Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the conversion of substrates both for analytical and preparative purposes in a flow-through and cross-flow reactor having compact porous discs and/or compact porous tubes as carrier for conversion reaction or preparative separations which compact porous discs and/or compact porous tubes are modified with substances being capable of specifically binding and/or converting said substrates by distributing the samples to be converted and/or preparatively separated and collecting the converted and/or separated substrates preferably in a low volume, wherein the distribution of the sample does not affect the carrier adversely.

Abstract: A filtering method and apparatus for continuously filtering a polymeric melt, which includes a plurality of filter chambers which are arranged in a melt flow path parallel to one another. Also, an intermediate filter is arranged parallel to the filter chambers. When one of the filter chambers is disconnected for the purpose of cleaning or replacing the filter element therein, the intermediate filter is connected synchronously in the melt flow path and, after the filter chamber is cleaned, or the filter element is exchanged, the flow is switched back through the filter chamber, and the intermediate filter is again disconnected.

Abstract: A fluid filter has separable upper and lower housing portions releasably joined in assembled relation wherein the lower housing portion closes the open lower end of the upper housing portion to form a fluid inlet chamber in the upper portion communicating with an unfiltered fluid inlet in the lower portion, and removable filter cartridges mounted on the upper end of the lower housing portion within the fluid inlet chamber in the upper portion and internally communicating with a filtered fluid outlet in the lower portion. The upper housing portion is separable from the lower housing portion to uncover the full lengths of the filter cartridges in a manner which facilitates periodic removal and replacement of the cartridges for cleaning or replacement of damaged cartridges and permits close inspection of the sealed ends of the cartridges to assure proper sealing of replaced cartridges to the lower housing portion prior to reassembly of the housing portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous, portable dredging system that employs a series of screens and gravity separation devices with flocculation to remove sediments from the dredged slurry. The system produces a treated water stream having low solids content and a recovered solids product having a low water content.

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 blood inlet manifold is provided for connection to a first end of a blood heat exchanger including a plurality of hollow conduits arranged in a bundle. A plurality of first ends of the conduits terminate adjacent the first end of the blood heat exchanger and a plurality of second ends of the conduits terminate adjacent a second end of the blood heat exchanger. The blood inlet manifold includes a blood inlet nozzle having an upstream segment and a downstream segment. The upstream segment is connectable to a tube for conveying blood. The blood inlet manifold further includes a generally conical wall member connected to the downstream segment of the blood inlet nozzle and connectable to the first end of the blood heat exchanger. The connection of the blood inlet manifold to the blood heat exchanger defines a chamber between the conical wall member and the first set of ends of the conduits. An interior of the downstream segment of the blood inlet nozzle opens into this chamber.

Abstract: In a filter apparatus 1, a central filter rod 6 is arranged in the interior 14 of a filter housing 2, the diameter d of which filter rod tapers in the direction of flow of the plastic melt. On the filter rod 6 are arranged filter discs 7 which are parallel to one another and have outer and inner diameters of equal size. The filter apparatus 1 operates as a continuous-flow filter apparatus in which the plastic melt flows in via an intake 4 and flows out via an outlet 5. A filter housing wall inner surface 3 tapers in the direction of flow of the plastic melt, so that a gap width h.sub.a (x) between a filter disc outer rim 8 and the filter housing wall inner surface 3 decreases in the direction of flow of the plastic melt.

Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole fractions according to the relative-charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The apparatus having an internal cooling system allows for dissipating heat generated by the electric field of the apparatus. The internal cooling system, consisting of a plurality of cooling tubes to circulate coolant material, prevents cellular degradation typically associated with the high heat generated by the electric field and permits the use of a higher voltage gradient to shorten separation times.

Abstract: A filter apparatus includes a fluted filter element in a filter housing having a first open end and a second closed end. The filter element includes fluted filter media coiled into a cylindrical shape and may include an end cap for support and fluid control. Fluid flows into the open end and either around the filter to the closed and back through the filter element or through the filter element to the closed end and then back through a central opening in the filter element.

