Abstract: A filter unit for fluids, the filter unit comprising a filter housing with at least one filter disposed therein, at least one fluid feed line, at least one purified fluid outlet line, and at least one unpurified fluid outlet line, each of which lines is provided with a valve. The filter is sealingly seated in the filter housing in an area between the fluid feed line and the purified fluid outlet line. The filter is in the form of a conical cylinder. The wide opening of the filter faces toward the fluid feed line and the underside of the filter forms a narrower opening sealingly disposed in an intermediate plate in the filter housing. A dirt funnel is disposed below the intermediate plate. A cleaning element is rotatably seated inside the filter housing which can be lowered into the filter from a filtration position into a cleaning position.

Abstract: A drinking straw that purifies water by forced movement of water through the straw. The straw is composed of: 1) a filter plug made of a fibrous structure, the filter plug having sides, a first end, a second end, and a firmness sufficient to avoid collapse of the fibrous structure under a specified pressure drop; 2) a water purification material integrated in the fibrous structure; and 3) a liquid impervious wrapper covering the sides of the filter plug, the wrapper defining openings at the first and second ends of the filter plug.

Abstract: The invention at hand relates to a micro-filter disc based on kieselguhr, also known as diatomaceous earth, particularly for a complete sterilization of water. The micro-filter disc contains at least two kinds of silicately bonded kieselguhr at least one of which is pre-calcined and later burnt or sintered. The micro-filter disc has pore sizes in preferred magnitudes of 0.1 to 0.3.mu. whereby bacteria are mechanically and safely retained. A method is disclosed making possible the use of three kinds of kieselguhr and kaolin in connection with a careful drying and sintering thereafter. Thereby, it is possible to produce discs having diameters larger than 35 cm and a thickness of 1 to 1.5 cm. Such discs can be cleaned by way of rotating brushes slightly scraping off the discs. This enhances a simple construction of self-cleaning filter installations. The thus constructed filter installations require very little service and can be serviced by inexperienced operators.

Abstract: A filter cartridge has an inner filter element and an outer filter element concentric therewith. The filter elements define a water flow space between them and a container of sanitizing granules is positioned in the space. The granules kill waterborne bacteria that come into contact therewith. In a more specific embodiment, the container is in a riser tube positioned in the water flow space. In another embodiment, the cartridge includes two riser tubes, each holding a container of sanitizing granules. In the alternative, one riser tube holds a container of an oxidizer such as chlorine or bromine pellets.

Abstract: A liquid diffuser drain bag for pipe drains comprising a liquid permeable woven nylon bag with an opening sized and structured to fit over and around an underground pipe drain; said bag sized to hold a plurality of loosely packed light weight rigid particles, and ties to secure the bag opening around the pipe drain.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for processing fluid provide for contacting the fluid with iodine.

Abstract: An oil filter utilizes a thermoplastic material having oil oxidation and acidification arresting additives mounted in a casing between a particle filtering material (such as cotton fibers) and a felt pad. The thermoplastic material is desirably high molecular polypropylene in the form of rice-shaped pellets, or spaghetti-shaped strands. The additives comprise about 10-17 weight % of the thermoplastic material/additive combination, and as the thermoplastic material is dissolved by above ambient temperature oil, the additives are released. The thermoplastic material pellets or strands are formed by mixing anti-oxidation and anti-acidification additives with liquid thermoplastic material to form a mixture, extruding the mixture into spaghetti like strands having a thickness of about 0.0625-0.125 inches, cooling the strands, cutting the strands into discrete elements, and then placing the discrete elements into an oil filter held in place to contact oil and to gradually dissolve to release the additives.

Abstract: A filter for fluids includes a pair of layers or multiple layers or pairs of material joined together to form a laminate having a fluid contacting surface. A plurality of spaced pockets is formed between the layers of material in the contacting surface. The layers of material are fluid permeable at the pockets whereby fluid may flow through the laminate at the pockets. The fluid contacting surface is fluid impermeable except for the pockets to require the fluid passing through the laminate to be confined to flowing through the pockets. Filter members are in the pockets for removing any contaminants from the fluid. Alternatively, additive materials such as powdered cream or sugar in the pockets dissolve in the fluid passing through the pockets to enhance the fluid.

Abstract: Disposable paper filters suitable for removal of contaminants from fluids such as water or air are disclosed. Specific embodiments include single-ply and multi-ply filters in which metal removal additives and/or halogen and organic contaminant removal additives have been distributed during the manufacturing process. Special manufacturing methods for producing such composite filters are also described.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil comprises placing a quantity of oil within a circuit, and placing a filter in the circuit, the filter having surfaces including interstices which contain a quantity of a liquid additive at a time of placement in the circuit, the additive being washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and operation of the circuit to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps. The oil may be an synthetic ester based oil or a mineral oil. The additive either reacts with an organic acid formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit to neutralize the acid, or alternatively the additive coats metallic wear particles formed during operation of the circuit so that organic acids formed from hydrolysis of the oil during operation of the circuit cannot attach thereto.

