Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration system with a filter life monitor includes a filter housing with a flexible cap which deflects upon introduction of water into the housing. The deflection of the cap closes a switch on an electrical circuit which counts the time the water is flowing through the housing. Once a predetermined amount of time accumulates, the circuit generates a message to inform the user that the filter needs replacement. The invention further includes a selector switch on the electrical circuit for signaling the circuit to count one of two predetermined amounts of time prior to generating a message.

Abstract: This invention relates to a belt press for dewatering sludge, such as sewage sludge. The press includes a camera to monitor physical operation of a gravity belt section of the press. A numerical control device uses electromagnetic radiation received from the gravity belt section to control the physical operation of the gravity belt section. An actuator device may be used to control a height of a weir for distribution of the sludge over the gravity belt section, and another actuator device may be used to control positions of ploughs which plough the sludge.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating wastewater effluent flowing through a sewer pipe from a sewage treatment plant, and specially designed chlorine tablets for use in the treatment system. In a preferred embodiment the wastewater treatment system is characterized by a wastewater flow conduit which is mounted in the sewer pipe and a tablet loading neck, closed by a removable lid, extends upwardly from the wastewater flow conduit. A tablet support rod extends downwardly through the lid and tablet loading neck into the wastewater flow conduit. Multiple treatment tablets, each having a central opening, are slidably mounted on the tablet support rod in stacked relationship, and as the tablets in the wastewater flow conduit are dissolved by the flowing wastewater, the tablets in the tablet loading neck descend on the tablet support rod into the conduit, to replace the dissolved tablets.

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: A method and an extractor for pressing out plasma and buffy coat from a collapsible blood container (1), in which blood has been divided, by centrifugation, into a plasma layer, a buffy coat layer and a layer of red blood cells. The plasma and then the buffy coat are pressed out each through a separate outlet tube (2) or through a common outlet tube (2), which is connected to the top portion of the blood container, a pulsating pressure being applied to a top section of the blood container (1) during the end phase of the pressing-out of buffy coat. The extractor has a stationary support surface (6) and a movable pressing member (7), between which the blood container is suspended and subjected to a compressive force in order to press out the plasma and then the buffy coat through the outlet tube (2).

Abstract: A filtration and regeneration system for in line filtration of dirt and impurities from a brine/solution having contaminant flushing capabilities and a direct non-saturated feed of liquid resin cleaners to resins or filter media.

Abstract: The combination of a water filter and a display for indication of the water filter condition includes an electrical circuit connected to the display and responsive to use of the water filter. The circuit includes a microcontroller, a timer connected to the microcontroller and providing timing signals thereto, and a switch connected to the microcontroller and responsive to the flow of water from the filter to cause the microcontroller to process the timing signals. The microcontroller is programmed to utilize the timing signals to provide an electrical signal to the display indicative of filter condition.

Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A water purifier filters and stores tap water in heated and cooled tanks and selectively discharges heated or cooled water through respective dispensing pipes. If the water in the purifier is suspected of being contaminated, an electrically actuated water discharge valve is opened by means of an electric switch to drain all water from the purifier through a discharge pipe. When the switch is first manipulated, a water discharge lamp on a display flashes on and off, and a predetermined time period, e.g., three seconds, is initiated. If the user manipulates the switch a second time before the three second expires, the lamp stays on, and the water discharge valve is opened to drain all water. If the user manipulates the switch a third time, subsequent to the three-second period and before the water has been entirely drained, the water discharge valve closes.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting water flowing through a water system including a water pipe includes a water bypass line having an inlet and outlet communicating with the water pipe. A wye connector is positioned in the water bypass line and includes a closed interior chamber which receives water from the water bypass line and promotes water turbulence. Electrode elements project into the chamber which are electrically connected to a power supply which imparts electrical energy to the electrode elements and causes the release of ions from the electrode elements into the turbulent water within the wye chamber.

Abstract: A faucet having multiple water discharges includes a housing, an input water connection for the housing, a stream discharge on the housing, a spray discharge on the housing, a filtered water discharge on the housing, a water filter within the housing, and a control valve in the housing connected to each of the water discharges. There is an unfiltered water flow path from the input water connection to the control valve. A manual actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing operates the control valve to direct water from the unfiltered water flow path to either the stream discharge or the spray discharge. There is a filtered water flow path from the input water connection, through the filter, to the control valve. A filtered water manual actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing operates the control valve to direct filtered water to the filtered water discharge.

Abstract: A line strainer for screening fluid flow in a small diameter conduit is constructed with an integral housing of clear or transparent thermoplastic polymer. A fluid flow channel through the housing center is terminated at opposite ends by sonically welded end fittings. Internally of the housing, a screen chamber is separated from a flow meter chamber by a screen support hub with flow diversion passages. The screen chamber confines a conically formed screen mesh for passing substantially all flow through the housing. The flow meter chamber has conically tapered walls that support radial fins projecting from the walls inwardly to a cylindrical void that confines the metering ball to displacement along the housing axis. A spring bearing against the metering ball resiliently biases the ball toward the flow restriction passage and against the fluid flow direction.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into a rotating chamber for separation into red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mono nuclear cells between the red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the chamber while removing red blood cells and the plasma constituent and while maintaining the interface at a set location within the chamber. At an appropriate processing time, the systems and methods move the interface from the set location for removal from the chamber through an outlet path. The outlet path includes a sensing element to locate mono nuclear cells in the outlet path outside the chamber.

Abstract: Described are novel containers adapted to separate and dispense two or more fluids of different densities, and novel methods of selectively separating and dispensing two or more fluids of different densities.

Abstract: Systems and methods separate whole blood containing leukocytes in a first separation chamber into a first layer comprising red blood cells, a second layer comprising a suspension of platelets, and an interface between the first and second layers. The systems and methods convey the suspension of platelets into a second separation chamber while simultaneously filtering the suspension of platelets to reduce the number of leukocytes. The systems and methods separate the filtered suspension of platelets in the second separation chamber into a platelet-rich concentrate and platelet-poor component.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water treatment unit that indicates the end of life of the unit. The apparatus comprises a housing with at least one opening for the passage of liquid to a chamber, formed by the interior of the housing and the water treatment unit. The chamber includes a support member mounted to the housing. A float is rotationally mounted on the support member. The support member limits float movement to a predetermined distance upon each rotation of the float, resulting from each cycle of the water treatment unit. Once the float has made a specific number of rotations and has travelled the complete distance of the support member as water fills and drains from the chamber, the float rests in a position where it is visible through an opening in the housing, indicative of the end of life of the water treatment unit.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a casing and filters disposed in the casing for receiving unpurified water and producing purified water and waste water therefrom. A ratio of purified water to waste water being produced is controlled by a control knob rotatably mounted in a control box disposed exteriorly on a wall of the casing. The control knob rotates beneath a setting point marked on a wall of the control box. The control knob includes a plurality of regularly spaced indicator marks which can be selectively brought into alignment with the set point to enable a setting of the control knob to be visually determined.

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 level may be easily determined, thereby allowing for an accurate and simple assessment of the useful life of the filter media and the fuel additive.

Abstract: Various filters are known for purifying water in an aquarium, a fish pond, a swimming pool or a storage container at a horticultural farm. The device according to the invention contains filtering means at the top of a space in which water fleas are present, which water fleas eat the contaminations (organic waste materials) present in the water and by doing so purify the water indirectly. Said filtering means are necessary because otherwise the water fleas are carried back to the basin along with the purified water. A connecting piece comprising a water lift for transporting purified water extends through the cover of an encasing surrounding said space.

