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Patent Abstract
A waste water filter comprises a shield comprising a vertical peripheral
wall defining a shield interior. The shield further includes an
inlet for the entry of unfiltered wastewater into the shield interior.
A shield filter element is disposed within the shield interior.
An outlet in fluid communication with the second interior location
for discharging filtered waste water is also included into the waste
water filter. The shield filter element includes at least one filter
surface having filter surface openings for the passage of relatively
clear water while restricting the passage of solids larger than
the openings. The shield filter element, when disposed within the
shield, separates the shield interior into first and second interior
locations. Unfiltered or partially filtered waste water in the first
interior location is separated from filtered waste water in the
second location by the shield filter element. The shield filter
element is removable from the shield. Unfiltered or partially filtered
waste water entering the shield interior after shield filter element
removal will enter the first and second interior locations within
the shield. The waste water filter Further includes an outlet filter,
a gate valve, or proper outlet reservoir inlet opening positioning
for preventing the flow of unfiltered or partially filtered waste
water from the shield interior from passing through the outlet after
the removal of the filter element from the shield. The outlet filter
is typically disposed within the waste water filter independent
of the shield filter element. The waste water filter may include
filter elements comprising two or more filter surfaces which may
be disposed in a concentric arrangement.
Patent Claims
I claim:
1. A waste water filter for use in a septic tank comprising: a
shield comprising a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield interior;
the shield further comprising an inlet for the entry of wastewater
into the shield interior, a shield filter element disposed within
the shield interior, the shield filter element including at least
one filter surface; wherein the filter surface includes filter surface
openings for the passage of relatively clear water while restricting
the passage of solids larger than the openings; wherein the shield
filter element, when disposed within the shield, separates the shield
interior into first and second interior locations; wherein unfiltered
waste water in the first interior location is separated from filtered
waste water in the second location by the shield filter element;
an outlet for discharging filtered waste water, the outlet in fluid
communication with the second interior location; wherein the shield
filter element is removable from the shield; and wherein unfiltered
waste water entering the shield interior, after shield filter element
removal, will enter the first and second interior locations; and
wherein the waste water filter further includes means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield; and wherein the waste water filter is separable
from a septic tank which the waste water filter is designed to be
disposed.
2. The waste water filter of claim 1, wherein the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield comprises an outlet filter; wherein the outlet filter
separates the shield interior from the outlet; and wherein the outlet
filter is disposed within the waste water filter independent of
the shield filter element.
3. The waste water filter of claim 2, wherein the outlet filter
includes filter openings of a larger size than the smallest sized
openings of the shield filter element filter surface.
4. The waste water filter of claim 2, wherein the shield filter
element includes a series of filter surfaces through which waste
water must pass; and wherein the filter openings of the outlet filter
are equal to or larger than the last openings of the shield filter
element through which the waste water passes before passing through
the outlet filter.
5. The waste water filter of claim 1, wherein the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield is removable from the waste water filter.
6. The waste water filter of claim 1, wherein the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield comprises a valve.
7. The waste water filter of claim 6, wherein the valve includes
a gate.
8. The waste water filter of claim 1, wherein the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield is removable from the waste water filter.
9. The waste water filter of claim 1, wherein the waste water filter
further includes an outlet reservoir; and wherein the outlet reservoir
is disposed intermediate the shield and the outlet.
10. The waste water filter of claim 9, wherein the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield is removable from the outlet reservoir
11. The waste water filter of claim 9, wherein the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield comprises an outlet filter; wherein the outlet filter
separates the shield interior from the outlet; and wherein the outlet
filter is disposed within the outlet reservoir.
12. The waste water filter of claim 9, wherein the outlet reservoir
includes a vertical peripheral wall which is directly attached to
the vertical peripheral wall of the shield
13. The waste water filter of claim 9, wherein the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet after the removal of the filter element
from the shield comprises a valve; and wherein the valve includes
a gate.
14. The waste water filter of claim 9, wherein the outlet reservoir
includes a discharging means.
15. The waste water filter of claim 14, wherein the discharging
means is a pump.
16. A waste water filter for use within a septic tank comprising:
a shield including a peripheral wall defining a shield interior
within the shield, the shield including at least one inlet location
for allowing the entry of waste water into the shield; a filter
element disposed within the shield, the filter element including
a first peripheral wall and a second peripheral wall disposed within
the first peripheral wall spaced at a distance therefrom, the first
and second peripheral walls having inside and outside surfaces,
the outside surface of the second peripheral wall facing the inside
surface of the first peripheral wall, the filter element further
including means to attach the first and second peripheral walls
to at least partially enclose a region between the peripheral walls,
the first and second peripheral walls including filtering means
for allowing the passage of clear water while restricting the passage
of solids, wherein the inlet locations of the shield maintain waste
water, unfiltered by the filter element, within a first unfiltered
shield interior location outside the first peripheral wall and also
within a second unfiltered shield interior location within the second
peripheral wall of the filter element; and wherein the filter element
prevents the unfiltered wastewater within the first and second interior
locations to pass further into the shield interior beyond the first
and second interior locations; an outlet attached to the filter
element in fluid communication with the region between the first
and second peripheral walls for discharging filtered waste water;
the filter element including at least one additional peripheral
wall within the filter element; means for attaching the at least
one additional peripheral wall to the filter element.
17. The waste water filter of claim 16, wherein the filter element
additionally comprises at least a third peripheral wall disposed
outside the first peripheral wall; the filter element further including
means to attach the first and third peripheral walls to at least
partially enclose a region between the peripheral walls, as well
as to at least partially enclose a region outside the third peripheral
wall such that the region outside the third peripheral wall is closed
to the passage of unfiltered waste water; the third peripheral wall
including filtering means for allowing the passage of clear water
while restricting the passage of solids, wherein the inlet locations
of the shield maintain unfiltered waste water inside the third peripheral
wall of the filter element; an outlet attached to the filter element
in fluid communication with the region outside the third peripheral
wall for discharging filtered waste water.
18. The waste water filter of claim 17, wherein the filter element
additionally comprises a fourth peripheral wall disposed within
the second peripheral wall, the filter element further including
means to attach the second and fourth peripheral walls to at least
partially enclose a region between the peripheral walls; the fourth
peripheral wall including filtering means for allowing the passage
of clear water while restricting the passage of solids, wherein
the inlet locations of the shield maintain unfiltered waste water
outside the fourth peripheral wall of the filter element; an outlet
attached to the filter element in fluid communication with the region
within the fourth peripheral wall for discharging filtered waste
water.
19. The waste water filter of claim 17, wherein the first, second
and third peripheral walls each include a bottom; and wherein the
bottom of the first, second and third of the peripheral walls are
not all disposed at the same vertical position.
20. The waste water filter of claim 18, wherein the fourth peripheral
wall extends beneath the first and second peripheral walls.
21. The waste water filter of claim 16, wherein the filter element
additionally comprises at least a third peripheral wall disposed
within the second peripheral wall; the filter element further including
means to attach the second and third peripheral walls to at least
partially enclose a region between the peripheral walls, as well
as to at least partially enclose a region within the third peripheral
wall such that the region within the third peripheral wall is closed
to the passage of unfiltered waste water; the third peripheral wall
including filtering means for allowing the passage of clear water
while restricting the passage of solids, wherein the inlet locations
of the shield maintain unfiltered waste water outside the third
peripheral wall of the filter element, an outlet attached to the
filter element in fluid communication with the region within the
third peripheral wall for discharging filtered waste water
22. The waste water filter of claim 21, wherein the filter element
additionally comprises a fourth peripheral wall disposed within
the third peripheral wall; the filter element further including
means to attach the third and fourth peripheral walls to at least
partially enclose a region between the peripheral walls; the fourth
peripheral wall including filtering means for allowing the passage
of clear water while restricting the passage of solids, wherein
the inlet locations of the shield maintain unfiltered waste water
inside the fourth peripheral wall of the filter element; an outlet
attached to the filter element in fluid communication with the region
between the third and fourth peripheral walls for discharging filtered
waste water.
21. The waste water filter of claim 16, wherein at least one peripheral
wall of the filter element is impervious to the passage of waste
water.
22. The waste water filter of claim 16, wherein the filter element
further includes a third peripheral wall outside the first peripheral
wall; and a fourth peripheral wall inside the second peripheral
wall; wherein the inlet locations of the shield maintain unfiltered
waste water outside the third peripheral wall and inside the fourth
peripheral wall; the filter element further including means for
attaching the third peripheral wall to the first peripheral wall
to enclose a region between the first and third peripheral walls,
and means for attaching the fourth peripheral wall to the second
peripheral wall to enclose a region between the second and fourth
peripheral walls; the third and fourth peripheral walls including
filtering means for allowing the passage of clear water while restricting
the passage of solids, and wherein relatively clear water having
passed through the filtering means of the third and first peripheral
walls is maintained in the region between the first and second peripheral
walls; and wherein relatively clear water having passed through
the filtering means of the fourth and second peripheral walls is
also maintained in the region between the first and second peripheral
walls; an outlet attached to the filter element in fluid communication
with the region between the first and second peripheral walls for
discharging filtered waste water.
23. A waste water filter for use within a septic tank comprising:
a shield including at least one inlet location for allowing the
entry of waste water into the shield; a filter element disposed
within the shield, the filter element including a first peripheral
wall and a second peripheral wall disposed within the first peripheral
wall spaced at a distance therefrom, the first and second peripheral
walls having inside and outside surfaces, the outside surface of
the second peripheral wall facing the inside surface of the first
peripheral wall, the filter element further including means to attach
the first and second peripheral walls to thus enclose a region between
the peripheral walls, the first and second peripheral walls including
filtering means for allowing the passage of clear water while restricting
the passage of solids, wherein the inlet locations of the shield
maintain waste water, unfiltered by the filter element, inside the
region between the first and second peripheral walls of the filter
element; and wherein relatively clear water having passed through
the filtering means of the first and second peripheral walls is
maintained in a region outside the first peripheral wall and also
in a region inside the second peripheral wall of the filter element;
an outlet attached to the filter element in fluid communication
with the regions outside the first peripheral wall and inside the
second peripheral wall for discharging filtered waste water.
24. The waste water filter of claim 23, wherein the second peripheral
wall is disposed inside the first peripheral wall; and wherein the
filter element further includes a third peripheral wall outside
the first peripheral wall; and a fourth peripheral wall inside the
second peripheral wall; the filter element further including means
for attaching the third peripheral wall to the first peripheral
wall to enclose a region between the first and third peripheral
walls, and means for attaching the fourth peripheral wall to the
second peripheral wall to enclose a region between the second and
fourth peripheral walls; the third and fourth peripheral walls including
filtering means for allowing the passage of clear water while restricting
the passage of solids, and wherein relatively clear water having
passed through the filtering means of the first and third peripheral
walls is maintained in a clear water region outside the third peripheral
wall; and wherein relatively clear water having passed through the
filtering means of the second and fourth peripheral walls is maintained
in a clear water region inside the fourth peripheral wall; an outlet
attached to the filter element in fluid communication with the clear
water regions outside the third peripheral wall and inside the fourth
peripheral wall for discharging filtered waste water.
25. A waste water filter for use within a septic tank comprising:
a shield including at least one inlet location for allowing the
entry of waste water into the shield; a filter element disposed
within the shield, the filter element including a first peripheral
wall and at least one second peripheral wall disposed within the
first peripheral wall spaced at a distance therefrom, the first
and second peripheral walls having inside and outside surfaces,
the filter element further including means to attach the first and
second peripheral walls to thus enclose a region outside the at
least one second peripheral wall and inside the first peripheral
wall, the first and second peripheral walls including filtering
means for allowing the passage of clear water while restricting
the passage of solids, wherein the inlet location of the shield
maintains unfiltered waste water inside the at least one second
peripheral wall of the filter element; and wherein relatively clear
water having passed through the filtering means of the at least
one second and first peripheral walls is maintained in a region
outside the first peripheral wall of the filter element; an outlet
attached to the filter element in fluid communication with the region
outside the first peripheral wall for discharging filtered waste
water.
26. The waste water filter of claim 25, additionally comprising
a series of second peripheral walls; wherein each second peripheral
wall comprises a tube of mesh screen.
27. A waste water filter for use within a septic tank comprising:
a shield including at least one inlet location for allowing the
entry of waste water into the shield; a filter element disposed
within the shield, the filter element including a first peripheral
wall and at least one second peripheral wall disposed within the
first peripheral wall spaced at a distance therefrom, the first
and second peripheral walls having inside and outside surfaces,
the filter element farther including means to attach the first and
second peripheral walls to thus enclose a region outside the at
least one second peripheral wall and inside the first peripheral
wall, the first and second peripheral walls including filtering
means for allowing the passage of clear water while restricting
the passage of solids, wherein the inlet locations of the shield
maintain waste water, unfiltered by the filter element, outside
the first peripheral wall of the filter element; and wherein relatively
clear water having passed through the filtering means of the first
and the at least one second peripheral walls is maintained in a
region inside the second peripheral wall of the filter element;
an outlet attached to the filter element in fluid communication
with the region inside the second peripheral wall for discharging
filtered waste water.
28. The waste water filter of claim 27, additionally comprising
a series of second peripheral walls; wherein each second peripheral
wall comprises a tube of mesh screen.
29. A waste water filter for use within a septic tank comprising:
a shield including a peripheral wall defining a shield interior
within the shield, the shield including at least one inlet location
for allowing the entry of waste water into the shield; a filter
element disposed within the shield, the filter element including
at least two filter enclosures; wherein at least two filter enclosures
include a first peripheral wall and a second peripheral wall disposed
within the first peripheral wall spaced at a distance therefrom,
the first and second peripheral walls having inside and outside
surfaces, the outside surface of the second peripheral wall facing
the inside surface of the first peripheral wall, the filter element
further including means to attach the first and second peripheral
walls to at least partially enclose a region between the peripheral
walls, the first and second peripheral walls including filtering
means for allowing the passage of clear water while restricting
the passage of solids, wherein the inlet locations of the shield
maintain waste water, unfiltered by the filter element, within a
first unfiltered interior location outside the first peripheral
walls and also within a second unfiltered interior location within
the second peripheral walls of the filter enclosures; and wherein
the filter element prevents the unfiltered wastewater within the
first and second unfiltered interior locations to pass further into
the shield interior beyond the first and second unfiltered interior
locations; an outlet attached to the filter element in fluid communication
with the region between the first and second peripheral walls for
discharging filtered waste water.
30. A septic tank waste water filter comprising: a shield comprising
a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield interior; the shield
further comprising an inlet for the entry of wastewater into the
shield interior; a shield filter element disposed within the shield
interior; the shield filter element including at least one filter
surface; wherein the filter surface includes filter surface openings
for the passage of relatively clear water while restricting the
passage of solids larger than the openings; wherein the shield filter
element, when disposed within the shield, separates the shield interior
into at least first and second interior locations; wherein waste
water, unfiltered by the filter element, in the first interior location
is separated from filtered waste water in the second interior location
by the shield filter element; a seal disposed on the filter element,
wherein the seal prevents waste water in the first interior location
from passing into the second interior location without passing through
the filter element; wherein the shield filter element is removable
from the shield; and wherein unfiltered waste water entering the
shield interior after shield filter element removal will enter the
first and second interior locations; and an outlet reservoir including
at least a vertical peripheral wall, the outlet reservoir further
including an inlet opening in fluid communication with the second
interior location for allowing the entry of filtered waste water
from the second interior location of the shield into the outlet
reservoir, and an outlet for discharging filtered waste water; the
outlet reservoir defining a chamber substantially closed to the
entry of waste water other than through the inlet; an incremental
discharge apparatus disposed in the outlet reservoir in fluid communication
with the outlet; wherein the outlet reservoir is disposed relative
to the filter element such that the removal of the filter element
from the shield does not require the removal of the incremental
discharge apparatus; and wherein the inlet opening into the outlet
reservoir is disposed a vertical position above the seal disposed
on the filter element; wherein the waste water filter including
the outlet reservoir are separable from a septic tank within which
they are designed to be disposed.
31. The septic tank waste water filter of claim 30, wherein the
shield inlet is disposed below the seal.
32. A septic tank waste water filter comprising: a shield comprising
a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield interior; the shield
further comprising an inlet for the entry of wastewater into the
shield interior; a shield filter element disposed within the shield
interior; the shield filter element including at least one filter
surface; wherein the filter surface includes filter surface openings
for the passage of relatively clear water while restricting the
passage of solids larger than the openings; wherein the shield filter
element, when disposed within the shield, separates the shield interior
into at least first and second interior locations; wherein waste
water unfiltered by the filter element in the first interior location
is separated from filtered waste water in the second location by
the shield filter element; a first top seal and second bottom seal
disposed on the filter element, wherein the seals prevent waste
water in the first interior location from passing into the second
interior location without passing through the filter element; wherein
the shield filter element is removable from the shield, and wherein
unfiltered waste water entering the shield interior after shield
filter element removal will enter the first and second interior
locations; and an outlet reservoir including at least a vertical
peripheral wall, the outlet reservoir further including an inlet
opening in fluid communication with the second interior location
for allowing the entry of filtered waste water from the second interior
location of the shield into the outlet reservoir, and an outlet
for discharging filtered waste water; the outlet reservoir defining
a chamber substantially closed to the entry of waste water other
than through the inlet; an incremental discharge apparatus disposed
in the outlet reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet;
wherein the outlet reservoir is disposed relative to the filter
element such that the removal of the filter element from the shield
does not require the removal of the incremental discharge apparatus;
and wherein the inlet opening into the outlet reservoir is disposed
a vertical position between the first and second seals disposed
on the filter element; wherein the waste water filter including
the outlet reservoir are separable from a septic tank within which
they are designed to be disposed.
33. The septic tank waste water filter of claim 32, wherein the
shield inlet is disposed below the second seal.
34. A septic tank waste water filter comprising: a shield comprising
a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield interior; the shield
further comprising an inlet for the entry of wastewater into the
shield interior; a shield filter element disposed within the shield
interior; the shield filter element including at least one filter
surface; wherein the filter surface includes filter surface openings
for the passage of relatively clear water while restricting the
passage of solids larger than the openings; wherein the shield filter
element, when disposed within the shield, separates the shield interior
into at least first and second interior locations; wherein waste
water unfiltered by the filter element in the first interior location
is separated from filtered waste water in the second location by
the shield filter element; a first top seal and a second bottom
seal disposed on the filter element, wherein the seals prevent waste
water in the first interior location from passing into the second
interior location without passing through the filter element; wherein
the shield filter element is removable from the shield; and wherein
unfiltered waste water entering the shield interior after shield
filter element removal will enter the first and second interior
locations; and an outlet reservoir including at least a vertical
peripheral wall, the outlet reservoir further including an inlet
opening in fluid communication with the second interior location
for allowing the entry of filtered waste water from the second interior
location of the shield into the outlet reservoir, and an outlet
for discharging filtered waste water; the outlet reservoir defining
a chamber substantially closed to the entry of waste water other
than through the inlet; an incremental discharge apparatus disposed
in the outlet reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet;
wherein the outlet reservoir is disposed relative to the filter
element such that the removal of the filter element from the shield
does not require the removal of the incremental discharge apparatus;
and wherein the inlet opening into the outlet reservoir is disposed
a vertical position above the first and second seals disposed on
the filter element; wherein the waste water filter including the
outlet reservoir are separable from a septic tank within which they
are designed to be disposed.
