Abstract: An ion exchange apparatus in which granular exchanger material is deposited to a level above a horizontal drainage for the regeneration medium solution of an ascending countercurrent regeneration process and considerably below an upper liquid connection. A timing generator that divides the regeneration phase into flow segments and rest segments is provided. To reduce the amount of regeneration medium required while changing only slightly the flow resistance and improving the exchanger efficiency, the concentration of the regeneration medium solution is increased to a value that without the timing generator leads to poor utilization of a given amount of regeneration medium. An additional layer of exchanger material excluded from the regeneration process is deposited to a level considerably above the drainage. An intermediate layer of exchanger material extends to a level considerably below the drainage, adjoins the additional layer, and can be mixed with the latter via a mixing device.

Abstract: A device for removing hydrogen sulfide from well water having in situ activated carbon adsorbent regeneration. The device includes a tank with a water inlet, a water outlet and a steam outlet. The hydrogen sulfide adsorbent material is situated in the tank so that water entering through the water inlet must pass through the adsorbent material before exiting the water outlet. The tank also has a heating element which may be activated to boil water which is in communication with the adsorbent material. The water inlet, the water outlet, and steam outlet each have valves which are operated so that water may enter the tank and pass through the hydrogen sulfide adsorbent material and out the water outlet during water purification stage without any water going out the steam outlet.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for treating fluid. In one illustrative embodiment, the treatment comprises the recharging of a resin bed in a water softener. A flow switch and accumulating timer are actuated when a selected flow rate is detected. The accumulating timer is set to a selected elapsed time. A chronological timer is also provided and is set for a selected time of day to recharge the resin bed. A reserve brine capacity is provided by delivering a selected amount of water to a brine tank at predetermined elapsed time intervals of the accumulating timer. The resin bed is recharged when both a selected elapsed time of the accumulating timer has occurred and it is the selected time of day.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a fluid supply system, wherein in its working mode a pump delivers fluid through a filter in one direction to a discharge outlet, an improvement comprising a relief outlet and controlled valve means interposed between said pump and said discharge outlet and between the pump and the relief outlet, means for selectively controlling said controlled valve means (1) to effect delivery of fluid from said pump through said filter, in the one direction, and through said valve means to said discharge outlet in the working mode, (2) to effect passage of fluid from said pump through said filter, in a direction opposite to the one direction, and through the valve means to said relief outlet in reverse cleaning mode and (3) to effect passage of fluid from said pump through said filter, in the one direction, and through the valve means to said relief outlet in forward cleaning mode.

Abstract: The blood of a patient to be dialyzed is circulated out of the patient's body through an extracorporeal circuit including a blood pump and a dialyzer. The dialyzer has a solution supply piping for the supply of a dialyzing solution thereto and a discharge piping for the discharge of the dialyzing solution therefrom, and the discharge piping is branched into a discharge passage and a metering passage. The supply piping, the discharge passage and the metering passage have disposed thereon a supply control valve, a discharge control valve and a combination of a metering valve and a metering device, respectively. During a washing step, the supply control valve is opened while the discharge and metering control valves are opened and closed, respectively, so that the dialyzing solution within the dialyzer is replenished.

Abstract: An automatic cycler for performing Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD) and Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (IPD) is provided. The apparatus of the present invention is a safe and convenient cycler apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis in either home or clinical environment. The apparatus provides a stable base by storing dialysate at a relatively low position. Tubing administration set length is reduced to a minimum by the use of individual, separated valves and by the elimination of redundant, duplicate tube sections. Administration set complexity is reduced by the use of a conventional design dialysate container for heating and weighing of an infusing dialysate dosage. The apparatus allows for gravity feed to a patient with an optional capability of adjusting the pressure head for the gravity feed.

Abstract: A cylindrical closed housing formed of clear material provides a test flow cell for monitoring the halogen and pH level in a flowing liquid stream. The cylindrical housing includes a circumferential, longitudinally extending side surface with front and back end surfaces secured to the circumferential cylindrical surface to form the closed, hollow housing test cell. The housing has a first inlet opening at one side for the liquid stream; an outlet opening for the liquid stream at the top of the housing and a second inlet opening for acid at the bottom of the housing. A pair of additional openings, one on each side of the outlet opening receives and positions electronic sensing probes diagonally within the test flow cell; the probes terminate between the top outlet and bottom second inlet openings and opposite the first inlet side opening.A controller includes circuitry which enables the halogen and pH levels desired in a reservoir of water to be preset.

