Abstract: Collection systems and methods use a separation chamber that receives blood or a suspension containing red blood cells and performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from the blood or suspension. The separation chamber contains, during the separation process, a red blood cell volume. An outlet line is coupled to the separation chamber to remove red blood cells from the chamber device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A collection container is coupled to the outlet line to receive a volume of red blood cells removed from the separation chamber. A controller includes a processing function that, during the separation process, includes comparing the volume of red blood cells received by the collection container to a selected targeted red blood cell collection volume to derive a difference.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerobic wastewater digestion unit useful for degrading organic material dissolved or suspended in a wastewater stream. The wastewater is fed to a vessel, wherein it is circulated by a liquid conveyor between the vessel and a downwardly-directed tube. Expulsion of fluid from the tube into the lower portion of the vessel agitates the liquid in the vessel and disperses into the liquid air that has been entrained in the liquid in the tube. The digester can be operated using varying liquid levels, and is amenable to batch, semi-batch, and continuous operation. The digester is suitable for use in combination with other components of wastewater treatment systems, and can be included as a module in modular wastewater treatment systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracer(s) added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control the purification of such feed stream during membrane separation. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: A water-soluble lithium salt is added as a tracer substance along with a water treatment chemical to water to be treated. The concentration of lithium ions is electrochemically or optically measured using a lithium ion sensitive substance, so as to perform concentration control of the water treatment chemical added to water to be treated. An ion selective electrode, ion selective field effect transistor, or ion optode may be employed to perform the electrochemical or optical measurement using a lithium ion sensitive substance.

Abstract: A filtration device is provided in which wastewater, in the form of a colloidal solution containing microparticles, is guided to tank, circulated, and filtrated using a second filter. The device includes a gel film that is formed by suction on the surface of a first filter. The suction pressure in this process is made extremely weak to maintain the filtration capacity while extending intervals prior to clogging of second filter 2. Furthermore, a filtration device is realized with which the gel film of second filter that becomes adsorbed onto the surface of first filter can be separated readily by stopping the suction and filtration can be continued again thereafter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracer(s) added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control the purification of such feed stream during membrane separation. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for selectively removing one component of a material thereby concentrating other components of the material are disclosed. The material is cooled to below the melting temperature of the material to form a supercooled liquid phase with heat transfer plate with cooling channels (20). Ultrasonic energy from ultrasonic drivers (42) is applied to the material to form solid phase crystals of the component to be removed. These crystals are removed to leave the concentrated products. The ultrasonic energy prevents the growth of dendrites on the crystals, resulting in the formation and removal of small crystals of the component to be removed without damage to or removal of the remaining components. Methods and apparatuses for cryoprecipilation and chromatography are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: To optimally mix treatment additives to a contaminated liquid, treatment additives are selected. A mixing energy requirement of the contaminated liquid and treatment additives is then determined by mixing the treatment additives over a range of time and mixing speeds, and measuring turbidity to determine the mixing time and speed which results in the lowest turbidity. A low mixing energy requirement requires a lower mixing time and mixing speed than a higher mixing energy requirement. The contaminated liquid and selected treatment additives are then directed into a mixing system including at least one hydrocyclone. Each hydrocyclone has an inlet aspect ratio, a barrel length and diameter selected based upon the mixing energy requirement determination. Altering the aspect ratio, diameter, and length of the hydrocyclone results in different mixing speeds and mixing time, which can be optimized for the given contaminated liquid and treatment additives.

Abstract: Methods for recovery of tartrate-containing, insoluble solids from an essentially settled grape-based mixture. More generally, methods for the recovery of insoluble solids, that have a predetermined characteristic from essentially settled mixtures are disclosed. The methods include performing proxy analyses on samples taken from the mixtures in order to determine at what time recovery should begin and end. Performing titration is detailed as a particular proxy analysis.

Abstract: A floating decanter and method for charging supernatant from a vesel without drawing floating solids or scum into the discharge. The decanter includes a weir (16) having a central opening, and a solid bottom side, a float (12) adjacent to an outer edge of the weir, a weir lift and drive (14) having at least two screw jacks (20) attached to the float and a attachment arm (26) extending to the weir, and an discharge pipe (32) attached to the bottom of the weir. The weir is lowered with respect to the float to discharge supernatant.

Abstract: The invention uses machine-vision to improve the performance of a flotation operation to provide a substitute for conventional human vision and problem-solving abilities. The invention redirects the conventional approach of “characterizing the froth” to “measuring the froth characteristic.” The invention provides a method of monitoring and controlling a mineral mixture flow in a froth flotation cell of a flotation plant which includes the steps of obtaining a series of digital images extracted of froth characteristics from a flotation cell. The digital images are transmitted to a computer for processing thereof into parameter signals of digital parameter froth characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention uses measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil system, in particular a hydraulic oil system or a lubricating oil system, comprising a sensor for monitoring the impurity content of the oil in the oil system, the sensor detecting a value which is correlated with the impurity content. A particularly cost-effective construction is achieved, if the sensor is configured as a turbidity sensor which measures the turbidity of the oil, which has been caused by the impurity content.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracer(s) added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control the purification of such feed stream during membrane separation. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: A magnetic filtration system includes one or a plurality of collection units (1) comprising a magnet (4) disposed between a pair of plates (2, 3), one plate being magnetized North, the other, South. The plates are provided with facing apertures and facing pole pieces so that particles entering the recesses are both repelled from the apertures and attracted towards and retained in collecting regions between exposed facing plate portions.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracers and tagged fluorescent agents added to a feed stream to evaluate and/or control one or more parameters specific to membrane separation such that performance thereof can be optimized. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: Collection systems and methods use a separation chamber that receives blood or a suspension containing red blood cells and performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from the blood or suspension. The separation chamber contains, during the separation process, a red blood cell volume. An outlet line is coupled to the separation chamber to remove red blood cells from the chamber device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A collection container is coupled to the outlet line to receive a volume of red blood cells removed from the separation chamber. A controller includes a processing function that, during the separation process, includes comparing the volume of red blood cells received by the collection container to a selected targeted red blood cell collection volume to derive a difference.

Abstract: To optimally mix treatment additives to a contaminated liquid, treatment additives are selected. A mixing energy requirement of the contaminated liquid and treatment additives is then determined by mixing the treatment additives over a range of time and mixing speeds, and measuring turbidity to determine the mixing time and speed which results in the lowest turbidity. A low mixing energy requirement requires a lower mixing time and mixing speed than a higher mixing energy requirement. The contaminated liquid and selected treatment additives are then directed into a mixing system including at least one hydrocyclone. Each hydrocyclone has an inlet aspect ratio, a barrel length and diameter selected based upon the mixing energy requirement determination. Altering the aspect ratio, diameter, and length of the hydrocyclone results in different mixing speeds and mixing time, which can be optimized for the given contaminated liquid and treatment additives.

Abstract: A blood processing system comprises a processing chamber to process blood and a fluid flow cassette that communicates with the processing chamber. The cassette comprises a body, a pump chamber formed in the body, and a flexible diaphragm on the pump chamber responsive to an applied fluid pressures for flexure toward and away from the pump chamber to pump fluid through the pump chamber. The cassette also includes a flow path formed, at least in part, in the body to couple the pump chamber in fluid flow communication with the processing chamber, to convey fluid pumped by the pump chamber into the processing chamber. The cassette also includes an in line cavity formed in the body and located in the flow path to trap air to prevent entry of air into the processing chamber.

Abstract: Processing systems and methods comprise a separation device that, in use, performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from blood or a suspension containing red blood cells. The systems and methods include an outlet line coupled to the separation device to remove red blood cells from the separation device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A sensor associated with the outlet line senses hematocrit of red blood cells removed from the separation device and generates a sensed hematocrit output. A controller is coupled to the separation device to control removal of red blood cells from the separation device based, at least in part, upon the sensed hematocrit output.

Abstract: A method for estimating incoming pollution loads during operation of a municipal wastewater treatment plant involves the step of continuously measuring the conductivity and turbidity of the raw water to be treated. The concentration of a pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the measured conductivity and turbidity. The flow rate of the raw water to be treated is also continuously measured. The load of the pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the estimated concentration of the pollutant and the measured flow rate. The estimated pollutant load allows adjustment of downstream treatment for eliminating the estimated total load of the pollutant.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber mat is formed on a screen cylinder of a pressurized fiber filtering device used to filter particles from a liquid stream. The fiber mat is a fine particle filter to remove small particles from the liquid stream. The fiber mat is formed by injecting cellulosic fibers into the liquid stream flowing into the fiber filtering device. These fibers collect on the screen cylinder as the liquid flows through the cylinder. The collection of fibers forms the fine filtering mat.

Abstract: A novel method for producing an autologous platelet rich blood composition is described. The resulting blood composition is useful in procedures for enhancing bone fusion, hemostasis, and repairing soft tissue in animals.

Abstract: A waste diversion system for diverting the effluent from a manufacturing process, such as polishing the surfaces of silicon wafers, has an electrically controlled diverter valve for receiving the effluent and diverting it either to a “dirty” output for waste treatment, or to a “clean” output for recycling or other treatment. To determine whether the effluent is “dirty” or “clean”, parameter sensors are located to sense particular parameters such as turbidity, conductivity, ORP, pH, or ion content, as desired. One sensor is located to sense the parameters of effluent flowing into the diverter valve; and the other sensor is located to sense the parameters (typically, the same parameters) of the flow from the “dirty” or waste side of the diverter valve. Only when both of the sensors indicate that the effluent is “clean” is a signal provided to the diverter valve to switch it to the clean output.

