Abstract: A system and method to generate a concentration gradient eluent flow are described. The concentration gradient eluent flow can include at least two different generants. A liquid can be pumped to an eluent generating device. A first controlling signal can be applied to a first eluent generator to generate a first generant. A second controlling signal can be applied to a second eluent generator to generate a second generant. Either the first and/or the second controlling signal can be varied as a function of time to generate the concentration gradient eluent flow.

Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus that recycles a substantial percentage of the solution used for regenerating the system. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During a regeneration mode, the solution of sodium or potassium ions in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the sodium or potassium ions than the hardness ions from a high pressure side to a low pressure side. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter through an outlet and into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment tests the concentration of softening alkali metal ions in the liquid flowing from the softening tank during a fast rinse portion of the regeneration cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning vehicle including a housing having a body shell, a frame, and an interior with the housing. The housing having an outlet for releasing air from the shell. The shell being removably attached to the frame, and the frame including a base. The vehicle including a filtration system having a pump motor for pumping pool water through a filtration system, the pump creating a suction force, and the suction force being sufficient to allow the vehicle to climb the pool walls. The vehicle being capable of climbing the pool walls and breaking the surface of the water as it climbs the pool walls. The vehicle including logic for first, initiating vehicle movement, second, shutting off the pump motor, and third, re-starting the pump motor.

Abstract: A system for providing a solvent or reagent to a liquid chromatography system comprises: a valve comprising a common port and a plurality of other ports, configurable such that the common port may be fluidically coupled to any one of the other ports; a pump fluidically coupled to the common port of the valve; a plug configured to block flow through a first one of said other ports of the valve; a container containing the solvent or reagent, said container fluidically coupled to a second one of said other ports of the valve; a fluid tubing line having a known resistance to fluid flow fluidically coupled to a third one of said other ports of the valve; and a pressure gauge configured to measure fluid pressure within the pump, wherein the solvent or reagent is provided to the liquid chromatography system by a fourth one of the other ports.

Abstract: A separating device has a separating channel, through which a suspension can flow, a ferromagnetic yoke arranged on one side of the separating channel and a separating element arranged at the outlet of the separating channel for separating magnetic or magnetizable particles in the suspension. A plurality of coils arranged along the separating channel are controlled by a control device to produce a magnetic deflection field. The control device produces alternating current directions for controlling neighboring coils.

Abstract: A low cost method and system for treating water, which will be used in an industrial process, is provided. A system of the invention generally includes at least one containing means, at least one coordination means, at least one chemical application means, at least one mobile suction means, and at least one filtration means. The coordination means can control the necessary processes depending on the system needs (e.g., water quality or purity). The method and system of the invention purifies the water and eliminates suspended solids without the need of filtering the totality of the water volume, but only filtering a small fraction of up to 200 times less than the flow filtered by a conventional water treatment filtration system.

Abstract: System and method for replacing a resist filter in such a manner as to reduce filter-induced wafer defects are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a filtration system connected to a dispenser, the filtration system comprising a filter; and a switch connected to the filter for selectively connecting the filtration system to throughput one of a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochloritc, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: A water distribution system including a water storage tank, a water treatment unit, a diverter valve, and interconnecting water conduits arranged so that the same water treatment unit can be used to treat water supplied from a fill port to the storage tank during a fill operation, as well as water leaving the storage tank for supply to one or more points of water use during a supply operation. A diverter valve is provided which is movable between a fill position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the fill port and not the point of water use device, and a supply position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the at least one point of water use device and not the fill port. When the diverter valve is in the fill position, water supplied to the fill port can thus flow through the diverter valve and to the water treatment unit for treatment then to the storage tank for storage.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system is revealed. Water with contaminants is drawn from sources to the sewage treatment system for automatic and fast water purification. Thus clean drinking water is generated. The water with contaminants is sent to a treatment tank by a motor. Then non-toxic and odorless chemicals are sprayed in the treatment tank. By stirring and mixing of movable blades, the contaminants are coagulated and precipitated into a funnel under the treatment tank to be discharged. Next clean water in the treatment tank is sent to a centrifuge separator to be filtered and dehydrated by centrifugation. Water comes out from the centrifuge separator is drinking water. The sewage is converted into clean water. The system can provide clean safe drinking water to regions without water treatment plants.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for scaling control in a membrane system operation. The method can be performed by a model in the control system of a plant. The method can include selecting one or more antiscalants corresponding to one or more components of the scale, based on one or more of feed water condition, membrane material, membrane fouling status and a kinetic study relating to a reaction between the antiscalants and the components of the scale. The composition of one or more selected antiscalants can be estimated based on an overall scaling rate constant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dialysis system with a disconnection monitor for determining if a blood line connection to a patient has been disconnected. It includes a blood circuit in fluid communication with a patient and a dialysis circuit, a pressure transducer for generating a signal indicative of a pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal generator for generating a signal indicative of the patient's pulse and a disconnection monitor. The disconnection monitor includes a pressure transducer data receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the patient's pulse, and a processor for cross-correlating the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit and the signal indicative of the patient's pulse to generate data indicative of a disconnection of the blood line connection to the patient.

Abstract: Described is a method of transferring a gradient separation method to a liquid chromatography system. A value of a delivered gradient slope for a gradient separation method performed on a first liquid chromatography system is determined based on a value of a programmed gradient slope for the gradient separation method and a predetermined relationship between delivered gradient slope and programmed gradient slope for the first liquid chromatography system.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method, devices, instrument and program for extraction an ingredient from a liquid sample by bidirectional transfer of an aliquot of fluid between compartments, the method can be applied to a wide variety of laboratory techniques such as; solid phase extraction by filter disc, column chromatography, magnetic separation, diagnostic tests and others, the system is suitable for single or multi sample handling, manual operation or integrated into an automated system, can be used in a lab or in field.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: A system for producing and supplying a coolant to a filtration sub-system, and for reconditioning and recombining a return flow of used coolant. A main reservoir is in two way communication with the filtration sub-system via a clean coolant outlet and a dirty coolant return. An inlet feeds an untreated water supply to a de-ionization canister. A mixing valve in communication with the inlet recombines a remaining untreated portion of the water supply with the de-ionized portion. A mixing pump intermixes the water supply with a chemical concentrate to produce a coolant delivered to a main reservoir. A volume of coolant is drawn through an outlet from the reservoir and communicates the coolant to a particle filter, a chiller, and prior to outputting to the filtration sub-systems. The used return coolant is filtered and reintroduced to the main reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for treatment of wastewater. A pumping system pumps wastewater from a source basin to a recipient basin, while a conduit allows gravitational flow of water from a source basin to a recipient basin when the pumping system is inactive. A controller activates the pumping system to pump wastewater from the source basin to a recipient basin when a wastewater level in the source basin is at a first predetermined height or when a rate of gravitational flow wastewater from the source basin to the recipient basin is below a first predetermined flow rate. The controller also turns off the pumping system when the water level in the source basin is at a source basin minimal level and the water level in the recipient basin is at a recipient basin maximal level. The invention also provides a method for operating a wastewater treatment of the invention, and a pumping system for use in the system of the invention.

Abstract: A fluid purification system has cells whose purifying capability can be regenerated. Some of the cells are arranged in series to reach a high level of purification. An automatic valve network is controlled to cycle the cells in a way that levels the loads on each, thereby maximizing the service interval for replacing expired cells, enabling all of the cells to be replaced at the same time after having each contributing approximately equally to the purification load, and operated such that at any one time, at least one cell is regenerated so as to enable continuous up-time.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: The invention can provide or facilitate systems and methods for feeding a slurry and, in particular, to systems and methods for treating wastewater streams with a slurry having periodic flushing of conduits.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a first fluid heater, a second fluid heater, a supplemental power source and a logic implementer. The logic implementer is configured to use the supplemental power source such that when the first and second heaters are powered simultaneously, a collective current draw does not exceed a maximum allowable current draw of a branch power source powering the system.

Abstract: A centrifuge operative in successive low speed and high speed modes serves to remove surface cooking oil from a continuous stream of fragile snack food products wherein the oil removal occurs in the high speed mode and products are discharged from the centrifuge with relatively low kinetic energy in the low speed mode.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for high-throughput screening of fluidic samples. In some embodiments, two chromatography columns are utilized in series. The first chromatography column can have a high affinity for phosphorylated compounds while the second chromatography column has a high affinity for one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system with energy recovery features may provide feed water to a reverse osmosis unit. The system includes an electronic controller unit that regulates the output of three hydraulic pumps. Each hydraulic pump drives the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The pistons collectively deliver a generally constant flow of high pressure feed water. Valve bodies direct reverse osmosis concentrate to the back sides of the pistons. The electronic controller coordinates the output of the hydraulic pumps with the actuation of the valve bodies. Movement of the pistons is controlled, in part, by a feed back loop to verify the desired hydraulic pump output. Valve bodies are designed to begin closing when an associated piston velocity decreases. The valve body moves after a dwell period when an associated piston should not be moving. The piston and cylinder are designed for exposure to high salt-content water.

Abstract: A water conditioning system that both softens and improves the smell of water by removing dissolved ferrous iron and hydrogen sulfide from the water includes: a water softening tank, a cation exchange media situated in the water softening tank, a brine tank, a programmable control valve which regulates flow through the system and the periodic rejuvenation of the cation exchange media using flow from the brine tank, a valve that assists in providing a flow of aerated, pressurized water to the system, and an adapter with a bottom portion and a flow control valve that control the volume of the gaseous pocket that is created in the top portion of the water softening tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is disclosed that effectively and energy-efficiently filters oil-based residue from a fluid such as washing fluid that drains from a basin in the appliance. In one illustrative embodiment, an appliance includes a novel filter assembly for filtering oil-based residue out of the washing fluid. The filter assembly includes a filter layer composed of a material that is both oleophilic and hydrophobic. The filter assembly forms part of a fluid distribution system that has different configurations. A first configuration allows for recirculating filtered wash fluid from an outlet of the filter assembly back into the basin of the appliance. A second configuration allows for draining both the washing fluid from the outlet of the filter assembly and the oil-based residue from a bypass zone of the filter assembly to an appliance outlet.

Abstract: Dialysis systems are disclosed comprising new fluid flow circuits. Systems may include blood and dialysate flow paths, where the dialysate flow path includes balancing, mixing, and/or directing circuits. Dialysate preparation may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and urge blood back to the patient may be included for certain emergency situations. Fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, and mixers that can be actuated using a control fluid, may be included. Control fluid may be delivered by an external pump or other device, which may be detachable and/or generally rigid, optionally with a diaphragm, dividing the device into first and second compartments.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support an environmentally-friendly, “green” thermophilic anaerobic digestion system. The system includes a thermophilic anaerobic digester as well as various independent modular anaerobic units to generate bio-methane from certain organic energy sources, including but not limited to, among other things, green municipal waste, restaurant and organic waste and effluents from industries such as breweries, grocery stores, food processing plants, granaries, wineries, pulp and paper mills, ethanol and biodiesel plants, fat and animal rendering, agricultural field crops, organic sludge accumulation within lagoons and waterways, marine organic matter and animal manure.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface allowing a patient to program a treatment including at least one patient fill performed by the dialysate pump, at least one dwell, and at least one drain performed by the dialysate pump; and the GUI further programmed to provide an alert when it is time to begin the treatment so as to complete the at least one patient fill, dwell and drain by a prescribed time.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the carbon feed in a denitrification filter. The process utilizes in-line or off-line measurements of process variables in combination with feed forward and feedback control and increases or decreases the amount of carbon added based on a calculated reset rate determined on a periodic basis. The calculated reset rate may be a percentage of a theoretical value of the necessary carbon feed rate needed to remove the desired amount of nitrate-nitrogen. When the effluent nitrate-nitrogen is at a desired level and no rate change is necessary, the carbon feed rate is set to an average of one or more of the last filter runs. The process may also include a step wherein the carbon addition is increased immediately after backwashing to reestablish the biomass needed to produce the desired effluent in a step to regain process efficiency once that boost reestablishes the biomass.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retrofit hydrolization of seawater for production of halogen biocides in situ. A method for effecting an in situ generation of biocide as an aid in anti-biofouling of a device disposed in a volume of salt water includes a) associating a cathode electrode to the device; b) associating an anode electrode to the device with the anode electrode spaced apart from the cathode electrode; and c) hydrolyzing one or more components in the volume of salt water to generate a halogen biocide at the anode electrode with the biocide flowing from the anode electrode away from the cathode electrode as a biocide film, the film responsive to a physical arrangement of the associations of the electrodes with the device.

