Abstract: The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.

Abstract: In a membrane distillation process in which a liquid to be concentrated is separated from a vapor space (11) by a vapor-permeable liquid- or water-tight membrane or membrane wall (13), to set the absolute pressure of the liquid to be concentrated a reduced pressure is imparted to this which lowers the absolute pressure of the liquid to be concentrated. A corresponding membrane distillation device is also specified.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for purifying a liquid, such as an impaired water. In some examples, seawater or brackish water is purified, such as to a potable level. Some configurations provide a system which includes a membrane-distillation unit, such as a vacuum-enhanced direct contact membrane distillation unit. The system also includes a forward-osmosis system, which may include one or more forward-osmosis units. A concentrated draw stream from the membrane-distillation unit, such as a concentrated brine solution, serves as a draw solution for a forward-osmosis unit, which may extract water from a source water, such as an impaired water. In some implementations, the forward-osmosis system includes a second forward-osmosis unit which uses the diluted draw solution from the first forward-osmosis unit as a draw solution to extract water from a source water. The system may include additional components, such as a heater or a buffer tank.

Abstract: A filtration cassette is described. The filtration cassette can include one or more filtrate channel spacers and one or more feed channel spacers. Each of the feed channel spacers and each of the filtrate channel spacers define an open interior volume bounded by an inner perimeter and include at least one feed port and at least one filtrate port. The filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers are arranged such that the feed ports and the filtrate ports are positioned in respective alignment. The filtration cassette further includes one or more membranes disposed between the filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers, and one or more retaining members at either end of the filtration cassette. A thin film of adhesive binds together the filtrate channel spacers, the feed channel spacers, and the membranes.

Abstract: A device for dialysis of a sample includes a sample chamber formed by a gasket and dialysis membranes affixed to each side of the gasket in facing relationship. A housing supports the dialysis membranes and gasket. An air chamber causes the device to float in a generally upright position when the device is immersed in a dialysate. An access port is provided through the gasket and between the dialysis membranes. The access port is accessible from outside the housing and in communication with the sample chamber such that a dispensing end of a dispensing device can be inserted through the access port to dispense sample into the sample chamber. In one embodiment, the gasket is impermeable or essentially impermeable to the sample being dialyzed.

Abstract: This end-piece is of the type including two filtering membranes and support portions for supporting the membranes and channelling the fluid through the membranes. According to one aspect of the invention, it includes a connection portion which is moulded over the support portions in order to fix them together and the support portions include an upper support portion, a lower support portion and an intermediate support portion which is arranged between the upper support portion and the lower support portion, a membrane is retained between the upper support portion and the intermediate support portion and a membrane is retained between the intermediate support portion and the lower support portion and the membranes are overmoulded by the connection portion.

Abstract: A microplate is provided herein having a plate body with at least one well formed therein, the well having a first open end, a second end, an aperture being formed in the second end, and a side wall extending between the first end and the second end. The microplate further has a dialysis membrane extending at least partially across the aperture formed in the second end. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a microplate is provided with a dialysis membrane which allows not only for removal of certain solutes from a solution (high or low molecular weight solutes), but also allows for separation of macromolecular mixtures. Accordingly, a solution may be manipulated with the subject invention to have its concentration altered, to be desalted, and/or to be fractionated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for water filtration comprising contacting a water stream with a membrane comprising a polysulfone having structural units of Formula I wherein X is OH, NR1R2, or OR3; R1 and R2 are independently at each occurrence hydrogen, a C1-C5000 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical, a polypeptide, a combination thereof, or R1 and R2 taken together form a 5- or 6-membered aliphatic ring or a 5-membered aromatic ring; R3 is a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; B? and C? are independently at each occurrence a nitro group, C1-C20 aliphatic radical, C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; and q and r are independently at each occurrence 0 to 4.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for continuous, single-pass countercurrent tangential chromatography having multiple single-pass modules. A single-pass binding step module is used for binding product from an unpurified product solution with a resin slurry. A single-pass washing step module is used for washing impurities from the resin slurry. A single-pass elution step module for eluting an output of the washing step module is used as purified product solution. A single-pass regeneration step module is used for regenerating the resin slurry. In the current invention, the resin slurry flows in a continuous, single-pass through each of the single-pass modules, and one or more of the single-pass modules comprise two or more stages with permeate flow directed countercurrent to resin slurry flow within that single-pass module. The present invention replaces conventional column chromatography and may be made disposable.

Abstract: This invention relates to filtration manifolds, filtration assemblies, methods of channeling permeate, and filtration units. Filtration assemblies may include filtration units and filtration manifolds having isolated permeate collection passages. Permeate may be channeled through the isolated permeate collection passages of the filtration manifold during filtration and then output from the manifold.

Abstract: A filtration module comprising at least one membrane sheet comprising a plurality of capillary channels in parallel arrangement with each other and which are in fluid communication with a header.

Abstract: A transducer protector (TP) and a method for forming the transducer protector are disclosed. The transducer protector is operable in cooperation with a hemodialysis system, and may be mounted between a drip chamber and a pressure transducer. The transducer protector is mounted in an integrally-assembled housing which includes an inlet from the hemodialysis system or drip chamber, and an outlet to the pressure transducer. The transducer includes at least one hydrophobic membrane that is attached permanently to either a first connector, a second connector or a peripheral ring, the connectors integrally attached to each other to form the TP housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering liquids, comprising flat membrane pockets arranged parallel and means for pressure-tight connection of the membrane pockets to one another and for coupling an extraction means. The membrane pocket includes a drainage element, which is joined surface-to-surface to two membranes and is enclosed in a pressure-tight manner at the edge. Adjacent membrane pockets are connected to one another and to the extraction means via one or more outflow bores and associated lines. The outflow bores are arranged in such a way that the transmembrane differential pressure drops only slightly over the surface of the membrane pocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis apparatus, comprising: a body with two planar sides, wells contained in the body, the wells being accessible from one planar side, a plurality of membranes for separating the wells into compartments, wherein each of said membranes is isolated one from another.

Abstract: Device, method and kit for carrying out biochemical reactions, in particular for cell-free polypeptide biosynthesis composed of an external housing which encloses an inner housing with incorporated wells and a supply chamber, wherein the wells of the inner housing each contain a producing system during the biochemical reaction, the supply chamber contains a supply liquid during the biochemical reaction and the wells of the inner housing and the supply chamber are separated by a semipermeable membrane characterized in that the inner housing has at least two wells the lower ends of which are closed by a semipermeable membrane and the upper ends of which protrude from the supply liquid contained in the supply chamber, and is connected to means for moving and incubating the producing systems and to the supply liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel water membranes comprising lipid bilayers incorporating functional aqua-porins. The lipid bilayers are arranged in sandwich structures including hydrophilic or hydro-phobic support materials. Also disclosed are water purification devices/systems, including reverse osmosis filtering devices that include membranes having functional aquaporins. Methods of water purification and methods of preparing the membranes are also disclosed. Further, the invention provides for a new type of perforated, hydrophobic polymer film and to membranes containing lipid bilayers having other transmembrane proteins than aquaporins introduced.

Abstract: Filtration devices that include filtration cassettes that feature a plurality of stacked subassemblies, wherein at least one of the subassemblies includes a porous membrane having a front side and a back side and a perimeter; and an overmolded frame that encapsulates the membrane around the perimeter of the front side and the back side of the membrane; wherein the overmolded frame forms at least one retentate port, at least one feed port, at least one filtrate port, and a flow channel proximate a perimeter of the frame; and an overmolded plastic jacket that penetrates the flow channels of the subassemblies to seal the stacked subassemblies; and methods for making the filtration device and cassettes.

Abstract: A membrane module (100) has an upper header.(108) and multiple lower headers (110). A bundle of membranes (24) potted in the upper header is sub-bundled into the lower headers. The membranes (24) may be arranged in the upper header into a number of generally parallel sheets or planes and arranged into a lower header (110) into a lesser number of sheets or planes. Spaces between the multiple lower headers (110) help gas bubbles rise into the module (100) or water containing solids drain from the module (100). The module (100) may be used in batch or continuous filtration processes. In one specific process, water flows downwards through the module (100) and air bubbles are provided from near the bottom of the module (100).

Abstract: Liquid-liquid extraction elements are described. A liquid-liquid extraction element includes a first layer pair and a second layer pair disposed adjacent the first layer pair forming a stack of layers. The first layer pair includes a first polymeric microporous membrane, and a first flow channel layer oriented in a first flow direction having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on first opposing sides of the extraction element. The second layer pair includes a second polymeric microporous membrane and a second flow channel layer oriented in a second flow direction different than the first flow direction and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on second opposing sides of the extraction element. The first microporous membrane is disposed between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. Methods of extracting a dissolved solute from a first liquid to a second liquid are also described.

Abstract: An injection molded assembly forming a Membrane Pipette Tip having at least one bottom portion including a apex end for receiving a calibrated first volume of fluid, a cavity for holding said volume of fluid and a opening with shoulder for receiving the filter membrane. The pipette tip includes at least one upper body having a first opening for communication to a pipetter and a second opening for receiving the shoulder of the bottom portion. The bottom portion fused at the shoulder to the second opening of the upper body with the membrane therebetween to permanently attach the membrane filter to the pipette tip. The 2 part Membrane Pipette Tip can be constructed as a single tip or a plurality of upper and bottom portions with optional tubular members that can include overflow wells for containing fluid in excess of the first volume of fluid drawn into the Membrane Pipette Tip cavity.

Abstract: A membrane element in which, after membrane breakage or deterioration, the filtration plate made of a thermoplastic resin can be reused to replace the membrane with a fresh one. The membrane element comprises a filtration plate made of a thermoplastic resin and, bonded to a peripheral smooth surface thereof, a microporous filter membrane which has fine pores formed therein and employs a nonwoven fabric comprising synthetic resin fibers as a support. A hot plate having a shape corresponding to the peripheral shape of the resinous filtration plate is brought into contact with a peripheral smooth surface of the plate so as to form a recessed part in the surface. The temperature of the hot plate is regulated so as to be not higher than the melting point of the nonwoven fabric serving as the support and not lower than the Vicat softening temperature of the filtration plate made of a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A water transport assembly, is provided including a housing having a first chamber therein, which is accessible through an opening in the housing. The housing additionally includes a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port, both of which are in fluid communication with the first chamber. A flat ion exchange membrane is attached to the housing in a plane over the opening in the housing, to seal the opening in a vapor tight seal. Water will pass through the membrane based upon the vapor pressure on each side of the membrane, to either dry or humidify sample passing through the first chamber. When the flat ion exchange membrane is a flat, thin ion exchange membrane it is preferable that the thin ion exchange membrane have a thickness of between about 0.1 and about 3.0 mils.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating and/or analyzing fluids of interest. According to principles of the present invention, fluid analysis is accomplished with microfluidic devices and may be reported in real-time or near real-time in a subterranean environment. In addition or alternative to oilfield applications, the principles of the present invention contemplate separation in a laboratory or other environment for biological sample separation and analytical chemistry applications. The present invention is capable of separating liquid-liquid mixtures or emulsions in a microfluidic device without fouling.

Abstract: A membrane separation module (10) has a shell (11) having inlet port (20), outlet port (21) and a plurality of membrane units (12) disposed therebetween. Each membrane unit (12) has a plurality of elongated membrane elements (13), with at least a portion of each membrane element (13) having a semipermeable surface to permit selective permeation of one or more components of a multi-component feed fluid. The plurality of elongated membrane elements (13) are attached to collecting manifolds (16) (17), with one of those manifolds (16) (17) being unrestrained, permitting axial movement of each membrane element (13) in response to temperature changes. At least one manifold (16) (17) from each membrane unit (12) is in fluid communication with a manifold (16) (17) from one other membrane unit (12).

Abstract: A filter unit includes membrane plates placed together parallel to one another, which at least in zones around connecting elements for the purpose of draining permeate are connected together liquid-tight. The membrane plates because of their shape and after two membrane plates have been placed one on top of the other are provided for manufacturing a liquid-tight connection or a seal by welding. As a result unfiltered liquid flows through between the membrane plates and contamination of the permeate within a volume situated between the connecting elements is prevented. Over a number of connecting elements and zones located in between it is possible to attach a hollow profile, which is closed-off at its ends. This hollow profile in a liquid-tight manner surrounds discharge openings of the connecting elements and the zones located in between with positive material engagement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for assaying and concentrating analytes in a fluid sample using dielectrophoresis. As disclosed, the methods and devices utilize substrates having a plurality of pores through which analytes can be selectively prevented from passing, or inhibited, on application of an appropriate electric field waveform. The pores of the substrate produce nonuniform electric field having local extrema located near the pores. These nonuniform fields drive dielectrophoresis, which produces the inhibition. Arrangements of electrodes and porous substrates support continuous, bulk, multi-dimensional, and staged selective concentration.

Abstract: The method comprises providing a leukocyte-removing filter having a thickness of 9.0 mm to 9.4 mm, an air permeability pressure drop of 300 Pa to 700 Pa, and effective filtration area of 50 cm2 to 70 cm2 which comprises a flat and flexible container having an inlet port and an outlet port and a sheet-like leukocyte-removing-filter material with a thickness of 8.2 mm to 8.6 mm disposed to divide the container into an inlet-port side chamber and an outlet-port side chamber, providing a pair of volume restriction boards disposed outside of the inlet port side external surface and the outlet port side external surface of the flexible container, having the distance between the volume restriction boards at the portion where the volume restriction boards facing each other sandwich the leukocyte-removing filter being in a range from [thickness of leukocyte-removing filter+0.5 mm] to [thickness of leukocyte-removing filter+2.

Abstract: A filtration housing is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for production of a microporous affinity membrane having regioselective affinity for compounds in blood or other biologically active fluids to be removed during purification of blood or said fluids is disclosed, as well as a microporous affinity membrane produced by said process, an adsorption device containing such a microporous affinity membrane, and use of such a microporous affinity membrane.

Abstract: A membrane microstructure device is disclosed. The membrane microstructure device includes a first glass, ceramic or glass-ceramic plate defining a first recess, a second glass, ceramic or glass-ceramic plate defining a second recess, and a non-metallic porous membrane sandwiched between the first and second plates. The first plate, second plate and porous membrane are joined together and the porous membrane is arranged to cover the first and second recesses to define a first microchannel between the first plate and the porous membrane and a second microchannel in fluid communication with the first microchannel between the second plate and the porous membrane. A method of manufacturing a membrane microstructure device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the separation of a fluid into at least two fractions, using a plurality of membrane filters, and to the use thereof. The inventive device comprises at least one sub-assembly (2a, 2b, 2c) of membrane support plates (8), with a filter membrane (10) being fixed to each of the opposing faces of the above-mentioned plates. According to the invention, the filter membrane is fixed to a part of the membrane support plate (8) that comprises means for guiding a first fraction of the fluid passing through the membranes (10) towards channels which are used to release said first fluid fraction and which are disposed in a lateral part of the plate (8). Moreover, the first fraction of the fluid is recovered inside a recovery space between the membrane (10) and one face of the membrane support plate (8). The membrane support plates (8) of each of the sub-assemblies (2a, 2b, 2c) are assembled to one another in an adjacent manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the physical separation of components from a multi-phase fluid stream into its component phases. More particularly, the invention relates to a housing for a phase separation medium which allows one to change the phase separation medium without the necessity of disconnecting the flow lines. An alternative embodiment of the present invention contemplates a housing incorporating a unique internal valve configuration for controlling and limiting the fluid pressure differential across the sheet of phase-separating material. The internal valve begins to throttle or reduce the fluid flow rate through the sheet of phase-separating material after the differential pressure across the sheet of phase-separating material exceeds a preset value. If throttling the fluid flow rate cannot prevent the differential pressure from exceeding the preset limit, then the internal valve will shut off the fluid flow completely.

Abstract: One embodiment of a MEMS flow module (34) includes a first plate (36) and a second plate (48) that are separated by a first link (62). A plurality of concentrically disposed, annular flow-restricting walls (40) extend from the first plate (36), and each is separated from the second plate (48) by a flow-restricting gap (58). When the MEMS flow module (34) is exposed to a differential pressure and in one configuration, a perimeter (46) of the first plate (36) flexes away from the second plate (48) (and at least generally about where the first link (62) interfaces with the first plate (36)) to increase the size of one or more of the flow-restricting gaps (58), to in turn accommodate an increased flow or flow rate through the MEMS flow module (34).

Abstract: An internal filter includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate. Fluid passages are formed by etching grooves into the surface(s) of the upper and/or lower substrates and/or in one or more intermediate layers. The filter pores extending between the fluid passages are formed by etching second grooves that fluidly connect the fluid passages. Two or more sets of the one or two intermediate layers can be implemented to provide additional filter passages and/or pores. Each set can be connected to a separate fluid source and/or a separate microfluidic device. In another internal filter, the inlet and outlet passages and the filter pores are formed on the same upper or lower substrate. The inlet and outlet passages are partially formed in a first step. In a second step, the inlet and outlet passages are completed at the same time that the filter pores are formed.

Abstract: The transducer-protector device for medical apparatus comprises a housing formed by two half-shells, a membrane defining a gas-permeable anti-contamination barrier, a female Luer first connection port, a second connection port for connection to a flexible tube, a helical bellows-conformed deformable member. The device, which operates in a service line of an extracorporeal blood circuit associated to a dialysis machine, is for protecting the machine from contaminating agents originating from the circuit. The device is simple and economical to manufacture.

Abstract: An improved cross-flow filtration unit utilizing at least one two-ply membrane is disclosed that has a particular pore size relationship in the two membrane layers.

Abstract: A new design for a static diffusion cell for use in a diffusion sampling apparatus to be used in conjunction with automated or manual sampling is disclosed. The diffusion cell of present invention provides to an improved and efficient diffusion assay system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a kit and a device for controlling the flux of penetrants across an adaptable semi-permeable porous barrier, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a formulation by suspending or dispersing said penetrants in a polar liquid in the form of fluid droplets surrounded by a membrane-like coating of one or several layers, said coating comprising at least two kinds of forms of amphiphilic substances with a tendency to aggregate, said penerants being able to transport agents through the pores of said barrier or to enable agent permeation through the pores of said barrier after penetrants have entered the pores, selecting a dose amount of said penetrants to be applied on a predetermined area of said barrier to control the flux of said penetrants across said barrier, and applying the selected dose amount of said formulation containing said penetrants onto said area of said porous barrier.

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus is provided wherein a filtration membrane is positioned by gaskets on feed plates and filtrate plates rather than being bonded thereto.

Abstract: A mixing vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By relatively moving the septum with respect to the ends of the vessel, and flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis apparatus, comprising: a body with two planar sides, wells contained in the body, the wells being accessible from one planar side, a plurality of membranes for separating the wells into compartments, wherein each of said membranes is isolated one from another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substance monitoring. One application is an easy to handle continuous glucose monitor using a group of hollow out-of-plane silicon microneedles to sample substances in interstitial fluid from the epidermal skin layer. The glucose of the interstitial fluid permeates a dialysis membrane and reaches a sensor. Using MEMS technology, for example, allows well-established batch fabrication at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer for membrane modules comprising at least one inserted element and support members, the support members being spaced apart by the at least one inserted element forming flow channels between the support members and the inserted element for guiding permeates to the at least one permeate collection device, which at least one permeate collection device being in perpendicular contact with the flow channels, or guiding concentrate through flow channel out of the membrane module. The invention relates further to a membrane module comprising the permeate spacer, uses of the membrane module and a spiral wound membrane comprising the permeate spacer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fluorimetrically or photometrically identifying gaseous substances or substances, which can be converted into a gaseous state, in samples. Decomposition reactions, optional purification steps, and detection can be carried out in a cell, which comprises one or more ion-permeable membranes, in a user-friendly and selective manner without losing any substances.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed, and which may be used in a glaucoma implant (490). One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58).

Abstract: A well (50) comprising a side wall (10), a sealing ring (40), a rib arrangement (5), and a filter (20), for use in processing a fluid, e.g., by microtitration or microfiltration, is disclosed.

Abstract: A filtration system is provided with filter media operable to remove solids, particulate and colloidal matter from a process fluid. The filtration system may include one or more porous membranes which are anchored or secured on their periphery with a large open work area operable to remove selected components from the process fluid. The filter media may include an envelope formed from two membrane sheets with a spacer element disposed there between. A chamber or collection zone may be formed within the envelope to receive clarified fluid separated from the process fluid. Alternatively, the filter media may be multiple layers of spiral wound membranes or a roll of membranes.

Abstract: A rotatable water treatment device including a hollow shaft and multiple filtering units is provided. The hollow shaft has an axis hole, an external wall and a plurality of through holes defined through the external wall and communicating with the axis hole. The multiple filtering units watertightly mounted on the external wall of the hollow shaft, and each of the filtering units includes a center hole, two clipping nets, a supporting net and two filtering membranes. The supporting net is mounted between the clipping nets and two filtering membranes sandwiches the clipping nets such that the filtering membranes can be prevented from sinking into the meshes of the supporting net with the pump effect to accelerate the conducting of the water-filtering.