Abstract: A system for presenting a media event on a computer display device is disclosed, where the audience for the media event are represented by avatars that are displayed on the user's computer as geometric shapes or bubbles that float about the region surrounding the window presenting the event. System logic determines which of the audience bubbles are visible in the space and further causes avatars for advertising to appear. In one embodiment the viewing user can select which other users are visible on their screen based on user selectable filtering inputs. A moderating panel function permits a performing artist to control what content, advertising and merchandising is displayed as part of the event and the surrounding user environment.

Abstract: A portable air cleaner consisting of an upright housing having casters on the bottom to enable it to be moved readily into different locations. The housing has a compartment for containing a roll of filter medium, preferably a filtration paper as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,239,516 and 4,293,378, which may be drawn from the roll compartment across the hollow frame.In use, a fresh section of the filter paper is positioned overlying the frame until it becomes loaded with particles filtered from the airstream flowing through the hollow frame. When the filter medium becomes loaded, a fresh section of the medium is drawn across the frame.An overload device is provided to interrupt energization of the motor driving the fan when the filter medium becomes sufficiently loaded to block flow of air through the filter medium.

Abstract: High strength, light weight composite material, comprising discrete reinforcing elements surrounded by a matrix including polymer micro-bits that are substantially free of the intact cells of the expanded, hydrophobic, thermoplastic polymers from which they are produced, is prepared by hot pressing paper-like elements made using paper making technology.

Abstract: A high temperature filter material, comprising a non-woven glass fiber matrix including mica particles, polymer micro-bits and a uniformly distributed binder system, is made by a wet laid procedure, as used in paper-making. A composition comprising the mica particles and polymer micro-bits, used in making the filter material, and a method of preparing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high temperature filter material, comprising a non-woven glass fiber matrix including mica particles, polymer micro-bits and a uniformly distributed binder system, is made by a wet laid procedure, as used in paper-making. A composition comprising the mica particles and polymer micro-bits, used in making the filter material, and a method of preparing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting filtration, clarification and purification of liquid which comprises a housing containing a filter element made up of a plurality of layers of adsorbent material, comprising a porous, non-woven fibrous matrix in which is included an adsorbing agent for removing dissolved or suspended matter from the liquid, and a plurality of layers of liquid-permeable material. The layers of adsorbent material and liquid-permeable material are interdigitated in a stack between liquid impervious walls, and the flow of liquid through the filter element is along path generally parallel to the confronting surfaces of the layers of adsorbent material and liquid-permeable material. A process for removing dissolved, suspended or particulate matter from a liquid containing same, utilizing the filter apparatus, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective mask formed from a porous non-woven sheet material which is made of glass fibers and a suitable binding agent, and which may optionally include a gas adsorbent substance. The mask protects the respiratory system of the wearer from the effects of toxic gases and the like.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for air handling systems in which the air inlet grille of the system is provided with an additional filtration medium which extends across the full flow passage area of the grille. In the preferred form of the invention, the filter medium is in the form of a flexible sheet material wrapped on a hollow core shell which is housed in a storage enclosure along side the grille. The sheet filter medium is drawn out from the storage chamber through a discharge slot across the full length of the grille, and suitable guide means is provided to assure proper positioning of the filter medium to cover the entire flow passage area of the grille. The mounting of the roll in the storage chamber is such as to provide a frictional engagement which permits the roll to rotate to pay off the filter medium, but with sufficient friction to avoid overrunning. The filter medium is preferably one of those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,239,516 and 4,239,278.

Abstract: A water treatment system for removing turbidity-causing impurities from water which involves contacting water containing such impurities with a relatively small amount of filter aid material, e.g., diatomaceous earth, for a time sufficient for impurities in the water to become adsorbed on said filter aid material, passing the water containing the filter aid material with impurities adsorbed thereon through a pre-filter having a flow rate of two liters/min./sq. m., or greater, and thereafter through a filter medium in the form of a porous, non-woven matrix consisting essentially of randomly arranged, irregularly intersecting and overlapping cellulose fibers intermixed with micro-bits of an expanded thermoplastic styrene-polymer or lower polyolefin, or of a flexible foamed polyurethane.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus in which the filter medium is in the form of filter material assembled with a carrier web which is caused to traverse through a filter chamber in a zig zag path. The material and carrier web assembly spans between the side walls of the filter chamber and is advanced by turning rolls disposed at upper and lower levels. The carrier web for the filter material extends between flanges projecting from the side walls of the filter chamber and auxiliary support for the carrier web is provided by a foraminous shelf extending between the flanges between the turning rolls and imperforate shelf portions in advance of the first turning rolls and following the last turning roll. Support girders underlie the foraminous shelf to limit deflection of the filter medium. The filter medium is disposed so that its edges overlie the sealing flanges, thereby preventing flow of liquid medium around the edges of the filter medium.

Abstract: Filter element package, method for preparing and method of using the same for treating contaminated aqueous solutions, in which the filter element is in the form of a mat consisting essentially of a wet laid, porous, non-woven matrix having randomly arranged, irregularly intersecting and overlapping cellulose fibers intermixed with polymer micro-bits. The filter mat, either alone or confronted with a supporting sheet of material, is provided in a predetermined geometrical shape and folded along perpendicular lines to form a four-layered filter element which can be displaced into a cone-shaped structure for filtering contaminated aqueous solutions. A resealable envelope is provided for enclosing the filter element and may include therein a bracing member to provide lateral support for the filter element during filtering and/or a collapsible receptacle for containing a predetermined quantity of the solution to be treated along with a packet of disinfectant for disinfecting the same.

Abstract: A water treatment process for removing turbidity-causing impurities from water which involves contacting water containing such impurities with a relatively small amount of filter aid material, e.g., diatomaceous earth, for a time sufficient for impurities in the water to become adsorbed on said filter aid material, passing the water containing the filter aid material with impurities adsorbed thereon through a pre-filter having a flow rate of two liters/min./sq. m., or greater, and thereafter through a filter medium in the form of a porous, non-woven matrix consisting essentially of randomly arranged, irregularly intersecting and overlapping cellulose fibers intermixed with micro-bits of an expanded thermoplastic styrene-polymer or lower polyolefin, or of a flexible foamed polyurethane.

Abstract: Disclosed is the preparation of micro-bits of expanded styrene-polymers and of expanded polyolefins by comminuting the styrene-polymer or polyolefin in a particular combination of comminuting steps in a suitable comminutor that can provide that combination of steps and in the presence of water as a cooling agent. The polymer micro-bits, which are produced as an aqueous slurry, may be rendered dry-to-the-touch by vacuum filtration followed by passage through a filter press.

Abstract: Gas-vapor treating and filter mats composed of glass fibers intermixed with micro-bits of any of an expanded thermoplastic styrene-polymer or expanded thermoplastic lower polyolefin or flexible foam polyurethane and a suitable organic bonding agent, which mat may contain any of fibers of a fiber-forming terephthalate polyester, activated carbon, and gas-vapor adsorbent crystalline zeolite molecular sieve particles.