Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter screen (27) comprising a band (27?) of porous material extending between two axially aligned opposing ends (38, 38?) and defining a cylindrical periphery (29), wherein the ends (38, 38?) are each secured to a dynamic tensioning mechanism (46) that permits the ends (38, 38?) to move bi-directionally relative to one another about the periphery (29) of the filter screen (27).

Abstract: A filter assembly including a filter screen (27) comprising a band (27?) of porous material extending between two axially aligned opposing ends (38, 38?) and defining a cylindrical periphery (29), wherein the ends (38, 38?) are each secured to a dynamic tensioning mechanism (46) that permits the ends (38, 38?) to move bi-directionally relative to one another about the periphery (29) of the filter screen (27).

Abstract: Cross-flow filtration systems and corresponding methods for separation particulate matter from liquids. A representative system includes a cross-flow filtration zone (24) in fluid communication with a particulate settling zone (30) and further includes a fluid inlet (14) in fluid communication with one of the zones and a process fluid outlet (20) and in fluid communication with the other zone. A fluid treatment pathway (28) extends from the fluid inlet (14), through the cross-flow filtration and particulate settling zones (24, 30) to the process fluid outlet (20). A filter assembly (26) is located within the cross-flow filtration zone (24) and comprises a membrane surface (44) that isolates a filtrate chamber (46) from the fluid treatment pathway (28), and the filtrate chamber (46) is in fluid communication with a filtered fluid outlet (16). A recirculation pump (Z) in fluid communication with the process fluid outlet (20) and fluid inlet (14).

Abstract: Cross-flow filtration systems and corresponding methods for separation particulate matter from liquids. A representative system includes a cross-flow filtration zone (24) in fluid communication with a particulate settling zone (30) and further includes a fluid inlet (14) in fluid communication with one of the zones and a process fluid outlet (20) and in fluid communication with the other zone. A fluid treatment pathway (28) extends from the fluid inlet (14), through the cross-flow filtration and particulate settling zones (24, 30) to the process fluid outlet (20). A filter assembly (26) is located within the cross-flow filtration zone (24) and comprises a membrane surface (44) that isolates a filtrate chamber (46) from the fluid treatment pathway (28), and the filtrate chamber (46) is in fluid communication with a filtered fluid outlet (16). A recirculation pump (Z) in fluid communication with the process fluid outlet (20) and fluid inlet (14).

Abstract: Filter assemblies and fluid flow inhibitors that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. Moreover extensible filter assemblies are described. In one aspect of the invention, extensible filtration assemblies can be used to operate in circulating fluid filtration devices. Such extensible filter elements can use fluid manifold to reduce the effects of fluid circulation inside filter elements and to reduce reverse flow problems in such filters. Additionally, indexable filter elements and invertable filtration elements can be used to extend filter life in filtration in filtration devices.

Abstract: Cleaning assemblies and particulate tolerant fluid bearings that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. In one aspect of the invention, at least one bearing is arranged to carry a circulating cleaning assembly such that the cleaning assembly can rotate around a filter membrane during filtering operation of the filtration device. The bearing is preferably arranged to maintain the circulating cleaning assembly in a substantially coaxial alignment with the filter membrane and in a substantially stable longitudinal position relative to the filter membrane as the circulating cleaning assembly is rotated around the filter membrane. In another aspect of the invention a variety of particulate tolerant bearings are described.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone (10) having a tank (12) including a fluid inlet (14), a filtered fluid outlet (16), an effluent outlet (18), a process fluid outlet (20) and an inner peripheral wall (22) enclosing three vertically aligned chambers (24, 30, 32) including a vortex chamber (24) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet through a fluid pathway (28) adapted for receiving an incoming fluid flow and generating a vortex fluid flow about a filter assembly (26) which is located within the vortex chamber which encloses a filtrate chamber (66) which is in fluid communication with the filtered fluid outlet (16). An effluent separation chamber (30) is located bellow the vortex chamber and is in fluid communication with the vortex chamber and the effluent outlet. A process fluid chamber is located bellow the effluent separation chamber and is in fluid communication with the effluent separation chamber and the process fluid outlet.

Abstract: A hydroclone (10) having a tank (12) including a fluid inlet (14), a filtered fluid outlet (16), an effluent outlet (18), a process fluid outlet (20) and an inner peripheral wall (22) enclosing a plurality of vertically aligned chambers (24, 30, 32). In one embodiment the tank (12) includes three vertically aligned chambers including a vortex chamber (24) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (14). A filter assembly (26) is located within the vortex chamber (24) and encloses a filtrate chamber (66). The vortex chamber (24) includes a fluid pathway (28) adapted for receiving incoming fluid and generating a vortex fluid flow about the filter assembly (26). The filtrate chamber (56) is in fluid communication with the filtered fluid outlet (16) such that fluid passing through the filter assembly (26) enters the filtrate chamber (56) and may exit the tank (12) by way of the filtered fluid outlet (16).

Abstract: Filter assemblies and fluid flow inhibitors that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. Moreover extensible filter assemblies are described. In one aspect of the invention, extensible filtration assemblies can be used to operate in circulating fluid filtration devices. Such extensible filter elements can use fluid manifold to reduce the effects of fluid circulation inside filter elements and to reduce reverse flow problems in such filters. Additionally, indexable filter elements and invertable filtration elements can be used to extend filter life in filtration in filtration devices.

Abstract: Cleaning assemblies and particulate tolerant fluid bearings that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. In one aspect of the invention, at least one bearing is arranged to carry a circulating cleaning assembly such that the cleaning assembly can rotate around a filter membrane during filtering operation of the filtration device. The bearing is preferably arranged to maintain the circulating cleaning assembly in a substantially coaxial alignment with the filter membrane and in a substantially stable longitudinal position relative to the filter membrane as the circulating cleaning assembly is rotated around the filter membrane. In another aspect of the invention a variety of particulate tolerant bearings are described.

Abstract: A computer having a case has a connection point for a communications line, where the connection point is accessible from outside the case. A socket receives a standard communications hardware card, the hardware card having a first receptacle to electrically connect to circuits of the computer, and the hardware card having a second receptacle to electrically connect to an exterior electrical circuit, the exterior electrical circuit usually being exterior to the case. A mounting means attaches the socket to the computer, the mounting means positioning the socket to facilitate a connection to the second receptacle of the hardware card, the connection located wholly internal to the case. A multi wire connector electrically connects to the second receptacle of the hardware card, and the multi wire connector is located wholly internal to the case.

Abstract: A computer apparatus for receiving a removable communication card such as a radio card or a modem card. A radio or modem is self-contained inside a housing of the communication card and has an electrical interface for communicating information to and from the computer apparatus. The computer apparatus receives the communication card such that it engages the electrical interface. The computer apparatus additionally has at least one pair of electrical contacts which will encounter electrical contacts on the communication card. These contacts automatically connect the communication card to an appropriate antenna, telephone, telephone line or power source. A radio communication card is connected to the appropriate antenna for the type and frequency of the radio. A modem card is connected to a standard telephone line, a cellular phone, or an antenna for a cellular phone if the cellular phone is also disposed within the housing of the modem communication card.