Abstract: An apparatus for separating from a liquid mixture, first and second liquid components such as oil and water, wherein the first liquid has a greater density than the second liquid, includes a vessel (10) having an inlet (13) through which the mixture is introduced into the vessel (10), and an outlet (14) through which separated first liquid is in use discharged, and there being a separating member (12) within the vessel (10), the mixture being constrained to contact the separating member (12), the separating member (12) including a material which adsorbs the second liquid component characterised in that the separating member (12) is adapted to move in the vessel (10) downwardly in response to an increase in the weight thereof as second liquid component is adsorbed.

Abstract: Filters having a high accuracy, small pressure loss, and long filtration life compared with conventional filters are provided. The filters are composed of non-woven fibrous agglomerates and are constructed in such a way that at least two layers of a non-woven fibrous agglomerate of a pre-filtration layer and a precision filtration layer are disposed therein; the pre-filtration layer is constructed in such a way that the diameter of the fibers in the pre-filtration layer becomes gradually smaller toward the direction of filtration; and at least 10% by weight of the fibers in the precision filtration layer are fibers having a diameter smaller than that of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing tubular filter products includes rotating a mandrel in a first rotational direction, depositing nonwoven fibers on the mandrel to form a tube and continuously withdrawing the tube from the mandrel by engaging a peripheral surface of the tube with one or more detents extending radially from a surface of a roller. The roller rotates in a direction opposite the first rotational direction as the one or more detents engage the tube to a predetermined depth relative. For carrying out such a method, an apparatus includes a melt blowing die assembly for expelling melt blown fibers, a rotating mandrel arranged to receive the melt blown fibers from the melt blowing die assembly for allowing the melt blown fibers to accumulate in a body thereon and a rotating roll having a pattern of protruding detents.

Abstract: A fluid contaminant collection system is provided where a filter passively interacts with the fluid to remove contaminants from the fluid. The system includes a wall defining at least a portion of a chamber or passageway. Located within the chamber or passageway is the filter. The filter includes a contaminant removal portion and is located within the chamber or housing to interact with the fluid. During interaction between the fluid and the filter, the fluid passes or washes over the filter and contaminants are removed by the contaminant removal portion from the fluid.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing wet-felted and thermally bonded porous structures is provided to produce formed porous media for use in filters with improved filtration performance. The process includes the steps of forming a slurry with a primary media consisting of natural or synthetic fibers, a wet strength agent consisting of fibrillated fibers, and a binding agent; vacuum forming the slurry to produce a formed media; drying the formed media using a gas at a temperature below the melting temperature of the binding agent; bonding the formed media using a gas at a temperature above the melting temperature of the binding agent; and cooling the formed media using a gas at ambient temperature. The process produces a formed porous media with improved bonding which results in improved filtration performance.

Abstract: A filter for filtering blood includes a coiled core with a hollow center. The core has only two layers that are coiled atop one another, the two layers being a blood filter layer and a spacer layer where blood flows more easily through the spacer layer than through the filter layer. An outer side of one of the spacer layer, and the filter layer defines an outer circumference of the core. The filter and spacer layers are coiled so that both sides of the filter layer directly contact respective sides of the spacer layer. A casing for the core has a blood inlet in fluid communication with the outer circumference of the core and a blood outlet in fluid communication with the hollow center. Blood entering the inlet travels to the outlet within the spacer layer and transversely across the filter and spacer layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma carrying contaminants and leukocytes that are capable of entraining contaminants. The systems and methods separate leukocytes from the plasma by filtration, thereby removing contaminants entrained within leukocytes. The systems and methods also add to the plasma a photoactive material and emit radiation at a selected wavelength into the plasma to activate the photoactive material and thereby eradicate the contaminant that is free of entrainment by leukocytes.

Abstract: A transmission fluid filter material and transmission filter produced therefrom comprising a gradient density composite felt which exhibits high particle removal efficiency at 40 micron diameter particle size and larger with exceptionally high dirt holding capacity and no significant increase in clean pressure drop. The upstream portion of the composite felt contains fine fibers that selectively remove first the fine particles while the downstream portion acts to sieve coarse particles and build a porous filter cake, thereby extending the useful life of the filter.

