Abstract: An adjustable frame assembly for filter modules includes a lower base arrangement, an upper base arrangement, and an adjustable frame structure connected between the lower and upper base arrangements. Both the lower and upper base arrangements include mounts for positioning and supporting the filter modules. At least one of the base arrangements includes a piping system for supplying fluid to and/or receiving fluid from the filter modules. The adjustable frame structure is moveable between a first position, in which the lower and upper base arrangements are spaced a smaller first distance apart, and a second position, in which the lower and upper base arrangements are spaced a larger second distance apart. Filter modules may be mounted to the adjustable frame assembly when the adjustable frame structure is in the second position to form a filter apparatus.

Abstract: Membranes comprising first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising a patterned surface comprising peaks and valleys, first region surfaces comprising peaks, and second region surfaces comprising valleys; a porous bulk between the surfaces, the bulk comprising first region bulks and second region bulks; the region bulks extending from their respective region surfaces, the first region bulks comprising a first set of pores having outer rims, and a second set of pores connecting the outer rims of the first set of pores, and a first polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores; the second region bulks comprising a third set of pores having outer rims, and a fourth set of pores connecting the outer rims of the third set of pores, and a second polymer matrix supporting the third set of pores; filters including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1-R4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing porous membranes. Embodiments of the membranes contain the diblock copolymer self-assembled into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such copolymers.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for obtaining one or more desired fluid components, using a back-flushable filter device comprising a filter and at least one diffusing plate, are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods condition a filter assembly. Purging liquid is passed through the filter assembly to remove contaminants from the pores and voids of the filter medium and from the upstream and downstream sides of the filter medium.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for obtaining one or more biological fluid components, and reducing red blood cell contamination, using a back-flushable filter device, are disclosed.

Abstract: Asymmetric membranes comprising a first asymmetric porous zone including a first porous asymmetry that increases from the first exterior surface through the first porous zone of the bulk, and a second asymmetric porous zone including a second porous asymmetry that increases from the second exterior surface through the second porous zone of the bulk, wherein the first average pore size is larger than the second average pore size, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing system is provided for preventing leakage of a fluid from a fluid-containing chamber when a sensor probe for measuring fluid conditions within the chamber is inserted into the chamber. The sealing system has at least one port in fluid communication with the fluid-containing chamber. The port has a stem projecting outwardly from the chamber, a tapered flange, and a stem passageway in fluid communication with the chamber interior. A probe seal which is adapted to attach to the stem forms a seal between the port and the sensor probe and prevents fluid in the processing chamber from leaking past the probe seal. The probe seal has spaced-apart inner and outer skirts. The inner skirt forms a seal passageway which is in fluid communication with the chamber, and an inner end disposed to enter the stem passageway when the probe seal is attached to the stem.

Abstract: In a process for removing entrained particulates from a gas, a chemical reaction may be conducted in a vessel. Conducting the chemical reaction may include suspending particulates in a gas in a fluidized bed in the vessel. A portion of the gas and entrained particulates may be directed to a filter medium and the entrained particulates may be filtered from the gas. Filtering the entrained particulates may include directing the gas from a feed side of the filter medium through the filter medium to a filtrate side of the filter medium and may also include directing at least a portion of the entrained particulates generally tangentially along the feed side of the filter medium to scour the feed side of the filter medium. The particulates may then be directed from the feed side of the filter medium into a dip leg.

Abstract: Disclosed are block copolymers of the formula A-B-A (I) or A-B (II), comprising blocks A and B, wherein block A is a hydrophilic polymeric segment comprising polyglycerol and block B is an aromatic hydrophobic polymeric segment. The block copolymers find use as wetting agents in the preparation of porous membranes from aromatic hydrophobic polymers such as polyethersulfone.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, collections of nucleic acids, supports, assay kits, and methods for the sensitive and specific detection of microorganisms in a foodstuff. The nucleic acid comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-15 and having a length of no more than 35 nucleotides.

Abstract: A filter vessel has a housing and a lid which together define an internal chamber for carrying a filter. A gasket is positioned between the lid and the housing. In a locked position, the lid and the housing are in sealed contact with the gasket.

