Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter vessel including a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a toroidal-shaped inlet manifold, and a plurality of inlet channels. The toroidal-shaped inlet manifold is in fluid communication with the inlet and is positioned along a circumference of the housing, and the plurality of inlet channels are in fluid communication with the toroidal-shaped inlet manifold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filtration system comprising a filter tank. In some embodiments, at least portions of an inlet pipe and an outlet manifold can be positioned within the filter tank. At least one manifold assembly can be coupled to the outlet manifold and also can be positioned within the filter tank. In some embodiments, the manifold assembly can include at least one first aperture, at least one second aperture, and at least one first cavity positioned within the manifold assembly. In some embodiments, the second aperture can fluidly connect the first cavity and the outlet manifold. Also, at least one filter can be coupled to the manifold assembly so that the first aperture fluidly connects the filter to the first cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane module including a first plurality of fibers capable of filtering fluids that are helically wound in layers creating a mono helix. Fluids to be treated can flow radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mono helix or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mono helix. The membrane module can further include a second plurality of fibers that are helically wound with the first plurality of fibers to create a dual helix. The second plurality of fibers can have different properties than the first plurality of fibers in order to achieve different filtering functionalities.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filtration system comprising a filter tank. In some embodiments, at least portions of an inlet pipe and an outlet manifold can be positioned within the filter tank. At least one manifold assembly can be coupled to the outlet manifold and also can be positioned within the filter tank. In some embodiments, the manifold assembly can include at least one first aperture, at least one second aperture, and at least one first cavity positioned within the manifold assembly. In some embodiments, the second aperture can fluidly connect the first cavity and the outlet manifold. Also, at least one filter can be coupled to the manifold assembly so that the first aperture fluidly connects the filter to the first cavity.

Abstract: A helically wound hollow membrane module having a core with a plurality of helically wound layers of semi-permeable hollow fibers wound on the core. The fiber wind angle with respect to any one layer of fibers may be essentially constant along the axial length of the module, except in one or both end or tubesheet regions, where the wind angle may be increased, in at least some of the layers relative to the essentially constant wind angle, to produce an area of decreasing diameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane module including a first plurality of fibers capable of filtering fluids that are helically wound in layers creating a mono helix. Fluids to be treated can flow radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mono helix or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mono helix. The membrane module can further include a second plurality of fibers that are helically wound with the first plurality of fibers to create a dual helix. The second plurality of fibers can have different properties than the first plurality of fibers in order to achieve different filtering functionalities.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into a fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical aerosol comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted liquid in the gas to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a fluid containing the unwanted material comprising the steps of introducing an immiscible extraction fluid into the fluid having an unwanted material therein to form a plurality of extraction fluid droplets in the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction fluid droplets to hydrophilicly interact with the unwanted material in the fluid to cause the extraction fluid droplets to form into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted material, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted material from the fluid.

Abstract: An improved inlet silencer/filter for an oxygen concentrator includes a HEPA filter and an adjoining chamber for receiving air flow from the HEPA filter. The chamber is surrounded on one face by the HEPA filter, and by sound absorbing padding on at least 4 other faces. Air is forced from the HEPA filter, through the open chamber and then through the sound absorbing padding by a flow restrictor plate. Air flows from here through air channels and into an open chamber leading to an outlet from the air silencer/filter.

Abstract: A conically shaped filtration and/or separation apparatus is provided which is constructed from a stack of filters at least some of which are different sizes superposed above each, other, of said plurality of said filters in a fluid communicable relationship. A collapsible version of such conically shaped filter and/or separation apparatus is provided whereby a plurality of such filters are connected together using two piece interlocking or connecting end caps.

Abstract: A compressed gas system utilizing a membrane air dryer is shown wherein, during unloading, additional sweep gas is provided to the membrane air dryer to prevent excess moisture from being introduced into the accumulator at the end of each unloading cycle. A membrane air drier for use in such system is also described.

Abstract: A membrane air drier utilizes an orifice to serve as the sweep air inlet with a sweep diffuser placed a short distance from the orifice. Preferably, an open channel extends from the product end of the membrane module on the shell side of the fibers with a porous diffuser at one end of the open channel and an orifice at the other end of the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of free, emulsified, or dissolved water from liquids of low volatility, such as oil, is shown. The liquid of low volatility is removed by contacting the fluid stream of concern with one side of a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane divides a separation chamber into a feed side into which the stream of fluid is fed, and a permeate side from which the water is removed. The permeate side of the chamber is maintained at a low partial pressure of water through presence of vacuum, or by use of a sweep gas.

Abstract: A device for removing entrained air or gas from fluids includes a first chamber having a fluid inlet and an outlet, a second chamber, adjacent said first chamber, having a plurality of channels, a porous barrier separating the first chamber and the second chamber and a vent in fluid communication with the second chamber. The inlet is connected to the first chamber through at least one fluid passage. Fluid flows from the inlet, through the passage, and into the first chamber. A fluid dead zone adjacent the barrier assists an air or gas bubble to coalesce and pass through the barrier into the second chamber. The plurality of channels within the second chamber collect the air or gas and direct it to the vent in communication with the channels. A clip, or similar device, may be used to secure the device to medical equipment adjacent the patient or fluid source.

Abstract: A combination filter/dehydrator is disclosed which first filters a stream of oil or fluid of low volatility to remove particulate contaminants, and then passes the stream through a dehydrator 38 to remove free, emulsified, or dissolved entrained water. A pressure control valve 46 is provided to enable a portion of the oil stream to bypass the dehydrator in order to maintain a predetermined pressure differential across the dehydrator membrane. A discharge chamber (FIG. 5) is provided at an outlet of the dehydrator to prevent the loss of oil that has permeated the dehydrator membrane. A sweep gas stream 70 for removing water from the permeate side of the dehydrator membrane can include a coalescer 72 (FIG. 4) for removing liquids entrained in the sweep gas before entering device.

Abstract: An improved filter drier for a refrigeration system having a replaceable tubular filter element is shown. A desiccant assembly is removably secured within a housing. The assembly includes a first and second molded desiccant, a hollow tubular perforated core located within said first and second molded desiccant, and a tubular filter located over said core.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed having a layer of electret filter media or triboelectric filter media immediately adjacent or in intimate contact with one, or both sides, of a layer of hydrophobic media. Such filter is placed in communication with the upstream and/or downstream side of a mechanical electronic or electrostatic filter to solve problems present in the prior art. Additionally, a medical ventilator filter and system using such a filter is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a spirometer mouthpiece assembly having a bag or sock filter medium. A support mechanism is incorporated into the assembly to prevent the filter medium from becoming dislodged during use. This not only protects the user of the spirometer, it also helps prevent contamination.The present invention consists of a spirometer mouthpiece having an interior conduit, a filter medium having an exterior and interior. The filter medium also has a rim portion and bag portion. Lastly, the device has a rigid support mechanism. The filter medium is attached to the interior conduit of the mouthpiece. The support mechanism may be attached to the filter medium or the interior conduit of the mouthpiece. If the support mechanism is attached to the mouthpiece, the filter medium is disposed adjacent the support mechanism.