Abstract: Fractionating apparatus having a plurality of sample elution system (S1 - S8) in which a nozzle (N) movable in the direction of the row of fractionation vessels (4, 4, ---) arranged in a matrix is disposes to each of the sample elution system (S1 - S8) and kept standing-by just above an empty fractionation vessel (4), a valve (30) is operated when elution of sample ingredients is detected by photosensor (PD1 - PD8) to drop the sample ingredients to the fractionation vessel (4, 4, ---) and the nozzle is moved after dropping the sample ingredient by a required amount, and in which the nozzle (N) and the valve (30) can be operated individually on every sample elution systems at different timings respectively such that the eluate can be dropped at different timing on every sample elution systems.

Abstract: A household apparatus for the purification of water contaminated by microorganisms and chemicals is taught.

Abstract: An assembly for automatically and continuously purifying a polluted fluid P includes a main separator 1, a secondary separator 2 having a centrifuge 21 and filter 22 therein, and a backwashing device 11. In operation, the backwashing device returns a fraction of purified fluid E1 to backwash the main separator. The resulting backwashing fluid F is then delivered to the secondary separator via a multi-port valve V where the backwashing fluid is centrifuged and/or filtered to remove impurities therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying and sanitizing the water line of a dental unit comprises the following: at least one second branch connected and leading into a first branch which supplies a second disinfectant/sterilizing fluid into a main line, the second branch and the main line being equipped with respective second and third shutoff elements designed to supply the first branch with the first fluid and with the second fluid alternately and as required; a first container for holding handpieces during sterilization, disinfection, flushing or cleaning of the water line; and switching means connected to control means that can be operated manually or automatically upon the occurrence of defined events on the dental unit and designed to determine successive manual or automatic operating combinations and/or sequences that may be repeated two or more times during which the first, second and third shutoff elements are opened and closed in such a way as to perform cycles of treatment on the first branch with the first flu

Abstract: A vacuum filter includes a cylindrical filter drum 12 having both a perforate section 14 and an imperforate section 16. The drum is positioned in a tank 20 so that the imperforate section is oriented upwardly therein. A level controller is provided to maintain the level of contaminated fluid below the top of the imperforate section but above the perforate section. A filter belt 54 wrapped around the filter drum is repositioned by rotating the drum when the differential pressure between the interior and exterior of the drum reaches a predetermined value. The inlet ends 35 of the suction pipes 34 are continuously positioned at the lowest point of the drum so that the pump does not lose suction when the drum is rotated thereby facilitating continuous filtration of the contaminated fluid through the vacuum filter.

Abstract: A device and method for the filtration and purification of suspended solids from high turbidity wastewater or other fluids using a slow circulating fluid stream flow inside a vessel of fluid containing a mixture of coagulant and suspended solids. By determining and using a calculated velocity of the flow of the fluid in the vessel, suspended solids are caused to separate from the fluid in which they are suspended by natural actions of gravity and pressure differentials in the vessel ceasing the rise of the suspended solids. The suspended solids are filtered from the water or other fluid by a filter layer of the suspended solids themselves which form a filter element for the fluid at a determined level in the vessel wherein suspended solids are separated and drain back though a return orifice leaving cleansed fluid to rise through a secondary filtration system of buoyant balls floating at a higher lever.

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: An apparatus for treating wastewater including a physical-chemical reactor; a chemical supply operably connected to the physical-chemical reactor; a clarifier operably connected to and located downstream of the physical-chemical reactor; a ballast recirculation line operably connected between the clarifier and the high rate physical-chemical reactor; and a control system that directs a) influent into 1) the clarifier but not the physical-chemical reactor when flow or pollutants of the influent is within a selected low range and 2) the physical-chemical reactor and then into the clarifier when the flow/pollutants of influent is within a selected higher range and b) internally generated ballast into the physical-chemical reactor through the ballast recirculation line when the pollutants and/or flow is within the selected higher range.

Abstract: A improved activated sludge system and method for treating wastewater containing contaminants is disclosed which offers a broad array of advantages over conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment systems, including smaller size, higher rates of operation, higher oxygen transfer efficiency, lower operating costs, and a substantially decreased level of excess sludge production. The improved activated sludge waste treatment system of the present invention has two processing tanks rather than the several tanks that are commonly found in activated sludge systems for treatment and sludge management equalizations, including anaerobic processes. The first processing tank is a contact tank which hosts a reaction which functions not merely to digest the maximum amount of contaminants, but instead to bind contaminants to the microorganisms through absorption, adsorption, precipitation, or digestion so that they can then be removed from the liquid in a solid/liquid separator.

Abstract: A gray-water recycling system for reclaiming gray-water for use in toilets and lawn care. The system includes a reservoir adapted to treat gray-water and includes an intake pipe, an outlet pipe and an overflow pipe. An inlet coupled to the intake pipe supplies gray-water to the reservoir. A filter is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe for filtering gray-water to define processed gray-water. A pump is fluidly coupled to the by a pipe. A first valve (24) controls flow of the processed gray-water from the pump. The first valve is fluidly coupled to the pump, a fresh water inlet and a processed gray-water outlet. The first valve is adapted to open the fresh water if the water pressure from the processed gray-water falls. Also included is a pressure valve (52) adapted to manually adjust the pressure of the processed gray-water outlet and to allow a flow of fresh water in the event the solenoid of the first valve fails to operate.

Abstract: A system for separating a slurry flow includes a distributor having an inlet for receiving the slurry flow and at least two outlets for redirecting the slurry flow to respective designations. A flow sensor is coupled to the distributor for monitoring a characteristic of the slurry flow. A flow controller is coupled to the flow sensor for monitoring a delivery of the slurry flow from at least one of the outlets. Preferably, the respective quantity of the slurry flow redirected by the controlled outlet is monitored.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods employ two sensors, one to detect a condition of plasma exiting a separation device and another sensor to detect a condition of a cellular component exiting the separation device. The first sensor detects, e.g., contamination of the plasma due to presence of unwanted cellular components. The second sensor detects, e.g., dilution of the cellular component due to presence of plasma. Blood processing parameters are carried out based, at least in part, by conditions detected by one or both of the sensors.

Abstract: A solid-liquid/liquid-liquid separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The chamber communicates with an inlet port and an outlet port. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. Disposed within the chamber are a plurality of fins. Each of the fins radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis in substantially parallel alignment with the rotational axis. The fins interact with the peripheral wall to form a plurality of discrete flow channels that longitudinally extend through the vessel. An exit tube is disposed along a portion of the rotational axis of the vessel. The exit tube has a first end disposed within the chamber and an opposing second end in fluid communication with the exterior of vessel. A plurality of extraction tubes radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).

Abstract: An assembly for purifying water includes a high intensity ultraviolet light or corona discharge ozone generator 4 and output line 15 for introducing ozone into a tube 20 carrying water to be treated. Downstream of the ozone injection point 22 is an ozone contact time segment 24 that terminates at an input port of a bubble separator column 26. The column includes a water level hysteresis inducing means that is adapted to cause water within the column to continuously alternately fill and purge between an upper and a lower water level in order to enhance ozone concentration. The hysteresis inducing means may include a water level sensitive electrically actuated valve 38.

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 phase separator, upflow reactor apparatuses and methods for separating phases are provided. The phase separator includes a first separation unit and a second separation unit, each of which has walls defining a coagulation area. One of the walls adjoins a deflector inclined to the horizontal and vertical. The separator also includes a plurality of parallel plates spaced from each other and vertically and horizontally inclined which each have a lower edge. The other wall of the separator adjoins one of the parallel plates and the deflector extends below and across the lower edges of the parallel plates. Each of the first and the second separation units is capable of separating a gas from a liquid by diverting the gas around one wall of each of the separation units and by creating a circulation of the liquid around at least one of the parallel plates such that liquid is directed into the coagulation area.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water treatment system includes a tube connecting unit 10 having a water incoming end 102, a water outgoing end 103, and a diaphragm 104 having a check valve 108 therein to allow water to flow directly from the incoming end to the outgoing end. In operation, water flows from the tube connecting unit through-hole 105 and into preliminary filtering units 2 and membrane unit 3 via the pipe assembly 1. Wastewater from the membrane unit drain end 31 is then routed back to the tube connecting unit via pipe assembly 42 and through-hole 106. A faucet 5 is provided at the water outgoing end to deliver water for non-drinking uses. By virtue of issuing water from the outgoing end, the membrane is washed and cleaned. Accordingly, the amount of discharged wastewater is greatly reduced so that water resources are conserved and the useful life of the membrane is prolonged.

