Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample filtration device of the type employing differential pressure. An outer container filled with a sample to be filtered slidably receives a hollow plunger having filter media disposed near one end and sealing means disposed in an annular groove about the periphery of the plunger. The annular groove of the plunger is formed by two components: an annular shoulder on a collector portion and the axial face of an annular ring formed in a retainer portion. The two portions are frictionally engaged to retain the filter in place and form the annular groove for the sealing means. This construction permits straight-pull molding of the component parts which eliminates mold mismatch flaws.

Abstract: A filter cartridge having a tubular, self-supporting, tunable, asymmetric, fluoropolymer alloy filter membrane is provided. Within a sealed cartridge assembly, the tubular filter membrane is connected at opposite ends to inlet and outlet tubes which pass through opposite ends of the cartridge assembly. A guide attached to the end of the inlet tube within the sealed cartridge assembly plugs the end of the inlet tube within the sealed cartridge assembly and provides a filter medium passage from the inside of the inlet tube to the outside of the tubular filter membrane. The outlet tube provides a filter medium passage from the inside of the tubular filter membrane. The input and output tubes are slideably disposed in the ends of the cartridge assembly such that the axial length and therefore the porosity of tubular filter membrane can be adjusted over a range.

Abstract: A tubular container for centrifugal separation suited for easy separation of a relatively small amount of the phase having an intermediate specific gravity from the heaviest and lightest phases. The container has a first section defining a bottom chamber of a certain volume for containing therein the heaviest phase, a second section contiguous to the first section and defining an intermediate chamber for containing therein the phase having the intermediate specific gravity, and a third section contiguous to the second section and defining an upper chamber for containing therein the lightest phase. The diameter of said second section is smaller than the diameters of the first and third sections.

Abstract: A locking structure of wire rod for filter element, which comprises perforating a locking hole larger than a sectional area of the wire rod near both ends or either one end portion of a cylinder with a passage leading in and out provided thereon, inserting an end portion of the wire rod in the locking hole, fixing mechanically the end portion of the wire rod by pushing forcedly in on a wedge. It is further intended that the wire rod is particularly formed triangularly in section, a threaded groove angled same as the top is formed to a desired slit on an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, the surface on which the wire rod is wound is made even peripherally, thereby functioning effectively as surface filtration and surface separation.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a hermetically sealed hollow housing (1) accommodating in the interior thereof a flexible filtering member (2) in the form of a hose, the ends of which are turned inside out and attached to the periphery of the inside surface of the housing (1). Cavities (3,4) formed between the hose (2) and housing (1) communicate with a discharge device (8) for discharging the fluid medium being cleaned.Provided in the interior of the housing between the fixed ends of the hose (2) is a partition wall (9) having a slot-shaped opening (10) for the passage of this hose and dividing the interior of the housing (1) into two chambers (12, 13). Each such chamber (12, 13) is connected to the feeding device (17, 21) for feeding the fluid medium being cleaned and to the evacuation device for evacuating filter cake.

Abstract: Filter cake produced from a slurry is compressed in an enclosure (6) having a pair of opposed flexible walls (5) at least one of which is constituted by a filter and drainage medium. The filter cake is cyclically deformed while under compression with the filter cake supported at least one position (14, 52) within its periphery whereby the unsupported parts of the filter cake are cyclically deformed about the periphery and the position or positions of support. All parts of the filter cake are thus subjected to substantially uniform bending whereby drying of the filter cake is improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing stringy contaminants from a pulp in a wastepaper recovery system having a pulping vat with an elongate helically shaped rod in the vat with means for causing a relative rotation between the stock and the helical rod so that long slender contaminants will be captured and climb the rod. In one form, multiple helices are employed and the rods may be driven in rotation, or the stock caused to rotate about the helix by other means.