35. The septic tank waste water filter of claim 34, wherein the
shield inlet is disposed between the first and second seals.
36. A septic tank waste water filter comprising: a shield comprising
a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield interior; the shield
further comprising an inlet for the entry of wastewater into the
shield interior; a shield filter element disposed within the shield
interior; the shield filter element including at least one filter
surface; wherein the filter surface includes filter surface openings
for the passage of relatively clear water while restricting the
passage of solids larger than the openings; wherein the shield filter
element, when disposed within the shield, separates the shield interior
into at least first and second interior locations; wherein waste
water unfiltered by the filter element in the first interior location
is separated from filtered waste water in the second location by
the shield filter element; a first top seal and second bottom seal
disposed on the filter element, wherein the seal prevent waste water
in the first interior location from passing into the second interior
location without passing through the filter element; wherein the
shield filter element is removable from the shield; and wherein
unfiltered waste water entering the shield interior after shield
filter element removal will enter the first and second interior
locations; and an outlet reservoir including at least a vertical
peripheral wall, the outlet reservoir further including an inlet
opening in fluid communication with the second interior location
for allowing the entry of filtered waste water from the second interior
location of the shield into the outlet reservoir, and an outlet
for discharging filtered waste water; the outlet reservoir defining
a chamber substantially closed to the entry of waste water other
than through the inlet; an incremental discharge apparatus disposed
in the outlet reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet;
wherein the outlet reservoir is disposed relative to the filter
element such that the removal of the filter element from the shield
does not require the removal of the incremental discharge apparatus;
and wherein the inlet opening into the outlet reservoir is disposed
a vertical position below the first top seal disposed on the filter
element; wherein the waste water filter including the outlet reservoir
are separable from a septic tank within which they are designed
to be disposed.
37. The septic tank waste water filter of claim 36, wherein the
shield inlet is disposed above the first top seal.
Patent Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A deficiency of many current septic tank waste water filter
designs is the difficulty that arises in servicing the filters.
Many waste water filter designs include filter cartridges or elements
which are disposed within a housing or shield. Unfiltered waste
water enters the shield at inlet locations and must pass through
the filter element to proceed to an outlet. In other waste water
filter designs, the housing or shield includes apertures or other
inlet openings that are sized to restrict the entry of solids that
are larger than the openings. In these filter designs, the apertures
or inlet openings provide a first filter through which the waste
water must pass before advancing through the filter element within
the housing and proceeding to the outlet.
[0002] In many filter designs, removal of the filter element for
servicing leaves the outlet exposed to unfiltered or inadequately
filtered waste water. Such filter element removal is periodically
required in many waste water filters, particularly in filters not
providing self cleaning characteristics, to remove accumulated solids
on the filter surfaces and within the housing.
[0003] As there is no provision in these filters to restrict the
entry of waste water into the filter housing or shield, unfiltered
or inadequately filtered waste water will pass unobstructed to the
outlet. There are several detrimental effects caused by the passage
of unfiltered or inadequately filtered waste water to downstream
waste water components as well as to groundwater resources. These
detrimental effects are in many cases severe and exist for waste
water filters which are gravity flow as well as those which utilize
a pump.
[0004] In gravity flow filters, solids passing unobstructed through
the filter housing to the outlet may accumulate in the modulating
orifices in the filter as well as in the outlet pipes causing lower
operational efficiencies or blockages. Similar decreases in efficiencies
as well as blockages will also occur in sand filters and drain fields
as solids accumulate in these waste water system components.
[0005] In filters utilizing pumps, unfiltered waste water or inadequately
filtered waste water passing unobstructed through the filter housing
would enter an outlet reservoir or pump inducer either within the
housing or shield or attached to it. These solids may plug and possibly
destroy a pump once the pump is activated. Solids which do not plug
the pump will be discharged to downstream waste water system components
with previously described detrimental effects. In some waste water
filters of this type, the outlet opening that feeds the outlet reservoir
or pump inducer is beneath the bottom of the filter element. As
the filter element is reinstalled after cleaning, the filter element
serves to trap solids that have entered into the shield interior
at the bottom of the housing or shield. Or, the reinstallation of
the filter element will push these solids directly into the outlet
reservoir or pump inducer. These solids, having no other exit, will
be discharged from the filter through the pump. These solids are
responsible for significant damage to pumps as well as causing the
previously described problems to downstream system components and
downstream water sources.
[0006] In some filter designs, particularly filter designs having
pump inducers which are attached to the housing or shield, the pump
may be allowed to operate while the filter element is removed. In
these designs, a large amount of solids could actually be discharged
while servicing of the filter element is occurring, if the service
technician has not deactivated the pump.
[0007] If servicing the filter element requires the deactivation
or removal of the pump, solids that have entered into the shield
or housing will still be allowed in many instances to pass unobstructed
to the pump chamber while the filter element is removed. These solids
may accumulate within the shield or pump chamber and be subsequently
discharged through the pump causing similar problems to the pump
and down stream waste water system components.
[0008] Another problem associated with the discharge of unfiltered
solids is that undigested solids containing biological hazards would
be included within the solids that are inadvertently discharged.
These undigested solids pose substantial health threats and have
been responsible for illnesses in humans as well as the degradation
of wildlife habitat. Accordingly, most waste water regulations are
drawn to the discharge of undigested solids.
[0009] For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a waste water
filter that includes easily removable filter elements that allow
for the easy servicing of the waste water filter elements. In these
waste water filters there is a need for either ensuring that unfiltered
or inadequately filtered waste water will not be discharged from
the filter during the servicing of the filter element or restricting
the discharge of unfiltered or inadequately filtered waste water.
In waste water filters utilizing pumps there is a need that unfiltered
or inadequately filtered waste water will not be allowed to enter
a pump chamber, or be restricted from entering the pump chamber,
while the filter element is removed for servicing or be restricted
from entering the pump. This ensures that solids which are known
to damage pump components will not be passed through the pump upon
activation of the pump.
[0010] There is yet another need for a waste water filter that
protects downstream waste water treatment system components such
as pipes, sand filters, drain fields, and lagoons from inadvertently
discharged solids which may accumulate within these components causing
decreased operational efficiencies and blockages. There is a further
need for a waste water filter that protects ground water supplies
from the inadvertent discharge of undigested solids which pose a
health hazard to humans and wildlife.
[0011] There are also significant deficiencies associated with
the filter elements used within current septic tank waste water
filter designs.
[0012] A first deficiency in existing filter elements is the lack
of self cleaning characteristics. Many existing waste water filter
elements require the use of a closed bottom shield. In these filters,
waste water solids that enter the shield inlet openings have no
exit and will accumulate within the shield. Other existing waste
water filters use an open bottomed shield which encloses a filter
element having multiple stacked disk dam filter sections. The accumulation
of solids in these filters is on horizontal surfaces which retain
the solids until the element is removed for cleaning. There is no
provision for self cleaning in either of these filter designs. Solids
will accumulate within the filter during the filtering of waste
water. These solids will remain within the filter until they degrade
or are removed during a cleaning process. The presence of accumulated
solids within the filter results in a decrease in filter efficiency.
In many cases, the cleaning will not be performed until plugging
is detected.
[0013] A second deficiency of existing filters is the difficulty
encountered in removing the filter element for cleaning or replacement.
[0014] Many existing filters do not allow for the easy removal
of the filter element from the shield, and require the entire waste
water filter to be removed from the septic tank so that the filter
surface or filter element can be cleaned. These filter designs may
accumulate a large quantity of solids within the filter. These solids
along with the waste water within the filter require the person
servicing the filter to lift a substantial amount of weight when
removing the filter from the septic tank.
[0015] Some existing filters may also restrict the removal process
by disposing float switches, pumps, and piping within the interior
of the filter element. These filter components must be removed from
the element interior before the element can be removed from the
shield. Removal of pumps and piping may require the difficult disassembly
of threaded fittings.
[0016] Another deficiency of previous filter designs is a result
of the manner that waste water is supplied to the filter. In either
design there is essentially a single route or flow pattern for waste
water to proceed into the housing and through the filter. In the
past filter designs utilizing a single filter surface, waste water
is able to enter the housing at various openings all of which advance
the waste water to the same location within the housing and provide
the waste water with a single surface such as a screen through which
the waste water must pass to be discharged from the tank by a suitable
means. In past filter designs using multiple filtering tubes, waste
water enters the housing at various openings which are disposed
at one or two vertical positions on the housing, which allows the
plugging of multiple openings at the same time. Similarly, in the
past filter designs utilizing multiple stacked filter elements,
waste water enters the housing only at a single location and is
then able to proceed through the filter. If the filter surface or
filter elements of either system clog, no alternative flow pattern
is possible to pass water through the filter. Furthermore, if the
single inlet opening of the housing becomes clogged by the eventual
upward advancement of the sludge layer or by the eventual downward
movement of the scum layer the housing will not provide an alternative
flow pattern for the waste water to access the filter.
