Abstract: A versatile filter structure adaptable for use in differently ported configurations includes accommodation for variations of bypass and shutoff valving and for filter element replacement from either end or centrally of the structure. A head casting is secured to a tubular housing and either may be the mounting device for the filter. A funnel shaped diverter having an oblique edge is removably mounted in the head casting and provides separation between inlet and outlet portions of the filter structure by means of an eliptical O-ring seal at the edge which engages the interior of the head casting. The diverter provides a smooth transition for fluid flow to the interior of the filter, supports one end of the filter element in the tubular housing, optionally houses a shutoff valve operative automatically upon filter element removal, and further houses a bypass valve for safeguarding against filter element blockage.

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 serve to give 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 depository or 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. Sediment entrained in the circulating fluid medium as it passes in the fluid passage of the tubular member drops under the influence of gravity into the chamber where it can be viewed from without the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of water. A water filter is mated with a housing base and cover to form an integral unit to treat water. A valve connected to a water faucet diverts the flow of water from the tap through a filter inlet tube, through the filter and back to the valve via a filter discharge tube. A second position on the valve permits the water flow from the faucet to by-pass the treatment filter. The replaceable filter has indicator means to visually indicate whether or not satisfactory flow is being maintained through the unit and whether or not the filter should be changed.

Abstract: A fluoridation system including a venturi capable of being inserted into a water line along the length thereof, the venturi including a throughbore having a diminishing tapered section followed by an increasing tapered section in the direction of liquid flow, a passage intersecting the throughbore and extending substantially perpendicularly thereto, mechanism associated with the venturi for withdrawing water from the water line, a first conduit for transferring water from the withdrawing mechanism, a flow rate measurer in the first conduit, a flow control in the first conduit, a fluoride chamber connected to the outlet end of the first conduit, and a second conduit connecting the fluoride chamber with the passage of the venturi which is substantially perpendicular to the throughbore thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the constant volume solvent exchange or constant volume neutralization of a liquid solution or suspension of macromolecules. Liquid enters a bulk zone and passes into a thin layer filtration zone, in which the separation is effected through a semi-permeable membrane filter.

Abstract: A flexible artificial kidney, capable of being worn directly on the body of the patient, and characterized by a flexible hollow retentate chamber of about 3 to 50 cm.sup.3 in volume surrounded by a jacketed flexible dialysate chamber of about 300 to 5,000 cm.sup.3 in volume, preferably such that the dialysate chamber is at least about 100 times larger than the retentate chamber. Blood inlet and outlet lines to and from the retentate chamber are passed in fluid tight relationship through the jacketed wall of the dialysate chamber which in turn has a closable opening for filling and discharging the dialysate liquid. This artificial kidney is especially effective when adsorbent materials are added to the liquid in the dialysate chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purification of water in emergency situations is provided, comprising a manually operated pump having a discharge port connected to a plurality of series-connected treatment filters. Each filter is chosen for its ability to perform a desired purification function in a preferred sequence which enhances the performance of the subsequent filter in the series. The filters are designed to accept water from a contaminated source, thereafter removing particulate matter, organic impurities and inorganic impurities, and finally physically filtering out bacteria and other organisms larger than 0.20 microns in size to deliver potable water from the outlet port of the final filter. Preferably, all components are mounted in a suitable portable enclosure for ease of storing and for transporting the unit to a water source in an emergency situation.

Abstract: A device for the sequential fractionation of the contents of a centrifuge tube containing centrifugally separated contents utilizing a syringe-like apparatus. The present invention utilizes removable syringe tips that are mounted on a chamber housing for extraction and retention of a precise volume of centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge tube. The syringe-like apparatus is mounted to a frame in such a manner that the chamber housing is movable relative to the plunger or piston to permit precise movement of the chamber housing with the removable syringe tip into the centrifuge tube for delicate and precise removal of the desired fraction of the fluid. The syringe tips are removed with each fraction that is collected from the contents in the centrifuge tube and can be placed in a storage rack for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A system for automatically extracting samples of sludge and mixed liquor from a sewage treatment plant, delivering them to a testing settleometer jar and centrifuge and measuring the rate of settling of sludge and suspended solids in the test samples.

