Abstract: A filter constructed of sections of plastic pipe reinforced by plastic bands glued to the pipe to increase the wall thickness at strategic locations and increase the surface area adjacent seals between the canister components. An encircling steel ring cooperates with a shoulder provided by one band for clamping three seals with one clamp. A second similar ring and band clamps a fourth seal. All seal clamps are of steel construction and are not exposed to corrosive fluid entering the filter. Commercially available stainless steel Helicoil thread inserts are utilized in holes through plastic material to afford greater strength and longevity for the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a housing for a disk of filter material. The housing includes two disk-shaped parts. One of the housing parts includes a radially-inwardly facing cylindrical surface for locating a filter disk. The other housing part includes a radially-outwardly facing cylindrical surface. The two cylindrical surfaces telescope together during assembly and serve to locate the housing parts relative to one another in directions parallel to the general plane of a filter disk in the housing. The radially inwardly facing cylindrical surface serves to locate a filter disk during assemble. Radially inwardly of the cylindrical surfaces is resilient means for engaging and squeezing the annular peripheral margin of the filter disk for at least partially preventing material being filtered passing radially outwardly of the filter disk and for totally preventing material bypassing the filter disk.

Abstract: A dissolution cell for determining the kinetics of dissolution of a solid substance in a particular liquid, includes (a) a housing receptacle having a closed bottom end and an open top end, an interior of such receptacle defining (i) a lowermost upwardly diverging conical zone provided with liquid inlet means extending from a tip of the conical zone through the bottom end of the receptacle, (ii) a first essentially cylindrical zone surmounting the conical zone and (iii) a second essentially cylindrical zone surmounting the first essentially cylindrical zone, having a cross-sectional diameter greater than that of the first essentially cylindrical zone and being in communicating relationship therewith, such conical zone (i) and such first essentially cylindrical zone (ii) defining a chamber for the dissolution of a solid substance in a liquid solvent, (b) a closure leak-proofedly secured to the open end of the receptacle and provided with a solute outlet means, and (c) filtration means secured between such clos

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration process for the removal of undesired substances from dry cleaning fluids. Illustratively, a cylindrically-shaped batt of a long-fiber synthetic washable fabric filter is attached to a spoke-like rigid frame and the fabric-frame assembly is placed into a filter housing having a fluid collecting center rod. Contaminated dry cleaning fluid is introduced to the housing, passed inwardly through the fabric, and a contaminant free permeate is collected by the fluid collecting center rod.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter assembly for filtering contaminants from first and second fluid sources. The filter assembly includes front and rear portions having front and rear apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The filter assembly also includes a web portion for spacing longitudinally the front and rear portions and having a filter orifice extending therethrough for allowing fluid flow between the front and rear apertures. The front and rear portions include means forming a filter disposed in each of the front and rear apertures for filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the front and rear apertures.

Abstract: To fasten filter covering (4) of a drainage element (2) for a fruit press, rod-shaped, flexible core (3) of drainage element (2) carries an elastic sleeve (11) on its end. Filter covering (4) is pulled over sleeve (11) and is held by an O-ring (13) in a annular slot (14) of sleeve (11). The end of drainage element (2) is detachably fastened in a holder (6) that is placed in container wall (5) of the fruit press to be axially immovable and that overlaps filter covering (4) and O-ring (13). During pulling action on filter covering (4) in the direction of arrow (17), annular slot (14) and O-ring (13) are deformed so that O-ring (13) acts as a wedge and solidly braces filter covering (4) against sleeve (11).

Abstract: A filter device for use in a domestic or office water supply system is provided. The device includes a container having an enclosed cavity, and includes a filter unit disposed in the cavity. The device is a two-stage device having a first radial flow filter subassembly and a second axial flow filter subassembly. The radial flow subassembly includes a radially inner perforated tube, a carbon block cylinder over the tube, prefilter cylinders over the carbon block cylinder, and a screen-like wrap layer over the radially outer second prefilter cylinder. The axial flow subassembly has a plurality of axial filter fiber tubes which have a support header wall. The header wall is mounted in a cup-shaped member. The cup-shaped member has a plurality of outlet passage slots at the closed end thereof and supports the header wall at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A method for filtering a whole blood sample using a filter element constructed and arranged to block the passage of fibrous and particulate matter which may be present in a liquid sample, such as a whole blood sample, while allowing the blood cells to pass is disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter element is part of an in-line filter assembly which assembly may include two complementary mating components. One component may take the form of a coupling provided with a male threaded portion adapted to be received into and engage the female threaded portion of the complementary mating component. This complementary mating component may be another coupling or an analysis system component, such as a valve. Each complementary mating component is adapted to receive a liquid sample carrying conduit therethrough. The coupling is also adapted to receive a filter mount which holds a filter element constructed and arranged as discussed hereinabove.

