Abstract: A filter device for filtration of fluids with extraction of a filtered sample fluid from containers and tube conduits for measuring purposes, the filter device has a closed fluid circuit including at least one first filter element, a fluid pump, a second filter element arranged so that a sample fluid is suctioned via the first filter element out of a container or tube conduit and via the second filter element is pumped back into the container or tube conduit, or vice versa.

Abstract: An aquarium-maintenance system has a transparent filtering canister (1) with quick-joint inlet attachment (3) and quick-joint outlet attachment (8) to transparent aquarium tubing (5, 13) together with a handle (14) to allow quick, convenient and clean replacement and/or back-flow cleaning of filtering members (11). A system pump (12) has variable output capacity for filtered water circulation and optionally for aquarium flushing with a cannister bypass (19), discharge conveyance (21) to a drain-water disposer (22), refill conveyance (24) from a refill-water source (23) and back-flow conveyance (16) from a wash-water source (17). This is a comprehensive aquarium-maintenance system that is adaptable totally or in part to all sizes and types of aquariums (6).

Abstract: A centrifuge for continuously separating the various constituents of blood or other biological fluids includes a rotating bowl having high-G and low-G walls. An inwardly directed ramped surface on the high-G wall interacts with an interface region between the separated fluid constituents to provide an optically detectable indication of the position of the interface between the high-G and low-G walls. An optical sensor sensing each passage of the ramped surface past a point develops a changing signal indicative of the interface position. Signal processing circuitry responsive to the signal measures such signal parameters as peak amplitude, signal area and signal shape. By so monitoring these signal parameters, a better indication of actual interface position between the high-G and low-G walls can be obtained. This, in turn, results in better control over centrifuge operation and improved separation of the desired fluid components.

Abstract: A voraxial separator and analyzer apparatus includes a composite fluid passing tube having a tube upstream segment and a tube downstream segment; a rotation acceleration vane structure rotationally mounted within the tube upstream segment and being oriented to deliver angular acceleration to a composite fluid within the tube about the longitudinal axis of the tube for separating the fluid into radially stratified component layers within the tube in the order of component density and to propel the fluid toward and through the tube downstream segment; an acceleration vane drive mechanism drivably connected to the rotation acceleration vane structure; a rotation maintenance vane structure rotationally mounted within the tube downstream segment and being oriented to deliver angular acceleration to a composite fluid within the tube about the longitudinal axis of the tube for maintaining the rotational velocity of the fluid imparted by the rotation acceleration vane structure against friction losses; and a maintena

Abstract: A buoyant water conditioner has a housing with an upper surface and an apertured chamber for receiving a chlorination agent. Three separate measurement systems are carried by the housing: a water temperature system, a pH level system, and a chlorine concentration system. Each system has a sensor for measuring the respective water parameter, a display for displaying the measured value, and a processor for converting the sensor signals to display driving signals. Each system is powered by a solar cell battery or a chemical battery.

Abstract: A universal filter insert apparatus 10 for a water purifier includes a container insert 12 having substantially cylindrical or conical side walls 11 and an annular lip 17 at an upper portion thereof. A plurality of resilient sealing members 36 are stacked about the upper portion of the container. Each of the resilient sealing members includes (i) an internal sealing diameter 50 adapted to engage the container annular lip and (ii) a uniquely-shaped annular sealing flange 38 for engaging a filter receiving aperture 54 of a particular water purifier 52. At least one guide slot 22 extends along a portion of the bottom of the container insert. A granular filter medium is placed within the container insert and sealed therein with a container lid 30. The container lid has a plurality of apertures 34 sized to let water pass through and also includes a raised handle 32 for ease of insertion and removal of the universal filter insert.

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.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a fluid characteristic, such as flowrate, of a fluid within a fluid circuit having a preexisting filter head. The device is installed on the filter head in place of the existing filter element. The apparatus includes a housing having an internal surface defining an interior volume, a coupling for connecting the housing to the filter head and a flow indicator or other fluid responsive device actuated by flow of the fluid through the device. The fluid characteristic is monitored by observation of the fluid responsive component.

Abstract: In order to facilitate removal of an air filter from a housing, the air filter has a flexible tab which provides a finger grip. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible tab is disposed between a molded gasket and an expanded metal screen which covers the downstream area or dirty side of a pleated filter media.

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 a third output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises parameters for storing the platelet volume.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for delivering and recycling a liquid such that a substantially air bubble-free liquid flow can be supplied to a process machine and a liquid flow that contains air bubbles can be recycled back into a liquid reservoir for venting away the air bubbles. The method and apparatus is not only capable of supplying air bubble-free liquid to a process machine, but also capable of saving a costly process liquid from being purged out into a waste tank in order to eliminate air bubbles entrapped in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economical and efficient means for removing grease and other contaminants from restaurant wastewater. There is a need for an easily removable drain filter. The present invention meets this need, as it is a low-cost, disposable, and efficient means for removing these contaminants.

Abstract: Computerized (e.g., "intelligent") systems for monitoring, diagnosing, operating and controlling various parameters and processes of continuous feed centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time continuous operational control. The monitoring sensors may sense process and other parameters located both inside the centrifuge (e.g., inside the bowl) and outside or exterior to the centrifuge (e.g., outside the bowl) including machine operation parameters and parameters related to the input and output streams of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A water treatment tank for use with water purification apparatus including an ultra-violet lamp within a bulb onto which incoming water is directed to provide a 360 degree thin laminar flow about the bulb so that all of the incoming water receives the ultra-violet rays even when water is dispensed in a fast refill fashion. The tank may have two compartments, one above the other, formed by a separating baffle. The lower compartment has cooling coils about the walls for cooling the water therein relative to the water in the upper compartment. The ultra-violet lamp and a bulb extends through both compartments and the baffle to purify the water. Each compartment communicates through a conduit to a respective dispensing faucet of the water purification apparatus. The conduit from the upper compartment is a transparent tube formed from polytetrafluorethylene so that the ultra-violet rays act on water within the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for observation of magnetically labeled cells comprises an arrangement of magnets that are configured in confrontation across a horizontal gap. The magnets are further configured to produce a substantially uniform vertically-directed gradient in the gap. A sample vessel containing a fluid sample is positioned in the gap in order to allow the vertical gradient to cause collection of magnetically-labeled species on the interior upper surface of the vessel. The vessel is preferably transparent to allow observation of the collected species.

Abstract: A swimming pool management system that is adapted for use with a dispenser connected to a pool for dispensing a substance into the pool upon the actuation thereof. The swimming pool management system includes a sensor positioned downstream of the dispenser for monitoring a level of the substance within the pool. A controller is connected to the dispenser and the sensor for actuating the dispenser only when certain conditions are met.

Abstract: Sequential DAF apparatus and methods providing zero pool and nonmechanical waste material removal are disclosed which include a number of floatation tanks each arranged to operate either independently or sequentially, each tank has a conical shaped bottom with a centrally located port at the lowest vertical position of the tank, each tank is fitted with a number of valves and plumbing which allows an operator to fill each tank with waste water charged with dissolved air through the central port which is then retained during a floatation period to allowed waste material to separate from clarified water in the tank. Clarified water and waste material is removed from the bottom of the tank through the central port. Water clarity sensors are positioned in the tank near the central port. A final rinsing step may be included to assure all floated material is removed from the tank before refilling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor system for decontaminating a supply of contaminated liquid, comprising a pressurizable reaction vessel having an inlet for introducing a fluid, an outlet for expelling a fluid while retaining a pressure within said reaction vessel, a catalyst, and a granule support plate for retaining said catalyst within said reaction vessel, a pump in fluid connection with the inlet for introducing a fluid into said reaction vessel, and a supply of gas (or other fluid, such as peroxide) in fluid communication with said pump, whereby said pump is operated so that the supplied fluid and the contaminated liquid are intermixed and supplied under pressure to said inlet for introducing a fluid into the reaction vessel and whereby the pressurized gas and liquid mixture is maintained at a sufficient pressure within said reaction vessel to allow the creation of optimally sized bubbles while maintaining the fluid essentially gas free, thereby maximizing the efficacy of the reactor system.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a blood component, e.g., fibrin monomer, from blood or plasma comprises a container (110) with a reaction chamber for receiving the plasma, where said reaction chamber is defined by an outer wall and comprises means for supplying said reaction chamber with an agent for converting the fibrinogen content of the plasma into a non-cross-linked fibrin polymer. The apparatus comprises furthermore a device for centrifuging the reaction chamber with the plasma and said agent to a degree sufficient for separating the non-cross-linked fibrin polymer from the plasma, for depositing said polymer on the outer wall of the reaction chamber, and for expelling the remaining plasma from the reaction chamber. The container (110) comprises means for supplying the reaction chamber with a solvent for dissolving said non-cross-linked fibrin polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose shower/tub filter unit are shown and described, the filter unit containing a chlorine-removal media and a scale-inhibiting media. The housing of the filter unit is adapted to attach universally to various water sources, such as a pipe or faucet and to a showerhead or hand-held spray unit. The filter unit preferably has an arm extending out from the main body of the filter unit, and the filter unit preferably extends upward and outward from the attachment point on the pipe or faucet. This way, a single filter unit may either be positioned a) substantially above a shower pipe to place the showerhead generally at a similar level as it would be without the filter unit in place, as in a United States shower configuration; or b) to fit under but extend out from a tub faucet, as in a European shower configuration. The filter unit has a replaceable cartridge that includes a carbon block and scale-deposit-inhibiting phosphate spheres contained in a space inside the carbon block.

Abstract: A faucet with multiple water discharges includes a housing, an input water connection for said housing, an unfiltered water discharge and a filtered water discharge. There is a water filter within the housing and a valve within the housing which is connected to each water discharge. There is an unfiltered water flow path from the input water connection to the valve and a filtered water flow path from the input water connection, through the filter, to the valve. A manual control element, accessible from the exterior of the housing, operates the valve to direct filtered water to the filtered water discharge and unfiltered water to the unfiltered water discharge. There is an electrical circuit positioned within the housing. The circuit includes a display and the circuit is responsive to operation of the manual control to cause the circuit to operate the display only during the discharge of filtered water.

Abstract: Filtering element for hose fittings of irrigation systems, in particular but not exclusively for gardens or kitchen gardens, comprising a rigid tubular body at least partially filled with filtering material and having a first end and a second end respectively connectable to a first and to a second terminal of a fitting.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing and a valve arrangement. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and a draining aperture. The valve arrangement is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position and an open position without the use of threads. The closed position prevents evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture, and the open position permits evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture. One valve arrangement may include a pair of ports and a pair of air vents. The valve is actuated by aligning the ports and air vents on a sliding sealing surface. An indicator arrangement including a float and a clear window is provided to give the user a visual indication of the level of water within the filter. Methods for using the constructions herein are provided.

Abstract: A dialysis machine for the removal of toxic substances from biological fluids with agents for the decalcification of a dialysis liquid circulation is disclosed. The dialysis machine allows measurement of the degree of calcification of the dialysis liquid through the use of a blood leak detector or by measuring the dialysis machine pump flow or pump voltage. The invention also includes a process for automatically decalcifying the dialysis liquid circulation when a predetermined degree of calcification of the dialysis machine is measured.

Abstract: A clarifying device for use in an aquarium that includes a casing having at least one transparent portion. A plurality of clarifying pieces are confined in the casing. Each piece has a bulk density of from 0.7 to 1.3. When aquarium water flows through the casing, the clarify pieces flow in the casing and clarify the aquarium water.

Abstract: A system for controlling a flow of water out of a container in a manner to prevent the generation of noise as an incident to the outflow and to permit adjustment of the water level in the container, the container being a component of apparatus for maintaining water at a desired level in an enclosure. The system basically includes: an outflow conduit defining an outlet flow path via which water flows downwardly out of the container, the conduit having an upper end located within the container and having an inlet opening; a cap overlying the inlet opening and defining with the conduit upper end an annular flow path via which water flows to the inlet opening; and a vent tube extending vertically downwardly through the cap and into the conduit to establish an air flow path between a region above water in the container and a region within the conduit.

Abstract: An oil changing system that utilizes one oil pump for draining contaminated oil from a vehicle and pumping clean oil into the vehicle without contamination. The inventive device includes a tank, a pair of wheels attached to the tank, a motor connected to a pump, a pair of couplers attached to opposing sides of the pump, a first filter and a second filter, a volume indicia attached to the side of the tank, a cavity within the tank which contains a light, and a drain pan fluidly connectable to the pump by a drain hose. The user positions the drain pan below the oil drain spout of the engine to receive the contaminated oil. The contaminated oil that is received by the drain pan is then drawn by the pump through the drain hose where after the contaminated oil is dispersed through an exhaust hose. The exhaust hose may be connected to a pipe system within a building structure to drain the contaminated oil into a common reservoir.

Abstract: An in-line apparatus for monitoring membrane deposition is provided having an exterior body that defines an interior compartment for receiving a fluid stream. A coupon rack is positioned in the interior compartment and suspends at least one coupon holder. The coupon holder holds at least one membrane for collection of deposition present within a filtration system. The apparatus allows examination of membrane surface deposition without sacrificing a membrane element and also provides timely diagnostic information on a filtration system. The present invention also provides a method of monitoring membrane deposition as well as a filtration system incorporating an in-line apparatus for monitoring membrane deposition.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration device (100) includes an end of life indicator assembly (130) having a flow totalization mechanism (600), a reset mechanism (602) and a flow restriction mechanism (604) coaxially aligned with an indicator assembly (130). A torsion spring (634) and compression spring (644) cooperate for automatic disengagement and resetting of the flow totalization mechanism and the flow restriction mechanism. A planetary gear reduction system 606 provides a 3,000,000:1 gear reduction in the flow totalization mechanism.

