotatable blade scrapers inside the container. Each of the filter membranes and rotatable blade scrapers has a central hole for extension of the longitudinal water collecting tube therethrough. The longitudinal water jet tubes are provided around the filter unit, and are substantially parallel to the longitudinal water collecting tube. Each of the longitudinal water jet tubes has a longitudinal slit facing toward the filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Yu-Shan Kuo
  • 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: 7241382
    Abstract: A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus and method for use with a pumping apparatus which is at least partially immersed in fluid. The filter apparatus may comprise a vibration device that is powered by a flow of fluid. A method for filtering a flow of fluid is also disclosed, comprising vibrating a filter by applying a flow of fluid to the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Gordon Construction Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7122119
    Abstract: A sieve separator and a method of slurry separation that uses two or more levels of filtration screens. In some embodiments, the filtration screens on different levels may be used to separate solids of various sizes at each level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Donald L. Gribble, Ted A. Gribble
  • Patent number: 7094339
    Abstract: In the method, an adapter is substituted for the filter-enclosing cap of a conventional in-line strainer device to permit introduction into a plumbing system of a flushing solution withdrawn from an independent supply. The method is typically used for introducing antifreeze into the system for winterization purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Donald G. Collier
  • 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: 7063783
    Abstract: A conduit has a first end and interior and exterior surfaces extending downstream from the first end. A strainer has a first end and a second end. An upstream portion of the strainer is positioned engaging a projection on the interior surface of the conduit to resist downstream shifting of the strainer. A strainer body extends at least partially downstream of the upstream portion. The apparatus may be used as a strainer/coupler and may be used to filter water in a chiller apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Ballet, Thierry Dujardin, Andre Trigon
  • 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: 7001506
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a self-cleaning water circulation system which may be utilized for a fish pond, fountain, or the like. Means for automatically cleaning the pump intake to avoid pump failure due to leaves and debris is provided. The circulation system also comprises a self-cleaning filter for cleaning the circulated water whereby maintenance requirements are substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6986849
    Abstract: A liquid/solid separator system mounted on a mobile cart and connected to a process tank for reducing the rate at which fluids are consumed in manufacturing processes. The system may include automation and also may include a shear stepped screen including tilted wire wedge wires arranged at varying cant angles. The system may include a fine screen basket received in a settling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: William O. Irvine
  • Patent number: 6977040
    Abstract: A multiround filter housing apparatus, cleaning system and method are provided. A filter housing having an integrated base that includes an integral cartridge plate, a plurality of cartridge filter bores, an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold is presented. The upper face of the integral cartridge plate is recessed to facilitate drainage of product and cleaning media. The lower portions of the cartridge filter bores are connected to the outlet port by additional sloped bores, thereby eliminating the need for a collection chamber. A spray device assembly is provided to facilitate a complete “Clean-in-Place” system in conjunction with the filter housing of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Allegheny Bradford Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. McCune, Michael A. Sutherland, Jr., Thomas S. Harvey
  • Patent number: 6966988
    Abstract: An adapter is substituted for the filter-enclosing cap of a conventional in-line strainer device to permit introduction into a plumbing system of a flushing solution withdrawn from an independent supply. The adapter is typically used for introducing antifreeze into the system for winterization purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Donald G. Collier
  • Patent number: 6955266
    Abstract: A conduit has a first end and interior and exterior surfaces extending downstream from the first end. A strainer has a first end and a second end. An upstream portion of the strainer is positioned engaging a projection on the interior surface of the conduit to resist downstream shifting of the strainer. A strainer body extends at least partially downstream of the upstream portion. The apparatus may be used as a strainer/coupler and may be used to filter water in a chiller apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Ballet, Thierry Dujardin, Andre Trigon
  • Patent number: 6953529
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for particulate removal from liquids is disclosed and includes a Coanda tilted wire wedge wire screen in combination with a liquid-flow velocity control orifice mounted within a cylindrical air-tight vessel that can be operated under pressure. The liquid flow velocity control orifice and Coanda tilted wire wedge wire screen in combination with the pressurized system provides for highly efficient and uniform removal of particulate matter that includes a self-cleaning feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Robert K. Weir
  • Patent number: 6949183
