Adjuncts Patents (Class 210/541)
  • Patent number: 5779891
    Abstract: A foul-resistant, flow-through capacitor, a system employing the capacitor and a method of separation is disclosed wherein the capacitor has at least one anode and cathode electrode pair. The electrodes are formed of high surface area, electrically conductive material and have an open, preferably straight, fluid flow-through path. Typically, the flow path is formed by a plurality of straight, parallel, spaced apart electrodes with the flow path not greater than one of the X-Y-Z distance components of the capacitor. The flow-through capacitor avoids fouling in use and may be employed with saturated waste or other streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Marc D. Andelman
  • Patent number: 5776339
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a casing containing a filter unit for purifying tap water and conducting the purified water through a first conduit to a storage tank disposed in the casing. Concentrated waste water from the filter unit is discharged from the casing. In order to avoid dissembling the water purifier to determine a ratio of the amount of water being purified to the amount of waste water being generated, a second conduit is connected to the first conduit at a location below the tank. The second conduit communicates with a valve mounted on an exterior wall of the casing. The valve is actuable from outside of the casing to cause purified water from the filter unit to by-pass the tank and instead be collected outside of the casing so that the ratio of purified water to waste water can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Kyu Ha, Eun-Kwan Lee
  • Patent number: 5770052
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a casing and filters disposed in the casing for receiving unpurified water and producing purified water and waste water therefrom. A ratio of purified water to waste water being produced is controlled by a control knob rotatably mounted in a control box disposed exteriorly on a wall of the casing. The control knob rotates beneath a setting point marked on a wall of the control box. The control knob includes a plurality of regularly spaced indicator marks which can be selectively brought into alignment with the set point to enable a setting of the control knob to be visually determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deok-Joong Yoon
  • Patent number: 5755960
    Abstract: A device for distributing, mixing, injecting, and/or removing several fluids, one of the fluids being a main fluid A.sub.1, and at least a first secondary fluid B.sub.1 and a second secondary fluid B.sub.2, said device having means (3, 4) for collecting said main fluid A.sub.1, said collecting means being related to at least one mixing chamber having at least one wall substantially parallel to the device axis circuit (12, 5) of a first secondary fluid B.sub.1, and at least a second injection and/or removal circuit (13, 6) of a second secondary fluid B.sub.2, said injection and/or removal circuits being in communication with the mixing chamber (7) by means of one or more openings (15, 16) allowing passage of said secondary fluids B.sub.1 and B.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Olivier Callebert, Jean-Paul Dessapt, Annick Pucci, Pierre Renard
  • Patent number: 5736037
    Abstract: A foldable assembly is provided for a module of settler tubes which settle solids from liquid. The module has a minimum thickness for shipment and a normal thickness for use in settling the solids, where the minimum thickness is substantially less than the normal thickness. The tubes are defined by four opposing walls. The assembly includes a pair of sheets, each of the sheets having dimensions along major and minor orthogonal axes, where the axes are perpendicular to the direction of the thickness and the sheets define two of the walls of one of the tubes. Another wall of the tubes is defined by an interconnect member having a central section defined by opposite sides, and a flex joint on each of said opposite sides and securing each of the sides to a respective one of the sheets. The other wall extends from each of the sheets in the direction of the thickness of the module when the tube is open to receive the liquid and the solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 5736033
    Abstract: A separator has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable material fitted around at least a portion of the generally cylindrical body or on the surface of a passage through the body. Upon being exposed to water the water swellable material swells to form a seal in the passage or within the tube or other vessel containing the separator. The separator is preferably used in a blood collection tube and has a specific gravity between specific gravities of a light phase and a heavy phase of the blood. After the blood has been collected and centrifuged the separator moves to a position between the light phase and the heavy phase and the water swellable material is exposed to water in the blood causing the material to swell and create a seal. Thereafter, the serum or plasma as well as white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets can be removed from the blood collection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventors: Charles M. Coleman, William G. Kendrick
  • Patent number: 5730863
    Abstract: A filter adaptor assembly for a water cooler of the type having a support housing provided with a water bottle support at a top end to support an inverted water bottle over a water reservoir of the housing. The filter adaptor assembly comprises a support platform having a support base and it is connected in support engagement above the water reservoir. Supports are connected to the support base for securing one or more filter cartridges thereto. A dispensing valve is secured under the base and has a conduit for receiving treated water from the filter assembly. The valve has a water level sensing float mechanism which is adapted to detect the water level in the reservoir to dispense or cut-off the supply of treated water to the reservoir. The filter assembly is also connected to a pressurized water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignees: Addico Products Inc., Danamark Industries
    Inventors: Robin Howlings, Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 5720890
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning algae and debris from the inner and outer surfaces of a weir and the top surface and outer side wall of a spillway in a water treatment tank. A main frame is mounted on the revolving skimmer arm of the tank. A pair of brushes pivotally mounted to a lower end of a support arm have bristles facing in inwardly opposed relation to engage each side of the weir for cleaning both side surfaces of the weir. The support arm is connected to the main frame by a universal joint to pivot in a vertical plane and move in and out relative to the center of rotation to compensate for out-of-round weir surfaces. The brushes are spring biased downwardly in a vertical position and pivotally mounted to the support arm to allow pivotal movement when their lower ends engage a bracket or obstruction so that they pass thereover and return to the vertical position. A third brush connected with the pair of brushes engages and cleans the upper surface of the spillway adjacent the weir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony L. Caliva
  • Patent number: 5714068
    Abstract: An inlet momentum absorber for passing an oil/water/gas mixture into a separator vessel having an inlet nozzle that extends through the vessel wall into the interior thereof, and a nozzle axis. A dish-shaped deflector is supported within the vessel adjacent to the deflector being intersected by the nozzle axis. A plurality of closely spaced apart cylindrical posts are arranged in an enlarged circumferential pattern defining a dispersing area within the vessel, the dispersing area being formed equilaterally around the nozzle axis. The closely spaced cylindrical posts provide a multitude of tortuous paths through which the oil/water/gas mixture flows from the dispersing area into the interior of the vessel. The tortuous paths are free of sharp edges to thereby minimize shearing of dispersed droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: National Tank Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Brown
  • Patent number: 5693219
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: William J. Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 5693226
    Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating a residential point of use water treatment system includes a nipple having a first end and an outlet end, and a tee having an inlet branch, a suction branch, and an outlet branch, where the outlet branch includes structure for receiving the first end of the nipple. A nozzle is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet branch, suction branch, and a first end of the nipple. The apparatus also includes an influent hose for transporting influent to the inlet branch of the tee, a suction hose for transporting contaminant to the suction branch of the tee, and an effluent hose for transporting effluent from the outlet end of the nipple to the water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: 5670045
    Abstract: A cover apparatus for inhibiting the growth of algae on the fluid-contacting surfaces of a water treatment tank including a central influent, at least one substantially vertical peripheral wall having an upper and interior surface, a peripheral baffle having inside and outside surfaces, a substantially vertical weir, a spillway, and a launder channel having a width. The cover apparatus includes at least one panel member positionable over at least a portion of the launder channel to prevent light from reaching interior surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of modular panel members are employed to cover substantially the entire launder channel, with each individual panel member being dimensioned to span at least the width of the launder channel and comprising a substantially opaque material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: NEFCO, Inc.
