Abstract: A filter for removing undesired materials from a fluid, such as used cooking oil, for example, includes a filter envelope including first and second panels. The first panel has a permeability which is greater than that of the second panel. The first panel of the filter envelope may be formed from a filter pad and the second panel from a filter paper, and may enclose a metal spacer grid. When the filter is connected to a pump for drawing the oil through the filter, the flow of the oil is directed selectively through the filter pad, whereby undesired materials are removed from the oil. The filter provides for efficient flow of the oil to be filtered while removing undesired materials therefrom.

Abstract: A liquid separation membrane module includes a semipermeable membrane receiving a pressure of a feed liquid, and a channel material arranged so as to support the back side of the semipermeable membrane. The channel material is a tricot knitted fabric knitted by a tricot knitting machine with two reeds and has a ground stitch portion and a convex portion. The tricot knitted fabric includes a thermoplastic synthetic filament yarn with a core/sheath type conjugated fiber having a high melting point polymer as a core component and a low melting point polymer as a sheath component. Thermoplastic synthetic filament yarns for forming the ground stitch portion and the convex portion have a substantially same fineness, and the yarns in the tricot knitted fabric are bonded with one another by melt adhesion of the low melting point component to rigidity the entire knitted fabric.

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 water treatment composition thereon and placing a bacteria killing material proximate the porous filter medium for in situ killing of bacteria and removal of debris from the water by screening action of the porous filter medium that entraps debris thereon.

Abstract: A filter is composed of filter media having the following characteristics in combination: a) the filter media has a greater affinity for the filtered fluid than for contaminants in the fluid, and wherein the work of adhesion between the filter media and the contaminants is less than the work of adhesion between the filter media and fluid, and wherein the filter media is preferentially wetted by the fluid relative to the contaminants; b) the filter media is composed of fibers having a defined surface area ratio facilitating fewer attachment sites for contaminants, and, in the case of cleanable reusable filters, facilitating cleansing backwash of the cleanable reusable filter by cleansing fluid along a reverse flow backflush path; c) the filter media has a thickness of 0.025 to 0.075 inch, 0.7 to 2.

Abstract: A carded nonwoven filter media comprising one or more layers of core-sheath fibers wherein the sheath portion of a fiber is bonded to one or more adjacent core fibers is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven filter media includes an antimicrobial fiber component.

Abstract: A separator cartridge comprises a support screen comprising a substantially rigid reinforced plastic cylinder including an inner first major surface and an outer second major surface, a first nonwoven polymer layer adhered to the inner first major surface of the support screen, a second nonwoven polymer layer adhered to the outer second major surface of the support screen, and a polymeric screen contacting and frictionally engaging the second nonwoven polymer layer, the polymeric screen including a hydrophobic coating.

Abstract: A filter media structure, which is capable of operating in the micro- and nanofiltration regime, offers: low cost, durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, high permeability, high flow rate, low pressure drop across the filter media, high mechanical strength, separation efficiency, and biocompatibility. The filter media structure is comprised of mixture of carbon or ceramic fibers and inorganic fiber whiskers generally having a diameter of from about 0.03 to about 5 microns. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a filter media structure comprising mixing together a) inorganic fibers; b) inorganic fiber whiskers; c) a water soluble binder, and optionally depositing a thin layer of pyrolytic carbon on the surface of the inorganic fibers and inorganic fiber whiskers comprising the filter media structure. The filter media structure is selected from the group consisting of a paper, felt and fabric.

Abstract: An unique filtration device (10) which removes acidic contaminants such as H2S and SO2 from a fluid stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with an effective amount of alkaline-generating chemical compounds, preferably also containing an effective amount of a compound with elements from Group II and Group 6-12 in +2 oxidation state, and most preferably also containing an effective amount of solid fine particles (18). A nonwoven filter mat (12) is formed from a plurality of the elongated fibers (20) each having at least one internal channel (22) connected to the fiber outer surface via an elongated opening (24). The fluid stream containing the acidic gas phase contaminants is directed over the nonwoven filter mat (12) whereby said plurality of small solid particles (18) and reservoir of active chemical reagents disposed in the open channels (22) communicate through the elongated opening (24) with the fluid flow path and absorbs the acidic gas phase contaminants.

