Including Liquid Recirculation Patents (Class 210/765)
  • Patent number: 6254781
    Abstract: Ferrofluid coated particles resulting from a ferrofluid materials separation process are washed with a solvent which is the same material as the liquid carrier employed in the ferrofluid. The result is a “dirty” solvent which is a very weak ferrofluid. The dirty solvent is then filtered or centrifuged to remove dust particles and other impurities and then the solvent is recovered by distillation in a distillation unit. The solvent can then be reused in the materials reclamation process. The residue in the distillation unit is surfactant-coated particles of ferrofluid. This residue is mixed with either clean or unprocessed solvent in the right proportion and the slurry is passed through an attritor to convert it to a high grade ferrofluid. The ferrofluid can also be reused in the materials separation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ferrofluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Kuldip Raj
  • Patent number: 6248242
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Spring Water Delivery System and in particular to a system for bulk delivery of potable spring water to a customer's home. This system includes a bulk water supply truck equipped with a pumping system and an onboard ozone generator for delivery of potable tank water to a customer's supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew G. Martin
  • Patent number: 6245241
    Abstract: In a method of decontaminating soils, sediments and mud including at least a sand fraction and a fine particle fraction which contains a particle-like silt component to which particularly contaminants comprising heavy metals and organic compounds adhere, and wherein the contaminated silt component is separated from the mineral silt component, the fine particle fraction including the contaminants is subjected essentially at the same time to a cavitation and an oxidation treatment before the contaminated silt component is separated from the mineral silt component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: GKSS Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Kupczik, Werner Schulze-Erfurt, Günter Luther
  • Patent number: 6235206
    Abstract: A method and system for inactivating harmful organisms (e.g., red tide algae and dinoflagellates). The method includes the steps of supplying ambient air to a conditioning unit to generate conditioned air; passing the conditioned air to an ozone generator to generate ozone; mixing the ozone with water, from a water source, that contains the harmful organisms to generate ozonated water; delivering the ozonated water back to the water source to achieve dilution of the harmful organisms; at least partially isolating the water source from external water to prevent quick dilution of the ozonated water; and continually circulating water in the water source through the mixing step. The harmful organisms are inactivated by exposure to the ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Yi Ping Chan, Bernice W. Y. Leung
  • Patent number: 6231769
    Abstract: An installation for producing ozonized water, comprising a circuit for producing ozonized water comprising a circuit for producing ozonized water comprising a water inlet, an ozone-injection inlet for injecting ozone taken from an ozone source, a contactor for bringing the ozone into contact with the water, a section for utilizing the ozonized water arranged downstream of the contactor, and an undissolved ozone collector, downstream of the contactor, comprising an outlet connected to the circuit for producing ozonized water upstream of the contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: l'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Pean, Boris Gammal
  • Patent number: 6228272
    Abstract: Described is a method and device for servicing the water of a swimming pool 1 by adding a disinfectant. The disinfectant is added by circulating the water through a branched circuit of the pool using a constant flow stirring pump 5. The operation of the pump is determined by the temperature of the water detected by temperature sensor 30 located within the branched circuit. The operating time of the pump is determined according to preset programs of a control box 3 which divide the operating time into time slot units of similar duration spread over several time ranges. The disinfectant addition can be carried out by pebble support 64 or by electrolysis within the branch circuit. Also, if the temperature drops below a minimal freeze risk value or above a maximal value, the pump is continuously operated and a warning is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: André Gola
  • Patent number: 6224779
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and materials for inhibiting the growth of algae in swimming pools by introducing silver chloride onto a filter in a re-circulating system, whereby the silver chloride will dissolve and, thus, introduce silver ion into the body of water in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Marshall L. Spector
  • Patent number: 6221260
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a high efficiency method for the remediation of large quantities of liquids, operating at low to moderate ambient pressures, in order to reduce environmental or health risks or to purify the liquid for use in industrial processing. Decontamination is achieved through the use of a swirl chamber in which a central vortex is formed which has a core pressure lower than the vapor pressure of the liquid thus inducing cavitation pockets in the vortex, which are then ejected from the nozzle through the exit orifice into a volume of liquid where the cavitation pockets collapse. These cavitation events drive chemical reactions, by generating strong oxidants and reductants, efficiently decomposing and destroying contaminating organic compounds, as well as some inorganics. These same cavitation events also physically disrupt or rupture the cell walls or outer membranes of microorganisms (such as E.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dynaflow, Inc.
