Abstract: High purity water, particularly that intended for the pharmaceutical or electronics industry, is analyzed for the presence of pyrogen or other impurities by causing the water to come into contact with a direct affinity sensor, which may be a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device or other sensor relying on an evanescent wave phenomenon. A property of the surface—refractive index in the case of SPR—changes on the binding of impurity, thereby enabling impurity to be detected. The invention overcomes the cumbersome nature and batch-to-batch variability of the conventional in vivo tests as well as the in vitro Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay and for the first time allows the continuous or real time monitoring of high purity water for pyrogen.

Abstract: Described and claimed is a method of controlling a cooling water system in which control is based on information from a control Matrix applicable to the specific operating parameters of the cooling water system including: (i) providing a suitable fluorometer, sufficient analytical devices and a suitable controller; (ii) programming the suitable fluorometer and controller using planning information from a control Matrix for cooling water systems being treated with treatment programs selected from the group consisting of: (d) stabilized phosphate, (e) zinc, and (f) all organic; (iii) using the fluorometer and sufficient analytical devices to determine the status of system factors; (iv) determining the pattern of changes in the readings from step (iii) over time; (v) comparing the changes in readings in steps (iii) and (iv), with the information listed in the control Matrix to determine what corrective action(s) is recommended; and (vi) using the controller to automatically implement the corrective acti

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates an output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises a value indicating a blood volume that needs be processed to obtain a desired platelet volume.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.

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: 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: An autocycle method to control a cooling water system comprising the steps of: a) adding a treatment product to said cooling water system, with said treatment product comprising inert tracer and tagged treatment polymer in a set proportion; b) providing a sufficient number of fluorometers, c) using said sufficient number of fluorometers to measure the fluorescent signal of said inert tracer and the fluorescent signal of said tagged treatment polymer in the water from the cooling water system; d) using these measured fluorescent signals from step c) to determine the amount of said tagged treatment polymer present in said cooling water system; e) comparing the amount of said tagged treatment polymer present to the amount of tagged treatment polymer being fed into the system to determine the consumption of said tagged treatment polymer; and f) using said consumption of said tagged treatment polymer to control the concentration cycles of said cooling water system, with the proviso that said control is imple

Abstract: Process employing the technique of ballasted flocculation with a step of injection, into the liquid to be clarified, of a ballast consisting of a granular material and of a polymer, followed by a flocculation step which leads to the formation of a ballasted floc, and by an accelerated settling step, said ballast being recirculated into the flocculation step, either as it is or after cleaning, wherein said process includes two recirculation regimes: a high-energy regime ensuring draw-off of the ballast contained in the ballasted floc, removal of the floc in the form of sludge and recycling of the cleaned ballast into the flocculation unit and, a low-energy regime ensuring transfer of the ballasted floc into the flocculation unit as long as the ballast ratio in the flocculator is greater than a predetermined level, this low-energy regime remaining in service while the high-energy regime is being put into action, but then being shut down during the operation of the high-energy regime, the two systems being emp

Abstract: A method of filtering a bath (1,31) having a liquid containing particles of varying sizes therein and the recirculation and filtering system. The method and system require providing a recirculation route from the bath outflow and returning to the bath inflow. The route includes a first path communicating with the bath outflow and having serially a first controllable valve (5,9) and a filter having a relatively large pore size. The route also includes a second path communicating with the bath outflow and having serially a second controllable valve (11,15) and a filter having a relatively small pore size. There is a return path from each filter to the bath inflow. The return path from each filter can be a separate path or the paths can be connected at the output end before returning to the bath.

Abstract: A centrifuge for continuously separating the various constituents of blood or other biological fluids includes a rotating bowl having high-G and low-G walls. An inwardly directed ramped surface on the high-G wall interacts with an interface region between the separated fluid constituents to provide an optically detectable indication of the position of the interface between the high-G and low-G walls. An optical sensor sensing each passage of the ramped surface past a point develops a changing signal indicative of the interface position. Signal processing circuitry responsive to the signal measures such signal parameters as peak amplitude, signal area and signal shape. By so monitoring these signal parameters, a better indication of actual interface position between the high-G and low-G walls can be obtained. This, in turn, results in better control over centrifuge operation and improved separation of the desired fluid components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating water by the addition of coagulants comprising the steps of measuring the two parameters of the color and turbidity of the untreated water, determining the control parameter on the basis of the measurement results obtained and determining a control action based upon the determined control parameter and subsequently implementing the selected control action.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates a third output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises parameters for storing the platelet volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fluid separation of whole blood as a mixture of liquids into individual, differently-colored blood constituents, which blood is packed in flexible containers, in particular bags, wherein the bags are connected to one another with an at least partially light-transparent connection, in particular a flexible tube, and wherein the blood constituents are forced to flow from one container through the light-transparent connection into another container, in particular for the separation of concentrated thrombocytes from buffy coat, as well as to a device for performing the method.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for measuring particles in a liquid sample. The method involves introducing a liquid sample into a heat exchanger, thereby cooling the sample to a predetermined temperature. A particle measurement is performed on the cooled sample by introducing the cooled sample into a particle detector. The method and apparatus in accordance with the invention effectively suppress bubbles present in a liquid chemical sample being measured, thereby allowing for accurate particle measurements. The invention has particular applicability in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.

