Abstract: An unclogging filter apparatus has an irrigation outlet and a flushing outlet. A filtering element moves between at least an operational position and a flushing position. When the filtering element is in the operational position substantially all of the fluid flowing into the apparatus is directed out the irrigation outlet, while the filtering element is disposed for removing a particle from the fluid flowing into the apparatus. When the filtering element is in the flushing position, the filtering element is disposed for flushing the particle out the flushing outlet.

Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration system comprising at least one permeable membrane, preferably a hollow fiber membrane, the method comprising the step of applying a pressurized gas at a variable pressure to permeate remaining present in the system when filtration process is stopped or suspended to provide liquid for backwashing pores of the permeable membrane during a backwashing process. Also provided are methods of filtering solids from a liquid suspension using alternating liquid backwash pressures.

Abstract: A water purifier that performs back washing extremely effectively even when raw water contains a large amount of impurities includes an attachment main body including an inflow passage into which raw water from an inflow port flows, and first and second outflow passages through which water flows toward outflow ports; and a water purification main body that is attached rotatably to the attachment main body and includes a first flow passage, a second flow passage, and a third flow passage, a first filter member disposed between the first flow passage and the second flow passage and a second filter member disposed between the second flow passage and the third flow passage, wherein, when the attachment main body and the water purification main body are in a rotation position corresponding to a water purification mode, the first flow passage and the second flow passage communicate with the inflow passage and the first outflow passage, respectively, and when the attachment main body and the water purification main

Abstract: A multiport rotary valve apparatus for directing fluid streams which has two circular stationary heads and two circular rotating heads. The first stationary head has at least two and preferably more primary ports for connection with fluid streams and a corresponding number of secondary ports for connection to fluid-solid contacting chambers. The second stationary head has the same number of primary ports as the first stationary head (at least two and preferably more) for connection with the fluid streams and the same number of secondary ports for a second connection to the fluid-solid contacting chambers. Each stationary head includes internal conduits for the connection of the primary and secondary ports to a rotating head.

Abstract: A water filtration system (60, FIG. 2) wherein pressured feed water (water with impurities to be filtered out) passes downstream from an upstream end of a passage (66) through a filter arrangement (74) in the passage, to a filtrate storage region (82), during filtrate production. Pressured water, such as at 50 psi (3 bars) from a tap water source (110), provides the pressured feed water during filtrate production, and also pressurizes the filtrate during backflushing. A filtrate pressurizing apparatus (90) includes a movable member or piston (92) that lies in a chamber (94), and that has a feed side (134) that is pressurized by tap water during a backflush and that has a filtrate side (132) that presses against filtrate, the feed side having a larger diameter (D2) than the filtrate side (D1) to produce an increased pressure during backflushing.

Abstract: A light, compact and low-cost liquid fuel reformer for removing the harmful substances within the exhaust gas discharged from vehicles having two magnet holding cases (3, 3?) accommodating respectively anisotropic metallic materials (7, 7?). The magnet holding cases (3?) and (3) are magnetically secured each other at respective commissure (3a, 3a?), pinching connecting tube (24) made of nonmagnetic material through which the liquid fuel flows. The magnetic fields generated by the anisotropic magnetic materials (7) and (7?) are orthogonal to the connecting tube. The connecting tube has an outer tube (24A) made of nonferrous metal and an inner tube (24B) made of nonferrous metal. These two types of nonferrous metal are selected so as to generate an electric potential difference between the outer tube (24A) and the inner body tube (24B).

Abstract: A water filtration system (60, FIG. 2) wherein pressured feed water (water with impurities to be filtered out) passes downstream from an upstream end of a passage (66) through a filter arrangement (74) in the passage, to a filtrate storage region (82), during filtrate production. Pressured water, such as at 50 psi (3 bars) from a tap water source (110), provides the pressured feed water during filtrate production, and also pressurizes the filtrate during backflushing. A filtrate pressurizing apparatus (90) includes a movable member or piston (92) that lies in a chamber (94), and that has a feed side (134) that is pressurized by tap water during a backflush and that has a filtrate side (132) that presses against filtrate, the feed side having a larger diameter (D2) than the filtrate side (D1) to produce an increased pressure during backflushing.

