Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological filter for the purification of waste gases comprising a bed of biologically active carrier material consisting of pith extracted from coconut husks, the bed being contained such that the waste gases are brought in contact with the said bed and removed from the bed at points spatially separated from the inlet points.

Abstract: A cell culture vessel which has, sealed therein, hollow fibers having the function of a semipermeable membrane and a fibrous cell substrate being susceptible to attachment of cells, and has connecting parts communicating with the inner portion of the hollow fiber which opens at both ends of the hollow fiber and connecting parts communicating with the space between the hollow fiber and the vessel, wherein both ends of the hollow fibers are fixed to both end portions of the vessel by partitions so that the inner portion of the hollow fiber communicates with the exterior of the vessel, and wherein the cell substrate is housed in the space between the hollow fiber and the vessel; and a method for cell culture using the cell culture vessel. The cell culture vessel allows a high density culture of an animal cell, in particular, a cell prone to attach to a support.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a support (11) in the thickness of which is produced a supply chamber (12) with an inlet duct (13) for nutrient liquid and a discharge duct (14) for said liquid. A capsule (22) capable of receiving organic cells is provided on the support (11). The supply chamber (12) and the support (11) are separated by a porous membrane (16) comprising an array of electrodes (17) arranged so as to be in contact with different zones of the group of cells, thereby enabling their electrophysiological activity to be analyzed. The device enables to increase the life span of cells and to carry out analyses simply and without affecting the cell organization.

Abstract: A bioreaction module for biochemical reactions, in particular for cell-free polypeptide biosynthesis, having a housing (1) including a system chamber (12) and a supply chamber (10), wherein the system chamber (12) contains a producing system during the biochemical reaction and the supply chamber (10) contains a supply liquid during the biochemical reaction, and the system chamber (12) and the supply chamber (10) are separated by a semi-permeable membrane (7). The housing (1) comprises a system chamber element (5) and at least one supply chamber element (3) between which the semi-permeable membrane (7) is mounted in such a manner that the system chamber (12) is defined by the system chamber element (5) and the semi-permeable membrane (7) and the supply chamber (10) is defined by the supply chamber element (3) and the semi-permeable membrane (7).

Abstract: A bioartificial liver system is described that incorporates a cell reservoir and hepatocyte spheroids to both increase the number of and longevity of cells in the system. Additional methods are also described for forming spheroid aggregates from isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cell culture in microchambers that are formed on or adjacent to a substrate. The microchambers are connected by one or more fluid conduits, valves and reagent reservoirs, is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides device for co-culturing at least two different cell types in a two-dimensional configuration, methods of patterning at least two different cell types in a two-dimensional co-culture configuration, and uses of these devices and methods for analyzing an effect of candidate compound on such cellular cocultures. Also provided is a transmigration and extravasation device. Assay devices for analyzing the absorption, permeability, metabolism and/or toxicity of a candidate compound by a cell are provided. A microfluidic network, which is adaptable for integration with a device for coculturing is provided.

Abstract: An improved culture vessel or bioreactor for growing cells, cellular aggregates, tissue particles or tissue “organoids” and methods for using same which includes a housing having at least one chamber defined by a curved wall symmetrical about an axis. The perfused version of the vessel has at least one inlet and at least one outlet and at least one filter in fluid communication with at least one of the inlets or outlets structured to pass culture media but retain cells, cellular aggregates or tissues within the culture chamber. The batch culture version of the vessel has at least part of the vessel wall made of a gas permeable material. The vessel housing is rotated about the horizontal or proximate horizontal axis to suspend the cells, in an unobstructed, three-dimensional or toroidal flow. The chamber has a substantially ellipsoid, oblate ellipsoid, spherical or oblate spherical shape and an unobstructed volume for growth of cells, cellular aggregates or tissues.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and a method for UV oxidation and microbiological decomposition of organic waste air. The invention provides an integrated system consisting of UV oxidation as a pretreatment process and biofiltration and biotrickling filtration, in which the organic pollutant residuals are decomposed with microorganisms.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cell harvesting are disclosed. More particularly this invention relates to devices and methods for enabling the formation of a dispersion of cells from tissue for medical or research use. This invention provides a rapid method for cell isolation thereby reducing the time and costs associated with the production of autologous cells where required, for example, for tissue engineering in the operating theater or in research. Alternately this invention may be used to separate a cell dispersion containing cells of varying sizes or types from a predigested tissue dispersion. Also a kit is disclosed which provides the basic components of the device and instructions on how to accomplish the use of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor apparatus having a bed of buoyant media pellets floating within a filtrate to be processed. The apparatus includes a tank (22) having a peripheral wall for containing filtrate (34) and a bed (36) of media pellets (38). A central manifold (100) is rotatably supported within the tank, the central manifold being mounted for rotation about a vertical axis (22) and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings (140) intermediate its ends, the openings adapted to eject filtrate in a generally horizontal direction and along a substantially vertical plane toward the wall of the tank, cyclically fluidize pellets in a directly narrow zone. In a preferred aspect, there is also a thrust manifold (140), generally parallel to the axis of the central manifold and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends directed horizontally and generally perpendicularly to the plane.