Abstract: A method and system for treating stormwater runoff containing impurities includes collecting the runoff in a basin and allowing the runoff to settle in the basin for a predetermined time before allowing the filtration step to be initiated. The time delay is controlled by a controller sensitive rain fall, turbidity, or other variables selected by the user. During the filtration step a separator member is positioned floatingly between a filter element and impurities floating on the surface of the unfiltered water.

Abstract: A differential pressure monitor measures the pressure at a plurality of heights in a filter bed. A preferred embodiment of the monitor comprises an elongated body, a plurality of pressure sensors located on the elongated body for obtaining the pressure readings, a control apparatus for determining differential pressures from the pressure readings, each differential pressure being the difference in pressure between pressures measured at two different heights in the filter bed, and transmission apparatus to transmit the pressure readings from the pressure sensors to the control apparatus. Methods of monitoring and controlling the performance of a filter bed during filtration and during backwashing also are provided. Two such methods include measuring turbidity levels in a filter bed and obtaining water samples from a filter bed.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring and controlling the level of treatment chemicals in an aqueous system, such as a cooling water system or boiler system, through the direct measurement of one or more chemically active polymers. Polymers typically function as scale inhibitors and dispersants in a water treatment system and exist in aqueous systems in both free and bound states, the free and bound states together comprising the total polymer present in the aqueous system. The ratio of free polymer level to total polymer level defines the polymer inhibition efficiency of the system and provides an indication of the effectiveness of the water treatment program. The total polymer level may be used to determine the volume of treatment chemicals added to the system, while the free polymer to total polymer ratio indicates the dosage required to maintain system performance.

Abstract: A plurality of unit bags 2a, 2b . . . are composed of a permeable strip-shaped nonwoven and arranged in a successive fashion without break so that they can be easily accommodated and stored by being rolled. An annular elastic body 5 disposed around an opening 3a formed to an end of each bag 2a permits the opening 3a to be opened. Since an optically sensing object or a magnetically sensing object is disposed around the opening 3a or at a position spaced apart from the openings 3a, 3b . . . a prescribed distance, the portion of the sensing object can be positioned by a sensing device 15. Further, when, for example, sludge, and the like containing water are accommodated in a waste accommodating bag 1 and squeezed, the sludge, and the like can be easily dehydrated.

Abstract: Computerized (e.g., "intelligent") systems for monitoring, diagnosing, operating and controlling various parameters and processes of continuous feed centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time continuous operational control. The monitoring sensors may sense process and other parameters located both inside the centrifuge (e.g., inside the bowl) and outside or exterior to the centrifuge (e.g., outside the bowl) including machine operation parameters and parameters related to the input and output streams of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a liquid (2) to inhibit growth of living organisms therein by adding to the liquid an active biocidal ingredient formed by mixing an oxidant (4) and an amine source (6), by: producing a predetermined dilution of the oxidant (4); producing a predetermined dilution of the amine source (6); synchronously metering the two dilutions into a conduit (16) to continuously mix therein according to a predetermined ratio to produce the active biocidal ingredient having high reproducibility, stability and efficacy in situ in the conduit (16); and continuously injecting the active biocidal ingredient, as it is produced in situ in the conduit (16), directly from the conduit into the liquid being treated.

Abstract: A reactor system for decontamination of water by photolytic oxidation utilizing near blackbody radiation, the system comprising (1) a reaction chamber defining an internal space with an inlet and an outlet; and (2) a broadband radiator for generating radiant energy with wavelengths between about 150 nm and about 3 .mu.m, the broadband radiator disposed within the reaction chamber, such that a sufficient dosage of broadband radiation irradiates the contaminants and/or the oxidant within the internal space of the reaction chamber thereby causing photolytic oxidation of the contaminants by direct action of the radiation on the contaminants to break chemical bonds by sustaining a free radical chain reaction of oxidizing components, thus breaking down the contaminants by way of atomic abstraction of the components of the contaminants. In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the radiant energy is generated in a pulsed mode, such as between about 1 and about 500 pulses per second.

Abstract: An automated system for processing biological fluid includes a pressure differential generator, a biological fluid processing assembly, and an automated control arrangement coupled to at least one of the pressure differential generator and the biological fluid processing assembly. The automated system may include a porous medium, such as a red cell barrier medium, a leukocyte depletion medium, or a combination red cell barrier/leukocyte depletion medium. The automated system may also include a sensor producing a signal reflecting a parameter of fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a blood component, e.g., fibrin monomer, from blood or plasma comprises a container (110) with a reaction chamber for receiving the plasma, where said reaction chamber is defined by an outer wall and comprises means for supplying said reaction chamber with an agent for converting the fibrinogen content of the plasma into a non-cross-linked fibrin polymer. The apparatus comprises furthermore a device for centrifuging the reaction chamber with the plasma and said agent to a degree sufficient for separating the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer from the plasma, for depositing said polymer on the outer wall of the reaction chamber, and for expelling the remaining plasma from the reaction chamber. The container (110) comprises means for supplying the reaction chamber with a solvent for dissolving said non-cross-linked fibrin polymer.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a magnet filter and a method of cleaning a magnetic filter. The magnetic filter is disposed in a circular passage for processing a cleaning fluid. The cleaning apparatus includes sensors for determining when the magnetic filter should be cleaned, which prevents a loss of effectiveness of the cleaning fluid due to detached metal powder falling off of the filter.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling biofouling in an aqueous medium by treating the aqueous medium with an oil-in-water emulsion comprising an antimicrobial oil phase and at least one emulsifier. This method efficiently controls biofouling in the aqueous medium by specifically targeting the antimicrobial oil phase directly to biofilms, cell surfaces and cell aggregates in a concentrated form.

Abstract: A dialysis machine for the removal of toxic substances from biological fluids with agents for the decalcification of a dialysis liquid circulation is disclosed. The dialysis machine allows measurement of the degree of calcification of the dialysis liquid through the use of a blood leak detector or by measuring the dialysis machine pump flow or pump voltage. The invention also includes a process for automatically decalcifying the dialysis liquid circulation when a predetermined degree of calcification of the dialysis machine is measured.

Abstract: A filter is pressed down in a collection tube holding separated blood as a lower solids mass and an upper liquid mass defining with the lower mass an interface. The filter has a sleeve fittable in the tube and having a lower end covered by a membrane that fits snugly in the tube. A vertical level of an upper surface of the upper liquid mass in the tube is detected and a pusher is engaged with an upper end of the sleeve to push the filter downward in the tube. Downward pushing of the filter is stopped when the upper end of the sleeve is at a predetermined spacing above the vertical level of the liquid upper surface. A vertical level of the interface is also detected and downward pushing of the filter is also stopped when the membrane is at the vertical level of the interface. Thus two separate events can trigger stopping of the downward pushing: reaching the interface or reaching a certain fill level in the sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods obtain a platelet suspension with reduced number of leukocytes by centrifugally separating whole blood into red blood cells, a suspension of platelets, and an intermediate layer comprising leukocytes. The systems and methods convey the suspension of platelets from the centrifugal separation chamber to a filter, while maintaining the intermediate layer containing leukocytes inside the centrifugal separation chamber. The systems and methods filter remaining leukocytes from the platelet suspension in the filter.

Abstract: A method of qualitative analysis of microscopic biological specimens is disclosed in which the specimens are rendered magnetically responsive by immunosspecific binding with feuromagnetic colloid. The specimens are placed in a vessel having a feuromagnetic capture structure supported on a transparent wall. The vessel is then placed in a magnetic field for inducing a high gradient region in the vicinity of the capture structure and, in particular, adjacent to the capture structure along the direction of the applied field. The magnetically responsive specimens are collected and immobilized by the high gradient along the wall adjacent to the capture structure for unobstructed microscopic observation. Subpapulations of distinct types of cells can thus be observed and differentiated. As transport force, such as gravity or an externally applied magnetic gradient, may be applied to the vessel to move the specimens into the high gradient region.