    Abstract: A concentration adjustment unit adjusts a concentration of a fiber solution. An element forming unit includes an element forming tank, which receives the concentration-adjusted fiber solution, and a suction jig, which draws the concentration-adjusted fiber solution and accumulates fibers, which are contained in the drawn fiber solution, on a surface of the suction jig to form a filter element. A recovery unit includes a reservoir tank, which reserves recovered water that is drawn and is recovered through the suction jig. A filtration unit is provided in the recovery unit. The filtration unit includes a filter, which filters the recovered water, and jet nozzles, which remove the fibers, which are accumulated on a surface of the filter upon drawing and filtering the recovered water through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Etori
  • Patent number: 6926839
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a filter element disposed at a 45 degree angle defining an upper chamber for solids and a lower chamber for liquid. A trough is disposed at the lower end of the filter element. The floor of the trough funnels toward a central drain and an overflow drain is located approximately 8 inches above the trough floor. The lower chamber is provided with a drain for recirculating water to a sprayer above the filter element and is also provided with an overflow drain approximately 8 inches above the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: James P. Sharkey
  • 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: 6878292
    Abstract: A filter device has a filter housing, which is intended to contain a liquid to be filtered and in which at least one filter rod is arranged. The filter rod is composed of annular washers, which are arranged in a stack on a core formed with openings and which are so closely packed that particles in the liquid adhere to the periphery of the washers when the liquid is caused, from the outside, to pass between the washers into the core for filtration. The filter device has a gas supply member, which is intended to inject a gas flow into the liquid in the filter housing. In a method of cleaning a filter rod for filtering a particle-containing liquid in such a filter device, a gas flow is injected into the liquid in the filter housing so that a particle sock, which is formed on said filter rod of particles in the liquid, is detached from the filter rod and disintegrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: O. Malmvist AB
    Inventors: Nils Zinn, Björn Hedin, Lars Svensson
  • 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: 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: 6817475
    Abstract: A system for liquid cleaning a plurality of dirty open-ended cylindrical internal combustion engine paper air filters by subjecting each filter to a cleaning cycle including successive first, intermediate and final cleaning steps. For each step liquid is pumped from a separate tank to spray heads for rinsing a filter at a cleaning station and effluent with entrained contaminants is collected for transfer away from the cleaning station. First step cleaning pumps an unclean liquid previously collected in a first tank as effluent from the intermediate step of a preceding filter cleaning cycle and first step effluent is disposed of away from the system. Intermediate step cleaning pumps a semi-clean liquid previously collected in a second tank as effluent from the final cleaning step of a preceding filter cleaning cycle and intermediate step effluent is collected and transferred as unclean liquid to the first tank for cleaning use during the first stage of the succeeding filter cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Filter Service Corp.
    Inventors: Jon D. Jacobson, Paul M. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040200786
    Abstract: A liquid/solid separator system mounted on a mobile cart and connected to a process tank for reducing the rate at which fluids are consumed in manufacturing processes. The system may include automation and also may include a shear stepped screen including tilted wire wedge wires arranged at varying cant angles. The system may include a fine screen basket received in a settling box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: William O. Irvine
  • Publication number: 20040188361
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a dynamic filter module which can inhibit deterioration of the filtration flux due to deposition of sludge inside the filter to stably give good treated water. In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides, in one embodiment, a dynamic filter module for the separation of activated sludge having a water permeable filtration layer support material for forming a dynamic filtration layer as at least part of the surrounding wall of a support whose inside is hollow, the module having the filtration section having a water permeable filtration layer for forming a dynamic filtration layer, a filtrate water outlet arranged above and/or below the filtration section, and further having a sludge collection section having a sludge discharge outlet arranged below the filtration section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Yosei Katsu, Satoshi Konishi, Toshihiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6773612
    Abstract: A large percentage of solids are removed from a manure slurry when the slurry is run across a sloped screen separator. The sloped screen on the separator has very small openings. In addition, the separator has a water line with spray heads formed across the sloped screen. The spray heads direct water under pressure onto the sloped screen. Further, the separator controls the air flow through the sloped screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Dias
  • Publication number: 20040149318
    Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus is disclosed comprising a mount for a filter element having a fluid channel, the fluid channel positioned interior to the filter element; and a plurality of fluid outlets located along the fluid channel, wherein the fluid outlets are positioned to generate a fluid flow against the filter element to rotate the filter element about the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Nan-Yao Su
