Abstract: The present teachings provide a blood purification apparatus including a drain-liquid temporary chamber that stores drain liquid drained from a blood purifier that purifies blood of a patient, a first drain-liquid drain line through which the drain liquid flows into the drain-liquid temporary chamber, a second drain-liquid drain line through which the drain liquid stored in the drain-liquid temporary chamber is drained to an outside of the apparatus, a draining unit provided to the second drain-liquid drain line and that drains the drain liquid stored in the drain-liquid temporary chamber to the outside of the apparatus, a remaining-amount-detecting unit that detects an amount of drain liquid remaining in the drain-liquid temporary chamber, a judging unit that judges whether or not a reference remaining amount is reached by the drain liquid in the drain-liquid temporary chamber from a result of detection by the remaining-amount-detecting unit, and a control unit that controls the draining unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a system and method that includes a microfluidic device that can be used in either an extracorporeal or implantable configuration. The device supports efficient and safe removal of carbon dioxide from the blood of patients suffering from respiratory disease or injury. The microfluidic device can be a multilayer device that includes gas channels and fluid channels. Distensible membranes within the device can affect a cross-sectional area of the blood channels.

Abstract: Manifolds and methods of operating manifolds are provided. An example manifold for controlling multi-lumen devices is provided that includes a substance supply mechanism. The substance supply mechanism independently provides a substance to, or remove a substance from, each of a plurality of lumens. The example manifold also includes a lumen selection mechanism. The lumen selection mechanism selectively opens and closes a connection between the substance supply mechanism and at least one of the plurality of lumens. A corresponding method of operation is also provided. An example embodiment also includes a manifold for use with a vessel seclusion device.

Abstract: A microplate (10) includes a carrier (12) having a plate (20) and an annular perimeter wall (30) to define a recess (34). An array of holes (26) extends through the plate (20). A tape piece (16), die cut from a flexible tape (60) includes an array of wells (54) each extending through and having an opening (56) extending into the well (54). The array of wells (54) has a number and locations corresponding to the array of holes (26). The openings (56) have sizes corresponding to the holes (26). An upper surface (50) of the tape piece (16) is abutted with and bonded to the bottom face (24) of the plate (20) with the openings (56) corresponding to the array of holes (26). The slideable receipt of an annular outer periphery (58) of the tape piece (16) insures that the array of wells (54) are aligned to correspond to the array of holes (26) as die cutting of tape piece (16) insures that the array of wells (54) are at consistent positions relative to the annular outer periphery (58).

Abstract: Methods and systems for priming a disposable fluid circuit for the processing of a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods and systems allow for variable and configurable priming of the flow path(s) leading to one or more biological fluid source containers.

Abstract: A multi-container system apparatus comprising at least two independent containers, each container of said at least two containers for containing at least one component of the final formulation of a medium; a connector; a connecting tubing line connected to the connector; at least two output tubing lines, the first and second output tubing lines of said at least two output tubing lines connecting the first and second containers of said at least two containers, respectively, to the connecting tubing line.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a fluid is provided. A network of first channels can be separated from a network of second channels by a first membrane. The network of first channels can also be separated from a network of third channels by a second membrane. Fluid containing an analyte can be introduced in the network of first channels. Infusate can be introduced into the network of second channels, and waste-collecting fluid can be introduced into the network of third channels. A pressure gradient can be applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the network of first channels, such that the analyte is transported from the network of first channels into the network of third channels through the second membrane.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a dialyzer to a fluid-carrying line is disclosed, wherein the connector includes a coupling portion, especially a male Hansen connector portion, for fluid-tight connection to a connector element, especially a female Hansen connector adapter, of the line. In a flow channel of the connector, a shut-off device is integrated, which below a predetermined pressure or when no fluid communication is provided between the dialyzer and the line shuts off the flow cross-section of the flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of concentrating an aqueous solution at low pressure under a zero osmotic pressure difference condition, and more particularly, to a method of concentrating an aqueous solution containing a solute to be concentrated, at low pressure under a zero osmotic pressure difference condition. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) discharging water of a solute-containing aqueous solution to be concentrated, from a reverse osmosis separator to the outside, and transferring the concentrated aqueous solution to a zero osmotic pressure difference concentrator; (b) further concentrating the concentrated aqueous solution using the zero osmotic pressure difference concentrator comprising a feed chamber and a draw chamber, which are separated from each other by a reverse osmosis membrane or a forward osmosis membrane; and (c) recovering the solute and water from the aqueous solution further concentrated in the zero osmotic pressure difference concentrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates. to methods and devices for exchanging gas molecules between a gaseous medium and a liquid medium which are particularly suited for applications such as blood oxygenation in heart-lung machines and gas scrubbing. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: a) providing a liquid medium having a surface tension in the range of from 0.02 N/m to 0.06 N/m, b) providing a gaseous medium, c) providing a membrane on an interface between the liquid medium and the gaseous medium, wherein the membrane comprises i) a carrier substrate with through-going openings having a mean diameter in the range from 0.2 ??? to 200 ???, and ii) a porous superamphiphobic coating layer with openings having a mean diameter in the range from 0.