Abstract: A device providing for tribochemical regime in the lubrication system of a mechanism comprises a casing (1), a cover (2) with inlet openings (3) and an outlet sleeve (4) for the inlet and outlet of the oil, a non-return valve (5), a relief valve (6), a standard hollow full-flow filtering element (7), a tribochemical package consisting of coaxial perforated shells (8 and 9) enveloped in a filtering material (11), granulated alkaline reagent (12) placed between the shell (9) and the filtering element (7), as well as iodine with which is impregnated the filtering material (11) of the shell (8). The shells (8 and 9) consist of truncated cones with oppositely oriented bases. Their larger and smaller bases, respectively, are secured with tension on the casing of the relief valve (6), the larger base of the shell (9) is secured with tension on the outlet sleeve (4) and inside it is secured, at interference fit, a smaller base of the shell (8).

Abstract: A water purification device for attachment to a hose or other water supply such that water flowing through the device comes in intimate contact with a treatment media including free available silver ions to provide a anti-bacteria and germicide treatment of the water flowing therethrough. Preferably, the device includes an inner chamber having opposed pairs of shells, and treatment media is disposed in at least one of such shells.

Abstract: Water conditioning apparatus including a housing adapted for connection into a fluid delivery system, the housing having a fluid flow chamber with aligned entrance and exit openings, the chamber having an inner generally tubular surface with inwardly directed spirally oriented flow control ribs and a unitary member coaxially arranged therein, the member having an axial length less than the length of the inner chamber. The chamber includes at least one water return scoop in the form of an annular V-shaped groove formed within the chamber about the exit opening. The surface of the unitary member is configured with undulate fin sections, with the fin sections cooperating with the spirally oriented ribs to promote turbulence of the fluid passing therethrough. The water return scoop further assists in the process by causing about one third of all water passing through the chamber to feed back into the chamber for greater turbulence.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on sorbents selected from the group consisting of absorbents and adsorbents that are susceptible to undesirable microorganism growth when exposed to water containing such organisms, said method comprising passing water to be treated by said sorbent over brass particles prior to or concurrently with contacting said sorbent with said water, the contact with the brass particles being sufficient to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on said sorbent while not releasing more than 1 ppmw copper ions and 5 ppmw zinc ions into the effluent water. Also disclosed are related sorbent elements and pretreatment packets used in said method.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil and a filter in a transmission which converts a variable speed input (10) into a constant speed output (14 or 20) for driving an generator (16 or 22) producing constant frequency power in an airframe in accordance with the invention utilizes a filter having interstices wetted prior to placement in an oil circuit (24) with a quantity of a liquid additive that is washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and/or operation of the transmission to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps and solids, that are retained in the interstices of the filter.

Abstract: A fluid treating apparatus and method for treating fluid to remove undesirable constituents contained therein are disclosed. The apparatus and method include employing a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter is preferably chosen from metals having: favorable redox potentials relative to the redox potentials of the undesirable constituents so as to establish conditions for spontaneous oxidation and reduction reactions between the undesirable constituents and the metal particles and/or having bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties in the case where the undesirable constituent sought to be treated is a bacteria.

Abstract: A method of increasing service life of an oil and a filter in a transmission which converts a variable speed input (10) into a constant speed output (14 or 20) for driving an a generator (16 or 22) producing constant frequency power in an airframe in accordance with the invention utilizes a filter having interstices wetted prior to placement in an oil circuit (24) with a quantity of a liquid additive that is washed from the interstices of the filter into solution with the oil during filling and/or operation of the transmission to form a mixture of the oil and additive which reduces the formation of metallo-organic soaps and solids, that are retained in the interstices of the filter.

Abstract: A sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing unit for evacuation system filter traps of the type used in dental evacuation suction systems comprises a housing bounded by a side wall having openings that provide fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere and a body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material situated in the interior space of the housing. The material-containing housing is situated in a conventional filter trap comprising a cup-shaped unit comprising a mesh screen bottom wall. As waste material is suctioned into the filter trap, it passes through openings in the side wall of the unit housing into contact with the body of sanitizing, cleaning and deodorizing material which releases upon contact.