Abstract: A device for removing free fatty acids from cooking oil is formed by a pair of superposed reservoirs having a screen and filter pad provided partition dividing the reservoirs from each other through which the cooking is forced from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir by air pressure. A powder commingled with the oil prior to the filtering step is trapped with free fatty acids on the filter pad.

Abstract: A container having a longitudinal passage is provided with a filter for collecting thereon cellular components having a particle size range of 5 microns or greater. Where the cellular components are to be harvested from a hostile environment such as voided urine specimen, the hostile environment is discharged, after passing through the filter, from the container through one end thereof to separate the cells from the hostile environment as soon as possible. The cellular components harvested on the filter are washed with a suitable media such as a saline solution and a nutrient preservative media, or fixative, such as by way of example formaldehyde is added to the container to assist in stabilizing the harvested cellular components on the filter. Where the cellular components are harvested from a hostile environment, a suitable closure may be added to one end of the container to close off the longitudinal passage before the preserving media is added.

Abstract: A double filtering filter for lubricating oil of internal combustion engines of motor vehicles comprises a cylindrical housing containing a rough filtering cartridge and a superimposed fine filtering cartridge, both in form of cylindrical sleeves and fitted over a tube extending within the rough filtering cartridge from a cover of said housing. A cover is provided with a plurality of peripheral inlet holes for the oil to be filtered, an axial hole for the outlet of the roughly filtered lubricant, and an intermediate radial hole for the outlet of the finely filtered lubricant. The filter further comprises an annular seal gasket on the tube between said two cartridges, and a pair of annular seal gaskets on the cover, one gasket being positioned outside said plurality of peripheral holes for the inlet of the lubricating oil, and the other gasket being positioned between said eccentric outlet hole and said axial outlet hole.

Abstract: A steering force control apparatus for a power steering system includes a hydraulic path, a branch path, and a cylindrical filter. The hydraulic path extends from a pump to a power steering side. The branch path has one end open to a wall midway along the hydraulic path and extends to a hydraulic reaction mechanism. The cylindrical filter is adjacent to the wall of the hydraulic path and has a mesh portion for filtering a pressurized oil. The mesh portion is formed at a portion of the cylindrical filter at which the hydraulic path communicates with the branch path. The portion of the filter at which the hydraulic path communicates with the branch path has a tapered stepped portion mechanically formed at the downstream side of the branch path. The cylindrical filter has upper and lower ring frame members to be fitted in the hydraulic path. The lower ring frame member is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than that of the upper ring frame member.

Abstract: A fluid power apparatus (10) includes a power piston (40) dividing a working chamber (18) from a first chamber (16), the power piston (40) biased toward a rest position by a spring (17) and the piston (40) displaced by means of restricting fluid flow between the working chamber (18) and first chamber (16). In order to keep contaminants from entering the first chamber (16), a collapsible filter (80) is disposed about a piston rod (13) of the power pistion (40), the filter (80) having at an end cap (88) with a central opening (91) through which extends the piston rod (13) and at an opposite end member (98) a flange (95) which serves as a seat (97) for the spring (17). The end member (98) seats sealingly against the power piston (40) while the end cap (88) has a sealing mechanism (92) about the periphery of the central opening (91) to provide sealing between the end cap (88) and input rod (13).

Abstract: A fluid filter of the bag type that has a rotatable agitator means mounted within the filter chamber.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a filter element and a stop valve, both incorporated in a body thereof. By means of an engagement, the stop valve is coupled with a cap which is fitted to a body of the filter apparatus by thread-engagement. When the cap is removed from the body for replacement of the filter element, the stop valve rotates together with the cap to close an inlet port of the filter apparatus. On the other hand, when the cap is fitted to the filter apparatus, the stop valve directs the fluid into the filter apparatus since an opening provided in the stop valve coincides with the inlet port because of rotation of the stop valve.

Abstract: A fuel monitor assembly for use in testing the contamination level of a fuel sample is disclosed, including a housing having a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet, and a fuel filter capsule disposed within the housing. The filter capsule includes an inlet half and an outlet half, wherein the halves interfit to retain a membrane filter therebetween. The inlet half of the filter capsule is integrally formed with an inlet dispersion structure that radially disperses an incoming stream of fuel so as to equalize the pressure across the face of the membrane filter, thereby resulting in even distribution of contaminant particulates deposited on the membrane filter. The outlet half of the filter capsule is integrally formed with a recessed, radially symmetric grid configuration that channels fuel passing through the membrane filter to the fuel outlet, and also encourages equal pressure distribution across the face of the membrane filter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filtering apparatus is provided comprising a body with an inner filtering basket communicating with an intake duct for the product to be filtered and a drain for discharging waste and forming, with the body, a peripheral space communicating with an outlet duct for the filtrate. Rotary scrapers clean the inside of the basket. The peripheral space communicates with the filtrate outlet duct through an annular restriction.

Abstract: Devices for the depletion of leukocytes in blood products, preferably comprising an upstream porous element including means for removal of gels, at least one intermediate porous element including means for removal of microaggregates, and a downstream element including means for removal of leukocytes by both adsorption and filtration, preferably with at least one of the elements having been modified to a CWST in excess of 53 dynes/cm.

Abstract: A portable water treatment apparatus utilizing a cylindrical filter module having a spirally wound semipermeable membrane assembly includes interior upper and lower O-ring seals and an outer brine seal, all of which may be assembled without any potentially damaging movement between the seals and the respective interfacing surfaces in contact with the seals. Each of the O-ring seals is disposed between an annular shoulder on one interfacing part and a frustoconical surface on the other part such that a sealing compression is the only movement imposed on the O-ring. The brine seal, comprising a strip of adhesive-coated tape, is attached after the filter module has been placed in the housing such that it is in its final sealing position and is undisturbed by any subsequent assembly step.

Abstract: A filter structure including inlet and outlet members between which is sandwiched a suitable filtration media, such as activated carbon and mechanical filters, either being taken alone or in combination with one another. The upper inlet member is provided with substantially circular arrays of openings being arranged at spaced intervals about imaginary circles of different diameters and having a common center. The openings further removed from the common center of the imaginary circles are of greater diameter. The surface in which the openings are provided tapers downwardly and outwardly from the aforementioned common center causing liquid deposited thereon to seek passage through the openings furthest removed from the aforesaid common center. The second, lower member is provided with three (3) sets of arrays similar to that provided in the upper inlet member.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a filter assembly comprising a manifold, a filter housing, a hollow, generally cylindrical filter element disposed within the filter housing, and a mounting ring operatively associated with the manifold and the filter housing for detachably mounting the filter housing to the manifold. The manifold includes first and second ports. The filter housing includes a side wall and an end wall having first and second spaced openings and a bore. The filter element is spaced from the side wall of the filter housing and includes and end cap. The end cap is disposed in the bore of the end wall of the filter housing and has an opening which communicates with the interior of the hollow filter element.

Abstract: An orifice assembly for use in connection with diffusion cells for the percutaneous absorption of fluids which is composed of a pair of resiliant and mating members having structure for securely retaining a flexible membrane therebetween in a predetermined and fluid tight relationship with each other and the diffusion cells.

Abstract: Presented is an axial reverse flow by-pass filter assembly for fluids, such as lubricating oils and fuels, which cooperates with a full-flow filter to remove contaminants from lubricating oil and fuel. The filter assembly includes a base member cooperating with a cover member to enclose a filter element formed from a spirally wound roll of tissue paper. Oil or fuel is forced by the construction of the assembly to first flow upwardly through the central core of the filter element, then flow radially outwardly across the entire annular end of the roll of tissue paper, and then while being filtered, reverses its flow and flows downwardly between the plies of tissue paper and through a densely compacted zone of the tissue paper where even micro-sized solid contaminants are removed from the oil or fuel before it passes from the filter assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fluid filter of the bag type that has a rotatable agitator means mounted within the filter chamber.

Abstract: A filter (51) for liquids comprises a filter vat (52) having an inlet orifice (60) for the liquid to be filtered, an outlet orifice (58) for the filtrate, and an evacuation orifice (66) for solid particles, together with filter elements comprising filter medium cloths disposed vertically around filter leaves (18) inside said vat between said inlet and outlet orifices. Said cloths (12) are in the shape of elongate pockets (16) threaded freely over said leaves (18), said leaves being provided with longitudinal drainage channels (32), said pockets having openings (19) in communication with said outlet orifice (58), and said filter leaves (18) being suspended beneath supports (20) which are fixed inside said vat (52), with said leaves being free to rock sideways from their supports.

Abstract: A separator (1; 51) including a solution reservoir (3; 53) having a solution chamber (3a; 53a) for putting therein a solution, a membrane support base (4; 54) joined to the solution reservoir, an ultrafiltration-oriented filtering membrane (5; 55) held between the solution reservoir and the support base, and a filtrate cup (2) attached to the support base, in which the solution reservoir and the support base are each respectively made of a thermoplastic material, wherein the solution reservoir is ultrasonically welded to the support base at a part (3b; 53b) thereof spaced apart by a predetermined distance (l.sub.1 ; l.sub.2) from the filtering membrane.

Abstract: A method for separating plasma from red blood cells and a device utilizing the method in which a low-pressure filter is interposed in a pathway between an inlet port and a reaction area. The sole driving force for the movement of plasma from the filter to the reaction area is capillary force provided by a tubular capillary. The filter is selected from glass microfiber filters of specified characteristics, which can operate in the absence of agglutinins, and filters capable of separating agglutinated red cells from a plasma, which require the use of an agglutinin.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for clarifying liquids or gases includes a tank having a rigid horizontally disposed tube sheet contained therein for supporting a plurality of elongate tube filter elements. Each tube filter has an enlarged hub at one end configured with an exterior annular beveled surface. The tube sheet has apertures through which the tube filters extend and each aperture is configured with an interior annular beveled surface serving to cooperate with the beveled surface of a tube filter and prevent its downward movement within the tank. A gasket is interposed between the beveled surfaces of the tube sheet aperture and tube filter, and pins extend at an angle through the tube sheet into the hub of each filter for securing the filters in compressed engagement with the gaskets. The arrangement of the beveled surfaces and pins is such that the filter tubes remain sealed to the tube sheet regardless of the effects of differing coefficients of thermal expansion as between the filter tubes and tube sheet.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device employs a removably insertable filter element which must be positioned within the device in order to avoid an indicator signal thereby alerting the user to inadvertant use of the filtering device without the filter element. The device generally includes a filter housing and rotatably securable filter head having inlet, outlet and bypass fluid passageways. The filtering structure includes a tubular filter element attached to a concave plate having the seal secured to the outer rim thereof. The concave plate includes a central opening which allows fluid communication between one fluid passageway and the inner chamber of the filter element and a plurality of peripherally disposed openings which permit fluid communication between the other fluid passageway and the outer housing chamber.

Abstract: A semi-permeable membrane structure that is particularly adapted for plasmapheresis includes a frame having two tubes each forming an internal conduit opening inside the frame, and a membrane on either side of the frame, each membrane being mounted with its periphery disposed on the frame. Two external rigid plates each having a suitable support for a membrane on its internal face clamp the frame and membrane between themselves. Appropriate structure is provided for keeping the two rigid plates fixed to one another and thereby maintaining the spatial relationship of the frame, membranes and plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved diagnostic device for analyte assay which has a cylindrical body portion and a removably attached cap. The cap has a liquid inlet extending into the cylindrical body portion and has a conical shaped portion leading to a liquid discharge aperture formed therein. A pre-filter may be formed either in the liquid inlet or in a pre-filter container which can be used with the device. The pre-filter container has a substantially cylindrical body which conforms to and can be inserted in the liquid inlet forming part of the removable cap. The container has an open upper end and an associated removable closure, a bottom end sealed with a frangible material and, if desired, a pre-filter positioned in the container between the upper and lower ends.

Abstract: A specimen trap has first and second fluid chambers, an inlet tube for introducing fluid from the body into the first chamber, the walls of the trap defining a port substantially larger than the flow cross-section of the inlet tube for flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber, and an outlet tube for removing fluid from the second chamber. The outlet tube projects into the second chamber and terminates therewithin at a position spaced from the walls of the chamber. When the chamber is turned to a position with outlet tube down, the outlet tube projection defines, with the second chamber, a fluid retaining volume in which a pre-selected minimum volume of collected fluid specimen is retained. A filter is disposed across the port to filter fluid flowing therethrough, and is supported at a position spaced from the outer walls defining the second chamber to inhibit back-flow of fluid through the filter that could resuspend the collected particles despite change in trap orientation.

Abstract: A filter apparatus including a housing and a filter member retainable therein. The filter apparatus is adapted to be securable at a variety of positions relative to the housing. A wedging mechanism is provided whereby, when the filter element is placed in a desired location relative to the housing, the wedging mechanism may be engaged, thereby not only securing the filter member into position, but also preferrably forming an occlusive seal between the filter element and the housing. Fluid is introduced into the filter apparatus by first side of the filter element and is allowed to exit the filter apparatus from a second side of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter comprises a housing and a filter body including a plurality of grooved filter discs supported in stacked relation on a plurality of rods extending longitudinally of the housing, the rods being supported at their opposite ends by the housing and being disposed in an array around the housing longitudinal axis with spaces between the rods to provide large passageways for the flow of the fluid. The filter further includes a stack--removing member disposed at one end of the filter discs, and a handle to facilitate drawing the filter discs out of the housing, when opened for cleaning purposes, without breaking the stack.

Abstract: A device for recovering cleaning particles from a liquid stream after it has traversed a heat exchanger, comprises a pivotable inclined sieve and a baffle plate upstream of an outlet and the lower edge of the sieve for generating between the plate and the sieve a vortical flow which induces the particles to flow downwardly along the sieve to the outlet.

Abstract: A reusable laboratory filter unit having a recoverable filter member. The unit has an upper body or reservoir for receiving the liquid to be filtered and a lower body or receptacle for receiving filtrate. A plate for supporting the filter membrane is captured between the upper and lower bodies when the bodies are joined together. A threaded ring arrangement draws the bodies together axially without rotating one with respect to the other so the membrane is not subjected to any twisting force. Separation of the bodies exposes the support plate so it can be easily removed to recover the membrane.

Abstract: A small micron filter unit comprising a main body connector unit, a single structure filter element, and an adapter unit for complementary engagement with the connector and for receiving and holding the single filter element. Preferably, the adapter unit is of soft material, such as flexible PVC, which allows the adapter unit to expand and receive a ring with ridge of the single filter element within a recess thereof. The ridge on the external circumference of the filter element ring forms a resilient indent in the flexible PVC material of the adapter. The compressive force exerted by the adapter around the filter ring functions to securely retain it in place and also forms a fluid and air axial seal. After assembly of the adapter unit within the connector body unit, an overall leakproof component filter device is formed.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a fluid filter element having at least one annular sealing member of neoprene or similar material which is sufficiently flexible to be flexed under pressure out of its radial disposition when the filter element is inserted in an appropriate holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for testing a specimen comprising a liquid input means having a receiving inlet and a discharge aperture, filter means positioned below the input means having at least one reaction zone for receiving liquid from the input means and at least one peripheral zone associated with the at least one reaction zone, absorbent means associated with only the peripheral zone of the filter means, and retainer means for holding the filter means in position below the liquid input means such that the at least one reaction zone receives liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A device filters impurities such as iron oxides contained in a water supply. The device includes a container having an open top end, a filter assembly housed in the container and a lid member closed over the open top end of the container. The container is partitioned into an intake chamber, a discharge chamber and an overflow passage. The lid member includes an adjusting member in contact with the filter assembly to adjust and maintain the filter assembly at a correct position within the container. The filter assembly also includes a handle member to enable a user to remove and reinsert the filter assembly from and into the container, respectively.

Abstract: A box-like structure which receives effluent from a septic tank which enters the structure above a removable horizontal screen which screens out larger sized solids. A settling chamber below the screen permits smaller solids to precipitate out of the effluent. A series of outlets are in each side wall of the box-like structure and are located so as to discharge effluent from the top of the settling chamber.

Abstract: A disposable filtration unit having a breakaway reservoir to facilitate recovery of the filter membrane.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a hollow, T-shaped body, the upper portion of the "T" defining a fluid flow path and the lower portion of the "T" defining a filter housing portion. A baffle plate is positioned in the "T" to direct fluid into a filter element retained within the filter housing portion of the housing. A first end of the filter element extends into an aperture in the baffle plate and is retained thereby. A second end of the filter element is coupled to a base, a portion of which extends externally to the housing. The externally extending portion of the base may contain data regarding the filter element. An aligning pin and alignment tab for such externally extending portion of said base may be provided to facilitate assembly of the filter apparatus.

Abstract: A vessel for immersion of cartridge-type filter media in a cleaning fluid. The vessel conforms to the external periphery of the cartridge-type filter media thereby minimizing the amount of cleaning fluid required to immerse the cartridge-type filter media. The vessel also features an automatic centering device which locates the cartridge-type filter media within the vessel thereby assuring uniform exposure of the cartridge-type filter media to the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A multiple-disc type fluid filter is described wherein the housing includes an outer tubular section, and an inner section having two tubular members with an end plate at one end of one tubular member and securable to an open end of the outer housing section. The two tubular members of the inner housing section include ribs for supporting the filter discs. The end plate and the tubular member to which it is secured are open and constitute one of the filter ports, e.g. the inlet port, and the opposite end of the same tubular member is closed and terminates short of the outer housing section. The second tubular member, which is longitudinally spaced from the closed end of the first tubular member, constitutes the other filter port, e.g. outlet port. The stack of filter discs are all of substantially the same uniform thickness, but there are included a plurality of further discs of non-uniform thickness such as to correct the accumulation of non-uniformities in the latter discs.

Abstract: A filter apparatus including a housing and a filter member retainable therein. The filter apparatus is adapted to be securable at a variety of positions relative to the housing. A wedging mechanism is provided whereby, when the filter element is placed in a desired location relative to the housing, the wedging mechanism may be engaged, thereby not only securing the filter member into position, but also preferrably forming an occlusive seal between the filter element and the housing. Fluid is introduced into the filter apparatus by first side of the filter element and is allowed to exit the filter apparatus from a second side of the filter element.

Abstract: A testing tube comprises a glass tube having breakable tips at each end which may be broken to facilitate the passage of gas to be tested through the tube. The tube is separated by a plurality of mounting elements for resilient discs into a plurality of separate chambers which includes a chamber having a breakable ampule therein and a chamber having a layer of reaction material therein. In addition, the test tube contains a filter element which is located between two adjacent chambers. The filter element comprises a tubular ring member which is insertable in the glass tube and has an outwardly flaring end adjacent one end which bears tightly against the walls of the tube and permits the insertion of a filter disc into the flaring end so that it rests against a support ledge in the bore of the ring member. The filter is held by a cover portion which includes a resilient ring having a bead which engages into a groove defined in the bore overlying the ledge.

Abstract: A fluid filter having a housing with an inlet and an outlet and a filter cartridge disposed in the housing and comprising a generally tubular filter element confined between endcaps at each end thereof. One end cap is closed and the other end cap has a nipple-like extension with an opening therethrough communicating the interior of the tubular filter with the outlet. The extension is telescopically received by a generally mating socket in the housing and is both axially and circumferentially sealed to the socket, with the circumferential sealing being maintained over a limited range of travel of the filter cartridge relative to the housing. A spring urges the extension toward the axially sealed condition in the socket and a perforated cylinder interposed between the one end cap and the housing precludes the filter cartridge from travelling a distance sufficient to break the circumferential seal between the extension and the socket in the event the flow of fluid through the filter is reversed.

Abstract: An improvement in a membrane cartridge for insertion into a pressure-resistant container and having a central passageway holding a permeate collection tube. A cartridge is formed, at least in part, by a spiral winding of a laminate leaf comprising semipermeable membrane sheet material, permeate transfer sheet material, and porous grid sheet material. An extension on the leaf of the porous grid material is of sufficient length to encompass the circumference of the cartridge when the cartridge is positioned inside the container. The cartridge may have an outer wrapping of water-soluble sheet material.

Abstract: A low-cost, mass-produced oil purifier of plastic, utilizing reverse internal currents to remove impurities, has a sealed housing with upper and lower parts that interfit. The lower housing part has a circular base and a central, upright standpipe open at top and bottom, that is provided with exterior ledges at different levels on which perforated discs are supported. The upper housing part comprises an inverted shell fitted to the base of the lower part, and having an inverted cup depending from its top wall and surrounding the top of the standpipe. At one side of the inverted cup is an oil inlet on the upper housing part. The top perforated disk imparts a swirl to the incoming oil, which passes downward through the disks to a settling chamber at the bottom, and then in a purified state upward through the disks again to the open top of the standpipe, thence down through the standpipe and out at the bottom of the latter.