Abstract: A valve for an indoor temperature regulating system, includes a fixed valve housing having at least six valve connections and a valve selector for switching between providing a circulating flow from a first fluid source and a second fluid source thereby enabling fluid of different temperatures to a treatment unit. The valve selector includes a disc plate provided with openings and the valve main body is provided with valve openings connected via channels to the valve connections The valve selector and valve main body are slideable against each other. In the first mode valve openings are in register with lower disc plate openings such that two flow paths connecting the first fluid source with the treatment unit are enabled and in the second mode valve openings are in register with lower disc plate openings such that two flow paths connecting the first fluid source with the treatment unit are enabled.

Abstract: A composite membrane comprising: a) a porous support; b) a gutter layer; and c) a discriminating layer; wherein at least 10% of the discriminating layer is intermixed with the gutter layer.

Abstract: A gas/fluid mass exchange apparatus includes a gas permeable membrane which is arranged to separate a first region for receiving a gas flow, from a second region for receiving a fluid flow. The apparatus further a support element which is arranged to maintain the shape and orientation of the membrane.

Abstract: Some embodiments in the present disclosure generally relate to catalytic silica-polyvinyl alcohol composites, silica structures therefrom, and/or microreactors therefrom. Some embodiments in the present disclosure generally relate to porous substrates that can have at least one pore with a catalyst associated with the inside of the pore.

Abstract: A filter adapter for a fuel injector is disclosed. The filter adapter may have a filter housing. The filter housing may have a first connection end and a second connection end. The filter housing may also have a through bore extending through the filter housing between the first connection end and the second connection end and forming a filter cavity. The filter adapter may also have a first filter positioned in the filter cavity and including a first plurality of openings and a second filter positioned in the filter cavity and including a second plurality of openings. The first connection end may have a first connector configured to mate with a fuel outlet of a first fuel system component. The second connection end may have a second connector configured to mate with a fuel inlet of a second fuel system component.

Abstract: The general disclosure discusses a system and method for improving the efficacy of blood filtration treatments such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration. More particularly, the disclosure discusses a microfluidic device that includes first and second channels separated by a permeable membrane. One of the channels is configured for blood flow and includes a protein gel disruption layer. The protein gel disruption layer includes a plurality of elements at least partially extending across the blood flow channel that reduce the formation of a boundary layer or gel layer at the blood-membrane interface.

Abstract: Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures featuring substantially circular channels may be fabricated by embossing polymer sheets.

Abstract: There is provided a separation membrane unit wherein a plurality of separation membrane subunits (11a-c) communicate with raw water lines A (9a-c) that comprise raw water supply valves W (10a-c), water discharge lines B (12a-c) that comprise water discharge valves X (13a-c), raw water lines C (16a-c) that comprise first raw water communication valves Y (17a-c), raw water lines D (19a-c) that comprise second raw water communication valves Z (20a-c), and permeate water lines E (21a-c); and wherein the raw water lines A communicate with the water discharge lines B, the raw water lines C communicate with the raw water lines D, the raw water lines A communicate with a main raw water line 7, the water discharge lines B communicate with a main water discharge line 14, the raw water lines C and the raw water lines D communicate with a collection line 18, and the permeate water lines E communicate with a main permeate water line 22.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices and methods of using such devices for filtering solutions, such as blood.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward spiral wound modules along with methods for making and using the same. Several embodiments are described including methods for making spiral wound filtration modules using membrane sheet provided from a roll, wherein the membrane sheet is unrolled and assembled in a direction parallel to the permeate collection tube of the module.

Abstract: There is provided a bioreactor device having cells, including human primary proximal tubule cells (HPTCs) or HPTC-like cells on the exterior surface of hollow fiber membranes included within the device. Also provided are bioartificial kidney devices incorporate the bioreactor device and methods of using such devices.

