Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling an inflammatory response in a subject. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that alter the functional structure of one or more inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of the subject. The device or system is useful in a method for treating an inflammatory disease or condition in the subject.

Abstract: A system and process for treating a hydrocarbon feed mixture containing aromatic compounds is provided to separate the at least one aromatic compound from the hydrocarbon feed stream is provided. A supported ionic liquid membrane, which is a microporous polymeric support containing ionic liquid in its pores, is used to selectively extract aromatics. The hydrocarbon feed mixture is directed to a retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane. A permeate stream is drawn from the permeate, side of the supported ionic liquid membrane, which is an aromatic-rich hydrocarbon stream. An aromatic-lean hydrocarbon stream, which is the retentate portion of the original hydrocarbon feed, remains on the retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for capturing odor- and/or taste-generating substances present in water flowing continuously in a water distribution network via a pipe (12). In characteristic manner, the device comprises: capture means (22) for capturing said substances; at least one chamber (18) containing said capture means (22) and suitable for having network water flow therethrough; and hydraulic link and connection means (14; 42) between said chamber (18) and said pipe (12). The invention is applicable to networks for distributing drinking water.

Abstract: A monolithic carbon composite filter for use in water filter bottles of the type having a bottle cap and a valved vented top. The filter is formed with exposed surfaces including side walls and a base. The filter employs both radial flow through the side walls of the filter and axial flow through the filter base. All available exposed surfaces thus maximize the available surface area for filtering water. As a result a larger diameter filter suited to the addition of a second media as well as an inner tube providing for separate axial flow may be utilized. A dual aspect or universal flow filter adapted to be attached to a filter housing top is capable of being cooperatively attached to the bottle cap and bottle with a valved vented top. The bottle is normally inverted for drinking.

Abstract: A method for making a surfactant-based monolithic column is provided. The method comprises providing a mixture comprising at least one surfactant monomer, at least one crosslinker, at least one initiator, and at least one porogen and polymerizing the mixture to form the surfactant-based monolithic column. The present disclosure also provides a surfactant-based monolithic column, a method for separating molecules, and a process for preparing a surfactant monomer.

Abstract: Media and devices, such as anion exchangers including such media, wherein the media is a membrane having a surface coated with a polymer such as a polyallylamine. The resulting membrane offers stronger binding of protein impurities and superior removal of host cell proteins from biological samples than conventional ligands based on quaternary ammonium salts, including trimethylammonium ligands. Also described is a chromatography scheme and method for purifying monoclonal antibodies, wherein the anion exchange sorber is placed downstream of an affinity column (such as Protein A or Protein G affinity column) and optionally one or more polishing devices such as cationic exchange columns. Little or no dilution of the cation exchanger pool (or affinity column exchange pool where no cation exchanger is used) is necessary to lower the conductivity of the sample. The sorber functions well to strongly bind host cell proteins and other impurities even at high conductivities and pH.

Abstract: A carbon block filter with UHMWPE binders and activated carbons and the method are provided. The method comprises: pulverizing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) binders with an average particle size of 120˜140 ?m, serving as original binders, and separating binders with a granularity of 20˜80 ?m from the original binders; mixing the separated binders with the original binders; and forming a carbon block filter by mixing commercial, powdered activated carbons, with the mixed binders. The mixing of the separated binders with the original binders and the forming of the carbon block filter control the powdered activated carbons and the adjusted, UHMWPE binders so that the cumulative granularity ratio of them is 1:0.78˜1.1, with respect to a particle size equal to or less than 105 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorption agent for removing endotoxins from a biological fluid, comprising a water-insoluble, porous carrier having a neutral hydrophobic surface wherein the surface of the carrier has an adsorptive coating made of polymyxin and albumin, wherein polymyxin and albumin are bonded to the surface of the carrier in a noncovalent manner. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a sorption agent. The sorption agent is used in extracorporeal blood purification, in particular in order to treat individuals, who have sepsis.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling an inflammatory response in a subject. Extracorporeal devices, systems, and methods are provided that alter the functional structure of one or more inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of the subject. The device or system is useful in a method for treating an inflammatory disease or condition in the subject.

Abstract: A separation medium is provided, comprising at least one megalin polypeptide and/or at least one cubilin polypeptide immobilized on a support. Also provided are devices comprising the separation medium, as well as methods and uses employing the separation medium for extracorporeal removal of low molecular weight proteins, or fragments or derivatives thereof, from complex biological fluids.

Abstract: An architectural construct is a synthetic material that includes a matrix characterization of different crystals. An architectural construct can be configured as a solid mass or as parallel layers that can be on a nano-, micro-, and macro-scale. Its configuration can determine its behavior and functionality under a variety of conditions. Implementations of an architectural construct can include its use as a substrate, sacrificial construct, carrier, filter, sensor, additive, and catalyst for other molecules, compounds, and substances, or may also include a means to store energy and generate power.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel silicon compounds, methods for making these novel silicon compounds, compositions comprising these novel silicon compounds attached to substrates, methods for attaching the novel silicon compounds to substrates and methods for using the compositions in a variety of chromatographic applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include an oxidation reactor configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater producing process. The oxidation reactor may be further configured to oxidize a chemical associated with the flow of wastewater with an oxidation agent. The oxidation reactor may include at least one reaction member configured to pressurize at least a portion of the oxidation reactor. The system may further include at least one resin tank configured to contain an ion exchange resin configured to target a particular metal, the at least one resin tank configured to receive an output from the oxidation reactor. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A composite magnesium hydroxide containing a carbonate group and having a large BET specific surface area, a method for producing the same and an adsorbent comprising the same. The composite magnesium hydroxide is represented by the following formula (1) and has a BET specific surface area of 100 to 400 m2/g. Mg1-xMx(OH)2-y(CO3)0.5y.mH2O ??(1) (in the above formula, M is at least one divalent metal ion selected from the group consisting of Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, and Ba2+, and x, y and m satisfy the following conditions: 0<x?0.5 0.02?y?0.7 0?m?1.

Abstract: A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3?, and pH.

Abstract: Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes, from top to bottom, a main filter comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including tourmaline powder, mica powder, mineral powder, germanite powder, calcite powder, amber powder, agate powder, actinolite powder, crystal powder, and jade powder; a germanite layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including germanite powder and selenium powder; a pearl layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including pearl powder; an ore layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including ore powder capable of emitting far-infrared radiation; a mineral layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including mineral powder and calcite; and a gold layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including gold powder.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides fail-safe mechanisms for final filters. The fail-safe mechanisms of the present disclosure include a prefilter that is essentially transparent or translucent to TOC contaminants and a microporous filter downstream from the prefilter that filters contaminants by means of size-exclusion, mechanical interception, coagulation, or a combination thereof, the filter being adapted to significantly reduce fluid flow and undergo blockage under a challenge by TOC contaminants.

Abstract: Adsorption devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an adsorption device includes a fabric and an adsorbing complex attached at least partially attached to a surface of the fabric, the adsorbing complex being reactive to selectively adsorb a substance from a liquid passing through the fabric to remove at least a portion of the substance from the liquid. In one embodiment, the adsorption device can be incorporated into an extracorporeal blood circuit adapted to filter phosphate from blood of a hemodialysis patient without altering chemistry of the blood.

Abstract: Novel electrospun nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of using the same are provided. The nanofibers include a cactus mucilage, such as mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica. An organic polymer can be added to the cactus mucilage before electrospinning The nanofibrous membranes can be used in water filtration.

Abstract: Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, in order to eliminate impurities, and the like, water to be treated is passed through each of reactor vessels, phosphorus contained in the water to be treated is removed by using an adsorbent, and thereafter the liquid held in each of the reactor vessels is discharged through each of first to third treated water discharge paths, thereby eliminating the impurities, and the like derived from the water to be treated. It is possible to eliminate the influence of the impurities in the water to be treated on the discharged desorption agent liquid containing phosphorus from the phosphorus adsorbent can be eliminated, and hence it is possible to obtain a phosphorus-containing liquid containing no substance other than the recovered phosphoric matter material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for skimming oil and other liquid hydrocarbons and contaminates floating at the surface of a body of water or other suspending liquid. A rigid skimming surface such as a drum or disc is floatably supported on pontoons. The skimming surface is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the water surface. The skimming surface is covered with removably attached sorbent material which improves the efficiency of the oil recovery operation and which, when worn or soggy, can be removed and discarded without discarding the skimming surface.

Abstract: An adjustable and removable skimming assembly is provided for attaching to the bow of a watercraft. When mounted, the skimming assembly presents vertically orientated starboard, port and bow cages that house oil absorbent padding. The cages with the positioned pads are largely porous so that at slow watercraft velocities, the water flows through the pads but the oil is retained within the pads across a substantially horizontal plane. As the pads become oil saturated along this common plane, the vertical cages are adjusted to expose a section of the pad that is not saturated. This process is repeated until the entire pad surface is saturated. The resistance force created by the water against the starboard and port cages during movement is countered by a plurality of tethering cables extending from the structural members attached to the bow of the watercraft to the outer edges of the cages.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus is disclosed which uses a salt sponge unit to remove a majority of salt from water. A parallel plate capacitor can be connected after the salt sponge to remove remaining salt ions. The salt sponge is a nanoporous, high surface area carbon scaffold to which crown ethers are attached. A power supply is connected to the salt sponges for applying a bias voltage to regenerate the salt sponges. A chlorine treatment unit can be connected after the parallel plate capacitor. A method of purifying sea water using the apparatus also is disclosed.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs including a multiplicity of discrete fibers, a population of sub-micrometer fibers having a population median diameter less than one micrometer adjoining the discrete fibers, and a multiplicity of chemically active particulates secured to the nonwoven fibrous web. In some embodiments, more than 0% and less than 10% wt. of the nonwoven fibrous web is made of discrete fibers that are thermoplastic polymeric fibers, and which optionally at least partially melt and coalesce to secure the discrete polymeric fibers to each other. In certain embodiments, at least some of the particulates are bonded to the thermoplastic polymeric fibers. In other embodiments, at least some of the particulates are secured within interstices of the fibrous web, without substantial bonding to the discrete fibers. Methods of making and using such nonwoven fibrous webs are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of separation media using a so called Spinning Disc technology wherein the porosities of the beads are optimized in such a way that a desired biomolecule may be separated from a complex sample. The method comprises the following steps: a) feeding a 4-8% polysaccharide solution, which has a viscosity within 350-450 mPas, at 65-75° C. to one or more spinning discs at 3001-3010 rpm to form polysaccharide beads; b) capturing said formed polysaccharide beads in a capturing bath; wherein the porosity of the polysaccharide beads is controlled by varying the temperature of the capturing between 15 and 27° C., preferably between 17.5 and 24.6° C. The method yields porosities that prevent molecules larger than 150 000 g/mol to diffuse into the beads. The invention also relates to separation media produced by the method and use thereof for purification of biomolecules, in particular monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Described is an affinity microcolumn comprising a high surface area material, which has high flow properties and a low dead volume, contained within a housing and having affinity reagents bound to the surface of the high surface area material that are either activated or activatable. The affinity reagents bound to the surface of the affinity microcolumn further comprise affinity receptors for the integration into high throughput analysis of biomolecules.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rare earth-containing filter block, more particularly to a rare earth-containing filter block and methods for making and using the rare earth-containing filter block.