Abstract: A multi-layer filter element for filtering fluids, in which a plurality of layers of filter media follow each other in succession in the direction of flow through the filter. All of the individual filter layers are preferably made of synthetic fibers, especially polyester fibers. The successive filter layers exhibit an increasing degree of filter fineness in the direction of flow through the filter, and the filter material contains at least one filter layer arranged on the inflow side of the filter which is composed of a meltblown fiber nonwoven web, especially a polyester fiber web.

Abstract: A high capacity leukocyte depletion filtration media incorporates a high specific surface area components with a matrix of fibers, yielding a filtration medium that removes leukocytes by at least 99.99%. The filtration medium uses a significantly low weight ratio of high specific surface area components to the matrix of fibers. The high specific area creates a multitude of adhesion sites for leukocytes while the low weight ratios allow good filtration flow rates. The filtration medium is incorporated into a filter device for removing leukocytes from biological fluids.

Abstract: A fluid filter increases the useful life of the filtered fluid by removing contaminants therefrom, and may optionally provide for in-line delivery of additives to the filtered fluid. The filter may be an oil filter, a fuel filter, or other fluid filter. The fluid filter includes a casing which defines a hollow space therein, a mechanically active filter element within that space, and a chemically active filter element also retained within the hollow space proximate the mechanically active filter element. The chemically active filter element includes a nonwoven web made up of a plurality of fibers. Each fiber has a longitudinally extending internal cavity formed therein, and a corresponding longitudinally extending slot opening from that internal cavity to the outer surface of the fiber.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, an improved filter resembling an envelope is disclosed. The filter envelope for the filter frame element includes an enclosure, the enclosure being constructed from planar first and second filter paper members lying atop one another. The first and second filter paper members each have a lateral, medial, base, and top sides, the lateral, medial, and base sides being connected to each other, respectively, to define the enclosure. The top side of the first member is not connected to the top side of the second member so as to define an opening in the enclosure to receive the frame. A closure is formed from a planar third filter paper member which is connected to a portion of the enclosure being proximate to the opening. The third filter paper member is movable between a first position and a second position, the second position being suited to close the opening.

Abstract: A new non-woven depth filter element is formed in a continuous process whereby a mass of very fine diameter polymer filaments overlaid by mass of larger diameter polymer filaments are continuously accumulated on a spinning mandrel and advanced along and off of the mandrel by a press roller. An inner cylindrical surface of the cumulative filament mass forming the depth filter element is calendered, which facilitates insertion of a core member.

Abstract: A clarifier in a sewage treatment process includes efficient scum removal within the influent well, with discharge of the scum and other floatables as a dedicated waste stream separate from return activated sludge and biological scum collected in the clarifier. In one embodiment the scum removal system has an inclined scum ramp at the leading edge of each of two scum removal troughs, with a forward edge below the liquid surface. The scum troughs pass through an arc of rotation, building up scum, which accumulates and is pushed forward by the scum ramp. At least once per revolution, the moving scum ramp approaches a stationary scum surface blade that extends partially under the liquid surface and provides a barrier to the forwardly pushed scum. This blade contacts and slides up the ramp, sweeping the scum up the ramp and into the scum trough.

Abstract: A filter is composed of a filter member forming at least two opposed faces, an inner space surrounded by the filter member for accumulation of a liquid, and a coupling member establishing communication between the inner space and the outside to discharge the liquid in the inner space to the outside. The liquid flows through the filter member, is thereby removed of foreign matters, and is discharged via the coupling member. Convexo-concaves are provided on at least one face of the filter member.

