Abstract: A system for skimming oil and other pollutants from the surface of a body of water. Each skimmer has a frame supporting and housing pumps, sensors, computers, and piping for separating the pollutant from the water and moving it to a collection and storage barge for further processing. The skimming operation is controlled by varying the approach angle of a skimmer toeboard, and the depth of the front end of the skimmer in the water. Hydraulic cylinders are used to pivotally position the toeboard. Air bags are used to control the depth of the skimmer in the water.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a magnetic drum for removing ferrous shavings and a dual canister filter unit equipped with replaceable filter bags. This palletized system may be plugged into most machine tools to filter the shavings-laden coolant to remove the metal shavings, tramp oil, sludge and dirt from liquid coolant to extend its useful life and minimize or eliminate down time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of waste water effluent includes a main conduit connected to a source of waste water, and a removable filter positioned within the main conduit, the filter comprising a light weight particulate material for filtration of the effluent. A drain field for filtration treatment of waste water effluent comprises a source of waste water effluent, a main conduit in fluid connection with the source of waste water, and at least one in-line filter positioned within the main conduit, the filter comprising light weight particulate material. The drain field may comprise at least one extension conduit connected in fluid communication with the main conduit and extending substantially upwardly therefrom, said extension conduit having a removable cap comprising a sensor to thereby generate a signal when water in said extension conduit reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for removing grease from an effluent stream containing grease and water. A separation tank defines a separation chamber. An effluent inlet connected with the separation tank permits flow of the effluent stream into the chamber to form a body of effluent in the separation chamber. A grease depth level sensor is used in determining the amount of grease in the body of effluent.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which enables the monitoring and if desired controlling of fouling within a fluid system. The present invention includes a pseudo-fouling detector system with a pair of identical sensors, where said sensors measure a variable, such as, temperature or pH, in a fluid, producing an electric output representative of the variable. The variable measurements are used to calculate a fouling index which is further used to develop fouling treatment strategies for controlling the amount of fouling in the fluid system.

Abstract: Malodorous gas is removed from mineral water by spraying the water through a stream of air, and collecting the sprayed water, which is circulated through the spraying operation. The collected sprayed water is passed through a filter. Some of the filtered and deodorized water is delivered to individual spas. A first heater keeps water circulated through the tank at a comfortable temperature. A second heater warms the air stream passing into the sprayed water to facilitate removal of malodorous gas.

Abstract: A shipboard system 200 to process contaminated water and exchange commands and data with a remote facility. The shipboard system includes a separation system 10, controller 202, and a communication unit 204. The separation system includes a separator 16, oil accumulator 18, coalescer 20, and a pump 24. The controller 202 is coupled to the separation system 10 and is operable to acquire data relating to processing of contaminated water and can utilize commands received by the communication system 204 to permit remote control of the separation system. The communication unit transmits the data via satellite or other wireless transmission to a command center 212. The shipboard system can also include a global position system which can be used by the controller to inhibit the discharge of contaminated liquids when the ship is in protected waters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of waste water effluent includes a main conduit connected to a source of waste water, and a removable filter positioned within the main conduit, the filter having a light weight particulate material for filtration of the effluent. A drain field for filtration treatment of waste water effluent includes a source of waste water effluent, a main conduit in fluid connection with the source of waste water, and at least one in-line filter positioned within the main conduit, the filter having a light weight particulate material. The drain field may include at least one extension conduit connected in fluid communication with the main conduit and extending substantially upwardly therefrom, the extension conduit having a removable cap and a sensor to thereby generate a signal when water in the extension conduit reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the flow of a fluid through a dosage pump in a dialyzer including an auxiliary pump disposed between a fluid source for the dosage pump and the dosage pump itself, a slave chamber between the auxiliary pump and the dosage pump, the slave chamber including a level detector for detecting a predetermined level of the fluid in the salve chamber and emitting a signal when the level of the fluid is below the predetermined level, and a controller for activating the auxiliary pump after the level indicator emits the signal such that the slave chamber is refilled with the fluid by the auxiliary pump after the suction stroke of the dosage pump has drawn the fluid into the dosage pump and caused the level indicator to emit the signal. Methods for monitoring the flow of a fluid through the dosage pump are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil recovery system, designed to recover oil from oil-contaminated water of a river, lake or sea due to a difference in specific weight between oil and water, is disclosed. The system has an oil-contaminated water inlet unit (10), a segregation tank (15), an oil level sensing unit (100), a movable panel (24), a panel sensing unit (110), and a controller. The system remarkably improves oil recovering efficiency in comparison with typical recovery systems. The system performs the oil recovering process without using any chemicals, so that the system is free from causing environmental pollution. In an embodiment, the segregation tank (15) comprises a plurality of or four chambers (51 to 54), so that the flow of oil-contaminated water in the segregation tank (15) is stabilized. The system also has a plurality of oil floating units (59) and a plurality of horizontal shielding diaphragms (63) in the segregation tank (15), thus reducing the processing time for separating oil from water.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method that separates petroleum products such as fuel oil and gasoline from other foreign constituents, such as water and organic and inorganic solids. In the present invention a petroleum product and its undesirable impurities enters a cylindrical chamber having an input port and an output port. Within the container exists a longitudinal input chamber which forces the fluid to assume a velocity, acceleration and direction as it progresses through the chamber and finally ejected through a nozzle which directs the fluid into a concave surface to produce a rotation of the fluid. Due to centrifugal and other physical forces, components of greater specific gravity are deflected at an angle relatively smaller than components having a larger specific gravity.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for measuring the pressure of blood in a pipe (44) of an extracoporeal blood cicuit, comprising a pressure measurement section (46) having a compartment (58) which is delimited especially by a main wall (64) and by a secondary wall (65) facing it, characterized in that the two walls (64, 65) have a hole (66, 84) which is closed by a closure element (68, 86) which can be elastically deformed under the effect of the blood pressure, and in that the compartment (58) has a spacer (94) which transmits the movements from the closure element (86) of the secondary wall (65) to the closure element (68) of the main wall (64), so that a load sensor (56) can measure a force which corresponds to a so-called “negative” blood pressure.

