Including Liquid Recirculation Patents (Class 210/765)
  • Publication number: 20090039030
    Abstract: A system and method is described for destroying microbes in water from bathing apparatuses, such as swimming pools, using heat. Part of the stream from the pool is diverted, heated to an antimicrobial temperature, and recombined as a merged stream before it reenters the pool at a safe temperature. Further embodiments include addition of chemical antimicrobial agents, a controller, a storage vessel, and a cooler. Operating costs will increase little, if any, as compared with a conventional system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Conrad S. Revak
  • Publication number: 20080210643
    Abstract: A recirculated marine aquaculture system for growing crustaceans within a body of water includes a wholly submerged chamber situated in the body of water having a filtering wall connecting the chamber floor and ceiling permitting water to flow from the water body into the first chamber while excluding particulate materials. A second chamber is situated above the first chamber having a plurality of water outlets below the body of water upper surface, and a top having an air inlet above the body of water upper surface. A stand pipe has an open lower end opening into the first chamber and a plurality of laterally directed openings into the top of the second chamber. An impeller coupled to the stand pipe moves filtered water from the first chamber through the laterally directed openings into the second chamber adjacent to the air inlet, the water exiting the second chamber into the body of water through the plurality of water outlets after mixing with air drawn in through the air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: James E. Bradley, Jeremy L. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7387736
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosagebefore being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventors: Joe D. Phillips, Robert P. Kim, Stephen P. Axtell, Sam M. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7381334
    Abstract: A method for making a web having a metal-ion sequestering agent and treating a liquid using the web. The method of making the web includes electrostatically providing at least one metal-ion sequestering agent and/or antimicrobial agent. The web can be used to tread a liquid by placing the web into a tank and subjecting the liquid to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Joseph F. Bringley, Richard W. Wien, John M. Pochan, Yannick J. F. Lerat, Narasimharao Dontula
  • 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: 7320758
    Abstract: A method for disinfecting microorganisms in metalworking fluids without leaving behind unacceptable amount of chemicals in the treated fluids. The method comprises passing the fluid in a recirculating cooling system through a filter, which contains a demand disinfectant, preferably an iodinated resin. The iodinated resin inhibits the growth of microorganism in the fluid, which is then cycled back into the system. The present invention also relates to a filter and system for disinfecting microorganisms in metalworking fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Triosyn Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Jean Messier, Joe Tanelli, Jean-Pierre St-Louis, David Ohayon, Gerald Bruno, 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: 7258802
    Abstract: A system for reducing or preventing the growth of organisms in the process water used to coat glass fibers with a formaldehyde-free binder composition. One or more biocides is added to the process water that mitigates the growth of microbes in the water. The biocides are added in an amount sufficient to minimize growth of organisms without adversely affecting the application of the binder composition to the glass fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Michael William Miks
  • Patent number: 7258801
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for reducing DI water consumption by delivering the DI water at an elevated processing temperature when demanded. The DI water is passed through a heater for heating the DI water to a processing temperature in a single pass. The DI water is circulated through a recirculation loop, including the heater, until demanded. The DI water is monitored for contaminants and bubbles or voids. Detected contaminants or voids are discharged through vents of the system. Turbulence or biocides can be introduced into the recirculated DI water for inhibiting biological contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Heatflex Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Ramirez, Hector Joel Castaneda, Jose Luis Tlaxca
  • Patent number: 7241391
    Abstract: A biodegradable scale and corrosion inhibiting composition includes between about 50 and about 90% by weight of a protein polymer that is derived from a natural source, and between about 10 and about 20% by weight of the alkali salts of gluconic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cortec Corporation
    Inventors: Boris A. Miksic, Alla Furman, Margarita Kharshan, Ashish Gandhi, Gregory M. Hocking
  • Patent number: 7186345
    Abstract: Supercritical water (SCW) systems and methods using the properties of supercritical water to allow a raw water stream including water and a contaminant to be purified. A supercritical water oxidation (SCWO), water purifier may generally include water and oxidizer (such as oxygen in air) pumping and mixing apparatus, a supercritical water reactor, and a system for separating the resultant purified water from other relatively harmless outputs of the supercritical water reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Engineered Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sunggyu Lee, Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz, John Wootton
  • Patent number: 7049615
    Abstract: A portable ultraviolet water purifier is disclosed which has an outer housing defining a water chamber with a coupling for attachment to a faucet an inlet and an outlet with an ultraviolet light source therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Warren G. Browne
