Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a base peritoneal dialysis system and a peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system that operates independently of the base system. The base system includes a first cassette including a first patient line configured to be connected to a patient, and a PD cycler. The PD cycler receives the first cassette, and includes a pump that cooperates with the first cassette to deliver dialysate to and drain dialysate from a peritoneal cavity of the patient via the first patient line. The peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system includes a second cassette including a second patient line configured to be connected to the patient and a fluid exchange device that receives the second cassette. The fluid exchange device includes a data exchange interface operable to transfer patient treatment data from the peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system to the base peritoneal dialysis system.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes (i) a first home dialysis machine located at a first patient's home; (ii) a second home dialysis machine located at a second patient's home; (iii) a first modem in data communication with the first home dialysis machine; (iv) a second modem in data communication with the second home dialysis machine; (v) a clinician server associated with a dialysis center; (vi) a first clinician computer in data communication with the clinician server; (vii) a second clinician computer in data communication with the clinician server; (viii) a dialysis center modem in data communication with the clinician server; and (ix) a network in data communication with the first modem, the second modem and the dialysis center modem.

Abstract: A device monitors a blood path from a blood vessel access of a human subject through an extracorporeal blood processing apparatus and back to the blood vessel access. A pumping device in the blood path is operable to pump blood through the blood path from the blood withdrawal device to the blood return device. The monitoring device obtains pressure data from a pressure sensor arranged upstream of the pumping device in the blood path, and processes the pressure data for detection of a disruption of the blood path downstream of the pumping device, e.g. caused by VND (Venous Needle Dislodgement).

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support an environmentally-friendly, “green” thermophilic anaerobic digestion system. The system includes a thermophilic anaerobic digester as well as various independent modular anaerobic units to generate bio-methane from certain organic energy sources, including but not limited to, among other things, green municipal waste, restaurant and organic waste and effluents from industries such as breweries, grocery stores, food processing plants, granaries, wineries, pulp and paper mills, ethanol and biodiesel plants, fat and animal rendering, agricultural field crops, organic sludge accumulation within lagoons and waterways, marine organic matter and animal manure.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuging compartment, a supporting assembly adjacent to the centrifuging compartment, a rotation mechanism mounted on the supporting assembly, and a feeding frame positioned in the centrifuging compartment. The centrifuging compartment includes a housing defining a inlet on a top thereof and a sealing cover pivotably coupling to the housing to cover the inlet. The supporting assembly includes a supporting portion positioned beside the housing and a base plate mounted on the supporting portion and located above the housing. The rotation mechanism rotatably extends through the top surface of the housing and the base plate, and coupling to a bottom surface of the housing. The feeding frame is positioned in the housing and coupling to the rotation mechanism, comprising a loading portion, and defining a positioning hole on a top thereof.

Abstract: An equipment housing, in particular the housing of a blood treatment device, having a housing wall and a closing flap for closing an opening in the housing wall. The closing flap is rotatably mounted with respect to a coupling element via a second pivot whereby the coupling element is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing wall via a first pivot. With the two pivots, the closing flap 20 can be disposed in at least a second and a third opened working position, in both of which positions the opening in the housing wall is not closed.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged-particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged-particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid cassette-based membrane blood pump; a dialyzer in fluid communication with the blood pump; first and second dialysis fluid cassette-based balance chambers each having (i) a fresh dialysis fluid compartment in fluid communication with the dialyzer and (ii) a spent dialysis fluid compartment; a dialysis fluid cassette-based fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the fresh dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; a dialysis fluid cassette-based spent dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer and the spent dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; and which is configured to receive a data transfer including a prescription entry for the system.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus 1 is provided with a dialyzer 2 for performing hemodialysis, a blood circuit 3 connected to the dialyzer, a dialysis solution circuit 4 connected to the dialyzer, a replacement fluid port 31 provided in the dialysis solution circuit and capable of being opened and closed by a lid member, and a replacement fluid passage 6 having its one end connected to the blood circuit and the other end connected to the replacement fluid port. After a dialysis fluid substitution step of filling the dialysis solution circuit with a dialysis solution, the lid member is detached from the replacement fluid port to change the replacement fluid port from a closed state to an open state. To connect the replacement fluid passage to the replacement fluid port in the open state, a negative pressure forming step to make the pressure in the dialysis solution circuit negative is performed after the dialysis fluid substitution step.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for monitoring, controlling and optimizing fouling of a two side membrane fouling process. The method for monitoring fouling of a two side membrane fouling process can include determining the process model for the two side membrane fouling process. The parameters of the process model can be grouped based on the interactions thereof between the parameters so as to form one or more groups of parameters. At least one key performance index is estimated in relation to one or more groups of parameters. The fouling of the two side membrane fouling process is monitored correspondingly in relation to at least one key performance index.

