Adjuncts Patents (Class 210/541)
  • Publication number: 20080083667
    Abstract: A reservoir is configured to receive a first fluid, and has an inlet configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet. Second fluid received in the reservoir drives a corresponding amount of first fluid out of the outlet and into the wastewater treatment system. A method also is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Murphy J. Cormier, Troy L. Cormier, Ronald J. Suchecki, Robert K. Pertuit, Donald L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20070295658
    Abstract: An adjustable barrel-neck connector (10) for use in a filter press, comprising multiple interconnecting components (12,14,16) and operable to connect feed holes in first and second layers of filter media (20,22) through a feed passage in a filter plate (24), wherein the length of the connector (10) is adjustable to accommodate filter plates of different thicknesses. More specifically, first and second flanged end components (12,16) each include a plurality of inclined teeth (32), and a tubular connecting component (14) includes first and second pluralities of teeth (44,46) inclined in opposite directions. When each end component (12,16) is pushed onto a respective end of the connecting component (14), the plurality of teeth (32) of the end component (12,16) engage a respective one of the pluralities of teeth (44,46) of the connecting component (14) such that the relative inclinations of the engaged teeth (32,44; 32,46) prevent inadvertent separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Gaiser, John B. Sanborn, Tony Scime
  • Patent number: 7311828
    Abstract: A wall mount for attaching water treatment system to a wall plate consists of a platform and a vertical portion. The water treatment system rests on the platform. The water treatment systems extend through the back of the wall mount and extend through passages in the wall mount and into the water treatment system. The water tubes, when placed within the water treatment system, assist in maintaining the water treatment system on the wall mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Miles, Terry L. Lautzenheiser
  • Patent number: 7284670
    Abstract: Solids removal assemblies (14) adapted for use in flow-through or batch-type sedimentation tanks (12) are provided which increase the efficiency of solids removal and eliminate physical scraping devices common with such sedimentation tanks. The preferred removal assemblies (14) include an elongated hood (34) disposed over a cooperating and complementally configured fill structure (26,28), which fills the majority of the internal volume of the hood (34). The hood (34) includes converging sidewalls (44, 46) having lower most inlet openings (54) and spaced, tubular outlets (56) adjacent the apex thereof. Outlet pipes (64) are operably coupled with each of the hood outlets (56) for suction withdrawal of waste water-solids suspensions which are then conveyed for downstream processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Aero-Mod, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schmid
  • Patent number: 7135109
    Abstract: A fine filter screen assembly includes a frame assembly and a rotatable shaft supported in the frame. A drive is configured to controllably rotate the shaft and at least one drive drum is positioned on the shaft for rotation therewith. The drive drum has an external surface that is substantially defined by a high friction surface and a fine filter grid is supported in the frame assembly and positioned about and in contact with the drive drum such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the fine filter grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: USFilter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 7132048
    Abstract: The object is to provide a filter element extracting jig which facilitates the extracting operation of a filter element from a housing of a filter device and prevents its contamination. A filter element extracting jig is formed from an elastic plate and comprising a supporting portion, a spring portion extending at an acute angle with the supporting portion, a hook portion extending toward the supporting portion, and an operating portion extending from the hook portion at substantially right angles, which are constructed by bending at bent portions substantially parallel to each other in that order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Yukio Hagashihara
  • Patent number: 7128838
    Abstract: A removable conformal liner for a centrifuge container is described. The liner has a flexible or semi-rigid body with an opening for introducing a sample. When the liner is inserted into an internal cavity of a centrifuge container, the body of the liner conforms to the interior cavity. The liner body may be made of a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow a reversible deformation of the body by folding, twisting, collapsing, rolling, or pleating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Dorin, Patrick Q. Moore
  • Patent number: 7087167
    Abstract: A sanitary filtration plant including an oblong, tubular pressure vessel having one or more helical filter elements. Each helical filter element has a spiral-wound filter member and a central tube and, at an outlet end, a supporting structure formed as a wheel with a hub, spokes and a rim. The plane side of the downstream face of each supporting structure is provided with a plurality of recesses that are positioned between an opening between the spokes and the external periphery of the rim and extend circumferentially so as to be substantially concentric with said rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Nakskov A/S
    Inventor: Knud Verner Larsen
  • Patent number: 7087162
    Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42–48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 7074329
    Abstract: A lid for an underdrain block that has a top surface defining an opening for receiving fill material. The top surface forms a ridge circumscribing the opening, the lid comprising a top, a bottom and a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge comprising a rim adapted to interlock with the ridge. The ridge of the underdrain block can have a flange perpendicular to the top surface and the rim on the lid is adapted to tightly fit over the flange so that the rim interlocks with the flange. Alternatively, the underdrain block for a filter system comprises a hollow plastic housing comprising a top wall that defines an opening for receiving the fill material. The top wall forms a ridge surrounding the opening and the lid seals the opening in the top wall. The lid comprises a peripheral edge that forms a u-shaped rim. The u-shaped rim has a locking means to tightly fit over the ridge so that the rim interlocks with the ridge so as to seal the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tetra Technologies, div Capital Controls, Severn Trent Services Co.