Abstract: A full-flow fluid filter assembly is provided including a large pore size screen disposed in series with a relatively smaller pore size screen, together with a device responsive to obstruction of the smaller pore size screen to cause substantially all of the fluid flow to pass only through the large pore size screen. The arrangement is such that during use the fluid passes through both screens and, during bypassing of the smaller pore size screen, passes through at least the larger pore size screen. The device may be a one-way valve adapted to respond to increased back pressure developed across the small pore size screen. Preferably, the small pore size screen is provided with a shield or baffle adapted to minimize direct impingement of the fluid flow on the small pore size screen with the result of entrainment of debris from the small pore size screen during bypassing of this screen.

Abstract: A multi-filter apparatus for processing ova and parasites from human and animal specimens. The filtration apparatus includes a specimen receptacle, a filter holder section and a collection receptacle. The filter holder section contains two filters, a coarse filter and a fine filter. The method for using the apparatus includes mixing a specimen with a preservation solution to form a mixture, transferring the solution to the specimen receptacle and then fractionating the mixture. After fractionation, the specimen receptacle, filter holder section and supernatant are conveniently discarded. The resulting concentrated parasite sample may be analyzed using conventional analytic techniques. The invention further includes a kit including a filtration apparatus and a preservation fluid dispenser.

Abstract: A device for dewatering suspensions such as sludge or similar dewaterable goods contains several rollers and filtering webs that follow a sinuous path around the rollers. The width of at least one pressure gap, as well as the force which is applied on the goods to be filtered in this pressure gap, may be adjusted by sliding or swivelling so that the ratio between linear pressure and surface pressure can be adapted to the properties of the goods to be dewatered. By influencing this ratio it is possible from a standard model to cover a wide range of applications by simple and economic means, so that the cost-effectiveness ratio is improved.

Abstract: The wastewater treatment unit is operable under high intermittent flow rate variations. It comprises a first clarifier in which is carried out a gravitational settling of solids and a second clarifier comprising a network of parallel plates inclined with respect to the vertical and a portion defining a collecting pit. Each plate has an upper edge positioned at a height lower than the filling level of the first clarifier to define an overflow giving access to the collecting pit. The network of plates allows to carry out a further settling of solids to create a counterflow of settled matter toward the first clarifier and a flow of clarified wastewater falling in the collecting pit. A filtering chamber is positioned above the first clarifier and comprises a filtering media supporting a biomass for digesting the organic content of the wastewater coming from the second clarifier.

Abstract: A device for filtering fluid includes a hollow housing (10) having a fluid inlet (26) and a fluid outlet (28). A filter element (50) formed of fluid permeable material is disposed within the housing (10) for filtering fluid entering the fluid inlet (26), the fluid passing through the element (50) and out the fluid outlet (28). The element has a generally cylindrical configuration with the permeable material forming a plurality of elongated, radially extending pleats (98). The pleats are supported by spacers (81) having a plurality of blades (102) attached to a web (106) with channels (104) therebetween. The element (50) is used as a septum for supporting a diatomaceous earth precoat. A regeneration piston (76) creates fluid flows within the filter that cause the element (50) to flutter, thereby displacing the diatomaceous earth precoat from the septum for regeneration.

Abstract: A filtration cassette of a type comprising filter sheets arranged in a multilaminate, peripherally bonded array, wherein the filter sheets alternate with permeate and retentate sheets. A stacked assembly of such filtration cassettes may be employed to form a stacked cassette filter. The filtration cassettes and filter of the invention may be advantageously employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a housing for a reverse osmosis filter. The housing is preferably cylindrical and features a unique sealing assembly at each of its ends. The end assemblies enable the interior of the housing to be readily accessed and securely sealed. Each end assembly can be provided with one or more inlet and/or outlet ports.

Abstract: A filter device used to remove organic and inorganic debris from a liquid stream, such as irrigation water. The device comprises a diverter tube having a plurality of apertures therein to divert a significant portion of the liquids entering the device onto a filter screen, thereby filtering out the lighter debris on the screen. A portion of the liquid flows through the diverter tube with the heavier debris entrained therein, which settles out by gravity in a dead water zone at the lowermost end of the device. A flush valve can be opened, permitting the heavier debris to be swept out, and back-flushing the lighter debris off of the filter screen.

Abstract: A transition manifold is provided for use in association with the upper end of a generally cylindrical heat exchanger fiber bundle having a plurality of vertically extending conduits with open upper ends terminating in substantially co-planar fashion. The transition manifold is specially configured for redirecting blood flowing out of the upper end of the heat exchanger fiber bundle radially outwardly around the fibers of a concentric, surrounding oxygenator fiber bundle. The transition manifold includes a generally conical wall member defining a surface which extends at a relatively flat angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to a vertical central axis of the heat exchanger fiber bundle. The surface of the conical wall member diverges away from the upper end of the heat exchanger fiber bundle in a direction moving radially outwardly from the central axis.

Abstract: A process and device for the filtration of solid-liquid mixtures, in particular, solid-liquid suspensions with readily sedimenting substances, uses a filtration device such as a rotary filter optionally operating at an overpressure and in a pressure vessel. The process primarily comprises producing a movement in addition to the natural or usual filtration movement of the or in the mixture. Conveniently, a filtration device and, in particular, with rotary filters in a pressure vessel, includes a partly open feeding device, in particular, a feeding pipe for the supply of mixture or suspension, and a device for additionally influencing the natural or usual filtration movement of or in the mixture or suspension for generating an additional flow of the mixture.

Abstract: A filter for treating liquids comprises an elongate housing having a liquid inlet port, an outlet port for concentrated liquid and a permeate discharge port. Extending through the housing is a parallel array of filter tubes, each having a permeable wall so that permeate passes into a common chamber defined by the housing. Manifold members, located at each end of the housing, are provided with channel means which communicate with the ends of the tubes. In use, the channel means direct the liquid along at least three passes through the tubes, the volume of liquid being reduced between the first and final passes so as to maintain the desired flow velocity. Each pass comprises a group of tubes, and the liquid may pass through seven or eleven groups of tubes.

Abstract: A flow inverter element is configured as a molded component having both axial passages and radial passages, which passages are physically isolated from one another. The axial passages communicate with an annular chamber which opens to a series of inlet ports in the end plate of the housing while the radially extending passages communicate with a cylindrical chamber aligned with a central output port in the end of the housing.

Abstract: A fluid filter which comprises a canister having an open end and a closed end, the canister sealing to an adapter body to prevent leakage between the canister and the adapter body, the adapter body having a plurality of angled fluid inlet ports extending through the adapter assembly body into the cavity formed by the canister and the adapter body assembly, a threaded fluid outlet port extending through the adapter body, a threaded ring adapter for adapting the outlet port to a variety of filter receptacles, a multistage wire mesh filter element having a weave which is designed to prevent fluid contaminants from passing through the filter element while inhibiting the contaminant particles from becoming lodged in the filter mesh, the fluid inlet ports in the adapter body being formed at an angle to create a tornado type turbine fluid motion within the canister to suspend contaminants which are blocked from passage through the screen in the fluid and allow such contaminants to settle in the canister out of the f

Abstract: An intravenous filter device comprises a filter housing having a front side, a back side, a first end, a second end, an inlet and an outlet, the housing containing a hydrophilic filtration media and defining a flow path such that intravenous fluid entering the housing through the inlet passes through the filtration media before passing out of the housing through the outlet. Inlet and outlet tubing connectors, both preferably attached to the front side of the filter housing, form, respectively, the housing inlet and outlet. In the preferred embodiment the connectors are raised above the front side or the housing such that tubing connected to the connectors does not intersect the front side of the housing. At least one vent hole in the housing provides a passageway for gas to escape from the housing, the vent hole being preferably open to the front side of the housing.

Abstract: A filtering device for use in a washing machine is disclosed. The filtering device has a filtering web disposed so that a planar direction thereof is equal with a flowing direction of the washing water in the pipe in which washing water circulates, and many ribs disposed on the filtering web to form a lattice. Longitudinal directions of the ribs have a predetermined angle against the flowing direction of the washing water. The washing water flowing in the pipe during a draining operation is guided toward the edge areas of the filtering web, so it is distributed to be in uniform contact with the filtering web. The dirt having been adhered to the filtering web during the washing operation is efficiently removed by the washing water guided by the ribs during the draining operation.

