Abstract: This invention is a liquid separation system using ion exchange resin, adsorbent resin and catalytic resin based on U-tube principle. It is shown that relatively low fluid velocity is sufficient to maintain the resin bed in compacted state during the operation as well as during the regeneration processes so that high quality product, low regenerant consumption, and convenient operation are obtained.

Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.

Abstract: A filter-testing fixture holds a single fuel filter and is adjustable to accommodate a range of filter sizes and shapes. The fixture has a base section that defines a water collection reservoir, and the base opens upward toward a housing. Water separated from fuel in the housing thus drains into the reservoir. A fuel inlet conduit passes through the reservoir, one end of the conduit being disposed above the base section. The first, or filter-supporting, adapter is removably attached to this end of the conduit, and both the first adapter and this end are disposed within, the housing. The housing removably and sealingly mates to the base, and a cap assembly likewise removably and sealingly mates to the housing. A second, repositionable, filter-holding adapter is connected to the inner surface of the cap.

Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.

Abstract: A filter device according to the present invention comprises: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirl, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirl are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause a swirl, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirl and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for turbulently exposing water flowing through a water system to a plurality of electrodes of an ion generator and having a self-contained tank through which water flows is provided with an inlet pipe that directs water flow between the electrodes. A tank cover serves as a non-electrical conducting head for the plurality of electrodes that extend downwardly from the underside of the cover. The electrodes are functionally configured to maximize water flow between them. Following the flow of water between the electrodes, a double vortex of water flow is created along one wall of the tank. A sight glass allows for visualization of the container contents, and in particular electrode wastage or wear, during operation.

Abstract: The-FALL THRU SAND TRAP employs a screen, open top and bottom to allow sand and debris to fall away from the filter. A transparent holding pipe, sight glass, holding pipe, and a method to back flush.

Abstract: Fluid decontamination device includes a base having a fluid passage in it. An observation window is provided in the base for allowing a user to observe a fluid in the fluid passage. A differential pressure indicator, such as a vacuum indicator, is operatively connected to the fluid passage for indicating the relative pressure in the fluid. An indicator light which turns on when the differential pressure in the fluid passage is less than a predetermined differential pressure may be provided on the differential pressure indicator. A filter maybe fluidly connected with the fluid passage for filtering out one or more contaminants present in the fluid.

Abstract: A reservoir for a water filtering system includes a tank having a separate board to define an upper space and a lower space in the tank. A water level control system is connected to the tank and located in the upper space to control the volume of the filtered water entering the upper space. An aperture is defined through the separate board and a pipe connected between the aperture and a pump so that filtered water is pumped from an outlet defined through a wall of the tank to a faucet via a pipe. A water quality improvement device is received in the upper space of the tank to ensure the quality of the filtered water in the tank.

Abstract: In a cleaning system which uses balls made of spongy material for cleaning fluid conducting tubing a ball collector having a housing with inlet and outlet ports, the outlet port having a strainer screen which allows fluid but not the balls to pass, and an access port with a releasable cover sealed with an O-ring. The cover is of metal frame construction with a transparent center, preferably preferably comprised of a pyrex glass member encased in a metal sleeve.

Abstract: A system for filtering and treating waste generated or collected in the water of a fish pond. The system includes a pump, pre-filter, piping, a valve assembly, and a filter media container enclosing a plurality of discrete filter media. The filter media are generally hollow, plastic structures with a plurality of external ribs and internal dividing walls. The filter media has a high surface area-to-volume ratio and can support a high volumetric density of naturally occurring heterotrophic bacteria. The heterotrophic bacteria establish colonies on the internal and external surfaces of the filter media and biologically metabolize waste that is trapped on the media. The bacterial metabolization transforms much of the waste to an aesthetically and biologically neutral form thereby reducing the need for chemical treatment of the pond water. The system includes a backwashing mode to agitate and remove unreacted waste from the system and direct the waste stream out of the system, preferably to be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a tray having at least one well with a support associated with the well, and a removable undercover. The undercover protects the support or membrane from external contamination without causing excessive force on an individual well that can cause membrane flatness. The undercover is easily removable to provide access to the support or membrane. The undercover, when affixed to the underside of the multiwell plate or tray, allows the assembly to be transportable as a single unit while still being in compliance with SBS automation standards.