    Inventors: E. Stuart Savage, David C. Slack
  • Patent number: 7060179
    Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing sanitation in a kitchen equipped with an oil/grease separator includes a barrier made of two vertical portions connected by a horizontal portion to bound a volume between the oil/grease separator and a kitchen wall and prevent the ingress of debris. The vertical portions have lower flanges for affixation to a floor, edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the wall, and horizontal ears at upper ends. The horizontal portion has downward edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the kitchen wall and is readily cut to a length for the oil/grease separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7005065
    Abstract: A clip for supporting the clarifier and the droplines in a wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The clip comprises a pair of parallel main plates wherein at least one main plate contains a groove. The main plates are separated by a bracing plate. The bracing plate is perpendicular to the main plates and is attached to the ends of each. Attached to the free ends of each of the main plates is a pair of mounting plates. These mounting plates are parallel to the bracing plate. In a preferred embodiment, the grooves are “V” shaped and each contains a hole. This pair of holes are vertically aligned, and each hole is sized to contain a dropline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Pentair Pump Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Guy, Michael D. Catanzaro, Raleigh Lee Cox, Christopher Edward Cox
  • Patent number: 6969458
    Abstract: A filter having a thin metal flanged embedded within an open wall portion of a transparent plastic housing. The metal flange is permanently and non-detachably embedded within the wall and connected to a filter cover plate to create a fluid-tight seal. The resulting transparent spin-on filter allows a user to visually inspect the condition of the circulating fluid and filter without removing the filter from an operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp.
    Inventor: Darrell T. McKenzie
  • 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: 6942785
    Abstract: A system for automated treatment of fluids having interchangeable process modules (39, 40, 41, 42, 43), which are arranged next to each other, and which are respectively provided with a control unit and a fluid unit. The fluid unit is controlled by the control unit in order to carry out a module-specific process function during the treatment of the fluids. The control units are interconnected via a data bus (48), which is common to the process modules (39, 40, 41, 42, 43), and the fluid units are interconnected by a fluid bus (49) that has several channels. A fluid bus section is provided for at least one part of the channels inside each process module (e.g., 42). This section has fluid bus interfaces (52) at the ends thereof. A connection unit (51) is configured to be mounted between the respectively adjacent fluid bus interfaces (52) of two successive process modules (e.g., 41, 42) in at least two different mounting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bayer, Klaus-Dieter Fiebelkorn, Axel Gerlt, Joerg Hassel, Richard Mateman, Arno Steckenborn, Jeroen Wissink
  • Patent number: 6902669
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a filter element that is adapted to filter fluid. The filter element defines a center post cavity constructed and arranged to receive a center post. The filter element has a first end and a second end. A first end plate is attached to the first end of the filter element. The first end plate defines a first end plate opening. A second end plate is attached to the second end of the filter element. The second end plate defines a second end plate opening. A seal is positioned in the second end plate opening to seal around the center post. A floating seal assembly is received in the first end plate opening to seal around the center post. The floating seal assembly includes a gasket and a gasket retainer. The gasket retainer retains the gasket against the first end plate to seal around the center post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Zemin Jiang
  • Patent number: 6875344
    Abstract: A trickle tower for treating wastewater has a support structure containing biomedia, preferably strands of looped cord biomedia. A spray arrangement for spraying wastewater onto the biomedia has the combination of at least one rotatable device with nozzle openings movable along circular paths as the device rotates, and stationary nozzles. A continuous flow of wastewater is supplied to the rotatable device, and intermittent pulses of wastewater are supplied to the stationary nozzles. By strategically locating the stationary nozzles, different shaped cross-sectional areas of biomedia can be adequately sprayed. In place of the rotatable device can be an oscillating manifold extending across the biomedia and having a slot nozzle for cascading wastewater downwardly onto the biomedia with or without the stationary nozzles. A base receptacle below the biomedia receives wastewater falling from the biomedia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Bioprocess Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: John W. Haley, III
  • Publication number: 20040245179
