Abstract: An electric steam iron wherein the path for the flow of water from a permanently installed or detachable water tank to the heater contains a supply of water softening agent which can be observed from the exterior of the housing and can be replaced, when necessary, or discarded jointly with an expandible tank or with a perforable envelope or an apertured cartridge.

Abstract: A hemofilter is disclosed for use in a continuous arterio-venous hemofiltration ("C.A.V.H") having a bundle of hollow fibers in which the lengths of the particular fibers of the bundle are greatest for those hollow fibers closest to the blood ports of the hemofilter and, preferably, would continuously decrease in length and be least for those particular fibers furthest from the blood ports. The fibers would, preferably, be secured in a bundle to one another by means of an epoxy resin, or similar substance, which did not interfere with the passage of blood through the hollow fibers of the system. Heparin may be chemically bound to the hollow fibers of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromtographic column having a tube, preferably made of glass, with sealed-off connection pieces, preferably with frets, the tube having at each end flanges, which together with a screw joint, connect the connection pieces to the tube. The connection pieces have a central tube which possesses a clamping ring above the fret recess at its end. The clamping ring is preferably of conical design and the tube is surrounded by a sleeve which acts on the clamping ring through a counterpiece, preferably an oppositely sloped cone. Arranged between the clamping surfaces is a squeezable seal. The sleeve is supported by the screw joint and the tube has a thread passing through the screw joint and can be fixed by a nut on the upper part of the screw joint.

Abstract: A flowing water sterilization filter comprising a clear plastic sectional canister with an inlet conduit and outlet conduit mounted to said different sections of the canister. A polyurethane iodine treated sponge is positioned in said canister between the inlet conduit and outlet conduit to sterilize water passing therethrough.

Abstract: A device is provided for separating the components of a liquid sample by centrifugation by dividing that portion of the sample having a higher specific gravity from that portion having a lower specific gravity, by utilizing a dual component assemby arranged to move in an evacuated container into the area adjacent the two portions of the sample under centrifugal force. The assembly includes a substantially rigid core component which nests within a cup-shaped elastomeric component having a built-in spring action, and which components interact with each other to provide alternating dual seals and open flow paths in response to different pressure differentials on each side thereof.

Abstract: An inline filter comprises transparent upstream and downstream halves defining truncated hollow right-circular cones whose flanged lower bases sandwich therebetween a concentric brass filter screen fixedly carried by the flanged lower bases joined together by heat-sealing. The upstream and downstream halves have respective male fittings for connection to respective upstream and downstream female couplings on an incoming water supply line for flow of such incoming water through the inline filter. The filter screen, which has an effective filtering capacity, area-wise, of almost 13 times the area of the internal diameter of the upstream male fitting, filters out and traps sand, dirt, particles and other debris carried by the incoming water. The transparent halves provide visual indication whether the filter screen is clogging up. Connecting the upstream female coupling to the downstream male fitting effects backflushing water flow to clean the filter screen.

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 the upflow ion exchange treatment of liquids in a single vessel containing a lower bed of cationic ion exchange resin and an upper bed of anionic ion exchange resin which are not separated by other physical devices but which can be separated by an inert resin. The anionic and cationic ion exchange resins in the vessel can be regenerated simultaneously in all of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The preferred embodiments allow either countercurrent or cocurrent regeneration of the ion exchange resin beds.

Abstract: A water, ice and sediment trap attached to the lower portion of the fuel chamber of a carburetor for an internal combustion engine. The sediment trap receives and retain particles and fluids heavier than gasoline and stores them away from the fuel flow path. The sediment is retained in a transparent sediment tube which enables theuser to visibly inspect the trap for sediment accumulation. Sediment accumulation can be drained by removing a plug firmly received in the bottom end of the sediment tube.

Abstract: A water filter has an elongated base with an inlet opening near one end thereof to which is secured an adaptor ring for attachment to a water faucet. A first outlet opening on the base dispenses unfiltered water and there is a channel defined within the base that leads toward the other end, with an externally-operable valve being included for selecting between unfiltered flow to that outlet and flow down the channel. Located near the other end of the base is a mounting on which sits a water filter cartridge that communicates with the channel, and the cartridge delivers filtered water to a second outlet. A number of features include a color indicator to exhibit degree of cartridge usage, a reversible adaptor ring to accommodate different faucets and there are different aerator structures. Of particular note is the replaceable cartridge which includes a deflector for obtaining better usage of the main filtering material, an exteriorally-mounted first filter and an internally-mounted second filter.