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Patent number: 5660720
    Abstract: A connector system is disclosed for use in connection with a reverse osmosis water purification system. The reverse osmosis water purification system has an inlet line, a drain line, an outlet line, and a storage tank mounted on the outlet line providing a reservoir of purified water. The storage tank is pressurized to force the purified water from the reservoir through the outlet line. The connector system comprises an inlet fitting connecting an incoming water line to an inlet on the reverse osmosis water purification system, an on/off inlet valve mounted to the inlet fitting, a spigot fitting connecting the outlet line to a spigot, a drain fitting connecting the drain line to a drain, a tank fitting having an on/off valve connecting the tank to the outlet line, a fitting for releasing the pressure, and an accessory fitting connecting the outlet line to an accessory. The connector system further includes a monitor checking the quality of the water moving through the connector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: David F. Walling
  • Patent number: 5624553
    Abstract: Devices and methods for packing a chromatography column with a continuous stationary phase. The preferred device includes a brace member with an engagement surface. The brace member defines a thru-hole at a location so that a passageway defined through the column is aligned with the thru-hole of the brace member when a first end of the column is engaged with the engagement surface of the brace member. A funnel member engageable with an end of the column opposite the first end. The funnel member has converging walls configured to radially compress the continuous stationary phase for entry into the passageway of the column when the continuous stationary phase is pulled through the funnel member. The device includes a mechanism for applying mechanical force to pull the rolled continuous stationary phase through the funnel member wherein the stationary phase is radially compressed and enters the passageway of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael Ladisch, Kent Hamaker, Richard Hendrickson, Mark Brewer
  • Patent number: 5620601
    Abstract: There is provided an a wear strip assembly for use in a waste water treatment facility comprising an anchor plate secured to the bottom of a tank and a wear strip disposed around the anchor plate having a c-shaped cross section. The wear strip may be slid onto the anchor plate. There is also provided a waste water treatment system employing the wear strip assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen B. Wilcher, John C. Lodholz
  • Patent number: 5620597
    Abstract: A foul-resistant, flow-through capacitor, a system employing the capacitor and a method of separation is disclosed wherein the capacitor has at least one anode and cathode electrode pair. The electrodes are formed of high surface area, electrically conductive material and have an open, preferably straight, fluid flow-through path. Typically, the flow path is formed by a plurality of straight, parallel, spaced apart electrodes with the flow path not greater than one of the X-Y-Z distance components of the capacitor. The flow-through capacitor avoids fouling in use and may be employed with saturated waste or other streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Marc D. Andelman
  • Patent number: 5618426
    Abstract: Lateral member assembly for use in an underdrain lateral distribution system is made of plastics but is as capable as much heavier and more costly prior art metallic assemblies in supporting a bed of filter media which must be periodically backwashed with liquid and gas. Complementary elements, including a rigid extruded floor plate member having longitudinally extending side edge channels, and an overlying screen member having flange portions adapted to be retained by undercut recesses in the side edge channels, are adapted to be assembled to each other to form hollow lateral assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the screen member is telescopically assembled to the floor plate member to cause the screen flange portions to interlock with the recesses in the side edge channels. The resulting assembly is sealed against leakage where the members are interlocked by a pair of flexible, integral plastic sealing strips which are co-extruded with the rigid floor plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Wheelabrator Water Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Eischen, Stephen A. Uban, Richard C. Maxson
  • Patent number: 5614090
    Abstract: A pipe extension for a filtering pot of a return filter has an outlet connection projecting from the filtering pot at its free end and a pipe secured to the outlet connection. An annular groove extending in circumferential direction is arranged at the outlet connection and an annular seal which does not protrude radially beyond the outer circumference of the outlet connection is inserted into the annular groove. Radially projecting, axially extending conical webs are provided at the outer circumference of the pipe connection in the region between the annular groove and the filtering pot and a pipe consisting of metal is pushed onto these webs, whereby the pushed-on pipe is expanded by the conically extending webs to achieve a secure seat. A bead reaching into the annular groove is introduced into the pushed-on pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: ARGO GmbH fur Fluidtechnik
    Inventor: Norbert Breusch
  • Patent number: 5597483