  • Patent number: 7022242
    Abstract: Use and reduction of wastewater or “pond water” created by the wet-process phosphoric acid manufacturing there is created a large amount of wastewater or “pond water” to substantially reduce or eliminate the discharge of pond water with contaminants to the environment. By partially treating pond water with known industry standard processes and using the treated pond water for use as required makeup or cooling water in an electric power generator or any other Industry requiring makeup, cooling or process water will substantially reduce or eliminate the need for the phosphoric acid manufacturers to discharge the contaminated water to the environment and reduce the quantity of fresh water that would normally be required by these other industries using the treated pond water for cooling or makeup water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Edwin Sacchi
  • Patent number: 6942779
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing one or more organic and inorganic and also preferably one or more inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass. Residual organics, if desired and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment. Inorganic contaminants are removed from the electroplating bath by selective ion exchange resins or electrodialysis, while particulate and suspended colloidal particles are removed by filtration before the treated plating bath is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Matthew Belongia, Zhen Wu Lin, John E. Pillion, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
  • Patent number: 6942808
    Abstract: The present invention is an oxidative reaction that converts organic content in the wastewater into harmless CO2 and H2O. The heat produced by the oxidative reaction evaporates the water, thereby concentrating the remaining solids in solution. The final product from the process is the crystal form of sodium carbonates and other oxidized salts carried in by the raw wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Philip T. Chen
  • Patent number: 6932912
    Abstract: A liquid chlorine supply canister is connected by a supply tube and venturi chamber to a recirculating pipe that discharges into a storage-mixing tank into which sewage effluent is received from a source. The supply tube is provided with a filter/orifice assembly. A pump causes circulation of sewage effluent through the venturi chamber and develops a suction in the supply tube which draws chlorine through the filter/orifice assembly and into the flowing sewage effluent stream. A recirculation pipe from the venturi chamber into the tank, causes turbulence of sewage effluent and dissolved chlorine (either solution or gaseous) within the tank for efficient mixing of the chlorine component with the constituents of the sewage effluent. A crossover tubing is connected with the pump discharge pipe and the recirculation pipe and enhances the induction of chlorine (disinfected) effluent into an effluent discharge pipe leading to a spray field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Mark N. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 6866788
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for purifying aqueous effluents, in particular polluted water, by catalytic oxidation using a three-phase reactor comprising two communicating chambers. The invention is characterised in that it consists in: maintaining the catalyst suspended and continuously circulating it between the two chambers of said reactor, by entrainment under the effect of carrier gas injected into one of said chamber, and in oxidizing the pollutants in contact with the in the other chamber, by injecting a reactive oxidizing gas in said other chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ondeo Degremont
    Inventors: Sylvie Baig, Michel Cordier, Alain Truc
  • Patent number: 6863830
    Abstract: A method for treating a recirculating water system which comprises introducing into said water system a multifunctional, multilayer tablet, wherein the multilayer tablet comprises a fast dissolving layer and a slow dissolving layer, wherein said fast dissolving layer releases a combination of active ingredients including a member selected from the group consisting of lithium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), anhydrous sodium dichloroisocyanurate, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, potassium monopersulfate, sodium monopersulfate, and mixtures thereof, and at least one of a clarifier, chelating agent, sequesterant, algaestat, water softener, algaecide, corrosion inhibitor, scale inhibitor, flocculent, disintegrant, dispersant, colorant, dissolution control agent, fragrance, or surfactant and, wherein said slow dissolving layer includes a member selected from the group consisting of trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), calcium hypochlorite, 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: BioLab Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Purdy, Tian Lan, Michael B. Clark, Thomas M. Lachocki
  • Patent number: 6800205
    Abstract: The method of controlling ozone supply to a pool or spa body of liquid, that includes providing an ozone generator; providing a control valve operatively connected to the generator to control induced flow of ozone to a pool or spa body of liquid, the valve being solenoid controlled; providing a control for timing of operation of the valve; and providing for controlled delivery of ozone via the valve to air supply to the pool or spa or a re-circulating liquid supply to the pool or spa. The invention allows newly designed or pre-existing systems to add ozone gas to a water body, under the control of a valve, without losing sealed integrating of the air delivery system to the water body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Softub, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Collins
