Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium comprising a microporous structure having a mean flow path of less than about 2 microns and made of an array of active particles. At least a portion of the surface of microporous structure has formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic material in combination with a biologically active metal. A microbiological interception enhanced filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: A composite filter medium for removing at least 99.95 percent of particulates of a size in the 3 to 4 micron range and dissolved chemical contaminants from a fluid and filters of various configurations employing the composite filter medium are disclosed. The composite filter medium comprises an adsorbent layer containing an adsorbent agent and a hydrophilic particulate intercepting layer disposed adjacent to the adsorbent layer. The composite medium has a mean flow pore diameter of about 1 to 10 microns, a bubble point of about 3 to 15 microns and an air permeability of about 0.5 to 7 liters per minute/cm2 with a pressure drop of about 0.1 bar.

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: Thin, flexible composite materials, which are magnetic or magnetizable and processes for producing and using the materials. The composite material contains a laminate formed from a mixture of magnetic or magnetizable particles, binder particles (and optionally active particles), applied to and fused and/or coalesced with a first substrate. The composite preferably contains an additional second substrate fused to and/or coalesced with, the laminate on the side of the laminate opposite that of the first substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an oxygen containing gas (generally air) and/or water in an appliance such as a refrigerator washing machine, dryer or dishwasher with ozone so as to disinfect the water used within the appliance and use the ozone in the air to disinfect the interior space and the contents of the appliance. Arrangements may be made to provide disinfected water on demand. The ozone containing gas is provided when needed, or in the case of a refrigerator, at a time of the day when the refrigerator is not generally in use. The generator may include a source of ultraviolet radiation, a plenum for the air and a plenum for the water. The plenum for the water may be in the form of a tube which is transparent to ultraviolet. The diameter of the tube is preferably selected so that plug flow of water through the tube occurs. The ozone containing air and the disinfected water may be provided to a location remote from the appliance.

Abstract: A composite filter medium for removing at least 99.95 percent of particulates of a size in the 3 to 4 micron range and dissolved chemical contaminants from a fluid and filters of various configurations employing the composite filter medium are disclosed. The composite filter medium comprises an adsorbent layer containing an adsorbent agent and a hydrophilic particulate intercepting layer disposed adjacent to the adsorbent layer. The composite medium has a mean flow pore diameter of about 1 to 10 microns, a bubble point of about 3 to 15 microns and an air permeability of about 0.5 to 7 liters per minute/cm2 with a pressure drop of about 0.1 bar.

Abstract: There is provided composite media and a method of producing them. The composite media contain a coalesced composite mixture of particles of an active ingredient and binder particles. The binder particles preferably also fuse the composite structure to front and back substrates. The composite media also have stabilizing particles that fuse with both the particles of an active ingredient and the substrates, thereby forming a composite medium according to the present invention.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent composite is disclosed. The composite comprising a first substrate and a laminate or bonded mixture, the laminate or bonded mixture comprising a mixture of binder particles and super-absorbent polymer particles, wherein the binder particles are on average smaller than the super-absorbent polymer particles, wherein at least some of the binder particles coalesce at least some of the bonded mixture to the substrate, wherein at least some of the bonded mixture forms a three-dimensional array of elongated channels upon contact with a liquid.

Abstract: A composite filter medium for removing at least 99.95 percent of particulates of a size in the 3 to 4 micron range and dissolved chemical contaminants from a fluid and filters of various configurations employing the composite filter medium are disclosed. The composite filter medium comprises an adsorbent layer containing an adsorbent agent and a hydrophilic particulate intercepting layer disposed adjacent to the adsorbent layer. The composite medium has a mean flow pore diameter of about 1 to 10 microns, a bubble point of about 3 to 15 microns and an air permeability of about 0.5 to 7 liters per minute/cm2 with a pressure drop of about 0.1 bar.

Abstract: An extruded, thin-walled activated carbon filter tube having a wall thickness of about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) or less and an average dry density sufficient to remove at least about 99.5% of sub-micron particles from a liquid filtered through said tube.

Abstract: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter; the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: There is provided a beverage maker having a device that removes contaminants from a liquid, which is removably supported within a compartment for ingredients. The device is preferably a filter that is surrounded by a supporting member, which supports the device within the compartment. The supporting member around the device may have a plurality of outwardly-protruding extensions that support the device by fitting against the sidewall of the compartment. A method and a system for such a device are also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible fluid filter is disclosed. The filter comprises, in part, a filter medium for filtering impurities from a fluid and a lower rim sealably disposed around the filter medium. The filter further includes an upper rim and a fluid impervious collapsible wall connected between the upper and lower rims. The filter medium, the lower rim, the collapsible wall and the upper rim define a fluid containing reservoir. The collapsible wall of the filter can be collapsed between the upper and lower rims so as to minimize the volume occupied by the fluid containing reservoir and by the filter for storage purposes and can be expanded between the upper and lower rims so as to maximize the volume occupied by the fluid containing reservoir and by the filter generally during use.

Abstract: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the production and reactivation of activated carbon comprising the passing of a substrate through one or more zones defined by electrodes. Electrical energy passing through the bed of substrate creates heat that supports the devolatilization and activation of the substrate. Steam, carbon dioxide, or an alternative gas can be used to support the activation process, while other zones can be filled with inert gas such as nitrogen to promote pyrolysis reactions. Preferably, these gases pass through the bed in a co-current downward flow with the carbon to prevent fluidization and arcing within the bed.

Abstract: An electrode is made by depositing a mixture of particulate carbon and very fine thermoplastic binder on the surface of a fluid permeable dielectric web. The coated web is then passed between a pair of rollers that apply heat to at least the Vicat softening point of the binder and simultaneously apply pressure to fuse the carbon and binder to the web. Two of such electrodes are employed to manufacture a flow-through capacitor suitable for use in water treatment.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent pad has incorporated therein a plurality of liquid-absorbent laminated segments. The segments include super-absorbent particles. The segments are separated from one another and liquid dams between them prevent water-swollen particles from migrating throughout the pad. The dams may be formed by welding, adhesives, or by other means.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the production and reactivation of activated carbon comprising the passing of a substrate through one or more zones defined by electrodes. Electrical energy passing through the bed of substrate creates heat that supports the devolatilization and activation of the substrate. Steam, carbon dioxide, or an alternative gas can be used to support the activation process, while other zones can be filled with inert gas such as nitrogen to promote pyrolysis reactions. Preferably, these gases pass through the bed in a co-current downward flow with the carbon to prevent fluidization and arcing within the bed.

Abstract: An extruded, thin-walled activated carbon filter tube having a wall thickness of about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) or less and an average dry density sufficient to remove at least about 99.5% of sub-micron particles from a liquid filtered through said tube.

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a base and a disposable, plug-in cartridge. The cartridge contains a pair of hollow cylindrical, porous, solid water treatment elements designed to treat water flowing radially through their walls. The cylindrical elements are mounted so as to act in parallel, thereby achieving the advantages of a long, thin-walled element in a compact configuration.