Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite electrolyte membrane for fuel cells that has high proton conductivity and low fuel permeability even under low humidity conditions and at elevated temperatures. The membrane, comprising a cation exchange resin and acid-treated dendrimers, has great utility in large and medium fuel cells for applications in household appliances, electric vehicles, etc.

Abstract: Functionalized substrates, methods of making functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: New silica gel materials and novel methods of producing such are provided. The method itself entails a manner of mixing the reactants together in a one-pot process such that the time required for aging is reduced without compromising the ability to target pore size production. In such a way, the pH of the reaction drives pore size development, thereby permitting a more efficient process to be followed in terms of expensive drying/heating steps being reduced timewise, if not altogether. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the resultant gel materials exhibit a certain pore size minimum while simultaneously exhibiting a degree of softness heretofore unavailable. As such, not only is this novel method more efficient in silica gel manufacture, but the resultant materials are completely novel as well. The gel materials made therefrom may be utilized in a variety of different end uses, such as cooking oil filtration, soft skin cleansers, dental abrasives, and the like.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to novel proanthocyandin compounds that are useful as antiinfective agents. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a pure and isolated compound of formula I or II: For example, compounds of the invention are useful antiviral agents against.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a composite material which can rapidly and effectively remove algae and transform them into submerged macrophytes. The composite material is a mixture of two functional materials: one can grow into submerged macrophytes, and the other is clays or modified local soil particles which can flocculate algae, inhibit phosphorus release from sediments and act as the carrier of the above-mentioned seeds, earthnuts, buds, and roots of submerged macrophytes. In addition, the present invention proposes a physical-chemical-ecological combined method for improving water quality and enhancing the ecological restoration of eutrophic lakes using the above-mentioned material. By spraying the composite material to the lake surface, the new method can remove algae and turbidity through flocculation and complete the planting process simultaneously so that HABs and eutrophication are effectively controlled.

Abstract: A filter medium comprises a mass of elongate, differently orientated, shape-sustaining elongate elements comprising a sponge material, the different orientation of the elements causing these to form a self-supporting open network which provides substantial interstitial space between the elements, this space preferably being larger than the total volume of the elements themselves. The sponge material may be cellulose or PVA. The elements may be tubular, or they may have a reinforcing core to retain their shape. The reinforcing core may be of stiff synthetic plastic material. Filtration apparatus comprises such a mass of filter medium in a tank with ports for admitting air for filtering and exhausting filtered air. The tank may be separated into several sections by perforated screens supporting respective layers of filter medium.

Abstract: New silica gel materials and novel methods of producing such are provided. The method itself entails a manner of mixing the reactants together in a one-pot process such that the time required for aging is reduced without compromising the ability to target pore size production. In such a way, the pH of the reaction drives pore size development, thereby permitting a more efficient process to be followed in terms of expensive drying/heating steps being reduced timewise, if not altogether. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the resultant gel materials exhibit a certain pore size minimum while simultaneously exhibiting a degree of softness heretofore unavailable. As such, not only is this novel method more efficient in silica gel manufacture, but the resultant materials are completely novel as well. The gel materials made therefrom may be utilized in a variety of different end uses, such as cooking oil filtration, soft skin cleansers, dental abrasives, and the like.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for straining food or other material is disclosed. Specifically, a strainer or colander made from a disposable material for convenient and limited use is disclosed. The strainer can be in any shape such as the shape of a bowl, box or triangular shaped vessel with holes or slots in the sides and/or bottom to allow liquids or flowable powders to pass through. The strainer is ideally made from an inexpensive, disposable material suitable for limited use and then discarded. Preferably, the material may also be capable of being rinsed one or several times. The strainer of this invention is also designed to be stackable or nest-packed, much in the manner of coffee filters.

Abstract: High-bond strength silicons having a median particle size of at least 100 ?m, a porous volume (Vd1), formed by pores whose diameter ranges from 3.6 to 1,000 nm, of at least 0.3 cm3/g, a mean pore diameter for the pores, whose diameter ranges from 3.6 to 1,000 nm, greater than 11 nm and a cohesive index (IC) less than 0.25 are provided. Also provided are methods for producing such silicons by silicon wet granulation, heat treating and possible sieving. The silicons can be used in the form of a liquid carrier, a catalyst carrier or additive and for liquid or gaseous filtering.

