Abstract: The present invention provides a supported microporous filtration membrane comprising a porous nonwoven fibrous support material having first and second sides, and a continuous microporous membrane having first and second zones, wherein the first side of the support material is integral with the first zone while not protruding into the second zone, and the first zone has a pore size at least about 50% greater than the pore size of the second zone. A method of preparing such a supported microporous membrane is also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A coffee filter material and bag suitable for providing a high-quality coffee extract, having a nonwoven fabric filter layer which is composed of thermoplastic organic synthetic fibers, satisfies the relationships (1) to (4):3.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.30 (1)y.gtoreq.0.2x (2)1.ltoreq.r.sub.30 (3)andr.sub.70 .ltoreq.50 (4)wherein x is a basis weight (g/m.sup.2) of the woven fabric, y is a cumulative volume value (cm.sup.3 /g) of fine pores in the nonwoven fabric, r.sub.30 is a maximum radius (.mu.m) of the fine pores observed when the volumes of the fine pores are cumulated from the small pore radius side and the cumulative volume value becomes equal to 0.3y, and r.sub.70 is a maximum radium (.mu.m) of the fine pores observed when the volumes of the fine pores are cumulated from the small pore radius side and the cumulative volume value becomes equal to 0.7y, and is capable of absorbing in the wet state thereof at least 0.5 g/g of an oil and fat component from the coffee extract.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter material for selectively removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension, which comprises a porous element having an average pore diameter of 1 to 25 .mu.m and a total pore volume of 0.40 to 0.95 ml/ml of the porous element, and wherein the sum of respective pore volumes of pores of the porous element which have a pore diameter of 1 to 30 .mu.m is 90% or more, based on said total pore volume. Also disclosed is a filter apparatus for selectively removing leukocyte from a leukocyte-containing suspension which is packed with the above-mentioned filter material. By virtue of the filter material, the filter apparatus not only can remove leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension at a leukocyte removal efficiency as excellent as 10.sup.-4 or less in terms of a leukocyte residual ratio without suffering from a pressure loss increase, but also can be rendered compact.

Abstract: Insolubilized enzyme particulates are located on the upstream surface of a filtration layer of a filtering element which can be used in a cartridge filter. Employed in a recycling flow reaction system at relatively high flux rates, the cartridges are useful for conducting catalyzed chemical reactions of dissolved solutes, for example, esterifications, isomerizations, oxidations, reductions, and cyclizations.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for demineralizing water include a fibrous microporous body having interfiber spaces in communication with one another and a porosity at least equal to 50%, water supply elements for supplying water to be demineralized through the fibrous microporous body, a heating device adapted to heat the fibrous microporous body to a temperature of at least 60.degree. C., and elements adapted to collect the demineralized water.

Abstract: A filtration system removes both particulate and dissolved matter from liquid cleaning solvent. The system is enclosed within a single unit which incorporates both a positive displacement pump and a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a two stage filter with a hollow, cylindrical, activated carbon core which is connected to the intake side of the pump.

Abstract: A filter for use in a concrete press mould, the filter comprising a fabric being knit or woven at least in part from heat meltable yarns and having a fabric density which permits the passage of water therethrough but prohibits the passage of particulate material, the filter being bounded around its periphery with at least one continuous imperforate band integrally formed with the fabric by fusion of said heat meltable yarns.

Abstract: A filter and a hollow-fiber or flat-sheet membrane for removing hemoglobin from whole blood or blood fractions are disclosed. The filter comprises a laid textile web which has been modified to attach a ligand for hemoglobin. The membrane comprises a polyethersulfone membrane that has been similarly modified. Methods for removing hemoglobin, cellular components and debris from blood are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-supporting filter element is produced from a precursor fiber web according to one of several methods. The precursor fiber web contains heat-shrinkable fibers or binder fibers or both. The web is exposed to temperatures sufficiently elevated to cause shrinkage of the fibers or melting of the binder. After cooling the web, the filter elements produced are self-supporting, and may have densities up to 500 kg/m.sup.3 to improve filtration while retaining good functional characteristics for operating pressure drop and air permeability. The self-supporting filter elements can be constructed of one material, and thus may be suitable for recycling.

Abstract: A filter material for filtering leucocytes from a fraction of or whole human blood, comprises a web having a thickness of at least about 1 millimeter and a bulk density of about 0.05 to 0.4 g/cm.sup.3. The web has a plurality of interlocked matrix fibers distributed in the web to form a matrix thereof with spaces between adjacent interstices of interlocked fibers. The matrix fibers are composed mainly of about 1 to 3 micron diameter glass fibers, i.e. at least 75% of the weight of the web being the glass fibers. A plurality of fibrillated particles of textile fiber material, having a surface area of between 5 and 100 square meters per gram are disposed within the spaces of the matrix. The weight ratio of the fibrillated particles to the matrix fibers is between about 1:99 and 40:60. A thermoplastic binder is disposed at least at cross-over portions of the matrix fibers, with the amount of the binder being about 0.1% to 10% by weight of the web.

Abstract: A device for processing donated blood comprises a porous medium interposed between the collection bag and a satellite bag into which a component separated by centrifugation can be expressed, the filter element preferably having a CWST of about 70 to about 115 dynes/cm. The porous medium blocks red blood cells, but allows platelets to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A gas plasma treated porous medium and method of using such a medium to separate or remove materials such as components of biological fluids.

Abstract: A filter coalescer cartridge for removing contaminants from a liquid comprises:(a) a first support at one end of the cartridge,(b) a second end support tending towards the other end of the cartridge,(c) a filter coalescer element comprising a plurality of aligned fibers or bundles of fibers, each fiber or bundle being secured at one end to one end support and at the other end to the other end support, and(d) a drive mechanism for relatively rotating and moving the end supports towards and away from each other to twist and compress and straighten and extend respectively the filter coalescer element.The cartridge gives good performance and is easily regenerated.

Abstract: Porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils wherein a surface of the material has been modified to have increased hydrophobicity as indicated by having a water droplet roll-off angle of less than about 10 degrees in comparison to a typical roll-off angle of greater than about 12 degrees for the unmodified material. Under magnification, the surface morphology may be indistinguishable from that of the unmodified precursor material. The modification is preferably done by exposing the surface to radio frequency gas plasma discharge with a reactive etching gas for a lengthy amount of time such as about ten minutes. If surface etching is continued beyond a time adequate to produce the highly hydrophobic behavior, then the surface morphology includes the appearance of broken fibrils.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported microporous filtration membrane comprising a porous nonwoven fibrous support material having first and second sides, and a continuous microporous membrane having first and second zones, wherein the first side of the support material is integral with the first zone while not protruding into the second zone, and the first zone has a pore size at least about 50% greater than the pore size of the second zone. A method of preparing such a supported microporous membrane is also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Devices are provided for producing plasma or serum from blood samples, where the plasma or serum is substantially free of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and metabolites and degradation products thereof. The sample can be used in various assays without interference from the interfering components of red blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a two-part sorbent pad having a flat, chemically treated polyethylene foam inner core completely surrounded by a flexible, durable, chemically treated polypropylene fabric cover. In use, the sorbent pad of the present invention floats on top of petroleum covered water to rapidly soak up the petroleum or oil and hold it within the inner core until it can be removed by squeezing the sorbent pad between rollers, thereby depositing the oil into a container for storage. The non-petroleum laden sorbent pad is then returned to the surface of the petroleum covered water to pick-up more petroleum. The sorbent pad is chemically treated to increase the pads ability to attract and hold oil by both adsorption and absorption and to further increase its ability to repel water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter medium for treating a blood material selected from the group consisting of a leukocyte-containing suspension and plasma, comprising a polymeric, porous element having, in a surface portion thereof, a negative charge and having a surface electric charge of not smaller than -30 .mu.eq/g of the polymeric, porous element. The filter medium and an apparatus having the filter medium packed in a casing having an inlet and an outlet, can be advantageously used for treating a blood material, for example, for separating leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension including whole blood, for blood dialysis or for removing undesired proteinous substances and the like from whole blood or plasma by adsorption-filtration, while effectively controlling a concentration of bradykinin (which is causative of anaphylactic reactions) in a treated blood to a level not exceeding 4,000 pg/ml.

Abstract: A microbial media comprising numerous U type loops having at least two types of fibers woven on a central stay, at least one of these fibers being polyvinylidene chloride, acryl, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene or carbon; and a waste water treatment method using same.

