Rehabilitating Or Regenerating Filter Medium Patents (Class 210/791)
  • Patent number: 7833424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning cloth filter media supported on a plurality of opposingly-spaced filter plate frames. A backwash assembly (23) moves linearly and includes at least one cylindrical backwash arm (200) that rotates to consecutively clean the media of the spaced filter plate frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Baumann, David Smith
  • Patent number: 7820062
    Abstract: A filter cloth of long pile fiber bundles is used as a tertiary filter in a wastewater processing method. The filter may be backwashed by a rotating suction head which does not touch the filter cloth. A combination of countercurrent and horizontal flow dislodges entrained solids from the filter cloth. Mounting of the filter media as modular components permits increased capacity within a single tank while avoiding down time in changeover of filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Grouse Mountain, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 7815811
    Abstract: A powered trash rake system for clearing debris from intake racks used for screening debris from water intakes and other similar structures. The trash rake system includes a telescoping boom mounted to a movable carriage support structure. Electric motors are provided to move the carriage support structure to desired positions along the intake rack to be cleaned and to operate the telescoping boom to move a trash rake structure under power vertically along the trash rack to remove debris therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro Component Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Reiss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7807060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting solids (23; 123) from a suspension (22; 122) containing the solids (23; 123) and suspension liquid (32; 132) in a continuously or virtually continuously operating filter device (10; 110) using a filtering material (26; 126), on the one side of which, the high-pressure side (30; 130), a higher pressure prevails than on its other side, the low-pressure side (42; 142), and which passes successively through a plurality of working zones (I-V; I-IV) of the filter device (10; 110) in a working direction (U), the suspension (22; 122) being supplied to the filtering material (26; 126) on its high-pressure side (30; 130) in a first working zone (I) and being filtered, the suspension liquid (22; 122) flowing through the filtering material (26; 126) on account of the difference in pressure between the high-pressure side (30; 130) and the low-pressure side (42; 142) while at least some of the solids (23; 123) are deposited on the filtering material (26; 126).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: BHS-Sonthofen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Schmid
  • Publication number: 20100237025
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for cleaning a media support structure in a filter cell in a liquid filter system, wherein a cleaning solution does not significantly enter a filter media zone. The method comprises supplying a cleaning solution to a filter cell to a level sufficient to submerge the media support structure, but not to significantly enter the filter media zone. Additionally, the cleaning solution level is monitored to ensure the cleaning solution does not significantly enter the filter media zone. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be continuously recirculated and reintroduced to the filter cell during the cleaning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ITT WATER & WASTEWATER LEOPOLD, INC.
    Inventors: John L. Geibel, Eugene M. Vegso, Christopher J. Ball, Robert L. Laird, Thomas M. Getting, Dean T. Berkebile
  • Publication number: 20100237021
    Abstract: A system is provided for water purification for a recirculation shower in a transport with a filtration unit, a first backwash line and a second backwash line. The filtration unit is designed to filter used shower water. The first backwash line and the second backwash line are designed to clean the filtration unit with a backwashing. The first backwash line is designed to convey backwash water to the filtration unit. The second backwash line is designed to discharge backwash water from the filtration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Simone GUTTAU, Christiane LINDAUER
  • Patent number: 7799231
    Abstract: A liquid/solid separator system mounted on a mobile cart and connected to a process tank for reducing the rate at which fluids are consumed in manufacturing processes. The system may include automation and also may include a shear-stepped screen including tilted wire wedge wires arranged at varying cant angles. The system may include a fine screen basket received in a settling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Engineering Fluid Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: William O. Irvine
  • Publication number: 20100224575
    Abstract: An improved device and a method for processing cleaning fluids, with the device including at least one flushable coarse filter for coarsely filtering the cleaning fluid, a cross-flow filter for finely filtering the coarse filtrate from the at least one coarse filter, a return line through which the coarse filtrate is fed through the cross-flow filter in a circuit, a flushing device for flushing the coarse filter, and a drain branching off from the circuit and connected to the flushing device for flushing the coarse filter with the coarse filtrate fed through the cross-flow filter in the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Nissen, Klaus-Karl Wasmuht, Kurt Stippler, Cornelia Folz, Jan Momsen, Timm Kirchhoff