[0017] Yet another deficiency of existing filters is the inability
of these filters to provide sequential filtering. In particular,
there are few filters which use multiple filter surfaces having
a series of progressively smaller filter openings through which
the waste water must pass. Sequential filtering is not possible
with most existing filters which are of a design having a single
filter surface. Because of the single filter surface limitation,
there is typically no ability of the filter to remove small solid
waste particles from the waste water, as a single filtering surface
with small filtering openings would quickly plug.
[0018] For the foregoing reasons there is a need for filter elements
which provide self cleaning characteristics to the waste water filters
in which the filter elements may be used. There is a further need
for filter elements which are easily removed for cleaning, as well
as a need for filters which allow for the proper placement of pumps
and pump switches so that pump removal will typically not be required
for filter element servicing. There is yet a further need for filter
elements which provide alternative flow patterns, as well as a need
for filters which provide sequential filtering.
SUMMARY
[0019] The waste water filter of the present invention satisfies
the previously mentioned needs for a waste water filter.
[0020] The waste water filter of the present invention comprises
a shield comprising a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield
interior. The shield further comprises an inlet for the entry of
unfiltered wastewater into the shield interior. A shield filter
element is disposed within the shield interior. An outlet in fluid
communication with the filtered waste water within the shield interior
for discharging filtered waste water is also included into the waste
water filter.
[0021] The shield filter element includes at least one filter surface
having filter surface openings for the passage of relatively clear
water while restricting the passage of solids larger than the openings.
The shield filter element, when disposed within the shield, separates
the shield interior into first and second interior locations. Unfiltered
or partially filtered waste water in the first interior location
is separated from filtered waste water in the second location by
the shield filter element. The shield filter element is removable
from the shield. Unfiltered or partially filtered waste water entering
the shield interior after shield filter element removal will enter
the first and second interior locations within the shield.
[0022] The waste water filter further includes means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered or partially filtered waste water from the
shield interior from passing through the outlet after the removal
of the filter element from the shield.
[0023] The means for preventing the flow of unfiltered or partially
filtered waste water from the shield interior through the outlet,
may comprise an outlet filter which separates the shield interior
from the outlet. The outlet filter is typically disposed within
the waste water filter independent of the shield filter element.
The outlet filter may include filter openings of a larger size than
the smallest sized openings of the shield filter element filter
surface. The outlet filter may also be included in a waste water
filter including a shield filter element which includes a series
of filter surfaces through which waste water must pass. The filter
openings of the outlet filter in this version would typically be
equal to or larger than the last openings of the shield filter element
through which the waste water passes before passing through the
outlet filter.
[0024] The means for preventing the flow of unfiltered or partially
filtered waste water from the shield interior from passing through
the outlet after the removal of the filter element from the shield
may also comprise a gate valve.
[0025] The means for preventing the flow of unfiltered or partially
filtered waste water from the shield interior from passing through
the outlet after the removal of the filter element from the shield
may be removable from the waste water filter.
[0026] The waste water filter may further include an outlet reservoir
disposed intermediate the outlet filter and the outlet. The means
for preventing the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield
interior from passing through the outlet after the removal of the
filter element from the shield may be removably disposed within
the outlet reservoir.
[0027] The outlet reservoir may include a vertical peripheral wall
which is directly attached to the vertical peripheral wall of the
shield. The vertical peripheral wall of the shield may also be partially
disposed within the vertical peripheral wall of the outlet reservoir.
The outlet reservoir typically includes a discharging means such
as a pump.
[0028] In another version of the invention, the shield includes
an inlet comprising filtering apertures which partially filter the
waste water entering into the shield before the waste water passes
through the filter element. In this version, an outlet filter or
gate valve is used to ensure that solids within the partially filtered
waste water do not pass out the filter to the outlet. An outlet
filter allows the passage of filtered waste water to the outlet.
A gate valve prohibits the passage of any partially filtered waste
water to the outlet.
[0029] In another version of the invention, the outlet protection
is not accomplished by an outlet filter but is provided by the proper
placement of the inlet openings which feed waste water to an outlet
reservoir. In these waste water filter designs, the inlet opening
is placed at a location on the peripheral walls of the shield and
outlet reservoir so that a seal on the filter element will force
unfiltered waste water away from the opening and either through
the filter element or out the filter shield entirely during filter
element reinstallation.
[0030] The outlet protection provided by this outlet opening location
is not as extensive as that provided by outlet filters or valves.
However, the design does ensure that a minimum of waste water solids
that enter the shield during filter element removal will enter the
outlet reservoir to be discharged out the filter.
[0031] The present invention provides benefits which previously
have not been available in waste water filters.
[0032] The use within the present invention of either an additional
outlet filter surface, a gate valve, or a properly positioned inlet
opening to an outlet reservoir ensures that unfiltered or inadequately
filtered solid waste particles, as well as undigested solid waste
particles will not be discharged from the filter to downstream waste
water system components while the filter cartridge is removed for
servicing.
[0033] Accordingly, the waste water filter of the present invention
ensures that during the period the filter element is removed or
as a result of previous filter element removal, the downstream components
of a pump, pump vault, outlet lines, sand filter lines, sand filter
bed, lagoon or drain field will not be subject to the plugging effect
of unfiltered or inadequately filtered solid waste particles.
[0034] The present invention also ensures that undigested biological
wastes will not be discharged that may eventually enter ground water
sources threatening human water supplies as well as wildlife habitat.
[0035] The present invention also provides significant benefits
to filter elements used in waste water filters.
[0036] The present invention addresses the need for a waste water
filter to be self cleaning. The waste water filter of the present
invention utilizes a shield and filter arrangement wherein the shield
is typically constructed with essentially an open bottom. As particles
are dislodged from the filter surfaces by the somewhat turbulent
flow within the filter the particles are permitted to precipitate
out of the first and second interior locations and out the bottomless
shield, as well. These particles will then precipitate to the sludge
layer at the bottom of the tank. Similarly, solid waste particles
that have entered the first and second interior locations and have
been digested by biologically active agents in these same locations
will also be permitted to exit the shield and precipitate to the
sludge layer. The obvious benefits of a self cleaning filter are
decreased maintenance costs necessary to clean out or replace a
clogged filter.
[0037] The present invention further satisfies the need for easy
filter element removal. The waste water filter typically uses interchangeable
filter elements that are easily installed and removed from the filter
shield. The present filter design allows the removal of the filter
cartridge by merely lifting upward on the element which extracts
the element from the shield. Once removed, the element can be easily
cleaned with out disassembly of the element. The filter system also
allows for the easy replacement of a filter element should the element
become damaged or if different filtering characteristics are desired.
The waste water filters of the present invention present essentially
no difficulty in positioning the filter elements within the shields
of the filters. The filter elements can be inserted into the shield
until the element abuts the filter element support surfaces within
the shield.
[0038] The present invention further addresses the need for alternative
flow patterns through the filter. The filter typically utilizes
two filter surfaces each in fluid communication with a separate
interior location within the shield. Both interior locations of
the shield contain unfiltered waste water but are in direct fluid
communication with each other. This arrangement essentially provides
the filter with two flow through patterns within the filter and
shield. The first flow pattern being waste water entering into the
shield and passing into a first interior location and subsequently
through the first filter surface into the interior of the filter.
The second flow pattern being waste water entering into the shield
and passing into a second interior location and subsequently through
the second filter surface into the interior of the filter. This
filter arrangement will be unlikely to clog due to the two flow
through patterns as both flow through patterns would have to become
blocked to restrict the operation of the filter.
[0039] This arrangement may also include the added benefit of having
unfiltered waste water pass through filter surfaces which have been
disposed at different heights. This alternative design allows the
solids to first accumulate on the lowest filter surfaces. As the
lower filter surfaces lose efficiency due to accumulated solids,
the waste water flow through the filter will be transferred to higher
filter surfaces. This concept may also prevent an abrupt plugging
in the filter as the plugging must occur sequentially on the different
height filter surfaces.
[0040] The present invention provides filter elements having multiple
filter surfaces having progressively smaller openings which allows
for a very high level of solids removal while maintaining filter
efficiency. As only the largest solids will be filtered by the first
filter surface, only the largest of the solid waste particles can
accumulate on the first filter surface. Similarly, of the solid
particles that are allowed to pass through the first filter surface,
only the largest of these particles will be filtered by the second
filter surface, and accordingly, only larger particles may accumulate
on the second filter surface. For this reason, the use of sequential
filter surfaces having progressively smaller filter openings restricts
the accumulation of solids on each surface and allows for efficient
filter operation while ensuring a higher level of solids removal
than is currently available by existing filter designs.
DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1A is a side view of a first version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 1B is a top view of a first version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 1C is a side view of an alternative version of the
first version of the waste water filter of the present invention
[0044] FIG. 2A is a side view of a second version of the waste
water filter of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 2B is a top view of the waste water filter of FIG.
2A.
[0046] FIG. 3A is a side view of a third version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 3B is a top view of a third version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 4A is a side view of a fourth version of the waste
water filter of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 4B is a top view of a fourth version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 5A is a side view of a fifth version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 5B is a top view of a fifth version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 5C is a side view of a sixth version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 5D is a side view of a seventh version of the waste
water filter of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 5E is a side view of a eighth version of the waste
water filter of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 5F is a side view of a ninth version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 5G is a side view of a tenth version of the waste water
filter of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 6A is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 6B is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 6C is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 6D is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 6E is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 6F is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 6G is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 7A is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 8A is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 8B is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 9A is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 9B is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 9C is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 9D is a side view showing a version of the filter element
of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 10A is a side view showing a version of the filter
element of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 10B is a side view showing a version of the filter
element of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 10C is a side view showing a version of the filter
element of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 10D is a side view showing a version of the filter
element of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0075] FIG. 1A shows a first version of the waste water filter
of the present invention. The waste water filter of FIG. 1A is a
gravity flow filter which includes an upstanding peripheral wall
which is the filter housing or shield 110. Disposed within the filter
shield 10 is a filter element support ring 112, and an upper filter
element seal 114. This filter shield 110 includes an open bottom
for the entry of unfiltered waste water into a first interior location
within the shield interior.
