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

Abstract: A fluid filtering device has a housing with a mounting mechanism disposed at the forward end and on the top surface of the housing. A fluid inlet is defined through the housing top surface, and at least one fluid outlet is defined through the housing bottom surface. A valve member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least one filter is disposed longitudinally within a portion of the housing rearward of the mounting mechanism. The filter is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and may be removable from the rear of the housing. An actuator extends from the forward end of the housing and is connected with the valve member through the housing. The actuator moves the valve member between a filtered and unfiltered position. In the filtered position, fluid is directed from the fluid inlet and through the rear portion of the housing containing the filter.

Abstract: A fuel collection and rehabilitation device for use in connection with diesel engines, the diesel engine having a fuel filter having an interior volume for containing fuel therein. The fuel collection and rehabilitation device having conduits for releasable fluid communication with the interior volume. A pumping device selectively moves the fuel from the fuel filter to a collection receptacle and then through a filtration device. The fuel then can be selectively routed back to the fuel filter connected to the diesel engine.

Abstract: A filtration device is provided in which wastewater, in the form of a colloidal solution containing microparticles, is guided to tank, circulated, and filtrated using a second filter. The device includes a gel film that is formed by suction on the surface of a first filter. The suction pressure in this process is made extremely weak to maintain the filtration capacity while extending intervals prior to clogging of second filter 2. Furthermore, a filtration device is realized with which the gel film of second filter that becomes adsorbed onto the surface of first filter can be separated readily by stopping the suction and filtration can be continued again thereafter.

Abstract: Fractionating apparatus having a plurality of sample elution system (S1-S8) in which a nozzle (N) movable in the direction of the row of fractionation vessels (4, 4, ---) arranged in a matrix is disposes to each of the sample elution system (S1-S8) and kept standing-by just above an empty fractionation vessel (4), a valve (30) is operated when elution of sample ingredients is detected by photosensor (PD1-PD8) to drop the sample ingredients to the fractionation vessel (4, 4, ---) and the nozzle is moved after dropping the sample ingredient by a required amount, and in which the nozzle (N) and the valve (30) can be operated individually on every sample elution systems at different timings respectively such that the eluate can be dropped at different timing on every sample elution systems.

Abstract: Red blood cell sensing systems and methods rely upon straightforward measurement geometries. the systems and methods comprise an incident light source, an optical sensor, and a blood collection tube. The systems and methods hold the blood collection tube a predetermined radial distance from the incident light source where a linear relationship exists between sensed reflected light measured by the optical sensor and red blood cell hematocrit in a range of at least 10 to 90. The systems and methods make possible accurate red blood sensing without use of special optical cuvettes, mirrors, or focusing lenses. The systems and methods also make possible the use of standard transparent plastic tubing, without reliance upon special optical cuvettes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for determining presence and concentration of analytes by exploiting molecular binding reactions and differential diffusion rates. Analyte particles and binding particles are allowed to diffuse toward each other, and slowing of the diffusion front is detected when they meet. From the position of the diffusion front, presence and concentration of analyte particles can be determined. One embodiment provides a competitive immunoassay in a microfluidic format. This diffusion immunoassay (DIA) relies on measuring the concentration of labeled antigen along one dimension of a microchannel after allowing it to diffuse for a short time into a region containing specific antibodies. A simple microfluidic device, the T-Sensor, was used to implement a DIA to measure the concentration of phenytoin, a small drug molecule. Concentrations of analyte over the range of 50 to 1600 nM can be measured in less than a minute.

Abstract: A blood processing system comprises a blood separation chamber constructed and arranged for rotation about an axis separate blood into a plasma layer and an adjoining region comprising different first and second cellular blood species arranged in layers according to density. A collection line including a pump removes the plasma layer from the blood separation chamber. The pump operates to control flow through the collection line in response to pump control signals. A sensor assembly in the collection line detects concentration of first and second cellular blood species in the collection line. A controller coupled to the sensor assembly operates to generate the pump control signals according to a selected blood collection protocol. The controller operates, when a first blood collection protocol is selected, to generate a pump control signal when the sensor assembly detects changes in concentration of the first cellular blood species in the collection line.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a color coded counter mechanism for a fluid treatment filter device which indicates to the consumer when to replace the filter. It also includes a selective means in the counter mechanism for permitting the filter device to be used in countries having different standards of filtration without requiring a new counter mechanism for each country.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.

Abstract: An electric thermos bottle capable of filtering flowing water comprises a thermos bottle, an internal glass container, a heating pipe, a water pump, a filter, and a water supply pipe. The internal glass container is disposed in the thermos bottle and forms a water-storing space therein. The heating pipe and water pump are disposed at the bottom of the water-storing space, and the filter is disposed at the top thereof. One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the water pump, and the other end thereof forms a reflux mouth and a water outlet respectively disposed above the filter and outside the thermos bottle. The water outlet is connected with a water button. Water in the water-storing space can flow via the water supply pipe to the filter and back to the water-storing space by continual action of the water pump, preventing peculiar smell and filtering out impurities.

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

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus including a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a water-remove rate, an arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device which obtains arteriosclerosis-related information that is related to a degree of arteriosclerosis of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target value of the water-remove rate based on the arteriosclerosis-related information obtained by the arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device.

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus including a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a pre-set water-remove rate, an autonomic-nerve-activity-related-information obtaining device which obtains autonomic-nerve-activity-related information that is related to an activity of an autonomic nerve of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target water-remove rate based on the autonomic-nerve-activity-related information obtained by the autonomic-nerve-activity related-information obtaining device.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444). Maintaining the condensed mercury between filaments (444) serves to reduce the time needed for lamp assembly (24) to produce light emissions of a predetermined intensity upon subsequent energization as compared to allowing the mercury to condense outside the arc path. A reflector assembly (402) may be used in lamp assembly (24) to focus radiation upon conduits (80) carrying water therethrough and away from returning to a bulb assembly (82) from which the radiation was originally emitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for removing grease from an effluent stream containing grease and water. A separation tank defines a separation chamber. An effluent inlet connected with the separation tank permits flow of the effluent stream into the chamber to form a body of effluent in the separation chamber. A grease depth level sensor is used in determining the amount of grease in the body of effluent.

Abstract: A fuel filter/dryer having a casing, and the casing having an inlet and an outlet. At least a portion of the casing is filled with a desiccant through which the fuel flows. Also within the casing, is a particulate filter which removes harmful particles from the fuel. The desiccant is of a type that changes color when saturated with water. The casing is transparent to allow the change in color to be viewed in order to ascertain whether or not the fuel filter/dryer needs replacement.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: An affinity matrix for use in affinity based molecular pull down and immunoprecipitation procedures. The affinity matrix comprises a polymeric support, a dye attached to a fraction of the polymeric support to enable optical detection of the polymeric support, and an affinity ligand other than the dye attached to a fraction of the polymeric support for the capture of a molecule.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: A water treatment control system using a fluorescence analyzer includes an activated carbon injection equipment 4 having an activated carbon injector 4a, a fluorescence analyzer 7 provided on the upstream of the activated carbon injector 4a, and a flowing water flowmeter 6. An activated carbon injection rate necessary to reduce a trihalomethane formation potential is calculated by an activated carbon injection rate calculating apparatus 8 based on a measured value from the fluorescence analyzer 7. An activated carbon injection amount from the activated carbon injector 4a is controlled by an activated carbon injection amount control apparatus 9 based on the activated carbon injection rate and a measured value from the flowing water flowmeter 6.

Abstract: Red blood cell sensing systems and methods rely upon straightforward measurement geometries. The systems and methods comprise an incident light source, an optical sensor, and a blood collection tube. The systems and methods hold the blood collection tube a predetermined radial distance from the incident light source where a linear relationship exists between sensed reflected light measured by the optical sensor and red blood cell hematocrit in a range of at least 10 to 90. The systems and methods make possible accurate red blood sensing without use of special optical cuvettes, mirrors, or focusing lenses. The systems and methods also make possible the use of standard transparent plastic tubing, without reliance upon special optical cuvettes.

Abstract: A magnetic biological particle separation device comprising a permanent magnet structure substantially surrounding a vessel containing a liquid and a biological sample in colloidal suspension in the liquid is described. The magnetic separation device comprises a window through which to view the liquid. The permanent magnet structure comprises a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in such a manner to provide for superpositioning of the external magnetic field generated by each magnet. The external magnetic field acts on magnetic beads attached to the biological sample, causing the sample to move toward the inner wall of the vessel. The permanent magnets do not completely surround the outside of the vessel to allow the liquid to be poured out of the vessel, substantially leaving the sample.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. The controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for sensing low levels of iodine in an aqueous solution by using an extraction procedure whereby iodine from the aqueous solution is extracted into a substantially water-insoluble organic phase, and testing measuring the concentration of iodine in the organic phase using optical absorption techniques. The measured concentration of iodine can then be equated with concentration of iodine or iodine in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. The controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.

