Apparatus and methods for driving a circulatory assist device with motive power from a fluid motor. In one example a parallel plate Tesla-type of motor extracts power from the circulatory system of a biological unit to drive a non-positive displacement pump and increase blood pressure in the biological unit.

A method of pumping a heat transfer fluid in a thermal energy storage system comprising a first thermal energy storage tank connected to a second thermal energy storage tank via a bi-directional flow member. The first and second thermal energy storage tanks are associated with a pressure vessel system comprising a first and second pressure vessel each pressure vessel being partially fillable with an actuating liquid, wherein, the method for pumping comprises: displacing the actuating liquid from the first pressure vessel to the second pressure vessel, thereby creating a pressure difference in the first thermal energy storage tank with respect to the second thermal energy storage tank, and therein displacing the heat transfer fluid via the bi-directional flow member.

A follower plate device for sealing and evacuating a container that has a cylindrical inner contour and contains a particularly paste-like liquid. The device comprises a seal arranged on a periphery of the device and designed so as to be able to be inserted into the cylindrical inner contour of the container such that it seals around the periphery, and marking the boundary between an outer side of the device and an inner side of the device, and a line extending through from the inner side to the outer side of the follower plate device, arranged on the outer side for connecting to a line connection leading further to an evacuation pump. The follower plate device further comprises a replaceable open-pored porous component through which the line is guided.

A follower plate device for sealing and evacuating a container that has a cylindrical inner contour and contains a particularly paste-like liquid. The device comprises a seal arranged on a periphery of the device and designed so as to be able to be inserted into the cylindrical inner contour of the container such that it seals around the periphery, and marking the boundary between an outer side of the device and an inner side of the device, and a line extending through from the inner side to the outer side of the follower plate device, arranged on the outer side for connecting to a line connection leading further to an evacuation pump. The follower plate device further comprises a replaceable open-pored porous component through which the line is guided.

A blow case with an inlet pipe positioned to gravity direct debris to an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe having a discharge end sealed by gravity open clapper style check valve that is closed by activation of pneumatic pressure through a float style pneumatic valve. The check valve has a top mounted access port and aperture allowing for direct above ground servicing access to both the clapper inside the valve and has a removable clapper and access port for servicing the outlet pipe. The float style pneumatic valve is also top mounted for ease of service and removal and is remotely positioned from the outlet pipe to allow for removal of the valve for flushing of the debris from the blow case.

The present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a self-gassing liquid to be dispensed and a dispenser for dispensing the self-gassing liquid, the dispenser including: a valve housing having an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet through which the liquid is to be dispensed; a valve chamber and/or passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve arranged to open and close the valve chamber and/or passage; pressure maintaining means arranged to maintain the pressure of liquid at the inlet to the valve housing at a constant pressure during successive dispensing operations; and control means for controlling the opening and closing of the valve, the control means being arranged to open and close the valve to commence and terminate each successive dispensing operation, wherein the period for which the valve is open determines the quantity of liquid dispensed. The dispensing system may permit very small quantities of liquid to be dispensed with great accuracy and avoid the liquid being subjected to high shear forces. The system is particularly beneficial for the dispensing of peracetic acid.

The present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a self-gassing liquid to be dispensed and a dispenser for dispensing the self-gassing liquid, the dispenser including: a valve housing having an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet through which the liquid is to be dispensed; a valve chamber and/or passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve arranged to open and close the valve chamber and/or passage; pressure maintaining means arranged to maintain the pressure of liquid at the inlet to the valve housing at a constant pressure during successive dispensing operations; and control means for controlling the opening and closing of the valve, the control means being arranged to open and close the valve to commence and terminate each successive dispensing operation, wherein the period for which the valve is open determines the quantity of liquid dispensed. The dispensing system may permit very small quantities of liquid to be dispensed with great accuracy and avoid the liquid being subjected to high shear forces. The system is particularly beneficial for the dispensing of peracetic acid.

A follower plate device for sealing and evacuating a container that has a cylindrical inner contour and contains a particularly paste-like liquid. The device comprises a seal arranged on a periphery of the device and designed so as to be able to be inserted into the cylindrical inner contour of the container such that it seals around the periphery, and marking the boundary between an outer side of the device and an inner side of the device, and a line extending through from the inner side to the outer side of the follower plate device, arranged on the outer side for connecting to a line connection leading further to an evacuation pump. The follower plate device further comprises a replaceable open-pored porous component through which the line is guided.

A follower plate device for sealing and evacuating a container that has a cylindrical inner contour and contains a particularly paste-like liquid. The device comprises a seal arranged on a periphery of the device and designed so as to be able to be inserted into the cylindrical inner contour of the container such that it seals around the periphery, and marking the boundary between an outer side of the device and an inner side of the device, and a line extending through from the inner side to the outer side of the follower plate device, arranged on the outer side for connecting to a line connection leading further to an evacuation pump. The follower plate device further comprises a replaceable open-pored porous component through which the line is guided.

A method of pumping a heat transfer fluid in a thermal energy storage system comprising a first thermal energy storage tank connected to a second thermal energy storage tank via a bi-directional flow member. The first and second thermal energy storage tanks are associated with a pressure vessel system comprising a first and second pressure vessel each pressure vessel being partially fillable with an actuating liquid, wherein, the method for pumping comprises: displacing the actuating liquid from the first pressure vessel to the second pressure vessel, thereby creating a pressure difference in the first thermal energy storage tank with respect to the second thermal energy storage tank, and therein displacing the heat transfer fluid via the bi-directional flow member.