Abstract: A device for removing bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids from blood or plasma in an extracorporeal perfusion system contains, in a housing that can be incorporated into the perfusion system, a hollow fiber material that is suitable for the selective removal of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids, the device being arranged in such a way that the blood or plasma entering through a first opening of the housing must pass through the hollow fiber material before it leaves through a second opening of the housing and is directed to the rest of the perfusion circuit.

Abstract: A fiber containing a bound active material, such as. a metal oxide, under 20 microns in diameter. The inventive fiber is formed through the mixing of the fibers with a cationic or anionic polymer in one tank, the active material with a cationic or anionic polymer in a second tank, the opposite zeta potential of that used with the active material, and then mixing the active material/polymer and fiber/polymer blends together.

Abstract: A bacteria growth device (1) for use with bacteria in a substantially liquid medium, the device (1) comprising at least one strip (5) having a surface area shaped and sized for receiving bacteria present in the substantially liquid medium and for allowing attachment of said bacteria onto the surface area of the at least one strip (5) so as to promote growth of the attached bacteria. The substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in a n aerobic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria. Alternatively, the substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in an anaerobic and/or anoxic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of corresponding anaerobic and/or anoxic bacteria. Also, described are an assembly including the above-mentioned device and the method associated thereto.

Abstract: A bacteria growth device (1) for use with bacteria in a substantially liquid medium, the device (1) comprising at least one strip (5) having a surface area shaped and sized for receiving bacteria present in the substantially liquid medium and for allowing attachment of said bacteria onto the surface area of the at least one strip (5) so as to promote growth of the attached bacteria. The substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in a n aerobic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria. Alternatively, the substantially liquid medium may be enclosed in an anaerobic and/or anoxic environment, in which case the device (1) is used to promote the growth of corresponding anaerobic and/or anoxic bacteria. Also, described are an assembly including the above-mentioned device and the method associated thereto.

Abstract: A fiber containing a bound active material, such as a metal oxide, under 20 microns in diameter. The inventive fiber is formed through the mixing of the fibers with a cationic or anionic polymer in one tank, the active material with a cationic or anionic polymer in a second tank, the opposite zeta potential of that used with the active material, and then mixing the active material/polymer and fiber/polymer blends together.

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

Abstract: A method for grafting a porous element for leucodepletion by adsorption and/or filtration of a biological fluid, such as blood or a blood component, which method comprises the steps of impregnating the porous element with a solution containing a poly(ethylene oxide) having identical or different functional end groups; and applying an ionizing treatment to the impregnated porous element so as to ensure covalent cross-linking between the poly(ethylene oxide) and the porous element.

Abstract: A filter device for the depletion of the leukocyte content from blood products comprising: a porous element comprising at least one fibrous web having a pore size suitable for leukocyte removal (possibly the range for the pore size should be defined), said web comprising fibres of a hydrophobic polymer coated with a hydrophilic polymer suitable to enhance the CWST of said hydrophobic polymer, characterised in that said web further includes adsorbent particles having a mean diameter lower than 30 ?m, said particles being bonded to said fibres by means of said hydrophilic polymer coating said fibres.

Abstract: An ion processing element employing composite media disposed in a porous substrate, for facilitating removal of selected chemical species from a fluid stream. The ion processing element includes a porous fibrous glass substrate impregnated by composite media having one or more active components supported by a matrix material of polyacrylonitrile. The active components are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream passing through the ion processing element. Due to the porosity and large surface area of both the composite medium and the substrate in which it is disposed, a high degree of contact is achieved between the active component and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the porosity of the matrix material and the substrate facilitates use of the ion processing element in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a high volume flows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic filter device for molten metal filtration comprising a major ceramic phase and a minor carbon phase bonded by phosphate bond, a method for producing such filter devices, and the use of such filter devices for the filtration of molten steel.

Abstract: A cylindrical tumbler has a plurality of angled slots positioned about its periphery, the leading edge face of each slot forming an angled impeller vane. When the tumbler is placed on an intake plug and suction applied through the plug, the tumbler spins throwing off any debris which may otherwise accumulate on the strainer. In alternate embodiments, lengths of flexible strand can be attached to the periphery of the tumbler or two tumblers with oppositely angled slots, and hence, opposite spin directions can be positioned on the same plug to increase turbulence and further reduce debris accumulation.

