Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for discharging water wherein light is emitted to the output water so as to visually identify kinds of water and like. The apparatus includes sensors (9, 29, 134) for sensing characteristics of water, such as the temperature, flow, pressure, pH and hardness of water, passages as selected by a passage selection valve, or integrated flow of water flowing through a filtering element, a light emitting device (7, 31, 150) such as LED for emitting light to the passage or region downstream of the passage in response to the characteristics as sensed, and an optical fiber (11, 12, 36, 37, 152).

Abstract: An electronic lime controller for controlling lime adjusts for water hardness and the water flow rate in a water system. The controller includes a control for adjusting the frequency of a controller output signal which creates a magnetic field via first and second coils wrapped around a pipe to adjust the controller for changing water flow rates. The controller also includes a control for adjusting the amplitude of the controller output signal based on water hardness rates which generates the magnetic field via the first and second coils.

Abstract: A fluid separator apparatus using a cylinder in which a piston is fitted and a conic tank is placed on top of the cylinder. The apparatus functions on the basis of the different densities of the liquids. The lighter liquid placed on top of a heavier liquid will enter into the conic tank first by the upward movement of the piston. As the piston moves upward, the lighter liquid enters into an exit pipe at the top of the conical tank and passes into a container outside of the apparatus. The fluid separator also contains a solid particle stainer and sweeping means to continually clean said stainer. Coloring means are included to permit visual inspection of the separation of the liquids at the various parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: The oil skimmer craft removes oil spilled on a body of water. A set of intake bellows project forward from the craft for collecting oil-laden water and for drawing the oil-laden water into a separation tank within the craft. An adjustable depth pump suction is provided for pumping floating oil from the separation tank into a separate tank to thereby leave only unpolluted water remaining in the separation tank. An observation compartment is provided so that an operator can view the thickness of oil in the separation tank and adjust the depth of the pump suction for optimum separation efficiency. The cleaned water is drawn out of the separation tank through suction tunnels in the bottom of the craft. A series of skimmer craft can be deployed in tandem.

Abstract: A water quality monitor is provided for use in a purified water supply system of the type having a reverse osmosis unit for producing relatively purified water from an ordinary tap water supply. The monitor includes a control circuit having electrodes in contact with the purified and tap water supplies. The control circuit is activated by depression of a test button, preferably in response to opening of a faucet valve to dispense water, to produce a short duration pulse of one polarity which is connected to the electrodes for use in determining the water conductivities. The control circuit compares the conductivities of the purified and tap water supplies, and maintains an appropriate indicator light in an illuminated state until the test button is released, at which time the control circuit couples a short duration pulse of opposite polarity to the electrodes for minimizing electrode corrosion and/or accumulation of ionic deposits.

Abstract: A liquid separator of the present invention comprises a first plate member, a second plate member forming a receiving portion between it and the first plate member for receiving a flexible liquid container including liquid separated into the upper liquid layer and the lower liquid layer, and pushing means for pushing the second plate member toward the first plate member, said pushing means automatically pushing the second plate member with gradually decreasing pressure after starting the discharge of the upper liquid layer from the flexible liquid container. Therefore, the upper liquid layer can be discharged from the flexible liquid container without disturbing the boundary between the upper and lower liquid layers in the flexible liquid container. Thus, the upper liquid layer can automatically and efficiently be taken out from the flexible liquid container without mixing with the lower liquid layer and without any complicated and troublesome manipulation.

Abstract: Analyzing the level of a treating agent and/or stress metals in a body of water containing an inert transition metal tracer added to the water proportionally with the treating agent by determining the absorbance (first absorbance value) of a reagent dye added to water, said dye producing a second absorbance value when reacted at the same concentration with the tracer and stress metals in a measure of said body of water, and said dye producing a third absorbance value when reacted at the same concentration with only the transition metal contained in a measure of said body of water; determining the second and third absorbance values and resolving their differences to determine the concentration of the tracer and, separately, the concentration of said stress metals.

Abstract: A solution separating apparatus has a container holding portion, a container pressurizing portion, an interface detecting portion, and a control unit. The interface detecting portion comprises a light emitting apparatus disposed to one side and a light receiving apparatus disposed to another side with a container held by the container holding portion sandwiched therebetween. The light emitting element comprises a plurality (three or more) of light emitting elements disposed in parallel in the substantially moving direction of the interface within the container. Another solution separating apparatus embodiment has a container holding portion, a tube clamper, a container pressurizing portion, a control unit, and a weight measuring portion commonly used by two or more container holding portions. The weight measuring portion selectively measures the quantity of weight change of each container held by the container holding portions.

Abstract: A centrifugal rotor comprising a plurality of peripheral cuvettes and a collection chamber spaced radially inward from the cuvettes is disclosed. The rotor includes a means for introducing fluid into the collection chamber and plurality of generally radial inlet channels connecting each cuvette to the chamber. Each inlet channel has a discrete flow path for fluid to enter the cuvette and another discrete flow path for gas to exit the cuvette as the cuvette is filled. Positioned radially inward from each cuvette is a reflective surface capable of deflecting a light beam from a generally vertical direction to a generally horizontal direction or vice versa. As the rotor is spun, fluid enters the cuvettes from collection chamber through the inlet channels, which also allow gas in the cuvettes to escape, thus avoiding the creation of bubbles in the cuvette after the cuvettes are filled. The contents are then optically analyzed by passing a light beam horizontally through the cuvette.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation/oxidation fluid decontamination apparatus is provided which includes a container made of high tensile strength material through which the fluid to be treated flows, a high intensity, directed beam light source, a small ultraviolet transparent window through which the directed beam propagates, and an oxidant injection port. The container interior is lined with a reflective surface which distributes the light throughout the container and a non-sticking surface which prevents fouling of the container. Organic contaminates are oxidized to carbon dioxide, water and other nonharmful products during the fluid treatment carried out by this apparatus.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge has a cylindrical shell. A conduit runs between closing end walls and is disposed within a filtration material. There are additional openings in the respective end walls for communicating the flow of water through the material. A water filtration element of a porous medium is shaped to nest within a portion of the shell encircling a corresponding portion of the filtration material and defining space between the medium and the inner side wall of the shell with that space being in the water flow path from one of the end walls and the material through the medium. A reference color is exhibited over a portion of the exterior side wall of the shell adjacent to the location of the medium inside the shell, and the medium exhibits a given color upon beginning of usage but changes color with continued usage in response to its entrapment of matter in the water. The shell is transparent over the medium to enable the user to compare the medium color to the reference color.

Abstract: The color coded disposable-filter holder 1 of the invention comprises of a first molded pane-like housing part 2 with an intake stub 3 and a second molded pane-like housing part 4 comprising a discharge stub 5. The two housing parts 2, 4 are rigidly joined in pressure-resistant and hermetic manner at their radially outer zones 7 pointing to each other while enclosing a planar filter 6. This disposable-filter holder is provided with a color coding consisting of a dyed plastic in the form of a prefabricated plastic ring or plastic clip 9 present in an annular groove 8 in the radially outer zone of the disposbale-filter holder.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically monitoring or adjusting, or both, the concentration of total reducers (i.e. reduced sulfur-containing constituents which consume iodine) in an aqueous medium (e.g. waste water stream) whereby the time period for iodine titration of an untreated sample of the aqueous medium is automatically measured by measuring a time of light being transmitted through a titration sample cell and this time measurement is automatically translated into an output signal to either a monitoring means or a process adjustment means (e.g. oxidant chemical feed pump) or both.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the sealing of component parts of equipment providing a path for liquid therethrough under reduced pressure and to the inclusion of a lip seal between the components with the lips directed outwardly of the joint between the components. More particularly the invention is concerned with the use of lip seals referred to in debris traps included in domestic swimming pool filtration equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for handling polluted liquids with a mobile sewage vehicle, especially stratified oil products in a petrol or oil tank wherein the contents of the tank normally separates into horizontal layers of useless polluted liquid and fully useable liquid, respectively. The fractions of the polluted and useable liquid are respectively drawn into a sludge tank and an extra tank so that the extra tank receives an immediately reuseable product which may be returned to the petrol or oil tank. The selective filling of the sludge tank and extra tank is obtained by providing an arrangement for enabling an inspection of the suctioned liquid as the suctioned liquid enters the sludge tank and a valve device for facilitating the necessary switching operations.

