Patent US5908558A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5908558A
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US
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Method and apparatus for removing contaminants from fluid columns
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1996-10-18
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Granted: 1999-06-01
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Expires: 2016-10-18
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for removal of contaminants from fluid columns utilizes a solidifying polymer-based filtration media to extract pollutants, such as organic compounds and metals. Dissolved, emulsified or suspended contaminants are absorbed and solidified into an easily retrievable mass and retained within a replaceable filter container. Solidified contaminants may not leach when exposed to pressure limits currently used to determine landfill acceptability, may be incinerated as fuel for their BTU content or used as a component in the production of asphalt, roofing material or other tar-like compounds. Treated fluid columns exit the process containing acceptable levels of contaminants to permit free release into the environment.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert W. Holland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:04
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D53/00; B01D53/02; B01D53/04; B01D53/0407; B01D53/0423; B01D15/00; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0202; B01D39/00; B01D39/08; B01D39/083; B01D39/14; B01D39/16; B01D39/1607; B01D39/1623; B01D39/163; C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/28; C02F1/288; B01D2239/00; B01D2239/04; B01D2239/0407; B01D2239/06; B01D2239/065; B01D2239/0654; B01D2239/069; B01D2253/00; B01D2253/20; B01D2253/202; B01D2259/00; B01D2259/40; B01D2259/414; B01D2259/4141; B01D2259/4145; B01D2259/4148; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/05; Y10S210/918; Y10S210/922; Y10S210/924; Y10S210/925
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
277 words
A method of removing, containing and collecting contaminants from a fluid column, comprising the steps of: providing a filter housing defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and having inlet and outlet ports; providing a filter container unit defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an outer surface and having a fluid entry port and a fluid discharge port; providing a plurality of volumes of polymer-based filtration media, each volume comprising an amount of a polymer material, said polymer having a property of acting to absorb and solidify contaminants coming into contact with the polymer-based filtration media, the polymer-based filtration media establishing distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units; placing said plurality of volumes of polymer-based filtration media in a stratified arrangement within said filter container unit such that the distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units are oriented along planes and in distinct layers; inserting the filter container unit into the filter housing so as to form a cavity between the inner wall surface of the filter housing and the outer wall surface of the filter container unit; introducing a feed stream of contaminants carried within a fluid column to the inlet port of the filter housing to establish a flow of the fluid column carrying the contaminants to the fluid entry port of the filter container unit; directing the flow entering the fluid entry port of the filter container unit to pass through the filter container along a path extending through and substantially orthogonal to each distinct layer of absorption units; and discharging as a processed feed stream the fluid exiting from the outlet port of the filter housing for release into the environment.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
277 words
A method of removing, containing and collecting contaminants from a fluid column, comprising the steps of: providing a filter housing defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and having inlet and outlet ports; providing a filter container unit defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an outer surface and having a fluid entry port and a fluid discharge port; providing a plurality of volumes of polymer-based filtration media, each volume comprising an amount of a polymer material, said polymer having a property of acting to absorb and solidify contaminants coming into contact with the polymer-based filtration media, the polymer-based filtration media establishing distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units; placing said plurality of volumes of polymer-based filtration media in a stratified arrangement within said filter container unit such that the distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units are oriented along planes and in distinct layers; inserting the filter container unit into the filter housing so as to form a cavity between the inner wall surface of the filter housing and the outer wall surface of the filter container unit; introducing a feed stream of contaminants carried within a fluid column to the inlet port of the filter housing to establish a flow of the fluid column carrying the contaminants to the fluid entry port of the filter container unit; directing the flow entering the fluid entry port of the filter container unit to pass through the filter container along a path extending through and substantially orthogonal to each distinct layer of absorption units; and discharging as a processed feed stream the fluid exiting from the outlet port of the filter housing for release into the environment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of: removing the filter container of spent polymer-based filtration media containing solidified contaminants from the housing; placing a filter container of fresh polymer-based filtration media having a capacity to absorb and solidify contaminants into the housing; and disposing of the solidified contaminants.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the polymer material component of the polymer-based filtration media is an elastomer polymer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within the filter container to create flow channels therethrough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within the filter container in a stratified array between layers of coalescing material and open-spaced fluid consolidation chambers.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for removing, containing, and collecting contaminants from a fluid column, comprising: a filter housing defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and having at least one inlet port for receiving a feed stream of contaminants carried within a fluid column and at least one outlet port for discharging, as a processed feed stream, a fluid column from the housing for release into the environment; and a replaceable filter container unit defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an outer surface and having a fluid entry port and a fluid discharge port, said filter container being disposed in the filter housing and having a plurality of volumes of a polymer-based filtration media arranged in stratification within the container to establish chambers of distinct contaminant absorption units oriented along planes and in distinct layers, said polymer having a property of acting to absorb and solidify contaminants coming into contact therewith.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for removing, containing, and collecting contaminants from a fluid column, comprising: a filter housing defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and having at least one inlet port for receiving a feed stream of contaminants carried within a fluid column and at least one outlet port for discharging, as a processed feed stream, a fluid column from the housing for release into the environment; and a replaceable filter container unit defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an outer surface and having a fluid entry port and a fluid discharge port, said filter container being disposed in the filter housing and having a plurality of volumes of a polymer-based filtration media arranged in stratification within the container to establish chambers of distinct contaminant absorption units oriented along planes and in distinct layers, said polymer having a property of acting to absorb and solidify contaminants coming into contact therewith.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
100 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is comprised of an outer envelope layer of textile material having a plurality of stacked layers of textile material disposed within the envelope and forming a plurality of chambers in stratification with a polymer material having the property of absorbing and solidifying liquid hydrocarbons being disposed in each of the chambers, and a seam joinder of the envelope and the stacked layers wherein said plurality of stacked textile material layers dispersively conduct liquid hydrocarbons under capillary attraction throughout the interior of said envelope for absorption and solidification by said polymer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the stacked layers are arranged in a substantially coplanar array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said polymer-based filtration media comprise of a plurality of stacked layers of individual polymer-filled bags, each bag having with a seam joinder of the peripheries of the outer envelope layer to seal the polymer within the envelope and promote migration of organic compounds under capillary attraction throughout the envelope of the device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the stacked layers of bags are arranged in a substantially coplanar array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises an agglomeration of polymer material and binding agents formed into disks.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the disks are stacked in a substantially coplanar array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises stacked layers of a solidifying fabric comprised of a textile material and a solidifying polymer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the stacked layers of solidifying fabric are arranged in a nested array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises a blend of the polymer material and absorbent materials.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is arranged within the filter container to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is arranged within the filter container to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises a blend of the polymer material and coalescing materials.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is arranged within the filter container to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of layers of coalescing material within said filter container and wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within the filter container in a stratified array between layers of coalescing material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said filter container has at least first and second open-spaced fluid consolidation chambers and wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are disposed between said open-spaced fluid consolidation chambers.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising structural stabilizing segments disposed within the stratified arrangement of filtration media to maintain alignment of the stratified layers within the filter container.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said structural stabilizing segments are arranged in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the direction of flow through a filter container.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said structural stabilizing segments contain a pattern of perforations to allow a feed stream to pass through the filter container and provide an even distribution and equitable surface area exposure of the feed stream to the layers of polymer-based filtration media.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein a gasket comprised of a stratified arrangement of tubular polymer-filled envelopes is placed within the filter container between a structural stabilizing segment and the filter container, said polymer filled envelopes being joined along their periphery by a consolidating seam to place volumes of polymer in substantial registration with each other.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a structural stabilizing column disposed within a filter container in a substantially parallel orientation to the direction of flow through the container.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said structural stabilizing column is tubular and allows a fluid column to pass through its interior.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within said tubular structural stabilizing column to create flow channels therethrough.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within said tubular structural stabilizing column in a stratified array between layers of coalescing material and open-spaced fluid consolidation chambers.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
138 words