Abstract: A composition is provided. The composition may include a reaction product of a first composition having two or more anhydride moieties, a second composition having two or more hydroxyl moieties, and a third composition having at least one aziridine moiety. A method for forming a membrane from the composition is provided. A membrane formed from the composition is provided. Devices that include the membrane are provided, also.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally bound non-woven material containing a low-shrinkage dual-component core-sheath fibre consisting of a crystalline polyester core and a crystalline polyester sheath which has a melting point at least 10° C. lower than the core, the heat-shrinkage characteristic of said fibre being less than 10% at 170° C.

Abstract: The present invention teaches, that the removal of particles of any charge from liquid stream is possible by mechanisms other than sieving with good flow and low pressure drop. The use of a weakly charged or neutral surface on the one or more filters within a pre-selected pH range is used. Consequently, particles that are much smaller than the filter pore size are captured with high efficiency. The essentially neutral or weakly charged material filter surface in the filtration liquid may be formed through the proper selection of filter material or a surface modification of the base filters(s) to create the essentially neutral or weakly charged surface.

Abstract: An improved casting substrate is provided for use in a composite membrane for use as a fluid filtration medium. The composite membrane has good adhesion between the casting substrate and the microporous membrane while maintaining high permeability. The casting substrate comprises a single spunbond layer or a multiple spunbond layers formed of thermoplastic fibers, optionally comprising at least one meltblown layer. The casting substrate allows the membrane casting solution to penetrate the casting substrate uniformly to a controlled depth without penetrating through the entire thickness of the substrate. The casting substrate has good uniformity of mean pore size, basis weight, thickness and surface roughness.

Abstract: A method for filtering grey water for recycling includes passing grey water to be filtered through a filter assembly, including a support mesh or blanket holding a sedimentary material produced by electrolysis of sea water. A filter assembly can include a perforated filter plate and at least one mesh or blanket member supported by the filter plate which holds a sedimentary material produced by electrolysis of sea water.

Abstract: A fluid filter comprises a filter housing, having an inlet end (202) and an outlet end (204), and a plurality of bundles of fibres (211) extending longitudinally of the housing and being secured at the inlet end. The fibres are charged with an electric or magnetic field to selectively block or allow the passage of particles of a known charge present in the fluid through to the outlet end. To flush the filtered particles out of the filter, the charge imparted to the fibres is reversible to allow the charged particles to flow freely through the filter. The filter can also be used to control the settling characteristics of particles in a fluid.

Abstract: A filter has a housing with cylindrical wall having a first end face and a second end face. The housing has an end wall that closes of the first end face. A filter insert is arranged in the housing. A lid is attached to the cylindrical wall and closes off the second end face. The housing has two layers of different plastic materials, wherein the different plastic materials have different ductility and in particular different hardness. The cylindrical wall has elements that provide a positive-locking connection of the two layers in the axial direction of the housing.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma or serum separator and a plasma or serum sampling method capable of isolating plasma or serum with good efficiency from a small amount of blood without using a centrifuge and without causing leakage of a blood cell component or hemolysis, and in addition, capable of isolating and collecting plasma or serum from a whole blood test sample in a short time with simplicity in a blood test in the scene of medical care requiring an instant treatment any time such as an emergency test, home-use test or the like.

Abstract: A fuel filter for removing fuel impurities, particularly thiophenes, includes a hollow housing having a filter element therein. The filter element includes a substrate, which may include a nonwoven fiber web, a plurality of particles, or both of these. Where particles are used, the substrate may be homogeneous or may be a mixture of different particles. The substrate may include a sorbent selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, metallic salts, organometallic compounds, catalysts, and oxidizing agents. Optionally, a sulfur-treating reactant may be operatively associated with the substrate to reduce the concentration of thiophenes in fuel passing through the filter.

Abstract: A system for filtering hard alpha inclusions from a reactive metal alloy, such as titanium, is provided. The system includes a vessel, a receptacle and a filter. The vessel is capable of holding the reactive metal alloy in a molten form, and can pour the molten reactive metal alloy. The receptacle is for receiving the molten reactive metal alloy poured from the vessel. And to prevent at least some hard alpha inclusions from entering the receptacle, the filter is disposed between the vessel and the receptacle such that the molten reactive metal alloy passes therethrough before being received by the receptacle. The filter includes a frame, and a porous surface that is disposed within the frame. The porous surface defines openings that are sized to permit the reactive metal alloy in molten form to pass therethrough while capturing hard alpha inclusions.