Abstract: In a blood filter of the type having a blood inlet spike which is to be inserted in a blood bag the improvement comprising the outer surface of the blood inlet spike having a roughness of from about 50 to 200 microinches.

Abstract: An improved valving system is provided in a dialysis system in which the dialysis solution flow path through the dialyzer may be sealed off adjacent the inlet and outlet of the dialyzer, with the pumped dialysis solution being shunted so that the pump and heater do not need to be turned off. As ultrafiltration takes place over a predetermined period of time, it can be directly measured by monitoring the liquid level of a reservoir connected to the sealed portion of the dialysis solution flow path. The dialysis unit itself is held in a bracket which defines the valving system by means of a longitudinally movable and clampable retention member for bearing against the top of and holding the dialyzer member.

Abstract: The arrangement of the disclosure comprises a filter unit having an upper, inlet chamber and a lower, outlet chamber. A hydrophilic filter separates the upper chamber from the lower chamber and a lower placed hydrophobic filter or membrane separates the lower chamber and the upper chamber. A liquid reservoir is provided in the first chamber between the filter and membrane, and a gas reservoir is provided in the second chamber between the filter and membrane.A liquid admitted to the upper, inlet chamber with a forward differential pressure, that is with the pressure in the upper chamber larger than that in the lower chamber, will flow through the upper hydrophilic filter into the lower chamber. If any gas accumulates it cannot accumulate above the level of the lower hydrophobic membrane. Accordingly no gas flows out of the lower, outlet chamber in the forward direction.

Abstract: In a fluid filter device particularly suited for installation in an automotive power steering system, a cylindrical filter element which is axially movable in a casing having inlet and outlet passages at its opposite ends includes a foraminous side wall constituting a primary filter and a valve member at one end of the filter element normally urged to engage a seat about the opening of the inlet passage by a spring acting on the filter element so that, when the primary filter becomes clogged, the buildup of the differential pressure between the inlet and outlet passages causes axial movement of the filter element for unseating the valve member and permitting the fluid to bypass the primary filter through an annular clearance between the latter and the casing wall, and a secondary filter annulus extends from the filter element across such annular clearance for filtering the fluid which bypasses the primary filter.

Abstract: Hemoglobin or hemolysate is used as an indicator for leakage detection in the dialysis membrane interface separating the sterile from the nonsterile circuitry in a recirculating peritoneal dialysis system. The indicator is dissolved in the steril dialysis fluid and is retained within the sterile circuit unless leakage occurs in the membrane. Upon rupture or other leakage in the membrane, fluid turbulance and pressure gradient cause crossflow between the sterile and nonsterile circuitry, endangering the patient with infection, peritonitis and endotoxin shock. Such crossflow is detected by the concurrent coloration caused by the mixing of hemoglobin indicator in the nosterile dialysis fluid.

Abstract: An isolating and blood pressure transmitting apparatus for use in an extracorporeal blood treatment system or the like comprises a generally cylindrical, transparent plastic chamber with a housing having axially opposing inlet and outlet portions. The inlet portion is connected to a blood pumping and purifying portion of the system for receiving pressurized blood therefrom; the outlet portion is connected to a conventional pressure transducer which, in response to blood pressure transmitted thereto, controls blood pumping valving to maintain blood pressure in the system within predetermined limits. The chamber housing has a diameter and an axial length substantially greater than the diameter of the inlet and outlet portions, the chamber having an appreciable volume to absorb pressure surges. A thin flexible membrane, formed in a frustoconical shape is disposed across the housing to physically isolate the pressure transducer from the blood pumping and purifying portion of the system.