Abstract: A filter device includes four couplers attached to four sides, and a casing attached to bottom. A filtering material receptacle may be attached to the casing for filtering the water. A valve member is rotatably received in the housing, and includes six openings and four spaces and to communicate the openings of the valve member with each other, and includes two passageways for communicating with two openings of the valve member. The filtering material may be flushed with the water, and may be forced to change ion or to be cleaned with cleansing agent simply by rotating the valve member relative to the housing.

Abstract: A backflushable filtering apparatus for a molten material, particularly for a plastic melt, comprises a housing (1) in which a sieving arrangement (17) is provided which includes at least two sieving sections (16) separated from one another. The melt to be filtered is supplied to the sieving sections (16) through at least one distributor (3). The distributor (3) includes at least one control body (9) for backflushing which is moveable within a housing (53) that is provided with an inlet opening (4) for the material to be filtered. The control body (9), in a filtering position, unblocks the influx of material to be filtered to all sieving sections (16) through connection channels (23). However, in a backflushing position, the control body (9) interrupts the influx of material to the filtering section (16) to be backflushed and interconnects the connection channel (23) of the sieving section (16) flushed back with a discharge channel (28) located in the control body (9).

Abstract: A valve assembly is constructed for use in a filtering system including a pump and a filter with an inlet and an outlet, for example those systems used in conjunction with swimming pools. The assembly includes a valve body with a pump inlet, a filtered output, a waste-water disposal outlet, a filter inlet, and a filter outlet. Pairs of a plurality of plunger heads are positioned within the valve body to provide a plurality of modes of operation, the pairs of plunger heads being positioned within the valve body in one of a filtering mode, a backwash mode, and a direct mode in which flow from the pump is directly into the waste-water disposal outlet. The pairs can be affixed on two different interchangeable plungers or moveably positioned on a single plunger.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an aquarium has a self-cleaning filter. A fine mesh filter screen is disposed between an inlet and an outlet for filtering solid matter from the water that is pumped from the aquarium, through the filter, and back to the aquarium. When the filter screen is sufficiently loaded, or according to a set schedule, the solid matter is suctioned off the filter screen with a vacuum assembly. For that purpose, the water flow is first diverted, the filter screen is rotated, and the vacuum assembly is turned on. After the screen has been vacuumed, the vacuum assembly is once more turned off and the water flow is redirected to pass through the filter screen.

Abstract: An inline backwash, flushing filter assembly comprising a header assembly, a rotatable valve assembly, and a filter element assembly disposed within a filter housing assembly. In operation, the controller moves the turn knob of the rotatable valve assembly a one-quarter turn which results in the reversal of fluid flow through the assembly to periodically back flush the filter utilizing fluid from the system inlet. Debris removed from the filter element during the backwash process are immediately discharged from the system through a drain port. Simultaneously, the hydraulic shearing mechanism of the backwash process dislodges and drains debris which may have accumulated on the screen and at the bottom of the lower filter assembly during normal filter operations. The controller then returns the filter assembly to filtration operation by a reverse one-quarter turn of the turn knob of the rotatable valve assembly.

Abstract: An inline backwash, flushing filter assembly comprising a header assembly, a rotatable valve assembly, and a filter element assembly disposed within a filter housing assembly. In operation, the controller moves the turn knob of the rotatable valve assembly a one-quarter turn which results in the reversal of fluid flow through the assembly to periodically back flush the filter utilizing fluid from the system inlet. Debris removed from the filter element during the backwash process are immediately discharged from the system through a drain port. Simultaneously, the hydraulic shearing mechanism of the backwash process dislodges and drains debris which may have accumulated on the screen and at the bottom of the lower filter assembly during normal filter operations. The controller then returns the filter assembly to filtration operation by a reverse one-quarter turn of the turn knob of the rotatable valve assembly.

