Abstract: There is provided a method for maintaining, improving or reducing the decline of vitality among participants, having the steps of establishing a normal state for each participant using non-clinical baseline capacity measures, recommending non-clinical body, mind and spirit activities for the participant, practicing the activities by the participant, monitoring progress and providing regular feedback. This will result in vitality in at least one area being maintained, improved or reduced in decline.

Abstract: There is provided a method for promoting hygiene and reducing illness in a resident care location. The method collects data from a resident care location by testing common areas and personal areas within the resident care location, uses data specific to each resident, uses this data to develop tasks for the caregiver(s), measures and scores compliance with the tasks, and provides feedback for improved compliance with the tasks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration device. The invention employs filter media wrapped into spirals about an apertured core. Fluid may flow radially inward or radially outward during filtration. Embodiments using multiple filter media and embodiments achieving a low pressure drop are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device has a housing with a mounting mechanism disposed at the forward end and on the top surface of the housing. A fluid inlet is defined through the housing top surface, and at least one fluid outlet is defined through the housing bottom surface. A valve member is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least one filter is disposed longitudinally within a portion of the housing rearward of the mounting mechanism. The filter is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and may be removable from the rear of the housing. An actuator extends from the forward end of the housing and is connected with the valve member through the housing. The actuator moves the valve member between a filtered and unfiltered position. In the filtered position, fluid is directed from the fluid inlet and through the rear portion of the housing containing the filter.

Abstract: Novel skin cleansing formulations are disclosed herein. The formulations comprise an anionic particles, microfibers, or compounds which dislodge contaminants from skin through electrostatic interactions. The anionic particles, compounds, or microfibers can easily be incorporated into various products for improved skin cleaning and removal of the contaminant from the skin. The anionic particles do not necessarily kill microbes on the skin, but dislodge them from the skin surface such that they and other contaminants can easily be removed away from the skin by a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid dispenser. The flow of either filter or unfiltered fluid may be selected by positioning an actuator that also contains the filter. Selection is accomplished by positioning the actuator within two planes that are not coincident, or by positioning the actuator along a single axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtered fluid dispensing system. The invention may replace the sprayer provided with the faucet assembly of a conventional sink and may, in certain embodiments, be adapted to selectively dispense filtered and unfiltered fluid.

Abstract: An integrated filter for removing impurities from a fluid stream. The filter includes a first element adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by physical adsorption, and a second element adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by electrokinetic adsorption. Either or both of the first element and the second element further may be adapted to remove at least some of the impurities by sieving. The first element generally may be composed of loose particles or granules, or the first element may be composed of a porous block of an adsorbent, wherein the block is permeable to fluids and has interconnected pores therethrough. The second element generally is composed of a porous, charge-modified fibrous web which includes fibers prepared from a thermoplastic polymer. For example, the thermoplastic polymer may be a polyolefin. As another example, the porous, charge-modified fibrous web may be a nonwoven web, such as a meltblown or microfiber glass web.