Abstract: A method of treating water to kill bacteria therein includes exposing the water to a silver catalyst in the presence of oxygen to form an active oxidizer in the water. The silver catalyst includes elemental silver deposited on a high surface area alumina matrix. In one form of the method the active oxidizer formed is predominantly hydrogen peroxide, whereas in a second form of the method an oxidizable salt is added to the water so that the active oxidizer formed is predominantly oxidized ions of the salt. The method can be effectively carried out by adding oxygen in the form of O.sub.2 ozone to the water prior to exposing it to the catalyst.

Abstract: A water purifying material containing (1) an activated carbon having (a) silver and/or an inorganic silver compound and (b) a water soluble alkaline earth metal salt supported thereon and (2) a bone-char, which can significantly inhibit the dissolution of silver and can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A water purifying system including two or more stages for removing organic and inorganic contaminants from source water. The system may be configured such that water is first passed through a biocidal resin, and then through a granular metal alloy and an activated carbon filter to remove iodides released into the water by the biocidal resin. The granular metal alloy may be agitated by turbulent motion as the water treated.

Abstract: A package for a liquid which is purified includes a neck with a lock-chamber slidable therein. The lock-chamber includes a purifying substance through which the liquid passes when dispensed. At one end of the lock chamber, a plug is positioned to block passage of the liquid through the lock-chamber when the lock-chamber is projected from the neck and to allow passage of the liquid when the lock-chamber is pushed down into the neck.

Abstract: A reagentless separator for removal of hydrolyzed species such as bicarbonate or carbonate to free or dissolved acid gases from a solution comprises a flow-through solid-phase acid bed through which the solution is passed for decreasing the pH of the solution and thus converting the hydrolyzed species into a free or dissolved acid gases. The converted hydrolyzed species is then separated from the solution by a gas permeable membrane degasser having an acid gas permeable membrane across which a partial pressure gradient is established. The solution may be an aqueous solution containing CO.sub.2 or any other hydrolyzed gas. The dissolved acid gas separator will be especially useful on space craft missions where water must be recycled.

Abstract: An in-line static water conditioning device is provided for inhibiting scale formation in plumbing containing hard water. The water conditioning device is a housing containing a core to define a flow annulus. Water flowing through the annulus contacts the core surface comprising predominately copper and lesser amounts of tin, nickel and zinc to inhibit scale formation in the plumbing downstream of the device.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing supported, solid, polymeric sheets from: (I) liquids containing components reactable to polymers; and (II) one or more indefinitely long, foraminous substrates. A more or less continuous sandwich is formed of such substrate(s) and, faced on each side of the substrates as a group, film extending beyond the lateral edges of the substrate(s), the plane of the sandwich deviating from vertical by not more than about 45 degrees.

Abstract: A method for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing hemodialysis apparatus consisting in mixing a basic composition comprising the chlorite ion with an acid composition comprising lactic acid in a mass ratio of the basic composition to the acid composition ranging from 1:6 to 1:3, feeding the mixture thus obtained and admixed with water into the hemodialysis apparatus, the ratio of the mixture to water being of about 1:34 and circulating the final solution in the apparatus wherein the mixture is diluted in water and the basic composition is reacted with the acid composition.

Abstract: A mixed filter bed composition for purifying water for human consumption containing inorganic, organic and biological contaminants said composition comprising:(a) from about 40% to about 80% by weight of carbonous sorbent;(b) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of activated alumina;(c) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of silica hydrogel;(d) from about 5% to about 20% by weight of zeolite; and(e) from about 0% to about 10% by weight of metallic components that generate metallic cations.The present invention provides potable water free of organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants. The present invention also imparts the desirable filtration characteristics of traditional adsorbents while avoiding increased biological contamination of drinking water during the filtration process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for maintaining continuous, long-term microbial control in the water supply for potable, hygiene, and experimental water for space activities, i.e., space shuttle, orbiter lab, Lunar base, Mars base, deep space missions, etc., as well as treatment of water supplies on earth. The water purification is accomplished by introduction of molecular iodine into the water supply to impart a desired iodine residual. The water is passed through an iodinated anion exchange resin bed. The iodine is bound as I.sup.-.sub.n at the anion exchange sites and releases I.sub.2 into the water stream flowing through the bed. Suitable anion exchange resins are Amberlite IRA 401S (Rohm & Haas); Dowex SBR (Dow Chemical); and Ionac ASB-1P (Sybron Corp.). The concentration of I.sub.2 in the flowing water gradually decreases and the ion-exchange bed has had to be replaced.