Abstract: A descaling device for neutralizing and preventing formation of calcium carbonate or other scale in a water conduit includes an electromagnetic coil adjacent the conduit and a power supply for the coil. The power supply generates a complex triangular waveform output signal that varies continuously in frequency and amplitude. The output is applied across the ends of the coil creating time varying magnetic and electric fields. The fields physically interact with molecules in water flowing in the conduit to neutralize existing scale and prevent formation of new scale.

Abstract: A microdialysis system for the dialysis of small sample volumes of protein, nucleic acid, peptide, and other biomolecules has been developed. The device may contain a built-in magnet to permit remote rotation of the device during dialysis. Double sided dialysis chambers can be used for electrodialysis, electroelution, or electroconcentration. Two or more chambers can be joined either by a union or directly for equilibrium dialysis, or other applications.

Abstract: A flow unit especially useful for closed-channel Ferrographic analysis comprises a glass substrate, a plastic platen, and an elastomeric gasket sheet disposed between them. Holes in the gasket sheet form flow chambers. Opposite free ends of the gasket sheet extend beyond the edges of the substrate and of the platen so as to allow pulling the ends in opposite directions parallel to the surface of the substrate and thereby shearing the bond between the substrate and the gasket.

Abstract: A sea water strainer for use with marine craft includes a reservoir forming member disposed intermediate two ends portions. The end portions are formed with inlet and outlet fluid channels which are selectively accessible and blockable to direct the flow through the strainer. Further, an arrangement for mounting the strainer is provided with inclined bores through which bolts may pass with their operational interface directed angularly upwardly for easy access by conventional tools.

Abstract: A filter monitoring device for use in monitoring the purity of a fluid through a filter includes a pressure differential sensing device in communication with the filter. The filter monitoring device defines an inlet port which is in communication with the supply of fluid upstream of the filter and an outlet port which is in communication with a supply of fluid downstream of the filter. The differential pressure sensing device comprises at least one movable device which is in contact with both the upstream and downstream supplies of fluid and moves in response to changes in the pressure differential of the fluid. Different total differential pressures are accommodated by corresponding stiffness of a biasing device. The differential pressure sensing device also comprises a distance sensing device which continuously measures or detects the distance of travel of the movable device.

Abstract: A waste water purification plant for biological treatment, and optionally mechanical and/or chemical treatment, of biodegradable material present in an aqueous environment is provided. The plant in a biological treatment part contains at least one sensor which measures fluorescent emission and/or variation therein of at least one characteristic biogenic fluorophore present in the biological treatment part which comprises a mixed culture of microorganisms, and which plant further includes a data processing device connected to the at least one sensor and a control device connected to the data processing device. The plant also contains a portion for determining quality and/or quantity of the material to be treated including an additional mixed culture of microorganisms, a sample of the biodegradable material and a further sensor or sensors for measuring fluorescent emission.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing an oxidizing zone within a saturated zone of an aquifer for in-situ decontamination of groundwater carrying contaminants in a plume wholly located below a water table in said saturated zone of said aquifer. The system comprises a source of gas for providing a gas capable of producing an oxidizing environment in the groundwater which can oxidize the contaminant to purify the groundwater and the aquifer. Gas injectors are connected to the source of gas, for injecting the gas into the groundwater below the plume at a gas injection rate, thereby producing the oxidizing environment in the groundwater. Auxiliary apparatus is provided for testing decomposition of the contaminants in the oxidizing environment and for determining the gas injection rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a generalized molecule-specific means of detection that can be applied to all existing separation systems with particular emphasis directed toward those methods based upon chromatographic, electrophoretic, and extractive techniques. The SERS method of detection of the present invention consists of the modification of SERS substrates by the application of a stabilizing coating that also reproduces or mimics the specific separation process being utilized. This ability to reproduce the specific separation process at the detector makes this method of detection universal for all types of analytes and separation methods. The detector of the present invention contains a noble metal foil, usually silver, that has been roughened to produce the SERS effect or a SERS active noble metal film that has been deposited onto a transparent substrate. A particularly unique feature of the invention is the use of stabilizing coatings with the SERS substrates.

Abstract: A column for low pressure-high speed liquid chromatography, including a column body being made of a transparent or translucent plastic and having a column chamber, said column body having one end opened and the other provided with an outflow opening, a pair of upstream and downstream filters for shutting a granular filler inside said column chamber, and a head portion being made of a plastic and detachably being fitted to said one open end of the column body and having an inflow through opening communicating with interior of said column body. A column device includes the column and a method for using the column device are also disclosed for low pressure-high speed liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A spin-on filter assembly for filtering engine coolant has a transparent plastic container attached to a cover plate by an annular joint. The annular joint is formed by an annular trough in the cover plate, which annular trough has a lip which overlies a radial flange on the transparent plastic container. A filter element is disposed within the container and is urged by a coil spring against an end plate which abuts the cover plate. The end plate has a threaded central outlet opening and a plurality of spaced inlet openings which are accessed through a recess in the cover plate. The spin-on filter assembly is mounted in the coolant system of an internal combustion engine by a hollow threaded stud.

Abstract: A water purifier includes filters, a tank for storing water purified by the filters, and an indicator for indicating when it is time to replace the filters. The indicator comprises a circuit board oriented vertically within a chamber disposed beneath the tank, and lamps connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: A radiator cooling system filter assembly comprising a first housing member, a second housing member and a filter element. The first and second housing members are interconnectable with a snap fitting to form a filter element cavity into which the filter element is disposed during use. The first housing member includes a first cooling hose fitting at one end. The second housing member includes a second cooling hose fitting at one end. The first and second housing members are interconnectable in a manner such that when the first and second housing members are snapped together to form the filter element cavity, the filter element cavity provides a fluid pathway between the first and second cooling hose fitting. In addition, one of the first and second housing members is provided with a valve mechanism selectively operable by a user to provide a fluid pathway between the filter element cavity and the exterior of the cooling system.

Abstract: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components. An inlet port near one end of the chamber introduces blood into the chamber for flow circumferentially about the rotational axis toward the opposite end of the chamber for separation into at least one blood component. At least one outlet port is juxtaposed next to the inlet port near the one end of the chamber for conveying one separated blood component from the channel. The chamber directs the one separated blood component to a collection region near the opposite end of the chamber. An enclosed interior collection passage within the channel leads from the collection region and directs the one collected component to the outlet port for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: A combined measuring and injecting flow cell has a single housing defining a pair of chambers connected by a small passage. The first or sensing chamber has an inlet valve and at least one monitoring member extending therein. The second or injection chamber has an outlet valve and at least one injector extending therein. Preferably at least one wall of the cell is transparent to allow visually monitoring the conditions within.

Abstract: A fractionation apparatus has a displaceable piston operably mounted for displacing liquids from a centrifuge tube as the piston is inserted therein. The fractionation apparatus has a collection tip which has a seal for sealingly engaging an inner wall of the tube and has an axially extending passageway for passing liquids from within the tube to a collector as the piston is inserted into the tube. The passageway is generally a trumpet shape having a wide end and a narrow end. The wide end is presented to the liquids and the narrow end connects to the collector. The trumpet shape enhances laminar flow through the collection tip and reduced unwanted mixing between layers during fractionation.

Abstract: An improved system for filtering liquids containing particles in suspension, comprising a valve system for distributing liquid, a filter and a settling tank, in which the particles suspended in the liquid can settle during various phases at decreasing rates of settling, characterised in that a device are provided for emptying the top part of the settling tank and accompanying the liquid descending in the tank, the operation of the device being delayed for at least a part of the time corresponding to the phase of maximum speed of sedimentation.

Abstract: A water pacifier that includes a hollow and rectangular parallelpipedly-shaped collection chamber, a hollow, vertically oriented and cylindrically-shaped purifying chamber, a circular-shaped filter, an electric heater coil, and a bimetallic strip. The collection chamber collects purified water. The purifying chamber purifies water to be collected in the collection chamber. The filter filters the water being purified in the purifying chamber. The electric heater coil boils the water filtered by the filter. Also, the bimetallic strip selectively opens and closes a centrally-disposed throughbore in a fiat and horizontally-oriented bottom of the purifying chamber in response to the temperature of the purified water it is in contact with, so that when the water boiled by the heater coil reaches 210 degrees F.

Abstract: A sedimentation or other dewatering process conducted on a suspension is controlled by filling a body (1) that is open at its top end (2) with the suspension, establishing quiescent conditions and allowing the suspension to settle to form a supernatant layer at the top end (2), generating light from an assembly (14) and measuring the amount of scattered light (19) from the supernatant layer by a collector (21) and utilizing the measured amount of scattered light to control the dewatering.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus for use generally in filtering the fluid of an aquarium. It consists of a clear housing that is submerged within the tank with this housing having both intake and discharge openings therein for the passage of fluid therethrough. This housing is further configured with a series of channels formed therein for directing the flow of fluid within the housing to the filter. A removable filter is mounted within the housing and is coupled to the discharge opening which, in turn, is coupled to a pump. The housing is openable so that access to the filter is provided when the filter needs to be replaced. Also, adjacent each intake opening is a flap to permit only one-way flow across the intake openings and into the housing.

Abstract: A device adapted to be placed between a fuel storage tank and a fuel container into which the fuel is to be pumped, for example on a fuel pump nozzle, for detecting the presence of water in the fuel being pumped. The device has a tubular member with an inlet for receiving a portion of the fuel being pumped, an outlet for discharging the portion of fuel conducted through the tubular member, and a transparent portion disposed between the inlet and outlet. A chemical paste composition containing a water responsive indicator dye is disposed in the transparent portion of the tubular member to contact the portion of fuel conducted through the tubular member and produces a visually noticeable color change indicating the presence of water in the fuel being pumped.

Abstract: An underwater navigation and control system for a swimming pool cleaning robot, having a driver, an impeller, a filter and a processor for controlling the driver and a signal-producing circuit. The system further includes a signal-detecting circuit mounted on the pool, an interface located on the ground in proximity to the pool and comprising a detector for receiving and processing data from the detecting circuit and for transmitting signals to the robot's processor. Determination of the actual robot location is performed by triangulation in which the stationary triangulation base is defined by at least two spaced-apart signal detectors and the mobile triangle apex is constituted by the signal-producing circuit carried by the robot.

Abstract: Apparatus for trapping and collecting debris including an in-line trap contained in a subterranean chamber having an inlet and an outlet for connection to an underground conduit such as a sewer or storm drain conduit. The trap comprises a net being closed on all sides except on an inlet side which faces the inlet to the chamber. The chamber is contained in a vault having a set of upper doors and the bag is attached to a frame structure having suitable supports which may be grasped such that the bag may be lifted upwardly through the doors for replacement. An overflow weir is provided for allow flow past the trap when the bag is full of debris. Sensing systems are further provided for detecting and signalling when the bag is full. A multi-bag system is also disclosed in which at least two bags in parallel are provided such that one bag may accommodate overflow when the other is being serviced.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an economical process for purifying water which can produce clean water by treating polluted water, which contains agricultural chemicals, organic solvents (particularly, halocarbon) and surface active agents (particularly, those with side chains) which are hard to treat according to a conventional activated sludge process, under moderate conditions readily and promptly, and also, which process is characterized by adding titanium oxide and iron salt into water to be treated, and irradiating light thereupon.

