Membrane frame

Abstract

A frame for a membrane, the frame including a rear outer section for structural integrity of the frame, the rear outer section surrounding an inner frame opening and including a first chamber for accommodating the membrane and a front inner section fixed to the front of the rear outer section to form a section for retrieving the membrane, the front inner section having a curved or angular front surface in the form of an integrally formed or separately attached shell, the first chamber and the section for retrieving the membrane being at opposite ends of the frame, the frame further including a first membrane guide positioned within the first chamber for use in deploying the membrane, a first opening from which the membrane can be deployed from the first membrane guide and a second opening that can receive the membrane being positioned at opposite ends of the front inner section such that when deployed the membrane covers the inner frame opening and most of the front surface, and an access panel is installed on the front inner section for access into the first chamber.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame for one or more membranes, and in particular to a combination of a frame and one or more membranes for use in one or more of the following: filtration, fire protection, prevention of passage of fluids such as water, smoke, and steam, land reclamation, coastal erosion prevention, building material protection, construction of interior and exterior walls and / or roofs of homes and other buildings, manufacturing of prefabricated buildings, manufacturing of waterway tanks, manufacturing of storage enclosures or racks, shelves, electrical and IT enclosures, and manufacturing of storage tanks and trailers for the transportation industry. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, the primary method of protecting against tidal flooding, storm water flooding, or river bank breaches is the placement of sandbags, penstock plates, door barriers, etc., all of which are manually put into place and have many physical constraints, for example as a result of their installation.

[0003] A secondary method in flood prevention is the construction of levees and walls to achieve perimeter protection from flooding, and the engineering design of often ugly solutions and prohibitively expensive costs of materials, equipment, machinery, and labor.

[0004] Coastal erosion is a constant problem, its costs are split into many different concepts, and traditional solutions are outdated and expensive in materials, equipment, machinery, and labor.

[0005] The reclamation of land from the sea and the creation of new land is a modern activity and the manner in which this is undertaken is through enormous expenditure in the cost of materials, equipment, machinery and labour.

[0006] The marine industry, by its very nature, is riddled with hazards presented by the water. Currently, if frequent inspection and preventative maintenance are not the norm, wear and tear can occur at high cost and cause the only form of protection to fail with catastrophic consequences.

[0007] The construction of a building must incorporate core values ​​such as security, warmth, insulation, dryness, privacy, etc. Different installation materials and methods have been used in the past, but the cost and carbon footprint have been reduced little or not at all, the quality is questionable as many parties are involved in the construction, technology offers a much higher carbon footprint, and construction costs continue to increase.

[0008] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many parts of the world have experienced out-of-control wildfires or forest fires, with homes and sometimes entire neighborhoods being lost to the intense heat of the flames and burning flames.

[0009] Modern buildings are designed with fire protection as an integral part of the design. Fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire doors, fire dampers, fire extinguishers are some examples from the list. The cost of equipment to purchase is exacerbated by the high cost of installation as it is delivered by many different manufacturers and suppliers with installations from different disciplines.

[0010] Filtration of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the smoke and wastewater we produce is a fact of life and, due to population growth, the need and cost are increasing.

[0011] Liquid and solids separation practices are common and wastewater treatment still largely uses settling tank methods. Carbon dioxide emissions and costs are both high.

[0012] The materials used in the manufacture of the gates and the footprint they require to operate the water level changes through their methodology are both outdated.

[0013] Enclosed IT racks or cabinets for servers storing personal data can result in harmful heat generation.

[0014] Transportation industry trailer designs provide only a contained passage of cargo with little or no fire protection or security or safety features for the structure or cargo being transported.

[0015] Prefabricated construction typically provides an enclosed unit with little or no fire protection for life and temporary life building materials or pre-installed services.

[0016] Alternative designs for tank or pool construction have always proven difficult as the challenges of retaining water are immense. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution to any one of the problems of filtration, fire protection, prevention of passage of fluids such as water, smoke and steam, land reclamation, prevention of coastal erosion, building material protection, construction of interior and exterior walls and / or roofs of houses and other buildings, manufacture of prefabricated buildings, manufacture of water gates, manufacture of storage enclosures or racks, shelves, electrical and IT enclosures, trailers for the transport industry, and construction of swimming pools or tanks or at least suitable alternatives thereto. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The present invention relates to a frame for one or more membranes.

[0019] Depending on the type of membrane or membranes used together with the frame, the frame according to the invention can provide the following uses: - Raising the banks of rivers to prevent them from bursting, - Prevention of tidal flooding, -Protection of the building materials of the property from water infiltration; -Watertight seals for entrances, doorways, vents, windows or other openings; - Waterproofing of structures during land reclamation and coastal erosion; - Wall and / or roof construction providing thermal protection, thermal insulation, a waterproof acoustic barrier, - Providing thermal insulation, heat and fire protection, and / or waterproofing / weatherproofing for roofs and the exterior of buildings; -Multi-purpose filtration for water purification, conditioning and renewal; - Multi-purpose filtration, for the treatment, conditioning and renewal of other liquids and wastewater; -Air and exhaust gas conditioning and renewal, multi-purpose and filtration, -Multi-deck versatile gravity separation of water and sediment, -Solid and particle separation, - Fire prevention and suppression in a room or enclosure, -Manufacture of storage enclosures, shelves and IT enclosures that provide fire suppression frames and safety and fire protection membranes with automatic activation of each function; -Manufacture of transport trailers providing fire suppression direct ventilation frames and safety fire curtain sides with automatic activation of each function; - Construction of prefabricated structures for direct ventilation of rooms and enclosures, and -Manufacture / construction of tanks, prefabricated tanks and swimming pools.

[0020] Thus, a first aspect of the invention is a frame for a membrane, the frame comprising: a rear outer section for structural integrity of the frame, said rear outer section surrounding an inner frame opening; a front inner section fixed to the front of the rear outer section to form a first chamber for accommodating the membrane and a section for collecting the membrane, the front inner section having a curved or angular front face in the form of an integrally formed or separately attached shell, the first chamber and the collection section being at opposite ends of the frame; a first membrane guide positioned within the first chamber for use in deploying the membrane; Including, a first opening from which the membrane can be deployed from the first membrane guide and a second opening through which the membrane can be received are positioned at opposite ends of the front inner section such that when deployed the membrane covers most of the inner frame opening and the front surface; An access panel is provided in the front inner section for access into the first chamber.

[0021] When the membrane is deployed from the guide through the opening, the membrane creates a seal over the front surface of the frame, preferably a watertight seal that prevents water from passing through the inner frame opening. The curvature and angulation of the outer shell of the front inner section of the frame and the resulting tightness of the membrane thereover seal the membrane against the frame.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises: a rear outer section for structural integrity of the frame, said rear outer section surrounding an inner frame opening; a front inner section fixed to the front of the rear outer section to form a first chamber for accommodating the membrane, a second chamber for retrieving the membrane, and a third chamber between the first and second chambers and surrounding the inner frame opening, the front inner section having a curved or angular front face in the form of an integrally formed or separately attached shell, the first and second chambers being at opposite ends of the frame; a first membrane guide positioned within the first chamber for use in deploying the membrane; a second membrane guide in the second chamber for use in retrieving the membrane; Including, a first opening from which the membrane can be deployed from the first membrane guide and a second opening through which the membrane can be received for retrieval onto the second membrane guide are positioned at opposite ends of the front inner section such that when deployed the membrane covers most of the inner frame opening and the front surface; An access panel is provided in the forward inner section for access into one or more of the first, second, and third chambers.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the back of the rear outer section is flat, and particularly preferred, the rear outer section includes a U-shaped, square, or rectangular flat backplate and a box section or side perimeter walls.

[0024] The inner frame opening is preferably in the center of the frame and is either the area to be protected by the membrane or the filtration area or both.

[0025] The rear outer section and the front inner section are preferably integrally formed. Alternatively, the front inner section is formed separately and then secured to the rear outer section.

[0026] The shell is preferably attached to the front inner section using screws or cement.

[0027] The rear of the outer shell is preferably provided with a rubber gasket to ensure a seal on the inner chamber walls against the rear of the front and from each other.

[0028] The first and second chambers are preferably secured to a backplate or alternatively assembled in place and sealed.

[0029] The first and second chambers are isolated from one another by a third chamber.

[0030] The inner wall of the third chamber constitutes the wall of the inner opening of the frame, i.e., prevents the passage of smoke or water through the internal structure of the frame when the frame is fully assembled.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, one or more walls of the third chamber include one or more of the following: a shelf that projects into the inner opening of the frame, a picture frame feature upon which a door can rest, a cooling coil for use in dehumidifying the air, a UV lamp for sterilizing the water and air, electromagnetic coils and electrodes for energizing the water to manipulate ions for water propulsion and / or water conditioning, damper blades for controlling air velocity, a grid or mesh for support of the membrane and for covering or filtering the area being protected.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the access panels for the first and second chambers are located in the shell, i.e. the front face, of the front inner section, particularly preferably at either end of the shell.

[0033] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the access panels for the first and second chambers are located at the rear of the back of the frame.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, an access panel for the third chamber is provided adjacent the inner frame opening.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, each of the membrane guides independently comprises one or more selected from a guide roller, a guide bar, and a guide rod.

[0036] The membrane deployment bar or rod is preferably mechanically linked to the first membrane guide using a pulley or chain link type system.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the first membrane guide includes a membrane deployment bar and a membrane deployment guide roller positioned within the first chamber for use in deploying the membrane, and preferably the membrane deployment bar and the membrane deployment guide roller are mechanically linked.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the second membrane guide includes a membrane recovery rotating rod and a membrane recovery guide roller positioned within the second chamber for use in recovering the membrane, and preferably the membrane recovery rotating rod and the membrane recovery guide roller are mechanically linked.

[0039] Membrane deployment can be activated manually or automatically. In a preferred embodiment, an external actuator is placed outside the rear outer section for activation of membrane deployment, particularly preferably adjacent to the second chamber, i.e. adjacent to the chamber for retrieval of the membrane, for example the actuator is attached to a membrane retrieval bar.

[0040] Alternatively, an internal actuator is located within the second chamber and actuation is enabled using a pulley or chain link type system connected to a second membrane guide, for example, a membrane retrieval bar.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the frame includes an internal frame ventilation system, such as a fan.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, one or more internal fans are positioned within a third chamber formed by the front inner section and the rear outer section, and preferably the front inner section or the rear outer section or both include openings such as perforations or slots for ventilation.

[0043] In embodiments where the openings are in both the front inner section or the rear outer section, the front to back ventilation circuit is active when the internal frame fan is energized to create a vacuum, pulling the membrane over the front surface and creating a seal between the membrane and the frame.

[0044] Alternatively, one or more fans are positioned in the rear outer section and the front inner section or the rear outer section or both and include openings such as perforations or slots for ventilation. In this embodiment, the ventilation circuit is active when the external extraction ventilation system creates a vacuum strong enough to create a seal using an internal fan positioned between the membrane and the frame or in the third chamber.

[0045] In yet another alternative embodiment, the front inner section or the rear outer section or both include openings such as perforations or slots, but no fan is present.

[0046] A vacuum on the membrane in the gap between the frame and the door to which it is fixed will be created when oxygen is consumed by the flame, and the membrane will be drawn into this gap to create a seal, therefore the slot can be independent of the fan in this application.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the internal structures of the frame, i.e., the first, second and third chambers, are separated from each other for complete isolation of the interiors of the same side of the frame.