Abstract: A fluid treatment arrangement may include a fluid treatment unit having a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure may include at least one feed layer, at least one permeate layer, and at least one layer of a permeable fluid treatment medium between the feed layer and the permeate layer. The fluid treatment unit may further include a thermoset which holds the layers together and forms at least a portion of a first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The fluid treatment arrangement may also include a thermoplastic sheet which overlies the first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The thermoset directly bonds to the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A novel separator assembly for a spiral flow reverse osmosis apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the separator assembly comprises a central core element comprising at least one permeate exhaust conduit and at least one concentrate exhaust conduit. Each exhaust conduit defines an exhaust channel and one or more openings allowing fluid communication between an exterior surface of the exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel, said exhaust conduits independently defining a cavity between said conduits. The cavity is configured to accommodate a first portion of a membrane stack assembly comprising at least one feed carrier layer, at least one permeate carrier layer, and at least one membrane layer. A first portion of the membrane stack assembly is disposed within the cavity, and a second portion of the membrane stack assembly is wound around the central core element and forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element.

Abstract: A two-layered osmosis membrane contains a support layer and a rejection layer. The support layer, in which a mesh is embedded, is made of a phase separation polymer and has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m. The rejection layer, which adheres to the support layer, is made of a thin film composite polymer and has a thickness of 0.05 to 3 ?m. The mesh, which is embedded in the support layer, has an open area of 30 to 70%, a mesh size of 60-300 mesh, and a thickness of 45-150 ?m. Also disclosed is a method of making the above described membrane.

Abstract: A system for separating bodily fluid constituents is disclosed. The system includes a first substrate which, in a first main surface, has a first cavity for holding a bodily fluid sample, a second substrate, which, in a first main surface facing the first substrate, has a second cavity) for holding constituents separated from the bodily fluid sample, which second cavity lies opposite to the first cavity, a filter layer, which is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate and which is designed to separate constituents of the bodily fluid sample in the first cavity and to pass the separated constituents to the second cavity, and a first thermoplastic connection layer, which is arranged between the first substrate and the filter layer, interconnects the first main surface of the first substrate and the filter layer in a fluid-tight manner and has a cutout lying opposite to the first cavity.

Abstract: A filtration device (3) has: a housing case (15) having a water inlet unit and a water outlet unit arranged on one end side thereof; and a membrane module (17) provided inside this housing case (15). A first flow path (31) for causing raw water that has flowed in from the water inlet unit (21) to flow further to the other end side of the housing case (15) than the membrane module (17), and a second flow path (33) for causing the raw water that has flowed further to the other end side of the housing case (15) along this first flow path (31) to pass through the membrane module (17) and flow to the water outlet unit (23) are provided inside the housing case (15). A spacer (19) is provided on the upstream side of the membrane module (17) in the second flow path (33).

Abstract: An apparatus for the filling of a medical filter has at least one first space and one second space which are semipermeably separated by one or more membranes, with the spaces each having at least one inflow and outflow. The apparatus includes a detection unit having a first element and a second element, with a liquid discharge from at least one of the first and second spaces being detectable by the first element, and the state of the filling of the filter being determinable by the second element with reference to the detected liquid discharge. A method of filling a medical filter employs the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including fluid flow circuits. Hemodialysis systems may include a blood flow path, and a dialysate flow path including balancing, mixing, and/or a directing circuits. Preparation of dialysate may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply may be provided that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. Such a system may be useful during a power failure. The hemodialysis system may also include fluid handling to devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc., actuated using a control fluid. The control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using a detachable external pump. The fluid handling devices may have a spheroid shape with a diaphragm dividing it into two compartments.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collection of the blood sample, the plasma portion is separated from the cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid collection device is engageable with a biological fluid testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid collection device to the biological fluid testing device. The biological fluid testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample.

Abstract: Dialysis systems comprising actuators that cooperate to perform dialysis functions and sensors that cooperate to monitor dialysis functions are disclosed. According to one aspect, such a hemodialysis system comprises a user interface model layer, a therapy layer, below the user interface model layer, and a machine layer below the therapy layer. The user interface model layer is configured to manage the state of a graphical user interface and receive inputs from a graphical user interface. The therapy layer is configured to run state machines that generate therapy commands based at least in part on the inputs from the graphical user interface. The machine layer is configured to provide commands for the actuators based on the therapy commands.