Abstract: An artificial recharge system and method for recharging an aquifer. The artificial recharge system includes a constructed wetland, a settling pond, and a porous recharge reservoir. The constructed wetland receives water from a surface water source and has aquatic vegetation used to remove sediments and chemicals from the water. The settling pond receives the water from the constructed wetland and provides additional sediment removal. The porous recharge reservoir, which is hydraulically connected to the aquifer, receives the water from the settling pond. The water flows by gravity from the porous recharge reservoir to the aquifer. A backflush tube installed within a sand layer in the porous recharge reservoir is used to remove sediment and particulates from the sand layer.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for yielding biopharmaceutical products involving a chromatographic separation process. The method comprises: providing a plurality of membrane adsorber cartridges; providing a plurality of valves, communicatively coupled to said plurality of membrane adsorber cartridges; and switching the valves, so as to interconnect said membrane adsorber cartridges to operate in a countercurrent flow mode. The system comprises multiple membrane adsorber cartridges that are interconnected and configured to operate in a countercurrent flow mode. Furthermore, the configuration comprises a valve assembly that allows the cartridges to be subjected to different steps in the process by automatic switching of the valves. In this way, cartridges are recycled many times during the purification of a batch.

Abstract: A system for treating wastewater is disclosed that includes a series of interconnected reactor tubes. Each reactor tube comprises an outer cathode and an inner anode. The inner anode is positioned within the outer cathode. A voltage differential is applied across the inner anodes and the outer cathodes as wastewater flows between the inner anodes and outer cathodes. As the wastewater flows through the reactor tubes, chlorine based elements are generated to treat the wastewater. The system can include an injector to add chloride salts into the wastewater to generate chlorine based elements. The system can also include a feedback path to divert a portion of the wastewater with chlorine based elements back to the influent wastewater so that the chlorine based elements are mixed with the influent wastewater. The inner anode and the outer cathode can comprise non-donating conductive materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and apparatus for performing chromatographic separations. The invention feature methods and control means in the form of computer programs and software that control the formation of a concentration gradient at two or more total flow rates, with an elution period occurring in a slow flow rate and at least other portions of the gradient occurring during a fast total flow rate.

Abstract: A cutting fluid filtering device having a filter washing function drives a pump to supply a cutting fluid to a filter when the fluid level of a tank that stores the cutting fluid filtered by the filter becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined height. In addition, the cutting fluid filtering device issues an instruction to execute washing of the filter when the operation times of the pump are totalized and the total value becomes equal to or longer than a preset washing operation interval time of the filter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heavy metal laden foam generated on the surface of effluent seawater during aeration of the effluent seawater in a flue gas desulfurization system associated seawater aeration basin.

Abstract: A filter device is provided with a housing and an absorption material received in the housing. The absorption material absorbs and stores a water fraction of a liquid being passed through the absorption material. A bypass is arranged in the housing so that the absorption material can be bypassed. A throttling device correlated with the bypass controls flow through the bypass. The throttling device is a passive throttling element or an adjustable valve.

Abstract: A separator for separating solids from a slurry has a vibrating rotating container, rotatably connected to a support. The rotating container is provided with at least a first inlet and at least a first outlet and has at least one opening. A screw press is at least partly provided inside said rotating container. The screw press is arranged through said first outlet. The screw press has at least one hole. The at least one hole and a feed screw are provided inside said rotating container in continuation of said screw press. At least one lift paddle is provided inside said rotating container. A first part of the lift paddle is arranged along an inner surface of a side wall of said rotating container. A second part of said lift paddle is in contact with a part of the feed screw. A new method for separating slurry uses a separator.