Abstract: There is described a filter device for placement in a utility sink in an aircraft for filtering particulate material, and for dissolving and/or absorbing fatty compounds from the waste fluid, which device comprises a basin (1) having one or more bottom outlets (2) and a filter element (3) located at the bottom of the basin, which basin (1) has a shape adapted to the shape of the sink. The bottom outlet (2) in the basin (1) is made up of a plurality of through-going apertures. The filter element (3) consists preferably of a porous plastic material or wire netting web coated or impregnated with an enzyme- and/or soap-containing compound.

Abstract: A method for producing a tobacco filter material which is either (A) a coating process for coating the surface of a fibrous or particulate cellulose with a cellulose ester having an average substitution degree of about 2.0 to about 2.6 to give a coated cellulose, and wet webbing the coated cellulose into a sheet, or (B) a treating process for treating a naturally-occurring or regenerated cellulose fiber or particle with an organic acid and an organic acid anhydride or organic acid halide in a liquid phase to give a cellulose derivative.

Abstract: A high capacity leukocyte depletion filtration media incorporates a high specific surface area components with a matrix of fibers, yielding a filtration medium that removes leukocytes by at least 99.99%. The filtration medium uses a significantly low weight ratio of high specific surface area components to the matrix of fibers. The high specific area creates a multitude of adhesion sites for leukocytes while the low weight ratios allow good filtration flow rates. The filtration medium is incorporated into a filter device for removing leukocytes from biological fluids.

Abstract: A filter media structure, which is capable of operating in the micro- and nanofiltration regime, offers: low cost, durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, high permeability, high flow rate, low pressure drop across the filter media, high mechanical strength, separation efficiency, and biocompatibility. The filter media structure is comprised of blend of carbon or ceramic fibers and inorganic fiber whiskers generally having a diameter of from about 0.03 to about 5 microns. In one embodiment, filter media structure is comprised of blend of activated carbon-containing inorganic fibers and inorganic fiber whiskers generally having a diameter of from about 0.03 to about 5 microns.

Abstract: A glass or pretreated meltblown fiber having a cationically charged coating thereon, the coating including a functionalized cationically charged, silicon containing carbohydrate polymer crosslinkable by heat, in which the functionalized cationic polymer has been crosslinked by heat after being coated onto the glass fiber. Also provided is a fibrous filter including a fibrous filter media having a cationically charged coating thereon, the coating including a functionalized cationic polymer crosslinkable by heat, in which the functionalized cationic polymer has been crosslinked by heat after being coated onto the fibers. Further provided is a method of preparing a fibrous filter.

Abstract: A filter for removing undesired materials from a fluid, such as used cooking oil, for example, includes a filter envelope including first and second panels. The first panel has a permeability which is greater than that of the second panel. The first panel of the filter envelope may be formed from a filter pad and the second panel from a filter paper, and may enclose a metal spacer grid. When the filter is connected to a pump for drawing the oil through the filter, the flow of the oil is directed selectively through the filter pad, whereby undesired materials are removed from the oil. The filter provides for efficient flow of the oil to be filtered while removing undesired materials therefrom.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent element comprising a packed mixture of granules and fibers, which are desirably granular activated carbon (GAC) and activated carbon fiber (ACF). The element is employed as a filter for purifying tap water. In the composite adsorbent element the activated carbon fibers fill the spaces between the activated carbon granules. The size and relative amounts of the GAC and ACF are designed to enable water treatment to remove impurities from water more rapidly than conventional filters using granular activated carbon. Furthermore, when there are significant time intervals between filtration, a packed mixture of granular activated carbon and activated carbon fibers made in accordance with the invention shows an improved ability to rejuvenate its adsorption capabilities in the time intervals between filtrations.

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: Supported separation membranes are disclosed wherein the permselective membrane is integral with a polymeric support of non-woven fibers having a particular air permeability, the integral membranes exhibiting far superior lifetimes and retention capability, especially for microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a filter medium including an airlaid composite, which is made of pulp fibers, at least about 2% by weight bicomponent fiber, and moisture. This airlaid composite is unique in that, when used as a filter medium, it exhibits advantageous filtering properties as well as physical strength. The bicomponent fibers of the present invention include a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and the first polymer component melts at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer component. Mixing of the pulp fibers with the bicomponent fibers is done in such a way that the fibers are evenly dispersed in the airlaid composite. This airlaid composite is then heated such that at least a portion of the first polymer component of the bicomponent fiber is melted, which bond the bicomponent fibers to many of the pulp and other bicomponent fibers when cooled.

Abstract: A leukocyte-removing filter medium which comprises a matrix and ultra-fine fibers having a fiber diameter of less than 1.0 &mgr;m and not less than 0.01 &mgr;m which contains ultra-fine fibers in an amount of less than 50 wt % and not less than 0.1 wt %, the degree of curvature of the ultra-fine fibers being 1.2 or more, and/or the ultra-fine fibers form pores having a roundness of 1.7 or less.

Abstract: A three zone, reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical microporous membrane including a porous support material encapsulated within a middle zone disposed between an upper zone and a lower zone wherein at least one of the three zones has a pore size at least about twenty (20%) percent greater than the pore size of the other two zones is disclosed. Apparatus and methods for fabricating three zone reinforced, continuous, geometrically symmetrical, microporous membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for sealing the edges of a filter sheet (10) with wax to create a fluid-impermeable wax seal (11) enclosing a non-sealed portion (12). The method includes applying melted wax to the edges of the filter sheet, heating the treated filter sheet such that the wax permeates through the edges thereof, and then allowing the filter sheet to cool such that the wax congeals. The wax of the fluid-impermeable wax layer (11) has a durometer reading of about 75 to about 100 Shore A hardness at 25° C. and 85° C., a melt point of about 110° C. to about 180° C., a viscosity of less than about 100 cp at 155° C. and preferably includes ethylene bis stearamide. The wax layer increases the useful life of the filter sheet while providing a sheet which is easily released from a filter press and which retains integrity along the seal during repeated hot water sanitations.

Abstract: An improved, disposable filter bag is provided for automatic and manual pool water filtering assemblies. The filter bag is formed from a water-permeable, non-woven fabric such as Pellon®. The seams can be formed by heat-fusing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma separation filter capable of easily, speedily and safely separating plasma from a small quantity of blood without damaging blood cell components in the blood. The plasma retains the same protein concentration as in the blood. The present invention also provides a method using such a filter and an apparatus comprising such a filter. The filter of the present invention comprises a micro fiber medium formed of micro fibers with an average hydraulic radius of 0.5 &mgr;m to 3.0 &mgr;m. Such a micro fiber medium is placed in a container having an inlet and an outlet so that a ratio (L/D) of a blood flow passage length (L) to a blood flow passage diameter (D) is 0.15 to 6. The present invention provides such a filter, a plasma separation method using the filter, and a plasma separation apparatus comprising the filter. The present invention can significantly contribute to promote the automation and enhance speediness and safety in clinical tests.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing tumor cells from tumor cell-contaminated stem cells products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method relies on an in-line filtration device that includes a tumor cell reduction filter means, preferably comprised of one or more tumor cell reduction filter pads. Preferably, the tumor cell reduction filter means provides at least a ten-fold reduction in filter cells while allowing for at least a 30% recovery of stem cells in a filtered stem cell product.

Abstract: A method for removing tumor cells from tumor cell-contaminated stem cell products is disclosed. One embodiment of the method relies on an in-line filtration device that includes a tumor cell reduction filter means, preferably comprised of one or more tumor cell reduction filter pads. The tumor cell reduction filter means provides at least a ten-fold reduction in tumor cells while allowing for at least a 30% recovery of stem cells in a filtered stem cell product.

Abstract: Filter for air and intended for use in wet environment of folded filter material (1) that is held together by glue strips (2,3) on the front and rear side of the filter material. The glue strings on the front side of the filter are interrupted at the bottom of the folds turned forwards so that transport channels (4) for water (5) are obtained at each forwards turned fold. Furthermore the filter folds are oriented vertically to facilitate for the water to run off.

