Abstract: Disclosed are porous elements that include sintered polymeric particles. The polymeric particles can be formed of a thermoplastic composition that includes a polyarylene sulfide. The polymeric particles sintered to form the porous elements have a very narrow size distribution. The porous elements can maintain their functionality and morphology even when utilized in high temperature applications.

Abstract: Provided are sequestering agents for sequestering non-water moieties from an aqueous solution. The sequestering agents may comprise a detergent; and a polymer operable to stabilize formation of a detergent micelle thereby causing the detergent and polymer to self-assemble into a nanonet upon exposure to the aqueous solution. Also provided are kits therefore and methods for use of the sequestering agents and kits.

Abstract: Provided is a blood filter that resists deterioration in properties as a result of electron beam sterilization treatment performed before or during use as a blood filter, has durability, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance at excellent levels, also has biocompatibility, and resists deterioration in properties even upon the electron beam sterilization treatment. The blood filter according to the present invention includes a nonwoven fabric made of PEEK fibers. Preferably, the blood filter according to the present invention has an average pore size of 3 to 280 ?m and has a porosity of 15% to 70%; and the PEEK fibers have an average fiber diameter of 10 ?m or less.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system (HVAC) design and operational tool includes one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including obtaining a dynamic temperature model and a dynamic infectious quanta model for one or more building zones, determining an infection probability, and performing a plurality of simulations for a plurality of different equipment configurations using the dynamic temperature model, the dynamic infectious quanta model, and the infection probability to generate results. The operations include generating, using the results of the plurality of simulations, at least one of design including one or more recommended design parameters data or operational data including one or more recommended operational parameters for the HVAC system and initiating an automated action using at least one of the design data or the operational data.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system (HVAC) design and operational tool includes one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including obtaining a dynamic temperature model and a dynamic infectious quanta model for one or more building zones, determining an infection probability, and performing a plurality of simulations for a plurality of different equipment configurations using the dynamic temperature model, the dynamic infectious quanta model, and the infection probability to generate results. The operations include generating, using the results of the plurality of simulations, at least one of design including one or more recommended design parameters data or operational data including one or more recommended operational parameters for the HVAC system and initiating an automated action using at least one of the design data or the operational data.

Abstract: The invention discloses a capsule for use in an extraction machine, having a bottom, a side wall and a cover, which together form a chamber for a substance for extraction. The capsule has a deformable area, which is configured to plastically deform in the outward direction under the conditions present during the extraction and to sealingly interact with a capsule holder of the extraction machine.

Abstract: In the present invention, after a primary coating film is formed by boehmite treatment of the surface of a core particle in a solution comprising Al ions, a secondary coating film is formed by cooling the solution to the supersaturation temperature of the Al ions to cause deposition of a hydroxide of aluminum on the surface of the primary coating film, and an Al oxide film is formed on the surface of the core particle by heat treating the secondary coating film in an oxidizing atmosphere. Consequently, the shell is thickened by the amount of secondary coating film formed, so that the cyclic strength of the capsule can be secured and the composition change of the PCM in the production process is remarkably suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture method of cells and/or tissues including culturing cells and/or tissues in a suspended state by using a medium composition having an effect of preventing sedimentation of cells and/or tissues, which is afforded by substantially retaining the cells and/or tissues without substantially increasing the viscosity of the solution by nanofibers which have been added to the solution and uniformly dispersed in the liquid medium, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionic silicone hydrogel polymers displaying improved lysozyme uptake, low contact angle and reduced water soluble polymeric ammonium salt uptake.

Abstract: Improved integrally skinned asymmetric membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration, and their methods of preparation and use are disclosed. Membranes are formed from polybenzimidazoles by phase inversion and are then crosslinked by addition of crosslinking agents. These stabilize the membranes and allow solvent nanofiltration to be maintained even in the solvents from which the membranes were formed by phase inversion, and in strongly acidic and strongly basic solvents.

Abstract: Fiber webs that may be coated and used in filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the fiber web is a non-woven web that is coated with a resin comprising fibers. For example, the resin may include fibers that have sizes (e.g., diameters) in the nano or micron range. In some cases, the fibers distributed within the resin are fibrillated fibers. The respective characteristics and amounts of the fibers in the resin may be selected to impart desirable properties including enhanced mechanical properties and filtration properties (e.g., relatively high strength and air permeability), amongst other benefits.