Abstract: An improved seal and method of making is disclosed for sealing a filter element to a filter mounting. The improved seal comprises a bonding pad formed from a sintered matrix of randomly oriented metallic fiber. The bonding pad is disposed between the filter element and the filter mounting A mechanical fastener coacts between the filter element and the filter mounting for compressing the bonding pad to provide a seal between the filter element and the filter mounting. The bonding pad may be heated to create a frangible seal.

Abstract: A phase-separation member comprises a porous substrate (11) containing void spaces, a microporous polymer material (14) which at least partially impregnates the porous substrate by entering into the void spaces, and a layer of a fluoropolymer applied to the outer face of the coagulated polymer material so that the layer (16) of fluoropolymer material remains predominantly at the surface.

Abstract: A blood collection system has a container for holding blood and a filter communicating with the container, mutually arranged for handling as a unit. The filter (20) contains a fibrous filter medium (28) housed within two flexible sheets (32, 34) of plastic. A first seal (36) joins the sheets (32, 34) directly to the filter medium (28) inboard of the peripheral edge (40) of the filter medium (28), and a second seal (38) joins the sheets (32, 34) outboard of the peripheral edge (40) of the filter medium (28). A region (42) of the filter medium (28) extends between the first and second seals (36, 38) to cushion contact with the filter housing during handling.

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: Length-adjustable end caps and filter cartridges including the same are provided. In preferred embodiments, the length-adjustable end caps include a stationary ring member which unitarily includes an annular lip seal, and a connection member in moveable sealing contact with said lip seal. Most preferably, the lip seal is a segment of a conical surface. The stationary ring member preferably includes a connection flange which defines an annular recess concentric with, but spaced from, the unitary lip seal. An annular spacer ring received within said recess. During thermal bonding of the connection flange to an end of a generally cylindrical filter medium, the spacer ring and the end of the filter medium will both be melded to respective adjacent portion of the connection flange.

Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological contaminants, such as fluids containing including bacteria and/or viruses, where the fluid is passed through a purification material composed of aluminosilicates and more preferably bauxite and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.

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: A ceramic filter includes a separation layer made of titania having an average pore size of 0.08 to 1 &mgr;m and a thickness of 5 to 20 &mgr;m. The ceramic filter has both good fouling characteristic and high bacteria removal capability and used suitably for water purification or the like.

Abstract: A filter for use in a waste water discharge system including a first channel defining a receptacle for a filter and a second channel connected generally orthogonally to the first channel providing an outlet from the filter receptacle. The filter has an axial support of a pre-selected length, a plurality of bristles fixed to the axial support extending radially outward to define an outer margin. The outer margin of the bristles, at some portions along the pre-selected length, are at least equal to an inside dimension of the channel defining the receptacle. A handle is fixed to the axial support facilitating the placement and withdrawal of the filter element in the filter receptacle. A shield member is provided that is generally conformable to the inside surface of the filter receptacle. The shield member has a length dimension sufficient to cover the outlet leading to the second channel for blocking any flow of waste water into the second channel during replacement of the filter element.

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: A filter for air extraction apparatus is disclosed, which is assembled from a porous material arranged to collect contaminants. The filter comprises a bag with a constricted inlet for receiving contaminated air. The bag is formed from a plurality of envelopes having filtering side walls and each of the envelopes has at least one orifice connected to an orifice of an adjacent envelope.

