Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating blood, more particularly an apparatus (1) for absorbing blood (19) and separating blood components, e.g. blood plasma, as a sample liquid (2). Said apparatus (1) comprises a feeding device (13) for absorbing the blood (2), a device (15) for separating blood components as a sample liquid (2), a duct which preferably absorbs the sample liquid (2) exclusively by means of capillary forces, and a device for filling the duct (3) with sample liquid (2) in an inlet or feeding zone (18) of the duct (3). The separating device (15), in particular a membrane, is curved, especially convexly shaped, and the apex of said curved, especially convex shape projects into the filling device.

Abstract: Provided are filtration media, matrixes, and systems for liquid purification that utilize functional polymer particles. The functional polymer particles can comprise a cationic charge. Exemplary functional polymer particles comprise comprise [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) polymerized with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA).

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a subsea separation vessel for the separation of a mixture comprising oil and water comprising (a) at least one inlet for introducing a oil-water mixture; (b) a flow path for conducting the oil-water mixture; (c) at least one oil-water separation structure; and (d) at least one fluid outlet. The oil-water separation structure includes a multifunctional surface. The oil-water separation structure is located within the flow path and wherein the multifunctional surface is superhydrophobic with respect to water, and either oleophilic or superoleophilic with respect to oil. A method for separating oil from an oil-water mixture is also provided.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising anionic monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A filter, the alignment of which does not need to be adjusted, and an ink-jet recording apparatus having such a filter are provided, the ink-jet recording apparatus capable of avoiding leakage of residual liquids in filter exchange operation. The filter of the present invention includes an upper capsule member, a lower capsule member, and a filter medium. The upper capsule member has a central connecting port and a peripheral connecting port, and also has a pipe section that extends, within the capsule, from the peripheral connecting port to the vicinity of the bottom surface (the deepest section) of the lower capsule member. A liquid supplied from the peripheral connecting port via the pipe section is filtered through the filter medium, and the filtered liquid is output from the central connecting port.

Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a parylene-based membrane filter device for capturing of circulating tumor cells (CTC). The membrane filter has an array of holes having a predetermined geometric design with precisely controlled size, shape and density. In one aspect, the device has a stack of substantially parallel membrane filters with uniformly-spaced and/or monodispersed holes.

Abstract: Fluid filtration articles, including composite nonwoven fibrous webs, and methods of making and using such articles as gas or liquid filtration elements. The articles include a population of coarse microfibers having a population median diameter of at least 1 micrometer (?m) formed as a first layer, and a population of fine fibers having a population median diameter less than 10 ?m formed as a second layer adjoining the first layer. At least one of the fiber populations may be oriented. In one implementation, the coarse microfibers and fine fibers are polymeric, the coarse microfibers have a population median diameter of at least 10 ?m, and the fine fibers have a population median diameter less than 10 ?m. In another implementation, the population of fine fibers has a population median diameter less than 1 ?m. Optionally, one or both of the first and second layers may include particulates.

Abstract: A water filter capable of preventing breakdown thereof due to freezing and a refrigerator having the same. The water filter includes a filter housing having entrance and exit ports to allow water to flow into and out of the filter housing, respectively, a filter member housed in the filter housing, and an expansion compensation part provided in the filter housing to compensate for expansion due to freezing of water.

Abstract: A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clot trap that comprises a disc-shaped screen surface for collecting clots in a fluid flowing through the screen surface. It further relates to an external blood cassette and a blood circuit, as well as a treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A filter unit that includes a slide assembly and a head assembly. The slide assembly is moveably mounted to the head assembly. The head assembly is configured to receive an end portion of a filter cartridge in releasable engagement. The slide assembly is movable between a first position in which the slide assembly prevents disengagement of the filter cartridge from the head assembly, and a second position in which the filter cartridge is permitted to disengage from the head assembly. In the second position, the slide assembly maintains engagement with the head assembly until an external force is applied by engagement of the filter cartridge with the slide assembly when removing the filter cartridge from the head assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating a suspension into a liquid phase and a retentate phase. The device comprises a separation chamber comprising an application zone and a hydrophilic filter material. The separation chamber is connected to a first capillary channel, where the connecting junction between the separation chamber and the first capillary channel comprise a physical barrier preventing flow of residue retentate from a lower part of the chamber into the first capillary channel. The invention further relates to a method for separating a liquid sample consisting of less than 200 ?l suspension, into a retentate phase comprising the suspended matter, and a liquid phase substantially free of suspended matter.

Abstract: A filter is provided comprising a filter media element enclosed by an impermeable bag with inlet and outlet ports provided for flow into and out of the bag and through the filter media element contained in the bag. The bag may be constructed of a sheet of plastic material of multiple layers. The filter element may be a stack of filter media disks for depth filtration and adsorption. The filter provides for cleanly change out, with unfiltered fluid being contained in the bag on the upstream side of the filter element within the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid distribution or collection device for a vessel containing material to which the liquid is to be delivered, the device having a plurality of conduits extending from a liquid transport channel, in which at least one said conduit comprises a proximal end in communication with the liquid transport channel, a distal end remote from the liquid transport channel and, between said proximal and distal ends, a multiplicity of spaced apertures for passage of liquid, wherein a distal region of the conduit has a cross-sectional area d2 that is smaller than the cross-section area d1 in a proximal region of the conduit. The present invention also relates to an ion exchange or filtration vessel comprising said device and a method of distributing a fluid onto a substrate in a vessel using said device.

Abstract: A system, that may be portable, for purifying liquid flowing gravitationally from a source/reservoir into a purified liquid receptacle is described. The system includes a housing with a generally horizontal filtering space. More than one liquid inlet disposed at a top portion of the filter is provided as well as one or more liquid outlets disposed at a bottom portion. The liquid flows in a generally lateral direction through the liquid treatment medium. Two or more first walls extending upwardly into the filtering space from a bottom wall thereof and ending with an apex are provided inside the device. One or more second walls downwardly extending into the filtering space from a top wall thereof are also provided. Each of the walls defines a closed path. The first and second walls jointly cause the liquid to flow in a curvilinear flow path from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes a housing having an upper portion including an upper reservoir for receiving unfiltered fluid, a lower portion including a lower reservoir for receiving filtered fluid and an intermediate portion including a rain-effect delivery system that receives fluid from the upper reservoir. The rain-effect delivery system including a plurality of droplet forming features arranged and configured for providing a plurality of discrete drop points for formation of individual droplets on a fluid delivery surface of the rain-effect delivery system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating rain water that comprises a housing (4) adapted to be vertically inserted into a dump-separator (1), said dump-separator (1) including a water inlet (2) and a water outlet (12), characterized in that a portion of the side wall of the housing (4) is at least partially curved, and in that said portion includes a filter (5), the inside of the housing (4) being formed by first (6) and second (8) chambers separated by a vertical wall (9) but communicating with each other via a passage (15) formed in the lower portion of the housing (4), said filter (5) defining the outer side wall of the first chamber (6), and the second chamber (8) including an outlet opening adapted for direct communication, via a discharge pipe (7), with said water outlet (12) of the dump-separator (1).

Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes a housing having an upper portion including an upper reservoir for receiving unfiltered fluid, a lower portion including a lower reservoir for receiving filtered fluid and an intermediate portion including a droplet forming fluid filtering system. The droplet forming filtering system comprises a rain-effect delivery system that receives fluid from the upper reservoir, the rain-effect delivery system having a fluid delivery surface configured for forming individual fluid droplets over an area of the fluid delivery surface.

Abstract: A potable water distribution system for use in aircraft, as well as potable water systems of boats, recreational vehicles/caravans, residential homes, dental offices, laboratories, vending machines, and the like, provides for sanitizing of the system without opening filter and/or purification units and removing filtering and/or purifying cartridges from the filter and/or purification units during the sanitizing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracorporeal removal of harmful agents from blood or blood components, comprising full length heparin immobilized on a solid substrate by covalent end point attachment. The present invention also relates to a method for extracorporeal removal of a harmful agent from mammalian blood or blood components. The present invention further relates to a process for covalent end point attachment of full length heparin to a solid substrate.

Abstract: A filter, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity; an inner sleeve disposed within the housing, the inner sleeve having portions in a spaced relationship with respect to the an interior surface of the inner cavity; a plurality of tab members extending away from the inner sleeve, the tab members being configured to be removably secured to a feature of a cap, the cap being configured to engage the housing to provide a first position and a second position with respect to the housing, wherein the first position seals the inner sleeve to the housing and a fluid filtration path from an inlet of the filter to an outlet of the filter is defined by the inner sleeve and the second position provides a fluid drain path through an opening in the cap, the fluid drain path being closed when the cap is in the first position; and a filtration media disposed within an interior area of the inner sleeve, wherein the filtration media is disposed in the fluid filtration path and fluid flow through the outlet opening must pa

Abstract: The invention is directed generally to a porous and durable ceramic filter monolith coated with one or more rare earth-containing compositions for removing contaminants from a fluid, particularly for removing one or more contaminants from water.

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid filter apparatus (10;10?), such as a cooking oil and/or fat filter apparatus comprising a filter means (100;100?) and at least one filter support means (105;105?). In use at least seal (110a;110b) is formed between the filter means (100;100?) and the filter support means (105;105?) by a liquid being filtered. The apparatus (10;10?) also comprises a cup (130;130?;202?,204?) for receiving matter from a liquid being filtered, wherein the filter means (100;100?) and cup (130;130?;202?;204?) are integrally formed in a single cup and filter body (135;135?). In disclosed embodiments the cup and filter body (135;135?) defines a single annular cup (130;130?). In another disclosed embodiment, the cup and filter body defines a plurality of concentrically aligned annular cups (202?;204?).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a segmented filter system for a deep fryer. The filter system includes a first filtering segment for removing large debris out of the flow of oil through the fryer. The filtered oil then flows through a second filtering segment, whereby most smaller debris is removed from the oil and the cleaned oil continues flowing through the fryer. Thus, the large debris is removed, so as not to contaminate the subsequent flow of oil.

Abstract: An improved fire department connection (FDC) having an accessible debris filter box interposed vertically in the line to permit the removal of undesired introduced solids to prevent the solids from clogging the sprinkler system which is in fluid communication with the base of the FDC. The box has a permanent filter, or removable filter media or a combination of the two types of filters, all accessible via a front removable plate thereon. The debris filter box may also be interposed vertically in other fluid flow systems that are subject to the introduction of undesired solids.

Abstract: A filter cartridge with a valve actuating protrusion having a sliding surface that is configured to engage with a valve, with the sliding surface being tapered so that a first portion of the sliding surface that engages the valve is wider than a second portion of the sliding surface that engages the valve, and the sliding surface is configured so that the first portion engages the valve before the second portion. The valve, which can be in any fluid passage of a filter housing, includes a plurality of spring arms. Engagement between the spring arms and the sliding surface creates a lifting force which opens the valve.

Abstract: Rare earth metal compounds, particularly lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium, are formed as porous particles and are effective in binding metals, metal ions, and phosphate. A method of making the particles and a method of using the particles is disclosed. The particles may be used in the gastrointestinal tract or the bloodstream to remove phosphate or to treat hyperphosphatemia in mammals. The particles may also be used to remove metals from fluids such as water.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating crystals from their suspension in contaminated crystal melt with purification, in which a hydraulic wash column has distributor aids in a distributor space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid purifying apparatus (1) which is composed of a filter housing (2) having a fluid inlet opening (231) and a fluid outlet opening (221), and a filter member (3) contained in the filter housing (2) in such a manner that the filter member crosses the flow path of a fluid from the fluid inlet opening (231) to the fluid outlet opening (221). The fluid purifying apparatus (1) is characterized in that the bore diameter a of the fluid outlet opening and the shortest distance h between the filter member and the position of the inner peripheral portion of the fluid outlet opening farthest from the filter member satisfy the following relation: h?.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a vessel and a filter made from fluororesin and treated before filtering operation by at least one of adding thermal treatment in gas or liquid and penetrating with fluid composed of hot water or steam at a temperature of less than melting point of the fluororesin.

Abstract: A water filter device including a filter unit to receive water from an external water supply source and to purify the received water, a storage tank unit to store the water purified through the filter unit, and a case to receive the filter unit and the storage tank unit.

Abstract: A ring filter insert (3) which can be flowed through radially has, in at least one of its end disks (4, 5), at least one connecting channel (28) which runs radially between interior and exterior of this end disk (4; 5). With such a ring filter insert (3), through a liquid supply channel (14) which is conducted through the central inner space of the ring filter insert (3) which serves as the crude space or clean space, it is possible in construction and rational terms to pass liquid through the at least one connecting channel (28) in at least one of the two end disks (4, 5) of the ring filter insert (3) from the radial inside outward into one of the two crude spaces or clean spaces which are sealed from the other crude space or clean space and communicate only through the filter medium of the ring filter insert (3). The flow through the at least one connecting channel (28) in at least one of the two end disks (4, 5) may also be in the reverse direction from the radial outside inward.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising cationic aminoalkyl(meth)acryloyl monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as oligonucleotides or monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A filter module includes an axially extending central channel, a first hollow adapter having an interior through which the central channel extends, a second hollow adapter having an interior through which the central extends, one or more filter cells positioned between the first and second adapters and around the central channel, and an enclosure. The enclosure has a first retainer ring mounted around the first adapter, a second retainer ring mounted around the second adapter, and an envelope which is sealed to the first and second retainer rings and extends around the one or more filter cells.

Abstract: A reusable filter for testing drilling fluids including a non-porous filter medium configured to be disposed in a drilling fluid testing device. The non-porous filter medium having a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. Additionally, a method of cleaning a reusable filter medium for a drilling fluid test device including exposing the reusable filter medium to a washing fluid, and agitating the washing fluid with a mechanical agitator to break up solids disposed on the reusable filter medium. Also, a drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The drilling fluid test device also having a non-porous filter medium disposed in the cell body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy with in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).

Abstract: A filtration unit intended to allow the selective elimination of target substances from a fluid such as flood or a blood component, has an outer envelope formed from two flexible sheets joined together over their periphery along a bond line so as to define an inner volume, the envelope containing a filtering medium which delimits, on both sides of the bond line, an inlet compartment of the fluid to be filtered and an outlet compartment of the filtrate, each of the compartments being provided with an element—respectively an inlet and outlet element—for bringing the compartment into communication with the outside, the elements being connected between the sheets and comprising a flow channel that passes through the bond line, the unit being characterized in that at least one channel is offset relative to the bond line towards the compartment with which the channel is in communication.

Abstract: A freeze resistant filter cartridge assembly, includes a filter cartridge including a filter housing and a filter media and having at least one component selected from a list of components including: the filter housing being formed of an increased elasticity polyolefin polymer having elongation and glass transition properties that allow for stretching of the housing during a freezing event rather than rupturing; a sleeve having a volume of air entrapped therein within and being disposed in the interior of the filter cartridge; and the filter housing formed of a conventional polyolefin having a wall thickness great enough to resist freeze induced expansion stresses. A method of forming a freeze resistant filter cartridge assembly is further included.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon processing devices and systems are constructed to modify the combustion characteristics of hydrocarbon fuels and emissions for the purpose of emissions reduction and to increase the overall performance characteristics of the engine. According to one exemplary embodiment, a catalytic device for processing a fluid containing hydrocarbons includes a reactive body formed of a plurality of metallic materials arranged in a layered structure. The plurality of metallic materials is formed of at least two different materials. The body has an inner core member having a first density and another region, that is formed along a longitudinal length of the rolled layered structure, has a second density which is less than the first density.

Abstract: A modification in the configuration of the blood microtubular filter/dializer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems can provide highly a effective mechanism for removing air from the blood circuit of such systems. In embodiments, for example, the invention takes advantage of the slow flow rate that usually occurs where blood exits the microtubules into a header area of the filter to provide a settling area and, preferably, a air relief mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the removal of toxic substances from dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma, said device comprising i) a sorption-filter (E) for removing toxins, toxic solutes, toxic small and middle-sized molecules and protein bound toxins from the dialysate fluid, blood or bloodplasma, said sorption filter comprising a nanostructured material, a porous polymer matrix or a combination of the two, ii) an inlet (4) for entry of dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma into said device, iii) an outlet (5) for the removal of purified dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma from said device, and iv) a conduit connecting said inlet with said outlet and holding said sorption filter such that said dialysate fluid, blood or blood plasma is forced through said sorption filter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a blood filter assembly is provided that includes the steps of providing a first housing sheet and a second housing sheet. The method includes locating and sealing at least one port onto each of the first and second housing sheets. The method includes locating the filtration medium between the first housing sheet and the second housing sheet. The method includes applying heat and pressure to form at least one seal that commingles the first and second housing sheets along with the filtration medium, wherein the periphery of the seal commingles only the first and second housing sheets.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for framing a fluid flow filter pack. A first frame member may have a first border element with an open portion. The first border element may have four first side walls bendable along a line parallel to a peripheral edge of each of the first side walls. A second frame member may have a second border element with an open portion. The second border element may have four side walls bendable along a bend line parallel to an outer edge of each side wall. Each side wall of the second frame member may have a sealing flap bendable along the outer edge. The second frame member may be positioned on the first frame member with each side wall overlapping and attached to one of the first frame member side walls. The sealing flap may be bent to be adjacent to the second frame member side walls.

Abstract: An improved biological fluid filtration system is shown having, seriatim, a blood container, a biological fluid filtration device downstream of the blood container, and a blood receiving container downstream of the biological fluid filtration device; a bypass line is provided to allow fluid communication between the blood container and the blood receiving container, the bypass line includes a loop, the loop of the bypass line being configured to be disposed above the blood container at a sufficient height to prevent the passage of fluid around the leukocyte depletion device; the loop of the bypass line being disposed in a tube support device, the tube support device being configured to support substantially the entire weight of the biological fluid filtration system without substantially crimping said bypass line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular purification system having a disposable sump assembly and an improved flow distribution plate. The system is readily adaptable to a variety of configurations without the need for repiping or replumbing of the installation, and lends itself to the use of multiple purification techniques.

Abstract: A reliable, cost effective system and method are disclosed for exchanging fluid-filtration filters associated with electrical discharge machines (EDMs) and other applications. The basic system comprises a housing to receive the filter, the housing having a top that opens and a bottom cap with an interior inlet fitting coupled to a supply line carrying fluid to be filtered. A pair of opposing swing arms, each having one end pivotally connected to a filter cabinet or other suitable base and another end pivotally connected to an opposing side of the housing, facilitate a first state, wherein the housing and filter are vertically oriented with the bottom opening of the filter sealed against the fitting for filtering operation, and a second state, wherein the housing is pivoted such that the top is oriented downwardly allowing the filter to disengage from the fitting and slide out of the housing.

Abstract: Arsenic is removed from water and other aqueous feeds by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide, to oxidize arsenic in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the arsenic in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with alumina or other precipitating agent containing cations in the +3 oxidation state.

Abstract: The teachings presented herein provide a water distribution manifold assembly for distribution of water for mixed indoor and outdoor usage. The assembly finds direct application in water reclamation and conservation in that it allows for the use of runoff and gray water. The assembly integrates in-line filtration in a convenient, readily accessible way. In one or more embodiments, the assembly includes: a supply inlet and an associated check valve and pressure release valve; a filter unit connected to a second check valve; a pressure gauge; one or more outlets, each of which may be connected to a check valve; and a manifold or connecting pipe that interconnects the inlet, filter unit, and one or more outlets. The assembly also may include a controller, which in one or more embodiments provides control, monitoring, and communications for the assembly and/or associated water distribution systems.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filter device having filter means, in particular hollow-fibre membranes, arranged in more than one filtration compartment within a filter housing. For example a dialysis type filtration process such as haemofiltration or haemodiafiltration or haemodialysis may be carried out at the same time as an ultrafiltration process or as another haemofiltration, haemodiafiltration or haemodialysis process. A split shell is bonded or welded together along longitudinal seams. Internal separating walls within the housing are formed integrally with the shell portions of the housing to form adjacent filtration compartments when the housing portions are joined together.