Abstract: An air flow containing microorganisms including fungal spores is sterilized by heating the air flow to a sufficient temperature to weaken cellular walls of the microorganisms, inducing turbulence in the air flow; and providing in the air flow sufficient contact surface against which the microorganisms may hit and be destroyed at a flow rate and turbulence level of the air flow.

Abstract: A fail-safe back-up filter system for filtering particles from a flow of hot gas in a coal gasifier or the like in the event of a failure of the primary filter system. In the event of a break in one of the primary filter elements of the filtration system, the back-up filters, having a higher porosity than the primary filters, begin to collect particulate matter such that the particulates become embedded in the back-up filter. After a period of time, the back-up filters become clogged and prevent the flow of particle laden gas through the back-up filter and the corresponding primary filter such that the flow of gas is diverted into communication with the remaining, properly functioning primary filters. The back-up filters also provide a thermal regenerator device for heating the flow of cleaning gas before it contacts the primary filter elements during back-flush cleaning in order to avoid the effects of extreme temperature fluctuations on the primary filters.

Abstract: A device for cleaning mechanical appliances, small parts and/or electronic switch units using cleaning liquids comprises a cleaning chamber ventilated by means of a fan. A baffle plate is arranged in front of an intake opening of the chamber. A door provides access to the chamber. A discharge chamber below the cleaning chamber collects the cleaning liquid for regeneration. The cleaning chamber is mounted above a square, closed substructure. The delivery connection piece of the fan is connected by a pipeline to the base region of the substructure. A ventilation pipeline leading both into the cleaning chamber and an evacuation pipeline opens into the upper region of the substructure. A rotary table in the cleaning chamber holds the objects to be cleaned. The cleaning chamber has at least one rising pipe which is supplied with cleaning liquid by a pump and which has spray nozzles directed toward the rotary table.

Abstract: A multicellular monolith converter body having a plurality of corrugated thin metal sheets or strips in alternating relation with a thin wire mesh or frame, and which monolith has a cell density up to 100 cells per square inch. These monoliths are useful under conditions where back-pressure is a critical factor, e.g., natural draft exhaust applications. These devices may have corrugated thin metal sheets coated with a refractory metal oxide, e.g., alumina, with or without a noble metal catalyst.

Abstract: A caul screen is made with metal cable having a low twist level of between 1 and 5 turns per inch and where the cable is made with filaments that have been coated with brass; the cable is woven into a mesh to form the screen.

Abstract: A filtering assembly for protecting an air intake of a structure. A flexible screen is mounted so as to cover an air intake opening of the structure. The screen may be selectively moved in either of opposite directions so as to be raised or lowered across the intake opening. The screen may further be stored at either or both ends of the structure.

Abstract: A textile machine suction device for dust and other pneumatically conveyable waste includes a separator chamber, a negative pressure line discharging waste into the separator chamber, a first filter screen in the separator chamber for separating the waste from an air stream and for collecting the waste, a second filter screen disposed in the separator chamber, and a negative pressure source acting upon the first and the second filter screens. The two filter screens are disposed adjacent one another in a constellation causing an increasing outflow of air through the second filter screen with increasing soiling and impermeability of the first filter screen to the air stream. The negative pressure line forms a rotating air stream in the separator chamber approximately parallel to the first filter screen for forcing the waste and in particular yarn waste into a motion stripping soiling from the first filter screen.

Abstract: The present invention is a combined gas flow resistance device and safety shield which incorporates a plurality of narrow parallel passageways through which filtered gas from a plurality of filter elements passes to a clean gas outlet. The device also has inlet for carrying pulses of high pressure gas to the downstream side of a plurality of filter elements, and a porous safety shield connected across the passageways to prevent solid particles from passing from the filter elements to the clean gas outlet.

Abstract: A catalyst vessel including an inlet at an upstream end, a plurality of catalytic chambers located downstream of the conduit, wherein at least two chambers are connected by a plate having one or more orifices therein to permit gas flow through from the first chamber to the second chamber, and wherein at least one surface in the chamber is adapted for deposition of a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, and rhenium, and an outlet at its downstream end.