[0048] The first and second chambers are sealed throughout the assembly process and isolated from the third chamber, i.e., from the interior area of ​​the frame, thus preventing the passage of smoke or water through the internal structure of the frame when the frame is fully assembled.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, each side of the frame includes an internal mechanism for receiving and retaining the first membrane for deployment.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the frame further includes mechanical piping installed within the third chamber and spray points for use in conjunction with one or more of a fire suppression or sprinkler system, a filtration area backwash or blow-off system, chemical injection for water or effluent conditioning, or aeration of effluent, or air decontamination or humidification. The spray points are preferably located on one or more of the front of the front inner section, the back of the frame at the rear of the third chamber, and the wall of the collar wall of the third chamber. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the third chamber houses a fire suppression agent reserve tank connected to the mechanical piping.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the first chamber contains one or more bars or rods to contain the membrane and hold it in place.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first chamber includes a first membrane guide roller or a first membrane guide bar or both and a roll or cartridge of membrane held in place using a first membrane fixing bar or rod, and the first membrane is pre-deployed through the first membrane guide roller and / or the first membrane guide bar and passed through a first membrane deployment opening on the outer shell of the frame above the first chamber and across the face of the frame, which is passed through a first membrane recovery opening on the outer shell of the frame above the second chamber on the opposite side. In this embodiment, the second chamber includes a first membrane recovery guide roller and / or a first membrane recovery guide bar and a first membrane recovery rotating bar or rod, and the first membrane is attached to the first membrane recovery rotating bar or rod through the first membrane guide roller and / or the first membrane guide bar and is actuated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction using a pulley or chain link type system from an actuation point external to the second chamber or from an actuation point internal within the second chamber to further recover the membrane across the face of the frame.

[0053] The frame is preferably suitable for two membranes: in this embodiment, the first chamber includes two membrane deployment guides, one above the other, and the second chamber includes two membrane retrieval guides, one above the other.

[0054] However, this is not to be considered limiting, as a frame according to the present invention may accommodate more than two membranes and / or include additional chambers.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the front inner section and the rear outer section together form five chambers, including two adjacent chambers for receiving the membranes and two opposing chambers for collecting the membranes and facing the receiving chambers, with the fifth chamber being located between the opposing receiving chambers and the collection chamber. In this embodiment, for a frame for two membranes, each receiving chamber has one membrane deployment guide and each collection chamber has one membrane collection guide, for a frame with four membranes, each receiving chamber has two membrane deployment guides and each collection chamber has two membrane collection guides, and so on for further membranes.

[0056] Each membrane is preferably pre-deployed or ready for deployment independently using a membrane deployment / retrieval line, which in this embodiment is preferably passed through a dedicated retrieval hole in the second chamber through the first membrane guide roller to the rear of the frame actuation point for external rear actuation of the frame.

[0057] Each membrane is preferably deployed alone, although alternatively the membranes may be deployed simultaneously.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the deployment action of the membrane is spring-return.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the shell contains electrodes for charging the membrane.

[0060] Yet another aspect of the invention is a combined frame and membrane, wherein the frame is as described above and the membrane is housed within the frame, the membrane comprising a thin, soft, flexible and robust sheet of material.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is manually attached to the frame using laths.

[0062] The membranes can be dedicated or multipurpose.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane comprises a porous or permeable surface. Alternatively, the membrane is impermeable. The membrane is preferably one or more of fire retardant, thermal insulating, thermal protective. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is a microbial membrane. Alternatively or additionally, the membrane is preferably one or more of metal mesh, foil, lead, PVC, or polyester canvas.

[0064] The membrane is deployed over a face of the frame through a slot in the frame face and retrieved through a hole in the frame or slot on the face on the opposite side to provide a watertight seal over the frame face and across the inner frame opening.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is a multi-layer product for various purposes.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane further comprises a recovery line embedded or embodied on each side thereof.

[0067] Preferably, the membrane further comprises one or more slots for one or more of a door, window, chimney, exhaust or vent.

[0068] Preferably, the outer surface of the membrane further comprises a mesh or grill or support over the inner frame opening, particularly preferably a load-bearing mesh or grill of structured design.

[0069] Preferably, the outside of the membrane is decorative.

[0070] The membrane is of any suitable shape, for example square or rectangular, for deployment through the opening and for covering the front of the frame.

[0071] The frame and membrane according to the invention are suitable for providing thermal protection to the fabric in front of which the membrane is placed, and the membrane can provide waterproofing.

[0072] Frames and membranes according to the invention may also be used for fire protection, water, liquid and waste filtration, air and smoke filtration, solid particle separation, land reclamation, coastal erosion prevention and building material protection.

[0073] The frames and membranes according to the invention may be used for the construction of interior and exterior walls of homes or other buildings, for the construction of roofs of homes or other buildings, in prefabricated buildings, in storage enclosures or racks, shelves, electrical or IT enclosures, and trailers for the transportation industry.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the frame may further comprise a cover for mechanical protection of the membrane.

[0075] A cover is not required in processes where the membrane is disposed on a frame, but if present, the cover provides mechanical protection for the edges of the membrane.