Abstract: A filter system for swimming pool cleaning machines comprising a filter tank cover secured to the pool cleaner and having a debris trap removably mounted on the rearward end thereof. The debris trap has an inlet end in communication with the water discharge conduit of the swimming pool cleaner. A flexible filter valve is positioned in the debris trap for normally closing the inlet end but which is opened by flow through the water discharge conduit. The discharge end of the debris trap comprises a plurality of spaced-apart ports having vertically disposed baffles positioned therebetween which prevent debris from sealing the openings. The transparent debris trap cover is removably mounted on the rearward end of the debris trap. A pair of filter tanks are removably mounted on the forward end of the filter tank cover and have filters positioned therein. The outlet end of the debris trap is in communication with the interiors of the filter tanks.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use with sprinkler systems, and the like, is self-cleaning and has a filter casing with an input and output for water to pass into and out of the filter casing. An elongated filter support is attached to the output and extends into the filter casing. The filter support has passageways therethrough and has a filter screen attached thereover for filtering liquid passing thrugh the screen, the filter support and out the output of the casing. The input to the casing directs water parallel to and around the filter screen so as to flush trash therefrom which can accumulate at one end of the casing. A transparent portion of the filter casing allows for quick inspection of the filter element and a rapid disconnect for a removable casing portion allows the removal of trash and the replacement of filter elements.

Abstract: A filter device for straining brake fluid in a hydraulic brake system comprises a disk shaped core the opposite sides of which are attached to a cup shaped bowl. A filter element is secured to one side of the core in one bowl. Nipples integral with the core extend radially outward and communicate with radial bores in the core. The bores have axial portions opening at opposite sides of the core in the bowls. One pipe may connect the filter device to the reservoir of a master brake cylinder via one nipple, and another pipe may connect the filter device to a source of brake fluid via the other nipples. A bleed hole adapted to be closed by a removable screw is provided in the outer wall of each of the bowls. The filter element may have a porous body made of sintered metal and may have a cylindrical outer wall with a reetrant conical wall.

Abstract: An automatic chlorinator for a swimming pool having a water circulating system. The chlorinator automatically draws a sample of pool water at regular intervals and compares the level of the residual chlorine in the sample with a predetermined desired level. If the residual chlorine in the sample is below the desired comparison level, the chlorinator automatically adds a measured amount of a chlorine saturated water solution to the pool.

Abstract: A dialysis module for use with a variety of single pass or single pass-recirculating artificial kidney dialyzers as desired. The apparatus has quick disconnects to allow attachment of a single pass kidney dialyzer or shunt tube so that a single housing can be used to provide two entirely different modes of operation as selected. A clear canister forms a part of the dialysis flow path in both modes of operation to enable rapid detection of blood leaks in either mode of operation.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus that is very versatile is disclosed. The apparatus includes a porous filter disc that can be readily interchanged with other filter discs having the same or different porosity. In addition, a membrane filter can be used in conjunction with the porous filter disc. The porous filter disc serves as a support for the membrane filter. The porous filter disc and membrane when provided are designed to interfit with the balance of the filtration apparatus in such a manner that the filtration unit is simple in construction and highly versatile in use.

Abstract: A filter for liquid fuels wherein a flanged end portion of the metallic case for filter elements is embedded in or bonded to the reinforced open end of a transparent injection-molded plastic cup. The connection includes an elastic plastic liner which may constitute a barrier against any direct contact between the cup and the case or is disposed between the inner side of the end portion of the case and a raised annular portion of the open end of the cup. The liner compensates for differences between the thermal expansion coefficients of the materials of the case and cup and insures that the connection is not only leakproof but also resistant to relatively high fluid pressures in the filter. If the end portion of the case is bonded to the open end of the cup, it has an inwardly extending collar which overlies a bead of the open end; the liner then consists of hot melt and fills a gap between the inner side of the collar and the adjacent shoulder of the bead.

Abstract: An improved header block for tubular membrane permeator modules, which has particular advantage for ultrafiltration operations, is disclosed. The header block is very compact and is formable by casting or molding and machining. In cooperation with a collector plate and end-plate, it provides both feed (or concentrate) and permeate manifolds. The high pressure differentials and/or cumbersome "turn arounds" or manifolds heretofore used are obviated by said block. A plurality of modules comprising such blocks may be joined side-by-side, in cooperation with appropriate side-plate and gasket means, to provide a variety of flow distributions and/or modes. The header block is uniquely appropriate for handling high volume flow rates required to ensure turbulent, high velocity flow of feed liquid within each permeator tube. The end plates preferably are transparent, to permit facile inspection of the permeate stream from each tube in each module.

