Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a sample using a centrifuge and optical components is disclosed. The centrifuge may be a standard benchtop centrifuge. The optical components may be sized and dimensioned to fit, along with the sample, inside the centrifuge.

Abstract: Particular aspects of the inventive technology may, in embodiments, relate to a fluid filter apparatus that includes a filtered fluid conduit that has a length that is at least three times a characteristic diameter; and a plurality of holes, wherein at least one of said holes has a first shape and engages an end cap during fluid filter operation, and wherein at least one other of said holes has said first shape and passes filtered fluid from outside of said filtered fluid conduit to a conduit interior during fluid filter operation.

Abstract: Particular aspects of the inventive technology may, in embodiments, relate to a fluid filter apparatus that includes a filtered fluid conduit that has a length that is at least three times a characteristic diameter; and a plurality of holes, wherein at least one of said holes has a first shape and engages an end cap during fluid filter operation, and wherein at least one other of said holes has said first shape and passes filtered fluid from outside of said filtered fluid conduit to a conduit interior during fluid filter operation.

Abstract: Particular aspects of the inventive technology may, in embodiments, relate to a fluid filter apparatus that includes a filtered fluid conduit that has a length that is at least three times a characteristic diameter; and a plurality of holes, wherein at least one of said holes has a first shape and engages an end cap during fluid filter operation, and wherein at least one other of said holes has said first shape and passes filtered fluid from outside of said filtered fluid conduit to a conduit interior during fluid filter operation.

Abstract: Particular aspects of the inventive technology may, in embodiments, relate to a fluid filter apparatus that includes a filtered fluid conduit that has a length that is at least three times a characteristic diameter; and a plurality of holes, wherein at least one of said holes has a first shape and engages an end cap during fluid filter operation, and wherein at least one other of said holes has said first shape and passes filtered fluid from outside of said filtered fluid conduit to a conduit interior during fluid filter operation.

Abstract: The present invention typically involves the use of a compressed blocking area to assist in sealing a filter element and avoiding channeling in a wound fibrous tissue filtering system. It may involve the use of multiple, spaced, interstitial rings. It may involve the intentional wasting of a portion of the filter element to create a compressed blocking area. It may also involve the use of different heights of the rings and may include the use of compression and secondary tapers on the rings. The heights and spacing of the rings with respect to the other ring or rings may vary in a certain ratio.

Abstract: The present invention typically involves the use of a compressed blocking area to assist in sealing a filter element and avoiding channeling in a wound fibrous tissue filtering system. It may involve the use of multiple, spaced, interstitial rings. It may involve the intentional wasting of a portion of the filter element to create a compressed blocking area. It may also involve the use of different heights of the rings and may include the use of compression and secondary tapers on the rings. The heights and spacing of the rings with respect to the other ring or rings may vary in a certain ratio.

Abstract: In an axial flow fluid filter having two filter elements formed of layers of tissue wound around a central core, a fluid collector is positioned between two filter elements and has a central annulus which surrounds an axial flow path. The central annulus has a top surface perpendicular to the flow path. A rim annulus and a plurality of annular ribs have top surfaces coplanar with the central annulus which engage with an upper filter element. A plurality of radial ribs extend axially from the annular ribs and engage with a lower filter element. The annular ribs define axial fluid flow passages and the radial ribs define radial flow passages which direct filtered fluid into the central flow path. The fluid collector is formed as a unitary plastic injection-molded part which rigidly spaces apart two filter elements and which directs fluid flow to the outlet port of the fluid filter with minimal flow obstruction.

Abstract: An improved pressurized filter apparatus, which filters fluid axially through filter elements formed with wound layers of tissue, includes at least one fluid collector with at least one passageway for filtered fluid to flow from the adjacent filter elements inwardly into the centrally located flow path to the filter exit port. The passageways are formed by upraised ridges which space the filter element exit ends from the substantially flat portion of the collector. Annular ring portions project axially from the flat portion of the collector into the adjacent filter element exit ends to form a first seal which separates unfiltered fluid from filtered fluid. A rigid outer retention ring projects axially from the outer perimeter of the collector flat portion, and includes one inside surface for each adjacent filter element which abuts against the periphery of the adjacent filter element to form a second seal which further ensures separation of unfiltered fluid from filtered fluid.

Abstract: A fluid collector for use in a fluid filter includes a substantially flat portion having two sides of which at least one faces a filter element from which filtered fluid is received, a centrally disposed opening adapted to allow the centrally located flow path to pass axially therethrough, and at least one slot which forms a passageway for filter fluid to flow from the filter elements to the receiving ports into the centrally located flow path. The fluid collector also includes ridges which project axially from at least one side of the substantially flat portion to maintain the filter element ends in parallel spaced relationship to the substantially flat portion.