Abstract: A process and apparatus employing nylon 4 for the purification of water comprising the steps of contacting the water with iodine in a first treatment zone; nylon 4 complexed with iodine rather than elemental iodine is preferably used and is contacted by the water in the first treatment zone where it releases iodine at levels sufficient to purify the water. The treated and purified water is then contacted with nylon 4 in a second treatment zone where the iodine is removed from the water. The apparatus comprises a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, with a first treatment zone containing nylon 4 material complexed with iodine and a second downstream treatment zone containing nylon 4. The nylon 4 material used in both treatment zones can be in any form, preferably a form having a high surface area. A suitably restrained moistened fine powder may be used as may be textured or untextured, drawn or undrawn, staple fiber, knitted or non-woven fabrics or pulp (fibrils).

Abstract: A flowing water sterilization filter comprising a clear plastic sectional canister with an inlet conduit and outlet conduit mounted to said different sections of the canister. A polyurethane iodine treated sponge is positioned in said canister between the inlet conduit and outlet conduit to sterilize water passing therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air blower apparatus for conditioning a room, including synthetic resin components which come in contact with air flow. The synthetic resin components are molded from polypropylene resin, to which at least one antimicrobial agent selected from diphenylethers, N-haloalkylthio compounds, benzimidazoles, organic arsine compounds and metal alumino-silicate hydrate is mixed prior to molding of the components.

Abstract: A five component mixed media for a single chamber water conditioner wherein bacteria-reduction, softening and ionic removal of organics and inorganics takes place. The mixed media is found rechargeable with a periodic flushing of the container.

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: Lubricant filter for internal combustion engines, particularly for motor vehicles, of the screwed-on type, both for full flow and bypass filtering, the latter being obtained by superimposed filter cartridges with separation of the flow of filtered lubricant. The filter comprises an incorporated reservoir for reserve additives to be admitted to the lubricant at an appropriate time to reintegrate the original additives which are degraded or exhausted after a certain period of operation. The reservoir communicates with the rest of the filter through a discharge duct, normally closed by an on-off piston valve actuatable by means of an outer control knob, and through a feed hole normally closed by a check valve. When the on-off valve is opened, with the engine idling, the check valve is opened, too, and the reservoir of the additives is brought into communication with the rest of the filter, thus causing mixing of the additives with the lubricant which is fed directly to the oil sump.

Abstract: Filter cartridge for the improvement of the quality of drinking water, consisting of a vessel (10) with sieve-type covered apertures (18, 44) filled with a compound (16) of ion exchange resin and/or absorbent carbon together with a bacterio-statically effective material, in particular silver, in dissociable form, through which the water to be treated is conducted mainly in a downwards direction, the vessel having a collection space (48), for a limited quantity of water, originating from the vessel's floor (42), which is separated from the outlet aperture (44). Thus drying out of the cartridge through non-use over a longer period of time or through misuse is prevented and the effectiveness of the bacterio-statically effective material is retained to combat the feared multiplication of germs in the treatment compound.

Abstract: Active carbon fibers derived from acrylic fibers and having a BET specific surface area (SA) of 800 to 2,000 m.sup.2 /g, a pore volume (Vp) to (SA) ratio, i.e., (Vp)/(SA), of from 5.times.10.sup.-4 to 14.5.times.10.sup.-4, and a methylene blue adsorption rate constant of not less than 5.times.10.sup.-1 sec.sup.-1, and a filter adsorption unit for water purification using said active carbon fibers; the unit is useful to remove compounds having a wide range of molecular weights from an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A water purifier has a deodorization tank for removing ions and odorants by adsorption from running water and a mesh filter for removing dust. The mesh filter is arranged at a water entrance of the deodorization tank. The deodorization tank contains an anti-bacterial membrane having a function of imparting an antibacterial activity to the water by supplying mineral ions to the running water and thereby alkalifying the water. The deodorization tank also has a water exit which is associated with a mineral supply filter for supplying a mineral component to the running water. The mineral supply filter is prepared by molding a powder obtained by adhering a material such as soda glass to the surface of heat-decomposed calcium carbonate.

Abstract: In a swimming pool, or other open-to-sunlight water system, algae is controlled, as disclosed, by ionisation from a single metal, i.e., zinc. The zinc is mounted in a jacket that is built into the pipework of the pool, as a plurality of metallic zinc discs mounted in a plastic jacket or sleeve which is inserted into one of the circulation pipes for the pool. The sleeve is mounted to the pipe by pipe-to-sleeve adapters at each end thereof.

Abstract: A composition and method for the bactericidal treatment of water with oligodynamic metal ions. The composition comprises a particulate silver yielding material and a particulate filler material which is intermixed with the silver yielding material. The silver yielding material comprises a highly porous carrier having a hardness which is greater than that of elemental silver and a layer of elemental silver on the surfaces of the carrier, and the filler material comprises a material, such as charcoal, having a hardness which is less than that of elemental silver. The composition is utilized in accordance with the method of the invention by passing a stream of water through a quantity of the composition to cause the particles of silver yielding material to mechanically interact with each other to release silver into the water.

Abstract: A system containing beds of polymeric material containing antimicrobial agents are used to adjust the antimicrobial agent concentration of treatment streams used for treating fibers with antimicrobial agents. The adjustment step is performed by passing the stream through a bed which contains the agent in a concentration different than that of the stream.

Abstract: A compact water purifier is described in which three filters are contained within a single container. The first filter in the sequence is a pre-filter designed to remove large particles from the flow stream, the second an activated carbon filter for the adsorption of toxic chemicals, and the third a ceramic microscreen, preferably containing silver or other bacteriostatic agent. The three filters are assembled within a cylindrical container which is sealed to the filter assembly at each end so that a substantially uniform inward flow pattern and stable flow rate are established, and so that the relative volumes of the carbon and ceramic materials are appropriate for their functions, and so that each filter medium is assured to retain its proper position within the prescribed filtering sequence.

Abstract: A multi-layer filter combination having a macrofilter layer with a predetermined thickness and two major sides including porous material impregnable with bacteria-destroying medication and having pore sizes in the range from about 1 micron to about 120 microns. There is also a microfilter layer having a prearranged thickness smaller than the thickness of the macrofilter and including a porous membrane having pore sizes from about 0.1 micron to about 10 microns. The microfilter layer is mechanically bonded to at least a major side of the macrofilter layer, whereby inhibiting transfer of any remaining live bacteria which may have survived exposure to the bacteria-destroying medication, and which may attempt to pass outwardly beyond the microfilter layer. The medication is either an antibiotic and an iodophore.

Abstract: A process for preparing a silver-plated coral sand useful as a bacteriological inhibitor for drinking water is provided. The process comprises (1) heating desalted coral sand in an inert gas under reduced pressure; (2) thoroughly washing the resulting activated coral sand with water; (3) soaking the so washed coral sand in a silver-ammonia complex solution with heating under reduced pressure, adding a trace amount of glucose as a reducing agent to the complex solution, maintaining the soaked state to thereby effect plating the coral sand with silver; (4) evaporating the silver-plate coral sand to dryness with heating under reduced pressure; (5) thoroughly washing the silver-plated coral sand with water, and (6) then drying the silver-plated coral sand.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing drinking water from bacteria contaminated cold water is provided. The cold contaminated water is placed into a flexible collector having a sub-micron porous filter in the bottom. When the flexible collector is squeezed, the pressure forces the contaminated water through the filter and into a holding chamber. The drinkable filtered water is removed from the holding chamber through a sterile exit opening.

Abstract: Processes are described for coating a particulate silver material such as sand or diatomaceous earth with metallic silver for sterilizing water and the like, the objective being to produce a highly adherent, thin layer of silver on the diatom surfaces. One method comprises mixing the filter particles with a silver compound in solution, then reducing the silver to elemental form on the particle surfaces by chemical, optical, or gaseous means with or without the addition of heat. Another method comprises sputtering elemental silver on to the diatom particle surfaces in a partial vacuum or inert atmosphere.

Abstract: Improved bacteriostatic filter media mixture comprising specially treated, dried, silver-bearing, highly purified, inert material in particulate or fibrous form, such as cellulose fibers, mixed with specific proporations of powdered, activated carbon filter material. Bacterial growth in and on the filter media is inhibited by silver ions slowly eluted or dissolved from the segregated, silver-treated cellullose fibers uniformly interspersed among the carbon filter material. The treated cellulose in the mixed filter media is in an amount sufficient to provide overall filter bacteriostatic effect to passs EPA Office of Pesticides Regulations FR 41:152 for home water filtration use, and to have improved coliform bacteria suppression after stagnant periods. Adsorptive and precoatability properties of the carbon are not inhibited, and carbon densification, leading to fall-off, does not occur.

