Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water filtration system for residential homes having at least one U-shaped filter device, in the form of a tube, containing a three-layered particulate bed of a sand layer between anthracite layers held by end screens, for removing iron and manganese contaminants. Pressure gauges, an alarm element and a clarity analyzer containing a photocell are included in the system, for monitoring and controlling the filtration system.

Abstract: A lubricant filtering and monitoring system and method is provided for a lubricant circulation system circulating lubricant through a filter to a lubricated component. A combination of sensors senses a condition of the lubricant before and after passage through the filter and before and after passage through the component and provides an output indicative of a condition in the circulation system. A sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through the filter, and another sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through a reference section for comparison against and normalizing of the output of the first sensor. A method of actively monitoring the component is provided by comparing influent to the component with effluent from the component to ascertain how lubricant is being modified by the component, by sensing a condition of lubricant passing through the filter. An effective method is provided for determining when to change or clean the filter.

Abstract: Automated filtration of whole blood or blood components is accomplished in a manner that ensures consistent flow or pressure characteristics through the filter. A feedback circuit monitors pressure in the vicinity of the filter inlet and controls operation of a fluid pump that sends one or more unfiltered blood components into the filter. Using this arrangement, a variety of parameters relating to filtration efficacy can be precisely controlled, including flow rate, flow pressure, and average pressure over a predetermined volume. The system may provide an alarm or automatic cut-off in the event a maximum value of one of the parameters is reached or exceeded. The system is also capable of serially filtering multiple blood products through the single filter and accommodating different flow or pressure characteristics associated with each such product.

Abstract: The invention relates to separating different substances, more concretely, to a method and apparatus for filters, degassing, dehydrating and removing products of ageing in insulating and other petroleum oils. The technical result is that the aforesaid phases of processing oil or a mixture of oils are ensured with high efficiency for a single passage through an active component, and also the possibility of regenerating the adsorbents being used is ensured during the process of operation of the equipment, with simultaneous simplification of the construction and reduction of size and of power consumption. The apparatus 1 for filtering, degassing, dehydrating and removing products of ageing comprises at least one tank 2, in which are disposed cylindrical partitions 3, 4 filled with an adsorbent 5 and secured in the tank 2 by means of fixing elements 6. Partitions 3, 4 form channels for the passage of oil being processed.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly (10) has a head portion (12) and an element portion (14) enclosing a replaceable cartridge (18). The assembly has a first inlet port (22) which accepts fuel from a tank (90) and filters it by passage through a screen (43) supported on a tube (36). The fuel that has been filtered by passage through the screen is delivered from the assembly through a first outlet port (24) for delivery to a lift pump (96). Fuel from the lift pump is returned to the fuel filter assembly through a second inlet port (26). The fuel is finely filtered by passage through a loop of filter media (60). Clean fuel is delivered from a second outlet port (28) to an engine (104). Contaminants separated from the fuel by passage through the screen and the media loop are collected in first and second sump areas (78), (80) of the filter housing respectively. An alternative embodiment (110) includes a prefilter screen (158) integral with a replaceable cartridge (118).

Abstract: In a filter changing device with a flow path for the plastic in which one two or more filters can be inserted into the flow path as desired, the invention proposes to fit the filter support in such a way that it can assume a working back rinse and filter change position, in which, in the back rinse position, the plastic is caused to reverse its direction of flow through two interconnected flow channels without permitting air to penetrate into the filter changing device and in which there is free access to one of the filters in the filter changing positions. As the back rinse position can succeed a filter changing position, it is possible to clear the whole filter changing device of occluded air before a plastic processing plant starts production.

Abstract: A control system for the vacuum cut-off valve of a rotating disc or drum filter is provided. The control system includes an actuator that is connected to the vacuum cut-off valve for adjusting the rotation of the vacuum cut-off valve with respect to the core. The actuator is linked to a controller which receives communications from a vacuum sensor that senses the level of vacuum inside the vacuum box. The controller sends signals to the actuator to either move the vacuum cut-off valve forward (or to a higher position) or rearward (or to a lower position) in response to the vacuum or pressure level inside the vacuum box.

