The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 13, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 10, 1995
Norman D Berke, New Milford, CT (US);
Stephen M Woodward, Lakeside, CT (US);
Aleksei V Gershun, Oakville, CT (US);
Peter M Woyciesjes, Woodbury, CT (US);
Robert J Rosvally, Peekskill, NY (US);
Prestone Products Corporation, Danbury, CT (US);
Abstract
A recycling apparatus which preferably treats used antifreeze/coolant in four cycles is disclosed. The recycling apparatus includes a number of tanks for storing the antifreeze/coolant during the various treatment cycles, a number of containers for storing chemical reagents used to chemically treat the antifreeze/coolant and a number of filters used to capture impurities suspended in the treated antifreeze/coolant. During a fill cycle, the used antifreeze/coolant is introduced into a treatment tank and the concentration of the antifreeze/coolant is adjusted, if necessary, to a predefined range. During a mix cycle, the used antifreeze/coolant is mixed with various reagents to adjust the pH value, as well as to coagulate and flocculate the impurities. A reverse mixing and aspiration of the antifreeze/coolant in the tank during the mix cycle ensure that the reagents will mix well and react with the impurities in the used antifreeze/coolant to form a sludge. During a dormant cycle, the fluid in the tank is allowed to set, while the sludge is caused to rise to the top of the fluid. Finally, during a drain and filter cycle, the treated antifreeze/coolant is vacuum-drained from the treatment tank and is filtered and reinhibited before being stored in a storage tank. The treatment tank is preferably conically-shaped with a double step in its apex to assist the removal of sludge during the vacuum evacuation procedure.