    Inventors: Georges L. Chahine, Kenneth M. Kalumuck
  • Patent number: 6221261
    Abstract: A process for treating sewage containing biological solids including the steps of mixing the sewage with oxygen-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, retaining the sewage with the hydro fluoro ether polymers for a desired period of time so as to produce oxygenated sewage and carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, and separating the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers from the oxygenated sewage. Water is separated from the oxygenated sewage so as to produce a sludge. Oxygen is mixed with the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers so as to oxygenate the hydro fluoro ether polymers and to remove carbon dioxide therefrom. The sewage is retained with the hydro fluoro etherpolymers at a temperature of between 32° and 140° F. The sewage is dewatered prior to mixing so that the dewatered sewage has a water content of less than 93 percent by weight. The steps of mixing and retaining can be carried in a closed vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Edward E. Boss, Samuel L. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6200486
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a high efficiency method for the remediation of large quantities of liquids, operating at low to moderate ambient pressures, in order to reduce environmental or health risks or to purify the liquid for use in industrial processing. Decontamination is achieved through the use of submerged liquid jets which trigger cavitation events. These cavitation events drive chemical reactions, by generating strong oxidants and reductants, efficiently decomposing and destroying contaminating organic compounds, as well as some inorganics. These same cavitation events also physically disrupt or rupture the cell walls or outer membranes of microorganisms (such as E. coli and salmonella) and larvae (such as Zebra mussel larvae), leaving the inner cellular components susceptible to oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dynaflow, Inc.
    Inventors: Georges L. Chahine, Kenneth M. Kalumuck
  • Patent number: 6197206
    Abstract: There is provided an efficient and effective method and apparatus for purifying methyl-tert butyl ether contaminated water by bubbling into the water an oxidizing gas and then stripping the oxidizing gas and MTBE from the water. A pressurized container is used to create microbubbles and to promote oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Eric M. Wasinger
  • Patent number: 6193895
    Abstract: A multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device is described. The multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device includes a pump for pumping coolant through said recycling device, a processing tank for receiving used coolant, a fresh coolant tank for receiving fresh coolant, a filter for removing particulates from coolant, a coolant outlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, a coolant inlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and a plurality of control valves for directing flow of coolant through the recycling device. The plurality of control valves are adjustable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration. The first configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the fresh coolant tank through the pump and through the coolant outlet hose, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Century Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: William S. Dea, Todd Moore
  • Patent number: 6139755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for oxidizing substances contained in sewage, a nozzle system, and a plant for carrying out this method. The method is characterized in that three radical chain circuits are superimposed, thus producing a continuous reaction chain which is maintained by incorporating a radical starter, a catalyst and oxygen into the sewage flow. The reaction is characterized in that the reaction partners are brought together via a nozzle system which creates unsteady flowing conditions. To reduce operational costs, the sewage is fed by the nozzle system to the autothermic reactor via a heat exchanger which is heated by the treated sewage flow. The method is characterized by its flexibility in treating different kinds of sewage flow of different concentrations. The advantages are, above all, the following: reduced sludge production, high biocompatibility of the residues to be transported, and low consumption of chemical substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Walter Marte, Martin Meyer, Ulrich Meyer
  • Patent number: 6136203
    Abstract: A system for treating contaminated media is provided. In the process, contaminants are removed from the media using a photocatalytic process operating in an aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Purifics Enviromental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Butters, Anthony Leonard Powell
  • Patent number: 6132629
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a continuous or intermittent supply of ozonated fluid, particularly water, from a closed loop system for sanitation, consumption, and other purposes. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus aspect of the invention comprises an ozone generator, an ozone entraining system, and a closed loop water circuit. The closed loop circuit permits continuous recirculation and ozonation of fluid not drawn from the system for use. Optionally the apparatus provides for the removal of an arbitrary fraction of ozonized or ozonated water to any arbitrary service application, such as food- or medical-equipment sterilization, with simultaneous addition of makeup water to maintain a relatively constant mass balance in the overall system, so that ozonized water is continuously available. Unused water is stored indefinitely in a reservior. Further options include venting of off gases and destruction of any ozone gas fraction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Roger J. Boley
