Utilizing Ozone Patents (Class 210/760)
  • Patent number: 7381338
    Abstract: A method and system treat ballast-water with ozone without release of detrimental off-gas into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Nutech 03, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes van Leeuwen, Michael D. Jennings, Richard A. Mueller, Jack H. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7381337
    Abstract: The invention is a formulation for remedial additives to be introduced into environmental medium, where the formulation is designed to reduce unwanted movement through the environmental medium. The formulation includes an inorganic thickening agent to adjust viscosity and a diluent, in addition to components for chemical and/or bioremediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Lessard Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence H. Lessard
  • Publication number: 20080116149
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the disinfection of irrigation water. Irrigation water is exposed to ozone, which disinfects and flocculates the water for improved removal of bacterial contamination. One or more ozone generators produce ozone gas that is injected into the flow of irrigation water at one or more points in an irrigation water treatment system. The ozone may be hyper concentrated, and the mixing of ozone and water may be optimized so that the maximum amount of water is exposed to a concentration of ozone that is high enough to disinfect the water over the period of contact. Ozonated water is then delivered to farm fields. No harmful residues remain in the water or soil after treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Paul H. Dick, Michael Weber, Robert L. Cooke, Ram Prasad, Mukund Dusey
  • Patent number: 7347944
    Abstract: A method for making super-oxygenated and structured water that includes receiving water from a source, preconditioning the water for electrolysis, performing electrolysis on the preconditioned water to produce alkaline water, combining the alkaline water with oxygen, spinning the alkaline water/oxygen combination, outputting super-oxygenated, tuned and structured water, receiving the super-oxygenated and structured water into a coil system and passing the water therethrough, combining water output by the coil system with structured ozone, inputting the combined water and structured ozone to a multicoil system and passing the water therethrough and outputting super-oxygenated, tuned and structured water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: David Bagley
  • Publication number: 20080067136
    Abstract: In a first treatment step part of at least one difficulty biodegradable or non-biodegradable organic compound is oxidized in polluted water by bringing said polluted water into contact with an ozone containing gas. The effluent is subsequently diluted with an aqueous liquid before a second treatment with ozone is carried out. If the concentration of the organic compound is still not sufficiently low, the treated effluent is diluted again and subjected to a further treatment with ozone. It was found that a more effective ozone treatment was obtained by the dilution or dilutions and that in particular no pH control was needed, so that no formation of additional salts occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicants: RECTICEL, I.G.A.S. BVBA
    Inventors: Alain Neyt, Luc Wouters
  • Patent number: 7344640
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention enable efficient and appropriate treatment of Urban Water Runoff, so that the treated Urban water Runoff can be can be introduced into public waterways without contaminating such waterways. The system apparatus utilizes adsorptive Organoclay media, mechanical filtration and ultraviolet sterilization. The methods and apparatus of the present invention remove contaminants from Urban Water Runoff to a level which enable the resulting effluent to meet appropriate standards for introducing the treated Urban water Runoff in to public waterways. The method and apparatus of water treatment of the present invention does not utilize chlorine containing compounds which, when combined with organic compounds can produce THM's that can become problematic when re-introduced to the downstream environment. The systems of the present invention can be made sufficiently compact so as to enable their use in remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Clear Creek Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Timothy Gannon, Joseph Charles Gannon
  • Publication number: 20080061006
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new form of reactive ozone and techniques for producing nanobubble suspensions of the reactive ozone. The bubbles entrap a high concentration of ozone, with the ozone orienting a net negative charge outwards and a net positive charge inwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7335304
    Abstract: Methods for treating aqueous effluent, which include reducing sludge formation during the biological treatment of an aqueous effluent. The sludge formation is reduced by injecting an ozone containing gas into an aeration tank which contains the effluent. The affluent is in contact with microorganisms in the tank at least once during the method. The ozone containing gas contains at least 2.5 mg of ozone per liter of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Philippe Campo, Jérôme Cluzeau, Christian Jalbert
  • Patent number: 7332095
    Abstract: An oxidation process is described which involves subjecting a feedstock which contains oxidizable material to temperature, pressure and contact with an oxidant. Excess water and volatile oxidation products, such as carbon dioxide, formic acid and acetic acid, are removed in the vapor phase. A catalyst may be employed to increase the rate of reaction. Preferred catalysts include the transition metal ions. Advantageously, the process may be operated in a continuous manner wherein the feedstock is continuously introduced into a reactor and a vapor phase containing volatile oxidation products continuously removed. The process is particularly applicable to the treatment of consumer and industrial waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Victoria Link Limited