  • Publication number: 20040112824
    Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifuge for clarifying contaminated liquids has a rotor assembly comprising nested first and second sets of concentric cylinders supported for rotation about an axis. The sets of concentric cylinders are rotatably connected. A motor means is connected to rotate one of the sets. Means supply contaminated liquid to the nested cylinders, and the liquid provides coupling between both of the sets so that both sets rotate about the axis. Centrifugal force causes foreign matter to collect on the circumferential surfaces of the cylinders. The resultant clarified liquid is collected for reuse. Selectively utilized brake means provides sudden braking of one of the rotating sets to purge collected foreign matter from the cylinders. The purged foreign matter is collected for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Adelbert Gorham, Denis J. Dudrey, James N. Gehrking, Ronald L. Jorgenson, David S. Paulson, Rodger I. Spears, Lloyd E. Weisert
  • Patent number: 6749069
    Abstract: A description is given of equipment for filtering liquids, comprising three sections superimposed coaxially and placed above a container with filter walls for collecting the filtered particles. From the top to the bottom, the first section communicates directly with the second, while the second communicates with the third sector, and the latter communicates with the container via two valves. A pump introduces the liquid to be filtered into the first section, inside a filter layer, and another pump projects a quantity of the previously filtered liquid against the filter layer from the inside of the first section. By cyclically operating the valves it is possible to continuously filter the liquid, which flows out in the filtered state from ducts which branch from the first section, even while the particles deposited in the third section are discharged into a container with filter walls which is immersed in a vessel containing the liquid to be filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Luciano Maggetti
  • Publication number: 20040055974
    Abstract: A system is provided for withdrawing permeate from a substrate. The exemplary system includes a vessel configured to contain substrate, two or more compartments configured to receive substrate from the vessel and to return a portion of received substrate to the vessel, and a filter positioned at least partially within each of the compartments and configured to separate permeate from substrate during operation of the filter. At least one of the compartments is configured to contain cleaning solution and substantially prevent cleaning solution from contacting substrate in the vessel during cleaning of the filter. The exemplary system is configured for cleaning the filter in situ in at least one of the compartments while operating the filter in at least one other of the compartments. A method for adapting a filtration system for cleaning thereof and a method for withdrawing permeate from a substrate using a filtration system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Arthur Del Vecchio, Robert Eben Loudon, Paul Matthew Sutton
  • Patent number: 6709581
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a swimming pool filter of the flexible tube type and wherein the pool may either be either of the standard backyard type or the larger commercial type pool. The flexible tubes are banded together to form a removable flexible tube nest which is inserted into the pool filter. The cleaning device of the instant invention has an inner tube having a plurality of small apertures formed there through and essentially at one end thereof and circumferentially around the tube. The opposite end of this tube has a plurality of spacers about its circumference to separate it from an outer tube into which it is inserted. An end cap having a female hose connector is disposed over this end of the inner tube. A lever type hose valve is inserted into the hose connector and water supply is connected to the hose valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Leckal
  • Publication number: 20040016707
    Abstract: A system for liquid cleaning a plurality of dirty open-ended cylindrical internal combustion engine paper air filters by subjecting each filter to a cleaning cycle including successive first, intermediate and final cleaning steps. For each step liquid is pumped from a separate tank to spray heads for rinsing a filter at a cleaning station and effluent with entrained contaminants is collected for transfer away from the cleaning station. First step cleaning pumps an unclean liquid previously collected in a first tank as effluent from the intermediate step of a preceding filter cleaning cycle and first step effluent is disposed of away from the system. Intermediate step cleaning pumps a semi-clean liquid previously collected in a second tank as effluent from the final cleaning step of a preceding filter cleaning cycle and intermediate step effluent is collected and transferred as unclean liquid to the first tank for cleaning use during the first stage of the succeeding filter cleaning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jon D. Jacobson, Paul M. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040004035
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a swimming pool filter of the flexible tube type and wherein the pool may either be either of the standard backyard type or the larger commercial type pool. The flexible tubes are banded together to form a removable flexible tube nest which is inserted into the pool filter. The cleaning device of the instant invention has an inner tube having a plurality of small apertures formed there through and essentially at one end thereof and circumferentially around the tube. The opposite end of this tube has a plurality of spacers about its circumference to separate it from an outer tube into which it is inserted. An end cap having a female hose connector is disposed over this end of the inner tube. A lever type hose valve is inserted into the hose connector and water supply is connected to the hose valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Leckal