Abstract: A method of quantitative analysis of microscopic biological specimens in a fluid medium is disclosed in which the specimens are rendered magnetically responsive by immunospecific binding with ferromagnetic colloid. A known quantity of magnetically-responsive marker particles are added to the fluid medium. The fluid medium is then subjected to a magnetic separation process, to collect the magnetic species from the fluid. The collected species are resuspended in a second fluid medium, and the relative quantities thereof are enumerated to determine the concentration of the desired biological specimen in the first fluid medium. The marker particles may comprise magnetic particles having a relatively large magnetic moment, a magnetic moment approximately equal to the magnetically-labelled biological speciment of interest, or both in order to compensate the determination for variations in immunospecific binding affinity and/or magnetic collection efficiency.

Abstract: A blood filter is disclosed which actively removes unwanted particles from the blood without using passive elements such as a cartridge. The blood filter includes a housing having a blood inlet area for receiving blood to be filtered, a blood outlet area for providing filtered blood to a patient, and a blood return area for returning blood having unwanted particles to a reservoir. A plurality of independent blood paths extend from the inlet area to the outlet area of the housing for separate flows of blood therethrough. An array of detectors is placed adjacent the exterior of each blood path for detecting unwanted particles in the blood flowing therethrough. An array of valves is placed in operable relationship with the blood paths to close selected ones of the blood paths when unwanted particles are detected. Blood return conduits open to divert the particle-containing blood to a reservoir. Several arrays of detectors and valve combinations may be provided for redundancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a high internal gradient magnetic capture structure formed within a vessel, in conjunction with an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the capture structure. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques.

Abstract: A blood separation system operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region of a blood processing chamber for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface, which carries mononuclear cells, between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The system removes packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber, while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The system operates in a second mode to remove the interface from the chamber by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region. An outlet path conveys the removed interface from the chamber. The outlet path includes a first sensing element to locate mononuclear cells in the removed interface and provide a sensed output upon locating mononuclear cells.

Abstract: A differential pressure monitor measures the pressure at a plurality of heights in a filter bed. A preferred embodiment of the monitor comprises an elongated body, a plurality of pressure sensors located on the elongated body for obtaining the pressure readings, a control means for determining differential pressures from the pressure readings, each differential pressure being the difference in pressure between pressures measured at two different heights in the filter bed, and transmission means to transmit the pressure readings from the pressure sensors to the control means. Methods of monitoring and controlling the performance of a filter bed during filtration and during backwashing also are provided. Two such methods include measuring turbidity levels in a filter bed and obtaining water samples from a filter bed.

Abstract: A viewing area in a blood separation chamber is monitored for the presence of an interface region between plasma and cellular blood components. Sensed optical density values for the viewing area are compared to a calibrated threshold value to generate a time pulse output. A calibration element derives the calibrated threshold value based upon either (i) a comparison of a sensed reference optical density value in the viewing area to an expected optical density value for the reference material, or (ii) a sensed optical density value of plasma exiting the blood separation chamber, or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a liquid to inhibit growth of living organisms therein by adding to the liquid an active biocidal ingredient formed by mixing an oxidant and an amine source, by: producing a predetermined dilution of the oxidant; producing a predetermined dilution of the amine source; synchronously metering the two dilutions into a conduit to continuously mix therein according to a predetermined ratio to produce the active biocidal ingredient having high reproducibility, stability and efficacy in situ in the conduit; and continuously injecting the active biocidal ingredient, as it is produced in situ in the conduit, directly from the conduit into the liquid being treated.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide enhanced solids-contacting vessel performance in which untreated liquid is injected into a lower portion of the vessel so as to flow in substantially helical and upward directions, solids separating from the untreated liquid into a suspended and rotating sludge blanket. The apparatus includes devices for withdrawing effluent from the vessel from a variety of locations depending upon the flow characteristics of the liquid in the vessel. The apparatus may include a radial weir trough that can be moved vertically within the vessel.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates a third output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises parameters for storing the platelet volume.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for detecting and neutralizing disease producing organisms in a body fluid of a patient or in any fluid used for biological experimentation, testing, or production. The system may comprise a laser for irradiating the organisms and a photodetector for detecting radiation emanating from the organisms and an additional optical scanning device which may be a video camera. A computer analyzes scanning signals generated by the scanning device and controls a means for neutralizing the organisms, such as a chemical injector or radiation source, in accordance with the scanning signals. The system may also be used to purify water for drinking or bathing purposes by employing an optical scanning device for detecting organisms in the water such as bacteria, algae, or viruses.

