Abstract: The fuel filter has an outlet for the filtered fuel in a lower base portion of a casing, and a valve associated with the outlet. The filter insert has an internal space in which filtered fuel flows and that accommodates a central member capable of moving the valve to an open position when the insert is in an operational configuration in the casing. The valve is urged, by default, to a sealed position cutting off the flow to the outlet, for example by resilient return arranged between the bottom of the filter and a wall of an interface that guides the lower end of the central member. The central member and the filter insert form a removable unit, and it is therefore possible, typically by way of a cover/removable unit fastening, to automatically obtain the sealed position after opening the top cover.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis water filtration system including a housing, a pre-filter cartridge, a reverse osmosis cartridge, and a post treatment cartridge. A medial water line transports a first portion of pretreated water from the pre-filter cartridge to the reverse osmosis cartridge. An unfiltered water line includes a flow restrictor and blend valve. The unfiltered water line is fluidly coupled between the medial water line and a blend water line. The blend water line receives filtered water at a first flowrate from the reverse osmosis cartridge and unfiltered water at a second flowrate from the blend valve. The first flowrate and the second flowrate are substantially equal to produce a consistent total dissolved solids value.

Abstract: This application claims a system for the distribution of waste water. The invention allows water to drain from a source into the invention, where the water is distributed and diffused through a collection of outlets. Thus a large amount of water can be distributed over a large area so that the environment can more easily absorb the water and the flow of water does not cause erosion. The preferred embodiment of the invention optionally may include one or more filters to remove substances from the water before distribution.

Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.

Abstract: This device serves to improve water quality under gravity flow conditions. The water quality treatment device traps floating debris with replaceable netting, it contains oil spills and settles sediment in self-cleaning settling cells above a collection bunker inside a chamber. The device directs the water below the inclined cells, through the inclined cells, or over the inclined cells, depending on the inflow intensity. All inflowing water enters the net cavity and the net is supported by the inclined cell assembly. The pollutant collection surfaces are overlapping each other and aligned with the water flow direction. A hinged baffle with orifices controls the flow rate through the inclined cells. The netting is replaceable when filled with debris through an access opening in the ceiling of the chamber. The sediment bunker is cleaned through access openings in the ceiling from the chamber inflow side and the exit side.

Abstract: The storm drain with water trap is installed in the opening of a storm or sewer drain to close off the underlying drain channels and residual water therein from the open air, thus preventing escape of mold, mosquitoes, and other hazards into the air. The device has an insert having an open top and bottom. A shallow water trap pan is suspended below the insert. In dry conditions, the water trap contains little water, the relatively light weight of the trap and contained water allowing it to be lifted by springs against the bottom of the insert to form a seal. When runoff water flows into the drain, the greater amount of water and its weight draws the insert downward, extending the springs and opening a gap between the lower edge of the insert and the water trap pan to allow the runoff water to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A device for continuously filtering material mixtures, particularly for separating contaminants out of plastic melts, includes a filter (3), which is rotatably arranged in a filter chamber (2) of a housing (1), at least one wiper (17) for lifting off contaminants retained by the filter (3), and a discharge device (18) for removing the contaminants lifted off the filter (2) by the wiper (17) from the housing (1). The discharge device (18) includes a discharge shaft (19), which is rotatably arranged at the housing (1) and which has at least one continuous opening (20) having at least one piston (22) which is movably guided therein.

Abstract: A device for the dosed transfer of filtered softened water inside boilers of household appliances includes a tank, a cartridge including a water softening agent, a double drain pipe with vertical axis.

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering water and liquids in general comprises a first reservoir for collecting the water to be filtered, a second reservoir for collecting the filtered water, which reservoir is supplied by falling from the first reservoir, a conduit which extends from the first reservoir into the second reservoir, a cartridge type filtering element which is removably received in the conduit, a discharge hole for the filtered water that is positioned between the conduit and the second reservoir, and at least one opening for access to the cartridge provided at an end of the conduit that is distal from the first reservoir in order to promote the removal thereof. The device comprises an at least partial closure which can be removably fitted to the conduit in the region of the opening for access to the cartridge and comprises a flow adjuster which is associated with the conduit in order to adjust the flow of water flowing from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the discharge hole.

Abstract: A water treatment system can be essentially non-electric, and can use gravity to produce water that is safe for drinking. By such a system there can be provided a low cost, reliable way to treat water that is contaminated by water borne pathogens, to reduce or eliminate such contaminants to a safe level, and thereby produce water that is drinkable.

Abstract: A septic system can include an improved and more reliable apparatus for distributing effluent uniformly to a plurality of portions or fingers of a drain field. In such apparatus, an effluent container, or collection tank, is connected with the outlet of a septic tank, and an effluent-operated valve controls effluent flow from an outlet of the effluent container, or collection tank, to an effluent distribution tank which is connected to a plurality of portions, or fingers, of a sewage drain field to uniformly distribute the effluent from the septic tank to the drain field.

Abstract: A stormwater inlet near an upper edge of a layered filter media vessel is equipped with a distribution header that ensures effective use of the surface area of the filter media by providing plural spaced streams of stormwater thereat, each at a point of impact having its energy dissipated by a layer of material that covers the upper layered filter media surface. The stormwater inflow is metered to control the stormwater pollutant removal process kinetics, thereby slowing the mean free path of the stormwater therethrough and optimizing pollutant capture. The water level within the vessel is height adjustable manually by a pivot arm in the form of a standing column of water coupled to the water within the container. Weep conduits are provided to slowly drain down the standing water in the system between storm events, simplifying maintenance and promoting best removal of pollutants from first-flush storm events. Stormwater pretreatment, e.g. by use of an oleophilic agent or a pH-buffering agent, is provided.

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering water and liquids in general comprises a first reservoir for collecting the water to be filtered, a second reservoir for collecting the filtered water, which reservoir is supplied by falling from the first reservoir, a conduit which extends from the first reservoir into the second reservoir, a cartridge type filtering element which is removably received in the conduit, a discharge hole for the filtered water that is positioned between the conduit and the second reservoir, and at least one opening for access to the cartridge provided at an end of the conduit that is distal from the first reservoir in order to promote the removal thereof. The device comprises an at least partial closure which can be removably fitted to the conduit in the region of the opening for access to the cartridge and comprises a flow adjuster which is associated with the conduit in order to adjust the flow of water flowing from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the discharge hole.

Abstract: A particle collector for a dynamic cyclone placed on the ocean bottom for separation of particles in a fluid is described, where the dynamic cyclone comprises a tank (2) which is equipped with an upper inlet opening (25) and an upper and lower outlet opening (26, 32) for outflow of fluid and particles, respectively. Furthermore, the tank comprises a shaft (5) which is equipped with a number of vanes or blades (6) and which is arranged to be driven by an adjoining motor (1), where a centrally placed piece of pipe (4) with a number of slits is arranged around the shaft (5).

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering water and liquids in general comprises a first reservoir for collecting the water to be filtered, a second reservoir for collecting the filtered water, which reservoir is supplied by falling from the first reservoir, a conduit which extends from the first reservoir into the second reservoir, a cartridge type filtering element which is removably received in the conduit, a discharge hole for the filtered water that is positioned between the conduit and the second reservoir, and at least one opening for access to the cartridge provided at an end of the conduit that is distal from the first reservoir in order to promote the removal thereof. The device comprises an at least partial closure which can be removably fitted to the conduit in the region of the opening for access to the cartridge and comprises a flow adjuster which is associated with the conduit in order to adjust the flow of water flowing from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the discharge hole.

Abstract: In waste water installations, the amount of falling rainwater which increases as a result of heavy precipitations is diverted into lakes and waterways in order to relieve the sewage treatment plant. In order to remove the impurities carried along with the rainwater, the water is purified using a purification device. A retaining element is disposed behind the purification device in the direction of flow. This element is at least partially detachable connected to a base surface and can be used to release the through-flow in the region of the base surface of the purification device in an intermittent manner. The retaining element is pivotable around an axis.

Abstract: Reverse osmosis filtration systems that are self contained and easily converted from above the counter use to below the counter use. The systems feature a simple construction, including a two piece manifold assembly to which filters, including a reverse osmosis filter, a product water storage tank and a control valve connect, all without separate fasteners. The manifold assembly provides all water connections within the system, and includes connections to connect to a water supply, a drain, two dispensers and to an auxiliary water storage tank. The system pressurizes squeeze water for product water dispensing, providing maximum efficiency, maximum storage capacity for a given tank size and maximum pressure for dispensing product water. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a deterioration control oil filter capable of increasing an effect for purifying pollutants, floating matters, or the like in a lubricating oil or a hydraulic oil as well as increasing an effect for suppressing the oxidation of the lubricating oil or the hydraulic oil. A long filtration functioning distance using mineral particles 30 can be secured, since an oil inlet pipe 24 for discharging the lubricating oil or the hydraulic oil into the casing 29 is connected to a bottom center of the casing which is isolated from the atmosphere, an oil outlet pipe 25 is connected to a bottom of the casing 29, and the mineral particles 30 are provided in the casing 29 interspacially at an upper portion of the casing, thereby allowing the lubricating oil to circulate in the casing in an up-and-down direction.

Abstract: Water decontamination systems including aerator modules are described herein. Such systems are capable of removing contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, from the water. Certain volatile organic contaminants can be removed at high efficiencies. The systems may be automated to remove the contaminants and produce cleaned water on a continuous basis.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having a fluidizable media carrying anoxic bacteria in a first treatment zone and a filter membrane positioned in a second treatment zone. A wastewater is contacted with the fluidizable media and further contacted with air and a filter membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gravity-fed basin for discharging industrial water into a receiving body of water. The gravity-fed basin comprises a gravity cylinder having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and comprises an overflow sill formed by the edge of the inlet opening of the gravity cylinder. The invention is characterized in that the outlet opening of the gravity cylinder is located underneath the liquid level of the receiving body of water.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary device for converting an open-top container into a greywater recycling apparatus comprising a vessel lid having a submersible float switch-operated pump depending therefrom by extension means sized to enable the positioning of the pump adjacent the inner floor of a container to be covered by the lid, and further having an inlet pipe in fluid connection with a first primary filter means for removing coarse particles and fibers from greywater fed thereto, the first primary filter having an outlet feeding into a second fine filtering means, the filtering means being attached to the underside of the lid, the arrangement being such that after passing through the primary filter means and the fine filtering means, the filtered water falls under the influence of gravity to the bottom of the container to be pumped by the pump through an outlet provided in the lid.

Abstract: A filter device includes a filter housing (10) in which at least two filter elements (12, 14) with differing filter grades of filter material (16) are arranged. The filter elements are partially separated from each other by a separating device (18), with a through channel (24) of predetermined cross-section for a hydraulic connection between neighboring filter chambers (20, 22),. The filter chambers arranged prior to the filter materials (16) in the flow direction of the fluids for filtering. The filter device permits a combination of main- and side-stream filters in the smallest possible space, whereby very good purity levels for the filtered fluid are nevertheless achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically enhanced particle separation uses a chamber through which flows a fluid containing particles to be separated. A porous medium is disposed within the chamber. A transducer mounted on one wall of the chamber is powered to impose on the porous medium an acoustic field that is resonant to the chamber when filled with the fluid. Under the influence of the resonant acoustic field, the porous medium is able to trap particles substantially smaller than the average pore size of the medium. When the acoustic field is deactivated, the flowing fluid flushes the trapped particles from the porous medium and regenerates the medium. A collection circuit for harvesting the particles flushed from the porous medium is disclosed. Aluminum mesh, polyester foam, and unconsolidated glass beads are disclosed as porous media.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of sewage on vessels. The apparatus includes at least a first aeration chamber, a settling chamber, a disinfection chamber, and a storage container. In order to provide a multifunctional and efficient apparatus, the aeration chamber, the settling chamber, the disinfection chamber, and the storage container are integrated into the same structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel filter for an internal combustion engine, comprising a filter housing (1) consisting especially of metal, and a filter element (6) and a pressure-regulating valve (7) located in said filter housing. The aim of the invention is to ensure that no noise originating from the pressure-regulating valve (7) is emitted. To this end, the pressure-regulating valve (7) is mounted in the filter housing (1) in such a way that vibrations are dampened.

Abstract: A fuel filter apparatus may include a filter case having an exterior surface, a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the exterior surface having at least one hole, a fuel inlet port and a fuel outlet port. A filter element may be disposed within the filter case between the fuel inlet port and the fuel outlet port. A fuel pump may be disposed within the filter case. A fuel pressure regulator also may be mounted on the fuel filter case. The fuel pressure regulator may have an excess fuel discharge port adapted to discharge excess fuel to the top surface of the filter case. The fuel filter apparatus is adapted to permit the excess fuel to return to a fuel reservoir through the at least one hole and along the exterior surface of the filter case.

Abstract: The filter head and filter housing define a liquid flow inlet path, a first liquid flow outlet path, and a second liquid flow outlet path. A filter media construction is positioned within the housing. The filter media construction, in combination with the housing, defines an unfiltered liquid volume, and a filtered liquid volume. A first liquid flow inlet path directs liquid from the liquid flow inlet to the unfiltered liquid volume. A first liquid flow outlet path directs liquid flow from the filtered liquid volume to the first liquid flow outlet. A second liquid flow outlet path directs liquid flow from the filtered liquid volume to the second liquid flow outlet. A first valve assembly selectively opens the second liquid flow path to passage of liquid therethrough in response to a first selected liquid pressure level within the filtered liquid volume.

Abstract: The apparatus for removing bodies (41) from a liquid in which the apparatus includes a first container (1) which is provided with an inlet (13) through which the liquid is supplied to the first container, and a second container (2) which, in the lower region (35) of the apparatus, surrounds the first container. Between the wall (17) of the first container and the wall (27) of the second container, there is formed a space (26). The wall of the first container is provided with passages (15) through which liquid passes from the first container to the space (26). The passages (15) are dimensioned so as to separate bodies (41) transported by the liquid towards the inside of the wall (17) of the first container. A helix (3) is disposed in a path (7) which is formed by the wall of the first container and is oriented at an angle (&agr;) to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter is provided for filtering particulate from a fluid flow stream such as water used in an irrigation system or the like, wherein a segmented filter element is backwashed or flushed clean in response to cyclic on-off supply of fluid. The self-cleaning filter comprises a filter housing having inlet and outlet fittings for in-line connection along a water supply conduit at a location downstream from a system on-off valve. The segmented filter element is supported within the filter housing, with a first filter segment aligned with an inlet port for filtering water. When the water supply is turned on, filtered water passing through the first filter segment initially backwashes through a second filter segment with increasing line pressure to flush prior-collected particulate thereon through a flush port. When the line pressure reaches a predetermined level, a normally open and pressure responsive flush valve closes the flush port.

Abstract: A fuel filter with a pressure regulating valve for fuel circulated from a fuel tank and injected into an internal combustion engine. The fuel filter comprises a filter pot closed by a cover and an annular filter element for radially filtering flow from the outside in. Fuel flows in and out through main flow connections on opposite sides of the filter. There is a recirculation connection to recirculate fuel. There is a pressure regulating valve on one end of the filter housing with the discharge connection. The pressure regulating valve operates against atmospheric pressure and has a spring-loaded diaphragm which acts in conjunction with a closure ram to close the inlet port of a recirculation flow duct which passes through the center of the filter and connects the regulating valve to the return connection. The diaphragm is fastened with the valve seat in a sealed manner to the edge of the pressure regulator housing, which open into the filter port and is formed in the cover of the filter housing.

Abstract: A control system for the vacuum cut-off valve of a rotating disc or drum filter is provided. The control system includes an actuator that is connected to the vacuum cut-off valve for adjusting the rotation of the vacuum cut-off valve with respect to the core. The actuator is linked to a controller which receives communications from a vacuum sensor that senses the level of vacuum inside the vacuum box. The controller sends signals to the actuator to either move the vacuum cut-off valve forward (or to a higher position) or rearward (or to a lower position) in response to the vacuum or pressure level inside the vacuum box.

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: Filter apparatus for filtering liquids comprising a hollow filter body (12) mounted in a housing (18) having an inlet port (22) for supplying liquid to be filtered to the interior of the housing. An outlet port (24) for filtered liquid communicates with the interior of the filter body. A motor (16) is arranged to rotate the filter body around a vertical axis and paddles on the filter body cause liquid to be filtered to flow in a direction around the axis. In operation, at least some of the matter, such as particulate matter held in suspension or carried by the liquid which is heavier than the liquid, is caused to be directed outwardly in a direction from said filter body towards said housing. This matter would also be downwardly directed towards the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A pressure and vacuum filtration and washing device adapted for the processing and handling of hazardous materials without releasing hazardous chemical vapors includes a microporous filter medium which is contained within a pressurized filter vessel. A pump and static mixer, interconnected with the filter vessel by suitable piping means, allow circulation and reslurrying of the filter cake until the wash solvent is properly free of contaminants. The device any be operated under an inert atmosphere. A heated nitrogen gas cake drying means may be associated with the filter medium and contained within the filter. Automatic failsafe control valves are strategically disposed in the device, and the piping means, which interconnect the filter medium, the drying means, and the valves, are fabricated from materials compatible with the flow streams, such as teflon and borosilicate glass,. The device is totally enclosed and self contained, insuring complete operator isolation from hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed which operates with a single supply pump to achieve backwashing in an expeditious manner. The system includes a fluid supply source for a feed fluid to be filtered, a feed pump in fluid communication with the source and a membrane filter module for separating the fluid into filtrate and retentate streams. A collection reservoir is also provided which has at least two isolated fluid compartments movably separated from one another, one compartment for accumulating filtrate, the other being in fluid communication with the supply pump. In a preferred embodiment the collection reservoir is in the form of a diaphragm unit. At appropriate times, valves are activated to divert the flow of feed material from the supply source to the other chamber of the diaphragm unit.

Abstract: A liquid storage system comprising a flexible, closed and freely expandable reservoir for storing liquid medium-containing material. A supply conduit conducts liquid, for example, from a reverse osmosis module, to the reservoir to expand the reservoir. A control valve is movable between an open position in which the control valve allows liquid to flow through the supply conduit to the reservoir and a closed position in which the valve blocks flow of liquid through the supply conduit to the reservoir. A discharge conduit is provided for delivering liquid from the reservoir, and a pump may be used for pumping the liquid from the reservoir through the discharge conduit. The control valve is controlled by a level sensor operable by expansion of the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved purging of a liquid drain system for a liquid separator used in a moisture laden process vacuum system wherein the liquid separated from the flow stream by the separator is collected in an accumulator which in turn is periodically pressure purged to quickly remove the liquid contents of the accumulator while such accumulator is out of fluid communication with the liquid separator so that the vacuum process need not be interrupted. A pressure responsive drain valve is connected between the separator and the accumulator. The pressure used to purge the accumulator also activates the normally opened drain valve to inhibit the fluid flow between the separator and the accumulator. A pressure responsive drain is connected to the accumulator and opens in response to the increased pressure used to purge the accumulator and close the normally opened drain valve.

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: An apparatus and method for continuously supplying and recycling machining liquid in an EDM device employ a filter between a liquid reservoir and a machining location at which the liquid is used. In one embodiment of the invention a buffer reservoir is provided between the filter and the machining location, while in another embodiment a second filter is connected in parallel with the first-mentioned filter. In either case, an assured alternative supply of filtered liquid is provided while the filter is repeatedly stopped and started in response to one or more operating parameters representing a degree of filter clogging. The stopping of the partially-clogged filter unexpectedly permits self-regeneration of the filter without the need for dismounting or backflushing for cleaning; even though cleaning is not performed, the repeated stopping by itself extends the useful life of the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the automatic removal of water collecting in a fuel filter having a water separator. The evacuation takes place by means of a piston acted upon by a pressure medium, preferably a fuel pressurized by the pressure of the fuel pump, the piston being guided in the container of the fuel filter containing the water. It is particularly advantageous for an already existing drive to be usable for producing the pressure medium and that therefore a simple and inexpensive solution is offered for the removal of the water.

Abstract: A device for measuring the quantity of ultrafiltrate eliminated during a dialysis treatment. The device comprises two vessels of a known capacity wherein the ultrafiltrate coming from a pump is alternately received and then discharged by means of valves. The device further comprises two level measuring sensors which each emit a signal each time the ultrafiltrate attains a predetermined level in the corresponding vessel. Such sensors are connected to a processing and count control mechanism for analyzing the above-mentioned signals and for establishing the quantity of ultrafiltrate eliminated by the pump.

Abstract: The invention is related to water vending systems for the automatic dispensing of purified water from a machine which is preferably activated by coin or other form of payment. Reverse osmosis filtration of local water together with other water treatment operations is used to improve the quality of the vended water. Stagnation of stored permeate is automatically prevented to assure the freshness of dispensed water. The system is designed to reduce the frequency of servicing and the life of components without decreasing the quality of the vended water. In one embodiment the vending system comprises control means for automatically dumping the filtered water stored in a tank in the system if there has not been at least a predetermined number of vends of water within a predetermined period of time. After the storage tank has been dumped the drain is automatically closed and fresh filtered water is produced to refill the storage tank.

Abstract: In the event of an earthquake or fire, important objects like a recording medium used in a location where important information to the outside are relayed or in a location where natural phenomena are observed, are carried away, hanging from an airborne balloon that is inflated and released in response to the mechanical shock of an earthquake or the heat of a fire.

Abstract: A reactivateable adsorption filter assembly comprises an adsorption filter element, a storage vessel in which is stored filtered fluid, a flow restrictor to restrict the flow of fluid between the adsorption filter element and the storage vessel and a purge valve on the inlet side of the adsorption filter element to selectively connect the filter assembly to a source of fluid at a low pressure, the arrangement being such that when the purge valve is opened to said source of fluid at low pressure filtered fluid containing adsorbate at a very low partial pressure flows back from the storage vessel through the adsorption filter element thereby reactivating said adsorption filter element.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for collecting solids out of a waste mixture of liquid and solids flowing in a vacuum drain system. The apparatus includes a self-actuating valve means for regulating the flow of waste mixture from a reservoir which accumulates the mixture into a separator where the mixture is differentiated into its solid and liquid parts. The liquid is drawn off through a drain assembly which is attched to the vacuum drain system. The apparatus further includes an indicator to indicate when a certain quantity of solids has been collected to the separator.

Abstract: A liquid filter device includes an upwardly open structure having a bottom and a floor positioned above the bottom, the bottom and the floor defining therebetween a chamber. A filter element comprising granular material is supported by the floor within the structure. Liquid to be treated passes downwardly through the granular material in contact with a gas passing upwardly through the granular material during a normal filtering and processing operation. During an operation for washing the granular material, water and gas pass upwardly through the granular material. A plurality of nozzles open into the granular material and have stems communicating with the chamber. The plurality of nozzles includes first nozzles having openings for, during the normal operation, passing liquid from the granular material into the chamber, and for, during the washing operation, distributing the water and gas from the chamber into the granular material.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for plasma separation/exchange by double-step-membrane filtration, namely separation of blood into plasma and a corpuscular fraction and separation of high-molecular-weight substances (e.g. gamma-globulin) in the plasma from low-molecular-weight substances (e.g. albumin), and addition of a substitute fluid. A method of treating blood is also provided.The apparatus and method are effective e.g. in the treatment of blood of patients with peripheral circulatory insufficiency due to arteriosclerosis and of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Removal of a first liquid, such as water, from a tank containing a second liquid of lower specific gravity, such as diesel fuel, is achieved with a liquid trap chamber into which the first liquid is delivered by a primer wick and from which the first liquid is withdrawn by an exhaust wick or pump. The primer wick transversely fills an in-flow passage above a downward-facing inlet opening of that passage. The first liquid is drawn from the tank by the primer wick, which spills that liquid over a weir into the liquid trap chamber. The bottom of the liquid trap chamber is disposed at a level below said inlet opening. The exhaust wick is disposed to transversely fill an outlet passage disposed above the liquid trap chamber with the bottom of the exhaust wick or pump sensor positioned at least as high as the top of the primer wick.