Abstract: The invention relates to a system for extracting toxins from biological tissues. The system comprises a lixiviator, an ion-exchange column, a diatomaceous silica-active carbon column, and a vacuum concentrator. Twenty to one hundred kilograms of raw material can be processed at one time when puffer fish ovaries are used as the starting material.

Abstract: A cartridge filter includes a cartridge filter including an upper annular groove in an outer periphery thereof a top cover mounted to seal an open upper end of the cartridge filter, and a C-shape upper bracket mounted in the upper annular groove of the cartridge filter. A screw and a nut are provided for securing ends of the upper bracket together. The upper bracket includes a plurality of annular spaced pivot seats. A plurality of swivel studs are provided and each includes a first end pivotally attached to each pivot seat. Each swivel stud further includes a threaded second end and a handwheel threadedly engaged on the threaded second end for securing the top cover in place. The upper bracket further includes a flange extended radially outward for preventing deformation in the ends of the C-shape upper bracket and the pivot seats.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump manifold disposable system, configured as a cassette, is used for the purpose of red cell and plasma apheresis. The cassette integrates a separation device, manifold system, macro-aggregate filter, and five pumping chambers for the purpose of separating plasma and red cells from the whole blood. The cassette system, with the separation device directly attached without tubing, simplifies the loading of the disposable set into the hardware, and reduces the manufacturing complexity of the set. The system allows for plasma, plasma and red cells, or just red cells to be stored in long term storage containers after a procedure.

Abstract: A crude oil processing method is provided wherein a membrane module is immersed in the crude oil contained in a processing tank and the crude oil is pressurized or driven by gravity for gravitational filtration, thereby to pass through the membrane, with the dehydrated oil that has passed being taken out through an oil collecting pipe. According to this method, a high degree of separation and removal of water content from the crude oil can be carried out regardless of the properties of the crude oil, and muddy matter can also be separated and removed.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable for use in a reverse osmosis desalinization system having a first process chamber has a first reverse osmosis membrane therein, a first feed inlet, a first permeate outlet, and a first concentrate outlet. A second process chamber having a second reverse osmosis membrane has a second feed inlet, a second permeate outlet, and a second concentrate outlet.

Abstract: A device for transfer suitable for capturing and releasing microparticles binding an immobilized substance, which includes a magnet as well as either an extendable membrane, shapable membrane or magnet's coating such that the membrane or coating pressing tightly against the magnet's surface separates the magnet from the microparticles but does not substantially weaken the magnetic field directed at the microparticles. Also disclosed is a method for transferring a microparticle immobilized substance from a first vessel to a second vessel where the microparticles are of a magnetic or magnetizable material or the microparticles are attached to a magnetic or magnetizable body and the microparticles with the substance immobilized thereupon are captured with the aid of a magnet submerged in the first vessel, the magnet along with the microparticles captured thereupon are transferred to the second vessel and released from the magnet's influence.

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

Abstract: A portable water treatment unit is provided for purifying contaminated water, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster that compromises a region's water supply. The treatment unit is configured to treat water drawn into the unit. The treatment unit comprises an inlet connected to a pump. The pump outlet is connected to a solid separator for removing larger particles such as sand and silt. A series of filters is connected to the pump outlet, the filters being arranged from coarsest to finest. The filters remove smaller particles from the water. The water from the filters eventually flows into an ultraviolet light disinfection unit configured to purify water by emitting ultraviolet light thereon. An outlet of the UV light disinfection unit is configured to expel purified water for drinking and other uses. Pressure gages are provided for monitoring the pressure drops across the filters.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for the filtration of fluid media, in particular for the pre-screening of media, that has a primary pack of hollow discs, which are arranged parallel to each other at regular distances to each other, the walls of which are made of a sieve material. The apparatus also has a primary, hollow shaft, which penetrates and is fixed to the hollow discs, connecting its interior to the cavities of the discs, and is fitted with a drive. Also included is a secondary pack of discs, which are arranged similarly to the hollow discs of the primary pack. There is a secondary shaft that is arranged similarly to the primary shaft. The two packs with their respective shafts are designed and arranged in such a way that the discs of one pack protrude into the spaces between neighboring discs of the other pack. There is a container that encloses the packs and the shafts. The container has an inlet for the medium to be treated, as well as an outlet for the retentate.

Abstract: There is provided herein a new skimmer apparatus and a new filter mechanism for use in ornamental ponds and the like. According to a first preferred embodiment there is provided a skimmer apparatus which has an enclosing container with a lower terminus that has a perimeter that is larger than that of the upper terminus. This allows the skimmer to be weighted/locked down within the pond itself and substantially reduces or eliminates the risk that the skimmer will float upward if it is emptied of water. Additionally, there is provided a filter which includes a spline and grove combination to firmly attach a pond liner the filter underneath its snout. Further, there is provided a pond filter which contains a true sedimentation chamber within the bottom portion thereof. Finally, there is provided an adjustable-width skimmer snout.

Abstract: A filtering unit including an upper container for receiving fluid to be filtered, a lower container for receiving the fluid from the upper container and an intermediate filter cassette. The filter cassette includes a support member connected with a flat filter member, such as a membrane filter, and can be removed with respect to each of the upper and lower containers. The filter cassette may be inserted within the upper container with sealing engagement between the support member and the internal wall of the upper container. The various disclosed embodiments include the ability to serially connect multiple filter cassettes generally between the liquid contained in the upper container and the lower container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing salt from seawater to produce potable freshwater. In the first preferred embodiment, a reverse osmosis system containing one or more reverse osmosis devices (“RODs”) is supported by a platform on the sea floor. In the second preferred embodiment, a cylinder is supported by a flotation device, and the reverse osmosis system is retained on the cylinder. In both the embodiments, an elongated brine return runs downhill on the sea floor. The RODs each contain a membrane that will allow water molecules, but not sodium and chlorine ions, to pass through. Due to the pressure differential, freshwater passes through the membranes by reverse osmosis, and is pumped out of the pressure hulls to a storage facility onshore.

Abstract: The description describes a test sample preparation device comprising a housing, a filter assembly disposed over an opening in the housing and including a plurality of wells, a sampler tray removably disposed in the housing, and a plurality of vials removably coupled to the sampler tray and being in liquid receiving relationship with the wells. A filter assembly is also disclosed and which comprises a cover defining an impervious wall and plurality of wells formed in the wall, each wall having first and second open ends, the second open end of the well comprising a tubular protrusion. A housing is also disclosed and comprises a generally cylindrical body, a vacuum channel providing fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the cylindrical body, and a key mechanism including a post having first and second ends, the key mechanism being arranged to orient a sampler tray and vials with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.

Abstract: A microtiter reaction system (15), comprising, a support rack (16) having an array of reaction wells (18) disposed therein, each reaction well (18) having an open top end (30) and a closed bottom end (32); a plurality of generally funnel shaped reactor caps (20) with each of reactor cap (20) being received into open top end (30) of each reaction well (18); a porous gas-permeable layer (22) positioned over support rack (16), gas-permeable layer(22) having an array of holes (23) therein with each hole (23) being positioned over open top end (30) of each of the plurality of reaction wells (18); gasket (24) positioned over porous gas-permeable layer (22); and a top cover (26) positioned over gasket (22).