    Inventors: James Howard Johnston, Peter Thomas Northcote, Michael James Richardson
  • Patent number: 7323149
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilizing supplemental ozone treatment for ensuring sterility of instrument cleaning systems. By flushing ozonated water through the components of a cleaning system, the persistent problem of contamination of cleaner chambers, pipes or lines, and filters or banks of filters is effectively prevented. Thus, the integrity of sterilized instruments, such as lumened medical instruments, is more reliably achieved and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Langford IC Sysstems, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence R. Langford
  • Patent number: 7320756
    Abstract: A process for treatment of water via membrane separation equipment. A feedwater is maintained or adjusted to a pH of 4.3 or lower, and fed to a membrane separation system. In this manner, species such as TOC become more ionized, and (a) their rejection by the membrane separation process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Passage TOC through the membrane is significantly reduced. A recovery ratio of eighty percent (80%) or higher is achievable with most feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of the membrane separation equipment. The method is particularly useful for the preparation of high purity water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Debasish Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 7320759
    Abstract: A sludge treatment method allowing an improvement in a phosphorus recovery rate and sludge volume reduction by efficiently eluting phosphorus in the sludge. The sludge treatment method includes: a step of foaming a sludge-containing liquid by blowing an ozone-containing gas into the sludge-containing liquid; and a step of eluting phosphorus in the sludge-containing liquid by bringing sludge adsorbed on bubbles and a sludge-dissolving agent into contact with each other. The sludge treatment method may further include the steps of: separating the phosphorus eluted sludge-containing liquid into a phosphorus eluate and a residual sludge; and precipitating a phosphorus compound by adding a coagulant to the separated phosphorus eluate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Toshiyuki Kamiya, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Publication number: 20080011688
    Abstract: A method for treating contaminates includes emitting plural streams of a fluid into a soil formation with the streams having different radii of influences in different directions. A direction microporous diffuser includes a holder member having plural compartments and plural hollow, elongated members having porous sidewalls, the plural hollow, elongated members supported in the plural compartments of the holder member with each hollow, elongated member including a an inlet port at a first end of the elongated member and second end of the elongated member being sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Publication number: 20080000844
    Abstract: The inventive technology relates, in various embodiments, to novel wastewater heat systems, novel wastewater dosing systems, novel gas bubbling systems, novel flow control systems, novel disinfection systems, novel wastewater conveyance systems, and novel portable wastewater treatment systems, each of which may enhance the wastewater treatment process and its applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Brown Ralph
  • Patent number: 7309432
    Abstract: A system and method for the treatment and reduction of sludge via ozonation in a wastewater treatment process is disclosed. The sludge treatment system comprises: a sludge ozonation reactor coupled to an activated sludge treatment basin and adapted to receive a liquid stream of sludge containing biosolids from the activated sludge treatment basin. The sludge treatment system also includes an ozone-enriched gas injection system operatively coupled to the reactor and adapted to inject ozone-enriched gas into the liquid stream at or upstream of the sludge ozonation reactor. The sludge ozonation reactor is configured to allow effective gas-liquid contacting between the ozone-enriched gas and the liquid stream so as to oxidize the biosolids in the liquid stream and initiate bacterial cell lysis thereby reducing the biosolids. Upon reduction of the biosolids, the liquid stream is returned via a return line to the activated sludge basin or other discharge point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Ezekiel Fabiyi, Richard A. Novak
  • Publication number: 20070284310
    Abstract: A method and system for treating a distilled ethanol or alcoholic spirit wherein the spirit is contacted with ozone and granular activated carbon in sequence to provide an ozonated distilled spirit product of improved purity, aroma, taste or character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Johannes van Leeuwen, Rick Wood, Jacek A. Koziel
  • Publication number: 20070284316
    Abstract: A cooling water reforming method of the invention includes making ozone micro/nanobubbles contained in cooling water in a cooling tower. A cooling apparatus of the invention includes an ozone micro/nanobubble generation section for generating ozone micro/nanobubbles in cooling water in a cooling tower so as to make ozone micro/nanobubbles contained in the cooling water. The ozone micro/nanobubble generation section includes an ozone generator for generating ozone, and a micro/nanobubble generator for generating ozone micro/nanobubbles in the cooling water by using the ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Masaki Kataoka, Kazumi Chuhjoh, Shiroh Imazu
  • Patent number: 7294278
    Abstract: A method and apparatus creates gas-enriched fluid that is used to treat wastewater. In one embodiment, the wastewater is withdrawn from a supply of wastewater to be treated, and the wastewater is delivered in an atomized manner to a vessel pressurized with gas to form gas-enriched wastewater. The gas-enriched wastewater is then delivered to the supply of wastewater to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignees: Wayne State University, TherOx, Inc., DynamOx, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Richard Spears, Richard Crilly, Ray Rydman, James Gessert, Steve Myrick