Abstract: A faucet-mounted water filtration device includes a gate valve that is used to select between discharge options. The gate valve contains a thumb rest which is configured to allow manual valve actuation while supportedly engaging a user's thumb. First discharge option includes a conventional bottom discharge into a sink. A second discharge option exists as a water fountain that is formed as a compact, integral feature of the water filtration device. A flow indicator permits a user to check whether the filtration cartridge is working properly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for separating fuel from water in a marine propulsion system and a reusable device for separating water from fuel in marine and diesel engines thereby preventing or limiting water from entering the combustion process of the engine. The device includes two generally thin-walled housings which secure and contain a plurality of petroleum sorbent filter elements therein. The filter elements are constructed from multiple adjacent microfibers layers bonded to each other by entanglement of said microfibers between adjacent layers, each element allowing passage of fuel therethrough but being substantially impervious to the passage of water. At least some of the filter elements are treated such that the surface of the element which faces the incoming fuel is heated until at least some of the microfibers coalesce and bond together.

Abstract: A device for adapting a liquid container to enable separation and selective dispensation of two or more immiscible liquids of different densities from the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a high internal gradient magnetic capture structure formed within a vessel, in conjunction with an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the capture structure. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques.

Abstract: A viewing area in a blood separation chamber is monitored for the presence of an interface region between plasma and cellular blood components. Sensed optical density values for the viewing area are compared to a calibrated threshold value to generate a time pulse output. A calibration element derives the calibrated threshold value based upon either (i) a comparison of a sensed reference optical density value in the viewing area to an expected optical density value for the reference material, or (ii) a sensed optical density value of plasma exiting the blood separation chamber, or both.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, latch means for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.

Abstract: A water filtration system for residential homes having at least one U-shaped filter device, in the form of a tube, containing a three-layered particulate bed of a sand layer between anthracite layers held by end screens, for removing iron and manganese contaminants. Pressure gauges, an alarm element and a clarity analyzer containing a photocell are included in the system, for monitoring and controlling the filtration system.

Abstract: A lubricant filtering and monitoring system and method is provided for a lubricant circulation system circulating lubricant through a filter to a lubricated component. A combination of sensors senses a condition of the lubricant before and after passage through the filter and before and after passage through the component and provides an output indicative of a condition in the circulation system. A sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through the filter, and another sensor senses a condition of lubricant flowing through a reference section for comparison against and normalizing of the output of the first sensor. A method of actively monitoring the component is provided by comparing influent to the component with effluent from the component to ascertain how lubricant is being modified by the component, by sensing a condition of lubricant passing through the filter. An effective method is provided for determining when to change or clean the filter.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated aquaculture system which comprises: one or more culture tanks connected to a closed system of filters and ultraviolet or ozone sources for water purification prior to returning water to the culture tanks. Also disclosed as part of the system are automated biofilters that automatically monitor water conditions in the system, and video cameras in the tanks that monitor growth and condition of the animals in the tank. This invention is also a process useful for culturing an aquatic species, using the disclosed systems. Preferred species include shrimp, squid, marine fishes and fingerlings and marine mollusks.

Abstract: A pool cleaner floats on the surface of a pool. The cleaner includes a pump and filter, the filter being connected downstream of the pump. A vacuum head, connected by a hose to the pump, is moved around the pool, to direct water from the pool through the pump and filter. Due to the absence of any filter on the upstream side of the pump, the cleaner maintains its efficiency for a longer time than comparable cleaners of the prior art. The cleaner may also include a rotary strainer, placed upstream of the pump, for removing large pieces of debris. The strainer includes a slidable, transparent access cover which allows visual monitoring of the condition of the strainer, and permits easy access to the interior of the strainer, for removal of debris. In another embodiment, the cleaner includes a filter unit having a continuous sheet of filter material which advances automatically when the filter material previously exposed to the water has become clogged.

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 a third output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises parameters for storing the platelet volume.

