Level Sensing Patents (Class 210/744)
  • Patent number: 8206594
    Abstract: A novel system and method for fluid management for accurate continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CWH) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The fluid management or CWH system is automated and configured for operation as a stand alone unit and can be easily integrated with an ECMO system. The fluid management system is capable of producing either perfect or negative fluid balance between ultrafiltrate removal and replacement fluid delivery. The fluid management system can achieve electrolyte replacement over a range of flow rates needed to care for patients ranging from neonates to adults. Finally, the novel fluid management system preserves patient safety, maintains sterility during operation, is easy to operate, and is compact enough to fit near a patient's bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Emoery University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Fortenberry, Ajit P. Yoganathan, Philippe Sucosky, Lakshmi Prasad Dasi, Matthew L. Paden
  • Patent number: 8196596
    Abstract: A method for tracking a pollution source in process water is presented. Firstly, variation curves of drain water drained from different rinsing tanks are respectively obtained, and a water quality concentration of the drain water drained to a buffer tank is detected, so as to output a water quality variation curve. Then, an analytical comparison is performed on each drain water amount variation curve and the water quality variation curve within a same time interval, so as to output an analytical result of each flow of drain water in a range exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. In this manner, the drain water that exceeds the predetermined water quality standard can be tracked in real-time according to the analytical result, thereby quickly improving the process for discharging the drain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Ching-Yi Hsu, Chen-Hua Chu, Meng-Chun Huang
  • Publication number: 20120138544
    Abstract: A device for dissolving a solid chemical substance in water to obtain an aqueous solution, said device comprising: a container having a collection portion for containing the solution and a charging chamber designed to contain the substance; and a liquid-dispersing unit for directing a jet of water onto the substance; the device further comprises a feeding unit for feeding water to the collection portion from a hydraulic circuit and a discharging unit for conveying the solution from the container to the hydraulic circuit; the discharging unit being designed to feed the solution to the hydraulic circuit in a substantially continuous way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Corrado Barani
  • Patent number: 8192632
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating an aqueous phase from an oil phase of an oil-water mixture (6), which has a pressurized dewatering system (14) having multiphase separation profiles (15). According to the invention, it is essential that the pressurized dewatering system (14) operates in a plurality of stages. In addition, the invention relates to an apparatus (8) for carrying out the process of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Michael, Eberhard Runge
  • Patent number: 8133394
    Abstract: Wastewater can be purified in a device, which includes a cup-shaped vessel, having a wastewater inlet tube for the water at a certain level and an outlet tube at a lower level than the inlet tube, and a horizontal distribution disc, which vertically divides the vessel, has at least one opening and is provided with a substantially vertical distribution tube for receiving the water from the inlet tube. Water above the distribution disc is pumped through a filter head with a filter. Filtered water is let out through the outlet tube, whereas unfiltered water is transferred back to the distribution tube. Flocculation agent is added to the unfiltered water before reaching the distribution tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: B G Consulting HB
    Inventor: Bert Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20120055883
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe components to be utilized on the design, management and implementation of a wastewater treatment system. Said wastewater treatment system may include containers that, for example, may be consistent with ISO specifications for intermodal containers. In some embodiments, these containers act in concert to perform the same wastewater management function (e.g., the containers may function together as equalization basins). In other embodiments, said containers may each perform a separate function (e.g., some containers may function as an aeration tank while others container may function as a membrane basin), or may each perform a plurality of functions. Furthermore, said containers may form an independent wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), or may be utilized to augment a pre-existing WWTP (e.g., a WWTP according to the prior art).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: BLUE ARRAY, LLC
    Inventors: James Phillip Reilly, Victoria Ann Jelderks
  • Publication number: 20120043282
    Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus includes a first reservoir for storing waste water interconnected to a second reservoir to receive and store treated water from the first reservoir upon activation of a pump. Operating the waste water treatment apparatus includes receiving waste water in the first reservoir, pumping the waste water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir, filtering the waste water from the first reservoir creating treated water prior to being received in the second reservoir, and using the treated water for cleansing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Jerome Przecop
  • Patent number: 8114296
    Abstract: A method and device for removing floated matter such as sludge located near the surface of a fluid body is contemplated that employs pneumatic force to remove the floated matter. The contemplated device employs pneumatic force for lifting and blowing the floated matter into an inlet channel. The device is configured to provide substantially uniform airflow across the inlet channel. The inlet channel of the device may also include an adjustable section which allows airflow velocity along the channel to be controlled in a periodic fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Fang Chao
  • Patent number: 8114298
    Abstract: A device, system and method are provided for treating water, in which a water treating agent is prepared and dispensed to an untreated drinking water source in discrete and consecutive control volumes enabling untreated water in the untreated water source to be treated thereby to provide potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Bromine Compounds Ltd., WDT-Werner Dosiertechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Theodore Fishler, David Feldman, Dietmar Werner
  • Patent number: 8091572
    Abstract: A method for tracking a pollution source in process water is presented. Firstly, variation curves of drain water drained from different rinsing tanks are respectively obtained, and a water quality concentration of the drain water drained to a buffer tank is detected, so as to output a water quality variation curve. Then, an analytical comparison is performed on each drain water amount variation curve and the water quality variation curve within a same time interval, so as to output an analytical result of each flow of drain water in a range exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. In this manner, the drain water that exceeds the predetermined water quality standard can be tracked in real-time according to the analytical result, thereby quickly improving the process for discharging the drain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Ching-Yi Hsu, Chen-Hua Chu, Meng-Shun Huang
  • Patent number: 8080164
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald de Strulle
  • Patent number: 8075783
    Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: AquaFiber Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
  • Patent number: 8075785
    Abstract: A separation device for removing solids from an input stream is provided, comprising a vessel, such as a production vessel or storage tank, having an inlet for receiving an input stream containing fluids, such as oil and water, and solids, such as sand and silt. The vessel also includes a fluid outlet and a drain outlet. An optional fluid recirculation and injection device is mounted inside the vessel and delivers fluid to facilitate removal of the solids through the drain outlet. The vessel also includes an agitation or flighted device mounted adjacent to the drain outlet for contacting and dislodging solids which have settled within the vessel. The agitation device includes a rotatable shaft driven by a motor, and an agitation element, such as an auger, to break up the solids and move them toward the drain outlet. A method of removing solids is also provided using the auger device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Omni Energy Services Corp.
    Inventors: Andy Dufrene, Joey Jacob, Vincent Spekschate, Eddie Boudreaux, Brian Fontenot
  • Patent number: 8070963
    Abstract: A method for purifying fluids and a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank includes: a perforated plate spaced from an upper and of the sedimentation tank dividing the sedimentation tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; an inlet adapted to inlet fluid into the tank; a first outlet, positioned above the perforated plate for outletting a clarified fraction of the fluid; a second outlet positioned at a bottom of the tank, for outletting a concentrated sludge fraction of the fluid; a pump; and a washing mechanism, positioned at least partially above the perforated plate; wherein the pump is adapted to provide a washing fluid to the washing mechanism when a level of fluid in the sedimentation tank is below a predefined level; and wherein the washing mechanism washes an upper surface of the perforated plate by the washing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Odis Irrigation Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Vladimir Bomze
  • Patent number: 8067194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and hydrolysis tank for enzymatic hydrolysis of raw materials containing collagen and proteins to produce the three layers: a top layer containing fat, a mid-layer comprising water soluble constituents and denatured collagen, and a non-soluble bottom layer comprising bones and non-soluble proteins. These layers are separated and the second layer is further separated by cooling for a time period sufficient to form two layers: a bottom layer containing partially or wholly set collagen, and a liquid top layer containing the remaining water soluble proteins which are removed. The other is heated until it becomes liquid. The hydrolysis tank comprises a turnable stirring mechanism, a device for heat exchange and a reversible screw that is arranged in the bottom of the tank. A clearing sump for separation of collagen, includes an inlet for supply of hydrolysate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Wahl Process Systems AS
    Inventor: Tony Wahl
  • Publication number: 20110278234
    Abstract: A liquid separator including a vessel 172, an inlet 174, a first outlet 176, a second outlet 178, a regulating mechanism 180, and a removal mechanism 182, 184, 199. Within the vessel liquid separates into a lower density fraction floating atop a denser fraction. The inlet receives the liquid into the vessel. The first outlet conveys the denser fraction from the vessel. The second outlet is positioned above the first outlet to convey the floating lower density fraction from the vessel. The regulating mechanism 180 regulates the pressure at the first outlet. The removal mechanism 182, 184, 199 includes one or more sensors 184, to sense the floating lower density fraction at a first predetermined level above the first outlet, and is responsive to the sensor(s) to remove the floating lower density fraction from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: MOFFAT PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Eaton Willett
  • Patent number: 8057685