[0076] The cover also provides a structure for additional features such as brushes that could remove debris from the membrane surface as it goes through the deployment / retrieval motion. The cover preferably includes raised areas such as ribs along its entire width and the same areas on the frame that squeeze the membrane between them to remove water.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, there is an inner opening in the frame which is protected by the membrane and has a load-bearing structure for the membrane to rest on, such as a door or window, or alternatively the area for filtration has a grill or grid which provides support for the membrane.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the frame can accommodate two or more membranes. These membranes can have the same or different properties from each other, for example, the same or different micron values. The frame can accommodate two membranes, for example, for a double seal or for a dual function of a robust outer layer over the inner frame opening, providing, for example, an impermeable barrier, thermal protection, and / or a protective acoustic barrier over the inner frame opening. Preferably, the frame accommodates several membranes with different properties to provide a safe, impermeable, thermally protected, insulated, and soundproof structure over the face of the frame and its inner openings.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of units, i.e. two or more frames and associated membranes, are particularly preferably installed in an adjacent side-by-side arrangement on a foundation of strength calculated to withstand the required weight pressure from water or in front of the porous load-bearing structure, or alternatively the frames and membranes can form an integral part of an impermeable wall when installed between the load-bearing pillars.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, two units, i.e., two frames and associated membranes, are adjacent and installed in a back-to-back arrangement to provide a double-sided filtration frame that can provide a heat-tight seal on either side of the inner frame opening, provide the same protection on either side of the inner frame opening, or have a common filtered product collection point from the inner frame opening. In this embodiment, there is preferably an air gap between each unit in addition to their inner frame openings. Additionally or alternatively, the back-to-back arrangement further includes an extension collar.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, four units, i.e. two frames and associated membranes, are placed adjacent to each other to form a six sided structure (cube or cuboid), the four units being attached adjacent to each other at right angles along their outer edges with a solid floor and roof, preferably each frame making up the vertical faces of the structure has an accessible internal opening or one side can be a solid surface.

[0082] The frame preferably further includes installed piping for use as a fire suppression or sprinkler system, and particularly preferably, two of the sides of the frame have fire suppression or sprinkler systems and two sides have internal separation and vents on the inner surface of the frame for use as direct ventilation within the frame.

[0083] Preferably, the membrane, housed within a frame, provides a wall and provides a safe, thermally protected, airtight protective surface.

[0084] Preferably, the frame further includes shelves or slotted entrances structured or designed for the specific needs of housing IT servers and / or electrical equipment.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the frame is installed in an enclosure in a multi-deck design, with each deck housing the membranes used for filtration, each membrane having a different micron value, with the most permeable membranes being on the upper deck. Preferably, withdrawal points for the filtered product are provided at each level of the decks.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the frames are installed in a side-by-side design within the channel and hinged above and below the outside of the channel, with each membrane frame being a sluice gate and the deployed membrane being a controlled water weir.

[0087] In one embodiment, a six sided structure (a cube or rectangular prism) with four adjacent sides attached at right angles to each other along the outer edge is formed from a number of frames according to the invention having solid floors and roofs.

[0088] Within each frame of the six-sided structure, ductwork is preferably installed for use as a fire suppression system, and particularly preferably with internal separation and vents into the frame for use as a method of direct ventilation into the structure.

[0089] The membrane housed within the frame preferably provides a wall that includes a safe, thermally protected, airtight exterior. In this embodiment, the frame preferably further includes shelves structured or designed for use as a safe, fire protected electrical or IT server enclosure, for use as a safe, fire protected storage, and for use as a safe, fire protected enclosure.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, four units, i.e., two frames and associated membranes, are abutted and installed to form a six-sided structure (cube or cuboid), the four units are mounted adjacent to each other at right angles along their outer edges with a solid floor and roof, preferably with piping installed for use as a wash or blow-off system, the membranes cover the faces of the frames providing a multi-variable filtration surface, and the inner area of ​​the cube or cuboid is the common filtration zone.

[0091] Alternatively, ductwork is installed with internal separation and vents to the inside surface of the frame for use as a fire suppression system and as a direct ventilation method into the structure, and a membrane housed within the frame provides a safe, thermally protected, airtight exterior wall for use as a safe, fire protected transport trailer.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, cabling and piping is provided within the frame for electrical and mechanical services and the membrane attached to the frame provides a safe, thermally protected, insulated and sound-proof exterior building material for use as a prefabricated building or dwelling.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, each inner surface of the wall has a permanently attached membrane to provide a watertight seal for the surrounding wall of the tank.

[0094] Preferably, a brush is secured to the underside of the frame cover to provide a cleaning motion as it is deployed across the face of the membrane.

[0095] Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0096] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred frame according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred frame and membrane according to the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the preferred frame according to FIG. 2; [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a side view of the frame of FIG. 3a. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3b is an end view of the frame of FIG. 3a. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame of FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 4b] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative preferred frame according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is an internal perspective view of the frame of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the internal mechanism of the frame of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 11 is a partial perspective view showing an alternative internal mechanism for use with a frame according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 2 including optional additional features. [Figure 9a] FIG. 9 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 8. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two frames of FIG. 2 connected by an extension collar. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view of the frame of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view of the frame of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cubic structure formed from the frame of FIG. 2. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred frame according to the present invention. [Figure 15a] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the frame of FIG. 14. [Figure 15b] FIG. 15 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 14. [Figure 15c] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another alternative preferred frame according to the present invention. [Figure 15d] FIG. 13 is a side view of another alternative preferred frame according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the two frames of FIG. 2 back to back. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the back-to-back design of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the back-to-back frame design of FIG. [Figure 19a] FIG. 2 is a front view of a preferred membrane for use with a frame according to the present invention. [Figure 19b] FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred membrane for use with a frame according to the present invention. [Figure 19c] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred membrane for use with a frame according to the present invention. [Figure 20a] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred membrane for use with a frame according to the present invention. [Figure 20b] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred membrane for use with a frame according to the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred frame membrane cassette according to the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the upper section of the frame of FIG. 2. [Diagram 23] FIG. 3 is an alternative partial perspective view of the frame of FIG. 2. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the frame of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 24 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a preferred frame cover according to the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a partial perspective rear view of the frame cover of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 15 is an internal perspective view of the frame of FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another alternative preferred frame according to the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the internal mechanism of the frame of FIG. 2. [Diagram 31] 2 is a perspective view showing an inverted portion of the outer shell of the frame of FIG. 1. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 1 within the enclosure. [Diagram 33] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the two frames of FIG. 1 arranged side by side. [Diagram 34] FIG. 17 is an alternative cross-sectional side view of the back-to-back design of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0097] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.

[0098] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a preferred membrane frame in accordance with the present invention, generally referenced by the reference numeral 100 and having an upper end 190 and a lower end 191 .

