Abstract: An arterial blood filter device for use during cardiovascular surgery. The device includes an outer housing having a top and bottom section, an inner housing, and a filter element. The filter element is disposed within the outer housing, and the inner housing is disposed between the filter element and the housing. The inner housing is separate from the outer housing and extends the entire axial length of the filter element. Fluid enters the device through an inlet. The majority of the fluid then rises in a centripetal motion where any large air bubbles exit through a vent at the top section of the outer housing. The fluid then flows through openings in the top and bottom of the inner housing. After entering the inner housing, the fluid passes through a filter element, where filtration takes place, and exits through the bottom section of the housing through an outlet.

Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.

Abstract: A fuel filter apparatus may include a filter case having an exterior surface, a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the exterior surface having at least one hole, a fuel inlet port and a fuel outlet port. A filter element may be disposed within the filter case between the fuel inlet port and the fuel outlet port. A fuel pump may be disposed within the filter case. A fuel pressure regulator also may be mounted on the fuel filter case. The fuel pressure regulator may have an excess fuel discharge port adapted to discharge excess fuel to the top surface of the filter case. The fuel filter apparatus is adapted to permit the excess fuel to return to a fuel reservoir through the at least one hole and along the exterior surface of the filter case.

Abstract: A blood reservoir being capable of reducing damage to blood stored therein. The blood reservoir has a housing in the form of a box, and filtering and defoaming devices provided in the housing, i.e., a device for filtering and defoaming on blood suctioned from a surgical field (outside a heart), a device for filtering and defoaming on blood vented from the interior of the heart, and a device for filtering and defoaming on blood drawn off from a large vein. The vented blood flowing into the blood reservoir passes through a vented blood filtering member to be introduced into a blood storage space without contacting an antifoaming agent and foreign substances filtered off from the suctioned blood.

Abstract: A water dispenser supports a bottle having a neck closed with a holder accommodating a water filter. The cap member has an inwardly converging sleeve complementary to and engageable with the outer surface of the filter to retain the filter on the bottle neck. An air bleed hole in the bottle is located at a selected height relative to the exit openings of the filter to control maximum flow rate of fluid through the filter.

Abstract: A blood filter (1) has a small priming volume and a high ability of trapping and removing the air bubbles. The blood filter (1) according to the present invention includes a housing (5) accommodating a blood inlet (8), a blood outlet (9), an air bubble outlet (14), and a filter element (3) disposed in the housing (5). The blood inlet (8) is preferably disposed in the vicinity of a bottom surface (7) of the housing. The housing (5) includes a spiral chamber (10) defined between an inner wall (5b) and an outer wall (5a) of the housing (5) and a center chamber (11) defined within the inner wall (5b). The spiral chamber (10) extends in a helix shape to surround the center chamber (11). Due to such a structure, even when air bubbles are introduced to the blood filter (1) through the blood inlet (8), the air bubbles are effectively separated from the blood in the spiral chamber (10). The blood filter having such a spiral chamber (10) is unlikely influenced by the blood flow rate and the amount of air bubbles.

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 mobile oil recycling system adapted for use with an oil-lubricated combustion engine. The inventive system includes an evaporation chamber for changing the pressure of the oil from a first pressure to a second pressure lower than the first pressure. Metering holes in a textured three-dimensional evaporation surface at the second pressure allow oil to spread over the three-dimensional surface area and evaporate contaminants from the oil. In a specific embodiment, the system further includes a filtering system for removing solid contaminants from the oil. A housing contains and supports the filtering system and the contaminant removal chamber, and directs the flow of oil through the recycling system. In a more specific embodiment the housing includes a base having an oil inlet for allowing pressurized oil to enter the oil recycling system and an oil outlet for allowing oil at atmospheric pressure to exit the recycling system.

Abstract: A device for simultaneous processing of a number of liquid specimens is disclosed. The device is in the form of a plate having a plurality of compartments, each compartment being adapted to hold a liquid specimen and having an aperture at its top for introducing and withdrawing liquid into and from the compartment, respectively. Each compartment has a vent opening at a side wall at about mid portion thereof between the compartment's top and bottom, the vent opening is at one end of a duct and the other end of the duct opens to the atmosphere wherein each of the compartments has an upper converging portion ending in an aperture with an annular rim adapted for tight engagement with a filter sheet and having a bottom portion with an inverted dome shape.