Abstract: A filtration and backwash system for a water source such as a swimming pool is provided including a fluid source, a pump, a filter and a specially designed five-port valve which is easily adaptable for automatic use in the filtration mode and in the backwash mode. The valve uses a rotatable deflector plate which is positioned to divert the fluid in one direction in the valve for the filtration process and is positioned to divert the fluid in the other direction in the valve for the backwash process. An automatic timing device is also provided and is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with the valve whereby no manual intervention or electronic means is needed to change the valve from the filtering mode to the backwash mode or vice versa. The timing device automatically senses the pressure buildup in the filtration system due to accumulation of debris in the filter and automatically changes the valve from the filtration mode to backwash mode when a predetermined system pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: A backwash valve controls or switch the direction of water flowing through a filter so as to filter foreign materials from water and/or automatically discharge foreigh materials previously filtered by the filter. The backwash valve comprises a body hollow in its inner space and a direction control unit movably mounted inside the body in such a manner as to be in close contact with the inner wall of the body. The backwash valve control or switch the flow of water which is automatically of manually introduced/discharged. Also, a backwash filtering device using the backwash valve can easily discharge foreign materials accumulated in the filter without replacing the filter with new one through operation of the backwash valve.

Abstract: A 3-way hydraulic valve comprising a body formed with an inlet port for connecting to a pressurized supply line, a first outlet port for connecting to an outlet line and being in flow communication with the inlet port, a gate intermediate the inlet port and the first outlet port, dividing the body into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, the body further comprises a second outlet extending from the outlet chamber, and a control chamber fitted with a deformable diaphragm sealingly engageable with the gate so as to prevent flow between the inlet port and the first outlet port, and a sealing port associated with the second outlet and comprising a sealing member linearly displaceable between a closed and an open position.

Abstract: A water pump normally used in a system circulating pool water through a filter cartridge 26 is used to clean the filter cartridge by coupling a 3-way or inline valve 32 and a tee 36 in the piping 12 between the pump 16 and the filter. In a first valve position, the filter housing receives the entire water output from the pump, and in a second position, the entire water output of the pump is diverted to a flexible hose 52 secured to a first water discharge wand 58. A circular ring-shaped manifold 64 with an array of discharge apertures 66 directs streams of water radially outward into the filter cartridge in a direction opposite the normal flow of water for hydraulically flushing debris from the filter cartridge. A second wand with a C-shaped manifold (FIG. 5) is then connected to the hose and used to direct water streams onto the outer periphery of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method and installation, which consist in subjecting the water to be treated to membrane filtration (1) to satisfy the requirement for a relatively high flowrate of water for ordinary use (UF), subjecting the water that has been subjected to membrane filtering to reverse osmosis filtering (2) to satisfy the requirement for a smaller flowrate of water of improved quality (OS) and, outside periods of production of water filtered by reverse osmosis, sweeping the upstream face of the osmosis membrane (9) with the flow of membrane-filtered water drawn off to be consumed.

Abstract: A backflush attachment for a filtering device, in particular for a plastics melt filter, the backflush attachment comprising a housing having guide channels following an entry bore, as well as backflushing channels, and at least one rotary piston which enables a flow passage in the respective guide channel when in its passing position and which interrupts the passage in the guide channel from the entry bore to the filtering device when in its closing position while providing a connection of a portion of the respective guide channel with an associated backflushing channel leading outside of said housing, the rotary piston having an eccentrically arranged passage channel of constant cross-section substantially corresponding to the cross-section of the guide channel, the axis of rotation of the rotary piston extending eccentrical in corresponding manner relative to the axis of the guide channel, and the passage channel forming a part of the guide channel when the rotary piston is in its passing position, whereas

Abstract: A multimedia fluid treatment unit and rotatable valve are disclosed in which a plurality of discreet containers are removably stacked upon each other and contain various different and distinct water treating media. The rotatable valve is rotatable between either of three positions one of which is a service position for routing the water to be treated through the unit for treatment, a second of which is a rinse position for rinsing the media in the unit, and a third of which is a backwash position for backwashing and/or regenerating the media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous-action filtering method, a filtering apparatus, as well as to the use of the discussed apparatus, as an automatic filter in the fuel or lubrication system of an engine. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises three filtering units, having a common inlet channel for a flow to be filtered, a common outlet channel for a filtered flow, as well as a common valve element provided with flow connections for controlling the flow in such a manner that the filtering units are in operation one at a time. An essential feature in the operation of the valve element is its ability to rotate around its axis and, furthermore, its ability to move between two different positions, the two filter units being operable alternately by rotating the valve element and the third filtering unit being operable by moving the valve. The valve element is constituted, e.g., by a cylindrical, axially movable spindle, which is also rotatable around its axis.