Abstract: Composite nanostructures having a crumpled graphene oxide shell and a nanoparticle selected from titanium dioxide, silver and magnetite within the shell are disclosed. The nanostructures may be incorporated into a filtration membrane suitable for purifying water for targeted separations and for human consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel block copolyimides for preparing highly selective integrally asymmetrical gas separation membranes of improved permeance, processes for preparing these block copolyimides, membranes prepared from the block copolyimides, and also the use of the block copolyimides and of the membranes prepared therefrom.

Abstract: To provide a novel lithium styrene sulfonate which is capable of solving a problem of an increase of the production cost due to drying under atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure at a temperature of at least 40° C. and a problem of polymerization of lithium styrene sulfonate. The lithium styrene sulfonate is characterized in that when measured by using a Thermogravimetric-Differential Thermal Analyzer under measuring condition of heating at a temperature raising rate of 2° C./min in a nitrogen stream, the temperature at the top of the main endothermic peak in a range of from 80 to 170° C., is at least 120° C.

Abstract: A crystallized layer can be formed on a substrate from a precursor layer deposited on a surface of the substrate. The precursor layer can be an oxide, a nitride, a carbide, or an oxynitride. The process for forming the crystallized layer includes melting the precursor layer formed on the surface of the substrate by localized topical heating of the precursor layer and then cooling the melted precursor layer so that it crystallized to form a scratch resistant crystallized layer. The scratch resistant crystallized layer can have a hardness of 15 GPa or greater.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for preparing high density membrane protein membranes by slow, controlled removal of detergent from mixtures of detergent, block copolymers and membrane protein mixtures. Membranes created by this method are also provided. The structure of these membranes may be varied by varying the amount of membrane protein.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment system. Implementations may include an intake screen, a ballast water intake pump coupled to the intake screen, a screen filter coupled to an outlet of the ballast water intake pump, and a multi-cartridge filter system coupled to the screen filter and with one or more ballast tanks. A ballast water dump pump may be coupled with the one or more ballast tanks. The multi-cartridge filter system may include two or more cartridge filters including a quaternary organosilane coating produced from a quaternary ammonium organosilane reagent.

Abstract: A floatable modular device for absorbing oil from a surface, includes a generally disk-shaped floatable cage tapering towards the periphery of the cage in a peripheral region thereof; and a water-repellent strip- or chip-shaped oil absorbent accommodated in the cage, wherein the cage further includes at least one connector, element configured for joining plural ones of the modular devices together, to form an articulate oil absorber in which the individual cages are oriented in parallel to one another. A method of manufacturing the device includes providing a first, grid-like sheet made of plastics, positioning a water-repellent strip- or chip-shaped oil absorbent on the first grid-like sheet, positioning a second sheet on the oil absorbent, and welding the first and second sheets together at their peripheries, with the oil absorbent in between, wherein peripheral regions of the first and second sheets are bent towards one another.

Abstract: A curable formaldehyde-free binding composition for use with fiberglass is provided. Such curable composition comprises an aldehyde or ketone and an amine salt of an inorganic acid. The composition when applied to fiberglass is cured to form a water-insoluble binder which exhibits good adhesion to glass. In a preferred embodiment the fiberglass is in the form of building insulation. In other embodiments the product is a microglass-based substrate for use in a printed circuit board, battery separator, filter stock, or reinforcement scrim.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-treated particle packs, such as sand beds, may effectively filter and purify liquids such as waste water. When tiny contaminant particles in waste water flow through the particle pack, the nanoparticles will capture and hold the tiny contaminant particles within the pack due to the nanoparticles' surface forces, including, but not necessarily limited to van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Coating agents such as alcohols, glycols, polyols, vegetable oil, and mineral oils may help apply the nanoparticles to the particle surfaces in the filter beds or packs.

