US3608723A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Floc blanket level controller comprising means for sensing light diffusely reflected from the floc blanket
Assignee: Met Pro Water Treatment Corp
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Filing: 1968-12-05
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1988-12-05
Abstract
Abstract A sensor based on light reflectance is disclosed for detecting when a hydraulically suspended interface, such as a floc blanket in an upflow clarifier, has reached a predetermined level at which point a control valve(s) is operated to lower the floc blanket level by automatically directing that a predetermined quantity of the solids/liquid slurry be removed from the system.
Inventors
- 👤 David Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:31
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/28; G01F23/284; G01F23/292; G01F23/2921; G05; G05D; G05D9/00; G05D9/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
45 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said circuit includes a potentiometer controlled amplifier whereby a varying amount of reflectance can be amplified and adjusted each that the amplifier output function is controlled and related to the amounted of reflected light received by the photocell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said axis is vertical, and said light beam being directed along a line which is at an angle of approximately 45* with respect to said vertical axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vessel is an open-top upflow clarifier, and means for draining the clarifier through the bottom thereof by way of a conduit containing a normally closed solenoid operated valve, said solenoid operated valve being coupled to said circuitry for permitting flow through the conduit when the circuitry is triggered so that the contents of the clarifier may be drained and thereby lower the level of the interface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said introducing means is an inlet conduit, said clarifier having a drain conduit whose capacity is greater than the capacity of the inlet conduit, a valve controlling flow through the drain conduit, said valve being responsive to said circuitry so that it opens when the level of the floc blanket activates said cell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including a pair of lamps alternately operable, and said circuitry including relay means for switching the formerly inactive lamp to an operable condition when the operable lamp is rendered inoperative.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |