Abstract: It is an object to solve problems incidental to the passage piping of a hemodialyzer, and more specifically to provide a hemodialyzer which is small-sized and inexpensive and has a great safety. As means for solving the problems, there is provided a hemodialyzer comprising dialytic basic devices such as a dialyzer, and fluid control devices such as a valve to be provided in a dialysis circuit, wherein a fluid passage block provided with a port for connecting the various devices is included and a fluid connecting circuit is formed between the ports in the block.

Abstract: A vapor transferring apparatus for purification of organic functional materials is disclosed, which comprises a furnace having at least a furnace gate, furnace walls, and a heater; wherein said furnace gate is mounted on said furnace walls of said heater; at least a glove box having at least a box gate, box walls, and at least one glove; wherein said box gate is mounted on said box walls of said glove box; and a shifting chamber having at least a valve and at least a surrounding wall, locating between and connecting with said furnace gate of said furnace or said box gate of said glove box; wherein said valve is mounted on said surrounding wall of said shifting chamber; wherein the heater, the glove box, and the shifting chamber are hermetical and hollow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing deionized water is provided. Water is supplied to a first conduit. A plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels are connected to the first conduit. A filtering experimental vessel is connected to the first conduit, the filtering experimental vessel is separated from the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels. A second conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting the deionized water. A third conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting concentrated ion water. The plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel concurrently or independently separates the supplying water into the deionized water and the concentrated ion water.

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

Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment reactor includes an upper chamber 4 biomass therein and a lower chamber including a combination filtering/aerating unit 6 having a gas inlet 9 and a discharge outlet 10 for purified water. In operation, wastewater enters the upper reactor chamber via delivery pipe 12 and is mixed with biomass. During a filtering mode, the wastewater then enters the porous hollow body 7 defining a membrane unit 6 and is filtered thereby. In an aerating mode, gas travels across the membrane in an opposite direction freeing the membrane of biomass lodged therein. A heat exchanger 16 can be provided for exchanging heat energy between the wastewater input and the purified water output. A control device for regulating gas flow, wastewater flow, and pH may also be provided including pressure, pH and oxygen content measurement. A channel 7a may be provided for adding a cleaning medium and also an absorbent reactor 13 for treating waste air.

Abstract: A self-cleaning prefilter system generally includes a system inlet 11, a sediment filter 13 having a selectively openable drain port 18, a chemical injector 21, a pressure accumulator 28 having a upper chamber 31 in open fluid communication with the filter outlet 16, and a system outlet 12. A controller 33 in communication with a plurality of valves (V1, V2, V3) initiates a backwashing mode such that upon opening of the drain valve V3, fluid within the upper chamber 31 of the pressure accumulator is driven back towards the sediment filter to backwash the filter screen thereof. Contemporaneously, chemicals within the chemical injector 21 are driven along with the backwash flow via capillary 24.

Abstract: A system and method for performing hydrothermal treatment includes reactor vessel formed with a pressure bearing wall surrounding a reactor chamber. A liner protects the wall from exposure to temperature extremes, corrosives and salt deposits. The liner is formed with three layers: a non-porous, corrosion resistant primary layer; a porous layer; and a non-porous, secondary layer. The porous layer is sealed between the primary layer and the secondary layer. The liner is positioned in the reactor chamber with the secondary layer facing the pressure bearing wall of the reactor chamber and the primary layer facing the reactor chamber. Connectors extend through the wall of the reactor vessel and the secondary layer to allow a fluid to be pumped through the porous layer to maintain the temperature of the liner. The connectors also allow for sampling of the fluid within the porous layer to detect leaks in the primary layer.

Abstract: A liquid filter (10) housing an annular filter element (16) has an annular space or inlet chamber (24) between the filter element and the housing and viewable through the housing such that an operator can see the level of liquid in the inlet chamber as an indication of when to replace the filter element, the higher the level of liquid in the inlet chamber the greater the pressure drop across the filter element. A change interval plugging indicator (102), preferably part of the filter element, is provided by a gas trap and pressure responsive release mechanism (104) trapping gas in the upper section (23) of the inlet chamber until a designated release pressure is reached, corresponding to a desired terminal pressure, to prevent premature plugging indication otherwise indicated by rising liquid level in the inlet chamber. Accurate and reliable calibration is enabled by separating the filtration function and the plugging indication function.

Abstract: A discharge water system for the bilge of a boat includes a primary bilge discharge system and a supplemental bilge filtration system. The primary discharge system includes a pump operable when the fluid in the bilge collects above a predetermined level in the boat to discharge bilge water overboard. The supplemental system includes a filter assembly with filter media for removing hydrocarbons in bilge water passing through the media; and a pump operable when the water in the bilge collects to a selected level below the operating level “L” of the primary pump to pump bilge water to the filter assembly and then to discharge the essentially hydrocarbon-free bilge water overboard. The filter assembly includes primary secondary filter cartridge, both of which include hydrocarbon-absorbing media, and are connected in series. A pressure sensor and remote indicating device provide an indication of the primary filter cartridge becoming spent.

Abstract: One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Such systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be catastrophic. The most reliable leak detection method known is the detection of infiltrated air in a blood line, but this only works in blood lines under negative pressure. According to the invention, a leak detector for return lines is provided by periodically generating a negative pressure, which may be brief or at a 50% duty cycle, in the blood return line to draw air into it and thereby reveal the leaks using an air sensor. Although the return line is ordinarily under positive pressure, during the negative pressure cycle, the blood return line draws air through any leaks or disconnects. If air is detected, the system is shut down and an alarm generated.

Abstract: A self-sustaining non-biodegradable waste breakdown system has a preprocessing assembly, a heating assembly, a reaction assembly and a filtering assembly. The reaction assembly has a filtering layer to retain long chain molecules of the melted waste for continuous breakdown so as to change the long chain molecules into short chain molecules. The filtering-adjusting mechanism of the filtering assembly recycles the medium with a special concentration, viscosity and heat resistance in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A spiral wound type membrane element is formed by covering a spiral membrane component prepared by winding a plurality of independent or continuous envelope-like membranes around the outer peripheral surface of a water collection pipe through raw water spacers with a separation membrane and further covering the same with an outer peripheral passage forming material. In filtration, raw water introduced from a raw water inlet of a spiral wound type membrane module permeates through the separation membrane from at least the outer peripheral side of the spiral wound type membrane element and infiltrates into the clearances between the envelope-like membranes along the raw water spacers. Part of the supplied raw water axially flows along the outer peripheral portion of the spiral wound type membrane element and is thereafter discharged from a raw water outlet of the spiral wound type membrane module, to be returned to a raw liquid tank again.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining hydraulic pressure within a pressure sensing fluid filter assembly includes a pressure-sensing polymer thick film transducer associated with an oil filter assembly. Preferably, pressure sensors are provided on both the oil intlet and outlet areas of the filter. The pressure-sensing transducers send signals to a control module, which may compare pressure readouts at the inlet and outlet sides of the filter. Based on the pressure in the filter, the on-board sensing system will detect a clogged filter condition, and if necessary, the control module will send a signal to an in-dash display terminal, to indicate that an oil change is needed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter module that may incorporate sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. The sensors may be MEMS and may measure the temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc. of the fluid. Sensor measurements may be used to determine the occurrence of harmful events, such as cavitation or particle breakthrough, or to predict the remaining service life of a filter element.

Abstract: Monolithically-molded subassemblies (1, 2, 3) are used to retrofit existing reverse osmosis systems into zero waste RO systems. The subassemblies reduce the number of connections necessary such that the retrofitting may be accomplished by unskilled labor. The subassemblies may be integrally packaged together on a backboard 45 and are placed in-line in the inlet to the RO unit and in each of the outlets from the RO unit. For example, the first subassembly 1 (FIG. 9) includes an input port 10 for connecting to source of water to be purified, an first portal 103 communicating with a pressure switch, a second portal 102 communicating with a pressure gauge and an output port 12 communicating with the RO unit inlet. Using the subassemblies, the retrofit most typically requires only six connections thereby simplifying system installation, improving system reliability, and extending system longevity.

Abstract: Modular Pool Safety Controller used with swimming pool or spa. The controller stands alone, or integrated with a prior art controller. Emphasis is on safety of swimmers and pool equipment, providing low entry cost. Other modular features can be added. Safety features; Swimmer Protection: Excess Suction triggers latched pump shut-down and suction dump valve that admits air into the pump inlet, instantly releasing suction entrapment. When reduced daylight combines with swimmer activity, Pool Lights are turned on. Remote Control provides Emergency shut-down. Equipment Protection: Low pump Pressure triggers latched pump shut-down. Remote Control initiates draining high water levels. Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms (PIRA) offer specific voice messages when pump shut-down occurs; guidance concerning cause and actions required, plus chimes and red lights. After Startup PIRA delivers a green OK light and specific voice message confirming the communications link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection system, in particular a common rail system, with a pre-feed pump, which delivers a fuel flow from a fuel tank to a high-pressure pump. A fuel filter is disposed downstream or upstream of the pre-feed pump in terms of the feed direction. A safety switch which is dependent upon the fuel filter pressure difference, is provided in order to protect the pre-feed pump and the high-pressure pump by diverting overly pressurized flow back to the fuel.

Abstract: A filter device for separating water and other impurities from liquid fuel including a housing body (11), inside which a first filter element (12) is disposed; a collector vessel (17) which is disposed underneath the filter element (12); a pump (25) which is used to remove water present in the collector vessel (17), and a detector (23) which is used to determine whether water has accumulated in the collector vessel (17).

Abstract: A self-cleaning pre-filter system generally comprises a system inlet; a sediment filter having a filter inlet in selective fluid communication with the system inlet, a selectively openable drain port and a filter outlet, separated from the filter inlet and the drain port by a filter screen; a pressure accumulator having a first chamber in open fluid communication with the filter outlet and having a sealed second chamber containing a compressible medium, the first chamber and the second chamber being separated one from the other by a flexible diaphragm; and a system outlet in selective fluid communication with the filter outlet and the first chamber. A controller operates valves to periodically back flush the sediment filter utilizing energy stored in the pressure accumulator. Any detritus removed from the filter screen during the back flush process is immediately discharged from the system through the drain port.

Abstract: A T-handle for a filter includes an integral mechanical indicator. The T-handle indicator has a threaded portion that extends through a hole in the filter cover and retains the cover to a canister. The indicator includes a spring-biased button that provides a visual indication of whether the element needs to be replaced. The button is received in a body that is open to the pressure on the downstream side of the filter element. A pair of clips on the button engage the indicator body to retain the button in the inward (element change) position. The clips can be accessed when the T-handle indicator is removed from the filter to return the button to the outward (fresh element) position. The indicator button includes an axially-elongated slot extending radially through the button, and the body includes a corresponding pair of holes on opposite sides of the slot.

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus including a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a water-remove rate during a dialysis operation, a blood-pressure-change-related-information obtaining device which obtains a plurality of sorts of blood-pressure-change-related information each of which is related to a change of a blood pressure of the patient during the dialysis operation, and a water-remove-rate control device which controls the water-remove rate of the dialyzer, based on the plurality of sorts of blood-pressure-change-related information, according to a predetermined control manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the removal of leucocytes from blood which comprises bringing blood that comprises infected leucocytes into contact with an adsorbent carrier that has a greater affinity for infected, activated and/or defective leucocytes than for uninfected leucocytes especially cellulose acetate. The method can be used in the apheresis treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic organisms, for example, HIV, HCV or malaria. It is especially useful for treatment of HIV.

Abstract: Preferably three monolithic sub-assemblies—preferably molded from plastic, mounted together as one single assembly and packaged as a kit—permit the retrofit of diverse existing non-zero-waste reverse osmosis (RO) systems by unskilled labor to become zero waste. The retrofit preferably transpires by simple screwed connection of, most typically, six fittings so as to connect, most typically, some eight (8) RO system components present in three (3) total major flow paths. By use of the monolithic sub-assemblies, new zero-waste RO systems are similarly modularly constructed at a high degree of integration, thereby simplifying system installation, improving system reliability, and extending system longevity.

Abstract: A household apparatus for treating water has a water treatment reactor; a dispense water path extending from the water treatment reactor to a dispenser whereby treated water produced in the water treatment reactor exits the apparatus by the dispenser; a filter removably mounted in the dispense water path; and, a sensor, (which may be a timer, a flow rate sensor and/or a back pressure sensor) for monitoring the flow of a treated water through the filter, the apparatus issuing a signal advising a user to change the filter when the time for the treated water to flow through the filter exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a magnetic drum for removing ferrous shavings and a dual canister filter unit equipped with replaceable filter bags. This palletized system may be plugged into most machine tools to filter the shavings-laden coolant to remove the metal shavings, tramp oil, sludge and dirt from liquid coolant to extend its useful life and minimize or eliminate down time.