A replacement cartridge for use in a system operating to process a fluid column to remove and collect contaminants therefrom, said system including a filter housing defining a fluid impervious boundary wall and having inlet and outlet ports, comprising: a filter container unit defining an impervious boundary wall and having inlet and outlet ports; a plurality of volumes of polymer-based filtration media arranged within the filter container, each volume comprising an amount of a polymer material, said polymer having a property of acting to absorb and solidify contaminants coming into contact with the polymer-based filtration media, the polymer-based filtration media establishing distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units; and said polymer-based filtration media being in a stratified arrangement within said filter container unit such that distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units are oriented along planes and in distinct layers.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
138 words
A replacement cartridge for use in a system operating to process a fluid column to remove and collect contaminants therefrom, said system including a filter housing defining a fluid impervious boundary wall and having inlet and outlet ports, comprising: a filter container unit defining an impervious boundary wall and having inlet and outlet ports; a plurality of volumes of polymer-based filtration media arranged within the filter container, each volume comprising an amount of a polymer material, said polymer having a property of acting to absorb and solidify contaminants coming into contact with the polymer-based filtration media, the polymer-based filtration media establishing distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units; and said polymer-based filtration media being in a stratified arrangement within said filter container unit such that distinct chambers of contaminant absorption units are oriented along planes and in distinct layers.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
100 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is comprised of an outer envelope layer of textile material having a plurality of stacked layers of textile material disposed within the envelope and forming a plurality of chambers in stratification with a polymer material having the property of absorbing and solidifying liquid hydrocarbons being disposed in each of the chambers, and a seam joinder of the envelope and the stacked layers wherein said plurality of stacked textile material layers dispersively conduct liquid hydrocarbons under capillary attraction throughout the interior of said envelope for absorption and solidification by said polymer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the stacked layers are arranged in a substantially coplanar array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said polymer-based filtration media comprise of a plurality of stacked layers of individual polymer-filled bags, each bag having with a seam joinder of the peripheries of the outer envelope layer to seal the polymer within the envelope and promote migration of organic compounds under capillary attraction throughout the envelope of the device.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the stacked layers of bags are arranged in a substantially coplanar array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises an agglomeration of polymer material and binding agents formed into disks.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the disks are stacked in a substantially coplanar array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises stacked layers of a solidifying fabric comprised of a textile material and a solidifying polymer.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the stacked layers of solidifying fabric are arranged in a nested array to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises a blend of the polymer material and absorbent materials.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is arranged within the filter container to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is arranged within the filter container to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the polymer-based filtration media comprises a blend of the polymer material and coalescing materials.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the polymer-based filtration media is arranged within the filter container to establish flow channels therethrough.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a plurality of layers of coalescing material within said filter container and wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within the filter container in a stratified array between layers of coalescing material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said filter container has at least first and second open-spaced fluid consolidation chambers and wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are disposed between said open-spaced fluid consolidation chambers.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising structural stabilizing segments disposed within the stratified arrangement of filtration media to maintain alignment of the stratified layers within the filter container.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein said structural stabilizing segments are arranged in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the direction of flow through a filter container.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein said structural stabilizing segments contain a pattern of perforations to allow a feed stream to pass through the filter container and provide an even distribution and equitable surface area exposure of the feed stream to the layers of polymer-based filtration media.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein a gasket comprised of a stratified arrangement of tubular polymer-filled envelopes is placed within the filter container between a structural stabilizing segment and the filter container, said polymer filled envelopes being joined along their periphery by a consolidating seam to place volumes of polymer in substantial registration with each other.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a structural stabilizing column disposed within a filter container in a substantially parallel orientation to the direction of flow through the container.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said structural stabilizing column is tubular and allows a fluid column to pass through its interior.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within said tubular structural stabilizing column to create flow channels therethrough.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said volumes of polymer-based filtration media are arranged within said tubular structural stabilizing column in a stratified array between layers of coalescing material and open-spaced fluid consolidation chambers.
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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) | 2002-05-31 | 2002-11-30 | 2003-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-05-31 | 2006-11-30 | 2007-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-05-31 | 2010-11-30 | 2011-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |