Abstract: A unitary rigid filter that performs multiple contamination control functions within an enclosure for sensitive equipment (e.g., disk drives). The filter incorporates recirculation and adsorbent filtration, along with optional inlet and diffusion functions in a unique rigid filter construction.

Abstract: This invention provides air impermeable liquid-water resistant water vapor-permeable composites with enhanced water-vapor-permeable properties comprising: (a) a layer of a microporous polymer that is water-vapor permeable and which is liquid water-resistant in contact with (b) an air-impermeable, liquid water resistant, polymer layer that is permeable to water-vapor molecules, and (c) a third layer of a microporous, water vapor permeable, hydrophilic polymer present on the side of the air impermeable polymer layer opposite the microporous polymer (a).

Abstract: A membrane of microporous, for example stretched, PTFE is filled with particles having a size in the nanometer range. By filling with, for example, TiO2, the abrasion resistance of the membrane can be increased. Low particle size means that the original structure of the PTFE membrane with its knots and fibrils is retained, as is, consequently, the original desired properties of this material. In addition to these properties, filling of the material achieves additional properties, for example increased abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A photocatalyst carrier is described, characterized in that the surface and/or pores of a hot-melt resin porous article is/are coated with a photocatalytic substance, and the system is heated to the softening temperature of the hot-melt resin to allow the photocatalytic substance to penetrate to some extent into the surface and/or pores of the hot-melt resin porous article, providing sufficient exposure to the surrounding atmosphere for the surface of the photocatalytic substance and supporting the substance on the hot-melt resin porous article with adequate bonding force.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a material and system for reducing condensation in enclosed vehicle lamp housings, and more particularly to a condensation vent comprising a water vapor material within, on or integral with the housing to reduce the condensation and prevent or minimize entry of liquid water and other foreign matter.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a filter element for the filtration of printing fluid within a printer cartridge of a printer. The filter element of the present invention includes a microporous filter media that removes contaminants from printing fluids such as ink, dye, wax, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glove insert (10) which is made of a first textile piece (20) and second textile piece (30) and has a finger portion (40) having a finger radial side (44) and a finger ulnar side (46), a thumb portion (50) with a thumb tip (60) and a finger-side thumb outer edge (55), a palm portion (70), a cuff portion (80) with an ulnar side cuff outer edge (85) on the ulnar side of the glove insert (10) and a radial side cuff outer edge (86) on the radial side of the glove insert (10), a hand entry (90) through which the wearer slips a hand, and a crotch (100) being between the finger radial side (44) and the thumb portion (60). The first textile piece (20) is joined to the second textile piece (30) by a first seam (110) situated on the cuff ulnar side outer edge (85), the finger radial-side outer edge (44) and the finger-side thumb outer edge (55) and running from the thumb tip (60) across the palm portion (70) and cuff portion (89) towards the cuff ulnar side outer edge (85).

Abstract: An aqueous microemulsion polymerization procedure is described in which very small colloidal polymer particles are produced from tetrafluoroethylene monomer. The polymerization procedure involves adding a free-radical initiator to a mixture of a microemulsion of at least one liquid saturated organic compound; and tetrafluoroalkyl ethylene.

Abstract: A porous composite laminate material comprises a layer (4) of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, and a layer (2) of non-expanded porous PTFE attached thereto. The non-expanded porous PTFE layer may be a sintered porous PTFE produced by sintering granular-type PTFE particles to form a porous integral network of interconnected particles; and may be produced in situ by spray application onto the membrane followed by baking. Modifiers including unsintered fine powder PTFE, thermoplastic fluorinated organic polymer, a low molecular weight PTFE and mixtures thereof may be included. The expanded PTFE membrane can be in sheet form or in the form of expanded PTFE fibres woven into a fabric. The laminate may be used for oiling and cleaning high temperature fuser rolls in a photocopying machine, or as a filter.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel filter bag assemblies comprising a support structure, such as a support cage of metal, plastic, or the like, and a filter media of expanded PTFE membrane(s) without a backing material or layer. In a preferred embodiment, the filter bag assembly further comprises a support cover, or cage cover, which fits over the exterior surface of the support, or cage, to prevent contact of the filter media with the cage.

Abstract: This invention provides air impermeable liquid-water resistant water-vapor-permeable composites that are highly oleophobic and some of which have enhanced water-vapor-permeable properties.In its broadest aspect, the composites comprise: a layer of a microporous polymer that is water-vapor permeable and which is oleophobic, and which is liquid water-resistant. This layer is in contact with an air-impermeable, liquid water resistant, polymer layer that is permeable to water-vapor molecules. The oleophobic microporous polymer layer confers enhanced oleophobicity. In another aspect, a third layer of a microporous, water vapor permeable polymer can also be present on the other side of the air-impermeable polymer layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cleaning material for critical imaging surfaces for use in a variety of printers, including laser printer, plain paper copiers and facsimile machines, etc. Moreover, the present invention utilizes the unique properties of expanded PTFE and sintered PTFE as the cleaning medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing element which comprises at least a spirally rolled, film-like material made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the sealing element over its cord cross-section having a density gradient which increases, starting from the outer side of the sealing element, in the direction towards the center of its cross-section. Furthermore, the present invention provides a sealing element which has a second annular formation which is connected to the first annular formation by means of a flexible-tube-like intermediate region made of the same film-like material. The two annular formations may also be arranged at a predetermined distance from one another.

Abstract: Tube units useful for a variety of application are provided. Preferably, individual laminated tubes are joined to each other by intermediate pieces to produce a wide ribbon of parallel tubes. The tubes are porous to certain substances, allowing them to serve as an apparatus to exchange material between two or more fluid streams. The tubes are particularly useful as membrane modules for exchange of material between two fluids. Continuous and discontinuous methods for constructing such tube units are also taught.

Abstract: An improved composite material of high temperature and chemical resistant material and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided. The composite material incorporates a coherent strand of commingled filaments of fiberglass and PTFE which is far more resistant to flex, abrasion, and chemical attack than conventional materials. Preferably filaments of expanded PTFE tow yarn and filaments of PTFE are combined through a process of air-jet texturing. Fabrics made from the composite fibers are combined with thermosetting phenolic or epoxy resins to produce pleated cartridge filter elements exhibiting superior performance in high temperature and corrosive environments.

Abstract: A lid is disclosed having a pressure compensation device comprising a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane and a surge protection element comprising a gas permeable material which serves to break the surge pressure exerted on the membrane by the container contents. The lid is designed as an injection molded plastic part with the membrane being integrated in an upper cover portion of the lid by injection molding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a closing device (1) for the removal of solid and/or liquid substances from housings, containers, bottles, or the like, which can be filled with a liquid or solid material, consisting of an air intake element (7), which in a manner allowing detachment closes an auxiliary opening of the housing, container, bottle, or the like, and a suction pipe connection (2) and/or a suction pipe (6), which traverse(s) this air intake element (7), whereby the air intake element (7) includes a pressure equalizing device having at least one membrane (5) made of a material which is impervious to liquids and/or solids but permeable by gases, and that the suction pipe connection (2) or suction pipe (6) is joined at its exterior wall to the air intake element (7) as a tight seal against gas and/or liquid.