Abstract: The invention discloses a distribution plate for supplying crossflow filtration cassettes, which comprises a surface, two opposite end walls, two opposite side walls, a feed channel in fluid communication with a feed inlet port and with a plurality of feed apertures; a retentate channel in fluid communication with a retentate outlet port, and with a plurality of retentate apertures; and a permeate channel in fluid communication with two permeate outlet ports and with a plurality of permeate apertures; wherein the feed channel, the retentate channel and the permeate channel extend in a direction essentially parallel with one or both side walls; wherein the feed apertures are grouped at a first area on the surface, the retentate apertures are grouped at a second area on the surface; wherein the permeate apertures are located at the first and/or the second area; and wherein a plurality of permeate connector channels extend inside the plate from at least one region of the permeate channel, adjacent the permeate o

Abstract: An induced symbiotic osmosis pump (ISOP) (and method of using same) comprising: a closed loop comprising a riser pipe and a downpipe having substantially the same length fluidly communicating at a base with an induced osmosis semipermeable membrane and fluidly communicating at an opposed end with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a pressure exchanger fluidly communicating with a reverse osmosis membrane, the downpipe comprising a check valve; the induced osmosis semipermeable membrane of the closed loop fluidly communicating with an initial reverse osmosis module fluidly communicating with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a source of fluid having an initial salinity; the brine pump electronically communicating with an electrical source; and, the reverse osmosis membrane fluidly communicating with a storage tank.

Abstract: Equipment, systems, processes and techniques for conducting reverse osmosis processing of solutions are described. The techniques can be applied to provide diluted solution (i.e. purified solvent), concentrate solution or each. A variety of specific equipment, example systems and processes are depicted and described.

Abstract: The invention relates to membranes, membrane modules, and applications therefor. In particular, the invention relates to the construction of membranes and membrane modules for use in osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: A dialysis cell is provided for the measurement of free thyroxine. The dialysis cell preferably includes a polyhedral housing including a top, a bottom and four sides. The dialysis cell is made up of a buffer portion and serum portion. The buffer portion includes a cavity and the serum portion includes a cavity which, when the buffer portion and serum portion are assembled together, form a central chamber. The central chamber is divided by a vertically aligned dialysis membrane held in place by two O-rings. Buffer is introduced into the dialysis cell's buffer portion through a buffer inlet extending from the dialysis cell's top side to the buffer portion's cavity. Similarly, serum is introduced into the serum portion through an inlet which extends from an opening formed on the dialysis cell's top to the serum portion's cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a base module that has at least one segment of a controlled compliant flow path and at least one pair of jumpered ports configured on the base module. One or more components have connections connectable to the jumpered ports of the base module to provide for fluid communication between the segment of the controlled compliant flow path in the base module and a flow path defined by the one or more components. The base module is connected to the one or more components that define a flow path configurable for carrying out in part at least one function performed during any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration or hemofiltration.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a liquid is provided. A network of first channels can be separated from a network of second channels by a membrane. The network of second channels can include a pressurizing feature to create a high pressure at an upstream portion of the second channels and a low pressure at a downstream portion of the second channels. Liquid containing an analyte can be introduced in the network of first channels. Filtrate can be flowed through the pressurizing feature in the second channels, such that the pressure difference in between the first and second channels causes at least some of the analyte in the first liquid is transported into the second channels through the membrane.

Abstract: In a separation membrane module in a module main body, an upper horizontal partition plate forms an upper fluid channel, a lower horizontal partition plate forms a lower fluid channel, a plurality of vertical outer tubes are fixed between the upper horizontal partition plate and the lower horizontal partition plate, and vertical tubular membrane elements extend through the respective outer tubes with a gap. An upper end of the gap is in communication with the upper fluid channel and a lower end of the gap is in communication with the lower fluid channel. An upper end opening of each of the membrane elements is open to outside of the module main body and a lower end opening each of the membrane elements is closed. A vertical partition plate is provided in either the upper fluid channel or the lower fluid channel to form an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided by means of which biomolecules in samples in a volume range from <1 ?l to 500 ?l can be received, treated and stored in a quick, reproducible and loss-free manner as easily, effortlessly and practically as possible, and without any risk of damaging the device. The device includes sample vessels that are configured, in terms of size and shape, as dimensionally and positionally stable capillaries that are open at both ends, the longitudinal walls of which are completely or partially made of a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A dialyzer composed of: first and second dialyzation chambers, and an intermediate chamber interposed between the first and second dialyzation chambers. Each dialyzation chamber has opposed first and second ends and contains a filter member that separates the chamber into a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment. Each of the compartments extends between first and second ends. Each of the chambers has a respective one of a blood inlet or outlet and a dialysate inlet or outlet arranged so that blood and dialysate flow in counter-current to one another in both chambers. The intermediate chamber is connected to form a dialysate-free blood flow passage between the blood compartments.