Abstract: A water filtering apparatus with water flow switch valve device includes a water container filled with filtering materials and a switch valve device. The switch valve device includes a valve seat, a split valve, a control rod, and a valve cover. The valve seat is provided with threaded holes for connection with water pipes. The split valve has an interior divided into two isolated and non-communicating chambers. The outer wall of the split valve enclosing the chambers is provided with spaced water holes. When the split valve is installed in the valve seat and the valve cover is assembled to the valve seat, the split valve may be used to control the direction of flow of water into the water container for purposes of filtering water or purging the water container.

Abstract: A compact reversing flow catalytic converter for reducing noxious substances in exhaust gases produced by internal combustion engines is described. The catalytic converter includes a valve unit which reversibly directs exhaust gases through a container filled with catalytic material. The container defines a U-shaped gas passage which communicates with two ports at a top of the container. The valve unit is mounted to the top of the container and includes an intake and an exhaust cavity. The valve unit includes a valve disk having two openings therethrough and rotates around a perpendicular central axis between a first and second position. In each position, each opening communicates only with one of the cavities and one of the ports. In the first position, the exhaust gases enter the exhaust cavity from an exhaust pipe and pass through one of the openings into the gas passage where they contact the catalytic material as they travel through the U-shaped gas passage and enter the exhaust cavity.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a magnet filter and a method of cleaning a magnetic filter. The magnetic filter is disposed in a circular passage for processing a cleaning fluid. The cleaning apparatus includes sensors for determining when the magnetic filter should be cleaned, which prevents a loss of effectiveness of the cleaning fluid due to detached metal powder falling off of the filter.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus which reduces or eliminates the need for regular manual cleaning or backwashing. Backwashing of the filter occurs automatically in response to sensed conditions of filtering. The filtering apparatus includes a chamber, and a filter element in the chamber, a valve for directing liquid through the filtering element in a first direction to filter the liquid. The valve reverses the direction of liquid flow through the filtering element when excessive resistance to flow through the filter element occurs.

Abstract: A diverter valve having a valve body with five ports. A valve assembly is disposed in the valve body and is rotatable between first and second positions. When the valve assembly is in the first position, fluid flows between aligned first and second ports by travelling axially through a cylindrical diverter gate, and fluid flows between aligned third and fourth ports by travelling axially through a generally cylindrical blocking gate. A fifth port is blocked by a waste seal. When the diverter valve is in the second position, the fifth port is open and a blocking projection on the blocking gate closes the fourth port. The blocking gate and the diverter gate direct fluid from the first port to the third port, and from the second port to the fifth port.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus is provided wherein the filter can be backwashed by an explosive-like surge of backwashing fluid. The backwashing assembly includes a quick-opening backwash valve which is not actuated by a linearly-acting valve stem disposed on the outlet side of the valve. In a typical embodiment, the inlet valve to the filtering apparatus is a rotating butterfly valve and the backwash valve is physically attached to the inlet valve, such that, when the inlet valve is open, the backwash valve is fully-closed and when the inlet valve is moved towards its fully-closed position, the backwash valve is fully-opened. The invention uses a two-step method of initially applying biasing pressure on the inlet valve/backwash valve combination and to thereafter provide additional pressure to dislodge the backwash valve from the valve seat--whereupon the backwash valve quickly opens and an explosive-like surge of backwashing fluid effectively backwashes the filtering media.