  • Patent number: 7279104
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating domestic and industrial biological waste using diffusers to force circulation and aerate a treatment lagoon. Several lagoons may be used in series to treat raw waste and different variations may be employed to stepwise process the waste. A blend of aerobic and anaerobic microbes is chosen to remove undesired species initially present in the waste or later formed therein, as well as to process the waste itself, depending on the nature of the waste. Aeration with slightly ozonated or oxygenated air facilitates rapid and complete processing of large amounts of waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignees: Waterpure Technologies, Inc., Keeton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie A. Keeton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7276168
    Abstract: A method for the supply of a constant-concentration ozonated water, employs a unit for producing ozonated water and a system for using the ozonated water at a place separated therefrom, interposing an ozonated water circulating line between the ozonated water producing unit and the place for using the ozonated water, causing the interior of the circulating line to circulate the ozonated water so that the flow rate may be constantly fixed at the outlet of the ozonated water producing unit, monitoring the ozone concentration of the ozonated water in the neighborhood of the outlet, adjusting the amount of an ozone gas supplied to the ozonated water producing unit based on the results of the monitoring, further monitoring the amount of the ozonated water used at the place for using the ozonated water, and controlling the amount of the ozonated water to be produced based on the results of this monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Siltronic AG
    Inventors: Teruo Haibara, Kenichi Uemura, Takio Adachi, Youichi Shimoi
  • Patent number: 7273562
    Abstract: A target biokill of species for water to be discharged from a ballast tank of a sea faring vessel is determined. A diverted portion of sea water is regulated prior to charging the water into the ballast tank. Regulation of the diverted portion of water and a rate of injection of the ozone into the portion are adjusted to attain the target biokill. Then ozone at the determined rate into the regulated diverted portion to attain the target biokill when the portion is recombined into the water for charging to the ballast tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Nutech 03, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Robinson, Michael D. Jennings, Richard A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7267778
    Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
  • Patent number: 7264734
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating dredged material in which liquid is first added to the dredged material, and dewatering the dredged material to obtain a filtrate and a solid portion. Contaminants are removed from the dredged material by at least one oxidation process. The solid portion may be used to form structural articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: AGL Resources
    Inventors: Joseph M. Kelly, Daniel J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7264006
    Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and a method for supplying ozonated water to more than one process tool. Ozonated water of a first concentration received from an ozonated water generator and water received from a source are mixed to produce ozonated water of a second concentration. The ozonated water of a second concentration is supplied to a first process tool. Ozonated water from the ozonated water generator is supplied to a second process tool while supplying the ozonated water of the second concentration to the first process tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jens Fittkau, Johannes Seiwert, Christiane Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 7264738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to gaseous discharge and applied biotechnology. In particularly, the present invention relates to a method for killing organisms in the course of conveying ballast water in ship, comprising applying a voltage with frequency of 400-40000 Hz between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the free radical generator, thereby forming strong ionization discharge of electric field strength of 250-600 Td between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, ionizing, dissociating, and exciting O2 and H2O, or O2, processing into active particles comprising O3, OH. and HO2, dissolving excitedly to obtain free radical solution mainly consisted of OH, adding the free radical solution to conveying pipeline of ballast water, conveying for 2-20 s in the pipeline, thereby killing organisms of ballast water selected from the group consisted of bacteria, single cell alga, and protozoan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dalian Maritime University
    Inventors: Mindong Bai, Xiyao Bai, Xiaojian Zhou, Zhitao Zhang, Mindi Bai, Bo Yang, Chengwu Yi
  • Patent number: 7264747
    Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7258798
    Abstract: A package plant for treating raw water to yield potable water. The package plant includes an inlet for raw water, followed by an ozonator for disinfecting the water. Next is provided an up flow roughing filter including a chemically active layer, on top. A slow sand filter follows, which is sized and shaped to promote growth of a biomass for water purification. The up flow roughing filter removes particulates, contributes to the removal of dissolved organics, and protects the slow sand biomass by removing disinfection residuals. In another aspect a method of maintaining the plant is provided, including washing the up flow roughing filter by draining water down through it, providing a vigorous up flow to agitate the top layer, and then washing the slow sand filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: MS Filter Inc.