Abstract: An annular space or inlet chamber 24 between the filter element 16 and housing of a liquid filter is viewable such that an operator can see the level of liquid in the inlet chamber as an indication of when to replace the filter element: the higher the liquid level, the greater the pressure drop across the filter element. A change interval plugging indicator includes a porous outer wrap 50 that traps gas in an upper section 23 of the inlet chamber below a designated release pressure and releases trapped gas upon attainment of the release pressure causing a rapid rise in liquid level within the housing and corresponding to a desired terminal pressure. The indicator prevents premature plugging indication otherwise indicated by a slowly rising liquid in the chamber. Accurate and reliable calibration is enabled by separating the filtering and indicating functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a MEMS-based integrated particle identification system having a substrate, a magnetic structure, and a bioferrograph. The substrate includes a topside portion, backside portion and a flow system. The flow system includes a flow channel for accepting the flow of a stream of particles to identified. The magnetic structure is in physical communication with the topside and backside portions of the substrate and has at least two pole pieces. A plurality of pole piece embodiments are provided for generating a magnetic field that acts on magnetically susceptible particles in the flow stream. The bioferrograph has at least one sensor for identifying the presence and quantity of magnetically susceptible particles. A plurality of sensor embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed which facilitate immobilization of magnetically labelled particulate entities, e.g., cells, preferably in a defined pattern, on a collection surface via binding between specific binding pair members, as an aid to particle analysis.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of water integrating the use of pods. The pods have a sturdy rigid base and a flexible permeable membrane. The tank itself has a viewing port in the sidewall for an observer to witness the treatment process. The tank also has a base with anchor rods for securing the lid. The lid has a monitoring unit and permits the flow of water into and out from the tank. Inserted into the tank is an internal riser tube acting as the return line for the water to the monitoring unit and a directional flow disk. Pods are stacked on top of one another in a predetermined order for the treatment of the water.

Abstract: A liquid filter (10) housing an annular filter element (16) has an annular space (24) between the filter element and the housing and viewable through the housing such that an operator can see the level of liquid in the annular space as an indication of when to replace the filter element, the higher the level of liquid in the annular space the greater the pressure drop across the filter element. The rise in liquid level in the annular space is delayed for applications where the filter element is otherwise changed prematurely and has a longer life than otherwise indicated by the rising liquid level in the annular space. The delay is provided by a liquid and vapor impermeable sleeve (50) trapping vapor. In a further aspect, the sleeve is provided with apertures (70, 72, 74, 90, 92) filled by liquid-soluble buttons (76, 78, 80, 94, 96) providing filter element change interval indication, including advance sequential indication.

Abstract: A vapor transferring apparatus for purification of organic functional materials is disclosed, which comprises a furnace having at least a furnace gate, furnace walls, and a heater; wherein said furnace gate is mounted on said furnace walls of said heater; at least a glove box having at least a box gate, box walls, and at least one glove; wherein said box gate is mounted on said box walls of said glove box; and a shifting chamber having at least a valve and at least a surrounding wall, locating between and connecting with said furnace gate of said furnace or said box gate of said glove box; wherein said valve is mounted on said surrounding wall of said shifting chamber; wherein the heater, the glove box, and the shifting chamber are hermetical and hollow.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly having a relief valve for visually indicating [the life of] when a filter element may be replaced. The fluid filter assembly of the present invention provides a vertical, transparent housing having a fluid inlet for communicating a fluid into the housing and a fluid outlet for communicating fluid downstream of said housing. A filter element is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet for filtering the fluid. In [the preferred] a first embodiment, a [frusto-conical] divider is connected to the top of the filter element and extends downward adjacent a bottom portion of the filter element wherein the fluid from the inlet rises between the filter element and the inside of the divider and between the outside of the divider and an inside surface of the housing. A relief valve is provided in the top of the filter element and is in communication with the unfiltered and filtered side of the filter element.