Abstract: The disposable filter unit according to the present invention comprises a filter fixing member 3 with a socket-type recess 7 into which the front side of a feed member 2 interspersed with a feed channel 4 is inserted sealingly. Between these two members, a filter element 12 is inserted, which filter element is supported by the ground 15 of the socket-type recess 7 inside the filter fixing member 3. The edges 13 and 16 of the feed member 2 and the filter fixing member 3 are knife-type cutting edges such that, when these two members are put together, the filter element 12 is cut to size from a sheet-type filter material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing disposable filter units. This method is characterized by that several feed members and several filter fixing members are put together simultaneously, whereat the filter elements are simultaneously cut to size from a sheet-type filter material, for example from a leaf-type or a ribbon-type filter material.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an apparatus for removing pollutants from various types of wastewater, using biologically active organisms and without using chemicals and without producing large quantities of sludge containing pollutants. The apparatus comprises at least three light-transmitting tanks containing polluted water. The first tank contains photosynthetic bacteria; the second tank contains nonaquatic plants and a support for maintaining the plants at the surface of the water; and the third tank contains fish.

Abstract: A filter assembly and housing for use with an aquarium includes a housing formed of two molded halves of high impact thermoplastic resin each having a flange and wherein the flanges are fastened together to provide a complete housing and including a lid structure for the housing.

Abstract: A washing machine lint trap attachable to the distal end of a washing machine drain hose. A transparent tube embodies a nylon trap secured to sized members to form a slip fit between the washing machine drain hose and the drain standpipe, the assembly further having a wire loop insertable into the standpipe, the loop being sized to retain the nylon trap between the drain hose and drain standpipe.

Abstract: Water clarifying apparatus has a cylindrical tank where particulate contaminants suspended in raw water are separated using flotation techniques. The treatment capacity of such a unit is increased several times, with no decrease in the size of the tank, by using a set of concentric, mutually spaced, conical plates positioned in the flotation tank. The increase is proportional to the combined area of the plates when projected onto a horizontal plane, the overlap of the projection producing an area which is greater than that of the horizontal plane without plates. The plates rotate about the tank, preferably in unison with a (i) header that distributes equal quantities of raw water to each annular zone in the tank defined by the conical plates and (ii) a scoop for removing the contaminants which form a floated sludge layer.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: In an apparatus for water treatment and comprising a pod containing a weakly acid or weakly basic ion exchanger and of which the inlet aperture is formed in the region of one end while the outlet orifice is formed in the region of the other end, in each case by a means which is permeable to liquid while retaining the ion exchanger, in order to render visible the fact that the ion exchanger is exhausted, there is in the region of the outlet orifice of the pod a chamber containing a strongly acid or strongly basic ion exchanger with a color indicator bonded thereon and the walls of which consist at least partially of a transparent material.

Abstract: Fluid reservoirs are often provided with a means by which the severity of fluid contamination may be monitored. One method of checking the condition of the fluid, requires the disassembly or removal of one or more components from the associated reservoir in order to read the monitoring device. Another method is utilized in conjunction with the filtration system of the fluid and an indication is observed when the level of contamination reaches a predetermined point. The present invention provides an apparatus whereby the condition of a fluid may be continually observed without requiring the disassembly or removal of any components attached to the fluid reservoir, regardless of the condition of the fluid.

Abstract: A steam smoothing iron having a removable cartridge (1) which contains a product for demineralizing the water intended to be introduced into the vaporization chamber (2) of the iron. The cartridge (1) is arranged between the water outlet (3) of the water storage container (4) of the iron and the vaporization chamber (2).

Abstract: A centrifugal rotor for separating plasma from whole blood includes a plurality of internal chambers and passages for combining the plasma with one or more reagents and distributing the plasma to a plurality of individual test wells. The chambers and passages necessary for separating the whole blood into plasma are located on a first, upper level within the rotor and include a measuring chamber, an overflow chamber, a separation chamber, and a reagent chamber. The measuring chamber and overflow chamber have capillary dimensions so that an initial volume of whole blood partitions therebetween, with the measuring chamber filling first to provide a preselected volume. The separation chamber is located radially outward from both the measuring chamber and the reagent chamber to that spinning of the rotor causes both the reagent and the measured blood volume to flow outward into the separation chamber.

Abstract: A water quality monitor is provided for use in a purified water supply system of the type having a reverse osmosis unit or the like for producing relatively purified water from an ordinary tap or feed water supply. The monitor includes a control circuit having eletrodes in contact with the purified and tap water supplies. The control circuit is activated by depression of a test button to produce a short duration pulse of one polarity which is connected to the electrodes for use in determining the water conductivities. The control circuit compares the conductivities of the purified and tap water supplies, wherein this comparison represents the operational efficiency of the purification system in removing contaminants from the incoming tap water. The control circuit responds to this comparison to illuminate an appropriate indicator light or the like and thereby indicate the operational state of the purification system.

Abstract: Apparatus 1 for monitoring impurity in a liquid, specifically toxin(s) in activated sewage sludge, comprises a vessel 2 with a plurality of chambers 3 and 4 through which the liquid (sludge) is circulated in use to promote mixing, and a compartment 5 in the vessel in fluid communication with the chambers 3 and 4 and adapted to promote a quiescent settlement zone from which liquid is removable.

Abstract: An apparatus for the clarification of liquids, such as notably water, fruit juices, musts such as grape musts, including an enclosure in which is brought the liquid to be clarified after a pretreatment operation, such as screening, as well as a flotation equipment, fed by a transfer pump with liquid pressurized and relieved of the pressure prior to its introducting in the flotation equipment, from which the clarified liquid is introduced in a filtration system. The apparatus includes the features that the flotation equipment is placed above the assembly used for the pretreatment of the liquid so as to obtain a sufficient load for bringing about a hydraulic balance of the various constituents of the apparatus, in order that it can operate with a small load available upstream and allow a possible recycling, by simple gravity, of the floating particles collected at the surface of the flotation equipment to any point of the pretreatment.

Abstract: A blood separator having: a blood bag pressurizing section for retaining a centrifuged blood bag and pressurizing the same at a predetermined pressure; a retention/measurement section for retaining at least two separation bags connecting with the blood bag via tubes and capable of receiving separated blood components, and measuring the weight of the separation bags; limiting devices provided at intermediate portions of the tubes between the blood bag and the separation bags to limit the flows of liquids in the tubes; a detector for detecting the level of an interface between components of blood in the blood bag retained in the blood bag pressurizing section; a moving device for moving the detector relative to the blood bag; and a controller for controlling the limiting devices while receiving, as an item of control information, detection information from the detector and/or measurement information from the retention/measurement section.

Abstract: Apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a pre-selected phase of a sample contained in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, separating means in which such an enclosed chamber is rotated about a longitudinal axis is described. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A filter element adapted to be sealingly clamped in a filter housing. The element comprises a porous hollow cylindrical integral self-supporting bonded fibrous structure. The structure has thermally melt bonded to at least one end thereof, a thermoplastic polymer closed cell foam sealing gasket. The gasket is adapted to provide a sealing surface between the end of the cartridge and the sealing edge of the filter housing. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing edges of the filter housing used in conjunction with the aforedescribed filter element comprises at least two circular sealing edges concentric to the axis of the cylindrical filter element. Such a combination provides a means for determining whether there is leakage past the sealing edges by the discoloration of the sealing gasket area between the concentric sealing edges by the liquid being filtered.

Abstract: A fluid filtering assembly has a manifold connectable to a line carrying fluid and a filter cartridge releasably connected to the manifold. The manifold has a pair of pockets that accommodate fluid inlet and outlet tubular members on the filter cartridge. Seals associated with the pockets and tubular members retain the fluid to the manifold and filter cartridge. A releasable connector holds cartridge in assembled relation with the manifold.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting a sample in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, said apparatus facilitates automated manipulation of the sample by providing formed features for: decreasing the gas permeability of said apparatus; clot activation of a blood sample contained within said apparatus; interconnection of a multiplicity of said apparatus; automated manipulation of said apparatus; protecting markings upon said apparatus; layering the construction of said apparatus; and, encoding of information upon said apparatus in both a tactile and visual manner. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A filter element adapted to be sealingly clamped in a filter housing. The element comprises a porous hollow cylindrical integral self-supporting bonded fibrous structure. The structure has thermally melt bonded to at least one end thereof, a thermoplastic polymer closed cell foam sealing gasket. The gasket is adapted to provide a sealing surface between the end of the cartridge and the sealing edge of the filter housing. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing edges of the filter housing used in conjunction with the aforedescribed filter element comprises at least two circular sealing edges concentric to the axis of the cylinder filter element. Such a combination provides a means for determining whether there is leakage past the sealing edges by the discoloration of the sealing gasket area between the concentric sealing edge by the liquid being filtered.

