Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter, coupled to a water flow having particulates therein, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire water filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of the water flow into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of water then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain a subchamber which exits through the drain.

Abstract: A filter for removing leukocytes from blood comprises a filter media enclosed in a housing. The filter media includes a main filter region comprising a porous membrane structure extending between first and second skin surfaces. The porous membrane structure is formed by intersecting cells having a range of diameters. The cells adjacent to the first skin surface have diameters generally smaller than the diameters of the cells adjacent to the second skin surface. The first skin surface includes an open area defined by pores, which are formed by the intersection of cells with the first skin surface. The majority of the open area is defined by pores having a diameter of between about 12 &mgr;m and 28 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly has an outer canister in which full flow and bypass flow filtration sections are operatively housed in a nested relationship. Oil forced into the canister has imparted thereto a vortex flow pattern which forces contaminant particles in the oil away from the full flow filter section before the oil passes therethrough. The bypass filtration section is disposed within the full flow filtration section and creates a second vortex flow pattern in the oil which induces a small portion thereof to flow through a bypass filter element while at the same time causing the entire balance of the oil to bypass this filter element and be discharged from the canister after having traversed the filtering portion of only the full flow filtration portion of the filter assembly.

Abstract: The filtration cartridge comprises a filtration element and a heat-resistant extension band having a first and a second longitudinal edge. The first edge of the extension band is attached along an edge of the filtration element. In a first embodiment, a metallic cast end member is formed by immersing the second edge of the extension band into molten metal. The molten metal is then allowed to solidify with the second edge of the extension band embedded therein. In a second embodiment, the extension band is squeezed on a porous inner core and an end plate is welded on the end of the inner core. Providing filtration cartridges with a metallic end member allows increasing their resistance to mechanical shocks and increasing their maximum operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous media or membranes having a surface coating that includes a first coating of a cross-linked terpolymer and a second coating comprising a copolymer or a terpolymer modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group which has a superior combination of properties, including heat stable biomolecule resistant adsorptive properties, resistance to strong alkaline solutions, and low levels of extractable matter.

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: A hydrogen permselective membrane, a method of forming a permselective membrane and an apparatus comprising a permselective membrane, a porous substrate and an optional intermediate layer are described. Using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at low reactant gas concentration, high permselectivities are achieved with minimal reduction in hydrogen permeance.

Abstract: A disposable net assembly is provided for a trap for collecting floatable debris in a waterway or combined sewer system. The net assembly includes a knitted bag-shaped mesh net having a frame surrounding the mouth of the net with the net secured around its rim to the frame. The net may be formed of an inner layer and an outer layer of mesh with the openings of the inner layer being substantially larger than the openings of the outer layer. The frame may be formed of a plastic molded material having side members tapered in the vertical direction to facilitate the changing of the netting assemblies and tapered in the downstream direction to lock into place under the force of the flow. Several embodiments of the frame members have projections thereon which cooperate with a clamping element to hold the net to the frame. Some embodiments of the members have parts that lock together with a post and hole construction while others employ a tension band to clamp the net to the projections on the frame.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering water from an external source, the filter assembly including a manifold assembly mountable to an appliance and being in fluid communication with the external source and a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly being replaceably fluidly couplable to the manifold assembly, the filter assembly includes a first and a second fluid tube, the first fluid tube being fluidly couplable to the external source being an unfiltered fluid inlet, the second fluid tube being a filtered fluid outlet, the first and the second fluid tubes each having a barbed end for coupling to the manifold assembly.

Abstract: The dual element water sensing fuel dispenser filter comprises a housing with an open end. An end plate is positioned in the open end. Contained within the housing is a filter element assembly that includes a first filter portion and a second filter portion. The first filter portion is formed from an annular pleated paper filter media comprised of two layers with a water sensing chemical therebetween. Disposed within the pleated paper filter media are a pair of generally concentric perforate cores containing a chemical fill therebetween. The pleated paper filter media will remove particulate matter from the fuel, whether the fuel be gasoline or an alcohol-gasoline blended fuel. The water sensing chemical in the pleated paper filter media will sense and remove water from the gasoline fuel. The chemical fill will sense the phase separation in the alcohol-gasoline blended fuel and will swell and gell to preclude water from passing through the filter.