Abstract: An enhanced static filtration media may comprise a mat body comprising a non-woven of fibers that comply with 21 CFR 177.2260, and having a weight of about 4-7 oz./sq. ft.; a coating on the mat comprising about 100%-200% of the weight of the mat, and including, by weight, about 60-85% activated carbon, about 10-20% binder, and about 0-25% zeolite; and the media mat having an RDV/BV ratio of greater than about 0.4, and a porosity of greater than 90%. Various pitcher constructions make optimal use of the media. In some pitchers, the level of filtered water is easily viewed from the outside while the media is not visible from the outside.

Abstract: A domestic countertop water treatment apparatus comprising a water treatment reservoir which is at least translucent; a housing having an ozone source in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for treating water in the water treatment reservoir; a carbon block filter and a water pump mounted in the housing, the carbon block filter and the water pump in flow communication with the water treatment reservoir for removing treated water from the water treatment reservoir and passing the treated water through the carbon block filter; and, a treated water reservoir which is at least translucent and is positioned downstream from the carbon block filter for receiving treated water from the carbon block filter whereby, as treated water is dispensed from the water treatment reservoir to the treated water reservoir, the level of water in the water treatment reservoir is visibly lowered while the level of water in the treated water reservoir is visibly raised.

Abstract: A controller provides an abstract, “virtual” interface between the software based applications resident in the controller and the hardware elements of the fluid processing system. The controller also provides a straightforward yet very interactive dual region user interface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to all apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. The controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.

Abstract: Use of a support material for capillary electrochromatography (CEC), characterized in that the support material has a porous design and a surface which consists of an outer surface and a pore surface, wherein the outer surface has regions of different derivatization and/or functionality from that of the pore surface.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering pond or aquarium water includes a container (1,2) with an inlet chamber (15) having an upstream region (36) and a downstream outlet (13) leading to an outlet chamber (22). A filter (16) is positioned in the inlet chamber (15) between the upstream region (36) and the outlet (13). In use, progressive clogging of the filter causes the water pressure in the upstream region (36) to rise until it reaches a predetermined threshold when a normally-closed relief valve (28,29) opens to allow water to pass from the upstream region (36) to the outlet chamber (22) without passing through the filter (16). The valve has a coloured valve stem (28) providing a visual indication that the valve is open and that the filter is blocked and requires cleaning. In one embodiment, the outlet chamber (22) contains a source (19) of ultra-violet radiation to which the flow of water is exposed, regardless of whether the valve (28,29) is in the open or closed condition.

Abstract: A low cost method and apparatus for indicating when to replace a water filter in a water and ice delivery system for a refrigerator. The invention uses a low cost microprocessor and senses the operational condition of an ice maker water valve, a water dispenser valve to monitor and track water usage. The microprocessor has a built-in memory to retain water usage and other data during a power outage, The invention also senses the status of a door switch to permit user input of a reset message indicating that the filter has been changed as well as an input indicating a different type of filter has been installed. The microprocessor controls a tri-color light emitting diode to display the status of the filter as “good”, “order” or “change” which is determined based on the selection of the type of filter system, the amount of time since the last filter change, and the amount of water usage since the last filter change.

Abstract: Fractionating apparatus having a plurality of sample elution system (S1 - S8) in which a nozzle (N) movable in the direction of the row of fractionation vessels (4, 4, ---) arranged in a matrix is disposes to each of the sample elution system (S1 - S8) and kept standing-by just above an empty fractionation vessel (4), a valve (30) is operated when elution of sample ingredients is detected by photosensor (PD1 - PD8) to drop the sample ingredients to the fractionation vessel (4, 4, ---) and the nozzle is moved after dropping the sample ingredient by a required amount, and in which the nozzle (N) and the valve (30) can be operated individually on every sample elution systems at different timings respectively such that the eluate can be dropped at different timing on every sample elution systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the water quality in a subterranean pressurized water system is disclosed and provides a discharge passage control via a valve that can be actuated electronically at the location of the valve or remotely. The discharge through the apparatus permits the flow of water in the subterranean pressurized water system and a corresponding discharge of contaminants and increased concentration of disinfectants supplied to the subterranean pressurized water system by the water system manager. The discharge can occur directly to a below ground drain such as a storm drain, sewer or drain field.