Abstract: A filtration system and method. The filtration system comprises a manifold having an inlet, a plurality of filter elements mounted to the manifold, and a scheme for convectively cooling the filter elements to limit the temperature of the filter elements to a predetermined temperature. The filtration method comprises the steps of passing a fluid through a plurality of filter elements and convectively cooling the filter elements to limit the temperature of the filter elements to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A membrane having a multiplicity of openings therethrough which are sized and shaped to utilize the random motion of molecules of gas to produce gas flow through the membrane predominantly in one direction. Such a membrane can be used in power systems, gas separation systems and other systems which utilize fluid flow.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering a gas flow, especially for filtering the gases produced by a gas generator for an impact protection cushion, comprises a filter element exhibiting several filter material plies of varying permeability lying in series in the flow direction. The filter element is fashioned as a wrapped member produced by winding up a length of filter material. The length of filter material has sectionally different filter materials, preferably wire mesh of differing mesh widths and metal fiber mats. A wrapped member is formed by winding up this filter material web, the wrapping plies of which consist of different materials with varying filter effects. This filter element wrap is inserted, for example, in the annular interspace between the two tubes of a double-tube gas generator. Owing to the rising pressure of the gas to be cleaned, the wrapped member is compacted with the consequence that its filtering function is improved.

Abstract: A wire mesh filter screen has a flat disc shape and is seated on a flat bottom counterbore in a threaded fitting. A circular knife edged punch pierces a ring of material from the counterbore wall surrounding the disc periphery. A second flat punch axially deforms the ring over the disc periphery to securely retain the screen in the fitting.

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 physical compact vacuum pickup device of critically safe volume and geometric shape is provided for use in radioactive enclosures, such as a small glove box, to facilitate manual cleanup of either wet or dry radioactive material. The device is constructed and arranged so as to remain safe when filled to capacity with plutonium-239 oxide. Two fine mesh filter bags are supported on the exterior of a rigid fine mesh stainless steel cup. This assembly is sealed within, and spaced from, the interior walls of a stainless steel canister. An air inlet communicates with the interior of the canister. A modified conventional vacuum head is physically connected to, and associated with, the interior of the mesh cup. The volume of the canister, as defined by the space between the mesh cup and the interior walls of the canister, forms a critically safe volume and geometric shape for dry radioactive particles that are gathered within the canister.

Abstract: A filter or catalyst body for removing harmful constituents from the waste gases of an internal combustion engine, especially a diesel engine, is provided with at least one fabric layer of metal wires or metal fibers. Sintering material in the form of powder, granules, fiber fragments or chips is introduced into the meshes and is sintered on to the wires or fibers. The woven fabric is in the form of a twilled wire fabric (1), sintering material (4) being introduced into the meshes (5) thereof and being sintered together with the wires or fibers (2, 3).

Abstract: The invention is a filter assembly which includes (a) an open-ended three-dimensional filter medium defining an internal chamber, (b) a collar sealingly contacting the open end of the filter medium with an access port extending through the collar in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and (c) a plurality of peripherally spaced protective columns extending along and spaced outwardly from the sidewall of the filter medium with each protective column having a proximal end coupled to the collar and a distal end extending beyond the closed end of the filter medium.

Abstract: A filter for use in a dry powder spray booth that includes a frame containing a quantity of pleated filter sheet material. The ends and sides of the pleated sheet are secured in the frame by a sealant. The material forming the pleated sheet is a fiber paper having a smooth and rough side and is treated with a flame retardant coating. The surface area of the pleated sheet is varied between five and ten times the interior area of the frame. The smooth side of the fiber paper faces upstream with respect to the air flow and the filter is positioned at an acute angle to the vertical with the top inclined upstream. The frame is provided with a manual vibrator and an expanded wire mesh on the downstream side.

Abstract: A filter for removing impurities from waste gases, and especially from the waste gases of an internal combustion engine, includes a filter body consisting of a plurality of compression moulded, high temperature resistant, sintered filter plates consisting of metal powder, metal chips, metallic fibres or a mixture of these materials, which are arranged on top of or behind one another and kept at a distance from one another by spacers, to form between them a plurality of flow channels. The flow channels are open at one end and closed at the other end in order to form inlet and outlet channels. The walls of the filter plate situated between the inlet and outlet channels constitute filter surfaces. The filter plates are formed by filter discs lying on top of one another, arranged in a filter housing and having a free or open central interior space, so that the waste gases flow radially through the filter discs from the outside towards the interior space or from the interior space towards the outside.

Abstract: A filter filters the gas generated by an air bag inflator. The gas comprises an alkali metal oxide. The inflator comprises a non-woven metal fibrous mat and small particles of a silicon compound, reactive with the alkali metal oxide, adhered to strands of the mat.

