Abstract: A filter block may comprise activated carbon filter particles without metallic biocides. The activated carbon filter particles may have a median particle size of less than or equal to about 90 microns and having a particle span of less than or equal to about 1.7. The filter block may have a permeability of greater than about 3.0×10?9 cm2 and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs. A portion of the activated carbon filter particles may be coated with a cationic polymer. Another filter block may comprise mesoporous activated carbon filter particles without metallic biocides, wherein the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles may have a median particle size of less than or equal to about 104 ?m and a particle span of less than or equal to about 2.05, and wherein at least a portion of the filter particles may be coated with a cationic polymer. The filter block may have a permeability of greater than about 2.0×10?9 cm2 and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs.

Abstract: A method for killing microorganisms in water, by passing an aqueous feed solution comprising of water containing some form of halide salt into a non-membrane electrolysis cell comprising an anode and a cathode, adjacent to the anode, while flowing electrical current between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze the aqueous feed solution and convert the halide salt to anti-microbial mixed oxidants.

Abstract: An expanded polymeric web includes between about 0.1 and about 70 weight percent of a compound comprising nanoparticles. The expanded polymeric web includes between about 30 and about 99.9 weight percent of a generally melt processable polymer. The web also includes between about 0.0 and about 50 weight percent of a compatibilizer. The expanded polymeric web comprises a first region and a second region, the first region undergoing a substantially molecular deformation and the second region initially undergoing a substantially geometric deformation when the polymeric web is subjected to an applied elongation along at least one axis, and wherein the expanded polymeric web has a greater propagation tear resistance than an expanded polymeric web of the melt processable polymer alone.

Abstract: An expanded polymeric web includes between about 0.1 and about 70 weight percent of a compound comprising nanoparticles. The expanded polymeric web includes between about 30 and about 99.9 weight percent of a generally melt processable polymer. The web also includes between about 0.0 and about 50 weight percent of a compatibilizer. The expanded polymeric web has a 2% machine direction web modulus that is greater than the 2% machine direction web modulus of the expanded polymeric web of the melt processable polymer alone.

Abstract: An expanded polymeric web includes between about 0.1 and about 70 weight percent of a compound comprising nanoparticles. The expanded polymeric web includes between about 30 and about 99.9 weight percent of a generally melt processable polymer. The web also includes between about 0.0 and about 50 weight percent of a compatibilizer. The expanded polymeric web has an air permeability that is greater than the air permeability of an expanded polymeric web of the melt processable polymer alone.

Abstract: A filter for producing potable water filter comprises a housing including a water inlet and a water outlet, and a filter material arranged within the housing. The filter material comprises activated carbon particles, and a plurality of carbon nanofilaments disposed on the surface of the activated carbon particles. The filter is operable to provide potable water by removing contaminants from a liquid water stream flowing from the water inlet to the water outlet of the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides fail-safe mechanisms for final filters. The fail-safe mechanisms of the present disclosure include a prefilter that is essentially transparent or translucent to TOC contaminants and a microporous filter downstream from the prefilter that filters contaminants by means of size-exclusion, mechanical interception, coagulation, or a combination thereof, the filter being adapted to significantly reduce fluid flow and undergo blockage under a challenge by TOC contaminants.

Abstract: A fluid container for dispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid container includes a first chamber for containing a first fluid and an additive dispensing system. The first chamber is configured such that the first fluid may be dispensed from the first chamber. The additive dispensing system selectively operable to dispense an amount of additive and is not in fluid communication with the first chamber.

Abstract: A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.

Abstract: A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.

Abstract: A filter block having a permeability of greater than about 3.0*10?9 cm2, and a F-VLR of greater than about 99% is provided. The filter block may be made of filter particles having a median particle size of less than about 50 microns and having a particle span of about 1.4 or less. The filter blocks of the present invention can be used to make a filter for filtering liquids and more specifically, for providing potable water. The filter particles may be mesoporous. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, and microbials are also provided.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: A shutoff may comprise an engine for moving from a first position to a second position, and a casing for containing the engine. The shutoff may also comprise a valve. The engine may comprise a highly water swellable material. The casing may comprise at least one flow port. The engine may expand from said first position to said second position after a predetermined amount of time when contacted with water. The flow port may become at least substantially blocked, directly or indirectly, by the engine when the engine is in said second position. The engine may be used in a water treatment cartridge, and/or may be used to indicate the life status of a water treatment cartridge.