Abstract: Fiber structures and methods are described that incorporate a body of a micron fiber modified by the attachment of discrete length, crimped nano-fibers. Numerous of these modified fiber structures can be assembled into air filter media. Further augmentations of the modified fibers and media can be implemented to improve filtration characteristics.

Abstract: Fiber structures and methods are described that incorporate a body of a micron fiber modified by the attachment of discrete length, crimped nano-fibers. Numerous of these modified fiber structures can be assembled into air filter media. Further augmentations of the modified fibers and media can be implemented to improve filtration characteristics.

Abstract: A mounting system for filtration media including an elongated channel member which supports at least one end of the filtration media. The channel member includes first, second, third, and fourth wall members. One end of the first wall member is preferably bent inwardly and has a plurality of engagement points formed therein which are created by forming cut-outs in the first wall member. Preferably, the fourth wall member extends at an acute angle from the third member with the first and fourth wall members defining an opening therebetween into which the filtration media is inserted for support.

Abstract: The filter system for filtering particulate material from a generally unidirectional fluid stream comprises a first filter removably positioned in the fluid stream and a second filter removably positioned in the fluid stream downstream of the first filter. The first filter comprises a pre-filter and includes a layer of fluid-permeable material having a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending completely therethrough. The method of utilizing the fluid filter system of this invention is also disclosed and comprises the steps of: (1) removably positioning a first filter in the fluid stream; and (2) removably positioning a fluid-permeable second filter in the fluid stream downstream of the first filter.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting system for filtration media including first and second upstanding panel members having vertically disposed support rails provided at their forward ends. A plurality of filtration media support frames, which have an adjustable V-shape, are mounted on the support rails between the panel members.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a first batting of high loft, non-woven, fibrous fluid-permeable material with a plurality of openings formed through the thickness thereof across the length and width of the batting. A second layer of high loft, non-woven, fluid-permeable fibrous batting is attached to the first layer and extends across the entire length and width of the first layer. Preferably, the first and second layers are adhered together to form a single integral fluid filter. In the preferred form of the invention, the openings in the first batting have side walls which are perpendicular to the upper surface of the batting, such that fluid flow impacts on the upper surface of the batting, rather than directly impacting on the side walls.

Abstract: An in-line index printing system includes a sensor that determines the average density value of a photographic frame, a programmable light source and a video camera. The average density value calculated by the sensor is used to set the current levels supplied to a set of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce light that compensates for the exposure and color characteristics of the photographic frame. The film is illuminated by the light produced by the programmable light source and the video camera captures an image of a frame on the film. The image is digitized, and stored in a memory of a computer where it can be manipulated, if desired to enhance the color. The images from the frames can be printed on a color laser printer, a CRT printer, or transmitted over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A pillow with advertising collar includes an elongated pillow having enlarged ends and a smaller diameter central portion with a generally cylindrical collar encircling the central portion and having printed indicia on an outward face thereof. The collar has a diameter greater than the central portion but less than the ends of the pillows, thereby retaining the collar in position on the pillow.

Abstract: A combination chair and walker comprises a frame having laterally spaced apart front legs and rear legs spaced rearwardly thereof for movement over a floor in a stable, upright configuration. A seat has a forward edge spaced rearwardly of the front legs and defining an open space extending rearwardly of the front legs for accommodating a person's legs while in a standing, walking and sitting position. A mechanism, adjustably attached to the frame and selectively positionable, supports at least one of a person's side and arms. A frontal cross bar extends laterally between the adjustable side and arm support mechanism, the cross bar having one end portion pivotally connected to one side of the adjustable side and arm support mechanism to permit ingress and egress of the person from a front side of the chair/walker. A crotch strap is attached to the frame and extends between a person's legs into the open space, the strap being releasably attachable to the frontal cross bar while in a closed position.

Abstract: A combination chair and walker comprises a primary frame and a bottom frame. The primary frame having laterally spaced apart primary front and rear legs spaced rearwardly thereof. The primary frame releasably attached to the bottom frame. The bottom frame comprising an auxiliary frame extending laterally from the primary front and rear legs. The auxiliary frame has auxiliary front and auxiliary rear legs. The primary front and auxiliary rear legs provide for movement over a floor in a stable, upright configuration. The auxiliary front legs extend close to the floor to provide added stability to prevent a person from tipping the chair/walker.

Abstract: A pillow filling apparatus includes an enclosed housing having an inlet chute for receiving polyester fiber material used as stuffing for the pillow. A pair of pincher rollers feed the fiber material into the housing, and a large fine-toothed roller is mounted adjacent the pinchers such that roller teeth pull and loosen fibers being fed by the pinchers. The large roller rotates at a speed great enough to throw the fibers from the roller into an air chamber. A fan is mounted to one side wall of the housing and produces an air current which is introduced into the air chamber of the housing through an inlet portal and exits the housing through an outlet portal. Fibers thrown by the roller into the air chamber are carried by the air current out of the housing through the outlet portal. A pillow tick is located at the outlet portal of the housing to receive the loosened and fluffed fiber materials.

Abstract: A comforter assembly apparatus includes a frame with first and second rolls of fabric associated therewith for supplying an upper sheet and a lower sheet to the apparatus. A pair of sewing machines are mounted on the frame so as to attach the side edges of the upper and lower sheets together to form a continuous fabric assembly. The fabric assembly surrounds, and is pulled through the interior of, a turning ring, so as to continuously invert the fabric assembly into an inside-out condition. A third layer of soft batting may be supplied to the fabric assembly to form a intermediate layer between the upper and lower sheets, by inserting the soft batting layer into the turning ring as the fabric assembly is inverted. In the preferred embodiment, the turning ring is an elongated ring having a leg projecting from each end thereof between a pair of feed rollers.