Abstract: A pool skimmer inlet is sized and shaped to replace a standard pool skimmer plate. The skimmer inlet includes a replacement plate adapted to replace the standard filter plate and a body attached to the replacement plate. The body is formed with at least one cavity housing a sensor for monitoring pool conditions and an electronic sensor monitoring said sensor and generating appropriate electronic signals. Indicators may be mounted on the body together with one or more meshes that prefilter the water before it flows to a main filter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of removing organic solutes from liquids. The methods include incubating fly larvae with a liquid that contains organic solutes. Also disclosed herein are methods of producing larva biomass. Additionally, apparatus for use with the disclosed methods are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for filtering fluid, preferably effluent fluid in a septic system, by providing a staged, filtering array in an effluent flow path, the stages positioned in an orientation designed to maximize filtering capability in conjunction with predetermined apertures.

Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a wall, a first passage, a second passage, and an oil debris monitor. The wall defines a cyclone cavity. The first passage has a first passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a first passage outlet at an exterior of the cyclone separator. The second passage has a second passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a second passage outlet at the first passage. The oil debris monitor detects debris flowing through the second passage.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter including trapping holes forming lattices is used to detect particulates trapped in the filter. An electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the filter in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trapping hole. The electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave passes through the filter is received and the particulates trapped in the filter are detected on the base of a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave has a frequency of 0.294 c/a or more and c/a or less (a represents a lattice spacing of said trapping holes and c represents the speed of light). The electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the filter wherein the particulates are not trapped and an inclined angle ? of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the lattices is changed so as to increase a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One exemplary method includes providing a first flow having a plurality of components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first cellular component of the plurality of components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second cellular component of the plurality of components in the first flow. The second flow having the first cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: Chromatography systems and components suitable for use in chromatography systems are disclosed. Methods of making chromatography systems and components suitable for use in chromatography systems and methods of using chromatography systems and components suitable for use in chromatography systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge particularly suited for a water filtration system incorporated into refrigerators includes an outer housing, a water filtration media inside the housing, and a cap affixed to an end of the housing to thereby enclose the filtration media. A portion of the cap defines a large cylindrical cavity having a channel formed therein which is positioned so that an O-ring provides a substantially water-tight seal when the filter cartridge is in an operative position in a manifold. The O-ring prevents water from otherwise flowing through the channel and externally of the water filtration system. Under normal water pressure the water filtration system will immediately visually exhibit a substantial leak if the filter cartridge is coupled to the manifold of the water filtration system in the operative position without the O-ring being positioned in the large cylindrical cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid during an extracorporeal treatment of blood is disclosed. Detection of the supply of replacement fluid upstream or downstream of the dialyser or filter is based on a measurement of the optical or physical density of the blood or of a constituent of blood in the extracorporeal circulation. To detect pre- or post-dilution, the blood flow rate and/or the replacement rate and/or the flow rate of the fluid removed from the blood through the dialyser membrane is altered, and the density of the blood or of the constituent of blood is measured upstream and/or downstream of the dialyser. Additionally, an apparatus for treating blood with an apparatus for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for biological purposes such as cell culturing, enzymatic reactions or filtering of fluid has a body with first and second surfaces. The body is delimited by a rim and an aperture in the center of the body. The aperture is covered at the first and second surface by first and second plates. The first and/or second plate has an inlet orifice allowing liquid medium into the aperture. Rotating means are arranged in the aperture between the first and second plate. At least one recessed portion is a cavity in the rim of the body having a first outlet orifice allowing the liquid medium to flow out of the body. At least one outlet channel connects the circular aperture with the recessed portion. Liquid is pumped into the aperture of the device and pumped through at least one outlet channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting blood or blood constituents in the liquid system of a device for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a dialysis device or filter divided by a semipermeable membrane into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is part of the extracorporeal blood circulation system and the second chamber part of the liquid system of the extracorporeal blood treatment device.

Abstract: Provided is a filter device for filtering liquid by passing it through one or more filtering media. The filter device comprises a cartridge defining a treatment region filled with said one or more filtering media and has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A locking mechanism may be located within a liquid flow through the cartridge and configured to lock at least one of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet upon expiration of life time of said at least one filtering medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes using the naturally present dissolved chemicals as precipitants from local water sources to form an adsorbent and a process of purifying the water using natural resources. The adsorbent may be processed at the right pH and temperature to purify and remove heavy metals from waste water. Once the heavy metals are removed the concentration of the heavy metals are estimated in the reusable water. The local authority acceptable level heavy metal containing reusable water is reclaimed for non-human consumption. This disclosure enables to conserve water and provide a cheap and an effective method to decontaminate industrial waste water.