Abstract: An aquarium water filtration means includes intake means for aquarium water, prefilter means, and water transfer means for transferring aquarium water from the intake means to the prefilter means. Both mechanical and froth filtration of the aquarium water is carried out in the prefilter, which comprises a plurality of chambers separated by walls of different heights. The aquarium water is gravity fed into and through the prefilter, and between the various chambers of the prefilter, its flow being determined by the relative heights of the separating walls, as well as by the heights of openings in certain of the walls.

Abstract: There is provided between a concentrate tank and a membrane filter a circulating line which consists of a feed line and a return line. It is also possible to use an ultrafilter as the membrane filter. There is provided a leveling tube connected by respective pipes to the concentrate tank at top and bottom portions thereof, respectively. A buoy floats within the leveling tube and a position of this buoy is detected by means of transparency of the leveling tube itself or photosensors in order to detect a degree of concentration of the culture fluid progressing within the concentrate tank. There may be provided multi-stage circulating lines each connecting the associated concentrate tank to the associated membrane filter so that the culture fluid can be transferred during the process of concentration from the stage of the largest volume treatment to the state of the least volume treatment in order to concentrate the culture fluid more efficiently.

Abstract: A device for injecting additive products into a liquid includes a conduit in which flows a liquid, a nozzle which penetrates into the conduit for injecting additive products, and a chamber in fluid communication with the conduit and situated above the latter. The nozzle is situated within the chamber, and means are provided for introducing and maintaining a gaseous atmosphere in the chamber whereby the nozzle is entirely contained in the gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for separating a cell-containing liquid into a cell-containing and a cell-free fraction, which device comprises an essentially elongated housing at one end of which there is provided a closable inlet, which housing contains an area for the cell-containing fraction, an area for the cell-free fraction and a membrane separator, which separator comprises a narrow feed channel through which the cell-containing liquid is passed over the wall of a separation membrane, which is formed by one or more hollow fibres which are connected at their open ends to the area for the cell-free fraction.Thus, for example, whole blood is separated very rapidly after its introduction into the device. The device may be manufactured simply and inexpensively and is pre-eminently suitable to be used for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A disposable-filter holder comprises a shallow, box-shaped plastic housing of two pieces with intake and discharge stubs, a membrane-type filter being sandwiched between the two housing pieces which are joined together in a gas-tight and pressure-resistant manner. To reliably code the disposable-filter holder according to the filter characteristics, the disposable-filter holder comprises a colored coding plastic enveloping it in the outer radial zone. This color coding extends in at least one clearance in the first and/or in the second housing piece in geometrically locking manner and thereby does not project beyond the outer housing contour. The color coding only characterizes the disposable-filter holder and does not serve any sealing or locking function.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting air and water in and eliminating air and water from the fuel in diesel-type internal combustion engines includes a main body which is composed of an upper part, a cylindrical and transparent intermediate part, and a lower base part. The upper part defines five openings of suitable diameter. The first opening is connected to a connection tube for taking in fuel from a fuel tank. The second opening receives a suction tube immersed in fuel contained in the intermediate part and in communication with an injection pump. The suction tubes defined an inlet hole at the lower level within the intermediate part which ensures that fuel is conducted to the injection pump without air. A third opening is in communication with a fuel return leakage of the injection pump. A fourth opening receives a warning probe member which includes a float sliding in a guide member. The float controls two magnetic switches by sliding in the guide.

Abstract: A liquid separator for use as a blood component separator separates a blood component such as blood plasma from centrifugally separated component layers in a flexible blood bag. The blood bag has a liquid discharge tube on its upper end. The liquid separator includes a container holder for holding the blood bag with the liquid discharge tube directed substantially upwardly, and a container presser for pressing the blood bag progressively from the upper end toward a lower end thereof in coaction with the container holder to force the blood component out of the blood bag through the liquid discharge tube. While the blood bag is pressed, a certain thickness is provided at its upper end to allow the blood component to flow out of the blood back through the blood discharge tube.