Abstract: A fluid metering device (10) is provided for automatically restricting (i.e., shutting off or reducing) fluid flow to a filter (16). The metering device (10) has a vane (32) which turns as fluid flows and thereby drives a gear (92). Once the vane (32) has rotated a selected number of times, as a result of the fluid flow, the rotation of the gear will break a frangible link (82), causing the fluid flow to stop or reduce by closing a valve (60). The customer will know to replace the filter (16) when the fluid no longer flows or is substantially reduced, and the customer will also have to replace the frangible link (82) to enable the fluid to flow at full volume again.

Abstract: A graduated container (1) is connected both to a filtering compartment (10) of a dialyzer (9) and to the dialysis liquid circuit (8); the connection between the graduated container and the dialyzing liquid circuit being made through a chamber (2) into which extends a tube (6) connected to the dialyzing liquid circuit (8).

Abstract: The in-line fuel filter device is readily installable in the fuel line of a liquid fuel-supplied engine. Thus, it is useful to filter fuels such as gasoline, diesel, oil, etc. and includes a generally closed, preferably cylindrical casing having a pair of opposed inlet and outlet-bearing endwalls interconnected, preferably releasably interconnected, by preferably transparent sidewalls. The casing defines a central filtering space accessible through the inlet and outlet. A preferably cylindrical particle filter is held by an interior bracket spaced from the casing sidewall with one end thereof surrounding and sealed against the outlet, while the filter is spaced from the inlet. A plate closes the opposite end of the filter and is secured to a bar passing longitudinally through the casing and filter releasably threadably secured to ferrules extending outwardly from the casing endwalls, so that the casing is readily openable.

Abstract: In a filter for filtering human blood, especially in an extracorporeal circulatory system, with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a vertically directed, hollow, cylindrical filter element located between them and consisting of a filter, and in which the hollow, cylindrical filter element seals housing chambers located in the filter housing between the blood inlet and the blood outlet in such a manner from each other by means of its front surfaces that the blood can only flow through the filter element, whereby the blood inlet is located in the center of the housing and of the hollow, cylindrical filter element and a gas outlet is located at the highest point of the housing, the blood inlet runs axially through the hollow cylinder of the filter element as a central ascending tube and divides it cross section into a smaller ascending pipe section and into a settling chamber section for the blood which is several times larger.

Abstract: A portable water filter for household use is disclosed, comprising a pair of releasably connected, upper and lower sections. A water faucet is connected by a line having a severe flow restriction to the lower section for discharge into the bottom thereof. The two sections are connected by a threaded collar having an integral wall separating the two sections with aperture means at its center for upward flow of water from the lower to the upper section. Each section contains two filtering materials, one of which in each section is a plurality of nested, cup-shaped, paper filter elements sealed by a mating ring to the interior surface of the respective section. The walls of the sections are transparent to permit viewing of the filter materials, thereby visually indicating the need for filter replacement by the degree of discoloration thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris and other foreign matter from a solution of paint and the like, the apparatus having a vacuous vessel for receiving the paint solution which has been strained; a straining assembly which has a main body mounted in fluid-flow communication with the vacuous vessel; and a plurality of removable filter elements are positioned internally of the main body and which are adapted, selectively, to remove any debris or other foregin matter from the solution of paint which is passed therethrough.

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 determinging 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 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 filter device for a minute volume of liquid, usable under a centrifugal force or under pressure, comprising a cylindrical member and a hollow thread filter having an open lower end and housed in said cylindrical member to form an annular space for containing a sample liquid around the filter, with the lower part of the hollow thread filter liquid-tightly bonded to the inside wall of the lower part of the cylindrical member and with the upper end of the hollow thread filter sealed.

Abstract: A water treatment or processor device for household use or commercial use (for example, in a restaurant) is provided with fail-safe features in accordance with this invention to shut the treatment device "off" when an element thereof has become ineffective, such as the saturation of an adsorption element or the clogging of a filter element. Once the device is turned "off", it cannot be restarted until the depleted element has been replaced.

Abstract: A dialysis instrument having a pump located on the dialysate side of a dialyzer for moving body fluids. A disposable cartridge mounted to a main frame includes containers of calcium chloride, priming solution, water, sorbent column, dialysate reservoir bag and potassium/hydrogen citrate reinfusate reservoir. A plurality of monitors detect the status of the flow of fluids and process of dialysis and provide data for the operation of a plurality of pumps and clamps to control the direction of flow of various fluids. The entire instrument is mounted on a scale to detect weight change due to the difference between inflow and outflow of body fluids.