  • Publication number: 20100224558
    Abstract: A water filtration system includes a raw water line, a purified water line, and a plurality of water filtration units. The filtration units are connected in parallel between the raw water line and the purified water line. Each of the filtration units has a water filter disposed between and separating a raw water side of the unit connected to the raw water line and a purified water side of the unit connected to the purified water line. The raw water side of each unit has a drain opening. The system furthers includes a plurality of raw water valves each disposed between the raw water line and the raw water side of one of the plurality of units, a plurality of purified water valves each disposed between the purified water line and the purified water side of one of the plurality of units, and a plurality of drain valves each disposed to control flow through the drain opening of one of the plurality of units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Jack Barker
  • Publication number: 20100219140
    Abstract: A filter configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers, each defining a perimeter having an open section when the filter plates are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly includes a closure configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers without separating the filter plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Publication number: 20100206823
    Abstract: A filter cloth of long pile fiber bundles is used as a tertiary filter in a wastewater processing method. The filter may be backwashed by a rotating suction head which does not touch the filter cloth. A combination of countercurrent and horizontal flow dislodges entrained solids from the filter cloth. Mounting of the filter media as modular components permits increased capacity within a single tank while avoiding down time in changeover of filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Donald D. Ricketts
  • Publication number: 20100187190
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering working fluid in an appliance with a cross-flow filter located within a recirculation circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: DENNIS L. KEHL
  • Patent number: 7749391
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for pre-treating water to remove substantial amounts of particulates prior to filtration. A coagulant, such as chitosan is mixed with turbid water and adheres to particulate matter to form large clumps. The water/coagulant mixture is placed in a first reservoir elevated above a second reservoir having a strip of porous material, such as polyester felt, positioned with one end in the first reservoir and another end above the second reservoir and preferably below the waterline in the first reservoir. A middle portion of the porous material is elevated above the first and second ends, but at a height relative to the waterline of the first reservoir that is equal or less than the height water will rise in the porous material due to capillary action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Natural Site Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Macpherson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100155344
    Abstract: A filter device including at least one filter chamber between a filter plate and a counter plate when the device is closed, into which chamber a suspension can be inducted on a cake side of a filter cloth through at least one filling shoe anchored in the filter plate and clamping the cloth with the filter plate in a sealing manner. The suspension permeates the cloth to the filtrate side, wherein the suspension solid content deposits on the cloth as a filter cake, and the filter and counter plates are offset from each other when the device is open, and the cake is removable from the chamber. In order to simplify the disassembly of the cloth, the shoe is movably anchored in the filter plate, and the shoe is automatically lifted off from the filter plate and the clamping of the filter cloth is released when the device is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Heinz Bonn
  • Publication number: 20100126948
    Abstract: A process for the filtration of an ionic liquid involves feeding an ionic liquid containing precipitated metal halides to a first filtering zone, which includes at least one first filter, to provide a partially filtered product. The process further includes subsequently feeding the partially filtered product to a second filtering zone, which includes at least one second filter having a smaller pore size than the at least one first filter, to provide a filtered product. A filter system capable of filtering precipitated metal halides from ionic liquid is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Huping Luo, Moinuddin Ahmed, Kris Parimi, Bong-Kyu Chang, Sara Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20100126947