Abstract: The invention is a device for purifying drinking water that has at least one fibrous structure. Preferably, there is an upstream and downstream fibrous structure. Each fibrous structure is a mixture of nano alumina fibers and second fibers arranged in a matrix to create asymmetric pores and to which fine, ultrafine, or nanosize particles are attached. Preferably, the device has an upstream antimicrobial for sterilization of retained microbes. The device is substantially more efficient at removing soluble contaminants such as halogens from a fluid stream than those previously available and is also able to retain turbidity, bacteria, and virus.

Abstract: A composite polymeric material is provided that may be used to construct an abrasion resistant layer or sheet such as an abrasion resistant meltblown layer. Desirably, the composite polymeric material comprises blends of syndiotactic and isotactic polypropylene with ferroelectric materials. The composite polymeric material is particularly useful for constructing a filter media comprising an abrasion resistant fine fiber layer such as a nonwoven layer. The composite polymeric material of the present invention also allows for electret treatment to improve its filtration characteristics.

Abstract: A tufted nonwoven includes a face material which tufts a bonded nonwoven having a mixture of a plurality of bicomponent filaments 1 with a plurality of bicomponent filaments 2. At least bicomponent filaments 1 have component 11 and component 12. Component 11 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(11), and component 22 of the bicomponent filaments 2 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(22). Component 12 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(12), and component 21 of the second bicomponent filaments exhibits a melting temperature Tm(21), and Tm(12) is higher than Tm(21). The melting temperatures of components 11 and 22 and the melting temperatures of components 12 and 21 obey a relationship in which Tm(11) and Tm(22)>Tm(12)>first Tm(21) and optionally wherein the face material is bonded to bicomponent filaments 2 by a solidified melt of component 21. Also described are a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: The filtration device of the present invention relies on materials and methodologies that achieve the formation of a structural matrix that may later accommodate the addition of other adsorbent materials as opposed to merely binding adsorbent materials together through the use of compression and/or binder materials. The filter device of the present invention relies on (i) a unique method of processing to achieve maximum density of materials, (ii) a polymeric material having a distinct morphology and (iii) a very small micron diameter of the polymeric material to create uniformity. For example, in place of compression to increase density, the materials comprising the filtration device of the present invention are instead vibrated into a mold cavity. Thus, the methodology of the current invention optimizes how all of the materials comprising the filtration device fit together without compaction. The material being processed is vibrated as it is gradually poured into the mold.

Abstract: Converting machines give rise to polluted air which must be removed with the aid of fans and filters. The invention aims at removal of the polluted air in such a way that the servicing interval is greatly extended by the use of a filter unit having a number of part-filters arranged one after the other and formed of pleated fiber mats, the various mats having different filtering properties.

Abstract: An improved method for fixedly binding particles of a solid, heat absorbing material or additive, especially polymer additives, to the surface of prepolymer and/or polymer particles.

Abstract: The invention is a filter for gaseous media in which nano alumina fibers and second fibers are arranged in a matrix to create asymmetrical pores. The filter is a high efficiency, high capacity particulate filter that intercepts pathogens and other particulate matter from gaseous media, including vapor-suspended particles. The new filter has an improved retention of water-aerosolized particles as compared to conventional HEPA filters and may be used as a pre-filter that extends the life of HEPA filters by about five to ten times. The invention is also a method of manufacturing and using the filter.

Abstract: Granules comprise binder-agglomerated active particles for liquid treatment or filtration. Each granule has a center core of a material that itself has binding properties without the addition of other binders or sprays or adhesives, or, alternatively, each granule comprises a matrix of active materials stuck together with the binder. The binder structure preferably ranges from a non-uniform matrix of binder formed by heat-deformed binder particles, to a clump of binder particles generally retaining the original shape or the binder particles, to non-continuous connectors of binder between active particles. The invented two-part media has high surface area per volume of media, which, because the outer surface and inner void surfaces of the particles are preferably substantially covered with active particles, translates to high activity for the preferred treatment process.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber wick is provided for use in processing an analyte fluid. The bicomponent fiber wick comprises a self-sustaining, fluid transmissive body comprising a plurality of bundled, crimped, bicomponent fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. Each bicomponent fiber has a fiber structure comprising a first fiber component formed from a polyamide material and a second fiber component. The fibers collectively define tortuous fluid flow paths through the fluid transmissive body, the fiber structure being configured for controlling flow of the analyte fluid through the fluid transmissive body with at least a portion of the first fiber component in contact with the analyte fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices for biological assays. The present invention includes methods for forming a permeation layer on an array of microelectrodes including the steps of attaching a linker to the surface of the array by treating the surface with a linker by vapor deposition and providing a polymerization solution that includes at least one monomer having a polymerizable moiety, a modified streptavidin, a surfactant or porogen, and a cross-linking agent. The surface of the array is then contacted with the polymerization solution and the polymerization solution is then polymerized on the surface of the array to form a permeation layer that is attached o the surface of the array through the linker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a permeable membrane diaphragm of different layers for electrolytic cell, especially for chloro-alkali electrolytic cell. The diaphragm is asymmetric, which comprises at least two layers: a flow-controlling permeable layer comprising micro-porous fluoropolymer, especially PTFE, and a diffusion-restricting permeable layer comprising porous film, sheet or cloth made of anticorrosive materials, preferably polypropylene. The flow-controlling layer is mounted near the anode, and the diffusion-restricting layer is mounted near the cathode. The mean pore diameter of the diffusion-restricting layer is at least 5 times more than that of the flow-controlling layer and the thickness of the diffusion-restricting layer is at least 1 times more than that of the flow-controlling layer. The pore diameter of said flow-controlling layer ranges from 0.1–2.0 ?m, and its thickness is 0.03–0.2 mm. The pore diameter of said diffusion-restricting layer ranges from 5–50 ?m, and its thickness is 0.

Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium 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 medium are presently 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 medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.

Abstract: The filtration device of the present invention relies on materials and methodologies that achieve the formation of a structural matrix that may later accommodate the addition of other adsorbent materials as opposed to merely binding adsorbent materials together through the use of compression and/or binder materials. The filter device of the present invention relies on (i) a unique method of processing to achieve maximum density of materials, (ii) a polymeric material having a distinct morphology and (iii) a very small micron diameter of the polymeric material to create uniformity. For example, in place of compression to increase density, the materials comprising the filtration device of the present invention are instead vibrated into a mold cavity. Thus, the methodology of the current invention optimizes how all of the materials comprising the filtration device fit together without compaction. The material being processed is vibrated as it is gradually poured into the mold.

Abstract: A filter for reducing leukocytes and platelets from an erythrocyte preparation or a whole blood preparation which is characterized by having a filter base coated with a polymer, the content of the polymer being from 0.5 to 10 mg/m2 per unit area of the total surface of the filter base, and the polymer containing 20% or less of low-molecular weight components having a molecular weight not more than ¼ of the peak top molecular weight in the gel permeation chromatogram.

Abstract: The invention includes a filtration unit for the selective deleukocytation of a fluid containing blood platelets such as blood or a blood component. The unit includes a medium for deleukocytation by adsorption and/or filtration of the leukocytes. The medium is formed by at least one layer of non-woven polyurethane fabric which has been treated by gas plasma. The invention also includes bag systems containing such a unit, including closed filtration systems.

Abstract: A blood testing tool is provided, which can recover blood plasma or blood serum with a high yield without causing hemolysis of blood cells. A recovery porous membrane 1 to be impregnated with blood serum or blood plasma contained in blood and retain it and a separation porous membrane 2 for separating blood cells from the blood are provided. The separation porous membrane 2 is laminated on the recovery porous membrane 1 while satisfying the condition that pores on an upper surface side of the recovery porous membrane have an average pore size that is in a range from 10 to 1000 ?m and is larger than that of pores on a lower surface side of the separation porous membrane, thus providing a blood testing tool according to the present invention.

Abstract: The filtration device of the present invention relies on materials and methodologies that achieve the formation of a structural matrix that may later accommodate the addition of other adsorbent materials as opposed to merely binding adsorbent materials together through the use of compression and/or binder materials. The filter device of the present invention relies on (i) a unique method of processing to achieve maximum density of materials, (ii) a polymeric material having a distinct morphology and (iii) a very small micron diameter of the polymeric material to create uniformity. For example, in place of compression to increase density, the materials comprising the filtration device of the present invention are instead vibrated into a mold cavity. Thus, the methodology of the current invention optimizes how all of the materials comprising the filtration device fit together without compaction. The material being processed is vibrated as it is gradually poured into the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cloth for a filter press and to a method for producing said filter cloth. The inventive filter cloth has a filtration section through which the filtrate reaches a filter element of the filter press, and an edging section which rests against the edge of the filter element. The filtration area is provided with a cloth that differs from that of the edging section. The filtration area is woven from monofil yarns while multifil yarns are woven into the edging section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polymer as binder for producing activated carbon filters. The polymer of the invention is a polyethylene homopolymer and/or copolymer having a melt flow index (MFI 190/15) of from 1.2 g/10 min to 10 g/10 min, a polydispersity Mw/Mn of from 3 to 30, a bulk density of from 0.05 g/cm3 to 0.5 g/cm3 and a particle size from 5 ?m to 300 ?m.