    Abstract: A vented baffle system for use in a clarifier tank having a tank bottom, a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank is formed by a plurality of individual and cooperatively-engageable baffles mounted on the peripheral tank wall. Each baffle includes a panel member that downwardly slopes from the peripheral tank wall toward the interior of the tank and the tank bottom and terminates at a lower edge disposed in space relation above the tank bottom. A first lateral end of the panel member unitarily carries an end bracket securable to the peripheral wall for supporting the panel member in a cantilevered fashion. One or more of the baffles are provided with a relief valve means for venting the pressure in a space formed between the junction of the lower side of the panel member and the peripheral tank wall. The resulting system provides a vented baffle system in which pressure exerted by the build up of gases in the space may be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: NEFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Patent number: 5534163
    Abstract: A clarifier having a center column is provided with means in the form of a center column extension which may be attached to the center column to allow repairs or maintenance to be conducted on the clarifier inlet piping without shutting down the operation of the clarifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: John H. Michel
  • Patent number: 5534145
    Abstract: A portable, manually-operated water filtration pump for purifying water. The pump includes an inexpensive, disposable filter cartridge which can be easily changed when the filter elements are no longer effective. The pump uses a lever to actuate a double-acting piston. The lever is collapsible to one side of the pump for compact storage. The filter cartridge is a tubular cylinder having an inner bore forming the pump cylinder. A cylindrical mechanical filter is concentric with and adjacent to the inner bore to filter out particulates larger than 0.3 microns. A fluidized granual activated carbon filter surrounds the mechanical filter to absorb halogen and halogen-related compounds such as herbicides and pesticides. The pump pumps filtered water into a bottle adaptor which will fit most standard water containers. A prefilter is provided to screen out large particulates from the pump to enhance the life of the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: SweetWater, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanford Platter, Jeffrey K. Aldred, Richard J. Kraemer
  • Patent number: 5520808
    Abstract: A novel bearing-seal for the upper journal of a rotary self-cleaning strainer allows an existing strainer whose upper journal has become too loose to be reconstructed without the necessity of replacing the suction pipe, even though the suction pipe has been grooved by a set of circumferentially spaced wheels previously used for the upper journal. The bearing-seal can also be used in a new strainer instead of such a set of wheels. Where sealing is also required, the inventive bearing-seal has a sealing disc for replacing a previously used curved lip seal. The inventive upper bearing-seal significantly reduces rotational friction, enabling the strainer to be operated with significantly increased power efficiency, offering the potential for effective usage with lower pressure suction pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Perfection Sprinkler Co. (Michigan Corp)
    Inventors: James O. Stoneburner, Charles A. Wilkins, Thomas R. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 5490932
    Abstract: A control valve for a water treatment system which includes a turbine rotatably mounted within a water receiving chamber. A pair of nozzles communicate water from a water receiving chamber to the turbine in a driving relationship. The nozzles each define a passage, preferably converging slightly in cross-section and defining centerlines that converge and intersect at a region swept by the turbine. Preferably, the intersection of the centerlines occurs intermediate a circle defined by central regions of the turbine blades and a circle defined by peripheral edges of the turbine blades. At least one of the nozzles is slidably held in a slot formed in a dividing wall forming part of the control valve and is replaceable by a plug. A confronting surface defines a uniform gap between an outlet side of the nozzles and a peripheral portion of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Hansen, Stuart L. Park
  • Patent number: 5489388
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for gas backwashing a granular media supported upon a lateral underdrain is disclosed. The lateral underdrain includes a plurality of dispersion apertures therethrough and at least one liquid return conduit extending to a discharge at a level below the dispersion apertures. The present invention provides for equal distribution of backwash gas across the entire lateral underdrain by directing backwash gas through the dispersion apertures into the granular media and directing liquid from the granular media through the liquid return conduit without obstructing backwash gas flow through said apertures from a gas pocket formed underneath said apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: The F. B. Leopold Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin A. Brown, Eugen O. Bergmann, Richard Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5472609
    Abstract: A device for backwashing a particulate mineral bed in a water conditioner includes a tubular casing; a tube co-axial with and extending through the casing beyond the ends thereof; a cap slidable on the tube for movement between a closed position on the open top end of the casing and an open position spaced apart from the top end of the casing; a spring biasing the cap to the closed position; an opening in the tube for discharging water into the cap to cause the latter to move away from the casing to the open position; a first valve including a valve body closing the bottom end of the casing; a first passage in the valve body in fluid communication with the bottom end of the tube, the first passage being normally open to the flow of water upwardly from the bed of particulate material into the tube; a ball in the body for closing the first passage when the flow of water is reversed in the tube; a second passage in the top of the body communicating with the first passage; a second valve normally closing the seco
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Big Iron Drilling Ltd.