    Abstract: A support for supporting and positioning a filter bowl of a filter system may include a bracket body, a rod, an extension arm threadably connected to the rod and a support band connected to and rotatable with respect to the extension arm. The bracket body may include a top plate. The top plate may include an opening for receiving the rod. The rod may be rotatably positioned in the opening in the top plate and extend from the top plate in a direction away from the top plate of the bracket body. The extension arm may be operable to extend from the bracket body or retract towards the top plate of the bracket body when the rod is rotated. The support band may be configured for attachment to the filter bowl of the filter system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hughie C. Cole
  • Patent number: 7713427
    Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system for filtering grey waste water to clear water for stone fabrication equipment includes a waste water storage tank connected to receive grey water from stone fabrication equipment and a clear water supply loop. The clear water supply loop includes a high capacity filter assembly receiving waste water from the waste water storage tank and filtering the waste water into clear water that is provided to the fabrication equipment through a clear water storage tank. The high capacity filter assembly includes at least one high pressure filter unit wherein each high pressure filter unit includes a duplex air diaphragm pump assembly, forfiltering the waste water into the clear water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Stone Industry Recycling, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Perry, Paula Perry
  • Patent number: 7713411
    Abstract: A filter-dryer apparatus employing a single container for both filtering and drying operations including a container holding a material to be filtered and dried, adapted to connect to a filter system and to connect to a fluid bed dryer system, and a process for separating particulates from liquids by the operations of filtration and drying, which includes the steps of providing a single container for both filtering and drying operations; introducing a mixture of particles and liquid to said container; connecting the container to a filter system and filtering the particulates from the liquid; detaching the container from the filter system; connecting the container to a fluid bed drying system and removing the liquid from the particulates to result in dry particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Patrick Banister, Robert R. Garner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100108620
    Abstract: A dual-side cleaning traversing screen filtration system which generally comprises a main trough water containment housing, a traversing manifold having a multitude of top and bottom disposed spray heads, flexible plumbing, a substantially planar, rectangular supported screen which is disposed over, and spans the opening of, the main trough water containment housing which, in the preferred embodiment, has a rectangular box like shape, with the combined assemblage functioning as a filter to separate unwanted debris from the water that passes through the screen into the slightly inclined main trough water containment housing where it can be continually removed and re-used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Fruit Growers Supply Company
    Inventors: David Sorenson, Bruce Adams
  • Publication number: 20100089838
    Abstract: Floor drain with water trap including an upper screen (19) or lip and a lower screen or threshold (32) extending to a higher level (29) than the lower edge of the upper screen, and that the water first flow below the upper screen and thereafter over the lower screen. The inlet part before the upper screen has a small cross-section or volume in relation to the water volume between the upper and the lower screen securing an efficient flushing away of light pollutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Gert Wilhelm Söderström
  • Patent number: 7691274
    Abstract: A filter installation and method, especially a seawater filter installation and method, includes at least one fluid line (18,20) for transporting a biological fluid, a filter device (54) mounted in the fluid line with at least one filter element (22) in a filter housing (10), and a device for biological decontamination. The device for biological decontamination contains active substances that can be introduced into the filter housing (10), such as inert gases or special metals, ensuring that toxic impurities cannot enter. The active substances used are ecofriendly unlike chemically produced fungicides and herbicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hydac Process Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Wnuk, Thomas Schneider
  • Patent number: 7686964
    Abstract: The method and an arrangement are for dewatering and washing lime slurry before the dewatered lime mud is passed to a lime mud kiln. The lime slurry is dewatered in a pressurized lime mud filter of disc or drum type. The pressurized lime mud filter is pressurized through a compressor drawing on its suction side (s) gas phase from the filtrate tank and pressurizing on the pressurized side (p) of the compressor the pressure vessel on the lime mud side of the filter. A certain pre-determined amount of gas phase in the gas circulation system is vented and an equivalent pre-determined amount of fresh air is added to the recycled gas phase with the aim of maintaining the partial pressure of oxygen gas above a certain minimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Metso Fiber Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Patrik Lownertz
