Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: A plasma- or serum-collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering device for taking a filtrate sample from liquid matter containing solid particles. The filtering device comprises two filter parts and at least one filtering slot between the filter parts. The filter parts are adapted to move in relation to each other in such a manner that the width of the filtering slot changes when the filter parts move in relation to each other. When taking a sample from a process, the filtering slot between the filter parts is at its smallest, and it is adapted to filter the sample while the liquid matter being measured flows from the process to the measurement. When rinsing the filtering device against the sampling direction, the filter parts are adapted to move away from each other, whereby the filtering slot widens.

Abstract: A non-woven melt-blown filament medium includes a mass of essentially continuous melt-blown polymer filaments and an essentially continuous traversing melt-blown polymer filament extending through the mass. The mass has a depth dimension, a longitudinal dimension, and a latitudinal dimension. The mass includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers being generally oriented in the longitudinal and latitudinal dimensions. The traversing filament is generally oriented in the depth dimension and extends through at least one layer of the mass. In one embodiment, the mass is cylindrical in shape and the layers comprise concentric zones. The traversing filament is intentionally deposited and positioned to improve the physical properties of the mass.

Abstract: The present invention includes a membrane construction for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The membrane construction includes a multi-layer fluid impermeable support sheet having a plurality of supports on at least one side of the support sheet that form a plurality of flow channels. At least one layer of the multi-layer support sheet is a bonding layer. A fluid permeable layer extends over the flow channels and is bonded to the plurality of the supports by the bonding layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-microbial porous part based on a polymeric material grafted at the surface and in its volume with ammonium motifs with anti-microbial and/or bactericidal and/or fungicide activity, preferably benzalkonium. The invention is characterized in that it has a porosity sufficiently high to enable a liquid with compatible viscosity to pass through its structure and sufficiently low to trap contaminating germs within said structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biaxially stretched, laminated, white microporous polyester film, which can be used in a wide range of industrial applications including printing, imaging, advertising and display. The film of the present invention comprises a porous polyester resin layer B containing a thermoplastic resin non-compatible with polyester; a polyester resin-based photic layer A formed on one surface of the resin layer B, the photic layer A having a 60-degree gloss of the surface thereof of more than 100%; and an aphotic layer C formed on the other surface of the resin layer B, the aphotic layer C having a 60-degree gloss of the surface thereof of less than 50%. The total density of the photic layer A and the aphotic layer C is 0.55–1.2 g/cm3. This film has excellent gloss and flexibility so that it is very suitable for use in printing and imaging.

Abstract: Filters, more particularly to multifunctional filters that are capable of removing as well as adding components to a filtered material are provided by the present invention. In addition to a multifunctional filter, the present invention relates to the use of such a multifunctional filter in an apparatus, to process a filtrate and to the filtrate produced by the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A non-woven depth filter cartridge includes a cylindrical mass of essentially continuous melt-blown polymer filaments and an essentially continuous traversing melt-blown polymer filament extending through the mass. The mass has a depth dimension, a longitudinal dimension, and a circumferential dimension. The mass includes a plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers being generally oriented in the longitudinal and circumferential dimensions. The traversing filament is generally oriented in the depth dimension and extends through one or more layers of the mass. In one embodiment, the layers of the mass comprise concentric zones. The traversing filament is intentionally deposited and positioned to improve the physical properties of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite membrane (1) consisting of a flat support body (2) comprising relative big through flow holes (3) and on which at least one separating layer is applied as a membrane layer (4) having a given number of pores and pore sizes. In order to regulate the temperature of the support body, said support body (2) is connected to a device (5) that can be regulated by a regulating device (S) with the purpose of supplying a predetermined energy to the support body (2) and/or diverting energy from the support body (2). The membrane layer (4) is applied on the support body (2) in a heat-conductive manner so that any change in the temperature of the support body provokes a change in the temperature of the membrane layer.

Abstract: A water treatment and recycling system to provide grey water and crystal clear water to a stone processing system including crystal clear water stone fabrication equipment requiring crystal clear water and grey water stone fabrication equipment capable of using grey water. The system includes a waste water storage tank connected from the waste water discharge ports of the crystal clear water and grey water stone fabrication equipment, a grey water supply loop for pumping waste water from the waste water storage tank as grey water to the grey water stone fabrication equipment and a crystal clear water supply loop for pumping waste water through a high pressure filter to convert the waste water into the crystal clear water, and a crystal clear water supply pump for pumping crystal clear water to crystal clear water stone fabrication equipment. The high pressure filter includes a frame holding a filter stack.