Abstract: A filter medium for use in filtering a mobile fluid made from at least a bicomponent fiber. Other fibers, particles, or other materials can also be entrained in the filter medium. The filter medium has a substantial thickness compared to filters of the prior art. The fiber length and diameter dimensions are selected to obtain desired filter characteristics including thickness, basis weight, pore size, filtration efficiency, pressure drop, burst strength, and manufacturing efficiency. Further, a multilayer filter medium can be provided with ease. Each layer can have a different composition, pore size, basis weight, and so forth, thus providing the ability to build multiple functionality into the filter media of the invention.

Abstract: A device and method for purifying waste water and stormwater flows by passage through a filter, which can be manufactured in various configurations. The filter has a broad range of thickness ranging from 1 mm to 20 meters. The filter is comprised of fibers from a melt of composition of 50% silicon dioxide, 15% aluminum oxide, 15% calcium oxide, 10% magnesium oxide, and other various oxides at lower percentages. At least the majority of fibers having a mean diameter of 4 microns and a mean length of 3 mm. The fiber solids of content of the material are at most 35% of the volume at a flow rate greater than 1 inch per hour to remove various pollutants from the water flow.

Abstract: Embodiments of a filtration device, kit and method related to filtration in storm water systems are disclosed. A filtering device generally includes a mat adapted to filter water flowing through an inlet. The mat may have a top with a mesh cover, a main filtering portion and a bottom. The main filtering portion is formed of randomly-aligned fibers and a binding agent which impart a porosity that allows water to flow through generally unimpeded while sediment is filtered by the mat. A filtration kit is provided which could include the mat or other filtering device, a plurality of attachment members and a plurality of disks which allow for securing of the attachment members. Filtration device and kit are generally easy to install and clean, durable, less expensive than competing systems, and reusable.

Abstract: A media in the form of a multilayered semi porous composite membrane containing a strong positive electrical charge with a highly porous surface consisting of 60 to 90 percent void volume and pore size of about 2 micron capable of retaining negatively charged protozoa, bacteria, and virus as well as di-pole particulate matter as a result of the attraction of the positive charge. A housing is a portable adaptive housing containing and supporting the composite membrane. A low pressure stream of water is within the housing and passes through the media. A composite membrane is positioned within the adaptive housing in the path of the low pressure stream of water. The composite membrane is adapted to treat the low pressure stream of water under from 0.3 to 10 psig pressure delivering 5 to 30 ml/sec.

Abstract: Anti-microbial compositions and devices comprising anti-microbial compositions are disclosed. Methods of making and using anti-microbial compositions and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a filter medium for technical applications. According to said method, a bellows made of a filter paper is impregnated with a resin, and the resin-impregnated bellows is then radiation-cured. The invention also relates to a filter medium for technical applications, which is provided with a radiation-cured resin layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter composed of a multi-ply filter medium, which comprises at least one non-woven stiffening layer, at least one filtration layer, at least one covering layer and where necessary at least one non-woven microfibre layer, the non-woven stiffening layer comprising fibres of synthetic polymers and the fibres being both partially oriented and oriented fibres.

Abstract: Fluid treatment elements substantially inhibit electrical charge imbalances and/or build-ups of electrical charges. A fluid treatment element may comprise a multilayer composite including an electrically conductive fibrous matrix, having an upstream side and a downstream side, disposed on a porous substrate, also having an upstream side and a downstream side, which supports the fibrous matrix. The fibrous matrix may include a combination of conductive and nonconductive fibers, wherein the conductive fibers include metal, carbon, or conductive polymer fibers and substantially inhibit an electrical charge and/or build-up of electrical charge. The conductive fibers of the electrically conductive fibrous matrix may comprise less than about 50% by weight of the conductive and nonconductive fibers and may have diameters in the range from about 1 ?m or less to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: An ultra-efficient multilobal cross-sectioned fiber filter for chemical contaminant filtering applications is described. An absorptive chemically reactive reagent, preferably an acid or base and in liquid or an adsorptive chemically reactive reagent (an acid or base) in solid form, is disposed within longitudinal slots in each length of fiber. The reagent may be used alone or in conjunction with solid adsorptive particles which may also be utilized with the reagents in the longitudinal slots within the fibers. Reagents within the fibers remain exposed to a base-contaminated airstream passing through the filter. Base contaminants in the airstream, chemicals such as ammonium and amines (as well as particles), react with the acid reagent within the longitudinal slots of the fibers. As the contaminant and reagent react, the ammonium or amine becomes irreversibly absorbed (or adsorbed if reagent is a solid acid) to the liquid acid reagent and multilobal fiber.

