Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. The controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.

Abstract: A system is provided for proceeding with filtration of liquids in a manner having enhanced control characteristics. Yields are enhanced. The system and method can be used to maintain a substantially constant trans-membrane pressure. When desired, that constant trans-membrane pressure is especially well-suited to yield enhancement for the particular liquid being filtered, concentrated or collected, while minimizing a risk of damage to or loss of valuable components. Additionally, a constant feed rate or pump output can be maintained. Approaches also are described for determining optimal filtration conditions, including trans-membrane pressure and feed rate. Also described is a system and method for determining pressures in a pulsating system with enhanced accuracy by using a peak pressure mode.

Abstract: A dissolved gas flotation apparatus and process for removing oils and other contaminants from produced water generated in the production of crude petroleum and natural gas. The invention is particularly designed for offshore applications, where space is limited and natural gas is readily available. The invention includes a vessel for receiving and maintaining a liquid level therein and a circulating pump for introducing tiny flotation gas bubbles into the vessel. Natural gas is used as a blanket gas for the vessel and as a source of gas fed into the pump, wherein the gas is mixed with the pumped liquid. The liquid/gas mixture is transferred into the vessel, wherein the gas releases from the liquid, thereby forming tiny, finely dispersed gas bubbles.

Abstract: In the carbonated water supply system 1, water supplied from the water supply 2 through the water supply conduit 3 is supplied to the carbonator 5 through the water supply valve 4 and high pressure strong carbonated water is produced in the carbonator 5 and supplied to the water purifier 7 through the conduit 8A. Further, high pressure strong carbonated water in the water purifier 7 is purified therein while retaining its high pressure and is supplied to the pressure releasing valve 9 through the conduit 8B, the water supply valve 10. High pressure strong carbonated water is discharged out of the system 1 through the pressure releasing valve 9 as low pressure carbonated water the pressure of which is as same as the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system for providing potable water from a municipal water or other source containing undesired impurities. A motor driven pump supplies a feed stream to a reverse osmosis unit resulting in the creation of a product water stream and a concentrate or brine stream. The inclusion of a product water holding tank may be optionally omitted by routing the product water outlet stream directly to the tap via a branched line. A pressure sensor causes a solenoid valve to open when the withdrawal of water from the tap is terminated, opening a valve in the branch line leading back to the pump. The pump then continues to run, recirculating the product water stream to a mixing unit where it is blended with a major part of the concentrate stream that is being recycled and with make-up fresh water to create a composite feed stream.

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: Apparatus and methods for producing potable water from an aqueous feed such as seawater utilizing a pressure vessel designed for operation in the range of about 250 psig to about 350 psig having reverse osmosis (RO) separation elements disposed upstream of at least one nanofiltrate separation element. The supply of seawater at such pressure creates no permeate flow through the RO membranes, so the seawater flushes the feed side of the RO elements on its way to the NF element where very substantial permeate flux occurs, producing a NF permeate substantially depleted in divalent ions and optionally moderately depleted in monovalent ions. The NF permeate is collected in a holding tank having liquid level switches, and when a desired level is reached, a control system causes the pump to draw suction from the holding tank while shutting off feed from the seawater source.

Abstract: The water treatment apparatus utilizes membrane separation technology to separate clean product water from a contaminated water source. Chemical pretreatment of the raw feed water, chemical cleaning of the membrane separator(s), and chemical treatment of the final recovered product water required by conventional membrane separation apparatus are eliminated in the water treatment apparatus. The water treatment apparatus may treat raw feed ground water and surface water sources as well as waste water sources including those exhibiting oily wastes, high metal levels, organic wastes from sources such as textile processing, sewage waste streams, food processing, and others. The water treatment apparatus also reduces the problems associated with recirculation of the waste stream, reduces water wastage, and provides advantages in power and horsepower requirements.

Abstract: An improved conductivity based servo-proportioning system for hemodialysis machines. The servo-proportioning system calculates the actual conductivity contributions of the individual chemical components of the concentrate being utilized, to determine the conductivity set points. If an Acidified and Bicarb operation is being performed, then the servo-proportioning system calculates a conductivity set point at both an intermediate and final stage of the servo-proportioning system. If only acetate is being performed, then only the acetate individual chemical components are calculated. If the Na and/or Bicarb concentrations are to be varied, then the conductivity is calculated for the changed Na and/or Bicarb concentrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of water for consumption comprises a main storage tank, a pump, a treatment reactor and a valve for controlling the flow of water from the inlet pump to the treatment reactor and from the reactor to a flush discharge and to a waste water discharge. The tank is basically cylindrical with two part cylindrical recesses parallel to the axis of the tank and lying along one side of the tank. Each recess receives a respective one of the cylindrical pump body and the cylindrical reactor body. The pump and reactor are therefore efficiently stored within the cylindrical surface of the main tank.

Abstract: An automated system for processing biological fluid includes a pressure differential generator, a biological fluid processing assembly, and an automated control arrangement coupled to at least one of the pressure differential generator and the biological fluid processing assembly. The automated system may include a porous medium, such as a red cell barrier medium, a leukocyte depletion medium, or a combination red cell barrier/leukocyte depletion medium. The automated system may also include a sensor producing a signal reflecting a parameter of fluid flow.

Abstract: A counter top reverse osmosis water purification system, suitable for home use, is connected to a water supply and contains a closed fluid treatment circuit extending to a water outlet. The closed fluid circuit flows through a plurality of replaceable water treatment modules mounted on a flowboard and each having a specific water treatment function, such as the removal of a particular material from the water by the use of reverse osmosis, filtration, carbon adsorption, ion exchange or the addition of a chemical to balance the desired water conditions. Preferably the circuit also includes traversing a radiation device, for example an ultraviolet light, for the purpose of sanitizing the water.

Abstract: The water treatment apparatus utilizes membrane separation technology to separate clean product water from a contaminated water source. Chemical pretreatment of the raw feed water, chemical cleaning of the membrane separator(s), and chemical treatment of the final recovered product water required by conventional membrane separation apparatus are eliminated in the water treatment apparatus. The water treatment apparatus may treat raw feed ground water and surface water sources as well as waste water sources including those exhibiting oily wastes, high metal levels, organic wastes from sources such as textile processing, sewage waste streams, food processing, and others. The water treatment apparatus also reduces the problems associated with recirculation of the waste stream, reduces water wastage, and provides advantages in power and horsepower requirements.

Abstract: An improved 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 carried on a float arm responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. An over-center switch provides snap-action closure of the primary valve in response to rising water level, and the primary float is mounted on the float arm for a limited range of lost motion to accommodate this snap-action valve closure.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods utilize a membrane separation device comprising a gap between a microporous membrane and a surface facing the microporous membrane, one of the microporous membrane and the surface being rotatable relative to the other to cause separation of whole blood in the gap into plasma and concentrated red blood cells. The systems and methods include an inlet pump element coupled to the membrane separation device to convey whole blood having a known beginning hematocrit value into the gap for separation. The systems and methods also include a drive element coupled to the membrane separation device to cause rotation of the rotatable one of the microporous membrane and the facing surface. The systems and methods command the inlet pump element and the drive element as a function of the known beginning hematocrit value.

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: Apparatus to increase the level of oxygen ingested by livestock by oxygenation of the livestock water supply includes an enclosed tank having a top and having an inlet for admitting water from a supply of water and an outlet for discharging water from the tank. The tank has a first inlet port for introduction of compressed air into the tank from an air compressor. The tank has a second inlet port for allowing introduction of hydrogen peroxide. A float is located in the tank to selectively control the introduction of compressed air into the tank by activation of the air compressor when the water level reaches a preselected high point as the water in the tank absorbs oxygen from the air pocket above the water level. The float also opens a valve in an overflow tube disposed within the tank and keeps the valve open until the float reaches a predetermined low point as water is forced out the overflow tube by compressed air entering the tank.

Abstract: A device for treatment of blood by extracorporeal circulation comprises a dialysis liquid circuit having a supply tube (9a, 9b) on which is arranged a filter (21) having a first chamber and a second chamber (22, 23) which are separated by a filtering membrane (24), the supply tube having a first portion (9a) connecting a dialysis liquid source (10) to an inlet of the first chamber (22), and a second portion (9b) having an end connected to an outlet of the second chamber (23) of the filter (21) and another end which can be connected to an inlet of a compartment (3) of an exchanger (1) with semipermeable membrane (4). A feedback tube (25) connects the inlet of the first chamber (22) of the filter (21) to the outlet of the first chamber (22). A flushing pump (26) is arranged on the feedback tube (25) for circulating liquid in the first chamber (22) of the filter (21) and causing cleaning of the membrane (24) by tangential flushing.

Abstract: Systems and methods convey anticoagulated blood suspension from a donor into a separation device for component separation. One or more components are retained for therapeutic use, while one or more are returned to the donor. The systems and methods monitor the rate at which anticoagulant carried in the returned components is being returned. The rate, expressed in terms of milligram (mg) of anticoagulant per kilogram (kg) of donor body weight per unit of time of blood processing, is compared to a nominal rate that is correlated with donor comfort.

Abstract: A waste water system adapted to receive liquid waste from a septic tank or the like and purify the same.There is a primary processing section comprising a first processing tank to receive the waste water. This primary section has air operated valve means to cause the operating steps, namely the opening and closing of the inlet and outlets of the tank, aeration of the liquid in the tank, supplying a dose of a treatment liquid into the liquid of the tank, and also causing recirculation of some of the biomass in the tank back to the septic tank. The liquid from the first processing section is transmitted to a second processing section where the liquid is circulated through filters, and also through an ultra-violet heater to cause final purification of the liquid. There is a control system which is responsive to liquid level in the two tanks, and also responsive to air pressure in a compressed air manifold that supplies pressurized air to various valves to control the operation of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new water purification system design that uses reverse osmosis membrane filtration and optional ultra violet light treatment. The new system creates the potential for achieving a higher standard of performance for point-of-use reverse osmosis systems. The system provides for a multiple pass, multiple barrier method for delivering freshly treated, high-quality water from the system. A microprocessor controlled operating system maintains the system within a narrow range of optimal performance at all times. The system provides for two water storage tanks, each equipped with its own pump. With an operating system sequence of alternating flow cycles, an internal state of continuous water movement and dynamic treatment is created and maintained within the elements of the system. The system dynamics contribute to microbial control throughout the system. The system incorporates cross flow filtration in all elements.

Abstract: A food starch seperator comprising a serially connected centrifuge and a membrane seperator further comprising a sintered pipe providing pore flow paths including a pumped source of food plant liquor, outputs for the centrifuge and membrane seperator and a control system to regulate the flow of the food plant liquor.

Abstract: A water saving device for a reverse osmosis water fountain machine is provided in which an aspirating pipe with a solenoid valve is coupled to an intake pipe line at the front end of the reverse osmosis cylinder. Before that joint, another solenoid valve is connected to the intake pipe line. The rear end of the aspirating pipe extends into a reservoir. A solenoid valve is connected to a drain pipe line of the reverse osmosis cylinder, and extends into an input pipe of a reservoir. All of the solenoid valves are controlled by a central processing unit to change the working state of the water purification system. One such operating state is the recycling of the waste water from the reverse osmosis cylinder, thereby reducing the amount of waste water produced.

Abstract: A circulation system is capable of dual functions of providing an electrode discharge machine with water or oil to serve as a finishing fluid for the process of drilling fine holes in a work piece of an aluminiumn, steel, or tungsten steel material. The circulation system comprises an oil-water separating tank, a water filtration tank, an oil filtration tank, a water purifying device, and a control computer. The water purifying device is connected in parallel with a discharge conduit from the water filtration tank for recirculating flow to the oil-water separating tank.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A water purification system and a cleaning system and method for periodically flushing reverse osmosis water purification systems to rid the system of decontamination and other pollutants that build up during use. The system include a pair of containers in liquid communication, a first plurality of liquid conduits defining a looped path for passing liquid from the first container to a membrane and back to the first container, while a second plurality of liquid conduits defines a path for the liquid in the second container to the product side of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for automatic dialysis using a dialysis unit which, in service, is connected to a patient undergoing a dialysis treatment, including the phases of acquiring allowed values of input parameters and desired values of patient parameters, acquiring actual values of the patient parameters, the patient parameters including the relative variation in blood volume (BV) and the weight loss (WL), acquiring actual values of machine parameters including the weight loss rate (WLR) and the conductivity of the (CD) dialysis fluid, and controlling the operation of the dialysis unit using controlled values of the machine parameters to make the patient parameters take on the desired values.

Abstract: A method for withdrawing priming fluid from the extracorporeal circuit of a dialysis machine is described which substantially prevents return of the priming fluid back to the patient. In accordance with the method, priming fluid is drawn from the extracorporeal circuit through the dialyzer membrane and into the dialysate circuit. Blood is introduced into the extracorporeal circuit as the priming fluid is withdrawn through the dialyzer. Withdrawal of the priming fluid may be accomplished by pumping the blood pump in the forward direction at a first rate and operating a pump in the dialysate circuit at a second rate. Valves in the dialysate circuit are operated such that the pump in the dialysate circuit draws priming fluid across the dialyzer membrane into the dialysate circuit, and thereby prevents the priming fluid from being returned to the patient.

Abstract: Blood from a patient is treated extracorporeally by any selected one of a plurality of predetermined treatments. Each of the treatments involves the flow of blood from the patient into a primary chamber of a filtration unit, past a semipermeable membrane located in the filtration unit which separates the primary chamber from a secondary chamber of the filtration unit, out the filtration unit and back to the patient. A replacement fluid is selectively and controllably added to the blood, as required for the selected treatment. A secondary fluid is controllably and selectively introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit for controllably collecting material passing across the semipermeable membrane from the blood or for supplying material to pass across the semipermeable membrane into the blood as required for the selected treatment. Materials are removed from the secondary chamber and collected in accordance with the selected treatment.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes the following: a dialysate handling unit for providing dialysate to the patient. This unit includes a hemodialysis solution pump and apparatus for monitoring hemodialysis solution safety such as a conductivity tester. Additionally a solution heater and appropriate conventional controls can be provided, as well as a proportioning system, an ultrafiltration measuring unit, and other known apparatus for handling dialysis solution. A blood handling unit is also provided, which includes a membrane dialyzer and holder, a blood pump, blood flow tubing and safety equipment for monitoring blood flow as it is pumped through the arterial/venous blood conduit set tubing from the patient, through the membrane dialyzer, and back to the patient. A first conduit is present for conveying fresh dialysate from the dialysate handling unit to the blood handling unit (or directly to the membrane dialyzer).

Abstract: A hydrothermal process (10) is integrated into a wastewater treatment facility (12) to fully oxidize an undigested wastewater sludge produced by the treatment facility. A thickened and conditioned feed mixture comprising sludge from the treatment facility is first pressurized to a critical pressure and then heated to a reaction initiating temperature below the critical temperature. An oxidant is injected into the feed mixture at the reaction initiating temperature to initiate an oxidation reaction in low light-off temperature constituents of the feed mixture to produce a partially reacted mixture and raise the temperature of the partially reacted mixture to at least the critical temperature for water in a supercritical water oxidation reactor (52). Heat from the supercritical water oxidation reaction is used to heat the feed mixture and also, to condition the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant preferably by thickening and heating the sludge.

Abstract: A hemodialysis machine is described that has an extracorporeal circuit that is primed automatically prior to connection of the patient to the machine. The priming is accomplished by filling the extracorporeal circuit with a priming fluid, such as a saline or dialysate solution or blood. The blood pump and clamps in the arterial and venous lines are operated by a control system in a fashion to create multiple brief pressure pulses in the priming fluid. The pressure pulses shear air bubbles present on the blood side of the dialyzer membrane off the membrane. The blood pump is then operated to clear the bubbles from the dialyzer compartment where they are removed from the priming fluid by conventional bubble trap apparatus.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system comprises the following: a dialysate handling unit for providing dialysate to the patient. This unit comprises a hemodialysis solution pump and apparatus for monitoring hemodialysis solution safety such as a conductivity tester. Additionally a solution heater and appropriate conventional controls can be provided, as well as a proportioning system, an ultrafiltration measuring unit, and other known apparatus for handling dialysis solution. A blood handling unit is also provided, which comprises a membrane dialyzer and holder, a blood pump, blood flow tubing and safety equipment for monitoring blood flow as it is pumped through the arterial/venous blood conduit set tubing from the patient, through the membrane dialyzer, and back to the patient. A first conduit is present for conveying fresh dialysate from the dialysate handling unit to the blood handling unit (or directly to the membrane dialyzer).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to carry out the extraction and purification of DNA in a short period of time. This object is accomplished by DNA extraction and purification apparatus illustrated in the drawing. This apparatus includes a pipetting unit which can be horizontally moved along a rail by means of a transfer device. This apparatus also includes tube racks which can be moved horizontally and vertically. In these tube racks are disposed filter tubes (not shown) for the extraction and purification of DNA. Moreover, a waste liquid vat and a recovery vat are disposed below these tube racks. The waste liquid vat and the recovery vat are each provided with a suction port (not shown) to be connected to a vacuum pump.

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: An apparatus for treatment of water for consumption comprises a main storage tank, a pump, a treatment reactor and a valve for controlling the flow of water from the inlet pump to the treatment reactor and from the reactor to a flush discharge and to a waste water discharge. The tank is basically cylindrical with two part cylindrical recesses parallel to the axis of the tank and lying along one side of the tank. Each recess receives a respective one of the cylindrical pump body and the cylindrical reactor body. The pump and reactor are therefore efficiently stored within the cylindrical surface of the main tank. The valve provides five positions including a central closed position, two flush positions and two processing positions. These five positions are arranged by axial movement of a valve member along a cylindrical bore of the valve body.

Abstract: Blood from a patient is treated extracorporeally by any selected one of a plurality of predetermined treatments. Each of the treatments involves the flow of blood from the patient into a primary chamber of a filtration unit, past a semipermeable membrane located in the filtration unit which separates the primary chamber from a secondary chamber of the filtration unit, out the filtration unit and back to the patient. A replacement fluid is selectively and controllably added to the blood, as required for the selected treatment. A secondary fluid is controllably and selectively introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit for controllably collecting material passing across the semipermeable membrane from the blood or for supplying material to pass across the semipermeable membrane into the blood as required for the selected treatment. Materials are removed from the secondary chamber and collected in accordance with the selected treatment.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods utilize a membrane separation device comprising a gap between a microporous membrane and a surface facing the microporous membrane, one of the microporous membrane and the surface being rotatable relative to the other to cause separation of whole blood in the gap into plasma and concentrated red blood cells. The systems and methods include an inlet pump element coupled to the membrane separation device to convey whole blood having a known beginning hematocrit value into the gap for separation. The systems and methods also include a drive element coupled to the membrane separation device to cause rotation of the rotatable one of the microporous membrane and the facing surface. The systems and methods command the inlet pump element and the drive element as a function of the known beginning hematocrit value.

Abstract: A water supply shut-off device for a water purifier including a purifier body, a pre-processing filter, a membrane filter, a post-processing filter, a pressure pump, a water tank seated on the purifier body and adapted to store water purified while passing through the pre-processing filter, the membrane filter and the post-processing filter, in this order, by a pumping operation of the pressure pump, and a water supply valve adapted to control the supply of the purified water to the water tank.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit includes a fluid pressure inlet line (1); a fluid pressure delivery line (2); and a filter unit (FU) interposed between the inlet line (1) and the delivery line (2), with the circuit incorporating an automatic back flushing facility. The latter comprises a valve arrangement A, B, C, D, capable of temporarily preventing initial flow of fluid through the filter unit (FU) in a delivery direction, causing reverse fluid flow through the filter unit (FU) in a back flushing direction, for a predetermined period, with the flushing sequence initiated by the valve arrangement sensing a flow of fluid, at a predetermined pressure, and after the predetermined period, causing fluid flow in the normal delivery direction.

Abstract: A swimming pool control system automatically controls the daily maintenance functions of a swimming pool. The control system actively monitors system conditions, makes adjustments for abnormal conditions, and provides remote feedback of system problems during its daily cycle. In addition, the control system provides operator assisted manual override operation and control of additional auxiliary equipment. The system includes a novel filter valve, a novel water level system and a novel suction valve that can be run and monitored non-manually by a digital controller.

Abstract: A filtration system and assembly for liquid mixture applications is disclosed. The system comprise of a pump, filter, venturi, and by-pass that incorporates a flow control valve. The flow control valve controls the flow and pressure of the retentate thereby determining the rate that permeate is produced. All components are configured in a closed loop configuration. System stability and high permeate flow result from the optimum selection of system components. The disclosed system has a simpler control system and is easier to operate than similar functioning systems in use. Applications exist in microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration.

Abstract: A separator (10) for separating a heavier liquid from a lighter liquid is disclosed which is intended to operate between a fuel tank (12) and a fuel pump connected to the fuel outlet (24) of the separator (10). The separator includes a float (30) which is light enough to float on the heavier liquid and which is heavy enough to sink in the lighter liquid. The float controls opening and closing of a valve (44, 46) through which heavier liquid is disclosed from the separator. As heavier liquid accumulates, the float lifts to open the valve (44, 46). A plate (34) subjected to a force caused by fuel flowing into the separator through the inlet (16) prevents the float opening the valve whilst the separator is in sub-atmospheric pressure. The plate can be replaced by a diaphragm which is subject on one side to atmospheric pressure and on the other side to the pressure in the separator.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for the production of pure water, in which raw water, or feed water similarly, is fed to a treatment apparatus (1) that has at least one semi-permeable membrane (4), in conjunction with which a partial quantity of the raw water passes through the membrane (4) as pure water under the driving force of a pressure differential, and the remaining quantity of raw water that flows past the membrane leaves the treatment apparatus (1) as concentrate. In order to counteract any excessive soiling of the membrane (4), and to attain the longest possible operational and membrane service lifetimes, it is provided that the direction of flow of the raw water past the membrane (4) is reversed at intervals of time. The invention also pertains to a treatment apparatus (1) for the production of pure water, with at least one semi-permeable membrane (4).

Abstract: Systems and methods convey anticoagulated blood suspension from a donor into a separation device for component separation. One or more components are retained for therapeutic use, while one or more are returned to the donor. The systems and methods monitor the rate at which anticoagulant carried in the returned components is being returned. The rate, expressed in terms of milligram (mg) of anticoagulant per kilogram (kg) of donor body weight per unit of time of blood processing, is compared to a nominal rate that is correlated with donor comfort.

Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus which can discharge cleaned waste water while separating and recovering insoluble granular components such as emulsions contained in various kinds of waste waters and various kinds of industrial waste waters, while minimizing the decrease of permeation flux by an effective separation membrane washing, and a washing method of the apparatus are disclosed. In washing the separation membrane, a passageway for water permeated through the separation membrane is intercepted, and a compressed gas is introduced into at least a waste feeding side of the separation membrane for a predetermined time, thereby flowing a gas liquid mixed liquid.

Abstract: Blood from a patient is treated extracorporeally by any selected one of a plurality of predetermined treatments. Each of the treatments involves the flow of blood from the patient into a primary chamber of a filtration unit, past a semipermeable membrane located in the filtration unit which separates the primary chamber from a secondary chamber of the filtration unit, out the filtration unit and back to the patient. A replacement fluid is selectively and controllably added to the blood, as required for the selected treatment. A secondary fluid is controllably and selectively introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit for controllably collecting material passing across the semipermeable membrane from the blood or for supplying material to pass across the semipermeable membrane into the blood as required for the selected treatment. Materials are removed from the secondary chamber and collected in accordance with the selected treatment.