Abstract: A reaction product of silicious material, aluminum metal, and an aqueous solution is disclosed. The reaction product may be used to form a sorbent that is used to purify water of contaminants such as biological matter, dyes, soluble metals, arsenic, or radioactive elements. Additives may be added to the reaction product to further improve the sorption qualities of the sorbent. Water purification devices having the sorbent are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer resin composition for preparing a hollow fiber membrane, including: a vinylidene fluoride-based polymer resin; a good solvent; a poor solvent; and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a bicycloalkane having 5 to 15 carbons mono- or poly-substituted with a carboxylic acid metal salt functional group and a peroxide, a preparation method of a hollow fiber membrane using the polymer

Abstract: Provided herein are copolymers and copolymer compositions that are both hydrophilic and oleophobic. The copolymers include structural units derived from a fluoroalkyl monomer and a zwitterionic monomer. It further relates to membranes formed by coating a porous substrate with the copolymeric compositions. The copolymeric coating imparts hydrophilicity and oleophobicity/oil-tolerance to the membranes. The uses of such membranes as microfiltration membrane or ultrafiltration membrane are also provided.

Abstract: A domestic appliance filter for use in a laundry treatment device includes a basic filter material with a hydrophobic coating for filtering out matter from a process water duct or a process air duct. The basic filter material includes a material which is resistant to temperatures of 160° C. or more and the hydrophobic coating on the basic filter material effects a surface energy of less than 35 mN/m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a nonwoven fiber web material comprised of thermoset fibers that has a machine direction and a cross direction with elastic stretch and recovery properties in the cross direction.

Abstract: A surface treatment method is described herein where a stabilizing (e.g., crosslinking agent) is pre-mixed into a fluid stock comprising a processable polymer. The stock is processed to form products (e.g., nanofibers or films), followed by exposing the products to a stabilizing (e.g., crosslinking catalyst, such as acid vapors), which results in stabilization (e.g., polymer cross-linking on the surface of the product). In some embodiments, the morphology of the product is not changed upon crosslinking. Moreover in some instances, this method does not need strong acids and is performed with weak acids such as acetic acid which reduces environmental pollution. In addition to water soluble polymers (e.g., PVA), this method is applicable to proteins such as soy protein, and combinations of polymers and proteins in various embodiments.

Abstract: Filter media having a gradient in a property and methods associated with such media are provided. In some embodiments, a filter media may have a gradient in mean pore size. The gradient in mean pore size may be across at least a portion of the thickness of the filter media. In some embodiments, the gradient can be represented by an exponential function. The exponential gradient in mean pore size may impart desirable properties to the filter media including enhanced filtration properties (e.g., relatively high dust holding capacity and efficiency), amongst other benefits. The filter media may be particularly well-suited for applications that involve filtering liquids (e.g., hydraulics, fuel, lube, water), though the media may also be used in other applications.

Abstract: Articles such as filter media, which include dendrimers and/or other components, are provided. The filter media may further include a water repellant (e.g., a fluorinated species) to impart desirable properties to the media such as high water repellency. The filter media may also have a high efficiency as a function of pressure drop (i.e., high gamma values). In some embodiments, the filter media includes a fiber web which may be formed of various components such as glass fibers. The fiber web can also include additional components such as synthetic fibers, binder components, as well as other additives. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products.

Abstract: Multi-functional and high-performing fabric comprising a first layer of yarns woven to form the fabric wherein the yarns comprise at least one unitary graphene-based continuous graphitic fiber comprising at least 90% by weight of graphene planes that are chemically bonded with one another having an inter-planar spacing d002 from 0.3354 nm to 0.4 nm as determined by X-ray diffraction and an oxygen content less than 5% by weight. A majority of the graphene planes in such a continuous graphitic fiber are parallel to one another and parallel to a fiber axis direction. The graphitic fiber contains no core-shell structure, has no helically arranged graphene domains or domain boundaries, and has a porosity level less than 5% by volume, more typically less than 2%, and most typically less than 1% (practically pore-free).

Abstract: There is proposed a separation method for mixtures of materials, using a cellulose hydrate membrane having a porous double structure which consists of micropores having a diameter in the range from >100 nm to 20 ?m and ultrapores which have a diameter of <100 nm and which are not accessible to Blue Dextran having an average molecular weight Mw of 2 000 000, wherein the fraction of the volume of the ultrapores is more than 15% of the entire pore volume accessible to water, and wherein, in a preferred embodiment, sulfonic acid ligands are bonded to the membrane.