Abstract: Removable inserts are disclosed for positioning within a dialysis machine in order to connect a pressure transducer to external apparatus such as a drip chamber. The removable insert comprises a cup-shaped container adapted to be disposed within the dialysis machine with its open end aligned with the front face of the dialysis machine, a cover to cover the open end of the container, the cover including an orifice, a tube extending from the closed end of the cup-shaped container for communication with the pressure transducer, a filter positioned within the container, and a coupler for coupling the tube with the orifice in the cover with the filter interposed therebetween so that the pressure associated with the drip chamber can be monitored by the pressure transducer.

Abstract: Blood from a patient is treated extracorporeally by any selected one of a plurality of predetermined treatments. Each of the treatments involves the flow of blood from the patient into a primary chamber of a filtration unit, past a semipermeable membrane located in the filtration unit which separates the primary chamber from a secondary chamber of the filtration unit, out the filtration unit and back to the patient. A replacement fluid is selectively and controllably added to the blood, as required for the selected treatment. A secondary fluid is controllably and selectively introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit for controllably collecting material passing across the semipermeable membrane from the blood or for supplying material to pass across the semipermeable membrane into the blood as required for the selected treatment. Materials are removed from the secondary chamber and collected in accordance with the selected treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, among other things, to methods for reducing fouling of a separation membrane having a concentrate side subject to a concentrate pressure (Pc) and a permeate side subject to permeate pressure (Pp), comprising raising an initial permeate pressure (Pp.sub.0) to an increased permeate pressure (Pp.sub.1). The present invention further provides a method of reducing fouling of a membrane having a concentrate side subject to a concentrate pressure (Pc) and a permeate side subject to permeate pressure (Pp), comprising periodically raising an initial permeate pressure (Pp.sub.0) to an increased permeate pressure (Pp.sub.1).

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration system with a filter life monitor includes a filter housing with a flexible cap which deflects upon introduction of water into the housing. The deflection of the cap closes a switch on an electrical circuit which counts the time the water is flowing through the housing. Once a predetermined amount of time accumulates, the circuit generates a message to inform the user that the filter needs replacement. The invention further includes a selector switch on the electrical circuit for signaling the circuit to count one of two predetermined amounts of time prior to generating a message.

Abstract: This invention relates to a belt press for dewatering sludge, such as sewage sludge. The press includes a camera to monitor physical operation of a gravity belt section of the press. A numerical control device uses electromagnetic radiation received from the gravity belt section to control the physical operation of the gravity belt section. An actuator device may be used to control a height of a weir for distribution of the sludge over the gravity belt section, and another actuator device may be used to control positions of ploughs which plough the sludge.

Abstract: A compact cyclonic filter assembly used for separating unwanted debris from a fluid. The cyclonic filter assembly uses the centrifugal forces to separate large pieces of debris from the fluid and a filter to separate the remaining unwanted debris from the fluid. The present invention can be contained in a compact single housing which may be disassembled for easy cleaning and replacement of parts. The cyclonic filter assembly of the present invention has a vertically oriented cylindrical tube which receives a tangential injection of the debris laden fluid. The tangential injection causes the fluid to circulate around a cylindrical vortex finder which is inside of and coaxial with the tube. The centrifugal forces acting on the debris causes the debris to move outward away from the center of the vortex. The vortex finder has an opening which pulls in the relatively clean fluid near the center of the vortex while the debris laden fluid settles into a collection chamber below the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A differential pressure indicator has a piston across which inlet and outlet pressures are applied with a spring preventing movement of the piston until a predetermined differential pressure is exceeded. At this point, a port is opened to allow the inlet pressure to be applied to an indicator button to move the indicator button from a retracted position to an operative extended position to indicate that the pressure differential has been exceeded. The use of fluid pressure to operate the indicator button applies a large force to the indicator button and allows it to be securely held in the inoperative position to guard against accidental movement by high G-forces.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for salvaging a patient's own blood during intraoperative surgical procedures and reinfusing the blood, washed and filtered, to the patient substantially continuously, on-line and in real-time. The apparatus comprises suction means, admixing means for admixing aspirated blood with a washing fluid, filtering means for filtering the admixture through an emboli filter, monitoring means for measuring the amount of cellular component volume in the aspirated, filtered blood, filtration means for removing excess fluid and impurities from the blood, and reinfusion means for introducing the washed and filtered blood to the patient free of emboli. The apparatus is structured to introduce washing fluid to the aspirated blood in proportion to the measured hematocrit level of the blood that is aspirated. Methods are disclosed for priming of the system, cleaning and flushing the apparatus of blood clots and debris by means of reverse filtration and filtration of blood for reinfusion.