Abstract: An automatic draw-off grease interceptor 10 includes a separation tank 12 defining a chamber 40. An inlet 24 delivers an effluent stream of grease and water into the chamber which separates into a thicken layer of grease atop a water layer. A pump 70 is included for pumping grease from the chamber when the grease has reached a predetermined level 120. A conductive probe 90 extends vertically in the separation tank 12 from a location above the upper surface of the effluent to a location below the predetermined level 120. An R/C oscillator circuit 112 continuously measures the amount of water in the chamber by measuring the capacitance between the probe and a wall of the tank. A controller 116 actuates the pump in response to the R/C oscillator circuit measuring a capacitance corresponding to an amount of water in the tank when the grease layer reaches the predetermined level.

Abstract: A low cost system for providing drinking water includes a feed water container with a simple ceramic filter covering an outlet of the feed water container. The preferred filter is generally cylindrically shaped with a bore extending partially therethrough, in a configuration commonly referred to as a “ceramic candle” filter in developing countries. Under force of gravity, feed water filters through the ceramic to a storage container below. The filtered water is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) energy either as it flows or after collection in the storage container. In one embodiment, filtered water is temporarily collected in an intermediate holding tank, where it can be irradiated constantly on in batches and periodically released to the lower container. Filtration through ceramic provides clear water with a low UV extinction coefficient for more efficient UV disinfection.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysate concentrate includes a vessel, a controllable valve for regulating water flow to the vessel, a first sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached a lower level, a second sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached an upper level, a controller selectively responsive to one of the sensing devices, and a positionable switch for selecting to which of the sensing devices the controller is responsive.

Abstract: A safety circuit for use with a spa system includes a pressure sensor which generates a signal representative of the pressure in the system. The safety circuit provides a constant current to the pressure sensor. A microcontroller is coupled to receive the signal from the sensor and is configured to store a first pressure level. The microprocessor compares the first pressure level with the subsequently measured pressure level and generates a control signal if the comparison indicates a change in pressure which exceeds a predetermined amount. The control signal is sent to a spa control circuit. An electronically controlled switch is coupled to receive the control signal from the microcontroller and turn electrical power to the pump off in response thereto.

Abstract: A waste and wastewater treatment and recycling system separates blackwater and greywater at their respective sources and includes a waste separation system for decomposing the blackwater into water vapor and carbon dioxide gas, a wastewater treatment system for circulating, aerating, and separating the greywater into precipitated solid matter and treated water, and a filtration, disinfection, and water recycling system for filtering and disinfecting the treated water to form recyclable water. The precipitated solid matter is transferred to the waste separation system and the recyclable water is passed through a membrane filtration system to form potable water. A monitoring system monitors and controls operation of the waste separation system, the wastewater treatment system, and the filtration, disinfection, and water recycling system.