Abstract: Treated sewage sludge containing a flocculant is discharged from bottom of a bin, with the discharge being facilitated by heating sloped walls of the bin an amount sufficient to increase the ability of the sludge to slide along sloped bin walls. The flocculant in the sludge includes a polymeric material which, when heated to a sufficient temperature effects a phase separation of the polymeric material from water, decreasing the viscosity of the polymeric material, facilitating its sliding along the sloped walls. The heating of the polymeric material in the flocculant enables the sloped walls of the bin to be flatter than they would otherwise be, allowing an enhanced volume of sludge to be present in the bin. A programmable logic computer controls the provision of heat to the sloped walls, as well as controlling an openable closure at the bottom of the bin and/or controlling the rotation of a displacement device in the bin.

Abstract: A water treatment plant is described having a filter element situated between a water inlet line for raw water and a water discharge line for purified water, having a pump unit for pumping, in particular pressing and/or drawing, the water through the filter element, having at least one purifying unit for the filter element, having sensors for detecting water properties, and having a control unit connected to the sensors for activating the at least one purifying unit. It is provided that the control unit includes a computer program for adaptively activating the at least one purifying unit or adaptively changing the volume flow of the pump unit. Furthermore, a method for operating a water treatment plant and a computer program is also described.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a first fluid heater, a second fluid heater, a supplemental power source and a logic implementer. The logic implementer is configured to use the supplemental power source such that when the first and second heaters are powered simultaneously, a collective current draw does not exceed a maximum allowable current draw of a branch power source powering the system.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: a water purification unit; a dialysate generation unit configured to use water purified by the water purification unit; a dialysate delivery unit configured to deliver dialysate prepared by the dialysate generation unit; a supplemental power source; and electronic circuitry including: (i) a first electrical connection configured to electrically connect a branch power source with at least one of the water purification unit, the dialysate generation unit and the dialysate delivery unit, and (ii) a second electrical connection configured to electrically connect a supplemental power source with at least one of the water purification unit, the dialysate generation unit and the dialysate delivery unit.

Abstract: A blood treatment system is primed with a replacement liquid that flows directly into the access line of the blood circuit. The replacement liquid may be replacement fluid or blood stored in the replacement bag or the pre-blood pump (PBP) bag. These replacement liquids from the replacement and PBP bags are also used during blood treatment. These replacement liquids are blood or a replacement fluid and, particularly, have electrolyte levels the same as or similar to the electrolyte levels in the vascular blood of the patient.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment facility with a rotating biological contactor (“RBC”) that has a control system. The RBC sits in a tank that receives wastewater to be purified over which a reversible rotatable shaft is supported. One or more stages of rotating disk assembles progressively purify incoming wastewater. Each stage is oriented transversely to the shaft and has a plurality of disk assemblies. Each disk assembly has a number of disks that are sandwiched between end plates. Each of the disks comprises multiple concentric truncated pie-shaped segments.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating target components from a source fluid includes one or more source channels connected to one or more collection channels by one or more transfer channels. The target components of the source fluid can be magnetic or bound to magnetic particles using a know binding agent. A source fluid containing magnetically bound target components can be pumped through the source channel of the microfluidic device. A magnetic field gradient can be applied to the source fluid in the source channel causing the magnetically bound target components to migrate through the transfer channel into the collection channel. The collection channel can include a collection fluid that is stagnant until a predefined volume of source fluid is processed or a predefined volume of target components accumulate in the collection channel, at which point collection fluid can be pumped into the collection channel to flush the target components out of the collection channel.