Abstract: A monitoring device for an impurity filtration system of drinking water comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting component that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the impurity filter devices, a warning component that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water impurity filter devices, and a power switching component that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the impurity filter devices will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time.

Abstract: A novel hollow fiber membrane-based synergistic extraction technique has been developed for removal and recovery of individual heavy metals from aqueous streams. This technique has a number of advantages over conventional solvent extraction, emulsion liquid membrane, and supported liquid membrane methods. It may be easily scaled up to meet the requirements for pollution control of heavy metals in industrial processes and selective separation hydrometallurgy.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a drinking water purification system comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting means that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the filtration elements, a warning means that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water filtration elements, and a power switching means that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the filtration elements will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time. If the filtration elements are clogged, the monitoring device will make a sound to warn of such condition of the filtration elements and will eventually cut off the power supply to the pump for stopping water delivery if the clogged filtration elements are not replaced after a certain period of time.

Abstract: A filtration and regeneration system for in line filtration of dirt and impurities from a brine/solution having contaminant flushing capabilities and a direct non-saturated feed of liquid resin cleaners to resins or filter media.

Abstract: A fluid filter (10) includes a housing (14), a mounting head (16), a filter element (34), and a pressure sensor (54) mounted to the housing (14) and having a high pressure port (58) communicating with the high pressure side (36) of the filter element (34) and having a low pressure port (60) communicating with the low pressure side (38) of the filter element (34) to sense the pressure drop across the filter element.

Abstract: An efficiency indicator for a separation system, such as a water filter, wherein a first volume of fluid is exposed, under a first pressure, to a separation medium and a second volume of fluid is recovered therefrom, under a second, lesser pressure. The indicator comprises a housing including an aperture and a biased piston rod in a tube driven between a first position and a second spaced-apart position by the differential between said first and second pressures when said second pressure represents an undesired loss of medium separating efficiency. The piston rod has a first reflective colored coating at one location on said rod and a second reflective colored coating at a second location. A sphere of optical transparent material is mounted so as to project through the aperture of the housing.

Abstract: A sampling means of a chemical analysis apparatus includes a membrane, which is attached to a membrane carrier, which has an inlet passage to the side of the carrier facing the membrane and a discharge passage going therefrom. The passages conduct the medium to be measured and which medium absorbs ions, molecules or particles which pierce the membrane. In order to provide a sampling means, which has a short reaction time and makes use of small amounts of the medium to be measured and is easy to manufacture, the mouths of the inlet passage and of the discharge passage, which opens to the membrane, are interconnected by means of at least one groove, which is open towards the membrane. The groove is formed in a surface layer, which is attached between the membrane and the membrane carrier or is manufactured on the surface of the membrane carrier. The open side of the groove is closed by the membrane such that the membrane adheres to the surface layer or to the surface of the carrier facing the membrane.

Abstract: Rolling solutions used in cold rolling are pressurized and filtered at working temperature using a filter of the scanning flush type in which flushing nozzles exhausting to a low pressure zone are scanned over an upstream surface of the filtration medium during flushing cycles triggered by a pressure drop across the filter exceeding a predetermined level. Flushing retentate exhausted during the flushing cycles is treated in a secondary filter. Harmful particulates can be removed without retaining wanted components of the rolling solution.

Abstract: The invention is a spin-on type filter with a reclaimed permanent filter casing and permanent filtering mediums that are washable and reusable. There are three distinct progressive filtering systems that function simultaneously, but separately within one filter housing; one is the full flow filtering at 10 micron capability while the other is in its by-pass fine filtering mode at 1 to 3 micron filtering capability. In addition, a safety full flow filter can be activated to filter the return oil while the main fill flow medium is fouled. Each system can be implemented with multi mediums. The main body of the filter, which comprises the filter head and the mediums, can be separated easily for servicing from its casing which is designed to attach to the engine. Fine stainless steel cloths are being utilized as filtering mediums which can last the life of an engine. Further more, magnetic pieces are utilized to trap suspending metal filings in oil flow.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system has been created in which water to be treated is moved into a treatment vessel without pumping action of a pump. Such movement is facilitated by creating and, in some aspects, maintaining a vacuum in the treatment vessel to effect siphoning action to move water to and through the vessel. In one embodiment the treatment vessel is contained within a wastewater collection container, e.g. a below-grade concrete pit of an existing wastewater collection system. In another aspect the system is sealed so undesirable vapors are not vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring flow of a dialysis fluid through a dialyzer is disclosed including a computer for calculating the flow rate of the dialysis fluid into and out of the dialyzer based on the formula P-P.sub.O =k*Q.sup.n in which P is the pressure in the dialysis fluid between a throttle and a pump either upstream or downstream of the dialyzer, P.sub.O is the pressure in the dialysis fluid on the opposite side of the throttles from the pump, k is a characteristic coefficient for the throttle, Q is the flow of the dialysis fluid through the throttle, and N is a characteristic exponent for the throttle, and the apparatus includes microprocessor for calculating the values of k and P.sub.O prior to use and for calculating the value of P.sub.O during use of the dialyzer. Methods for carrying out such monitoring are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid filtering machine is provided with a filtering membrane made up of filtering substance that collects on a filtering core in a filtering tank and is controlled by a programmable logic controller. The machine includes a raw water tank, a purified water tank, a primary debris strainer, a working pump, a filtering substance supplying tank, the filtering tank, a concentrated debris tank and the programmable logic controller. Wherein the combination of the above mentioned components with input from pressure switches, each of a number of solenoids and an actuating rod actuated by a motor can be accurately and precisely controlled by the controller to control flow through set procedures of machine operation. The procedures include filtering, retro-cleaning, formation of the filtering membrane and supplying of the filtering substance.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods utilize a membrane separation device comprising a gap between a microporous membrane and a surface facing the microporous membrane, one of the microporous membrane and the surface being rotatable relative to the other to cause separation of whole blood in the gap into plasma and concentrated red blood cells. The systems and methods include an inlet pump element coupled to the membrane separation device to convey whole blood having a known beginning hematocrit value into the gap for separation. The systems and methods also include a drive element coupled to the membrane separation device to cause rotation of the rotatable one of the microporous membrane and the facing surface. The systems and methods command the inlet pump element and the drive element as a function of the known beginning hematocrit value.

