Abstract: A nanoporous tubular filter having a membrane comprising a network of generally branched pores formed by anodization of a section of metal tubing. The network extends from an inner wall of the filter to and through an outer exposed wall area of the membrane, and has a first layer of pores with a diameter greater than that of pores of an adjacent second layer. Further, the network is integral with an outer support matrix having been formed of an outer wall of the section of tubing by removing selected portions of the outer wall, thus leaving the exposed wall area of the membrane. The outer support matrix corresponds with a patterned area formed of an external-coat applied to the tubing's outer wall. An electroplating of a magnetostrictive material deposited on the outer support matrix or on an interior surface is adapted for use as a diffusion ON-OFF switch.

Abstract: A multi-ply filter and a water-purification kit. The filter comprises at least two adjacent plies, wherein at least one of the plies comprises a multi-density fibrous structure having a plurality of discrete pseudo-apertures disposed therein, the pseudo-apertures having individual areas of at least about 3 square millimeters and a basis weight from about 0.1 to about 5 gram per square meter. The kit comprises the multi-ply filter and a water-purification composition comprising a flocculation agent and a coagulation agent.

Abstract: A combined filter for removing an aqueous fluid and entities, such as bacteria, existing in such aqueous fluid, from a nonaqueous fluid. The combined filter consists of a hydrophilic filter and a hydrophobic filter that are arranged in fluid communication and serially to be placed along the flow path of a fluid. The hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter may touch one another or be located some distance from one another. Also, a structure may be inserted into the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter that will maintain the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter without significantly restricting the flow of fluid. And, in one embodiment, the combined filter may be composed simply of material having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics on the molecular level. Preferably, however, the filters and spacing structure are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A filtration media is formed from at least one structured polymeric layer, wherein a structured surface is defined within the layer. Layers may be configured as a stack that has the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack and corresponding ordered fluid pathways, thereby forming an ordered, porous volume. The ordered fluid pathways may be defined by a plurality of flow channels formed within the structured surfaces of the structured layers, or may be defined by a plurality of protuberances formed in an ordered pattern within the structured surfaces of the structured layers.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filtering and separating fluids by reverse osmosis or by micro-, ultra-, and nano filtration, including a plurality of spaced planar filter elements arranged in stacks in spaced relationship so that their surfaces can be contacted by the fluids for the collection of permeate from the fluids within the filter elements, at least one draining rod having a central draining passage extends through the stack of filter elements and has openings disposed in each filter element for collecting the permeate from the respective filter elements, and a vacuum generating means is connected to a permeate discharge which is in communication with the draining rod passages for generating a vacuum in each filter element.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided comprising a porous substrate membrane coated with a membrane comprising N-acetylated chitosan. The N-acetylated chitosan is characterized by a degree of N-acetylation greater than 50% and less than 90%. The porous substrate membrane includes any of polyvinylidene fluoride, polysulfone, and a ceramic. In this respect, composite membrane is provided comprising: a first layer including N-acetylated chitosan, and a second layer including a porous substrate membrane, wherein the first layer is coated upon the second layer. A method of forming a composite membrane is also provided comprising the steps of: forming a porous substrate membrane, depositing chitosan solution on the porous substrate membrane to form a first intermediate, drying the first intermediate to form an intermediate composite membrane including a chitosan membrane, and acetylating the chitosan membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter element in which an undesired fluid flow path through the filter element is blocked. The present invention is also directed to a method for producing such a filter element. In embodiments of the invention, the filter element may be a spiral wound filter element with a filter membrane. The desired flow path through the filter membrane may be through the lateral surface of the filter membrane, while an undesirable flow path may begin at a point on the cross-sectional face of the filter membrane. To prevent fluid from entering the filter membrane through the cross-sectional face, the pores of the filter membrane near the cross-sectional area may be sealed, for example, by filling the pores with a substance, such as a polymer.

Abstract: A novel supported mesoporous carbon ultrafiltration membrane and process for producing the same. The membranes comprise a mesoporous carbon layer that exists both within and external to the porous support. A liquid polymer precursor composition comprising both carbonizing and noncarbonizing templating polymers is deposited on the porous metal support. The coated support is then heated in an inert-gas atmosphere to pyrolyze the polymeric precursor and form a mesoporous carbon layer on and within the support. The pore-size of the membranes is dependent on the molecular weight of the noncarbonizing templating polymer precursor. The mesoporous carbon layer is stable and can withstand high temperatures and exposure to organic chemicals. Additionally, the porous metal support provides excellent strength properties. The composite structure of the membrane provides novel structural properties and allows for increased operating pressures allowing for greater membrane flow rates.

Abstract: Disclosed are smooth surfaced porous membranes having one or more advantages such as low autofluorescence, thermal-cyclability, especially under humid conditions, and three-dimensional binding capacity. The membrane can be free-standing or, preferably in combination with a support as in a composite membrane. The present invention provides a composite membrane comprising a porous polymer layer disposed on a support. The present invention further provides devices such as microarray devices comprising the composite for the analysis of biomaterials such as nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite membrane comprising a porous support layer and a selective layer comprising a vinylacetate polymer. The invention also provides a process for preparing a vinylacetate polymer selective layer on a porous support by depositing a colloidal dispersion having colloid particles of the vinylacetate polymer on the porous support followed by annealing the deposited colloids to form a selective layer. The membranes are useful for separation of gas or liquid or vapor mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to etched disc stack filters and particularly to such filters in which the etched discs include multiple arms in which are etched flow channels for the passage of a medium to be filtered and the removal or separation of a contaminant. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the etched discs may have an overall shape that is circular and may have filtering arms which radially extend from the center of each disc to the exterior border of the disc. The filtering arms may separate inlet and outlet openings. End caps may be attached at the ends of the disc stack and these end caps may have openings corresponding to the inlet and outlet openings in the discs in the disc stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient way to filter water in a body of water. The invention combines an encloseable container with an internal pump producing cyclonic action, with two different types of filters. One type of filtering consists of layers of varied porosity, one layer filtering only very fine debris, while the other layers blocking progressively large debris. The other type of filtering involves stacked discs placed to aid in further filtering of the water in the chamber of the cylinder. Water flows around the bottom disc, through holes in the second disc, and around the third disc before approaching the stacked filters of varied porosity. An internal ultra-violet light helps control algae in the water.

Abstract: A new class of composite zeolite membranes and synthesis techniques therefor has been invented. These membranes are essentially defect-free, and exhibit large levels of transmembrane flux and of chemical and isotopic selectivity.

Abstract: Multi-layer microfluidic devices incorporating a filter element are provided. A filter element is compressively restrained between device layers, such that the compression promotes a tight seal between device layers and resists fluid leakage around the filter element.

Abstract: A screen material having a flexible member. The screen material includes closely spaced filter wires supported by a plurality of support members. A stranded cable is used as the support members to provide flexibility to the screen material. The filter wires are welded to the members and define filter gaps between adjacent filter wires to allow liquid and small particles to pass through, while retaining particles too large to fit through the filter gaps.

Abstract: An ion-selective membrane is formed integrally of an ion-selective membrane forming component and a woven-fabric-shaped backing. The ion-selective membrane forming component comprises a cationic polymer component and/or an anionic polymer component and a matrix component. Each of the ionic polymer components is a particulate polymer having an average particle size in a range of from 0.01 to 10 &mgr;m. The woven-fabric-shaped backing has a meshed structure. The ion-selective membrane can be produced by forming it while maintaining a layer of a coating formulation, in which the ionic polymer component is dispersed in a solution or dispersion of the matrix component in an organic solvent, in close contact with the woven-fabric-shaped backing. The ion-selective membrane is useful for the permeation of an electrolyte. An apparatus provided with the ion-selective membrane is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three dimensional structure. In one embodiment, such structures comprise porous structures suitable for implantation in a host. Such a structure preferably exhibits geometric properties that tend to promote vascularization in the area of the structure when implanted into a host. The method includes selectively applying and exposing layers of biocompatible photoimageable material to create layers forming a cross-linked latticework structure having the desired geometric properties. Each layer is formed on top of a prior layer, preferably before any layer is developed. In one form, the structure is manufactured in connection with an implant device and promotes vascularization that supports bioacceptance/biocompatibility of the implant device.