Abstract: A filtering device of the piston-cylinder type having a piston (P) and a cylinder (C) with reduced cross-sections (36) and (16) to create a pressurization chamber to force all fluids within the closed end of the cylinder into the piston as the piston is urged toward the closed end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A pre-filtering apparatus for pre-filtering raw material to be pressed by a continuous screw press having a hopper includes a filtering screen arranged rotatably within the hopper about a shaft, so that the inside space of the hopper is divided into two portions. The raw material is supplied into the one of the two portions which communicates with the continuous screw press. Water, oils and fats extracted by the screen from the raw material are discharged out of the hopper through an outlet pipe provided to the hopper at a position above the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing extruded pasta product in a container to remove surface starch from the pasta. The apparatus includes a conveyor on which containers holding a portioned amount of extruded pasta product are conveyed upright in single file, a manifold for introducing hot rinse water into the containers, and a rotary draining unit in which the water-filled containers are first inverted to drain off the rinse water and are then returned to an upright position for transfer to additional processing operations such as sauce filling, container sealing, retorting and cooling. A stationary slide plate is provided between the conveyor and the rotary draining unit, and reciprocating arms are mounted adjacent the slide plate to move the water-filled containers from the conveyor across the slide plate and into the rotary draining unit. The rotary draining unit includes a pair of horizontally extending support surface mounted equidistant from and parallel to a central shaft around which the support surfaces rotate.

Abstract: A rotatable disc having an annularly arranged screening zone includes a plurality of like cavities separated by spacing webs. A housing for the disc includes a first plate with a front and rear side and a second plate with a front and rear side. The disc is rotatably mounted between the rear side of the first plate and the front side of the second plate. A first flow-through bore in the first plate has a front side and a rear side and a second, aligned flow-through bore in the second plate also has a front side and a rear side. The disc is mounted in the housing such that at least one of the cavities is in alignment with the first flow-through bore and the second flow-through bore, the first flow-through bore, the second flow-through bore and the at least one cavity forming a flow-through channel. The second flow-through bore has a preselected outer contour at the front side thereof.

Abstract: A filter test device comprises an inlet which communicates with a gas source, an outlet which communicates with the inlet of a filter vessel, a pneumatic valve apparatus disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the filter test device for regulating the flow of gas from the source to the filter vessel, an electronic controller for controlling the pneumatic valve apparatus in accordance with one of a plurality of sets of parameters and including a memory circuit for storing all of the sets of parameters, and a mechanism for selecting one set of parameters from all the sets of parameters stored in the memory circuit.

Abstract: A filter for a centrifuge tube including a pressure filter for separating a mixture under centrifugal force. The filter tube is adapted to fit within the upper portion of a standard plastic centrifuge tube. The filter tube has a pressure filter at its lower end and an opening at its upper end adapted to be sealed by a cap extending from the centrifuge tube to hold the filter tube securely in position within the centrifuge tube. The filter tube is filled with a mixture of permeable and non-permeable materials and when the composite centrifuge tube and filter tube is spun in the centrifuge, the centrifugal force causes the permeable materials to flow through the filter and collect in the bottom of the centrifuge tube while the non-permeable materials are retained in the filter tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation and filtration of particulate matter of sediment from a liquid sample. The system includes a unitary filter assembly having an intermediate fibrous filter material disposed between two layers of porous, relatively rigid plastic material. The unitary filter assembly is pressed axially toward the closed end of a sample container, such as a test tube, resulting in an upward flow of filtrate with compaction and retention of the particulates between the unitary filter assembly and the closed end of the sample container. The filter assembly is free of orientation criticality and may be readily adapted to automated handling in multiple tests or assays.

Abstract: New and improved, liquid level adjusting and filtering device is provided, and is operable upon insertion into a container to automatically adjust the level of a liquid as contained in the container to a predetermined, precisely repeatable location, and to filter the thusly level-adjusted liquid. The device is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with test tube-like devices, in the nature of those marketed under the Trademark "Vacutainer" by the Becton-Dickinson Company of East Rutherford, NJ, containing whole blood samples which have been separated as by centrifugation into respective blood cell, buffy and blood serum layers; and is operable in that context to present blood serum samples to automated sample analysis systems at the same predetermined and precisely repeatable location relative to the aspirating probe means of such systems.

Abstract: An arrangement for placing a separating gel between two phases of different specific gravity located in a sample tube has a container (11) in which a separating gel (16) is accommodated. The container (11) which can be inserted into the sample tube up to the bottom thereof has a closed base (13) and a lid (14) at the top which can be displaced within the container in the manner of a piston. The lid is provided with at least one discharge opening (15) which is small relative to the area of the lid. The specific gravity of the lid (14) is greater than that of the separating gel (15) (FIG 3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method which eliminates centrifugation and decantation steps, to be performed in an automatic manner for carrying out specific binding assay tests, wherein liquid and solid phases are present.According to the invention, use is made of a specially designed device, consisting of a mixing reservoir into which is fitted snugly a mixer separator having a channel in the vertical axis of the mixer-separator. A rack holding a number of said mixing reservoirs containing the incubated reagents and analytes, capped with the mixer separators, is placed into a press-device designed to perform at a controlled rate a downward movement. The mixer separators are pushed downwards into the mixing reservoirs at a chosen rate for a preselected distance to complete the mass transport and separation operations. The separation devices are removed and either one of the separated phases can be measured in the desired analytical instrument for a quantitative or qualitative determination.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a container, particularly for decantation by pouring, of a liquid phase from the container and formed with a fluid passageway having a screen disposed therein for the removal of solids from the liquid being poured from the container. This screen includes diverging grate members defining increasing open areas at increasing pouring angles of the spout. A vent is provided in the pouring spout to facilitate pressure equalization to minimize or eliminate ebullition.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a container, particularly for decantation by pouring, of a liquid phase from the container and formed with a fluid passageway having a screen angularly disposed therein for the removal of solids from the liquid being poured from the container. A vent is provided in the pouring spout to facilitate pressure equalization to minimize or eliminate ebullition.

Abstract: In a filtration apparatus for fluids and liquids having an external vessel, in particular a centrifuge tube and a filter unit disposed in the liquid, the medium to be filtered is under excess pressure and in contact with the filter element of the filter unit and for the static membrane filtration on the outer side of the filtration unit facing the vessel bottom a filter membrane is arranged with the filtration-active layer towards the outside.

Abstract: An improved pre-evacuated blood sampling collection tube having two oppositely positioned rubber stoppers sealing the corresponding oppositely positioned open ends of the said cylindrical tube, and interposed within the said tube is a slideable perpendicularly placed filtration disc that filters and separates the cellular elements of the whole blood from its fluid counterpart during the process of centrifugation. One embodiment of the tube having a special structural extension baffle at one of the two sealing rubber stoppers, said structural extension found proximal to the puncturable entrant area of the blood specimen into the tube, acts as the structural baffle that prevents or curtails hymolysis of the red blood cells during the sudden onrush of blood from the blood source through the bore of the collection needle, and into the vacuum of the said collection tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for static membrane filtration, including a cylindrical sample vessel containing a filtration medium and subjected to centrifugal acceleration. A plunger is mounted in sealed manner in the sample vessel, and is being movable therein. An asymmetrical membrane is attached at the end of the plunger facing the bottom of the sample vessel, with the filtration active side of the membrane facing towards the outside. The bottom of the sample vessel is provided with a sealable opening. The mean density of the plunger is greater than the density of the filtration medium, and the length of the plunger in cm is greater or equal to the reciprocal of the mean plunger density in g/cm.sup.3 reduced by 1.

Abstract: In a serum separator, a sampling tube fits inside of a test tube. The sampling tube is provided with an elastomeric piston head at the lower end thereof having an annular lip to engage and form a seal with the inner sidewalls of the test tube. The upper side of the lip is provided with irregularities to break the seal between the lip and the test tube wall upon removal of the sampling tube from the test tube. A porous plastic filter body is mounted in a cavity in the piston head. The piston head defines a one-way valve in the form of a ball chamber containing a ball check. When the sampling tube is pushed into the test tube with a blood sample in the test tube, serum will pass through the filter body and valve into the interior of the sampling tube. The valve is constructed so that the serum cannot squirt toward the top of the sampling tube. When the sampling tube has been inserted, the valve will close.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for preparing serum from blood. The invention is used in conjunction with the centrifugal separation of serum from blood for filtering fibrin and other particulates from the separated serum and for partitioning the serum filtrate from unfiltered blood. During the first phase of centrifugation, a detent holds the serum preparator in check within the centripedal end of a tube containing the blood while the components of blood separate by sedimentation and backflow. Once all cellular components have sedimented to the pellet, the second phase of centrifugation begins and the sedimentation of the serum preparator is initiated by a triggering centrifugal force. During sedimentation, the serum preparator forces displaced serum to pass across a filter spanning an aperture through the serum preparator. The sedimentation velocity of the device and the rate of filtration are controlled by a brake on the serum preparator.

Abstract: A barrier device for installation in a drain tile adjacent the outlet of the tile includes a plurality of spaced apart barrier elements affixed to a sleeve to define a perforate gate. The gate is swingably mounted on a pivot rod which projects transversely through openings in the tile adjacent the outlet of the latter. The barrier elements, which are in the form of rods, are affixed to the sleeve to normally urge the gate to a closed position by action of gravity to thereby prevent entry by small animals into the tile. The gate may swing to the open position when engaged by floating debris to thereby permit passage of the debris through the drain tile outlet.