Abstract: A solution containing a target compound is passed through a trap column (14) to capture the target compound in the column (14). Thereafter, wash water is introduced in the trap column (14). Then, the setting of a six-port valve (7) is changed and an on/off valve (6) is opened to introduce nitrogen gas through a supply-side passage (8) in the trap column (14). In this stage, the nitrogen gas is warmed by means of a heat-exchange block (10), and the trap column (14) is warmed via a column rack (15). Any water remaining in the trap column (14) is initially thrust upwards by the nitrogen gas, to be extruded from an exit edge (14b) and discharged through a discharge-side passage (20). Furthermore, any water adhering to adsorbent or the inner wall surface of the trap column (14) is quickly vaporized and carried away by the nitrogen gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the safe and efficient generation of chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is produced safely and efficiently by diluting a source of chlorite in water to produce less than or equal to 5000 ppm measured as ClO2 while achieving at least 80 wt%, more preferably 90 wt %, and most preferred at least 95 wt % conversion of chlorite anion to chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coagulation processing method capable of adding a sufficiently-dissolved coagulant aqueous solution to being processed water and materializing high-efficiency coagulation processing, a coagulation processing unit, and a water processing apparatus. A coagulation processing unit includes a coagulant aqueous solution storage tank 1 to have a stirrer 5 and store a coagulant aqueous solution, a particle size distribution measurement device 50 to measure the particle size distribution of the coagulant aqueous solution in the coagulant aqueous solution storage tank 1, a coagulation tank 11 to mix being processed water with an added coagulant aqueous solution and form a coagulation, a coagulation removing section 9 to remove the coagulation from the being processed water containing the coagulation, and a control section 6 to control the stirrer 5 so that a median size in the particle size distribution of the coagulant aqueous solution may be not more than 1.

Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.

Abstract: Ballast and/or cooling water biocidal treatment and disinfection systems and techniques are provided. The systems utilize oxidation reduction potential control to regulate addition, or concentration of an electrocatalytically generated biocidal agent to disinfection levels in ship buoyancy and to biofouling levels in ship cooling water systems. The disinfection and biofouling control systems provide suitable treatment while reducing the potential for corrosion of ship components and, in some cases, undesirable disinfection byproducts.

Abstract: Method and systems, for processing biological material, that contain a biological material in a vessel; add an aggregating agent to the material in the vessel and allow the material to separate into two or more distinct submaterials; extract one or more of the submaterials from the vessel; automatically transport one or more of the submaterials remaining in the vessel to a filtration device; and collect a resulting target retentate into a target retentate receptacle.

Abstract: An aim of the invention is to provide a bioreactor and a waste water treatment method that employs this tank, whereby anaerobic and aerobic microorganism treatment can be continuously carried out, even when the volume of the bioreactor is large, and whereby installation costs can be minimized.

Abstract: An aim of the invention is to provide a bioreactor and a waste water treatment method that employs this tank, whereby anaerobic and aerobic microorganism treatment can be continuously carried out, even when the volume of the bioreactor is large, and whereby installation costs can be minimized.

Abstract: A process for treating water that includes ammonium. The water is directed to a biological reactor and the quantity of nitrates formed in the reactor and the quantity of ammonium reduced in the reactor is determined. A ratio of the quantity of nitrates formed to the quantity of ammonium reduced is determined. Further, the percentage of ammonium reduced is also determined. The water in the biological reactor is aerated by injecting oxygen into the reactor where the amount of oxygen injected is a function of the ratio and the percentage of ammonium reduced in the reactor.

Abstract: A hemodialysis machine including a cartridge which defines a fluid pathway for delivering a dialysate solution base to a mixing pump, a main body having a platen which, in use, abuts the cartridge, the cartridge having a chassis with a platen side covered by a deformable membrane which, in use, abuts the platen, the chassis and membrane defining the flow path, the flow path including a dialysate base solution pump chamber, the platen having a dialysate base solution pump cavity which, collectively with the dialysate base solution pump chamber, forms a dialysate base solution pump for pumping dialysate base solution to the mixing pump by actuation of the membrane, wherein the volume of the dialysate base solution pump cavity is variable so as to allow a variation in the volume of dialysate base solution pumped from the dialysate base solution pump chamber to the mixing pump chamber on each stroke of the solution pump.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated water treatment system suitable for use in the treatment of contaminated water, wastewater, potable water, aquaculture, industrial water and polluted water bodies. An integrated water treatment system according to at least one embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of modules adapted to float in a body of water integrating a plurality of different attached growth biofilm media types positioned within a plurality of water flow paths and circulations. The conditions provided by a multiple of media types and plurality of flow paths creates a multiplier effect increasing the number of treatment zones and an increased diversity of interconnected treatment process zone types.