Abstract: A fuel filter for use in a fuel filter/pump/sensor module and method of making same provides an in-tank fuel filter having a novel retaining member for securing the body of the filter in a position adjacent the housing of a fuel pump to which it is connected. The filter includes a fabric body, an in-situ molded outlet fitting on the top side of the fabric body and runners or contact points on the underside of the body. The fabric body may be a single folded fabric swatch or a plurality of swatches sealed about the open edges. The outlet fitting cooperatively engages the inlet of a fuel pump. A retaining member formed on the periphery of the body engages the housing of the fuel pump and positions the filter body adjacent the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas-permeable hollow fiber membrane having an inner diameter of 50 to 500 &mgr;m and a membrane thickness of 10 to 150 &mgr;m, which is preferably a composite hollow fiber membrane having a three-layer structure consisting of a nonporous layer having porous layers disposed on both sides thereof. Dissolved gases present in an ink can be removed by passing the ink through the bores of hollow fibers comprising such a hollow fiber membrane, and evacuating the outer surface side of the hollow fibers. This method makes it possible not only to degas inks with a slight pressure loss, but also to degas inks stably even if pressure changes occur during degassing.

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

Abstract: Porous hydrophilic membranes comprising a porous inert support on which an ionomer is deposited, said membranes being characterized in that they have a water permeability higher than 1 l/(h.m2.Atm).

Abstract: A filter for a fuel injection device, comprising a plurality of filter elements arranged within a housing such that, in use, fluid is directed through clearances of predetermined size between respective mutually adjacent ones of the elements for preventing the passage of oversized contaminant particles carried in the fluid.

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: Screens and screen assemblies for a vibratory separator or shale shaker, such screens and screen assemblies made by a method including applying glue in a glue pattern to at least one layer of screening material, said applying done by powered moving mechanical glue application apparatus; in one aspect moving with powered mechanical screen movement apparatus the at least one layer of screening material beneath the powered moving mechanical glue application apparatus; in one aspect, using hot melt moisture-curing glue, and in one aspect facilitating the cure of moisture-curing glue by applying moisture to it.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the screen assembly including a first screen assembly, a frame to which is mounted screening material, at least one seal member on the frame for sealing contact against a second screen assembly. A unibody structure for a first screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the unibody structure having an integral body member with a portion having a plurality of spaced-apart openings therethrough defining a pattern of a plurality of spaced-apart screening openings, the integral body member including side portions foldable to form a pair of spaced-apart integral side members, and at least one seal member on the integral body member for sealing contact of the unibody structure with another item.

Abstract: A vibrating screen assembly having a tubular frame. The tubular frame includes a pair of opposed tubular sides and a pair of opposed tubular ends. An upstanding lip extending from each side and extending from each end forms a rim enclosure. A ledge extends inwardly from the opposed sides. A plurality of tubular cross supports and the opposed tubular ends rest on the ledge and are connected to the opposed sides. A perforated plate with a plurality of screen cloths thereon is positioned within the rim enclosure and secured to a planar surface of the frame. One of the ends includes an extending overhang while the other end includes a lower recess so that an overhang from one screen assembly will mate with a recess from another screen assembly to form a liquid tight seal.

Abstract: A method for flattening non-flat areas of screening material of a screen assembly, the non-flat areas of screening material between lines of glue gluing together a plurality of layers of screening material, the plurality of glued-together layers of screening material secured to a frame, the method including mounting the screen assembly on a vibratory separator, the vibratory separator located in an environment at an ambient temperature, vibrating the screen assembly with the vibratory separator for a period of time, feeding material to be treated onto the screen assembly, the material to be treated at a material temperature above the ambient temperature, the period of time of such a temporal length and the material temperature of such a temperature to effect flattening of the non-flat areas of screening material.

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.

Abstract: Improved self-cleaning filter, comprised of a casing (1) with an entry (2) for water towards an encircling chamber (5), a filtering element based on a plurality of grooved disks (10), an axial passage (14) in the breast of these disks and an axial exit (9) for clean water. The filtering element (10) is completed in its lower end by a flap (11) that closes the axial passage (14) in the backward movement of water during cleaning, forcing it to go through side collectors (15) unaffected by the flap (11) and in which established are windows (16) for the exit of water, obliquely oriented in a side direction to make the disks (10) rotate during cleaning, also oblique in a vertical direction to take advantage of the separation between the disks (10) and distributed helically (15), the support tower (6) of these disks completed in a retractile rammer (21).

Abstract: Process for producing hydrophobic polyolefinic membranes for gas exchange via thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation is disclosed. A solution of at least one polyolefin in a solvent system, of a compound A and a compound B having a viscosity less than 60 mPa s, is extruded to form a shaped object. The compound A is a solvent and compound B preferably a non-solvent of the polymer, and the boiling point of compound A is at least 50° C. higher than that of compound B. After the shaped object leaves the die, at least one surface thereof is subjected to an atmosphere promoting evaporation of compound B, and the shaped object is subsequently cooled until the phase separation and solidification of the high-polymer-content phase take place.