Abstract: A system for recovering oil from a body of water (e.g. river, lake, or sea) includes (i) an inlet unit 10 having a hopper-shaped main body and floaters 12 attached to the hopper by tugs 11; and (ii) a segregation tank 15 having (a) an inlet pipe 14 to receive oil-contaminated water from the inlet unit, (b) a first discharge pipe 17 with pump 20 therein for delivering oil to an oil tank, and (c) a second discharge pipe 18 for delivering water from the segregation tank. The discharge pipes include respective valves 21, 22 therein. A sensing unit 100 (e.g. ultrasonic transducer) and a panel sensing unit 110 are provided in the segregation tank for determining the level of oil in the tank. A controller including a microprocessor 200 controls the discharge valves 21, 22 in response to signals received from both sensing units 100, 110.

Abstract: A filter with a cylindrical filter cartridge in which the filter cartridge has a recess 23, through which functional parts, such as a water level sensor 25 and a water discharge tube 24, can be inserted. This filter may be used, for example, as a fuel filter in which the separated water can be removed from the housing through the functional parts. The functional parts are arranged on a support member 26 and extended through the recess 23, 23a in the filter cartridge 19, and can be accommodated in a space saving manner on the housing cover 12. As a result, the fuel filter can be accommodated particularly in cramped installation spaces in the engine compartment of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for interception solid matter from fluid flowing through a drain or pipe including a drain or pipe coupling to receive and direct fluid flow netting to intercept solid matter while permitting fluid to pass through, and a netting release that interacts with the netting and the coupling to automatically release the netting when a predetermined amount of solid matter has been intercepted.

Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of contaminated groundwater in an substantially vertical well. The apparatus comprises an airlift aerator comprising a plurality of vertically mounted gas lines, arranged together with separating and supporting means; a compressed gas source connected to the gas lines; and at least one pipe having an inlet for groundwater and gas and outlet for discharging lifted, aerated cleaned water, volatile pollutants and used gas. A base airlift section comprises at least one inlet at its lower circumference for receiving contaminated groundwater. At least one exchangeable airlift section is disposed, in use, between the aerator and base airlift sections for establishing an artificial groundwater level, the aerator section and exchangeable section being separated from each other by a generally watertight, aerating plug assembly and the exchangeable section and base section being separated from each other by a watertight seal.

Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.

Abstract: A dialysate preparing apparatus in which concentration of dialysate can be finely adjusted is provided. The dialysate preparing apparatus comprises a chamber 2, the inside of which is divided into four compartments 21, 22, 23, 24 by movable partitions 25, 26, 27; a dissolving solution supply line 1 for supplying dissolving solution to the first compartment 21; a solution tank 5; dialysate preparing lines 31, 32 connecting the solution tank 5 with the first compartment 21 and with the second compartment 22, respectively; a transporting pump 4 provided in the dialysate preparing line 32; a concentration meter N; a powder supply means 7; and dialysate lines 61, 62 connecting the second compartment 22 and the fourth compartment 24 with a dialyzer D, respectively; a circulating line 81; and a waste liquid discharge line 9.

Abstract: A process for automatic or semi-automatic treatment of effluents or waste water, in particular effluents loaded with organic or biological materials such as effluents from wine-production, consisting, in normal operation, of collecting the effluents to be treated during their production and transferring them into a suitable storage container, pretreating the stored effluents by aeration, and if need be, stirring, clarifying the pretreated effluent and carrying out a finishing treatment of this effluent before discharging into the natural environment or reusing.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a water apparatus for treating industrial waste products comprising a first tank (2) containing water at a determined pressure, a second tank (4) placed inside the first tank and with which it is in communication in the lower part and which contains water at a lower pressure than that of the first tank (2), an inlet device (6, 7) of the discharge product in the second tank (4), a first dilution sector (14) of the waste product which is external to the tanks (2, 4) but in communication with the second tank (4) at one end (15) and connected to the other end with a Venturi tube (17), an outlet duct (18) of the waste product diluted by said second tank (4). The Venturi tube (17) is in communication with the first tank (2) and is suitable to create the depression of the second tank (4) with respect to the first tank (2). The second tank (4) comprises internally a further sector (10) for the dilution of the industrial waste product.