Abstract: The instant invention generally provides a porous filter medium, a porous composite filter medium, a filter assembly, processes of making the same, and processes suitable for filtering contaminants from liquids.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs including a multiplicity of randomly oriented discrete fibers and a multiplicity of chemically active particulates secured to the web, and methods of making and using same. In some embodiments, more than 0% and less than 10% wt. of the nonwoven fibrous web is made of multi-component fibers having at least a first region exhibiting a first melting temperature and a second region exhibiting a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In other embodiments, the discrete fibers include a first population of monocomponent thermoplastic fibers having a first melting temperature, and a second population of monocomponent fibers having a second melting temperature greater than the first melting temperature. In certain embodiments, at least some of the particulates are bonded to the fibers. In other embodiments, at least some of the particulates are secured within interstices of the fibrous web, without substantial bonding to the fibers.

Abstract: A system of water collecting, cleaning, and storing comprises a top-opened water storing container (1), with the wall of which a watertight structure; a collecting well (2) provided in the water storing container (1), which has a lid (6) and has a wall of permeable structure through which water exchange between the water storing container (1) and the collecting well (2) is achieved; filling elements (4) filled between the collecting well (2) and the water storing container (1), on top of which a pervious surface layer (5) is paved.

Abstract: A sorbent polymer is provided that interacts or reacts with aqueous urea to aid the regeneration of a dialysate liquid. The sorbent polymer may include one or more specific functional groups bonded thereto. Such specific functional groups are selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylates, amides, dicarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acid esters, and dicer boxylates to produce the desired urea sorbent.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer having dispersed within the fine fiber layer an active particulate material. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods of treating blood, blood products or physiologic fluid to maximize shelf life and/or minimizing transfusion related complications such as non-hemolytic transfusion reactions such as fever, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion associated dyspnea (TAD), and allergic reactions by removing undesirable molecules in the blood, blood product or physiologic fluid milieu through use of a sorbent.

Abstract: A method, and system, to induce remission in diseases characterized by excess production of sTNR and interleukin 2 has been developed. In the most preferred embodiment, the system consists of antibodies to sTNFR1, sTNFR2 and sIL2R immobilized in a column containing a material such as SEPHAROSE™. The patient is connected to a pheresis machine which separates the blood into the plasma and red cells, and the plasma is circulated through the column until the desired reduction in levels of sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and IL2 is achieved, preferably to less than normal levels. In the preferred method, patients are treated three times a week for four weeks. This process can be repeated after a period of time. Clinical studies showed reduction in tumor burden in patients having failed conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Abstract: A bottle comprises a cap, a reservoir having an open top closeable by the cap, and a filter holder that houses a filter, the filter holder being coupled to the cap such that a liquid in the reservoir is filtered by the filter as the liquid is being consumed, and the filter is fluidly decoupled from the reservoir when the cap is disengaged from the reservoir. Preferred filters can be constructed out of high reactivity carbon mixture, activated carbon, iodinated resin, combinations thereof, or any other suitable compositions for filtering water or other liquids, and can be molded into any suitable size and shape. Preferred filter holder can have a top portion and a bottom portion that couple together via a snap fitting, mating threads, or any suitable means, which allow access to the filter, and which have numerous vents that allow liquid to freely flow through the filter.

Abstract: This application discloses porous self-sealing media comprising a sintered mixture of an absorbent material and a thermoplastic. The self-sealing media block passage of organic solvents or organic solvents in aqueous mixtures, wherein the organic solvents are at concentrations greater than about 40%. The self-sealing media also block acidic solutions. The self-sealing media are useful in a variety of applications such as a pipette tip filter, in line filter, vent, non-mechanical check valve, safety valve, and suction canister.

