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: An apparatus and method whereby after a reverse-osmosis water purifier system has been shut down, the first quantity of water, which emanates from the reverse-osmosis filter, does not flow through the pure water storage tank but instead to the drain. Therefore, the water in the reverse-osmosis filter, and which has become contaminated as the result of standing in the filter so that a substantial amount of osmosis can occur, does not contaminate the pure water in the storage tank or system but instead is discarded.

Abstract: Continuously operating batch system for proportioning concentrate for blood treatment through the use of a proportioning tank and means for filling and emptying the same dependent upon pressure and flow in the mixing tank.

Abstract: In liquid sedimentation and clarification apparatus recirculation of previously settled solids is automatically controlled. Nozzles in an updraft tube produce a suction or pumping force for recirculating such solids, and a flow passage in alternate nozzles is kept closed at low inlet flow rates for untreated liquid. At higher flow rates the closed flow passages are gradually opened by the increased force of the incoming liquid acting against spring biased or weighted valve closure members.

Abstract: In apparatus for the reverse osmosis purification of water or other fluid in a module containing a membrane, the water is forced into the module under pressure using two piston-cylinder assemblies mechanically interconnected with the pressurized fluid from the module applied to the rear face of the piston which, from its front face, is driving water into the module, a low pressure continuously operating pump providing a low pressure on the other piston to supply the necessary extra pressure. Valve means automatically reverse the functions of the two cylinders at each end of each stroke.

Abstract: A compact self-sterilizable proportioning hemodialysis system alternatively usable with either a coil type or parallel flow artificial dialyzer without material alteration comprises a hydraulic driven dialysate proportioning pump in a positive pressure flow path to provide dialysate in a controlled concentration to a dialysate receiving canister. A coil-type dialyzer within the canister receives dialysate in a recirculating flow from a circulation pump. A venturi in the recirculating flow path provides a negative pressure to pull dialysate through a suction loop, which may alternatively include a parallel flow dialyzer. A conductivity cell, temperature monitor and blood leak detector sample and monitor dialysate from the canister, and to control the dialysate and indicate fault conditions. The system may alternatively function as a recirculating plate-type dialyzer having high dialysis efficiency.

Abstract: An improved proportioning dialysis machine is disclosed herein. The machine includes an improved degassing system, dialysis solution flow rate and pressure control system, and sterilization system.The degassing system includes a degassing chamber, a first pump for applying a negative pressure to said chamber and a second pump for drawing degassed water from the chamber. The dialysis solution flow rate and pressure control system includes a restriction upstream of a dialyzer, a restriction placed downstream of the dialyzer, and a pump positioned downstream of the downstream restriction. The two restrictions can be adjusted in relation to the pump so as to control the flow rate and pressure within the dialyzer. The sterilization system includes a heater and controls and a valve for recirculating heated water through the proportioning machine so as to sterilize the interior thereof.

Abstract: A water treatment and storage system includes a reverse osmosis treatment unit having an untreated water input line, a treated water output line and a bleed water output line. An expandable container, compressed by a spring arrangement, is provided for storing treated water. A container valve, connecting the reverse osmosis treatment unit and the expandable container, terminates the flow of treated water to the container when a predetermined quantity of water has been accumulated therein. The container valve further includes a bleed valve arrangement connecting the bleed water output line and a drain line. The bleed valve arrangement terminates the flow of bleed water to the drain line after the container has accumulated the predetermined quantity of treated water.

