The present invention relates to apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that the system increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.

A method for automated cleaning of a filter basket in a bioreactor includes determining permeability of the filter basket. A control unit controls a suction unit for suctioning a residual liquid from the liquid tank, a liquid metering unit for dispensing a liquid having a predetermined liquid volume into the filter basket controls the suction unit to empty the liquid tank by suctioning a filtered liquid volume, measures the volume of the suctioned liquid volume, and sending a first measurement signal to the control unit. The control unit determines a permeability quotient from the volume of the extracted filtered liquid volume to the volume of the dispensed predetermined liquid volume and compares the permeability quotient with a permeability threshold. The control unit then controls a cleaning unit to perform a cleaning process of the filter basket if the permeability quotient is below the permeability threshold.

A method for automated cleaning of a filter basket in a bioreactor includes determining permeability of the filter basket. A control unit controls a suction unit for suctioning a residual liquid from the liquid tank, a liquid metering unit for dispensing a liquid having a predetermined liquid volume into the filter basket controls the suction unit to empty the liquid tank by suctioning a filtered liquid volume, measures the volume of the suctioned liquid volume, and sending a first measurement signal to the control unit. The control unit determines a permeability quotient from the volume of the extracted filtered liquid volume to the volume of the dispensed predetermined liquid volume and compares the permeability quotient with a permeability threshold. The control unit then controls a cleaning unit to perform a cleaning process of the filter basket if the permeability quotient is below the permeability threshold.

A filter device (10) includes a filter element (12) in a filter housing (14) with fluid connection points (16, 18) for the non-filtrate and filtrate. Fluid can be passed through the filter element in both directions for filtrating the non-filtrate or for backwashing for cleaning particle contaminations (72). A pressure control (36) generates a post-suctioning effect to improve the cleaning of the particle contaminations (72). The filter device (10) is designed as a one filter-element solution. In a predetermined exchange, the single filter element (12) for filtering can be used for backwashing or can be backwashed using the pressure control device (36). A hydraulic system (64) and a method for backwashing a filter element (12) of a filter device (10) is provided.

A filter device (10) includes a filter element (12) in a filter housing (14) with fluid connection points (16, 18) for the non-filtrate and filtrate. Fluid can be passed through the filter element in both directions for filtrating the non-filtrate or for backwashing for cleaning particle contaminations (72). A pressure control (36) generates a post-suctioning effect to improve the cleaning of the particle contaminations (72). The filter device (10) is designed as a one filter-element solution. In a predetermined exchange, the single filter element (12) for filtering can be used for backwashing or can be backwashed using the pressure control device (36). A hydraulic system (64) and a method for backwashing a filter element (12) of a filter device (10) is provided.

A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet head to a clean air outlet. The fluid flow path upstream of the separation stage comprises a removable portion.

A surface cleaning apparatus such as an extractor has a fluid flow path extending from a dirty fluid inlet head to a clean air outlet. The fluid flow path upstream of the separation stage comprises a removable portion.

A filtering device for reducing radiation, sediment, contamination, pollution, and erosion control contains a first flow plate, a second flow plate, a tubular portion, and a biodegradable filtering material. The first flow plate is terminally connected to a first end of the tubular portion. A plurality of openings of the first flow plate allows water to enter the tubular portion. The second flow plate is terminally connected to a second end of the tubular portion. A plurality of openings of the second flow plate allows water to exit the tubular portion. The biodegradable filtering material is integrated within the tubular portion so that water entering the tubular portion at the first end is filtered prior to exiting the tubular portion at the second end. Switchgrass is utilized as the biodegradable filtering material.

A screening system for solid removal includes a housing and a screen positioned within the housing. A flow inlet is operatively connected to an interior chamber defined by the screen. A sump is downstream from the flow inlet for capturing solids that do not pass through the screen. A flow outlet is downstream from the screen in fluid communication with the flow inlet. A moveable cleaning assembly may be positioned either within a perimeter of the screen, around the perimeter of the screen or both. The moveable cleaning assembly is moveable with respect to the screen.

A screening system for solid removal includes a housing and a screen positioned within the housing. A flow inlet is operatively connected to an interior chamber defined by the screen. A sump is downstream from the flow inlet for capturing solids that do not pass through the screen. A flow outlet is downstream from the screen in fluid communication with the flow inlet. A moveable cleaning assembly may be positioned either within a perimeter of the screen, around the perimeter of the screen or both. The moveable cleaning assembly is moveable with respect to the screen.