    Abstract: A filter adapter for removing metallic particles from fluid. The adapter is cylindrical in shape and includes an attachment insert for mounting the adapter between a source in a fluid flow system and a conventional filter. The adapter has a ring shaped magnet held in the housing of the adapter by magnet holders, and a sealing gasket having multiple raised portions so as to provide multiple sealing surfaces to engage a sealing surface of a fluid source. The adapter has a plurality of perforations in the top and bottom for the flow of unfiltered fluid from the fluid source, through the adapter, and to the conventional filter. The attachment insert is hollow so as to allow filtered oil to flow back from the conventional filter to the fluid system the adapter is attached to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Stewart D. Elsegood
  • Patent number: 6817476
    Abstract: A water clarification system for removing suspended solids from a fluid, such as sewage, using gravity. The water clarification system may include a plurality of settling plates releasably coupled to a housing. The housing positions the settling plates at acute angles relative to a substantially horizontal line using a plurality of guides. The settling plates are kept in position using one or more flanges that are releasably coupled to side walls of the housing. The water clarification system operates by receiving a fluid through an inlet orifice located near bottom sections of the plurality of settling plates. The fluid travels in the spaces between adjacent settling plates and through apertures in top flanges of the settling plates. The fluid collects in an exit channel that is formed by the top flanges of the settling plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Aerex Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Donnick, Jr., Robert E. Brayton
  • Publication number: 20040217046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container system (1) with a container receptacle (5), a closing device for an open end (6) thereof and a separating mechanism (11) inserted in receptacle chamber (117), with at least one flow passage (119) which can be closed off. The separating mechanism (11) can be displaced from an initial position into an operating position spaced at a distance apart therefrom in the direction towards the other end (7). The separating mechanism (11) has at least one component (121), which is pushed against at least certain regions of an internal wall (118) of the receptacle (5) by at least one pressing element (122). An internal dimension (14) of the receptacle chamber (117) in a first plane (16) is bigger than an external dimension (123) of the component (121) in its operating position and the same spatial direction. In the initial position, a flow passage (119) is established between the ends (6, 7) of the container receptacle (5) in the region of the separating mechanism (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Franz Konrad
  • Patent number: 6797175
    Abstract: A device and process for injecting a diverted fluid into a simulated moving bed comprises a vessel containing beds of adsorbant Ai separated by plates Pi for distributing and extracting fluids, each plate comprising at least one pannel, each pannel comprising a single chamber Ci for distributing, mixing and/or extracting fluid, and a bypass circuit placing a plate in communication with a bypass line (Li, j). The device also comprises means (14, Voi,j, 20) for bringing at least one chamber (Ci) into communication with at least one bypass line (Li, j); one end of the bypass line is connected with said chamber Ci of a pannel of plate Pi and the other end communicates with a region (Ri+1) of a pannel of the distributor plate Pi+1, said region being distinct from the distribution chamber Ci+1. Application to separating n-paraffins containing 10 to 13 carbon atoms from sweetened kerosene type feeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Gérard Hotier
  • Patent number: 6783009
    Abstract: A baffle has no shape-holding facilities other than bends that define and hold the configuration of structural channels, and controls the flow of liquid in basins of liquid treatment equipment. Methods provide an unbent blank for making such baffle, and provide operations for bending such unbent blank to provide such baffle. A preferably stainless steel unbent baffle blank may be deformed by the bending operation into a configuration that defines the plurality of structural channels of the baffle. The deformed blank need not be held bent in such configuration by any fastener or welding. The plurality of structural channels render the baffle able to withstand the various forces applied to the baffle by incoming liquid and by liquid having a reverse flow direction in the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Meurer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 6780311
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a water filter inlet in a body of water at a level between the bottom and the surface thereof and in such position as to enable water to enter a conduit via the filter inlet and pass through a conduit to a site on land. The filter inlet support has a frame which occupies an upright position and is provided with stabilizers which prevent movement of the support due to currents and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas L. Haley
