Abstract: An interconnector for filtration modules comprises inner and outer integrally bonded coaxial rubber sleeves. The inner sleeve comprises rubber of a lower indentation hardness than the outer sleeve and is relatively soft while the outer sleeve is relatively hard and has an indentation hardness higher than that of the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an inwardly projecting rib or washer of said relatively hard rubber against which proximate ends of filtration module tubes abut. The inner sleeve has a circumferential slot or gap through which the washer projects inwardly.

Abstract: A filter for cleaning a flow of liquid including a tank divided into upper and lower chambers by a support element for a filter material bed. In one embodiment, the support element includes a corrugated plate which may be either self-supporting or supported by a header and, in another embodiment, the support element includes a flat plate supported by beam elements which in turn may be supported by the header. Another feature of the filter is the provision of an influent filter liquid inlet assembly including a self-closing passage which normally opens into the tank upper chamber and which closes when the upper tank chamber is filled to a predetermined level with backwash fluid during reverse flow backwashing of the filter bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for diffusing matter between a first and second fluid is provided and includes a plurality of spacer plates and a plurality of pairs of semipermeable membranes arranged in a stacked configuration. The spacer plates and semipermeable membranes each include first and second openings which, in the stacked configuration, form first and second vertical flow passages for the first and second fluids, respectively. In addition, the spacer plates include grooves formed in the upper and lower surfaces thereof so that in the stacked configuration, the grooves cooperate to form first horizontal flow passages between the membranes and the spacer plates which are connected to the first vertical flow passage. The pairs of semipermeable membranes are disposed within the grooves to form second horizontal flow passages between the membranes which are connected to the second vertical flow passage, with the second horizontal flow passages being disposed within the first horizontal flow passages.

Abstract: Apparatus for diffusing matter between two fluids is disclosed, including a stacked configuration of alternating spacing plates and pairs of semi-permeable membranes, the spacing plates including flow passages for each of the two fluids so that they can be passed between the pairs of semi-permeable membranes and between the spacing plates and the pairs of membranes, respectively, a first and second clamping plate, and means for clamping the first and second clamping plates together with the stacked configuration pressed between them.

Abstract: A filter press having a number of filter plates, each of which includes a center hole, with a filter cloth hanging over each filter plate. The filter cloths include a corresponding center hole, and a flexible coupling member having a tubular stem with a flanged base, wherein the flanged base is positioned around the hole on one side of the cloth. The tubular stems are inserted within a coupling cylinder which is positioned within the hole of the filter plate. A method is described for hanging the filter cloths onto the filter plate by inserting one of the stems into one end of the coupling cylinder, and then inserting the cylinder into the hole in the filter plate. A tool is then used to reverse the stem of the coupling member of another filter cloth, and then the same tool is removed permitting the restoration of the stem while positioning it within the other end of the coupling cylinder.

Abstract: A dialysis device having alternating spacers and pairs of semipermeable membranes disposed therebetween, and an inlet channel for the dialysis liquid traversing the assembly of alternating spacers and pairs of membranes, said spacers including passages for introducing and distributing the dialysis liquid into the space outside each pair of membranes while sealing the membranes together.

Abstract: An improved fluid manifold for mass transfer devices in which a rigid retainer member and a rigid receptacle coact to compressively retain an elastomeric band and tubular membrane therebetween to provide a hermetic seal between the interior of the membrane and a port in the manifold.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus for purifying a fluid substance, particularly blood, containing contaminants which are diffused through semi-permeable diaphragms into a purification liquid. The apparatus comprises first plates having planar surfaces respectively disposed between opposing second plates provided with bosses on the surfaces facing the planar surfaces of the first plates. A plurality of these plates is alternately assembled into a stack with a diaphragm arranged between the opposite surfaces of the first and second plates. Portions of the clamped diaphragm are forced between the bosses of the second plates a predetermined distance to define two channels for the circulation of the two fluids.