[0099] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the frame 100 has a rectangular rear outer section 102 surrounding an inner frame opening 104 for structural integrity of the frame 100, a front inner section 103 secured to the front of the outer section 102 to form first and second chambers 132, 133, respectively, for housing and retrieving the first membrane 11, and a third chamber 134 between the chambers 132 and 133.

[0100] The front inner section 103 has a curved front face 111 that surrounds the inner frame opening 104 and includes an access panel 105 for access to the chambers 132 and 133. However, this is not considered limiting and the front face 111 of the front inner section 103 can be angular rather than curved. The front face 111 is preferably manufactured from steel plate, aluminum sheet, hardened plastic, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. However, this list is not exhaustive.

[0101] The frame 100 further includes a first membrane guide roller 107 positioned in a chamber 132 at an upper end 190 of the frame 100 for use in deploying the first membrane 11, and a second membrane guide roller 110 in a chamber 133 at a lower end 191, i.e., the opposite end of the frame 100, for use in retrieving the membrane 11.

[0102] The membrane 11 is contained within the chamber 132 in a wound state or as a cassette, and is deployed through the membrane deployment opening 106 using the membrane deployment guide rollers 107 and collected from the membrane collection opening 109 .

[0103] Chambers 132, 133 are sealed throughout the assembly process and isolated from chamber 134, i.e., from the interior area of ​​the frame, i.e., to prevent the passage of smoke or water through the internal structure of the frame when the frame is fully assembled.

[0104] The first web 11 is attached to a web retrieval bar 124 and is directly actuated at 108 so that the web 11 can be wound onto the web retrieval bar 124. During deployment, the first web 11 passes over a second web guide roller 110, covering the inner frame opening 104 and most of the front surface 111 and providing a seal.

[0105] 1 to 5, the first opening 106 through which the first web 11 can be deployed from the first web guide roller 107 is positioned on the front face 111 at the upper end 190, and the second opening 109 for retrieval of the web 11 is positioned at the lower end 191 such that when deployed, the web 11 covers most of the inner frame opening 104 and the front face 111. However, this is not considered limiting and the deployment opening 106 could instead be at the lower end 191 and the retrieval opening 109 at the upper end 190.

[0106] The forward inner section 103 is preferably permanently attached to the rear outer section 102, with the front surface 111 forming an impermeable load-bearing structure. For example, the front surface 111 of the forward inner section 103 can be welded or attached to the rear outer section 102 using a cement joint.

[0107] Although not shown, in a preferred embodiment, the front face 111 fits into a cut groove (not shown) on the rear outer section 102 and is held in place using a countersunk screw, cement or is welded. Gasket features can be provided in the groove to provide enhanced sealing fit.

[0108] In another preferred embodiment, not shown, the surface opposite front surface 111 has a cut groove where front surface 111 is held in place using a resin, adhesive, or the like. Gasket features are preferably placed in the grooves to provide enhanced sealing fixation. Alternatively, gasket features are preferably used to provide a base upon which the walls of interior chambers 132, 133, 134 sit.

[0109] FIG. 3b shows that the opening 109 for retrieval of the membrane 11 is wider than the inner frame opening 104 and when actuated at 108, the deployed membrane 11 covers the entire inner opening 104 and creates a seal on the front surface 111.

[0110] 4a shows a roll of membrane 11 housed within the internal frame structure of frame 100. The membrane 11 is deployed onto deployment guide roller 107 through opening 106, retrieved onto retrieval guide roller 110 through opening 109, and attached to membrane retrieval bar 124. To facilitate seamless deployment / retrieval operation, a pulley wheel or gear mechanical linkage 119 is preferably positioned between the membrane retention bar 140 and the deployment guide roller 107. Yet another pulley wheel or gear mechanical linkage 120 is positioned between the membrane retrieval bar 124 and the membrane retrieval guide roller 110.

[0111] The membrane 11 is fed around the membrane guide bars 113 to provide the best angle for deployment. Retrieval of the membrane 11 is preferably performed through an actuator 108 external to the frame 100 or alternatively using a retrieval point 159 located at the rear of the frame 100, with the retrieval line 47 of the membrane 11 actuated through an opening 53. Each of the actuator 108 and retrieval point 159 can be activated manually or automatically. The deployment action of the membrane is preferably a mechanical spring return action.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4a, the rear outer section 102 is provided with a drain pipe 123 adjacent to the inner frame opening 104. The drain pipe 123 is for draining product that has passed through the filtration zone in the absence of passage through the back of the frame 100 through the inner opening 104.

[0113] 4b is an interior side view of a preferred alternative membrane frame 200 according to the present invention for two membranes, generally referred to by reference numeral 200. Frame 200 differs from frame 100 in that it includes a third opening 206 for deployment of a second membrane 12 and a fourth opening 209 for retrieval of membrane 12.

[0114] In the frame 200, two rolls of the membrane 11, 12 are accommodated in the chamber 132. The membrane 11 is deployed and retrieved as described above, and the membrane 12 is deployed through the opening 206 using the deployment guide roller 207. As shown in FIG. 4b, between the membrane holding bar 240 and the deployment guide roller 207, there is a mechanical linkage 219 of a pulley wheel or gear. The retrieval of the membrane 12 is performed through the opening 209 using a direct actuation point (not shown). The membrane 12 is fed onto the membrane guide roller 210, attached to the membrane retrieval bar 241, and wound up on the membrane retrieval bar 241. Due to the angle of the deployment and retrieval points of the membrane 12, the openings 206, 209 can be further towards the back of the frame 200 and wider than the openings 106, 109 for the deployment of the membrane 11, and therefore the area of ​​the frame 200 covered by the membrane 12 is larger than the area covered by the membrane 11.

[0115] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, openings 106 and 109 are wider than openings 206 and 209, such that the area of ​​frame 200 covered by membrane 11 is greater than the area covered by membrane 12, regardless of the location of the openings on the frame.

[0116] Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show fixing points 14 which can be used to fix the frame in place.