    Inventor: Roger J. Boley
  • Patent number: 6129850
    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: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Del Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank G. Martin, Dennis Lavelle
  • Patent number: 6110386
    Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the condition of cutting fluids in a machine tool sump and for the removal of tramp oil from the cutting fluid has a pump to draw cutting fluid from the machine tool sump and transfer the fluid to an auxiliary tank where the fluid outlet is directed to drive a turbine wheel for rotation of a shaft and simultaneously aerate the cutting fluid. Drums on the shaft are partially submerged so as to be wetted by the tramp oil content. Wiper blades bear against the drum surfaces to strip the tramp oil from the drums as they rotate. A collecting trough is positioned below the wiper contact line to receive the tramp oil as it is stripped from the drum and drain it off to a waste container. In this manner, the cutting fluid is in constant circulation, even when the machine tool is idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jasper Underhill
  • Patent number: 6106731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of water using ozone, and more particularly to an ozone-based water purification system for use in animal houses and the like. In the embodiment described herein, the water treatment system comprises a main holding or contact tank, a relatively small re-circulation pump, an ozone generator, and an ozone injector. Normal operation of this water treatment system involves the receipt of raw or untreated water from a pressurized water main, such as that typically provided by a public water works system. This raw or untreated water is held in the contact tank at or near the pressure of the supplying water main. Actuation of the ozonation re-circulation loop causes water to be drawn from the contact tank by the re-circulation pump and passed through the adjacent venturi-type ozone injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Charles R. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6077446
    Abstract: A device for filtering and disinfecting a fluid, such as waste water, is provided. The device includes a housing having an interior and a fluid inlet conduit in flow communication with the interior of the housing. An ozone source is in flow communication with the interior of the housing. Additionally, a method of filtering and disinfecting a fluid is provided. Filter media is introduced into a housing to form a filter bed. The fluid to be filtered is directed into the housing such that the fluid flows through the filter media to form a filtrate. Ozone is directed into the housing such that the ozone contacts and disinfects the filter media and the filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Steiner, Ricky L. Jackson, Kenneth W. Giebel
  • Patent number: 6071407
    Abstract: A method of generating an adsorbent product for use in magnetic separation of contaminants from an influent liquid comprises the steps of: (i) mixing at least one micro-organism with the liquid in a chemostat vessel; (ii) magnetically separating a magnetic fraction of liquid from the vessel from a non-magnetic fraction (iii) returning the magnetic fraction to the vessel; and (iv) collecting precipitated material from the vessel for use as the adsorbent product. In an embodiment, a solution comprising heavy metals is fed to a chemostat containing sulphur-generating micro-organisms, iron, sulphates and a nutrient compound together with N.sub.2. Liquid is drawn off to a high gradient magnetic separator where the non-magnetic fraction containing decontaminated liquid is separated off; the slurry is removed for use as an adsorbent. Sulphide generating micro-organisms are listed. Dy and Er salts or complexes can be added, as can other specified micro-organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: University of Southampton
    Inventors: James Henry Peter Watson, Derek Clifford Ellwood
  • Patent number: 6068778
    Abstract: A water purification system is disclosed using a recirculation loop to extract water from a vessel, injecting ozone into the extracted water and then introducing the water/ozone mixture into the vessel to blend the ozone with all of the water in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Steiner, Ricky L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6054056
    Abstract: A pool buffer composition comprising about 90 to 91% by weight sodium bicarbonate; about 6.5% to about 7.5% by weight sodium carbonate; and at least one binder and/or clarifier. The composition is preferably in granular of compressed tablet form and is most advantageously used in the pool water filtration system slightly upstream of the introduction point of a chlorine pool treatment product introduction point. The product is especially advantageously used substantially simultaneously with the introduction of the chlorine pool treatment product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Maziuk, Jr., Mark Einziger, David Murawski, M. Stephen Lajoie
  • Patent number: 6033576