    Abstract: A solid separator that uses a rotating screen, having spiral guides at its outer portion, over which a plurality of spiral-shaped scrapers are suspended. An inlet distributor including a plurality of apertures distributes a contaminated liquid flow over the screen, when rotated, permits the scrapers and guides to drive the deposited debris towards an outer edge of the screen and up a slight conical ramp and into a debris discharge sump. A level sensor may be included above the screen to activate the screen rotation based on the level of the contaminated liquid flow above the screen. An alternative embodiment uses individual scraper supports having respective jack mechanisms that permit the operator to independently lift and even rotate each scraper for additional cleaning or service. The alternative embodiment uses an assembly of two screens having an outer portion that also includes a slight conical ramp having spiral guides thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: David A. Laing
  • Publication number: 20110253637
    Abstract: A method of sanitizing water contained in a spa is provided which comprises installing a chlorine generating cell including a diamond electrode in a filter compartment of the spa, employing a resin-filled calcium remover bag to reduce the hardness of the water, adding salt to the water; and operating the chlorine generating cell to generate chlorine and other sanitizing agents for sanitizing the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Michael McCague
  • Patent number: 8038889
    Abstract: A screen cleaning apparatus for use, for example, in connection with a discharge conduit of a sewage pumping station, may include a housing, a screen, a rake and a float. The housing may operate to contain a fluid (and/or define a container for the other components) and include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The screen may be positioned in the housing and define one or more apertures. The rake may also be positioned in the housing and have one or more protrusions, with each protrusion extending into a respective aperture in the screen. The float may apply a force to the rake so that the rake moves relative to the screen and in dependence upon variations of a volume of fluid received in the housing. Accordingly, the rake may rise and fall will the fluid level to remove debris from the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Samatrix Limited
    Inventor: Samuel Munn
  • Publication number: 20110215053
    Abstract: Fluid processing apparatuses and systems are disclosed. In some embodiments the fluid processing apparatuses include a movable enclosure, a plurality of filter housings disposed substantially within the movable enclosure, and a stand disposed within the enclosure. The filter housings are in fluid communication with one another. Each filter housing defines an elongate path and is configured to support a respective filter along the elongate flow path to filter a substantially continuous flow of fluid. The stand supports each filter housing such that the elongate flow path of each filter housing is substantially parallel to a vertical axis, wherein each filter housing is independently rotatable, relative to the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Saeed H. Mohseni, Deepak Mahulikar
  • Patent number: 7993526
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering of effluents through the use of automated optimization using feedback control. The method and apparatus for feedback control optimizes dewatering processes for any water cleansing process that uses retention and/or flocculation aids (e.g., polymers) to impact endpoint water clarity. Disclosed implementations include processing using dissolved air flotation (DAF) and sludge cake formation. The methodology includes real-time monitoring of turbidity and incremental control of polymer to manage changes to turbidity/suspended solids due to operating parameters such as temperature, chemical variations, and mechanical influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: James M. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20110168643
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a liquid containing impurities may include a filtering chamber configured to permit granular media to interact with liquid containing impurities, thereby removing impurities from the liquid to produce filtrate; a filtrate section for receiving the filtrate; a gas supplying system for delivering gas to the granular media in the filtering chamber for transport of a portion of the granular media to a granular media washer; a reject section in fluid communication with the granular media washer for receiving a reject mixture comprising liquid and impurities from the granular media washer; and a control unit that is configured to determine whether the portion of the granular media is being transported properly based on an amount of reject mixture in the reject section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Adrian STRENG, Brett H. BOYD
  • Publication number: 20110168637
    Abstract: A water softening system including a first treatment tank having a first water capacity, a second treatment tank in parallel with the first treatment tank and having a second water capacity that is less than the first water capacity, a flow meter connected to the first and second treatment tanks, the flow meter configured to determine a demand flow rate of water entering the system and a controller in communication with the flow meter, the controller configured to direct the water into the first treatment tank when the demand flow rate is greater than a designated flow rate, and to direct the water into the second treatment tank when the demand flow rate is equal to or less than the designated flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Culligan International Company
    Inventor: Kerry Quinn
  • Publication number: 20110168641
    Abstract: A method and a computer program product performs a backwash process, which facilitates a reduction in a reject rate associated with a water treatment tank. A determination is made as to whether or not the water treatment tank is in need of a backwash process, and if so, the following functions are performed. An upper burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a first airlift path at a first position and at a first point in time, at a bottom portion of the water treatment tank. A lower burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a second airlift path at a second position and at a second point in time, at a bottom portion of the water treatment tank, the second position being below the first position and the second point in time being after the first point in time. The airlift flow in the first and second airlift paths enables suitable water flow within the water treatment tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Brett H. BOYD, Russell L. Cook, Adrian Streng