Abstract: A spiral wound module assembly comprising: a permeate collection tube, at least one membrane envelope wound about the permeate collection tube, an outer module housing, and at least one acoustic transducer located adjacent to the permeate collection tube. Several embodiments are disclosed including a stand-alone probe adapted for insertion into the permeate collection tube. In several other embodiments, one or more transducers are secured to the inner surface of the permeate collection tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for marking objects, particularly components (10 of a motor vehicle, preferably filter elements, with an embossed hologram (11) and to objects marked in this way. The object (10) to be marked is provided with an embossing region (12) to be embossed in the soft state. An embossing body (14a) is pressed into the soft embossing region (12) such that the embossed hologram (11) emerges from the negative (16) of the embossing body (14a) in the embossing region (12), and the embossing body (14a) is separated from the embossing region (12) after the same has solidified.

Abstract: A novel system and method for fluid management for accurate continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CWH) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The fluid management or CWH system is automated and configured for operation as a stand alone unit and can be easily integrated with an ECMO system. The fluid management system is capable of producing either perfect or negative fluid balance between ultrafiltrate removal and replacement fluid delivery. The fluid management system can achieve electrolyte replacement over a range of flow rates needed to care for patients ranging from neonates to adults. Finally, the novel fluid management system preserves patient safety, maintains sterility during operation, is easy to operate, and is compact enough to fit near a patient's bed.

Abstract: A condensate filtering device of the present invention comprises a simulation unit which is able to simulate operating conditions being the same as operating conditions of a main body of an actual condensate filtering device and sample a hollow fiber membrane easily. The condensate filtering device comprises a unit evaluating properties of a hollow fiber membrane provided with a main body of the condensate filtering device containing a first hollow fiber membrane module in which filtration of condensate and air scrubbing washing are repeated, and equipped with a column containing a second hollow fiber membrane module having a hollow fiber membrane which is the same kind as the hollow fiber membrane of the first hollow fiber membrane module; and a line introducing the condensate for unit which is a branched line from a line introducing the condensate directing to the main body of the condensate filtering device and introduces the condensate into the unit evaluating the properties of the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment facility with a rotating biological contactor (“RBC”) that has a control system. The RBC sits in a tank that receives wastewater to be purified over which a reversible rotatable shaft is supported. One or more stages of rotating disk assembles progressively purify incoming wastewater. Each stage is oriented transversely to the shaft and has a plurality of disk assemblies. Each disk assembly has a number of disks that are sandwiched between end plates. Each of the disks comprises multiple concentric truncated pie-shaped segments.

Abstract: A liquid extraction filter, more particularly a continuous-action, top-feed, vacuum drum filter includes a drum structure and filter elements, the filtration surface of which filter elements is formed of microporous hydrophilic material such that when filtering with a partial vacuum it is impervious to the surrounding air.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a containment system having integrated bubble tight-dampers. In another embodiment, the containment system includes an integral auto-scan mechanism disposed in the housing of the containment system so that a filter element, disposed in the housing, may be leak tested without accessing the interior of the housing. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter disposed in a containment system includes challenging an upstream side of a filter element disposed in a housing of the containment system with a test aerosol, and automatically moving a probe disposed within the housing to obtain samples for leak testing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of using such systems including a dialysis system, a dialysis system controller operatively coupled to a filtration system, water purification system, dialysate preparation system and dialyzer system of the dialysis system, and a user interface communicatively coupled to the dialysis system controller. The user interface is configured to enable user interaction with the dialysis system and guide a user step-wise through set-up and shut-down of the dialysis system according to a pre-determined protocol. The user interface communicates with the dialysis system controller to activate an alarm condition when a deviation from the pre-determined protocol is sensed.

Abstract: A water treatment system is capable of meeting the particular needs of a variety of water treatment system applications. For instance, the water treatment system may include a customizable display, multiple interchangeable filters and disinfection systems. In one embodiment, a vessel containing the filters and disinfection assembly can be easily removed from a base that supplies water to the vessel. In another embodiment, the water treatment system includes a plate that includes at least one electrical connection. One or more electronics bricks with sensors, displays and the like can be removably attached to the plate such that each electronics brick is in electrical communication with said brick. In another embodiment, the water treatment system incorporates one or more stackable and interchangeable filter blocks that direct water flowing into the vessel through each filter media.