  • Patent number: 6672462
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a filter element disposed at a 45 degree angle defining an upper chamber for solids and a lower chamber for liquid. A trough is disposed at the lower end of the filter element. The floor of the trough funnels toward a central drain and an overflow drain is located approximately 8 inches above the trough floor. The lower chamber is provided with a drain for recirculating water to a sprayer above the filter element and is also provided with an overflow drain approximately 8 inches above the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: James P. Sharkey
  • Patent number: 6641720
    Abstract: A means separates solid matter from liquid and includes a perforated separation panel through which the liquid can pass and which prevents the passage of the solid matter of a size larger than a predetermined size. When solid matter becomes located against the panel, the flow of liquid along the face of the panel on which the solid matter is located will tend to cause the solid matter to move from the panel so that the panel is self cleaned and does not become obstructed by the solid matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Crompton, Paul Blanche
  • Patent number: 6634372
    Abstract: In an apparatus containing rotating filter media that removes solids from a fluid stream, the invention provides devices and methods for improved cleaning of the filter media. Solids trapped on the filter media are removed by the application of a pressurized fluid spray system. The spray system has nozzles distributed across a spray arm. The nozzles create a generally elliptical spray fan pattern in contact with the filter media. The nozzles are spaced and angularly oriented on the spray arm so that adjacent spray fan contact areas overlap. This distribution and orientation equalizes the distribution of the washing flow and hydraulic energy over the filter area, thereby maintaining the filter material in a more uniformly clean and effective filtering condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Aqua - Aerobics Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugen O. Bergmann
  • Patent number: 6620314
    Abstract: A unit 1 for producing pyrogen controlled water on a small to medium factory scale comprises a number of charged ultrafiltration units 10 arranged in parallel. Orifice plates 15 are used to restrict and control the flow of deionized water to each filter 10. The filter units 10 are mounted on a frame 2 with a wheeled chassis 3 which may be pushed or moved by a forklift truck to a site where pyrogen controlled water is required. The unit 1 has an inlet line 4 for connection to a supply of deionized water and an outlet line 6 for connection to a user of pyrogen controlled water. The unit 1 may be purged with nitrogen from a supply 18. Sampling ports 17 in a common supply inlet 4 and a common outlet 6 ensure that the filtration efficiency can be closely monitored. The flow of water is monitored by a flowmeter 19 and pressure sensors 16 upstream of each filter facilitate a high level of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: William Tully, Evelyn Madigan
  • Publication number: 20030127377
    Abstract: A system is provided for treating runoff water in which there is a separator and a filter for cleaning the water. A reservoir is provided to hold large quantities of water during prolonged rainstorms. The output of the reservoir is fed to the filter. The rate of flow from the reservoir to the filter is controlled and limited to flow rates at which the filter can efficiently clean the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas E. Pank
  • Patent number: 6540911
    Abstract: A dewatering system for separating a stream of liquid from the items traveling therein. The dewatering system includes a primary grid which catches the stream of liquid from a flume or other device. The liquid stream, but not the solid items, passes through the primary grid and is caught by a baffle which smoothly redirects the liquid. The baffle is arranged with respect to the primary grid so that the surface of the stream flow through the grid is substantially tangential to a leading portion of the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick W. Bajema
  • Patent number: 6520343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtering device for preventing passing and blocking of unwanted particles in a suspension, which filtering device comprises an inlet and an outlet and a defined space between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the device comprises a filter means arranged in the outlet, that the filter means is arranged with openings, that the size of the openings permit particles of a size smaller than the openings to pass through, and at least one nozzle connected to a pressurised liquid source, capable of delivering a liquid jet, and arranged adjacent said outlet, wherein the said at least one nozzle is arranged such and directed such that particles that engage said filter means are removed therefrom by the liquid jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fibertracker AB
    Inventors: Håkan Karlsson, Per-Ivar Fransson
  • Patent number: 6505744
    Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of a solid/liquid suspension by filtration includes a tank filled with a suspension to be treated. At least one cavitied plate is located in the tank and has at least one internal cavity. The plate is immersed in the suspension to be treated. The plate is inclined with respect to the vertical and only a lower inclined face of the plate is covered with a filter medium, the upper face being solid. The compartment of the cavitied plate communicates with a conduit which collects filtered suspension. Gas flushing pipes are positioned below the plate for emitting gas bubbles that pass across the filter medium and remove material clinging thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignees: Suez Lyonnaise Des Eaux, Degremont