  • Publication number: 20110139725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment apparatus for treating pool water, and in particular swimming pool water, with a halogen derivative, the treatment apparatus comprising production means for producing said halogen derivative by electrolysis from an aqueous solution containing a halogen salt, and measurement means for measuring the concentration of halogen derivative in the pool, wherein the treatment apparatus further comprises: regulation means for regulating the production of the halogen derivative and making it possible to vary the speed and the duration of production of the halogen derivative; processor means for processing data obtained by the measurement means and making it possible to cause the regulation means to follow a regulation profile for regulating the speeds and durations of production of the halogen derivative as a function of the concentration of said halogen derivative in the pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: PACIFIC INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Zbigniew STADNICKI
  • Publication number: 20110137465
    Abstract: A method that can be used in a portable system and apparatus to effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject method is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Jerome F. Angelilli, Patrick D. Guccione, Billy E. Pierce, Daniel Wai-tak Wong, John H. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110089120
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method for processing fluid captured from a vehicle surface to provide a desired fluid product. The system includes sensors and control circuitry to determine system fluid volume levels and/or the ambient temperature of the system to safeguard the system against non-requested activation or deactivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: James K. Weigle, Ben A. Hammock, II, Robert Tupper
  • Publication number: 20110084030
    Abstract: A method of monitoring sodium hypochlorite usage, which includes providing a chemical system comprising: a tank of known capacity mounted upon a scale, the scale being capable of generating a series of signals related to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill; and a system controller for receiving the series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill; inputting into the system controller the series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill with sodium hypochlorite; inputting into the system controller a concentration of the sodium hypochlorite upon filling of the tank; tracking an age of the sodium hypochlorite within the tank to obtain a percent concentrate of sodium hypochlorite; and displaying usage of sodium hypochlorite on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: FORCE FLOW
    Inventors: Mark B. NELSON, Michael Townsend, Michael Ray Donn, John Galloway
  • Patent number: 7922915
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including carbon dioxide gas injection means for injecting a carbon dioxide gas into wastewater which takes place during silicon processing to obtain raw wastewater to be treated; a wastewater tank; a filter membrane through which the raw wastewater is filtered; a liquid forwarding pump which forwards the raw wastewater to the filter membrane; and circulation/forwarding control means which can forward concentrated water and/or filtered water to the wastewater tank and which can regulate the pH of the raw wastewater to 4.0 to 6.5 to forward this wastewater to the filter membrane, when the amount of the raw wastewater present in the wastewater tank is below a reference amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., NGK Filtech, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Kosaka
  • Publication number: 20110042323
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning oil spills from the surface of a body of water involves deploying a plurality of remotely guided self-propelled floating liquid hydrocarbons collection and separation apparatus, floating liquid hydrocarbons retention booms and floating liquid hydrocarbons storage devices, moving the liquid hydrocarbons boom to contain the liquid hydrocarbons, moving the liquid hydrocarbons collection and separation apparatus by remote guidance into the contained liquid hydrocarbons and operating the apparatus to separate the liquid hydrocarbons from the water, and pumping the separated liquid hydrocarbons into the floating liquid hydrocarbons storage devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Myron Sullivan, II
  • Publication number: 20110036779
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicants: Residual Process Equipment, LLC d/b/a, Residual Processing and Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Bias, Brian Ross
  • Publication number: 20110036783
    Abstract: A system for controlling discharges of untreated water from a Combined Sewer System carrying rainwater and sewage from a drainage basin and having a Combined Sewage Overflow for discharging untreated material comprises the following: at least one cistern located within the drainage basin served by the Combined Sewer System, the cistern being positioned to capture rainwater that is collected from a portion of the drainage basin, the cistern having a drainage outlet for discharging water into the Combined Sewer System, the drainage outlet having a control valve positioned to control water flow through the drainage outlet, and the cistern also having an overflow outlet configured to discharge rainwater in the event that the cistern contains an amount of water approaching its capacity; a detector for obtaining data that correlates with water being discharged through the Combined Sewage Overflow; and a transmitter for remotely controlling the control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Bart Chezar
  • Patent number: 7887872