  • Patent number: 6770207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the leaching of solid matter from a sludge with the aid of a gas containing oxygen, whereby the solid matter of the sludge is recirculated in a tall reactor equipped with a central pipe in the centre of the reactor and a double-action mixer located in the vicinity of the lower edge of the central pipe. A flow is formed with the aid of the mixer which sucks the sludge from the central pipe downward, and a gas to be conducted into the sludge in the bottom part of the reactor is dispersed in the form of small bubbles into the sludge outside the central pipe and the flow direction of the sludge is turned upwards in the outer casing of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Heikki Takala, Yrjö Oinonen
  • Patent number: 6746609
    Abstract: A process for treating cooling tower water in a system which includes a recirculated evaporative cooling water stream and a source of make-up water. A side stream is taken off of the source of make-up water and the side stream is directed to either a strong acid cation exchange resin unit and/or to a weak acid cation exchange resin unit, after which it is returned to the make-up water line. The pH of saturation is determined for the recirculated evaporative cooling water as is the pH. Depending upon the difference between the pH and the pH of saturation, the side stream of the make-up water is opened or closed and directed to one or both of the cation exchange units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Berile B. Stander
  • Patent number: 6673251
    Abstract: A method of handling grey water and optionally at least a portion of the black water for disposal from vehicles such as boats, recreational vehicles or rural dwellings such as cottages, camps and the like, not having direct access to sewer systems, involves the treatment of such waste water with ozone. A batch system is used whereby a predetermined quantity of water to be treated is captured in a treatment tank. A circulating pump withdraws water from the tank and pushes the water along a treatment conduit, the conduit containing an ozone/water mixer and returns the water to the treatment tank. The treatment conduit has a discharge valve that is maintained in a closed position for a selected period of time. Ozone is fed to the ozone/water mixer from an ozone generator which is advantageously fitted with an air pump to pressurize the feed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Great Lakes Clean Water Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Graham Edward Swales, James Edward Swales, Thomas W. Bain, Hubert Roger Hart
  • Patent number: 6638434
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the level of dissolved oxygen in water, including the stops of mixing air or oxygen and nitrogen gas so as to be dissolved in retained water in a closed tank. The retained water is circulated by a pressure pump, activated by a ceramic pipe and an infrared ray irradiation device and then injected into the water in the closed tank. The mixing ratio of the air or oxygen and nitrogen gas mixed with to retained water is adjusted, the pressure in the pressure tank is changed, and the injecting pressure of the gas injection nozzle is changed. Sludge or the like is removed from the water by filtering, the oxidation-reduction potential of the water is adjusted to a desired level, and the water is sterilized by an ultraviolet ray irradiation device and brought back to the closed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Mikasa
    Inventor: Masayuki Otsuki
  • Patent number: 6630073
    Abstract: An apparatus and water treatment method uses Sonically Induced Dissociative Reactions (SIDR) and Multi-bubble Sonoluminescence (MBSL) to facilitate Sonically Bounds State Oxidation (SBSO) within a SIDR chamber. Included within the SIDR chamber is counter-flow ultrasonic radiation and an optional binding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene A. Moskal, H. Willard Spencer, III
  • Patent number: 6596160
    Abstract: A periodic ozone treatment system for a showering tower type water cooling system worked once daily for a period of 10˜30 minutes essentially comprises: an ozone dissolving tank to prepare high density ozone solution therein and periodically fed to the cooling system from a top of the showering tower automatically; a bypass piping connected from a heated water recycling pipe after a heat exchanging in a main functional heat exchanger to a sand filter to shift recycling water for washing the sand in the filter by a reverse osmosis operation during the period while the ozone treatment system is working; and an ozone decomposition reactor disposed at a front of heat exchanger free from corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Minshiou Lee
  • Patent number: 6589431
    Abstract: In a method for giving a biocidal property to a coolant in a fluid cooling circulation, the fluid cooling circulation has at least one device that exhibits at least one metal oxide that is in contact with the coolant, the coolant has a substance added to it that causes an acidic pH value of the coolant, at least for a time, and as a result of the acidic pH value of the coolant, metal ions are released from the metal oxide, these metal ions giving the coolant the biocidal property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Nerreter, Meike Pielach
  • Patent number: 6585899
    Abstract: Disclosed are waste processing systems capable of being used on-board a transport such as a train, bus, airplane, boat, or other similar vehicles. The liquid waste is evaporated and condensed primarily as water vapor. The resulting liquid may be safely discharged in most places without adverse environmental and health effects. If desired, the liquid can be stored and reused for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing. The solid waste is converted to inert ash or carbon and may be either stored in a filter or discharged as carbon or ash into the water, air, or onto the railroad tracks. The system may also be used in stationary or semi-stationary applications where on-site treatment of waste may be desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Microseptec, Inc.
