Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or a similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: A specimen processor, for operation with holder apparatus carrying a viewing screen and a filter device and a container of a biological sample, has a frame with reference structure for aligningly engaging the holder apparatus, and has a transport that carries a manipulation device. The processor operates the transport and the manipulation device to engage the filter device, remove it from support by the holder apparatus and collect cellular particles from the sample onto the filter device. The processor further operates the transport and manipulation device to abut the filter device with the viewing screen for transferring collected cellular particles to the screen, and to return the filter device to carrying by the holder apparatus.

Abstract: A filtration system for use in a settling tank includes a star shaped filter having equally spaced radial panels with the filter septums forming the downwardly extending sidewalls of each panel or compartment. The framework of the filter allows radial removal of the filter septums for cleaning and maintenance. A unique pressurized wet seal seals the filter to a clean liquid vacuum delivery duct and can also seal the system pump in the settling tank to the vacuum duct.

Abstract: A filter assembly for fluids such as air and water employs a cleanable filter. The filter is located within a housing having a reservoir, and a steam generator which can be selectively operated to clean the filter.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants in a fluid, particularly water from lubricating oil, is provided which may comprise a particulate zeolitic adsorbent in conjunction with a non-porous PTFE barrier that has been modified to be permeable to water and impermeable to oil. Such a system is capable of reducing the level of water in lubricating oil to less than 100 parts per million.

Abstract: A water purifying system including two or more stages for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from source water. The system may be configured such that water is first passed through a biocidal resin, and then through a granular metal alloy and an activated carbon filter to remove iodides released into the water by the biocidal resin. The granular metal alloy may be agitated by turbulent motion as the water treated.

Abstract: A cartridge-like holder or carrier for automatic operation with a specimen processor has a frame for removable and replaceable alignment in operative engagement with the specimen processor and has multiple supports, each of which removably and replaceably supports an implement such as a container of a biological specimen having cellular particles suspended in a liquid, a filter device for use in collecting cellular particles from the liquid in the sample container, a viewing screen onto which the collected cellular particles can be transferred from the filter device and, further, an output container for receiving the viewing screen with the cellular particles thereon. A transfer mechanism on the apparatus is operable for the automatic transfer of the viewing screen from a support on the frame, where it received the cellular particles, to an output container at a further support on the frame. The cartridge apparatus brings to the specimen processor the sample and all disposable devices, i.e.

Abstract: A recovery system for precious metal particles in wash solutions includes a pair of filter elements and a pump mounted within a closed tank. The first filter is of relatively large pore size, and traps layer particles. The prefiltered liquid is collected within the tank. A pump is mounted within the tank, and drives the collected liquid and remaining particles through the second filter, which is of a small pore size chosen to trap the remaining particles. After passage through the second filter the wash water may be discarded.

Abstract: The local reclamation system includes an accumulation tank for a soiled solution. A tank outlet valve selectively allows a flow of the solid soiled solution into the remainder of the system. A blend conduit leads from the outlet valve. An oxidizing supply selectively provides an oxidizing agent to said soiled solution downstream of the outlet valve in the blend conduit. A blend pump receives the soiled solution with oxidizing agent to promote the flow of the soiled solution through the system and a more uniformed disposal of the oxidizing agent throughout the solution. A six stage filter section selectively removes particulate matter. A biologic stage promotes a sterile reclaimed solution and a solution accumulator accumulates and stores the solution. Repeated injections of oxidizing agents occur before filter stage sections and pumps. The reclaimed solution can be reused or discharged without penalty.

Abstract: A coolant recycling apparatus has a boiler and condenser for distilling a glycol and water from a used coolant. The glycol and water are recombined in a mixing tank to form a mixture having a desired ratio of water to glycol, and an inhibitor is added to the mixture to obtain a fresh coolant mixture ready for use in an engine cooling system. Contaminants in the used coolant are concentrated to form a sludge.

Abstract: A biological treatment system involving the use of a gas dissolving pressure vessel, a pressurized water release assembly, a pretreatment chamber, a bioreactor, an open vessel, a post-treatment unit, a sludge removal unit, and a removable gas collection and purification unit for both wastewater treatment and air emission control is described. Gases are dissolved efficiently in a water inside the pressure vessel under controlled high pressure and high rotating velocity. Chemicals, or microorganisms, or both arm dosed to an influent water producing a pretreated water containing chemical flocs and biological flocs. The bioreactor comprising a hanging biological contactor is adopted when biochemical reaction is intended. A pressurized water containing supersaturated gases is produced in the pressure vessel and than depressurized through the pressurized water release assembly becoming a depressurized water containing micro bubbles.

Abstract: A spa having a filter assembly mounted in a sidewall and accessible through the coping at the top periphery of the spa. The filter assembly has a plurality of filter elements and a chemical dispensing mechanism easily accessible and replaceable through the coping. The filter assembly is downstream of the pump and heater to prevent cavitation erosion of the pump impeller. A pressure valve allows water to by-pass the filter assembly when clogged or operated at high pump rates. The top of the filter assembly is concealed in a well defined in the coping and closed by a cover having a profile matching that of the coping.

Abstract: A device and a related method are provided for reclaiming or recovering dry cleaning solvent from otherwise disposable fluid contained within a separator or other suitable receptacle of a dry cleaning machine. The device includes an evaporator and a fluid transfer mechanism for transporting fluid evaporated by the evaporator through a filter that removes substantially all of the solvent present within the evaporated fluid. Alternatively, a filter can be interposed between the separator or other suitable receptacle and the evaporator so that solvent is filtered before reaching the evaporator. Consequently, the device substantially reclaims or recovers dry cleaning solvent that may still be present within the fluid that is to be otherwise disposed of from the separator or other suitable receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor, purification system for disinfecting, washing, and concentrating solid wastes, which include contaminated soil, highly concentrated biosolids, spent animal bedding, and spent diapers, etc.A solid waste is fed into the reactor of this invented apparatus. At least one disinfecting and chemical agent (including cationic surface active agent known as quaternary ammonium compound) is fed together with water (as needed) into this reactor to disinfect and process said solid waste with the assistance of a mechanical mixing means inside said reactor. A disinfecting gas is fed to the same reactor as needed. After the period of feeding, disinfecting, processing, and mixing is over, the process water is drained. The disinfected and processed wet solid waste is discharged to an expulsion chamber means which removes residual water and compacts the disinfected and processed solid waste.

Abstract: The invention concerns a backwashable filter device, specially for domestic water conduits that includes an inlet for raw water, a raw water chamber connected to the inlet, an outlet for clean water, a clean water chamber connected to the outlet, a filter element and an outlet for backwash water. The filter element is arranged between the raw water chamber and the clean water chamber and features a partial area (B) that accommodates water flow only in backwash but not normal operation. A conduit channel connects the outlet for backwash water with the partial area (B). At least one separate conduit connection is provided from the clean water chamber to the partial area (B). A conduit area is present in the conduit connection and designed in a nozzle-like shape so that clean water can be conducted from the clean water chamber at increased velocity against the partial area (B).

Abstract: A fuel/contaminant separator (10) designed to separate water and contaminants out of fuels used for products for combustion. The contaminated fuel (12) enters the fuel/contaminant separator (10) via the inlet pipe (14) located in the upper portion of the fuel/contaminant separator (10). A curved nozzle assembly (16) located at the periphery of the fuel/contaminant separator (10) cause a centrifugal effect to take place making separation similar to that achieved by elaborate mechanical centrifuges. In the collection section (26), minute particles of water and solid contaminants collect at the perforations of the perforated cone filter (28 or 38) where they accumulate and fall to the bottom of the collection section (26). The lighter fuel particles remain in suspension and flow up the center of the fuel/contaminant separator (10) to the outlet pipe (30).

Abstract: A filtration system for use in a settling tank includes a star shaped filter having equally spaced radial panels with the filter septums forming the downwardly extending sidewalls of each panel or compartment. The framework of the filter allows radial removal of the filter septums for cleaning and maintenance. A unique pressurized wet seal seals the filter to a clean liquid vacuum delivery duct and can also seal the system pump in the settling tank to the vacuum duct.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing donated blood comprises a first porous medium interposed between a blood collection bag and a satellite bag and a second porous medium interposed between the blood collection bag and another satellite bag. The porous media are leucocyte depletion media. The system may also include one or more of the following: a red cell barrier medium, a separation medium, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet. The system can be used to centrifuge whole blood into one or more components, and includes a means for protecting the system during centrifugation.

Abstract: An activated sludge treating apparatus for use in treating wastewater, such as gray water and sewage. A plurality of filter membrane modules are vertically arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals within a treating tank. The water to be treated which is stored in the treating tank is separated into solid and liquid by the filter membrane modules, and water that has passed through the filter membrane modules is extracted as treated water. An agitating device is disposed at a level below the filter membrane modules.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously treating infectious waste, which comprises: (a) introducing bulk unseparated infectious waste material into a receiving container means, the receiving container means adapted to receive a flow of disinfectant such that the receiving container means remains substantially free of infectious contaminants; (b) shredding the waste material by a primary shredding means; (c) separating the shredded waste material from waste residue in a separation tank means having a predetermined fluid level thereby producing a waste slurry; (d) pumping the waste slurry into a reactor vessel means; (e) contacting the waste slurry with a disinfecting fluid in the reactor vessel means for a sufficient amount of time to disinfect the waste slurry; and (f) dewatering the disinfected waste slurry to recover solid disinfected waste material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for machine separation of blood into blood components, wherein a preselected fluid such as anticoagulant is added to at least two different locations through the fluid flow path of the set, in order to promote the different functional characteristics in different blood components. The method results in reduced incidence of citrate reaction in the blood donor and increased platelet yield in platelet rich plasma collected during the procedure.

Abstract: An improved gas dissolving and releasing liquid treatment system involving the use of multi-stages gas dissolving pressure vessel and the use of a pressurized water release assembly and an open vessel is described. The gas dissolving and releasing liquid treatment system includes a liquid pressure pump, a pressure vessel, a gas injector, an inlet nozzle assembly, a gas compressor, gas regulators, gas flow meters, pressure gauges, a safety valve, a bleed-off point, feeders, pumps, a pressurized water release unit, a liquid flow meter, an open vessel, sludge removal means, and air emission control means. More than one gases introduced at different inlets are dissolved simultaneously and efficiently in the pressure vessel under controlled high pressure and high rotating velocity. The improved liquid treatment system is compact, simple and cost-effective, and is applied to ozonation, chlorination, recarbonation, oxygenation, bio-oxidation, nitrogenation, aeration, and flotation processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention offers a piping system for supplying ultra-pure water, which comprises a circulation tank to store primary pure water from a primary pure water producing unit, a pump for sending the primary pure water from said circulation tank, an outward pipe, one end of which is connected to a final purifying unit to purify primary pure water from said pump to ultra-pure water, a plurality of connection pipes, each end of which is connected to the other end of said outward pipe, a branching pipe connected between the middle of said connection pipe and the ultra-pure water using unit and having a branching valve to adjust the water quantity, and a return pipe connected between the other end of said connection pipe and said circulation tank, characterized in that means for controlling the output of said pump is provided to keep the water pressure at constant level by detecting the water pressure in said outward pipe, thereby supplying a constant quantity of ultra-pure water to the ultra-pure water usin

Abstract: A device for treating human and animal dejecta with microwaves includes a duct for conveying dejecta material, a microwave applicator surrounding the duct in an irradiation zone, and a microwave generator coupled to the microwave applicator. A driven transporter screw, provided in the duct upstream of the microwave applicator, moves the dejecta material through the duct. An inlet, coupled to an upstream zone of the duct, feeds dejecta material to be treated into the duct adjacent the screw. A vapor extractor is coupled to duct immediately downstream of the irradiation zone to receive treated dejecta material immediately on leaving the irradiation zone. A condensation vat is connected to the extractor and vented through a chimney having a filter.

Abstract: A portable pressure screen apparatus is disclosed having a cylindrical shaped pressure housing defining upper and lower hingedly connected halves. The housing includes a slurry inlet aperture raised relative to a filtered slurry discharge port situated at the opposite end of the pressure housing from the slurry inlet aperture. A screen spans the interior of the housing, separating the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Collected particulate matter from the slurry inlet aperture is accumulated in the upper chamber and slurry filtered through the screen leaves the interior of the housing through the filtered slurry discharge port connected to the lower chamber. A support frame is employed to adjustably support the housing in a generally angled attitude relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for machine separation of blood and blood components that utilizes improved administeration of anticoagulant to the red cell suspension output. Anticoagulant is added to incoming whole blood in an amount sufficient to prevent clotting of the whole blood in the flow path upstream of the blood component separator, but in an amount insufficient to prevent clotting of the red cell suspension created by the separator. Anticoagulant is added to the red cell suspension downstream of the separator in order to prevent clotting. By adding an additional aliquot of anticoagulant to the red cell suspension, the amount of anticoagulant added to whole blood before separation can be reduced or eliminated, resulting in an increase in platelet yield during the blood component separation step.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously treating infectious waste, which comprises: (a) introducing bulk unseparated infectious waste material into a receiving container, the receiving container adapted to receive a flow of disinfectant such that the receiving container remains substantially free of infectious contaminants; (b) shredding the waste material by a primary shredder; (c) separating the shredded waste material from waste residue in a separation tank having a predetermined fluid level thereby producing a waste slurry; (d) pumping the waste slurry into a reactor vessel; (e) contacting the waste slurry with a disinfecting fluid in the reactor vessel for a sufficient amount of time to disinfect the waste slurry; and (f) dewatering the disinfected waste slurry to recover solid disinfected waste material.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system has a blood circuit and a hemofiltrate circuit interconnected at a hemofilter and an air collection chamber. If an infusion of sterile fluid to the returning blood is needed during the dialysis treatment, filtrate in the filtrate circuit is pumped back into the blood circuit. This is also done to purge the blood circuit of blood and return it to the patient at the conclusiion of a dialysis treatment. A blood pump in the blood circuit incorporates a flexible vessel in conjunction with pinch valves which self expand in a controlled manner from a compressed condition to fill with blood from the patient in a suction stroke controlled by the patient's blood delivery rate. Compression of the vessel by an external member then forces the blood through the rest of the blood circuit.

Abstract: Biological decontamination and the avoidance of accumulation of dissolved solids are both achieved in captured and recirculated water systems by a continuously operating system involving the use of a chemical filtration unit, removal of dissolved solids as they are concentrated at the filtration unit, a disinfectant treatment, and the protection of the chemical filtration unit from degradation by the disinfectant where necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an ore sample and recovering water from a drilling rig is disclosed. Ore sample and water recovery apparatus (10) includes a slurry inlet (12) for receiving slurry from a drilling rig. Slurry is directed from slurry inlet (12) to a diffuser chamer (13) which includes an abrasion-resistant, rubbercoated diffuser (14) and a slurry converger (16). Slurry is then directed through a first vibrating sieve screen (21) which separates large particles from the slurry and directs them directly into sample tank (58). The slurry is passed on to a second vibrating sieve screen (22) which screens out progressively smaller sized particles and directs them into sample tank (58). The reminaing slurry is directed into a slurry basin (26) and infused into a hydraulic carrier medium of water using jet pump infuser (34). The slurry is then directed into cyclone separator (48) which extracts the remaining particles from the slurry and directs them into sample tank (58).

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to an apparatus for removing organic compounds from water which comprises: a housing having an opening therein, the housing being capable of retaining an organic solvent therein; and a nonporous membrane covering the opening, the membrane being capable of allowing organic compounds from the water to diffuse therethrough. The subject invention also provides method of removing organic compounds from water and a method for detecting the presence or determining the amount of organic compounds in the water.

Abstract: A method and a device for the selective elimination of plasma components from blood, by means of which the blood is diluted with a diluting material prior to separation of the plasma therefrom. The blood diluted in this manner is separated from its plasma components in a separation filter and the plasma components are exclusively processed and the recombined with the corpuscular blood components and freed of the diluting solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting and reusing substantially all of the gray water from a source such as a household washing machine without modifications to a building or residence, or the washing machine. The apparatus includes a tank for receiving the water; a pump for pumping the water out of the tank; an activator for activating the pump when the water reaches a predetermined first level in the tank; a deactivator for deactivating the pump when the water falls to a predetermined second level in the tank; and a filter that is preferably formed of a complete pair of stretch pantyhose for filtering lint from the water. A ring clamp holds the filter proximate a filter inlet, the filter extending downwardly within the tank from the ring clamp. Disk members are provided within foot portions of the filter for preventing entry of the filter into the pump.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing donated blood comprises a first porous medium interposed between a blood collection bag and a satellite bag and a second porous medium interposed between the blood collection bag and another satellite bag. The porous media are leucocyte depletion media. The system can be used to centrifuge whole blood into one or more components, and a means for protecting the system during centrifugation including a bracket carried by the centrifuge bucket for receiving the porous media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the concentration of a first substance in a first liquid by: (a) subjecting the first liquid to natural osmosis, via a first semipermeable body, with respect to an intermediate liquid, which intermediate liquid is a solution or suspension of a second substance in a second liquid, the second liquid being the same as the first liquid and passing through the first semipermeable body, the second substance being of larger molecular size than the first substance and not passing through the first semipermeable body, whereby the quantity of the second liquid in the intermediate liquid is increased; and then (b) subjecting the intermediate liquid to reverse osmosis under pressure via a second semipermeable body to pass therethrough the second liquid.

Abstract: A system and method removes soluble iron from potable water by oxidation. It includes a pressure tank, an oxygen induction device and a filtration tank. Untreated water flows under pressure into the pressure tank, where the water is held for delivery to service. Upon demand, the untreated water leaves the pressure tank and flows into the oxygen induction device. The oxygen induction device mixes air with the untreated water using a venturi apparatus. This aeration causes an oxidation reaction to occur so that the soluble iron in the untreated water transforms into insoluble iron and precipitates. The aerated water then flows into a filtration tank where the oxidized iron precipitates are filtered out by a filtration media mix. Purified water is provided to service by the filtration tank. Backwashing of the filtration media is also provided to rejuvenate the media for prolonged use.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing mineral contaminants from water is disclosed which has an aeration tank connected to a supply of water and having an inlet for admitting the water to the aeration tank and an outlet for discharging water. A diffuser is connected to the aeration tank inlet and has a plurality of apertures which permit the diffusion of the contaminated water into an airhead within the aeration tank. A source of compressed oxygen is in direct communication with the top of the aeration tank. A controller controls the source of compressed air to permit oxygen to be supplied independently of the water supply to the interior of the aeration tank for recharging the aeration tank with oxygen. A bed of calcium carbonate chips may be positioned inside the aeration tank beneath the spray of contaminated water. A pick-up tube has an open end located above the bed of calcium carbonate chips and is connected to the outlet of the aeration tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cleansing a used autombobile anti-freeze solution. The method and apparatus include pre-filtering a used solution with a particulate filter selected to filter contaminant sized greater than a predetermined minimum size. An ultrafiltration membrane filter is provided. The ultrafiltration filter has a semi-permeable membrane separating a concentrate portion from a permeate portion. The pre-filtered solution is passed to the concentrate portion and the permeate portion is connected to a storage tank. Additives are provided for replenishing filtered constituents.

Abstract: A refrigerator is combined with a reverse osmosis water purification system so that purified water is available at an ice-maker and water tap forming part of the refrigerator. The water is also chlorinated upstream of the reverse osmosis filter and dechlorinated downstream thereof, before the water is supplied to a tank. Level and purity sensors are provided in the tank for cutting off the supply of water when the tank is full and for indicating the purified condition of the water.

Abstract: The separator for removing dirt and water from a liquid fuel has a rectangular cross section central portion of its housing provided with a filter and a cup shaped lower portion of the housing having a guide tube through which the liquid is introduced downwardly around a helical body generating a vortex flow of the liquid before it is diverted downwardly around the guide tube into the filter. The exterior of the guide tube is formed with a pair of horizontal V-shaped feedback passages which draw droplets of the liquid of higher density downwardly to meet the flow from the interior of the guide tube before it is deflected upwardly, thereby increasing the separation efficiency.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the batch treatment of infectious waste material in a fluidized bed reactor utilizing gas oxidation, preferably ozone gas diluted in air. The process and apparatus provide for the disinfecting of infectious waste in a rapid, cost efficient manner allowing for disposal of such infectious waste material in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the purification or water using a multistage purification system which can be connected to a source of potable water under pressure. The multistage purification system has a cylindrical pressure vessel supported on a circular leg which is capable of stable disposition on a level surface such as a countertop. The pressure vessel has a top member and a base member connected in sealed engagement. The base member has an inlet for receiving water into the pressure vessel and an outlet for discharging reject water from the pressure vessel. Housed within the pressure vessel is a plurality of purification mediums disposed in concentric disposition. In the core area of the pressure vessel, an interchangeable core member may be removably connected to the pressure vessel. Each interchangeable core member houses an additional medium for purifying water and a pure water outlet through which the purified water passes for use by the user.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the batch treatment of infectious waste material in a fluidized bed reactor utilizing gas oxidation, preferably ozone gas diluted in air. The process and apparatus provide for the disinfecting of infectious waste in a rapid, cost efficient manner allowing for disposal of such infectious waste material in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.

Abstract: A unitized system for the processing of well water that is contaminated with volatile substances, such as organic substances, at a site where the contaminated water exists. This system has the primary components thereof mounted on a skid/frame that can be transported to the site. In the preferred form, the contaminated water is first processed in a spray tower where it is countercurrently contacted with air to remove the volatile contaminants. This air-treated water then is passed through an activated carbon bed for further purification before being used. While the treated water is not considered safe for human consumption, it can be used for most other uses. The system is controlled to normally operate only upon water demand by the system being supplied. Since activated carbon can cause the gradual growth of bacteria, the system is provided with a system for the periodic back flushing of the carbon bed, with the wash water being discarded in a separate holding tank or to a local sewer.

Abstract: A rotating bowl decanter centrifuge including a clarifier section and a beach section for separating a lighter phase from a heavier phase. The beach section includes a conveyor for conveying the heavier phase toward the exterior of the centrifuge. The centrifuge is without a conveyor in the effluent discharge end of the clarifier section. In a preferred embodiment, the clarifier section has an outward incline angle so that the clarifier wall bends away from the bowl's rotational axis. The beach section includes an inwardly inclined outer wall which bends towards the rotational axis of the bowl. It is preferred that the outward incline angle in the clarifier section be on the order of 5.degree. or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device and method for permitting the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood. The device comprises a matrix of hydrophilic sintered porous material to which at least one red blood cell agglutinating agent has been applied. According to a first method of using the device, a sample of whole blood is applied to a first end of the matrix and the red blood cells within the sample come in contact with the agglutinating agents present in the matrix. The blood cells agglutinate, and are entrapped in the interstices of the matrix, while substantially blood-cell-free serum or plasma accumulates near the outlet of the device. A filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the matrix functions to wick the serum of plasma from the matrix.According to an alternative aspect of the invention, a filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the outlet of the matrix functions to retain any blood cells which pass through the matrix as the filter means wicks the plasma or serum from the matrix.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating living wastewater which purifies water to be treated such as living miscellaneous wastewater in general homes, human waste, urban drains and the like to evaporate and emanate the treated water into the atmosphere.The apparatus comprises a treating vessel for treating wastewater which is water to be treated, a sludge separating sediment layer filled into said treating vessel, a wastewater introducing pipe for introducing wastewater into said treating vessel, and a capillary suction type evaporation and emanation unit for evaporating and emanating the treated water into the atmosphere.