Abstract: A single vessel with no moving parts is constructed to perform the functions of coalescing, vacuum dehydration, and thin film evaporation.

Abstract: A screen changer has not only the conventional slide bars with material injection channels and first air withdrawing channels, but also second air withdrawing channels, as well as material withdrawing channels when the slide bars are in an intermediate position where the filter portions provided through those slide bars in a direction normal to the axis are sealed and isolated within through-holes in the housing; said second air withdrawing channels communicate the topmost parts of the downstream compartments with the outside of the housing and are provided such that after penetrating through the slide bars, they extend along the outer surfaces of those slide bars; said material withdrawing channels are provided through the housing such that they communicate the exit ends of the downstream compartments with the outside of the housing.

Abstract: A blow molded, rigid plastic venous chamber for hemodialysis, for use in a venous hemodialysis set. The chamber defines a plurality of first access ports adjacent to a first end thereof. A second access port is provided at an opposed end. A tubular plastic filter is positioned in close-fitting relation within the second access port to project into the chamber. Unique advantages are provided by such a blow-molded, filter-carrying chamber, and by the chamber shape.

Abstract: An integrated blood treatment fluid module is provided having particular multi-function application in the treatment of renal failure. The module comprises a support member, a blood treatment device mounted to the support member, and multiple fluid circuits, wherein a plurality of the fluid circuits are interconnected to the support member and at least one of the fluid circuits is fluidly connected to the blood treatment device. At least two of the fluid circuits are interconnected with the support member so as to have a portion of each disposed in a U-shape, each U-shape portion extending in a different direction, for selective positioning about a corresponding peristaltic pump of a blood treatment apparatus. For renal treatment applications, the blood conditioning device may be a hemofiltration device, hemodialysis device or high-flux dialyzer.

Abstract: A spill free clean out type sink trap includes a cover sealingly and detachably mounted on a container and, in one embodiment, respective individual inlet and outlet conduits are spaced apart laterally from one another. The conduits both project downwardly below the cover into the container in which case, during use, the water level in the container is spaced from the cover. This is an air space of sufficient volume to receive and hold the liquid, normally retained in the conduits, when the seal between the cover and container is broken. In another embodiment, inlet and outlet conduits are concentric and the outlet conduit projects into a further conduit to an extent such that the lower open end thereof is below the normal liquid level. The further conduit projects sufficiently downwardly into the container such that the liquid free volume in the container is greater than the volume of liquid contained in the lower end of the inlet conduit and the further conduit.

Abstract: A filter unit capable of receiving a cartridge-type filter element is provided for use in-line with a suction-type pool cleaning device. The unit has an elongated housing with intake and outlet ports at opposite ends. The intake port may be connected via a hose to a pool cleaning device and the outlet port to a suction port in the pool circulation system. The unit can use a filter cartridge with an element that offers a filtration coarseness somewhere between that of the system filter and a strainer element. The housing may be adapted to receive a strainer basket in place of the filter cartridge and thus serve as a conventional leaf-trap.

Abstract: A blow molded rigid plastic venous chamber for hemodialysis, for use in a venous hemodialysis set. The chamber defines a plurality of first access ports adjacent to a first end thereof. A second access port is provided at an opposed end. A tubular plastic filter is positioned in close-fitting relation within the second access port to project into the chamber. Unique advantages are provided by such a blow-molded, filter-carrying chamber.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a filter element disposed in a spin-on canister which is detachably secure to a mounting adaptor having a conduit normally permitting some of the filtered lubricating oil to bypass the main lubricating circuit of the engine. The filter element carries a plug which seals the bypass conduit when the canister is installed on the adaptor so as to disable the internal bypass circuit of the adaptor and force all of the filtered oil to flow to the main lubricating circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil filter (1) for internal combustion engines, which is preferably used in secondary oil circuit in addition to a conventional oil filter. The oil filter comprises a filter housing (2a, 2b, 3o, 3u) in which a filter element (5) that consists of a roll of absorbant paper that is wound about a rod (4) is installed. In order to simplify production and inventory management, the present invention proposes that the oil filter be configured as a set of elements that comprises the body sections (2a, 2b) and caps (3o, 3u) and a rod (4) with the rolled filter element (5). The volume of the oil filter can be matched to a particular application by connecting a plurality of body sections (2a, 2b) with an appropriate number of rods (4).

Abstract: A kit for converting a conventional passenger catamaran into an efficient liquid pollutant collector is disclosed. The kit includes a plurality of booms, removably extending forward of and away from the outermost of the hulls of the catamaran. The booms extend essentially parallel to the water and form essentially a V-shape extending away from the hulls of the catamaran. Skirts to contain the liquid pollutant between the booms and direct the liquid pollutant rearward are attached to and extend downward into the water from the booms. Also included is a wall which extends a short distance into the water between and near the stern of the hulls of the catamaran. In addition, a pump is connected to a manifold, which opens onto the surface of the water in front of the wall. The pump removes the liquid pollutant from the surface of the water through the manifold and moves the liquid pollutant into either a storage container or a processing system.

Abstract: Dialysis unit with vacuum removal therethrough of priming saline and selective circulation therethrough of dialysate and other fluids. The dialyzer unit includes a drain configured to sealingly cooperate with a tubing set having a cap with a central conduit portion and sealing fins for cooperating with the drain, and a venturi in a main effluent passage in fluid communication with the drain.

Abstract: A sewage treatment plant for the purification of waste water includes a chamber container (1) divided by partitions (4) into different sections (6, 7, 8) for pretreatment, biological treatment, chemical treatment, intermediate or retreatment of waste water, each section (6, 7, 8) having several chambers (6a through f, 7a through f, 8a through f) separated from one another by dividing walls (4, 5), chambers (6a through f, 7a through f, 8a through f) being linkable, with regard to inflow technique, in any pre-selectable association depending on the quantity and type of waste water to be treated, and at least one installation for removal of deposited treatment sludge in each of the areas for pretreatment, intermediate treatment and retreatment.

Abstract: A sludge processor is provided which enables rapid disassembly and reassembly for changing between a sludge thickener configuration and a press configuration, and for enabling rapid disassembly for cleaning in the press configuration. The processor includes a frame with opposite sides and roller-holding bearing devices at the opposite sides for holding rollers about which a belt extends past a sludge dewatering region. The bearing devices can be arranged in a first configuration (FIG. 2) wherein the belt (12A) extends in an even path, and a second configuration (FIG. 1) wherein the belt extends in a tightly convoluted path so it and material thereon is squeezed between adjacent rollers. The bearing devices (50, FIG. 4) are releasably mounted to the frame sides to enable rapid conversion, and to enable rapid removal of the rollers for cleaning the processor when used in the second configuration.

Abstract: A two-bag system (2) for peritoneal dialysis comprises a female connector piece (4) which is connected via a tube (28) to a peritoneal catheter. The female connector piece (4) can be connected to a male connector piece (6) to permit introduction of fresh dialysis solution from a full bag (12) into the peritoneal cavity. For receiving used dialysis solution or for receiving flushing solution accumulating prior to the dialysis operation, an empty bag (38) is provided which is connected via a further tube (36) to the male connector piece (6). The female connector piece (4) comprises a shutoff member (32) which in a predetermined connection state of the connector is opened by a central tube section (16) of the male connector piece (6). By arranging a second connection (34) on the male connector piece (6) in cooperation with the closure member (32) and a radial opening (23) in the central tube section (16) a fluid connection is possible to the two bags ( 12, 38) and the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A separator comprises a central casing including an upper disk and a lower disk, both disks having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of columns extending between the upper and lower disks and in communication with the plurality of openings, an upper casing including a disk disposed in contact with the upper disk of the central casing and having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of columns extending upwardly from the upper surface of the disk and in communication with the plurality of columns of the central casing, a lower casing including a disk disposed in contact with the lower disk of the central casing and having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of columns extending downwardly from the lower surface of the disk and in communication with the plurality of columns of the central casing, and a plurality of receptacles disposed within the plurality of columns. The upper and lower casings are rotated so that the receptacles can be circulated through the columns.

Abstract: A plate-type filter that is provided with a sealing element that is disposed in the flow path of liquid that is to be filtered and seals off the in-flow region relative to the filling space of the filter housing. The sealing element is movable into its sealing position under the pressure of in-flowing liquid. The sealing element is therefore in the sealing position only when liquid is flowing in. When the filter elements are rotated for centrifuging off the filter cake, the sealing element is no longer in its sealing position due to the absence of liquid pressure, so that the sealing element is not stressed during the centrifuging process.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging fragile particles, such as intact biological cells, retained by the separation matrix in a flow chamber of a magnetic separation system. The apparatus incorporates a piezoelectric transducer which is coupled to the matrix and an associated drive circuit. The system can operate in a capture phase, whereby fragile particles are selectively captured from a carrier fluid passing through the matrix, with those captured particles being magnetically held in place within the matrix. In the elutriation phase, an elutriation fluid is passed through the matrix and the drive circuit excites the piezoelectric transducer. In response to the excitation, the transducer establishes acoustic waves in the elutriation fluid passing through the matrix, vibrating the matrix itself. Depending upon the mechanical impedances within the flow chamber, the acoustic waves can be ultrasonic.

Abstract: A fluid flow chamber cassette that can be mounted with either its front wall or rear wall against a supporting machine and has a flexible tube that extends from a sidewall and forms a loop that is symmetrical about a loop axis that is transverse to the side wall so that the loop will be acted upon by a pump roller on the machine both when the front wall is against the machine and when the rear wall is against the machine. Also disclosed is automatically fixing the initial liquid levels and amounts of air in venous and arterial chambers of fluid flow transfer device apparatus by having the arterial chamber inlet enter the arterial chamber at a position higher than the arterial chamber outlet, having the venous chamber inlet enter the venous chamber at a position higher than the venous chamber outlet, and priming the apparatus by causing reverse flow, so that the liquid rises in the venous and arterial chambers to the level of the entrances of the inlets.

Abstract: A system for the magnetic separation of fragile particles, such as intact biological cells, from a fluid medium. The system includes at least one high-gradient magnetic separator having a flow chamber housing an interstitial separation matrix and associated magnetizing apparatus for coupling magnetic flux to the matrix. The matrix has interstices through which a carrier fluid carrying the cells-to-be-separated may be passed. The magnetizing apparatus includes opposing North and South poles and field-guiding pole pieces, external to the flow chamber. The flow chamber comprises a dual-position flux-coupler. The flux-coupler is operative in a first position in the capture phase and in a second position in an elutriation phase. In the capture phase, the flux-coupler is positioned to permit the magnetic flux from one magnetic pole to pass through the matrix to the other magnetic pole.

Abstract: An insert carrying cartridge filtering element for use in converting a liquid filter from a bag-type filter where fluid entering the filter flows into a bag and is strained through the bag to a cartridge-type filter where fluid entering the filter passes through the cartridge filtering element and exits the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert a top tube sheet precoat filter apparatus to a bottom tube sheet precoat filter apparatus. A cannister member is supported within the existing filter tank in place of the existing tube sheet dividing the filter tank into an upper influent compartment and a lower effluent compartment. A plurality of precoat filter elements extend upwardly from the lower end of the cannister member into the influent compartment. An influent conduit directs liquid to be treated into the influent compartment and an effluent conduit withdraws treated liquid from the effluent compartment. The existing influent conduit is utilized as the effluent conduit and the existing drain is modified for utilization as the influent conduit. A gas surge conduit and vent are provided to permit utilization of the gas scour backwash technique.

Abstract: A frame member for road surface installations has a rectangular frame with a circular opening to receive circular cover members which can be used for catch basins, for manholes, and other road surface aperture covers e.g. valve chamber covers. The circular cover member may be imperforate, or perforate, with openings or with slots. A standardized frame member may be employed with various forms of structurally distinct cover members, so that a stock of standardized frames and various distinct cover members can be provided. An annular seat surface on the frame member and the matching surface on the cover member which is received on the seat surface can be machined surfaces that will fit accurately so that the cover member will not wobble relative to the frame member and is exposed to less risk of fracture.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching a filter to a fluid transmission comprising an adapter plate having a series of attaching holes adjacent its periphery for attaching the adapter plate to a housing section of the fluid transmission. The adapter plate has first and second opposite faces and a suction opening. A resilient grommet is carried by the adapter plate at the suction opening with the grommet projecting from the first face of the adapter plate. The grommet has a passage extending through it to provide communication between the opposite faces of the adapter plate. A fluid filter can be attached to the adapter plate with the grommet spacing the filter from the adapter plate and providing communication between the suction opening and the filter.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus is provided which is easily convertible to a bag, sleeve and disc, cartridge, or tube filter configuration. Additionally, the apparatus is adaptable to function as an ion exchange column. The apparatus includes a tank having a base with liquid and gas inlets. A removable cover also has liquid and gas inlets and an adapter onto which several different filter elements may be coupled including a bag filter, a disc and sleeve filter, a cartridge filter, a tube-type filter, and a strainer for when the apparatus is to be used as an ion exchange column. The tank is capable of having liquid flow through in either direction and can be pressurized or evacuated as needed.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus is provided which enables a plurality of liquids to be filtered simultaneously. The apparatus basically comprises a tube adapted to be secured to a source of negative pressure, the tube having a plurality of upstanding inlets, each of which is adapted to receive a filtration paper holder. Liquid storage cylinders are adapted for mounting on the upper ends of the filtration paper holders so that liquid contained therein may be withdrawn through the filtration papers and into the tube. At least one filtrate collector is provided for optional removable mounting between at least one of the upstanding inlets and an associated filtration paper holder to collect a predetermined volume of the filtrate before the remainder of the filtrate passes down into the tube.

Abstract: A fluid filter has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a filter element in the fluid pathway, and is provided with a by-pass which includes a fluid pressure indicator. The by-pass comprises a cylinder attached to a cover and removable therewith. The cylinder has one aperture which provides fluid communication between the cylinder and the inlet and has another aperture which, when open, provides fluid communication between the cylinder and the outlet and hence provides a fluid pathway between the inlet and outlet which by-passes the filter element. A piston is movable within the cylinder responsively to fluid pressure from a first position where it closes the second aperture to a second position where the second aperture is open. The cylinder can be removed and mounted in a first position which provides both an indicating and a by-pass function or it can be rotated to a second position which provides only an indicating function.