Microscale and/or mesoscale condenser arrays that can facilitate microfluidic separation and/or purification of mesoscale and/or nanoscale particles and methods of operation are described herein. An apparatus comprises a condenser array comprising pillars arranged in a plurality of columns, wherein a pillar gap greater than or equal to about 0.5 micrometers is located between a first pillar of the pillars in a first column of the columns and a second pillar of the plurality of pillars in the first column, and wherein the first pillar is adjacent to the second pillar. The first ratio can be characterized by D.sub.x/D.sub.y is less than or equal to a first defined value, wherein D.sub.x represents a first distance across the lattice in a first direction, wherein D.sub.y represents a second distance across the lattice in a second direction, and wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.

A foreign object protection system for dishwashers is disclosed. The foreign object protection system prevents large objects from damaging other components of a dishwasher. An example dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils for treatment according to the at least one automatic cycle of operation, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub and collecting liquid supplied to the tub, a recirculation pump having an inlet fluidly coupled to the sump and an outlet fluidly coupled to the tub to recirculate liquid from the sump to the treating chamber; and a foreign object protection system comprising an inclined grate, and fluidly separating the sump and the outlet; wherein liquid in the tub collects in the sump and is recirculated by actuating the recirculation pump such that the liquid in the sump is drawn through the foreign object screen and expelled through the outlet to the tub and the foreign object screen protects the recirculation pump from harmful objects.

A foreign object protection system for dishwashers is disclosed. The foreign object protection system prevents large objects from damaging other components of a dishwasher. An example dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils for treatment according to the at least one automatic cycle of operation, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub and collecting liquid supplied to the tub, a recirculation pump having an inlet fluidly coupled to the sump and an outlet fluidly coupled to the tub to recirculate liquid from the sump to the treating chamber; and a foreign object protection system comprising an inclined grate, and fluidly separating the sump and the outlet; wherein liquid in the tub collects in the sump and is recirculated by actuating the recirculation pump such that the liquid in the sump is drawn through the foreign object screen and expelled through the outlet to the tub and the foreign object screen protects the recirculation pump from harmful objects.

The present invention provides a strainer for use with a water pump in a mine that includes a grill for preventing the ingress of solid material over predetermined dimensions, and an air discharge structure positioned so as to produce a continuous flow of air to remove the material from at least part of the grill, so that flow is maintained through the strainer.

According to at least one aspect, the invention provides a filter assembly (100) comprising a tubular housing and a filter device (70) locateable to extend longitudinally within the housing. The filter device (70) comprises a lattice structure of crossing internal and external elongated elements (18, 20). The lattice structure comprises an arrangement of pores (22), and the external elongated elements (20) are presented outwardly of the filter device (70) with respect to the plane of the pores, thereby to provide ribs on the exterior of the lattice which define a shaped channel that will act as a first level filter for larger particles. The external elongated elements are shaped and arranged to provide one or more additional filter levels for smaller particles in advance of said pores, through which yet even smaller particles may pass.

An apparatus for separating out and removing screenings from wastewater includes a screening device having a screen surface through which the wastewater flows during operation of the screening device and screenings carried along in the wastewater are at least intermittently retained. The apparatus includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor monitors the screenings in the area upstream from the screen surface and/or in the area of the screen surface. The controller outputs a message when the screenings have one or several properties which have been defined and have been recognized by the sensor. In addition, a method for operating the apparatus and a system including the apparatus are provided.

A filter for a fuel injection system includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis, a first end face, a second end, an outer surface extending between the first end face and the second end, an inner surface defining an inner chamber closed at the first end face and open at the second end. The body also defines at least one perforated portion formed in the outer surface extending from the outer surface to the inner surface, at least one slot extending axially along the outer surface. The slot is open and is in fluid communication with the first end face and defines an edge along the outer surface. The edge provides fluid communication between the slot and the perforated portion. Additionally, the edge and an inlet channel of the fuel injection system are adapted to define a first filtration zone. The perforated portion defines a second filtration zone.

A filter for a fuel injection system includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis, a first end face, a second end, an outer surface extending between the first end face and the second end, an inner surface defining an inner chamber closed at the first end face and open at the second end. The body also defines at least one perforated portion formed in the outer surface extending from the outer surface to the inner surface, at least one slot extending axially along the outer surface. The slot is open and is in fluid communication with the first end face and defines an edge along the outer surface. The edge provides fluid communication between the slot and the perforated portion. Additionally, the edge and an inlet channel of the fuel injection system are adapted to define a first filtration zone. The perforated portion defines a second filtration zone.

A grid bar for a screen grid of a screen includes a multiple number of grid bars arranged next to each other and spaced apart from each other, which serves the purpose of separating screening material from a flowing liquid, such as wastewater flowing in a sewer channel. The grid bar includes a plastic reinforced with fibers, whereas at least a part of the fibers extend in a longitudinal direction of the grid bar. A screen includes such a screen grid.

A screening device for separating out and removing contaminants from wastewater includes two continuous conveyors, which are mounted with clearance from each other. Each has a drive wheel that is guided on a circular path and includes a fixedly situated bar screen, which includes multiple mutually spaced grating bars for removing contaminants from the wastewater. Each bar screen includes multiple clearing elements, which are connected to the conveyor for removing from the bar screen the contaminants that have been separated out by the bar screen. The bar screen forms a fixed screen surface that extends, in the intended installation position of the screening device, essentially in the flow direction of the wastewater reaching the screening device.