Abstract: A ceramic composite comprising ceramic fibers and glass microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder provides baffles for cryogenic fluids in a storage container.

Abstract: An expanded fiber composite structure and process for making an expanded fiber composite structure are provided. The expanded fiber composite structure is made up of a fiber mat held in partial compression by a monolithic plastic coating on the fibers, the structure having a plurality of interstitial voids which may optionally be filled with a polymeric interstitial material. The process includes impregnating a fiber mat with a plastic material, compressing the mat to impregnate the mat with the plastic, fully wetting each fiber and creating a substantially void-free fiber/plastic matrix, and reducing the compressive forces on the mat, allowing the fibers to rebound and expand the mat to a predetermined desired thickness, in the process creating the interstitial voids. The structure is then cooled such that the plastic material stiffens and itself retains the structure at the desired thickness.

Abstract: A non-woven solidified by means of a melt binder is described, which is based on supporting aramid fibers and on binding fibers made of thermoplastic aramids whose melting point is below the melting or decomposition point of said supporting aramid fibers. In the non-woven, the binding fibers are virtually completely melted. The non-wovens are distinguished by high strength.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and articles manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, one, or both, major surfaces of the fabric is coated with a water-insoluble adhesive to substantially increase the tensile strength of the fabric and to prevent shifting of fibers when installed on sloping surfaces.

Abstract: A fuel filter having a housing made of an electrically non-conductive material has a chamber disposed within the housing and the housing has an inlet and an outlet both in communication with the chamber. A filter media is disposed inside the chamber and is fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet for filtering non-polar substances such as fuel for internal combustion engines or the like. The filter media includes conductive fibers for preventing the buildup of or generation of electrostatic charges which would otherwise be generated by passage of fuel through standard paper filters such as those used almost universally in the automotive industry. These conductive fibers are preferably carbon fibers which consist of approximately two percent (2%) of the entire filter media.

Abstract: A deodorizing filter which is composed of a honeycomb structure of ceramic fibrous paper supporting cuprous oxide or both cuprous oxide and solid acid; and a method for manufacturing the deodorizing filter wherein the ceramic fibrous paper is soaked in the slurry of the mixture of reductant-added water solution with the cuprous oxide and binder or with the cuprous oxide, solid acid and binder and is dried; and then the ceremic fibrous paper is formed into the honeycomb-type filter; or the ceramic fibrous paper with the binder added is formed first into the honeycomb-type filter and then is soaked in the slurry of the mixture of reductant-added water solution with the cuprous oxide and binder or with the cuprous oxide, solid acid and binder and finally is dried to make the deodorizing filter.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies and methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter from a leucocyte-containing liquid are disclosed. Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies have a generally cylindrical housing having first and second chambers and an inlet into the first chamber and an outlet from the second chamber and a vent. A porous degassing element is positioned between the first and second chambers to remove gas from the liquid and the degassing element communicates with a vent covered with a liquophobic membrane which allows gas but not the liquid to flow through the vent. A hollow, cylindrical filter element is positioned in the second chamber and comprises a fibrous mass of microfibers capable of decreasing the leucocyte content of the liquid at a flow rate capacity of six liters per minute at a differential pressure of less than 15 psi.

Abstract: The invention provides processing donated blood, particularly a platelet-containing solution such as platelet-containing plasma, involving separating blood into a red cell containing sediment layer and a supernatant layer, and passing the supernatant layer through a filter until the filter is blocked, thereby leaving platelets to be harvested. The preferred filter comprises a porous medium having a plurality of zones of progressively increasing density.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay surface with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers. In a preferred embodiment, a water-insoluble adhesive is applied to at least one of the fabric layers to lock the interconnecting fibers in place and substantially increase the structural integrity, particularly the shear strength, of the article.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: A high efficiency leucocyte-depletion filter for use with packed red cell concentrate derived from freshly drawn blood comprises a fibrous filter medium with a pore size of from about 0.5 to less than 3.6 .mu.m and a CWST of from 53 to about 80. The filter is preferably used in conjunction with a gel prefilter and, optionally, a microaggregate filter so as to minimize clogging. In a preferred embodiment, the voids volume is about 60% to about 85%.

Abstract: A device for processing donated blood comprises a porous medium interposed between the collection bag and a satellite bag into which a component separated by centrifugation can be expressed, the filter element preferably having a CWST of about 70 to about 115 dynes/cm. The porous medium blocks red blood cells, but allows platelets to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A depth filtration method employing a depth filter media sheet, a method of forming the depth filter media sheet and the structure of the depth filter media sheet are described wherein the depth filter media sheet is formed from a wet strength layer and a filter septum layer, the filter septum layer being substantially thicker than the wet strength layer and being formed as a matrix from at least one fiber selected to provide substantial loft and pore structure throughout the filter depth of the filter septum layer, the wet strength layer and the filter septum layer being arranged adjacent each other and preferably bonded together with a lateral surface of the filter septum layer being substantially totally exposed for receiving fluid to be filtered with the porous matrix of the filter septum layer being available to receive and capture particulate solids from the fluid, the filter septum layer also preferably including a second fiber or additional fibers selected in combination with the first fiber for defin

Abstract: A novel filtration medium, preferably of the closed loop belt type, comprising a woven substrate which is overlaid by a disparate layer comprising a plurality of individual thermoplastic resin particulates which are controllably spaced apart from one another and bonded at fixed spaced apart locations to one to another and to the strands of the woven substrate. These resin particulates serve to define the pore structure and pore size for the medium. A method for the manufacture of the filtration medium is disclosed.

Abstract: A rigidized fiber filter element is produced from a precursor fiber web. The precursor fiber web contains heat-shrinkable fibers or binder fibers or both. The web is exposed to temperatures sufficiently elevated to cause shrinkage of the fibers or melting of the binder. After cooling the web, the filter elements produced are self-supporting, and may have densities up to 500 kg/m.sup.3 to improve filtration while retaining good functional characteristics for operating pressure drop and air permeability. Rigidized fiber filter elements can be constructed of one material, and thus may be suitable for recycling.

Abstract: A filter material for filtering leucocytes from a fraction of or whole human blood, comprises a textile web having a thickness of between about 2 millimeters to about 12 millimeters and a bulk density of about 0.05 to 0.4 g/cm.sup.3. The web has a plurality of interlocked textile fibers with average deniers between about 0.05 and 0.75 and average lengths between about 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters. The textile fibers are distributed in the web to form a matrix thereof with spaces between adjacent interstices of interlocked fibers. A plurality of fibrillated particles of textile fiber material, having a surface area of between 5 and 100 square meters per gram are disposed within the spaces of the matrix. The weight ratio of the fibrillated particles to the textile fibers is between about 1:99 and 40:60. A plurality of glass fibers, having an average diameter of between 0.1 and 5 microns and being about 2% to 85% of the web, also form part of the matrix.

Abstract: A filter for removing leucocytes comprising a filter medium, said filter medium being a fibrous material made of a polyester fiber which is treated on its surface with a copolymer containing 40 to 80% by weight of units derived from glucosyloxyethyl methacylate.When the filter of the present invention is used, leucocytes are removed from concentrated platelets or platelet-rich plasma without loss of platelets.

Abstract: Adsorption material, preferably substantially spherical, wherein support particles having cellulose capable of binding charged particles such as proteins, are distributed over the exterior surfaces thereof, and a method for generating substantially spherical adsorption material.

Abstract: A device for separating plasma from blood is provided comprising a synthetic polymeric fibrous structure having a CWST in excess of 65 dynes/cm, the structure having a first region for receiving a blood sample and a second region for accumulating plasma.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and its use for separating plasma from whole blood by means of a fibre-containing layer which contains an erythrocyte-aggregating substance and is characterized in that the fibre-containing layer contains glass fibres which are coated with polyvinyl alcohol or with polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acetate. The invention also concerns a test carrier for the determination of a blood component as well as a process for separation from whole blood in which the device according to the present invention is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reusable filter unit for an internal combustion engine wherein the filter fulfills both a filtering function and an additive function, the filter including a filtering part with replaceable filtering media and an additive part adapted to receive replaceable chemical additives. The filter part includes a generally toroidal shaped plastic element for receiving a generally cone shaped replaceable filter media, which can be agglomerated fiber, the element fitting into, and permanently bonded to, an outer shell, with the additive part being located below the element.