Abstract: A magnetic biological particle separation device comprising a permanent magnet structure substantially surrounding a vessel containing a liquid and a biological sample in colloidal suspension in the liquid is described. The magnetic separation device comprises a window through which to view the liquid. The permanent magnet structure comprises a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in such a manner to provide for superpositioning of the external magnetic field generated by each magnet. The external magnetic field acts on magnetic beads attached to the biological sample, causing the sample to move toward the inner wall of the vessel. The permanent magnets do not completely surround the outside of the vessel to allow the liquid to be poured out of the vessel, substantially leaving the sample.

Abstract: A filter assembly for collecting material that is entrained in a gas stream includes a housing for a tubular filter element. The housing has an inlet and an outlet for the gas that is to be filtered, and includes a body section and a separable end cap. The body section has at least one longitudinally extending formation in its internal wall and its cross section is substantially constant along its length. The body section has a generally transverse groove formed in its internal wall which can be engaged by the end cap to connect it to the body section, the transverse groove having a discontinuity at a longitudinally extending edge of the longitudinally extending formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus turbulently exposes water flowing through a water system to a plurality of electrodes of an ion generator and provides a self-contained tank through which water flows. The generally cylindrical containment tank includes a tangential inlet pipe and an elliptical base having an outlet pipe. An aspect ratio, inlet pipe diameter versus containment tank diameter, is defined to achieve optimum ionization. A tank cover serves as the non-electrical conducting head for a plurality of electrodes which extend downwardly from the underside of the cover. The electrodes are functionally configured to maximize water flow between them. The rate of water flow within the containment tank is defined such that residence time of flow within the tank likewise optimizes water ionization. A sight glass allows for visualization of the container contents, and in particular anode wastage or wear, during operation.

Abstract: The apparatus for UV wastewater purification in septic tank systems has an ozone free ultraviolet lamp disposed in PVC piping buried in the ground and located between the septic tank and the drainfield. The PVC piping includes a water inlet and an outlet connected by a U-shaped section of piping. The UV lamp is housed in a quartz tube, or in an alternative embodiment, in a Teflon tube, and placed in a cylindrical insert having a plurality of ports defined in the walls of the cylinder. The insert is placed in a vertically oriented leg of the U-shaped piping at the water outlet, the wastewater flowing through the insert parallel to the ultraviolet lamp. Access to the UV lamp for maintenance is provided by a vertically oriented riser pipe buried in the ground and having a length corresponding to the desired depth of the apparatus, the riser housing the electrical wiring and having a cap at ground level.

Abstract: A batch liquid purifier uses a detachable container for a batch of liquid to be purified and flows the liquid from the container to a purified liquid dispenser while contacting the liquid with an ozone-containing gas. To ensure that a leading volume of the liquid flow is adequately contacted with ozone, the gas and liquid flow is mixed and directed to an upflow chamber in which gas bubbles overtake the leading liquid flow. Bubbles rising in the liquid flow are also displayed and illuminated to show that the purifier is operating.

Abstract: A settling tank for separating an emulsion with a known volumetric percentage of oil includes lower and upper settling chambers. The emulsion is settled by gravitational means and can be aided by demulsifying agents. Once settled, a layer of oil floats on top of the water. The volumes of the lower and upper settling chambers are configured so that all of the oil settles within the upper settling chamber. The oil can then be drained from the upper settling chamber leaving only clean water in the tank structure.

Abstract: An ozonizer and water purifier equipped with the ozonizer comprising an ozonizing discharge element; an electric circuit for applying a voltage to the ozonizing discharge element so as to produce an ozone-generating discharge; a housing having an opening formed therein for receiving the ozonizing discharge element; a cover which seals the ozonizing discharge element in the housing; and a device for turning off the voltage applied to the ozonizing discharge element when the cover is removed. In another embodiment, at least a part of the cover or housing is transparent so as to enable detection of the discharge state of the ozonizing discharge element.

