Abstract: A removable manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. The manifold is dimensioned to be mounted to a receiver integral with the system. The manifold includes a driver for engaging a complementary valve internal to the receiver. The valve regulates flow between the receiver and the down line components of the waste collection system. The valve is normally closed. When the manifold is fitted to the receiver the driver engages the valve so as move the valve to the open position. This allows fluid flow from the manifold and receiver to the downstream components of the system.

Abstract: A strainer is disclosed for filtering a flow stream passing therethrough, while reducing vortex shedding and related minimizing noise and vibration. The strainer includes an elongated member which defines a generally longitudinal axis, and having an opening at one end and a closed end at the opposite end. The opening has a greater dimension than the closed end. The elongated member includes a plurality of rows of apertures located between the opening and the closed end, with the apertures of each row being of generally equal dimension and located in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The pluralities of rows of apertures are of distinct dimensions and form a semi-random pattern such that a flow stream passing therethrough causes distinct frequencies associated with each row, which frequencies generally reduce or cancel any pulsation resulting therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting element for hydraulic circuits. The device comprises a body provided with one channel having an inlet section and an outlet section, the channel being connectable with a fluid supply line, said body being further provided with an aperture which opens, to the outside, into a seat located in the channel. The devices also comprises a filter element insertable in a removable manner into the seat, through the aperture, in order to intercept the fluid in the channel. Advantageously the filter element is defined by at least two portions, coupled with angled or radiused joints to define an internal volume, one portion having a different geometry from the other.

Abstract: A method of collecting medical waste in a waste collection unit using a disposable manifold and filter assembly. The disposable manifold and filter assembly includes a manifold housing with a plurality of inlets, a neck extending from the manifold housing to define an outlet, and a filter basket disposed in the manifold housing. The method includes inserting the neck into the waste collection unit to direct the medical waste passing through the disposable manifold and filter assembly into the waste collection unit. Tubes are connected to the inlets of the manifold housing to provide a path for the medical waste to travel from a target site, e.g., a patient, to the manifold housing. A vacuum is drawn in the waste collection unit to pull the medical waste through the tubes and into the disposable manifold and filter assembly where the medical waste is processed/filtered in a plurality of stages.

Abstract: The oil strainer has a filtering portion and a flexible sleeve portion to which the filtering portion is connected. The flexible sleeve portion has a plurality of spigot-receiving slots on the upstream side of the strainer.

Abstract: A fluid strainer device is disclosed. The device includes a housing which defines an open chamber, the chamber having both at least one fluid input port and at least one fluid outlet port. A plurality of spaced strainer baskets are disposed within the chamber. Each basket has a pair of spaced perforated side panels, a perforated rear panel, a perforated top panel and an open front portion in fluid communication with the chamber fluid input port. Finally, each strainer basket is aligned within the chamber for fluid flow from the chamber input port into the basket's open front portion and out through the perforations thereof to filter debris from the fluid while preventing substantial fluid pressure drop between the input and outlet ports substantially independent of debris buildup within the basket.

Abstract: A debris collector or strainer assembly for a well string tubular coupling wherein one embodiment discloses a conical coil with one end fixed to a hub, a beveled collar surrounding and supporting the hub and secured thereto with shear pins, the conical coil is deformable as necessary to capture irregular shaped objects between its coils, its loops may be closed, spaced apart, fixed or allowed to expand under pressure, and may be retrieved using an overshot fishing tool to engage a rod extending axially through the coil which may be attached at one or both ends of the coil.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter for a washing apparatus. Water entering a filter assembly travels along a spiral pathway that facilitates the separation of heavy solid debris from the water. A filter element prevents both light and heavy solid debris from entering a conduit leading to spray nozzles, thereby preventing clogging of the nozzles. In a filter cleaning operation, solid debris is removed from the filter assembly.

Abstract: Most commercial & residential buildings have rainwater collection systems that consist of leaders and gutters that collect water coming off the roof. These leaders and gutters are connected to drain pipes that channel the water away from the structure, usually into a dry well or storm drain. A substantial add-on to the leader and gutter system is a debris trap with an overflow port. The debris trap/overflow port may be attached to the leader at waist height (for easy access) to collect leaves, tree droppings, windblown litter and other materials. This debris can be easily discarded by opening an access panel to empty a built-in strainer. When a dry well or storm drain becomes saturated, water will back up through the leader causing seepage and overflow into the building and create erosion that can damage the foundation. The function of the overflow port is to divert water from the drain pipe away from the foundation.

Abstract: A filter assembly comprises a housing having a first open end, a first closed end, an inlet, and an outlet; a filter support, the filter support having a first permeable support portion and a second permeable support portion nested within the first permeable support portion, the filter support being seated within the housing between the inlet and the outlet; a filter element having a second open end and a second closed end, the filter element being reversed upon itself and positioned between the first and second permeable support portions to form concentrically disposed inner and outer filtering surfaces, the first and second permeable support portions having substantially equal surface area.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter element as well as a liquid filter wherein the filter element is axially insertable into the filter housing (10, 11). The filter element (21) effects after mounting the closure of a non-return device for the raw liquid to be filtered with at least one non-return diaphragm (27). The non-return diaphragm (27) is attached to a terminal disk (24) of the filter element (21) in such a way that it effects an axial and/or a radial sealing action of the raw side (32) relative to the clean side (33) in the filter housing (10, 11). On the filter housing (10, 11) a drainage opening (18) for liquid is provided that is closed off by an additional sealing surface (31, 49) of the non-return diaphragm (27) when the filter element (10, 11) is installed.

Abstract: A strainer is disclosed for filtering a flow stream passing therethrough, while reducing vortex shedding and related minimizing noise and vibration. The strainer includes an elongated member which defines a generally longitudinal axis, and having an opening at one end and a closed end at the opposite end. The opening has a greater dimension than the closed end. The elongated member includes a plurality of rows of apertures located between the opening and the closed end, with the apertures of each row being of generally equal dimension and located in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The pluralities of rows of apertures are of distinct dimensions and form a semi-random pattern such that a flow stream passing therethrough causes distinct frequencies associated with each row, which frequencies generally reduce or cancel any pulsation resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A self dislodging filter element, primarily for automotive applications, has a filter screen attached to an annular magnet. The filter element is installed in a port or conduit through which fluid flows and is held in place with magnetic attraction. If the filter screen becomes too clogged, pressure from the fluid impinging on the clogged screen overcomes the magnetic attraction and the filter slides down the conduit to be deposited in a repository and out of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A swamp cooler filter for filtering debris from fluid drawn from a fluid reservoir for a swamp cooler is provided. The swamp cooler filter includes a water intake hose being operationally coupled to a swamp cooler whereby the water intake hose is in fluid communication between a fluid reservoir and a pump of the swamp cooler. A filter member is selectively positioned in the water intake hose. The filter member is for filtering debris from the fluid being drawn from the fluid reservoir by the pump to inhibit the debris being pumped through the swamp cooler by the pump.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering fluid, in particular an oil filter, is provided. The filter device includes a first filter medium and a second filter medium, the first filter medium having a greater filter action than the second filter medium, and the filter media being folded in pleated form and having a plurality of folds, the first filter medium and the second filter medium being connected to one another in the longitudinal direction of the folds. An easily producible and highly effective filter device is thus achieved.

Abstract: A purification module is provided comprising a plurality of purification cartridges, a support for the cartridges, a manifold and a bowl. In one embodiment the support for the cartridges has two pitched partial screw threads on opposing surfaces which mate with pitched screw flights on the manifold when the partial screw threads are rotated into the screw flights. The support includes fluid passageways for directing filtered fluid from the filtration cartridges, through the support and into the manifold. In another embodiment, a purification module is provided comprising a purification cartridge, a manifold and a bowl. The purification cartridge has two pitched partial screw threads on opposing surfaces of the cartridge outlet which mate with screw flights on the manifold when the partial screw threads are rotated into the mating screw flights.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for substantially reducing or eliminating pressure pulsations caused by the opening and closing of fuel injectors. A preferred embodiment provides a restriction orifice adjacent the inlet end of a fuel injector filter of a respective fuel injector.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a seawall filters the flow of groundwater through a hole in the wall. The filter assembly includes: (a) a housing containing a flat flange and a perforated conical shell, the shell adapted to extend into the hole with its apex extending toward the landward side, the flange having a seaward side adapted to fit flushly against the seawall, the flange having a landward side connected to the shell, the flange having an opening that defines an open base for the shell; (b) a perforated conical cage having an open base that fits within the shell of the housing; (c) a conical filter element having an open base that fits within the cage; (d) a perforated conical sleeve having an open base that fits within the filter element; and (e) a perforated cap that is removably and flushly fastened to the opening in the flange to secure the cage, filter element, and sleeve within the shell of the housing.

Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag (18) having an access opening (24) and a closure means (25) operable to close the access opening (24) for collecting debris or open the access opening (24) for emptying debris from the bag (18). The closure means (25) includes a clamp member (50) having clamping edges (56) for squeezing together bag layers (28, 29) to close the access opening (24). The closure means (25) is buoyant in water for orienting the bag to avoid impeding cleaner body (6) travel.

Abstract: A manifold and filter assembly for use with a waste collection unit is provided. The manifold and filter assembly directs and filters medical waste flowing into the waste collection unit. The manifold and filter assembly comprises a manifold body defining a chamber and an outlet for directing the medical waste into the waste collection unit. A manifold cap is fitted to the manifold body to close the chamber. The manifold cap defines a plurality of inlets for receiving the medical waste. A filter basket having a bottom and a peripheral wall defining a plurality of openings is snap-locked to the manifold body. The filter basket is positioned such that a fluid bypass is formed between the filter basket and the manifold body and between the filter basket and the manifold cap. The fluid bypass is in fluid communication with the outlet whereby the medical waste can flow over the peripheral wall to the outlet through the fluid bypass.

Abstract: A skimmer unit for use with a body of water. The water skimmer comprises a housing, a basket for collecting debris, and a partitioning baffle with upper openings and optionally lower openings, a skimmer chamber, and other chambers. The baffle's lower opening is preferably positioned below the rim of the perforated basket and its upper, screened or gated opening is positioned above the rim of the basket for allowing water to pass in the event of debris clogging the first opening, overflow conditions, larger flow demand, and/or filter demand.

Abstract: A self cleaning gas filtration system for filtering contaminants from a flow of gas. A filter element is disposed within a housing and configured to receive a first flow of gas from an inlet in the housing. A pressurized gas source is fluidly coupled to at least one tube having a plurality of perforations. The perforations are configured to backflush the filter with a second flow of gas from the gas source. An outlet is configured to receive at least a portion of the second flow of gas.

Abstract: A particle filter for a fuel cell coolant is disclosed. The particle filter includes a filter housing having an upstream end for receiving the coolant and a downstream end for discharging the coolant. A filter element is provided in the filter housing. A pressure gauge is operably connected to the upstream end of the filter housing for measuring and indicating a pressure of the coolant corresponding to a degree of blockage of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter bag (1) for a filter device includes a tubular, flexible, air-penetrable filter body (6) provided with a suspension arrangement at an unfolded end thereof. The suspension arrangement includes a rigid ring element (7) with outwardly protruding members 10 annularly secured to the unfolded end of the filter body. The ring element (7) is arranged at least partially at an interior part of the filter body (6). Also a filter device including a housing with a dust chamber (4) and a clean-air chamber (5) that are separated by an partition wall (3) suspending at least one filter bag (1) as described above that extends through an opening (2) provided in the partition wall (3) with a main part of the filter body (6) located in the dust chamber (4). The ring element (7) of the filter bag (1) extends at least partially into the opening (2) in the partition wall (3).

Abstract: A pool filter cleaning device comprising a containment chamber having a upper end, a lower end, and a circumferential sidewall. The sidewall has a water deflecting portion adjacent the upper end and the containment chamber is adapted to receive a dirty pool filter. A contaminant trap is provided that is releasably secured to the sidewall for capturing contaminants of the pool filter when the filter is sprayed with water. The contaminant trap can be removed from the sidewall for disposal into a trash receptacle. The cleaning device can be configured to have a expanded and collapsed configuration for easy transportation or storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skimmer and filter unit for use with a body of water. The unit comprises a housing, a basket for collecting debris, and a partitioning baffle with upper openings and optionally lower openings, and a microorganism eradication system within the housing. The baffle's lower opening is preferably positioned below the rim of the perforated basket and its upper, screened or gated opening is positioned above the rim of the basket for allowing water to pass in the event of debris clogging the first opening, overflow conditions, larger flow demand, and/or filter demand.

Abstract: An improved disposable filter bag for use with a pool cleaner of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The filter bag is formed from a porous filter material having marginal seams formed by direct welding to form a reinforced cuff defining an open bag mouth leading to a hollow bag interior. The cuff is configured for removable mounting on a pool cleaner suction mast, as by removable connection to a mounting collar as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; D409,341; and D468,067. A divider seam defined by a spaced-apart array of welds subdivides the bag interior into a primary flow chamber for receiving flow of water and water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner, and a secondary collection chamber for trapping and collecting the water-entrained debris.

Abstract: A filter assembly may include a valve which includes a valve member. The valve member moves between a first position and a second position and the valve is opened and closed.

Abstract: A top or bottom mounted, in-line, in-tank return line filter element is mounted in a hydraulic reservoir. The reservoir includes a holding tank, at least one outlet extending from and one return line extending to the reservoir, an in-tank return line within the reservoir and extending to one return line, and an in-tank return line filter element mounted within the in-tank return line. The in-tank return line filter element includes an end cap, a filter media and a by-pass valve coupled thereto. The end cap includes a central fluid opening, a mounting surface for the filter media, and a peripheral attaching mechanism for attaching the filter element to the in-tank return line to form a filter assembly. The mounting surface is positioned between the central opening and the attaching mechanism such that an in-line, in-tank filter element is provided.

Abstract: A retrievable drill pipe screen is adapted for releasable connection within a drill pipe string. The screen has a planar support plate for connecting a perforated tubular screen body to a fish neck wherein the plane of the planar support plate is generally parallel to the axis of the screen body. The orientation of the planar support plate provides minimal resistance to fluid flowing into the screen body while also reducing vortex effects that cause wear of screen components. Preferably, a wear distributor sleeve is fit within the screen body for protecting against wear of the screen caused by fluid flow and a retaining rod can secure the bottom of the screen body to the fish neck in the event that a lower portion of the screen body becomes detached.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus and method for use with a pumping apparatus which is at least partially immersed in fluid. The filter apparatus may comprise a vibration device that is powered by a flow of fluid. A method for filtering a flow of fluid is also disclosed, comprising vibrating a filter by applying a flow of fluid to the filter.

Abstract: An improved device for collecting and removing debris from a swimming pool, pond or the like comprising a mesh material formed into a net for collecting and temporarily storing the debris. The net includes a top open portion with a support frame and a bottom closed portion forming a vertex. A pole or extensible rod is attached to the end of the frame for holding and manipulating the device through the water. Also provided is a means connected to the bottom closed portion of the net enclosed within the netting to maintain the vertex portion of the net in an open and receptive position while it is manipulated and moved along and below the water's surface to collect and remove debris. The means, when rotated to a horizontal position, expands the bottom closed portion of the net to facilitate the collection of debris and is also used as a device for grasping the bottom closed portion of the net in the process of emptying the net of debris.

Abstract: An improved disposable filter bag for use with a pool cleaner of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The filter bag is formed from a porous filter material such as a non-woven spunbond polymer having marginal seams formed by direct welding, in the absence of additional adhesive material, to form a reinforced cuff defining an open bag mouth leading to a hollow bag interior. The cuff is configured for removable attachment to a downstream end of a pool cleaner suction mast, as by removable connection to a mounting collar as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; D409,341; D468,067; and 6,740,233. The filter bag incorporates a ported tab formed generally at an upper end thereof for facilitated removable coupling to a pool cleaner supply hose or the like which supports the filter bag in a generally upright orientation.

Abstract: A filter element for hydrocarbon emissions in, e.g., marine diesel engine applications, comprises a wound mat received within a filter bag. An annular end cap is bonded to one end of the wound mat, and is sealed around its periphery to a bag ring at the open end of the bag. The bag ring is then received and retained in a seat ring in the housing. The exhaust as stream from the engine is directed through an opening in the end cap and through the wound mat and bag for removal of hydrocarbons and contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris and scale from a water line includes a first portion that is attached to a faucet or to an appliance conduit that is, in turn, attached to the faucet. A second portion is attached to an existing angle stop valve. A filter screen is disposed in between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is able to separate apart from the second portion sufficient to allow removal and cleaning or replacement of the filter screen without requiring disconnection of the second portion from the angle stop valve or the first portion from either the faucet or the appliance conduit.

Abstract: An improved pool skimmer apparatus and method that enhances the effectiveness of a swimming pool skimmer assembly. In particular, my inventive method and apparatus makes pool skimmers more effective at capturing floating debris and directing it to the pool filter system where it is removed from the pool water. According to my invention, a skimmer basket assembly includes an open top, cylindrical sidewalls, and a mesh bottom. Disposed along the sidewalls are a plurality of “fins” or “blades”, positioned such that water entering the basket assembly develops a circular flow, causing floating debris to be drawn down into the filtering system. In this manner, particularly difficult to remove floating debris, such as pollen, are drawn down to be filtered rather than remain floating on a top portion of skimmer and/or pool water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter device for removing impurities contained in liquid. A filter housing 18 is provided with a container for accommodating a filter bag 2 therein, a deposit recovery tank 3 for recovering a deposit and a floating material recovery tank 4 for recovering a floating material. Thus, it is possible to prevent any deterioration of filtration performance caused by filtered and separated impurities, and to achieve both of filtration and specific gravity difference separation by a single device.

Abstract: A skimmer and filter unit for use with a body of water. A tank portion of the unit defines an interior skimmer chamber, one or more ultraviolet light chambers, filter chamber, and pump chamber. Water is received through a pivoting weir door of a skimmer faceplate assembly affixed to the tank portion. Water is directed downward from the weir opening to a skimmer basket, then through unidirectional ports defined in a lower portion of a partitioning wall to one or more ultraviolet light chambers where it is subjected to ultraviolet light. After being subjected to ultraviolet light, the water is passed through a filter chamber then to a pump chamber where it is pumped away from the skimmer and filter unit. An interlocking lid is secured to the tank portion to seal the interior of the tank portion and protect the tank from deformation caused by the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a container, a cover attached on top of the container having a space communicating with an inlet opening and a chamber of the container, and a filter screen received in the container for filtering the fluid from the inlet opening to the chamber of the container. The filter screen includes an upper peripheral flange having a peripheral wall or a peripheral flap for making an excellent seal between the container and the cover. The space of the cover includes a changing volume for decreasing the flowing speed of the fluid.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a top-emptying bailer has a cylindrical filter positioned within a hollow interior of the bailer. A bottom, leading end of the filter is capped by an imperforate bottom fitting having an insert that fits into the hollow interior of the filter. The top, trailing end of the filter receives a cylindrical insert that together with the imperforate bottom fitting insert helps hold the filter open as liquid fluid flows into it. The filter is preferably formed of polypropylene. The bailer is inverted so that liquid fluid in the hollow interior of the bailer is constrained to flow through the filter before it exits the trailing end of the bailer. In a second embodiment, the filter is positioned at the leading end of the bailer and the bailer is emptied from the bottom.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering drill bit cuttings, shavings, and other abrasive articles from a drilling mud that is passed through an oil or gas well drilling system is provided that includes an overhead drilling system, a drill string connected to the overhead drilling system, and a mud filter for filtering the drilling mud, wherein the mud filter is disposed within a drilling mud fluid passageway that extends from the entry point of the drilling mud into the overhead drilling system and the entry point of the drilling mud into the drill string.

Abstract: A filter element includes a bag ring which is snap fitted into the filter vessel sidewall and retains both the filter element and a filter basket in the desired location in the vessel until removed.

Abstract: A basket that is used in a pool cleaning system includes a flap that is biased closed and is opened against the bias by water flowing into the basket. When a pump drawing water out of a pool moves water through the basket, debris in the water is trapped in the basket. However, when the pump is shut off, any back flow of water associated with the pump shut off will not cause debris to move out of the basket because the flap will be shut by the bias and the backward movement of water.

Abstract: A conduit has a first end and interior and exterior surfaces extending downstream from the first end. A strainer has a first end and a second end. An upstream portion of the strainer is positioned engaging a projection on the interior surface of the conduit to resist downstream shifting of the strainer. A strainer body extends at least partially downstream of the upstream portion. The apparatus may be used as a strainer/coupler and may be used to filter water in a chiller apparatus.

Abstract: This unit includes: at least one receptacle formed to extend directly from the bottom of a filtration compartment, delimiting a peripheral space in which a pipeline is formed. Two spacer webs link the receptacle to the interior of the compartment over the entire height of the said receptacle, thus delimiting the pipeline. The bottom has an opening for communication with the pipeline and an upper end of the pipeline fits onto a connector to a suction intake of a pump.

Abstract: A pump and filtration system for a pond or pool. The filtration mechanism has a collapsible bag in which dirty water is forced through it from one direction in order to clean the water while cleaning water is forced through the bag in the opposite direction in order to clean the filter bag. The filter bag is positioned in a housing and separated from the walls of the housing by a mesh or screen-type member. A tapered nozzle (water jet member) is used to increase the flow of the water entering the flotation unit. A tubular member is lowered through the housing in order to clean contaminants from the collapsible filter bag. The dirty water is directed to a flower bed or the like.

Abstract: A pump and filtration system for a pond or pool. The filtration mechanism has a filter member in which water with suspended solids in it is forced through the filter member to clean the water. The filter member is positioned in a housing and separated from the walls of the housing by a screen-type separation member. A water jet member increases the flow of the water entering the housing. The filter member is cleaned and solids are flushed from the housing in a backflush procedure.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, back-washable filter apparatus and method for use with a pumping apparatus which is lowered into a well casing. The filter apparatus includes a filter basket having a manifold with several tubes extending therefrom. A filter sock encases at least a portion of the filter basket to block sand or other solid particles from entry into the pump intake. Pressurized gas or fluid is directed to the manifold and then through perforations or jets distributed along the length of the tubes. Bursts of the pressurized gas are directed from the perforations or jets to the interior of the filter apparatus and then sprayed from the perforations or jets in an outwardly direction against interior surfaces of the filter sock. Air or fluid bursts from the perforations impinge upon the interior surfaces of the filter sock and dislodge or expel entrapped particulate material.

Abstract: A disposable net assembly is provided for a trap for collecting floatable debris in a waterway or combined sewer system. The net assembly includes a knitted bag-shaped mesh net having a frame surrounding the mouth of the net with the net secured around its rim to the frame. The net may be formed of an inner layer and an outer layer of mesh with the openings of the inner layer being substantially larger than the openings of the outer layer. The frame may be formed of a plastic molded material having side members tapered in the vertical direction to facilitate the changing of the netting assemblies and tapered in the downstream direction to lock into place under the force of the flow. Several embodiments of the frame members have projections thereon which cooperate with a clamping element to hold the net to the frame. Some embodiments of the members have parts that lock together with a post and hole construction while others employ a tension band to clamp the net to the projections on the frame.

Abstract: Filtration method and device for filtering solid contaminants from a stream of a flowing fluid such as internal combustion engine intake air. An imperforate housing has a tubular inlet exiting at its downstream end into a conically divergent first wall section terminating in a maximum diameter apex. A convergent second wall section terminates at a housing outlet opening of greater diameter than that of the housing inlet. A perforate filter element disposed within the housing conical portions has an exterior configuration generally complimental to the housing interior, and thus has a first generally conical divergent section, and a second generally conical downstream section convergent from a maximum diameter apex of the filter element and defining the filter device outlet. The housing and filter element define therebetween first and second frustoconical annular fluid flow chambers of successively diminishing cross-sectional radial thickness in the direction of downstream fluid flow.