Abstract: Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies decrease the leucocyte content of a biological fluid in an extracorporeal circuit. These filter assemblies are suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit. Methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter are also disclosed. The removal medium used in these assemblies and methods may be pleated structures which have been subjected to gas plasma treatment, improving the amount of leucocytes removed and increasing the amount of platelets which pass through the medium.

Abstract: A filter device and method are provided for treating parenteral nutrient fluids, particularly TNA systems containing lipids, glucose, and amino acids. The filter device comprises a housing and a microporous medium in the form of a synthetic polymeric microporous structure having a pore rating of less than 1.2 micrometers. A preferred microporous medium comprises, in series, a matrix of microfibers which has been radiation grafted to render the matrix wettable by parenteral nutrient fluids followed by a microporous membrane, also wettable by parenteral nutrient fluids, and having a finer pore rating than the microfibrous matrix.

Abstract: A composite article comprising, in the unexpanded form, a fibrillated PTFE matrix and a combination of energy expandable hollow polymeric particles and sorptive particles, which composite, on applying energy such as steam, heat, or laser energy, provides an expanded article having increased void volume and decreased density. The expanded articles are porous and efficient articles for separation and purification applications. In flat or rolled form, the composite article can be used in separation devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material.

Abstract: A bypass filter system for use in low pressure, centrifugal type refrigeration equipment which allows complete isolation of a submicron filter element from the lubrication system through use of an inlet line shut-off and a return line shut-off. The filter system utilizes a variable regulator valve for balancing the operating parameters of the various systems involved to permit initial installation and set up, at which point thereafter the variable regulator may be replaced with a fixed regulator for continued operation of the system. Multiple devices for monitoring the filter element condition, verifying flow, detecting moisture, and displaying pressure readings may be used in conjunction with the basic device to enhance reliability and usefulness.

Abstract: A high efficiency leucocyte-depletion filter for use with packed red cell concentrate derived from freshly drawn blood comprises a fibrous filter medium with a pore size of from about 0.5 to less than 3.6 .mu.m and a CWST of from 53 to about 80. The filter is preferably used in conjunction with a gel prefilter and, optionally, a microaggregate filter so as to minimize clogging. In a preferred embodiment, the voids volume is about 60% to about 85%.

Abstract: A flexible fleece-like filter material is provided wherein in a matrix-like basic framework consisting of synthetic or natural fibres, ultra-finely fibrillated fibres and/or inert porous particles are incorporated as a filter medium, the filter medium forming, anchored in the matrix, chain structures provided with a cationic or anionic charge or possibly charged with other substances which influence the filtering properties or with immobilised cells and/or catalysts. A fleece is formed with a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm and preferably up to 2 mm, which is flexible and which can even be pleated. This filter material can be produced by a simple method without harming the environment.

Abstract: A unitary filter medium that is composed of a sheet of porous substrate that has bonded to its upstream surface a plurality of separate spaced apart islands of flock fibers, the fibers of adjacent islands at least partially overlapping. The flock fibers are bonded by calotte shaped adhesive structures to the substrate so as to form porcupine-like arrays.

Abstract: A repair method for filter elements such as those used to filter polyester during the later stages of polyester manufacture in which the filter media is a particulate solid media arranged in a desired shape and maintained in that shape by a surrounding porous container that has filtration openings of a desired size. The method fills undesirably large openings in the surrounding porous container that result from damage to the container and through which enlarged openings the particulate solid media would otherwise escape with a polymeric resin. The polymeric resin is a resin with a glass transition temperature when cured that is at least greater than the melting point of polyester, and that has an absence of any chemical functional groups at temperatures at least as great as the melting point of polyester that would substantially react with polyester, the glycol precursors of polyester, the acid precursors of polyester, or the solvents useful in cleaning polyester from such filter elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite element incorporating a support of an organic, electricity conducting, polyaromatic structure product, such as graphite, covered with a polymer or copolymer of dibenzoethers of formula: ##STR1## in which m=0 or 1 to 10, n=0 or 1 to 10, m+n.ltoreq.10, p=0 or 1 to 6, R.sup.1 =alkyl or aryl, R.sup.2 =alkyl or aryl.These elements are usable for absorbing metal cations present in an aqueous or organic solution.