Abstract: A filter element is disclosed which serves to separate dusts from gases or air and consists of metals, alloys or plastics. The element is thin-walled and sheetlike, has a wall thickness of 0.05 to 2 mm and has a large number of regularly arranged holes, which have any of various shapes and sizes and have a non-circular cross-section and a hydraulic diameter of 0.01 to 1 mm. In that filter element the area which is occupied by the holes is 3 to 25% of the front surface area of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter or catalyst body comprising wires or fibers is disclosed which is constructed in a single-layer or multi-layer as woven cloth, braiding or knitted fabric, the wires or fibers being at least partially connected to one another by sintering or welding. The woven cloth, netting, braiding or knitted fabric is endowed with inserted powdery, granular or chip-like particles which are sintered with or welded to the wires or fibers to provide a filter density which is lower in the inlet region of the filter body since fewer particles are provided there.

Abstract: Provided herein is a process for preparing an electret filter which comprises feeding a non-woven fabric composed of an electrically charged web of synthetic fibers through a nip of co-operating embossing and flat rolls under pressure and at a temperature below a softening temperature of said synthetic fibers, thereby subjecting the surface of said non-woven fabric to partical fusion bonding and integration.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for removing solid particulates from a fluid has a housing shaped as an elbow-shaped conduit and a support member for supporting a screen adjacent a forwardly extending flange on an inlet conduit section of the housing, the housing also comprising an enlarged intermediate section, in which the support member is disposed, and an outlet conduit section. The support member is threadedly engaged in a wall of the enlarged intermediate section of the housing and preferably has a base and a plurality of posts extending from the base, with the screen seated on the distal ends of the posts. Fluid entering the housing through the inlet section passes through the screen and then through passageways between the posts of the support member and is then discharged from the housing through the outlet conduit section.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning device is constructed of a honeycomb core body. The honeycomb core body has been formed by superposing a planar band made of a metal sheet and a corrugated band made from another metal sheet one over the other in a contiguous relationship and then rolling the thus-superposed bands into a multi-layered spiral form. The honeycomb core body defines a number of network-patterned axial gas flow passages and is adapted to carry an exhaust gas cleaning catalyst. The honeycomb core body is divided into a central honeycomb core section of a smaller diameter and an outer honeycomb core section of a larger diameter. A separator is interposed between an outer peripheral wall of the central honeycomb core section and an inner peripheral wall of the outer honeycomb core section. The outer honeycomb core section may be divided further into plural honeycomb core sub-sections having different diameters and a additional separator may be interposed between each two adjacent core sub-sections.

Abstract: A high reliability, non-blocking air filter for filtering large volumes of low pressure air from equipment to be maintained free of dust and impurities while being ventilated during operation is disclosed. The filter media is mounted in a frame having a U-shaped cross section construction, which is attached over an air intake opening of the piece of equipment. The filter media includes a planar base surface and a plurality of projections. The tops of the projections define a surface above said planar base surface for supporting free-flowing articles so as such that these articles do not obstruct the air flow through the air intake filter.

Abstract: A prefilter for an air main filter of an internal combustion engine such as a two-stroke engine is configured as a filter ring with the engine being especially a two-stroke engine in a handheld work tool. The filter ring defines a flow directed essentially radially inward and the prefilter has a band-like configuration and is mounted for covering the outer surface of the main filter. The prefilter includes a screen held in a flexible frame and so permits a rapid exchange thereof and is easy to clean and does not restrict the air throughput. The frame carries a part of the closure device at each end thereof lying in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow body, in particular a pipe segment or a cylindrical body which contains gases or fluids or through which these can flow and comprises at least one opening in its wall surrounding the hollow space of the hollow body, the opening entering into a ring groove in the hollow body wall which extends around the entire outer periphery of the hollow body and over which opening a filter mesh strip located in this ring groove is spanned. In both side wall of this ring groove there are provided essentially opposing slot-shaped recesses extending annularly with the groove. The filter mesh strip is inserted into these recesses and held there by both its side edges.

Abstract: A system for collecting and purifying polluted air over a large geographic area where surface level water channels are used for rainfall drainage. The water channels are covered to render them air passages as well, and air jet engines draw the polluted air from the areas to a purifying station where debris is separated and the polluted air is passed to purifying units before being discharged from the station. The water channels may be covered to provide lineal parks or roadways for light traffic. Also, sewage passages may be incorporated in the system to provide greater area coverage and reduce noxious fumes.