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

Abstract: A dialyzer for blood treatment including a semipermeable membrane which is made of a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer, and has a water permeating performance drying of ½ or higher relative to that before drying. The dialyzer has a vitamin B12 clearance not smaller than 135 ml/mm per 1.6 m2 or the amount of the hydrophilic polymer eluted from the semipermeable membrane is not higher than 10 ppm. A dialyzer for blood treatment is light-weight, easy to handle, and exhibits a reduced elution of the hydrophilic polymer procedures for producing a dialyzer containing the semipermeable membrane and a process for producing a hollow fiber membrane for use in blood treatment are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter media comprised of an electro-conductive scrim so as to improve on the dissipation time of an electrostatic charge. Further, the present invention is directed to a method of making such a filter media, which is formed through hydroentanglement, thus avoiding the deleterious effects of mechanical needling, while providing a filter media having the requisite strength characteristics, without possessing a limiting factor in performance. The filtration media of the present invention also demonstrates a highly desirable uniformity for cost-effective use.

Abstract: A filter cartridge formed of wound polypropylene yarn lacking a spin-finish and method of making same are disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of: providing a filter core; providing a plurality of continuous polypropylene filaments; applying water to the filaments without applying a spin finish to remove static therefrom; gathering together a plurality of the filaments to form at least two bundles; air texturing the at least two bundles of filaments to form a yarn; and winding said yarn around said filter core to provide a filter media.

Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium 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 medium are presently 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 medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in severe or harsh applications, such as acidic or alkaline environments or hot or cold temperatures. The inventive filter cartridge is constructed of a central, perforated core having reinforcing bands on the ends which is surrounded by a continuous tube of filtration material and bounded by end caps. Rather than using potting compounds or other techniques which are susceptible to severe environments, the end caps are secured to the filter material enrobed core by way of mechanical fasteners, such as blind pop-rivets, screws, or nails.

Abstract: A filter for a vehicular sewage system that includes an elongated body having a plurality of longitudinal vanes and slots. The body is made from a material able to support the growth of biological agents. The slots sized to resist the passage of particles larger than about 0.04 inches. The filters are structured for use with a vehicular sewage system having a treatment tank divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a membrane. The membrane has a plurality of filter openings in which the filters are disposed. The filters allow fluid waste and solid particles smaller than about 0.04 inch flow into the lower chamber. Larger particles of solid waste are exposed to air in the upper chamber thereby allowing aerobic biological agents to process the solid waste. In use, the filter allows the liquid portion of wastewater to pass from an upper chamber of the treatment tank into a lower chamber. The solid waste particles are then consumed by an aerobic bacteria in the upper chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air filter medium comprising nanofibers, the filter medium having a thickness of less than 0.25 millimeters, a Figure of Merit of greater than about 0.075, and an efficiency of greater than about 99.9% when capturing aerosol particles of about 0.18 microns in size and a pressure drop of less than about 40 millimeters water column at a flow rate of about 32 liters/minute through a sample 100 cm2 in size. A coating of the nanofibers may also be used to enhance performance of existing filter media by increasing the FOM of the existing filter media. Preferably, the nanofibers are fibrillated.

Abstract: The filter aid comprises finely divided plant fibers, which for a period of action have been subjected to a liquid treatment, which removes the sensorially active substances from the plant fibers.

Abstract: A method for purifying an electronic item material, which comprises dissolving an electronic item material or its intermediate product in an organic solvent and having the solution contacted with activated clay at a temperature of 65° C. to 200° C.

Abstract: Aluminum hydroxide fibers approximately 2 nanometers in diameter and with surface areas ranging from 200 to 650 m2/g have been fount to be highly electropositive. When dispersed in water they are able to attach to and retain electronegative particles. When combined into a composite filter with other fibers or particles they can filter bacteria and nano size particulates such as viruses and colloidal particles at high flux through the filter. Such filters can be used for purification and sterilization of water, biological, medical and pharmaceutical fluids, and as a collector/concentrator for detection and assay of mirobes and viruses. The alumina fibers are also capable of filtering sub-micron inorganic and metallic particles to produce ultra pure water. The fibers are suitable as a substrate for growth of cells. Macromolicules such as proteins may be separated from each other based on their electronegative charges.

Abstract: A filter media for use in flowing water, which provides a large surface area for habitat of microorganisms that consume pollutant material.