Abstract: A backwash filter system includes a filter array comprising a plurality of filter units each having a housing, a filter element unit and a process liquid inlet port and a filtered liquid outlet port connected respectively with process liquid inlet and filtered liquid outlet sides of the filter element unit for filtering process liquid. A process liquid inlet header connects to the process liquid inlet ports of the filter units. A filtered liquid outlet header connects to the filtered liquid outlet ports of the filter units. A first valve unit on the process liquid inlet header is switchable for connecting same alternatively to a process liquid source and a backwash liquid drain. The filtered liquid outlet header can communicate with a filtered liquid receiver.

Abstract: A filter flushing arrangement is provided and includes a first filtering device, a second filtering device, and a valve arrangement connected to the first and second filtering devices. The valve arrangement is operative to change the direction of fluid flow through the first filtering device upon a filter element therein becoming clogged to flush the particles to the second filtering device which collects the particles on a filtering element therein and subsequently allows the foreign particles to freely settle to a collection basin. Some form of vibration and/or a burst of fluid from a fluid accumulating mechanism may be used to free the particles therefrom and allow them to settle to the collection basin. The collection basin is capable of collecting the particles over a long period of operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: An adapter valve for backwashing a water filter is releasably connected between the water filter housing cover and enclosure. The adapter valve includes a body having a source port for fluid communication with an inlet port of the cover, a storage port for fluid communication with an outlet port of the cover, a filter inlet port for fluid communication with an inlet port of the enclosure, a filter outlet port for fluid communication with an outlet port of the enclosure, a backwash port for fluid communication with a backwash tank, a discharge port for fluid communication with a discharge line and a cavity in fluid communication with the source, filter and discharge ports. A check valve is positioned between the filter outlet port and the storage port and between the backwash port and the storage port for permitting fluid flow to a storage tank during normal operation and for blocking fluid flow from the storage tank during backwash operation.

Abstract: The local reclamation system includes an accumulation tank for a soiled solution. A tank outlet valve selectively allows a flow of the solid soiled solution into the remainder of the system. A blend conduit leads from the outlet valve. An oxidizing supply selectively provides an oxidizing agent to said soiled solution downstream of the outlet valve in the blend conduit. A blend pump receives the soiled solution with oxidizing agent to promote the flow of the soiled solution through the system and a more uniformed disposal of the oxidizing agent throughout the solution. A six stage filter section selectively removes particulate matter. A biologic stage promotes a sterile reclaimed solution and a solution accumulator accumulates and stores the solution. Repeated injections of oxidizing agents occur before filter stage sections and pumps. The reclaimed solution can be reused or discharged without penalty.

Abstract: A water filter comprising a hollow cylindrical base, a filter assembly fastened in said base at the top which is comprised of an inner filter tube covered with a braided outer filter tube, a cylindrical casing covered on said filter assembly and attached to said base at the top, a ater outlet pipe connected to said base at the bottom, a water intake pipe and a drain pipe respective connected to said base, a plunger fastened in a cylindrical hole inside said base and rotated by a lever, wherein said plunger has a plurality of water passage holes alternatively rotated by said lever to let an intake flow of water from said water intake pipe: (a) flow toward said water outlet pipe directly; (b) flow through said filter assembly to said water outlet pipe (c) flow through the space between said inner filter tube and said outer filter tube and then, penetrate through said outer filter tube toward said drain pipe; (d) flow into the space between said outer filter tube and said cylindrical casing and penetrate through

Abstract: A rotary multi-port valve assembly is disclosed. The valve is made up of a valve body having a central bore and three peripheral openings substantially equidistant of the center; and a rotor rotatably mounted within the bore of said valve body, said rotor having a platter with a center and three peripheral through-holes, such that two through-holes are aligned with two openings of the valve body when the valve is assembled. The rotor is rotatable through 90.degree. to obtain two fluid control positions. The rotary valve is ideally adapted for use within a filtration system.

Abstract: A filtration and backwash control system for use with replaceable cartridge filters including a spool valve for controlling the flow of filtered water and backwash discharge from an existing faucet spigot having cold water and hot water faucets. The valve is movable between a filter position, wherein cold water is directed through the valve, through a filter, back through the valve and out the cold water faucet, and a backwash position, wherein hot water is directed through the valve, through the filter in reverse flow from filter outlet to filter inlet, back through the valve and out the hot water faucet.