Abstract: The blood filter cartridge which can collect a minor component of blood efficiently in a high concentration comprises a blood filtering material and a holder containing the blood filtering material and having a blood inlet and a filtrate outlet, wherein an antibody or an antigen is immobilized on at least a part from the blood inlet to the filtrate outlet or a filtrate receiver.

Abstract: Membranes and methods for making membranes are disclosed. The membranes include a polymeric matrix and a particulate material immobilized within the matrix. The membranes may find particular application in methods and apparatus for removing organic compounds from a biological fluid as part of a pathogen inactivation treatment.

Abstract: A liquid filtering device having a pack of cylindrical filter member discs (70) with an arrangement for reversed, filter flushing flow cycles. An integrally formed filter core (24) is provided comprising tubular nozzled conduits (30a, 30b, 30c) so that water under pressure within the conduits becomes discharged in jet forms to enable free rotation of the filter discs. One-way valve (90) in the form of a funnel shaped rubber sleeve allows the flow of filtered water to the outlet port (20) but impedes the flow of flushing water from the outlet port through the filter member (70) in the direction of the inlet port (16).

Abstract: A cell-type filter unit having two or more filter media layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter media are preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter media layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter media element and preventing collapsing of the media into any separator conduit.

Abstract: The reactor includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle. Pressurized hydrogen and water are introduced into a volume containing the fiber bundle. The fibers are free to separate and more independently over most of their length. The fibers have microporous inner and outer layers and a nonporous layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers and are sealed on one end. Hydrogen is introduced inside the fibers, which are sealed on one end to prevent direct escape of the hydrogen gas. The H2 gas dissolves then diffuses through the nonporous layer. Water is introduced around the fibers, and the biofilm reaction occurs on the outer surface of the fibers. Oxidized contaminants are removed from the water by the biofilm reaction, which consumes H2 gas that diffuses through the membrane. The individual fibers are free, over most of their length, to separate in response to the water flow. This prevents excessive biofilm-to-biofilm contact.

Abstract: A filter for removing solids from a liquid comprising a filter housing with an inlet and an outlet, a first filtration element nested within the filter housing and having a first plurality of openings, a second filtration element nested within the first filtration element and having a second plurality of openings for filtering grease and non-particulate substances, where the second filtration element has a shorter height with an upper end thereof being located below at least one opening of the first filtration element thereby allowing bypassing of the second filtration element. Alternatively, the filter may also include a third filtration element nested within the second filtration element and having a third plurality of openings where the second filtration element has a shorter height than the third filtration element, an upper end of the second filtration element being located below at least one opening of the third filtration element thereby allowing bypass of the second filtration element.

Abstract: A high capacity leukocyte depletion filtration media incorporates a high specific surface area components with a matrix of fibers, yielding a filtration medium that removes leukocytes by at least 99.99%. The filtration medium uses a significantly low weight ratio of high specific surface area components to the matrix of fibers. The high specific area creates a multitude of adhesion sites for leukocytes while the low weight ratios allow good filtration flow rates. The filtration medium is incorporated into a filter device for removing leukocytes from biological fluids.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided having a first layer and a second layer, the first layer comprising an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, or a salt of a derivative of an alginic acid, and the second layer comprising a non-porous polymer with at least one hydrophilic functional group and adapted to provide mechanical support and reinforcement of the first layer. The second layer is selectively water permeable and can comprise water insoluble polymers such as chitosan, chitosan derivatives and cellulose derivatives. The second layer can also comprise water soluble polymers so long as such polymers are adequately crosslinked. Where the second layer comprises chitosan, each of the alginic acid or the salt of an alginic acid or the salt of a derivative of an alginic acid of the first layer and the chitosan of the second layer can be crosslinked separately by immersing in a formaldehyde solution. The thickness of the first layer is from about 0.5 microns to about 20 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat filter element and a filter module composed of said filter elements, which are easy to handle and enable easy disposal when dealing with large filtering surfaces. The filter element consists of at least one inner structure (17) formed by openings (20a-f, 21a, b, 30a-g, 31a, b), wherein the defining surface of the openings (20, 21a, b, 30a, b, 31a, b) formed by the depth filter material (12) constitutes a through-flow surface (11a, b) which is substantially perpendicular to the filter element plane.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of recovering filtration residues of blood which comprises filtering blood by a blood filtering device comprising a blood filtering material which is a depth filtering material and a holder which contains the blood filtering material and has a blood inlet and filtrate outlet, after finishing the filtering blood, feeding aqueous liquid to the filtrate outlet to recover the filtration residues accumulated in the blood filtering material.