  • Publication number: 20100068373
    Abstract: Equipment to extract excess sugar from fruit juice using a centrifuge containing reusable sugar absorbing materials is presented. A method comprising repeatedly performing successive extraction and cleaning cycles on successive portions of juice is also presented. The method's extraction cycle involves extracting the sugar from the juice. The cleaning cycle includes removing the extracted sugar from the sugar absorbing material with hot and cold water, and both cycles include removing all the liquid out of the centrifuge by introducing an inert gas under pressure into the centrifuge at the end of each respective cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: William N. Buchele
  • Patent number: 7678283
    Abstract: A rotary drum filter has a plurality of longitudinally extending division grids mounted about the outer circumference of a drum. A plurality of corrugated sheets are provided, with the leading and trailing edges of each sheet mounted to circumferentially adjacent pairs of division grids to define filtrate compartments. An equivalent number of perforated filter plates are also provided. Each filter plate is attached to the top of a corrugated sheet and has a leading edge and a trailing edge that are set back from the leading edge and trailing edge of the corrugated sheet. A seal clip is positioned near the leading edge of each corrugated sheet. A seal member or seal members is/are held in place by the seal clip and is/are positioned at the face of the leading edge of each corrugated sheet or beneath and near the face or each corrugated sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Grace, Joseph A. Gottberg
  • Patent number: 7678284
    Abstract: A filter cloth of long pile fiber bundles is used as a tertiary filter in a wastewater processing method. The filter may be backwashed by a rotating suction head which does not touch the filter cloth. A combination of countercurrent and horizontal flow dislodges entrained solids from the filter cloth. Mounting of the filter media as modular components permits increased capacity within a single tank while avoiding down time in changeover of filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Grouse Mountain, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 7662296
    Abstract: A filtering and compacting device for solid particles suspended and contained in fluids, such as slurries produced by mechanical operations, comprises a container (11), provided with a cover (12) and an openable bottom (13), and includes an inlet mouth (91) of the fluid to be treated, means for placing the container (11) under pressure, means (20) for opening the bottom (13) of the container (11), in which bottom (13) there is located a first filtering element (90) for retaining the solid particles internally thereof and at least a second filtering element (30) which defines a filtration chamber (31), in which the filtration chamber (31) overlies a compacting chamber (32) of filtered slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: P.M.P.O. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio Pancaldi, Vanni Gallocchio
  • Patent number: 7651619
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating dry matter from liquid includes an enclosed separation environment capable of being pressure regulated. Within the enclosed separation environment, a suspension is brought into contact with at least one filter so as to accumulate dry matter on the at least one filter. The filter with the dry matter passes through at least one set of rollers such that liquid is removed from the dry matter on the at least one filter to form a substantially dry filter cake. Thereafter, the substantially dry filter cake is removed from the at least one filter. The above steps are performed in the enclosed separation environment either under vacuum or overpressure. The invention may be used in various fields such as the food industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Preben Bøje Hansen, Peter Stubbe, Hanne Birch, Kirsten Grønning Sørensen
  • Publication number: 20100015679
    Abstract: A fermentation system for production of biogas from solid organic material, the system including at least one fermentation reactor. The fermentation reactor includes a vessel (37) for housing a feed mixture having liquid and solid particles and an outlet port (44), a strainer assembly (33) at the outlet port for filtering processed feed mixture from the vessel, and a biogasification reactor (37) in fluid communication with another fermentation reactor, the other fermentation reactor configured to produce a biomethane. The strainer assembly further includes a mixture driving member (53) positioned in the strainer body (47) adjacent the drain opening (51), the mixture driving member having a driving surface configured to receive the liquid passing through the filter member (60). The driving surface engages the filter member such that solid particles are driven from a surface of the filter member when the driving member is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: The Regents of the Univeristy of California
    Inventors: Dave Konwinski, Ruihong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7641804