Abstract: The invention features modular chambers for culturing cells in which the volume of a chamber can be adjusted without compromising the seal or sterility of the chamber. The invention is based on the principle that the volume of a chamber formed between two plates sandwiching a compressible gasket and a substantially incompressible stop can be adjusted using a gasket that forms a fluid-tight seal between the plates at a plurality of levels of compression. The invention enables the culture of cells between substantially parallel and rigid plates in which a relatively large volume can be used to seed the cells and the holdup volume reduced for perfusion without opening or otherwise disassembling the system to compromise its liquidtightness and sterility. The new closed, modular and scalable cell-culturing chamber can be thus perfused and used to culture cells (e.g., hepatocytes) with high levels of cell function in organ (e.g.

Abstract: A two-chamber perfusion bioreactor counteracts a significant amount of shear stress while allowing high nutrient transfer and removal of waste and/or valuable bio-products, e.g., protein, hormones, growth factors, and monoclonal antibodies without disturbing the cell culture. Cells and tissues, contained in the growth chamber, are suspended in the growth media by rotation of the vessel and are separated by a porous membrane from the feeding chamber. Nutrients and gases are transferred across the membrane from the feeding chamber to the growth chamber. Even dispersion of nutrients along the membrane barrier is accomplished through a novel nutrient dispersion flow path. The flow path is created by flowing media out a center shaft in the vessel and along the front of the nutrient dispersion disk. The fluid then flows around the back of the nutrient dispersion disk and exits the outer center return shaft.

Abstract: An implantable device having a body of matrix material made up of insoluble collagen fibrils, and disposed therewithin (a) a plurality of vertebrate cells; and (b) a plurality of microspheres each of which consists primarily of one or more of the following materials: collagen, polystyrene, dextran, polyacrylamide, cellulose, calcium alginate, latex, polysulfone, or glass.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture device comprises a closed pressurization circuit (2) able to deliver a selected gas under a selected pressure, at least a culture chamber (6) accommodating means (13) for supporting at least a deformable membrane (14) forming in chamber (6) an interface between first (17) and second (16) portions with variable complementary volumes, wherein the first portion (17) is configured for receiving cells and/or tissues to be grown for being supplied with culture fluid by a first tank (8), and said second portion (16) is configured for being supplied with gas by the pressurization circuit (2) and for discharging at least a portion of this gas.

Abstract: A cell-culture apparatus forms an extra-capillary space between at least one hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. A media reservoir holds a cell-culture medium. The cell-culture medium is allowed to pass through a lumen of the at least one hollow fiber and to pass nutrients through the walls of the at least one hollow fiber to the cells in the extra-capillary space. Flow through the at least one hollow fiber is produced by action of gravity when a rocking or rotating motion is imparted to the media reservoir.

Abstract: Provided for heating cultured cells is a controlled heater device comprising a cell culture apparatus, a transparent heater in thermal contact with the cell culture apparatus, and may further comprise one or more of a transparent filter provided to prevent a predetermined spectral range of light from passing through the transparent filter, and a power source for controlling the amount of heat generated by the transparent heater of the controlled heater device.