Abstract: A filter media is provided which comprises an amount of particulate immobilized in a substantially inert porous matrix. A least a portion of the particulate surface has thereon a divalent metal peroxide. The metal peroxide is magnesium peroxide or calcium peroxide, preferably magnesium peroxide.The filter media is preferably used for oxidizing and removing soluble iron and manganese from an aqueous fluid. The filter may also be used for removing and inactivating microorganisms from fluids, e.g. aqueous fluids. Particulate filter aid having coated or adsorbed on the surface the aforementioned metal peroxide may be used as the particulate in the filter media, as well as the metal peroxide in particulate form.

Abstract: The portable sink top water conditioner includes couplings for periodically recharging the water filtering and conditioning elements in response to an indicator signal generated as a result of deposition of a predetermined weight of material filtered from the water and retained by the conditioner. Filter elements for maintaining the bacteria count at an acceptable level may be incorporated.

Abstract: A lubricant filter for internal combustion engines, comprising a cup-shaped member containing one or preferably two cylindrical crown-shaped filter cartridges. The opening of the cup-shaped member is closed by a cover from which a tubular member extends into the inner space of the filter cartridges. A container containing a mixture of additives for the lubricant is accommodated in the tubular member and has at least one opening closed by a diaphragm made of a material soluble in the hot lubricant. The cover has an eccentric inlet opening for the lubricant to be filtered and an axial outlet opening for the filtered lubricant and may further have a second eccentric outlet opening for part of the filtered lubricant.

Abstract: A molded polymer body with very fine, discrete, solid particles composed of a metal, metal compound or a mixture of the same incorporated within the molded body in a uniform pattern of distribution, substantially free of agglomeration, as obtained by a process of first impregnating the molded body with a bath solution of a metal compound and then gassing the molded body with a gaseous precipitating agent to precipitate the metal-containing particles. The products are especially useful in catalytic membranes, e.g. as used in artificial lungs or artificial kidneys.

Abstract: Demand-type disinfectants are prepared from strong base anion exchange resin beads and elemental iodine. The resin is in the iodide form, and the iodine is applied with a water carrier which is recycled in contact with the resin and the stoichiometric amount of iodine to form the desired polyiodide (viz. I.sub.3.sup.-, I.sub.5.sup.-, or mixtures thereof). A homogeneous product of pre-determined polyiodide content is obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ion exchange column for the removal of bacteria from a liquid medium wherein the column has, as an indicator to indicate when the column capacity for removal of bacteria is exhausted, a filter having submicron pores which will become plugged after a short period of usage with an exhausted bacteria-removing ion exchange column so that pressure build up will noticeably reduce the flow of liquid exiting from the filter thereby indicating to the user that the ion exchange column is exhausted. This invention also relates to a process for removing bacteria from a liquid medium wherein a bacteria containing medium is passed through an ion exchange column capable of removing such bacteria and then through a filter having submicron pores. When the capacity of the ion exchange column for removing bacteria is substantially exhausted, bacteria are removed by the submicron filter which quickly plugs.

Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that chemicals existing in natural waters, which have been pretreated in municipal water treatment facilities, as well as natural surface and underground waters which have not been so pretreated, do inhibit the biocidal effect of known water disinfectants of the metallic ion type. This may be overcome by exchanging for the halide ions in such water an anion, such as bicarbonates, which does not inhibit the biocidal effect of metallic ions, nor does it react chemically with known oxidizing biocides to form halogenated organics which are suspected of causing cancer. Further, water treated in accordance with this invention substantially maintains its original ionic character to maintain the water in a natural state, for example, not deionized.

Abstract: A strongly basic anion-exchange resin loaded with iodine and a less than stoichiometric amount of an iodide salt or bromine and a less than stoichiometric amount of bromide salt is an effective demand bactericide for disinfecting water. The bactericidal resin according to the invention elutes only small amounts of halide ions and is especially suited for killing bacteria in feed water supplies having relatively high salt content.

Abstract: Semi-permeable membranes of regenerated cellulose are subjected to wet-heat sterilization at a temperature of 105.degree. to 140.degree. C. During the treatment, the membranes are maintained in contact with an aqueous medium such as water or physiological saline. For the dialysis of body fluids, hollow fiber, semi-permeable membranes so sterilized exhibit a sonic modulus of at least 6.5.times.10.sup.10 dynes/cm.sup.2. Hollow fibers made of cuprammonium regenerated cellulose are particularly preferred for the above purpose.

Abstract: A water purification device includes a housing having a base portion and a generally-cylindrical cup-shaped cap removably secured thereto. An input fluid channel in the base portion communicates with one end of the chamber defined by the cup and an outlet fluid channel communicates with that chamber end. A filter cartridge disposed within the cap has a conduit that extends between its opposite end walls. Filter material surrounds the conduit. An inlet opening in the cartridge is positioned to communicate with the input fluid channel so as to permit water to flow through the filter material. An outlet opening in the cartridge is arranged to communicate from the filter material to the other end of the aforementioned conduit remote from said outlet channel. The conduit other end is positioned to communicate to the outlet channel. A valve is included in an extension of the base portion in order selectively to control the distribution of water as between an outlet passage and the inlet channel.

Abstract: A filtration and purification apparatus for use in water lines of both domestic and industrial applications, wherein water must be purified and filtered prior to use--particularly with respect to human consumption thereof. The filter/purifier comprises a housing having an inlet port which discharges into a filter chamber, wherein the incoming water passes through a filter member into an adjacent metering compartment which controls the flow of water both through an outlet port and a communicating purifying chamber, the purifying chamber including a predetermined amount of iodine crystals stored therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfection of drinking water where the water is stored in a tank or other container from which it is dispensed. The invention is characterized by use of a porous ceramic body having metallic silver dispersed within the same and which is immersed in the water. Silver ion is released from the absorbed liquid of the body at a controlled level of concentration to inhibit the growth of organisms.

Abstract: A filter unit, and method of assembly thereof, of the type to be used with the circulating lubrication system of an internal combustion engine; the unit including an enclosure having sidewall and end sections, a filter element disposed within the enclosure, an additive body within the enclosure between the end section thereof, and the filter element and means, including a helical coil spring, interposed between the filter element and additive body for preventing relative movement thereof within the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and filter apparatus therefore are described for providing substantially bacteria-free, humidified oxygen to a breathing mask or breathing tube. The filter apparatus is hydrophobic and is inserted either at or adjacent the outlet of a humidifier, in the flow line between the outlet of the humidifier and the breathing mask, or at or adjacent the breathing mask, and can be easily replaced when contaminated after a period of use.

Abstract: Filters for the selective collection of metallic ions, comprising a water-permeable, thin layer film made from pulp or fiber having the metallic ion collecting groups chemically linked thereto which are made up of a polar group containing an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom which may selectively form a nonionic linkage together with metallic ions.

Abstract: A system for purifying bodies of water, such as swimming pools, includes a prefilter upstream of a catalytic filter, and a pump for periodically circulating water to be treated through the prefilter and then through the catalytic filter. The catalytic filter includes a series of horizontally disposed filter elements each having a stationary layer of a permeable water-purifying biocatalyst composition. The preferred biocatalyst is a microbicidal surface compound formed by wet processing finely divided silver oxide, zinc oxide and lampblack. Water circulated through the prefilter is filtered to remove suspended solids or algae which would clog or otherwise disturb the biocatalyst filter cake. Water circulated through the catalytic filter is purified by surface contact with the biocatalyst. Repeated pool water contact with the biocatalyst generates a residual microbicidal condition in the pool water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil detecting element capable of accurately detecting oil floating on water. The oil detecting element comprises a water-repellent, oil-passing filtering member for preventing water coming into the element. Oil can be detected by detecting change in electric resistance of a conductive particle layer due to its contact with oil arriving through the member. According to an embodiment of the invention, the water-repellent, oil-passing filtering member is impregnated with a material which is toxic to water life such as algae and shells to prevent settling of these water life on the surface of the element and thereby to prolong the life of the element. Examples of an oil detector incorporating the oil detecting element and including an electrical circuit which detects change in electric resistance of the element upon its contact with oil and actuates a suitable alarming device such as a buzzer are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to large pore macroreticular ion exchange resins which contain chemically or physically bound microbiocides or combinations thereof. This invention also relates to methods of preparation of these microbiocidal compositions and their use in purifying aqueous solutions which are microbially contaminated.

Abstract: An oil filter is disclosed as having a filter enclosure provided with oil inlet and outlet ports adapted for communication with the oil circulating system of an associated oil lubricated engine. Disposed within the enclosure is a filter element fabricated of any suitable filtering media. In addition to the filter element, a body of an oil soluble, relatively solid polymer having oil additives compounded therein is disposed within the enclosure. The polymer body is located within the enclosure so as to be in an area where minimum oil flow occurs, i.e. in a relatively non-turbulent oil flow area, which results in the polymer dissolving at a relatively uniform or linear rate so as to prevent undesirable concentrations of the additives during the effective service life of the filter.