Abstract: Embodiments of a gravity-flow filter cartridge are described for removing water-borne parasites, and other contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and organics from water. The filtration cartridge includes a liquid porous plastic filter, which has pore diameters large enough to let water pass at acceptable flow rates under only the force of gravity, while the matrix creates a tortuous path which traps parasites and other microorganisms that are typically in the approximately 3-9 micron size range. The filter may include interstitial carbon and other additives to improve performance. The filter may be shaped to provide a large surface and an optimized wall thickness for providing beneficial filter capacity and water flow rate.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing tubular filter products includes rotating a mandrel in a first rotational direction, depositing nonwoven fibers on the mandrel to form a tube and continuously withdrawing the tube from the mandrel by engaging a peripheral surface of the tube with one or more detents extending radially from a surface of a roller. The roller rotates in a direction opposite the first rotational direction as the one or more detents engage the tube to a predetermined depth relative. For carrying out such a method, an apparatus includes a melt blowing die assembly for expelling melt blown fibers, a rotating mandrel arranged to receive the melt blown fibers from the melt blowing die assembly for allowing the melt blown fibers to accumulate in a body thereon and a rotating roll having a pattern of protruding detents.

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: An improved waste treatment system and improved waste treatment system components are provided. In a preferred form, a waste stream is initially separated into primarily solid and primarily liquid components, and the liquids are then fed to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a pair of filter elements, and the flow is introduced into the filter assembly at a location between the filter elements. During a filtering operation, the liquid is pumped so that it is drawn through one of the filter elements. Periodically, the flow can be reversed, so that it is directed through the other filter element, at which time the first filter element can also be purged or back flushed. Advantageous waste treatment system arrangements are also provided for household, commercial, or transportation/marine use.

Abstract: A fuel-filtering device includes a filter body in a bag form and a spacing member arranged in the filter body to maintain the bag form. The filtering device is attached to a fuel suction port located inside a fuel tank such that an inner space of the filter body communicates with the fuel suction port. The filter body is formed of at least two laminated filter layers, which includes an outside filter layer formed of a woven mesh and an inside filter layer formed of a non-woven fabric. Alternatively, the filter body includes an upper surface section and a lower surface section, and at least the lower surface section of the filter body has an inner layer formed of a mesh and an outer layer formed of a non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A transmission fluid filter material and transmission filter produced therefrom comprising a gradient density composite felt which exhibits high particle removal efficiency at 40 micron diameter particle size and larger with exceptionally high dirt holding capacity and no significant increase in clean pressure drop. The upstream portion of the composite felt contains fine fibers that selectively remove first the fine particles while the downstream portion acts to sieve coarse particles and build a porous filter cake, thereby extending the useful life of the filter.

Abstract: A fluid contaminant collection system is provided where a filter passively interacts with the fluid to remove contaminants from the fluid. The system includes a wall defining at least a portion of a chamber or passageway. Located within the chamber or passageway is the filter. The filter includes a contaminant removal portion and is located within the chamber or housing to interact with the fluid. During interaction between the fluid and the filter, the fluid passes or washes over the filter and contaminants are removed by the contaminant removal portion from the fluid.

Abstract: This invention provides a one-piece multilayer article for use in solid phase extraction that includes at least two porous support layers and a solid phase extraction medium, wherein the porous support layers are thermo-mechanically attached at at least one thermo-mechanical attachment site. At least one of the porous support layers can be a prefilter layer.

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 method is provided for modifying cells retained in a high gradient magnetic cell separation column (HGMS). Selected cells within a heterogeneous mixture are labeled with a label comprising a magnetic particle and specific for the selected cells. The labeled, selected cells are applied to the magnetic cell separation column, which retains the selected cells. The selected cells are then modified while retained in the column and then removed to the original suspension or to a purified, homogenous suspension.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating various kinds of drain water and waste liquid which treatment now becomes a problem, for example, drain water and waste liquid containing hardly removable phosphorus and nitrogen, waste liquid containing organochlorine compounds such as tetrachloroethylene, etc., excretive drain water from a piggery containing organonitrogen compounds at a high level, waste liquid containing heavy metals such as lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and the like, drain water from dairy product plants, fishery processing plants, slaughterhouses, etc. which contains water soluble protein at a high level, drain water from pulp plants, photo developing waste liquid, car wash drain water containing a mixture of car polishing wax and detergent and the like by the use of porous ceramics provided with amorphous pore surfaces.