Abstract: A cost effective apparatus for preparing solutions is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber which is divided by a movable partition into two compartments, a dissolving solution supply line for supplying dissolving solution to a first compartment of the chamber, a solution tank, a solution preparing line connecting the solution tank and the first compartment of the chamber, a solution preparing line connecting the solution tank and a second compartment of the chamber, and a transporting pump provided between the solution tank and the second compartment, and a solution transporting line for transporting the solution prepared in the solution tank and that has been transported to the second compartment to the point of use. The transporting pump may alternatively be provided between the first compartment and the solution tank.

Abstract: A system for recycling waste water from showers, bath tubs and lavatories to provide flush water for toilets and urinals. The system includes a receiving tank A, an overflow conduit 4, a make-up water conduit 16, a pump B, and a hydro-pneumatic tank C. The system ensures that a sufficient supply of flush water is available at a required pressure to meet the toilet flushing demand. Preferably, the distribution piping for the recycled waste water is of a different size or color in order to in order to avoid accidentally connecting the non-potable flush water supply to a potable use. Mechanisms are also provided so that the flush water can be scented, colored, filtered, or disinfected.

Abstract: A computerized system for monitoring, and controlling various parameters and processes of basket centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time, continuous, operational control of parameters related to feeding, filtering, washing, and dewatering.

Abstract: A polluted water purification apparatus includes a pump 2 and nozzles 4 for delivering polluted water from a polluted water region to a pressure tank T; a gas supplying device 9, 10 for supplying a gas, e.g. oxygen, to the pressure tank; a water level controlling device 5, 6; a degasifier (e.g. 15); and a discharging device 13 for returning the polluted water to the polluted water region. The degasifier periodically discharges gas from the pressure tank in order to prevent toxic gaseous substances (e.g. ammonia) which accumulate in an upper portion of the pressure tank from re-polluting the water therein whenever a concentration of gas in the pressure tank reaches or exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of water contaminated by micro-organisms and chemicals by means of a three stage process is taught. The apparatus consists of a prefiltration stage, an ozonation stage, and a post filtration stage. The contaminated water is initially drawn from a reservoir through a filter through a bed consisting of a porous media, calcium bentonite, zeolite, activated carbon and a second porous media. The filtered water is then passed into a ozonation chamber wherein gaseous ozone is introduced so as to oxidize contaminants. The reduction/oxidation condition in the ozonation chamber serve to control the cycle time. Once the water is disinfected it is passed through a second filter consisting of a porous media and activated carbon before being dispensed into a clean water carafe.

Abstract: An apparatus for associating a solution at an infinitely-variable level and/or flow rate with respect to an agent including an agent amount indicator that promotes agent-solution association adaptable for use in a chlorinator, or comparable component, of a fluid treatment plant. An embodiment configured according to the invention includes a chamber with an inlet and a vertically-inferior outlet. The level and flow of fluid in the chamber is regulated by a weir mounted on the outlet. Fluid in the chamber passes through an agent the retainer maintained in the chamber and washes over the agent, dissolving and depleting the agent. A magnetic follower on top of the agent urges the agent toward the bottom of the retainer. As the agent becomes depleted, the follower approaches the bottom of the retainer until it attains a predetermined distance from a sensor which activates a low-agent-supply alarm. If the alarm remains activated for a predetermined amount of time, a second alarm is activated.

Abstract: A filtration and subsurface distribution system having a vaulted splitting device (e.g., dosing vault) in a recirculating pump tank. The recirculating pump tank houses a sand filter pump and the dosing vault houses a dosing pump. The dosing vault and the dosing pump may be housed outside and remote from the recirculating pump tank which ensures that effluent will not be mixed within the dosing vault. The sand filter pump doses a sand filter with the septic effluent via a feed line. The effluent is then filtered by the sand filter and returned to the dosing vault via a filtrate return. When the filtrate reaches a certain predetermined level within the dosing vault, the drip pump is enabled and turned “on”. In this manner, the filtrate is dosed or dripped into a drain absorption field without mixing with the septic effluent.

Abstract: A method is provided to automatically control an infeed gate of a centrifuge to regulate the rate of incoming charge and thereby maintain a desired building rate for a charge wall being formed along inner sidewalls of a rotating centrifugal basket by measuring the charge wall thickness which forms, determining a fill rate at which the charge material enters the basket, and comparing the determined rate to a desired fill rate. Closure of the infeed gate is also controlled to gradually approach a minimum flow rate. A method is also provided for sensing an unstabilizing wobble of the centrifugal basket and closing the infeed gate in response. The automatic control of the opening and closing of the gate not only improves the capacity of the centrifuge, but also allows for remote operation.

