# US 11,440,812 B2 · Sloped sunshade cover > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,440,812 B2 - Document ID: US11440812B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/757,964 - Filed: 2018-10-02 - Published: 2020-10-29 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2017-10-02 - Assignees: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC - Applicants: Evoqua Water Technologies Canada ltd - Inventors: Brent M. Howe - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11440812B2 ## CPC - C02F 1/001: {Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance (C02F1/44 takes precedence; construction of filters in general B01D24/00 - B01D41/00)} - B01D 21/0003: {Making of sedimentation devices, structural details thereof, e.g. prefabricated parts} - B01D 33/80: Accessories - B01D 35/31: including arrangements for environmental protection, e.g. pressure resisting features - E04F 10/0607: {with guiding-sections for supporting the movable end of the blind} - E04H 4/108: {supported by frames} - C02F 2103/001: {Runoff or storm water} - Y02W 10/37: using solar energy - C02F: TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE (separation in general B01D; special arrangements on waterborne vessels of installations for treating water, waste water or sewage, e.g. for producing fresh water, B63J; adding materials to water to prevent corrosion C23F; treating radioactively-contaminated liquids G21F9/04; regeneration of reactants for recirculation into processes, see the relevant places for the processes) - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - E04F: FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B) - E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D) - Y02W: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT ## Abstract A cover for a wastewater treatment unit is disclosed. The cover may include a retractable awning, a frame, and at least one rotating shaft. The retractable awning may be configured to cover the wastewater treatment unit when extended and allow access to the wastewater treatment unit when retracted. The retractable awning may be configured to protect the wastewater treatment unit from ultraviolet light. The frame may be provided to support the retractable awning above the wastewater treatment unit at an incline angle. The angle may allow visibility into the wastewater treatment unit when the retractable awning is extended. The frame may further include a handrail. A system including the wastewater treatment unit positioned within a basin and the cover is also disclosed. Methods of retrofitting a wastewater treatment system and methods of facilitating protection of a wastewater treatment unit are also disclosed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A cover for a wastewater treatment unit, comprising a retractable awning configured to cover the wastewater treatment unit in a first extended position and allow access to the wastewater treatment unit in a second retracted position, the retractable awning configured to protect the wastewater treatment unit from effects of exposure to ultraviolet light in the first position; a frame constructed and arranged to support the retractable awning positioned above the wastewater treatment unit at an incline angle, the incline angle selected to allow visibility into the wastewater treatment unit when the retractable awning is in the first position, the frame comprising a handrail positioned on a first side of the frame adjacent to an apex of the retractable awning; and at least one rotating shaft connected to the retractable awning and configured to retract and extend the retractable awning. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, wherein the handrail extends along a length of the frame. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, the retractable awning further being configured to overhang the first side of the frame in the first position. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, wherein the incline angle is defined by a width of a base of the frame and a height of the handrail. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, wherein the frame is constructed from a material which is resistant to corrosion. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The cover of claim 5, wherein the material is lightweight and rigid. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The cover of claim 6, wherein the material comprises aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, a polymeric material, or combinations thereof. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, wherein the retractable awning is constructed from a polymer coated fabric. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, the retractable awning further being configured to protect the wastewater treatment unit from debris and weather in the first position. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, wherein the retractable awning is configured to cover a disc filter or a settling basin. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, wherein the retractable awning is further configured to allow limited access to the wastewater treatment unit in an intermediate partially retracted position. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The cover of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least one removable transverse support bar. ### Claim 13 A wastewater treatment system comprising a wastewater treatment unit positioned within a basin and a cover positioned above the basin, the cover comprising a retractable awning configured to cover the wastewater treatment unit in a first extended position and allow access to the wastewater treatment unit in a second retracted position, the retractable awning configured to protect the wastewater treatment unit from effects of exposure to ultraviolet light in the first position; and a frame constructed and arranged to support the retractable awning positioned above the wastewater treatment unit at an incline angle, the frame having a base dimensioned to correspond with the basin, and the retractable awning having an incline angle selected to allow visibility into the basin from an adjacent walkway when the retractable awning is in the first position and the frame comprising a handrail positioned on a first side of the frame adjacent to the walkway and an apex of the retractable awning. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, comprising a disc filter or a settling basin. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, wherein the retractable awning is further configured to allow limited access to the wastewater treatment unit in an intermediate partially retracted position. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, wherein the handrail extends along a length of the walkway. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, wherein the incline angle is defined by a width of the basin and a height of the handrail. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, the cover further comprising a mechanism configured to retract and extend the retractable awning. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The wastewater treatment system of claim 18, wherein the mechanism comprises at least one rotating shaft connected to the retractable awning. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The wastewater treatment system of claim 18, wherein the mechanism is configured to be manually operated. ### Claim 21 (depends on 18) The wastewater treatment system of claim 18, wherein the mechanism comprises an automated controller. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The wastewater treatment system of claim 21, further comprising a sensor operably connected to the automated controller, the sensor configured to detect at least one of ultraviolet light, debris, and precipitation, and the automated controller configured to retract or extend the retractable awning responsive to an indication of ultraviolet light, debris, or precipitation received by the sensor.