Abstract: It is biological deodorizing apparatus that has an inlet portion (1), a treating portion (2) and an outlet portion (3) in a series, and biologically deodorizes gas in said treating portion. Each of frames of said portions is composed of one or more rectangular hexahedron box-like frame units (6) constructed by connecting frame members (4) and joints (5). The treating portion is constructed containing cartridges (11) being set by several porous plastic sheets (10) in parallel with each other at a distance can be pulled out free in horizontal direction. The treating portion's blow-off surfaces (13) is connected to lower located blow-in surfaces (14) of the outlet portion in airtight condition, and open surfaces (15) are sealed with seal panels (16). Water is supplied to upper portion of said treating portion, and drained off through bottom portion.

Abstract: A disposable bioreactor for perfusion cell culture. Cells are grown in a plastic bag that is rocked and aerated on a mechanical platform. The bioreactor bag contains a filter that allows liquid to be removed from the bioreactor-without losing cells. Nutrients may be added through another port. The perfusion filter is constructed such that it can move freely on the liquid surface. The filter is flicked rapidly across the surface as a result of the rocking motion of the bioreactor and this tangential motion of the filter keeps it from clogging. A weight-based control system regulates feed and harvest rates and allows weeks of continuous operation. This invention has numerous applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Abstract: A composting system is provided that includes an enclosure for containing organic matter undergoing composting. The enclosure has an access through which organic waste can be introduced into the enclosure and through which composted matter can be removed from the enclosure. The enclosure has a sloped roof comprised of a composite laminate which includes an air and moisture permeable membrane having an inside surface that faces into said enclosure. The inside surface of the membrane is adhered to an open grid layer. The composting system may further include a device for introducing fresh air into organic matter being composted within the enclosure.

Abstract: A biological filter element includes a support element of generally ellipsoidal configuration. The support element has two opposite polar regions and includes a medial ring intermediate the two opposite polar regions and a plurality of arcuate ribs extending from the medial ring to each polar region. Adjacent arcuate ribs are angularly spaced to provide access to an interior space of the support element. A cohesive body of biologically active material surrounds the support element and penetrates the interior space of the support element.

Abstract: A permeation cell for the in vitro determination of the permeation of pharmaceutical active ingredients through the skin, having a donor chamber (34) and an acceptor chamber (4) that is separable therefrom, a window lying between them for receiving sealingly a skin membrane and sealingly closable filling and emptying openings at both chambers, characterized in that the acceptor chamber (4) is in the form of a cylindrical vessel that is upright during operation, having a closure (8; 50; 80) at its upper end and a side window opening (6) in the region near its base, and the donor chamber (34) is in the form of a connection piece that joins onto the acceptor chamber radially and can be closed at its outer end, with the exception of its closure (8; 50; 80) the acceptor chamber (4) is inserted removably into a housing (10) that fits closely around it, which housing has, in the region of the window opening (6) of the acceptor chamber, a corresponding slightly wider opening (30), and the connection piece forming the

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method removing contaminated gas by a biofilter resolving malodorous substance and volatile organic compounds, included in the waste gas generated from industrial and environmental facilities, into innoxious substances such as water, microorganism and carbon dioxide by means of microorganism

Abstract: A container has a single primary chamber linked to a single secondary chamber via a common wall in which has been fused a semi-permeable membrane. A lid for the primary chamber enables sealing of a sample (not shown) inserted into the primary chamber, sealingly enclosing any dangerous fraction of the sample, which fraction and the lid closed any infectious material hermetically sealed in as this cannot cross the semi-permeable membrane, due to the latter being provided with a cut-off matched to the molecular size of the type of sample with which the container is to be used. However, material of a lower molecular weight than the dangerous fraction can move across the membrane in either directions by dialysis or osmosis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cell harvesting are disclosed. More particularly this invention relates to devices and methods for enabling the formation of a dispersion of cells from tissue for medical or research use. This invention provides a rapid method for cell isolation thereby reducing the time and costs associated with the production of autologous cells where required, for example, for tissue engineering in the operating theater or in research. Alternately this invention may be used to separate a cell dispersion containing cells of varying sizes or types from a predigested tissue dispersion. Also a kit is disclosed which provides the basic components of the device and instructions on how to accomplish the use of the device.

Abstract: Air laden with biodegradable volatile organic compounds is passed sequentially through a first filter bed containing a biologically inert filter media and a second filter bed containing a biologically active filter media. Water is present in the biologically active filter media and the biologically inert filter media. Water that drains from the second filter bed is collected and supplied to the first filter bed.