Abstract: An orally operable, portable, water filtration device. The device includes an elongated tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end includes a screen whose openings are in the form of slits. The slits have a width of about 0.005.+-.0.003 inch and filter out pollutants of at least that size. The tube also has an integrally formed internal ledge onto which is disposed a porous polypropylene membrane having a pore size of about 5-8 microns. A bed of granulated activated carbon with a grind size of 1230 is disposed inside the tube between the inlet end and the porous polypropylene membrane in a 7:1 ratio (bed height:bed diameter). A mouthpiece, which has an inlet and an outlet, is mounted over the outlet end of the elongated tube so that the mouthpiece and the elongated tube are in fluid communication. To use the device, the inlet end of the tube is inserted into water and suction is applied to the outlet of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A filter aid material and a method for using same in a filtration system for reclaiming and maintaining coolant oil used in aluminum rolling or working processes are disclosed. The filter aid is a fibrous material which is permeated with an acid material and may be provided in either particulate form as a body feed or as a compressed filter pad. As contamined oil flows through the filter aid, the acid acts chemically to remove aluminum fines and oxides as well as the aluminum portion of contaminating soap in the coolant oil. Use of the filter aid with acid greatly reduces the amount of conventional filter aid previously used and produces a relatively small amount of residual filter aid which can be disposed of by incineration.

Abstract: A filter aid material and a method for using same in a filtration system for reclaiming and maintaining coolant oil used in aluminum rolling or working processes are disclosed. The filter aid is a fibrous material which is permeated with an acid material and may be provided in either particulate form as a body feed or as a compressed filter pad. As contaminated oil flows through the filter aid, the acid acts chemically to remove aluminum fines and oxides as well as the aluminum portion of contaminating soap in the coolant oil. Use of the filter aid with acid greatly reduces the amount of conventional filter aid previously used and produces a relatively small amount of residual filter aid which can be disposed of by incineration.

Abstract: Hydroperoxides can be removed from a lubricating oil by contacting the oil passing through an oil filter with a heterogenous hydroperoxide decomposer. This extends the useful life of the oil and the equipment being lubricated. In a preferred embodiment, the hydroperoxide decomposer is incorporated on a substrate immobilized within the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine element for use in a liquid treating system. The machine element has an antibacterial property at least at a portion thereof which is to come into contact with the treated liquid in the course of system operation.

Abstract: Semi-permeable membrane and membrane/support assemblies and systems for microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, electrodeionization and piezodialysis filter systems are formed of polymer membranes (14), including fine particle moieties (24) or threads (16) of substantially water insoluble, oligodynamic bioactive (biostatic and/or biocidal) dispersed material. When these membranes systems are used in aqueous liquids the dispersed material dissolves slowly and provides a continuous biostatic and/or biocidal action over a long duration to counteract membrane fouling propensities of the system environment.

Abstract: A water purifier comprising a primary filter for removing residual chlorine and other impurities, a secondary filter disposed downstream of the primary filter for removing microorganisms and antimicrobial means disposed between the primary filter and the secondary filter. The water purifier of the invention can be used for long time since the proliferation of microorganism, which causes clogging of the secondary filter, is effectively prevented.

Abstract: The invention is a packet for the cleansing of edible oils, and a method of using that packet. The packet comprises a sealed enclosure formed of a porous or perforated, polymeric material. The ground rind from a fruit, such as granulated grapefruit peelings, are inserted into that enclosure. The method comprises immersion of the porous or perforated, fruit peeling-containing polymeric packet into the edible oil. The porous or perforated packet is retained in the edible oil for at least five minutes. During the time that the packet is immersed, the edible oil can flow through the porous or perforated polymeric packet and contact the citrus peelings within that packet. At the end of the appropriate time period, the porous or perforated polymeric packet is removed from the edible oil.

Abstract: A filter for the purification of tap water containing several layers of different filter materials. One of the layers is an adsorption filter element comprising a self-supporting sintered body of finely dispersed adsortion material, e.g., activated charcoal, a thermoplastic binder material and a finely dispersed, oligodynamic material, wherein these materials provide a fine-mesh, mechanical filter. The adsorption filter can also be used by itself for filtering purposes.

Abstract: A portable personal water filtration and purification device which includes an elongate tubular filter housing with layers of mechanical filtration and contains a layer of granular activated charcoal impregnated with silver located between the layers of mechanical filter medium. A mouthpiece limits the rate of flow of water through the filter unit, while making it convenient to draw water through the filter. In one embodiment, a filter unit is attached to a flexible drinking tube and the filter unit is located within a portable water container conveniently carried by a person.

Abstract: An adapter comprising, an outer tube, and an inner tube defining a cavity between the inner and outer tube, with the inner tube having a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The adapter has a solid antiseptic agent in the cavity.