Abstract: A filter device has a filter housing, which is intended to contain a liquid to be filtered and in which at least one filter rod is arranged. The filter rod is composed of annular washers, which are arranged in a stack on a core formed with openings and which are so closely packed that particles in the liquid adhere to the periphery of the washers when the liquid is caused, from the outside, to pass between the washers into the core for filtration. The filter device has a gas supply member, which is intended to inject a gas flow into the liquid in the filter housing. In a method of cleaning a filter rod for filtering a particle-containing liquid in such a filter device, a gas flow is injected into the liquid in the filter housing so that a particle sock, which is formed on said filter rod of particles in the liquid, is detached from the filter rod and disintegrated.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the invention includes filter sticks housed within a pressure vessel. Each filter stick includes a plurality of filter disks stacked about a fluid-pervious tube with a hollow core and retained about the tube by a retainer at each end. The filter sticks are disposed within a first compartment having fluid to be filtered with the hollow core of the tube in fluid communication with a second compartment for filtrate. A compression regulator, which is responsive to pressure within the compartment, is linked to at least one of the retainers so as to control relative movement between the retainers, which controls compression of the disks and interstitial space for fluid to flow therebetween. In use, automated compression control of the disks compensates for the effect of particle build-up in the filter, which would otherwise decrease the rate of flow through the filter.

Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.

Abstract: Blood is purified by removing the whole blood from a patient and feeding the blood into a manifold in a centrifuge. A purifying chamber is formed in the centrifuge from a plurality of co-arcuately arranged modules. The blood is supplied from the manifold to each of the modules. Each module contains a stack of dialysate membranes. Fresh dialysate is fed into the manifold and then to each of the modules. Under centrifugal force the cells are separated from the plasma. The plasma is purified by removing contaminants as a result of the action of the dialysate and membranes. The purified blood is returned to the patient by being fed back to the manifold and then to the patient. The used dialysate/contaminants are fed from the modules back to the manifold and out of the centrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrophilic charged microporous membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a coating comprising a charge-providing agent. The present invention further provides a hydrophilic charged membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a hydrophilic charge-providing agent distributed within the substrate. The present invention further provides a filter as well as a filter device comprising the inventive hydrophilic charged membrane. The present invention further provides a process for treating a fluid containing bacterial contaminants such as endotoxins comprising contacting the membrane with the fluid to provide a bacterial contaminant depleted fluid.

Abstract: A filter and housing (10) for waste water treatment includes a housing (10) having a plurality of coaxially mounted vertically extending sections adaptable to receive a filter cartridge therein. An upper section (12) is provided with an outlet consisting of at least two coaxially aligned rings (22) of preselected diameters wherein the thickness of the rings and the spacing between the rings is sufficient to receive waste water treatment outlets of different diameters. The filter cartridge is comprised of a stacked arrangement of a plurality of disc-dam units (32) wherein each disc-dam unit (32) is provided with a serpentine configured first dam (46), the first dam extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc-dam unit, the first dam having terminating ends spaced at outer terminating edges (34a, 34b) of the disc dam unit to define a cord segment therebetween. The terminating ends are connected by a second dam (46) having a height less than the first dam.

Abstract: Sulfonamide polymer matrices and their various uses are disclosed. Among the uses is the configuration of the matrix with a porous support membrane to form a semipermeable membrane of the invention. The matrix of the invention is ultrathin, dense and substantially free of defects. The matrix configuration as the semipermeable membrane shows improved permeate flux and retention values.

Abstract: A nanoporous reactive adsorbent incorporates a relatively small number of relatively larger reactant, e.g., metal, enzyme, etc., particles (10) forming a discontinuous or continuous phase interspersed among and surrounded by a continuous phase of smaller adsorbent particles (12) and connected interstitial pores (14) therebetween. The reactive adsorbent can effectively remove inorganic or organic impurities in a liquid by causing the liquid to flow through the adsorbent. For example, silver ions may be adsorbed by the adsorbent particles (12) and reduced to metallic silver by reducing metal, such as ions, as the reactant particles (10). The column can be regenerated by backwashing with the liquid effluent containing, for example, acetic acid.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane which satisfies the following relationship when seawater at 25° C. having a pH of 6.5, a boron concentration of 5 ppm and a TDS concentration of 3.5% by weight is permeated under an operation pressure of 5.5 MPa: Boron removal ratio (%)≧95−4×membrane permeation flow rate (m3/m2·day).