[0076] Disposed within the shield is a filter element 120 which
includes a filter surface of mesh screen or apertured rigid plastic
122 which is supported between an impervious element top 124 and
an impervious element bottom 126. The filter surface 122 is a cylindrical,
upstanding, peripheral wall which separates unfiltered waste water
within a first shield interior location, which is located inside
the filter surface peripheral wall, from a second shield interior
location, which is outside the filter surface peripheral wall.
[0077] Waste water entering the first interior location will typically
include undigested solid waste particles which are prevented from
passing through the small openings within the filter surface mesh.
The filtered waste water will pass out the shield outlet opening
116 into an outlet reservoir within an outlet reservoir wall 130.
The outlet reservoir typically includes an impervious wall 130 which
may be an entire peripheral wall, or as is shown in FIG. 1A, a partial
peripheral wall which is attached to the peripheral wall of the
shield to produce an interior reservoir surrounded by a peripheral
upstanding wall.
[0078] The outlet reservoir further includes an impervious bottom
132. Disposed within the outlet reservoir is an outlet filter surface
134 which is typically a mesh material that includes an outlet filter
top 136 having an integral handle 137, and an outlet filter bottom
138.
[0079] The outlet filter separates the outlet reservoir into two
interior locations. A first outlet reservoir interior location includes
the area within which waste water which has not passed through the
outlet filter 134 is maintained. A second outlet reservoir interior
location is defined by the area within the outlet reservoir within
which waste water which has passed through the outlet filter is
maintained before passing out of the outlet reservoir.
[0080] The outlet reservoir in this version is shown with modulating
orifice 142 and vent 140 which modulate the flow of waste water
leaving the outlet reservoir into an outlet fitting 150. Modulating
orifices are typically large in size compared to the filter openings
and accordingly perform no filtering function. Outlet pipe fitting
150 would typically be connected to an outlet pipe which would pass
the waste water to downstream septic system components which may
include such elements as an additional septic tank chamber, a sand
filter, or a drain field.
[0081] Although the open bottomed shield allows a self cleaning
property to the waste water filter, it is understood that some solid
particles will accumulate on the filter surface 122. For this reason,
the filter element 120 is removable from the filter shield for cleaning.
The filter element 120, which may include a top handle 125 disposed
on the element top 124, may be pulled vertically up in relation
to the shield 110. The entire filter element, including the filter
surface 122, the filter element top 124, and the filter element
bottom 126, once extracted from the septic tank may be cleaned of
accumulated solids by a suitable method such as the use of pressurized
water spray.
[0082] The shield interior, which previously was separated into
first and second interior locations by the filter element is allowed
to fill entirely with unfiltered waste water upon the removal of
the filter element 120. During the time the filter element is removed,
the outlet filter surface 134 protects the downstream septic system
components from unfiltered and undigested solids which would otherwise
pass out the filter outlet.
[0083] Upon the completion of the filter element cleaning process,
the filter element 120 may be easily reinstalled into the shield.
During the reinstallation of the element into the shield, the filter
element will force most of the unfiltered waste water within the
shield interior through the filter surface 122, or force the unfiltered
waste water out the open bottom of the shield.
[0084] Accordingly, the outlet filter serves as a means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior from
passing through the outlet during periods when the filter element
is removed from the shield.
[0085] The outlet filter in this version is also removable for
cleaning as it includes a filter surface disposed within the outlet
reservoir which includes an attached top 136 and bottom 138. The
top includes a handle 137 for allowing the easy extraction of the
outlet filter.
[0086] FIG. 1B is a top view showing the filter of FIG. 1A once
the filter element is removed form the shield.
[0087] FIG. 1C shows a second version of the waste water filter
of the present invention. In this version, the means for preventing
the flow of unfiltered waste water from the shield interior comprises
a gate valve disposed within the outlet reservoir. The gate valve
includes a gate surface 135. The gate valve, unlike the outlet filter,
serves to totally prohibit the flow of any waste water from the
filter when the gate is installed within the outlet reservoir. The
gate valve thus allows for the removal of the filter element for
cleaning while ensuring that no solids will exit the filter. Additionally,
the gate would be beneficial for downstream component maintenance,
as no waste water would leave the septic tank during the maintenance
procedures.
[0088] It is understood that the waste water filters of FIGS. 1A,
and 1C could include an outlet filter and a gate valve, if desired.
Both of these elements could be installed within the outlet reservoir
as has been shown for the individual elements. Conversely, either
or both of these elements could be installed within the shield interior.
[0089] FIG. 2A shows how an outlet filter surface 216 may be disposed
within the filter shield 210. In greater detail, FIG. 2A shows a
shield 210 comprising an impervious, vertical peripheral wall having
an open bottom which serves as the inlet for allowing the entry
of unfiltered waste water into a first shield interior location.
Waste water entering into a first shield interior location will
pass through the filter surface 222 of the filter element 220 into
a second interior location. This second interior location is separated
from the filter outlet by an outlet filter 216 which in this version
comprises a peripheral wall of mesh material or apertured rigid
plastic.
[0090] The outlet filter surface 216 is disposed at a spaced apart
relationship to the interior surface of the shield 210 and is attached
to the shield at filter element support 212 and ring seal 214. Filter
element support 212 and ring seal 214 are impervious and along with
the outlet filter surface 216 serve to define a third shield interior
location between the shield interior surface and the outlet filter
surface 216.
[0091] Waste water having passed through the outlet filter surface
216 will exit the shield interior at outlet opening 218, and then
exit out the outlet pipe fitting 250 to downstream septic system
components.
[0092] Should the filter element 220 require cleaning, the filter
element can be removed form the shield by pulling up on the handle
225 disposed on the filter element top 224. The outlet filter surface
216 will remain within the shield and continue to filter the unfiltered
waste water that enters into the first and second interior locations
through the shield open bottom inlet. In this way, the filtering
of waste water continues during filter element servicing.
[0093] Although not shown in this figure, a gate valve could be
disposed within the outlet pipe fitting next to the outlet opening
218. Such a gate valve would allow the flow of filtered waste water
leaving the filter to be stopped entirely. The filter could also
use an outlet reservoir, as well, if desired.
[0094] FIG. 2B is a top view showing the filter 200 after filter
element removal.
[0095] FIG. 3A shows a fourth version of the present invention.
In this version, an outlet filter surface 316 is supported on the
shield peripheral wall at a location where the outlet reservoir
wall 330 overlaps the shield peripheral wall 310.
[0096] In greater detail, FIG. 3A shows a waste water filter 300
including a shield 310 comprising an impervious vertical peripheral
wall having an open bottom which serves as the inlet into the shield
interior. A filter element 320 is disposed within the filter shield
interior. The filter element includes a filter surface 322 of mesh
material or apertured rigid plastic, a filter element top 324, and
a filter element bottom 326.
[0097] Waste water entering into a first shield interior location,
outside the filter surface 322, passes through the filter surface
322 into the second shield interior location. The waste water in
the second shield interior location must pass through an outlet
filter surface 316 to pass out of the shield into an outlet reservoir,
which serves as a pump vault. The outlet filter is disposed within
an opening in the vertical peripheral wall of the shield 310 by
a peripheral seal 318.
[0098] The waste water which has passed through the outlet filter
will be incrementally discharged to downstream system components
by an incremental discharge apparatus which in this case is a pump
332. The pump is disposed within a pump inducer 334 which is a vertical
peripheral wall having a bottom opening. The bottom opening is proximate
to the pump bottom and the outlet reservoir bottom.
[0099] Waste water in the outlet reservoir will enter a pump inlet
333 after having entered the open bottom of the pump inducer 334.
As the waste water moves toward the pump inlet 333, the motor of
the pump is cooled by the passage of water over the pump housing.
The pump discharges waste water through an outlet pipe 336.
[0100] The outlet filter 316 serves to protect the pump as well
as the downstream system components of waste water solids when the
filter element is removed for servicing.
[0101] FIG. 3B is a top view of the fourth version of the present
invention 300 shown in FIG. 3A.
[0102] FIG. 4A is a side view showing a waste water filter 400
which is a modified version of the filter element of FIGS. 3A and
3B. The waste water filter 400 includes four filter elements 420A,
420B, 420C, and 420D each of which are attached to an outlet reservoir
430. Only filter elements 420A and 420C are shown in the FIG. 4A.
Outlet filters 416A, 416B, 416C, and 416D serve to prevent unfiltered
waste water solids from entering the outlet reservoir 430 and damaging
the pump 432 or other downstream system components.
[0103] FIG. 4B is a top view of the version of the invention 400
shown in FIG. 4A.
[0104] FIG. 5A is a side view of a sixth version of the waste water
filter 500A of the present invention. In this version, the shield
includes filtering inlet orifices 513A. Filtering inlet orifices
513A provide a first filtering surface through which waste water
must pass. The filtering inlet orifices allow partially filtered
waste water to enter a first shield interior location. The waste
water then passes through the filter surface 522A of the filter
element into a second shield interior location. The waste water
within the second interior location must pass through one of the
two outlet filters 516A and 515A (not shown) to proceed to an outlet
reservoir.
