Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods that can be used to receive a volume of potable water from a source and to treat the volume of water so as to improve the perceived or actual aesthetic quality of the water, and to thereafter contain the treated water such that it can be used or consumed. In general, the apparatus comprises a container capable of receiving a volume of water, and a capture element within the container that is capable of removing at least a portion of such substances in the water as may be perceived as impacting water quality. The capture element comprises sorbent media that is capable of removing at least some portion of such undesirable substances, and that may comprise, for example, activated carbon and the like.

Abstract: A coffee and brewed beverage making apparatus and method includes a coffee filter that is immersed in and removable from heated fluid in a brewing vessel. The filter has a bottom and side with mesh openings and is formed to facilitate agitation of the filter while the filter is in a brewing vessel during the brewing process, The filter is used with French press style coffee makers and both manual and automatic coffee carafes.

Abstract: A container includes a vessel having an opening proximate an upper end thereof and a floor proximate a lower end thereof. A threaded shaft secures to the floor and extends along a substantial portion of the height of the vessel. A slider having a threaded portion secures to the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the slider defines passages allowing fluid to pass through the slider. A grippable member secures to the shaft enabling a user to rotate the shaft and cause the slide to move up in order to lift food items out of fluid within the container.

Abstract: A fluid processing device is provided that enables the controlled flow of a liquid sample along a fluid processing pathway through various sample-containment regions and is free of fluid flow blockages or valves along the processing pathway. A system is also provided for processing the device and includes a rotatable platen and alignment features that can hold the fluid processing device in two or more different orientations on the rotatable platen. A method is also provided for processing a sample, in the device, with the system.

Abstract: The horizontal ore filter has a plurality of filter elements covering the circular filter surface thereof and a sub-frame supporting the filter surface. In one aspect, each filter element has a longitudinal concave curvature therein. In another aspect, each sector frame has side flanges thereon. The sub-frame has a plurality of T-bars extending radially along the circular filter surface and each one of these T-bars supports the side edges of two adjacent filter elements. Upon installation of the filter elements to the sub-frame, the sector frames are held tight against the T-bars to ensure a good seal between adjacent filter elements and between each filter element and the sub-frame of the machine.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports. A water intake system installed on a sea-going vessel positioned on the surface of a body of water includes an apparatus for taking up seawater from the body of seawater. The apparatus includes a water intake member, a water intake positioned on the water intake member, and an impingement, entrainment, and entrapment mitigation device at least partially surrounding the water intake and including a plurality of apertures sized to prevent entry of marine organisms into the water intake.

Abstract: A material processing plant comprises a first screw-type extruding machine and a second screw-type extruding machine downstream thereof. The screw-type extruding machines are connected to one another by means of a function casing which is embodied for displacement substantially to the side of a direction of flow out of a position of operation in a push-out direction.

Abstract: A storm drain filter assembly that filters incoming drainage water and can prevent sediment, debris, and other undesirable materials (such as oil) from entering a storm drain's inlet. The frame can be rotated upwardly away from the road for street sweeping, and can also be detached from the curb and removed to a remote location for cleaning. The filter assembly comprises a filter panel including a bristle filter and a frame that holds the bristle filter, the bristle filter including a plurality of bristles. At least one seal is positioned between the filter panel and the surface to prevent leakage around the edges of the panel. A pivotable mount is provided for holding the filter panel in an operational position in the path of the flowing drainage water. In one embodiment the bristles are made of polypropylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decontamination process comprising the step of contacting a aqueous solution containing a pollutant or contaminant with a decontaminating agent, wherein the decontaminating agent is sapropel. The present invention also provides a decontamination system (110).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering a fluid, especially a liquefied plastic, said device comprising a housing, a supply channel, a discharge channel and optionally backwash channels. At least two filter elements are arranged in corresponding filter regions in the flow path of the fluid, in a filter carrier which is mounted in such a way that in can be perpendicularly displaced in relation to the direction of flow, said filter elements being able to communication with the supply channel and the discharge channel. Each filter region comprises two supply partial channels which are worked in to the filter carrier or the housing and are oriented away from the filter regions towards the discharge channel. Said discharge channel comprises housing partial channels which flow together to form the discharge channel.

Abstract: The pore size controllable filter can separate and remove effectively the suspended solid and eliminate rapidly it captured by the device. The filtering materials (21) are built on the upper filtering material holder (23) and the lower filtering material holder (24) of radial type facing each other at a certain distance in the filtering tub (2), forming a filtering layer (21a). According to the direction and the degree of rotation of the upper handle (28) connected to the upper rotation axis, the filtering materials (21) come together to the center along the upper filtering material holder (23) and the lower filtering material holder (24). Then one side or both sides are twisted in opposite directions and concentrated around the perforated pipe (22) located at the central axis or restored to the original state. Accordingly, the size of the pore created between the filtering materials (21) can be adjusted, enabling to conduct filtering and washing operations at a proper level.

Abstract: A filter with filter chambers disposed in an annular zone on a rotatable common disc has a multitude of separate flow passages, each flow passage containing within its flow stream at least one filter chamber on the common rotatable disc, and each identical flow passage is rotated around the axis of rotation of this common rotatable disc, thus multiplying the flow capacity of a rotatable disc filter by using the same disc to filter multiple streams. The rotatable common filter disc is disposed within a slot formed by body blocks and spacer blocks and rotates around a hub, the spacer blocks and hub controlling slot width such that rotatable metal to metal seals form between the disc and the body blocks in contact with a surface of the disc, forming leak free seals. The rotation of the rotatable common disc causes filter chambers, sealed within the slot, to change filter chambers as material accumulates within the filter chambers.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation of a mixture comprising an organic and an aqueous phase making use of a solid phase system. Still further the invention refers to a specific solid phase system, namely a spin column which can be used in order to carry out said method in an easy way. According to preferred embodiments the organic phase is phenol or phenol/chloroform.

Abstract: A water filter device includes a container (1) that has an opening for filling of water, and a filter unit (3) that is movable relative to the container (1). It is significant of the device that the filter unit (3) includes a filter element (5), an operating rod (7) connected to the filter element (5) and sealing means (14) along the periphery of the filter element (5), and that the filter element (5) has a particle filter (10) and an adsorption filter (11).

Abstract: A floor waste (10) including a filter basket (16) having a magnet (18). The magnet (18) attracts a movable valve member (27) upwardly from a seat (22) to allow liquid to pass through the seat (22). When the basket (15) is removed the movable valve member (27) closes the seat (22). In one embodiment the valve member (27) includes a valve disk 29 that prevents the flow of liquid through the seat (22) when engaged therewith, while in another embodiment the disk (29) has a series of passages (31) that permits the flow of liquid through the seat when the disk (29) is engaged with the seat (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus system and methods for treatment of virus-infected or pathogen-loaded human blood components separated from normal components comprising a separation apparatus and treatment apparatus system that inactivate pathogens in an extracorporeal body fluid system.

Abstract: Fluid filtration devices, systems and methods are disclosed. The device comprises, for example, an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl. The fluid filtration devices, which can be configured to filter a wide variety of fluids, comprises: an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl.

Abstract: A drum filter assembly comprising a hollow drum filter having a longitudinal axis and an outer filter screen or mesh material, the drum filter being supported on external rollers for rotation about its longitudinal axis and an inlet for introducing liquid to be filtered into the interior of the drum filter. Rotation of the drum filter is effected by the liquid flowing into the drum filter. Alternatively, the drum filter may be driven by an external motor.

Abstract: A pool/spa skimmer includes a housing, a face plate, and a flexible weir gate. The housing and plate are dimensioned to allow water to flow in a vertical column. The interior of the housing has a curved wall so that when a column of water passes through the open gate and into the housing, a whirlpool effect is realized. A vertical filter cartridge is mounted on a rotational bearing so that it can spin about its axis. The inlet of a pump is coupled to the cartridge via the bearing and is also coupled to a second water inlet via a vacuum operated valve. When the filter is clean, water is drawn through it and the filter spins about its axis due to the whirlpool effect. When the filter reaches a threshold dirt covering, water is no longer drawn through it and the vacuum operated valve.

Abstract: A system for moving a filter or a retainer into or out of a fluid pathway without halting the movement of the fluid in the pathway. When acting as a filtering device, the system includes a filter frame and a drive mechanism for slidingly moving the filter frame on stationary rails that remain in the duct through which the fluid is transferred. When a retainer device, the system includes a retainer and a drive mechanism for slidingly moving retainer on stationary rails that remain in the chamber through which a fluid under treatment passes. The system includes isolation means permitting the filter frame or retainer to pass into or out of the duct or chamber without exhausting the fluid within the duct or chamber. The drive mechanism may be a guillotine damper gate drive, a spindled drive, a hydraulic actuator or other drive means. The filter or the retainer may include a plurality of bays that are rigidly, hingedly, or detachably connected together.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for use in polymer processing includes a housing having an internal bore for directing polymer flow and a channel oriented transversely to the bore. A slide plate for supporting filters is movable through the channel and across the bore. An annular upstream seal ring sealably contacts the slide plate. A surface of the upstream seal ring facing the upstream direction is angled with respect to the bore. A plurality of ring segments are arranged to form an annular segmented ring. The segmented ring presents a tapered ring surface that is generally complimentarily angled relative to the angled surface of the upstream seal ring. Pressurized polymer flowing through the bore imparts radially forces on the ring segments, causing the ring segments to impart axial forces on the upstream seal ring to enhance the seal interface between the upstream seal ring and the slide plate.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a fluid comprises at least one set of a first membrane cloth and a second membrane cloth, each being permeable to water over substantially their entire length. The membrane cloths are held taut, substantially parallel to one another in a frame delimiting between them a movement path for fluid. The cloths are displaceable with respect to one another between a first position, in which the mutually facing surfaces substantially touch one another, and a second position, in which the cloths lie at a distance from one another and the width of the movement path for the fluid is greater than in the first position. At least one of the cloths, on the side which faces towards the adjacent cloth is provided with grooves or webs for the purpose of forming channels between the cloths in the longitudinal direction of the cloths, in the first position.

Abstract: A filter assembly for ultra-filtration of fluids such as waste water comprises a porous tube which is incrementally advanced into the fluid so as to expose a fresh portion periodically and maintain a flow rate over a period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus system and methods for treatment of virus-infected or pathogen-loaded human blood components separated from normal components comprising a separation apparatus and treatment apparatus system that inactivate pathogens in an extracorporeal body fluid system.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for enhanced plasmapheresis comprising a filter membrane under an orbital motion or movement that has optimal local shear forces and maximum plasma flow output. The methods for biological separation and therapies comprise platelet collection, viral particle removal, cell washing and processing for stem cell selection, bone marrow purging, red blood cell collection, auto-transfusion, auto-immune disease treatment, selective macro-molecule removal, toxin removal, LDL removal, extracorporeal plasma delipidation, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screen system (8) suitable for use in a vibratory screen apparatus (1), and comprising: a screen element (11) and a support frame (12) therefor, as well novel screen elements (11) and mesh panels (19) therefor, and the use thereof. The screen element (11) consists essentially of a mesh panel (19) provided with first and second elongate support members (22, 23) extending along opposite end portions of the mesh panel (19). The support frame (12) has spaced apart first and second elongate frame elements (13, 14) for engagement with the screen element support members (22, 23) and further elongate frame elements (17, 18) extending there between for supporting the mesh panel (19).

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. The filtering assembly is capable of allowing controlled backwards flow of blood through the filter assembly, or blocking the backwards flow entirely, during aspiration of embolic material trapped within the filter assembly.

Abstract: An emboli filtration apparatus is provided comprising a guide wire having a filter element captured thereon, so that the guide wire is free to rotate and translate while the filter element remains stationary. The apparatus allows for movement and rotation of the guide wire as devices are advanced over it to treat occlusive disease, substantially without dislodging the filter element. In a preferred embodiment, the guide wire comprises a proximal stop configured to reposition the filter element during a medical procedure without having to remove or insert additional interventional devices.

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: Rotary filters, known within the polymer melt filtration industry, are improved by the provision of wave shaped filter support plates within the filter chambers of a rotatable disc of a filter. This rotatable disc filter has further a series of tabs, holddowns, or projections within this invention which further prevents the wave shaped filter media which conforms to the filter support from motion relative to the filter support and thus prevents damage to seals or the housing of the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silo for sludge, especially sewage sludge, comprising a sludge-receiving part (12), a feeding part (16), said feeding part being located above the sludge-receiving part (12) and communicating with said sludge-receiving part (12) via a inlet (14), and a sludge-discharge device. Said sludge-discharge device is located in the lower area of the sludge-receiving part, and can preferably be connected to a pipeline system. According to the invention, a separator device (18) for removing foreign bodies is located in the area of the feeding part (16) so that the sludge which is temporarily stored in the silo can easily be used later on. Said separating device for removing foreign bodies (18) has a sieve grate (20) covering the inlet (14) and at least one counter-surface (22) positioned above said sieve-grate (20). Said sieve-grate and said counter-surface are able to move in relation to each other as sludge pushes through the sieve openings of said sieve-grate.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. The filtering assembly is capable of allowing controlled backwards flow of blood through the filter assembly, or blocking the backwards flow entirely, during aspiration of embolic material trapped within the filter assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a flexible collapsible inner container disposed within a substantially rigid outer container. A closure seals the open top end of the outer container. A filter assembly is sealingly mounted to the open top end of the inner container. The filter assembly includes a filter that permits lighter fractions to pass therethrough, while substantially blocking the heavier fractions. The filter assembly further includes a filter support having a slit valve registered with the filter. The slit valve opens in response to fluid pressure created by the lighter fractions for permitting the lighter fractions to flow therethrough.

Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for enhanced plasmapheresis comprising a filter membrane under an orbital motion or movement that has optimal local shear forces and maximum plasma flow output. The separation apparatus comprises a first plate, a second plate and a hollow interior therebetween, wherein the second plate is detachably coupled to a non-rotational drive structure that controls the second plate in an orbital motion in reference to a center axis of the first plate for enhanced blood separation.

Abstract: Rotary filters, known within the polymer melt filtration industry, are improved by the provision of wave shaped filter support plates within the filter chambers of a rotatable disc of a filter. This rotatable disc filter has further a series of tabs, holddowns, or projections within this invention which further prevents the wave shaped filter media which conforms to the filter support from motion relative to the filter support and thus prevents damage to seals or the housing of the filter.

Abstract: A device which can be used for filtering samples is described. The device is comprised of a plurality of filter wells, each having a wide region and a narrow region. The device is fitted with a filter element and then filled with a gel filtration matrix which is selected so that molecules of a particular molecular size will diffuse into the matrix. The device is centrifuged to remove water from the interstitial regions of the gel filtration matrix, and a sample is then added to the device containing the dried gel filtration matrix. The device is again centrifuged, causing smaller molecules to diffuse into the matrix and allowing larger molecules to exit the device, wherein they are collected and analyzed. The device is capable of filtering sample sizes as low as 1 &mgr;L and can be used in a variety of existing laboratory equipment, including bench-top centrifuges and microcentrifuges. A process for using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a device for dehydrating sludge such as occurs in sewage treatment plants in the form of dilute sludge. The receptacle for the sludge contains a sieve surface comprising openings for the passage of liquid. The sieve surface, for its part, is substantially circular can be rotated about an axis (21) running vertically to the sieve surface. The axis (21) of the sieve surface (2) is inclined relative to a horizontal line and is caused to rotate by a drive device (3). The disk-shaped sieve surface (2) is arranged in a container (11) comprising a bottom (13) and a side wall (12) through which side wall a supply line (4) for the sludge and an outlet (41) for the separated water run.

Abstract: A method and system for treating wastewater in an onboard ship sewage treatment system having controlled suspended solids, the method comprising the steps of collecting wastewater in a collection tank and transferring the wastewater to a bioreactor to oxidize organic material contained in the wastewater by adding oxygen-containing gas thereto. The bioreactor is operated to provide a mixed liquor having a solids concentration of at least 5 g/l and the solids concentration is continuously increased in the mixed liquor in the bioreactor to not greater than 30 g/l. When the solids concentration in the mixed liquor reaches at least 15 g/l, a portion of the mixed liquor is removed from the bioreactor. Thereafter, wastewater is added to the bioreactor to decrease the solids concentration of remaining or residual mixed liquor to not less than 5 g/l. The bioreactor is further operated to increase the solids content again.

Abstract: A filter tube for use in earth coated type filters includes a flexible permeable tubular sheet internally supported by a helical spring. The internal spring is connected between opposite ends of the filter tube to support the full length of the tube wall. One end of the tube is connected to an external spring and anchor plate. In a slack position, the tube end folds over an end collar connected to the spring. Extension of the anchor plate applies tension to stretch the spring and tube to a taut position during a cycling operation which oscillates the tube to dislodge accumulated material.

Abstract: A filter device for separating particulate material from a stream of flowable plastics; the device comprises a body member having at least a filter chamber and a flow path extending between inlet and outlet sides. A filter band transversally extends in said filter chamber, across the flow path, being supported by a back-plate having a perforated area. An axially movable valving member comprising a flow passage for the plastic material, is provided into the chamber, and an actuator to axially move the valving member between an advanced and a retracted position in which the valving member connects respectively disconnects the flow passage from the inlet or the outlet sides of the device, and for sealingly clamping the filter band peripherally around the perforated area of the back-plate.

Abstract: A strainer for paint, or other liquid products, used for treating or finishing a surface. The strainer including a screen which is secured to a body having an open top, an open bottom and a sidewall. The screen being secured across the open bottom of the body to separate lumps and foreign matter from the paint. The body independently suspends the screen within the paint creating a reservoir of strained paint.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing fiber suspensions containing usable fibers and suspended dirt particles to be separated from the usable fibers, the specific weight of the particles differing distinctly from that of the usable fibers, is described. The apparatus comprises a drum-shaped outer housing having (i) and inflow end accommodating a body rotationally symmetric to the housing axis and being provided with a tangential inlet pipe for the fiber suspension to be processed, and (ii) an outflow end being provided with an axial outlet pipe for a lightweight dirt component of the suspension and an outlet pipe for a usable component of the suspension.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed having a cylindrical membrane support (4), which is sealed off between a top plate (26) and a bottom plate (28), whereon the cylindrical outer surface of the membranes support a membrane (6) is located, and which is surrounded by cylindrical components (14, 8) which are sealed off in the top plate and bottom plate thereby forming a cylindrical ring area (16). Permeate collection bores (20) communicate with the membrane through the membrane support and are connected with a permeate draw off connection (60). The suction side of a circulation pump (44) is connected with an enclosed inner chamber (47) formed by the cylindrical membrane support. The outer ring area is connected to the pressure side of the circulation pump and communicates with the inner chamber through a circulation channel (54). The inner chamber is connected to a infeed connection (58). The circulation pump communicates with a draw off (64) on the pressure side for the extraction of concentrate.

Abstract: A filter tube for use in earth coated type filters includes a flexible permeable tubular sheet internally supported by a helical spring which in one embodiment extends partially along the length of the filter tube. The unsupported free end or an intermediate portion is subjected to oscillation to dislodge contaminated coating material accumulated on the surfaces of the filter sheet. External means are provided at the free end of the filter to permit oscillation and to support a plurality of filter ends. In another embodiment, an internal spring is connected between opposite ends of the filter tube to support the full length of the tube wall. One end of the tube is connected to an external spring and anchor plate. In a slack position, the tube end folds over an end collar connected to the spring. Extension of the anchor plate applies tension to stretch the spring and tube to a taut position during a cycling operation which oscillates the tube to dislodge accumulated material.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes at least one rotating mesh screen container designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force. The addition of a second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: A fluid collection, filtration, and storage device is described. The device has a first tube with a closed first end, an open second end, inner tube-wall surfaces, and an internal diameter; a second tube with a first end porously closed by a filter and an open second end and having an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tube, the second tube slidably contacting the inner tube-wall surfaces of the first tube at the first end of the second tube when the second tube is inserted in the first tube; and a cap adapted to seal the open second end of the first tube and the open second end of the second tube in a single closing operation while the second tube is inserted into the first tube. The kit is particularly adapted for collecting and storing viscous biologic samples, such as saliva, in the inner tube after the sample has been mixed with a preservative or other substance initially located in the filter.