Abstract: Water treatment and pretreatment methods and processes for use in a dialysate preparation machine are described. In one aspect, water is passed through a first filter having chlorine removal properties and then passed into a line. Water is removed from the line at a sample location. The removed water is periodically sampled for the presence of chlorine or chloramines. The presence of chlorine or chloramines indicates that the filtration capacity for chlorine of the first filter is substantially exhausted. The method further includes the step of filtering the water downstream from the sample location in a second filter having chlorine removal properties, and replacing the first filter if chlorine or chlorine is detected during the sampling step. Water pretreatment may be provided by mixing hot and cold water from a source with a temperature-controlled mixing valve and passing the water through the first filter, so as to provide warm, filtered water to the dialysate preparation machine.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method for removing toxic matter from the large intestine comprises an input tube, an output tube concentric with the input tube, both of which tubes are to be inserted in the large intestine an input pressure pump connected to deliver filtrate solution from an input container to the input tube, and an output suction pump connected to the output tube to remove filtrate solution. Pressure gauges control the input and output pumps so that an input pressure level of 75 mm Hg is not exceeded, and so that the output suction pump is disabled unless the input pressure level exceeds 45 mm Hg. A filtrate solution composition comprising a vasodilator of niacin, a high molecular weight protein in the form of casein, a mineral constituents and other components is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained, self-monitoring water purification system able to be transported to and used in remote areas. The system processes contaminated water through a preliminary filter, an oxidation contact chamber, a secondary filter and a chemical biocidal agent to obtain potable water. A number of sensor probes send information on critical operating parameters to a programmed logic control which, in turn, analyzes the information and generates an output signal to alter system operations when needed. In a second embodiment, the invention system is provided with a desalination unit in the form of a reverse osmosis filter to remove salt and extremely fine particles.

Abstract: The present invention is a prewet system for a filter. The present invention includes a power controller. A first container is used for storing iso-propyl alcohol liquid. An air pump is connected to the first container via a liquid pipe. The air pump is utilized for sucking the iso-propyl alcohol from the first container and driving the iso-propyl alcohol liquid to flow in the prewet system. An impurity filter is connected to the air pump via a liquid pipe, which is useful for filtering out impurities of the iso-propyl alcohol liquid. A second container is connected to the impurity filter for holding a filter. Between the filter and the second container is a pressure detector for detecting the liquid pressure inside the pipe. The prewet system provides a better prewet effect than the conventional one.

Abstract: A swimming pool control system automatically controls the daily maintenance functions of a swimming pool. The control system actively monitors system conditions, makes adjustments for abnormal conditions, and provides remote feedback of system problems during its daily cycle. In addition, the control system provides operator assisted manual override operation and control of additional auxiliary equipment. The system includes a novel filter valve, a novel water level system and a novel suction valve that can be run and monitored non-manually by a digital controller.

Abstract: Granulocytes can be removed from blood by bringing the blood into contact with a carrier having higher affinity to granulocytes than to lymphocytes. the carrier may preferably be a substance having a contact angle in a range of 55.degree.-95.degree. to water, e.g., polystyrene, cellulose acetate, nylon, polytrifluoroethylene or polyethylene terephthalate. A granulocyte removing apparatus is also disclosed. It comprises a granulocyte-adsorbing portion enclosing therein a carrier having higher affinity to granulocytes than to lymphocytes, a blood inflow port for causing blood to flow into the adsorbing portion, and a blood outflow port for allowing the blood, which has flowed in the adsorbing portion, to flow out of the adsorbing portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for detecting accumulation of particulates in a fluid stream. A differential pressure switch is incorporated in the apparatus for detecting changes in pressure in the fluid stream passing through a strainer having a filter wherein the particulates accumulate at the filter. A body is insertable into a wall of the strainer wherein the body is in communication with the fluid stream. A pressure responsive device is responsive to changes in pressure in the fluid stream due to accumulation of the particulates. A signal producing device is activated to produce a signal upon detection of a predetermined pressure differential in the fluid.

Abstract: A filter monitoring device for use in monitoring the purity of a fluid through a filter includes a pressure differential sensing device in communication with the filter. The filter monitoring device defines an inlet port which is in communication with the supply of fluid upstream of the filter and an outlet port which is in communication with a supply of fluid downstream of the filter. The differential pressure sensing device comprises at least one movable device which is in contact with both the upstream and downstream supplies of fluid and moves in response to changes in the pressure differential of the fluid. Different total differential pressures are accommodated by corresponding stiffness of a biasing device. The differential pressure sensing device also comprises a distance sensing device which continuously measures or detects the distance of travel of the movable device.