Abstract: A filter media structure, which is capable of operating in the micro- and nanofiltration regime, offers: low cost, durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, high permeability, high flow rate, low pressure drop across the filter media, high mechanical strength, separation efficiency, and biocompatibility. The filter media structure is comprised of mixture of carbon or ceramic fibers and inorganic fiber whiskers generally having a diameter of from about 0.03 to about 5 microns. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a filter media structure comprising mixing together a) inorganic fibers; b) inorganic fiber whiskers; c) a water soluble binder, and optionally depositing a thin layer of pyrolytic carbon on the surface of the inorganic fibers and inorganic fiber whiskers comprising the filter media structure. The filter media structure is selected from the group consisting of a paper, felt and fabric.

Abstract: A filter sheet positioned between plates (14) of a filter press has a fluid-impermeable wax layer (11) sealing the sheet's perimeter. The wax preferably comprises ethylene bis stearamide and has a durometer reading of about 75 to about 100 Shore A hardness at 25.degree. C. and 85.degree. C., a melt point of about 110.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C., and a viscosity of less than about 100 cp at 155.degree. C. The wax layer increases the useful life of the filter sheet while providing a sheet which is easily released from a filter press and which retains integrity along the seal during repeated hot water sanitations.

Abstract: A process for separating plasma or serum from mammalian whole blood includes the steps of applying a sample of blood through a hydrophobically faced sample receiving hole positioned in a first upper layer of hydrophobic material to a first layer of fibrous hydrophilic material which has been impregnated with a blood agglutinating agent so that it acts to retain red blood cells but not plasma or serum and layer is sealed at its upper edges to the first layer of hydrophobic material and allowing the liquid portion of the sample to flow downwardly through the first layer of fibrous hydrophilic material into a second layer comprised of a different fibrous hydrophilic material which second layer is sealed at its lower edges to a second layer of hydrophobic material whereby it acts to retain the plasma or serum.

Abstract: A filter sheet is provided which comprises a self-supporting fibrous matrix having immobilized therein particulate filter aid and particulate ion exchange resin, wherein said particulate filter aid and particulate ion exchange resin are distributed substantially uniformly throughout a cross-section of said matrix. A process for removing ionic impurities from a photoresist solution is also provided which comprises passing the photoresist solution through said filter sheet to remove ionic impurities therefrom.

Abstract: Shaped articles which are suitable as biocidal depth-type filters and consist of fibrous materials and particles, embedded therein, of crosslinked crospovidone-iodine or crospovidone-hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a first batting of high loft, non-woven, fibrous fluid-permeable material with a plurality of openings formed through the thickness thereof across the length and width of the batting. A second layer of high loft, non-woven, fluid-permeable fibrous batting is attached to the first layer and extends across the entire length and width of the first layer. Preferably, the first and second layers are adhered together to form a single integral fluid filter. In the preferred form of the invention, the openings in the first batting have side walls which are perpendicular to the upper surface of the batting, such that fluid flow impacts on the upper surface of the batting, rather than directly impacting on the side walls.

Abstract: A leukocyte-removing filter material is described, which includes a porous element having fine pores of an average pore diameter of not less than 1.0 .mu.m but less than 100 .mu.m and a fiber structure composed of a plurality of fibers having an average fiber diameter of not less than 0.01 .mu.m but less than 1.0 .mu.m kept on the porous element. The porosity of the filter material is not less than 50% but less than 95%, and the proportion of the fiber structure to the filter material is not less than 0.01% by weight but less than 30% by weight. The ratio between the average pore diameter of the porous element and the average fiber diameter of the fiber structure is not less than 2 but less than 2,000 and the above fiber structure forms a reticulate structure. A process for producing the leukocyte-removing fiber material and an apparatus for removing leukocyte using the above fiber material are also described.