  • Patent number: 6773587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit (10). The unit (10) includes a filter housing assembly (60) having a filter tank assembly (66) and a closure (64) which utilizes a handle (152) and cammed reciprocating lock blades (146, 150) to secure the closure (64) to the filter tank assembly (66). A UV tank assembly (300) includes a planar baffle plate (322) and a vaned baffle plate (324) to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly (280). The UV lamp assembly (280) is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to UV tank assembly (300) and electrical cap assembly (290) using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly (40) is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly (34). The bi-planar manifold assembly (40) enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, James A. Woodard, Jr., Rick G. Good
  • Publication number: 20040144709
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for mounting an elongated element with axial clamping, characterized in that it consists of a body (3) forming a support base whereon are fixed a stop part (4) including a first support element (5) for one (2′) of the ends of the elongated element (2) and a retaining part (6), said parts (4 and 6) being axially separated and of a removable support block (7) comprising a through passage for receiving the elongated element (2) and capable of being positioned wedged between the retaining part (6) and the stop part (4), and of a mobile part (9) including a second support element (10) for the other end (2″) of the elongated element (2), said mobile part (9) being secured in articulation to two link rods (11, 11′) mounted at their opposite ends, potentially rotatable, on two eccentrics (12, 12′) mounted potentially rotatable on the body (3) forming the support base and rigidly assembled to a pivoting cover or lid (13) provided with a member or a zone (14) for
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Seydoux, Franck Muller
  • Publication number: 20040140252
    Abstract: A uniform fluid distribution system (2) for use with a liquid transfer system (100) for maintaining an interface between liquid phases within a large scale separator system including a cell into which liquid may be introduced as discrete phases at an inlet zone occupying a first approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell and outputted at an outlet zone occupying a second approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell. Said distribution system comprises at least one liquid inlet (24) and at least two distribution outlets (32), which are connected by an internal flow connection system (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Klaus Gebauer
  • Publication number: 20040134852
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone for separating solid particles from a particle-carrying fluid has according to the invention a housing defining a chamber, a port opening into the chamber for admitting the particle-carrying fluid into the chamber for forming therein a vortex flow of the fluid, and a tube connected axially to the housing and forming an outlet therefor. The tube has an inner surface composed of a hard material consisting essentially of tungsten-carbide particles in a metallic binder having by weight a nickel content of at most 12% and a chromium content equal to at most 15% of the nickel content. The chromium content is equal to between 0.5% and 10% of the nickel content, preferably the binder has a nickel content of about 8.5% and a chromium content of about 1.3%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Kampfer
  • Patent number: 6746601
    Abstract: A removable conformal liner for a centrifuge container is described. The liner has a flexible or semi-rigid body with an opening for introducing a sample. When the liner is inserted into an internal cavity of a centrifuge container, the body of the liner conforms to the interior cavity. The liner body may be made of a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow a reversible deformation of the body by folding, twisting, collapsing, rolling, or pleating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Dorin, Patrick Q. Moore
  • Patent number: 6743360
    Abstract: A debris-catching system for preventing debris from falling into the pipe opening at the bottom of a manhole catch basin. The debris-catcher comprises two semi-circular halves hinged together such that the two halves may be folded and inserted into a manhole opening. The debris-catcher comprises aligned apertures that allow it to be hooked and lowered into a manhole. The two halves are opened up to form a circular blocker which sets on the manhole bottom flat base. The debris-catcher allows normal effluent flow through the manhole while in place. The debris-catcher floats and will do so during an overflow condition. Further, the debris-catcher will resume its protective function after an overflow condition has subsided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: John G. Petersen, William C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6736275
    Abstract: The clarifier of the present invention includes a tank, an influent pier, and a FEDWA. The tank that includes a bottom and a wall. The influent pier projects upwardly from the bottom of the tank along an axis. The influent pier includes ports that direct flow of the solution outwardly from the influent pier. The FEDWA separates the flow of the solution that is discharged by the ports and that flows into the tank. The separated flow of the solution includes a first flow portion that is directed in a first direction that is generally tangential with respect to the axis of the influent pier, a second flow portion that is directed in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction of the first flow portion, and a third flow portion that is directed in a third direction toward the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Schneider, Robert J. Fedie