Abstract: A method for processing raw liquid manure and/or fermentation residues involves providing raw liquid manure and/or fermentation residues, purifying the raw liquid manure and/or fermentation residues in a first purification stage so as to form a first solid phase and a first purified liquid phase, pre-conditioning the first purified liquid phase in order to separate ultrafine particles from the first purified liquid phase, and purifying the first purified liquid phase in a second purification stage so as to form a second solid phase and a second purified liquid phase.

Abstract: A multi-step press apparatus for sludge dewatering and waste water filtration comprising: a tank, an inflatable membrane, a level sensor, and a nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater) treatment system and associated methods provide for effectively treating the fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater containing at least a plurality of salts) to provide a separated pure fluid (i.e., generally water) and a separated impurity (i.e., generally a salt). Also provided are a method for detecting or determining the need for a controlled process intervention to prevent the plugging of system components in a fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system, and a process for preventing the plugging of the system components in the fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system.

Abstract: Blood treatment apparatus and methods of using the same are described herein that include two or more intermediate containers located between a treatment solution source and a port through which the treatment solution is to be delivered with the blood treatment apparatus. The weight of the intermediate containers is measured and used to control the refilling and emptying of treatment solution in the intermediate containers.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for resuspending and/or collecting blood and/or other types of cells in solution. In one embodiment, cells may be recovered from used surgical sponges and/or other types of surgical articles.

Abstract: A water reclamation system includes a drainage lane overlaying a downward graded area of land and configured to receive water run-off from the land. At least one collection ditch coupled to the at least one drainage lane is configured to receive water from the drainage lane. At least one collection pipe housed is within and extends outwardly from the at least one collection ditch. A first container is coupled to the at least one collection pipe and configured to receive water from the at least one collection pipe. Housed within the first container is at least one water purifying filter and a pump configured to evacuate at least a portion of water within the container to a destination. A second container is in communication with the first container and is configured to: subject water received from the first container to a purification process; and store the purified water.

Abstract: A plant effluent treatment method includes a mixing treatment step that mixes a microorganism activating agent into plant effluent containing organic compounds as discharged from a chemical plant, petroleum plant or petrochemical plant and discharges it as mixing treatment effluent, and an aerobic treatment step that subjects the mixing treatment effluent to aerobic biological treatment and solid-liquid separation treatment in a membrane bioreactor tank.

Abstract: The present system and method in one embodiment limit a maximum instantaneous peritoneal volume to a comfortable level, while allowing the dialysis machine to advance to fill a prescribed volume whenever the drain ends after a minimum drain percentage has been attained. If a low drain condition occurs, the nominal fill volume is lowered and a therapy cycle is added, so that a prescribed total amount of fresh therapy fluid is used during therapy, maximizing therapeutic benefit. An allowable residual volume at the end of an incomplete drain is increased, thereby lowering the probability of a subsequent low drain condition.

Abstract: An organic-waste-processing apparatus reducing a moisture of, and conducting a thermal operation process to, an organic waste, includes: a moisture-reducing unit; a combustion unit; a combustion-energy-supply unit; an energy-supply-operation controller; an organic-waste-energy-estimating unit; a total-energy-consumption measuring unit; a relation-maintaining unit; a quantitative-relationship-grasping unit; and a moisture reduction controller. The moisture reduction controller controls an operation of the moisture-reducing unit so that the estimated value of the organic waste energy to be estimated by the organic-waste-energy-estimating unit is directed in a direction reducing a quantitative difference from the optimum value of the organic waste energy based on the quantitative relationship grasped by the quantitative-relationship-grasping unit between the optimum value of the organic waste energy and the latest estimated value of the organic waste energy.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a preparative separation/purification system for vaporizing an eluate in a short period of time, while enhancing the efficiency of collecting the target substance by accelerating the initiation of collecting the eluate.