Abstract: Centrifuges having a rotating bowl and associated computerized systems for monitoring, diagnosing, operating and controlling various parameters and processes of the centrifuges are presented. The computerized control system actuates at least one out of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time continuous operational control. The monitoring sensors may sense process and other parameters and may be located both inside the centrifuge or bowl and outside the centrifuge or bowl and may monitor machine operation parameters and parameters related to the input and output streams of the centrifuge.

Abstract: Improvements in computer controlled material processing are disclosed including an apparatus and method in which the centrifugation of a liquid mixture in order to separate out components of the mixture with different sedimentation rates is adaptively controlled by monitoring the sedimentation of detectable particles and controlling the centrifugation so as to effect a desired localization of the detectable particles. Such adaptive control may be performed with a continuous flow centrifugal separator or a batch-type centrifuge. The detectable particles may be test particles having a sedimentation constant approximately equal to a component of interest in the mixture whose localization is desired.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement by which separating liquid streams, such as occur for example in cell sorters, are monitored automatically. An image of the separating liquid streams is recorded and the position of a separation point at which the drops separate from a column of liquid is found using image analysis methods. Various solution possibilities are indicated for the suitable preparation of the image information for easier processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solids and liquids effluent chemically enhanced treatment system comprising: (a) a pump for grinding solids and pumping ground solids and liquid effluent; (b) an inlet for introducing flocculant and coagulants into the solids and liquid effluent and mixing the flocculant with the solids and liquid effluent; (c) a mixing chamber having an inlet connected to an outlet of the pump, the mixing chamber having sufficient length to enable the flocculant and coagulants to fully mix with the solids and liquids effluent and form flocs which settle from the liquid effluent; (d) a settling chamber connected to an outlet of the mixing chamber, the settling chamber promoting laminar flow to the solids and liquid effluent and having sufficient length to enable the flocs in the liquid effluent to settle from the effluent; (e) a mechanical propulsion device for moving the solids and liquid effluent through the length of the settling chamber; and (f) a clarifier chamber connected to an outlet of the

Abstract: A method for raising or lowering the fluid level in a chamber in an extracorporeal circuit of a dialysis machine, such as an air trap or compliance chamber, is provided which uses a touch screen. The user of the machine is prompted to indicate on the touch screen the current or actual level of fluid (e.g., blood) in the drip chamber. The user then touches the touch screen to indicate the level, such as by touching an illustration of the chamber at a level corresponding to the actual level. The control system for the machine determines from the level indicated on the touch screen whether the level in the chamber needs to be raised or lowered, and by how much, and responsively operates chamber level adjustment apparatus (such as pressure adjustment apparatus in air communication with the chamber) to raise or lower the level closer to the proper level.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the removal by a filter medium of a target substance from a liquid passing through the filter medium. The method involves: providing an indicator providing a filter medium having a plurality of binding sites which have a first affinity for the target substance and a second affinity for the indicator introducing the indicator means into the liquid; passing the liquid through the filter medium; and determining the presence or absence of the indicator in the liquid which has passed through the filter medium. The first and second affinities are adapted to require binding of the indicator by the filter medium only so long as binding sites are available to the target substance. Thus, the indicator means is adapted to compete with the target substance. As a practical matter, the liquid typically will be water. The indicator may denote when the filter medium is not effective by altering the taste of the water passing through the filter medium.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into a rotating chamber for separation into red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mono nuclear cells between the red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the chamber while removing red blood cells and the plasma constituent and while maintaining the interface at a set location within the chamber. At an appropriate processing time, the systems and methods move the interface from the set location for removal from the chamber through an outlet path. The outlet path includes a sensing element to locate mono nuclear cells in the outlet path outside the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods separate whole blood containing leukocytes in a first separation chamber into a first layer comprising red blood cells, a second layer comprising a suspension of platelets, and an interface between the first and second layers. The systems and methods convey the suspension of platelets into a second separation chamber while simultaneously filtering the suspension of platelets to reduce the number of leukocytes. The systems and methods separate the filtered suspension of platelets in the second separation chamber into a platelet-rich concentrate and platelet-poor component.

Abstract: Disclosed are the Rhodamine B esters of hydroxy C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 lower alkyl acrylates. Specifically, the hydroxy lower alkyl radical is a linear hydroxy lower alkyl radical having the hydroxy group attached to the terminal carbon atom. Also shown are copolymers of diallyldimetyl ammonium chloride which contains from 0.01-2 mole percent of these Rhodamine B esters and their use in treating industrial waters.