Abstract: A filtration material comprising a blend of at least two types of fibers: (a) polypropylene fibers and (b) either acrylic or modacrylic fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the blend contains about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 50 weight percent modacrylic fibers. In another preferred embodiment, the blend contains about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 50 weight percent acrylic fibers. The fibers can be blended ranging from 90:10 to 10:90 polypropylene to acrylic or modacrylic. At least one type of fibers includes an extractable agent on the outer surfaces thereof. Performance of the blend is superior to the prior art filtration materials, especially at the preferred compositions.

Abstract: What is disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for use in environmental remediation. The compositions are for use in a variety of environmental remediation barriers including fiber rolls, mats or blankets, and berms. Applications for the use of the compositions, devices, and methods include remediation of runoff water, of livestock waste, of eutrification of waterways, and for the revetment of banks.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which is excellent in the capability of removing leukocytes. It is further intended to provide a filter whereby both of leukocytes and platelets can be highly efficiently removed from a blood product containing leukocytes and platelets. The above objects can be achieved by using a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which comprises a unit originating in a hydrophobic polymerizable monomer, a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a basic nitrogen-containing part, and a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a protonic neutral hydrophilic part.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating one or more components of interest from a sample containing particulates and soluble materials. The method comprises the steps of: (a) filtering a sample through silica filter media whose surface silanol groups have reacted with one or more silanes, and (b) simultaneously capturing particulates and binding a soluble component to the silica filter media. The bound soluble component of interest is subsequently eluted from the silica filter media. In one embodiment of the invention, unwanted soluble materials are captured by the treated silica filter media and desired component of interest is recovered from the flow-through. In another embodiment, different components of interest are recovered from both the eluate and the flow-through. Preferred treated silica filter media are silane-treated rice hull ash or diatomaceous earth with functional quarternary ammonium group or functional sulphonate group.

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 liquid filtering instrument 10 according to the present invention achieves filtered liquid by pressure-reduced filtration, and it comprises a filter member 12 in which a liquid filter 15 is accommodated, and a holder member 14 for stocking filtered liquid passed through the liquid filter 15, wherein the filter member 12 and the holder member 14 are formed in capable of being fitted so as to be kept substantially air-tight and water-tight under pressure reduced state.

Abstract: A filter media product and method of making the same wherein at least two independent filter media thicknesses of differing coarse and fine pore sizes are held in face-to-face relationship with the pore sizes being so calculated that the overall average pore size of successive thicknesses is smaller than the pore size of the finest fiber thickness.

Abstract: A filter for composite water treatment and sewage treatment includes at least two filters for sewage to pass through respectively. Each of the filters is composed of numerous ringed filaments twisted and entangled together irregularly. And, among the ringed filaments, there are also numerous interspaces formed to let sewage flow through. Each filter has a coarser diameter for its ringed filaments and a larger space for its interspaces than that positioned behind it does.

Abstract: A fabric is disclosed which is suitable for use in the manufacture of particulate filters for use in high heat environments, together with a method for making the high heat filter fabric. The filter fabric has a sliver knit pile construction, and may be manufactured on conventional knitting machines. Both the yarn used in the backing of the high heat filter fabric and the fibers used for the pile of the high heat filter fabric are made of aramid materials, and the high heat filter fabric is suitable for use in high temperatures such as those associated with coal-fired power plants.

Abstract: Described are a filter material which contains heatsealable, biodegradable and compostable polymeric fibers and is characterized in that it additionally contains a lubricant in an amount from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, based on the paper weight of the ready-produced filter material, and also processes for producing same.

Abstract: Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.

Abstract: A filter material has one or more plies of fiber layers, in particular for the production of filter bags and filter cones for infused beverages, the at least one fiber layer containing fibers or microcapsules having phase change material. Paraffinic hydrocarbons can be used as the phase change material.

Abstract: Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.

Abstract: What is disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for use in environmental remediation. The compositions are for use in a variety of environmental remediation barriers including fiber rolls, blankets, and berms. Applications for the use of the compositions, devices, and methods include remediation of runoff water, of livestock waste, of eutrification of waterways, and for the revetment of banks.

Abstract: What is disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for use in environmental remediation. The compositions are for use in a variety of environmental remediation barriers including fiber rolls, mats or blankets, and berms. Applications for the use of the compositions, devices, and methods include remediation of runoff water, of livestock waste, of eutrification of waterways, and for the revetment of banks.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the inactivation of a virus comprising a housing delimiting a fluid passageway, the passageway being provided with a filtering material having ionic copper selected from the group consisting of Cu+ and Cu++ ions and combinations thereof incorporated therein.

Abstract: Carbon or activated carbon nanofibers are made from fibrillated nanofibers having a Canadian Standard Freeness of less than about 100, and/or a fiber diameter of less than or equal to about 400 nm. BET surface areas are greater than about 800 m2/g The fibrillated nanofibers can be made into a precursor paper and subjected to heat treatment to form carbon or activated carbon nanofiber sheets. A method of making is disclosed wherein carbonization occurs at a temperature of less than about 600° C. Activation occurs at temperatures greater than about 875° C. in less than or equal to about 30 minutes in an oxidizing atmosphere. Single step carbonization and activation in an oxidizing atmosphere is also disclosed. The carbon nanofibers or structures made therefrom are useful as filter media providing efficient adsorption and interception of microbiological contaminants due to the microporous carbon nanofiber structure.

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 invention concerns a filtering medium based on a photocatalytic agent and activated carbon, characterized in that it comprises a permeable support covered with a first layer based on activated carbon, then a separate second layer based on a photocatalytic agent, or vice versa. The invention also concerns a method for making such a filtering medium.

Abstract: A fiber-fiber composite is disclosed herein comprising majority fibers and minority fibers, the minority fibers having a softening point lower than said majority fibers such that when the admixture of majority fibers and minority fibers are wet laid to form a paper-like structure and subjected to a pressure and a temperature above the softening point of said minority fibers, said majority fibers and minority fibers form said composite having a mean pore diameter equal to or less than about 1 ?m with a porosity of greater than about 35%, and a wet strength of greater than about 0.013 kg/mm.

Abstract: A filter is made by the folding of a filter media to pleats after the application of strings of glue thereon and the glue serves as distance elements and fixing for the filter media. The glue contains an expandable filler, that when heated expands to a larger size that is then permanent. When the glue has set the filter is heated and the filler expands and expands the filter pleats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for removing water and/or surfactants from lipophilic fluids, absorbent materials employed in such processes, and lipophilic fluids produced by such processes.

Abstract: Blood separation media include a non-woven web of fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers. The fibrillated synthetic staple fibers will most preferably have a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of less than about 300 mL, whereas the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers have a CSF of greater than about 700 mL. Preferably, the fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 20 to 90 wt. %, and the non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers are present in an amount between about 10 to about 80 wt. %. The fibrillated and non-fibrillated synthetic staple fibers may be formed of the same, or different, polymeric material, such as polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, poyacrylonitriles, and polyamides. Especially preferred blood separation media will comprise a blend of fibrillated acrylic fibers, and a mixture of non-fibrillated nylon and polyester fibers, wherein the ratio of nylon and polyester fibers in the mixture thereof is between about 1:4 to about 1:2.

Abstract: A method for catalytically cleaning an exhaust gas, including receiving the exhaust gas in an inlet channel, blocking the exhaust gas in the inlet channel, diffusing the exhaust gas through a porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall of the inlet channel, reacting the exhaust gas with at least one catalyst material to at least partially remove nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide therefrom, the at least one catalyst material being disposed on the porous wall, trapping particulate matter in the porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall, receiving the diffused exhaust gas into an outlet channel, and transitioning the exhaust gas from the outlet channel to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A dual filter apparatus and a process of making a dual filter apparatus that minimizes disruption to the normal flow pattern through the filter apparatus by forming a porous medium suitable to carry a fluid activator and placing an activator proximate the porous filter medium for in situ fluid treatment and removal of debris from the fluid by screening action of the porous filter medium that entraps debris thereon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an article consisting essentially of a paper layer including about 10 Wt % to about 40 Wt % of a thermoplastic polymer and an ePTFE membrane laminated to the paper layer. Preferably, the paper layer includes about 10 Wt % to about 30 Wt % of a thermoplastic polymer. More preferably, the paper layer includes about 18 Wt % to about 25 Wt % of a thermoplastic polymer. A paper layer including about 20 Wt % of a thermoplastic polymer is most preferred. In another aspect, the thermoplastic polymer may comprise poly vinyl acetate. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a filter media consisting essentially of a cellulose paper layer including about 20 Wt % poly vinyl acetate binder; and an ePTFE membrane laminated to said cellulose paper layer. In still another aspect, the invention provides a paper layer in which the paper is cellulose paper.

Abstract: A cellulose/silica composite useful as a filter material is highly selective towards a solute that has been molecularly imprinted upon an inorganic gel coating formed on the cellulose. The filter material provides dual filtering functionality, as both a selective molecular sieve and as a particulate filter. A unique method for making the filter material is also set forth that imparts these attributes and performance capabilities.

Abstract: A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 ?m to about 250 ?m, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.