    Inventor: Robert LeCraw
  • Patent number: 7258803
    Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7255332
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dissolving a gas into a liquid comprises a saturation tank, a high pressure liquid pump in fluid communication with the tank, and a pressurized gas source in communication with a regulated gas head space of the saturation tank. The saturation tank comprises a pressure vessel for containing the liquid and has a regulated gas head space above the liquid, contains at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of liquid into the pressure vessel, and an outlet for the liquid containing dissolved gas. Upon passing the gas-containing liquid into a second fluid, the gas is released in the form of microbubbles. The microbubbles aid in flocculation of suspended particles and promote dissolution of the gas in the second fluid. Preferred gases for use with the apparatus are oxygen, air, and ozone. Anticipated uses include treatment of rivers, streams, and ponds in natural or industrial settings, as well as smaller scale applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Osborn, Marty D. Matlock, Shandi S. Teltschik
  • Patent number: 7247244
    Abstract: Processes and devices associated with reducing the amount of organic substances in a fluid are described. In one example method, oxidizing agents may be introduced into a local constriction of flow in a flow-through chamber as the fluid is flowed therethrough. Cavitation bubbles which contain and/or are associated with the oxidizing agents may form. Collapse of the cavitation bubbles may produce pulses of ultraviolet light, thereby ionizing the oxidizing agents, producing hydroxyl radicals, and degrading and/or oxidizing the organic substances in the fluid. An example device may include a flow-through chamber including a local constriction of flow, a port configured to introduce oxidizing agents into the local constriction of flow, and may include an area configured to collapse the cavitation bubbles, thereby initiating events leading to degradation and/or oxidation of organic substances in a fluid flowed through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Five Star Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Oleg V. Kozyuk
  • Patent number: 7213642
    Abstract: A diffuser useful for sparging to remove contaminant in situ is described. The diffuser includes a first elongated member having a sidewall with a first portion of the length of the sidewall being microporous, and a second portion of the length of the sidewall having well screen sized openings with the first elongated member defining an interior hollow portion of the diffuser, a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said second member being disposed through the hollow region of said first member and a third elongated member having a third sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said third member being disposed coaxial with the first and second members. An end cap is disposed to seal a first end of the third elongated member, and being in contact with the second elongated member forms a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7204929
    Abstract: Method of treating an aqueous effluent containing organic matters in solution, comprising the following successive steps: the effluent is rendered basic; the effluent rendered basic is mineralized by being brought into contact with a gaseous oxidizing agent; the mineralized basic effluent is rendered acidic; and the effluent rendered acidic is again mineralized by being brought into contact with the gaseous oxidizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Fulconis, Jacques Delagrange, Jean Sarrazin
  • Patent number: 7175770
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the remediation of contaminated water, soils and/or sediments. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more conduits for injection of hydrogen peroxide and ozone based reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Groundwater and Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles B. Whisman, III
  • Patent number: 7175765
    Abstract: There is provided a method for treating for-treatment waste water containing an organic matter and a nitrogen compound, which can quickly and efficiently treat the for-treatment water containing the organic matter and the nitrogen compound and greatly reduce a power consumption amount, and which can be achieved by a relatively compact apparatus. A gist is that in treatment of the for-treatment water containing the organic matter and the nitrogen compound, the followings are carried out: an electrochemical treatment step of immersing at least a pair of electrodes at least partially in the for-treatment water to treat the nitrogen compound thereof by an electrochemical technique; and a biochemical treatment step of biochemically treating the nitrogen compound in the for-treatment water after completion of the electrochemical treatment step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamada, Mineo Ikematsu, Masahiro Iseki, Daizo Takaoka, Yui Ogawa, Yoshihiro Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7172704