Abstract: The invention is a spin-on type filter with a reclaimed permanent filter casing and permanent filtering mediums that are washable and reusable. There are three distinct progressive filtering systems that function simultaneously, but separately within one filter housing; one is the full flow filtering at 10 micron capability while the other is in its by-pass fine filtering mode at 1 to 3 micron filtering capability. In addition, a safety full flow filter can be activated to filter the return oil while the main fill flow medium is fouled. Each system can be implemented with multi mediums. The main body of the filter, which comprises the filter head and the mediums, can be separated easily for servicing from its casing which is designed to attach to the engine. Fine stainless steel cloths are being utilized as filtering mediums which can last the life of an engine. Further more, magnetic pieces are utilized to trap suspending metal filings in oil flow.

Abstract: A water-purifying device has both a strainer and water purification materials, as well as an inlet and outlet. In the preferred embodiment, the water purification materials are contained within a separable purifier housing, and a deflector extending from a support plate into a strainer housing deflects incoming water to the purification materials. The device has particular application to claimed methods of purifying water for swimming pools, spas, cooling towers, fountains and the like. The purifier housing may be an attachment to existing pump inlet strainer basket housings.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a base and cover member which together enclose a planar filter element. Each of the base and cover members has a planar face with a central overpressure opening for an overpressure valve, and a radially-extending channel extending from a port on the side of the base or cover member radially inward to the central overpressure opening. The channel is open along the surface of the planar face. According to a first embodiment, a plurality of radially-extending ribs are disposed in even, spaced-apart relation around the planar surface. The ribs define radial fluid flow paths for even distribution of fluid across the planar face, as well as support a surface of the planar filter member. According to one aspect of this embodiment, a central support rib is suspended along the open side of the channel, and is attached at its radially outer end to an outer annular frame, and at its radially inner end to a ring surrounding the central opening.

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 magnetic separation apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a flow-through vessel defining a plenum and an inlet port for introducing fluid into the plenum. A hydrodynamic damping structure is provided between the inlet port and plenum for reducing turbulence in the fluid. A mounting device is provided with a slot therein for supporting and receiving the vessel. The mounting device also supports a first array of magnets along one side of the slot and arranged adjacent one another to face the slot with alternating polarity, and a second array of magnets along the opposite side of the slot from the first array arranged adjacent one another to face the slot with alternating polarity and confronting and magnetically opposing the magnets in the first array.

Abstract: A baffle or deflector having a cone-shaped baffle. Refrigerant fluid enters through the apex and flows through the deflector toward the inner wall of a vessel in an air-conditioning system. The laminar flow of refrigerant fluid against the inner wall separates the liquid and vapor components of the refrigerant fluid. Radial openings in the deflector allow the outlet tube to pass by the deflector. The amount of refrigerant fluid used in the system can be maximized while the size of the vessel can be minimized.

Abstract: A transportable water purification unit with a reverse osmosis water purification unit (ROWPU), particularly for military use, is arranged to process municipal and other chlorinated water without damage to the reverse osmosis filtration elements. A modular transportable dechlorination device is coupled between the inlet of the ROWPU and a source of chlorinated water, such as a municipal fire hydrant, swimming pool, etc. The dechlorination device has a number of tubes mounted on a frame, at least some containing integral reticulated metallic dechlorination elements, the tubes being interconnected by quick connect removable U-fittings at their ends, whereby access is obtained to the reticulated elements, which can be in cartridges, and the order of the tubes along the flowpath can be altered. The reticulated dechlorination elements preferably comprise a Cu--Zn (brass) alloy and have a surface area to volume ratio of 200 to 500, preferably 300 to 350.

Abstract: A device for filtering fluids which is cleanable and re-usable is described. The device includes a cylindrical canister, a cylindrical lid and a filter cartridge. The device is adapted to be disposed in a fluid flow circuit, filtering particulate from the fluid circulating therein. The filter cartridge is quickly removed, cleaned and reused. The fluid enters and exits the device from the top end through fluid inlets and an outlet extending through the lid perpendicular to the lids upper planar surface, thereby reducing the amount of space required to mount the device. The fluid inlets include sloping fins that direct fluids in the filtering chamber in a spiraling action, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the filter.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus (1) to filter solid litter from stormwater. The apparatus (1) comprises an inclined filter grate (2) which is located above an outlet (4). The grate (2) extends downwardly from the inlet (3) so that litter is filtered from the stream by the grate 2, with the litter being directed towards a catchment surface (8).