    Inventor: George R. Field
  • Patent number: 5468391
    Abstract: In a sludge collector mechanism having a sludge flight for scraping settled sludge off the bottom of a settling tank and skimming floating waste from the surface of the water contained in the tank, a support rail assembly for maintaining the flight on a level generally even with the surface of the water, the support rail assembly comprising a non-metallic longitudinal track on which the end of the flight is slideably supported and at least one non-metallic mounting bracket for securing the track relative to the sidewall of the settling tank. The track comprises a cross section having a substantially horizontal rail portion, a transverse stem extending downward from the underside of the rail portion, and two opposing fingers, one extending upward from the bottom of the stem and one extending downward from the underside of the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 5462664
    Abstract: A filter underdrain module for an underdrain system for a granular media filter. The module is an elongated, integrally constructed, self-contained unit having an enclosed interior and having a substantially flat, substantially rectangular exterior top wall. The water and air for simultaneous backwashing and scouring the filter media are separately conveyed by conduits within the module, and separately discharged into the filter support bed or directly into the filter media, as the case may be. The discharge openings for the water and air are located in the top exterior wall of the module. The discharge openings for water are all substantially the same shape and size, and substantially uniformly spaced along the length and breadth of the module. The same is preferably true of the air discharge openings. Various preferred embodiments are disclosed, including dual ducts for one or both of the separate conduits for cleaning water and scouring air. An underdrain system using the module is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Peter J. Neuspiel
  • Patent number: 5431816
    Abstract: A portable, manually-operated water filtration pump for purifying water. The pump includes an inexpensive, disposable filter cartridge which can be easily changed when the filter elements are no longer effective. The pump uses a lever to actuate a double-acting piston. The lever is collapsible to one side of the pump for compact storage. The filter cartridge is a tubular cylinder having an inner bore forming the pump cylinder. A cylindrical mechanical filter is concentric with and adjacent to the inner bore to filter out particulates larger than 0.3 microns. A fluidized granular activated carbon filter surrounds the mechanical filter to absorb chlorine and chlorine-related compounds such as herbicides and pesticides. The pump pumps filtered water into a bottle adaptor which will fit most standard water containers. A prefilter is provided to screen out large particulates from the pump to enhance the life of the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: SweetWater, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Aldred, Richard J. Kraemer, Sanford Platter
  • Patent number: 5431818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transporting element of a reciprocable scraper for the movement of sludge in settling basins and similar objects at water purification plants, whereby the transporting element (8) consists of a body, which in cross-section shows a downwardly facing surface (9), a substantially oblique, convex surface (10), and a substantially vertical concave surface (11), whereby the concave surface (11) is directed in the forwarding, transporting direction. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: K Z Handels Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Klaus D. Zickert
  • Patent number: 5415768
    Abstract: A flow-through capacitor and a controlled charge chromatography column system using the capacitor for the purification of a fluid-containing material, which column comprises an inlet for a fluid to be purified and an outlet for the discharge of the purified fluid, and a flow-through capacitor disposed within the column. The flow-through capacitor comprises a plurality of spirally-wound, stacked washer or rods to include a first electrically conductive backing layer, such as of graphite, and a first high surface area conductive layer secured to one side of the backing layer, such as carbon fibers, and a second high surface area conductive layer secured to the opposite side of the backing layer, the high surface area material layers arranged to face each other and separated by a nonconductive, ion-permeable spacer layer to insulate electrically the backing and conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Marc D. Andelman
  • Patent number: 5415766
    Abstract: A traveling water screen for screening debris from water flowing in a downstream direction through a channel, the traveling water screen including a sealing flexible membrane between the train of baskets and the bottom of the channel for preventing water from flowing through the boot portion of the frame between the train of baskets and the bottom of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Quick, Robert R. Cheesman
  • Patent number: 5413708
    Abstract: An apparatus for chromatography of DNA, RNA, proteins and other molecules includes the use of a column adapted to hold a chromatography material and a sample to be filtered. A pneumatic pressure differential is applied across the column and the sample is urged through the chromatography material. A selected portion of the sample may then be collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Stratagene