Abstract: An aquarium-maintenance system has a transparent filtering canister (1) with quick-joint inlet attachment (3) and quick-joint outlet attachment (8) to transparent aquarium tubing (5, 13) together with a handle (14) to allow quick, convenient and clean replacement and/or back-flow cleaning of filtering members (11). A system pump (12) has variable output capacity for filtered water circulation and optionally for aquarium flushing with a cannister bypass (19), discharge conveyance (21) to a drain-water disposer (22), refill conveyance (24) from a refill-water source (23) and back-flow conveyance (16) from a wash-water source (17). This is a comprehensive aquarium-maintenance system that is adaptable totally or in part to all sizes and types of aquariums (6).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment device is provided, comprising a first chamber having an influent line for delivering untreated wastewater into the first chamber, wherein the first chamber further includes a first plurality of vertically staggered contact screens below the influent line; a second chamber, fluidically connected to the first chamber by a first transfer conduit for delivering wastewater from the first chamber into the second chamber, wherein the second chamber further includes a second plurality of contact screens; a third chamber, fluidically connected to the second chamber by a second transfer conduit for delivering wastewater from the second chamber into the third chamber, wherein the third chamber further includes an alkaline polish medium; an aeration device disposed within the first chamber for distributing air into the wastewater in the first chamber; and a bioliquid distribution device, fluidically connected to the influent line, comprising a liquid containing select bacteriological and enzymatic

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor system for decontaminating a supply of contaminated liquid, comprising a pressurizable reaction vessel having an inlet for introducing a fluid, an outlet for expelling a fluid while retaining a pressure within said reaction vessel, a catalyst, and a granule support plate for retaining said catalyst within said reaction vessel, a pump in fluid connection with the inlet for introducing a fluid into said reaction vessel, and a supply of gas (or other fluid, such as peroxide) in fluid communication with said pump, whereby said pump is operated so that the supplied fluid and the contaminated liquid are intermixed and supplied under pressure to said inlet for introducing a fluid into the reaction vessel and whereby the pressurized gas and liquid mixture is maintained at a sufficient pressure within said reaction vessel to allow the creation of optimally sized bubbles while maintaining the fluid essentially gas free, thereby maximizing the efficacy of the reactor system.

Abstract: A dialysis machine for the removal of toxic substances from biological fluids with agents for the decalcification of a dialysis liquid circulation is disclosed. The dialysis machine allows measurement of the degree of calcification of the dialysis liquid through the use of a blood leak detector or by measuring the dialysis machine pump flow or pump voltage. The invention also includes a process for automatically decalcifying the dialysis liquid circulation when a predetermined degree of calcification of the dialysis machine is measured.

Abstract: A filter is pressed down in a collection tube holding separated blood as a lower solids mass and an upper liquid mass defining with the lower mass an interface. The filter has a sleeve fittable in the tube and having a lower end covered by a membrane that fits snugly in the tube. A vertical level of an upper surface of the upper liquid mass in the tube is detected and a pusher is engaged with an upper end of the sleeve to push the filter downward in the tube. Downward pushing of the filter is stopped when the upper end of the sleeve is at a predetermined spacing above the vertical level of the liquid upper surface. A vertical level of the interface is also detected and downward pushing of the filter is also stopped when the membrane is at the vertical level of the interface. Thus two separate events can trigger stopping of the downward pushing: reaching the interface or reaching a certain fill level in the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating water contaminants from a fuel which has a specific gravity which is lower than that of water. Contaminated fuel is drawn from a bottom of a tank and passed into a separator. The water stays at the bottom of the separator and is drained off. The fuel is forced upwardly from which any droplets of water flow along collector plates and fall to the bottom of the separator. The fuel is passed through a filter which removes any particles of matter then the fuel is directed back to the tanks. The process can be repeated for as many times as necessary to cleanse the fuel of water and contaminates.

Abstract: An in-line apparatus for monitoring membrane deposition is provided having an exterior body that defines an interior compartment for receiving a fluid stream. A coupon rack is positioned in the interior compartment and suspends at least one coupon holder. The coupon holder holds at least one membrane for collection of deposition present within a filtration system. The apparatus allows examination of membrane surface deposition without sacrificing a membrane element and also provides timely diagnostic information on a filtration system. The present invention also provides a method of monitoring membrane deposition as well as a filtration system incorporating an in-line apparatus for monitoring membrane deposition.