    Abstract: A method for accelerating the treatment of chemical wastes, particularly recalcitrant wastes such as spent caustic, from the oil, gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries, in which normally slow physical mass transfer of different fluid phases, as well as other chemical reactions, are facilitated. The method involves mixing together the different fluid phases and delivering the mixture to a reaction vessel in the form of an aerosol and froth which provides a large surface area between the phases. The aerosol and froth mixture is maintained and replenished for a period of time sufficient to effect mass transfer and stripping of the contaminants to a selected level of completion. The method enables the provision of more environmentally acceptable wastes for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hyperno Proprietary Limited
    Inventor: Gaetano Russo
  • Patent number: 6017461
    Abstract: An ion supply unit for a water system which is to have its contents purified includes a tank fed from a main water supply and an electrolytic ion generator including silver alloy electrodes. A pump circulates water from the tank through the ion generator and back into the tank at a rate of at least 1 L/s to gradually ionize the contents of the tank and generate a concentrate of silver-ion-laden water. An injector feeds the concentrate into the water system as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventors: Ernest Sydney Garvey, Randolph Euan Irvine Reid
  • Patent number: 6017460
    Abstract: Systems and methods for heating, reacting, and/or treating a stream containing oxidizable matter. Recycle reactor is used alone or in conjunction with plug-flow reactor. Density differences in the recycle reactor facilitate flow within the recycle reactor without substantial external heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Chematur Engineering AB
    Inventors: James M. Eller, Roy N. McBrayer, Jr., Richard D. Peacock, John S. Barber, Walter H. Stanton, Fred Applegath, Gordon H. Lovett, deceased
  • Patent number: 6013189
    Abstract: A purifier for a batch of liquid in a reservoir has a vent space and a pumping system for the vent space above the surface of liquid in the reservoir. This allows a closure lid giving easy access to the reservoir, and the pumping system is arranged so that ozone is exhausted from the vent space and reduced before entering the atmosphere. This allows a user early access to the reservoir after completing a purification cycle and protects the user from exposure to ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: William Alan Burris
  • Patent number: 5948274
    Abstract: A reconditioning system which withdraws coolant from a machine tool sump, filters solids from the coolant, removes tramp oil from the coolant, kills bacteria in the coolant, and returns the reconditioned coolant to the machine tool sump. The reconditioning system includes a separator tank having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coalescer pack located between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet to separate tramp oil from the coolant. An ozone generator is connected to the separator tank for dissolving ozone into the coolant to kill bacteria, yeast and fungus. An in-sump pickup includes a flexible intake hose connected to the separator tank coolant inlet, a suction nozzle having a generally rigid tube attached near an angled or fluted inlet end of the intake hose, and a ring-shaped float encircling the rigid tube. The float is arranged to provide the required amount of buoyancy necessary to float the suction nozzle near the surface of the coolant in the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Aircom Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Lyon, William F. Bettag, Ronald W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5942126
    Abstract: A stabilized aqueous alkali or alkaline earth metal hypobromite solution is prepared by mixing an aqueous solution of alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite having from about 5 percent to about 70 percent available halogen as chlorine with a water soluble bromide ion source; allowing the bromide ion source and the alkali or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite to react to form a 0.5 to 70 percent by weight aqueous solution of unstabilized alkali or alkaline earth metal hypobromite; adding to the unstabilized solution of alkali or alkaline earth metal hypobromite a suitable stabilizer such as a carbonic acid, hydrogen cyanide, carboxylic acid, amino acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or boric acid; and recovering a stabilized aqueous alkali or alkaline earth metal hypobromite solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Anthony W. Dallmier, William F. McCoy
  • Patent number: 5928521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for oxidizing an aqueous medium, which contains organic and/or oxidizable inorganic substances, at an increased temperature and an increased pressure for reducing the chemical oxygen demand of the aqueous medium to a predetermined desired level. The aqueous medium is introduced into a tubular reactor with an oxygen-containing medium. The tubular reactor contains a mechanism for dispersing bubbles of gaseous oxygen. The reactor contains sections through which the mixture of aqueous medium and oxygen containing medium serially flows. A degree of back-mixing in any one of the sections is equal to or less than the degree of back-mixing of an upstream section and the farthest downstream section has a smaller degree of back-mixing than the farthest upstream section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignees: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft, K.T.I. Group B.V.