    Inventors: William D. Huse, Anthony M. Sorge, Keith V. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 5407569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reservoir for storage and use of the liquid or mobile phase of a liquid chromatography system. The reservoir comprises a main chamber for containing the majority of the mobile phase and having a conical base with two apertures and two cavities subtending the apertures and in fluid communication with the main chamber. These cavities are adapted to receive a stirrer and a pump filter and to maintain these devices separate from each other during operation. The structure of the reservoir provides for more rapid and thorough mixing and virtually complete utilization of the mobile phase while minimizing introduction of gaseous phase into the liquid chromatography system downstream from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: SP Industries Ltd. Partnership
    Inventors: Larry V. Greenley, V. Cloud Volpe
  • Patent number: 5366642
    Abstract: A portable, manually-operated water filtration pump for purifying water. The pump includes an inexpensive, disposable filter cartridge which can be easily changed when the filter elements are no longer effective. The pump uses a lever to actuate a double-acting piston. The lever is collapsible to one side of the pump for compact storage. The filter cartridge is a tubular cylinder having an inner bore forming the pump cylinder. A cylindrical mechanical filter is concentric with and adjacent to the inner bore to filter out particulates larger than 0.3 microns. A fluidized granular activated charcoal filter surrounds the mechanical filter to absorb chlorine and chlorine-related compounds such as herbicides and pesticides. The pump pumps filtered water into a bottle adaptor which will fit most standard water containers. A prefilter is provided to screen out large particulates from the pump to enhance the life of the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: KPA, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sanford Platter, Jeffrey K. Aldred, Richard J. Kraemer
  • Patent number: 5360540
    Abstract: A controlled charge chromatography column for the purification of a fluid-containing material, which column comprises a chromatographic column having an inlet for the introduction of a fluid to be purified and an outlet for the discharge of the purified fluid, and one or more concentrated materials and a flow-through capacitor disposed within the column between the inlet and the outlet, the flow-through capacitor means comprising a plurality of spirally wound or stacked washer layers to include a first electrically conductive backing layer, such as of graphite, and a first high surface area conductive layer secured to the backing layer, such as composed of porous carbon fibers and a non-conductive, porous spacer layer to electrically insulate the backing and conductive layer and to permit the flow of material therethrough, the flow-through capacitor to be connected to a DC power source to charge the respective conductive layers with different polarities whereby a fluid containing material through the column i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Marc D. Andelman
  • Patent number: 5340482
    Abstract: A tank is provided with an outer cylindrical wall having a vertical axis, and a bottom wall. A cylindrical scum baffle is located inward of the outer cylindrical wall. A support structure extends from the outer cylindrical wall to the vertical axis of the tank. A support pier extends from the bottom wall of tank upward at the vertical axis. A skimmer truss extends from an upper end of the support pier outward for rotation. A drive is supported by the support pier for rotating the skimmer truss. A cylindrical retaining wall is located inwardly from the scum baffle. A scum trough extends between the scum baffle and the retaining wall generally along a radial line from said vertical axis and is located below the skimmer truss. The scum trough has two generally parallel side walls and ramps having leading and trailing edges generally parallel to the scum trough walls. An elongated skimmer is supported by the skimmer truss for rotation with the skimmer truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: B-W Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Eastman
  • Patent number: 5306420
    Abstract: A filter device for a plurality of liquid or gaseous fluid samples containing particles to be filtered, the device comprising a stand, at least one filter, upstream and downstream clamping blocks cooperating wit the filter and designed to be fixed together with an interposed perforated sealing gasket and are configured to be inserted through an opening in the stand, forced filtering mechanism and filtrate evacuation mechanism. The upstream clamping block is a removable independent tank block for enabling pretreating of samples introduced in wells thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Biocom Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Bisconte
  • Patent number: 5296145
    Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical fluid extraction incorporates a removable extraction cartridge which in operation has insignificant pressure difference between its inside and outside walls. In one embodiment, the extractor includes a fraction collector for extractants, an automatic sample changer and an automatic cartridge transfer mechanism which provide completely automated extractions. To automatically perform extraction, valves for the fluids are automatically opened and closed in synchronism with the insertion and removal of the cartridges. These valves force a hard valve element into a softer valve seat with a valve stem that does not rotate significantly under the control of a rotary motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Isco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Allington, Daniel G. Jameson, Robin R. Winter, Dale L. Clay