Abstract: The invention features modular cell culturing devices including one or more flat-plate modules, and is based on the discovery that if the flows of liquid medium and oxygenated fluid are separated by a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane, and the cells are grown attached to the liquid side of the membrane, the device can be used to culture cells with transport of oxygen through the membrane (i.e., direct oxygenation), without regard for the flow rate of the liquid medium passing through the device. The new flow-through cell culturing devices can thus be used to culture cells, e.g., hepatocytes, with high levels of cell function in organ, e.g., liver, assist systems, for production of cells, for production of cell-derived products, such as, proteins or viruses, or for systems to treat biological liquids to remove toxins, such as, ammonia, or add cell-synthesized products, or both.

Abstract: Malodorous gas is removed from mineral water by spraying the water through a stream of air, and collecting the sprayed water, which is circulated through the spraying operation. The collected sprayed water is passed through a filter. Some of the filtered and deodorized water is delivered to individual spas. A first heater keeps water circulated through the tank at a comfortable temperature. A second heater warms the air stream passing into the sprayed water to facilitate removal of malodorous gas.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for making a designer disease is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first, second, and third containers, each having two sections, I and II, separated by a semipermeable material through which a microbe can pass but cells from target and non-target populations cannot pass, and an entrance and an exit to each section. The entrance to section I of the first and second containers are circulation entrances, the exits from section II of the first and second containers are circulation exits, and the entrance to and exit from section I of the third container is a circulation entrance and a circulation exit, respectively. Conduits form a loop by connecting the circulation exit of each container to the circulation entrance to another container. A pump moves fluid around the loop and microbes in the fluid are mutated. A method of making a designer disease using that apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; two membranes, preferably each being gas permeable, which are securedly sealed in a leak-proof selaing to a frame in forming a culture chamber therebetween; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing a plurality of compositions in parallel. The apparatus includes an upper plate having a plurality of openings extending therethrough to form upper fluid chambers and a lower plate having a plurality of openings extending at least partially therethrough to form cavities. A central plate having a plurality of openings extending therethrough to form central fluid chambers is positioned between the upper and lower plates with the central chambers in alignment with the upper chambers and the cavities. A porous sheet is interposed between the upper and central plates such that an upper surface of the sheet is in contact with fluid within the upper chamber and a lower surface of the sheet is in contact with fluid within the central chamber. The apparatus further includes a flexible membrane positioned between the lower and central plates such that changes in pressure within the cavities or fluid chambers cause deflection of the membrane to force fluid to pass through the porous sheet.

Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.

Abstract: A multi-channel porous ceramic fiber is provided, preferably having a particular geometry, together with a filtration and/or reaction module comprising such fibers and a precursor paste for the fiber comprising a compression binder as the extrusion binder.

Abstract: A composite bioreactor and a method of using same is described. The bioreactor (10) comprises a combination of a sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) bioreactor (12) directly on top of a sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) bioreactor (14); the SOB bioreactor (12) comprising a heap of said soil to be rernediated and having suitable microorganisms therein to react with degrade contained contaminants; said SRB bioreactor comprising trough means (18) having support means to support said soil heap associated with an opening thereof, said support means having permeable membrane (16) associated therewith to allow passage of liquid but substantially no soil and sulfur reducing bacteria within said trough means (18); and liquid and nutrient supply means to promote growth of said sulfur oxidizing bacteria and said sulphate reducing bacteria within said composite bioreactor.

Abstract: Membrane module for testing active substances in cells with an interior chamber (2) which is limited by a lid (3), a bottom (4), and a side wall (5) and a system of first capillary membranes (6) and a system of second capillary membranes (11) located therein and possibly additional systems of capillary membranes, whereby the capillary membranes in interior chamber (2) are arranged in at least one flat layer parallel to bottom (4) and in interior chamber (2) in the extracapillary space a cell culture chamber is formed around the capillary membranes, whereby the capillary membranes have a lumen that can be filled with a fluid, are passing with at least one of its ends through the side wall (5) of interior chamber (2) and are embedded at this end separated by systems in a casting material (9, 10) so that interior chamber (2) is sealed fluid-tight from the outside, and whereby the capillary membranes of each system are in a fluid connection with their lumens with an inlet device (7) and/or an outlet device (8), a

Abstract: Membrane filters for the collection and detection of air-borne microorganisms are made from gelatin treated with an osmoprotective agent and exhibit the capacity to at least double the number of viable bacteria captured in a given sample relative to conventional gelatin membrane filters.