    Inventor: Janez Levec
  • Patent number: 5919288
    Abstract: In a water recycle painting system wherein a water paint is spray painted on an object to be painted in a painting booth, and wherein over sprayed paint captured in booth circulating water is condensed and recovered to be mixed with the water paint for reuse, a method for suppressing foams in booth circulating water for effectively suppressing foams in booth circulating water generated when spray painting water paint to thereby maintain a good working environment, the method being characterized in that the booth circulating water includes a silicone antifoamer (A) and a hydrophilic high-boiler (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mashima, Takao Kageyama, Kazuo Uenoyama
  • Patent number: 5902488
    Abstract: A slow sand filter system having a slow sand filter located under water and a scraping mechanism. The scraping mechanism has at least one auger and a shaft, the auger extending across the width of the slow sand filter and being supported in the center thereof by the shaft such that the auger is horizontal. The auger may have a shroud located along the length of the auger and spaced therefrom. The auger moves the schmutzdecke layer across the slow sand filter. The slow sand filter system may have recycle, to permit passing water through the slow sand filter system at a rate less than the maximum vertical flow rate and recycle of a portion of said water passing through the slow sand filter system back to the body of water and removal of the remainder of the water to another location. The method permits operation of the slow sand filter system to provide a variable supply of water without minimal disruption of the filter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis Scott Prince
  • Patent number: 5879565
    Abstract: A cooling tower water treatment system removes contaminants include chlorine, calcium carbonate as calcite, and microorganisms from water in the system with redox media in a fluidized bed. The treatment system includes a treatment bed, in the form of a column, having a reaction chamber of a first diameter and a retention chamber of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. Redox media, in the reaction chamber, is fluidized by water flowing in a direction countercurrent to gravity and is held in place, without the use of screens or filters, by a reduction in flow rate of the fluidizing media resulting from the larger diameter of the retention chamber. Preferably, the treatment system includes a physical filtration unit, such as an automatic backwashing sand filter, to prevent entry of particulates and scale into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Joel E. Kusmierz, George R. Babb
  • Patent number: 5858219
    Abstract: A cooling tower water treatment system removes contaminants include chlorine, calcium carbonate as calcite, and microorganisms from water in the system with redox media in a fluidized bed. The treatment system includes a treatment bed, in the form of a column, having a reaction chamber of a first diameter and a retention chamber of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. Redox media, in the reaction chamber, is fluidized by water flowing in a direction countercurrent to gravity and is held in place, without the use of screens or filters, by a reduction in flow rate of the fluidizing media resulting from the larger diameter of the retention chamber. Preferably, the treatment system includes a physical filtration unit, such as an automatic backwashing sand filter, to prevent entry of particulates and scale into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Joel E. Kusmierz, George R. Babb
  • Patent number: 5855792
    Abstract: Waste water from an apparatus that rinses particles from semiconductor wafers is collected in a tank. A pump sends waste water from the tank through a particle filter and onward to a supply inlet for initial rinse stages of the processing apparatus. Some of the waste water is bleed from the tank and replenished by fresh water introduced into the final rinse stage of the apparatus. If the semiconductor processing so dictates, chemicals may be added to the waste water to alter the pH and/or prevent the precipitation of solids in the tank. The addition of such chemicals can be controlled automatically in response to sensed characteristics of the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Integrated Process Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: John A. Adams, Gerald A. Krulik
  • Patent number: 5849199
    Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of preventing a buildup of water conditioning chemicals in a swimming pool water circulation system in the event of a circulation system failure. The invention involves providing a control for the chemical regulation system which is responsive to the water pressure in the circulation system and determinative of the output of the chemical pumps of the chemical regulation system as a function of the pressure of water in the circulation system. The chemical injection pumps may be disabled when circulation pressure falls below a predetermined threshold, whether caused by power failure, mechanical pump failure, or obstruction of the intake pipe. Related apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Richard J. Jack
  • Patent number: 5832393