    Abstract: A filter unit (10) and a filter device formed from several such units for filtering a fluid, especially a process fluid such as required for chip-removing machining processes. The filter units (10) each comprise a frame (11) and a filter medium (16). The frame (11) has support webs (12), which reinforce the frame (11) and support the filter medium (16). The support webs (12) are arranged on the downstream side (18) of the filter medium (16) to prevent clogging on the upstream side (17) and permit a simple removal of the filter cake. The filter units (10) are stacked on each other in alternating orientation such that the upstream sides (17) or the downstream sides (18) of two adjacent individual filter units (10) face each other. The frame (11) forms unfiltered fluid and filtered fluid flow nozzles (13), (14) through which the fluid to be filtered or the filtered fluid can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Thalmann, Thomas Rodewaldt, Bernd Burkhart
  • Publication number: 20090321334
    Abstract: A variable wash flow filter assembly includes a wash velocity control cone movable between a minimal position and a maximum position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin Gibbons, Francis P. Marocchini, Tomas R. Leutwiler
  • Patent number: 7635435
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating immiscible liquids in a dispersion containing an aqueous liquid and at least one dispersed non-aqueous liquid by passing the dispersion through a series of absorbents, preferably polymeric. The direction of the flow through the absorbent is periodically changed. The period required before a change of the flow direction is established by the differential pressure. There is a gradual increase in the differential pressure across the absorbents which indicates a blockage due to viscous oil and/or solids. The product produced by the method and the apparatus of the invention is a polished non-aqueous phase and a polished aqueous phase both having low contaminant levels. In a preferred embodiment when solids are also present in the dispersion, a solids stream is also recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Separatech Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Amine Benachenhou
  • Publication number: 20090308818
    Abstract: A solid separator that uses a rotating screen, having spiral guides at its outer portion, over which a plurality of spiral-shaped scrapers are suspended. An inlet distributor including a plurality of apertures distributes a contaminated liquid flow over the screen, when rotated, permits the scrapers and guides to drive the deposited debris towards an outer edge of the screen and up a slight conical ramp and into a debris discharge sump. A level sensor may be included above the screen to activate the screen rotation based on the level of the contaminated liquid flow above the screen. An alternative embodiment uses individual scraper supports having respective jack mechanisms that permit the operator to independently lift and even rotate each scraper for additional cleaning or service. The alternative embodiment uses an assembly of two screens having an outer portion that also includes a slight conical ramp having spiral guides thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 7632416
    Abstract: A variety of improved hydroclone based fluid filtering systems are described. The hydroclones generally include a tank having an internal chamber and a filter (preferably a surface filter) that is positioned within the internal chamber. The filter defines a filtered fluid chamber within the internal chamber of the tank. The hydroclone may be operated such that a vortex of flowing fluid is formed between the chamber wall and the filter with the filter being located in the center of the vortex. With this arrangement, the filter acts as a cross-flow filter. In one aspect of the invention, the filter is a stepped filter. In another aspect of the invention, the filter is an surface filter, as for example, an electroformed metal surface filter. In some preferred embodiments, the openings in the filter are arranged as slots that extend substantially vertically so that they are oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow path of fluid flowing in the adjacent portion of the vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Clean Filtration Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20090277850
    Abstract: An implantable fluid separator having a housing holding a membrane which allows fluid to pass through. The fluid is drained from the housing and removed from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Theodore P. Adams, William Jehn Rissmann, Bruce Alan Brillhart, John H. Wang
  • Patent number: 7611634
    Abstract: A method of filtering a fluid wherein after filtering a contaminated fluid, which causes the formation of a filter cake, a substantially non-contaminated fluid is fed through the filter cake and filter at varying flux or at varying driving force. At the same time the necessary driving force or the obtained flux, respectively, are measured. The measured value and the respective value setting are compared with at least one standard set of data and on the basis of this comparison the fouling status of the fluid to be filtered, the filter and the filter cake is determined. The method makes it possible to accurately determine characteristics of a fluid to be filtered. This may be realized by simply varying the flux and measuring the driving force at different flux values, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: NORIT Membraan Technologie B.V.