Abstract: A cartridge filter includes a cartridge filter including an upper annular groove in an outer periphery thereof a top cover mounted to seal an open upper end of the cartridge filter, and a C-shape upper bracket mounted in the upper annular groove of the cartridge filter. A screw and a nut are provided for securing ends of the upper bracket together. The upper bracket includes a plurality of annular spaced pivot seats. A plurality of swivel studs are provided and each includes a first end pivotally attached to each pivot seat. Each swivel stud further includes a threaded second end and a handwheel threadedly engaged on the threaded second end for securing the top cover in place. The upper bracket further includes a flange extended radially outward for preventing deformation in the ends of the C-shape upper bracket and the pivot seats.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing solids from a liquid/solid mixture disposed in a tank and rising to a mixture level, the apparatus including a suction assembly defining a suction opening, the suction assembly linked to a vacuum that causes suction at the opening, a support assembly formed about the suction surface including first and second essentially circular housing walls having wall edges and a filter belt loop sealed to the edges and sized such that the belt is slack and subject to deformation between the edges, a belt section disposed to cover the suction opening and a processor controlling a motivator to periodically alter belt position with respect to the suction opening.

Abstract: A unit 1 for producing pyrogen controlled water on a small to medium factory scale comprises a number of charged ultrafiltration units 10 arranged in parallel. Orifice plates 15 are used to restrict and control the flow of deionized water to each filter 10. The filter units 10 are mounted on a frame 2 with a wheeled chassis 3 which may be pushed or moved by a forklift truck to a site where pyrogen controlled water is required. The unit 1 has an inlet line 4 for connection to a supply of deionized water and an outlet line 6 for connection to a user of pyrogen controlled water. The unit 1 may be purged with nitrogen from a supply 18. Sampling ports 17 in a common supply inlet 4 and a common outlet 6 ensure that the filtration efficiency can be closely monitored. The flow of water is monitored by a flowmeter 19 and pressure sensors 16 upstream of each filter facilitate a high level of control.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter module that may incorporate sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. The sensors may be MEMS and may measure the temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc. of the fluid. One or more MEMS sensors may be included in a sensor package which, in turn, may be included in a sensor component. The latter, which may also include a processor, conductor pins, etc. for data communication, may be coupled to a sensor port in such a way as to allow contact between the sensor(s) and the fluid. Sensor measurements may be used to determine the occurrence of harmful events, such as cavitation or particle breakthrough, or to predict the remaining service life of a filter element.

Abstract: A device for degerminating water passing through a sanitary appliance includes a housing 23 through which water can flow, a water outlet 3 and a UV lamp 22 located therein that radiates water flowing through the housing and a filtering device 21 provided in the housing in order to destroy the micro-organisms in the water and/or the filtering device. The energy supply circuit of the UV-lamp is controlled by an electronic control unit 10, which also controls a valve driver circuit for a magnetic valve 6 located in a fresh water feed pipe. The electronic control unit activates the energy supply circuit when it receives a signal for switching on the UV-lamp. The valve driver circuit is activated after a time delay, ensuring that when the magnetic valve opens letting water flow through the housing to the outlet of the appliance, the UV-lamp has reached its full radiation capacity.

Abstract: A device for degerminating water passing through a sanitary appliance subjects water flowing through a housing and a filtering device in the housing, to radiation, thereby destroying the micro-organisms in the water and/or the filtering device. An energy supply circuit 10 for a UV lamp is controlled by an electronic control unit which receives a “switch-on” signal produced as follows: when a manually-operated valve 4 in a fresh water supply is opened, pressure on a pressure sensor 5 falls; a magnetic valve 6 initially remaining closed. A corresponding electrical signal is then sent to the electronic control unit, which activates the energy supply circuit and opens the magnetic valve 6 in a set time sequence. When the manually-operated valve 4 is closed, the pressure on the pressure sensor 5 rises. The corresponding electrical signal is then sent to the electronic control unit, which in turn deactivates the energy supply circuit according to certain time factors.