Abstract: A combined filter for removing an aqueous fluid and entities, such as bacteria, existing in such aqueous fluid, from a nonaqueous fluid is described. The combined filter consists of a hydrophilic filter and a hydrophobic filter that are arranged in fluid communication and serially to be placed along the flow path of a fluid. The hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter may touch one another or be located some distance from one another. Also, a structure may be inserted into the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter that will maintain the space between the hydrophilic filter and the hydrophobic filter without significantly restricting the flow of fluid. And, in one embodiment, the combined filter may be composed simply of material having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics on the molecular level. Preferably, however, the filters and spacing structure are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, an improved filter resembling an envelope is disclosed. The filter envelope for the filter frame element includes an enclosure, the enclosure being constructed from planar first and second filter paper members lying atop one another. The first and second filter paper members each have a lateral, medial, base, and top sides, the lateral, medial, and base sides being connected to each other, respectively, to define the enclosure. The top side of the first member is not connected to the top side of the second member so as to define an opening in the enclosure to receive the frame. A closure is formed from a planar third filter paper member which is connected to a portion of the enclosure being proximate to the opening. The third filter paper member is movable between a first position and a second position, the second position being suited to close the opening.

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

Abstract: The present application discloses a reinforced microporous membrane suitable for use in immunodiagnostic assays, the reinforced microporous membrane having lateral flow properties useful in immunodiagnostic assays applications, the reinforced nylon microporous membrane also including a scrim that provides specific lateral flow properties such that the combination produced thereby is useful in immunodiagnostic assays applications and to methods for using such reinforced microporous membrane in lateral flow immunodiagnostic assays applications and methods of preparing and using such membranes.

Abstract: A filtration media having at least one structured polymeric layer, wherein a structured surface is defined within the layer. Layers may be configured as a stack that has the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack and corresponding ordered fluid pathways, thereby forming an ordered, porous volume. The ordered fluid pathway may be defined by a plurality of flow channels formed within the structured surfaces of the structured layers, or may be defined by a plurality of protuberances formed in an ordered pattern within the structured surfaces of the structured layers.

Abstract: An improvement to a spiral wound filtration membrane is the provision of a fluid-permeable protective sheath around the inner spacer of the membrane pocket.

Abstract: A filter device, particularly for filtering melt-type fluids, such as polymer melts, includes at least one filter disk having two filter disk halves connected to each other by their edges and provided with filter material on their exterior surfaces. The filter disk halves are held apart by a supporting device delimiting a substantially free hollow area between them, through which a fluid can flow freely. Inwardly, they delimit an outflow opening for the melt-type filtered fluid. The supporting device has individual supporting cams of substantially equal outer dimensions and arranged in several groups. Separated from each other, the supporting cams extend radially outwardly form the outflow opening, are rigidly connected to at least one of the two halves, and traverse the hollow area in such a way as to rest against the other filter disk half. This results in a filter device which is economical to produce and which has enhanced filter performance when in operation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a paste for forming a thick film is provided, in which undesired lump materials are efficiently removed from the paste for forming the thick film. The paste, which contains a solid material and an organic vehicle and has a viscosity in the range of about 1 to 50 Pa·s, is filtrated with a sintered metal type filter manufactured by integrally sintering a nonwoven fabric filter part, having a thickness of many folded linear metal fibers and having a mesh opening size of about 1 to 20 &mgr;m, and a wire gauze part composed of metal wires knitted into the shape of a mesh.

Abstract: A multi-segment filter system is provided for continuous filtration of high viscosity materials, such as polymer melts. In particular, each segment comprises a filter screen positioned between a bottom breaker plate and a top cover plate. The filter screen has a fixed alignment in relation to the breaker plate and cover plate, to prevent the formation of undesirable gaps. In one example, the alignment is fixed through positioning of pins extending from the breaker plate and passing through apertures in the filter screen and cover plate. Two pins are preferably positioned on the breaker plate in a nonsymmetric manner to ensure that a multilayered filter screen is positioned adjacent the breaker plate in a desired orientation. Successive segments are positioned on end and preferably include overlapped filter screen portions, thus eliminating any gaps between each segment. Overlapping coupling connections may also be provided in adjacent breaker plates.