    Abstract: A method for treating waste water fluid, wherein the method comprises the steps of macerating waste water fluid in a first tank forming a sheared fluid, filtering the sheared fluid to remove solids, forming unfiltered waste water and product water, flowing product water to the first tank when the waste water fluid level is below the product water manifold, flowing the product water to a second tank when the waste water fluid level covers the product water manifold, flowing product water in the second tank into a vented loop to a third tank, diluting fluid in the third tank with raw water from a raw water source forming de-chlorinated water; and removing the de-chlorinated water from the third tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Headhunter, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Kroesser, III, Paul Craig Mellinger, Mark Wayne Mellinger, Lynn Wallace, Art Smith, Randy Lego, Melvyn Wayne Mellinger, Scott Hudson
  • Patent number: 7147787
    Abstract: A process wherein the use of a degradation-enhancing reactant or a precursor thereof, e.g., an oxidizing agent, can effectively increase the rate of reaction for the degradation of polymers in an aqueous environment and thereby facilitate the disposal of same. For example, in one aspect, the process comprises contacting a solubilized polymer and a degradation-enhancing reactant, within an aqueous environment, and subsequently reacting the polymer under conditions that are effective to provide at least one environmentally benign degradation product from the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Microtek Medical Holdings, Inc
    Inventors: Robert D. Chisholm, Debrah A. Beck, John B. Steward, Jordan M. Johnston, Baosheng Lee
  • Patent number: 7144514
    Abstract: A method for substantially reducing cyanide and formate concentrations in gasification wastewater streams comprising first removing suspended solids from the wastewater stream, then adding sufficient hydrogen peroxide to completely oxidize contained cyanide ions and formate ions to form a feed solution, and then irradiating the resultant solution with sufficient UV light so as to substantially reduce said contained cyanide ions and formate ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Texaco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dinh-Cuong Vuong, Byron Von Klock
  • Patent number: 7131638
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7118678
    Abstract: A portable battery-powered ozone generator, or ozonator, contained in a waterproof housing with an air intake and an ozone discharge conduit diffuses ozone directly into a body of water in a pool, pond or tank. The ozone generator and housing can be part of (1) a buoyant floating platform that is also equipped with solar power collector panels to provide a recharging current for the battery; (2) a robotic, self-propelled pool cleaner; or (3) a skimmer filter assembly that can include a solar panel under a solar transmissive cover that is flush mounted in the walk area alongside the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Aqua Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Porat
  • Patent number: 7114637
    Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7115203
    Abstract: A system for treating sediments contaminated with organic contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other contaminants polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) includes treating the sediments with ozone to react the contaminants. The system is particularly effective for remediation of PCBs. In an in-situ system for remediating sediments in underwater sediment beds that are contaminated with (PCBs) and other contaminants, the contaminated sediments are treated with ozone with an ozonator conveyed over the sediment bed to mix the sediment with the ozone. The ozone reacts with the PCBs to form more reactive and biodegradable products. The treated sediment is then redeposited upon the sediment bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald F. Hayes, Puikwan Andy Hong
  • Patent number: 7105092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a waste water disposal process in the biosolid method according to a line atomizing treatment in which a reactive gas containing oxygen or oxygen and ozone as hardly soluble gases is dissolved/stored in water as being converted into ultrafine bubbles. The characteristic feature is that, by forming a gas-dispersion liquid in which the reactive gas containing oxygen or oxygen and ozone is dispersed in the form of ultrafine bubbles in returned biosolid water or in clean water at outside of the vessels (pools) of the waste water treatment system and by introducing the aforementioned gas-dispersion liquid into a reaction vessel (aerobic or anaerobic), oxygen is supplied to the microorganisms. Alternatively, the aforementioned gas-dispersion liquid is introduced into a vessel in the step preceding the reaction vessel or succeeding the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignees: C & R Co., Kousuke Chiba
    Inventor: Kousuke Chiba
  • Patent number: 7080741
    Abstract: A multifunctional apparatus for use in agricultural applications includes a stationary section including a primary chassis having a plurality of leg members attached thereto. The stationary section further includes a reservoir connected to the chassis and supported above a ground surface and a power-operable air compressor secured to the reservoir. The apparatus further includes a movable section including a secondary chassis and a cage attached thereto. The secondary chassis includes a hinge and a bracket secured thereto. The cage includes a lid member removably attachable thereto and an access door pivotally connected thereto. The apparatus further includes a power mechanism for rotating the movable section and a mechanism for mixing the products disposed within the movable section. The mixing and power mechanisms are independently rotatable during operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Gordon W. Butzin, Barbara Butzin
