Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable fluid path for processing complex materials. The disposable fluid path comprises a gravity assisted disposable system for separating a biological sample into two or more distinct submaterials through sedimentation. The fluid path is comprised of a sample delivery conduit and bag-set wherein the bag set comprising a tubing assembly, a separation assembly, and a filter assembly. Methods of using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container is provided comprising a casing, a set plate closing the lower end of the casing and a lock ring that fastens the set plate onto the casing. The casing is provided with a radial outer flange formed around an open end of the main body thereof. The radial outer flange and the outer periphery of the set plate are each provided with three stop projections and three notches. The radial outer flange is further provided with three biasing projections and the outer periphery of the set plate is further provided with three engagement rims. The members of each threesome are arranged at a regular angular interval and each threesome is arranged at different angular phase positions from those of the other threesomes. The outer periphery of the lock ring is provided with three engagement lugs that project inwardly at a regular angular interval.

Abstract: A monitoring system and a method for monitoring a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane in an RO unit is capable of detecting the formation of mineral salt crystals on the surface of the RO membrane. The monitoring system includes a reverse osmosis monitoring cell coupled to the RO unit so as to receive a sample stream taken from either the feed stream to, or the concentrate stream from, the RO unit. The cell has a visually observable RO membrane that is visible to an imaging system that creates and collects images of the visually-observable RO membrane, and that conveys an image data signal to a data processing system that is operable to translate the image data signal into visual images for display, and to correlate the data in the image data signal with a scaling condition on the RO membrane in the RO unit.

Abstract: A filter device is made up of: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirling, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirling are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause swirling, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirling and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device.

Abstract: A fluid filter for assembly includes an upright housing having a base portion and a cover to allow viewing of a fluid level. The base portion has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A filter element has a filter media for filtering the fluid, a bottom end cap connected to the fluid outlet, and a top end cap positioned above the bottom end cap. A mounting member is formed on the top end cap, and a vent passage extends through mounting member for fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the filter element. An interface structure is connected to cover of the upright housing and is removably engageable with the mounting member of the filter element.

Abstract: A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as filter housing. In certain applications, the treatment is also applied to the filter media holder, depending on the application. Filter media having at least two distinct surface property modifications are provided in liquid filtration applications to enhance the performance of a filtration system, reduce the cost of the system, provided a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid holdup volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manipulating particles on a micro- or nano-scale. An embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic micro-manipulation technique that utilizes micro-coils and soft magnetic microscopic wires for localized manipulation of particles. Another embodiment of the present invention uses magneto-static interaction between two magnetic microscopic wires to mechanically manipulate particles. Yet another embodiment of the present invention combines a magnetic particle with a magnetic manipulator or other device for generating magnetic fields to operate as a micro-fluidic micro-motor. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a magnetic separation system employing porous membranes partially filled with magnetic wires.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a magnetic separation rack for isolating magnetically labelled particles from a non-magnetic medium comprising a body portion (1) and a foot portion (8). The body portion comprises an array of sample vessel retaining portions (2) and plurality of magnetising portions (3). Each sample vessel retaining portion comprises at least one visible portion such that when a sample vessel is mounted in a sample vessel retaining portion at least one portion of the sample vessel is visible to a user. The magnetising portions are arranged within the body portion (1) such that at least two magnetising portions (3) are circumferentially spaced about each sample vessel retaining portion (2). The foot portion is pivotally coupled to the body portion such that the body portion is operatively tiltable with respect to the foot portion such that each sample vessel retaining portion may retain a sample vessel mounted therein in a tilted position with respect to the vertical.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a UV bulb, a moisture detector, and a control circuit responsive to the moisture detector to terminate power to the bulb when moisture is detected. The moisture detector includes a nonconductive substrate and a pair of conductors on the substrate. When moisture is not present, the detector is nonconductive. However, when moisture accumulates on the detector, the moisture provides a conductive path between the conductors so that the detector becomes conductive. When moisture is detected, the control circuit terminates power to the bulb and/or provides an appropriate indication to the system user.

Abstract: A leakage indicator is provided for a filter element of a filter press, in which the filter element has at least one membrane that can be impinged by a pressure medium. In order to create a leakage indicator that is constructed in a particularly simple manner, an indicator body is freely movable in a flow chamber. Any change in position of the indicator body, which is caused by inflowing or outflowing pressure medium, can be monitored visually or through the use of sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising at least separating means (1) for separating blood plasma and red blood cells, which separating means (1) comprise pressure means (20) for pressing at least a part of the blood through a filter (26), wherein at least first collecting means (27) are provided for collecting separated blood plasma and at least one reagent is provided in said first collecting means (27) or can be introduced therein for reaction with substances or organisms present in said blood plasma.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical filter media and a pressure relieving structure. The filter media is adapted to allow fluid to pass from an exterior of the filter media to an interior space of the filter media. The pressure relieving structure is disposed at an upper end of the filter media, and the pressure relieving structure opens when a predetermined pressure level is established across the filter media to maintain the predetermined pressure across the filter media.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pre-filter assembly for use with a pump. The assembly includes a housing having an intake channel and an outlet channel. The intake channel includes an intake flange around a first circumference and a ribbed surface to facilitate sealing. The outlet channel includes a bottom portion and an outlet flange around a second circumference. The intake flange and the outlet flange are on opposite sides of the housing. The assembly also includes a basket positioned in the housing. The basket has a bottom side and is positioned above the bottom portion of the outlet channel to form a chamber. The basket is positioned in closer proximity to the intake channel than to the outlet channel. In addition, the assembly includes a securing device with a lid having ridges and a clear top to permit the user to view the contents of the basket. The securing device also includes a locking ring with slots and openings to permit the user to view the contents of the basket.

Abstract: A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid supply assembly fluidly connectable to a source of fluid is provided. The fluid supply assembly includes a housing (702); a hydraulic assembly (710) supported within the housing (702), wherein the hydraulic assembly (710) is configured and adapted to pressurize the fluid which is supplied to a solenoid shut-off valve (724); a tank assembly (714) supported within the housing (702) for retaining a quantity of pre-conditioned fluid therein; and a filter assembly (720) supported within the housing (702) and in fluid communication with the hydraulic assembly (710).

Abstract: A liquid separating device for the separation of a liquid mixture that at least comprises two liquids with a different density and possibly one or more solid substances comprising a conduit for the separation therein of the liquids of a liquid mixture that flows through the conduit and a swirl device for generating swirls in the liquid mixture in such a way that two liquid flows are created where a first liquid flow will concentrate in the centre of the conduit and a second liquid flow will move concentrically around the first liquid flow and where the swirl device comprises a motor that is positioned outside the conduit, a swirling element that is positioned in the conduit and a drive shaft that connects the motor and the swirling element to each other characterized in that the swirl device can be removed and that an opening has been provided in a wall of the conduit for the swirling element to pass through.

Abstract: A water treatment system that performs a water purifying treatment by use of ultraviolet radiation, comprises a front stage ultraviolet radiation device for radiating ultraviolet light in a front stage process in a water purifying treatment process, a rear stage ultraviolet radiation device for radiating ultraviolet light in a rear stage process, and a controller for controlling these ultraviolet radiation devices.

Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: A separation apparatus and system for separating a solid-liquid mixture is described herein. A polymer solution, formed from water and one or more polymers, is mixed, then combined with a solid-liquid mixture to flocculate the solid-liquid mixture, which is then flowed into the separation apparatus. A liquid-permeable filtration member is disposed over the floor, one or more exterior walls, and any interior dividing walls, if present, for retaining solid media within the apparatus while permitting liquid to pass. A controllable distribution system having a plurality of individually actuatable inlets oriented to provide the solid-liquid mixture to discrete areas of the apparatus is usable to selectively maximize the efficiency of the separation process. A support structure can be mounted on one or more of the walls to enable visual observation of the separation process.

Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to centrifugal liquid chromatography are described. An angular velocity can be simultaneously imparted to a large number of chromatographic enclosures. Via centrifugal forces, a mobile phase fluid including a sample can be driven through a stationary phase within the chromatographic enclosure to perform a chromatographic separation process on components of the sample. The use of centrifugation as a driving force can allow significantly smaller stationary phase particles to be employed as compared to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, for an equivalent chromatographic separation process, the use of centrifugation can provide much greater separation efficiencies than HPLC.

Abstract: In forming magnetic blocks, a first permanent magnet may be lowered to the bottom of an upwardly open vessel, the vessel may be already filled or may be then filled with liquid and, while forcefully maintaining the first permanent magnet in that position, further permanent magnets are gradually inserted into the vessel in a direction perpendicular to their resulting joint contact surfaces, where the adjacent surfaces of the superimposed permanent magnets have an opposite polarity, while during insertion of a further permanent magnet, the liquid is drained from the space in the vessel under that inserted magnet, whereby the motion speed of the inserted magnet is controlled as it bears down on the permanent magnet lying beneath it.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a dual stage filtration apparatus includes a cartridge having a first end and an opposing second end and a first filtration stage including a first bundle of first semi-permeable filtering elements and a second filtration stage including a second bundle of second semi-permeable filtering elements. The cartridge has a fluid inlet port for receiving raw unfiltered fluid into the first filtration stage and a fluid outlet port for discharging purified fluid after it has passed through the first and second filtration stages. The apparatus has an intrastage space that receives fluid that has been filtered in the first filtration stage prior to being filtered again in the second filtration stage, and the fluid inlet port is in fluid communication only with the first filtration stage, while the fluid outlet port is in fluid communication only with the second filtration stage.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a handle, a cyclonic cleaning unit comprising a plurality of cyclones and at least one dirt collection chamber, each of the plurality of cyclones having an outer wall, an interior, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirt inlet and a fluid outlet, the at least one dirt collection chamber having an outer wall and an interior, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is constructed such that the interior of the at least one dirt collection chamber is visible from a position exterior to the surface cleaning apparatus and a fluid flow motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may have a filter with a housing that is at least partially transparent.

Abstract: This invention refers to continuous flow devices for detecting and/or removal of contaminants from a liquid stream. The device comprises a cartridge with an inlet and outlet for the liquid stream, a radiation incident and emerging wall portion and optically transparent support material packed in the cartridge such that a liquid stream can pass between voids or spaces formed within the optically transparent material, as well as a radiation source and detector. The support material comprises molecules for capturing at least one contaminant on the surface of the support material and each of the capture molecules comprises at least one reporter group which emits a signal upon binding of the contaminant. Another form of the invention refers to a rotatable support within the liquid stream.

Abstract: Chromatographic column system, in particular a chromatographic column system of the expanded bed adsorption column type comprises a column connected to a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and dimensioned to comprise an expandable filter bed between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet. A top collector is adapted for collecting substance filtered by said filter bed and top collector actuator is provided for actuation of the top collector. A top stratum position detector is constructed and adapted to detect a top stratum of the filter bed when in expanded state; and a controller is provided communicatively coupled to said top stratum position detector and said top collector actuator, for moving the top collector as a function of a detected top stratum position. A clean and automated way is provided to optimize the collection of filtered substance.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a system and a method for disinfection of a liquid including monitoring the disinfection process. The system may include a conduit to carry flowing liquid to be disinfected, wherein the conduit comprises an inlet to receive the liquid, an outlet to discharge the liquid and walls transparent to ultraviolet radiations; an illumination source located within a transparent sleeve, wherein the transparent sleeve is immersed in the flowing liquid and the illumination source is to disinfect the liquid when passing through the conduit, a first light detector located externally to the conduit to detect light emitted by the illumination source and a second light detector located externally to the conduit to detect light emitted by the illumination source.

Abstract: The invention described herein contains two aspects, usable together or separately, that address the needs in the art described above, namely a first aspect that relates to the provision of a transportable water purification system that can be contained on a passenger transport vehicle, and that can use, but does not require, continuous, real-time monitoring, and a second aspect that relates to the use of UV purification of the water as it is uploaded to the passenger transport vehicle after a single pass through the UV chamber.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a vessel (6) having a chamber therein, the vessel comprising a transparent collection wall (5). A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall (5), magnets (3) create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transparent collection wall (5). V-shaped grooves on the inner surface of the viewing face of the chamber provide uniform. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques.

Abstract: A portable device for filtering and purifying water comprised of an outer chamber and an inner chamber that is slidable within a section of the outer chamber, and a small pore size pre-filter, whereby water is drawn through the pre-filter into the first container section of the outer chamber where it is isolated and treated with a disinfectant agent, then is drawn out of the first container section and into the second container section, and then into the inner chamber, where it is passed across another filtering material such as an activated carbon bed, removing any remaining contaminants before the potable water exits through a mouthpiece.

Abstract: A filter having a flow path for a filtrate may generally comprise an iodinated resin, wherein the iodinated resin releases iodine into the filtrate, and an ion exchange column downstream from the iodinated resin, the ion exchange column comprising at least one ion exchange resin, wherein the at least one ion exchange resin progressively changes color as iodine is absorbed from the filtrate, and an indicator to indicate when the amount of iodine in the iodinated resin reaches a predetermined lower threshold. Other embodiments include methods of using embodiments of the filter described herein.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a system and a method for disinfection of a liquid including monitoring the disinfection process. The system may include a short-path light detector located in proximity to the illumination source to detect the intensity of light emitted from the illumination source at a short distance from the source. The system may include at least one additional long-path light detector located in proximity to the transparent walls of the conduit of liquid to be disinfected that detects light emitted from the illumination source after propagating in the liquid and exiting through the transparent walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alternative compact portable filtration device that can be used in remote locations and includes a single filtration cartridge that provides redundant filtration of the fluid (water). In particular, the device is a dual stage ultrafilter cartridge (apparatus) that is constructed and designed to provide a portable device that can be used in the field, such as during camping or military assignment, and offers two filtration stages (redundant filtration) within a single housing.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly having a relief valve for visually indicating when a filter element may be replaced. The fluid filter assembly of the present invention provides a vertical, transparent housing having a fluid inlet for communicating a fluid into the housing and a fluid outlet for communicating fluid downstream of the housing. A filter element is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet for filtering the fluid. The relief valve can also be in the form of a more restrictive filter media 42.

Abstract: The present invention includes a harvesting and irrigation device, a method and a kit for the collection of viable fat cells and/or adipose tissue with decreased handing and improved yield and viability.

Abstract: A monitoring port assembly for a fluid treatment system, such as for use in an ultra-violet water treatment system. The port assembly comprises a sensor port cup having a port for access to an interior of the fluid treatment vessel. The port is offset from the central axis of the sensor port cup. A cylindrical body, having an offset through-hole to receive a sensor assembly, is disposed within the sensor port cup for rotational movement about the central longitudinal axis between an operational position where the offset through-hole is aligned and coincident with the port, and a servicing position where the offset through-hole is displaced relative to the port. Sensors can be safely and conveniently removed from or installed into a port in the fluid treatment vessel by rotating the cylindrical body from the servicing to the operational position.

Abstract: A sediment collection device is used on individual beverage containers for fermented beverages such as beer. A three piece arrangement is fit together before installation on the beverage container, and contains a rotating valve arrangement on complementary, funnel-like structures. This arrangement facilitates a moisture-tight connection between the bottle and the collection device. This arrangement ensures that sediment will not re-enter the beverage bottle.

Abstract: Novel uses and methods of use for inorganic and macroreticulate polymer bonding to metals to control moisture and oxygen in OLED, and other like devices, are provided. Materials having color change capacity are also provided for the removal of moisture from an OLED, where the material changes color upon reaching its capacity and thereby signals the user that the OLED is no longer protected from moisture damage.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a vertical housing, a filter cartridge, and a bypass valve. The housing has a fluid inlet for communicating a fluid into the housing and a fluid outlet for communicating fluid downstream of the housing. The filter cartridge is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and includes a filter element for filtering the fluid, as well as means for maintaining and relieving a predetermined level of pressure across the filter element to provide an accurate visual indicator as to whether the filter element needs replacement. The bypass valve allows fluid to flow from an unfiltered side of the filter element to a filtered side of the filter element when the pressure across the filter element exceeds the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a UV bulb, a moisture detector, and a control circuit responsive to the moisture detector to terminate power to the bulb when moisture is detected. The moisture detector includes a nonconductive substrate and a pair of conductors on the substrate. When moisture is not present, the detector is nonconductive. However, when moisture accumulates on the detector, the moisture provides a conductive path between the conductors so that the detector becomes conductive. When moisture is detected, the control circuit terminates power to the bulb and/or provides an appropriate indication to the system user.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: An oil changing device includes a used oil tank connected with an air suction device which is connected with a compressor and a vacuum generating device. A switch is connected between the vacuum generating device and the compressor. A new oil tank includes a pipe connected to a mechanical item whose oil is to be changed and another pipe connected to a connector of the used oil tank. The compressor and the vacuum generating device suck air in the mechanical item so as to form a negative pressure status to suck the used oil from the mechanical item into the used oil tank. The new oil in the new oil tank is then sucked into the mechanical item via another pipe controlled by another switch.