Abstract: A method of enchancing the cleanability and facilitating the removal of algae and other microorganisms from surfaces prone to biofouling by immobilizing on said surfaces and bonding thereto a coating of organosilanes, forming on the coated surfaces a layer of dead cells of the algae and other microorganisms, utilizing the layer of dead cells and inherent release characteristics of silicone surface as a release medium to facilitate removal of succeeding layers of algae and other microorganisms that accumulate thereon, and cleaning the surfaces by dislodging the accumulated layers from the release medium layer.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing an aqueous fluid which is desired to be maintained in a sterile condition. The method includes storing a quantity of aqueous fluid such as ophthalmic saline solution in a reservoir within a portable container having an outlet. A porous filter medium is arranged within the container adjacent the outlet, and the aqueous ophthalmic fluid is caused to pass from the reservoir through the porous medium and to the outlet. The porous medium has covalently bonded thereto an antimicrobially effective amount of an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound which is an organosilane. The organosilane can also be bonded to the inner and outer surfaces of the portable container.

Abstract: An antibacterial material for water comprising a carrier containing an antibacterial agent and a fabric surrounding it is disclosed. When this antibacterial material for water is placed in water, microorganisms living in the water would pass through the fabric and approach the carrier, so that they are attacked by the antibacterial agent contained therein and die. On the other hand, contaminants and slime in the water cannot approach the carrier since they are filtered off by the fabric. Therefore the surface of the carrier is hardly coated with contaminants or slime and kept in an exposed state. As a result, the antibiotic effect of the antibacterial material on the water can be maintained for a long period of time.

Abstract: A water insoluble material useful for making biocidal barriers and biocidal filter for use in fluid systems, said material comprising a water insoluble thermoplastic copolymer consisting of an alpha olefin and an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, said copolymer having at least one biocidal agent ionically bonded to said copolymer.

Abstract: A process for preventing biological fouling and/or clogging of a geotextile used in a landfill leachate collection system comprising distributing chunks of biocide-containing material on the geotextile, and a landfill having a leachate collection system comprising a geotextile having chunks of biocide-containing material distributed on the geotextile.

Abstract: A portable water filtering apparatus having a lid secureable to conventional plastic drinking cups, with a filtering element disposed with the lid. The apparatus includes inlet and outlet spouts, and may also include a drinking cup secured thereto, so that contaminated water is filtered once upon being poured through the inlet means into the cup, and filtered a second time upon being poured out of the cup through the outlet. The filtering element includes four layers of filtering material for removing particulate matter, bacteria, and unpleasant odor and taste from contaminated water.

Abstract: An orally usable filter straw for the purification of water by forced movement of the water through the straw. The straw includes an elongated tubular conduit having an inlet for reception of the water at a distal end of the conduit and having an outlet at a proximal end of the conduit for expulsion of the treated water. Beginning at the inlet of the straw, the straw includes the following materials retained within the conduit: a removably mounted filter, a purification resin, activated carbon granules, and a bactericide resin. A mouthpiece is mounted at the outlet of the conduit to allow the device to be suitably received by a human user. The straw includes a series of porous spacers positioned within the conduit to segregate the materials retained within the straw.

Abstract: This invention provides a sterilizing water-purifying reagent for removing muddiness of water to be treated or sterilizing the water to be treated as drinking water in fields or under drinking water shortage environment, and the sterilizing water-purifying reagent comprises an acidic additive containing as main ingredients various types of metal salts and nonmetal salts produced by dissolving vermiculite weathered from mica mineral or soil further weathered from the vermiculite in aqueous inorganic acid solution.

Abstract: A canteen containing an iodine polyurethane complex open cell foam sponge for sterilization of water contained in the canteen.

Abstract: A container for use in culturing living cells includes an enclosable portion, or base, and a cover for enclosing the enclosable portion, a path defined between the junction of the enclosable portion and the cover and a gas permeable filter positioned within the path. Gases flow into and out of the container through the filter. Vapor phase hydrogen peroxide is degraded into water vapor and oxygen by a material associated with the filter to prevent hydrogen peroxide from entering the container.

Abstract: A treating method of preventing the putrefaction and emission of rancidity of water-contained cutting or grinding oil by placing in the oil a treating bag member wherein solids comprised of water-soluble glass composition containing Ag.sup.30 ion in the composition thereof are wrapped in water-permeable fiber cloth. The method makes it possible to suppress the development of microbes forming which cause the putrefaction and rancidity of oil by the action of Ag.sup.30 ion so as to prolong the service period of the oil by a substantial degree and also to stabilize the effect by making Ag.sup.30 ion flow out in generally constant relation with lapse of time.