Abstract: Disclosed herein are centrifuge-free self-contained systems for aseptically separating components of whole blood comprising at least one cassette for receiving whole blood; at least one red blood cell exclusion filter; at least one leukocyte reduction filters; at least one platelet exclusion filter; a plurality of product cassettes; and optionally a plurality of pumps and valves; and wherein the filters, pumps, valves, and cassettes are fluidly connected by tubing and the system does not include a centrifuge. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining blood components using the system.

Abstract: Processes are provided which utilize fiber conduit reactors/contactors to effect extraction of metal element/s, metal compound/s, metalloid element/s, and/or metalloid compound/s from a fluid stream. In particular, methods are provided which include introducing a first stream comprising an extractant and a second stream comprising a metal element, a metal compound, a metalloid element, and/or a metalloid compound into a conduit reactor proximate a plurality of fibers. The second stream is substantially immiscible with the first stream. The streams are introduced into the conduit reactor such that they are in contact and the extractant of the first stream interacts with the second stream to extract the metal element, a metal compound, a metalloid element, and/or a metalloid compound from the second stream into the first stream. The method further includes receiving the first and second streams in collection vessel/s and withdrawing separately the first and second streams from collection vessel/s.

Abstract: A separator (10) comprises a housing (12) and a separator chamber (24) contained within the housing, an inlet (26) and outlet (28) to the separator chamber and a dividing member (34) for substantially dividing the separator chamber into a first chamber (30) and a second chamber (32). A flow path (38) is provided between the first and second chambers for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers, and guide means (56) for creating opposing flow paths in the second chamber (32) for slowing flow through the second chamber (32).

Abstract: A microfluidic device allowing for multiple discrete reactions sites and allowing for sequential reactions and sample analysis along with methods for device fabrication and use is provided. The microfluidic device provides a micro-total analysis system on a single substrate and has multiple reaction sites allowing for cascade reactions and analysis on a single chip using micro-quantities of sample and reagents. The microfluidic device provides discrete sites for immobilization of cognitive agents including enzymes, binding proteins, nucleic acids and the like as well as methods for quantitative analysis. The invention also provides methods for the fabrication of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vial spiking assemblies and related methods. In certain aspects, the vial spiking assemblies include a vial adapter having a base, a spike extending from a central region of the base, and a sidewall extending from the base and surrounding the spike. The base and the sidewalls partially, define a cavity that is configured to receive at least a portion of the vial. The assemblies also include a spike cover that is removably attached to the spike and that includes a material configured to indicate when the material is contacted with liquid.

Abstract: Apparatuses, processes and methods for the separation, isolation, or removal of specific radioactive isotopes from liquid radioactive waste, these processes and methods employing isotope-specific media (ISM). In some embodiments, the processes and methods further include the vitrification of the separated isotopes, generally with the ISM; this isotope-specific vitrification (ISV) is often a step in a larger scheme of preparing the radioactive isotopes for long-term storage or other disposition. A variety of ISM are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions, comprising rotating means, means for physically increasing the difference in mass density of the fractions for separating, a feed for medium and a first outlet for discharging one of the fractions of the separated medium mixture. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a medical fluid cartridge includes a body including a first portion defining a first fluid passageway and a second portion defining a second fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway. The body defines a gap between the first portion of the body and the second portion of the body such that the first portion of the body can be disposed in a radio frequency device while the second portion of the body remains outside the radio frequency device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of hydraulic energy by direct osmosis from two saline solutions having different concentrations made to pass through one or more modules of semipermeable membranes having a double inlet and outlet port, originally designed to execute the process of inverse osmosis, without a requirement to realise any technical modification to said modules of membranes. In this manner, an osmotic potential is produced in the membranes creating a current of solution having a pressure sufficient to produce hydraulic energy. A further object of the present invention is the installation designed to produce hydraulic energy according to the stated procedure and the use thereof, together with a desalination plant and a tertiary waste water treatment plant comprising the installation to produce hydraulic energy.

Abstract: An energy efficient membrane based desalination process, which utilizes an osmotically driven energy recovery sub-process. Energy recovery sub-process involves the extraction of water from low salinity first aqueous solution by using a high salinity content, pressurized second aqueous solution to draw the water from first aqueous solution across a semi-permeable membrane. High salinity content, pressurized second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the low salinity content first solution to drive water from first solution to the second solution with respect to chemical potential differences. The process also harvests the Gibbs free energy of mixing in terms of pressure conservation in the second solution, while the volume of second solution is increasing by the drawn water from the first solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clot trap that comprises a disc-shaped screen surface for collecting clots in a fluid flowing through the screen surface. It further relates to an external blood cassette and a blood circuit, as well as a treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is concerned with a screen-type filter element, and a method for its manufacture. The screen type filter comprises a substantially rigid screen-bearing skeleton and at least one fine screen sheet material extending within or over the skeleton and secured thereto by a plurality of enveloping ribs, the enveloping ribs being applied over one face of the filter screen sheet to thereby support it at discrete portions and secure it to the skeleton.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composite membrane support composed of a dry process thermoplastic resin filaments nonwoven fabric having a significantly high uniformity to enable formation of a porous layer free from strike-through or a defect such as pinhole at the film formation, producing no skin layer defect at the formation of a skin layer, and being excellent in the mechanical strength and dimensional stability at high temperatures, and a high-performance composite membrane and a composite membrane element each using the composite membrane support. The composite membrane support of the present invention is a laminate dry process thermoplastic resin filaments nonwoven fabric comprising three or more layers containing at least a meltblown fiber layer as an interlayer and spunbond fiber layers on both sides of the interlayer, wherein the average value of air flow resistance is from 2.0 to 30.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrafiltration. In particular, the present invention provides nanoporous membranes having pores for generating in vitro and in vivo ultrafiltrate, devices and bioartificial organs utilizing such nanoporous membranes, and related methods (e.g., diagnostic methods, research methods, drug screening). The present invention further provides nanoporous membranes configured to avoid protein fouling with, for example, a polyethylene glycol surface coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the elimination of substances from liquids, in particular from blood, comprising a primary circuit for the liquid to be treated, a filter which is integrated therein and at whose secondary side a secondary circuit is connected in which at least one adsorber is arranged, wherein respective pumps are provided in the primary and secondary circuits. In accordance with the invention, an expansion vessel in which liquid of the secondary circuit is discontinuously taken up and output again is integrated in the secondary circuit.

Abstract: A membrane separation device that treats water constructed such that at least two permeate streams of different electrical conductivity are generated therein, including at least two membrane modules arranged in a common pressure vessel such that they can be successively subjected to incoming flow of the water to be treated, wherein the pressure vessel is a tube in which the at least two membrane modules are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction and the at least two membrane modules are spirally wound modules.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system with energy recovery features may provide feed water to a reverse osmosis unit. The system includes an electronic controller unit that regulates the output of three hydraulic pumps. Each hydraulic pump drives the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The pistons collectively deliver a generally constant flow of high pressure feed water. Valve bodies direct reverse osmosis concentrate to the back sides of the pistons. The electronic controller coordinates the output of the hydraulic pumps with the actuation of the valve bodies. Movement of the pistons is controlled, in part, by a feed back loop to verify the desired hydraulic pump output. Valve bodies are designed to begin closing when an associated piston velocity decreases. The valve body moves after a dwell period when an associated piston should not be moving. The piston and cylinder are designed for exposure to high salt-content water.

Abstract: Filtration processes and systems are provided for the separation of a filterable fluid stream by a filtration membrane module with uniform transmembrane pressure and flux along the membrane and internal control of membrane fouling via intermittent periodic reduction of the pressure differential between the permeate and retentate sides of the membrane and/or backwashing cycles during separation, recovery, and/or purification of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, biologically produced polymers and other compounds or materials from aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A nanoporous polymeric membrane is obtained by bombing a polymer film by means of high energy focused heavy ion beams and subsequently performing chemical etching to remove the portions of the polymer film in the zones degraded by the ion bombing, in such a manner to obtain pores passing through the polymer film. The heavy ion bombing is performed after interposing between the source of ions and the polymer film, adjacent to the film, an amplitude mask having an ordered arrangement of nanopores and having sufficient thickness to prevent the passage of the heavy ions that are not directed through the pores of said amplitude mask, in such a manner to obtain in the polymer fill an ordered arrangement of nanopores having an aspect-ratio at least exceeding 10 and preferably exceeding 100.