Abstract: A method of harvesting platelet rich plasma from whole blood, comprising adding an aliquot of blood via the inlet tube of a rotating flexible centrifuge bag comprising inlet and outlet tubes sandwiched between doughnut shaped flexible sheets sealed together at the outer and inner perimeters. The whole blood separates radially into fractions. The distal end of the outlet tube is in flow communication with a desired fraction. The desired fraction is removed from the rotating bag via the outlet tube and withdrawal is terminated when an undesired fraction is detected to be near the distal end of the outlet tube. An alternative method comprises adding an aliquot of blood via the inlet channel of a rigid centrifuge container, said container having an interior collection chamber for receiving said whole blood and having a generally off-centered figure eight-shaped side cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.

Abstract: A method of making a solid water treatment product with an optimal rate of dissolution is described and claimed. A fluorescent tracer is used to determine the rate of dissolution of the solid water treatment product and the composition and method of manufacturing the solid water treatment product are adjusted as needed to make the rate of dissolution optimal. The solid water treatment product can be used in many industrial water treatment systems. When the solid water treatment product is used, the amount of solid water treatment product present in the water of the industrial water system can be determined, and adjusted, by using a fluorometer to measure the fluorescent signal of the fluorescent tracer present in the product and relating that measurement to the amount of product in the water itself.

Abstract: The invention features a control system for controlling the supply of bodyfeed to a filter for removing solids from a beer stream is described. By applying the bodyfeed at an appropriate rate and hence achieving appropriate effective bed voidage it is possible to maintain beer clarity while minimizing filter aid usage. The control system includes a means for determining turbidity of the liquid stream upstream of the filter, a means for determining the rate of pressure drop change across the filter, and a controller for altering the supply of bodyfeed to the filter in accordance with a calculated dose change.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil system (1), in particular a hydraulic oil system or a lubricating oil system, comprising a sensor (14) for monitoring the impurity content of the oil in the oil system (1), said sensor detecting a value which is correlated with the impurity content. A particularly cost-effective construction is achieved, if the sensor is configured as a turbidity sensor (14) which measures the turbidity of the oil, which has been caused by the impurity content.

Abstract: The measurement of blood flow in a dialysis shunt is obtained by injection of an indicator material into a venous line leading from dialysis equipment to the shunt. The blood flow in an arterial line leading from the shunt at a location downstream of the venous line to the dialysis equipment is monitored by an arterial line sensor for the presence of the indicator material. A detector connected to the sensor provides a dilution curve in response to the presence of the indicator material and the blood flow in the shunt is calculated from the area under the dilution curve. The locations of the arterial and venous lines in the shunt can be reversed to obtain a measurement of blood recirculation from the venous line into the arterial line.

Abstract: A novel method for producing an autologous platelet rich blood composition is described. The resulting blood composition is useful in procedures for enhancing bone fusion, hemostasis, and repairing soft tissue in animals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for determining presence and concentration of analytes by exploiting molecular binding reactions and differential diffusion rates. Analyte particles and binding particles are allowed to diffuse toward each other, and slowing of the diffusion front is detected when they meet. From the position of the diffusion front, presence and concentration of analyte particles can be determined. One embodiment provides a competitive immunoassay in a microfluidic format. This diffusion immunoassay (DIA) relies on measuring the concentration of labeled antigen along one dimension of a microchannel after allowing it to diffuse for a short time into a region containing specific antibodies. A simple microfluidic device, the T-Sensor, was used to implement a DIA to measure the concentration of phenytoin, a small drug molecule. Concentrations of analyte over the range of 50 to 1600 nM can be measured in less than a minute.

Abstract: The measurement of blood flow in a dialysis shunt is obtained by injection of an indicator material into a venous line leading from dialysis equipment to the shunt. The blood flow in an arterial line leading from the shunt at a location downstream of the venous line to the dialysis equipment is monitored by an arterial line sensor for the presence of the indicator material. A detector connected to the sensor provides a dilution curve in response to the presence of the indicator material and the blood flow in the shunt is calculated from the area under the dilution curve. The locations of the arterial and venous lines in the shunt can be reversed to obtain a measurement of blood recirculation from the venous line into the arterial line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444). Maintaining the condensed mercury between filaments (444) serves to reduce the time needed for lamp assembly (24) to produce light emissions of a predetermined intensity upon subsequent energization as compared to allowing the mercury to condense outside the arc path. A reflector assembly (402) may be used in lamp assembly (24) to focus radiation upon conduits (80) carrying water therethrough and away from returning to a bulb assembly (82) from which the radiation was originally emitted.

