Abstract: Malodorous gas is removed from mineral water by spraying the water through a stream of air, and collecting the sprayed water, which is circulated through the spraying operation. The collected sprayed water is passed through a filter. Some of the filtered and deodorized water is delivered to individual spas. A first heater keeps water circulated through the tank at a comfortable temperature. A second heater warms the air stream passing into the sprayed water to facilitate removal of malodorous gas.

Abstract: An oil filter comprises a housing that is open at one end and has an end plate connected to the housing for closing the open end. The end plate has at least one inlet opening and an outlet opening therein. An anti-drain back valve is provided for precluding return flow of oil through the inlet opening. An annular filter media is disposed in said housing. An end cap is provided at each end of the filter media. The end cap remote from the end plate has at least one opening spaced radially outwardly from the central axis thereof. A spring cooperates with said end cap remote from the end plate. Normally, the opening in the spring is closed to oil flow. When the filter media becomes clogged, the pressure within the housing increases and when the pressure differential across the end cap remote from the end plate exceeds a predetermined value, the opening in the spring is opened for oil flow.

Abstract: A device for producing a permeate from a concentrate has a separating chamber and a filter membrane dividing the separating chamber into a concentrate chamber and a permeate chamber. An inlet line is connected to the concentrate chamber and introduces the concentrate into the concentrate chamber. A concentrate line is branched off the concentrate chamber and has a control valve. A permeate line is branched off the permeate chamber. An accumulator is connected to the permeate line. A non-permeable separating membrane divides the accumulator into a storage chamber and a pressurized chamber, wherein the storage chamber is connected to the permeate line and the pressurized chamber is connected to the control valve of the concentrate line. The control valve is a jet nozzle and has a jet head, wherein the concentrate line opens into the jet head.

Abstract: The oil filter 23 is situated downstream of the oil control valve 4 while extending in the axial direction of the advance-angle side oil path. Therefore, any foreign matter existing between the control valve 4 and the actuator 3 is removed by the filter 23 to prevent foreign matter from becoming lodged in the oil control valve 4. This stabilizes the operation of the variable valve timing mechanism.

Abstract: A microbial resistant water purification and collection system includes a reverse osmosis filter assembly 19 having a filter inlet in selective fluid communication with a system inlet and a filter outlet in fluid communication with a water storage container 12 for storing filtrate. At least a portion of the storage container is located at an elevation above the filter membrane such that filling of the storage container creates a head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane to enable a backflow of filtrate therethrough. A mechanical shut-off valve 27 is interposed the system inlet 11 and the filter inlet to block fluid communication therebetween, wherein activation of the shut-off valve occurs by the physical contact thereof with the storage container upon reaching a minimum head pressure in the storage container relative to the filter membrane.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating a wastewater stream from industrial and municipal sources uses a control system to sequence and supervise the treatment steps in a batch flow mode of operation or a continuous flow mode of operation. In operation, the wastewater treatment system predominantly operates in the batch flow mode. However, the wastewater treatment system operates in a continuous flow mode when the influent wastewater stream exceeds the system's nominal design flow transition point. The control system receives an input signal, relating to the influent flow rate, and switches one or more reactors of the wastewater treatment system from the batch flow mode to a continuous flow mode according to a control algorithm.

Abstract: A device and method for the filtration and purification of suspended solids from high turbidity wastewater or other fluids using a slow circulating fluid stream flow inside a vessel of fluid containing a mixture of coagulant and suspended solids. By determining and using a calculated velocity of the flow of the fluid in the vessel, suspended solids are caused to separate from the fluid in which they are suspended by natural actions of gravity and pressure differentials in the vessel ceasing the rise of the suspended solids. The suspended solids are filtered from the water or other fluid by a filter layer of the suspended solids themselves which form a filter element for the fluid at a determined level in the vessel wherein suspended solids are separated and drain back though a return orifice leaving cleansed fluid to rise through a secondary filtration system of buoyant balls floating at a higher lever.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water treatment system includes a tube connecting unit 10 having a water incoming end 102, a water outgoing end 103, and a diaphragm 104 having a check valve 108 therein to allow water to flow directly from the incoming end to the outgoing end. In operation, water flows from the tube connecting unit through-hole 105 and into preliminary filtering units 2 and membrane unit 3 via the pipe assembly 1. Wastewater from the membrane unit drain end 31 is then routed back to the tube connecting unit via pipe assembly 42 and through-hole 106. A faucet 5 is provided at the water outgoing end to deliver water for non-drinking uses. By virtue of issuing water from the outgoing end, the membrane is washed and cleaned. Accordingly, the amount of discharged wastewater is greatly reduced so that water resources are conserved and the useful life of the membrane is prolonged.

Abstract: The oil filter 23 is set in the downstream of the oil control valve 4 while being extended in the axial direction of the advance-angle side oil path.

Abstract: A water purifier generally associated with a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The water purifier includes a conduit having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a water purifying device disposed in the conduit between the first and second ends thereof. The first end of the conduit is arranged to conduct water to be purified into the conduit, and the second end of the conduit is arranged to conduct the purified water from the conduit to a location outside of the water purifier. A flow of the water through the conduit is completely prohibited by the cooperative operations of a pressure detector at the second end of the conduit and an electromagnetic valve at the first end of the conduit at a time when the water attempts to flow through the conduit from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: An improved dual-stage pump system is provided for the accurate pumping and filtering of viscous fluids. Two hydraulically activated pumps are provided in series with a filter and reservoir disposed in-line between the two pumps. The reservoir acts as a source bottle for the second pump and allows the first pump to pump the viscous fluid through the filter at a rate independent of the dispensing rate of the second pump. By operating the first pump at a rate independent of the second pump, back pressure at the filter is avoided. Each hydraulically activated diaphragm pump is equipped with an improved diaphragm that is pre-formed to the geometries of the process fluid cavity thereby eliminating any inaccuracies in the operation of the pumps due to expansion of retraction of the diaphragm during pump operation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing an oxidized liquid effluent containing minimal dissolved gases therein, from a subcritical wet oxidation treatment system. The oxidation mixture exiting from the treatment system is separated into a first oxidized liquid effluent and a first gaseous phase as the mixture a first separator vessel operated at a relatively low superatmospheric pressure. Sufficient pressure is maintained in the first gaseous phase to provide the motive force for transport to further treatment or discharge. The first oxidized liquid effluent flows to a second separator vessel operated at essentially atmospheric pressure, where remaining dissolved gases separate from the first oxidized liquid effluent. The second gaseous phase is discharged and the second oxidized liquid effluent is suitable for storage or further treatment. Provision for adjusting the pH of the oxidized liquid effluent during the separation process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purifier system uses municipal line water pressure to separate pure water molecules from dissolved and undissolved matter. The system makes and stores product water in a sanitary enclosed pressure vessel in the absence of back pressure. A small water cell tank and a hydraulically powered control valve enable delivery at a fast flow rate near line pressure flow rate. The control valve is a combination sensing and multiple valving device that automatically turns on product water when it is called for by a user or an ice-maker. It automatically replaces water that is drawn, then turns itself off when its tank is full. It fast flushes the dirty side of its R.O. membrane while fast flow water is being drawn, and it slow flushes the same side of the membrane while the system is making product water. These alternating slow and fast flushes whisk away residue from a built-in brine restricter. All flushes sweep debris down the drain.

Abstract: A self contained water purification process system uses a self cleaning, self sanitizing reverse osmosis unit for reliably producing purified water, storing the water, and distributing it to a central supply piping system while maintaining the integrity of the purified water. Make-up water is prepared for reverse osmosis purification by means of staged conventional filtration and chlorine removal. The prepared make-up water is then fed into one or more reverse osmosis modules by a pump at a high velocity and pressure. About 85 percent of the make-up water exits the module as purified water. All of the water not passing through the reverse osmosis membranes returns to the suction end of the pump where it blends with incoming make-up water except for a small portion that is discharged to a waste drain. The high velocity flow maintains a shear effect within the modules to prevent a sediment deposition and biofilm from occurring on the membranes and increases the efficiency of water usage.

Abstract: A float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. A secondary banjo valve is mounted along the flow path at a location above the primary valve, and, in the event of primary valve malfunction, is closed by a secondary float responsive to rising reservoir water level. In a preferred form, the secondary valve remains closed upon subsequent descent of the water level, and is manually re-opened by depression of a reset button.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.

Abstract: An aquarium pumping system includes: a container having a pump installed in the container and having sand filled in the container, a discharge tube connected between the container and an aquarium for delivering water into the aquarium, a suction tube connected between an aquarium and a suction port of the pump with the suction tube having an inlet aperture formed in the suction tube and constantly submerged in the container under a water level within the container to obtain an enough net positive suction head (NPSH) of the pump, and a gas tube connected to the container for supplying carbon dioxide gas into the container to react with calcium carbonate in the sand to form calcium ions which will be dissociated into the water delivered into the aquarium for raising fish, coral or other animals in the aquarium.

Abstract: A water treatment system having dosing control for providing treated water having very low organic and ionic contamination, that can be accurately dispensed. The water treatment system having dosing control includes a water inlet hydraulically connected to a pump having a variable speed motor. At least one water treatment device is hydraulically connected downstream of the pump, at least one outlet valve is hydraulically connected downstream of the water treatment unit, and a recirculation line is hydraulically connected from the outlet valve to the pump. The output of the pump is controlled by a regulating device connected to the variable speed motor. The system provides for lower electrical current usage and reduced acoustical disturbances.

Abstract: A water purifier generally associated with a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The water purifier includes a first conduit having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a second conduit having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a cistern disposed between the first and second conduits, and a water purifying device disposed in the flow path of either the first conduit or the second conduit. The first end of the first conduit is arranged to conduct water to be purified into the first conduit, and the second end of the second conduit is arranged to conduct the purified water from the second conduit to a location outside of the water purifier. The flow of the water from the second conduit to the first conduit is completely prevented and interrupted whenever the water attempts to flow from the second end of the second conduit to the first end of the first conduit through the arrangement of the second end of the first conduit and the cistern.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water filtration and dispensing system including a first control valve for unfiltered water, a household water supply line for fluidly connecting the first control valve to a source of household water, a water filter assembly disposed within a refrigeration compartment, an unfiltered water supply line fluidly connecting the first control valve to the water filter assembly, a second control valve having first and second outlets, a filtered water supply line fluidly connecting the filter assembly to the second control valve, a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected to the first outlet of second control valve, and an ice maker disposed within a freezer compartment and fluidly connected to the second outlet of the second control valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods separate whole blood containing leukocytes in a first separation chamber into a first layer comprising red blood cells, a second layer comprising a suspension of platelets, and an interface between the first and second layers. The systems and methods convey the suspension of platelets into a second separation chamber while simultaneously filtering the suspension of platelets to reduce the number of leukocytes. The systems and methods separate the filtered suspension of platelets in the second separation chamber into a platelet-rich concentrate and platelet-poor component.

Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood in a separation chamber. The systems and methods control the exit hematocrit value of red blood cells separated in the chamber by recirculating a portion of the red blood cells removed from the chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber. The systems and methods also control the entry hematocrit value of whole blood entering the separation chamber by recirculating a portion of the plasma constituent removed from the separation chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber.

Abstract: A water softening system is provided in which a determination is made whether the slow rinse cycle of a regeneration has been completed or is abnormal. A reference cell and a spaced sensing cell are provided in a water tank. The impedance difference of the solution between the reference cell and the sensor cell is sensed. If the impedance difference is a first state, then after a predetermined period of time a determination is made if the impedance difference is a second state. If the impedance difference is a second state, then after a predetermined period of time a determination is made if the impedance difference is a third state. If the impedance difference is a third state, this indicates that the sodium ion concentration is uniformly reduced in the zone between the reference cell and the sensing cell and that the slow rinse cycle has been completed.

Abstract: Fluid treatment apparatus including a vessel having a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port and a deflector plate and containing a medium and an inlet having an inlet end in flow communication with the fluid inlet port and a discharge end providing an incoming flow of untreated fluid against the deflector plate for reversal thereby to an outgoing flow of fluid passing through the medium for treatment, the clearance between the discharge end and the deflector plate being selectively adjustable for controlling the flow of fluid through the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing undesirable compounds such as radon, volatile organics, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane from contaminated well water which utilizes a recirculating system which is selectively operable to decrease the contamination of the treated water below a given level wherein the contaminant removal is achieved by providing an interface between the radon contaminated water and air in order to allow the undesirable compounds such as radon, volatile organics, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane to move from the water into the air due to the greater affinity therefore. The apparatus is designed to be used with a conventional residential or small commercial water well supply system and maximizes radon removal preferably by aspirating or baffling a gravity feed radon removal system for water which may include passing thereof through mass transfer packing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system adapted to control water flow in a swimming pool system including a swimming pool having a filter tank. The pool control system includes a control circuit for controlling at least a first pool water valve assembly and a second valve assembly so as to control water flow to the filter tank and from the filter tank to the swimming pool. The control circuit is adapted to maintain the water levels in the filter tank and swimming pool to within a prescribed water level. Each pool water valve assembly is preferably fitted with a potentiometer and air solenoid coupled to the control circuit for respectively determining the position of each respective water valve and controlling the position of each water valve. The system also features a central, programmable processing unit and apparatus for transmitting data between a remote location and the processing unit.

Abstract: A system is provided for handling of watery, oily waste which constitutes a closed vessel divided into two chambers by a dividing wall, such that lower chamber portions are in fluid communication. The vessel contains an inlet for flowing fluid into the upper portion of one chamber, an upper outlet for the other chamber, an air passage connecting upper portions of the chambers and effective for maintaining normal liquid levels in the two chambers, a sensing device in the one chamber and a discharge conduit for the first chamber which is controlled selectively by the sensing device.

Abstract: An improved water quality monitor is provided for use in a water purification system of the type having a reverse osmosis unit for producing relatively pure water from a tap water supply. The reverse osmosis unit supplies produced purified water to a reservoir for storage until dispensing, as by opening a faucet valve. An inlet shut-off valve closes to prevent tap water inflow to the reverse osmosis unit when the reservoir reaches a substantially filled condition. The water quality monitor includes electrodes in contact with the tap water and the produced purified water to obtain comparative conductivity readings which represent the performance level of the reverse osmosis unit in removing impurities from the tap water inflow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating mono nuclear cells from whole blood rotate a separation chamber about a rotational axis. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into a first region of the chamber during its rotation to separate the whole blood into a plasma constituent, red blood cells, and an interface between the red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The interface carries mono nuclear cells. While conveying whole blood into the first region, the systems and methods collect the plasma constituent in the first region, while also collecting the red blood cells in a second region of the chamber spaced from the inlet region. The systems and methods create, while conveying whole blood into the inlet region, a back flow of plasma constituent along the interface from the second region toward the inlet region. This back flow of plasma maintains a high-relative hematocrit in the second region and a low-relative hematocrit in the inlet region.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for deployment in a body of water having a floor and a water surface includes an in-pond clarifier extending across the body of water. The in-pond clarifier defines a clarifying chamber and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is suspended above the wastewater surface. The lower portion is maintained adjacent to the floor of the body of water. As a result, the body of water is divided into distinct treatment zones on opposite sides of the clarifying chamber. The in-pond clarifier further includes a plurality of pumps for removing biological solids which settle within the clarifying chamber. Separate pumps are provided for either returning settled solids to the body of water or for wasting settled solids from the body of water.

Abstract: An improved water quality monitor is provided for use in a water purification system of the type having a reverse osmosis unit for producing relatively pure water from a tap water supply. The reverse osmosis unit supplies produced purified water to a reservoir for storage until dispensing, as by opening a faucet valve. An inlet shut-off valve closes to prevent tap water inflow to the reverse osmosis unit when the reservoir reaches a substantially filled condition. The water quality monitor includes electrodes in contact with the tap water and the produced purified water to obtain comparative conductivity readings which represent the performance level of the reverse osmosis unit in removing impurities from the tap water inflow.

Abstract: A device for cleaning caustic liquor mixtures containing lime, comprising a closed chamber 7 for the caustic liquor mixture to be cleaned with an upper horizontal wall 5, to which a number of hollow filter elements 8 are attached. The filter elements extend downwardly in the chamber and communicate with the latter via a great number of filtrate holes 9 in the filter elements. Each filter element is provided with a filter material 10, which covers the filtrate holes. According to the invention, the filtrate holes 9 are arranged below a horizontal plane P, which is situated below and at a distance from the horizontal wall 5 such that during operation gas is enclosed between the wall and the uncleaned caustic liquor mixture. As a result the caustic liquor mixture in the chamber is prevented from contacting the wall 5, which counteracts the formation of permanent tight layers of lime on the filter material.

Abstract: A generally vertical tube communicates at its lower end with a reservoir containing the heavier of two liquids to be separated (water in the case of oil and water separation). A vacuum system is used to create at the top of this tube a lower pressure than at the bottom. The mixture of the liquids to be separated is injected into the tube at an intermediate location between top and bottom with relatively low velocity and turbulence, and close to, but below the level of the interface between the two liquids, which becomes established as they separate. The interface level location is maintained by controlling the top-to-bottom pressure difference and the evacuation rate of the lighter liquid.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes inner and outer relatively telescopic units, the outer telescopic unit including an outer container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall collectively defining a generally upwardly opening chamber, a filter exteriorly of the peripheral wall and defining therewith a first downstream settling zone, control openings in the peripheral wall for controlling wastewater flow through the first settling zone generally in response to the level of wastewater in the first settling zone, the inner telescopic unit including an inner container having a chamber defined in part by a peripheral wall, the peripheral walls being in relatively spaced relationship to each other and therebetween defining a second settling zone, a third settling zone within the inner telescopic unit chamber, and the inner and outer telescopic units each being a distinct unitized structure which permits the same to be bodily telescopically assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying confined liquids and slurries by means of a spark discharge wherein the inner surface of the treatment vessel is designed to include a reflector section adjacent to a pair of electrodes and a concentrating section for intensifying the shock wave generated by the discharge between the electrodes. An external power source is coupled through a pulse forming network to the electrodes. The network is impedance matched to the impedance of the plasma arc generated between the electrodes to provide a high power pulse to the electrodes. The establishment of the plasma produces an extremely high pressure shock wave, u.v. radiation fringing on X-ray and electrohydraulic pressurization to alter the characteristics of the liquid therein.

Abstract: In a separator for separating a mixture of fluids of different densities into a high density fraction and a low density fraction, the mixture is introduced into a tank which is divided into a plurality of separation chambers and a collection chamber. As the mixture flows through the chambers it is separated into high and low density fractions with progressively more distinct differentials of density. The rate of fluid flow through the separator is controlled in part by the size of the separation chambers and by an automatic electro-mechanical control system. The control system includes several floats suspended within the fluids, wherein the level of at least one float is indicative of the level of high density fraction in the separator, and the level of at least one other float is indicative of the level of the low density fraction in the separator.

Abstract: An electric control for a water conditioning system includes a solenoid valve which controls water inlet into the system and which is controlled by a flow switch that senses product water flow from a water faucet or other outlet. The flow switch also energizes an indicator lamp for indicating processing of water. The flow switch also controls a second solenoid valve which allows water flow into the pressure or "squeeze" side of a bladder type product water storage tank. When product water flow occurs, the second solenoid valve opens to permit supply water to flow therein, providing additional pressure to the product water side of the storage tank. Accordingly, product water flow is effected from the storage tank to the product water outlet. When a predetermined low pressure is sensed, a pressure switch located on the product water side of the storage tank opens the first solenoid valve to supply water to the system for processing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a backwashable filter device, specially for domestic water conduits that includes an inlet for raw water, a raw water chamber connected to the inlet, an outlet for clean water, a clean water chamber connected to the outlet, a filter element and an outlet for backwash water. The filter element is arranged between the raw water chamber and the clean water chamber and features a partial area (B) that accommodates water flow only in backwash but not normal operation. A conduit channel connects the outlet for backwash water with the partial area (B). At least one separate conduit connection is provided from the clean water chamber to the partial area (B). A conduit area is present in the conduit connection and designed in a nozzle-like shape so that clean water can be conducted from the clean water chamber at increased velocity against the partial area (B).

Abstract: An apparatus for degassing a continuously flowing liquid stream comprising an air-tight housing, in which is mounted for rotation a centrifuge bowl of circular cross-section and having an inner surface for spreading centrifugally impelled liquid to be degassed and an annular peripheral trough for retaining centrifugally impelled degassed liquid. The liquid stream is fed into the bowl and the degassed liquid is withdrawn through a tube extending from an exit line outside the housing to an open end of elongate cross-section which is positioned within the trough of the bowl and is immersible in the degassed liquid. The apparatus further provides for measuring the pressure of the exiting degassed liquid, the pressure measurement being used to regulate the flow of liquid into the bowl so as to maintain a substantially constant level of liquid therein.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for reducing the level of minor amounts of volatile organic contaminants, from contaminated water, which includes pump means to feed water from the body of contaminated water to the system, a plurality of heating means to raise the temperature of the water, a contact vessel to contact the heated water with gas to strip the volatile contaminants from the water, gas supply means to provide stripping gas to the vessel, and means to pass the removed volatile contaminants to a furnace for disposal by combustion.

Abstract: A waste water recovery system for transporting waste water to a reuse entity, such as an irrigation system, utilizing a holding tank having an upper portion and an opposite lower portion. A waste water conduit directs water into the holding tank. Water from the holding tank is transported through an outlet conduit by the use of a pump. An overflow conduit permits water to leave the waste water holding tank should excess amounts of waste water flow into the holding tank. A power switching mechanism activates the pump only when the holding tank contains a predetermined amount of waste water. The waste water is treated in the holding tank by gaseous ozone to obviate microbial activity.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve for discharge of a pressurized dissolved air flotation aqueous treatment liquid from a high pressure reservoir to a low pressure body of liquid to be treated is provided. The valve includes a discharge head body adapted to be attached to a conduit supplied with pressurized treatment liquid which is provided with a central opening for discharge of a treatment liquid. The opening is controllable by means of a reciprocable cap positioned to reciprocate from a position whereon it restricts flow of liquid through the opening to a position wherein flow in unrestricted. The cap is attached to a reciprocable piston rod attached at its opposite end to a piston that is movable within an enclosed cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a port or opening on each side of said piston into which a source of pressurized air connectable to cause movement of the piston and thus opening and closing of the valve by selectively directing the flow of said pressurized air to either side of the piston.

Abstract: A continuously and automatically functioning device for the drainage of sludge treated with a flocculent, especially of sewage sludge, comprising a screw conveyor installation with a driven conveyor screw consisting of shaft (16) and helix (17) and a screen wall (18). The screw conveyor installation possesses a first cylindrical area (10) of a large diameter and gap width followed by a conical area (12) for purposes of volume reduction in the throughput direction of the sludge. Connected to the conical area (12) of the screw conveyor installation is at least one pressure area (13) which, with the diameter of the shaft (16) being constant, possesses a decreasing lead of the conveyor helix (17) at the side of the entrance, and in its final area carries a conical piece (49) placed upon the shaft (16).

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for removing volatile organic contaminants from vadose soil areas. Air is drawn through recovery probes positioned in the soil area being monitored. At intervals a blower is activated to draw gaseous vapors from the contaminated soil area above the underground water level. These gases are gathered within a water separator tank where gases and accidentally gathered liquids are separated. The gases are then passed through a filtration device for cleaning thereof. The device includes a water purifying system for dry cleaning contact water known to be contaminated. An external reservoir is provided for receiving of the contact water and for movement of the contact water into the water separator tank as desired. The level of water within the tank is constantly monitored. An aspiration means may be activated within the water separator tank to bubble through the contaminated liquid for stripping organic contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a canister containing a reverse osmosis filter unit and threadedly engaged with a control head which is adapted to be coupled to a source of tap water, to a purified water storage tank, to a faucet or other remote usage location and to a waste water drain. The head includes a normally-open inlet valve controlling the flow of tap water to the filter unit and a drain valve controlling flow of waste water to the drain. The inlet valve closes in response to back pressure in the storage tank when it is filled to shut off the apparatus. A normally-closed and normally-disabled bypass valve can be selectively enabled for opening in response to a predetermined lower back pressure in the storage tank when it is less than completely full for diverting purified water from the filter unit to the drain. The drain valve is continuously adjustable between fully open and fully closed conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the separation of fine catalyst particles from a hydrocarbon feedstock coming from a catalytic cracking unit by filtration through mineral barriers and a filtration loop.The process consists of filtering the feedstock through mineral barriers that are resistant to heat and have a porosity adapted to the minimum diameter of the particles to be retained. The porosity is generally between 0.1 and 100 microns.

Abstract: A procedure and means for filtering and homogenizing liquid substances and for automatic cleaning of the filters. In the procedure are utilized an ultrasonic generator (4) connected in conjunction with the filter unit (1; 2) and ultrasonic oscillators (1.11; 2.11) thereto connected, their power and frequency being controlled on the basis of the differential pressure present across the filter units (1; 2), the liquid pressure acting in the filter unit, the liquid flow rate, signals from liquid temperature pick-ups. In order to enhance the cleaning event of the filter elements (1.2; 2.2) taking place with ultrasonics, the filter unit (1; 2) is emptied during the cleaning phase, making use of compressed air conducted into the filter. In order to facilitate the liquid filtering event and to reduce the need of cleaning action with ultrasonics, during normal filtering an ultrasonic power is maintained which is sufficient for homogenizing the liquid.

Abstract: A hemodiafiltration system which enables concurrent performance, in a single system, of hemodialysis and hemofiltration includes a dialyzer, consisting of a casing and at least one semipermeable membrane accommodated therein for dialyzing and purifying body fluid such as blood, plasma, etc., through contacting of the body fluid and dialyzate via the semipermeable membrane, and pumps for causing the dialyzate to flow through the dialyzer. A controller repeatedly changes the difference between the inflow amount of the dialyzate into the dialyzer per unit time and the outflow amount of the same from the dialyzer per unit time from a positive value to a negative value and then from negative to positive, whereby the repeated operation of taking or sucking out aqueous component or constituent and accompanying waste molecules from the body fluid followed by infusing or forcing a compensatory amount of dialyzate into the body fluid is made possible.

Abstract: A liquid separator allows a mixture of oil and water to separate, then discharges the two fractions. A separating tank is automatically filled when a float indicates a low level. A second float is close to the bottom of the tank and has a density such that the float will just float in water. The presence of oil causes the second float to sink; and, a switch connected to the float operates either a water valve when the float rises, or an oil pump when the density is low. Lowering of the level by discharging fractions causes the first float to indicate a low level to fill the tank again.