Abstract: A test paper includes a porous membrane capable of separating an object that should be filtered out of a sample by filtration, the porous membrane carrying a reagent capable of reacting with a specified component of the sample to result in coloring. The porous membrane includes a first layer having a surface on which the sample is supplied and a second layer having a surface at which sample percolation and measuring are effected, the first layer composed of large pore portions, the surface of the first layer consisting of a smooth surface having open pore portions, the second layer composed of minute pore portions the surface of the second layer consisting of a surface having open pore portions. The porous membrane has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m and a porosity of 60 to 95%.

Abstract: A time and labor saving device used in the aviation refueling process for holding an aviation style fuel nozzle in place over a open vessel with a support base so that the filter screen may be easily inspected while additionally providing for the collection and recycling of fuel that is lost while inspection is made.

Abstract: A filter (1) to purify the water distributed by a dispenser, fitted with a special sanitizing device incorporated therein. Inside of the said filter (1), below the water chamber (3), is a disinfectant chamber (4) that contains the solution designed to sanitize the said dispenser. A mechanism causes the sanitizing solution to flow into the water chamber (3) of the filter (1) and into the piping, for performing the subsequent sanitizing action.

Abstract: Water purification system comprising filtration media sized with respect to each other to allow a first contaminant in the water to saturate the first medium with a delay prior to saturation of the second medium with a second contaminant.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment has a dialysis fluid circuit and a blood circuit which are separated by a dialyzer. Arranged in the dialysis fluid circuit there is a sterile filter for producing a sterile dialysis fluid which flows into the dialyzer. To check the sterile filter, a chemical and/or physical property of the dialysis fluid, for example the conductivity, is changed upstream of the sterile filter, and the change in the property of the dialysis fluid is detected downstream of the sterile filter. From the time shift between the initiation of the conductivity impulse and the detection of the latter, it is possible to tell whether the blood treatment apparatus is fitted with a sterile filter. Moreover, the volume of the sterile filter can be inferred from the length of the time shift.

Abstract: A composition for treating waters, e.g. ballast water or injection water for oil recovery, to kill in-situ aquatic invasive species comprises at least one biocide capable of killing both animal and plant micro-organisms. The at least one biocide preferably comprises Brilliant Green, Gentian Violet, and/or erythrosine, and a wetting agent or detergent-like compound such as CTAB or CTAC. The invention also relates to a system for treating ballast water in situ comprising means for injecting a composition for treating ballast water; means for measuring the flow rate or amount of ballast water to be treated; means for controlling the dosing of the composition; and means for storing or receiving the composition. The invention also relates to a method of detecting viable aquatic organisms in ballast water in situ comprising detecting metabolism in viable micro-organisms in ballast water and, therefore, measuring the efficacy of any treatment.

Abstract: A device and mechanism for recommending a water filter in a beverage dispenser is described. A sensor senses qualities of unfiltered water. Another sensor senses qualities of a flavorant container, such as the flavorant contained within the container. Based on the quality of the unfiltered water and the particular flavored beverage desired, the device will recommend a water filter to optimize the flavor of the beverage.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a molded plastic housing defining an interior filter chamber. A filter element is operatively supported in the filter chamber. Fuel is passed through the filter chamber to remove impurities. At least one sensor is operatively supported by the housing for sensing at least one condition of the fuel passing through the fuel filter. The sensor includes an element that is exposed to the fuel. A common connector terminal is adapted to provide electrical communication with a source of power. Leads extend between the element and the common connector terminal. The leads are encased in plastic substantially between the element and the common connector terminal such that the leads are sealed from contact with the fuel. The present invention is also directed toward a method of manufacturing a fuel filter for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A filter canister is described that includes at least one filter element and a casing formed about the filter element and having sufficient strength to be used in place of a pressure vessel. The filter canister can have first and second ends. A collector tube can be disposed within the filter element to collect permeate from the filtered fluid. Two or more of the filter canisters can be fluidly coupled in a filtration system. The filter canister can be produced by spool winding a material about the filter element and an end piece to form a casing that can harden in place.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes independent wastewater treatment facilities. Each of the facilities has a number of wastewater treatment subsystems. A wastewater collection subsystem holds wastewater to be treated. A pump subsystem moves wastewater from a wastewater collector to a filtration subsystem having a bioreacting filter. The filter has a sump and a fluidized-bed filter therein and supports the filter upright. The filter has an upwardly expanding, hollow, conical filter body with filter media. A monitoring subsystem measures wastewater process parameters. Control devices receive control commands and, dependent upon the command received, alter parameters of the wastewater treatment subsystems.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling aeration and mixing processes are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved air/oil separator assembly for removal of oil from a gaseous stream is disclosed. The air/oil separator includes a head flange and an end plate positioned in a spaced-parallel relationship. A first and a second elongated support member and an outer jacket are concentrically arranged and secured along opposing ends to the head flange and end plate. A first separator element is secured in a position proximate to and outboard of the first support member and a second separator element is secured in a position proximate to and outboard of the second support member. A pre-separator element is secured in a position proximate to and outboard of the second separator element but inboard of the outer jacket. The pre-separator and separator elements are operative to remove oil from the gaseous stream. The pre-separator improves oil removal performance by removing a significant amount of oil before it reaches the separator elements.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes using the naturally present dissolved chemicals as precipitants from local water sources to form an adsorbent. The adsorbent may be collected and used at the right pH and temperature to purify and remove heavy metals from waste water. Once the heavy metals are removed the concentration of the heavy metals are estimated in the reusable water. The local authority acceptable level heavy metal containing reusable water is reclaimed for non-human consumption. This disclosure enables to conserve water and provide a cheap and an effective method to decontaminate industrial waste water.