  • Patent number: 5264126
    Abstract: An improvement is provided in a water or wastewater clarifier drive mechanism to permit access to or removal of the hoop gear assembly without draining the clarifier or disconnecting the drive cage from the pier that supports it. A torque transfer ring is provided to couple the drive cage support to the hoop gear. A plurality of support screws are employed to temporarily support the drive cage support on the drive housing during maintenance operations. With the drive cage support supported on the drive housing, the torque transfer ring may be removed, thereby providing unobstructed access to the hoop gear and bearings for maintenance or replacement. A maintenance platform is also described that is adapted to be temporarily supported by the drive cage support and to provide clearance for removal of the torque transfer ring and the hoop gear or bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Enviroquip, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Shurtleff
  • Patent number: 5252205
    Abstract: A baffle system for use in a clarifier tank having a tank bottom, a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank is formed by a plurality of individual and cooperatively-engageable baffles mounted on the peripheral tank wall. Each baffle includes a panel member that downwardly slopes from the peripheral tank wall toward the interior of the tank and the tank bottom and terminates at a lower ledge disposed in space relation above the tank bottom. A first lateral end of the panel member unitarily carries an end bracket securable to the peripheral wall for supporting the panel member in a cantilevered fashion. The plural baffles are disposed in end-to-end relation about the peripheral tank wall such that the second lateral end of the panel member of each baffle is secured to the end bracket of the next-adjacent baffle whereby each end bracket supports the panel members of each set of two immediately-adjacent baffles on the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Earle Schaller
  • Patent number: 5240609
    Abstract: A device for extracting liquid from sludge which uses a perforate conveyor belt to carry the sludge through the device. A portion of the belt carrying the sludge is supported by a grid support system which includes a series of wear support members. These wear support members each have a rigid body member having an insert wear strip slidably mounted on the rigid body member which can easily be removed from the device without disconnecting the body member from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Enviroquip, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony L. Langley
  • Patent number: 5240607
    Abstract: A filter element adapter assembly is set forth for attaching a linearly extending filter element having a wall structure formed of a filtering material and having first and second end closures, the second end closure having a passageway therethrough and defining a filter element fitting to an attachment structure. The assembly comprises first and second tubular adapters and an insert seal formulated of a material which is softer than the adapters. Large screw threads are provided on the seal and on the portions of the adapters which screw onto the seal. The adapters abut a flange on the seal to provide a leak free arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Radiological & Chemical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger H. Asay, Gordon T. Galbraith
  • Patent number: 5217614
    Abstract: Open frame, inverted-T-shaped trusses are provided between self-supporting clarifier units to support the units in liquid having solids therein flowing in a clarifier basin. In a first embodiment, each truss has three pipes which form part of a longitudinally extending base. A longitudinal spine extends up from the base to a fourth pipe which directly supports an outlet trough. Spaced supports extend transversely to form three-sided corners which receive an end of a clarifier unit. A bar extends between the spaced supports to hold the units in the corners. In a second embodiment, the truss is provided with a closed spine which serves as a head barrier at an inlet end of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Charles L. Meurer
  • Patent number: 5204004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing bacterial contamination from being introduced into a dental patient's mouth from water flowing through a dental tool water line. A flexible water line typically used for supplying water to a dental syringe, high-speed hand piece, or ultrasonic scaler has been found to support and encourage the growth of a significant biofilm that serves as a source of bacteria. To prevent the bacteria from being introduced into a patient's mouth by water flowing through the line, and thus into the patient's system, an in-line water filter is installed within the water line supplying water to the dental tool, at a point adjacent thereto. Conventional Luer fittings on the in-line water filter facilitate its quick installation and replacement. In addition, a cap protects the sterility of the outlet port of the in-line water filter during the installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Simon E. Johnston, Anna M. Johnston, Jeffrey F. Williams
  • Patent number: 5202022