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for separating a mixture containing an aqueous liquid and an immiscible organic phase using microporous hollow fibers. Such mixtures are separated into a substantially organic-free aqueous phase and a substantially aqueous-free organic phase. The mixture is pressurized in a controlled low shear manner to minimize emulsification as it is contacted with the fibers. Productivity is enhanced by separating as a third product stream, a further organic phase containing only small amounts of an aqueous phase, which for some applications can usefully be combined with the substantially aqueous-free organic phase. Other ways for enhancing productivity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A discharge water system for the bilge of a boat includes a primary bilge discharge system and a supplemental bilge filtration system. The primary discharge system includes a pump operable when the fluid in the bilge collects above a predetermined level in the boat to discharge bilge water overboard. The supplemental system includes a filter assembly with filter media for removing hydrocarbons in bilge water passing through the media; and a pump operable when the water in the bilge collects to a selected level below the operating level “L” of the primary pump to pump bilge water to the filter assembly and then to discharge the essentially hydrocarbon-free bilge water overboard. The filter assembly includes primary secondary filter cartridge, both of which include hydrocarbon-absorbing media, and are connected in series. A pressure sensor and remote indicating device provide an indication of the primary filter cartridge becoming spent.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use of a non-traditionally powered environmental remediation device and, more particularly, to devices utilizing programmable logic controllers for remote operation, monitoring and data collection.

Abstract: A pond insert more particularly intended for insertion in a garden pond is described and which has at least one electromotively driven pump (2) The pump has an inlet connection and two intercommunicating outlet connections (5, 6), whereof one is preferably oriented horizontally and one vertically. The pump can be fixed in a basket-like container (3), which can be filled with a weighting material such as gravel or the like for improving the stability of the pond insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating particulate matter from a fluid, wherein the apparatus includes a specimen container, a porous arrangement positioned in a housing and suitable for collecting particulate matter in the liquid on a collection site, and a pump. The housing includes a first portion having elements that improve fluid flow through the housing and elements that decrease the porous arrangement retention characteristics of the portion. The housing also includes a portion having elements that increase the porous arrangement retention characteristics of the portion.

Abstract: A device for separating liquid from waste produced by milling or cutting operations, and particularly from waste arising during the milling of plastics surfaces, comprises a housing for taking up the liquid separated from the waste and a screening device communicating with this housing. The liquid containing the waste is introduced through a means for introduction into the screening device. Means for a continuous recovery of the waste are associated with the screening device, where the waste is continuously conveyed toward a recovery means associated with the screening device. The screening device and, where applicable, the housing are of cylindrical shape. The means for continuous recovery are provided as eccentrically mounted rotary-slide arrangement.

Abstract: The invention includes a filtration apparatus for processing a plurality of fluid samples into sample wells is provided. In one embodiment, the filtration apparatus includes a purification tray and a sample well tray with a plurality of sample wells. The purification tray includes a filter plate having a plurality of columns with discharge openings at the bottom thereof, at least one filter positioned in the columns of the filter plate for filtering the fluid samples as they pass therethrough, a heat plate positioned adjacent the columns of the filter plate, and a vent plate positioned below the heat plate. The heat plate is configured for transferring heat to the columns of the filter plate. The vent plate includes vents for permitting aerosols from the sample wells of the sample well tray to escape. A sample well tray with a plurality of the sample wells is positioned so that the sample wells align with the discharge openings of the filter plate columns to receive the liquid sample therein.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has a first diaphragm pump, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and an accumulator/second diaphragm pump connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid. There is also structure operable to suck back fluid from downstream of the second pump.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for collection of magnetic particles. The invention further concerns a system for transfer of material from a plurality of source vessels to a plurality of target vessels, the device comprising a plurality of collecting members each of which can be manipulated independently. The invention further concerns a method for detection of biological entities being fluorescent label, wherein the entities are bound to magnetic particles. The fluorescent emission is concentrated by clustering the magnetic particles utilizing magnetic force.

Abstract: In a blood dialysis system including a source of substitution fluid and a blood dialysis machine, a hemodiafiltration system comprises a first dialyzer including a first blood compartment having a first blood inlet which receives blood to be cleaned and a first blood outlet which expels partially diafiltered blood and a first dialysate compartment having a first dialysate inlet and a first dialysate outlet, means for mixing the partially diafiltered blood with substitution fluid from the source to obtain a blood/substitution fluid mixture, and a second dialyzer including a second blood compartment having a second blood inlet which receives the blood/substitution fluid mixture and a second blood outlet which expels diafiltered blood and a second dialysate compartment having a second dialysate inlet and a second dialysate outlet.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly is provided having an inlet member, a transfer conduit and a floatation means. The skimmer assembly acts to draw a fluid from a surface of a body of the fluid. The floatation means provides continual buoyancy to at least the inlet member of the skimmer assembly. Various configurations of inlet member are explained. Typically, the inlet member, trailing the transfer conduit, will be free to float relative to the surface of the body of fluid. Various placements of pumps and filter members are disclosed. A churning of the fluid entering the skimmer assembly provides for foam fractionation wherein solids within the fluid may be separated from the fluid for subsequent removal prior to return of the fluid to the body of fluid. Various methods are disclosed to remove air bubbles containing the trapped solids from the fluid stream.

Abstract: Ballast water is treated by applying ultrasonic frequencies to the water to kill organisms entrained in the water such as diatoms, veligers, fish larvae, plankton, and microorganisms, preventing the introduction of non-indigenous species between ports-of-call. The ballast water is circulated through a ballast treatment system. A pump is connected to a tube lined with a piezoelectric material for aiding in transmitting the ultrasonic frequencies connected to one or more ballast tanks of a ship. The use of the piezoelectric material as a lining allows a broad range of sound wavelengths and energy levels to be transmitted greater distances before problems with uniform sound penetration and energy loss within the sound field occur. Additionally, spatially-controllable, continuous constructive interference zones may be generated within the piezoelectric-lined tubes to specifically target the particular organisms entrained within the ballast water being treated.

Abstract: An oil-water and oil emulsion separation system using a plurality of transport vessels as the separation tanks. The containers or tanks are arranged in series with sludge or oil removed first and thereafter remaining oil is removed and finally a relatively pure aqueous solution is returned to the system. The unit is useful with parts washers or any apparatus with which water is contaminated by free oil or sludge. A floating skimmer is placed in the user's sump and a vacuum draws this into a series of containers in which it is processed and in which sludge and oil are successively separated. A positive displacement pump is used. A manifold having vacuum relief valves for at least one container is also provided. In one embodiment, flow restrictors are placed in at least one manifold.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and filtering fluid is disclosed, in which the fluid flow path is substantially vertical from the fluid inlet through fluid dispense. Substantially all wetted surfaces are Teflon® or some similar non-contaminating fluid, for applications such as cleanroom processes. A valve and a filter chamber are incorporated into a pump head to simplify the flow path and reduce potential contamination points. Preferred methods, and chips or other microelectronic devices fabricated from the apparatus or methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The filter cake in a filter press is heated by direct contact with a heating plate opposite the pressing membrane so that a vapor phase is generated which moves uniformly in a planar pressure front through the filter cake to dry residual liquid therefrom. The filter cake is maintained under vacuum during the drying step.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus including a filtering vessel, wherein a precoat filtering layer is formed with a filter aid on a filtering bed between a nonfiltered liquid chamber where a nonfiltered liquid to be filtered is introduced and a filtered liquid chamber; a nonfiltered liquid introduction line, including a pump and a first open/close valve connected to a suction port of the pump, for introducing the nonfiltered liquid into the nonfiltered liquid chamber; a filtered liquid outlet line, including a second open/close valve, for letting out a filtered liquid through a filtered liquid outlet port of the filtered liquid chamber; a filter aid introducing line that can be opened and closed, from a precoating liquid outlet port of the filtering vessel, via a filter aid addition part, to the pump suction port; a bypass line for precoating, from the filtered liquid outlet port of the filtering vessel to the pump suction port via a third open/close valve; and a bypass line for valve cleaning, from a liquid outlet port a

Abstract: A combination cyclonic separator, multi-stage filter and pump is disposed within a cylindrical housing disposed around a vertical axis. A fluid inlet in a bottom portion of the housing causes the water to circulate with greater flow on the outside of the housing than on the inside thereof, thereby causing debris suspended within the water to accumulate closer to the inside and bottom than to the outside and top of this portion of the housing. A plurality of plates causing the flow to go between a first plate and the inner wall of the housing and through an opening in the inside of the second plate serves as part of a second stage of filtering large particles. A third plate disposed above the second plate forces water again between the periphery of the second plate and the inner wall of the housing to complete a preferred embodiment of the second stage filtration. A filter media is interposed in the housing after the second stage and catches the finer particles suspended in the water.

Abstract: A contaminant flushing machine for removing contaminants from a container, such as an engine transmission or transmission cooler which includes hoses for coupling to the transmission cooler and a pump for circulating fluid through the hoses and the transmission cooler and a fluid filter having a reduced tendency towards causing vaporization of the fluid. Also included in the contaminant flushing machine is an automatic aeration system for injecting air into the circulating fluid at predetermined intervals. Additionally, a reverse flow piping circuit is included to permit automatic and electric manipulation of the flow direction of fluid through said transmission cooler while at the same time not altering the direction of flow of fluid through the filter and the pump.

Abstract: A system for transporting wet chips to a centrifugal separator where the wet chips are separated into dry chips and fluid with the dry chips being transported to a dry chips site and the fluid recirculated or collected. Preferably, the centrifugal separator, when actuated, serves to generate a pneumatic flow of air through a wet chip conduit whereby the wet chips are pneumatically conveyed to the separator from a source of origin such as a tooling machine station where wet chips are generated. A parts separator may be located at either end of the wet chip conduit.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has first diaphragm pump means, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and accumulator/second diaphragm pump means connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter apparatus for use in removing impurities and acids contained in a fluid that includes a particulate filter and an acid-neutralizing filter. Preferably, the particulate filter and the acid-neutralizing filter are positioned within a housing. A conduit having a pressure reduction section is arranged to create a pressure differential across the acid-neutralizing filter such that a portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter apparatus passes through the acid-neutralizing filter.

Abstract: A system is provided for proceeding with filtration of liquids in a manner having enhanced control characteristics. Yields are enhanced. The system and method can be used to maintain a substantially constant trans-membrane pressure. When desired, that constant trans-membrane pressure is especially well-suited to yield enhancement for the particular liquid being filtered, concentrated or collected, while minimizing a risk of damage to or loss of valuable components. Additionally, a constant feed rate or pump output can be maintained.

Abstract: An assembly for connection to the drain of a cooking appliance which diverts low volume flow effluent from the drain is disclosed. The assembly includes a pipe defining a main flow channel. An auxiliary exit port is connected to the pipe in such a way that the low volume flow will be diverted from the pipe into the auxiliary exit port. A hot water entry pipe port is also connected to the pipe and is in connection with a hot water source which provides a flow of hot water into the pipe. Additionally, a solenoid valve regulates the flow of hot water into the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plate-and-frame type membrane module inserted durable balls using vortex flow, and the membrane module can reduce concentration polarization, cake or gel layer and membrane fouling which generally occur in processes using plate-and-frame type membrane. Thus, the use of a membrane module according to the present invention can prolong the period for cleaning of a membrane module and the exchange period of a membrane module, as well as maximize a passing amount without decreasing a quality of permeate.

Abstract: An automated system for removing waste grease is provided employing a pump, the pump being used to draw waste grease from a grill grease trap via an intake assembly and pump the waste grease through the system, the intake assembly comprising a wand, hose, and in-line filter. The intake assembly is connected in flow communication with a suction line which guides waste grease into the pump. A pressure line then guides the pumped waste grease out of the pump and to a waste grease storage container which may be connected to the system. The suction line, pump, and pressure line are heated to prevent solidification of the waste grease as it flows through the system.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.

Abstract: A polishing liquid supply apparatus supplies a polishing liquid to a polishing unit. The polishing liquid supply apparatus includes a supply tank for storing a polishing liquid having a predetermined concentration, and a polishing liquid pipe for delivering the polishing liquid from the supply tank to a polishing liquid supply nozzle in the polishing unit. The polishing liquid supply apparatus further includes an additive tank for storing an additive having a predetermined concentration, and an additive supply pipe for adding the additive supplied from the additive tank to the polishing liquid stored in the supply tank or to the polishing liquid in a polishing liquid passage including the polishing liquid pipe.

Abstract: A system (20) is presented for extraction of debris (22) from a tank (24) of potentially radioactive water (26) in a nuclear-powered energy-generation facility. The system (20) utilizes a subaqueous reversible motor (28), a subaqueous pump (30) magnetically coupled to the motor (28), and a subaqueous filter housing (50) removably coupled to the pump (30). A filter (52) having a metallic filter element (56) is incorporated into the filter housing (50). A control unit (34) is electrically coupled to the motor (28) and determines a rotational direction thereof from outside the tank (24). When the motor (28) is run in a forward rotational direction, the pump (30) produces a forward flow (36′) of water (26), substantially all of which passes through the filter (52) so that debris (22) in the water (26) is entrapped in the filter (52).

Abstract: A system is provided for proceeding with filtration of liquids in a manner having enhanced control characteristics. Yields are enhanced. The system and method can be used to maintain a substantially constant trans-membrane pressure. When desired, that constant trans-membrane pressure is especially well-suited to yield enhancement for the particular liquid being filtered, concentrated or collected, while minimizing a risk of damage to or loss of valuable components. Additionally, a constant feed rate or pump output can be maintained. Approaches also are described for determining optimal filtration conditions, including trans-membrane pressure and feed rate. Also described is a system and method for determining pressures in a pulsating system with enhanced accuracy by using a peak pressure mode.

Abstract: A disposable rotary drum filter for processing batches of slurry. The device includes an outer housing in which is disposed a rotatable inner drum that is covered with a filter material. Preferably the device is fabricated from a plastic material that is sterilizable. The inner drum is preferably magnetically coupled to an external drive unit, eliminating seals required if it were necessary for a drive shaft to pass through the housing. The inner drum rotates through a slurry. The filtrate outlet is connected to a vacuum source that draws the slurry through the filter material. Solids in the slurry are thus deposited as a filter cake on the outer surface of the filter material, while liquid from the slurry passes through the filter material to be collected as a filtrate. Air drawn into the housing through an inlet passes through the filter material and partially dries the filter cake that has been rotated out of the slurry.

Abstract: A filter having filter elements with outwardly flanged ends sealed together. The seal may be secured by use of a rod extending in a lengthwise direction through apertures in the flanged ends. The rod has one end releasably securing the filter element and a second end secured to the housing. A frame can cover the filter elements, and a jack screw in the frame can be used to apply force to the filter elements to secure the seals. The filter may have a cleaning apparatus capable of suctioning material from the filter element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid removal apparatus comprising a body 1 for disposed in a mixture of particulate material and a liquid, comprising an inlet 2 adapted to allow entry of substantially only a liquid 3, and conduit means 4 in liquid communication with the inlet 2 for entrainment of liquid 3 away from the inlet 2.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and filtering fluid is disclosed, in which the fluid flow path is substantially vertical from the fluid inlet through fluid dispense. Substantially all wetted surfaces are Teflon® or some similar non-contaminating fluid, for applications such as cleanroom processes. A valve and a filter chamber are incorporated into a pump head to simplify the flow path and reduce potential contamination points. Preferred methods, and chips or other microelectronic devices fabricated from the apparatus or methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blood processing device is self-contained within a case, which sized to enable hand transport. Self-contained in the case is a blood separation device, which, for example, can comprise a centrifuge. A controller is also self-contained in the case. The controller includes a control program for carrying out one or more blood processing procedures. A fluid processing system employs a centralized cassette containing preformed, fluid pressure actuated pump stations, preformed fluid flow paths, and preformed, fluid pressure actuated valves in the fluid flow paths. A fluid pressure actuator in the case holds the cassette and selectively applies fluid pressure force to the valves and pump stations in response to the control program. The control program thereby operates the cassette to convey blood to and from the blood separation device through the fluid processing system.