Fine bubble diffuser assembly
OwnerThomas E. Frankel, Seoungil Kang +1inventors
InventorsThomas E. Frankel, Seoungil Kang, Todd D. Ritter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A diffuser assembly includes a flexible diffuser membrane and a diffuser body. The flexible diffuser membrane defines a circumferential bead. The diffuser body defines a circular plate underlying the flexible diffuser membrane, and an edge ring covering a covered portion of the circumferential bead. The edge ring defines an inside surface that conforms to an outside shape of the covered portion of the circumferential bead. The edge ring is integral to the diffuser body. Such a diffuser assembly may provide a disposable diffuser assembly option with many advantages over conventional technologies such as improved ease of installation, lower weight, and lower cost.
Claims20
A diffuser assembly comprising:
- a flexible diffuser membrane defining a circumferential bead;
- and
- a diffuser body defining a circular plate underlying the flexible diffuser membrane and an edge ring covering a covered portion of the circumferential bead;
- wherein:
- the edge ring defines an inside surface that conforms to an outside shape of the covered portion of the circumferential bead;
- and
- the edge ring is integral to the diffuser body.
A wastewater treatment tank including a diffuser assembly comprising:
- a flexible diffuser membrane defining a circumferential bead;
- and
- a diffuser body defining a circular plate underlying the flexible diffuser membrane and an edge ring covering a covered portion of the circumferential bead;
- wherein:
- the edge ring defines an inside surface that conforms to an outside shape of the covered portion of the circumferential bead;
- and
- the edge ring is integral to the diffuser body.
A method of manufacturing a diffuser assembly comprising the steps of:
- receiving a flexible diffuser membrane defining a circumferential bead;
- and
- forming, at least in part by injection molding, a diffuser body defining a circular plate underlying the flexible diffuser membrane and an edge ring covering a covered portion of the circumferential bead;
- wherein:
- the edge ring defines an inside surface that conforms to an outside shape of the covered portion of the circumferential bead;
- and
- the edge ring is integral to the diffuser body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.