Abstract: Novel blood cell fractionation devices are provided. The device utilizes filters coated with high molecular weight polyethylene oxide derivatives cross-linked to prevent leaching from filter surfaces. These filters have a special efficacy in preventing protein adsorption and cellular adhesion to the membrane filter.

Abstract: A method correlates average fiber diameter with performance for a complex filtration media comprising a matrix of fibers having a fibrillated component with a diameter so small (e.g., less than 0.01 microns), that cannot be physically measured with accuracy. The method manufactures a selected matrix, derives the number average diameter of the fibers according to prescribed steps, some of which do not require actual physical measurements, and observes a performance characteristic. The method repeats the foregoing steps for different matrixes, yielding different number average diameters. The method expresses change in the selected performance characteristic as a function of change in number average diameter of the matrices.

Abstract: A filter press frame and method, operable for compressing a stack of filter plates, provides a very light frame as compared to the iron, steel and stainless steel filter press frames that have been used for the last one hundred years. The filter press frame of the present invention is formed of material much more resistant to corrosion for a much wider pH spectrum of acids and bases than iron, steel, and stainless steel frames. In a preferred embodiment, the filter press tail, follower, and head, referred to generally as head members, are comprised of core material inserts encapsulated with fiber reinforced plastic. Laminates have a thickness and fibers are oriented to optimize the construction strength of the components based on stresses that are preferably anticipated through techniques such as finite element analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma-collecting device which comprises a blood filtering material comprising glass fiber filter and microporous membrane, a holder having a blood inlet and a plasma outlet accommodating the blood filtering material, a blood-collecting needle being connected to the blood inlet, and a plasma receiver being provided on the plasma outlet side. The plasma-collecting device can collect a necessary amount of plasma for analysis from blood vessel directly, easily and surely.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for removing liquid contaminant from surfaces, especially for removing spilled oil from the surface of water. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for removing liquid contaminant from a surface by applying a mat which is a nonwoven fabric having a dried substantially continuous aqueous foam coating on at least one side of the nonwoven fabric, whereby the foam coating absorbs at least some of the liquid contaminant. This invention also relates to a reusable mat for removing liquid contaminants from surfaces and a method for reusing the mat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filled paper for gas filtration, with a high adsorption and absorption capacity. This paper, consisting of cellulose fibers, is filled with organic and/or inorganic powders adapted in quantity and in quality to the gas to be treated.It finds its application in the petroleum, chemical, agri-foodstuffs and papermaking industries, in apartment buildings and in office and hospital buildings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric nonwoven web having a relatively small pore size, and made from mixtures of aramid and other non-aramid fibers. The fibrous nonwoven web has a high titer reduction with respect to coliphage PR772. The present invention provides the filter element incorporating the present inventive fibrous nonwoven web. The nonwoven web is also adapted to be use as human apparel and fashioned into garments.

Abstract: The invention provides a high temperature, damage tolerant candle filter (4) made of a porous ceramic material which is designed so that, if it fails, it does not fail catastrophically. The ceramic candle filter includes a hollow tube (14) having an open end, a closed end and a porous outer wall therebetween. The porous wall is made of a fiber ceramic reinforcement material impregnated with ceramic particles and a fugitive material that is substantially removed from the fiber ceramic reinforcement material or partially converting into a permeable material to provide porosity. The reinforcement material is generally strong enough to absorb the initial explosion force created when the ceramic particle carrier fails during, for example, reverse pressurization of the candle filter, thereby preventing the ceramic pieces from becoming projectiles.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent element comprising a packed mixture of granules and fibers, which are desirably granular activated carbon (GAC) and activated carbon fiber (ACF). The element is employed as a filter for purifying tap water. In the composite adsorbent element the activated carbon fibers fill the spaces between the activated carbon granules. The size and relative amounts of the GAC and ACF are designed to enable water treatment to remove impurities from water more rapidly than conventional filters using granular activated carbon.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.