Abstract: A filter for medical fluids comprises a hydrophilic membrane (18) dividing the filter into an inlet chamber (20) and an outlet chamber (22). This prevents air from penetrating the outlet chamber (22). The air retained in the inlet chamber (20) is discharged through vent holes (30, 32). Each vent hole (30, 32) is covered with a hydrophobic membrane (34, 36). According to the invention one of the vent holes (30) is provided in a front wall (38) opposite the hydrophilic membrane (18). The other vent hole (32) is provided in a rear wall (46) located opposite the front wall (38) so that the two vent holes (30, 32) point in opposite directions. Owing to this arrangement of the two vent holes (30, 32) one vent hole (30, 32) points upwards irrespective of the filter position. This improves venting of the inlet chamber (20).

Abstract: An oil exchange apparatus (16, 96, 126) and its assembly with an arrangement (17) of fluid flow lines (112), (108), for lubricating a system, such as an engine (15, 145), while providing for a quick exchange of the apparatus (16, 96, 126) with another one when another batch of oil is to lubricate the system. A filter (30, 103, 135) is mounted and disposed in a receptacle (21, 97, 128); inlet conduits (44, 109, 132) and outlet conduits (34, 105, 136) are mounted to the receptacle (21, 97, 128) and by which oil flows in and out of it in the operation of the system. A vacuum or vent conduit 43 also is mounted to the receptacle in each of its embodiments. In one embodiment, all the conduits (34, 44, 43) are mounted in a top housing component (22) of the receptacle (21). In other embodiments, inlet (109, 132) and outlet (105, 136) conduits are mounted at the receptacle's bottom (101, 130), while the vacuum/vent or third conduit (115, 141, 156) is at its top (102, 142).

Abstract: An air bubble purging system for filters include a venturi valve in the drain line of the filter. The venturi valve is connected to a high pressure source line so that when a high rate of flow is produced in the high pressure source line, a venturi effect is created in the venturi valve to open the venturi valve and produce a vacuum in the drain line so that air bubbles are attracted into the drain line and purged.

Abstract: A filter arrangement is described in which fuel flows through a filter member in a radially outward direction. A sleeve surrounds the filter element and defines, with the filter member, an air collection chamber. One or more small openings are provided in the sleeve whereby air is permitted to escape from the air collection chamber at a controlled rate.

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 fluid filter assembly for filtering fluids such as blood. The assembly includes first and second filter housing elements formed by an injection molding process. Each element is flexible and includes a peripheral flange formed thereabout and a fluid communicating port formed therein. Filter media, such as a filter membrane, is sealed between the mating flanges of two elements. The fluid filter assembly is capable of collapsing and expanding during the filtration process depending upon the composition of the fluid passed there through. A method for making the filter assembly and systems for using the filter assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag or reservoir for recirculation washing of blood cells having a top outlet port and bottom inlet port. A method of recirculation washing of blood cells using the bag in conjunction with a spinning membrane filter. The method can be used in an instrument for magnetic cell selection or a stand-alone cell washing apparatus.

Abstract: The need for a venous reservoir in a heart-lung machine is obviated by using a vacuum-purged negative-pressure air filter in the venous return line ahead of the main blood pump. The purging vacuum for the venous air filter can also be used to purge air from the cardiotomy reservoir if a backflow-preventing valve is used on the venous air filter.

Abstract: There can be obtained an ecological filtration apparatus providing a sufficient function of precise filtration while contributing to saving resources and minimizing refuse. The filtration apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an outer cylinder fixed to the housing, and a cartridge filter formed mainly of a cylindrical filter, an inner cylinder and end caps. The cartridge filter is detachably attached to the housing, housed in the outer cylinder, blocking a channel extending from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A gravity-flow water filtration cartridge is disclosed herein. The cartridge includes a housing having a compressed bed of ion-exchange resin disposed within an upper region thereof and a high surface area cyst-reducing filter element that is disposed within a lower thereof. The housing includes a middle chamber which separates the compressed bed of ion-exchange resin from the cyst-reducing filter element. The housing further includes a hydrophobic air vent conduit having an entry end that is positioned above a topmost surface of the cyst reducing filter element and an exit end that is positioned at least at a lowest surface of the cyst-reducing filter element, wherein the entry end includes a membrane having at least one hydrophobic side.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for separating particles having different sedimentation velocities. The system includes a container containing a binding substance including first particles and ligands attached to the first particles. When the binding substance is mixed with a liquid carrying at least second and third particles, the ligands bind the first and second particles together to form groups of bound particles. The groups of bound particles are separated from the third particles in a fluid chamber configured to be mounted on a centrifuge rotor. One of the disclosed methods includes forming a saturated fluidized bed of particles to retain the particles groups in the fluid chamber. Another of the disclosed methods includes removing at least some of the first particles after the binding substance is mixed with the liquid carrying second and third particles.

Abstract: An in-line liquid filtration device useable for filtration of blood, blood products or the like includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, at least one filter element disposed in the housing between the inlet port and outlet port so as to filter liquid which flows into the filtration device via the inlet port. The filter element divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The device allows gases to vent the filtration device through the outlet port. The means may include a flow deflector within the first chamber and/or the second chamber. The means may also include a channel, preferably spiral, within either the first chamber and/or second chamber. The filtration device allows air therein to be purged downstream into either an air collecting bag or into the blood receiving bag without the manipulation of the height of the filtration device or the blood receiving bag.

Abstract: A fuel filter for an engine includes a housing having an interior space and is assembled into a fuel flow path between a source of fuel and the engine. The housing includes a passageway which has an inlet aperture which is used to control the delivery of fuel to either the engine or back to the source of fuel. The housing also includes a return-fuel passageway which is in flow communication with the interior space and is adapted to couple to the source of fuel. A filter cartridge is installed within the housing and includes an end cap with an air vent tube having an inlet opening. The air vent tube is designed so as to assemble into the passageway, so as to plug the inlet aperture. Once the inlet aperture is plugged by the air vent tube, the flow entrance to the passageway is raised from the inlet aperture to the inlet opening of the air vent tube. The plugging of the inlet aperture by the air vent tube allows fuel to be delivered to the engine.

Abstract: An integrated fuel filter and fuel pump assembly with a water separation capability includes a fuel filter housing and a fuel filter element placed within the fuel filter housing. The fuel filter housing includes an outer surface with a connection interface for a fuel pump. This connection interface includes a fuel inlet port and mounting provisions for threaded fasteners. The fuel pump which completes the integrated assembly includes a fuel inlet and a fuel exit which is directly connected to the flow inlet of the housing. Further, the fuel pump is directly mounted to the outer surface of the housing in a unitized-type of arrangement. The upper endplate for the filter element is enlarged so as to extend beyond the outer diameter of the filter element and additional serve as a closing lid for the housing.

Abstract: A drain assembly for a fluid filter includes a female valve portion unitary with an end wall of a collection bowl, and having a socket with a cylindrical sidewall and an inner end wall. The end wall includes a plug, and a vent opening radially outward from the plug. A drain opening is provided in the end wall radially outward from the socket. An annular sealing surface is provided radially outward from the drain opening. A threaded sleeve is provided radially outward from the annular sealing surface. A male valve portion is received in the female valve portion, and includes a valve body and valve seal. The valve seal is received in the socket and includes a cylindrical sidewall defining a vent passage, and an inner end with a vent opening to the vent passage. An annular sealing surface is provided radially outward from the sidewall of the valve seal.

Abstract: An in-line gravity filtration device for biological fluids such as blood or blood products is disclosed. The device includes a series of channels formed downstream of filtration elements. The channels are defined in cross sectional area by the distance between the filtration elements and their bottoms. The channels are configured to form flow paths to an outlet port so that air within the channels is forced downstream through the outlet port thereby minimizing air being trapped on the downstream side of the device. For optimum performance, the cross section area of a single continuous channel, or the sum of the cross sectional area of parallel channels, leading to a single outlet port, should not exceed the cross sectional area of the outlet port.

Abstract: A reservoir-and filter system for receiving fluid and for removing impurities from fluid is provided in an embodiment of the invention. The system includes a housing with at least two cavities; a first cavity with at least one unfiltered-fluid inlet and a second cavity with at least one filtrate outlet. In this embodiment, a filter member is disposed so as to separate the cavities. In addition, a filtering trap is disposed so as to directly accept fluid as it enters the first cavity, filter it, and minimize clogging of the filter member. A coarse filter shroud providing a funnel shape at the opening of a cup-shaped trap is included in a preferred embodiment. In an embodiment, at least one gas outlet adaptable for connection to a vacuum source is associated with the second cavity. A method for removing impurities from blood within an extracorporeal circuit is also provided in a further embodiment.

Abstract: A circulation and filtration system is provided for use with water gardens having a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height. The system includes a reservoir, an intake line, a pump, and a return line. The reservoir is located near the water container and is capable of holding a reserve of water. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes an upright basket filter located therein. The intake line includes a first end opening positionable within the water container near the preferred fill height and a second end opening connected to the basket filter. During use, water flows into the basket filter through the intake line via gravity. The pump is located either within the reservoir or externally from the reservoir though connected to the reservoir through additional piping. The return line includes a first end connected to the pump and a second end positionable at a desired location in the water garden.

Abstract: A biological fluid filter assembly (100) including a plurality of porous media (6a, 6b) and essentially lacking a solid partition between the media is disclosed. Preferably, the assembly has a space (12) between the media (6a, 6b). The filter assembly is especially suitable for depicting leukocytes from a biological fluid such as packed red cells, and can be used to deplete leukocyts from two or more units of biological fluid. A method of using the filter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The filter head and filter housing define a liquid flow inlet path, a first liquid flow outlet path, and a second liquid flow outlet path. A filter media construction is positioned within the housing. The filter media construction, in combination with the housing, defines an unfiltered liquid volume, and a filtered liquid volume. A first liquid flow inlet path directs liquid from the liquid flow inlet to the unfiltered liquid volume. A first liquid flow outlet path directs liquid flow from the filtered liquid volume to the first liquid flow outlet. A second liquid flow outlet path directs liquid flow from the filtered liquid volume to the second liquid flow outlet. A first valve assembly selectively opens the second liquid flow path to passage of liquid therethrough in response to a first selected liquid pressure level within the filtered liquid volume.

Abstract: A multiple cartridge filter housing assembly for the high purity filtration of etching liquids, deionized water, slurries and other liquids used in the semiconductor, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It comprises at least one upper and one lower cartridge within a bottom housing, a top housing and at least one extension housing. A vent tube in the top housing extending to the upper spacer ring in the extension housing generates a first air pocket between its lower end and the top of the housing assembly. The upper end of each cartridge is centered by a flow-through spacer ring. The lower end of each cartridge is sealed, against the pressure drop across the cartridge, and centered by an adapter ring. The adapter rings, except for the bottom one, have a downwardly extending tube with flow-through holes at its lower end such that secondary air pockets are generated above the holes and below the bottom surface of the adapter ring.

Abstract: A device for removing gases from fluids, in particular from a dialyzing fluid, includes a container, which in the position of normal use is provided with a bottom first orifice and a bottom second orifice. Disposed inside the container is a partition wall which divides the container into a first chamber having the first orifice and a second chamber having the second orifice. The partition wall extends from the container bottom up to near the container cover, forming a gap-shaped interstitial space between the first and second chamber, and the container cover. Provision is made in the container cover for a venting orifice that is sealed by a hydrophobic filter. In one preferred embodiment, the first and second chamber form a tube-in-tube arrangement. The device according to the invention allows for a high separation rate to be achieved with a compact and simple design.

Abstract: An arterial blood filter device for removing foreign particles and undissolved gases from blood flowing through the device, having a cylindrical housing enclosing a cylindrical filter element between a hollow upper cap forming an inlet chamber and a flat lower cap forming an outlet chamber. The upper cap has a vertical gas outlet and has a horizontal tubular inlet with the outermost wall of the tubular inlet extending tangentially from the outermost wall of the base of the upper cap. A principle feature of the invention is a stepped dome having a circular base with a diameter closely matched to the outer diameter of the filter element and attached to the upper end thereof. The stepped dome includes hemispherically shaped upper surface extending into the inlet chamber and having a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of the circular base.

Abstract: A method for removing tumor cells from tumor cell-contaminated stem cell products is disclosed. One embodiment of the method relies on an in-line filtration device that includes a tumor cell reduction filter means, preferably comprised of one or more tumor cell reduction filter pads. The tumor cell reduction filter means provides at least a ten-fold reduction in tumor cells while allowing for at least a 30% recovery of stem cells in a filtered stem cell product.

Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.

Abstract: A method for purifying conventionally treated blood plasma to remove substantially all residual leukocytes while maintaining useful flow rates for medically useful amounts of plasma utilizes a disposable, heat-sterilizable filter employing one or more depth-type prefilters and at least one intermediate hydrophilic microporous membrane followed by at least one final hydrophilic microporous membrane having a smaller pore size than the intermediate membrane within a common housing. The purified plasma is preferably subjected to chemical treatment to destroy infectious agents such as hepatitis and HIV.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter assembly having a top piece and a bottom filter canister for receiving a filter element. The top piece includes inlet and outlet passages and is shaped to plunge into the bottom canister when the canister is joined to the top piece and take up space such that when the canister separated from the top piece, the liquid or fuel level in the canister stays below the top, preventing spilling of the liquid. Th inlet passage of the top piece can be angled upward, such that almost all of the air in the canister can be quickly bled back into a fuel tank holding the fuel to be filtered by the filter assembly.

Abstract: An extracorporeal, flow-through bubble trap for blood lines having improved capabilities at high flow rates and with smaller bubbles. The bubble trap comprises a chamber-defining wall, plus a blood inlet and a blood outlet, each extending through the wall to communicate with the interior of the chamber. The blood outlet connects with the chamber interior adjacent the bottom thereof. The chamber interior has a height that is less than 1.6 times the longest horizontal dimension of the chamber interior. As a result of this, blood flow in the bubble trap chamber is substantially horizontal.

Abstract: Biological fluid processing assemblies having a gas inlet and/or a gas outlet are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: A container (400) for the collection of fluids in a vacuum system includes upper and lower chambers (402, 404). Fluids are admitted to the upper chamber (402) to form a vortex and separate fluid and debris from air. The fluids then pass to the lower chamber (404) through a filter (412). A discharge tube (428) is connected to the lower chamber (404) to allow the accumulated fluids to be pumped from the container (400). The bottom of the lower chamber (404) includes a recess (430) that forms a platen for a roller pump, and a discharge tube (428) is located adjacent the platen whereby rollers (426) engage the tube (428) and platen upon installation of the chamber (400) on a base. A second port (418) is provided to the upper chamber (402) for admission of a second fluid such as an anticoagulant.

Abstract: A disposable sterile apparatus (1) for blood filtration with a system for the optimization of blood recovery in the passage from one pouch to the next, having a main tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) containing sterile air, one end of which is designed for the connection to a first container (pouch) (2) containing the liquid to be filtered and the other end of which is connected to a second empty container (pouch) (20): The foregoing tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) includes at least one filter (12) being arranged in the flow of the liquid. The apparatus (1) contains a tube (7) for the return of air from the second container (20) to the first container (2) acting to equalize pressure of the liquid at the two extremities of the main tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) after the liquid has been filtered. The filter (12) features two interior semi-chambers with filtration material separating them. The first semi-chamber has an inlet port while the second semi-chamber has an outlet port and a venting port.

Abstract: An oil exchange apparatus (16, 96, 126) and its assembly with an arrangement (17) of fluid flow lines (112), (108), for lubricating a system, such as an engine (15, 145), while providing for a quick exchange of the apparatus (16, 96, 126) with another one when another batch of oil is to lubricate the system. A filter (30, 103, 135) is mounted and disposed in a receptacle (21, 97, 128); inlet conduits (144, 109, 132) and outlet conduits (34, 105, 136) are mounted to the receptacle (21, 97, 128) and by which oil flows in and out of it in the operation of the system. A vacuum or vent conduit 43 also is mounted to the receptacle in each of its embodiments. In one embodiment, all the conduits (34, 44, 43) are mounted in a top housing component (22) of the receptacle (21). In other embodiments, inlet (109, 132) and outlet (105, 136) conduits are mounted at the receptacle's bottom (101, 130), while the vacuum/vent or third conduit (115, 141, 156) is at its top (102, 142).

Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus, and associated methods of use, are provided for treating in a closed-loop configuration a volume of effluent contained in a holding vessel. The apparatus includes one or more treatment tank units arranged to hold a volume of molecular filtering material capable of removing one or more toxic contaminants from the effluent, al least in part, as the effluent contacts the surface areas of the molecular filtering material within each tank unit. A pump unit is provided to draw effluent from the holding vessel and deliver the effluent to selected tank units to effect treatment. The apparatus further includes fluidic conduit structures to fluidically couple the holding vessel, a pre-filter, the pump, and each selected tank unit.

Abstract: An in-line liquid filtration device useable for filtration of blood, blood products or the like includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, at least one filter element disposed in the housing between the inlet port and outlet port so as to filter liquid which flows into the filtration device via the inlet port. The filter element divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The device allows gases to vent the filtration device through the outlet port. The means may include a flow deflector within the first chamber and/or the second chamber. The means may also include a channel, preferably spiral, within either the first chamber and/or second chamber. The filtration device allows air therein to be purged downstream into either an air collecting bag or into the blood receiving bag without the manipulation of the height of the filtration device or the blood receiving bag.

Abstract: A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical devices and similar instruments having long narrow lumens or diffusion restricted areas includes the step of pretreating the article to be sterilized with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide prior to exposure to a vacuum or a vacuum followed by plasma. The method is such that, upon vaporization of the solution caused by the vacuum, the hydrogen peroxide remains in contact with the article for a time sufficient to achieve sterilization.

Abstract: The apparatus treats storm water and includes a cylindrical basket that has a housing with a circumferentially extending air slot near the base of the housing. The basket contains an annular bed of absorbent material surrounded by a filter cartridge. Water flows radially inward through the filter and the bed into a cylindrical inner drainage space which has an outlet at its lower end, covered by a float valve. The drainage space is also in fluid communication with a one-way valve that allows air to pass from the housing into the environment. During operation, the float valve lifts when the water level rises and air is expelled from the drainage space through the one-way valve. As a result, water is continuously siphoned through the basket apparatus. When the water level drops, air enters through the air inlet slot of the housing and rises in turbulent fashion along the filter, scouring the filter and dislodging particulates.

Abstract: A liquid filtration device useable for removing leukocytes from blood contains a first chamber which is in fluid flow relationship with a second chamber. Filtration elements separate the first chamber from the second chamber so that liquid flowing from the first chamber is filtered thereby prior to entry into the second chamber. A passage leads from the second chamber into the first chamber and a hydrophobic filter may be used to prevent liquid from the first chamber from flowing through the passage into the second chamber while allowing air to flow therethrough. An outlet is located in the second chamber, preferably at the bottom thereof. A second outlet may be located within the second chamber and may be placed in fluid flow relationship therewith by a conduit or the like.

Abstract: An in-line gravity filtration device for biological fluids such as blood or blood products is disclosed. The device includes a series of channels formed downstream of filtration elements. The channels are defined in cross sectional area by the distance between the filtration elements and their bottoms. The channels are configured to form flow paths to an outlet port so that air within the channels is forced downstream through the outlet port thereby minimizing air being trapped on the downstream side of the device. For optimum performance, the cross section area of a single continuous channel, or the sum of the cross sectional area of parallel channels, leading to a single outlet port, should not exceed the cross sectional area of the outlet port.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma-collecting device which comprises a blood filtering material comprising glass fiber filter and microporous membrane, a holder having a blood inlet and a plasma outlet accommodating the blood filtering material, a blood-collecting needle being connected to the blood inlet, and a plasma receiver being provided on the plasma outlet side. The plasma-collecting device can collect a necessary amount of plasma for analysis from blood vessel directly, easily and surely.

Abstract: A waste liquid collection system for use in continuous arteriovenous or venovenous hemodialysis (CAVH or CVVH) is disclosed. The system comprises a collection vessel and associated interconnection lines which can be preset to given volume of waste liquid to be removed from the dialysis machine in a given period of time. Once the volume is reached, the collection vessel stops waste liquid flow until the vessel is emptied and reset. The system guaranties that excess liquid will not be removed from a patient.