Abstract: A new non-woven depth filter cartridge is formed by insertion of a core into filter mass formed in a continuous process. A mass of very fine diameter polymer filaments is overlaid by mass of larger diameter polymer filaments. The filaments are continuously accumulated on a spinning mandrel and advanced along and off of the mandrel by a press roller. An inner cylindrical surface of the cumulative filament mass forming the depth filter element is calendered, which facilitates insertion of a core member.

Abstract: A process for sealing a ceramic filter by infiltrating a metal into an end of the filter is disclosed. The process includes the steps of contacting the end of a porous ceramic filter with a molten metal, whereby the metal enters into the ceramic matrix to substantially fill the void space. The ceramic filter is cooled to form a filter having a ceramic-metal composite portion. The present invention also provides a filter having an infiltrated metal seal. Methods for joining infiltrated ends are also provided.

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

Abstract: Devices and use thereof, the device comprising a filter and a means for region specific compression of the filter. Alternatively, a single step assay device whereby fluid movement through the device occurs substantially solely due to action of capillary force, the device comprising a filter; a region containing the filter; a fluid access port to the region containing the filter; a means for retarding movement of particles through a peripheral filter surface; a fluid egress port from the region containing the filter; a lateral fluid flow path through the filter connecting the fluid access port to the fluid egress port, whereby sample fluid substantially devoid of particulate matter is released from the filter through the egress port; and, an exit region fluidly connected to the egress port.

Abstract: A multi-layer filter element for filtering fluids, in which a plurality of layers of filter media follow each other in succession in the direction of flow through the filter. All of the individual filter layers are preferably made of synthetic fibers, especially polyester fibers. The successive filter layers exhibit an increasing degree of filter fineness in the direction of flow through the filter, and the filter material contains at least one filter layer arranged on the inflow side of the filter which is composed of a meltblown fiber nonwoven web, especially a polyester fiber web.

Abstract: A macroporous support is disclosed, the permeability of the support varying in the direction of flow of a fluid to be treated, mean porosity increasing in the direction of flow. A method for preparing it and its use for cross-flow filtration are also disclosed.

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: An activated carbon block filter including a unique bonded carbon mixture. The carbon mixture preferably includes a mean particle diameter in the range of about 60 microns to about 80 microns and a particle size distribution having less than 10% by weight of particles larger than 140 mesh and less than 10% by weight of particles smaller than 500 mesh. More preferably, the carbon mixture includes a mean particle diameter in the range of about 65 microns to about 75 microns. Even more preferably, the carbon mixture includes a mean particle diameter of about 70 microns and a particle size distribution having less than 7% by weight of particles larger than 140 mesh and less than 7.5% by weight of particles smaller than 500 mesh.

Abstract: A solid-liquid filtering method and system which comprises a thick band (7) of assembled filaments prepared by closely arranging paralleled monofilaments of predetermined length, a means for fixing (11) one end portion of said band and a network support (4) for keeping said band in a plane situation at proper location when said band is forced to turn in a regular direction, one end portion of said monofilaments being fixed and the other end portion being floated.

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: Filter cartridges may have a core element formed of a non-filtering, self-supporting non-woven mass of indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric core fibers, and at least one annular filtration zone layer formed of a mass of non-woven indefinite length continuous synthetic polymeric filtration fibers. The non-woven core element is most preferably formed in situ during filter cartridge manufacturing by melt-blowing synthetic polymeric core fiber streams toward a forming mandrel. The non-woven core element is completely solidified prior to the filtration zone fibers being melt-blown thereon so that the core and filtration fibers are predominantly mechanically interlocked with one another, instead of being melt-bonded thereto. Filter cartridges of predetermined length may be cut from an upstream filter cartridge preform of indefinite length by subjecting the preform to forced cooling air to thereby minimize (if not eliminate entirely) significant filter cartridge shrinkage over time.

