Abstract: A fluid power circuit with a switch-mode power transformer used to transfer power while keeping the pressure of power source and reverse osmosis processes relatively decoupled. The switch-mode power transformer uses the inertia of a hydraulic motor driven electric generator and switching of a hydraulic motor inlet between high and low-pressure ends to decrease the pressure at which power is being transmitted to a reverse osmosis process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for recovering valuable products from Fabaceae family plant fractions, in particular from Medicago sativa ssp. The processes disclosed herein include processes for obtaining macrofibers, microfibers, a saponin precursor, chloroplast liquid and dry compositions and a Rubisco precursor. There is also disclosed herein processes for extracting from Fabaceae family plants valuable compounds such as proteins, enzymes, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, terpenes, phenols and pigments. The processes may comprise at least one of separating plant fibers while attenuating shear forces, maintaining the temperature at or below 45° C., maintaining the pH above 4 and adding antioxidant and/or antimicrobial agents. Compositions comprising these recovered Fabaceae family plant products and uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion device is disclosed. The insertion device includes a base portion, a top portion slidably connected to the base portion, an introduction needle, a catheter in slidable relation to the introduction needle, and a substantially cylindrical flash chamber, the flash chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the introduction needle. The flash chamber is connected to the base portion, the top portion slidably engages with the flash chamber, and the catheter and the top portion slidably advance with respect to the introduction needle and the base portion.

Abstract: An air movement system for plant cultivation. An air conditioner receives a gas mixture of air and carbon dioxide, regulates a temperature of the gas mixture, and outputs the gas mixture at the regulated temperature. A first bladeless fan receives the gas mixture output by the air conditioner and supplies the gas mixture as an air flow to a first crop area at a velocity towards an air intake. At least one second bladeless fan assists the air flow from the first crop area to a second crop area so as to maintain the velocity towards the air intake.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dialysis devices. In some embodiments, a dialysis device may include a disposable housing having a storage chamber in fluid communication with a dialysate flow path. Also included may be a controller, an interface capable of operably coupling the controller and the disposable housing, a fluid displacement structure, a pump configured to actuate a deformable diaphragm, and a pressure sensor to trigger the reversal of the pump. The flow path may be fluidly sealed from the controller and the interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for transfer of tissue or other materials such as adipose tissue. The systems and methods can include a vessel and a syringe to facilitate transfer of tissue between one or more vessels and tissue implantation devices.

Abstract: A system for increasing the efficiency of separating two liquids through filtration is disclosed. In a detailed example, water (both free and emulsified) is separated from diesel fuel, along with contaminants. The system has a filter medium attached to a support. The support has a tube structure that positions the filter medium away from the top plate. The filter can be positioned in a canister for removing emulsified water from the liquid. This canister can be used in a system to filter liquid stored in a tank that may contain water (emulsified and free) and/or debris. The system and method disclosed is particularly useful for removing emulsified water from diesel, such as ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), bio-blended diesel, and diesel derivatives.

Abstract: An ejection device includes a nozzle that ejects an ejection fluid, an ejection-side pump, a driving-side pump, and a heating unit. The ejection-side pump includes a pressure transmitting member, and an ejection chamber and a driving chamber adjacent to each other across the pressure transmitting member. The ejection chamber is filled with the ejection fluid. The driving chamber is filled with a driving fluid. The driving-side pump is a pump that applies pressure to the driving fluid. The pressure transmitting member transmits the pressure applied to the driving fluid to the ejection fluid in the ejection chamber. The heating unit heats at least the ejection-side pump while the driving-side pump remains unheated.

Abstract: A well fluid particle screen assembly includes a base pipe having first and second pipe segments. First and second sets of perforations are located in sidewalls of the first and second pipe segments. First and second screens are mounted around the first and second pipe segments. A second pipe segment valve mounted to the second pipe segment has a closed position blocking well fluid flow through the second set of perforations. The second pipe segment valve has a pressure area acted on by a well fluid pressure differential. When reaching a threshold, the pressure differential causes the second pipe segment valve to move from the closed position to an open position. A retainer retains the second pipe segment valve in the closed position until the threshold is reached.

Abstract: A method for separating plasma in a minute amount of a blood sample diluted with a blood dilution buffer is provided. When a blood dilution buffer is added to a minute amount of blood (about 20 to 100 ?L) so as to assay the biological blood components in the resulting diluted plasma, it is necessary to separately store and transfer the diluted blood cell component and the diluted plasma component. The present inventors found that it is possible to separate diluted plasma from diluted blood cells using a polymer gelling agent for plasma separation by means of putting a polymer gel for plasma separation in the container with a blood dilution buffer. In such case, diluted blood cells are transferred to the lower portion of the polymer gelling agent and dilute plasma is transferred to the upper portion of the same. Assay of the biological blood components using a minute amount of blood can be utilized for early detection of health status, diseases, and presymptomatic states.