Abstract: Methods for preparing and using multiple chambered freezing bags containing biological fluid in the chambers are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular filtration frame assembly is provided for holding components of a pipe system and filtration system. The modular frame assembly comprises a skid formed by a base and a central spine. The base has at least two legs and at least one lateral support disposed between the two legs, and the central spine has two uprights and at least one cross bar disposed between the two uprights. A component support member is attached to the central spine for supporting components of the pipe system. In the modular frame assembly, the base, central spine and component supports can be formed by selecting from predetermined and presized components in response to the design and size of the pipe system and filtration system. The component support member holds predetermined components of the pipe and filtration system having a predetermined centerline at the same vertical distance from the cross bar, thereby maintaining the same centerline for all pipe system components supported by the skid regardless of component diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1 is —(CHR—CH2—O)p—R?, p=2-6, R is H or methyl, and R? is H, C1-C6 alkyl, or C3-C11 cycloalkyl, R2 is C6-C20 aryl, one of R3 and R4 is C6-C14 aryl or heteroaryl, and the other is C1-C22 alkoxy, and n and m are independently 2 to about 2000, which find use in preparing self-assembled structures and porous membranes. Embodiments of the self-assembled structures contain the diblock copolymer in a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such copolymers.

Abstract: A breathing filter system for a vaporizer system includes a connector comprising a first portion comprising a conduit manifold comprising having lumens; a second portion comprising an interface plug comprising a plug end; an external surface comprising ribs and grooves, the second portion further comprising openings in communication with the lumens of the conduits, each lumen communicating with a single opening, the openings being arranged in the grooves; and, a breathing filter system assembly comprising a housing comprising a first section including a first port, a second section including a second port, providing a bi-directional flow path between the ports; a gas reflection device, and a heat and moisture exchanging breathing filter, disposed in the housing across the fluid flow path, the breathing filter arranged in the first section, and the gas reflection device arranged in the second section; wherein the housing is in communication with the first portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous membrane comprising a cellulosic material and a copolymer of the formula: A-B-A (I) or A-B (II), wherein block A, for example, polyglycerol, a polymer of allyl glycidyl ether, or a copolymer of glycidol and allyl glycidyl ether, or a polymer of allyl glycidyl ether or a copolymer of glycidol and allyl glycidyl ether wherein one or more allyl groups having been replaced by hydrophilic groups. Also disclosed is a method for preparing such a membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are silica nanoparticles that are suitable as templates for preparing membranes of controlled pore sizes and pore arrangements. The silica nanoparticles have a density of about 1.96 g/cm3 or less. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such nanoparticles which involves reacting an orthosilicate and an alcohol or a mixture of alcohols in an aqueous medium in the presence of a salt of the metal or a metalloid compound, optionally in combination with ammonium hydroxide, isolating the resulting nanoparticles, and treating the resulting particles with an acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophilic porous membrane comprising a block copolymer of the formula: A-B-A (I) or A-B (II), wherein block A is (i) a copolymer of glycidol and allyl glycidyl ether, the copolymer having one or more allyl groups; or (ii) a copolymer of glycidol and allyl glycidyl ether, wherein one or more of the allyl groups of the copolymer have been replaced with 1,2-dihydroxypropyl group or a group of the formula: —(CH2)a—S—(CH2)b—X, wherein a, b, and X are as defined herein, and block B is an aromatic hydrophobic polymeric segment, for example, polyethersulfone. Also disclosure is a method of preparing such porous membranes.

Abstract: Membranes comprising a single layer having a first microporous surface; a second microporous surface; and, a porous bulk between the first microporous surface and the second microporous surface, wherein the bulk comprises a first set of pores having outer rims, prepared by removing introduced dissolvable silica nanoparticles, the first set of pores having a first controlled pore size, and a second set of pores connecting the outer rims of the first set of pores, the second set of pores having a second controlled pore size, and a polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores, wherein the first controlled pore size is greater than the second controlled pore size, and wherein the first and/or second microporous surface comprises a neutrally charged, a negatively charged, or a positively charged, surface; filters including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.