Abstract: A filter assembly designed for use in a water treatment system is provided. The assembly includes an inner carbon-based filter and an outer replaceable pleated filter. Untreated water flows first through the outer filter, which traps particulates, and then through the inner carbon-based filter, which traps particulates and adsorbs contaminants from the water. The outer filter is intended to be easily removed from the inner filter, so that the outer filter can be removed and cleaned or replaced when plugged with particulates. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A device for filtering a liquid, in particular for filtering a polymer plastic melt, has a housing which includes an inlet channel, a connecting channel situated in a shaft and a discharge channel, as seen in the flow direction of the liquid to be filtered, where the connecting channel has at least two filters arranged side by side and aligned across the flow direction of the liquid in the connecting channel, and the shaft is mounted in a bore in the housing so that it is axially displaceable and is liquid-tight, so that by axial displacement of the shaft, the two filters can be moved between a filtration position in which the inlet channel is connected to the discharge channel through the connecting channel, and an externally accessible cleaning position in which the connection from the inlet channel to the discharge channel is interrupted, and vice versa.

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: There is provided a leukocyte filter comprising: a prefilter portion; and a membrane filter portion downstream of the prefilter portion, the membrane filter portion having a pore size distribution having a median pore size between 3 and 12 microns and having at least 40% of the pore volume being constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter of between 3 and 10 microns and having at least 5% of the pore volume being constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter larger than 10 microns. In a preferred embodiment, no more than 60% of the pore volume is constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter larger than 10 microns. In another preferred embodiment, the membrane filter portion is characterized in that no more than 30% of the pore volume is constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter less than 3 microns.

Abstract: A filter aid, in particular for filtering beverages by means of precoated filters, comprises a mixture of exclusively natural components, e.g. cellulose components. The filter aid is made only of sustainable raw materials and can be degraded almost totally in a natural way.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter includes conductive features which provide a path to a grounded component of a motor vehicle to carry away static charges generated by passage of fuel through the filter. The filter includes a filter body and an in-situ molded conductive outlet fitting and runner assembly. The filter body includes a filtration layer having a plurality of conductive strands, threads or filaments which are in electrical contact with conductive runners which are molded onto the filter body and extend from the outlet fitting which is also electrically conductive. An electrically conductive path is thus provided from the conductive strands of the filter body, through the runners to the conductive outlet fitting which is attached to a conductive (typically metal) and grounded component of a fuel pump housing.

Abstract: A filter for removing leukocytes from blood comprises a filter media enclosed in a housing. The filter media includes a main filter region comprising a porous membrane structure extending between first and second skin surfaces. The porous membrane structure is formed by intersecting cells having a range of diameters. The cells adjacent to the first skin surface have diameters generally smaller than the diameters of the cells adjacent to the second skin surface. The first skin surface includes an open area defined by pores, which are formed by the intersection of cells with the first skin surface. The majority of the open area is defined by pores having a diameter of between about 12 &mgr;m and 28 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A fine filter screen assembly comprising a length of filter screen having a relatively fine filtering surface and terminating at opposite ends with opposed end shafts. Generally open connecting means interconnect the opposed end shafts to define a continuous loop structure. At least one removable filter grid having a substantially fine filtering surface is removably mounted between the opposed end shafts such that the continuous loop structure has a substantially continuous relatively fine filtering surface. Removal of the grid allows internal access to the screen assembly.

Abstract: Described is a method of isolating cell components, such as nucleic acids, from natural sources by filtering a sample of the digested natural sources such as cells or cell fragments. The method is characterized in that the sample is passed through a filter, the pore size of which decreases in the direction of flow of the sample through the filter.