[0117] FIG. 5 shows the frame 100 with the front face 111 removed. As can be seen in this figure, the membrane 11 is accommodated in a chamber 132. The chamber 132 is sealed so that air and water cannot pass through. The membrane 11 is preferably pre-loaded and prepared for deployment by the membrane recovery line 47 or the membrane 11 itself, which is fed around the back of the membrane deployment guide roller 107 and through the opening 106 (not visible in FIG. 5). The membrane recovery line 47 or the membrane 11 is then fed through the membrane recovery opening 109 (not visible in FIG. 5) and around the back of the membrane recovery guide roller 110, which in this case is attached to the membrane recovery bar 124 attached to the actuator 108. The actuator 108 is external to the frame 100 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The chamber 133 for accommodation of the retrieved membrane is also a sealed section through which air or water must not pass.

[0118] 5, the inner frame opening 104 is surrounded on all four sides by collar walls 160 of the chamber 134 through which direct ventilation may be provided. Fire suppression services, aeration services, and air and water conditioning services (not shown) may be provided in the chamber 134.

[0119] 6 shows the membrane retrieval bar 124 attached to the membrane retrieval guide roller 110 and actuator 108, which is on the outside of the wall of the chamber 133. A mechanical linkage 220 uses pulley wheels 65 to connect the membrane retrieval guide roller 110 and the membrane retrieval bar 124 to facilitate ease of retrieval of the membrane. The membrane 11 is preferably passed through a membrane retrieval opening 109 (not shown in FIG. 6) above the membrane retrieval guide roller 110 and attached to the bar 124 at a fixed point 125 or through the membrane retrieval line 47. A mounting bracket 14 is preferably used for installation.

[0120] Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment to that shown in Figure 6 where indirect actuation can occur within chamber 133. In this embodiment, the actuation point is bar 126, with actuation of membrane retrieval bar 124 occurring with the use of pulley wheel 65 and mechanical linkage 127. To facilitate seamless deployment / retrieval actuation, there is an additional mechanical linkage between membrane guide roller 110 and membrane retrieval bar 124. The membrane 11 is retrieved above membrane retrieval guide roller 110 through opening 109 (not shown in Figure 7) when bar 126 is rotated in a clockwise direction.

[0121] Figure 8 shows an optional membrane release button 128 that is used to manually release membrane 11. Also shown in this figure and in Figures 9a and 9b are optional vent slots 130 in front surface 111 and optional sealing ridge 131 in front surface 111. These are preferably located to help provide an airtight seal on surface 111 of membrane 11.

[0122] 9A and 9B show an exhaust fan 157 installed in the chamber 134 to provide a seal for the membrane 11 on the frame 100 by creating a vacuum using the vent slots 130 on the face 111 and rear vent slots 158 on the back of the inner section 103 or the outer section 102 or both. A minimum angle of about 22.5 degrees is preferred and is used in this embodiment to ensure that the membrane 11 covers the required area.

[0123] FIG. 10 shows two frames 100 back to back with an extension collar 161 in between. The internal structure of the frames can be used for direct ventilation through the vent 136 using a ventilation duct 138. A fire suppression system is installed in the chamber 134 with a fire suppression pipe 135 terminated on the internal opening collar wall 160. In this embodiment, the internal opening 104 of the frame has structure installed inside to form a duct path for direct ventilation and a path for fire suppression piping. An air sampling point 137 is optional. The extension collar 161 can be used for cable grounding or termination points for cable runs.

[0124] 11 shows a preferred embodiment where a supply or extraction duct of the ventilation duct 138 is connected to the chamber 134. An air direction vent 136 can be used in the inner collar wall 160 to provide high efficiency ventilation. Alternatively or additionally, an air direction vent 136 is used on the rear of the inner section 103.

[0125] 12 shows a preferred embodiment in which the fire suppression piping terminates in a fire suppression manifold 139 located within the chamber 134, and the fire suppression piping 135 is located and terminates in the inner collar wall 160. Alternatively or additionally, a fire suppression point (not shown) is at the rear of the inner section 103.

[0126] FIG. 13 shows four frames 100 connected with top and bottom plates 69 to form a cube-shaped structure, with an inner opening collar wall 160 in which vents 136 and fire suppression pipes 135 are installed. Access panels 305 are installed for access to the internal chambers 132, 133, 134 and services 135, 136, as well as the membrane 11 and deployment and retrieval components. The solid top and bottom plates 69 can be used for cable grounding. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, optional vents 70 are installed in the top plate 69 to aid in filtration.

[0127] FIG. 14 illustrates another preferred membrane frame according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 300 .

[0128] The frame 300 is for two membranes, is square, and has two orthogonal slots 306, 315 for membrane deployment and two opposing orthogonal slots 309, 317 for retrieval so that in the deployed state the two membranes 11, 12 are orthogonal to each other. The membrane 11 is deployed through an opening 306 around a membrane guide roller (not shown) and retrieved through an opening 309 around another membrane retrieval guide roller (not shown), the membrane 11 being attached to an actuation point 308. The membrane 12 is deployed through an opening 315 around a third membrane guide roller (not shown) and retrieved through an opening 317 around a fourth membrane guide roller (not shown), the membrane 12 being attached internally to the actuation point 308.

[0129] A load-bearing shelf 340 is attached to the inner opening collar wall 360 and an access panel 305 is provided to provide access to the inner chamber 334. The load-bearing shelf 340 provides a structure upon which items may rest or be placed to provide support for the membranes 11, 12.

[0130] Figures 15a and 15b show the front and side views, respectively, of frame 300. When membrane 11 is deployed from opening 306 and retrieved at opening 309, it covers inner frame opening 104. Membranes 11 and 12 are retrieved using actuation point 308. When membrane 12 is deployed through opening 315 and retrieved through opening 317, it covers inner frame opening 104 and forms a seal above the covered face area of ​​the frame.