Abstract: A water treatment plant including a cylindrical water storage tank provided with spaced opposite end walls with a longitudinal axis therebetween, a generally cylindrical pressure tank having a smaller diameter than the storage tank and provided with spaced curved end walls with a longitudinal axis therebetween, and an equipment chamber attached to one end wall of the storage tank wherein the end wall forms a common wall with the equipment chamber. One curved end wall of the pressure tank intersects and is rigidly connected to the common wall between the storage and pressure tanks. The longitudinal axis of the storage tank and pressure tank are parallel and generally coincident and spacer means rigidly connect the tanks.Water normally passes through an aerator prior to being deposited in the storage tank. From the storage tank the water passes through a series of interconnected pipes, is chlorinated and alternatively fed either to the pressure tank or to a discharge pipe.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating wastewater with oxygen in which the wastewater is circulated on a horizontal course and is exposed to the introduction of oxygen or oxygen-enriched air in one or several sections of its course whereas it is exposed to the atmosphere on the remainder of its course. Oxygen of a higher concentration than atmospheric oxygen is contacted at least intermittently with the water surface and introduced into the wastewater through agitation of the water surface. At least a part of the total volume of the wastewater is treated by carrying out alternately at least two of the following three modes of operation: (a) surface aeration of the wastewater using atmospheric air; (b) oxygenation while maintaining atmospheric pressure above the wastewater; and (c) oxygenation while maintaining positive pressure above the wastewater with the operating modes alternating with each other in response to variations in the volume and/or character of the wastewater being treated.

Abstract: An isotope separation apparatus comprises a plurality of independent developing units, each comprising 2 to 20 adsorbent-packed columns forming a continuous developing circuit or passageway, and the developing units are connected to at least one common main pipe for supplying an isotope mixture solution, a regenerating agent solution, or an eluent solution. Also, in a further embodiment the developing units are connected to common liquid-discharge main pipes.The separation or concentration of isotopes such as uranium isotopes, nitrogen isotopes, boron isotopes, etc., is performed by continuously developing the isotope mixture solution passed through the individual adsorbent-packed columns successively in each developing units.

Abstract: Activated sludge waste water treatment systems utilizing influent and/or sludge return flow as pressurized gas-liquid contactor motive stream source and having improved energy efficiency. Staged flow control systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The water softening system hereof employs a treatment tank containing a mineral bed of ion-exchange resin granules, a brine tank, and a valve for periodically cycling water through the mineral bed for removing hardness and other undesirable factors therefrom, then passing a diluted brine solution through the bed in an opposite direction to its normal service flow to recondition and flush the bed. The control for the system includes electrically operated solenoid diaphragm valves, and a plunger valve responsive to water pressures, for controlling and regulating the flow of water and brine through the mineral bed. A venturi aspirator is incorporated in the plunger valve, whereby a saturated brine solution is drawn and with controlled dilution is caused to flow in a direction opposite to service flow through the mineral bed.

Abstract: A water purification system having a pre-filter, a series of germicidal radiation chamber filter units alternating with a series of mechanical filter units and having a flow measuring device affixed to the output part of a final mechanical filtering unit. The rate of flow through the series of alternating germicidal and mechanical filtering units being measured by the flow measuring device and in turn controlled by an electrically operated valve so as to keep the rate of flow, of water being purified, through the series of alternating germicidal and mechanical filters at some predetermined and optimal setting with respect to the efficaciousness of the germicidal filters.

Abstract: Apparatus for reverse osmosis purification of water or other fluid by passing the fluid under pressure across a membrane, through which membrane a part of the fluid passes in purified form, makes use of a piston or diaphragm pump in which the front face of the piston or diaphragm is used to force the fluid from one end of a cylinder into the module and in which the return fluid is applied to the rear face of the piston or diaphragm so that the pressures on the two faces are substantially balanced. The piston or diaphragm is operated by a piston rod attached to the rear face of the piston or diaphragm; the system is self-regulating to give an extraction ratio equal to the ratio of piston rod area to piston area.

Abstract: The water softening system hereof employs a treatment tank containing a mineral bed of ion-exchange resin granules, a brine tank, and valve means for periodically cycling water through the mineral bed for removing hardness and other undesirable factors therefrom, then passing a saturated brine solution through the bed counter-current to its normal service flow to recondition it, and subsequently flushing the bed to cleanse the granules and remove all undesirable matter therefrom. The control means for the system includes electrically operated solenoid diaphragm valves, and a plunger valve responsive to water pressures, for controlling and regulating the flow of water and brine through the mineral bed.

Abstract: A dispenser for metering a predetermined volume of acid into a water softener brine tank utilizes a generally hat-shaped diaphragm that flops from one surface of a metering chamber to the opposite surface when acted upon by either pressure or suction. The diaphragm essentially lines one-half of the chamber at a time, and its movement either draws acid into the chamber or expels the acid from the chamber.

Abstract: A water filtering and dispensing apparatus comprising a filtering device receiving unfiltered water under pressure from a water service system and operable to deliver filtered water and waste brine under pressure, a filtered water delivery line extending from the device to a dispensing valve, a storage tank with spaced brine inlet and outlet openings, a brine line between the device and the inlet opening, a pressure reducing regulator in the brine line upstream of the tank, a filtered water receiving inflatable bladder in the tank and means connecting the bladder with the delivery line upstream of the dispensing valve, a waste line connected with and extending downstream from the brine outlet opening in the tank, a flow limiting flow control means and a normally open bladder actuated shut-off valve downstream of the tank, said shut-off valve operable to close only when the bladder in the tank is filled with a full supply of filtered water, whereby flow of waters and brine into and out of the apparatus stops w

Abstract: A sludge removal mechanism including concentrating members for concentrating the settled sludge in localized areas on the bottom of the tank with conduits leading from the localized areas to a collection zone. A flow control device is associated with each conduit in the collection zone and a plurality of flow control devices are simultaneously moved by a drive mechanism so that the range of flow from a plurality of localized areas in a tank are changed simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention provides an arrangement for delivering purified water on demand, which includes a reverse osmosis filter having an inlet for connection to a source of pressurized water, and a purified water outlet connected to a tank where the purified water enters a bladder. Unpurified water from the filter is connected to the tank on the outside of the bladder for forcing purified water through a purified water outlet. This connection also includes a restricted passageway to a drain. A second discharge for unpurified water from the reverse osmosis filter connects through another restrictor to the drain. The system is controlled by an actuator which operates a valve to control the flow of unpurified water, thereby causing the same to force purified water from the tank to the purified water outlet, and a valve for controlling the flow of inlet water to the reverse osmosis filter, shutting off such flow when the tank is filled with purified water.

Abstract: The macerator-sterilizer sewage treatment system, that is useful in an overall toilet system to collect, treat and discharge toilet wastes, comprises: macerator/transfer pump means to receive flushed human waste from toilets and urinals; a collection tank connected by conduit means to the outlet of the pump means; a sterilization tank connected by power-operated valved transfer means and transfer pump means to the collection tank; heater means in the sterilization tank; power-operated valved discharge means connected to an outlet of the sterilization tank; and electrical means to control the operation of the macerator/transfer pump means, of the transfer pump means between the collection tank and the sterilization tank, of the heater means, of the power-operated valved discharge means connected to the outlet of the sterilization tank and of the power-operated valved transfer means.

Abstract: Dual coaxial bidirectional valves are provided for use in fluid systems such as hydrostat systems where flow can proceed in opposite directions, and which direct flow through a unidirectional or multidirectional function such as a filter assembly in such a system in the normal direction, regardless of the direction of flow in the system. The valve includes two opposed coaxial valves intercepting and controlling flow through a box junction of the fluid line with the lines leading to and from the filter assembly, in a manner such that, regardless of the direction of flow in the fluid line, flow proceeds in the same direction in the connecting fluid lines to and from the function.

Abstract: A filter assembly for trapping particulate contaminants in a flow of fluid includes a porous cylindrical filter element, a cylindrical screen and a by-pass valve for preventing flow blockage in the event the filter should become clogged. These components are arranged in a configuration which avoids difficulties encountered with prior systems by situating the screen downstream from both the filter element and the by-pass valve and in a separate compartment from the filter. Fluid which may be diverted from passage through the filter by the by-pass valve continues to pass through the screen so that relatively large contaminants continue to be entrapped but the diverted fluid does not pass by the contaminated surface of the clogged filter and thereby pick up previously trapped matter. Either the filter or the screen may be replaced, cleaned, or otherwise serviced without disturbing the other.

Abstract: A water softener has a salt container with an inlet duct which can be connected to a source of water to be softened, through a valve unit, and at least two outlet ducts each one of which is connected to the inlet duct of one of the softener containers through a one-way valve.