    Abstract: Disclosed is a porous filter support plate of the kind used in traveling bridge filters for the support of granular filter media used in the filtration of waste water, industrial liquors or baths, or for filtration of potable water in a water purification system. The support plates are formed of porous, heat-fusible materials, for example, a thermoplastic organic material, joined together by heat-fused butt joints and/or reinforced by vertical zones which extend vertically through the plates in which the material has been brought to a molten state and is pressed together to form a dense, solid, non-porous mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Joseph E. Ferri
  • Patent number: 5200068
    Abstract: A controlled charge chromatography column for the purification of a fluid-containing material, which column comprises a chromatographic column having an inlet for the introduction of a fluid to be purified and an outlet for the discharge of the purified fluid, and one or more concentrated materials and a flow-through capacitor disposed within the column between the inlet and outlet, the flow-through capacitor means comprising a plurality of spirally wound or stacked washer layers to include a first electrically conductive backing layer, such as of graphite, and a first high surface area conductive layer secured to the backing layer, such as composed of porous carbon fibers and a non-conductive, porous spacer layer to electrically insulate the backing and conductive layer and to permit the flow of material therethrough, the flow-through capacitor to be connected to a DC power source to charge the respective conductive layers with different polarities whereby a fluid containing material through the colum is pur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Marc D. Andelman
  • Patent number: 5200079
    Abstract: A circular clarifier includes a skimmer assembly mounted on a rotatable arm of the clarifier. The skimmer assembly includes a parallelogram linkage having a pair of end links pivotably connected between upper and lower intermediate links. The skimmer blade is mounted to one of the end links to skim the liquid containing volume of the clarifier. The parallelogram linkage is mounted to the rotating arm by a support assembly at upper and lower pivot connections. These pivot connections are positioned at central portions of the respective intermediate links such that both of the intermediate links extend outwardly on both sides of the respective pivot connection. Either a counterweight or a floatation element is mounted to the parallelogram linkage to bias the linkage for rotation about the pivot connections to position the skimmer blade in an upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: McNish Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Schwartz, Donald C. Vock
  • Patent number: 5196115
    Abstract: A controlled charge chromatography column for the purification of a fluid containing materials, which column comprises a chromatographic column having an inlet for the introduction of a fluid to be purified and an outlet for the discharge of the purified fluid, and one or more concentrated materials and a flow-through capacitor disposed within the column between the inlet and the outlet, the flow-through capacitor means comprising a plurality of spirally wound, spaced apart layers to include a first electrically conductive backing layer, such as of graphite, and a first high surface area conductive layer secured to the backing layer, such as composed of porous carbon fibers and a non-conductive, porous spacer layer to electrically insulate the backing and conductive layer and to permit the flow of material therethrough, the flow-through capacitor to be connected to a DC power source to charge the respective conductive layers with different polarities whereby a fluid containing material through the column is p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Marc D. Andelman
  • Patent number: 5194155
    Abstract: A clarifier having a flocculating well is provided with two concentric drive cages: an outer drive cage that drives flocculation blades in rotation, and an inner drive cage that drives sludge collection arms across the base of the clarifier. Each drive cage is connected to a respective annular output gear, and each output gear is driven by a respective drive gear. The output gears are stacked one above the other, and each of the drive gears is connected to a respective speed reduction unit situated above the upper of the two output gears. The drive gear for the lower output gear is connected to the respective speed reduction unit by a drive shaft which passes through the upper output gear. Each of the speed reduction units is driven by a respective motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: McNish Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5194156
    Abstract: An improved faucet having a quick disconnect adapter, fitting for connecting a sink faucet, to a water purifier which has a body (22) defining three passageways for receiving and retaining three jointly sheathed resilient tubes. Each passageway has a separate function, i.e., supplying water to the purifier receiving and dumping overflow and metering waste flow. The tubes are held in place on a side connector (28) with a tube retainer (72). A quick-disconnect assembly attaches the fitting to the faucet adapter and includes a sleeve (50) with inwardly facing jaws (56) and a retracting collar (66) with a compression spring (68) permitting manual release or attachment by withdrawal of the jaws. A two-position valve (82) provides volume control for the waste flow and allows periodical flushing of deposits from the purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Tomchak, Sigfrid A.