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.

Abstract: A grease trap having an inlet member, a discharge member, a plurality inner walls defining chambers within, and a relief member for flushing accumulated waste matter. In general order of fluid flow, the chambers include an inlet chamber, a preliminary chamber, an outlet chamber, a discharge chamber, and a reservoir chamber. A first orifice on one inner wall permits passage of fluid from the inlet chamber to the preliminary chamber, a second orifice on another inner wall permits passage of fluid from the preliminary chamber to the outlet chamber, and a third orifice on another inner wall permits passage of fluid from the outlet chamber to the discharge chamber. The relief member has a cap and is coupled to the reservoir chamber. The inner walls defining the chambers are of a height approximately between 70 Length % to 95 Length % of the height of the outer walls of the device to permit for a waste accumulation layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system which makes it possible to remove undesirable liquids, generally an aqueous phase, which precipitate to the bottom of tanks for storing liquid products. Use is made of a drainage device (30) which comprises a concave body (31), a seat (26), and an interface float (8) which has a plug portion (25). This interface float (8) is designed to sink into the product and to float on the aqueous phase. As the level of the aqueous phase drops, the plug portion (25) settles sealingly on the seat (26), halting the drainage operation since all the accumulated aqueous phase has already been drained off. The drainage system may be automatic or manual. In the former case, use is made of a sensor (12) for detecting the presence of an aqueous phase and commanding the process of opening a shut-off valve (11) and allowing drainage of the accumulated aqueous phase.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for pressurized filter vessels includes a protective shroud, a mechanical and electrical interlock device that prevents the opening of the filter vessel cover unless the input and output port valves are closed and electrical power to the pressurizing pump is disconnected.

Abstract: Biological entities such as cells, microbes, or components thereof are labeled with a magnetic colloid containing microscopic magnetic particles. The magnetic particles have a coating capable of biospecific or non-specific binding with the entities. An immobilization apparatus includes a non-magnetic vessel having a ferromagnetic collection structure for attracting the entities toward a collection surface upon which the magnetically labeled entities are immobilized subsequent to placement of the vessel on a support between two magnets. The ferromagnetic collection structure preferably has a sharp edge or high curvature for intensifying the magnetic field and for collecting the entities in a monolayer. The vessel includes an un-obstructed observation path so that immobilized entities may be observed and/or manipulated. The ferromagnetic collection structure may be arranged in various two dimensional patterns to provide a desired collection configuration.

Abstract: By providing a fuel treating system with a strategically positioned sight-glass, it is possible to replace an fuel filter without either spilling large amounts of fuel all over or allowing for air bubbles, which can degrade the lubricating system's operation and cause siphoning. The sight-glass is positioned above the fuel inlet and outlet passages but below the filter. Thus, as soon as no fuel is seen in the sight-glass, a mechanic knows that the fuel filter has been substantially emptied of fuel yet the fuel inlet and outlet are still full.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a liquid containing suspended solids comprising a clarifying vessel and a number of filters positioned around the periphery of the clarifying vessel for receiving and filtering liquid from the clarifier. A filter may be backwashed by isolating that filter, filling the other filter cells with clarified liquid and draining them into the isolated cell to remove filter media contaminants.