Abstract: Continuous monitor to determine effective performance of a flocculant used to dewater a sludge stream, in which a voltage waveform of water clarity, generated by a sensor opposed to a light beam transmitted across the stream, is digitized by a comparator; the comparator is insensitive to sludge flow rate.

Abstract: The apparatus relates to separation apparatus (1) for separating at least two elements contained in a liquid or gaseous fluid, the apparatus including a separation chamber (60) of adjustable height delimited by a piston (30) slidably mounted in a piston cylinder (2). A variable pressure may be applied to the face (34) of the piston (30) situated outside the chamber (60). The piston cylinder (2) is mounted in a protection cylinder (6) in which a fluid may flow for maintaining a given temperature inside the separation chamber (60).

Abstract: Microaggregate blood filter adapted to pre-filter aggregates larger than 150 microns without interfering with the on-going and continuous filtration of aggregates between 40 and 150 microns. Filter comprises a flexible housing having inlet and outlet ports and an interior nest of two generally cylindrical concentric outer and inner filter screens with a space between the screens. Blood to be filtered enters the housing from the top and is pre-filtered for aggregates larger than 150 microns by the inner screen. The inner screen defines a relatively large interior volume which allows filtered aggregates to collect by sedimentation at its lower portions in a manner that permits on-going, continuous, and unobstructed filtration of the blood through its upper portion for subsequent and final filtration through the outer 40 micron filter. A preferred filter has a transparent housing and built in drip chamber and can be primed without inverting the filter.

Abstract: Water clarifying apparatus has a cylindrical tank where particulate contaminants suspended in raw water are separated using flotation techniques. A set of concentric mutually spaced, conical plates are positioned in the flotation tank. The plates rotate about the tank, preferably in unison with a (i) header that distributes equal quantities of raw water to each annular zone in the tank defined by the conical plates and (ii) a scoop for removing the contaminants which form a floated sludge layer. A screw conveyor is located in a discharge pipe of the floated sludge scoop. A infrared sludge detection array in a window in the side wall of the tank senses the sludge-water interface. Air dissolving tubes operating in parallel have common feeds and discharges coupled through three way valves operated to pressurize a closed volume of water with high pressure air in one tube while reloading and discharging the other tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and analyzing blood serum includes an input rack for holding test tubes containing whole blood specimens and separator gel, a centrifuge, an optical sensing unit for receiving centrifuged test tubes and generating output signals indicative of whether the centrifuging was successful and, if it was, the boundary position between the separator gel and the blood serum, and a computer connected to receive and analyze the output signals of the optical sensing unit. An aspirator/dispenser needle unit is positioned above the sensing unit and is capable of lowering a needle, under the control of the computer, to puncture the stopper of a test tube and then withdraw blood serum.

Abstract: A novel cooling system for an internal-combustion marine engine employs a novel strainer having a removable metal cover and means for controllably introducing flushing liquid into the strainer through the cover. A prior strainer may be modified by providing an auxiliary aperture through the cover and attaching one end of an auxiliary pipeline to the aperture. The auxiliary pipeline includes a hose-connection fitting at its other end and a control valve in the line.

Abstract: A composite, microscopically transparent, porous membrane is formed from a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having desired bulk properties on which is directly coated a cross-linked polymer having desired surface properties. The composite membrane retains the porosity of the porous polymeric membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for allowing mixing of solutions in low gravity environments so as to carry out crystallization of proteins and other small molecules or other chemical syntheses, under conditions that maximize crystal growth and minimize disruptive turbulent effects. The apparatus is comprised of a housing, a plurality of chambers, and a cylindrical rotatable valve disposed between at least two of the chambers, said valve having an internal passageway so as to allow fluid movement between the chambers by rotation of the valve. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a valve is provided having an additional internal passageway so that fluid from a third chamber can be mixed with the fluids of the first two chambers. This alternate embodiment of the invention is particularly desirable when it is necessary to provide a termination step to the crystal growth, or if a second synthetic step is required.