    Inventors: Christina Edvardsson, Tomas Edvardsson
  • Patent number: 6585898
    Abstract: A system for production of water having dissolved ozone includes a water feeding section, a container part, an ozone feeding part for feeding ozone to a mixing part dissolving ozone in the water, the mixing part drawing water from the lower part of the container, an ozone measuring part for measuring the ozone concentration of the water in the container, a water pump for circulating the water from the lower part to an upper part of the container in dependence of the measured ozone concentration and from the ozone feeding section to the mixing part in dependence of a predetermined ozone concentration, the container having an outlet for water having the predetermined concentration of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Otre AB
    Inventors: Kjell Ekberg, Sudhir Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 6585900
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of sludge which produces a dry sludge free of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms enriched with nitrogen which can be used as a fertilizer, and which uses as raw materials: elemental sulfur, formaldehyde, ammonia, urea, chlorine, and sulphuric acid, and comprises the steps of feeding the sludge into a pre-dryer into which is fed a hot gas stream containing sulfur trioxide produced by the combustion and catalytic oxidation of sulfur with air and finally completely drying the sludge by feeding it into an ammoniator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: José Cabello-Fuentes
  • Patent number: 6551519
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of pool water with ozone at concentrations less than previously employed. Ozonation, as described herein, provides several distinct advantages including but not limited to inactivation of Cryptosporidium and other water borne microorganisms, reduction of combined chlorine concentrations and oxidation of chloramines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Neuman Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfram Hartwig
  • Patent number: 6533945
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to handling the wastewater, or condensate, from a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. More particularly, the present invention provides a process wherein the wastewater of a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, such as a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, is sent to a gasifier and subsequently reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas. The wastewater may also be recycled back to a slurry preparation stage, where solid combustible organic materials are pulverized and mixed with process water and the wastewater to form a slurry, after which the slurry fed to a gasifier where it is reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Lalit S. Shah
  • Patent number: 6524487
    Abstract: A partially soluble lanthanide compound and methods for use in removing phosphate from water. Preferably the compound is used in removing phosphate from water in swimming pools, spas, and similar structures. Alternatively, a combination of compounds having varying solubilities may be used to remove phosphate from water. Several water treatment techniques are disclosed, as well as a variety of different methods for delivery of the active ingredients. These delivery methods include use of a slurry of the active reagent in solution as well as a tablet, powder, or granulated structure. Additionally, the water treatment techniques may incorporate the use of a combination including both enzymatic compositions and compounds for phosphate removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Natural Chemistry, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kulperger, Richard Okun, Glenn Munford
  • Patent number: 6506309
    Abstract: A system comprising an ozone generator for generating ozone and a venturi for mixing the liquid to be ozonated with the generated ozone. The ozone generator is coupled to an orifice for supplying the generated ozone thereto. A pump is coupled to an outlet of the reservoir for pumping liquid to be ozonated from the reservoir to venturi. An outlet of the venturi is connected to a return inlet of the reservoir for supplying ozonated liquid back to the reservoir. A mixing chamber interconnects the outlet of the venturi to the return inlet of the reservoir, and the mixing chamber facilitates adequate mixing of the ozone supplied to the liquid to be ozonated and facilitates substantially complete dissolving of any remaining ozone bubbles and ozone pockets within the liquid to thereby result in substantially uniform mixture of ozonated liquid for supply back to the reservoir having an increased contact rate of ozone to liquid of about 80% to 90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Awois, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph G. Daniels, David A. Spofford
  • Patent number: 6497794
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael David Max
  • Patent number: 6482370
    Abstract: The present invention uses ozonated water as a cleaning agent to eliminate bacterial and biofilm in dental water lines instead of using cleaning solutions. The ozonated water disinfects/sterilizes and cleans quickly and without leaving any residue, because the ozone quickly converts to oxygen and goes into the atmosphere. Thus, little or no rinsing is required after using the ozonated water to clean a machine or device. More particularly, the present invention utilizes an apparatus for disinfecting water to make it virtually microbe-free and maintaining it in a continuous microbe-free condition for use at a center for dental applications. Water is ozonated and provided for disinfecting water lines during a cleaning cycle and stored in a pressurized reservoir for use in a variety of dental instruments such as drills, syringes and an expectoration bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Marco Equipment Distributors, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Holsclaw, Ray S. Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6464867