Abstract: A front packing medium accumulation layer (90) and a downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44) which are separated by a lower outflow prevention plate (40) are arranged within a coagulation tank (80). The superficial water passage velocity within the front packing medium accumulation layer (90) is so set as to be larger than the downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44). A floc drawoff pipe (98) is provided for drawoff flocs over the lower outflow prevention plate (40). The interface between a floc blanket which may be formed between the lower outflow preventing plate (40) and the upper packing medium accumulation layer (44) and water thereabove is detected by an interface meter (100) so that a flow regulating valve (102) is correspondingly controlled to regulate the flow rate of the flocs. This prevents any grown floc blanket from reaching the downstream packing medium accumulation layer (44). Thereby extending the cleaning interval.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system includes a mechanism for monitoring and indicating the volume of fluid that has passed through a filter 30. The mechanism includes a channel 42 in communication with a reservoir 22, a portion of which is visible exteriorly of the housing 12. The channel allows a minor portion of the fluid entering the housing via inlet 14 to flow into the reservoir, while allowing the remaining portion of fluid to flow through the outlet 16. The minor portion of fluid entering the reservoir may or may not have passed through the filter. In various embodiments, the system may also include an indicator such as a float 44, a plunger 54, or dye.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for conducting blood treatment procedures. The method includes conducting the treatment procedure such as dialysis at a first efficiency until a limit value is reached, and then altering the first efficiency to a second efficiency until a second limit value has been reached. The method also includes devising a predetermined efficiency profile for the blood treatment procedure, conducting the procedure at a predetermined efficiency until a first limit value is reached, and then altering the efficiency of the blood treatment procedure in accordance with the predetermined efficiency profile.

Abstract: An alarm and pump control system for automatic chlorinators of the type used with septic treatment systems is disclosed. The present invention includes a switch module that couples alongside an automatic chlorinator that uses dissolvable standard size chlorine tablets in a stack and an activator module that sits on top of the stack of chlorine tablets and descends as the chlorine tablets dissolve. The switch module includes proximity switches that can be coupled to one or more alarms. The activator module includes one or more magnets that interact with the proximity switches to signal the owner that the chlorinator requires refilling or to cut off the pump power.

Abstract: A sludge gauge for measuring the depth of a sludge layer covering a bottom of a septic tank. The sludge gauge has a guide sleeve mountable through a septic tank cover and a probe, at least an upper end of which is slidably received in the guide sleeve. The probe has a base end distal an upper end. The density and base end configuration of the probe are selected to cause the probe to sink through a liquid layer in the septic tank until the base end settles on the sludge layer when the probe is released from a raised position. A cap is securable over an upper end of the guide sleeve and a collapsible connector extends between the cap and the probe for raising the probe into the raised position. An indicator is attached to the cap for indicating a height of the base end of the probe above the bottom of the septic tank thereby indicating sludge depth in the tank.

Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.

Abstract: An integrated fuel filter and fuel pump assembly with a water separation capability includes a fuel filter housing and a fuel filter element placed within the fuel filter housing. The fuel filter housing includes an outer surface with a connection interface for a fuel pump. This connection interface includes a fuel inlet port and mounting provisions for threaded fasteners. The fuel pump which completes the integrated assembly includes a fuel inlet and a fuel exit which is directly connected to the flow inlet of the housing. Further, the fuel pump is directly mounted to the outer surface of the housing in a unitized-type of arrangement. The upper endplate for the filter element is enlarged so as to extend beyond the outer diameter of the filter element and additional serve as a closing lid for the housing.

Abstract: A system is described for improving separation of sewage containing wastewater, oleaginous materials and solids. The system includes a tank 10 having a first chamber 12 and a second chamber 14. In the first chamber oleaginous materials rise to an upper portion thereof and a grinder pump 30 grinds the solids that descend toward the bottom of the first chamber. The second chamber in communication with the first chamber delivers the sewage to a discharge line 24 in communication with a transport line that leads to a downstream sewage treatment plant. A conduit 32 conducts the slurry of the ground solids from the first chamber to the discharge line. A pressure relief line 40 running from the conduit releases the head pressure into the first chamber. The pressure relief line is connected to the conduit downstream of the conduit's highest point of elevation.