Abstract: An apparatus in which cryoprotectant in cryopreserved samples is removed with the use of turbulence and convective-dispersion around the cells within the primary cryopreservation container. Convective-dispersion is applied via the combined action of gravity and pulsatile transmembrane flow of buffer through the pores of containers fabricated from appropriate membrane material. By using mechanical forces to aid the process of cryoprotectant removal, the benefits of slow cryoprotectant removal are retained while the actual removal time is markedly decreased.

Abstract: Cartilage tissue and implants comprising tissue are produced in vitro starting from cells having the ability to form an extracellular cartilage matrix. Such cells are brought into a cell space (1) and are left in this cell space for producing an extracellular cartilage matrix. The cells are brought into the cell space to have a cell density of ca. 5×107 to 109 cells per cm3 of cell space. The cell space (1) is at least partly separated from a culture medium space (2) surrounding the cell space by means of a semi-permeable wall (3) or by an open-pore wall acting as convection barrier. The open-pore wall can be designed as a plate (7) made of a bone substitute material and constituting the bottom of the cell space (1). The cells settle on such a plate (7) and the cartilage tissue growing in the cell space (1).

Abstract: A portable and reconfigurable composting apparatus for controlling the airflow to and from a plurality of aerated static composting piles. The composting apparatus includes an air blower having an air intake and an air output. A suction manifold is attached in fluid communication with the air intake of the blower. A discharge manifold is attached in fluid communication with the air output of the blower. A plurality of pile manifolds are connected to the suction manifold and the discharge manifold by a manifold crossover. The manifold crossover includes a pair of dampers which allow the composting apparatus operator to independently select positive or negative air pressure for application to each pile manifold. Each pile manifold is operatively associated with an aerated static compost pile, by means of a series of flexible air lances attached in fluid communication with a pile manifold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods for quantitatively detecting the presence of an analyte by referencing the analyte variant signal to an analyte invariant reference signal. The devices contain quantum dots as the invariant references. The reference quantum dots provide a fluorescent signal whose intensity in invariant with respect to the optical signal associated with the analyte concentration. Both the optical path for the analyte specific and invariant reference signal are substantially identical. Therefore, by measuring the intensity ratio of the analyte specific signal to the reference signal, errors associated with optical path length, absorptivity and scattering are eliminated.

Abstract: An enzyme membrane reactor is designed to enhance the production efficiency of foods, pharmaceutical products, and other bioproducts. The reactor is formed of a cap and a container in which a plurality of the biocatalyst-immobilized sheets are located at an interval. The reactor works in such a way that a liquid reaction mixture is introduced into the container via an inlet of the container, thereby resulting in the synthesis of a bioproduct mixture which is collected via an outlet of the reactor. The immobilized biocatalyst is prepared by entrapping a biocatalyst with a gluten matrix. The immobilized biocatalyst is deposited on supporting meshes contained by a plurality of frames that are inserted in a plurality of pairs of grooves contained by two opposite side walls of the container. Deactivated biocatalyst-immobilized sheets are replaceable and recyclable.

Abstract: Oxygen is supplied to cells in vitro or in vivo by generating oxygen with an oxygen generator that electrolyzes water to oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen can be generated substantially without generating free hydrogen using a multilayer electrolyzer sheet having a proton exchange membrane sandwiched by an anode layer and a cathode layer. The oxygen generator may be used to supply oxygen to cells contained by a culture plate, a culture flask, a microtiter plate or an extracorporeal circuit, or to cells in an encapsulating chamber for implanting in the body such as an immunoisolation chamber bounded by a semipermeable barrier layer that allows selected components to enter and leave the chamber. A bioactive molecule may be present with the cells.