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for separating impurities from the machine circulation of a processing agent of a processing station used in processing paper or board, in which method the processing agent is led from a reservoir (1) to the processing station (2), where it is spread on the surface of the web being processed, and the excess processing agent led to the processing station (2) agent is led back to the reservoir (1). The flow of processing agent coming from the processing station (2) is led to at least one pressure sieve (6), which is located below the level of the processing station (2), in such a way that the feed pressure of the processing agent is created on the basis of the difference in height between the station (2) and the pressure sieve (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Markku Viitanen, Ilkka Roitto
  • Patent number: 7879240
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a liquid, particularly for aerating water in a wastewater treatment process, by: introducing the liquid into a primary pressurizable aeration tank; pumping liquid from the primary pressurizable aeration tank into a secondary pressurizable aeration chamber via a feed path; aerating the liquid in the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber; and recirculating aerated liquid from the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber back to the primary pressurizable aeration tank via a return path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jeremy Weissman
  • Publication number: 20110011807
    Abstract: A device and a method for operating a fuel filter (1) with a diaphragm (16) for cleaning water separated from the fuel, comprising a collecting chamber (9) for the water geodetically arranged at the bottom in a housing (2) of the fuel filter (1), are proposed, comprising at least one sensor (10, 11) each for the maximum (10) and for the minimum (11) water level in the collecting chamber (9), by means of which a valve (13) for discharging the water from the collecting chamber (9) arranged between the collecting chamber (9) and a water purification device (14) containing the diaphragm (16) is controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Micke, Holger Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7871525
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: NBE, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Clifford, III, John Mills, Greg Stadden, Michael S. Gratz
  • Patent number: 7871526
    Abstract: A method of separating a hydrocarbon multiphase fluid mixture. The method comprises an application step in which the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) is applied to a separator that separates by gravity the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) into a liquid layer and a gas layer. The method further comprises an extraction step, a liquid-level measurement step, a level-based adjustment step, a parameter measurement step, and a parameter-based adjustment step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Allouche
  • Patent number: 7867336
    Abstract: Vibrators, each comprising an electric motor having an eccentric weight on its rotating shaft, are adhesively secured to the bottoms of the wastewater holding tanks of a recreational vehicle, to aid in flushing the tanks by dislodging solid debris from the inside walls and bottoms of the tanks and from the electrodes of the liquid level sensors in the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: George E. Zanolli
  • Publication number: 20110000859
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for level control in a fluid purification apparatus. The apparatuses and methods include a fluid purification apparatus and a level sensor that regulates operation of the fluid purification apparatus. The level sensor may further operate a bypass valve or a heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Next Generation Filtration Systems, LP
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Geiger
  • Patent number: 7862730
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from water, the system including an inlet for receiving a fluid, the fluid including a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, and a separation tank having a first partition and a second partition, wherein the first partition is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. Furthermore, the system includes a first outlet configured to receive the water phase from the first partition, a second outlet configured to receive the hydrocarbon phase from the second partition, and a support structure configured to receive the water phase from the first outlet and the hydrocarbon phase from the second outlet. Also, a method of separating a fluid into a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, the method including injecting the fluid containing the water phase and the hydrocarbon phase into a separation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Greg McEwen, Joe Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7854849
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inline, controlled water separation from a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream. The method includes the steps of directing the multiphase hydrocarbon production stream to a gas/liquid separator in order to separate into a gas stream and a liquid stream. The level of liquid in the gas/liquid separator is monitored and controlled. The liquid stream removed from the gas/liquid separator is directed to an enlarged pipe section in order to separate into an oil portion and a water portion. The level of the oil portion in the enlarged pipe section is monitored and controlled. The water portion from the enlarged pipe section is directed to a liquid-liquid cyclone centrifugal separator in order to separate into a water stream and a hydrocarbon concentrated stream. The water stream from the liquid cyclone centrifugal separator is directed to at least one de-oiling hydrocyclone separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Multiphase Systems Integration
    Inventors: Shoubo Wang, Luis Gomez, Ram Mohan, Ovadia Shoham
  • Patent number: 7854850
