Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a conditioned electrochemical mechanical polishing pad are provided. A polishing pad is conditioned using a first set of process conditions. A sheet wafer and a residue wafer are polished on the polishing pad. The removal rates of one or more materials from the sheet wafer and the residue wafer are measured. A normalized removal rate is calculated. The polishing pad is further conditioned if the normalized removal rate is not within a minimum value and a maximum value. In one embodiment, the normalized removal rate comprises a ratio of the removal rate of the residue wafer to the removal rate of the sheet wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for simultaneously electropolishing a plurality of metallic stents. A plurality of elongated members on the apparatus are movably engaged with a plate such that movement of the plate relative to the elongated members causes each of the elongated members to rotate on its respective longitudinal axis when immersed in an electrolytic solution. A continuous cathode is located in close proximity to each of the elongated members when they are immersed in the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A low temperature carburized stainless steel workpiece is colorized by electropolishing followed by alternating current electrolysis in an electrolysis bath maintained at a neutral or slightly basic pH and containing ions of a metal having multiple valence states.

Abstract: An anode for use in cathodic protection of steel in concrete is formed from an electrically conductive material such as zinc and an ionically conductive material which is preferably a humectant and/or has a pH greater than 12 to enhance current flow. The materials are intimately intermixed through at least a part of the anode body and compressed into the anode body with an electrical connecting lead formed into a core of the body which is wholly conductive material. Portions of the electrically conductive material are pressed into electrical contact to form a plurality of electrically conductive paths within the anode body. Many of the voids in the body are interconnected to form a plurality of ionically conductive paths through the anode body by causing the humectant to migrate through the voids. The large surface area between the ionically conductive paths and the electrically conductive paths increase significantly the contact surface area of the anode body to increase current flow.

Abstract: A detection method or a method for a point of care diagnostic assay which comprises detecting non-covalently bound copper (free copper) concentrations in a fluid.

Abstract: A multi-chamber container of the present invention is divided into a plurality of filling chambers 11, 12 by a seal 13, and has a container body 1 with the chambers 11, 12 filled with respective solutions, and a cover 2 that covers at least one of the chambers 11, 12 of the container body 1. The cover 2 includes a pair of rigid members 21 that sandwich the seal portion 13 from the outside, and seal portions 22 provided to close the rigid members 21. In this multi-chamber container, the cover 2 is held when the filling chambers 11, 12 are not opened in therebetween, while being dropped easily when the filling chambers 11, 12 are opened in therebetween and the thickness of the seal portion 13 increases.

Abstract: A cartridge accommodation case includes a generally rectangular cartridge accommodation top case formed with partitioned rooms for holding plural cartridges and a generally rectangular cartridge accommodation bottom case having partitioned rooms which have substantially the same shape as and opposed to the partitioned rooms of the top case. The top case and the bottom case have the same structure and are provided with projections and recesses which can engage each other. The cartridge accommodation case is given, inside, partitioned rooms which are two times larger in space than the partitioned rooms of the top case and the bottom case when the top case and the bottom case are placed one on the other and the projections and the recesses are engaged with each other. The top case and the bottom case are provided with ribs which are fitted into/with each other when cartridge accommodation cases are stacked.

Abstract: A dental floss dispensing device comprises a body and a dental floss dispenser and floss cutter assembly, the body has a cavity therein, the cavity has a longitudinal axis. The assembly is disposed at least partially within the cavity of the body and is movable along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The assembly is selectively positionable between at least a storage position where the dispenser is at least partially within the cavity of the body and an accessible position where the dispenser is at least partially outside the cavity of the body. The floss cutter is accessible when the assembly is in the accessible position and is concealed when the assembly is in the storage position. When the assembly is in the storage position the dispenser is concealed and no dental floss extends outside of the device. The assembly is selectively positionable between the accessible position and the storage position by rotating the body relative to the dental floss dispenser.

Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.

Abstract: A pull-type ribbon object packaging structure which is convenient for collecting without unpacking is constituted by a shade, a back card, and a content, wherein the content is a roll of ribbon object. One or a plurality of projected shades having a size a little larger than that of the content is installed at a proper position of the shade. The content is emplaced in the projected shade, and then a periphery of the shade is sealed on the back card. An opening used for pulling is located on the shade or back card in front of the projected shade. Accordingly, the content inside the shade can be pulled out by unlocking the openings directly, which is very convenient to use.

Abstract: A container for holding an article includes a deformable sleeve and an inner tray. In one embodiment, the inner tray is adapted to hold the article in the container in an orientation within the deformable sleeve with a portion of the article extending from the inner tray and at a position adjacent an opening in the deformable sleeve through which the article may be removed. In another embodiment, the inner tray includes at least one button adapted to be received in a corresponding aperture in the deformable sleeve. The at least one button and aperture cooperate to resist disengagement between the inner tray and the deformable sleeve by stress placed on the sleeve, and the inner tray is adapted to hold the article in the container in an orientation within the deformable sleeve.

Abstract: Packaging systems for medical devices, such as surgical instruments, implants, and prostheses, are provided herein. In one embodiment, the packaging system comprises a blister tray that is at least semi-transparent and has at least one cavity capable of containing a medical device or portion thereof. The system additionally comprises a card having at least one window, wherein the at least one cavity in the blister tray protrudes through the at least one window in the card. The packaging systems provide a convenient, informative, and preferably sterile means of distributing medical devices.

Abstract: Dual use plastic packages for prepackaged retail product are constructed to be recyclable, making the package environment friendly. The package also provides an in-the-package display of the packaged product, and allows for inclusion of advertising and promotional material. The basic package structure is formed of injection molded virgin clarified polypropylene material, a transparent material. In one embodiment a sheet of advertising material is held in a thin narrow sleeve formed on the outside surface of the package, allowing the paper sheet to be withdrawn during recycling operations. In another embodiment, the printed material is printed on the thin plastic sheet, which is clearly recyclable, although recovering a darkened plastic when recycled. A novel lock device is disclosed. Either or both those packages or any other retail packages may include the lock device to prevent the package from being opened in store. In this, the lock device includes a lock bar.

Abstract: A stick-on, flexible peel and seal, wet wipes package includes a flexible package body having a front surface, a rear surface and an internal space sized to contain a plurality of removable wet wipes. An elongated opening extends through the package body to the internal space for accessing and permitting dispensing of the removable wet wipes. A substantially self-closing, resealable label flap is positioned on the front surface of the package body to cover the opening formed therein. The label flap has a bottom surface provided with a sealing adhesive that creates a seal entirely around the periphery of the opening and permits repeated application and removal of the label flap relative to the package body. The label flap further has a starting tab non-adhesively positionable in contact with the front surface of the package body. An adhesive layer structure is provided on the rear surface of the package body for adhering the package body to a support surface.

Abstract: A container for a flexible bag of liquid that supports the bag during transportation, storage and use in dispensing of the liquid. The container is made from two generally similar pans that form lower and upper parts of the container. Each pan includes a plurality of generally similar multiple projections that function to support the container on a surface as well as in a stable stacked formation.

Abstract: A stacked plastic film bag system includes a plurality of open top bags and at least one tongue for separating front and back panels of a bag that is next to be dispensed. Each bag has a header for maintaining the plurality of stacked open top bags in a mechanically pressed and/or heat-sealed. The tongue(s) extends below the front panel tops of the bags so as to permit a bag user to pull off a most forward bag wherein the front panel of the next sequential bag will be pulled forward so as to position in front of the tongue and will fall back to rest after complete removal of the most forward bag to effect interleafing of the tongue between the front panel and the back panel of each next sequential bag to ready it for easy removal and to inhibit static cling of the front and back panels.

Abstract: A stackable tray includes a tray body, which is formed by a cardboard blank including a heat resistant cardboard. The stackable tray includes a guiding element configured for providing a shifting of a first tray relative to a similar second tray located below the first tray in a first direction parallel to its surface, when first tray is stacked on a similar second tray; and the guiding element provides for preventing a shifting of the first tray relative to the similar second tray in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and substantially parallel to its surface.

Abstract: A self-contained washing device or kit includes a main brush having a brush plate and a cleaning member, an elongate extension member that may be selectively coupled to the main brush, and a storage housing for selectively receiving the main brush and extension member. The storage housing includes a watertight construction for selectively retaining cleaning fluids such as water and detergent. The brush plate includes a handle region and an elongate lower face that is bowed toward the handle region. The brush plate is constructed of a pliable material that allows the lower face to become less bowed when pressure is placed against the lower face. An auxiliary brush may also be provided separate from the main brush that includes first and second brushes each having different preselected cleaning characteristics. The storage housing defines an overflow outlet for draining excess cleaning fluids.

Abstract: A packaging box comprising a box and a frame disposed inside the box is provided. The frame includes a bottom panel, two flaps and two tabs. The flaps are connected to the opposite sides of the bottom panel and the junction between each flap and the bottom panel has a first folding line. Each flap includes a plurality of inlaid openings, a second folding line and a third folding line. The inlaid openings are arranged along the direction of extension of the first folding line. The second folding line is tangent to one side of these inlaid openings. The third folding line is tangent to the opposite side of these inlaid openings. The distance from the bottom panel to the second folding line is greater than that to the third folding line. The tabs fixed to the bottom panel are connected to the flaps along the respective second folding lines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an installation for treatment of a heavy petroleum feedstock, of which at least 80% by weight has a boiling point of greater than 340° C., whereby the process comprises the following stages: (a) hydroconversion in a boiling-bed reactor operating with a rising flow of liquid and gas, conversion in % by weight of the fraction having a boiling point of greater than 540° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalytic distillation system which combines two fundamental unit operations, chemical reaction and distillation in a single piece of equipment for hydrocracking and hydrotreating of Fischer-Tropsch liquids.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process wherein a heavy oil feedstock upgrader alters its mode of operation of its full conversion hydroprocessing unit to create a custom tailored synthetic crude feedstock based upon data communicated from a target refinery and data communicated from the heavy oil feedstock upgrader. The data from the target refinery is data that represents refining process data and linear program modeling along with analysis by a refining planner to calculate the optimum “synthetic trim crude” that will optimize the effective use of the target refinery's capacity and equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst including at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element chosen from the group formed by the group VIB and group VIII elements of the periodic table and a substrate based on a silica-alumina matrix with a reduced content of macropores containing a quantity greater than 5% by weight and less than or equal to 95% by weight of silica (SiO2) and based on at least one zeolite. The invention also relates to a substrate based on a silica-alumina matrix with a reduced content of macropores containing a quantity greater than 5% by weight and less than or equal to 95% by weight of silica (SiO2) and based on at least one zeolite. The invention also relates to hydrocracking and/or hydroconversion processes and hydrotreating processes utilising a catalyst according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst and a process for its preparation and its use in cracking heavy feedstocks. The catalyst comprises one or more zeolites having a controlled silica to alumina ratio and preferably treated with alkali in the presence of a matrix component selected from the group consisting of clays, synthetic matrix other than pillared clay, and mixtures thereof. The catalyst are particularly useful in treating heavy feedstock such as residues from oil sands processing.

Abstract: A method for extracting hydrocarbons from a vessel by displacement. The method including the displacement of a hydrocarbon source with a material of different density and recovery of the hydrocarbons from the vessel. Additionally, a method for extracting hydrocarbons from a vessel by gas displacement through chemical introduction. The method including introduction of hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate into a vessel, production of carbon dioxide from the reaction of the hydrochloric acid and the sodium bicarbonate, displacement of a hydrocarbon source inside the vessel, and recovery of the hydrocarbon source from the vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and a system for recovering energy, materials or both from asphaltene-containing tailings are disclosed. The asphaltene-containing tailings can be generated, for example, from a process for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sand. Embodiments of the method can include a flotation separation and a hydrophobic agglomeration separation. Flotation can be used to separate the asphaltene-containing tailings into an asphaltene-rich froth and an asphaltene-depleted aqueous phase. The asphaltene-rich froth, or an asphaltene-rich slurry formed from the asphaltene-rich froth, then can be separated into a heavy mineral concentrate and a light tailings. Hydrophobic agglomeration can be used to recover an asphaltene concentrate from the light tailings. Another flotation separation can be included to remove sulfur-containing minerals from the heavy mineral concentrate. Oxygen-containing minerals also can be recovered from the heavy mineral concentrate.

Abstract: A thermal method and apparatus are provided for recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing solids such as oil shale, tar sands and other hydrocarbonaceous solids. The method includes combusting a pre-determined fraction of the hydrocarbon bearing aggregate solid in a closed reactor, thereby providing exothermic heat and gaseous combustion products which raise the temperature and pressure of the aggregate in the reactor causing the remaining solid hydrocarbon to undergo pyrolysis, phase changes and composition changes simultaneously upgrading the hydrocarbon product. The products of the operation are then produced and condensed.

Abstract: A sluice system for a vacuum coating facility for coating substrates that can be moved through the vacuum coating in a direction of conveyance comprises a prevacuum slice chamber and a transfer chamber adjoining a coating chamber, wherein a fine vacuum can be regulated before the transfer chamber on the input side in the direction of conveyance and after the transfer device on the output side in the direction of conveyance. The prevacuum sluice chamber is directly adjacent to the transfer chamber and the fine vacuum can be regulated in the prevacuum sluice chamber. A high-vacuum pump system can also alternatively and selectively be connected to the prevacuum sluice chamber.

Abstract: A process for the production of a range of improved biomass material products suitable for use as a fuel and which have been derived from municipal solid waste (MSW). The process comprises the steps of delivering a stream of mixed, MSW derived biomass material into a separator which operates under negative pressure enabling the biomass material to fall down the separator whilst inducing a sole air stream through the falling material to create a vortex of spinning material within the turbo chamber to separate out by centrifugal action selected denser components of the biomass material enabling such to continue falling to an outlet for collection whilst redirecting by entrainment in the air stream the remaining biomass material to a second outlet for subsequent processing or for collection.

Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.

Abstract: A method for sorting mail pieces includes the steps of loading mail pieces to be sorted into individual holders, sorting the holders using an automated system that stores and reorders the holders so that the holders are ordered according to a sort scheme for the mail pieces, storing the sorted holders in a storage area during sorting, and then unloading the mail pieces from the holders in order according to the sort scheme. The storage step occurs during sorting in the sense that a series of reordered holders is gradually created in one of a variety ways by the sorting process, and a storage area is provided for this purpose. Preferably the method further includes steps of unloading the sorted holders from the storage area and transporting the holders to an unloading station at which the unloading step is carried out.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system comprising an integrated sensor for measurement of permeate flow and permeate conductivity of individual membrane elements while they are in operation in an RO unit. The flow and conductivity measuring integrated sensor is of a small size that enables it to be inserted into the permeate tube of connected membrane elements during RO unit operation. Measured flow and conductivity information is transferred to the recording device through electric wires or through wireless transmission.

Abstract: An indicator for a refrigerator filter which has a body configured to contain a replaceable filter cartridge and including an openable cap to enclose the filter cartridge within the body. The indicator includes a control having a filter life determination mechanism and arranged to emit a signal when a life of the filter cartridge is determined to be expired. A visual display is arranged in association with the body which comprises an illuminating component which illuminates upon receipt of the signal from the control, graphics positioned in association with the body, and a light pipe extending from the graphics towards the illuminating component to transmit light from the illuminating component to the graphics.

Abstract: An indicator that the cartridge is draining slowly is placed on top of the cartridge. When slow draining causes urine to pool on top of the cartridge, liquid enters a float housing, causing an indicator to change color. The indicator is visible through a lens in a diverter. The indicator may be a disk that undergoes a chemical reaction to change color or a float that flips over to reveal a side having a different color. When the cartridge is operating properly, the float displays a first color. Flipping of the float reveals a second color to the observer. A color change indicates that the cartridge needs to be replaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering a fluid, in particular a liquefied plastic, with a housing with backflush channel and screen carrier and filter element whereby, in order to accelerate and improve the backflush effect, one or more displacement cylinders are provided that guide material removed from the production at adjustable high pressure and speed to the screen to be cleaned from the clean screen side to the dirty screen side, whereby an additional pressure generator ensures constant process pressure.

Abstract: Replaceable cartridge filtering jug including a for containing water requiring filtration and a vessel for the collection of filtered water in which the vessels are connected through the cartridge together with a device for counting the filtering cycles performed by the cartridge to determine the state of exhaustion of the cartridge. The device for counting the filtering cycles includes at least one float level detector associated with one of the vessels and capable of generating at least one counting signal fed to a counter as a result of the corresponding water level being reached within the associated vessel.

Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic system which has a component lube circuit, a pump supplying hydraulic fluid from a sump to a first and a second hydraulic control circuit includes a filter circuit. The filter circuit includes a first filter circuit outlet connected to a inlet of the lube circuit, a sump line connected to the sump, and a second filter circuit outlet connected to an inlet of the pump. A suction filter or screen is connected between the sump line and the second filter circuit outlet. A suction bypass filter or screen is connected in series with a suction bypass valve between the sump line and the second filter circuit outlet. A return filter or screen is connected to an outlet of the first control circuit. A return line is connected between the return filter and the first filter circuit outlet. A return bypass filter or screen is connected in series with a return bypass valve between an outlet of the first control circuit and the return line.

Abstract: A hydraulic filter assembly includes a housing mounted to a manifold which has a first inlet port, a second inlet port and an outlet port. The housing encloses a hollow outer filter element and a hollow inner filter element spaced apart from and received within the outer filter element. The housing and the outer filter element enclose an outer chamber therebetween, the outer filter element and the inner filter element enclose a middle chamber therebetween, and the inner filter element surround an inner chamber. The manifold has a first passage communicating the first inlet port to the inner chamber, a second passage communicating the second inlet port to the outer chamber, and a third passage communicating the middle chamber to the outlet port. As a result, fluid flows from the outer chamber to the middle chamber via the outer filter element and so that fluid flows from the inner chamber to the middle chamber via the inner filter element.

Abstract: A water purifier system is provided including a housing having a first, upper reservoir and a second, lower reservoir. A filter cartridge is arranged to be received within the housing, the filter cartridge having at least one inlet for receiving water from the first reservoir and at least one outlet for dispensing water into the second reservoir. A UV source is disposed within the second reservoir for purifying the water contained therein, and a control interface is removably connected to the housing for controlling the operation of the UV source.

Abstract: A bottom seal, at the lower end of a step screen, is adapted to convey solid particles and other objects positioned in flowing water. The step screen has a grating including alternately fixed and movable lamellar rods with intermediate gaps to allow the water to pass through the grating. The bottom seal extends substantially across the entire width of the grating to seal the ducts that arise between the fixed lamellar rods at their lowermost step as the movable lamellar rods move upwards between the fixed lamellar rods. The bottom seal includes an elongate bottom cover, which at its longitudinal edge upstream is, via hinges, pivotally connected to the step screen via a bottom step upstream of the bottom cover.

Abstract: A modular aquarium filter includes one or more cartridges connected in series. The cartridges may contain filter media for chemical, biological and/or mechanical filtration. In addition, the cartridges are designed such that they provide a unique internal helical geometry to increase the contact area and flow rate of the water with the filter media. The helix may be optionally adjusted to provide different thickness filter layers for aquarium filtration. The pitch of the flights of the helix may be varied to provide enhanced centrifugal flow of the water within the cartridge. The present invention also provides self-sealing valve assemblies at the filter inlet and outlet, which when disconnected shut off the flow of water through the filter to expedite exchange of the cartridges.

Abstract: The invention is a water purification device, and method, for removing contaminants from water for consumption, consisting of: 1) one or more heat exchangers for transferring heat between steam and water, and/or between water and water, and/or between steam and liquid, and/or between steam and air, and/or between air and liquid, where at least one heat exchanger is located before a degasser; 2) a heater; 3) a boiler chamber; 4) a demister; 5) a degasser located before the boiler chamber; and, 6) a self-cleaning component. Additional embodiments include an air-cooled device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating greasy waste fluids comprises a fluid inlet which receives the waste fluids, and a waste filtering device positioned downstream from the fluid inlet; the waste filtering device is so configured as to retain at least a portion of the particulate matters contained in the waste fluids. The apparatus further comprises a compartment which is so configured as to receive a slow-releasing grease treating formulation. Also, the apparatus comprises a fluid outlet positioned downstream from the compartment. Furthermore, the compartment is so positioned in a flow path defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet as to contact the waste fluids.

Abstract: A reducing water purification material having a reducing iron-based precipitate selected from green rust, iron ferrite, reducing iron hydroxide, and a mixture thereof. A wastewater treatment process having steps of adding a reducing iron compound to wastewater, leading the wastewater to which the reducing iron compound is added to a reaction tank and forming a precipitate, separating the formed precipitate by a solid-liquid separation to obtain a sludge, and alkalinizing all or a portion of the separated sludge to form an alkaline sludge followed by returning to the reaction tank, wherein in the precipitation step, the wastewater to which the reducing iron compound is added and the alkaline sludge are mixed and are allowed to react in a non-oxidizing atmosphere under alkaline condition to form a reducing iron compound precipitate as the precipitate, thereby incorporating contaminants in the precipitate to remove the contaminants from the wastewater.

Abstract: A water conditioner includes a plate located diametrically across a pipe and a plurality of posts in lines on, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the plane and extending from either side thereof, to be close to the periphery of a pipe with which the water conditioner is located. There may also be a plurality of ribs extending from either side of the plate and adjacent the posts for providing a plurality of discreet paths through the water conditioner.

Abstract: A plate shifting apparatus for a filter press having a series of filter plates in a horizontal series can be used to remove filter cake from the plates after a filter operation. The plates are horizontally movable in a longitudinal direction of the press. The apparatus includes a shifter carriage adapted for horizontal movement in the longitudinal direction and a plate shifting assembly mounted on this carriage. The assembly includes a movable endless flexible member that in use extends horizontally in the longitudinal direction and a shifter member, such as a pin, mounted on the flexible member for movement therewith. During use of the apparatus, the assembly can shift each filter plate in the series horizontally from a first filtering position to a second position in order to discharge the filter cake, and this shifting is carried out sequentially starting with a leading filter plate in the series.

Abstract: A spin-on filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter element operably oriented in the housing, a baffle plate, and a seal arrangement. The baffle plate is operably oriented over the housing open end. The baffle plate defines a central flow aperture. The baffle plate defines a continuous groove immediately adjacent to and circumscribing the central flow aperture. The seal arrangement is secured to the baffle plate spaced from and circumscribing the continuous groove. In another aspect, a filter assembly includes a spin-on filter cartridge as characterized above and a filter head. The spin-on filter cartridge is removably mountable on the filter head. The filter head includes a central spud defining outer threads. An O-ring seal member or a gasket seal member is operably oriented around the central spud.

Abstract: A restraining system for hollow fibres is provided. The restraining system includes a plurality of longitudinally extending elements spaced from one another and supported by a number of discrete spacer elements, each spacer element extending generally transverse of said longitudinal elements, such that in combination with said longitudinal elements they define a cage-like structure.

Abstract: A curved hollow fiber membrane comprises a support and a film. The support is curved before being coated with the film. The membrane may be used, for example, in a filtration module.

Abstract: A loading mechanism holds at least one extracting cartridge provided with a filter member, at least one waste liquid vessel for accommodating a discharged liquid of a sample liquid and a discharged liquid of a washing liquid, which discharged liquids have been discharged from the extracting cartridge, and at least one recovery vessel for accommodating a recovery liquid, which contains a recovered nucleic acid and has been discharged from the extracting cartridge. A pressurized air supplying mechanism introduces pressurized air into the extracting cartridge. A liquid injecting mechanism injects each of the washing liquid and the recovery liquid into the extracting cartridge.