Abstract: By providing a fuel treating system with a strategically positioned sight-glass, it is possible to replace an fuel filter without either spilling large amounts of fuel all over or allowing for air bubbles, which can degrade the lubricating system's operation and cause siphoning. The sight-glass is positioned above the fuel inlet and outlet passages but below the filter. Thus, as soon as no fuel is seen in the sight-glass, a mechanic knows that the fuel filter has been substantially emptied of fuel yet the fuel inlet and outlet are still full.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid separator for isolating a component from a composite fluid having one fluid entrained within, but immiscible in, another fluid, and the two fluids have differing specific gravities. An enclosed chamber of the separator houses an elongated spillway having a first end that receives the composite fluid through an inlet-port. A second end of the spillway, located in the chamber's sump, includes spillway outlet-ports for discharging the composite fluid into the chamber. The separator also includes a flat, first solid plate that slopes diagonally across the chamber from the top of the spillway near the inlet port to the sump. A flat, second solid plate slopes diagonally across the chamber from the bottom of the spillway in the sump to a juncture with the first solid plate. Fluid flowing through the separator passes through gaps between the peripheries of the first and second plates and a wall that encloses the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides centrifugal rotors for delivering a liquid, typically a biological sample such as diluted plasma, to an unvented chamber in the rotor through an unmodified inlet channel. The unvented chamber is typically a cuvette comprising reagents necessary for analysis of a biological sample. The unmodified inlet channels are sized such that, as the rotor spins, gas escapes from the chamber through the inlet channel as the liquid enters the chamber through the inlet channel. The primary feature which allows the air to escape from the unvented chamber is that the cross sectional area of the inlet channel is greater than the cross sectional area of the liquid flowing through it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing free and emulsified water as well as solid contaminants from an oil/water mixture produced in lubricating the bearings of a steam turbine employs a singular, closed housing having a lowermost, filter-free gravity chamber, an uppermost filter element chamber, and a filter-free water collection chamber between the gravity chamber and the filter element chamber. The oil/water mixture introduced into the housing has its free water component removed in the gravity chamber and has its emulsified water and solid contaminant components removed by coalescence in the filter element chamber. Free water, emulsified water and solid contaminants are collected, monitored and selectively drained from the water collection chamber and gravity chamber.

Abstract: A kit for preparing batches of filtered water includes a container, a reservoir/funnel and a filter cartridge. The reservoir funnel is dimensioned to conform to a predetermined surface of the container to fit thereon during storage of the kit and the reservoir funnel further includes a tapered outlet designed to cooperate with the filler opening on the top of the container so as to be rigidly supported by the container. The funnel/reservoir includes a well into which a cartridge carrying a filter media can be inserted. The configuration is such that water poured into the funnel/reservoir must pass through the filter cartridge before entering the container.

Abstract: A drain trap having a T-shaped base portion with a removable filter arranged for visual inspection and cleaning. The filter has a flow-through inspection reservoir insert with a filter cap extending downstream therefrom.

Abstract: A swimming pool backwash filter which separates backwash contaminates from the backwash water so that the may be discarded separately, for connecting to a standard pool filtration system, having a pump with a pump inlet and a pump outlet, a sand filter having a sand filter inlet and a sand filter outlet, and having a pool return and a pool skimmer connected to the pump inlet, comprising: a backwash valve and a backwash filtering system. The backwash filtering system having an inlet and an outlet and a filter element disposed between the inlet and outlet, the outlet connected to the pump inlet. The backwash valve having a normal position and a backwash position. When in the normal position, the backwash valve connects the pump outlet and sand filter inlet, and connects the sand filter outlet and pool return. When in the backwash position, the backwash valve connects the pump outlet and sand filter outlet, and connects the sand filter inlet and backwash filtering system inlet.

Abstract: A filtration unit for an aquarium tank comprises a biological filter chamber which is cyclically exposed to air and water without the use of conventional syphon means. Alongside the chamber is a U-tube arrangement one branch of which communicates at its upper end with the upper region of the chamber. Compressed air is continuously admitted to the chamber, e.g. by bubbling up beneath its open bottom end. When the water in chamber drops to the level of the bend of the U-tube air in the chamber expells remaining water from the U-tube and is able to evacuate chamber, enabling it to refill with water.

Abstract: A differential housing includes magnetic filters for removing metal particulate from oil circulating within the differential mechanism of a vehicle. The differential housing also permits the level and temperature of the oil to be monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus for gas entrainment of wastewater in an anaerobic wastewater treatment system, the use of which includes the steps of withdrawing wastewater from an anaerobic digester and piping it into a flotation container. Thereafter the wastewater is pumped into a free standing tank having pressure in the tank maintained at a predetermined level through the injection into the tank of compressed gas generated by anaerobic digestion occurring in the treatment system. The wastewater is removed from the tank and pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein gas from the tank is entrained in the wastewater as the water is injected back into the tank. The gas entrained water is then discharged from the tank back into the flotation container where the gas bubbles particles to the surface of the water to form a sludge layer.