    Abstract: Although a chelating agent solution having radioactive contaminants is solidified by mixing with cement and then stored, a vast storage place is required for storing an enormous amount of chelating agent solution. When such a chelating agent solution is treated with an ion-exchange resin, a large amount of ion-exchange resin is required, and a large amount of ion-exchange resin having radioactive contaminants is produced. The present invention thus provides a method of treating a chelating agent solution having radioactive contaminants, which can significantly decrease the amount of the chelating agent solution having radioactive contaminants, and which, when an ion-exchange resin is used, can significantly decrease the load on the ion-exchange resin without producing a large amount of ion-exchange resin having radioactive contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Morikawa Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Omata, Katsumi Shibata, Yukio Shirai, Seigo Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5787537
    Abstract: An environmentally safe laundry washing apparatus and method includes a primary solids removal system with an inlet for receiving waste wash water which delivers the water to a separation system and then to a main circulation system which has an ozone source and at least one filter. A final water purification batch treatment system capable of greater than 98% total dissolved solids removal in conjunction with a sterilization device is in fluid communication with the main circulation system, and a washing means is located downstream from the final water purification system. The wash water is recirculated from the washing means after the completion of a wash cycle to an inlet of the primary solids removal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Water Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Mannillo
  • Patent number: 5782983
    Abstract: A part still wet with water or an aqueous type detergent adhering to the surface thereof is drain washed in a washing tank using a hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent. In this operation of dewatering cleaning, the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent stored in the washing tank is circulated between the washing tank and a reserve tank to deprive the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent of water entrained thereby by means of a concentration type filter inserted in a path laid for the circulation. A hydrophobic filter is mainly used as the concentration type filter. The dewatering cleaning is continued and meanwhile the consequently isolated hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent is exclusively returned to the washing tank. As a result, the water concentration in the hydrophobic dewatering cleaning agent stored in the washing tank can be constantly kept below a prescribed level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Inada, Yasutaka Imajo, Kimiaki Kabuki, Nobuhiro Saitoh
  • Patent number: 5766477
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of a liquid reactive medium with a gas comprising dispersing the gas in a liquid in which the gas is sparingly soluble to form a dispersion thereof, said liquid being maintained at a pressure (P1) greater than the pressure (P2) of the liquid reactive medium and the amount of said gas dispersed therein being in excess of its saturation point in the liquid; and introducing the dispersion into the liquid reactive medium having a demand for the gas which is in excess of the amount of gas capable of being dissolved therein at the prevailing conditions in the treatment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: African Oxygen Limited
    Inventors: Edmund Victor Owen John, George L. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5755973
    Abstract: A portable wastewater treatment system for recycling an aqueous surfactant solution utilized in a parts washer assembly for cleaning parts. The system including a contaminated solution storage tank, a treated solution storage tank, and a portable wastewater treatment apparatus wherein contaminated aqueous surfactant solution is collected in the contaminated solution storage tank, withdrawn from the contaminated solution storage tank, injected with air and passed into a mixing zone where the mixture is sprayed with water. The treated solution in the mixing zone is passed into a quiescent zone where light sludge is passed to the top of the quiescent zone and heavy sludge is passed to the bottom of the quiescent zone, the treated wastewater being disposed between the light sludge and the heavy sludge and the treated wastewater being passed from the quiescent zone into a discharge zone where the treated wastewater is discharged therefrom. The heavy sludge is selectively discharged from the quiescent zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: JTJ Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Krieger
  • Patent number: 5736097
    Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide producing agent is added to a water system having copper or copper alloy such as a thermal storage water system or a closed water system whereby the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the circulating water becomes 1 to 200 mgH.sub.2 O.sub.2 /L. Hydrogen peroxide produces oxygen and oxygen works microbes directly so as to remove the microbial fouling and thus prevent the pitting corrosion in copper or its alloy due to microbial contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Ono
  • Patent number: 5730879
