Abstract: An adsorbent for adsorbing thereonto an autoantibody and/or immune complexes from a body fluid. The adsorbent comprises a surface, a hydrophobic member and a negative charge-producing member. The negative charge-producing member is adapted to produce such an effective number of negative charges in a body fluid that the ratio of: ##EQU1## is greater than 1. The adsorbent is excellent in selectively and efficiently adsorbing an autoantibody and/or immune complexes while little adsorbing useful substances from the body fluid. The adsorbent may be used in an adsorbing device comprising a vessel having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with the adsorbent contained in the vessel.

Abstract: A recirculating lubricating system includes a monitor filter unit (16) between a pump (13) and a main filter element (17). The monitor filter unit (16) includes diverting means (23, 31) to ensure that a proportion of the oil flowing between the pump and the main filter element is diverted through a removable monitor filter element (28).

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying blood which is able to separate blood into plasma and blood rich in blood cells, to purify the separated plasma and to mix the purified plasma into the blood stream simultaneously by itself.The apparatus has two parts, i.e. a blood flowing system in which the blood is separated by means of porous hollow fibers provided in a container and the purified plasma is mixed into the blood stream through the hollow fibers, and a plasma flowing path in which the separated plasma is circulated and purified at a plasma purifying device provided on the way of the path.The apparatus has a simple structure and can be operated without any specific cares and difficulty. The apparatus is free from any problems, for instance, hemolysis, fiber blockage, mixing of the purifier particles into blood, and the like.

Abstract: The specification discloses a filter apparatus including spirally wound tissue layer filter elements for filtering fluid and a seal between the filter elements to prevent fluid from bypassing the filter elements. A flow tube extends through the center of the filter elements. A resiliently deformable mesh spacer is located on the flow tube between the filter elements to insure formation of a radial passageway therebetween. The seal is applied between the filter elements along their circumferential edges in a melted state and migrates into and between the tissue layers and interstices of the filter elements and the mesh of the spacer. As the seal cools and hardens it adheres to the filter elements and the spacer. A seal may likewise be applied between the filter elements and the flow tube.

Abstract: An improved condensate neutralizer for use in a high efficiency furnace utilizing hydrocarbon gaseous fuel wherein acidic liquid condensate forms. The neutralizer is provided with a bypass for conducting the condensate from the furnace directly to a drain without passing through the neutralizer in the event condensate flow through the neutralizer becomes substantially impeded. Also disclosed is structure for indicating substantial impediment of flow of the condensate through the neutralizer for alerting the user to the need of servicing of the neutralizer. A separator/trap is provided for transferring the condensate from the furnace selectively to the neutralizer or bypass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device made by a concentric dual lumen catheter, a pump, a small hemofilter, a glucose sensor which, by means of a microinfusion pump with a stepping motor controlled by a microprocessor can, through another concentric dual lumen catheter, inject insulin or glucose into the blood stream depending on glycemic levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter assembly adapted to be connected the water discharge hose of a washing machine. The filter assembly comprises a body having a tubular inlet member and a tubular outlet member which are coaxial but axially spaced from each other. A plurality of circumferentially spaced fins are secured to and extend outwardly from the tubular members and the inlet member is connected to the water discharge hose from the washing machine. A tubular mesh filter element is disposed around the fins and has one end secured to the inlet member and its other end secured to the outlet member. In addition, a cone is positioned in between the inlet and outlet members which diverts the water flow from the water discharge hose outwardly towards the filter element.

Abstract: A blood-treating system in which apparatus for the purification of blood by purifying the blood plasma. The system includes as principal elements, an apparatus for separating blood plasma by way of a membrane, an apparatus for purifying blood plasma and an apparatus for mixing blood with blood plasma to be placed between a blood-introducing portion and a purified blood-withdrawing portion of the system. This system can remove useless substances from blood with a high efficiency without damaging and reducing blood cell components or any fear of mixing of the fine powder in the purifying agent.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator comprising a vertical dewatering chamber enclosed by an outer foraminous wall or screen through which the slurry is passed so as to remove the liquid and return the solids within the dewatering chamber. The incoming slurry is deflected and directed into the screen by a stationary X-shaped plate baffle. Solids which cannot pass through the screen and remaining water, flow by gravity out the bottom of the dewatering chamber and onto a further dewatering screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for filtration of lubricating oil which lubricates an internal combustion engine as used in an automobile, a ship, etc. A filter element which is made of filter paper accumulated in layers and a pressure-receiving plate which receives pressure loaded on the lubricating oil during the operation of the internal combustion engine are provided in the filtration apparatus wherein the pressure-receiving plate compresses the filter element in compliance with pressure variations so as to prevent a leak passage from being formed by partial transformation of the filter element.

Abstract: A method for early detection of mastitis in cows, effected during normal milking of cows in a milking parlor, by monitoring the milk taken from each cow for the presence of milk clots, comprises cutting the vacuum milk line to each milking station and inserting a filter-detector therein between the claw and the recorder jar. Each filter-detector comprises a flat-sided transparent casing with a lateral slot which receives a self-sealing slide carrying the filter element. The slide carrier preferably has an integral bypass aperture so that vacuum conditions at the claw end are retained even after the filter element has become blocked. The slide carrier is preferably constructed so that, when in position in the casing, a seepage passage remains between the slide and the casing inner wall, so that cleansing fluid can pass during normal in-place cleaning of the installation.

Abstract: A method of and a system for removing miniuscule solid particles from liquid wherein the liquid to be processed is supplied to one end of at least one filter element which may be a porous tube filter open at opposite ends and formed with a multiplicity of tiny openings in its wall having a first surface and a second surface. The liquid flows along the first surface and a portion thereof is passed through the tiny openings from the first surface side to the second surface side because of the latter being under lower pressure than the former, to be drawn off as filtrate. The rest of the liquid or a concentrated liquid portion flows out of the other end of the filter element. The flow velocity F of the liquid flowing along the first surface and/or the flow velocity f of the filtrate through the tiny openings is controlled such that the ratio F/f can be kept at a predetermined value.

Abstract: An oil reconditioner for use with an internal combustion engine is provided for returning the reconditioned oil to the engine under pressure. The oil reconditioner has an oil filter chamber into which a first portion of a pressurized stream of oil from the high pressure side of the engine is directed so that the oil may flow through the filter chamber and into a heated vaporization chamber thereabove for vaporizing any liquid contaminants within the filtered oil to thereby recondition the oil. The reconditioned oil from the vaporization chamber is directed into and joined with the pressurized unreconditioned portion of the stream of oil that has bypassed the oil filter and vaporization chambers so that the reconditioned oil will return to the engine under pressure along with the pressurized unreconditioned portion of the stream of oil.

Abstract: An on-line filtration system for the removal of macromolecules greater than 70,000 mol. wt. from a physiological solution, such as blood, in the therapeutic treatment of various disease states. For blood, the plasma (which contains the macromolecules) is separated continuously from the blood using a first membrane filter with a membrane porosity of nominally 0.2 to 1.0 micron. The separated plasma is then continuously filtered in a physiological temperature state or a cooled state through a second membrane filter with a membrane porosity of nominally 0.01 to 0.2 micron, which retains the macromolecules. In the cooled state, separation of the macromolecules is effected more efficiently than could be done in the non-cooled state. The treated plasma (macromolecules removed) is then reunited with the blood flow coming from the first plasma filter and returned to the patient. The blood flow and filtration processes are generally continuous.

Abstract: A blood-treating system in which apparatus for the purification of blood by purifying blood plasma, is provided. The system includes as principal elements, an apparatus for separating blood plasma by way of a membrane, an apparatus for purifying blood plasma and an apparatus for mixing blood with blood plasma to be placed between a blood-introducing portion and a purified blood-withdrawing portion of the system. This system can remove useless substances from blood with a high efficiency without damaging and reducing blood cell components or any fear of mixing of the fine powder in the purifying agent.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis system in which whole blood is filtered through a microporous membrane to provide a plasma filtrate. The system includes a filter cell assembly having a membrane support member, a treatment membrane spaced from the membrane support member with a plasma treatment agent sandwiched between the treatment membrane and the membrane support member, and a microporous membrane spaced from the treatment membrane to form a plasma chamber between the treatment membrane and the microporous membrane. Whole blood is introduced to the side of the microporous membrane opposite to the plasma chamber, plasma is filtered through the microporous membrane to the plasma chamber and the plasma filtrate contacts the treatment membrane which operates to provide a mass transfer between the treatment agent and the plasma filtrate. The treated plasma is withdrawn from the plasma chamber, is mixed with the plasma-poor whole blood and is returned to the patient.

Abstract: A filter-drier unit for heat pump systems in which desiccant is located in a housing between an inlet and an outlet, a screen is provided in the housing between the inlet and desiccant for enabling a first flow from the inlet through the screen and desiccant, and a passage is provided for bypassing the desiccant and enabling a second flow from the inlet through the bypass passage, the screen collecting the desiccant upon any reverse flow for precluding migration of desiccant out of the inlet. The screen is located relative to the inlet and bypass passage so that the second flow engages and moves past the screen for washing the screen. A filter is provided in the housing between the desiccant and outlet for receiving the first flow through the desiccant and for receiving the second flow from the bypass passage prior to movement through the outlet.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for continuously separating blood into plasma and cellular component fractions and returning the latter to the subject in admixture with a makeup fluid. The separation is effected by continuously ultrafiltering the subject's blood at specified shear stresses and pressures employing a membrane ultrafilter, preferably having a pore size of 0.45 microns, and a disclosed flow system.

Abstract: Extracorporeal and implantable blood interchange devices used in providing interchange function of predetermined components with a fluid, such as for instance the removal of undesirable components from the bloodstream of a human and, characterized by capillary tubing having a reactor or sorbent material, such as activated charcoal, disposed within the lumens thereof, with the tubing being semi-permeable and with blood, or other fluid, being perfused over the capillary tubing in close physical contact with the exterior surfaces thereof, for accomplishing interchange coaction between the sorbent in the tubing and the perfusing fluid. Such tubing is arranged in rectangular configuration, with tangential entry and exit of perfused fluid.

Abstract: A multipurpose metabolic assist system has an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, a treated blood component passageway spaced from the inlet passageway and extending to the outlet passageway. The system has at least one space between at least a portion of the inlet passageway and a portion of the treated blood component passageway, and a particulate treatment agent for treating a component of the blood is packed in said space. At least a portion of the inlet passageway and the treated blood collection passageway which face the space are constituted by a porous membrane having pores of a size smaller than the size of the particles of the treatment agent and of a size for passing a component of the blood to be treated, and blocking passage of the remainder of the blood. A flow obstructor for producing an increased pressure is provided in the inlet passageway.