Abstract: A method for creating a highly breathable and waterproof fabric based on hydrophobic plastic (such as PVDF) as a membrane layer. This new fabric allows higher water vapor throughput and better water resistance than other PVDF and ePTFE membranes. This is achieved through control of pore size, thus creating a spongy porous structure, pre-stressing to make the membrane and subsequent laminated fabric soft, and a microscopically folded structure which increases the surface area for the porous media, thus gaining higher throughput, waterproofness and comfort. In addition, the invention provides a method of controlling pore size distribution, increased porosity and pre-stress relief during the gelation proces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element for fluids, in particular for hydraulic fluids, comprising a filter material and a grid-like supporting structure supporting the filter material at least on its outflow side in relation to the flow direction of the filter element. In order to further develop the filter element such that it has a high mechanical stability, whilst static charges are avoided, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the supporting structure comprise elements made from a plastics material and electrically conductive elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter module (4) with a simplified design which allows for the manufacturing of a step filter, Each ply of filter medium is composed of a deep-bed filter material layer (1, 1a-d) and the packing is composed of draining layers (5, 5a, 5b). The draining layers (5, 5a, 5b) and filter layers (5, 5a, 5b) are mutually sealed to the filtrate/non-filtrate chamber (2,3). The filter layers (1, 1a-d) can be arranged according to any pattern.

Abstract: Filter or filter-element designated for Modified Electro-Dialysis (MED) purposes characterized in that the filter or filter-element comprises a porous, ceramic, mainly uniform material with functional, preferably ion selective groups grafted onto the inner, porous surface of the ceramic body. The outer surface of the filter or filter-element may be completely or partly covered by layers of porous, ceramic membranes with a pore size of less than 1 &mgr;m and thickness less than 1 mm, and/or anion, cation or bipolar groups or membranes. The thickness of the filter-element is larger than 1 mm and has pores of size larger than 1 &mgr;m. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of such a filter either continuously by tape-casting, extruding, rolling or calendaring or single-bodied by casting, pressing or forging, of a paste containing a non-conductive, ceramic material.

Abstract: A filtering screen comprises a fine woven wirecloth filtering mesh (4) disposed above a coarse woven wirecloth support mesh (2). An intermediate woven wirecloth mesh (3) is disposed between the fine woven mesh (4) and the coarse woven mesh (2), the intermediate mesh (3) extending over a proportion of the area of the screen at or towards the rear thereof, said proportion being in the range of 20% to 40% of the area of the screen, and preferably substantially one third of the area of the screen.

Abstract: The present invention includes a membrane construction for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The membrane construction includes a multi-layer fluid impermeable support sheet having a plurality of supports on at least one side of the support sheet that form a plurality of flow channels. At least one layer of the multi-layer support sheet is a bonding layer. A fluid permeable layer extends over the flow channels and is bonded to the plurality of the supports by the bonding layer.

Abstract: A filtration module is provided having a packing density of at least 300 square meters of active membrane filter area per cubic meter of external volume of said filter construction, said filter constructed of materials characterized by less than 250 mg of extracted contamination per m2 of extracted wetted material. The filtration module includes a membrane composite layer comprising a filtrate screen sealed to each surface of a membrane layer with a thermoplastic polymeric composition positioned about the periphery of the filtrate screen.

Abstract: A method for recovering acid from a feed mixture comprising acid, hydrocarbons and water, the method comprising:

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane which combines the high ability to reject salts and a high permeation flux and is especially excellent in the ability to reject uncharged substances, and a process for producing the semipermeable membrane are disclosed. The process comprises forming on a surface of a porous supporting film a thin film comprising a polyamide resin obtained by reacting a polyfunctional amine ingredient with a polyfunctional acid ingredient in the presence of at least an alkali metal hydroxide and an organic acid.

Abstract: A screening or filtration device for multi-phase mixtures, particularly liquids containing fibers, includes a casing with at least one feed pipe, at least one filtrate discharge pipe, at least one retentate discharge pipe, and at least one filter or screen through which the filtrate flows. The filter or screen being formed at least by an essentially rigid top surface of an at least essentially circular filter disc with hollow interior that can be rotated round an essentially central axis, where the interior of the disc is connected to the filtrate discharge pipe. The device also comprising at least one structural element adjacent to the filter or screen, where guiding and drive facilities are also provided that cause this structural element and the filter disc to describe movement relative to one another parallel to the level of the filter disc.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separating apparatus comprising a cylindrical strainer formed by circular ring members with gaps in between, a casing having the strainer therein, and scrapers disposed in the respective gaps between the circular ring members for removing solid matter adhering to the end (flat) surfaces of the circular ring members. Each of the scrapers comprises a flat auxiliary circular ring member and a flat protruding element. The external diameter of the auxiliary circular ring member is smaller than the external diameter of the circular ring members and is larger than the internal diameter of the circular ring members, and the protruding element extends from the outer circumferential surface of the auxiliary circular ring member. The auxiliary circular ring members are disposed coaxially with the circular ring members, and the tip ends of protruding elements reach the outer circumferences of the circular ring members.