Abstract: A system and method for storing high level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel. In one embodiment, the invention is a method of storing high level radioactive waste comprising: a) positioning a metal canister containing high level radioactive waste having a heat generation rate in a storage cavity of a ventilated system comprising a cask body, a cask lid positioned atop the cask body, at least one outlet duct extending from a top of the storage cavity to an ambient atmosphere, and a plurality of inlet ducts, each of the inlet ducts extending from a first opening in the outer surface of the cask body to a second opening in the inner surface of the cask, body; and b) sealing selected ones of the plurality of inlet ducts over time as a function of a decay of the heat generation rate to maintain more a predetermined percentage of a vertical height of the metal canister above a predetermined threshold temperature.

Abstract: An ambulatory ultrafiltration device includes a blood filter that has a blood side or fluid communication with the vascular system of the subject, an ultrafiltrate side, and a semipermeable membrane disposed between the blood side and the ultrafiltrate side. The ambulatory ultrafiltration also includes a buffer vessel in fluid communication with the blood side of the blood filter, and a blood pump. The blood pump is controlled to alternate between a withdrawal phase and a return phase. In the withdrawal phase, blood is withdrawn on a blood path from the subject via the blood filter to the buffer vessel. In the return phase, blood is returned from the buffer vessel to the subject on the blood path. The blood filter is arranged to remove ultrafiltrate from the blood during at least one of the withdrawal and return phases.

Abstract: A method for operating a reagent metering system which meters a reagent into an exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine upstream of an SCR catalytic converter, in which, after the metering operation is ended, at least part of the reagent metering system is emptied by back-suction by means of a reciprocating pump. The procedure according to the invention is distinguished in that during the back-suction, a stop determination determines the flight time of a reciprocating piston of the reciprocating pump from a starting time as far as the stop time, in that a comparator compares the flight time determined with a flight time threshold value, and in that the activation power of the reciprocating pump is reduced if the flight time determined is less than the flight time threshold value.

Abstract: A spring suspension system includes a top spring assembly connected to a top end of a stator and a top end of a cable and a bottom spring assembly connected to a bottom end of the stator and a bottom end of the cable. The top spring assembly includes a central spring connected to the top end of the cable at a bottom end of the central spring and a set of symmetrically arranged springs, each connected to the top end of the stator and to a top end of the central spring, configured to accommodate torsional and rotational components of an input force.

Abstract: A pipette includes a pipe. The pipe includes a connection end portion, an inner flow passage, and an outer flow passage surrounding the inner flow passage. The inner flow passage has a first opening portion and a second opening portion opposite to the first opening portion. The outer flow passage has a third opening portion and a fourth opening portion opposite to the third opening portion. The first opening portion and the third opening portion are disposed at the connection end portion. The second opening portion and the fourth opening portion are disposed at an interval. Thereby, the pipette according to the invention can provide two flowing paths with in a single member, so that in a washing process for a reaction tube, the pipette can be used for completing a plurality washing cycles with being inserted into the reaction tube only once.

Abstract: A quiescent zone fluid filter. A reservoir communicates via upstream and downstream communication ports with a fluid flow tube. At the upstream communication port, liquid flowing in the fluid flow tube enters a quiescent zone of the reservoir, whereupon particles therein descend. The liquid then rejoins the fluid flow tube at the downstream communication port free of particles therein. The quiescent zone fluid filter is advantageously implemented within a fluid flow control valve, as for example at the valve barrel of a barrel valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides sintered porous plastic plugs for use in filtered serological pipettes which facilitate manufacture or assembly of the filtered serological pipettes. In one embodiment, a sintered porous plastic plug of the present invention comprises plastic and a cylindrical body, a first end and a second end, the first end having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the cylindrical body, and the second end having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A fluidic testing system is presented that includes a plurality of test chambers, a plurality of inlet channels, and a fluidic network that connects the inlet channels to one or more other chambers. The plurality of test chambers are each characterized by a length and a hydraulic diameter. The length of each test chamber is aligned substantially parallel to a gravity vector. Each of the test chambers has only one opening disposed along the length of the corresponding test chamber. Additionally, each of the test chambers is coupled via its respective opening to only one of the plurality of inlet channels.