Abstract: A floating skimmer is used for automatically removing oil and other floating matter from the surface of liquid surrounding the skimmer, preferably in a basin or sump. Floats around the periphery and above the general body of the skimmer provide flotation while the unit is at rest. Two liquid removal devices are provided, one to remove the most dense liquid (generally oil) accumulated in the skimmer sump. A gasketed, hinged, floating weir rests on the fluid level in the skimmer sump and when liquid is removed from the sump by either the first or second device or a combination of both, the weir falls back, creating a cascade action which attracts the surface of surrounding liquid into the skimmer sump. Instrumentation is included to provide information for automatic operation and status reporting of the skimmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.

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.

Abstract: Described is a method for making brine to be used for regenerating water softening appliances. The brine is made in a reservoir having a float mechanism therein coupled to a seal that prevents the brine from dropping below a predetermined level in the reservoir. This creates a stock buffer of brine that always remain in the reservoir so that after adding a sufficient volume of water to regenerate a softening applicant, an effective concentration of brine is immediately available above the predetermined level for carrying out the regeneration. This allows for minimal wait time between subsequent regenerations of one or a plurality of water softening appliances. Preferably, an over-flow warning device cooperating with the reservoir water intake is also provided.

Abstract: A control circuit for use with a spa system includes a pressure sensor which generates a signal representative of the pressure in the system. A microcontroller is coupled to receive the signal from the sensor and is configured to store a first pressure level. The microprocessor compares the first pressure level with the subsequently measured pressure level and generates a control signal if the comparison indicates a change in pressure which exceeds a predetermined amount. An electronically controlled switch is coupled to receive the control signal from the microcontroller and turn electrical power to the pump off in response thereto.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having an aeration tank (20) is provided with an operations control center (12) that includes a controller (64) and an aerator pump (50) mounted atop a base (58), which is in turn mounted atop a platform (56). A plurality of electrical lines (66) extend from the controller through respective conduits (90, 92, 94, 96). The conduits extend through and are sealingly engaged by holes in the base and the platform. A compression fitting (136) and coupler (154) are included to provide a fluid-tight seal. This arrangement is advantageous because it prevents corrosive gases from entering the operations control center and corroding the terminals thereof. Also described is a wastewater treatment system that includes a pretreatment tank (244), an aeration tank (20), and a pump tank (202) secured together by a connector that includes bands (260, 262) and spacing means (264, 268) for maintaining a fixed-spaced relationship between the tanks.

Abstract: A two stage alarm system for detecting rising levels of sludge in septic tanks, and similar sedimentary tanks. The system, to detect a first or “caution” level, and a second or “critical” level of sludge, relies upon a pair of vertically positioned weight sensitive switching mechanisms which, when triggered by the rising levels of sludge, will send appropriate signals to a remote alarm mechanism, such as at the residence, to activate a “yellow” and/or “red” light, for example, thus alerting the owner of the tank to the need for remedial action.

Abstract: An integrated control module for connection to a fuel-water separator for controlling the drainage of water from the fuel-water separator includes a water-in-fuel sensor having a pair of spaced-apart probes, a drain valve whose open or closed condition is controlled by a solenoid, an electrical connector for receiving input power and a control circuit arranged with first and second circuit portions which cooperate so as to control the energizing of the solenoid and thus the opening or closing of the drain valve based on the resistance between the pair of spaced-apart probes. The integrated control module is designed to attach to either a sidewall or a base of the fuel-water separator so that the probes extend into the interior of the fuel-water separator into a region where separated water accumulates. The resistance between the probes is then used as a means for sensing an average probe voltage which in turn determines the state of the solenoid.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly that provides a constant level of least restricted fuel flow through the fuel filter assembly during the useful life of the filter media by utilizing the least possible amount of filter media to provide the least possible pressure differential over the filter media while also providing a constant level of fuel additive by exposing an amount proportional to the filter media required for the least possible restricted fuel flow. The fuel filter assembly utilizes a vertically upward housing that houses a filter media and a fuel additive. The fuel level slowly rises in the housing as the filter media becomes obstructed with contaminants and as the fuel additive dissolves over the life of the filter media. The top portion of the housing is made of a transparent material so that the level of fuel may be easily determined, thereby allowing for an accurate and simple assessment of the useful life of the filter media and the fuel additive.