Abstract: A process is provided for controlling the recharging of a water conditioner. Water usage during selected fractions of a predetermined period of time is sensed. Information signifying the water usage during the selected fractions is stored. A time fraction is automatically determined, based on the stored information, when water is unlikely to be used. A selected parameter, such as volume of water used since recharging, is sensed to determine if recharging is required. The water conditioner is recharged during the automatically determined time fraction if the selected parameter indicates that recharging is required.

Abstract: A dialyzer reuse machine comprising means for passing a series of liquid and gaseous fluids through the dialysate and blood compartments of the dialyzer at different flow rates according to a predetermined sequence for cleaning and disinfecting the dialyzer and means for accurately measuring the volume of the blood compartment upon completion of the dialyzer cleaning steps. Capacitive probe and load cell embodiments of the volume measuring means are disclosed. A specially designed jet pump permits a pressure leak test and dilution of stock chemicals to be performed using only tap water pressure as a source of motive force.

Abstract: An improved control for a resin bed water softener includes a microcomputer which is supplied with input data from a flowmeter indicative of the quantity of soft water leaving the softener. In accordance with the flow data, the microcomputer determines the amount of water used since the last regeneration and also determines the average daily soft water consumption. The microcomputer also coupled to a data input device and receives input data indicative of the total resin bed treating capacity and the incoming water hardness. At a prescribed hour each day, the microcomputer determines the remaining water softener resin bed treating capacity as calculated from the water hardness, the total resin bed treating capacity and the amount of water used since the last regeneration.

Abstract: An improved control for a particle bed water treatment device includes a microcomputer which is supplied with input data from a flowmeter indicative of the quantity of treated water leaving the water treatment device. In accordance with the flow data, the microcomputer determines the amount of water used since the last regeneration and also determines the average daily treated water consumption. The microcomputer is also coupled to a data input device and receives input data indicative of the total particle bed treating capacity resulting in complete particle bed exhaustion. To recognize and account for the additional particle bed capacity that is created when a partially exhausted particle bed is regenerated, the microcomputer advantageously adjusts the total treating bed capacity value received from the data input device in accordance with the remaining particle capacity existing prior to regeneration.

Abstract: An improved control for a water softener includes a resin bed sensor for sensing when the resin bed has been depleted to a predetermined percentage of the total resin bed treating capacity. The resin bed sensor is connected to a microcomputer which is also coupled to a flow meter to receive data therefrom indicative of the quantity of treated water leaving the water treatment device over a given period of time. When the resin bed sensor signals the microcomputer that the resin bed has been depleted to the predetermined capacity the microcomputer calculates the total softening capacity of the resin bed. Each day, the microcomputer computes both the total quantity of treated water consumed since the last regeneration and the remaining capacity of the resin bed. The microcomputer also maintains a record in memory of the previous 7 days' usage and the average usage is calculated to establish a soft water reserve value.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid with ion exchange resins includes a main container having a bed of ion exchange resins through which passes the liquid to be treated, and a system for controlling automatically a cycle of regeneration of the ion exchange resins. A device is provided for, during regeneration of the ion exchange resins in the main container, continuing treatment of the liquid. Such device comprises an auxiliary container positioned within the main container and having a bed of ion exchange resins through which passes the liquid to be treated during regeneration of the ion exchange resins in the main container.

Abstract: A fully automated method and apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting blood dialyzers for reuse. An identification is assigned to the particular dialyzer being cleaned and is stored in machine memory. The number of times the dialyzer identification has been stored is automatically counted and the result is indicated at the time of cleaning. A predetermined sequence of cleaning procedures is provided. The cleaning procedures are automatically machine sequenced. If the dialyzer identification has not been stored before cleaning, the automatic machine sequencing of cleaning steps is inhibited.

Abstract: A fully automated method and apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting blood dialyzers for reuse having multiple stations simultaneously capable of cleaning a plurality of dialyzers. The dialyzer, the station cleaning the dialyzer, and the patient are identified and the identifications are stored in memory. A predetermined sequence of cleaning procedures tailored to the type of dialyzer to be cleaned are provided. The cleaning procedures are automatically machined sequenced, and the sequence is selectively controlled in response to automatic test procedures measuring indicia of dialyzer reusability. The tests performed on the dialyzer include a blood presence test, a pressure leakage test, and an ultrafiltration rate test. If it is determined that the dialyzer is not reusable, it is either cleaned further to make it reusable or machine sequencing of subsequent cleaning procedures is inhibited.

