Abstract: A multilayered modified membrane and method for making the same, comprising a modified discriminating layer that can have a fouling resistant surface, improved salt rejection, antimicrobial properties, and/or improved solute, and/or small organics rejection as compared to membranes with unmodified discriminating layers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward membrane leaf packets, spiral wound modules and methods for making and using the same. The subject leaf packet comprises a membrane sheet folded upon itself and reinforced with sealant and tape along at least a portion of the fold on the back side of the membrane sheet.

Abstract: A polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same, including use within a spiral wound module. While many different embodiments are described, one embodiment includes a polyamide membrane including a coating comprising a combination of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a polyacrylamide compound.

Abstract: A method of regenerating N-Methyl-D-glu-camine-functional resin that has been used for boron-removal uses a closed recirculating loop for treating the conjugate acid salt of the N-Methyl-D-glucamine functionality of the resin. The new method reduces rinse water demand and improves pH control in a water treatment system. The new method can be used to improve the performance of boron-selective resins in stand-alone systems or as a second stage in a reverse osmosis seawater desalination system. The regeneration method is useful in any application where weakly basic anion exchange resin in the conjugate acid salt form is to be regenerated (neutralized) by alkaline treatment. Possible end use applications are in drinking water processing, agricultural water treatment, sweetener production, waste water processing, mining hydrometallurgy, and condensate polishing.

Abstract: A device for removing toxins from blood or plasma comprising a cartridge containing a polymeric resin having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorption of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: A polymeric resin is disclosed in the form of beads or particles having a coating thereon which renders the resin blood compatible. The resin comprises divinylbenzene monomer which has a porosity, pore size, and surface area suitable for absorbtion of unhealthy components of blood, such as &bgr;-2-microglobulin.

Abstract: A composite membrane and method for making the same, comprising a porous support and a crosslinked polyamide surface. The subject membrane provides improved flux and/or rejection rates. The subject membrane is further capable of operating at lower operating pressures. The subject method includes reacting a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acyl halide to form a polyamide. The method includes the step of contacting a phosphorous containing compound with the polyfunctional acyl halide prior to and/or during the reaction between the polyfunctional acyl halide and a polyfunctional amine. The subject process is easily adapted to commercial scale manufacturing processes and is particularly suited for making nanofiltration and reverse osmosis composite membranes.

Abstract: An alkene copolymer latex composition comprising, (i) an inner particulate material; (ii) an outer copolymer copolymerized from an alkene, a lower vinyl ester and optionally additional monomers, said outer copolymer at least partially encapsulating said inner particulate material; wherein the inner particulate material is effective to enhance the incorporation of the alkene into the copolymer composition; and (iii) water.

Abstract: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), porous polymeric materials made therefrom, and methods for making and using the same. Specific embodiments of the invention include water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions having at least 70 volume percent of an internal aqueous phase and less than 30 volume percent of an external oil phase wherein the oil phase comprises a vinyl polymerizable monomer and a surfactant effective to stabilize the emulsion. The subject surfactants are oil soluble and preferably include an oxyalkylene component.

Abstract: A water treatment module and process for treating power plant condensate water utilizing a sulfonated ion exchange resin comprising copolymer beads having an interpenetrating polymer network of at least two polymer components wherein at least one of the polymer components is derived from a monomer mixture having a styrenic content less than about 80 molar percent. In one preferred embodiment the multiple polymer components include: (i) a first polymer component derived from a first monomer mixture comprising a monovinylidene monomer having a styrenic content less than about 50 molar percent and (ii) a second polymer component derived from a second monomer mixture comprising: a second monovinylidene monomer having a styrenic content greater than about 50 molar percent and a crosslinking agent. The ratio of the molar percent crosslinking agent of the first polymer component to the second polymer component is less than about 0.7.

Abstract: A composite membrane and method for making the same, comprising a porous support and a crosslinked polyamide surface having polyalkylene oxide groups grafted thereto. The subject membrane provides improved resistance to fouling while offering excellent flux and salt passage performance. The subject method is easily adapted to commercial scale-up and does not require the use of chemical initiators.

Abstract: Gel-type copolymer beads are described which are useful as ion exchange resins such as those used in the treatment of power plant condensate water. The subject copolymer beads possess an interpenetrating polymer network of at least two polymer components including: (i) a first polymer component derived from a first monomer mixture comprising a first monovinylidene monomer having a styrenic content less than about 50 molar percent and (ii) a second polymer component derived from a second monomer mixture comprising: a second monovinylidene monomer having a styrenic content greater than about 50 molar percent and a second crosslinking agent. The ratio of the molar percent crosslinking agent of the first polymer component to the second polymer component is less than about 0.7. Methods for making the subject beads and methods for their use as ion exchange resins for treating aqueous solutions are also provided.

Abstract: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), porous polymeric materials made therefrom, and methods for making and using the same. Specific embodiments of the invention include water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions having at least 70 volume percent of an internal aqueous phase and less than 30 volume percent of an external oil phase wherein the oil phase comprises a vinyl polymerizable monomer and a surfactant effective to stabilize the emulsion. The subject surfactants are oil soluble and preferably include an oxyalkylene component.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning contact lenses comprises a silicone surface active agent having cleaning activity for contact lens deposits. The silicone surface active agent has at least one side chain including a radical ionizable in aqueous solution.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning and wetting contact lenses comprises a polyethyleneoxide-containing material having a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of at least about 18, a surface active agent having cleaning activity for contact lens deposits, and a wetting agent.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses comprising the use of an iodine-chromophore to indicate neutralization of oxidative disinfectants.

Abstract: An ophthalmic artificial tear solution is described for treating irritation and dryness of the eyes with a formulation that includes polyvinylpyrrolidone, a preservative such as benzalkonium chloride, glycerin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, wherein the composition is an aqueous solution having isotonic properties with respect to the eye. The ophthalmic solution of the invention is characterized as having a low viscosity, preferably less than 5 cps, and a low surface tension, preferably less than 40 dynes/cm, wherein wettability, retainability and comfort of the user are enhanced.

Abstract: A method for treating contact lenses involves irradiation of the contact lens with high energy radiation while immersed in an aqueous medium such as saline solution.

Abstract: A class of polymerizable surfactants are described by the formulaDC(A.sub.x B.sub.y)wherein A is a monomer unit derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer, B is a monomer unit derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, C is a functional chain transfer agent, D is an ethylenically unsaturated end group, y is within the range from about 0.1 to about 0.9, and x+y=1. The polymerizable surfactants are useful for modifying the surfaces of polymeric objects, especially contact lenses.