Abstract: A kitchen appliance has a compressible filter media block for removing odor-causing contaminants from cooking fumes. The sintered-fiber media exhibits low pressure drop and high flow rate. Embedded sorbent particles are adhered to the media block, preferably via sintering, thus leaving a substantial proportion of adsorbent surface area exposed for filtration purposes. The media block can be elastic or viscoelastic making it useful in retrofit applications for use in filtration circuits not originally designed to accommodate a filter. In preferred embodiments, the media block is composed of sintered plastic fibers wherein the sorbent particles are adhered thereto via sintering.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance has a compressible filter media block for removing odor-causing contaminants from cooking fumes. The sintered-fiber media exhibits low pressure drop and high flow rate. Embedded sorbent particles are adhered to the media block, preferably via sintering, thus leaving a substantial proportion of adsorbent surface area exposed for filtration purposes. The media block can be elastic or viscoelastic making it useful in retrofit applications for use in filtration circuits not originally designed to accommodate a filter. In preferred embodiments, the media block is composed of sintered plastic fibers wherein the sorbent particles are adhered thereto via sintering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to melamine resins having incorporated therein one or more antimicrobial agents capable of providing permanent antimicrobial properties to the resin. The melamine resin is compounded with the antimicrobial as a finely divided powder diluted in a liquid forming a dispersion. The compounded melamine resin is useful for making melamine based decorative laminates used floorings, countertops, dinnerware and other applications wherein a tough, mar resistant surface having bactericidal properties is required.

Abstract: A melamine laminate article, having incorporated therein an isothjazolone antimicrobial agent, is formed by a high-pressure manufacturing process. The melamine resin is compounded with the antimicrobial as a finely divided powder diluted in a liquid forming a dispersion.

Abstract: An acrylic material having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth includes an acrylic polymer and an antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The acrylic polymer is a conventional acrylonitrile compound. The antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the acrylic polymer. When the acrylic material is formed using conventional techniques, the antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the acrylic polymer using a solubilizing agent carrier, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the acrylic polymer. The antimicrobial additive in the acrylic material, incorporated in the manner above, results in substantive controlled migration from within the acrylic material to the surface of the acrylic material, until a point of equilibrium is reached.

Abstract: A brush having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth. The antimicrobial agents, compounds or chemicals are embedded in either the body or bristles or both of the brush. Further, the present invention is a method of manufacturing a brush having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth. An antimicrobial additive is incorporated in resin concentrate form into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polymer from which brush handles are injection molded, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the brush handle. The antimicrobial additive in the body of the brush, incorporated in the manner above, results in substantive controlled migration from the body to the bristles, until a point of equilibrium is reached. The invention is suitable for any brush in which bristles are embedded in plastic, including toothbrushes, hair brushes, scrub brushes, toilet bowl brushes, cosmetic brushes, lip-color brushes, etc.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth includes a polyester resin composition and an antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The polyester resin composition includes a polyester resin, high modulus fiber reinforcements, a curing catalyst and a polyester resin gelcoat. The antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polyester resin composition. A method for forming the FRP composite having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth is also disclosed. The antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polyester resin composition using a solubilizing agent carrier system, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the FRP composite.

Abstract: A conveyor belting comprising a plurality of like modules having a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent associated therewith, is described. The modules are of an integral molded construction and the antimicrobial agent is preferably a chlorinated phenoxy incorporated into the polymeric material comprising the modules. The belting of the present invention is particularly useful for conveying and transporting foods including food processing and food handling applications.