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering out of leukocytes from blood, blood plasma, blood components or protein solutions has a non-woven fabric, and at least one membrane having a thickness of smaller than 150 &mgr;m and a pore size smaller than 15 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite solid material which fixes inorganic contaminants based on metal hexacyanoferrate comprising a solid support coated with a thin film of an anion-exchange polymer to which is fixed an insoluble metal hexacyanoferrate forming a thin layer, characterized in that said polymer is a noncrosslinked polymer which comprises, as anion-exchange groups, solely quaternary ammonium groups and in that it does not comprise primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biaxially stretched, laminated, white microporous polyester film, which can be used in a wide range of industrial applications including printing, imaging, advertising and display. The film of the present invention comprises a porous polyester resin layer B containing a thermoplastic resin non-compatible with polyester; a polyester resin-based photic layer A formed on one surface of the resin layer B, the aphotic layer A having a 60-degree gloss of the surface thereof of more than 100%; and an aphotic layer C formed on the other surface of the resin layer B, the aphotic layer C having a 60-degree gloss of the surface thereof of less than 50%. The total density of the photic layer A and the aphotic layer C is 0.55-1.2 g/cm3. This film has excellent gloss and flexibility so that it is very suitable for use in printing and imaging.

Abstract: Reinforcement structure for use with multi-cell filter cartridges comprising an elongated backbone having a first and second hook boss each at a respective end of the elongated backbone and one or more intermediate hook bosses positioned intermediate the end bosses along the elongated backbone. In addition a plurality of non hook bosses are spaced along the elongated backbone. The filter cartridge provided with a plurality of the described reinforcement structures equally spaced around the circumference of the filter cartridge is also disclosed as is a method for preventing distortion of a multi-cell filter cartridge under arduous operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: An at least two layer, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane is disclosed. The at least two layer, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane may include at least two different membrane pore size layers or the pore sizes may have about the same pore size. Apparatus and processes for fabricating at least a two layer unsupported, continuous, microporous membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: The filtering membranes of the present invention are made from a pair of polymer films stretched in a liquid surface-active medium for the formation of crazes filled with the aforementioned medium. The crazed films are perforated and then stack together in a stretched or released state and are welded together into a sealed structure with a plurality of parallel welding seams arranged, e.g., in mutually perpendicular directions, so that a plurality of sealed cells is formed. The cells have on one side of the membrane input openings and on the other side output openings. If an input opening is in one cell, then an output opening is in the adjacent cell. Adjacent cells are interconnected only through the welding seams. Welding can be carried out by contact heating or with the use of a laser beam, or the like. The material of the welding seam has an amorphous structure.

Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.

Abstract: The present invention provides integral porous membranes comprising an amorphous halopolymer, as well as processes for preparing the membranes, and devices comprising the membranes. An example of an amorphous halopolymer is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole.

Abstract: A filter unit for removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension by passing the suspension through a filter unit. The filter unit may comprise a main filter for blocking the leukocytes and a post-filter for preventing leakage of the leukocytes having a higher median pore size than the main filter and placed downstream of the main-filter.

Abstract: A ballcock valve with a valve body mounted on a tubular riser with a valve seat which passes water from the riser. The valve body includes a base and a removable cap which enclose valve workings. A screen body passed through the valve seat has a central passage and openings to the passage that exclude particulate solids. A flow control is fitted to the screen body. The combined screen body and flow control is upstream from the valve seat. Preferably a retainer releasably holds the screen body against axial movement when installed.

Abstract: An at least two zone, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane is disclosed. The at least two zone, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane may include at least two different membrane pore size zones or the pore sizes may have about the same pore size. Apparatus and processes for fabricating at least a two zone unsupported, continuous, microporous membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: Phase inversion microporous membranes including at least two different pore size regions are provided, wherein two membrane sheets are placed, back-to-back, such that the qualifying pore zones are positioned internally within the structure. Exemplary membranes according to the present disclosure provide excellent thermal stability and retention characteristics. Methods for fabricating and using the disclosed membrane structures are also provided according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating a biological fluid are provided comprising placing the fluid in contact with a complement filter capable of depleting at least one complement fragment from the fluid while at least one component of the biological fluid is being stored.

Abstract: An edge filter assembly is disclosed. The edge filter assembly may include a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The edge filter assembly may further include a filter element disposed within the housing including first and second filter plates and first and second spacers disposed between the first and second filter plates. The spacers and filter plates may be configured and arranged to form a flow channel extending generally radially within the housing and defined between the first and second filter plates and the first and second spacers. The flow channel may have an inner flow gate and an outer flow gate. The inner flow gate may be disposed radially inward of the outer flow gate and may have a different cross-sectional configuration than the outer flow gate. The first filter plate may have an axial projection extending therefrom generally aligned with a fluid path within the housing.

Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element and its manufacture to be used in removal of liquid from solids containing material to be dried in a capillary suction dryer which filter element contains a ceramic microporous layer having the pore size under 5 micrometer and supported by a ceramic internal layer having recess areas for liquid flowing. The internal layer is made of at least one substrate which continuously surrounds at least one recess area and which ceramic internal layer is surrounded by at least one essentially continuous microporous surface layer.