[0105] The outlet reservoir comprises a vertical wall 530A attached
to the vertical peripheral wall 510A of the shield. Disposed within
the outlet reservoir is an open bottomed pump inducer 534A within
which a pump 532A having an inlet 533A and an outlet 536A are located.
[0106] Outlet filters 516A and 515A (not shown) prevent inadequately
filtered waste water, which has entered the shield interior through
the filtering inlet orifices 513A, from passing though the filter
to the outlet reservoir while the filter element is removed.
[0107] FIG. 5B is a top view of the version of the present invention
500A shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B shows the first and second outlet
filters 516A and 515A.
[0108] The openings within the outlet filter of any of the previous
version may be of a size which is larger or smaller than the openings
within the filter element. A larger opening would ensure that few
solids accumulate on the outlet filter to prevent a flow blockage
from occurring at the outlet filter. This would protect a pump from
the damage caused by running dry.
[0109] Alternatively, the openings within the outlet filter may
be smaller than those of the filter element, so as to provide a
progressively smaller series of filter surfaces through which waste
water must pass.
[0110] FIGS. 5C through 5G show different versions of the invention
where a passive outlet protection is used. The structure of the
filters of FIGS. 5C through 5G are in many ways similar to that
shown for FIGS. 5A and 5B. In each of these version, a removable
filter element is disposed in the shield and includes at least one
horizontally disposed seal. The filter element seals separate waste
water which is unfiltered by the filter element in a first shield
interior location from filtered waste water in a second shield interior
location. The seals further ensure that the unfiltered waste water
in the first interior location must pass through the filter openings
within the filter element to pass into the second shield interior
location.
[0111] Attached to the shield is an outlet reservoir. The outlet
reservoir includes a vertical peripheral wall within which an inlet
opening is disposed that allows filtered waste water to pass from
the second shield interior location to pass into the outlet reservoir.
Disposed within the outlet reservoir is an incremental discharge
apparatus which typically comprises a pump which is disposed within
an inducer. Alternatively, a centrifugal pump or dosing siphon could
be used.
[0112] In each of the filter designs of FIGS. 5C-5G, the seal or
seals perform the function of forcing unfiltered waste water, which
has entered into the shield interior locations, through the filter
element as the filter is reinstalled in the shield, or pushing the
unfiltered waste water out the shield inlet. In each of the filter
designs of FIGS. 5C-5G an inlet opening to the outlet reservoir
is disposed on a vertical peripheral wall in such a way as to minimize
the introduction of unfiltered waste water into the outlet reservoir
during filter element removal and after filter element reinstallation.
[0113] FIG. 5C shows a filter element 520C including a peripheral
wall 522C which includes filter openings, a bottom plate 526C and
ring seal 524C. Ring seal 524C forms a seal with the interior surface
of the shield 510C as well as with the filter element support 514C.
Filtering inlet openings 513C allow partially filtered waste water
into the first shield interior location which is the region outside
the peripheral wall 522C of the filter element. Waste water passing
through the filter element peripheral wall 522C passes into the
second shield interior location. This filtered waste water then
passes through the opening 517C in the portion of the shield peripheral
wall 510C which is overlapped by the peripheral wall of the outlet
reservoir 530C which thus comprises a portion of both the shield
and the outlet reservoir peripheral walls. This filtered waste water
passes to the bottom of the outlet reservoir where it will enter
the open bottom of the inducer 534C and then be discharged through
the pump. It is possible that the outlet reservoir would not include
an inducer but would instead be sized to properly fit the pump.
[0114] The filter element seal 524C is disposed below the inlet
opening 517C into the outlet reservoir. Accordingly, upon filter
element reinstallation, after the filter element has been removed
for cleaning, the seal will push unfiltered waste water downward
causing the unfiltered waste water to either exit the shield inlet
openings or pass through the filter openings of the filter element.
Thus waste water which had entered into the shield second interior
location will be filtered by the filter element as the element is
reinstalled back into the shield. The filter element is fully reinstalled
when the seal abuts the filter element support 514C. At this position
the seal is below the opening 517C. Only a very small amount of
waste water which is unfiltered by the filter element is permitted
to pass into the outlet reservoir during the period the filter element
is removed. Because of this, very few waste water solids can be
discharged from the filter outlet as a result of filter element
removal.
[0115] FIG. 5D shows a very similar filter to that of FIG. 5C.
In this version, the seal 532D is disposed at the bottom of the
filter element adjacent to the inlet opening 517D into the shield.
The inlet opening 517D into the outlet reservoir 530D is disposed
on a lower portion of the shield and outlet filter peripheral walls.
The inlet opening is disposed vertically above the seal 5 so that
reinstallation of the filter element 520D causes unfiltered waste
water to exit the shield or pass through the filter element 520D.
Waste water solids will accordingly be pushed out the shield during
reinstallation of the filter element.
[0116] FIG. 5E shows a filter element 520E including a first top
seal 524E and a second bottom seal 526E. Waste water partially filtered
by the filtering inlet openings 513E, but unfiltered by the filter
element, enters the shield into the shield first interior location.
This waste water can pass through the filter openings of the peripheral
wall 522E. Once having passed through the filter element, the filtered
waste water will pass into the outlet reservoir through the inlet
opening 517E which is disposed between the top and bottom seals.
[0117] Here again, reinstallation of the filter element results
in the seal 526E pushing unfiltered waste water downward so that
very little unfiltered waste water will remain in the shield second
interior location to be passed into the outlet reservoir and discharged
out the filter.
[0118] FIG. 5F shows a filter element 520F which also includes
a first top seal 524F a second bottom seal 526F and a vertical peripheral
wall 522F. Waste water enters into the shield first interior location
through the filtering inlet openings 513F. This waste water passes
through the peripheral wall 522F into the second interior location
where the waste water can pass into the outlet reservoir through
inlet opening 517F.
[0119] The reinstallation of the filter element 520F after removal
and cleaning results in the bottom seal plate 526F pushing unfiltered
waste water out the open bottom shield. The filter element is full
reinstalled when the filter element bottom seal plate 526F abuts
against the filter element support 514F and the top seal 524F is
below the opening 517F.
[0120] FIG. 5G shows a filter element 520G where the filter element
includes a single top seal 524G, a bottom seal plate 526G and a
vertical peripheral wall 522G. Waste water enters into a shield
first interior location through filtering inlet openings 513G. This
waste water then passes through the filter openings within the peripheral
wall 522G into a second shield interior location. The waste water
then passes through an inlet opening 517G located intermediate the
top and bottom seals into the outlet reservoir.
[0121] Reinstallation of the filter element after cleaning results
in the bottom seal plate 526G pushing inadequately filtered waste
water out the shield bottom through the check valve 508G. Alternatively,
the shield could have included an open bottom such as was disclosed
in FIG. 5F as the check valve and open bottom are interchangeable.
A check valve could have been used in previous versions SC and SE,
as well, as it can assist in ease of filter reinstallation and will
not allow unfiltered waste water to enter. Any inadequately filtered
waste water remaining below the seal plate 526G would not be allowed
to pass out the filter while the filter element is in place within
the shield.
[0122] It is also possible that the filter element 520G would include
a bottom plate seal that would seal the bottom of the filter element
but would not form a seal with the interior of surface of the shield.
[0123] The filter elements shown in FIGS. 1-5 have been shown as
simply as possible with single filtering surfaces. This was done
so as not to detract from the new structure of the shield, outlet
filter, gate valve and outlet reservoir of the present invention.
However, it is understood that many different filter element configurations
are usable within the shield of the present invention. Any waste
water filter element would benefit from the addition of an outlet
filter or gate valve as taught by the present invention. Possible
current filter elements which would be usable within the shield
of the present invention include those constructed with apertured
rigid plastic, mesh screen, mesh screen tubes, vertically stacked
disk dams, and vertically stacked mesh filter structures. It is
also understood that the outlet filter could be located within the
shield at a position separating an upper filter element chamber
from a lower outlet chamber which may or may not include a pump.
[0124] FIG. 6A shows a waste water filter including a first version
of the filter element 620A of the present invention. A waste water
filter similar to this version was previously disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,635,064 which is incorporated herein by this reference.
[0125] The waste water filter includes an open bottomed shield
602A comprising a vertically disposed peripheral wall substantially
in the shape of a cylinder. Disposed on the interior surface of
the shield is a filter support ring 604A. Supported by the filter
support ring within the shield is a filter element 620A which includes
a first peripheral wall 621A and a second peripheral wall 622A disposed
within the first peripheral wall at a predetermined spaced apart
distance therefrom. The first peripheral wall is also disposed at
a spaced apart distance from the interior surface of the shield.
The first and second peripheral walls of the filter element include
filtering surfaces which may comprise a mesh screen or other suitable
filtering material.
[0126] A shield interior location 641A separates the first peripheral
wall 621A from the interior surface of the shield 602A. The second
peripheral wall 622A is shown at a spaced apart distance from the
peripheral wall 660A of an outlet reservoir. A second shield interior
location 642A separates the second peripheral wall 622A from the
peripheral wall 660A of the outlet reservoir. Waste water which
has entered into the shield interior is maintained within the first
and second shield interior locations 641 A and 642A. This waste
water is unfiltered if the shield inlet comprises an open bottom
as is shown in this figure. If the shield inlet comprises filtering
orifices within the peripheral wall of the shield, waste water which
is partially filtered by the filtering orifices but unfiltered by
the filter element is maintained within the first and second shield
interior locations 641A and 642A.