Abstract: A compact plant for the depuration of polluted air, in particular from odorous substances, comprising a unitary housing in which are placed, in sequence, a prescrubbing section, a filtering bed and a postscrubbing section, in the two scrubbing sections the air flowing counter currently with respect to the water sprayed by suitable nozzles and possibly added with suitable chemical additives, whereas the filtering bed, preferably consisting of particles of the kind described in EP-497214, is sprayed with water added with nutrient substances for the micro-organism present in the bed itself, the water being sprayed flowing co-currently with the air passing through the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating cell material from a tissue system and/or a liquid includes (1) a vessel open at the top, into which the cell material to be isolated can be introduced in the tissue system and/or the liquid; and (2) a separating device having a stamp-shaped configuration and including a flat separating disk having a peripheral edge fitting with the inner walls of the vessel in a fluid-tight manner and presenting at least one passage opening which is covered by a filter membrane, and which device can be inserted from the top into the vessel. The isolating disk pressurises the cell material inclusive of the tissue system and/or the liquid and acts thereupon with shearing forces by rotation. The cells and/or cell systems pass through the pores of the filter membrane whereas the residual tissue material is retained.

Abstract: A sterilizable cultivation system is provided for growing selected organisms for use in biological applications and the cultivation edible fungi. A sealable, sterilizable container holds a growth substrate in a sterile condition. A separate, adhesive vent filter is provided, which is adhereable to a vent opening in the container. The vent filter is gas permeable and allows gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient environment, but prevents the passage of microbes and other organisms into or out of the container. This gas exchange prevents excess carbon dioxide from accumulating in the container and allows necessary oxygen into the container in order to maintain an appropriate growth environment for the selected organisms. The vent filter may be combined with the container (a) during manufacture of new containers, or (b) in the field by the end-user on new containers or on re-cycled containers.

Abstract: A composting system is provided that includes an enclosure for containing organic matter undergoing composting. The enclosure has an access through which organic waste can be introduced into the enclosure and through which composted matter can be removed from the enclosure. The enclosure has a sloped roof comprised of a composite laminate which includes an air and moisture permeable membrane having an inside surface that faces into said enclosure. The inside surface of the membrane is adhered to an open grid layer. The composting system may further comprise means for introducing fresh air into organic matter being composted within the enclosure.

Abstract: Miniaturized, self-contained apparatus for conducting bio-chemical reactions and analyses is formed in a compact structure comprising a substrate which includes a plurality of reaction chambers and a plurality of analysis chambers which are in fluid communication with the reaction chambers. Independently controllable heaters and coolers are positioned in thermal contact with the reaction chambers to permit parallel processing of biological samples at different temperature cycles. The apparatus is especially useful for performing and analyzing the results of a polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor apparatus having a bed of buoyant media pellets floating within a filtrate to be processed. The apparatus includes a tank having a peripheral wall for containing filtrate and a bed of media pellets. A central manifold is rotatably supported within the tank the central manifold being mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends, the openings adapted to eject filtrate in a generally horizontal direction and along a substantially vertical plane toward the wall of the tank. A thrust manifold, generally parallel to the axis of the central manifold has a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends directed horizontally and generally perpendicularly to the plane. The thrust manifold is supported in association with the central manifold inwardly adjacent the tank wall and offset rearwardly of the plane to rotate with the central manifold.

Abstract: A device and method for producing refined adipose tissue for use in autologous adipose transplantation or research wherein a sterile environment is maintained. More particularly, a system for refining tissue comprising a first flexible container, a second flexible container having a plurality of pores providing for fluid communication between the interior of the first flexible container and the interior of the first enveloping flexible container, a first port that provides communication between the exterior environment and the interior of the first flexible container and thereby provides a means for introducing fluids into the interior of the first flexible container and allowing waste effluent to exit the first container, a second flexible container, a second port for inserting tissue into the second container and expressing refined tissue out of the container, and a means for controlling the opening and closing of the first and second ports.

Abstract: There is proposed an apparatus for isolating and recovering an objective cell, which comprises, a filtering device having a filtering member which is capable of setting a porosity thereof to two or more different porosity, a first line for feeding a priming liquid to the filtering device, a second line for feeding a liquid to be treated containing the cell aimed to isolate to the filtering device, and a third line provided with a storage container for storing the priming liquid that has been passed through the filtering device, wherein the priming liquid stored in the storage container is employed for washing the filtering device. There is also proposed a method for isolating and recovering an objective cell using the aforementioned apparatus.