Abstract: A material for trapping a target substance, which is capable of selectively trapping a target substance such as a sludge or a sludge precursor contained in a liquid organic compound such as an engine oil or in a gas such as a blow-by gas (combustion gas). A material for trapping a target substance, which traps a target substance contained in a liquid organic compound or a gas, the material including a mesoporous inorganic material having a plurality of pores.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a first treatment tank forming thereon a first, fixed bed includes a powdery phosphorus adsorbent includes an inorganic layered compound, wherein the first bed separates phosphorus and solid matter from the water, and recovers the phosphorus in a state adsorbed on the phosphorus adsorbent in the first bed, a second treatment tank forming a second, fluidized or fixed bed includes the phosphorus adsorbent, wherein the second bed separates phosphorus from the water received from the first treatment tank, and recovers the phosphorus in a state adsorbed on the phosphorus adsorbent in the second bed, and a transferring line configured to transfer the phosphorus adsorbent, having phosphorus adsorbed thereon in the second treatment tank, from the second treatment tank to the first treatment tank.

Abstract: An exemplary liquid purifying apparatus includes beads in contact with the liquid, a rotating shaft, and a driving member. Each bead has a purifying coating comprised of a nano material. The rotating shaft has the beads positioned thereon and is configured for rotating the beads. The driving member is configured for driving the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby rotating the beads in the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite materials, and more particular to composite adsorptive materials for purification of liquids, in particular, a drinking water, on the basis of components of a granulated material and a fibrous material. The new composite material for filtering purifying a liquid on the basis of a mixture of components of granulated and fibrous materials comprises volume zones with adjustable density, which zones create the structure of the material, which structure is self-strengthened when a liquid flows in the course of filtration, wherein, said volume zones make the material most part, each zone is created in the form of a interlaced fiber site, which sites are bonded among themselves by separate fibers, and the space within and between said interlaced fiber sites is filled with a granulated material.

Abstract: Described herein are polyolefin open cell foam materials that absorb organic liquids or waxes, such as hydrocarbon oil, selectively against water. The polyolefin open cell foam materials are environmentally friendly, have a relatively low bulk density, and can be used in the clean up of oil spills.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorptive system, in particular on the basis of an agglomerate, comprising a plurality of absorber particles, wherein the absorber particles are fixed, in particular adhered, to a binding agent carrier and are combined by means of the binding agent carrier to form the adsorptive system, in particular to form an agglomerate, and wherein the absorber particles have a first particulate adsorption material and a second particulate adsorption material which is different from the first particulate adsorption material.

Abstract: Multi-layered macromolecules wherein the layers are covalently bonded together and wherein the macromolecules are covalently bonded to solid particulate substrates, methods for the preparation of such compositions, and methods for their uses in a multitude of end use applications ranging from the purification of waste chemical and metal process streams to the separation and identification of proteins, peptides, and oligionucleotides.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which may be used in drainage openings in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filtration and means for melting snow may be incorporated. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater. If a hydrocarbon spill occurs, the hydrocarbon absorption media forms a plug which seals off the flow of contaminated water. A hydrocarbon solubilizing material capable of effectively removing sheen in a first pass may be disposed as a top layer over the hydrocarbon absorption media.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject for treatment of a disease or condition in the vertebrate subject. An implantable device is provided which includes a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one first reservoir in communication with at least one lumen; one or more energy sources configured to provide energy to elicit one or more signal responses associated with one or more labels that bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of the vertebrate subject; one or more sensors configured to detect the one or more signal responses associated with one or more labeled target components; and one or more reactive components in communication with the at least one lumen for release responsive to the one or more sensors.

Abstract: Filter-aid materials are disclosed herein, as well as processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid. Further disclosed herein are filter-aid materials and processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid, wherein the filter-aid material comprises at least one composite filter-aid having novel pore size distribution and comprising at least one adsorbent component formed in-situ on at least one filtration component.

Abstract: A portable vessel for fluids has an integrated filtration system. A pressing assembly fitted to the vessel includes a stopper, a rod having a top end and a filtration assembly. A vessel top receives the pressing assembly such that the rod of the pressing assembly is slidably attached to a bearing of the vessel top. A gasket attached to the filtration element maintains a seal between the inner surface of the vessel and an outer perimeter of the filtration assembly and the orientation of the rod is maintained by the gasket and the bearing. In use, pressure applied to the pressing assembly drives the filtration assembly through the vessel causing water to be filtered as it passes through the filter element.