Abstract: An automatic oil filter replacement assembly for a locomotive including a plurality of oil filters mounted within a cartridge. The filters are mounted within the chamber. An indexing plate, mounted to the cartridge, has a single portal for alignment within a selected chamber and filter. The operating system of the locomotive is adapted so an operator may remotely rotate the indexing plate a given distance after certain set parameters have been reached, so a clean filter, or filters, replace exhausted filters.

Abstract: A method for automatically processing a biological fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining a container having a biological fluid therein, providing a first signal and communicating with an automated control arrangement to establish flow of at least a portion of the biological fluid along a fluid flow path through a leukocyte depletion medium, providing a second signal and communicating with the automatic control arrangement to terminate flow along the fluid flow path wherein providing the second signal includes sensing the back pressure in the fluid flow path or the flow rate through the leukocyte depletion medium.

Abstract: A managing system for managing slurry, which is used to machine workpieces. The slurry contains dispersion liquid and abrasive grains. Slurry that has been used in machining further includes impurities that are smaller than the abrasive grains. A first decanter centrifugally separates a mixture of impurities and dispersion liquid from the used slurry to recover recyclable abrasive grains from the slurry. A second decanter centrifugally separates impurities from the mixture to recover recyclable dispersion liquid from the slurry. A specific gravity gage and a viscosity gage detect properties of the used slurry. The rotating speeds of the first and second decanters are controlled in accordance with the detected properties of the slurry. This always maintains the separating efficiency of both decanters at an optimal value thus effectively recovering and recycling the abrasive grains and dispersion liquid.

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: A device for intercepting and filtering cold and hot water for water treatment plants includes a body passed through by a first cold water transit sluice and by a second hot water transit sluice. In these sluices there are inserted a usually open stop valve (17), a filtering filter (19), a magnetic anti-limestone conditioner (22) and a pressure balancer (21) at least along the hot water sluice (14).

Abstract: A system for automatically cleaning swimming pools includes a unitary body having a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool or proximate to the interior surface of the containment wall, a propulsion subsystem operable to selectively propel the body in either a forward or rearward direction, and a cleaning subsystem operable in either a water surface cleaning mode for skimming or scooping or a wall surface cleaning mode for vacuuming or sweeping. The subsystems are powered by an electric source such as solar cells and/or rechargeable batteries and/or a wire extending to the unitary body from an external power source. An alternative embodiment uses separate top and bottom units tethered together by an electric conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring particulates in a liquid stream and the rate at which the particulates foul a filtering medium, generally a reverse osmosis membrane, to determine at what point in time the filtering medium should be cleaned or replaced. The apparatus includes a monitoring filter unit having a plurality of filter portions. The pressure drop across each filter portion, through which a sample of the feed stream is passed, is monitored. Fouling of a filter portion by accumulated particulate thereon causes an increase in the pressure drop across the filter unit. The increasing pressure drop is monitored as an indicator of the correlative or correspondent fouling of the main filtering medium to be protected. Different filter portions in the filter unit are successively used as each becomes fouled, allowing continuous monitoring for extended periods of time between filter media changes in monitoring filter unit.

Abstract: A treated water quality control system (10) has a sewage inflow estimating unit (1) for estimating an inflow of sewage and a process data storage unit (3) for storing process data on a sewage treatment plant (50). An estimated sewage inflow estimated by the sewage inflow estimating unit (1) and process data read from the process data storage unit (3) are given to a manipulated variable calculating unit (20). The manipulated variable calculating unit (20) calculates values of manipulated variables to be used by a process controller (6) for controlling the sewage treatment plant (50). The values of the manipulated variables calculated by the manipulated variable calculating unit (20) and the process data read from the process data storage unit (3) are given to a process condition estimating arithmetic unit (21).

Abstract: A device for sequential automatic introduction of additives to an impure serous fluid causing precipitates to be formed. The precipitates serve to segregate the bulk of the impurities from the stream allowing reclamation of the remaining fluid. The additives are fed by automated pumps and/or valves correlated by a microprocessor-based controller that measures the results from each of the sequential operations and determines to re-cycle the flow or deliver the flow to a separation system. The microprocessor controller oversees and controls the system operations. Multiple sensors, additive pumps, pumps, valves, timers, delay time calculations between physical location in the system, flow meters, pH meters and other such sensors are arranged sequentially to monitor the process parameters and deliver a desired volume of additives to meet process requirements for balancing and reclamation of the resulting flow.