Abstract: A device for treatment of blood by extracorporeal circulation comprises a dialysis liquid circuit having a supply tube (9a, 9b) on which is arranged a filter (21) having a first chamber and a second chamber (22, 23) which are separated by a filtering membrane (24), the supply tube having a first portion (9a) connecting a dialysis liquid source (10) to an inlet of the first chamber (22), and a second portion (9b) having an end connected to an outlet of the second chamber (23) of the filter (21) and another end which can be connected to an inlet of a compartment (3) of a dialyzer (1) with semipermeable membrane (4). A feedback tube (25) connects the inlet of the first chamber (22) of the filter (21) to the outlet of the first chamber (22). A flushing pump (26) is arranged on the feedback tube (25) for circulating liquid in the first chamber (22) of the filter (21) and causing cleaning of the membrane (24) by tangential flushing.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing air bubbles from blood and from a dialysate solution are described herein. In one cassette-style embodiment of a blood debubbler, the debubbler includes front and rear covers, a fluid circuit board between the front and rear covers and defining a blood chamber between the fluid circuit board and the front cover and an air chamber between the fluid circuit board and the rear cover, and a microporous membrane separating the blood chamber from the air chamber. A support means is provided for supporting the microporous membrane from the air side of the membrane. A pressure sensor is provided within the front and rear covers for measuring the blood pressure in the blood chamber. The debubbler has a blood inlet port and a blood outlet port for conducting blood to and from the blood chamber. An air port is provided in communication with the air chamber, which allows for air passing through the microporous membrane to escape.

Abstract: A lubricating oil filter and filter blockage alarm system for internal combustion engines. At least one filter element is disposed within a housing. A condition representing a degree of blockage of the filter element is sensed and, if a blockage threshold is exceeded, an alarm is triggered. There is provided an electrical connection between the sensor and the alarm system. The connection is a pair of series-connected platinum conductors that are insulated from contact with the oil being filtered, thereby assuring the triggering of the alarm.

Abstract: A method is described for automatically testing the integrity of a dialyzer filter within a dialysis machine. The method consists of substantially removing fluids which may be present from the blood side of the dialyzer filter, pumping air into the blood side of the dialyzer filter with a blood pump to pressurize the dialyzer filter, and measuring the pressurization of the dialyzer filter. If the dialyzer filter pressurizes, the rate of decay of pressurization is measured. The pressurization and rate of decay are indicative of the integrity of the membrane of the dialyzer filter.

Abstract: A system for controlling effluent discharge having an inlet for passing wastewater, a filter connected to the inlet for removing solids from the wastewater, a filtered water retaining tank connected to the outlet of the filter for accumulating a portion of the water passed from the filter, a filtered water outlet connected to the outlet of the filter so as to pass filtered water exterior of the system, and a controller connected to the filtered water retaining tank so as to selectively pass a flow of the accumulated water into the filter. The filter includes a first body portion connected to the inlet, a second body portion connected to the first body portion, a filter screen disposed in the second body portion between the first body portion and the outlet and having a plurality of openings therein, and a particulate filter material filling an area between the second body portion and the filter screen.

Abstract: In an osmometric measurement device and a method for determining the content of an analyte in a solution of a mixture of substances including the analyte, the mixture solution is admitted to a conduit of an osmotic cell structure having inner and outer cells filled with an osmoticum and divided by an inner membrane which is impermeable for an analyte in the outer cell and the outer cell is separated from the conduit by an outer membrane which is permeable for the analyte but not for other substances in the solution so that the pressure generated in the inner cell is only the result of the amount of analyte permeated into the outer cell and the pressure in the inner cell is determined by a pressure measuring device in pressure transmitting communication with the inner cell and is utilized for determining the content of the analyte in the solution of substances.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a reverse osmosis water purifier system that contains all of the control and check valves required for the system.