Abstract: An oil filter is disclosed as having a filter enclosure provided with oil inlet and outlet ports adapted for communication with the oil circulating system of an associated oil lubricated engine. Disposed within the enclosure is a filter element fabricated of any suitable filtering media. In addition to the filter element, a body of an oil soluble, relatively solid polymer having oil additives compounded therein is disposed within the enclosure. The polymer body is located within the enclosure so as to be in an area where minimum oil flow occurs, i.e. in a relatively non-turbulent oil flow area, which results in the polymer dissolving at a relatively uniform or linear rate so as to prevent undesirable concentrations of the additives during the effective service life of the filter.

Abstract: A sheet of partially acetalled polyvinyl alcohol is used as the substratum of the article, and a sparingly soluble silver halide is precipitated on the sheet from an aqueous phase such as an ammoniacal silver chloride solution.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterile handling of fluids is provided, in particular blood, in which a manifold assembly having a plurality of ports or openings is connected to a fluid to be handled in sterile condition and to a sterilizing solution. The sterilizing solution is introduced into the manifold assembly preferably after the fluid unit is connected thereto so that all connections to the manifold are sterilized. The fluid is then permitted to flow into the manifold which is utilized to move it to one or more processing locations under sterile conditions.

Abstract: The known sterilization and purification properties of activated carbon which is impregnated with silver are restored by treating spent silver impregnated activated carbon with steam.

Abstract: A multiple phase filter cartridge is presented wherein the filter has two or more distinctly different fibrous layers with at least one of the fibrous layers containing active particles. The different layers are formed in place on the filter by a wet accretion process.

Abstract: An imparter to impart silver to a water system wherein air is drawn into a receiver container when water is withdrawn from the receiver container into a storage container. The water is withdrawn from the receiver container through an opening that is disposed below the level of water in the receiver container and its lower end is beneath a maximum water elevation in the storage container and above some lower elevation therein. The imparter is placed in the opening. It has a dimension of thickness defined by a pair of end walls which partially define a cavity in the imparter body. There are perforations in both of the end walls to permit water to flow through the cavity and thereby through a bed of silver imparting material inside the cavity. This material has the inherent property of transferring silver into the water as a consequence of contact therewith.

Abstract: A fluid filter and purifying apparatus located within a supportive structure wherein substantially all of the fluid passing therethrough is caused to be conducted through two separate mediums, a stranded fibrous medium in order to remove particulate matter and activated carbon in order to remove chemical pollutants. The granulated carbon is located within a plurality of elongated envelopes with a preferential oval cross-section. Each of the envelopes are mounted within the frame in a spaced apart manner forming a gap between adjacent envelopes. The major axis of each oval shaped envelope is inclined at an acute angle, preferably 45.degree., with respect to the direction of fluid flow. Located within each gap may be a quantity of stranded glass fibers which is to remove particulate matter from the fluid.

Abstract: There is described an improved membrane-liquid barrier system of the type containing complex-forming, silver-containing ion component in an aqueous solution, and an improved process in which the membrane-liquid barrier combination can be employed to separate olefinically-unsaturated hydrocarbons. The membrane is in contact with an aqueous solution having dissolved therein complex-forming silver-containing ions, and further includes small but effective amounts of hydrogen peroxide to retard reduction of the ionic silver to elemental silver.

Abstract: A semi-permeable membrane containing a catalyst for conversion of hydrogen peroxide introduced from one side of the semi-permeable membrane to molecular oxygen which is released from the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane. The catalyst is preferably in the form of a ruthenium oxide or sulfide and preferably in assymetrical distribution in the membrane.

Abstract: A water conditioning device for conditioning the cold water supply to a beverage vending machine. The device uses a spirally twisted strip of corrosion and lime scale inhibiting copper-nickel alloy contained within a cylindrical casing through which the cold water is delivered. The spiral strip churns the water for more complete contact of the water with the strip surfaces as the water flows through the casing.

Abstract: Phenolic complexes of water-insoluble but water-swellable crosslinked N-vinyllactam or N-alkyl-N-vinylamide polymers in the form of porous beads or granules and a process of preparing same. The complexes are particularly suited for use in situations wherein phenolic materials in limited quantities are desired such as, for example, in canisters or columns which are used to treat liquids or water. The novel complexes are prepared by adsorbing a phenolic material onto the porous granular or porous bead-like crosslinked N-vinyllactam or N-alkyl-N-vinylamide polymers.