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing water containing dissolved ozone which comprises (A) a piping for supplying ultrapure water through which ultrapure water is supplied, (B) a catalytic reaction portion which is connected with the piping for supplying ultrapure water and in which the ultrapure water is brought into contact with an oxidation-reduction catalyst, (C) a filtration apparatus by which the ultrapure water treated in the catalytic reaction portion is filtered and (D) an apparatus for dissolving ozone in which ozone is dissolved into the ultrapure water discharged from the filtration apparatus; and an apparatus for producing water containing dissolved ozone which comprises an apparatus for producing ultrapure water which is equipped with an apparatus for irradiating with ultraviolet light, an apparatus for dissolving ozone in which ozone is dissolved into the ultrapure water produced in the apparatus for producing ultrapure water and a catalytic reaction portion which is packed with an oxidation-reduction cat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Osamu Ota, Tetsuo Mizuniwa, Kazumi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20020121486
    Abstract: Methods for treating manure treatment systems in confined animal feeding operations to maintain the agricultural equipment, alleys and lagoons in a safer and more effective and useable condition though the use of a sulfuric acid composition. Sulfuric acid mixed with urea is controllably released from a storage tank, through an injection pump and into the fluid line transporting recirculation water from the lagoon to flush livestock alleys with the composition and maintain the pH of the lagoon fluid at approximately 6.5 to 7.0. The composition can also be placed into the fluid line transporting flush water from the livestock alleys to clean the manure separator. The composition can also be sprayed onto the manure separator screens to clean the screens. The composition can be placed directly onto the floor of the concrete alley and allowed to soak thereon to remove accumulated manure, algae and other materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Russell J. Verdegaal, George F. Verdegaal
  • Patent number: 6444129
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a spa water treating system, where such treating is selected from the group: iv) water filtration v) water sanitizing vi) water heating and that includes the steps: a) determining a desired water treating time interval as a function of timing of spa water prior treating interval, or usage, b) and treating the spa water as a function of said determined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Softub, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Collins
  • Patent number: 6444131
    Abstract: In a method of removing organic and biological contaminants from a liquid, an oxidizing gas is formed into sub-micron size bubbles which are dispersed into an initially contaminated liquid, after which the treated liquid is recovered. The oxidizing gas is preferably selected from a group including ozone and chlorine dioxide and is utilized immediately upon its manufacture. An oxidizing liquid may be employed in conjunction with the oxidizing gas. The method may be practiced repeatedly. A base may be added to the contaminated liquid to raise the pH thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: GRT, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6440315
    Abstract: A finely divided mesh cloth of bronze, brass, and/or copper is employed in the water circulation system of a fish tank and thereby prevent/inhibit/remove algae formation or outright kill these types of organisms, besides functioning as a filter. The process and apparatus may also be used in hot tub spas, water ponds or slews, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: David L. Coolidge
  • Patent number: 6428710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation and delivery of ozonated water to at least one user point, according to which a storage buffer tank is provided for the ozonated water, and an upstream ozonation loop is provided, making it possible to feed the tank with ozonated water, the upstream ozonation loop comprising a component for controling the flow of water flowing in the loop. A fresh-water supply line is also provided, connected by its downstream part to the upstream ozonation loop and fitted with a component for interrupting the freshwater flow, the loop portion located between the tank and the connection point of the fresh-water supply line being fitted with a component for interrupting the recirculation flow upstream of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour L'etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Carinne Kempen, Stéphane Laroye
  • Patent number: 6423236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating waste water including the steps of: oxidizing the waste water, and then treating the oxidized waste water with a reverse osmosis membrane having high salt rejection rate. By being treated with the reverse osmosis membrane, the waste water is separated into a impermeated liquid which contains a oxidizable substance, and a permeated liquid which contains almost no oxidizable substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Shiota, Junichi Miyake
  • Patent number: 6402966
    Abstract: In a method for processing a biologically hardly degradable waste water including benzene ring materials, the waste water is oxidized by using ozone to produce oxalic acid. Then, the oxalic acid is reacted using a chemical reaction to produce oxalate. Finally, the oxalate is separated out from the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Taira