Abstract: A filtering system for liquids with suspended particles is disclosed. The system consists of a receptacle for the liquid with suspended particles, a receptacle for the filtered liquid, a decanting receptacle for residual liquid, a filter, and a valve unit. The valve unit interconnects the receptacles through the filter in order for the filter to perform a filtering phase of filtering the liquid with suspended particles from the receptacle for liquid with suspended particles to the receptacle for filtered liquid; a filter-washing phase against the filter-flow from the receptacle for liquid with suspended particles to the decanting receptacle; and a rinsing phase from the receptacle for liquid with suspended particles to the decanting receptacle.

Abstract: An improved separation system and its method of operation for the separation of solutes, colloidal particles, or suspended matter from solutions of suspensions containing the same is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, this invention relates to a simple and economic membrane filtration system that can be operated in many of the modes of operation of a membrane filtration system, especially suction backwashing, without mixing the filtrate with the feed stream.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus characterized by efficiency of the precoating step and maintenance of filtration performance over a long period of time after precoating has been completed. The filter promotes parallel flow of porous precoat material along a porous septum, thereby achieving efficient stacking of this material against the septum. A dual-speed pumping system transmits the precoat material to the septum at high velocity, thereby further encouraging efficient stacking, but pumps the fluid to be filtered at a lower velocity to minimize energy consumption.

Abstract: A central control valve arrangement for a water treatment system. The central control valve arrangement includes two independently positionable four-way ball valves and at least one of the balls of the ball valve serving as valve body includes with two L-shaped boreholes so that a multitude of couplings between the connections of the ball valves is possible.

Abstract: A filtration system for treating an emulsion containing water, an oil or a fat, an emulsifying agent and insoluble solid material (such as a maritime oil emulsion containing an anionic detergent and the solid, greasy calcium salt of the detergent) has a first hydrophobic microfilter (126) and a second hydrophobic microfilter (147).Both microfilters (126, 147) have a plurality of hollow porous fibers as the separating medium with the feed to the first filter (126) being applied to the outside of the fibers and the feed to the second filter (which is the permeate from the first filter) being applied down the lumens of the fibers. The first filter (126) removes the solid material and the second filter separates the oil or fat from the solid-free emulsion.

Abstract: A 5/2-way commutating valve, particularly for reverse-flush filters in water treatment plants, consists of a tubular housing with five radial pipe connections (6, 9, 10, 11, 12), between which a valve seat (24 to 27) is present in each case. Preferably spherical valve elements (28 to 30) are arranged on a central rod (23) stressed in one direction by a spring arrangement (32), a double-sided value element (29) cooperating with the two central valve seats (25, 26) being slidable longitudinally relative to the central rod (23). The housing is composed of a plurality of mutually rotatable housing parts (16 to 20) each exhibiting a pipe connection. A flow throttle (51, 23) installed between the spigots (9 and 12) in the housing serves to adjust the flow velocity during reverse flushing. A compressed air piston, which is connectable to the compressor of a ozone generator, may be provided to actuate the central rod (23) counter to the spring arrangement (32).

Abstract: A water filtering system for connection to at least one water supply to be filtered including a filter tank containing cartridge-type filter media with the tank being especially configured to provide an evenly distributed water flow through the filter media for efficient water filtration. The system further includes a special plumbing system and controls therefore for establishing a two stage filter cleaning operation wherein water is impingingly directed onto the filter media for flushing of the filter media and the filter tank in the first stage of the filter cleaning operation and water is directed through the filter media in a backwash direction in the second stage of the filter cleaning operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing extraneous matters from cooling water used in a tubular heat exchanger such as a condensor is disclosed. When a pressure difference between the portions upstream and downstream of a filter element exceeds a predetermined threshold value set in advance in accordance with the flow rate of the cooling water, a blow-down operation is started to remove the extraneous matters scraped off of the outer peripheral surface of the filter element by a turning flow. The extraneous matters are removed at a rate of clogging of the filter element of 50%, irrespective of the flow rate of the cooling water. The clogging rate can be sensed accurately, and the blow-down operation is effected with necessary and sufficient frequency.