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that enable the control of a screening operation based on a calculated screen blockage percentage and the velocity throughput of the screen. The apparatus includes an upstream level detector, a downstream level detector and a flow determining device which determines the volumetric flow through the screen. The apparatus may further include a blockage determination unit which determines the percent screen blockage based on the flow level upstream of the screen, the flow level downstream of the screen and the volumetric flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: JWC Environmental
    Inventors: Scott Kelly, Kenneth Oyler, James Burke
  • Publication number: 20100314328
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are described for pool water replenishment to desired levels. One embodiment (FIG. 1) depicts a skimmer basket chamber (22) with a skimmer basket (14) inside, designed with a latitudinal mounting plate (26/28) for supporting a fluid controller such as a toilet fill valve (10). The replenishment of pool water to desired levels is accomplished by making adjustments to the fluid controller, which opens when water levels become sufficiently low allowing water to be added from a fluid supply conduit (18) that is routed through a lateral water overflow tube (17) and attached to a reliable water supply source. All embodiments have distinct advantages over prior art that are achieved by utilizing simple and efficient methods and apparatus, designed to provide convenient, safe, reliable, low cost and inconspicuous installation and operation. Many ramifications are described for the mounting of fluid controllers and the routing of water supply conduit (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: John Joseph Bizon
  • Patent number: 7846340
    Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device. The electrochemical device of the water treatment system is operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Evgeniya Freydina, Anil D. Jha, Frederick Wilkins, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan
  • Publication number: 20100282687
    Abstract: A petroleum from oil/water mixtures extraction method for use as an adjunct to current stationary active second containment methods for industrial oil spill accidents, and as an adjunct to currently used equipment for residual oil removal in clean-out measures for, among others: canal barges, hazmat trucks, oil storage tanks, oil tankers, oil transportation railroad cars, river barges, as an on-board separation system for petroleum based bilge, and in coastal and inland waterways clean-up from oil spill accidents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Charles ABRAHAM
  • Patent number: 7824554
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and shutting down a part-time wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The wastewater treatment system has a water input to receive an influent flow of wastewater to be treated, a water output to discharge treated clean water effluent, and a water treatment capacity volume. An effluent external tank receives the clean water effluent and has a size greater than or equal to the capacity volume. Influent flow of wastewater is terminated. Clean water effluent is pumped through a fluid pathway from the effluent external tank to the water input. A sufficient volume of clean water effluent is passed through the wastewater treatment system to complete treatment of the wastewater within the wastewater treatment system, purge wastewater from the wastewater treatment system, and fill the wastewater treatment system with clean water effluent. The wastewater treatment system is thus prepared to be shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Water Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Rusnack, Stephen D. Allen
  • Publication number: 20100270243
    Abstract: A method and system for creating a filter mat on a filter belt to achieve the best possible purification efficiency/particle reduction, and at the same time as the actual supplied fluid amount is processed. The system includes means for measuring supplied fluid amount, at any time, and the level in an inlet chamber, which information is used to control the filter belt to achieve maximal purification efficiency/particle reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: SALSNES FILTER AS
    Inventor: Ivar Solvi
  • Publication number: 20100254868
    Abstract: A system and method (60) for a purifying a fluid (such as air or water) containing contaminants includes removing the contaminants from the fluid (70) using a capturing device, such as an adsorbent and/or a particle filter. The contaminants may include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microorganisms. The method (60) further includes generating ozone molecules using an ozone generating device (62). An ozone decomposition device is used to decompose at least a portion of the ozone molecules into oxygen and oxygen radicals (68). The captured contaminants (VOCs and microorganisms) react with the oxygen radicals and the ozone molecules to denature the contaminants (72), rendering them less harmful than the original contaminants in the fluid. In some cases, the contaminants may be reduced to carbon dioxide and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy N. Obee, Stephen O. Hay, Susan D. Brandes, Leland G. Brandes, Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Wayde R. Schmidt, Norberto O. Lemcoff
  • Publication number: 20100243561
    Abstract: A local sewage processing unit is provided that receives sewage from a local source of sewage, extracts water from the received sewage that is suitable for re-use and includes a pump that is configured to pump sewage from a receiving section of the local sewage processing unit into a pressure sewer network, as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Alan CREFFIELD, Andrew Moore, Stephen Watt
  • Publication number: 20100230365
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a body of water in a sanitized condition with use of a halogen and a source of silver ions wherein the halogen is maintained at 50% to 75% less than a recommended halogen level for maintaining the body of water in a sanitized condition by adding a compound containing a hydantoin ring to a recreational body of water containing a halogen and a source of metal ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: John Hill, Joseph A. King