Abstract: A system and method for providing slow dialysate flow with an intermittent hemodialysis delivery (IHD) system are disclosed. The system includes a dialysate slow-flow fluid pump having an outlet for connection to an inlet port of a hemodialyzer and an inlet for connection to a dialysate bulk flow line in association with the IHD. The system further includes an outlet line for coupling an outlet port of the hemodialyzer back to the dialysate bulk flow line, wherein the dialysate slow-flow fluid pump is configured to control the rate of delivery of dialysate to the hemodialyzer.

Abstract: A pump filter system for use with a submersible pump assembly including a base cup having an outer peripheral flange and an upwardly extending ring concentrically located within and spaced from the peripheral flange. A self-supporting, substantially uniformly perforated, tubular wall portion having a lower end coupled to the base cup outer peripheral flange and an upper end surrounding a pump discharge conduit connection. A tubular sleeve having a lower end contiguous with an upper portion of the pump body and an upper end projecting above the discharge conduit connection. A tapered coupling having a lower end connected to the perforated tubular wall upper end and an upper end connected to the tubular sleeve upper end, and a seal ring surrounding the discharge conduit connection and the tubular sleeve inner surface.

Abstract: A VMD system and method uses an aspirator to generate a vacuum pressure for drawing permeate from a membrane module. The aspirator generates the vacuum pressure by receiving and passing a circulating liquid and combines the permeate with the circulating liquid such that the permeate condensates in the circulating liquid. Using an aspirator (e.g., instead of a vacuum pump) allows a more efficient and cost-effective operation of the VMD system and method, particularly in a desalination application. A VMD system and method using an aspirator may be used in desalination and other applications including, without limitation, environmental cleanup (e.g., removal of volatile organic chemicals from water) and food and medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood purification apparatus and a blood purification circuit, by which a circuit can be shared by different modes for performing respective continuous blood purification methods, a structure of the apparatus performing the continuous blood purification methods can be simplified, and CHF, CHD, CHDF, and ECUM can be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water in a reservoir includes a funnel. A support assembly supports the funnel in a lengthwise upright orientation when the funnel is submerged. A water moving arrangement is arranged to move water through the funnel in a direction from an inlet at an upper end of the funnel towards an outlet at lower end of the funnel.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum cleaner having a cover closing off the upper end of the vacuum cleaner, a lid connected to the cover having a collector extending into the lid and a filter assembly extending downwardly from the collector into water tank, the lid having an exhaust port for the vacuum cleaner communicating with a exterior thereof. A volute is disposed internally of the lid and coupled to the exhaust port, the volute being generally horizontally mounted in the lid forming a flat volute for accumulating air flow.

Abstract: A method for collecting and filtering biological material from blood and other fluids during a surgical procedure includes: attaching a first cover including a suction port and an intake port to a collection trap; attaching a suction source to the suction port; attaching an instrument to the intake port, through which blood and tissue are suctioned and received into the collection trap; filing the collection trap with blood and tissue; removing the collection trap from the first cover; attaching a second cover to the collection trap in place of the first cover, the second cover including a suction port and a plunger, the plunger including a press head having a screen portion permitting blood and other fluids to pass; attaching a suction source to the suction port of the second cover; separating the blood from the tissue by deploying the plunger; and drawing off the blood through the suction port.

Abstract: A portable oil filtration unit 10 comprising a tank section 11 and a pump and filter unit 12 and an electrical control box 13. Operational switches are illustrated generally at 14. The unit is equipped with an inlet lance or wand 15 and an outlet lance or wand 16. The lances are located in position so that the lances have their ends at the bottom of a tank located in the tank housing 11. Thus when the unit is in a filtration mode and the pump turned on, oil will circulate from the tank through each of the lances and through the filtration unit.

Abstract: A screw press has a cylindrical screening section mounted to a frame. The screening section is able to rotate but can be prevented from rotating. A sprayer system is operable to spray water on the screening section. In a cleaning process, the screening section is rotated while water is sprayed against it. Optionally, the power required to rotate the screen may be provided by an auger drive mechanism. The screening section may have openings sized to retain flocculated solids. The screw press may be used to thicken a sludge from a waste water treatment plant.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering is disclosed, which is capable of accomplishing a filtering operation at a high recovery rate of 96% or more, and realizing a compact and simplified system structure, the system comprising a water bath including an inlet and a discharging hole, wherein feed water to be treated is supplied to the inside of the water bath through the inlet, and concentrated water is discharged out through the discharging hole; and plural membrane cassettes including first and second membrane cassettes submerged into the feed water contained in the water bath, wherein the first membrane cassette is positioned nearest to the inlet, and the second membrane cassette is positioned nearest to the discharging hole, wherein the first membrane cassette treats the feed water with a first impurity concentration; the second membrane cassette treats the feed water with a second impurity concentration; and the first impurity concentration is smaller than the second impurity concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus filters particles from small volumes of liquid in a tubular vial having an open top and closed bottom with a tubular plunger sliding in the vial to force liquid through a filter at the end of the plunger and into a cavity in the plunger. The filter is held by a cap placed over the end of the plunger. The vial's bottom has an upward extending protrusion mating with a conforming recess in the cap to direct liquid to the protraction and filter as the cap abuts the bottom of the vial. Channels in the bottom help direct liquid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which is used in a system requiring a pump to lift low lying hydrocarbon contaminated liquids from said pump through a filtration system which lifts and completely filters all debris and hydrocarbons from said liquid.