Abstract: A fuel intake device (20) for a fuel system (10) having a fuel tank (14) for containing a supply of fuel (16) and an internal fuel feed line (18) which is disposed internally of the fuel tank (14) and which extends into a sump region (26) thereof. The fuel intake device (20) is characterized by a filter assembly (40) which envelopes an end portion (18.sub.E) of the internal fuel feed line (18) and which includes a lower fuel filtering portion (42) and an upper fuel bypass portion (44). The lower fuel filtering portion (42) has a plurality of fine apertures (42.sub.O) therein for facilitating a primary flow (P.sub.F) of fuel (16) therethrough and for filtering debris from the supply of fuel (16) in a normal operating mode. The upper fuel bypass portion (44) has a plurality of coarse apertures (44.sub.O) for facilitating a secondary flow (S.sub.F) of fuel therethrough in a bypass operating mode. Furthermore, the filter assembly (40) is situated about the end portion (18.sub.E) such that the inlet orifice (18.

Abstract: A dual media fuel filter which combines the functions of filtering the fuel passing from a fuel source to a lift pump, and the function of filtering the fuel passing from the lift pump to the fuel injectors. The present invention provides a fuel pump with distinct primary and secondary fuel filter cartridges which are compression loaded into a self-contained oil filter canister adapted for threaded attachment to an engine block. The primary filter cartridge is provided to filter fuel drawn under suction from a fuel source into a lift pump, and is therefore provided with a relatively coarse filtering medium to allow for adequate fuel to pass therethrough even under negative pressure and cold temperature conditions. The secondary filter cartridge is provided with a relatively fine filtering medium to filter the fuel passing from the lift pump and into the fuel injectors.

Abstract: The structure has a core which may be a strand or braid, as well as a sheath surrounding the core and defining the exchange surface. Preferred applications are for biomedical equipment such as blood oxygenators and blood purification equipment.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating magnetizable particles from a fluid is described herein. The separator includes a separating chamber having an inlet and outlet and a magnetic field generator for establishing an axial magnetic field within the separating chamber. Two or more magnetizable matrix elements are stacked axially within the chamber. A fluid distributor is provided for dividing a stream of fluid containing magnetizable particles supplied to the inlet of the chamber into two or more portions and directing each portion axially through a respective matrix element and thence to the outlet.

Abstract: A device that augments sidewall skimming of a swimming pool. The device is a substantially rectangular, hollow box with one end fitting within a sidewall skimmer and the other end protruding into the pool water. The device is made of a flexible, soft, foam-like material. The device is secured in the skimmer by inwardly deforming the end to be inserted and placing it in the skimmer where, upon release, its original shape is restored and a snug top and bottom friction fit is achieved. The sides of the device are in a loose fit within the skimmer. The device enhances sidewall skimming by channeling water along the sides of the device and into the skimmer, and by channeling water through its hollow internal cavity and into the skimmer.

Abstract: A housing system for a removable filter cartridge in an automotive lubrication system. The housing is formed of a thin-walled sheet metal drawn cylinder, with end removed, to form an elongated cylinder with both ends open. A base end has a formed metallic base secured therein by a rolled flange in the sheet metal housing. A closure end has a formed threaded ring secured to the end thereof by another rolled and swaged connection between the sheet metal and formed ring. In the preferred embodiment, the base carries permanent center tubes, and the filter cartridge is of unsupported construction, containing no metallic supports, and adapted to be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Abstract: A spiral-wound, gas-separation membrane module and a gas-separation process. The module and process provide at least partial counter-current flow between the feed and permeate gas streams without requiring a permeate sweep. The counter-current flow pattern can be achieved by appropriate placement of barriers or baffles in the feed channel. Similar modules and processes may also be used for pervaporation.

Abstract: A disc filter assembly includes a number of filter discs mounted in a vat by a horizontal shaft with an inter-disc volume between the discs. A feed mechanism is provided that makes it possible to feed the pulp suspension onto the surface of the liquid, directed toward the most concentrated pulp in the vat, in such a manner that the feed is insensitive to fluctuations of the suspension surface level in the vat. This is accomplished by feeding the suspension into the vat interior directly into each of the inter-disc volumes, as by using a chute (which may have the approximate configuration of a hollow triangular parallelepiped) for each volume. A header for supplying pulp suspension to the chutes may be mounted on or spaced from the sidewall of the vat, or above the vat.

Abstract: The fluid handling devices are capable of accurately handling substantially continuous fluid flow rates as low as about 0.01 cc/day. The devices are so miniaturized, corrosion-resistant and non-toxic that they are suitable for being implanted in the human body; and are capable of being mass produced at costs so low, by using micromachining techniques, such as etching, that they may be considered to be disposable. The devices are either passive devices which consume no electrical energy at all, or are active devices which consume very small amounts of electrical energy. The devices are reliable because they may have as few as only two parts, only one which is a moving part; and because they may handle fluids at very low pressures. The fluid handling devices include active piezoelectrically driven membrane pumps; and passive fluid flow regulators, on-off valves, flow switches and filters.

Abstract: A filter system using a filter cartridge adapted for disposal in an environmentally acceptable manner. The filter cartridge has no metal parts, and thus avoids the use of a metal center tube, or a center tube of any configuration. The housing itself carries a permanent center tube. A sealing arrangement formed between the filter cartridge and the housing provides a radial seal isolating the outer periphery of the filter cartridge from the remainder thereof. Filter and caps are in the lower pressure downstream zone, and thus any axial forces imposed on the filter place the filter media in tension to avoid the imposition of crushing loads on the unsupported filter.

Abstract: A water treatment or filtration unit is in two parts, a base and a cartridge. The base includes three ports, one of which may be selectively plugged or otherwise disabled. The cartridge contains the water treating material and is screwed into a socket in the base. Openings in the cartridge are then aligned with openings in the base to allow water to pass therethrough. Cartridges may be readily exchanged by simply unscrewing from, and screwing into, the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vertical vessel, particularly a continuous pulp digestion vessel, wherein fiber materials suspended in liquid pass downwardly past screens through which treatment liquid is withdrawn. The screens are reciprocated vertically up and down utilizing a piston and cylinder assembly. The piston moves downwardly on the pressure from a pump and returns upwardly on the influence of the interior digester pressure during normal digester operation. The positioning of the pistons on the inside of the screens provides many advantages.

Abstract: A filter for cross-flow filtration of a fluid containing suspended or emulsified substance is constructed of equally dimensioned plates. Between the plates there are passages for retentate and permeate flow. The plates have in- and outlet openings to form collection channels, through which unfiltered fluid is led to and retentate and permeate is led away from the passages. There are plates (1) (membrane plates) comprising a membrane of material which is chemically and physically inert to the fluid, which membrane has a pore size of 0.1-50 .mu.m through which membrane the permeate passes. There are also plates (2) which are impervious to the fluid. Retentate (6) and permeate (8) passages are formed between the plates (1, 2), which all have three openings (3, 4, 5). The retentate passages (6) are connected to the channel for unfiltered fluid and to the channel for retentate and sealed against the channel for permeate.

Abstract: A pool skimmer apparatus having a skimmer basket with an upper ring and a mesh bag depending therefrom. A plurality of risers on the upper ring provide an annular gap between the upper ring and the lip of a pool skimmer receptacle which provides an escape route for water flow when the mesh bag becomes clogged with debris, thereby avoiding damage to the pool circulation pump. A speed accelerator plate detachably couples to the upper ring in either a first, regular flow position or a second, vortex-generating accelerated flow position, to allow skimming or filtering of pool water at different rates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aquarium undergravel filter. In particular, the undergravel filter of the present invention contains chambers on its underside. The chambers, which are roughly equal in size, are separated by baffles and have openings which allow water to flow into flow channels which lead to the lift tube holes. The chambers and flow channels provide for equal filtration over the entire surface of the filter plate. In a preferred embodiment, the undergravel filter of the present invention also contains an anti-dig grid which prevents fish from digging the gravel on the plate of the filter by use of an anti-dig grid. The anti-dig grid is located on the top surface of the filter and prevents fish from removing the gravel and exposing the openings in the filter.

Abstract: A blood filter for use in filtering blood having side walls, a top, and a bottom joined to the side walls defining an axis with a filtration element surrounding at least a portion of the axis is disclosed. A delivery conduit delivers blood to the interior of the filter at an angle extending upwardly away from a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the filter to form a vortex which is offset from the filter axis for release of entrapped air through an overlying top vent offset from the central axis, and an exit conduit connected to the interior of the filter element allows blood to flow from the filter element to an exit opening.