Abstract: A filtering assembly for removing particles from a liquid is positioned coaxially within a vertical, pressure-tight housing 11 having a tangential inlet 21 at an upper end and an outlet 24 at a bottom end thereof. The filtering assembly includes a filter bag 13 positioned on the exterior surface of a perforated cylinder 14. Untreated liquid from the inlet is filtered as it flows radially inward through the filter assembly. A wash-down device 28 is position at an upper end of the housing for removing solids that have built up on the exterior surface of the filter bag. A controller initiates a wash-down of the filter bag upon detecting a predetermined pressure differential across the filter assembly. After closing the inlet and outlet, the controller opens a vacuum-break valve D causing the filter bag to pulse and thereby initially dislodging entrapped solid particles for easy wash-down.

Abstract: A control system for an upflow clarification tank comprises a regulator for controlling one or more characteristics of the flow within the tank (such as the power, pressure, velocity, momentum, or velocity head of the flow), a sensor for measuring one or more of the characteristics of the flow, and a linkage that automatically adjusts the regulator to a desired setting based on the sensor measurement. A processor may be used to determine the desired setting for the regulator. The control system may also include structure enabling the operator to manually select between multiple methods for determining the desired setting.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly having a relief valve for visually indicating the life of a filter element. The fluid filter assembly of the present invention provides a vertical, transparent housing having a fluid inlet for communicating a fluid into the housing and a fluid outlet for communicating fluid downstream of said housing. A filter element is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet for filtering the fluid. In the preferred embodiment, a frusto-conical divider is connected to the top of the filter element and extends downward adjacent a bottom portion of the filter element wherein the fluid from the inlet rises between the filter element and the inside of the divider and between the outside of the divider and an inside surface of the housing. A relief valve is provided in the top of the filter element and is in communication with the unfiltered and filtered side of the filter element.

Abstract: A dialyzing system comprises a dialyzer 10 and an ultrafiltration-regulating unit 24 for regulating inflow and out flow of a dialysate to or from the dialyzer 10 to regulate ultrafiltration. The dialyzing system is adapted to determine a blood pressure from a dialysate pressure detected by a pressure transducer 28 at the time of temporary suspension of the ultrafiltration without use of a special line for measurement of pressure in the blood flow line and free from danger of blood leakage from the blood flow line.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for measuring the pressure of blood in a pipe (44) of an extracoporeal blood cicuit, comprising a pressure measurement section (46) having a compartment (58) which is delimited especially by a main wall (64) and by a secondary wall (65) facing it, characterized in that the two walls (64, 65) have a hole (66, 84) which is closed by a closure element (68, 86) which can be elastically deformed under the effect of the blood pressure, and in that the compartment (58) has a spacer (94) which transmits the movements from the closure element (86) of the secondary wall (65) to the closure element (68) of the main wall (64), so that a load sensor (56) can measure a force which corresponds to a so-called “negative” blood pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a wastewater treatment system comprising a cavitation reactor including an inlet into which wastewater is introduced, a main body in which a cavitation reaction occurs to treat the water, and an outlet from which the treated water is discharged. The main body comprises a nozzle for ejecting the introduced water and a target with which the jetted water collide.

Abstract: A filter unit for coupling in-line with a transmission fluid line is provided for filtering ferrous and non-ferrous particulate matter from the transmission fluid. The filter unit includes a filter element 21 situated within a casing 12. The filter unit has an annular magnet 26 mounted on an end thereof. In an operational condition, the magnet is seated against an inner surface of the casing. As the filter becomes clogged, the filter element moves to a bypass position unseating the magnet from the casing. Fluid then bypasses the filter element but still flows around the magnet which continues to attract and trap ferrous particulate matter. A ferrous indicator flag 49 may be positioned on the outside of the casing when the filter element is in its operational position and is released and falls away as a visual indication of a clogged filter element in the bypass position.