Abstract: A filter bag (200) and connector cartridge are used for collection of physiological fluids. The bag (200) includes an internal filter (206) and two seals (218, 220) on the perimeter. An inner seal (218) bonds the outer sheets (202, 204) of the bag and the filter, while the outer seal (220) bonds only the two outer sheets (202, 204) and acts as a safety seal. The bag includes a verification element that cooperates with a verification connector to ensure that the bag is properly attached to the fluid supply line before a fluid pump is enabled.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods employ two sensors, one to detect a condition of plasma exiting a separation device and another sensor to detect a condition of a cellular component exiting the separation device. The first sensor detects, e.g., contamination of the plasma due to presence of unwanted cellular components. The second sensor detects, e.g., dilution of the cellular component due to presence of plasma. Blood processing parameters are carried out based, at least in part, by conditions detected by one or both of the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and related methods sense the presence of targeted cellular blood species during extracorporeal blood separation or processing. The systems and methods tailor the sensing parameters to the particular objectives of the blood processing procedure selected to be accomplished. Different cellular blood species are targeted for detection for different selected blood processing procedures. The systems and methods differentiate among different cellular blood species for detection, according to the blood processing procedure selected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).

Abstract: A self-contained and free floating spa chemistry monitor unit is provided for automated checking and adjustment of water chemistry in a spa or hot tub or the like to maintain the spa water in a clean and substantially sanitary state. The spa chemistry monitor unit includes a relatively compact buoyant housing having an on-board controller coupled to a plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with the water, wherein the controller is programmable to cause the sensor electrodes to take water chemistry readings such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) levels at predetermined time intervals. The monitor unit responds to the water chemistry readings to deliver a selected metered dose of one or more chemicals to maintain water chemistry readings within a selected target range for substantially optimized water clarity and hygiene.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: An inlet filter includes a cap and a body that are securely connectable to one another. Once connected, these elements form the structural backbone of the filter. Disposed between the cap and body is a transparent cover that allows one to view a filtering screen located within. Thus, the inlet filter serves to remove particulate matter from a supply of water prior to supplying it to a high pressure sprayer or similar device. As the filtering screen becomes clogged, its status can be visually determined. Thus a clear and readily apparent indication is presented as to when the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Abstract: High purity water, particularly that intended for the pharmaceutical or electronics industry, is analyzed for the presence of pyrogen or other impurities by causing the water to come into contact with a direct affinity sensor, which may be a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device or other sensor relying on an evanescent wave phenomenon. A property of the surface—refractive index in the case of SPR—changes on the binding of impurity, thereby enabling impurity to be detected. The invention overcomes the cumbersome nature and batch-to-batch variability of the conventional in vivo tests as well as the in vitro Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay and for the first time allows the continuous or real time monitoring of high purity water for pyrogen.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates an output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises a value indicating a blood volume that needs be processed to obtain a desired platelet volume.

Abstract: A self-contained and free floating spa chemistry monitoring and dispensing unit is provided for automated checking and adjusting of water chemistry in a spa tub or the like to maintain the spa water in a clean and substantially sanitary state. The unit includes a compact bouyant housing having an on-board controller coupled to a plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with the water. The controller is programmable to cause the sensor electrodes to take water chemistry readings at predetermined time intervals in order to determine, for example, the pH or the oxidation reduction potential of the spa water. A dispensing means is operated by the controller to dispense chemicals to the water in an amount responsive to the water chemistry readings. The dispensing means includes metering assemblies mounted within the necks of bottles, wherein each bottle contains a respective chemical for affecting spa water chemistry.

Abstract: A water filter replacement indicator for apparatus that utilizes a filter for purifying water which has a power supply (20) and an auxiliary power supply (22). A timer (24) receives electrical energy from one of the power supplies, generating a first output signal indicating timed intervals. A divider (26) receives this first output signal quantifying the signal until a predetermined number of modulations are perceived at which time it produces a second output signal. A counter (28) receives the second output until a predetermined number of events are perceived at which time it produces a third, fourth and fifth output signal. The third output signal energizes a green light (30) indicating that the filter is operating within its usable life. The fourth output signal energizes a yellow light (32) indicating that the filter is about to reach its predetermined life span.

Abstract: A bone filter trap for harvesting autogenous bone and cell marrow and blood elements collected by an aspirator during medical and dental bone surgical procedures. The bone trap is disposed between the aspirator suction system and the aspirator tip. The bone filter or trap includes housing through which an air flow induced by the suction system is allowed to pass via inlet and outlet openings in the housing. A cylindrically-shaped mesh is longitudinally disposed therein. The cylindrically shaped mesh is open at its top end (facing the inlet opening) and is fitted with a removable solid base at the distal outlet end, such that the induced air flow carrying liquids, solids and gases from the patient surgical site is forced to pass through the mesh. The mesh is sized such that only autogenous bone and cell marrow and blood elements are trapped in the mesh. Upon completion of the medical procedure, the cylindrically-shaped mesh is removed from the inlet and outlet housings.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.