Abstract: A filter support sleeve for use with a filter element to provide structural support for the filter element. The support sleeve encompasses the filter element and includes a metal strip wound in helical turns joined by a continuous spiral weld to form a hollow cylinder. The metal strip has substantially square perforation for passage of fluid flow through the support sleeve oriented such that when the metal strip is helically wound, a line parallel to each side of the square-shaped perforation is skew with the axial axis of the support sleeve. The support sleeve present an open structure while protecting the filter element from forces generated by the fluid flow during normal use or back flow during cleaning. When used with a pleated filter element, the support sleeve will not obstruct the entire length of the pleats.

Abstract: A frit for use in multi-layer microfluidic separation devices is provided. The frit comprises a polymeric membrane that may be securely bonded within the device and minimizes lateral wicking. A secure bond is ensured by treating the polymer to match its surface energy to that of the materials to which it is bound. Treatments include plasma treatment, irradiation and the application of acids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filtration unit intended to allow the removal of leukocytes from a fluid such as blood or a blood component. The filtration unit contains a porous element comprising a medium for the removal of leukocytes by adsorption and filtration of the leukocytes. The medium comprises a number of layers of a first type which are formed from at least one porous non-woven material. At least one layer has been pressed by calendering prior to the stacking thereof. The at least one calendered layer is disposed on the downstream side of the stack. The medium also comprises at least one non-calendered layer. The present invention is also directed to a bag-based system comprising the filtration unit. The system is in particular arranged for the sterile and closed-circuit filtration of the fluid.

Abstract: A bacterial fluid filter includes a filter element supported by a backing member. The filter element and backing member are sealed, e.g., with one or more o-ring seals, in a housing to provide a filter assembly capable of filtering fluid under relatively high pressure. In one embodiment, a filter element, backing member, and seal are disposed in a removable and disposable housing that is sized to fit within a filter housing.

Abstract: A kit for purifying water comprises a first container for receiving untreated water, and a second container for receiving purified water and having a dispensing spigot. A water purification composition, when mixed with water in the first container, produces partially purified water having solid matter. A first filter held in a filter holder at an upper end of the second container removes the solid matter when the partially purified water is poured from the first container. A second filter in the second container comprises carbon.

Abstract: A water-purifying filter element is provided at an upper part of filtering materials therein with a plurality of surface holes of predetermined depths. The surface holes provide additional water passages for water introduced into the filter element via the upper part of the filtering materials, so that the introduced water are guided toward different directions to reduce a flow resistance thereof. The surface holes also increase impurity-deposit areas in the filter element to extend a service life of the filter element and speed up purification of water.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed that includes a cylindrical filter element having a longitudinal axis, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and a plurality of longitudinal pleats arranged in a spiral configuration in close proximity to one another. Each of the pleats has a pair of legs, and the legs of each pleat are joined to one another at a root. The roots of adjacent pleats are radially spaced from one another about the inner periphery of the filter element.

Abstract: A sleeve or wrap that fits over a cartridge type filter whereby enhancing the effectiveness of that filter. A preferred embodiment of the invention is to fabricate this sleeve or wrap using the category of material commonly referred to as “nonwoven” taking advantage of one or more of the functional properties possible with the composition of this material such as the ability to capture large debris, filter out chemical elements, absorb oils and many other advantages beneficial to the filtering process. This sleeve or wrap may be fabricated as a one piece tube that slides snugly over the filter. Supplied as a blanket or wrap with a thin strip of hook material along one edge similar to that used in a “Velcro tm” hook and loop fastening system and with the nonwoven material of the wrap acting as the loop so the wrap may be fit snugly over a broad range of diameter filters.

Abstract: Rotary filters, known within the polymer melt filtration industry, are improved by the provision of wave shaped filter support plates within the filter chambers of a rotatable disc of a filter. This rotatable disc filter has further a series of tabs, holddowns, or projections within this invention which further prevents the wave shaped filter media which conforms to the filter support from motion relative to the filter support and thus prevents damage to seals or the housing of the filter.

Abstract: A filter is composed of a filter member forming at least two opposed faces, an inner space surrounded by the filter member for accumulation of a liquid, and a coupling member establishing communication between the inner space and the outside to discharge the liquid in the inner space to the outside. The liquid flows through the filter member, is thereby removed of foreign matters, and is discharged via the coupling member. Convexo-concaves are provided on at least one face of the filter member.