Abstract: A modular intake filter system, apparatus and method for an artificial lift pump assembly is described. A modular intake filter apparatus comprises at least one modular intake filter comprising a perforated housing supportively engaged to a production pump of an artificial lift assembly, and a porous media cartridge sealed to an exterior of the perforated housing, wherein a porosity of the porous media cartridge is selected to prevent media of a chosen size from entering the production pump, and wherein a number of the at least one modular intake filter in the apparatus is determined by calculating an area of filtration material required by dividing a selected flow rate of pumped fluid by a permeability of the porous media cartridge, and calculating the number of the at least one modular intake filters by dividing the area of filtration material required by a surface area of a single modular intake filter.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a filtered metal trough. A filtered metal trough can have various uses. A filtered metal trough can be used as a stylish aboveground swimming pool. Such pool is rugged, compact, requires little maintenance, and is durable. A filtered metal trough can also be used as clean, healthy alternative to a standard metal trough for watering animals. In particular, this disclosure describes a filtered metal trough comprising a trough comprising an intake orifice and a discharge orifice, a water pump, and a water filter. Additionally, such filtered metal trough can comprise an intake hose that connects the trough intake orifice to the water pump, an intermediary hose that connects the water pump to the water filter, and a discharge hose that connects the water filter to the discharge orifice.

Abstract: A separator having a pressure differential generating system is disclosed. The pressure differential generating system generates a pressure differential with respect to a screen of the separator. Fluid is supplied to the pressure differential generating device to generate the pressure differential across a screen of the separator. The separator can be utilized to separate drill cuttings from drilling fluid to increase an amount of drilling fluid recovered as a result of the pressure differential.

Abstract: A method of injecting fluid into an injection well comprises receiving, by an input device, an input, verifying an authorization to use a filter assembly in response to receiving the input, opening an actuator valve in response to the verifying, actuating a pump in fluid communication with the actuator valve in response to the verifying, receiving a fluid within a filter assembly in response to opening the actuator valve and actuating the pump, wherein the fluid comprises suspended solids, and separating at least a portion of the suspended solids in the fluid within the filter assembly. The pump may be disposed downstream of the filter assembly, and receiving fluid within the filter assembly may comprise drawing fluid into the filter assembly in response to actuating the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration unit, comprising a membrane filter that can be disposed on a filter support of a bottom part and an attachment that can be placed on the bottom part, wherein the membrane filter has a reinforcing edge, and wherein the membrane filter can be clamped to a clamping part of a cover of a culture medium unit for removal purposes and introduced into the culture media unit. The invention further relates to a method for the microbiological analysis of liquid samples following a filtration process, wherein after removing an attachment a membrane filter is lifted off a filter support for pouring in the liquid sample and set down on a surface of a culture medium disposed in the bottom part of a culture medium unit, and the bottom part is covered by a cover. The cover is placed on the membrane resting on the filter support such that a clamping part present on the filter support clamps to a reinforcing edge of the membrane.

Abstract: The gas control system removes gas from a borehole by generating and collecting an air stream from the borehole using a blower, collecting the gas contained in the air stream using a fuel collector, removing moisture from the gas using a heated dryer, and transporting the gas from the heated dryer to an engine that is at least partially fueled by the gas. The gas control system can include one or more sensors that provide data associated with operating conditions of the gas control system. The sensor data is provided to a manager component, and can be used to evaluate system performance, determine consumption of greenhouse gases and optimize system operations.

Abstract: A separator system and method are provided in which the separator has two outlets for different components of mixed fluid. An energy harvester is provided on one of the outlets, wherein harvested energy is transferred to a pump located on an inlet of the separator. As a result, the differential pressure across the separator is increased.

Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum filter device including a filter body having two holders on opposite sides of a filter. Each holder contains a closed container in a fluid-tight, sealed relationship. The filter is retained by a compression sealing element that resiliently applies sealing pressure to the upper surface of the filter. The sealing element is maintained in place by a compression element formed of a ring that applies a desired compressive force to the sealing element. The compression element is bonded to a portion of the body to hold it, the sealing element and filter in place and under a compression seal. The invention also can provide for an alignment feature on the compression element that ensures the port is in alignment with the vent of the device. The device also includes a vacuum port communicating with the downstream side of the filter, and hence the filtrate container.

Abstract: A filter system including a vacuum source for generating a vacuum flow and a container. The container includes an inflow port for receiving contaminated liquids and solids, a filter assembly for filtering contaminated solids from the contaminated liquids and an outflow port for delivering filtered liquids from the container. The vacuum flow proceeds through the container so that the filtered liquids are drawn through the filter assembly towards the outflow port. The contaminated solids receive vacuum pressure continuously to complete the filter process above the top filter.

Abstract: Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring.

Abstract: The present application presents the development of a method for enhancing filtration capabilities of ceramic elements by chemically binding a hydrophilic compound throughout the porous structure of a ceramic element. An enhanced ceramic filter includes a ceramic element with chemically bound hydrophilic molecules. The enhanced ceramic filter is used in a system for the separation of non-polar compounds from aqueous mixtures. An aqueous mixture is passed through the enhanced ceramic filter, allowing water to permeate, and concentrate to exit the filter.

Abstract: A method of separating an aqueous portion from a heterogeneous sample containing said aqueous portion and a non-aqueous (lipid) portion, teaches passing a sample through glass wool, thus trapping the aqueous layer in the glass wool and eluting the lipid layer from the glass wool.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system for treating feed water includes a first tubular member having first and second ends, at least one second tubular member having first and second ends, a pump positioned within the first tubular member, a filtering membrane positioned within the second tubular member, a first end cap for receiving the first ends of the first and second tubular members, and a second end cap for receiving the second ends of the first and second tubular members.

Abstract: Devices for controlling fluid flow, in particular microfluidic devices, are described, which exploit gas/liquid interfaces to control liquid flow in accordance with application requirements. Devices for on/off flow switching, centrifugal separation, mixing, metering and aliquoting are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method for preventing the liquid in the filtering plug-in card form dripping and a plug-in-card type liquid purifying and filtering device. The said liquid purifying and filtering device comprises the water pump, filtering cylinder and filtering plug-in card. In particular, at the top of the said filtering cylinder is equipped with the disassembled filtering plug-in card retainer. When the filtering plug-in card is taken out, such disassembled filtering plug-in card retainer is utilized to place the said filtering plug-in card, thus enabling such filtering plug-in card to leave the liquid level inside the filtering cylinder. In addition, it can set the disassembled top cap retainer for the said filtering cylinder. When the said top cap is disassembled, the disassembled top cap retainer is used to place the said top cap.

Abstract: Provided are filtration systems that can be referred to as Pneumatic Alternating Cell Separator (PACS), useful components thereof in the form of assemblies or kits of parts that can be used to build the system, and use of the system for filtering fluids, for instance, in cell culture perfusion systems comprising a filter-containing chamber, an expansion chamber and a gas flow controller.

Abstract: Volumetric pressure exchanger comprising at least one unit for pressure exchange with a hollow cylindrical body, a piston sliding in said body, said piston comprising a piston crown separating the inside of said cylindrical body into a downstream chamber and an upstream chamber, said piston comprising a rod arranged on the downstream chamber side and passing through said downstream chamber, said downstream chamber being equipped with a device for admitting and delivering water for treatment, said upstream chamber being equipped with a three-way rotary-slide valve, said rotary slide being rotated by motorized drive means, said valve comprising a pressurized-liquid supply orifice, a discharge orifice for said liquid, and an opening communicating with said upstream chamber.

Abstract: Various water basins and systems are described that include a first basin having a longitudinally upward extending tower, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of supports. The plurality of supports are adjustable from the first side of the first basin. The system includes at least a water system having a pump and a water line that extends from the pump to the second side of the first basin.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the sewer cleaning vehicle has a refuse storage tank having a first end with an opening. The sewer cleaning vehicle may also have a recycled water storage tank and a packaged liquid reclamation system for cleaning and transferring water from the refuse tank to the recycled water storage tank. In one embodiment, a hinged cover having a first side and a second side is pivotally mounted to the storage tank. The hinged cover can be movable between a first position in which the hinged cover covers the storage tank opening and a second position in which the storage tank opening is uncovered by the hinged cover. A transfer pump and a separator are supported by the hinged cover and are in fluid communication with the refuse tank through a port in the hinged cover.