A system for treating and recycling rainwater, including at least three stages constructed wetlands disposed along a sloped surface. Each stage constructed wetland includes a coarse gravel layer, a fine gravel layer, an improved soil layer, and wetland plants from bottom to top. Slopes are disposed at two sides of the upper part of each constructed wetland and are different in heights. An intermediate overflow pipe is disposed at the top of the slope between every two adjacent constructed wetlands. A last overflow pipe communicates with a municipal rainwater pipe. The coarse gravel layers of every two adjacent constructed wetlands are connected by connecting pipes. A perforated water collecting pipe is disposed at front ends of the connecting pipes. A water outlet pipe is disposed in the bottom of the coarse gravel layer of a last stage constructed wetland and is connected to a clean water reservoir.

A system for treating and recycling rainwater, including at least three stages constructed wetlands disposed along a sloped surface. Each stage constructed wetland includes a coarse gravel layer, a fine gravel layer, an improved soil layer, and wetland plants from bottom to top. Slopes are disposed at two sides of the upper part of each constructed wetland and are different in heights. An intermediate overflow pipe is disposed at the top of the slope between every two adjacent constructed wetlands. A last overflow pipe communicates with a municipal rainwater pipe. The coarse gravel layers of every two adjacent constructed wetlands are connected by connecting pipes. A perforated water collecting pipe is disposed at front ends of the connecting pipes. A water outlet pipe is disposed in the bottom of the coarse gravel layer of a last stage constructed wetland and is connected to a clean water reservoir.

An apparatus for filtering fluid has a container, a platform positioned in the interior volume of the container in a location above a bottom of the container, and a bag filter extending through a hole in the platform. The bag filter has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is positioned at or above a top surface of the platform and an outlet positioned below the top surface of the platform such that a fluid passing through the fluid inlet of the container flows into the inlet of the bag filter and outwardly of the outlet of the bag filter so as to flow toward the fluid outlet of the container. A retainer plate is positioned over the platform and has an orifice opening to the inlet of the bag filter.

A device for utilizing a surface, such as the surface of a floor, outside wall or roof, for a variable function, including a first functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, at least one second functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, and a rotatable carrier for varying, on at least a part of the surface, the functional element with which the surface is utilized. A method for utilizing a surface for a variable function is also shown.

A device for utilizing a surface, such as the surface of a floor, outside wall or roof, for a variable function, including a first functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, at least one second functional element with an active surface area the size of at least a part of the surface, and a rotatable carrier for varying, on at least a part of the surface, the functional element with which the surface is utilized. A method for utilizing a surface for a variable function is also shown.

A terrestrial dwelling (1) including a floor (2) with at least one floor section (3) orientated substantially horizontally in use. The dwelling includes at least one wall (4), including at least one wall section (5) projecting substantially upwardly from the floor section (3). A dwelling support (6) is configured to at least partially elevate the floor section (3) above a terrain surface (15). A roof (7) with at least one roof section (8) is attached to an upper portion of said wall (4) wherein the dwelling (1) is configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency to at least partially allow atmospheric elements including light incident on the dwelling (1) above the floor (2) to reach the terrain surface (15) under the dwelling (1).

A terrestrial dwelling (1) including a floor (2) with at least one floor section (3) orientated substantially horizontally in use. The dwelling includes at least one wall (4), including at least one wall section (5) projecting substantially upwardly from the floor section (3). A dwelling support (6) is configured to at least partially elevate the floor section (3) above a terrain surface (15). A roof (7) with at least one roof section (8) is attached to an upper portion of said wall (4) wherein the dwelling (1) is configured to provide at least partial atmospheric transparency to at least partially allow atmospheric elements including light incident on the dwelling (1) above the floor (2) to reach the terrain surface (15) under the dwelling (1).

A process and method of collecting, storing and utilizing the water that enters urban storm drainage systems for the purpose of utilization and reuse. Step 1 is the existing urban storm water system in an urban area. Step 2 in this process and method that store the urban storm water also serve to provide initial levels of treatment. At Step 3 is where water is diverted based on commercial versus residential water needs. Step 4.a is where water enters commercial facilities and is treated according to each commercial consumer's needs. Step 4.b is where both treated commercial waste water and water from Step 2 can be stored in subsurface geology, where some water quality treatment will occur. At Step 4, commercial facilities may also extract water for reuse. Treatment for human consumption at Step 5 would be decided by relevant government laws and regulations. This process and method has been designed to collect, store and allow for the utilization of urban storm water for the purpose of keeping polluted urban storm water out of naturally occurring bodies of water, reduce or eliminate the extraction of water from natural sources, which helps restore and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Example calculations show that in Mumbai, India, the average yearly amount of water that enters the urban storm system is greater than the combined annual average of potable and industrial needs for the city of Mumbai. In other cities, average annual precipitation that enters the urban storm drainage system of many cities provides at least half of the combined annual average of potable and industrial water needs.

A process and method of collecting, storing and utilizing the water that enters urban storm drainage systems for the purpose of utilization and reuse. Step 1 is the existing urban storm water system in an urban area. Step 2 in this process and method that store the urban storm water also serve to provide initial levels of treatment. At Step 3 is where water is diverted based on commercial versus residential water needs. Step 4.a is where water enters commercial facilities and is treated according to each commercial consumer's needs. Step 4.b is where both treated commercial waste water and water from Step 2 can be stored in subsurface geology, where some water quality treatment will occur. At Step 4, commercial facilities may also extract water for reuse. Treatment for human consumption at Step 5 would be decided by relevant government laws and regulations. This process and method has been designed to collect, store and allow for the utilization of urban storm water for the purpose of keeping polluted urban storm water out of naturally occurring bodies of water, reduce or eliminate the extraction of water from natural sources, which helps restore and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Example calculations show that in Mumbai, India, the average yearly amount of water that enters the urban storm system is greater than the combined annual average of potable and industrial needs for the city of Mumbai. In other cities, average annual precipitation that enters the urban storm drainage system of many cities provides at least half of the combined annual average of potable and industrial water needs.

A rain water filter is disclosed. The rain water filter includes a horizontal inlet and a horizontally arranged residual water outlet which are slightly offset in relation to each other. A pipe with a longitudinal slot connects to the inlet and the pipe leads into the residual water outlet. An adhesive filter which is in the form of a tunnel-shaped half-shell is arranged below the longitudinal slot, where the lateral walls are the filter surfaces of the filter. Due to the adhesion effect, the water which flows past is suctioned inwards where it passes through the longitudinal opening into a tank and from there, for example, into a cistern via a filter water outlet. The water running off from the side walls is collected on the base of the hollow cylinder and from there is guided to the residual water outlet.