    Abstract: A process for conditioning recirculated evaporative cooling water in a cooling water system. The process reduces the amount of make-up water required during the operation of this system as compared to conventional water treatment systems. The process includes the steps of determining the pH of saturation. A strong cation exchange media is used in a controlled sidestream and operated so that the pH of the recirculated cooling water is within about a plus or minus 0.4 of the pH of saturation. The system avoids the necessity of storing acid at the water treatment site and also significantly reduces the amount of make-up water required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: World Laboratories, Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles P. Wilding, Berile B. Stander, Frank J. Baumann
  • Patent number: 5651893
    Abstract: High level disinfection of a home hemodialysis machine is achieved without the use of disinfection chemicals. The machine has a water treatment module, an extracorporeal circuit and a dialysate circuit. Purified water is heated to a high level disinfection temperature, such as 75 or 80 degrees C. The water is circulated though the water treatment module, the extracorporeal circuit and the dialysate circuit for a time sufficient to achieve a high level disinfection of the machine, for example at least one hour. After the high level disinfection is obtained, the water is drained from the machine and the machine is placed in condition for another treatment session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: AKSYS, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Dennis M. Treu
  • Patent number: 5641895
    Abstract: A method for qualifying a chemical distribution system and components used therein to ensure that the quantity of contaminants extracted from the system by the chemical is below a predetermined specification level. A volume of the chemical is continuously circulated through the system. The concentrations of extracted contaminants in the chemical are periodically measured, and the contaminant extraction rate determined as a function of the measurements. The system is qualified for production when the extraction rate has decreased to the specification level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: FSI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Grant
  • Patent number: 5635069
    Abstract: A process for treating a waste sludge of biological solids including the steps of mixing the sludge with an oxide-containing chemical and sulfamic acid so as to elevate a temperature of the sludge, pressurizing the mixed sludge to a pressure of greater than 14.7 p.s.i.a., and discharging the pressurized mixed sludge. The oxide-containing chemical can be either calcium oxide, potassium oxide, or potassium hydroxide. The sludge has a water content of between 5 and 85 percent. The oxide-containing chemical and the acid are reacted with the sludge so as to elevate the temperature of the sludge to between 50.degree. C. and 450.degree. C. The pressurized mixed sludge is flashed across a restricting orifice or passed into a chamber having a lower pressure. The evaporated liquid component can be condensed and used as part of the process. The oxide-containing chemical is mixed with the sludge in an amount between 5 and 50 weight percent of the sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventors: Edward E. Boss, Samuel L. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5631274
    Abstract: The use of oligomeric imidazolium, pyrazolium and triazolium salts as swimming pool sanitizers having improved compatibility with chlorine. Bisimidazolium salts are preformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Peter W. Austin, Clive H. Barlow, Brian D. Bothwell, Andrew N. Collins, Mark R. James
  • Patent number: 5620595
    Abstract: The use of oligomeric imidazolium, pyrazolium and triazolium salts as swimming pool sanitizers having improved compatibility with chlorine. Bisimidazolium salts are preformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Peter W. Austin, Clive H. Barlow, Brian D. Bothwell, Andrew N. Collins, Mark R. James
  • Patent number: 5607596
    Abstract: Process for the treatment of the combustion residues and for the purification of the combustion fumes, in which the residues are washed and then rinsed to reduce the leachable fraction both in respect of the trace elements and in respect of the total soluble fraction, with a low consumption of water and of optional reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Lab S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Vicard
  • Patent number: 5597488
    Abstract: A method for preparing artificial thermal water suitable to be used as domestic thermal water. In order to prepare the thermal water, a plurality of chemical components are mixed with highly pure water at predetermined rates to prepare a thermal water solution having components similar to those of a natural sodium bicarbonated spring, a simple thermal spring, a carbon dioxide spring, a radioactive spring or a sulfur spring. Fresh water or city water passes in order through an activated carbon filter, a microfilter, a anion-exchange resin and a cation-exchange resin to prepare pure water. The thermal water solution is mixed with the pure water and heated to prepare the thermal water prior to distributing the thermal water to a bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Kye-Whan Yn
  • Patent number: RE35871
    Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Americleer Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Bundy, Ralph M. Hansen, Jr.