Abstract: An improved seal and method of making is disclosed for sealing a filter element to a filter mounting. The improved seal comprises a bonding pad formed from a sintered matrix of randomly oriented metallic fiber. The bonding pad is disposed between the filter element and the filter mounting. A mechanical fastener coacts between the filter element and the filter mounting for compressing the bonding pad to provide a seal between the filter element and the filter mounting. The bonding pad may be heated to create a frangible seal.

Abstract: A panel filter assembly is provided having an frame integral with a layer of filter media. The frame comprises a peripheral member disposed proximate the perimeter of the sheet of the filter media. The peripheral member is formed of a hard or rigid plastic material and comprises an upstanding portion extending away from a first side of the sheet and a portion penetrating through pores in the sheet to an opposite side of the sheet.

Abstract: A filter including alternating layers of filter medium and diffusion medium. The filter provides optimum distribution of fluid over the filtering medium, a reduced pressure drop and an increased filter life, without a reduction in filter rating. The diffusion medium has a first plane of spaced-apart, substantially parallel strands defining first longitudinal passages having a first height dimension and a first width dimension, and a second plane of spaced-apart, substantially parallel strands defining second longitudinal passages having a second height dimension and a second width dimension. The strands of the second plane of the diffusion medium are oriented in a non-parallel manner with respect to the strands of the first plane, such that the first and the second planes define lateral openings having side dimensions. The first and the second longitudinal passages include at least one dimension that is smaller than any of the side dimensions of the lateral openings.

Abstract: A metallic filter for filtering a fluid includes a filter element. A structure of the filter element is strengthened by a heat treatment after assembly to resist &Dgr;P changes in the fluid to minimize irreversible compression and degradation of the filter element due to the partial collapse of the filter element from a rise in the &Dgr;P of the fluid passing through the filter element. Preferably, the filter element includes a non-woven, metallic mat. Also, the filter element include at least two metallic support screens, and the non-woven metallic mat is sandwiched between the at least two metallic support screens. In addition, the filter element is preferably formed from a material selected from stainless steel titanium, nickel, Carpenter 20 Cb-3, Hastelloy R and Hastelloy X. Further, the filter element is pleated and formed to surround a support member, and the heat treatment after assembly occurs after pleating and forming.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a filter medium including an airlaid composite, which is made of pulp fibers, at least about 2% by weight bicomponent fiber, and moisture. This airlaid composite is unique in that, when used as a filter medium, it exhibits advantageous filtering properties as well as physical strength. The bicomponent fibers of the present invention include a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and the first polymer component melts at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer component. Mixing of the pulp fibers with the bicomponent fibers is done in such a way that the fibers are evenly dispersed in the airlaid composite. This airlaid composite is then heated such that at least a portion of the first polymer component of the bicomponent fiber is melted, which bond the bicomponent fibers to many of the pulp and other bicomponent fibers when cooled.

Abstract: A filter cloth comprising at least a base layer and a filtering layer, characterized in that the ratio T/L of the thickness (T) of the filtering layer to the length (L) of fibers of fiber bundles constituting the filtering layer is 0.02 to 0.7 and the sum of a projected area of the fibers onto the base layer surface is 8 to 350 times the area of the base layer surface and, a filter cloth characterized in being constituted with at least a base layer and a filtering layer mainly composed of fiber bundles of crimped fiber ratio over 5%.

Abstract: An improved, disposable filter bag is provided for automatic and manual pool water filtering assemblies. The filter bag is formed from a water-permeable, non-woven fabric such as Pellon®. The seams can be formed by heat-fusing.

Abstract: A monolithic ceramic filter having a portion of the partition wall of a honeycomb structure exposed with its end face on an outer wall surface of the structure and increased in thickness as compared to the remaining portion of the partition wall to form a flow resistance relaxing portion is disclosed. The monolithic ceramic filter may also have a groove-shaped recess which is separated via a partition from a liquid supply passage of a honeycomb structure and is in communication with the outside of the structure. The flow resistance of the filtrate within the partition walls may be diminished to enable efficient filtration. The filter is produced simply by extrusion molding. There is no necessity of forming holes for discharging the filtrate in some cases.

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