Abstract: A water treatment device for use with cooling towers and heat exchangers includes a pump in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to pump a stream of liquid from the heat exchanger. A hydrocyclone is in fluid communication with the pump and is connected to a collection chamber. A first magnetic liquid treatment unit is in fluid communication with and downstream from the hydrocyclone. A liquid return line is in fluid communication with the first magnetic water treatment unit to permit liquid to flow back to the heat exchanger. A secondary pump is in communication with the collection chamber to pump a stream of liquid and form the secondary circuit. A filter is in fluid communication with the secondary pump while a second magnetic liquid treatment unit is in fluid communication with and downstream from the filter. The secondary pump and filter mechanism is used to filter the heavy solids and particulate matter in the bleed-off or blow-down liquid of the system.

Abstract: Described is a hemo(dia)filtration apparatus (10) with two blood filters (60) and (12) connected in series and a sterile filter (38) connected upstream thereof. The first chambers (64) and (14) and the second chambers (68) and (16) of both blood filters (60) and (12) are connected to one another, respectively, by connecting lines (72) and (74). A means (76) is arranged in one of the connecting lines (72) and (74), which generates a positive transmembrane pressure in the direction of the blood path in one of the blood filters (60, 12) and a negative transmembrane pressure in the direction of the blood path (80) in the other blood filter (12, 60). This eliminates a costly substituate line with additional devices arranged therein, since the dialyzer fluid is passed as a substituate solution through the membrane of the one blood filter directly into the blood. Furthermore, with the use of suitable devices it is possible to precisely determine and individually adjust the filtrate and substituate flows.

Abstract: A filter element surface is coated with particulate polyamide which serves as a filter aid to trap polyamide oligomers suspended in water. The particulate polyamide is preferably coated onto a surface of a bag filter so that polyamide oligomers flowing through the coated bag filter surface will adhere to the polyamide particles forming an oligomer cake thereon which encapsulates the polyamide particles. Momentarily equalling the pressure differential across, or reversing flow through, the coated bag filter surface (i.e., back-pulsing) will cause the oligomer cake and polyamide particles encapsulated thereby to break into relatively large-sized solid aggregate particles which may be easily recovered. Since the polyamide particles which are encapsulated by the oligomer cake are chemically compatible with one another, the entire particulate aggregate may be subjected to depolymerization processing so as to recover monomers from which the polyamide is formed (e.g., caprolactam).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved peritoneal dialysis method and system. The system comprises a single catheter that is placed in the patient, a source of dialysate, and a diatyzer in fluid communication with the source of dialysate and the catheter. The system includes a single fluid pump in fluid communication with the source of dialysate and the catheter. The single pump is capable of pumping the dialysate into and out of the patient and back to the source of dialysate. The method includes the steps of placing a single catheter in a peritoneum of the patient, providing a source of dialysate, coupling the source of dialysate in fluid communication with the catheter on a single fluid circuit, pumping the dialysate from the source of dialysate into and out of the peritoneum using a single pump in the single fluid circuit.

Abstract: A pumping system for continuously delivering fluid at a selected flow rate to a receiving system. The system includes at least a first and a second pumping unit, each of the individual units comprises a syringe and a valve. The syringe comprises a piston and a piston actuator, cylinder, and pressure sensor. The valve comprises a positively-actuated zero switching volume valve and valve actuator. The first and second pumping units are in fluid communication with one another and are capable of independent actuation. The individual valves are arranged to isolate either the first syringe or the second syringe, respectively, from the receiving system while at least one of the syringes remains in fluid communication with the receiving system whereby system pressure can be continuously monitored and the selected system flow rate maintained.

Abstract: An improved fluid-strainer is provided which makes provision for improved methods of converting the same between motorized and manual modes. Included in the fluid strainer is a gear motor housing for facilitating the conversion as well as inspection and removal means. Also provision is made for flushing of the fluid strainer so as to avoid cycle restart.