    Inventors: Valérie Geaugey, Catherine Duval, Franck Le Bars
  • Patent number: 6502434
    Abstract: A washer for washing a fiber suspension includes a porous surface traveling in a running direction and having a width in a direction transverse to the running direction. The porous surface is configured for carrying the fiber suspension thereon. A shower includes a pipe extending parallel to the width of the porous surface. The pipe has a sidewall with a longitudinally extending slot therein. The shower further includes a pair of lips connected to the pipe. The lips are positioned immediately adjacent to and on opposite sides of the slot, thereby defining a slot nozzle with a discharge gap. The lips are movable toward and away from each other to adjust the size of the discharge gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus Doelle
  • Publication number: 20020189988
    Abstract: A water pump normally used in a water filtering system for a circulating water of a swimming pool water through a water filter cartridge is used to clean the filter by coupling a 3-way valve or an in line valve and a tee in the piping between the pump and the water filter. In the a first position of the valve, the filter housing receives the entire water output from the pump and a second position the entire water output of the pump is diverted to a flexible hose secured to first water discharge wand. A circular ring-shaped manifold with an array of water discharged apertures direct streams of water radially outward into the filter cartridge in a direction opposite to the flow of water through the filter cartridge when located in a filter housing for hydraulically flush debris from a filter cartridge. A second wand with a C-shaped manifold is then connected to the hose and used direct water streams onto the outer periphery of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Alexander, Robert W. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6468421
    Abstract: A filtering assembly for removing particles from a liquid is positioned coaxially within a vertical, pressure-tight housing 11 having a tangential inlet 21 at an upper end and an outlet 24 at a bottom end thereof. The filtering assembly includes a filter bag 13 positioned on the exterior surface of a perforated cylinder 14. Untreated liquid from the inlet is filtered as it flows radially inward through the filter assembly. A wash-down device 28 is position at an upper end of the housing for removing solids that have built up on the exterior surface of the filter bag. A controller initiates a wash-down of the filter bag upon detecting a predetermined pressure differential across the filter assembly. After closing the inlet and outlet, the controller opens a vacuum-break valve D causing the filter bag to pulse and thereby initially dislodging entrapped solid particles for easy wash-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Huckestein
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6458281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating solid particles from a liquid in a dish-washer. For the separation a filter (19) of expanded metal is provided, which forts openings (21) the bounding surfaces (22) of which are inclined in relation to the plane of the filter. The liquid with particles entrained therein is directed towards descending bounding surfaces in the filter for guiding the liquid flow through the filter under separation of the particles from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: GS Development AB
    Inventor: Christian Magnoff
  • Publication number: 20020134740
    Abstract: An aerator for filtering membranes immersed in a tank of liquid has an upper surface having holes for discharging bubbles below the membranes, sides extending downwardly from upper surface for trapping a variable volume of air in communication with holes and an opening to the liquid in the tank below the volume of trapped air so that liquid can be displaced from or enter into the aerator as the volume of trapped air changes. A supply of air is provided to the air space in the aerators alternating between a high flow rate and a low flow rate in short cycles of between about 10 seconds and 100 seconds. Typically, there is substantially no air flow during the period of low air flow. The aerator is sized in relation to the duration and rate of air flow provided during a cycle such that either air flows through the holes throughout each cycle or such that no air flows through the holes during at least part of the cycle such that liquid in the tank may flood the aerator and wash away any accumulated solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Pierre Cote
  • Patent number: RE40098
    Abstract: An improved food debris filtering apparatus for a dishwasher and a method thereof capable of more effectively discharging food debris by separating the same from washing water and resupplying the filtered washing water so as to wash dishes, so that dish washing efficiency is increased, which includes a filtering apparatus for filtering washing water polluted during a dish washing operation; a washing water circulation unit for supplying the washing water filtered by the filtering apparatus to a spray arm; a washing water discharging unit, such as a discharging pump, for discharging pan of washing water lo containing food debris to the outside of the system; a flowing path opening/closing unit disposed at a washing water discharging path for selectively opening/closing the washing water discharging path in cooperation with the washing water circulation unit or the washing water discharging unit; and a food debris gathering and storing unit disposed between the washing water circulation unit and the washing wat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Jeon, Joon W. Kim