Abstract: A method comprises introducing a fluid composition into one or more electrically insulating emitters, and applying voltage to the fluid to cause ejection of the solvent from the fluid after it exits the emitter. The fluid composition comprises first material having a dielectric constant greater than ˜25 and polymer mixed into liquid solvent having a dielectric constant less than ˜15, or polymer mixed into solvent having a dielectric constant greater than ˜8. Voltage can be applied to the fluid composition via a conductive electrode immersed in the fluid, or positioned outside and adjacent to the emitters. Conductivity of the fluid composition can be less than ˜100 ?S/cm. A composition of matter comprises nanofibers formed by the method.

Abstract: Structures treated with a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising of a water-soluble cationic material having a counter ion associated therewith at specific sites on the cationic material, in combination with a biologically active metal salt, wherein the counter ion associated with the cationic material preferentially precipitates with at least a portion of the cation of the biologically active metal salt such that precipitation of the biologically active metal cation and the counter ion associated with the cationic material occurs in proximity to the cationic material are disclosed herein. The microbiological interception enhancing agent may be incorporated into articles of commerce by treating the starting materials of the structure or by applying the microbiological interception enhancing agent on to at least one surface of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated paper wherein the paper has capabilities and functionalities provided by both the fiber and the active agent ingredients, and a method of immobilizing the active agents within the integrated paper. The tight pore structure of the integrated paper of the present invention, a mean pore diameter of less than about 2 microns, provides short diffusion distances from a fluid to the surface of the paper ingredients by adsorption or diffusive interception making it an excellent medium for fluid filtration. The integrated paper of the present invention can further include a microbiological interception enhancing agent. The integrated paper can be formed using, preferably, wet laid paper-making processes for speed and efficiency. Also disclosed are devices utilizing the integrated paper useful in fluid filtration.

Abstract: An integrated paper having capabilities and functionalities provided by both the fiber and the active agent ingredients, and a method of immobilizing the active agents within the integrated paper. A tight pore structure with a mean pore diameter of less than about 2 microns provides short diffusion distances from a fluid to the surface of the paper ingredients by adsorption or diffusive interception, making it an excellent medium for fluid filtration. A microbiological interception enhancing agent may be added. The integrated paper may be formed using wet laid paper-making processes. Devices utilizing the integrated paper are used in fluid filtration.

Abstract: A process for making fibrillated fibers includes preparing a fluid suspension of fibers, low shear refining the fibers at a first shear rate to create fibrillated fibers having a reduced CSF, and subsequently higher shear refining the fibers at a second shear rate, higher than the first shear rate, to increase the degree of fibrillation of the fibers. The refining at the first shear rate may be with a rotor at a first maximum shear rate and the refining at the second shear rate may be with a rotor at a second maximum shear rate, higher than the first maximum shear rate. The process may further include pre-treating the fibers by high shear refining with impact to stress the fibers prior to low shear refining.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having two distinct filter media for filtering circulating fluid in a circulation system. A portion of the fluid entering the filter passes through a first filter media, while a reduced portion of the fluid entering the filter passes through a second filter media. The second filter media accumulates contaminants and suspended particles from the circulating fluid. The filter media is capable of including at least one additive for treating the circulating fluid. Due to the reduced volumetric fluid flow through the second filter media, the additive can be slowly administered to the circulating fluid over a long period of time. The two filter media may be housed in a dual-canister, where the second filter media may be removed and replaced without removing the first filter media.

Abstract: A process for making fibrillated fibers includes preparing a fluid suspension of fibers, low shear refining the fibers at a first shear rate to create fibrillated fibers having a reduced CSF, and subsequently higher shear refining the fibers at a second shear rate, higher than the first shear rate, to increase the degree of fibrillation of the fibers. The refining at the first shear rate may be with a rotor at a first maximum shear rate and the refining at the second shear rate may be with a rotor at a second maximum shear rate, higher than the first maximum shear rate. The process may further include pre-treating the fibers by high shear refining with impact to stress the fibers prior to low shear refining.

Abstract: A process for making nanofibers includes preparing a fluid suspension of fibers, shear refining the fibers to create fibrillated fibers, and subsequently closed channel refining or homogenizing the fibrillated fibers to detach nanofibers from the fibrillated fibers. The shear refining of the fibers in the fluid suspension generates fiber cores having attached nanofibers. The closed channel refining or homogenizing of the fibrillated fibers is initially at a first shear rate and, subsequently, at a second, higher shear rate, to detach nanofibers from fiber cores and to create additional nanofibers from the fiber cores. The fiber suspension may flow continuously from the shear refining to the closed channel refining or homogenizing, and include controlling the rate of flow of the fiber suspension from the shear refining to the closed channel refining or homogenizing.