Abstract: A method is provided of detecting contamination of engine fluid in an engine. Engine fluid is provided to a particle counter, and the cleanliness of the engine fluid is measured with the particle counter during operation of the engine.

Abstract: A fluid is filtered by first preparing a filter which includes a base filter and solid substances provided on the base filter, such that the solid substances differ from objects within the fluid to be filtered that are removed by the filter. The objects of filtration are filtered by supplying the fluid to the filter. During filtration, a force is applied to the filter to move the solid substances and objects deposited on the filter. The application of such force thus allows continuous filtration through the filter. The force can take the form of application of rising bubbles, a mechanical vibration or sonic waves to the filter. The filtration method is useful in processing fluid waste from mechanical processes, such as CMP steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating water-containing solvent mixtures having two or more phases, using one or two gravitational separators (4, 16) and to the use of this apparatus, and also to a process for separating water-containing solvent mixtures having two or more phases. Using the novel apparatus it is possible to separate even small-density-difference solvent mixtures having two or more phases. To this end, a coalescence separator (1) has been provided upstream of the first gravitational separator (4).

Abstract: An affinity matrix for use in affinity based molecular pull down and immunoprecipitation procedures. The affinity matrix comprises a polymeric support, a dye attached to a fraction of the polymeric support to enable optical detection of the polymeric support, and an affinity ligand other than the dye attached to a fraction of the polymeric support for the capture of a molecule.

Abstract: Red blood cell sensing systems and methods rely upon straightforward measurement geometries. The systems and methods comprise an incident light source, an optical sensor, and a blood collection tube. The systems and methods hold the blood collection tube a predetermined radial distance from the incident light source where a linear relationship exists between sensed reflected light measured by the optical sensor and red blood cell hematocrit in a range of at least 10 to 90. The systems and methods make possible accurate red blood sensing without use of special optical cuvettes, mirrors, or focusing lenses. The systems and methods also make possible the use of standard transparent plastic tubing, without reliance upon special optical cuvettes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for sensing low levels of iodine in an aqueous solution by using an extraction procedure whereby iodine from the aqueous solution is extracted into a substantially water-insoluble organic phase, and testing measuring the concentration of iodine in the organic phase using optical absorption techniques. The measured concentration of iodine can then be equated with concentration of iodine or iodine in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: An ordinary vacuum blood collection tube assembly is rotated about its longitudinal axis to partition a blood sample into serum and formed elements by centrifugation. While still rotating a higher density, immiscible, inert liquid is pumped into the vacuum blood collection tube assembly thereby displacing the lower density serum towards the axis of rotation and thence out of the vacuum blood collection tube assembly to a serum receiver vessel. A contaminant detector located on the serum delivery conduit controls a 3 way valve to divert contaminants from the removed serum to a waste vessel so only clean serum is delivered to the serum receiver vessel. The serum delivery conduits, serum cannula, contaminant detector, and diverter valve are washed and dried between successive samples to limit sample carryover effects to acceptably low levels.

Abstract: Method and system for processing and evaluating data from combination chromatographic and mass spectrometric data. The methods and system comprise data smoothing and determination of an quality factor for a chromatogram of a data set based on a determined entropy value. In one embodiment, the methods and system further comprise data baseline correction prior to entropy value determination. In a further embodiment, a correlation is determined between chromatograms processed according to the invention and one or more chromatograms of one or more data sets. Preferably, said correlation is performed using a multivariate analysis.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods employ two sensors, one to detect a condition of plasma exiting a separation device and another sensor to detect a condition of a cellular component exiting the separation device. The first sensor detects, e.g., contamination of the plasma due to presence of unwanted cellular components. The second sensor detects, e.g., dilution of the cellular component due to presence of plasma. Blood processing parameters are carried out based, at least in part, by conditions detected by one or both of the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and related methods sense the presence of targeted cellular blood species during extracorporeal blood separation or processing. The systems and methods tailor the sensing parameters to the particular objectives of the blood processing procedure selected to be accomplished. Different cellular blood species are targeted for detection for different selected blood processing procedures. The systems and methods differentiate among different cellular blood species for detection, according to the blood processing procedure selected.

Abstract: Red blood cell sensing systems and methods rely upon straightforward measurement geometries. the systems and methods comprise an incident light source, an optical sensor, and a blood collection tube. The systems and methods hold the blood collection tube a predetermined radial distance from the incident light source where a linear relationship exists between sensed reflected light measured by the optical sensor and red blood cell hematocrit in a range of at least 10 to 90. The systems and methods make possible accurate red blood sensing without use of special optical cuvettes, mirrors, or focusing lenses. The systems and methods also make possible the use of standard transparent plastic tubing, without reliance upon special optical cuvettes.