[0131] 15c and 15d respectively show the front and side views of another preferred square membrane frame according to the present invention, generally referred to by reference number 400. Frame 400 is for four membranes and has four slots 406, 415, 441, 443 for deployment of the four membranes, with the membranes retrieving at the opposite dedicated openings 409, 417, 442, 444. Membrane 11 is deployed through opening 406 and retrieved through opening 409. Membrane 12 is deployed through opening 415 and retrieved through opening 417. Membrane 12 is deployed through opening 415 and retrieved through opening 417. The third membrane is deployed through opening 441 and retrieved through opening 442. The fourth membrane is deployed through opening 443 and retrieved through opening 444, with each deployed membrane covering the inner frame opening 404 and providing a seal on face 411. The membranes are actuated at points 408.

[0132] Although frames 300 and 400 are shown to be square, this is not to be considered limiting and may be other shapes, for example rectangular.

[0133] Figure 16 shows two frames 100 according to the invention back-to-back. Figure 17 is an interior side view of the back-to-back frames of Figure 16. Figure 18 is a top view of the back-to-back frames of Figure 16.

[0134] 19A-19C are several views of a preferred membrane 11 according to the present invention.

[0135] The membrane 11 shown in Figures 19a to 19c is rectangular in shape and includes an impermeable enclosure 45 that serves as the area of ​​the primary seal on the front surface where the membrane is deployed. The remaining face area 46 of the membrane 11 is also preferably impermeable and of the same composition as the enclosure 45. Alternatively, the face area 46 is made of an alternative material or fabric that suits the needs therefor. Similarly, the thickness of the membrane may vary depending on the intended use. The overall size of the membrane is dictated by the internal area of ​​the membrane receiving section when the membrane is deployed from this position. A recovery line 47 is embedded in the membrane.

[0136] In figures 20a and 20b the membrane 11 is shown as a square, however this is not to be considered limiting and the membrane can be of other shapes, for example rectangular.

[0137] It can be seen from figure 20a that the membrane 11 is a multi-layer structure. Each layer can provide different protection. Retaining ribs 48 and rigid sections 49 are embedded within the membrane 11.

[0138] Retaining ribs 48 are reinforced or raised areas on membrane 11 that help secure membrane 11 to membrane retaining bars 124. Stiffness sections 49 are also reinforcing ribs that help hold the deployed membrane in place.

[0139] Figure 20b shows a preferred layer of membrane in the form of a grid for structural integrity. The grid is preferably thin, soft, flexible and robust.

[0140] 21 shows a roll of membrane 11 positioned behind the access panel 105. The roll of membrane 11 and membrane guide rollers 107 are preferably secured to the back of the access panel 105 using side mounting plates 50, resulting in a membrane cassette design. The membrane cassette preferably has a membrane guide bar (not shown) for ease of deployment. Alternatively, the cassette is separate from the cover and is enclosed in a chamber 134 behind the access panel 105.

[0141] 22 is a partial perspective view of the upper section of frame 100. The membrane 11 is preferably held in place over the front surface 111 of frame 100 using a holding lathe 51. The membrane 11 is then preferably manually attached to the rear of frame 100. Frame 100 is preferably secured in place using mounting brackets 14.

[0142] Figures 23, 24 and 25 show a U-shaped frame 600. With the membrane 11 housed behind the access panel 105, the membrane 11 can be manually deployed and the membrane recovery line 47 is passed through a hole 53 in the frame and secured in place behind the frame.

[0143] 26 shows an optional cover 54 for a frame according to the present invention. The cover 54 has wings 55 on either side that secure the cover 54 to the rear outer section 102.

[0144] FIG. 27 shows the opposite side of the cover 54 having rib features 56 that guide and hold the membrane in a desired position.

[0145] 28 is a front view of frame 300 with front surface 111 removed. In this embodiment, interior opening 304 is surrounded by a four-sided colored wall 360 having four interior chambers 332, 333, 334, 335. Interior opening 304 has a picture frame insert 64 that provides a load-bearing structure upon which an inward-opening door (not shown) rests.

[0146] FIG. 29 shows another preferred membrane frame according to the present invention, generally referred to by reference number 500. The frame 500 includes an access panel 505 on the front surface 511 of the front inner section 503 or on the rear outer section 502. The membrane 11 is accommodated in the frame 500 and deployed through the opening 506 through the membrane deployment guide roller 507. The membrane 11 is retrieved on its opposite side and actuated by the rotating bar 508. The inner opening collar wall 560 is provided with a UV lamp 565 for water disinfection treatment, an electrode 566 having a surface 567 and insulated from the frame is provided with a magnetic coil 568 that is provided in the channel and generates a motive force for the water in the channel through the inner frame opening 504 when it is submerged in water and energized.

[0147] Alternatively, membrane 11 is a metal or metal mesh or foil capable of accepting electrical current through electrodes 567 positioned on the front surface 511 .

[0148] An electrode 566 located on the front surface 511 or collar wall 560 is preferably insulated from the frame, or the frame can be insulating. A membrane 11 is disposed over the surface area for filtration.

[0149] 30 shows the membrane 11 retrieved through the membrane retrieval opening 109. A retrieval bar 124 extends into the outer frame 102. A mechanical linkage between the deployment chamber and the retrieval chamber can be made through an internal chamber provided by the structure 102 using a pulley wheel 65 system to facilitate ease of retrieval of the membrane.

[0150] 31 shows the opposite side, or interior, of the shell 111. In the embodiment shown, an optional grid 71 is present for structural integrity of the shell 111.

[0151] FIG. 32 shows a frame 100 in the center of enclosure 72. In use, product for filtration enters the enclosure at opening 73 and passes through membrane 11 through inner frame opening 104, the filtration area. Product is extracted from enclosure discharge point 74. As the filter face becomes soiled, a new membrane 11 is actuated from a roll or cassette of membrane 11 housed in chamber 132 through membrane deployment guide 107 at end 190, around membrane collection bar 124, through membrane collection guide 110 in chamber 133 at end 191, and over inner opening 104 to provide renewed filtration.