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: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

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: 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: Apparatus and methods for providing sterile substitution solutions from a dialysis fluid used in connection with the treatment of a patient's blood in an extracorporeal circuit are disclosed. The apparatus includes pumps or valves for comparing the flow of fresh dialysis fluid prior to treatment and after treatment of a patient's blood and a throttle which divides the fresh dialysis circuit into a positive pressure portion and a negative pressure portion, a sterile filter including a membrane disposed in the positive pressure portion of the dialysis circuit, and a valve for controlling the pressure in the positive pressure portion to pass a predetermined amount of the fresh dialysis fluid through the membrane in a sterile filter to provide a predetermined amount of the sterile substitution solution for addition to the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, a dialysate pressurizing line 5, a dialysate pressurizing pump 51 provided in the dialysate pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided in the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing a dialysate into a communication line of the dialysate, the dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.

Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed-type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, an RO water pressurizing line 5, an RO water pressurizing pump 51 provided in the RO water pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided at the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing RO water into a communication line of the used dialysate, dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.

Abstract: A system is provided for the heat disinfection of a fluid supply system for a dialysis machine. The system is provided with plastic conduits constructed of a material suitable for heat disinfection, preferably cross linked polyethylene conduit. A source of hot water is provided, and the hot water is flowed through the plastic conduit for sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to disinfect the plastic conduit. This system uses a heat exchanger that utilizes fluid provided from a boiler to heat the water. The fluid supply system may employ bicarbonate fluid.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods draw whole blood from a blood donor selected from a population of blood donors. The whole blood of the selected blood donor has a known hematocrit value that varies within the population of blood donors according to morphology of the selected blood donor. The systems and methods operate a pump in the inlet line to convey a volume of whole blood from the donor at a commanded flow rate for processing into plasma constituent and concentrated red blood cells. The systems and methods set the commanded flow rate to vary the volume of whole blood conveyed over time as a function of the known hematocrit value of the selected donor. The systems and methods obtain, after processing the whole blood volume, a targeted volume of concentrated red blood cells, which is substantially constant for the population of blood donors despite variances in known hematocrit values among the donors.

Abstract: A water quality management system for managing the water quality in a water supply network having water pipe lines running from the purification plant to consumers' faucets to maintain the water quality at the consumers at the terminals of the network at an appropriate level. The water quality monitors for measuring the quality of water in the pipe lines are installed in the small-pipe water distribution network branching from the water distribution main pipe network and running toward the consumers. The water distribution facility for improving the water quality is installed at the base point of the small-pipe water distribution network. The water quality in the small-pipe water distribution network is managed based on the signals from the water quality monitors.

Abstract: In order to solve a problem that, under the condition that an amount of the residual fuel within a fuel reservoir is small, the fuel within the fuel reservoir is biased by a swing motion of the fuel caused by an abrupt acceleration or an abrupt braking of an automotive vehicle so that the amount of the fuel in the vicinity of a suction port of the fuel pump is deficient and a sufficient amount of fuel may not be supplied to an engine, an outlet port of a return piping for returning into the fuel reservoir extra fuel from a pressure regulator, out of the fuel to be fed under pressure through the pressure regulator from an interior of the fuel reservoir by the fuel pump is disposed within a sub-tank, and the extra fuel is directed and close to the suction port of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A remote filling device for use with a shipping container is described. A shipping container with specialized connections can be remotely opened using a single lightweight tool using a single drive screw latching mechanism. The actuation of the latching mechanism also compresses seals between the filling device and dewatering connections on the container. Dewatering is accomplished using reusable, backwashable filters. Once the container is filled and dewatered, the filling device is remotely removed and a lightweight, reusable lid is remotely scaled to the container using a single screw latch remotely actuated.