[0127] The first peripheral wall 621A and second peripheral wall
622A are attached together at their bottom edges by a ring 631A
which prevents unfiltered waste water from entering into the intervening
area between the first and second peripheral walls. The filter element
further includes a ring 632A attached to the first peripheral wall
and a ring 633A attached to the second peripheral wall 622A. Rings
632A and 633A may be attached together. The ring 632A forms a seal
with the interior surface of the shield, the ring 633A forms a seal
with the wall of the outlet reservoir 660A. The rings prevent unfiltered
waste water from penetrating further into the waste water filter
without passing through the filter surface of the first or second
peripheral walls. The ring 632A is supported on the filter element
support 604A. Unfiltered waste water in interior location 641A may
pass through the filter surfaces of the first peripheral wall 621A.
Unfiltered waste water in interior location 642A may pass through
the filter surfaces of the second peripheral wall 622A. The filtered
waste water which has passed through any of the filtering surfaces
of the two peripheral walls will advance through the shield interior
to the outlet reservoir 660A.
[0128] FIG. 6B is a side view of the waste water filter of the
present invention including a second version of the filter element
620B. The filter element 620B includes a first peripheral wall 621B,
a second peripheral wall 622B, and a third peripheral wall 623B.
All three of the peripheral walls include an appropriate filtering
means such as a mesh screen material. The top of the third peripheral
wall is attached to the top of the first peripheral wall by ring
632B. A ring 634B seals the bottom of the third peripheral wall
to the interior surface of the shield 602B. The ring 634B rests
on the filter element support 604B.
[0129] Waste water entering into the first interior location 641B
can pass through the filter surface of the first peripheral wall
62IB or the third peripheral wall 623B. Waste water entering the
second interior location 642B may only pass through the second peripheral
wall 622B. The filtered waste water which has passed through any
of the filtering surfaces of the three peripheral walls will advance
through the shield interior to the outlet reservoir 660B. The outlet
reservoir peripheral wall 661B includes outlet filters 663B and
664B which prevent unfiltered waste water from entering into the
outlet reservoir if the filter element has been removed from the
shield for cleaning. A pump 670 is shown within the outlet reservoir.
[0130] FIG. 6C shows the waste water filter including another version
of the filter element 620C. Filter element 620C includes a fourth
peripheral wall 624C in addition to the first, second and third
peripheral walls 621C, 622C, and 623C. Ring 631C attaches the bottom
edges of peripheral walls 621C and 622C together. Ring 632C attaches
the top edges of peripheral walls 621C and 623C together. Ring 633C
attaches the top edges of peripheral walls 622C and 624C together.
Ring 634C forms the seal between peripheral wall 623C and the interior
surface of the shield. Plate 635C closes the bottom of the peripheral
wall 624C. Rings 631C, 632C, 633C, 634C, and plate 635C all serve
to ensure that unfiltered waste water which has entered into the
interior locations 641C and 642C will not pass further into the
shield interior without passing through the screen mesh or other
filtering means of the peripheral walls.
[0131] FIG. 6D shows an alternative version of the filter element
shown in FIG. 6C. FIG. 6D shows a peripheral wall 623D being shorter
than peripheral walls 62ID and 622D. Peripheral wall 624D is shown
being longer than peripheral walls 621D and 622D, and extends to
a lower vertical position relative to the shield 602D. The peripheral
wall 624D actually extends beneath the open bottom of the shield
to a lower position within a septic tank. This may assist in volumetric
efficiency of the filter. It is also understood that the peripheral
walls which are disposed at different vertical positions would have
different solid waste accumulation rates due to the different solid
concentrations at different vertical positions within the septic
tank. This variance in solid accumulation would necessarily lead
to plugging of the filtering surfaces at different times which may
avoid a catastrophic abrupt plugging of the entire waste water filter.
[0132] FIG. 6E shows a filter element 620E where a third peripheral
wall 623E is disposed within the second peripheral wall. The top
edge of the third peripheral wall 623E is attached to the top edge
of the second peripheral wall 622E by ring 633E. The region within
the vertical peripheral wall 623E is closed to unfiltered waste
water by the bottom plate 635E which is attached to the entire bottom
edge of peripheral wall 623E.
[0133] FIG. 6F shows the addition of a fourth peripheral wall 624F
within the third peripheral wall 623F. The bottom edges of third
peripheral wall 623F and fourth peripheral wall 624F are attached
by ring 634F. The top edge of peripheral wall 624F is closed to
the passage of unfiltered waste water by plate 635F. This version
of the filter element includes three interior locations within the
shield which are open to unfiltered waste water, 641F, 642F, and
643F. Unfiltered waste water in interior location 641F may pass
through the filter surfaces of the first peripheral wall 621F. Unfiltered
waste water in interior location 642F may pass through the filter
surfaces of peripheral walls 622F and 623F. Unfiltered waste water
in interior location 643F may pass through the filter surfaces of
the fourth peripheral wall 624F. A pump 670 for incremental discharge
of filtered waste water is shown disposed on the plate 635F. The
pump 670F includes an outlet pipe 672F and a float switching mechanism
674 F.
[0134] FIG. 6G shows a modification of the filter element of FIG.
6F. The first peripheral wall 621G and the third peripheral wall
623G are impervious to the passage of waste water. Accordingly,
unfiltered waste water having entered into the interior location
642G must pass through the filter surfaces of the second peripheral
wall 622G, and unfiltered waste water having entered into the interior
location 643G must pass through the filter surfaces of the fourth
peripheral wall 624G. The filter element 620G of this figure, through
the use of impervious peripheral walls, provides for the separation
within the filter element of independent flow patterns. It is understood
that the use of impervious walls within the filter element may provide
benefits to waste water solids removal and could be used in any
of the filter element versions of the present invention. Independent
flow patterns allow easier control of flow rates through each filter
surface. This allows for the equalizing of plugging rates on each
filter surface.
[0135] FIG. 7A shows how the single peripheral walls of the element
shown in FIG. 6A can be replaced with a double peripheral wall construction.
Accordingly third peripheral wall 723A is disposed outside first
peripheral wall 721A. And, fourth peripheral wall 724A is disposed
within second peripheral wall 722A. The double peripheral wall provides
sequential filtering. In particular, the filtering surface openings
in third and fourth peripheral walls 723A and 724A are larger than
the openings within the first and second peripheral walls 721A and
722A. Solid waste particles which are small enough to pass through
the filter surface openings in the third and fourth peripheral walls
will typically be unable to pass through the filter openings in
the first and second peripheral walls.
[0136] It is understood that the double wall construction of FIG.
7A, which is a modification of the filter element of FIG. 6A, would
be possible for any of the previous filter elements. It is also
understood that a peripheral wall may be used which includes filter
surfaces disposed within an otherwise impervious wall. In this example,
the filter surfaces may still comprise a double wall construction
which is disposed within the single peripheral wall which is otherwise
impervious.
[0137] FIG. 8A shows a filter element having a single inlet which
is in fluid communication with a single shield interior location
841A having unfiltered waste water therein. The unfiltered waste
water in the interior location 841A may pass through either of peripheral
walls 821A or 822A which bound the interior location 841A. The filtered
waste water having passed through either of peripheral walls 821A
or 822A will then advance to an outlet. The top edges of the first
and second peripheral walls 821A and 822A are attached by ring 831A.
Ring 832A serves to close the region outside the first peripheral
wall to unfiltered waste water by forming a seal with the interior
surface of the shield. Plate 833A closes the region within the second
peripheral wall 822A to the passage of unfiltered waste water.
[0138] FIG. 8B is a double wall version of the filter element of
FIG. 8A. A third peripheral wall 823B is disposed outside of first
peripheral wall 821B. A fourth peripheral wall 824B is disposed
within the second peripheral wall 822B. Unfiltered waste water within
the single interior location 841B within the shield must pass through
two peripheral walls to advance to an outlet. As was described in
FIG. 7A, the double wall allows for sequential filtering.
[0139] FIG. 9A shows a filter element 920A including a first peripheral
wall 921A including a first peripheral wall 921A and a second peripheral
wall 922A disposed within the first peripheral wall 921A. The top
edges of the peripheral walls are attached by plate 931A. The bottom
edges of the peripheral walls are attached by ring 932A which rests
on the filter element support 904A of shield 902A. Unfiltered waste
water entering into the region within the second peripheral wall
941A must pass through the filtering surfaces (mesh screen or other
filtering means) of the second peripheral wall 922A as well as the
filtering surfaces of the first peripheral wall 921A to advance
to the outlet. This waste water filter includes an outlet reservoir
970A which includes an outlet filter 972A. Filtered waste water
which has passed through both peripheral walls of the filter element,
must also pass through the outlet filter to be discharged from the
filter by pump 980A.
[0140] FIG. 9B shows a modified version of the filter element of
FIG. 9A. In this version, the first peripheral wall of the filter
element 921B surrounds a series of second peripheral walls each
of which comprise a mesh screen tube 922B. The mesh screen tubes
are open at their bottom edges to allow unfiltered waste water to
enter into the interior of the tubes. The waste water passing through
the peripheral walls of the tubes will proceed to an enclosed region
surrounding the second peripheral walls 922B and then pass through
the first peripheral wall 921B. Waste water having passed through
the first peripheral wall is discharged through a suitable outlet.