Abstract: A dialysis machine useful in hemodialysis can process or treat a reverse osmosis water flow received through the machine to prepare a dialysate. The machine can include an additive source to introduce an additive, such as bicarbonate, to the reverse osmosis water flow. The machine can include a sensor in fluid communication with the additive introduction point that can measure the conductivity or similar characteristic of the solution. During a first time period when additive is actively introduced to the reverse omosis water flow, the sensor can measure a relatively high conductivity value. During a second time period when additive is not introduced to the reverse osmosis water flow, the sensor can measure a relatively low conductivity value. The dialysis machine can include a controller that processes these measurements to assist control and operation of the machine.

Abstract: A mobile liquid treatment station and operation methods are disclosed, the station having a mobile treatment unit and separate mobile treatment management unit. A plurality of serial containment compartments at the treatment unit for performance of chemical dosing and solids separation are provided and are monitored with sensors. The management unit includes a plurality of chemical dosing platforms, and a power and processing assembly. A bus links the units for data and control signal transfer and chemical feed lines are connected between the units for transfer of dosing chemicals.

Abstract: A grey water dividing and treatment system is provided. A drain system of the grey water dividing and treatment system receives grey water from a grey water producing source. A grey water dividing apparatus of the grey water dividing and treatment system divides the grey water received from the drain system into a number of cells, and determines a contamination level of each of the cells. Grey water treatment tanks of the grey water dividing and treatment system receive the grey water from the grey water dividing apparatus based on the determined contamination level of each of the cells and treat the grey water.

Abstract: This patent application relates generally to processing devices in the medical device area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and automated system for the purification of polypeptides including the direct filtration of solutions containing the polypeptides after purification.

Abstract: A floatable-material harvester is disclosed, including a vacuum source, transport hose, and a floatable-material receiver. In one embodiment, the transport hose has at least one air inductor/intake along its length, which allows air to enter the transport hose to accelerate its contents, by negative pressure air induction. In another embodiment, a transport hose has at least one floatable-material thruster along its length, comprised of at least one nozzle, which provides pressurized fluid (e.g., air or water) in the direction of the flow of the harvested floatable material by positive pressure induction. A method is disclosed whereby the floatable material harvester is used to harvest an absorbent material (e.g., wood chips, straw, perlite, zeolite, polypropylene mesh, titanate nanofibres) that has absorbed a pollutant (e.g., oil, solvent, radioactive isotopes) from a beach or in water.

Abstract: Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing and two or more fluid handling units arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section and an internal non fluidics section, and wherein the housing comprises a liquid handling panel with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components such that the external fluidics section is separated from the non fluidics section by the liquid handling panel.

Abstract: A centralized supply system for electrolyzed oxidizing water comprises a water softener (1), several parallel electrolyzed oxidizing water generators (2) connected, liquid storage tanks (3, 4) and delivery pumps (5, 6). A central controller (10) implements independent control over the several parallel electrolyzed oxidizing water generators (2). Liquid level sensors (9) are mounted in the liquid storage tanks (3, 4) and are connected with the central controller (10) via data collection cables (12). With the detection, determination and calculation for the liquid level signal in the liquid storage tanks (3, 4) using the central controller (10), the volume magnitude and the rate of change of the volume for the liquid in the liquid storage tanks (3, 4) can be exactly obtained in time. The electrolyzed oxidizing water generators (2) are effectively controlled based on above data. An intelligent control method for the system is also provided.

Abstract: In a method for treating a liquid medium by reverse osmosis in a cyclic process, the pressure to the upstream side of the reverse osmosis membrane is generated by transferring the power of a basically free-falling weight to a hydraulic cylinder which generates the high pressure needed to overcome the osmotic pressure of the liquid medium. The system performing the method uses a weight medium capable of travelling vertically between an initial and terminal position. The power thereby generated is transmitted to a hydraulic cylinder containing the liquid medium which is subjected to a high pressure and delivered to the upstream side of a reverse osmosis unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fluid filtration, such as, for example, filtration systems and methods, filtration units, pitchers, and components thereof.