  • Patent number: 6730220
    Abstract: A kidney dialysis machine includes a number of flexible members extending from the machine to corresponding receptacles at a patient station. The flexible members are arranged in a cable bundle at a point intermediate of the machine and the ends of the members. A retaining member is wrapped around the bundle to hold the bundle together. The retaining member is attached to a spring that has one end connected to the retaining member and an opposite end attached to the kidney dialysis machine. The spring holds the bundle off the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: John McCartney
  • Publication number: 20040069723
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for treating fluids, a pump delivers a fluid flow from a fluid source to a manifold. The manifold divides the fluid flow into first and second fluid flows, which are delivered from the manifold to a housing. The housing includes therein a first vortex nozzle positioned in opposed relationship to a second vortex nozzle. The first fluid flow enters the first vortex nozzle to create a first rotating fluid flow, and the second fluid flow enters the second vortex nozzle to create a second rotating fluid flow. The first and second vortex nozzles impinge the first and second rotating fluid flows in a collision chamber, thereby treating the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael T. Romanyszyn, Perry McGuar
  • Patent number: 6712222
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water treatment tank apparatus. The apparatus is further comprised of a cover section having first and second ends, where the first end is secured to an outer tank wall and the second end positioned over the entire launder channel and radially inwards to a scum baffle and integrated mounting bracket, for preventing light from reaching interior surfaces. The cover is dimensioned to span the width of the launder channel, weir and spillway, and is comprised of a substantially opaque material, to inhibit algae growth. A support flange is provided, coupled to the tank wall, for supporting the first end of the cover section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Publication number: 20040020835
    Abstract: Magnetizing and activating processing unit for liquid material, including a flow conducting tube, at least one rest body formed with insertion dents and disposed in the flow conducting tube, permanent magnets inlaid in the insertion dents of the rest body, an outer tube fitted around the flow conducting tube and outer tube connectors formed with bypasses and connected with two ends of the outer tube for sealing two open ends of the flow conducting tube. A spiral conducting plate is disposed around the flow conducting tube. A liquid material flows through and is conducted by the spiral conducting plate, whereby the liquid material many times goes through the magnetic field effect of the permanent magnets and is strongly magnetically infiltrated. Therefore, a magnetized and activated water can be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jen-Pen Chang
  • Publication number: 20040007512
    Abstract: A debris-catching system for preventing debris from falling into the pipe opening at the bottom of a manhole catch basin. The debris-catcher comprises two semi-circular halves hinged together such that the two halves may be folded and inserted into a manhole opening. The debris-catcher comprises aligned apertures that allow it to be hooked and lowered into a manhole. The two halves are opened up to form a circular blocker which sets on the manhole bottom flat base. The debris-catcher allows normal effluent flow through the manhole while in place. The debris-catcher floats and will do so during an overflow condition. Further, the debris-catcher will resume its protective function after an overflow condition has subsided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: John G. Petersen, William C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6613228
    Abstract: A debris-catching system for preventing debris from falling into the pipe opening at the bottom of a manhole catch basin. The debris-catcher comprises two semi-circular halves hinged together such that the two halves may be folded and inserted into a manhole opening. The debris-catcher comprises aligned apertures that allow it to be hooked and lowered into a manhole. The two halves are opened up to form a circular blocker which sets on the manhole bottom flat base. The debris-catcher allows normal effluent flow through the manhole while in place. The debris-catcher floats and will do so during an overflow condition. Further, the debris-catcher will resume its protective function after an overflow condition has subsided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: John G. Petersen, William C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6565746