Abstract: A self-regenerating chitosan based filter medium for disinfecting and purifying organic pollutants and other pollutants in a gas or liquid is disclosed herein. Porosity and surface charge of said filter medium is manipulative/tunable by varying one or more of the following parameter(s): concentration of chitosan, crosslinking density, amount of copolymers and additives, freezing temperature, freezing profile, and/or types of crosslinker used. The present filter medium is capable of self-regenerating under exposure to ultra-violet light for sufficient time and removing over 90% of the pollutants from each influent flowing through the filter medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are centrifuge-free self-contained systems for aseptically separating components of whole blood comprising at least one cassette for receiving whole blood; at least one red blood cell exclusion filter; at least one leukocyte reduction filters; at least one platelet exclusion filter; a plurality of product cassettes; and optionally a plurality of pumps and valves; and wherein the filters, pumps, valves, and cassettes are fluidly connected by tubing and the system does not include a centrifuge. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining blood components using the system.

Abstract: Polymer compositions that may be used to form fibers for a fiber web are generally described. In some embodiments, certain properties of the polymer compositions (e.g., molecular weight distribution, melt flow index, melt elasticity, and/or melt toughness) may allow the formation of fiber webs having fine fibers and a relatively low amount of process defects. In some instances, these properties of the polymer composition may be achieved by combining two or more polymer components. Fiber webs formed using the polymer composition may have increased performance and/or better structural characteristics compared to fibers webs formed using a single polymer component.

Abstract: A system is provided that substantially increases the efficiency of CO2 capture and removal by positioning a catalyst within an optimal distance from the air-liquid interface. The catalyst is positioned within the layer determined to be the highest concentration of carbon dioxide. A hydrophobic tether is attached to the catalyst and the hydrophobic tether modulates the position of the catalyst within the liquid layer containing the highest concentration of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: An immiscible lipophilic or hydrophilic liquid phase is separated respectively from a continuous hydrophilic or a lipophilic phase liquid. Fibers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties are formed into a filter. The separation mechanism involves coalescence of the small droplets into larger droplets as the immiscible liquid flows through the fiber filter, and release of the large immiscible droplets from the filter. With respect to separation of a hydrophilic immiscible fluid in a lipophilic continuous fluid, the hydrophobic fibers cause small water droplets to migrate towards the hydrophilic fibers whereby large droplets are formed on hydrophilic surface. The large droplets coalescence until they are so large that they are released and drained off of the filter. The filter media can be designed by mixing hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers in various proportions to achieve an optimum wettability range for separation of the immiscible liquid from the continuous phase liquid.

Abstract: An indefinite form filter medium layer includes filter media configured to capture suspended solids contained in a liquid to be treated and filtering aids configured to allow the suspended solids contained in the liquid to be treated to pass through the filtering aids. The filter media and the filtering aids are mixed together and the liquid to be treated is filtered by being passed through the filter media and the filtering aids as mixed together. A filter device includes the indefinite form filter medium layer and a filter tank configured to accommodate the indefinite form filter medium layer.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a three-dimensional structure from a nonwoven web. The web is made of synthetic polymer filaments. The process comprises subjecting the web to a molding force at a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting temperature of the polymer. The nonwoven web is constructed so as to allow ample elongation of the constituent filaments. The web is preferentially bonded in selected areas. The filaments are only partially drawn during the spinning process, so as to preserve elongation potential. The three-dimensional structures made by the process can be shaped filters, for example for use in beverage capsules.

Abstract: A non-woven low surface energy filter element designed to have improved removal of a dispersed liquid phase from a continuous liquid phase is disclosed.

Abstract: A dialysis cell is provided for the measurement of free thyroxine. The dialysis cell preferably includes a polyhedral housing including a top, a bottom and four sides. The dialysis cell is made up of a buffer portion and serum portion. The buffer portion includes a cavity and the serum portion includes a cavity which, when the buffer portion and serum portion are assembled together, form a central chamber. The central chamber is divided by a vertically aligned dialysis membrane held in place by two O-rings. Buffer is introduced into the dialysis cell's buffer portion through a buffer inlet extending from the dialysis cell's top side to the buffer portion's cavity. Similarly, serum is introduced into the serum portion through an inlet which extends from an opening formed on the dialysis cell's top to the serum portion's cavity.