Abstract: An improved control for a resin bed water softener includes a microcomputer which is supplied with input data from a flowmeter indicative of the quantity of soft water leaving the softener. In accordance with the flow data, the microcomputer determines the amount of water used since the last regeneration and also determines the average daily soft water consumption. The microcomputer also coupled to a data input device and receives input data indicative of the total resin bed treating capacity and the incoming water hardness. At a prescribed hour each day, the microcomputer determines the remaining water softener resin bed treating capacity as calculated from the water hardness, the total resin bed treating capacity and the amount of water used since the last regeneration.

Abstract: A cleaning and/or disinfecting system for flushing water and chemical treatment liquids through the hydraulic circuitry of dialysate preparation and supply apparatus, the system employing, for each particular treatment liquid of a plurality of possible liquids, a keyhole adjacent to a chemical intake port and means to send electrical signals to an electrical controller indicating the presence of a key within a particular keyhole, whereby the particular treatment liquid connected to the port is flushed through the hydraulic circuitry of the apparatus at the proper flowrate and for the desired period of time.

Abstract: Ion exchange medium in a water softening system is regenerated cyclically, in response to both a preset timer and a metering device responsive to the degree of hardness of the untreated water and the degree of exhaustion of the ion exchange medium, by slowly feeding regenerating medium, prepared during the softening phase by the metering device, counter current to flow during softening at a rate so as not to disturb the exchange medium and to prevent substantial mixing of the regenerating medium with the water being displaced.

Abstract: A water conditioning system is provided with an improved resin regeneration arrangement. Included in this system is a flow control valve associated with a brine injector mechanism which provides for a very slow rinse of the treatment resin at the end of the brine draw cycle. This provides for greater interaction between brine and resin and, therefore, more efficient and economical use of salt. The flow control valve utilizes a floating ball and a notched seat to permit substantially unrestricted flow when the ball is floating and brine is being supplied to treatment tank and greatly restricted flow when the ball is seated and untreated water is being used to rinse the brine from the treatment tank.

Abstract: A fully automated system for cleaning and disinfecting blood dialyzers is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel electronic control circuit which utilizes an improved and greatly simplified arrangement for producing the reference voltage and which includes a probe which includes two pairs of spaced electrodes which are connected in a bridge circuit so that both a reference signal and a control signal is obtained for closing an energizing circuit and latch it until it is time for regeneration and in which the regeneration will occur only at preset times so as to not interfere with normal use.

Abstract: A novel electronic control circuit which includes a probe for detecting the conductivity in ion exchange material in a water softener and wherein the probe includes two pairs of spaced electrodes which are connected in a bridge circuit and connected so as to close an energizing circuit and latch it until it is time for regeneration and wherein the regeneration is controlled so that it will occur only at those times which are preset as, for example, during the night when the regeneration will not interfere with normal use of the water supply.

Abstract: A countercurrent liquid-solid contacting apparatus comprises a liquid purifying column for substantially purifying a liquid by passing the liquid upwardly through a bed of purifying material and a regenerating column for regenerating the purifying material used fo purify the liquid. The liquid purifying column includes supply and transfer ports defined respectively at the top and bottom thereof and has therein the bed of purifying material which is spaced a predetermined distance from the top of the liquid treating column to provide a vacant space. The purifying column further includes a liquid inlet and outlet with a portion of the purifying bed above the liquid outlet serving as a settling layer to avoid any possible fluidization and/or expansion of the purifying material.

Abstract: A water treatment device of the type which automatically regenerates itself at predetermined intervals is provided with a special disinfectant feeder device which dispenses a predetermined amount of disinfectant into the water treating media bed and the device itself to kill the bacteria therein. The disinfectant is dispensed at a predetermined time during the regeneration cycle so that subsequent to its bactericidal action all traces of the disinfectant will be flushed from the treatment device prior to the completion of the regeneration cycle.

Abstract: Kidney dialysis filters, or artificial kidneys, which contain a dialysis membrane mounted inside a housing and separating the housing into a blood side compartment and dialysate side compartment are washed for reuse by a process in which washing water is supplied to the blood side through an inlet hose, and exits through a remote, resiliently expandable and contractable outlet hose to a drain. After flushing of the blood side by water flow in this manner, the outlet is closed while continuing washing fluid feed, to build up fluid pressure inside the blood compartment, and then the fluid feed is interrupted. A drain in the inlet conduit is then opened to cause brief reversal of flow of fluid within the blood side, due to relaxation of the membrane and the outlet hose to relieve the fluid pressure. Then steady flow of fluid is resumed. This brief reversal of flow causes a fluid action to dislodge contaminating blood particles from the membrane and elsewhere.