    Abstract: A self-venting drain valve is rotatably and slidably mounted to a filter assembly through an internally threaded base. The drain valve comprises a homogenously formed one-piece unitary valve body including a tubular valve stem portion and a valve knob portion. The valve stem portion includes a wall member defining an internal passageway provided with axially extending air vent openings through which ambient air can enter a filter housing through the internal passageway, and drain holes through which water is drained from the filter housing and the internal passageway. The air vent openings are formed through an upper portion of the wall member and are open to a top edge thereof, while the drain holes are formed through the lower portion of the wall member. The liquid drains from the filter housing through the internal passageway and the drain holes, then exits into the valve knob portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Willie L. Stamey, Jr., Mark A. Roll
  • Publication number: 20030080059
    Abstract: A modular fluid transport system is provided for transporting fluids in a dialysis clinic from a fluid source to the dialysis machines. The system includes modular ductwork and modular fluid conduits. The connecting stations may include quick detachable interface manifolds which allow dialysis machines to be easily changed out. The components of the fluid transport system may be heat sterilized. The components of the system may be prefabricated off site and then quickly assembled in the dialysis clinic. Flexibility in the arrangement of equipment within the clinic is provided for.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
  • Publication number: 20030075494
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a building with the entire requirements of AC/DC electrical power, fuel gas, and pure water in a single integrated unit. The method is based on the convertion of graphite from solid state to a gaseous state using an electrolysis process underwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Randall J. Miranda
  • Publication number: 20030070969
    Abstract: Red blood cell sensing systems and methods rely upon straightforward measurement geometries. the systems and methods comprise an incident light source, an optical sensor, and a blood collection tube. The systems and methods hold the blood collection tube a predetermined radial distance from the incident light source where a linear relationship exists between sensed reflected light measured by the optical sensor and red blood cell hematocrit in a range of at least 10 to 90. The systems and methods make possible accurate red blood sensing without use of special optical cuvettes, mirrors, or focusing lenses. The systems and methods also make possible the use of standard transparent plastic tubing, without reliance upon special optical cuvettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Muller, Michel L.F. Joie, Mark R. Vandlik
  • Publication number: 20030052057
    Abstract: A vertically extending support for supporting a plurality of stacked discs includes an elongated extruded plastic pipe having a bottom end attached to a cap and a top end receiving a molded plastic coupling therein. The molded plastic coupling is provided with a threaded end for threadably connecting to a threaded portion of a handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Theophilus B. Terry, Harry L. Nurse
  • Patent number: 6533935
    Abstract: A drain valve for a fuel filter water separator for an internal combustion engine has a first port mating with the vent opening of the separator, a second port mating with the drain opening of the separator, and a third port. The drain valve is actuatable between a closed position blocking communication of the first port with the third port and blocking communication of the second port with the third port, and an open position providing communication of the first port with the third port and providing communication of the second port with the third port. If the valve is actuated to the open position when the engine is off, collected water and vent air each flow through the third port but in opposite directions. If the drain valve is actuated while the engine is running, pressurized fuel spray from the vent opening and collected water from the drain opening of the separator each flow through the third port in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fleet Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Miller, John Arnett, Melvin D. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20020185432
    Abstract: A removable conformal liner for a centrifuge container is described. The liner has a flexible or semi-rigid body with an opening for introducing a sample. When the liner is inserted into an internal cavity of a centrifuge container, the body of the liner conforms to the interior cavity. The liner body may be made of a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow a reversible deformation of the body by folding, twisting, collapsing, rolling, or pleating. Also disclosed is a centrifuge container assembly, including a container suitable for centrifuging and a removable liner with a flexible or semi-rigid body placed into the container. The centrifuge container assembly of this invention may also have retaining-means for retaining the liner in a fixed position within the container. Also provided by the present invention is a method for separating solids from suspensions by centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Dorin, Patrick Q. Moore
  • Patent number: 6475383
    Abstract: A means for controlling/eliminating algae or other biological growth in the weir of a clarifier of waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Franklin D. Deskins
  • Publication number: 20020158016