Abstract: A blood processor for separating blood into cellular blood components and blood fluids including means for receiving a source of blood whose components are to be separated; means, operatively associated with the means for receiving, for separating cellular blood components from blood fluids, the means for separating including means for permitting passage therethrough of blood fluids but inhibiting the passage of blood components therethrough; a pulsating pump for pumping blood from the means for receiving into the means for separating and for agitating the blood within the means for separating; and, wherein the cellular components in the blood are inhibited from blocking the means for permitting passage, thereby facilitating the movement of blood fluids through the means for permitting passage.

Abstract: An in-line leaf trap captures the leaves and debris that are gathered by a manual or automatic suction-type swimming pool cleaner before they can enter the swimming pool's water filtering system. The leaf trap is placed in-line with the flexible hose that conducts the leaves and debris between the pool cleaner and the poolside suction connection. The in-line leaf trap is a two-piece closed container having inside a removable or integrated perforated or mesh screen debris basket. The body of the trap has two cylindrical tapered openings to mate with commonly used swimming pool cleaner hoses. The openings are oriented to ensure proper flow direction through the trap. The device floats in the pool with its top section just above the water line. The flexible hose is held floating just under the top surface of the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a pharmacological IV admixture for contaminants, following filtering of turbid liquids such as emulsions through a micropore filter, includes the step of first air purging or gas purging residual emulsion particles through the micropore filter using pressure, before admitting a growth medium to the upstream side of the filter. The air purging of these emulsion particles, so that they are substantially removed from the upstream side of the filter, enables the successful sterility testing of the filter by admitting clear growth medium, waiting the required culturing time and observing for turbidity which evidences growth of microbes. The described procedure removes residual emulsion particles simply and effectively so that the visual test is effective. In a preferred embodiment the procedure is carried out using a sealed, sterile growth medium bag connected to the filter assembly, the bag having a quantity of sterile air along with the liquid growth medium.

Abstract: A kit for preparing batches of filtered water includes a container, a reservoir/funnel and a filter cartridge. The reservoir funnel is dimensioned to conform to a predetermined surface of the container to fit thereon during storage of the kit and the reservoir funnel further includes a tapered outlet designed to cooperate with the filler opening on the top of the container so as to be rigidly supported by the container. The funnel/reservoir includes a well into which a cartridge carrying a filter media can be inserted. The configuration is such that water poured into the funnel/reservoir must pass through the filter cartridge before entering the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating a suspension of plasma and platelets from whole blood rotate a chamber about an axis to create within the chamber a low-G zone radially close to the axis and a high-G zone spaced radially further from the axis than the low-G zone. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into an inlet region of the chamber to initiate separation of red blood cells toward the high-G zone of the inlet region. This creates a strong flow of plasma that moves radially toward the low-G zone of the inlet region and elutes platelets into suspension with it. The systems and methods direct the radial flow of plasma and eluted platelets within the inlet region to a port in the inlet region for transport out of the chamber. The systems and methods also drag the interface into this radial plasma flow, eluting even the largest of platelets into suspension for collection.

Abstract: A steam iron has a reservoir from which water is supplied to a vaporization chamber. A plurality of cartridges are placed within a housing of the iron and at least one cartridge contains a product other than a demineralizing product for the purpose of treating water or cloth to be ironed. A ramp is provided for bringing the water of the reservoir into contact with the treatment product. A duct beneath the cartridge conveys the water charged with the treatment product to a vaporization chamber. A plurality of steam discharge orifices in communication with the vaporization chamber distributes the treated water on the cloth to be ironed. The plurality of cartridges are arranged such that at least one is arranged in parallel or in series, or a combination of these, along a path in which water flows as it travels from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber.

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 level may be easily determined, thereby allowing for an accurate and simple assessment of the useful life of the filter media and the fuel additive.

Abstract: An improved fluid-strainer is provided which makes provision for improved methods of converting the same between motorized and manual modes. Included in the fluid strainer is a gear motor housing for facilitating the conversion as well as inspection and removal means. Also provision is made for flushing of the fluid strainer so as to avoid cycle restart.