[0152] Figure 33 shows two frames 100 according to the invention, side-by-side, surrounded by a structural enclosure 102 having hinge pins (not shown) at each of the ends 190 and 191. A load-bearing mesh or grille 75 is placed within the inner opening 104 to provide support for the deployed membrane. In this embodiment, the deployed membrane preferably acts as a water weir.

[0153] Figure 34 is an alternative interior side view of the back-to-back frame 100 of Figure 16 within a tank. An outer frame structure 102 acts as an upright support for the frame 100. The membrane 11 is deployed and retrieved above the inner opening 104 through membrane guides 107 and 110, respectively. A mechanical linkage 77 on a pulley wheel 65 between the deployment chamber 132 and the retrieval chamber 133 assists in the deployment of the membrane 11.

[0154] It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

**Claim 1**: A combination of a membrane and a frame for said membrane, wherein said membrane is housed within said frame, said frame comprising: A rear outer section for the structural integrity of the frame, said rear outer section surrounding an inner frame opening; A front inner section fixed to the front of said rear outer section for forming a first chamber for housing the membrane and a section for retrieving the membrane, said front inner section having a curved or angular front face in the form of an integrally formed or separately attached outer shell, said first chamber and said section for retrieving the membrane being at both ends of said frame, said front inner section; A first membrane guide positioned within said first chamber for use in the deployment of the membrane; Including; A first opening through which said membrane can be deployed from there to said first membrane guide and a second opening through which said membrane can be received, said first and second openings being positioned at both ends of said front inner section such that when deployed, said membrane covers most of said inner frame opening and said front face to create a seal on said front face of said frame; An access panel provided in said front inner section for access to said first chamber; The curvature and angulation of said outer shell of said front inner section of said frame and the resulting tightness of said membrane thereon seal said membrane to said frame; Said membrane is of any suitable shape for deployment through said opening and for covering said front portion of said frame; Combination. **Claim 2**: Said frame further comprising: A second chamber for retrieving said membrane and a third chamber surrounding said inner frame opening between said first and second chambers, said first and second chambers being at both ends of the frame, said second and third chambers; A second membrane guide within said second chamber for use in the retrieval of said membrane; Further including; Said second opening through which said membrane can be received is for the retrieval of said membrane onto said second membrane guide; An access panel provided in said front inner section for access to one or more of said second and third chambers; The combination according to claim 1. **Claim 3**: One or more walls of the third chamber include one or more of a shelf protruding into the inner opening of the frame, a picture frame feature on which a door can be placed, a cooling coil for use in dehumidifying air, a UV lamp for sterilizing water and air, an electromagnetic coil and electrodes that are energized to manipulate ions in water for water propulsion and / or water conditioning, a damper blade for controlling air velocity, and a grid or mesh for supporting the membrane and covering or filtering a protected area, the combination according to claim 2.

4. The access panels for the first and second chambers are positioned on the outer shell, and the access panel for the third chamber is provided adjacent to the inner frame opening, the combination according to claim 2.

5. The second membrane guide includes a membrane recovery rotating rod and a membrane recovery guide roller positioned within the second chamber for use in recovering the membrane, preferably, the membrane recovery rotating rod and the membrane recovery guide roller are mechanically linked, the combination according to claim 2 or claim 4.

6. An actuator is placed outside the rear outer section adjacent to the second chamber or within the second chamber, the combination according to claim 2.

7. The frame further includes mechanical piping installed within the third chamber and spray points on the front surface of the front inner section for use in combination with one or more of a fire suppression or sprinkler system, a filtration zone backwash or blowdown system, chemical injection for water or waste liquid conditioning, or waste liquid aeration or air decontamination or humidification, the combination according to claim 2.

8. The first chamber includes a first membrane guide roller or a first membrane guide bar or both, and a roll or cartridge of membrane held in place using the first membrane fixing bar or rod, the first membrane is pre-deployed through the first membrane guide roller and / or the first membrane guide bar and passed through the first membrane deployment opening on the outer shell of the frame above the first chamber and across the face of the frame, and on the opposite side is passed through the first membrane recovery opening on the outer shell of the frame above the second chamber, The second chamber includes a first membrane recovery guide roller and / or a first membrane recovery guide bar, and a first membrane recovery rotating bar or rod. The first membrane is attached to the first membrane recovery rotating bar or rod through the first membrane recovery guide roller and / or the first membrane recovery guide bar, and is operated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from an external operating point with respect to the second chamber or from an internal operating point within the second chamber using a pulley or chain link system to further recover the membrane across the surface of the frame. The combination according to claim 2. **Claim 9**: The combination according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame is suitable for two membranes. **Claim 10**: The combination according to claim 9, wherein the front inner section and the rear outer section form five chambers with each other, the five chambers including two adjacent chambers for accommodating the membrane and two opposing chambers for recovering the membrane and opposing the accommodating chambers, and a fifth chamber is positioned between the opposing accommodating chamber and the recovery chamber. **Claim 11**: The combination according to claim 2, wherein the frame is suitable for two membranes, the first chamber includes two membrane deployment guides, one above the other, and the second chamber includes two membrane recovery guides, one above the other. **Claim 12** The combination according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rear outer section includes a square or rectangular flat back plate and a box section or side surrounding wall. **Claim 13** The combination according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a rubber gasket is provided on the back of the outer shell. **Claim 14** The first membrane guide includes a membrane deployment bar and a membrane deployment guide roller positioned within the first chamber for use in the deployment of the membrane. Preferably, the membrane deployment bar and the membrane deployment guide roller are mechanically linked. The combination according to claim 1 or claim 2. **Claim 15**: The combination according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame further includes an internal frame ventilation system such as a fan. **Claim 16** The combination according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of membranes are accommodated within the frame.

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