  • Patent number: 7077967
    Abstract: The inventions of the present disclosure are directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. The processes described herein reduce bacteria and microorganisms associated with the poultry and reuse water. The present disclosure can be employed with an approach that includes unexpected positive results of reacting ozone and chlorine with water being treated for reuse to generate hypochlorous acid and/or other effective biocides. Ozone reacts with fats, oils, and greases, dissolved in the reuse water, to produce specific surface-active agents and surfactants which reduce the surface tension of the water which it is dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Perkins, Joe Phillips, Dale Gann, Richard Miller, William McGrane
  • Patent number: 7077208
    Abstract: An apparatus having various conduits moves liquid by passing gas up through it. A collector conduit transports the liquid to the bottom of the unit. A gas-lift conduit mixes the liquid and gas at the bottom and transports the mixture upwards, owing to the rising action of the bubbles and the resulting decreased density of the gas/liquid mixture. At the top of the gas-lift conduit, some of the gas may escape from the liquid and out of the apparatus. The lifted liquid may exit the apparatus at an elevation higher than the entry point of the liquid or may be directed down through a down and out conduit. A one way valve or equivalent configuration may be used to limit flow to one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: R3 Pump Technologies
    Inventors: Michael J. Harrington, Jeffery Dean Rabe, David Alan Nickel
  • Patent number: 7070747
    Abstract: In a process of eluting phosphorus from sludge into a liquid phase and recovering the phosphorus efficiently, cell walls of microorganisms in the sludge are ruptured by a process selected from crushing sludge (for example, treating with an ultrasonic wave homogenizer), treating with ozone, and treating with heat. Then the liquid phase is treated with alkali, thereby eluting the phosphorus into a liquid phase efficiently in a short time. By coagulating and precipitating, the phosphorus eluted into the liquid phase is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nozomu Yasunaga, Seiji Furukawa, Junji Hirotsuji
  • Patent number: 7071429
    Abstract: A linear adjustment operator for pressure control of paint pumps including a base, an electrical switch, a linear actuator, a spring biasing the switch towards the actuator and a lever acting on the actuator for repositioning the actuator with the switch positioned within a range of angular positions to set a desired pressure for the pump by the position of the lever. A slide operator in a bezel is coupled to the lever for adjustment by a user, with plastically deformable parts in interengagement between the operator and bezel to retain the setting selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Richard P. Anderson, Scott R. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7052613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a combination of sonication and ozone to decontaminate pressurized water. The process includes pumping water from a source, such as a creek, river, pond or the like. The water is strained and filtered, and then transferred to a treatment container where it is pressurized for treatment with ozone and ultrasound. The treated water is then piped to a storage tank for subsequent use. The uninterrupted sequential transfer of water from the source, through a treatment container and to the storage tank is accomplished automatically by way of electronic sensors, valves and pumps that are made to communicate with a central processor control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: H. Martin Harmless, II, Robert L. Plummer
  • Patent number: 7052601
    Abstract: A process and a means are described for treatment of water that forms a growth environment for marine organisms, where this water is in a main tank that is placed on land. The invention provides a sufficient treatment/cleaning of the water so that it can be continuously re-circulated, and thus form a closed loop where one is not dependent on supply of external water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: ECO Farm AS
    Inventor: Arve Gravdal
  • Patent number: 7029589
    Abstract: A method or process of treating a contaminated fluid (10) having at least one contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being volatile, hazardous, tacky and a combination thereof is provided. The method comprises contacting the contaminated fluid with an effective amount of an agent (12) selected from oxidizing agents, free radical producing agents and a combination thereof for an effective amount of time to convert a substantial amount of the at least one contaminant to at least one corresponding modified contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being non-volatile, less volatile than the converted contaminant non-hazardous, less hazardous than the converted contaminant, non-tacky and a combination thereof; and generating a treated fluid (14) having a level of the at least one contaminant and of the at least one corresponding modified contaminant to allow the treated fluid to at least meet requirements for release, reuse or further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Michael P. McGinness