    Inventors: Harry Futselaar, Bastiaan Blankert, Bernardus Henricus Louis Betlem, Matthias Wessling
  • Publication number: 20090255880
    Abstract: A single use, disposable filtration assembly that eliminates the need for disassembly and replacement of fouled filtration modules in a pharmaceutical setting. The single use, disposable filtration assembly is a unitary assembly that is simply positioned and connected within the fluid processing system whereupon the disposable filtration assembly, upon reaching the end of its useable life, is removed from the process as a single, integral unit ready for disposal through appropriate methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Scott J. Pritchard, John V. Fullerton, III
  • Patent number: 7588688
    Abstract: The disclosed principles for providing a chemical-free filtering of particulate down below sub-micron levels, while concentrating the particulate into a sludge. The disclosed principles integrate cross-flow filtration (i.e., micro-filtration or ultra-filtration) with a settling tank (or “weir”) to provide sequential filtration and dewatering of an aqueous media. The disclosed technique operates chemical-free and is continuous. Applications for systems and processes in accordance with the disclosed technique are wide, and include aggregate fines removal, sediment removal, replacement for clarifiers, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Purifics Environmental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Butters, Anthony L. Powell
  • Publication number: 20090218298
    Abstract: A strainer system comprises a strainer housing having an inlet for raw fluid and an outlet for strained fluid; a generally cylindrical strainer basket having a strainer screen and disposed within the housing, the external surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the raw fluid inlet and the internal surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the strained fluid outlet; a backwash collector assembly comprising a backwash conduit having an opening disposed adjacent the outer surface of the strainer screen, the backwash conduit and the strainer basket being moveable relative to each other, so as to allow the opening to pass across the external surface of the strainer screen. A method of straining a fluid, in particular a liquid, is also provided. Finally, a valve assembly for use in the selective opening and closing of a plurality of backwash conduits is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Brent Knox-Holmes, Ian Durdin, Andrew David Jackman
  • Publication number: 20090218299
    Abstract: A static screen used upstream of a membrane assembly within a water treatment system has a screening surface with a number of openings distributed over its area. Liquid flows through the screening surface to reach the membrane assembly. Various shapes of screening surfaces are described including three-dimensional bodies with openings at or near their lower ends. Methods for cleaning the screen are described including aeration, backwashing and lowering down the water level in an upstream section by partially or completely draining a tank. Various treatment systems or process designs incorporating the screen are described. Screen elements may be made in two or more parts comprising a supporting structure and a separation layer and may be mounted on a conduit or pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Pierre Lucien Cote, Jennifer Lynn Pawloski, Michael David Theodoulou, Stanford Chuk-Wah Li, Douglas Joseph Thompson, Ali Adnan
  • Publication number: 20090211992
    Abstract: For providing a water filtration purifying apparatus and a method thereof, enabling to reduce the manufacturing costs of the apparatus as a whole, by combining a function of filtration and a function of separation/concentration, the filtration function and the separation/concentration are separated, in the structure thereof. Thus, since all sewage waters generated in respective filtration separators can be collected by only one (1) set of a magnetic separator, even if there are plural number of the filtration separators, it is possible to dissolve a problem of rising up the costs of the apparatus, as a whole. With this, it is possible to provide a water filtration purifying apparatus, for enabling high water-quality purification and also reducing low manufacturing costs thereof, by further small-sizing the magnetic separating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Norihide Saho, Hisashi Isogami, Takashi Mizumori, Tetsuya Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090211990
    Abstract: A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section (*). Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Patent number: 7563375
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled RO membrane in a module for RO separation, the membrane having feed side and permeate side, the foulant accumulating at the feed side. The cleaning method comprises: feeding concentrated saline solution to the feed side of the RO membrane under the high gauge pressure of the normal RO separation process; feeding dilute saline solution to the permeate side of the RO membrane under higher pressure than the permeate pressure of the normal RO process, so that a net driving differential ?PN is directed to the feed side, whereby the solvent is being sucked from the permeate side to the feed side, penetrates into the interface between the membrane and the accumulated foulant, and separates the foulant from the membrane surface; and withdrawing the concentrated saline solution together with the separated foulant and the penetrated solvent from the feed side of the RO membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: I.D.E. Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Boris Liberman
  • Publication number: 20090178982
