The present invention relates to a microfluidic assay system and associated reading device, as well as the individual components themselves. The present invention also relates to methods of conducting assays, using a disposable system and associated reading device, as well as kits for conducting assays.

A buoy assembly for use with a pumping system to pump liquid and debris from a flooded shaft or well or any such structure with appreciable depth is provided. The buoy assembly includes a proximal tube that can couple to an end of a hose coupled at an opposite end to the pumping system. A buoy is coupled to the proximal tube that provides the buoy assembly with buoyancy that allows the buoy assembly to float on the liquid in the shaft. The buoy can have one or more aeration ports that can be selectively opened (by removing a plug therefrom) to allow airflow therethrough into the buoy. The buoy assembly also has an adapter socket with feet that define vents therebetween to allow passage of debris via the vents into the buoy. Flow of air into the buoy via the aeration ports facilitates lift of liquid and debris through the conduit during a pumping operation.

An apparatus having a plurality of pressure exchangers. Each pressure exchanger includes a first conduit and a second conduit and is operable for pressurizing a low-pressure dirty fluid via a high-pressure clean fluid. Each first conduit conveys the high-pressure clean fluid into a corresponding one of the pressure exchangers and to an adjacent one of the pressure exchangers, and each second conduit conveys a pressurized dirty fluid out of a corresponding one of the pressure exchangers and from the adjacent one of the pressure exchangers. The first conduits collectively form at least a portion of a high-pressure clean fluid manifold distributing the high-pressure clean fluid among the pressure exchangers, and the second conduits collectively form at least a portion of a pressurized dirty fluid manifold combining pressurized dirty fluid collectively discharged from the pressure exchangers.

According to the present invention: the product (10) is sucked into a first transit vessel (2) placed under vacuum and, simultaneously, a second transit vessel (3) is emptied by flushing under pressure; and then, said product is sucked into said second transit vessel (3) placed under vacuum and, simultaneously, said first transit vessel (2) is emptied by flushing under pressure.

According to the present invention: the product (10) is sucked into a first transit vessel (2) placed under vacuum and, simultaneously, a second transit vessel (3) is emptied by flushing under pressure; and then, said product is sucked into said second transit vessel (3) placed under vacuum and, simultaneously, said first transit vessel (2) is emptied by flushing under pressure.

The present invention relates to a microfluidic assay system and associated reading device, as well as the individual components themselves. The present invention also relates to methods of conducting assays, using a disposable system and associated reading device, as well as kits for conducting assays.

The present invention relates to a microfluidic assay system and associated reading device, as well as the individual components themselves. The present invention also relates to methods of conducting assays, using a disposable system and associated reading device, as well as kits for conducting assays.

A static bilge pump has a body surrounded by a shell, forming a motive plenum therebetween. Inlets in the front of the shell allow a motive fluid to enter the motive plenum. The motive plenum tapers, decreasing in cross-sectional area along with width as it moves toward its aft, and ends at a motive nozzle. The body houses a suction chamber in fluid communication with a suction inlet that is in fluid communication with the bilge of a boat. Ejectors are positioned proximal to and between the motive nozzle and the discharge outlet. When the static bilge pump is exposed to fluid flow from its front to its stern, such as when a boat is in motion, water enters the motive inlets, filling the motive Plenum and acting as a motive fluid. The motive fluid is ejected at high pressure from the motive nozzle, creating suction at the ejectors and discharging the motive fluid as well as liquid with in the suction chamber out the discharge outlet.

A static bilge pump has a body surrounded by a shell, forming a motive plenum therebetween. Inlets in the front of the shell allow a motive fluid to enter the motive plenum. The motive plenum tapers, decreasing in cross-sectional area along with width as it moves toward its aft, and ends at a motive nozzle. The body houses a suction chamber in fluid communication with a suction inlet that is in fluid communication with the bilge of a boat. Ejectors are positioned proximal to and between the motive nozzle and the discharge outlet. When the static bilge pump is exposed to fluid flow from its front to its stern, such as when a boat is in motion, water enters the motive inlets, filling the motive Plenum and acting as a motive fluid. The motive fluid is ejected at high pressure from the motive nozzle, creating suction at the ejectors and discharging the motive fluid as well as liquid with in the suction chamber out the discharge outlet.

A static bilge pump has an inlet tube, a body and one or more eductors. It may be attached to the back of a boat using bolts, or other means such that the inlet tube may be inserted into the drain at the bottom of the bilge of a boat. A siphon tube connected to the inlet tube hasn't ends that may be placed at the bottom of the bilge or moved about by an operator. The eductor's are streamlined to minimize drag and prevent blockage by debris and flotsam. Buttresses may extends between the body and the doctors to improve stability.