Abstract: A drip chamber for use in the intravenous administration of liquids formed of a generally vertically disposed, hollow chamber provided with inlet means and outlet means, with the chamber being adapted to maintain a liquid level of the intravenous liquid to be administered, and a hydrophilic filter element disposed in the drip chamber between the inlet means and outlet means. The hydrophilic filter element is constantly wetted with the liquid in the drip chamber to permit the passage of liquid through the filter element while simultaneously blocking air. The drip chamber of this invention can also be provided with a hydrophobic filter element to facilitate the elimination of air from the drip chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fractionation of centrifuged density gradients have been developed. The apparatus consists of a gradient holder composed of a transparent and an opaque section which contains an opening allowing a centrifuged tube containing a density gradient having individual bands to be inserted into the holder. A displaceable piston which is suspended above the holder and is connected to an actuator may be raised or lowered into the density gradient. A standard illuminating device is placed under the gradient holder so that the exact position of each individual band can be determined. Once the precise location is determined, the displaceable piston is lowered into the gradient and by operating the actuator, the desired band of gradient can be extracted. Additionally, this method may be utilized in a continuous fractionation of the entire gradient.

Abstract: A method and means are provided for observing and recording by time lapse photography the growth of cells such as cancer cells outside the human body while nourishing the cells with human blood so that the situation simulates the actual cell growth within the body. The patient's blood is circulated through an extra corporeal chamber by an arteriovenous shunt, the tissue cells to be monitored being disposed in the chamber under a controlled environment. The chamber has transparent top and bottom covers so that the growing tissue may be properly illuminated by a light source and time lapse photographs taken.

Abstract: A hemispherical, transparent cover is provided in which a bellows having substantially the same hemispherical configuration is provided. A liquid having a different color than that of the bellows is filled between said transparent cover and the bellows whereby a difference in color may be perceptible from the outside of the transparent cover, depending on the pressure differential between the inlet side and outlet side of a strainer caused by clogging of its filter.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting the absence of substantially air-free blood in a blood chamber of an artificial kidney dialysis system. The system includes a first and a second radiation source and sensor means responsive to said radiation. The sensor means is aligned with and intersects the axis of the first source, and is not aligned with and does not intersect the axis of the second source. Perception of sufficient radiation from the first source indicates absence of blood in the chamber. Perception of sufficient radiation from the second source indicates foam in the blood chamber. The sensor system can control valve means, and preferably can selectively be by-passed, and automatically be adjusted for sensitivity.

Abstract: A test unit for indicating the presence of water and other contaminants in aircraft fuel. The unit is constituted by a transparent cylinder closed at its bottom and having a filter element therein which divides the cylinder into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Mounted at the top end of the cylinder and projecting therefrom is a valve-actuating pin adapted to engage the sump drain valve in the fuel tank to be tested to cause a fuel sample to flow into the upper chamber. The filter element is formed of a selectively-permeable hydrophobic material which blocks the flow of water and other contaminants and is permeable only to the fuel whereby should the fuel contain contaminants, the pure fuel will pass into the lower chamber and the contaminants will be retained in the upper chamber.

Abstract: An intravenous injection apparatus comprising at least a pair of filters serially arranged between opposite ends of an intravenous injection set, and a needle adapter and filter and method of making same, wherein the adapter includes a housing having a bore therethrough and an insert positioned within said bore, said insert having a bore therethrough and a unique filter presealed to said insert across the bore through the insert to filter contaminants from material flowing through said needle adapter.

Abstract: A washing machine drain filter including a cage with a top having a drain tube connection and bore through the top, a bottom, an oversize filter bag inside the cage connected with the bore, and means for detaching the cage from the top; further embodiments include a plural drain tube connection-single bag filter and an enclosed cage model with an additional drain tube connection in the bottom for standpipe use.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus is provided which enables a plurality of liquids to be filtered simultaneously. The apparatus basically comprises a tube adapted to be secured to a source of negative pressure, the tube having a plurality of upstanding inlets, each of which is adapted to receive a filtration paper holder. Liquid storage cylinders are adapted for mounting on the upper ends of the filtration paper holders so that liquid contained therein may be withdrawn through the filtration papers and into the tube. At least one filtrate collector is provided for optional removable mounting between at least one of the upstanding inlets and an associated filtration paper holder to collect a predetermined volume of the filtrate before the remainder of the filtrate passes down into the tube.