Abstract: A filter housing having radial sealing means is disclosed herein. Push-button actuated clamps can be used to attach the head to the sump for easy opening and closing the filter housing when replacing the filter cartridge. The filter housing of the present invention provides simplified filter cartridge changes to minimize process downtime and without recourse to tools.

Abstract: Carbon or activated carbon nanofibers are made from fibrillated nanofibers having a Canadian Standard Freeness of less than about 100, and/or a fiber diameter of less than or equal to about 400 nm. BET surface areas are greater than about 800 m2/g The fibrillated nanofibers can be made into a precursor paper and subjected to heat treatment to form carbon or activated carbon nanofiber sheets. A method of making is disclosed wherein carbonization occurs at a temperature of less than about 600° C. Activation occurs at temperatures greater than about 875° C. in less than or equal to about 30 minutes in an oxidizing atmosphere. Single step carbonization and activation in an oxidizing atmosphere is also disclosed. The carbon nanofibers or structures made therefrom are useful as filter media providing efficient adsorption and interception of microbiological contaminants due to the microporous carbon nanofiber structure.

Abstract: Structures treated with a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising of a water-soluble cationic material having a counter ion associated therewith at specific sites on the cationic material, in combination with a biologically active metal salt, wherein the counter ion associated with the cationic material preferentially precipitates with at least a portion of the cation of the biologically active metal salt such that precipitation of the biologically active metal cation and the counter ion associated with the cationic material occurs in proximity to the cationic material are disclosed herein. The microbiological interception enhancing agent may be incorporated into articles of commerce by treating the starting materials of the structure or by applying the microbiological interception enhancing agent on to at least one surface of the article.

Abstract: A tangential air filter configuration is designed for applications where there is a potential for a pollutant to back flush out. The tangential in-line air filter reduces air resistance and prevents back flow, allowing the air to traverse through a forced air system during operation without resistance, and absorbs particulates and prevents back flow of fuel vapors when the forced air is at a standstill. The filter medium has a plurality of pleats or corrugations with a longitudinal axis parallel to the forced airflow direction. A diffusion barrier is formed when the forced air is at a standstill. Vapors are not passed or forced through the filter medium; rather pollutants are aggressively absorbed during diffusion.

Abstract: A fiber-fiber composite is disclosed herein comprising majority fibers and minority fibers, the minority fibers having a softening point lower than said majority fibers such that when the admixture of majority fibers and minority fibers are wet laid to form a paper-like structure and subjected to a pressure and a temperature above the softening point of said minority fibers, said majority fibers and minority fibers form said composite having a mean pore diameter equal to or less than about 1 ?m with a porosity of greater than about 35%, and a wet strength of greater than about 0.013 kg/mm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filtration system including filter media that use diffusion as a method of particulate reduction that balances the contact time required for a desirable level of interception and filter performance. The filter system of the present invention includes a filter medium that removes particulate contaminants by diffusion, means for providing sufficient contact time for an influent to contact the filter medium such that the filter medium can intercept sub-micron particulates at an average flow rate below that of an on-demand or instantaneous flow rate; and a storage buffer for providing a filtered effluent at a rate independent of the average flow rate required to achieve adequate particulate reduction through the filter medium.

Abstract: There is provided a composite comprising a bonded mixture of a binder and active ingredients such as spill control agents, odor control agents, anti-microbial agents, and biologically active agents. The mixture is applied to and fused and/or coalesced with a first substrate, preferably an nonwoven material that is fluid permeable or impermeable. The composite preferably contains a second substrate, preferably a nonwoven material, placed on top of the mixture that is fused to and/or coalesced with the mixture. Preferably, the composite adsorbs and/or absorbs moisture, liquids, and/or odors, and can provide an anti-microbial effect. The composite can be used to line an outer or inner functional surface such as a shelf, a drawer, a cabinet, a refrigerator, trash receptacle, shipping container, or as a backing for other surfaces such as carpeting, fabric, upholstery, drapes, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a pressure limiting valve for preventing transmission of elevated pressure to components downstream of the apparatus. Preferably, the pressure limiting valve is used in combination with a flow regulating device that maintains a substantially steady flow rate through the apparatus even when subject to a wide range of applied pressure. The apparatus of the present invention is preferably suitable for use with filter systems wherein the pressure limiting valve is placed upstream of filter components that have limited burst and fatigue life capabilities. By isolating the downstream filter components from pressures that are greater than the target pressure range for a given application, the filter components can be designed to operate at much lower pressure, can be produced at a smaller size, and at a reduced cost.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.