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: Semi-permeable membranes of regenerated cellulose are subjected to wet-heat sterilization at a temperature of 105.degree. to 140.degree. C. During the treatment, the membranes are maintained in contact with an aqueous medium such as water or physiological saline. For the dialysis of body fluids, hollow fiber, semi-permeable membranes so sterilized exhibit a sonic modulus of at least 6.5.times.10.sup.10 dynes/cm.sup.2. Hollow fibers made of cuprammonium regenerated cellulose are particularly preferred for the above purpose.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning system for blood dialysis machines comprises a plurality of automatic valves for sequentially passing water, cleaning solution, and sterilizing solution through the dialysate chamber on the one hand, and water and sterilizing solution through the blood chamber on the other hand. The cleaning solution is held in the dialysate chamber to soak the membrane while the water is passed through the blood chamber. The cleaning and sterilizing fluids are supplied to the dialyzer from containers filled with reservoirs of pre-mixed fluids. A water-actuated Venturi fitting is used to withdraw sterilizing and cleaning fluids from the dialyzer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus utilizing successive reverse osmosis stages to produce highly purified water from potable water in a manner particularly suitable for use in a coin operated vending machine. The flow rates in the reverse osmosis stages are matched so that no storage tank is required between them. Operation of the purification stages is controlled by the level of purified water in a reservoir from which it is dispensed, and the level is automatically maintained within a predetermined range. A sump pan is mounted under the remainder of the machine to catch spillage, accidental overflow from the reservoir and the reject (brine) flow from the reverse osmosis stages, a sump pump is automatically actuated when the water reaches a predetermined level in the sump pan, and a valve at the feed water inlet is closed automatically in the event that the water level gets too high in either the reservoir or the sump pan.

Abstract: A miniaturized proportioning system for continuously mixing and preparing dialysate in accurate proportions, as may be prescribed by a physician, for simultaneous clinical treatment of a plurality of patients, e.g., ten, or in another form for treating a single patient almost anywhere.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of dialysate for the hemodialyzer in which apparatus the dialysate is recirculated and urea and other toxins in the dialysate are removed by repeated adsorption on and desorption from an adsorbent packed in a plurality of adsorbent beds that are used alternately or in rotation. Valves controlling flows of recirculating dialysate and the liquid (water and fresh dialysate) for desorption to and from said adsorbent beds are operated automatically with use of a timing device.

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: Filtering solids from waste water liquids and cleaning, degreasing and restoring the filtering media through the use of cleaning compounds forced up through the filtering substances.

Abstract: A combination water softener cabinet and brine tank is adapted to have a water softening resin tank housed therein in an area adjacent the rear wall, while an area within a forward portion of the cabinet and alongside the resin tank serves as a brine containing area. Reinforcing indentations in the molded plastic side walls for the cabinet cooperate with the rear wall of the cabinet and a socket structure on the bottom of the cabinet for retaining the resin tank against lateral displacement within the cabinet. A combination resin tank locating, retaining and hold-down device comprising a plate provides with upper structure of the cabinet an isolation chamber for protectively housing the softener cycle controlling mechanism mounted on the resin tank against brine fume damage and against contamination from salt during charging through an opening in the upper front portion of the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved electronic control system for the autoclaving sequence of a kidney dialysis machine, during which water is circulated at high temperature and pressure to clean and sterilize the machine. The circuit ensures that the machine will be autoclaved for a minimum period of time, such as 20 minutes, measured only while the temperature is above a minimum, such as 120.degree. centigrade. The circuit will remember the time of autoclaving previous to a power interruption, and will continue to time the autoclaving function only when the temperature has again exceeded the set minimum. Once an autoclaving sequence is initiated, the circuit prevents normal use of the machine until the sequence is completed. During the autoclave timing sequence, the kidney by-pass solenoid is energized and de-energized on a 50% duty cycle to make sure all flow paths in the machine are cleaned and sterilized.

Abstract: An automatic flushing and cleaning system for membrane separation machines such as reverse osmosis machines having plural modules or membranes. Cleaning may be by way of reducing the pressure to allow the membrane to relax, by the injection of air or inert gas to provide turbulence, and/or by injection of flushing liquid which may include chemical cleaning additives. Pumps, automatic valving, and pressure controls are provided, along with a complete timer operated electrical sequencing system whereby desired purging, flushing and cleaning cycles are automatically undertaken at periodic intervals or in response to one or more preferred conditions.