Abstract: A transportable disaster-relief generating system is a power generated, multi-functional, and compact relief unit with means for providing area lighting via a power generator, purifying and storing potable water from a non-potable water source, and creating ice utilizing purified water. The disaster-relief unit of the present invention may further provide a portable ice storage bin in a knockdown configuration to hold a large quantity of ice. A bladder may be used to hold potable water produced. The equipment is physically protected by the structural framework and base. The device may comprise access doors and suitable paneling on the walls and roof of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy to minimize the potential for excess intra-peritoneal volume. The adjustments are made at the end of the drain, just prior to the next fill. The adjustments short the next fill, if necessary, to limit the intra-peritoneal volume, add a cycle, if necessary, to use all of the available dialysis solution and will average the remaining dwell time to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the therapy in the allotted time. In another embodiment, a tidal therapy using trended patient UF data is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are centrifuge-free self-contained systems for aseptically separating components of whole blood comprising at least one cassette for receiving whole blood; at least one red blood cell exclusion filter; at least one leukocyte reduction filters; at least one platelet exclusion filter; a plurality of product cassettes; and optionally a plurality of pumps and valves; and wherein the filters, pumps, valves, and cassettes are fluidly connected by tubing and the system does not include a centrifuge. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining blood components using the system.

Abstract: A composition for treating waters, e.g. ballast water or injection water for oil recovery, to kill in-situ aquatic invasive species comprises at least one biocide capable of killing both animal and plant micro-organisms. The at least one biocide preferably comprises Brilliant Green, Gentian Violet, and/or erythrosine, and a wetting agent or detergent-like compound such as CTAB or CTAC. The invention also relates to a system for treating ballast water in situ comprising means for injecting a composition for treating ballast water; means for measuring the flow rate or amount of ballast water to be treated; means for controlling the dosing of the composition; and means for storing or receiving the composition. The invention also relates to a method of detecting viable aquatic organisms in ballast water in situ comprising detecting metabolism in viable micro-organisms in ballast water and, therefore, measuring the efficacy of any treatment.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a logic implementer configured to: (i) generate a number of peritoneal dialysis therapy regimens that meet at least one therapy target input; (ii) accept a filter input; and (iii) filter the generated therapy regimens according to the filter input to refine the number of therapy regimens available for selection.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling aeration and mixing processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A high throughput, positive pressure, gravity operated dewatering system for hydraulic fluids, lubricating fluids, and petroleum based fluids comprises a gravity operated dewatering chamber receiving the industrial fluid and a source of positive pressure drying air coupled to the dewatering chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy to minimize the potential for excess intra-peritoneal volume. The adjustments are made at the end of the drain, just prior to the next fill. The adjustments short the next fill, if necessary, to limit the intra-peritoneal volume, add a cycle, if necessary, to use all of the available dialysis solution and will average the remaining dwell time to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the therapy in the allotted time. In another embodiment, a tidal therapy using trended patient UF data is provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge operative in successive low speed and high speed modes serves to remove surface cooking oil from a continuous stream of fragile snack food products wherein the oil removal occurs in the high speed mode and products are discharged from the centrifuge with relatively low kinetic energy in the low speed mode.

Abstract: A package of water treatment pellets includes a first container and a second container. The first container is fabricated from a water-dissolvable sheet material and the first container is filled with and encases the water treatment pellets. The second container is fabricated from a non-water-dissolvable, porous material and is sized and adapted to receive the first container filled with and encasing the water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder device includes a hollow, box-shaped magazine body defining an internal magazine chamber and a plurality of porous holders disposed in the internal magazine chamber. Each one of the plurality of porous holders retains a respective one of the packages of water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder system for a structure operative to circulate water thereabout incorporates the water treatment feeder device and the package of water treatment pellets.