Abstract: A bottle mountable filtration system typically includes a plurality of different filter elements or filtering and treatment elements having a substantially common central axis that are mounted to extend into a bottle from a cap with a manual valve. Mounting structures may be provided, by screw threads, or by an interference fit, and connect the filter treating elements to the cap. An outer filter treating element may comprise a chlorine removal primarily radial flow outer filter, and an inner treatment element comprising a flavoring, vitamin, mineral, or medication adding component including a mixing chamber which provides an axial flow chamber radially surrounded by the flavoring, etc., adding component. Conversely, the inner treatment element may be a radial flow carbon composite filter used independently or in conjunction with one of several independent outer water treatment elements which may be radial or axial flow in design for the removal of a variety of biological, organic, or inorganic contaminants.

Abstract: A filter coalescer cartridge for treating jet fuels comprising spaced apart filter/coalescer layers to effectively remove particulate contaminants and water from the transient fuel being treated.

Abstract: Wastewater, in the form of a colloidal solution containing microparticles, is filtrated using a second filter, having a gel film that is formed by suction on the surface of a first filter. The suction pressure in this process is made extremely weak to maintain the filtration capacity while extending intervals prior to clogging of second filter. Furthermore, the gel that becomes adsorbed onto the surface of second filter can be separated readily from the surface of second filter by stopping the suction and filtration can be continued again thereafter.

Abstract: A lubricating oil filter has a housing which includes a first shell providing a housing base and a second shell providing a housing lid, wherein a filter media is suspended in a space defined by the shells by being clamped between a shoulder in the housing base and a rib projecting from the housing lid. The filter media may be either a flat filter media or a pleated pack filter media. In a preferred configuration, the housing is rectangular and has both an unfiltered oil inlet and a filtered oil outlet in the first shell forming the housing base so that the filter element may be changed without disconnecting the lubricating oil filter from inlet and outlet lines.

Abstract: A drain filtering system is disclosed, having a filter placed within a basket which is suspended from frame positioned underneath a drain grate atop the inlet to a storm drain. The filter is constructed from materials that filter out heavy metals, sediments, debris and hydrocarbons from the water passing through. The system includes a riser tube having an inlet and an outlet, where the inlet is positioned inside the filer, and the outlet is positioned external to the filter. The inlet is placed close to the top of the filter to allow a bypass fluid path for periods of high flow.

Abstract: A filtration funnel with integral prefilter usable for filtering fluids. The integral prefilter is disposed above the final filter which is sealed to the funnel. The prefilter may contain one or more layers of prefilter material, and is sealed to the funnel with one or more seal rings. The funnel may be used with either vacuum or pressure.

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: 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: A disposable, biodegradable bag for purifying waste liquid flow from cement disposing, installation, and construction operations, comprising, a first porous bag element and a second porous bag element, the second bag element is operably positioned within the first porous bag element. A paper filter for filtering waste liquid flow is operably positioned between the first and the second porous bag elements, and a fastening rope or strap for securing the disposable biodegradable bag to a chute of a cement dispenser or other cement dispensing mechanism is secured to the disposable and biodegradable bag.

Abstract: Colander apparatus for straining and rinsing including a first rim portion and a second rim portion hingedly movable about an axis between a generally coplanar position and a collapsed or folded position wherein the rim portions are generally parallel or oriented at a small acute angle one to the other, the first and second rim portions when in the generally coplanar position defining a bowl opening. The colander apparatus further includes a bowl portion integrally formed with, attached to or otherwise supported by the first and second rim portions around the bowl opening in spanning relation thereto, the bowl portion including a plurality of openings therethrough.

Abstract: A maintaining device for a filter medium having a stack of filtration disks presenting a central aperture, characterized in that it comprises a first flange with at least one central opening, a second flange and at least one perforated first central element intended to operate together with said central aperture of said stack of filtration disks, said first central element being integral at one its extremities with said second flange and being provided at its other extremity with ratchets intended to operate together with said central opening of said first flange.