    Abstract: A modular separation system wherein a separation unit is separate from a mounting device that accommodates the separation unit in a separation apparatus. The mounting device is an integral part of the separation apparatus. A method for fluid-fluid extraction of an analyte from a sample fluid to a receiving fluid in a separation apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jan Norberg, Eddie Thordarson, Patrik Soderlund, Fredik Hakansson, Shadi Yazarlo, Lars-Ake Larsson, Johan Berhin
  • Patent number: 6454104
    Abstract: A clarifier in a sewage treatment process includes efficient scum removal within the influent well, with discharge of the scum and other floatables as a dedicated waste stream separate from return activated sludge and biological scum collected in the clarifier. In one embodiment the scum removal system has an inclined scum ramp at the leading edge of each of two scum removal troughs, with a forward edge below the liquid surface. The scum troughs pass through an arc of rotation, building up scum, which accumulates and is pushed forward by the scum ramp. At least once per revolution, the moving scum ramp approaches a stationary scum surface blade that extends partially under the liquid surface and provides a barrier to the forwardly pushed scum. This blade contacts and slides up the ramp, sweeping the scum up the ramp and into the scum trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Enviroquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Elena Bailey, Robert Shurtleff
  • Patent number: 6454948
    Abstract: Device (DME) or panel for collecting, distributing, mixing or drawing off several fluids, at least one main fluid and at least two secondary fluids, that comprises at least: means for collecting a main fluid (3, 9), at least two injection and/or draw-off rails (6, 7) that allow the passage of secondary fluids, at least two mixing chambers (11, 11b) that communicate with injection and/or draw-off rails (6, 7) with orifices or passages (6i, 7i), means (12, 4) for redistributing the fluid that is obtained from said mixing chambers, means (5a, 5b) for separating collecting and redistributing means and draw-off rails (6, 7) are arranged one above the other, and mixing chambers (11a, 11b) are arranged on both sides of the rails and symmetrically relative to the orifices that have an injection function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Gilles Ferschneider, Jean-Christophe Viguie, Olivier Callebert, Frédéric Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6409915
    Abstract: A rake cleaning arrangement for a trashrack situated in front of the intake opening of a turbine arrangement, wherein the turbine arrangement is arranged in a weir opening delimited at its sides by two pillars and these pillars delimiting the weir opening are spanned by at least one gangway forming a service platform, comprises a bridge forming a service platform which can be lowered into the weir opening by a crane arranged on top of or on the gangway, and a skimming arrangement for removing flotsam from the trashrack by which a tool can travel along the vertical extent of the trashrack and which is arranged on the bridge, wherein the tool can travel along the vertical extent of the trashrack by the skimming arrangement when the bridge is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Hans Kuenz Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Karl Heinz Rusch
  • Patent number: 6402959
    Abstract: A fluid distributing-collecting process using a device for bringing fluids and solids into contact comprises several distributor plates and several panels for mixing, distributing or extracting fluids. The system for practicing the method includes at least one level one chamber in connection with the outside of said device with at least one hose and, at least one level two chamber that is linked with the level one chamber and that comprises one or more connecting hoses of a selected length that are arranged in at least one zone. The zone is identified relative to an angle &agr; relative to a radius of a plate and corresponds to a given angle sector, whereby hose lengths, angle &agr; and the angle sector are selected in accordance with the process so that injected fluid arrives approximately at the same time on all of the panels of the same plate. This process is used for separation of paraxylene in a simulated moving bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Dessapt, Pascal Duchene, Bertrand Szymkowiak, Gilles Ferschneider, Olivier Callebert
  • Patent number: RE40051
    Abstract: A self-venting drain valve is rotatably and slidably mounted to a filter assembly through an internally threaded base. The drain valve comprises a homogenously formed one-piece unitary valve body including a tubular valve stem portion and a valve knob portion. The valve stem portion includes a wall member defining an internal passageway provided with axially extending air vent openings through which ambient air can enter a filter housing through the internal passageway, and drain holes through which water is drained from the filter housing and the internal passageway. The air vent openings are formed through an upper portion of the wall member and are open to a top edge thereof, while the drain holes are formed through the lower portion of the wall member. The liquid drains from the filter housing through the internal passageway and the drain holes, then exits into the valve knob portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp LLC
    Inventors: Willie L. Stamey, Jr., Mark A. Roll