Abstract: A circulation and filtration system is provided for use with water gardens having a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height. The system includes a reservoir, an intake line, a pump, and a return line. The reservoir is located near the water container and is capable of holding a reserve of water. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes an upright basket filter located therein. The intake line includes a first end opening positionable within the water container near the preferred fill height and a second end opening connected to the basket filter. During use, water flows into the basket filter through the intake line via gravity. The pump is located either within the reservoir or externally from the reservoir though connected to the reservoir through additional piping. The return line includes a first end connected to the pump and a second end positionable at a desired location in the water garden.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for biological-processing unit fluid conveyance and pumping systems. The invention teaches methods of reducing fluid flow resistance and reducing pumping requirements for supplying fluid to the biological-processing unit. Some preferred embodiments of the invention are optimized for dialysis machines and dialysis clinics. In some select embodiments the invention is accomplished utilizing two supply legs in fluid parallel communication. A clinic utilizing fluid parallel supply legs has reduced fluid resistance as compared to a clinic utilizing series arranged supply legs. This reduces initial set-up costs, operating costs and time to construct fluid conveyance systems. Other advantages and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a water purifying apparatus having a filter for filtering raw water to produce filtered water, a sterilization unit irradiates the filtered water with ultraviolet rays to produce treated water. A recirculating arrangement is capable of recirculating the treated water through the sterilization unit. It is preferable that a water supply sensor detects supply of the treated water out of the water purifying apparatus to produce a supply detection signal and operation of the receirculating arrangement is controlled in response to presence and absence of the supply detection signal.

Abstract: A rotary distributor speed control system that uses hydraulic forces is provided. This rotary distributor speed control system is part of a trickling filter used in wastewater treatment. The trickling filter includes a tank which is filled with a porous filter media, a center column that extends through the center of the tank and holds a feed pipe through which influent wastewater flows, and distribution arms that extend radially from the center well. Each distribution arm has a forward side and a reverse side. The forward side and the reverse side each define at least one orifice. Slide gates are coupled with the distribution arms, and these gates can be moved so as to cover the orifices. A slide gate valve operator is also coupled with each arm for mechanically moving the slide gates in response to a change in influent feed flow, a change in arm speed, or external conditions.

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 system wherein an ultrasound emitter, or gun, is provided which emits an ultrasound beam directed at filter media, on the opposite side of the filter media from where solids accumulate, in order to knock the solids from the filter media. Dislodged solids from the area targeted by the beam are driven upstream, away from the filter media. Gravity then draws the solids to a drain of a collection chamber, which allows for the solids to be safely removed from the system. A guide is provided upstream of the filter media, the guide having angled slats or vanes. These vanes are angled upwardly towards the filter media and downwardly towards the drain, such that as the solids are blasted from the filter media by the gun, they are jolted upstream, and impact the angled vanes upon their downstream return.

Abstract: A telescoping weir for the controlled drainage of contaminated bodies of water, such as confined disposal facilities (CDF), which selectively releases only the relatively clean water while leaving behind a contaminated portion. The weir includes a foundation that is anchored to the bottom of the body of water and connected with a discharge pipe, a cylindrical telescoping portion connected with the discharge pipe and extending upwardly from the foundation and terminating adjacent to the surface of the body of water, and a set of mechanical jacks for selectively extending and retracting the upper end of the telescoping portion above and below the water surface in order to selectively drain a top layer of clean decant water therefrom.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system for providing potable water from a municipal water or other source containing undesired impurities. A motor driven pump supplies a feed stream to a reverse osmosis unit resulting in the creation of a product water stream and a concentrate or brine stream. The inclusion of a product water holding tank may be optionally omitted by routing the product water outlet stream directly to the tap via a branched line. A pressure sensor causes a solenoid valve to open when the withdrawal of water from the tap is terminated, opening a valve in the branch line leading back to the pump. The pump then continues to run, recirculating the product water stream to a mixing unit where it is blended with a major part of the concentrate stream that is being recycled and with make-up fresh water to create a composite feed stream.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating fluids of differing densities comprises a first chamber having a vortex finder and a core member. The vane is arranged co-axial with and adjacent the internal surface of the vortex finder to increase the rotational velocity component of fluids passing through the vortex finder by translating the axial velocity component of the fluids into a rotational velocity component.

Abstract: The water treatment apparatus utilizes membrane separation technology to separate clean product water from a contaminated water source. Chemical pretreatment of the raw feed water, chemical cleaning of the membrane separator(s), and chemical treatment of the final recovered product water required by conventional membrane separation apparatus are eliminated in the water treatment apparatus. The water treatment apparatus may treat raw feed ground water and surface water sources as well as waste water sources including those exhibiting oily wastes, high metal levels, organic wastes from sources such as textile processing, sewage waste streams, food processing, and others. The water treatment apparatus also reduces the problems associated with recirculation of the waste stream, reduces water wastage, and provides advantages in power and horsepower requirements.