Abstract: Centrifuges having a rotating bowl and associated computerized systems for monitoring, diagnosing, operating and controlling various parameters and processes of the centrifuges are presented. The computerized control system actuates at least one out of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time continuous operational control. The monitoring sensors may sense process and other parameters and may be located both inside the centrifuge or bowl and outside the centrifuge or bowl and may monitor machine operation parameters and parameters related to the input and output streams of the centrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved chlorine dispenser including a substantially cylindrical housing having a closed bottom and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically opposed apertures are disposed adjacent the bottom end for respectively receiving a water inlet and a water outlet pipe. A dial is rotatably mounted to the exterior surface of the housing immediately adjacent the bottom end. The dial is in communication with a valve means disposed within the water effluent line allowing the water flow through the interior chamber to be selectively adjusted. An elongated tubular shaft is received within the cylindrical housing and vertically depends from its bottom surface. On the exterior of the shaft is a switch means in communication with an output means which may be connected to an external or auxiliary alarm.

Abstract: A water purifier using common advantages of natural and forced types operated without an external electric power source, resulting in high efficiency of water purification.

Abstract: An in-liquid small substance separation/recovery apparatus which can separate small substances in a liquid into discrete ones in large amounts, includes a branch tube having an inlet port, a discharge port, and a separation/recovery port, a sensor to detect the small substances in a fluid passing through the inlet port, a controller to close and open a pair of valves, one at the discharge port and another at the separation/recovery port, and equipped with timers to start clocking a predetermined length of time each time the sensor detects a small substance and to signal the controller to open the valve at the discharge port.

Abstract: A system for separating flowable media into its components includes a pump delivering a flowing stream of the media, a separation tube through which the stream of the flowable media is passed, a mechanism for spinning the stream of flowable media about the axis of the separation tube at sufficient rotational speed that centrifugal force within the stream causes the media components to separate into component radial layers, according to their specific gravities, an extraction conduit for selectively extracting one or more of the radial layers from the separation tube, and monitoring and automatic feed back elements for measuring the component content as the media enters and exits the separation tube and for adjusting the rotational speed of the media.

Abstract: A chamber for exerting an ultrasound beam on a sample solution containing particles to be concentrated, separated or arranged is provided with a view toward arbitrarily controlling the shape of a spatial distribution of potential energy created by the ultrasound beam and concentrating, separating or periodically arranging the particles. In contrast to the chamber, irradiation ultrasound sources for generating ultrasound beams are provided to create an ultrasonic intensity distribution for producing a position potential energy distribution used to exert a force forwarded in a predetermined direction or a force staying at a predetermined region to each particle. Thus, a specific spatial distribution of potential energy can be realized by ultrasound beams each having a specific intensity, a specific frequency and a specific phase or an ultrasound beam formed by superimposing these on one another.

Abstract: A vessel for filtering liquids includes a container and a receptacle for the liquid to be filtered, with a filtering device between the receptacle and the container. A lid is removably fitted to the container for the purpose of easy access to the container. A counting device is associated with the lid and is automatically activated by the removal of the lid for detecting and counting the occasions on which access is gained to the container by removing the lid.

Abstract: Use of amino derivatives supported on inert supports in fluorinated fluids utilized in devices subjected to high specific energies to reduce to levels lower than the toxicity limits the toxic decomposition products of said fluorinated fluids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for collecting and preparing stored blood that minimizes handling and manipulation of blood bags to thereby reduce the contamination risk. In particular, the invention is directed to methods and apparatus wherein at least one sterilely packed blood bag is provided in a packaging apparatus that supports the blood bag during filling and also serves as the transport container for the blood bag. The packaging apparatus comprises a sterile package for at least one blood bag and has a completely enclosed interior space to hold the blood bag and a closure element used to open up the interior space. The interior space has a volume of at least 500 ml or can be expanded to at least 500 ml by applying an internal pressure directed outwards from the interior space and the interior space can be closed by the closure element. Preferably, the packaging apparatus also serves as a support during centrifugation of the collected blood.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly that provides a constant level of least restricted fuel flow through the fuel filter assembly during the useful life of the filter media by utilizing the least possible amount of filter media to provide the least possible pressure differential over the filter media while also providing a constant level of fuel additive by exposing an amount proportional to the filter media required for the least possible restricted fuel flow. The fuel filter assembly utilizes a vertically upward housing that houses a filter media and a fuel additive. The fuel level slowly rises in the housing as the filter media becomes obstructed with contaminants and as the fuel additive dissolves over the life of the filter media. The top portion of the housing is made of a transparent material so that the level of fuel may be easily determined, thereby allowing for an accurate and simple assessment of the useful life of the filter media and the fuel additive.