    Abstract: An improved cleaning apparatus and method is provided for cartridge filters in a fluid bed processor. A cleaning solution duct is coupled to the air pulse tube so as to supply a mixture of pressurized air and cleaning liquid to the inside of the filter cartridge. The pressure forces the cleaning solution and air outwardly through the filter cloth to remove particles from the interstitial pores of the cloth. The cleaning liquid also flushes the interior and the exterior surface of the cloth. The lower end of the filter includes a cap which is normally closed, and which can be opened to allow drainage of cleaning liquid from the interior of the cartridge filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: VECTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: AARON K. BASTEN
  • Publication number: 20090178976
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering liquid that includes a filter having an external surface; a rotatable shaft extending through the filter; and a movable member coupled to the rotatable shaft. The movable member is configured to impart a suction force at various locations across the external surface of the filter. The movable member has a trailing portion that extends further than the leading portion in the direction toward the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Jay Stevens
  • Patent number: 7553425
    Abstract: A skimming screen for a swimming pool filtration system is disclosed. The skimming according to the invention includes a support frame having a central opening and a mesh fabric or screen material attached to the support frame so as to extend over substantially the entire area of the central opening. The support frame and the screen material are shaped and dimensioned to cover the intake orifice of the suction line when a strainer basket is removed for cleaning. A method of using the skimming screen to facilitate cleaning of the strainer basket is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Samuel B. Stern, Margaret Quarry
  • Publication number: 20090095041
    Abstract: A method of disposing of waste material in a waste stream, including positioning a porous foamed glass member characterized by an open-cell interconnected pore network in contact with a volume of liquid to be purified and removing an amount of an undesired material from the volume of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: W. Gene Ramsey, Andrew Ungerleider
  • Patent number: 7517376
    Abstract: An air supply system and valve is disclosed which provides a reverse pulse of air for cleaning a filter element located in a filter house. A valve is also disclosed for use in the air supply system. The system includes a pressure vessel adapted to contain a volume of compressed air to be used for supplying the reverse pulse, the pressure vessel having a wall with at least one outlet aperture therein. The valve is mounted to the wall around the aperture to control the flow of air from the pressure vessel, the valve means comprising a valve body having an inlet, an outlet and a flow passage connecting the inlet and outlet, the inlet, the outlet and the flow passage generally extending axially through the valve body, a valve seat surrounding the flow passage, and a valve closure member movable towards and away from the valve seat into closed and open positions to thereby close or open the flow passage, and operating means for moving the valve closure member between the closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Goyen Controls Co. Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew John McCausland
  • Publication number: 20090071913
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning lubricating oil which circulates in a lubricating oil circuit has an intake to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit, through which a part quantity of the lubricating oil circulating in the lubricating oil circuit is to be fed to the cleaning and a return to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit for the returning of the cleaned lubricating oil into the lubricating oil circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: MAN Diesel SE
    Inventors: Nikolaus Konig, Michael Forster
  • Publication number: 20090071912
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a device and a method for automatically removing lint without requiring special skill and labor by improving a lint removal technique in a continuous washing machine. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An opening (2a) is formed in a washing liquid feed tube (2), and a guide vane (6) is fixed to the feed tube along the opening (2a). A cylindrical screen (3) is fitted onto the feed tube rotatably about the feed tube (2), and rotatingly driven by rotating drive rollers (7a) and (7b). A washing liquid flowing out of the opening (2a) is passed through the side wall (3a) of the cylindrical screen (3), filtrated to separate the lint from the washing liquid, and recirculated from a collecting tube (5) to the continuous washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Takashi Mishina, Yasunori Atsumi, Harutoshi Shimoyama, Yuichi Kanoh
  • Patent number: 7494809
    Abstract: A method for automated cell enrichment preparation where biological cells are injected into a first subchamber and flowed through the first subchamber, through a large pore filter and into a second subchamber so that the large pore filter retains particles large particles in the first subchamber, while the biological cells pass through the first filter into the second subchamber and are retained by a small pore filter. After clearing, the biological cells are stained. A solvent exchange leaves the biological cells in solvent and they are released into a concentration module where a portion of the solvent is removed to form an enriched concentrated cell suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: VisionGate, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Nelson, Florence W. Patten