Abstract: Methods and devices for treating lipoaspirate for use in fat grafting procedures are provided and generally include a canister for containing lipoaspirate, a separation mechanism structured to separate both oils and other materials from cellular components of lipoaspirate contained in the canister. The separation mechanism includes filters having different filtering capacities, for example, different pore sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hollow fiber membrane module, a filtration apparatus based on the same, and a method for manufacturing the filtration apparatus. The hollow fiber membrane module includes two headers respectively provided with a permeate collecting unit therein, wherein each of the headers has grooves on its two sides, the grooves being extended in a length direction of the hollow fiber membrane. Since one slide rod can simultaneously be inserted into grooves of two adjacent hollow fiber membrane modules, the hollow fiber membrane modules can mutually serve as guides for insertion/ejection thereof. Also, since the grooves formed on the header can serve as insertion holes into which a clamp is inserted, the clamp can be used for coupling between the hollow fiber membrane module and another element and reinforcement of the coupling.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure is provided that comprises first and second fiber layers each comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. The polymeric fibers of these fiber layers have diameters greater than one micron and collectively define interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths through the first and second fiber layers. The structure also comprises a plurality of nanofibers disposed intermediate at least a portion of the first fiber layer and at least a portion of the second fiber layer.

Abstract: A filter element (2) for use in a disc filter (1), wherein a plurality of filter elements (2) are arranged on a rotor shaft (3) in a manner allowing liquid communication between the inside (4) of the filter elements (2) and the inside (5) of the rotor shaft (3), for the filtering of liquids. The filter element (2) includes a framework (6) carrying a filter cloth (7) on both its side surfaces (8), wherein the framework (6) and the filter cloth (7) are permanently joined forming a single use filter element (2) and the filter element has at least one passage (21) in each edge (22) for liquid communication between the inside (4) of adjacent filter elements. A disc filter (1) including a single use filter element (2) is also provided.

Abstract: A strainer system comprises a strainer housing having an inlet for raw fluid and an outlet for strained fluid; a generally cylindrical strainer basket having a strainer screen and disposed within the housing, the external surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the raw fluid inlet and the internal surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the strained fluid outlet; a backwash collector assembly comprising a backwash conduit having an opening disposed adjacent the outer surface of the strainer screen, the backwash conduit and the strainer basket being moveable relative to each other, so as to allow the opening to pass across the external surface of the strainer screen. A method of straining a fluid, in particular a liquid, is also provided. Finally, a valve assembly for use in the selective opening and closing of a plurality of backwash conduits is disclosed.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a slurry utilizing a displacement filtering principle. The filter apparatus desirably includes an inner filter and an outer filter. Both the inner and outer filters are preferably substantially annular in shape and positioned concentrically with respect to each other. A particulate collection volume is at least partially defined between the inner and outer filter. The method includes directing a flow of slurry into the particulate collection volume under sufficient pressure to force fluid within the particulate collection volume through one of the inner and outer filters and any particulate matter blocking a filtering surface of the inner and outer filters.

Abstract: In a liquid jetting head unit, a tank case in a head tank includes a first connection path connecting a downstream chamber of the tank case and a discharge path, and a second connection path connecting an upstream chamber of the tank case and the discharge path. The discharge path includes a filter member provided between a first part of the discharge path connected to the first connection path and a second part of the discharge path connected to the second connection path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering apparatus in which improvement of maintenance of a driving system, reduction of the number of components, and ease of assembly are achieved.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: A strainer system comprises a strainer housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, an inlet for raw fluid and an outlet for strained fluid, the outlet for strained fluid being disposed in the first end portion of the housing; a strainer basket having a strainer screen and disposed within the housing, the external surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the raw fluid inlet and the internal surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the strained fluid outlet; a backwash collector assembly comprising a backwash conduit having an opening disposed adjacent the outer surface of the strainer screen, the backwash conduit and the strainer basket being moveable relative to each other, so as to allow the opening to pass across the external surface of the strainer screen; a backwash outlet disposed in the second end portion of the strainer housing; and drive means for moving one of the backwash conduit and the strainer basket relative to one another, the drive

Abstract: A vertical membrane module unit is allowed to be installed even at a place with a low ceiling. A housing containing a vertical membrane module unit is held by a housing holder. The housing holder holds the housing tiltably such that the housing can be positioned with the longitudinal direction of the membrane module unit being substantially vertical when treated water is extracted, and the housing can be positioned with the longitudinal direction of the membrane module unit being substantially horizontal when the membrane module unit is removed from the housing.

Abstract: A strainer system comprises a strainer housing having an inlet for raw fluid and an outlet for strained fluid; a generally cylindrical strainer basket having a strainer screen and disposed within the housing, the external surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the raw fluid inlet and the internal surface of the strainer screen being in flow communication with the strained fluid outlet; a backwash collector assembly comprising a backwash conduit having an opening disposed adjacent the outer surface of the strainer screen, the backwash conduit and the strainer basket being moveable relative to each other, so as to allow the opening to pass across the external surface of the strainer screen. A method of straining a fluid, in particular a liquid, is also provided. Finally, a valve assembly for use in the selective opening and closing of a plurality of backwash conduits is disclosed.

Abstract: A filtration device for filtration, comprising at least one filter unit in a closed filter housing, comprises at least one filtration station and a loading and removing station. The filter housing can be opened in at least one parting plane transversely to the longitudinal axis of the filter housing and is movable between the loading and removing station and the filtration station.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering fluid substances is used with a machine for injecting meat products. The device comprises a container (4) comprising filter units (3a, 3b) communicated independently with a suction outlet (6) through respective valve devices (9a, 9b) that can be moved between open and closed positions. Each filter unit (3a, 3b) is mounted to the end of a pivoting connecting conduit (22a, 22b) which is connected to the respective valve device (9a, 9b) thereof. Each conduit (22a, 22b) and filter unit (3a, 3b) can pivot between a lowered operating position, whereby the valve device (9a, 9b) is open and the filter unit (3a, 3b) is submerged in the fluid, and an erect maintenance position, whereby the valve device (9a, 9b) is closed and the filter unit (3a, 3b) and the fixing means (13) thereof emerge out from the fluid and are accessible so that they can be released.

Abstract: The rotary flat membrane separation apparatus comprises: a plurality of hollow rotary shafts; a plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts at regular intervals, the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on adjacent two of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts being alternately arranged side by side in equal intervals; and a plurality of collars, each of the plurality of collars being arranged between adjacent two of the plurality of rotary flat membrane disks mounted on each of the plurality of hollow rotary shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that a diameter of the collars is between 0.18-0.34 times a diameter of the rotary flat membrane disks. Thus, the effective membrane area can be as large as possible while preventing the vibration of the rotary flat membrane disks caused by the rotation.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a system for the cross flow filtration of fluid media using membranes. The system has in a first embodiment two shafts, only one of which is hollow, with each shaft running through an axis of its given disc. The disc of each shaft is positioned offset with respect to one another to have a region of overlap therebetween. The region of overlap serves to enhance the efficient operation of the system by reducing the degree of settling of retentate on the disc of the hollow shaft, because of the wiping or cleaning effect achieved upon rotation of each shaft by a drive system. In another embodiment, both shafts are hollow.

Abstract: A maintaining device for a filter medium having a stack of filtration disks presenting a central aperture, characterized in that it comprises a first flange with at least one central opening, a second flange and at least one perforated first central element intended to operate together with said central aperture of said stack of filtration disks, said first central element being integral at one its extremities with said second flange and being provided at its other extremity with ratchets intended to operate together with said central opening of said first flange.

Abstract: A filter-replacement cassette for an extruder. A housing (1) has at least one bore. The bores (2 & 3) extend above and below and at a right angle to the horizontally flowing plastic. A cartridge (4 or 5) that accommodates a replaceable filter (5) slides back and forth inside each bore. The object is to facilitate start-up operation. The cartridge accordingly has at least one tap (7, bore 15, or bore 45) permanently integrated into it in addition to the replaceable filter. The housing accommodates either a cartridge or a start-up outlet bore (16, 36, or 47). While the cartridge is in a prescribed position, the start-up outlet bore can communicate with the cartridge's tap and with an intake channel (13 or 31) for the extrudate.

Abstract: For separating solids contents from a pulp, the pulp is concentrated in a filter device by intense movement up to a predetermined solid matter content. In the filter device, the dynamic pressure and Venturi effects are utilized to support the filtering process. During the discharge of the filtrate, pulp is supplied to keep the filter device in filled condition. The concentrated pulp is batch-wise transferred into a pressing chamber in which the discharged batch is mechanically pressed-out. The pressing cake generated thereby is mechanically comminuted.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each of the samples including a fluid containing particulate matter. The apparatus is useful in cytology to collect a uniform monolayer of cells from a biological fluid. Each of a plural number of processing assemblies (corresponding to the plural number of samples) comprises a container, an agitator rotatable relative to the container for contacting and dispersing particulate matter in the fluid, a filter assembly including a filter for collecting particulate matter, and a pump for moving the fluid through the filter. Each container is supported on a separate container receiver, and each pump is engaged by a separate pump engagement. A rotary driver effects relative rotation of the agitators and their respective containers simultaneously to mix the samples in the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering apparatus for removing matter and bodies accompanying a liquid flow. The filtering apparatus includes a number of individual filter elements disposed to be displaced in an endless path. The endless path is formed by one or more arcs in relation to which the filter elements are displaceable. A drive is provided for displacing one filter element at a time past a scraper device for removal of matter accumulated against the filter element.

Abstract: A concentrator for concentrating a sample solution including molecules in solution which are larger than their molecular weight cutoff of a membrane in the concentrator. The concentrator has a sample reservoir which includes a bottom floor having an annular central wall surrounding a central opening. A membrane is held on a membrane support member positioned below the sample reservoir and a filtrate vial is held below the membrane to collect liquid which is passed through the membrane. A retentate vial is held over the top of the reservoir and after the sample has been concentrated the filtrate vial is removed and the remaining part of the assembly inverted. The assembly is then replaced in the centrifuge and spun to transfer the concentrated sample into the retentate vial. The membrane support member is made from spokes with open spaces between the spokes.

Abstract: A liquid sample filtration apparatus includes: a) a module retaining filter elements; b) a filter clamping and fluid injection apparatus positioned relative to the module to engage a filter element thereon, and includes a pair of first and second opposing engageable members to sealing engage a filter element therebetween; c) an inlet tube connected to an opposing engageable member; d) an outlet tube connected to an opposing engageable member; e) a motor to move the module relative to the filter clamping and injection apparatus to register filter elements on the module to the clamping and injection apparatus; and f) a motor associated with the filter clamping and injection apparatus to move the opposing engageable members into substantial sealing fluid communication relative to a filter element on the module.

Abstract: A high efficiency, self-cleaning system for separating solid materials from liquids. The system includes a primary housing having at least one inlet and a plurality of cylindrical filter cartridges therein which are directly adjacent to and in close proximity with each other. The lower end of each cartridge is positioned on a spring-biased bearing member, with the upper end having an opening therein. Positioned within the opening and connected to each cartridge is a tubular shaft attached to a pulley-type motor drive system. The drive system is used to rotate the cartridges in a selected direction. In operation, fluids to be filtered enter the housing and come in direct contact with the rotating cartridges. Rotation of the multiple cartridges and close proximity of the cartridges to each other creates fluid turbulence within the housing. This turbulence scrubs collected solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow into the cartridges.

Abstract: A pool skimmer of the invention includes a pair of rectangular frames hinged together along adjacent first short frame members by a plastic hinge member extending substantially the length of the short frame members, a pair of poles attached at an intermediate position along each of the short frame members and a net held by each of the frames. The pool skimmer is almost as wide as the pool being skimmed. The hinged frames are folded together when the skimmer is not being used. In use, the skimmer is unfolded and two operators, each holding a pole, position the skimmer in the water at one end of the pool and walk along opposite sides of the pool with the skimmer in the water between them. At the other end of the pool, the skimmer is removed from the water, debris collected in the net is emptied and the skimmer is folded for storage.

Abstract: The device is the dual functional filter of the slurry, scraping of the filtered cake, compression the scraped cake and discharging the compressed cake, continuously. The device is composed of both the filter part and the cake compression part. While the filter part is positioned upward holding the filtrate room, the slurry chamber and the filter medium in between, the lower cake compression part contains the screw blade attached to the shaft stationed from the top of the filter part to the end of the cake compression part. The filter cake piled on the filter medium during the filtration of the slurry fed under pressure, is scraped by the scraping blades attached to the shaft or, if necessary, peeled off by the pressure flashings of the back wash liquid through the cake on the filter medium. Precipitated cakes from the above is compressed in the compression part by the screw.

Abstract: A self-cleaning vacuum head is disclosed which has the ability to discriminate between particles of different size, or the ability to separate fluids from particulate matter. The invention has two relatively moving surfaces which provide a changing locus of vacuum so that particles drawn against the surfaces are later separated therefrom. An oil spill clean-up system is also disclosed utilizing the self-cleaning vacuum head.

Abstract: In the filtering apparatus for an extrusion machine, a stream of heat-softened plastic material arrives via a flow conduit in a filter housing at an outlet, and thereby permeates replaceable filter means which are carried by a slide which is temporarily slid out of the stream of plastic material. For this, the slide comprises two chambers, forming flow conduit sections and arranged spaced in tandem in the direction of displacement, both of which are closed by filter plates. The slow conduit sections being, at a specified position of the slide in the filter housing internally in flow connection via, in each case, a port, with the outlet conduit in the filter housing and, externally via the filter plates, with the inlet conduit or with a backflow conduit in the filter housing.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the separation of mixtures of substances by means of centrifugal forces, particularly for the filtration and/or sedimentation of solids from suspensions, wherein the material mixture is rotated in a cake-forming chamber until a cake of solid particles is formed. The resulting cake may thereafter be washed with a wash liquid, centrifuged and discharged from the cake-forming chamber. Discharge from the cake-forming chamber results in rearrangement of the solid particles of the cake. The cake of the rearranged particles is transferred to at least one further processing chamber and dried by centrifugation before being discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved continuous polymer filter of the screen belt type employs a valve arrangement to selectively apportion the extruder output flow through at least two filter paths. In the neutral valve position both filter paths receive polymer at equal flow rates creating a pressure across the screen belts that is too high to permit the screen belts to be advanced when a clogged belt section requires replacement with a clean section. To effect screen belt advancement, the valve is actuated to reduce the flow rate in the filter path requiring the replacement while increasing the flow rate to the same degree in the other filter path so that the net flow rate remains substantially constant. The screen belt receiving the reduced flow experiences a sufficiently reduced pressure drop thereacross to permit it to be advanced in a conventional manner, after which the valve is returned to its neutral state.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a fluid medium has a sealed ring-shaped body in the interior of which is movably mounted a flexible filtering member having a toroidal shape. Slide valves divide the interior of the body into two portions, one of which receives the supply of fluid medium to be cleaned and removes the fluid medium cleaned by the filtering member, while the other cleans the filtering member by removing cake from it.

Abstract: A filter apparatus, particularly for filtering extruded thermoplastic synthetic plastics material, has a housing, within which two carrier members are shiftably arranged, each of which carries a sieve means consisting of two filter sieves. The material to be filtered is supplied to the entry side of the sieve means via an inlet passage. Within each carrier member there is provided a rinsing passage being in connection with the outlet side of the sieve means. The rinsing passage can be connected with the outlet passage when shifting the carrier member into a rinsing position. In this rinsing position, the entry side of the sieve means is at least partially connected with a space receiving the sieve contaminations or opens into atmopshere, respectively.

Abstract: A filter device is disclosed, comprising two compartments within a housing. The first compartment includes a filter element, of the screen or the disc types, with communication to the filtered fluid outlet of the housing. A controllable valve communicates the first compartment with the inlet of the housing across the second compartment. A drain valve connects the first compartment with outside the housing. For flushing the filter element by reverse-flow, the first valve is closed and the flushing fluid drains through the drain valve. In a further embodiment two or more filter elements and associated compartments and valves are installed, in parallel, within the same housing, so that by stopping the filtering operation of one of the filter elements, it becomes flushed with the product, filtered fluid of the other element.

Abstract: A slide plate screen changer has a housing defining a material flow passage and a transverse slide plate passage in which is mounted a movable screen plate. Seal rings on the upstream and downstream sides respectively of the screen plate prevent leakage of material from the flow passage. One of the seals is adjusted by means of a threaded bushing which surrounds the flow passage and which protrudes axially from one end of the housing where it is fully accessible to torque exerting tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing liquid out of suspensions containing liquid, comprising a screw feeder (5) adapted to feed the suspensions towards a dewatering zone (2) in which there are disposed two converging endless filter members (20, 21) adapted to be driven round a pair of back and front breaking rollers (18a, 18b). The pressing angle (.alpha.) between the filter members can be varied as can the speed of the filter members in relation to the material which is fed forwards in order to achieve an optimum flow resistance for each suspension. In certain cases, this can be very high. A worm wheel (13) is provided to prevent material from retreating in the screw thread (11).According to one form of embodiment, two or more dewatering zones are disposed in series one after the other, thus further increasing the possibilities for achieving optimum dewatering conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing liquid from a slurry of solid particulate material and for consolidating said solid material into a shape-retaining slug is disclosed which comprises (a) a cylindrical consolidation chamber in which the slurry is to be consolidated, which is substantially sealed against the passage of solid material, said chamber comprising (i) a first cylindrical piston mounted in a stationary position with its axis aligned vertically, the upper surface of said piston being its working face, (ii) a mold comprising a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical bore in which said first piston is movable axially and which is disposed with its axis aligned vertically and a horizontal table having a circular opening through one end thereof, said table being mounted to the upper edge of said wall so that said opening communicates with said bore in said wall and the surface of the table extends outward from said wall in a direction perpendicular to the axis thereof, said mold having a compression position in w

Abstract: A slide-plate filter apparatus particularly for plastic stock under pressure in which rigid filter plate sections carrying corresponding sections of filter media are fed in a continuing sequence across the flow path of the plastic stock is provided with off-set retainer plates for directing plastic stock which is forced between the filter plate sections into a path which includes filter media, so that no unfiltered plastic stock can pass through the apparatus.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus with hollow filters that are alternately placed under reduced pressure and positive pressure. The filters are reciprocally rotated through a cycle along a 180.degree. arcuate path from immersion in the unfiltered liquid to a discharge station and back again. Whle immersed and under reduced pressure, each filter passes liquid and captures cake against its surface. The filter is kept under reduced pressure and rotated to a discharge station. The reduced pressure during this portion of the cycle holds the cake against the filter and dries it. At the discharge station, the filters are placed under positive pressure to dislodge the cake and kept under positive pressure as they are rotated back toward the unfiltered liquid. The discharge station has movable scrapers that contact the filters as they are being rotated back to the unfiltered liquid to assist in dislodging the cake.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating particulate matter from a flowing fluid which, for example, may be sand entrained in a flowing stream of oil and gas, comprises an assembly including a plurality of small diameter tubular elements, the walls of which have a selected permeability to said fluid. The tubular elements are held with their axes parallel between a pair of headers by suitable tension means. The interior of the tubes are connected to at least one plenum and to a well tubing. When this assembly is inserted into a well producing oil and gas which carries sand, the sand will be deposited against the outer walls of the tubular elements since the grain diameters are greater than the size of the openings in the walls of the tubular elements. The fluid flows through the openings in the wall of the tubular element, into the plenum and then through the well tubing to the surface of the well. By using suitable headers at each end, a plurality of these assemblies can be connected in series.

Abstract: A new and improved separating device for separating particulate from a fluid stream including a plurality of screen units which are releasably held in a screen unit mounting assembly by inflatable tubes; the screen unit angular position is adjustable by adjusting the height of a plurality of adjustable support posts; and, dual vibrators are mounted with the screen unit mounting assembly and are interconnected for simultaneous vibration in mutually perpendicular directions.

Abstract: A slide filter for filtering plastic stock and other materials having a slide plate movable within a housing, across the path of material flow. The housing contains sealing means to prevent leakage of the material to the outside of the housing. The slide plate includes one or more recesses bounded by wall means within which a mechanical screen or sand pack filter is positioned.

Abstract: To separate solid particles from liquids or gas, the liquid or the gas is passed through a coil, formed from one or more threads wound on a carrier. After subsequent washing and drying, the solid which has been filtered out during the filtration process is removed by unwinding the coil from the carrier, the latter consisting of a permeable hollow cylinder closed at both end faces by means of end plates, and provided with a feed orifice.

Abstract: A simplified screen changer is provided which is particularly suitable for the extrusion of synthetic resinous thermoplastics. Screens are supported in a recessed movable plate. The screen on the upstream side is sealed against leakage by means of an extrusion pressure actuated sealing ring. The apparatus is of simple and rugged construction.

Abstract: An improved fluid-strainer is provided which makes provision for improved methods of converting the same between motorized and manual modes. Included in the fluid strainer is a gear motor housing for facilitating the conversion as well as inspection and removal means. Also provision is made for flushing of the fluid strainer so as to avoid cycle restart.