Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: A filter device for the depletion of the leukocyte content from blood products comprising: a porous element comprising at least one fibrous web having a pore size suitable for leukocyte removal (possibly the range for the pore size should be defined), said web comprising fibres of a hydrophobic polymer coated with a hydrophilic polymer suitable to enhance the CWST of said hydrophobic polymer, characterised in that said web further includes adsorbent particles having a mean diameter lower than 30 ?m, said particles being bonded to said fibres by means of said hydrophilic polymer coating said fibres.

Abstract: To provide a water activation piece for use in a flow passage for forming a more efficient water flow stirring state for activating water though the piece which is formed in a simple structure with limited flow passage length, and a structural arrangement of the water activation piece, and a water activation device using the water activation piece and a structural arrangement thereof. The water activation piece 4 is formed as a cylindrical body with a through hole 42 that includes an axis 41. Spiral grooves 43 are formed non-continuously or continuously on an inner surface and outer surface thereof so that when the axis of the water activation piece is established in the flow passage, the water activation piece axially rotates by the flow pressure. The spiral grooves 43 are formed in a rightward rotation (clock-wise) manner in plan view.

Abstract: The utilization of electrical potential and currents, as well as magnetic fields and mixed-phase reactions to effect efficient separation of platelets from blood without initiating platelet activation.

Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dialysis apparatus, which can be used, e.g., for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, or hemofiltration. Numerous alarms occur during treatments creating additional workloads for the operator. The present method of controlling the apparatus allows an automatic switch from a first control mode to another, thus allowing the treatment to continue without operator influence.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes a generally vertically oriented first shaft structure adapted to receive excess wastewater from the sewer system, a generally vertically oriented second shaft structure spaced apart from the first shaft structure, a connector passage extending between the shaft structures proximate lower ends of the shaft structures, and an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second shaft structure. The treatment system further includes a treating agent dispenser for introducing a treating agent into the wastewater to disinfect at least a portion of the wastewater. During a sufficient rain event, the wastewater flows from the sewer system into the first shaft structure, then through the connector passage and the second shaft structure, and into the effluent passage, such that flow time through the shaft structures is greater than flow time through the connector passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for separating blood plasma, having a mixing unit in the form of a first injection having a first connecting tube and a first piston to provide a compartment for a mixture composed of plasma to be separated and the protein-precipitating agent; a separating unit composed of a filtering tube for separating and preserving a solid material after separation. The filtering tube includes a third connecting tube a filter and a third piston, the third connecting tube communicates with the fourth injection tube having a fourth piston for receiving a separated liquid; and a storage unit in the form of a fifth injection tube having a fifth connecting tube, a second connecting valve and a fifth piston.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting and treating blood component. An apparatus and methods for improvement of an extracorporeal photopheresis treatment is described. A cassette having flexible tubes inside its housing and on the bottom surface outside the cassette housing for ease of manufacturing is operated with a centrifuge bowl having an inlet and two outlets, pressure domes for measuring pressures in tubes, an improved irradiation plate, and a dual chamber bag in an extracorporeal photopheresis treatment.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.

Abstract: Waste water purification plant by means of plants and waste water purification process. The waste water purification plant (10) has at least one plant container (32), a feed unit (16), an evacuation unit (36) and plants. Waste water to be purified can be supplied to the purification plant (10) by the feed unit (16). Purified waste water can be discharged from the purification plant (10) by the evacuation unit (36). The plants are arranged in the plant container (32) without a substrate. A plant container (32) preferably has at least two plant basins (82-98). At least one other container (20, 24, 26, 146, 162, 172, 186, 188, 197) can be provided. At least part of the plant container (32) is arranged on the roof (147) of a building. Plants of at least two different plant species are provided in the plant container (32).

Abstract: An induced sludge bed anaerobic reactor includes a vessel in which a septum or other partition is positioned to maintain solids in wastewater being treated toward a lower zone in the reactor. A gas trap, which may also comprise an overpressure protection device, may be arranged at an outlet of the vessel. A distribution plate may be located at an inlet. A central aperture is formed in the septum into which a plug control mechanism, such as an auger, may be positioned to force solids to the lower zone of the reactor or, alternatively, pull solids up above the septum so that they can be removed from the vessel, if desired. A mixer may be utilized in connection with the bioreactor to mix the contents and prevent a crust from forming at the top of the bioreactor. Still further, a wall may be positioned to extend above the septum around its perimeter to assist in separating solids from the wastewater.

Abstract: A device (2) for a body fluid bag, includes a filtering part (5) and a retransfusion part (6), the filtering part (5) having a filtering part inlet opening (7) and a filtering part outlet opening (8). The outlet opening (8) is arranged to be connected to an inlet opening of the body fluid bag, and the retransfusion part (6) has a retransfusion part inlet opening (10), being arranged to be connected to an outlet opening of the body fluid bag, and a retransfusion part outlet opening (11), wherein the filtering part (5) and said retransfusion part (6) are mechanically integrated to form a single unit. A transfusion unit (16) including such a device (2) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for in-line preparation of liquid for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus that makes provision for placing a filter in correspondence with each of two successive filtration stations, for carrying out a liquid preparation cycle, for removing the filter, which operates in correspondence with a first filtration station, for placing in correspondence with the first filtration station the filter that operated in correspondence with the second filtration station, for placing a new filter in correspondence with a second filtration station and for launching a new sterile liquid preparation cycle. The invention also provides a device for implementing the described method and an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, which incorporates this device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating a failing wastewater treatment system comprising (a) a positive oxygen and ozone-generating, or ozone-generating only, pressure pump having an output, (b) a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the pump output, and (c) an air stone attachable to the second tube end. The pump is used to deliver oxygen and ozone, or ozone only, through the tube to the air stone. As much tube as is required is used to allow the air stone to be introduced into almost any portion of the wastewater treatment system so as to introduce air into the effluent and allow aerobic bacteria to proliferate. The apparatus of the present invention could also include a plurality of such pumps, tubes and air stones, and in many combinations.

Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of purifying oil-laden wastewater, which provides a method for purifying coke-cooling wastewater in a delayed coking process in petroleum chemical field. The method comprises the following steps: (a) cooling the coke-cooling wastewater produced in a delayed coking process to 5-55° C. under 0.1-0.25 MPa absolute pressure, to obtain cooled coke-cooling wastewater; (b) subjecting the cooled coke-cooling wastewater to solid-liquid separation, to obtain a coke breeze phase and a liquid phase; (c) further separating the obtained liquid phase, to obtain an oil phase and a water phase; and (d) further discharging water from the obtained oil phase, to obtain the separated oil phase. The present invention also provides an equipment for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention relates to a digested sludge treatment apparatus for treating digested sludge generated by subjecting organic waste matter to anaerobic digestion, comprising: an apparatus for decarbonating the digested sludge; a removal apparatus for removing coarse contaminant particles from the digested sludge; and an apparatus for separating or concentrating crystals containing magnesium ammonium phosphate from the digested sludge after the digested sludge passes through the decarbonation apparatus and removal apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: A device for treating aqueous liquids is disclosed comprising at least 2 treatment units connected in series, each treatment unit comprising a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a flow compartment fluidly connecting said liquid inlet to said liquid outlet, and cavitation inducing means for inducing cavitation in an aqueous liquid to be treated, said means comprising constriction means provided at the liquid inlet and/or the liquid outlet for increasing the velocity of the aqueous liquid, thereby reducing liquid pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of priming or rinse back of an extracorporeal circuit using a dialysis machine comprising a dialysis liquid preparation system. The dialysis machine is used to prepare a saline solution on-line. The extracorporeal circuit is connected to the dialysis machine and primed with the saline solution.

Abstract: This invention provides animal powered mechanical device for water desalination. It has unique features of using animal power as prime mover to effect brackish water desalination. Animal energy in form of high-torque low-speed can be converted into low-torque high-speed through speed increaser (4) to energize the high-pressure pump (6), the outlet manifold (8) of the pump (6) being connected to a reverse osmosis membrane module (9). With this device animal power can be used for obtaining safe drinking water from backish ground water/seawater resource in villages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a system and method for treating cardiac tissue are described. In one embodiment, bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient. The cells are then processed to isolate mononuclear cells, which can then be delivered back near the cardiac tissue of the patient.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile system and a method for filtering biological or medical liquids, especially blood or blood constituents. According to the filtering system and method, the sterile air already in the system is collected before the beginning of the filtration process, and after the filtration process, in order to completely empty the system used. Said filtering system comprises a collapsible container having a first and second air inlet/outlet line. The first air inlet/outlet line communicates with the first chamber of the filter by means of a flow connection, and the second air inlet/outlet line with the second chamber of the filter. Only the air inlet/outlet line communicating with the first filter chamber is sealed by a hydrophobic membrane or a return valve in the filtering system, such that the system has an especially simple structure.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment device treats nitrogen wastewater containing hydrogen peroxide by using micro/nano bubbles generated in a micro/nano bubble reaction tank. Thereby, activity of microbes is increased in next denitrification tank and nitrification tank, so that microbial treatment efficiency can be increased and the denitrification tank and the nitrification tank can be downsized. Thus, the wastewater treatment device makes it possible to enhance treatment efficiency of nitrogen wastewater containing hydrogen peroxide and to reduce initial and running costs for wastewater treatment.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system includes a first separator tank and a second separator tank. The first separator tank has a first volume and the second separator tank has a second volume that is different from the first volume. Each of the first separator tank and the second separator tank include an intake pipe having a plurality of branch outlets that receive an oil-water mixture and facilitate separation of the water from the oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment machine in which a blood circuit (3) is equipped with an inlet line leading to a filtration unit (2) and with an outlet line (3b) from the filtration unit; a fluid circuit comprises an inlet line (4a) leading to the filtration unit and an outlet line (4b) from the filtration unit so as to allow a fluid taken from a primary container (5) to circulate within the filtration unit, thus enabling the treatment of the patient's blood. There is further an infusion line (6) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit, which is supplied by an auxiliary fluid container (7). The inlet line of the fluid circuit is equipped with at least an infusion branch (8) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit so as to enable the intensive therapy machine to manage therapies with large exchange of fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for separating blood plasma, having a mixing unit in the form of a first injection having a first connecting tube and a first piston to provide a compartment for a mixture composed of plasma to be separated and the protein-precipitating agent; a separating unit composed of a filtering tube for separating and preserving a solid material after separation. The filtering tube includes a third connecting tube a filter and a third piston, the third connecting tube communicates with the fourth injection tube having a fourth piston for receiving a separated liquid; and a storage unit in the form of a fifth injection tube having a fifth connecting tube, a second connecting valve and a fifth piston.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A single housing comprising a diluent inlet, a solution outlet, and a plurality of discrete reagent beds comprising at least one reagent in dry form, wherein said reagent is present in the discrete reagent bed in a proportion sufficient for production of a complete hemodialysate solution.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. These systems contact a fluid with an extraction solvent, which causes the lipids in the fluid to separate from the fluid or causes lipids in the lipid-containing organisms to separate from the lipid-containing organism, using at least one hollow fiber contactor. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a level below a particular threshold enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or be stored.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid, such as plasma, or from lipid-containing organisms. A fluid is combined with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to an acceptable concentration enabling the delipidated fluid to be administered to a patient without the patient experiencing undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid, to a different patient, or stored for later use.

Abstract: A device and method for an extracorporeal blood treatment is described. The device comprising at least one exchanger equipped with at least one first inlet for the blood to be treated, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, an input line for blood to be treated connected to the first inlet of the exchanger, a blood output line (or venous line) connected to the first outlet of the exchanger, at least one treatment unit comprising at least one first fluid inlet and at least one first fluid outlet, the second outlet of the exchanger being in fluid communication with the first inlet of the treatment unit, where the first outlet from the treatment unit is in fluid communication with the input line and the second outlet of the treatment unit is in fluid communication with a first waste liquid discharge line.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method and apparatus including a denitrification (anoxic) chamber for denitrifying wastewater, an aeration basin with Bio-Wheel for aerating the wastewater, and a membrane device in which sludge particles are separated out of the wastewater, leaving clean discharge water and reusable sludge. Sludge from the membrane chamber floor is sent back to the aeration basin or denitrification chamber or both. Excess sludge is wasted or held for further processing. Preferably, the method and apparatus facilitate both activated sludge and fixed film processes.

Abstract: A membrane filtration manifold for connecting a filter submodule including one or more elongate bundles of semipermeable polymeric fibers is provided. The manifold includes a housing and connecting collar connected with said housing. The collar is adapted to receive and locate the submodule, where the submodule has a connecting sleeve with a locking formation. The submodule can be secured at one end to the collar by a clip adapted to engage both the collar and the locking formation to prevent axial withdrawal of the submodule from the collar. Also disclosed is a membrane filtration apparatus including a filter submodule including one or more elongate bundles of semipermeable polymeric fibers. The apparatus further includes a membrane filtration manifold removably connected at one end of said filter submodule and a basepiece removably connected to the other end of said filter submodule.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: An automatic tank cleaning system includes a water recycling unit having a weir therein and a conically-shaped bottom, a cutting box having a portable weir therein, a hydrocyclonic separator, and a mud tank. Tank slop is pumped from the mud tank to the water recycling unit where solids collect at the bottom. The solids are removed and collected in the cutting box. Water in the recycling unit may be pumped through the hydrocyclonic separator. Solids removed by the separator are collected in the cutting box and the water is directed into a clean water compartment defined by the weir within the recycling unit. Water in the cutting box is collected by the portable weir therein and pumped to the clean water compartment. Water from the clean water compartment is pumped to one or more rotary jet heads within the mud tank. Overflow from the water recycling unit may be directed to the cutting box. A chemical inductor may be used to add cleaning chemicals to the water prior to being directed through the wash nozzle.

Abstract: Systems and methods handle air and rinsing fluid during fluid processing. The systems and methods eliminate air from a fluid processing system prior to, during, and after use. The systems and methods provide a connector assembly for establishing fluid flow from a fluid source. The connector assembly has discrete first and second passages that prevent communication between the fluid in first passage and the fluid in the second passage. Prior to system use, the connector assembly may be utilized in a priming function to remove residual air from a fluid circuit prior to use. The connector assembly may also be utilized after use to perform a rinse-back function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating dirty water or other liquids containing particles of varying size includes a magnetic treatment unit and a centrifugal separator through which the liquid flows as a stream in sequence. The magnetic treatment unit causes very small sized particles to agglomerate, nucleate or otherwise to be amassed into larger particles which are then more easily separated by the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A sterilized fluid management kit for use in renal replacement therapy isolates a replacement fluid container from touch contamination and provides for sterilization of replacement fluid by filtering using an installed filter that is hermetically connected to the replacement fluid container. A method is described where replacement fluid is automatically generated before treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system that separates first particles from second particles, or white blood cells from red blood cells, by sedimentation in a fluid chamber with debulking of one of the first or second particles or red blood cells through the inlet of the fluid chamber. The method and system further includes fractionation of the remaining particles or white blood cells into selected subsets. In one embodiment of the instant invention a blood product containing white blood cells is loaded in a separation chamber, a diluting or sedimenting agent is added to encourage rouleaux formation of any red blood cells, the cells are sedimented and the red blood cells are removed.

Abstract: The anoxic biological reduction system and method for treating wastewater may be an anoxic biological reduction element disposed in a membrane anaerobic stabilization system. The wastewater may be treated to produce an effluent suitable for membrane filtration with the treating incorporating processes substantially free of aerobic biological treatment. The effluent may be filtered through a membrane element selected from the group consisting of a microfiltration system and an ultrafiltration system or a combination thereof. The membrane effluent may then be treated in an anoxic biological reduction element to produce a process effluent stream.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

Abstract: An object is to provide a blood component collection system capable of collecting a desired blood component of high quality. A blood component collection system 1 comprises a centrifugal separator 20 centrifuging blood into a plurality of components, first line 21 for feeding the blood to the centrifugal separator 20, a second line 22 for releasing the blood component from the centrifugal separator 20, a temporary reservoir bag 26? for temporarily reserving the platelet concentrate, a leukoreduction filter 261 for separating and reducing leukocyte from the platelet concentrate, and a platelet collection bag 26 for reserving the platelet concentrate having passed through the leukoreduction filter 261.

Abstract: A dialysis machine is provided with a dialysate circuit, a blood circuit and a filter having a dialysate compartment connected to the dialysate circuit, a blood compartment connected to the blood circuit, and a semi-permeable membrane to separate the dialysate compartment from the blood compartment. A method for filling and washing the filter includes the recirculation of a physiological saline in the dialysate circuit and the transfer of the physiological saline from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit through the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.

Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.