Abstract: A fluid filter which comprises a canister having an open end and a closed end, the canister sealing to an adapter body to prevent leakage between the canister and the adapter body, the adapter body having a plurality of fluid inlet ports extending through the adapter assembly body into the cavity formed by the canister and the adapter body assembly, a threaded fluid outlet port extending through the adapter body, a threaded ring adapter for adapting the outlet port to a variety of connection configurations, a multistage wire mesh filter element having a weave which is designed to prevent fluid contaminants from passing through the filter element while inhibiting the contaminant particles from becoming lodged in the filter mesh, the fluid inlet ports in the adapter body being formed at an angle to create a tornado type turbine fluid motion within the canister to suspend contaminants which are blocked from passage through the screen in the fluid and allow such contaminants to settle in the canister out of the f

Abstract: A filter element (10) comprises a pleated filter media (34) having spaced apart pleats (40) and an external filter media surface (38) comprising the external peaks of the pleats (40) and a flexible foam filter media sleeve (42) in contact with the external filter media surface (38). The filter media sleeve (42) maintains the spacing between the external peaks of the pleats (40) of the pleated filter media (34).

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 filter element to be installed into a housing to constitute a filter assembly for separation of solids in a fluid is constructed from one or more baggy filtering mediums made of porous membrane or non-woven fabric of synthetic plastic, passageway material arranged along the inside and/or outside surface of the baggy filtering mediums depending on necessity and a sleeve joining with each opening of the baggy filtering medium(s). By adopting the baggy filtering mediums, it is possible to superimpose them into a filter element in a state of layers, and by adopting one baggy filtering medium folded repeatedly back and forth upon itself, it is also possible to construct another filter element in a state of layers, so as to fit to various filtration spaces in the housing. Accordingly, the space occupied by substantially parallel layered filtering medium(s) can be used densely for filtration, as the result a filtration area per unit filtration space is very large.

Abstract: A filter element assembly has at least two cylindrically shaped and concentrically arranged filter media sleeves each connected at one end thereof to an inlet plate and each connected at the other end to a closed end terminal plate. Openings are provided in the inlet plate to permit entry of liquid to be filtered into the annular space between the filter sleeves. The closed end terminal plate prevents flow of unfiltered liquid from the annular space between the sleeves so as to force the liquid through the porous media of the sleeves to effect filtration.

Abstract: A filter element assembly has at least two cylindrically shaped and concentrically arranged filter media sleeves each connected at one end thereof to an inlet plate and each connected at the other end to a closed end terminal plate. Openings are provided in the inlet plate to permit entry of liquid to be filtered into the annular space between the filter sleeves. The closed end terminal plate prevents flow of unfiltered liquid from the annular space between the sleeves so as to force the liquid through the porous media of the sleeves to effect filtration.

Abstract: A filter element assembly has at least two cylindrically shaped and concentrically arranged filter media sleeves each connected at one end thereof to an inlet plate and each connected at the other end to a closed end terminal plate. Openings are provided in the inlet plate to permit entry of liquid to be filtered into the annular space between the filter sleeves. The closed end terminal plate prevents flow of unfiltered liquid from the annular space between the sleeves so as to force the liquid through the porous media of the sleeves to effect filtration.

Abstract: A filter element assembly has at least two cylindrically shaped and concentrically arranged filter media sleeves each connected at one end thereof to an inlet plate and each connected at the other end to a closed end terminal plate. Openings are provided in the inlet plate to permit entry of liquid to be filtered into the annular space between the filter sleeves. The closed end terminal plate prevents flow of unfiltered liquid from the annular space between the sleeves so as to force the liquid through the porous media of the sleeves to effect filtration.

Abstract: A filter element for hydrocarbon emissions in, e.g., marine diesel engine applications, comprises a wound mat received within a filter bag. An annular end cap is bonded to one end of the wound mat, and is sealed around its periphery to a bag ring at the open end of the bag. The bag ring is then received and retained in a seat ring in the housing. The exhaust gas stream from the engine is directed through an opening in the end cap and through the wound mat and bag for removal of hydrocarbons and contaminants.

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.