Patent ID: 6699387
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A septic tank 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 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 chanter substantially closed to the entry of waste water other than through the inlet; an increment discharge apparatus disposed in the outlet reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet; wherein the outlet reservoir includes a top opening; and, 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 incremental discharge apparatus is removable from the outlet reservoir through the top opening without requiring the removal of the filter element from the shield; and, wherein the inlet opening into the outlet reservoir is disposed at a vertical position above the seal disposed on the filter element, and wherein the inlet opening is disposed such that at least a portion of the vertical peripheral wall of the outlet reservoir is disposed at a vertical position above the inlet opening into the reservoir.