Abstract: A filter device of the present disclosure includes at least a sheet-shaped fiber structure having a plurality of fibers made of amorphous silicon dioxide, wherein the plurality of fibers are tangled and thus connected together to form voids in the sheet-shaped fiber structure. A filter device of the present disclosure corresponds to an analysis device including: a substrate; a flow path formed on the substrate; and a sheet-shaped fiber structure provided on the inner wall of the flow path, wherein the sheet-shaped fiber structure includes a plurality of fibers made of amorphous silicon dioxide, and the plurality of fibers are tangled and thus connected together to form voids in the sheet-shaped fiber structure.

Abstract: An improved oil filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, comprises a hollow filter housing defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet with a flow path therebetween; a mechanically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path; and a chemically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path. The chemically active filter member comprises a plurality of composite oil additive pellets. The plurality of pellets is interconnected to form a substantially integral permeable member, and the substantially integral permeable member is impregnated with an alkaline composition. The alkaline composition is provided to counteract acidic combustion products in lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of contacting a membrane having a highly cross-linked polydicyclopentadiene matrix with a feed solution having a) a first component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 g mol?1 to about 600 g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of less than about 0.40 nm2 and b) a second component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 to about 600 grams g mol?1 and a cross-sectional area of greater than about 0.50 nm2 so that the feed solution is fractionated into a permeate comprising the first component and a retentate enriched in the second component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a composite semipermerable membrane and a method for producing the same. The composite semipermeable membrane comprises a microporous support membrane and a separation functional layer provided on the microporous support membrane, wherein the separation functional layer contains a condensation product produced by condensation of at least one selected from the group consisting of ions of trialkoxysilanes each having an imidazolium group and a conjugated base of a polymer having at least one acidic group. The composite semipermeable membrane achieves excellent selective separation of divalent ions over monovalent ions, and is suitable for use in various water treatment fields such as seawater desalination and drinking water production.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the manufacture of a porous membrane, said process comprising the following steps: (i) providing a composition [composition (F)] comprising: —at least one fluoropolymer [polymer (F)] comprising recurring units derived from at least one (meth)acrylic monomer (MA) having formula (I) wherein: —R1, R2 and R3, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from a hydrogen atom and a C1-C3 hydrocarbon group, and —RX is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C5 hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one functional group selected from a hydroxyl, a carboxyl, an epoxide, an ester and an ether group, and —at least one poly(alkylene oxide) (PAO); (ii) processing said composition (F) to provide a film; (iii) treating the film so obtained with an aqueous composition to provide said porous membrane.

Abstract: A filter has a filter medium (10) during operation clears fluid, particularly in the form of hydraulic fluid. The filter medium (10) is made of a material such that the potential difference to the fluid to be cleaned is low. The parts of the filter medium (10) have different potentials with respect to each other and/or the fluid to be cleaned such that they cancel each other at least partially, specific dissipation is aspired, or a return of electric charge to the associated filter medium (10) is provided, using a charge equalization situation.

Abstract: A device is provided for filtering particles from a dishwashing fluid in a dishwashing machine, the dishwashing machine having a dishwashing container in which are disposed items to be subjected to the application of a dishwashing liquid thereto such that particles disentrained from the items during the application of a dishwashing liquid are entrained with the dishwashing liquid. The device includes a container operable to retain therein a predetermined quantity of a liquid mixed with at least one of a foam-forming substance and cleaning agents, the container including an arrangement for producing a flow of a gaseous fluid through the predetermined quantity of the liquid so as to generate a foam layer. The foam layer filters out from a dishwashing liquid passed through the foam layer a substantial fraction of particles entrained with the dishwashing liquid and such filtered-out particles are retained in the foam layer.

Abstract: Product, method of making product, and technique for using product to separate oil from water via a filter, such as cotton, polyester, or leather, coated with a chemical that blocks oil while allowing water to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A hybrid porous structured material may include a porous region (that forms a nanopore structure) and a non-porous region. The porous region may form a stacked structure where a plurality of spherical bodies are stacked so as to contact each other in three dimensions. The non-porous region may form a structure that fills a gap between the plurality of spherical bodies of the porous region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating suspended matter from liquid includes a concentrator filter that draws the liquid out of the suspension while the filter kept unblocked by a sparging filter that allows scrubbing of the concentrator filter by gas bubbles. This invention can be used to replace cross-flow filtration and centrifugation in the bioprocess industry and to reduce the volume of suspensions to concentrate the yield of the end product in the chemical industry.