  • Patent number: 6379564
    Abstract: A fluid filter increases the useful life of the filtered fluid by removing contaminants therefrom, and may optionally provide for in-line delivery of additives to the filtered fluid. The filter may be an oil filter, a fuel filter, or other fluid filter. The fluid filter includes a casing which defines a hollow space therein, a mechanically active filter element within that space, and a chemically active filter element also retained within the hollow space proximate the mechanically active filter element. The chemically active filter element includes a nonwoven web made up of a plurality of fibers. Each fiber has a longitudinally extending internal cavity formed therein, and a corresponding longitudinally extending slot opening from that internal cavity to the outer surface of the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Paul Rohrbach, Gordon William Jones, Peter D. Unger, Daniel E. Bause, Lixin L. Xue, Russell A. Dondero
  • Patent number: 6372148
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for purifying the water in spas or hot tubs are provided. Such apparatus include an ozone generator sized and adapted to purify the water in a spa or jetted tub, the ozone generator including a chip electrode assembly adapted to produce ozone from air using an electric discharge; and a transfer assembly cooperating with said ozone generator to pass ozone produced by the ozone generator to the water in the spa or jetted tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Del Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank G. Martin, Dennis Lavelle
  • Patent number: 6372146
    Abstract: An agricultural lagoon and manure treatment system to maintain the lagoon and lagoon water in a more useable condition through the use of sulfuric acid to treat the system components of confined animal feeding operations, including the lagoon. Relatively pure sulfuric acid is controllably released from a storage tank, through an injection pump and into the fluid line transporting recirculation water from the lagoon to flush livestock alleys and maintain the pH of the lagoon fluid at approximately 6.5 to 7.0. A sulfuric acid injection pump injects the sulfuric acid into the fluid line through a fluid injector at a rate necessary to maintain the lagoon fluid in the desired pH range. The fluid injector injects the acid at or near the center of the water stream in the fluid line. The rate of sulfuric acid injected is determined by checking the pH of the water downstream of the injection point, such as at the flush alleys, with a hand-held, portable pH meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Verdegaal Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Verdegaal, George F. Verdegaal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6361697
    Abstract: Methods for decontaminating contaminated water comprise treating the contaminated water with oxidizers such as oxygen, ozone, and/or hydrogen peroxide to provide a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a free radical inducer. Preferably, the methods of the invention and the apparatus used therefore induce the presence of small bubbles of oxygen and/or ozone, but minimize the presence of large visible bubbles of oxygen and/or ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: William S. Coury, Griscom Bettle, III
  • Patent number: 6338800
    Abstract: A partially soluble lanthanide compound and methods for use in removing phosphate from water. Preferably the compound is used in removing phosphate from water in swimming pools, spas, and similar structures. Alternatively, a combination of compounds having varying solubilities may be used to remove phosphate from water. Several water treatment techniques are disclosed, as well as a variety of different methods for delivery of the active ingredients. These delivery methods include use of a slurry of the active reagent in solution as well as a tablet, powder, or granulated structure. Additionally, the water treatment techniques may incorporate the use of a combination including both enzymatic compositions and compounds for phosphate removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Natural Chemistry, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kulperger, Richard Okun, Glenn Munford
  • Patent number: 6290857
    Abstract: Oxygen is mixed with waste water at an early stage in a water treatment facility, to reduce odor caused by anaerobic reactions of sulfur. Waste water is withdrawn from a collection basin, by a pump connected to a suction pipe, and is mixed with oxygen from an external source. The mixture, having been saturated with oxygen, is then returned to the collection basin through a discharge pipe. The end of the discharge pipe is positioned at a higher vertical level than the end of the suction pipe, to prevent gas from entering the pump which would cause cavitation. Also, the end of the discharge pipe has a blind flange, such that the oxygen-enriched water exiting the discharge pipe flows in a direction which is non-parallel to the axis of the pipe. This arrangement provides better mixing of the oxygen with the water in the basin, and prevents the oxygen-enriched water from flowing too soon to the suction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: MG Industries
    Inventors: Sudhir R. Brahmbhatt, J. Michael Forde
  • Patent number: 6274054
    Abstract: The method of the present invention is to pump contaminated water, either by pushing or drawing, through a particulate filter and then through a contact chamber containing firstly copper wool and secondly brass wool. This method may be applied to a wide number of applications in which water is subject to either algae or bacterial contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Edward L. Murphy, Jr.