Abstract: A household apparatus for treating water has a water treatment reactor; a dispense water path extending from the water treatment reactor to a dispenser whereby treated water produced in the water treatment reactor exits the apparatus by the dispenser; a filter removably mounted in the dispense water path; and, a sensor, (which may be a timer, a flow rate sensor and/or a back pressure sensor) for monitoring the flow of a treated water through the filter, the apparatus issuing a signal advising a user to change the filter when the time for the treated water to flow through the filter exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus powered from the suction side of a pump for cleaning the interior surface of a pool containment wall and the upper surface of a water pool contained therein. The apparatus includes an essentially unitary cleaner body and a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool for water surface cleaning or proximate to the interior surface of the containment wall for wall surface cleaning. The cleaner body can have a weight/buoyancy characteristic to cause it to normally rest either (1) proximate to the pool bottom adjacent to the wall surface (i.e., heavier-than-water) or (2) proximate to the water surface (i.e.. lighter-than-water).

Abstract: An oil filter 1 for an internal combustion engine includes a filter body 3 and a plastic filter housing 2. Integrally formed within the filter housing, a safety wall 7 is radially fitted around the feed channel 4 and the return channel 5 creating a collecting space 6 that surrounds both channels. If seal leaks occur when the device is connected to a flange, e.g. of an engine block, the leaked oil will accumulate in the collecting space.

Abstract: A system is provided for proceeding with filtration of liquids in a manner having enhanced control characteristics. Yields are enhanced. The system and method can be used to maintain a substantially constant trans-membrane pressure. When desired, that constant trans-membrane pressure is especially well-suited to yield enhancement for the particular liquid being filtered, concentrated or collected, while minimizing a risk of damage to or loss of valuable components. Additionally, a constant feed rate or pump output can be maintained.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for the distribution of treatment liquids. The apparatus and method enable the continuous monitoring of the level of a treatment liquid by an inexpensive mechanism that has little capacity to contaminate the treatment liquid. The apparatus for the distribution of treatment liquids contains a gastight distribution tank that is connected through a discharge line to designated facilities, and also contains a gastight gas container that is connected through a pressurization line to the distribution tank. A pressure regulator is provided in the pressurization line and the pressurization gas is thereby supplied from the gas container to the distribution tank at a constant and specified supply pressure. This supply of pressurization gas induces the pressure-transport of the treatment liquid from the distribution tank through the discharge line.

Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.

Abstract: A vacuum filter includes a cylindrical filter drum 12 having both a perforate section 14 and an imperforate section 16. The drum is positioned in a tank 20 so that the imperforate section is oriented upwardly therein. A level controller is provided to maintain the level of contaminated fluid below the top of the imperforate section but above the perforate section. A filter belt 54 wrapped around the filter drum is repositioned by rotating the drum when the differential pressure between the interior and exterior of the drum reaches a predetermined value. The inlet ends 35 of the suction pipes 34 are continuously positioned at the lowest point of the drum so that the pump does not lose suction when the drum is rotated thereby facilitating continuous filtration of the contaminated fluid through the vacuum filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for interception solid matter from fluid flowing through a drain or pipe including a drain or pipe coupling to receive and direct fluid flow netting to intercept solid matter while permitting fluid to pass through, and a netting release that interacts with the netting and the coupling to automatically release the netting when a predetermined amount of solid matter has been intercepted.

Abstract: A gray-water recycling system for reclaiming gray-water for use in toilets and lawn care. The system includes a reservoir adapted to treat gray-water and includes an intake pipe, an outlet pipe and an overflow pipe. An inlet coupled to the intake pipe supplies gray-water to the reservoir. A filter is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe for filtering gray-water to define processed gray-water. A pump is fluidly coupled to the by a pipe. A first valve (24) controls flow of the processed gray-water from the pump. The first valve is fluidly coupled to the pump, a fresh water inlet and a processed gray-water outlet. The first valve is adapted to open the fresh water if the water pressure from the processed gray-water falls. Also included is a pressure valve (52) adapted to manually adjust the pressure of the processed gray-water outlet and to allow a flow of fresh water in the event the solenoid of the first valve fails to operate.

Abstract: A system is provided for proceeding with filtration of liquids in a manner having enhanced control characteristics. Yields are enhanced. The system and method can be used to maintain a substantially constant trans-membrane pressure. When desired, that constant trans-membrane pressure is especially well-suited to yield enhancement for the particular liquid being filtered, concentrated or collected, while minimizing a risk of damage to or loss of valuable components. Additionally, a constant feed rate or pump output can be maintained. Approaches also are described for determining optimal filtration conditions, including trans-membrane pressure and feed rate. Also described is a system and method for determining pressures in a pulsating system with enhanced accuracy by using a peak pressure mode.