Abstract: A blood sedimentation device has a transparent small-diameter sedimentation tube and is provided with a calibration mark a short distance below its upper end. The column of blood is introduced into the sedimentation tube and is precisely bounded at the lower end of the tube. The device has a displacement sleeve surrounding the lower part of the sedimentation tube in an airtight manner allowing movement by sliding, and further has a tubular receptacle, closed at the bottom, surrounding the displacement sleeve in an airtight manner allowing movement by sliding, this receptacle accomodates the blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for centrifuging serum which comprises steps of introducing a barrier having an elastic porous member at least at its principle part into a blood-collecting tube and centrifuging serum, the elastic porous member having porosity of 40% or more, continuous-pore size of 50 to 400 .mu., and a cross section larger than that of the blood-collecting tube. Also disclosed is a barrier to be introduced into a blood-collecting tube, comprising an elastic porous member having porosity of 40% or more, continuous-pore size of 50 to 400 .mu., and a cross section larger than that of the blood-collecting tube, the bottom portion of the elastic porous member preferably being a relatively hard portion with smaller outside diameter.

Abstract: A process is provided for filtering a liquid containing solids having a substantially different specific gravity relative to the liquid. The process includes the steps of providing a filter element having a hollow interior communicating with an outlet and being bounded by a filter mesh, passing a liquid containing solids having a substantially different specific gravity relative to the liquid against the outside of the filter mesh so that the filtrate enters into the interior and leaves the filter element through the outlet, and establishing a pressure differential between the interior and the ambient space so as to form an elevated pressure within the interior of the filter element, thereby irregular filter cake formations of the solids are at least substantially avoided because of the pressure differential between the outside of the filter mesh and the hollow interior. A filter for performing this process is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is disclosed which is useful in separating blood serum or plasma from blood cellular and particulate matter. The apparatus includes an elongate hollow body having a self-sealing septum sealingly disposed within one end thereof and a piston having an axially projecting hollow piercing element adapted to pierce the septum and provide communication with the interior of the hollow body. The piston includes a laterally extending flange for sealing engagement with the interior of a container for containing the mixture to be treated. After the hollow body and the associated piston assembly is inserted into the container the flange of the piston is engaged with the inner wall of the container causing the composite piston apparatus to remain in and seal a sample within the container.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is disclosed which is useful in separating blood serum or plasma from blood cellular and particulate matter. The apparatus comprises an elongated hollow body closeable at both ends with a self sealing septum near one end. The septum includes a central cavity extending axially from one end of the septum and terminates in a web portion. The septal web portion is pierced by a composite piston member which includes a passageway equipped with a filter. Fluid, therefore, flows through the filter, the piercing means and into the hollow body. A flange on the composite piston extends laterally of the hollow body and sealingly engages the inner wall of a tube filled with a sample of mixed materials.Upon withdrawal of the apparatus, the composite piston remains sealed in the sample containing tube. The web portion of the hollow body reseals on withdrawal of the piercing means to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A tubular device for separating liquid-liquid systems, said device having at least one slot covered with a sheet structure permeable to only one of the liquids, a collecting means for the separated liquid and means for reinforcing the tubular device to prevent compression or collapse thereof.

Abstract: A separator tube for insertion into a collection tube comprises a tubular member having one end closed by a plug. The plug comprises a valve seating portion having a valve opening therein and a valve head adapted to seat on the seating portion and bias means extending between the seating portion and the valve head to bias the head to the seated position on the seating portion when the separator tube is stationary within the collection tube.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing water from mud and the like has a flexible container having an inlet and an outlet opening. A flexible tubular member is located outside and adjacent the outlet opening of the container. Means are provided for deforming the flexible tubular member so that the latter closes the outlet opening of the container during dewatering of the mud. The flexible tubular member may be formed either of a one piece with the container or as a separate part connected to a front end portion of the same. At least two ring-shaped elements are provided, one of which elements is connected to the front portion of the container, and the other element is connected to the flexible tubular member and rotatable relative to the first ring-shaped element. By means of rotation of the other ring-shaped element the flexible tubular member is deformed so as to close the outlet opening.

Abstract: A portable water filter has a first cylindrical container for holding a quantity of liquid to be treated. Included in the filter is a water filter cartridge which is mounted with respect to the first container for treating liquid which is pumped through the filtering material within the cartridge. A second container is coupled to the cartridge and arranged to receive the liquid pumped through the cartridge from the first container. The arrangement is such as to permit manual pumping of the liquid from that first container through the cartridge into the second container. Desirably, the pumping action is achieved by telescopingly inserting the second container within the first container. In addition to its direct treatment of the liquid, the filtering material serves to remove undesired color, taste and odor induced by a disinfectant or bactericidal agent used with the system.

Abstract: A disc press for continuous pressing of aqueous or suspended pulp for fractionating the pulp in a liquid fraction and a dry substance fraction, comprises two plane parallel pressing discs mounted for rotation about a shaft and having strainer plates which haul the pulp therebetween by friction. The press also comprises inner and outer pressing means extending between the pressing discs and together with the latter define a curved pulp passage which in the transport direction has a varying cross section and constitutes a filling or dewatering zone, a pressing zone and a discharge zone. The passage zones of the pulp passage combined extend throughout an angle which is less than 360.degree., and the filling or dewatering zone has an approximately constant cross section. The subsequent pressing zone (B) has a uniformly decreasing cross section, the centerline of the pressing zone following an arc having an approximately constant radius about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the collection of blood with the subsequent separation of serum after clotting for use in chemical analysis thereof. The device is used within an evacuated blood collection tube system in which the latter has a stopper to seal said tube from outside environment and to preserve the systems vacuum. This tube or system is used in conjunction with a special holder and specially designed two ended needle. The needle is threaded into one end of the holder allowing one end to exist within the confines of the holder. The evacuated tube is placed in said holder and after vena puncture is accomplished the tube is pressed forward thereby puncturing the rubber stopper and penetrating said stopper allows blood to enter the evacuated system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for removing separable impurities from a liquid. In the method, the liquid is caused to pass radially through a cylindrical roll of web-like, wet-strength fiber material at the same time as the fiber web which forms the roll is continuously drawn out at low speed from the roll at that circumferential side where the liquid is caused to enter. As a result, the roll constantly offers a relatively clean surface to the penetrating liquid. The apparatus comprises a chamber for the roll, a conduit for conducting the liquid to the one circumferential side of the roll, a discharge for conveying off liquid from the vessel at the other side of the roll, rollers for guided withdrawal of the fiber web, and a receptacle for collecting the web withdrawn from the roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for extracting juice from juice-laden material are disclosed. A tank system defines a row of material treating stations. A plurality of perforated baskets are swingably mounted at respective stations, each basket being operable to receive a charge of material. A flow of liquid is conducted through the stations in juice-extracting contact with the material. A basket actuating mechanism swings each basket from its associated station into a generally inverted position above the basket of a successive station to transfer the charge of material. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the basket is articulated intermediate its ends about a floating hinge. The basket actuating mechanism collapses the basket about the floating hinge to squeeze juice from the material before the material is delivered to the basket of a successive station.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis apparatus includes a pump for pressurizing feed water introduced into a pressure resistant container in which is slidably mounted a semipermeable membrane cartridge. A rod, attached to an end of the semipermeable membrane cartridge, passes slidably and sealingly through one end of the pressure resistant container and is connected to means for reciprocal actuation. Means, preferably common, are provided to actuate the pump and the rod which imparts longitudinal reciprocal motion to the rod and the membrane cartridge within the pressure resistant container, thereby providing improved turbulence and circulation of the feed water through the semipermeable membrane cartridge over the membrane surfaces. The common means may be in the form of a lever operated by a handle or pedal, or by a power source such as an electric motor.

Abstract: Laboratory investigations in vitro of destruction and damage of living cells frequently involve labeling of the tissue cells in question with a radioactive isotope and subsequent dispersion of the cells in a suitable liquid. The dispersion is allowed to settle in a test tube, whereby a column of supernatant liquid is formed above precipitated cell particles. The radioactivity of said supernatant liquid is considered to be a measure of cell destruction and in order to measure the same while completely separated from the precipitated cell tissue, either the total amount or an accurately known fraction of the liquid must be collected, yet at the same time avoiding any collection of the precipitated particles.

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: An apparatus for the separation and collection of plasma or serum from the cellular phase of a blood sample in a blood collection tube having a piston assembly provided with a cup shaped housing with a closed rear portion having a one-way valve extending therethrough with a filter disposed in the housing and formed with an open forward portion surrounded by a flexible peripheral flange of greater diameter than the internal diameter of the collection tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic filter is provided with means for effectively cleaning its mesh filtering element during a flushing or "blow-down" cycle, wherein unfiltered liquid is passed rapidly along the surface of the tubular mesh to be exhausted from the filter substantially without passing through the mesh. The filter assembly includes at its inlet end a flow-restricting orifice for imparting turbulence to the liquid as it enters the interior of the tubular filtering mesh. The turbulence helps clean the mesh directly, and also tends to induce a fluttering of the mesh during blow-down, which adds to the cleaning effect. In addition, the mesh sleeve is of a somewhat tapered or frustoconical configuration which helps induce it to break away from a rigid retaining screen and helps promote fluttering during blow-down to further the cleaning action, as well as tending to deposit filtrate toward the downstream end during filtration, thereby extending the filtering cycle.

Abstract: A method and test of detecting occult blood in a stool or other physiologic fluid sample which offers novelty in that the reaction is carried out in the organic phase selected from the group consisting of methylene dichloride, petroleum ether, and dioxane in an aqueous/organic bi-phase system wherein the sample of occult blood is added to the aqueous phase, the bi-phase system is mixed by emulsification and a standard color-forming reaction involving organically soluble hemoglobin (heme), peroxide, and dye is carried out in the organic phase. Optionally, a filter paper porous only to organic solvents may be introduced to initially separate the aqueous and organic phases and further a device for mixing and separating immiscible liquids having two chambers telescopable into one another may be utilized. The reaction involving hemoglobin is carried out in acetic acid to produce heme which is later solubilized by the organic solvent.

Abstract: A pressure differential sampling and filtering device and method comprising a tube adapted to hold a liquid to be filtered and an inner tube having a filter head adapted to be inserted into the tube and force the liquid up through the filter head into the inner tube is characterized by the employment of a filter head and by the inner tube being associated with and separable from a closed-end portion which then serves as a test tube when the assembly is inverted and the filter head separated therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for separating blood fractions into a specifically heavier non-filtratable and a specifically lighter filtratable fraction, characterized by a piston of a soft resilient material, preferably a thermoplastic material, associated with a cylindrical vessel and adapted for airtight sliding movement therein, said piston containing a filter permeable for the specifically lighter fraction but impermeable for the specifically heavier fraction and having at the top side a constricted neck with a flaring upper opening.

Abstract: My invention permits very small pore filtration of blood by means of a high capacity "two-dimensional" filter of round pores of twelve to fifteen microns in diameter. The viscous blood and its cells and platelets are forced through these minute orifices by means of a pressure applied to the flexible bag of donor blood, a rigid connecting passageway, and to a flexible pleated solid sheath which covers the filter but which is sealed to the outer portion of the connecting passageway and to the periphery of the filter. These flexible portions are first emptied of air by means of a vacuum applied from below through the filter and then the blood is evenly maintained above this large filter by means of producing a slowly rotating swirling wave of blood. The blood is collected by gravity funnel drainage into a receiving bottle. Any frothed blood which enters this receiving bottle is removed from its top by vacuum aspiration.

Abstract: An impregnated porous disc made of an inert material with voids adapted for insertion into a collection tube containing clotted blood which disc upon centrifugation of the tube will allow separation of fibrin and cellular material from the serum by centrifugal force during its controlled descent through the serum and will stop when it hits the serum-clot interface to isolate the serum from the clot.

Abstract: A separating and filtering device for effecting sealed separation of blood into a light phase and a heavy phase within a tubular fluid sample container comprising a cup-shaped piston having a closed bottom and a permeable side wall. The piston has axially spaced first and second sealing lips adapted to sealingly engage with the inner surface of the tubular container, and the first sealing lip is deflectable to permit passage of the lighter phase past this sealing lip on movement of the cup-shaped piston downwardly, through the lighter phase, while preventing the heavier phase from such passage.

Abstract: An improved device for filtering, isolating, containing, and storing fluid specimens which are to be analyzed with an automatic chemical analyzer. The device includes a filter means for removing particulates, a membrane valve for isolating the filtrate, a releasable piston ring which permits telescoping of the assembly, and a plunger tube which serves as a simple and/or storage vessel.