Abstract: An enclosed filter is disclosed herein having an elongated container or housing composed of transparent material incorporating a plurality of adjacent filtering chambers separated by a mesh partition or grid. Filter material especially suited for removing chloramine occupies each chamber and pump apparatus is employed for drawing water through an open grid end of the housing through the chambers for existing via a discharge port in the pump apparatus.

Abstract: In a filter with fluid connections, an upper housing part (1) and a lower housing part (8) a flat filter blank (7) is sealingly clamped in like a sandwich between their circular and circumferential opening edges (6) and flange parts (11) in such a manner between the interconnected housing parts (1,8) that fluid can penetrate from one housing part (1) into the other housing part (8) only through the selectively permeable flat filter blank (7).

Abstract: A bubble oxygenator for oxygenating blood in an extracorporeal circuit. The oxygenator is formed from three concentric shells which define an oxygenating chamber, a defoaming chamber and an arterial reservoir. The arterial reservoir includes a view chamber which permits visual inspection of the level of blood held in the arterial reservoir. The outer shell which forms the arterial reservoir is rotatable with respect to the remainder of the apparatus so that the view chamber can be easily positioned for observation.

Abstract: An improved low-profile inline filter unit comprising a housing unit and filter frame. The filter frame being adapted to fit substantially within the housing so that the filter frame may be sonically welded to the housing unit. The housing unit and filter frame cooperating to provide a visible indicator for determining whether an internal hermetic seal is present between the housing unit and filter frame.

Abstract: A filter device capable of simultaneously effecting centrifugal separation and filtration comprises a hollow main body closed at one end thereof and adapted for effective use in a centrifuge, at least one filter medium disposed inside the hollow main body substantially along the axis thereof and adapted to partition the interior of the hollow main body into plural compartments, at least one of the compartments being a liquid feeding compartment and another compartment being a filtrate receiving compartment, wherein liquid entering the liquid feeding compartment is centrifuged and simultaneously filtered by the filter medium, and the filtrate flows into the filtrate receiving compartment. This filter device is used, for example, for the removal of proteins from blood.

Abstract: There is disclosed a screening assembly for separating fines from a miscella stream including same and comprised of a screening element angularly disposed in a housing assembly beneath an inlet conduit means and over a miscella collection zone.

Abstract: A cylindrical closed housing formed of clear material provides a test flow cell for monitoring the halogen and pH level in a flowing liquid stream. The cylindrical housing includes a circumferential, longitudinally extending side surface with front and back end surfaces secured to the circumferential cylindrical surface to form the closed, hollow housing test cell. The housing has a first inlet opening at one side for the liquid stream; an outlet opening for the liquid stream at the top of the housing and a second inlet opening for acid at the bottom of the housing. A pair of additional openings, one on each side of the outlet opening receives and positions electronic sensing probes diagonally within the test flow cell; the probes terminate between the top outlet and bottom second inlet openings and opposite the first inlet side opening.A controller includes circuitry which enables the halogen and pH levels desired in a reservoir of water to be preset.

Abstract: An in-line vacuum filter normally mounted between a vacuum pump and a vacuum packaging machine to block flow of process debris and sediment that collects at the outer surface of an outer screen of two concentric contiguous cylindrical screen with air flow inward through the two screens. The outer screen surface is viewable from the exterior of the vacuum filter through a transparent outer cylindrical enclosure so that a machine operator can easily see when it is time to disassemble and clean the filter of the sediment and debris buildup thereon. The transparent outer cylindrical enclosure and the two concentric cylindrical screens are held in the assembled vacuum filter between a bottom filter plate and a top filter plate all held together by one rod threaded on both ends with the top threaded into the top filter plate and the bottom extended through the bottom filter plate with a hex nut threaded on the bottom.

Abstract: A water treatment container is disclosed having a first chamber of variable volume and an second chamber for containing a water treating agent such as an ion exchange resin. Retainers are situated on the inlet and outlet of the second chamber to retain the water treating agent within the second chamber. Filters are positioned adjacent to retainers to filter the water. The first chamber is constructed so as to have a manually variable volume. Water added to the first chamber is caused to flow through the second chamber and out a dispensing outlet as the volume of the first chamber is reduced by application of a manually applied pressure.

Abstract: In a suction-type filter machine, a plurality of filter leaves each haing a core panel of egg-crate type walls defining transverse passageways through said panel and openings through said walls to provide vertical, horizontal and longitudinal passageways for filtrate flow drawn by a suction pump through the filter medium enwrapping the core panel and a conduit conductor enclosing an edge portion of the core panel.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a filter designed for the simultaneous filtration and preheating of the fuel for an internal combustion engine.The filter barrel houses an annular filtering element through which the fuel generally circulates in a radial direction. Heating elements are provided in an axial tube of the barrel housing and inside an external annular chamber of that same barrel. Electrical resistors, for example, may be used as heating elements.The invention is designed to eliminate the paraffin flakes which appear in the fuel oil at low temperatures.

Abstract: Water purifying apparatus comprises a purified water storage vessel and a filter, preferably a reverse osmosis filter, for purifying water. An inlet side of the filter is adapted for connecting to a pressurized source of water to be treated and an outlet side of the filter is connected to an inlet of the storage vessel. A purified discharge line is also connected to the vessel inlet. The vessel is configured for being pressurized by a gas, such as air, in a manner that the pressurizing gas is in direct contact with purified water in the tank. A gas check valve is installed at the vessel combination inlet and outlet, the check valve comprising a spherical valve which floats in water and a valve seat against which the valve seals when most of the water has been withdrawn from the vessel, so as to prevent escape of pressurizing gas from the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely monitoring the color distribution of two materials charged in a treating column by moving a color sensor along a viewing window of the column. The color sensor moving along the viewing window projects a light onto the materials in the treating column and receives the reflected light for conversion into a reception signal. A comparator compares the reception signal with a reference signal representing a standard color of the materials in the column to produce a digital color difference signal. The digital color difference signal is sampled and distributed to indicator lamps in accordance with position signals from the of positions sensing means which senses the passage of the color sensor by each of a plurality position. Thus, the indicator lamps provide a remote display of the color distribution of the materials along the viewing window.

Abstract: A column for use in DNA synthesis. The column is transparent and is disposable to allow access to the resin beads within the column. The column includes end caps which are engageable with a housing and a screw to secure the column in the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to equipment for rendering visible a specific metal charge of an ion exchanger comprising transparent viewing means, permeable container means behind said viewing means, and a mixture of chargeable resin particles and inert particles in said container means, said inert particles being lighter in weight than said resin particles when the latter are charged with metal ions. The invention also relates to a process for rendering visible a specific metal charge of an ion exchanger.

Abstract: A method for early detection of mastitis in cows, effected during normal milking of cows in a milking parlor, by monitoring the milk taken from each cow for the presence of milk clots, comprises cutting the vacuum milk line to each milking station and inserting a filter-detector therein between the claw and the recorder jar. Each filter-detector comprises a flat-sided transparent casing with a lateral slot which receives a self-sealing slide carrying the filter element. The slide carrier preferably has an integral bypass aperture so that vacuum conditions at the claw end are retained even after the filter element has become blocked. The slide carrier is preferably constructed so that, when in position in the casing, a seepage passage remains between the slide and the casing inner wall, so that cleansing fluid can pass during normal in-place cleaning of the installation.

Abstract: A fuel strainer having a strainer cup into which fuel is introduced from an upper side of the strainer cup, and a partition assembly removably fitted in the strainer cup. The partition assembly includes a base plate having a magnet attached to a lower side thereof, and at least one partition plate connected to an upper side of the base plate through a plurality of supporting columns so as to divide the space in the strainer cup into an upper and a lower chambers. The partition plate has a passage bore for connection between the upper and lower chambers and an upper surface of the partition plate constitutes a sediment guiding surface descending toward the passage bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blood separation by squeezing out blood components from a blood bag (29) having at least one outlet conduit (30), said device comprising a support surface (1) and a pressure surface (3) being movable relatively to the support surface and arranged for compressing a blood bag (29) inserted between the pressure surface (3) and the support surface (1). The pressure surface (3) is arranged essentially in parallel with the support surface (1) and drive means are provided for displacement of the pressure surface (3) substantially perpendicularly to the support surface (1) for compressing the blood bag (29) essentially uniformly over the entire surface thereof, and it is provided with at least one sensing device (17, 18), which is arranged to detect when a pre-selected blood component layer has reached a given level in the blood bag (29) and in response thereto to activate means (20) for shutting-off at least one of said outlet conduits (30).

Abstract: The invention provides a filtration system suited to be coupled in a water transfer circuit with a tub, pool, spa, or the like, and includes a housing or casing within which is provided a filter element through which the water passes during operation. In one preferred embodiment, a heater is provided within the housing. The heater comprises an electrical heating element positioned within the center opening of an annular filter element. A pump and motor can be connected to the housing in a water transfer circuit. A strainer for removing hair, lint, or the like is preferably provided within the circuit upstream from the pump, that is to say, between the inlet of the pump and the spa or tub. The strainer can be located within the filter housing adjacent to and in fluid communication with the filter and between the filter and a removable cover releasably secured to the housing.

Abstract: Filters, particularly relative small filters, usually include a screening element which readily clogs or becomes partially blocked with material thus impeding the flow of liquid therethrough. The present invention comprises a cylindrical filter housing or bowl portion bisected by a vertically situated screen element situated at an angle to the direction of flow so that the flow of fluid tends to wash the screen and deposit the sediment at the base of the housing. Preferably the housing is formed of clear plastic or glass so that the screen condition can be viewed. The base of the screen element is angulated and lies on the base of the housing upon the inlet side thereof so that when removing the screen for cleaning, any sediment may be lifted clear of the housing as the screen is removed.

Abstract: A deformable liquid filter with means for purging air and gases having a housing with spaced flexible walls and a hydrophilic membrane defining a collapsible inlet chamber with air and gas vent means on one side of the membrane and an outlet chamber on the opposite side of the membrane with membrane support means which prevents the outlet chamber from collapsing.

Abstract: A sediment indicator for installation in a fluid flow line of a fluid circulatory system, such as a liquid cooling system for an internal combustion engine to provide a visual indication of when the fluid medium has become dirty and is in need of cleaning or replacement. The indicator includes the tubular open ended member insertable in a fluid flow line of the circulatory system to provide a fluid passage that is in fluid communication with the flow of fluid in a system. The indicator includes a housing portion having a sediment collecting chamber open to the flow passage of the tubular member and in depending relationship to it. The housing is at least partially transparent to permit visual inspection of the chamber. A washer having a hole smaller than the sediment collecting chamber restricts the rate of movement of sediment into the chamber.

Abstract: A system for softening water comprising a regeneratable softener having an ion-exchange resin exposable to the water, a salt reservoir containing a supersaturated sodium-chloride solution for the regeneration of the resin, and a water hardness detector including a housing containing an ion-exchange shrink resin charge regeneratable by the solution, the shrink resin charge being exposable to water having passed through at least a part of the resin in the softener. The detector further includes a piston reciprocable within the tank, which piston contacts a single free surface of the shrink resin charge at least during detection of water hardness. The regeneration of the softener is initiated in response to the position of the piston.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-contained device which separates water and solid contaminants from fuels used by internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A soft, flexible cover which is adapted to be attached over the open top of a container has a transparent section for viewing the contents of a container with which the cover is used, a filter section for removing entrained matter from air entering the container, and a tubular section for sealable attachment to a suction tube extending therethrough into the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually monitoring the fluidized bed of a resin ion exchanger. The method includes establishing a sample fluidized bed displaced from, but in fluid communication with, the resin ion exchanger fluidized bed and supplying a quantity of exchanger process solution in a controlled manner to the sample fluidized bed such that the sample fluidized bed represents among other exchanger fluidized bed characteristics the exchanger fluidized bed height. The apparatus includes a monitor having a transparent sampling column in fluid communication with the exchanger fluidized bed and a regulator in fluid communication with the exchanger and the sample column for establishing a solution sample for supply to the sample fluidized bed. The regulator includes an orifice for controlling the flow rate of solution sample supplied to the sample fluidized bed.

Abstract: An inclined helical conveyer has a container containing a rotary shaft carrying a helical flight which has openings cut out of the flight adjacent the shaft serving to separate liquid from particulate material as the latter is conveyed up the conveyer.

Abstract: Air emboli detection method and apparatus for use in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery or the like comprising modular sensor, control and power units. The sensor unit is adapted to releasably clamp a blood flow tubing or conduit in a vertical orientation below a blood deaerator, and includes an LED infrared source and a phototransistor detector. The control unit applies pulsed power to the light source only at preselected periodic intervals, and monitors for an output from the detector only at times corresponding to the preselected intervals to achieve an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. The power unit includes a solid state relay responsive to detection of emboli for removing power from a blood pump or the like.

Abstract: A fuel filter system including a transparent sediment bowl which is protected from thermal shock by means of a flame deflector mounted on and surrounding the lower portion of the sediment bowl. The flame deflector is made of stainless steel and has a wall thickness between ten thousandths and fifteen thousandths of an inch with a stiffening flange about its upper edge. The sediment bowl is preferably made of chemical resistant plastic transparent to visible light providing mechanical shock resistance with the flame deflector providing thermal shock resistance.