The tubes 922B each include a plate 932B to close the top of the
tubes to the passage of unfiltered waste water. A plate 931B seals
the top of the first peripheral wall from the passage of unfiltered
waste water. A perforated plate 933B seals the filter element within
a shield and includes perforated openings 934B for the passage of
unfiltered waste water into the tubes 922B.
[0141] FIG. 9C shows a filter element 920C which includes a first
peripheral wall 921C and a second peripheral wall 922C disposed
within the first peripheral wall 921C. The top edges of the first
and second peripheral walls are attached by ring 931C. Ring 931C
is supported by the filter support 904C of shield 902C. Ring 931C
further serves to close the interior of the shield from unfiltered
waste water which has entered into the shield interior location
941C. The bottoms of both peripheral walls are also closed to the
passage of unfiltered waste water. First peripheral wall 921C includes
a bottom filter panel 932C. Second peripheral wall 922C includes
an impervious plate 933C. Unfiltered waste water in the interior
location 941C must first pass through the filtering means of the
first and second peripheral walls to be discharged from an outlet.
It is understood that a filter panel such as 932C could have been
used in place of impervious plate 933C. Such a modification could
have been made in any of the previously disclosed filter elements,
as well. It is also understood that impervious rings which have
been used to attach adjacent peripheral walls of the filter element
could have also comprised a filtering mesh screen or other filtering
means.
[0142] FIG. 9D shows a modified version of the filter element of
FIG. 9C. In this version, the first peripheral wall of the filter
element 921D surrounds a series of second peripheral walls each
of which comprise a mesh screen tube 922D. Waste water passing through
the first peripheral wall 921D will proceed to an enclosed region
surrounding the peripheral walls of tubes 922D and then pass through
the peripheral wall of the tubes 922D. The mesh screen tubes are
closed at their bottom edges by plates 932D to prevent waste water
from entering into the interior of the tubes without passing through
the peripheral wall of the tubes. Waste water having passed through
the peripheral walls of the tubes 922D is discharged through a suitable
outlet. A plate 931D seals the bottom of the first peripheral wall
from the passage of unfiltered waste water. A perforated plate 933D
seals the filter element within a shield and includes perforated
openings 934D for the passage of filtered waste water from the interior
of the tubes 922D.
[0143] FIG. 10A shows a side view of another version of the waste
water filter of the present invention. The waste water filter is
a modification of the filter of FIG. 6A. The waste water filter
includes an open bottomed shield 1002A comprising a vertically disposed
peripheral wall substantially in the shape of a cylinder. An outlet
fitting 1006A is attached to the shield which allows filtered waste
water to exit the filter. Disposed below the outlet fitting 1006A
is a filter element support ring 1004A. Supported by the filter
support ring within the shield is a filter element 1020A which includes
a first peripheral wall 1021A and a second peripheral wall 1022A
disposed within the first peripheral wall at a predetermined spaced
apart distance therefrom. The first peripheral wall is also disposed
at a spaced apart distance from the interior surface of the shield.
The first and second peripheral walls of the filter element include
filtering surfaces which may comprise a mesh screen or other suitable
filtering material.
[0144] A shield interior location 1041A separates the first peripheral
wall 1021A from the interior surface of the shield 1002A. A second
shield interior location 1042A is disposed in the region bounded
by the second peripheral wall 1022A. Waste water which has entered
into the shield interior is maintained within the first and second
shield interior locations 1041A and 1042A. This waste water is unfiltered
if the shield inlet comprises an open bottom as is shown in this
figure. If the shield inlet comprises filtering orifices within
the peripheral wall of the shield, waste water partially filtered
by the orifices, but unfiltered by the filter element, is maintained
within the first and second shield interior locations 1041A and
1042A The first peripheral wall 1021A and second peripheral wall
1022A are attached together at their bottom edges by a ring 1031A
which prevents unfiltered waste water from entering into the intervening
area between the first and second peripheral walls. The filter element
further includes a ring 1032A attached to the first peripheral wall
and a plate 1033A attached to the second peripheral wall 1022A.
The ring 1032A forms a seal with the interior surface of the shield,
the plate 1033A seals the top edge of the second peripheral wall
and comprises a cap for the filter. Accordingly, the rings prevent
unfiltered waste water to penetrate further into the waste water
filter without passing through the filter surfaces of the first
and second peripheral walls. The top of the filter element includes
a portion of the second peripheral wall which extends vertically
above the first peripheral wall. The uppermost section of this portion
would be unused in normal operation. A handle 1052A is fixed on
the cap 1033A. Unfiltered waste water in interior location 1041A
may pass through the filter surfaces of the first peripheral wall
1021A. Unfiltered waste water in interior location 1042A may pass
through the filter surfaces of the second peripheral wall 1022A.
The filtered waste water which has passed through any of the filtering
surfaces of the two peripheral walls will advance through the shield
interior and exit the filter through the outlet fitting 1006A.
[0145] FIG. 10B shows a waste water filter including a filter element
1020B which is an expanded version of the waste water filter element
of FIG. 10A. In this version the waste water filter includes a large
diameter shield 1002B in which a filter element 1020B is disposed
which filters unfiltered waste water which enters the open bottom
of the shield 1002B before it exits the filter at the outlet 1006B.
The filter element is supported by ring support 1004B which is disposed
beneath the filter outlet fitting 1006B.
[0146] The filter element includes a series of three filter enclosures
such as were disclosed on FIG. 10A. The three filter enclosures
include first peripheral filtering walls 1021B, 1023B and 1025B,
as well as second peripheral filtering walls 1022B, 1024B and 1026B,
respectively. The first and second peripheral wall of each enclosure
are attached together at their bottom edges by rings 1031B, 1032B
and 1033B which prevent unfiltered waste water from entering into
the intervening region between the first and second peripheral walls
of each enclosure. The filter element further includes a perforated
plate 1034B attached to the first peripheral walls and a plate 1035B
attached to the second peripheral walls. The plate 1034B forms a
seal with the interior surface of the shield. Plate 1035B seals
the top edge of the second peripheral walls and forms a cap for
the filter. Accordingly, the rings prevent unfiltered waste water
to penetrate further into the waste water filter without passing
through the filter surfaces of the first and second peripheral walls.
Disposed on the cap plate 1035B is a handle 1052B.
[0147] The top of the filter element includes a portion of the
second peripheral walls of each filter enclosure which extend vertically
above the first peripheral walls. Unfiltered waste water in interior
location 1041B separates the first peripheral walls 1021B, 1023B,
and 1025B from the interior surface of the shield 1002B. Second
shield interior locations 1042B, 1043B, and 1044B are disposed in
the regions bounded by the second peripheral walls 1022B, 1024B,
and 1026B. Waste water which has entered into the shield interior
is maintained within the first and second shield interior locations
1041B as well as 1042B, 1043B, and 1044B. This waste water is unfiltered
if the shield inlet comprises an open bottom as is shown in this
figure. If the shield inlet comprises filtering orifices within
the peripheral wall of the shield, waste water partially filtered
by the orifices, but unfiltered by the filter element, is maintained
within the first and second shield interior locations. Unfiltered
waste water in interior location 1041B may pass through the filter
surfaces of the first peripheral wall 1021B, 1023B and 1025B. Unfiltered
waste water in interior locations 1042B, 1043B and 1044B may pass
through the filter surfaces of the second peripheral walls 1022B,
1024B, and 1026B. The filtered waste water which has passed through
any of the filtering surfaces of the two peripheral walls will advance
through the shield interior and exit the filter through the outlet
fitting 1006B. The first and second peripheral walls of the filter
element include filtering surfaces which may comprise a mesh screen
or other suitable filtering material.
[0148] FIG. 10C shows a waste water filter which includes a filter
element which is a modified version of the filter element of FIG.
10B In this version, the portions of the second peripheral walls
1022B, 1024B, and 1026B which extended above the plate 1034B in
the filter element of FIG. 10B have been removed. Accordingly, this
figure shows the first and second peripheral walls of each of the
filter enclosures having upper ends which are at the same elevation
as the plate 1033C. The second peripheral walls 1022C, 1024C, and
1026C include a plug 1034C, 1035C, and 1036C, respectively, to prevent
the passage of unfiltered waste water. The filtering of waste water
is otherwise identical to that described for FIG. 10B.
[0149] FIG. 10D shows a waste water filter having a filter element
which is a modified version of the element previously shown in FIG.
8A. The filter element includes three filter enclosures each comprising
first and second peripheral filtering walls. First peripheral walls
1021D, 1023D, and 1025D have a lower end which is secured to plate
10311D. Second peripheral walls 1022D, 1024D, and 1026D include
plugs 1032D, 1033D, and 1034D, respectively, which prevent unfiltered
waste water from entering into the region bounded by the second
peripheral walls. Rings 1035D, 1036D, and 1037D attach the top edges
of the first and second peripheral walls of each respective filter
enclosure. The rings 1035D, 1036D, and 1037D prevent unfiltered
waste water which has entered into the regions 1041D, 1042D, and
1043D from passing into the filter interior 1044D without passing
through the filtering surfaces of the first or second peripheral
walls. Filtered waste water in the region 1044D is discharged out
the outlet fitting 1006D. It is understood that more than three
filter enclosures could have been used in the filter elements of
FIGS. 10B, 10C, and 10D.
[0150] The peripheral walls of all of the previously described
filter elements are typically cylindrical in shape with a circular
cross section. The walls are also typically disposed to maintain
concentricity about a central axis. It is understood that other
cross sectional shapes other than circular may be used. It is understood
that various modifications and changes in form and detail could
readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the
exact form and detail herein shown and described, nor to anything
less than the whole of the invention herein disclosed and as hereinafter
claimed. |