Abstract: In a method and a system for reducing at least an amount of disinfection by-products in water, the system has a dosing pump (15) for adding a photocatalyst (36) into a stream (17) of the water to obtain a mixed stream (17?), and a photo reactor (20) adapted to receive the mixed stream (17?) and to irradiate the mixed stream (17?) with photons, the photocatalyst (36) in the mixed stream (17?) producing free radicals on being irradiated with the photons, wherein the dosing pump (15) is controllable responsive to an amount of absorption of the photons by the mixed stream (17?).

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.

Abstract: A grey water treatment system for use in conjunction with a water softener, including a grey water holding tank including a first inlet configured to receive grey water and a second inlet configured to receive spent brine from the water softener. The spent brine is mixed with the grey water in the holding tank to flocculate suspended solids in the grey water for subsequent removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for regulating algal biomass in offshore waters near an oil and gas production platform. The systems of the invention encompasses a plurality of modules for managing nutrients, algae, and aquaculture, including enclosures for containing aquatic organisms, and various operating subsystems that are operably associated with surface and underwater structures of the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, aquatic organisms are cultured in eutrophic water to feed on algae, thereby reducing the algal biomass. In other embodiments, the diversity of algae in an algal bloom is modified and the productivity of oligotrophic water is increased.

Abstract: Removable and replaceable outlets for point-of-use showers or faucets, filter devices, and methods and systems including the outlets and/or filter devices, are disclosed.

Abstract: Removable and replaceable outlets for point-of-use showers or faucets, filter devices, and methods and systems including the outlets and/or filter devices, are disclosed.

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: The invention provides a water dispensing system comprising a container having a first region adapted to store unfiltered water, a second region adapted to store filtered water, and a spout region, a meter housing adapted to receive a water meter, a reservoir disposed within the first region of the container, a filter coupled to the reservoir, the filter being adapted to filter water flowing from the reservoir into the second region of the container, a valve assembly disposed in the second region of the container, the valve assembly being adapted to dispense filtered water from the second region of the container, and a lid coupled to the reservoir. In addition, the invention provides a system for filtering and testing water, comprising a water filtering system used in combination with a water meter for testing the quality of the effluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for recycling an abrasive chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry after polishing substrates therewith. The method comprises circulating the recovered CMP slurry from a blending tank through an ultrafiltration unit and back into the, the ultrafiltration unit removing a predetermined amount of water from recovered slurry to form a slurry concentrate; optionally adjusting the pH of the concentrate to a predetermined target level; and optionally adding selected additive chemical components and/or water to the concentrate in amounts sufficient to form a reconstituted CMP slurry that is suitable for use in a CMP process.

Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus includes a first reservoir for storing waste water interconnected to a second reservoir to receive and store treated water from the first reservoir upon activation of a pump. Operating the waste water treatment apparatus includes receiving waste water in the first reservoir, pumping the waste water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir, filtering the waste water from the first reservoir creating treated water prior to being received in the second reservoir, and using the treated water for cleansing.

Abstract: A fitting coupler is provided configured for coupling a planar fluid conduit and a fluidic device. The fluidic device comprises a cavity, a device conduit, and a mouth where the device conduit opens into the cavity. A contact pressure element is configured for sealingly pressing the planar fluid conduit to the mouth, so that a conduit opening of the planar fluid conduit opens into the mouth.