Abstract: A separation module and method are disclosed for processing a liquid sample and providing high conversion by operating a single-pass tangential-flow process without a recirculation loop. In one embodiment, the separation module includes three reservoirs and has at least one long, thin channel with a large ratio of channel membrane area to: channel void volume; volume of a sample feed reservoir; and volume of the feed sample. In another embodiment, the separation module includes an external feed reservoir, an external retentate reservoir fluidly and a first vacuum source adapted to apply a first vacuum to the separation element disposed within the housing. The single-pass TFF separation element and single-pass process provides high conversion while operating with relatively low pressure sources. Certain embodiments disclosed herein can be used for the separation of blood.

Abstract: A dialysate extraction apparatus which can reliably perform cleaning and disinfecting on an inside of a collection port without extending a separate flow route from an on-off device. The dialysate extraction apparatus includes a dialysate extraction device having an inlet and an outlet which can circulate a liquid, and having a collection port which can collect the circulating liquid; and a cap which is attachable to and detachable from the collection port of the dialysate extraction device and which can turn on and off the collection port. When the cap is attached, the collection port defines a guide route which guides the liquid introduced from the inlet to a tip a side of the collection port, and a discharge route which discharges the liquid guided by the guide route to the outlet side.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: A membrane element is provided between a pair of water collecting cases. Water collecting spaces in which permeate having penetrated through the membrane element is collected are formed in the water collecting cases. The water collecting case of one membrane module and the water collecting case of the other membrane module are coupled via coupling portions. The coupling portions have flow holes. The water collecting space of the water collecting case of the one membrane module and the water collecting space of the water collecting case of the other membrane module communicate with each other via the flow holes of the coupling portions.

Abstract: A multi-stage, coaxially configured, fluid filter assembly includes a first filter stage, a second filter stage, and a porous filtration membrane. The first filter stage has a coarse medium spaced in a volume between an outer surface and an inner surface thereof, such that fluid may come into operative contact with the coarse medium to remove first stage materials from the fluid. The second filter stage is coaxially spaced within the first stage and is configured to receive fluid from the first filter stage. A moderate medium in the second filter stage is configured to remove second stage materials from the fluid. The porous filtration membrane is engaged with the inside surface of the second filter stage and has fine pores for filtering small particles from the fluid. The first and second stage materials are suspended away from the filtration membrane to filter the small particles.

Abstract: An enhanced process for semipermeable membrane performance. Counter flowing chambers on either side of a semipermeable membrane is disclosed. Each comprise turbulent flow injectors and flow deflector cells giving rise to swirling and turbulent boundary layer conditions. The disclosed invention obviates concentration polarization in osmotic systems and maximizes flux (fluid flow) through the semipermeable membrane. This invention fills a need in large volume, forward osmosis water purification systems.

Abstract: A bioartificial kidney equivalent and a process for producing the bioartificial kidney equivalent. The hybrid bioartificial kidney comprises human proximal and distal renal tubule cells grown on particular synthetic membranes.

Abstract: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of proteinuric kidney disease, which comprises both native and transplanted kidneys. Treatment was limited in the past due to the complicated pathogenesis of FSGS, including previously unidentified serum factors. Here, serum soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) is reported to be elevated in FSGS patients but not in patients with other primary glomerular diseases. Higher pre-transplantation suPAR levels are associated with risk for FSGS recurrence in kidney grafts. Renal disease only develops when suPAR sufficiently activates podocyte ?3 integrin. Thus, disease pathogenesis can be stopped or slowed by ex vivo removal of suPAR from a subject's circulation. Removal may be measured by comparing the level (e.g., amount or concentration) of suPAR before and after such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hemodialysis machine comprising a removably mountable cartridge having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the cartridge defining a fluid pathway between said at least one inlet and said at least one outlet, a sanitisation device having an inlet and an outlet, a conduit connected between an outlet of the cartridge and the inlet of the sanitisation device and, a conduit connected between the outlet of the sanitisation device and an inlet of the cartridge.