Abstract: A system for purifying a fluid uses ultra violet (UV) light to inactivate micro-organisms present in the fluid. The system has an arrangement of UV light emitters on perforated plates. The fluid, while passing through perforations in the perforated plates, is exposed to the UV light emitted by the UV light emitters. Micro-organisms present in the fluid pass very close to the UV light emitters. The UV light absorbed by the micro-organisms causes genetic damage and inactivation. The system has feedback units providing feedback about the physical properties of the fluid to a power unit supplying power to the UV light emitters. The power unit varies the amount of power supplied to the UV light emitters, based on the feedback.

Abstract: A lightweight water treatment system which can be easily distributed and employed by disaster survivors for treating locally available water sources. The lightweight water treatment system includes a water treatment agent for treating a predetermined volume of water collected from a local water source; a collapsible elongated container for collecting the predetermined volume of water; one or more straps to transport the collapsible elongated container to a suitable location for treating the collected water with the water treatment agent and a spigot for controllably releasing the treated water.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a dual stage filtration apparatus includes a cartridge having a first end and an opposing second end and a first filtration stage including a first bundle of first semi-permeable filtering elements and a second filtration stage including a second bundle of second semi-permeable filtering elements. The cartridge has a fluid inlet port for receiving raw unfiltered fluid into the first filtration stage and a fluid outlet port for discharging purified fluid after it has passed through the first and second filtration stages. The apparatus has an intrastage space that receives fluid that has been filtered in the first filtration stage prior to being filtered again in the second filtration stage, and the fluid inlet port is in fluid communication only with the first filtration stage, while the fluid outlet port is in fluid communication only with the second filtration stage.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a fluid filter having integral attachment means which may take the form of a threaded portion of a filter cartridge. The threaded portion threadably interacts with a complementary threaded portion of a filter mounting to retain the filter cartridge to the filter mounting. The disclosure also pertains to a fluid filter having a cartridge made from two plastic shells welded together. The disclosure also pertains to a fluid filter with filter media positioned within a filter cartridge by an end cap with extending ribs welded to one of the two shells which compose the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is passed across a micro-filter positioned within a section of the second chamber through which water can be forced by said pumping action to an outlet for purified water.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: A waste water filtration system filters polluted waste water from various waste water sources including fire sprinkler systems and fire hydrants. The system includes a clear flexible hose connecting a female swivel connection on, for example, a Fire Department Connection (FDC) to a mobile filtering system. The clear hose allows the observation of a waste water flow from the waste water source to ensure that a complete flushing has been accomplished. The filtering system includes a stainer to capture large particles, a filter to capture small particles, and a chemically selective sponge to capture, for example, oil, and destroy bacteria. The filtering system allows compliance with NFPA Standards, California State Fire Marshal's “Title 19 Regulations for maintaining fire sprinkler systems, and Federal Clean Water laws, Federal Coastal Zone laws, and local city ordinances for releasing liquids into storm drains.

Abstract: A display provides an indication of the remaining useful life of a filter element by providing a visible level of fluid in the display corresponding to the remaining useful life. The fluid level is adjusted by a valve responsive to a pressure differential across the filter element. An increasing pressure differential produces an increased fluid level in the display. The display may be provided with markings indicating that a particular fluid level in the display corresponds to the need to change a filter cartridge containing the filter element.