US5174897A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Constructed wetlands to control nonpoint source pollution
Assignee: United States Department of Agriculture
•
Filing: 1991-09-24
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Granted: 1992-12-29
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Expires: 2011-09-24
Abstract
Abstract The construct containing in hydraulic order a sediment basin, level-lip spreader, grassy filter, wetland, and deep pond can be used to remove pollutants from nonpoint source runoff. Wetlands are planted with vegetation that encourages growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria which are helpful in removing and detoxifying contaminants.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J. Wengrzynek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:21
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F3/00; C02F3/32; C02F3/327; B; B01; B01D; B01D21/00; B01D21/0003; B01D21/0012; B01D21/02; B01D21/30; B01D21/34; C02F3/02; C02F3/04; C02F3/043; C02F2103/00; C02F2103/06; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W10/00; Y02W10/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
26 words
A constructed control system for removing contaminants from water comprising, in hydraulic order, a constructed sediment basin, a constructed level-lip spreader, and a constructed grassed filter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
A constructed control system for removing contaminants from water comprising, in hydraulic order, a constructed sediment basin, a constructed level-lip spreader, and a constructed grassed filter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A control system of claim 1 comprising, in order, a sediment basin, a level-lip spreader, a grassed filter, and a wetland.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A control system of claim 2 wherein the wetland empties into a deep pond.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
A control system of claim 3 having, additionally, a polishing filter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A control system of claim 4 wherein the polishing filter is a grassland.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
A control system of claim 4 wherein the polishing filter is a woodland.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A control system of claim 4 wherein an outlet from the pond is a drop-inlet pipe which discharges water from the pond into a spreader ditch which then distributes the water onto the polishing filter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A control system of claim 3 wherein the wetland and the deep pond are separated by a dike.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A control system of claim 8 wherein the deep pond is stocked with aquatic animals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A control system claim 9 wherein the deep pond is stocked with filter feeders.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
A control system of claim 3 wherein the wetland is planted with cattails.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A control system of claim 3 wherein the pond has an emergency spillway that permits water to exit the pond when the water level is unusually high.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A control system of claim 1 wherein a conduit empties onto the sediment basin.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A control system of claim 1 wherein the grassed filter has a tile drainage system.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
32 words
A method of treating nonpoint runoff comprising constructing, in hydraulic succession, a sediment basin, a level-lip spreader and a spreader across a grassed filter and causing the runoff to successively pass therethrough.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
32 words
A method of treating nonpoint runoff comprising constructing, in hydraulic succession, a sediment basin, a level-lip spreader and a spreader across a grassed filter and causing the runoff to successively pass therethrough.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method of claim 15 wherein the water from the grassed filter flows into a wetland.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method of claim 16 wherein the water flows from the wetland into a deep pond.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method of claim 17 wherein the water flowing from the wetland to the deep pond crosses a dike.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method of claim 17 wherein the pond is stocked with filter feeders and fish.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of claim 17 wherein the deepest part of the pond is 7 to 15 feet deep.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-12-29 | 1996-06-29 | 1996-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-29 | 2000-06-29 | 2000-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-29 | 2004-06-29 | 2004-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |