Abstract: A plurality of modular units are connected together on a slightly sloped drainage field with a perforated header pipe at the lower side conveying water away from the drainage system. An impermeable flexible liner cushioned on both sides is located below the modular units. The modular units are each made up of rigid boxes that have connecting cross slots at the bottom thereof and vertical perforations there through. The rigid boxes are lined with a drainage fabric that is site specific and have an expanded geosynthetic material therein, which is held in place when filled with porous granular material. High flexural strength mats are connected together over the tops of the modular units. An air inlet pipe connects air to the cross slots, down the sloped drainage field, to the header pipe to drain water from the bulk granular material resting on the high flexural strength mats.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrophobic-oleophilic and hollow fiber composite membrane and preparing method thereof. A preparing method includes preparing hollow tubular braids by two-dimensional braided technique using polyester filaments, wherein the hollow tubular braids are used as the reinforcements. The method further includes mixing polyvinylidene fluoride, hydrophobic pore-forming agent, and the rest of solvent to prepare a casting solution of surface separation layer. The method further includes pre-treatment processing of the reinforcements; and coating the casting solution of surface separation layer on the outer surface of the processed reinforcements through a spinning spinneret to form a primary membrane. The reinforcements are replaced by the primary after post-processing, and repeating the coating process.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The system comprises a first exchangeable capsule, being a closed capsule, having a bottom; a second exchangeable capsule, being an open capsule, having a bottom comprising an entrance filter; a first apparatus comprising a receptacle with a support surface for holding a first capsule, the first apparatus having bottom piercing means intended for piercing the bottom of the first capsule, and having a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the first capsule; a second apparatus comprising a receptacle with a support surface for holding a second capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the second capsule.

Abstract: A structure for an opening section closed by a net through which fluid flows. The opening section is provided in a vertical wall so as to rise to the vertical wall side from the corner formed between the vertical wall and a horizontal wall. A downward protruding rib is provided on the lower side of the opening section. The lower edge of the net is provided so as to be affixed to at least the rib.

Abstract: A plant oil extraction device that has a main body member with a hollow interior that receives a plant. A filter member is removably mounted on the main body and has a groove therein that receives glass frit. Thus, when a solvent is placed in the hollow interior with the plant the glass frit filters the plant particulate allowing plant oil and solvent to flow into a receiving vessel. Once the oil is collected the filter member may be removed from the main body such that the glass frit can be cleaned of all plant particulate and be reused.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band, and a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: A waste/sediment collecting container has a front vertical wall, a back vertical wall, two side vertical walls, and a sloped bottom surface. Along the lowest portion of the sloped floor surface lays a debris grate which allows water and pieces of sediment to pass through (but prevents larger pieces of waste from passing). The collection container includes a sump directly beneath the debris grate for collecting heavy sediment which passes through the grate. Sloped walls along the sides of the sump lead to U-traps on both sides of the container that allow liquid to pass through but prevent any solid waste from leaving the sump. Solid waste may be removed from the sump by removing the threaded service cap from the drain hole. Located beyond the traps are filter chambers having drain holes for inserting sediment filters which liquid passes through and exits the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunction strainer and bowl apparatus comprised of a generic structure bowl with a colander strainer inset at the bottom of the bowl. A hollow base extends from the base of the bowl and allows communication of fluids therethrough from the bowl and through the strainer. A bottom cap threadably connects to the hollow base for sealing the hollow base and preventing contents from draining from the bowl. A lid seals around an upper lip of the bowl to seal the bowl interior volume. The colander screen internal to the bowl is located along the bottom of the bowl and above the hollow base. The hollow base below the colander screen comprises a cylindrical shell, whereby liquid drains through the colander screen from the bowl and through the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid having a receptacle for collecting the liquid to be treated and a cartridge for treating the liquid, releasably attachable to the receptacle. The receptacle includes a first locking device and a drain opening for dispensing the liquid to be treated, and has a first axis (L1). The cartridge includes a second locking device and an inlet opening for leading the liquid to be treated into the cartridge. The cartridge has a second axis (L2). The first locking device is provided with a first shaped section and the second locking device is provided with a second shaped section, insertable into each other in an interlocking manner.

Abstract: A collapsible bag or compressible bottle container for accepting, holding, and filtering fluid. Fluid is filtered upon entry to the container or filtered upon egress. The filter media resides either in a removable cap, or in a second fluid-tight compartment attached to, and in fluid communication with, the container body. A one-way valve with unique one-time connection to a fluid source mitigates potential contamination from container overuse. A second collapsible layer is used in conjunction with the collapsible bag to accept compressed air that provides rigidity for the container body.

Abstract: The beverage brewing device is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe. The beverage brewing device includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle defined in the body and extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The at least one outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a water filter pitcher equipped with a removable, replaceable filter cartridge and means to count the number of times the pitcher is filled with water, and also means to notify the user when the pitcher has filtered enough water to exhaust the filtering capacity of the filter cartridge so that the user can replace the filter cartridge when necessary but does not have to remember to change the cartridge at a specific interval or count the number of gallons filtered manually, and instead can rely on the water filter pitcher to track the amount of water filtered and inform the user when to change the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for use in a medical waste collection device to direct fluid into the medical waste collection device while filtering material from the fluid. The assembly includes a manifold housing having a bottom and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom about a first axis, with an outlet port disposed on the manifold housing. A support structure disposed on the bottom has a filter support surface and defines a plurality of open spaces between the filter support surface and the bottom. A manifold cap having a unitary skirt is connected to the manifold housing to define a chamber therebetween, and has an intake port disposed thereon to direct the fluid into the chamber. A filter is supported by the filter support surface to filter the material from the fluid, the periphery of the filter positioned between the skirt and the support structure to prevent fluid received in the chamber from bypassing the filter as the fluid moves from the chamber to the outlet port.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a first fluid heater, a second fluid heater, a supplemental power source and a logic implementer. The logic implementer is configured to use the supplemental power source such that when the first and second heaters are powered simultaneously, a collective current draw does not exceed a maximum allowable current draw of a branch power source powering the system.

Abstract: A fluid container for dispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid container includes a first chamber for containing a first fluid and an additive dispensing system. The first chamber is configured such that the first fluid may be dispensed from the first chamber. The additive dispensing system selectively operable to dispense an amount of additive and is not in fluid communication with the first chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing tubular membranes creates a very inexpensive production method, while obtaining very high output rates for tubular membranes. A tubular member (10) is formed from several threads (12) in such a way that at least some of the threads (12) are tightly tied together along web-type connecting lines (14) that are composed of longitudinal threads. At least some of the threads (12) form a transversal connection (16) between adjacent longitudinal threads (14) in between the web-type connecting lines (14). A predefined membrane material (18) is applied to the tubular member (10).

Abstract: A piston pressurized water filter activated by the user or external source. The water filter assembly includes a hollow cylindrical water reservoir, a hollow cylindrical piston threaded into the top of the water reservoir, and a water filter threaded into the bottom of the water reservoir. The interior of the water reservoir is sealed by the piston and water filter. When the water reservoir is filled with unfiltered water, the piston can be threaded down into the water reservoir to create sufficient pressure on the unfiltered water and force the water into the water filter. The water filter can include any combination of carbon, ceramic or other filtering material in a block or disk form. Water is forced into the water filter, through the carbon or ceramic filter mass, and into a container that may or may not be coupled to the water filter.

Abstract: A drinking container includes a main reservoir; a filling reservoir; a filter connecting the filling reservoir to the main reservoir; a plunger assembly having a plunger head in the filling reservoir and a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines a passageway from to an opening in the plunger head, to allow addition of liquid through the passageway into the filling reservoir. A valve allows closing of the opening to allow the plunger head to be urged into the filing reservoir, thereby urging liquid in the filling reservoir through the filter into the drinking reservoir.

Abstract: A disposable, single serve, fluid permeable filter configured to substantially conform to the contour of the interior surface of a permanent filter basket used in single serve type beverage brewers.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a first fluid heater, a second fluid heater, a supplemental power source and a logic implementer. The logic implementer is configured to use the supplemental power source such that when the first and second heaters are powered simultaneously, a collective current draw does not exceed a maximum allowable current draw of a branch power source powering the system.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for the filtration of liquids and an associated filter cartridge 100, wherein the quantitative flow through the filter cartridge can be reduced and set in a simple way. The apparatus is characterized in that at least one throttling device 200, 200? is arranged between the outlet opening 113 of the filter cartridge 100 and the outflow opening 17 of the receiving chamber 14.

Abstract: A liquid storage and dispensing device with a filter for removing minerals and a UV light source for killing pathogens existing in a liquid. A liquid is introduced into the device via the inlet. The liquid passes through the filter into a collector. The filtered liquid flows from the collector through a thru passage into a UV chamber. The UV light source emits UV rays through a UV transmissive wall into the interior portion of the UV chamber. Exposure to the UV light kills pathogens present in the filtered liquid. Substantially purified liquid can then be dispensed from an outlet.

Abstract: A filter cup assembly includes a first cup having a one-way valve connected to a center of the underside of the first cup 10 and a filtering part is connected to the underside of the first cup. An adaptor is connected between the filtering part and a second cup. A presser includes a pressing plate connected with a rod, the pressing plate is inserted into the first cup to force contaminated water in the first cup to pass through the one-way valve, the filtering part and is collected in the second cup. All of the parts are threadedly connected to each other so that they can be separated individually. The first cup is sized to receive the second cup, the filtering part and the adaptor when not in use.

Abstract: A liquid storage and dispensing device with a filter for removing minerals and a UV light source for killing pathogens existing in a liquid. A liquid is introduced into the device via the inlet. The liquid passes through the filter into a collector. The filtered liquid flows from the collector through a passage into a UV chamber. The UV light source emits UV rays through a UV transmissive wall into the interior portion of the UV chamber. Exposure to the UV light kills pathogens present in the filtered liquid. Substantially purified liquid can then be dispensed from an outlet.

Abstract: Provided is a disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma which can be applied to a biochip and appropriate for disposal uses. The filtration device for the separation of blood plasma includes: an upper substrate including a blood inlet; an intermediate substrate including a filtering unit for extracting blood plasma from blood flowing through the blood inlet; and a lower substrate including an air outlet, wherein the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the lower substrate are stacked and adhered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a biological sample is presented. The apparatus comprises a body member has an upper end and a lower end and defining a workspace therewithin. A first attachment portion is integrally joined to the lower end of the body member for interlockingly receiving a filtered sample container. A second attachment portion is integrally joined to the upper end of the body member for interlockingly receiving a sample transport container. A substantially conically-shaped filter member, located within the workspace, is integrally joined to the lower end of the body member and extends upwardly above the lower end of the body member toward the upper end of the body member. The filter member defines a plurality of openings in its upwardly extending portion.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.

Abstract: A sink filter device for placing inside a sink bowl of a sink or a shower or tub comprising a first sheet; a second sheet atop the first sheet; and a plurality of pores disposed throughout the first sheet and throughout the second sheet. In some embodiments, the pores are between about 50 ?m to 5 mm in diameter. The second sheet is oriented atop the first sheet such that the pores in the second sheet are slightly aligned with the pores in the first sheet.

Abstract: A drain basin insert having a housing, with the housing having a sidewall having a top edge and a bottom edge, and with the housing having a perforated base member secured to the sidewall at the lower edge of the sidewall, and with the housing having an outwardly extending flange at the top edge of the sidewall. The insert also includes a secondary filter means having a permeable container having hydrophobic filter media therein. The insert also has a perforated, rigid structural member having a bottom wall and a raised portion, with the raised portion attached to the bottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom. The insert also has a primary filter means having an outer sidewall, a bottom surface, and a central portion, with the bottom surface contacting the bottom wall of the perforated structural member, and with the central portion contacting the raised portion of the perforated structural member.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter assembly for vacuum filtration formed of a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, a filter separating the upper from the lower portion of the housing, an inlet formed in the upper housing, an outlet and a vacuum port formed in the lower portion, a gasket arranged at a lowermost surface of the lower portion and the upper portion is having a height sufficient to trap any air that might enter and keep it away from the membrane surface. Preferably, it is of a curved shape, preferably in the form of a dome. Optionally, the upper portion of the housing may also contain a vent, particularly a vent controlled by a valve, for the removal of air periodically from the upper portion, especially when a large incursion of air has occurred.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.

Abstract: A system for water purification, filtration and item sanitization are described herein. In one embodiment, a water filtration device uses an extruded carbon sheet or granulated activated carbon to filter unpurified, gravity-fed water. A filtering medium is provided within a lower opening of an upper reservoir for filtering unfiltered water passing therethrough, the filtering medium being located above and not extending into a lower reservoir. The device can be a stand-alone water container or incorporated within a water purification system having a further purification technology located in a base in fluid communication with the water container. The base can include controls for informing a user when the water filtration or item sanitization has been completed. Practical applications include drinking water filtration, sanitization of household items, medical equipment, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cartridge (1), especially a suction filter cartridge, which is provided, in the outlet opening (20), with an inward-pointing, peripheral snap-on rim (22) which can be folded from a first lower snap position into a second upper snap position and vice versa. The invention also relates to a seat element (30) for such a filter cartridge, comprising a connection sleeve (33) which engages with the outlet opening (20) of the filter cartridge (1). Said connecting sleeve (33) comprises at least one actuator which displaces, when the filter cartridge (1) is placed on the rim, the snap-on rim from a first lower snap position to the second upper snap-on rim from a first lower snap position to the second upper snap positioning which the snap-on rim rests against the connecting sleeve (33) in a sealing and clamping manner.

Abstract: A method of determination of the conditions of exhaustion of a filtering cartridge for filtering carafes with replaceable cartridges is described, in which an initial identification of impedance of the water to be filtered is provided for in order to consequently calculate an important parameter for definition of the efficient lifespan on the filtering cartridge. Furthermore a carafe operating in compliance with such method is also described.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band, and a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: A filtration funnel with integral prefilter usable for filtering fluids. The integral prefilter is disposed above the final filter which is sealed to the funnel. The prefilter may contain one or more layers of prefilter material, and is sealed to the funnel with one or more seal rings. The funnel may be used with either vacuum or pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating biological particles from the liquid containing same for purification, analysis and optionally diagnostic purposes. The inventive method comprises at least one step involving vertical filtration through a filter having a porosity that is adapted to the type of biological particles to be separated, such that said particles are retained by the filter. The invention is characterised in that: (i) the method involves the use of a filter comprising at least one basic filtration zone, whereby each basic filtration zone has a limited surface area; and (ii) the surface area of each basic filtration zone and the number of basic filtration zones are selected as a function of the type of liquid to be filtered, the type of biological particles to be separated and the volume of liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge filtering jug includes a device for counting and displaying the filtering cycles performed by the cartridge to indicate that the cartridge is exhausted at the end of a period corresponding to its efficient useful life. An auxiliary counting and display device is also included which is capable of counting the filtering cycles performed in a subsidiary period of the period to indicate an item of data representing the temporary efficiency of the cartridge in the subsidiary period.

Abstract: A container includes a vessel having an opening proximate an upper end thereof and a floor proximate a lower end thereof. A threaded shaft secures to the floor and extends along a substantial portion of the height of the vessel. A slider having a threaded portion secures to the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the slider defines passages allowing fluid to pass through the slider. A grippable member secures to the shaft enabling a user to rotate the shaft and cause the slide to move up in order to lift food items out of fluid within the container.

Abstract: A portable water purification device includes a base, a fixed sleeve, a tube, a filtering unit, and a movable sleeve. The base includes a channel for providing filtered liquid. The fixed sleeve is fixed on the base and includes a first peripheral wall and a first axial hole. The tube on where the filtering unit is mounted is secured on the base and held in the first axial hole to define a penetrated hole communicating with the channel. The movable sleeve is mounted on an external surface of the fixed sleeve, and slid between a first position away from the base and a second position adjacent to the base. The movable sleeve includes a second peripheral wall and a second axial hole whereby the first axial hole communicates with the second axial hole to define a containing room when the movable sleeve is located on the first position.

Abstract: A floor waste (10) including a filter basket (16) having a magnet (18). The magnet (18) attracts a movable valve member (27) upwardly from a seat (22) to allow liquid to pass through the seat (22). When the basket (15) is removed the movable valve member (27) closes the seat (22). In one embodiment the valve member (27) includes a valve disk 29 that prevents the flow of liquid through the seat (22) when engaged therewith, while in another embodiment the disk (29) has a series of passages (31) that permits the flow of liquid through the seat when the disk (29) is engaged with the seat (22).

Abstract: A reusable beverage filter such as used in brewing coffee, the filter having an upper portion and a lower portion, a sieve portion between the upper and lower portions, the upper portion having a flexible portion with a plurality of undulations formed therein such that the filter may fit different size brewing baskets.

Abstract: A portable hot water dispensing machine, particularly suitable for dispensing espresso, that is compact, lightweight, requires minimal power to operate, and is readily transportable, and a method of dispensing hot water, such as espresso. Two-stage heating is utilized for reducing the boiler volume and power requirements. In addition, components are thermally insulated and are strategically spaced to maximize space and allow for portability.

Abstract: A system for removing particulates and/or contaminants, including impure compounds and elements from fluid to be treated is provided. The systems can include a receptacle having chamber in which a volume of fluid may be accommodated, a cover for placement across an opening into the chamber, so as to prevent fluid from within the chamber from spilling, and a porous matrix, positioned within the chamber and having a nanostructured adsorption material for trapping and retaining, within its pores, particles and contaminants in the fluid. A method for removing particulates and contaminants is also provided.

Abstract: A freestanding portable liquid filtration device (18) having an upper housing (24), a lower housing (32) and a base (36) which are secured together with an interference fit, with an enclosed lower portion of the upper housing (24) fitting within an open top of the lower housing (32) and an enclosed bottom of the lower housing (32) fitting within an upwardly facing opening of the base (36). A filtration element (26) having a first portion disposed with the upper housing (24) and a second portion from which fluid is discharged disposed within the lower housing (32), wherein liquid flows from the upper housing (24) through the filtration element (26) and into the lower housing (32). The upper and lower housings (24, 32) being formed of transparent materials, and the lower housing (32) including a light source (38) for illuminating at least a portion of the lower housing (32).

Abstract: A filtration funnel with integral prefilter usable for filtering fluids. The integral prefilter is disposed above the final filter which is sealed to the funnel. The prefilter may contain one or more layers of prefilter material, and is sealed to the funnel with one or more seal rings. The funnel may be used with either vacuum or pressure.

Abstract: The filter assembly for a fuel checker includes a filter housing, a removable screen assembly, a first protective cap and a second protective cap. The filter housing includes a fuel receiving end portion and a fuel exiting end portion. The fuel receiving end portion is shaped to securely attach to a fuel checker. The filter housing defines a volume for containing checked fuel. A removable screen assembly is securely attachable to the fuel exiting end portion. The removable screen assembly includes a flexible screen housing and a filter screen supported by the flexible screen housing. The filter screen is a barrier to water and desired particulate debris. A first protective cap fits over the fuel receiving end portion for containing evaporative fumes while the filter assembly is being stored. A second protective cap fits over the removable screen assembly and protects the screen when the filter assembly is being stored.

Abstract: A vacuum filtration apparatus (900) for detecting microorganisms and particulates in liquid samples. The apparatus includes a base (901), an absorbent pad (991), a filter (990), a funnel (930), and a lid (960). The funnel is releasably attached to the base, and may contain an integral flexible seal for releasably sealing the filter to the base. The outer wall of the lid may be segmented to make it flexible, this flexibility allows it to be releasably attached to the funnel or the base. The apparatus is designed so that any funnel will fit any base, and any lid will fit any base or any funnel when all parts are manufactured to normal tolerances. The apparatus may be configured to to keep the filter wrinkle free in both the dry and wet states.

Abstract: A filter (10) for use in a water heating vessel, such as an electric kettle, to filter sedimentary material in the water includes a scale collector (25), for example in the form of a compacted mesh block, carried on the filter. The block can be supported by a carrier member (27) permanently or detachably mounted on the filter frame, preferably towards an end of the filter closest to the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: A manifold assembly (12) for a medical waste collection device (10) is provided. The manifold assembly (12) comprises a housing (14) and a cap (16) connected to the housing (14) by a snap-fit connection (18). The housing (14) includes a bottom (20) and a wall (24) extending upwardly therefrom about an axis (26). A support structure (22) is disposed on the bottom (20) of the housing (14) to support a plurality of filters (60, 62). The support structure (22) includes spaced inner (38) and outer (40) rings. The support structure (22) further includes a plurality of inner spokes (52) extending radially between the axis (26) and the inner ring (38) and a plurality of outer spokes (44) extending radially between the inner ring (38) and the outer ring (40). The rings (38, 40) and spokes (44, 52) have upper surfaces that are coplanar to define a filter support surface (30).