Abstract: A filter unit includes:(a) structure providing a porous barrier between a first zone from which liquid to be filtered is supplied, and a second zone to which filtered liquid flows, via the barrier,(b) the barrier including a series of elements defining grooves, and filtering media between those elements and communicating with the grooves,(c) certain of the grooves presented for reception of liquid flow therein from the first zone so that liquid flows from the certain grooves through the media,(d) others of the grooves presented for reception of flow from the media and for subsequent flow via the other grooves to the second zone,(e) control means for providing backflushing only as required as an alternative to periodic backflushing.

Abstract: The present invention relating to a device for regulating water flow in a water filter includes a valve base with six passages, a valve disc with two arcuate chambers rotatably disposed on the base in which the arcuate chambers may be arranged to communicate two pairs of the two adjacent of six passages of the base when the valve disc is turned to a predetermined position. The invention further includes a water inlet conduit adapted to be connected to a pump, an upper venting conduit for discharging water to a filter medium, a wash water outlet conduit, a clean water outlet conduit and a lower venting conduit which are communicated with the first, second, third, fifth and the sixth passages whereby the direction of water flow can be controlled by turning the valve disc to three predetermined positions.

Abstract: A filter assembly especially suitable for filtering swimming pool water includes an upright tank, and a flexible, cylindrical porous filter bag supported on star shaped core elements which are vertically spaced along a perforated outlet tube fixed centrally within the tank. Water normally flows through a filter media such as diatomaceous earth caked on the outside of the bag into the central tube and out of the tank back to the pool. When the bag becomes clogged by dirt trapped on the outer face of the filter cake, water flow is reversed for a short period of time to expand the bag suddenly and thereby release the dirt. The bag and filter media are regenerated periodically in this fashion to prolong the effective performance life of the filter.

Abstract: A filter capable of being cleaned by reverse flushing, comprises a housing including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flushing outlet, and a filter body disposed within the housing. The housing includes blocking members disposed on opposite faces of the filter body and axially spaced from each other to define a reverse flushing passageway from the fluid inlet to the flushing outlet through the portion of the filter body between the axially-spaced blocking members. At least one of the blocking members is movable axially of the filter body to reversely-flush the complete length of the filter body.

Abstract: An apparatus for circulating water in a swimming pool including a strainer that is connected to a swimming pool unfiltered intake with a pump connected to the strainer for pumping water from the strainer to a filter. The filter in turn is connected to the swimming pool filtered return for depositing the filtered water into the swimming pool. The invention includes a valve connected to the pump strainer and filter for temporarily altering a flow of water from the swimming pool unfiltered intake or the filtered return to the pump and back through the strainer in a manner to provide a flow of water across the surface of the strainer to remove debris contained upon the strainer surface. A method for cleaning the residue collected by a strainer in a swimming pool water circulation system is also included that includes altering the flow of water from a swimming pool unfiltered intake to a pump and through the strainer in a manner to remove particles collected on the surface of the strainer.

Abstract: An inlet pipe having two branch pipes and an outlet pipe having two branch pipes, between the inlet and outlet pipes of each branch, there being a dump valve and a dump control valve, each outlet branch pipe containing in it a filter, the dump control valve sensing the pressure on each side of the filter and being operable, on pressure differential building up, to open the dump valve; by opening of either one of the dump valves, the water will flow through the inlet tube, the inlet branch tube of the outer dump valve and rearwardly through the filter element. The filter element will thereby be backwashed, and the particulate material which has been built up will be at least partly discharged through the dump valve to drain.

Abstract: Processes for making copolymers comprising treating a reaction mixture of a monomer and a substrate comprising ferromagnetic material located in a polymeric matrix so as to polymerize the monomer in a manner that it forms a polymeric shell grafted on to and surrounding the substrate, the polymerization of the monomer being initiated by adding the components of a redox system sequentially to the reaction mixture.