Abstract: The filter element for use in a container includes a central pipe (2) closed along its length and also provided with an opening at a lower end thereof; a cylinder surrounding this central pipe in a concentric manner and having a closable lower end, the closable lower end of the cylinder projecting beyond the lower end of the central pipe and being provided with a base; and at least two cylindrical filter means (1), which are arranged radially and symmetrically with respect to the cylinder and which communicate with the cylinder, and a group of connecting pipes, each of the cylindrical filter means being connected by one of the pipes with the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved gas stream inlet construction for industrial dust collectors such as fabric filter type collectors that includes a first transition section in which an incoming high velocity gas stream is reduced in velocity and delivered to a second transition section in a second flow direction substantially perpendicular to the incoming first flow direction and wherein it is further reduced in velocity and is delivered therefrom in a third flow direction substantially perpendicular to both the first and second flow directions.

Abstract: A cylindrical screen construction for a filter and a method of producing the screen. A sheet of metal screen containing a multiplicity of holes is rolled into cylindrical form and the longitudinal edges of the sheet are joined by a thermoplastic connecting strip. The strip is generally H-shaped in cross section having a pair of opposed longitudinal grooves that receive the respective edges of the sheet. Heat and pressure are applied to the strip causing the thermoplastic material to fuse and penetrate the holes along the side edges of the screen to provide a smooth surfaced mechanically interlocked joint between the edges.

Abstract: A multi-apertured flow control device is mounted over the exit end of a tubular filter element and is provided with a central bore through which a high velocity gas pulse is directed into the associated filter tube to dislodge a filter cake deposited on the exterior of the filter tube.

Abstract: A reusable air filter assembly for use in forced air heating and cooling systems includes an inlet stage filter medium consisting of a single layer of fabric woven in an egg-crate pattern and of relatively coarse polypropylene yarn, an outlet stage filter medium consisting of two layers of fabric woven in an egg-crate pattern of relatively fine polypropylene yarn and a precipitation chamber between said inlet stage and said outlet stage defined by a corrugated aluminum wire screen, with the precipitation chamber having a thickness, in the direction of air flow through the assembly, which is at least equal to the combined thickness of the inlet stage filter medium and the outlet stage filter medium. The filter assembly is supported in a corrosion resistant frame by opposing grid covers of expanded metal having a low friction coating thereon.

Abstract: A filter for a fluidized bed powder coating apparatus is located within the fluidized hopper and fits about the end of a tubular conduit connecting the hopper to a spray gun. The filter is an enclosure having a plurality of holes through its walls which are sized to exclude particles from the conduit which would clog small orifices of the spray gun or associated venturi. The filter also acts to break up clumps of coating particles and to retain contaminant particles which may clog the venturi and gun. Preferably, the filter is made of expanded metal and is sized to sit in the fluidized bed of coating particles without unduly interfering with the flow of air into the hopper.

Abstract: An improved gas stream inlet construction for industrial dust collecting apparatus such as fabric type gas filters that includes at least one velocity reducing transition section employing a selectively positioned expanded metal grid as a flow diverting and gas stream diffusing device located at the exit port thereof.

Abstract: An improved gas stream inlet construction for industrial gas treating apparatus such as fabric type dust collectors that includes two series arranged velocity reducing transition sections employing expanded metal grids as flow diverting and gas stream diffusing device as the exit ports therefrom.

Abstract: A pressurized gas discharge system for the safety containment of a nuclear reactor includes a conduit structure connected to the containment and consisting of a plurality of modular conduit units which are flanged together end-to-end, each having flanged side openings with filter frame members including stainless steel fiber filter packs flanged thereto in end-to-end relationship. The filter packs extend fully across the frame members and have their circumferential edges clamped between the flanges of adjacent frame members so that in the clamped areas the filter packs are reduced in thickness to a fraction of their original thickness, the flanges having U-shaped members disposed on their faces such that the legs of the U-shaped member project toward the adjacent flange and provide two seal strips with the edges of the filter packs compressed therebetween.

Abstract: A disk file 10 employs at least two filters 15,16 for removal of airborne particles, one filter 16 having a relatively coarse mesh and a relatively high rate of airflow and the other 15 having a relatively fine mesh and a relatively low rate of airflow. The fine filter 15 may be combined with a third, breather filter 30 which removes particles from air entering the disk enclosure. The main purpose of the coarse filter 16 is to remove the larger, more damaging particles very rapidly, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the surfaces of the disks 12.

Abstract: A protector screen assembly is disclosed to protect the turbine inlet of a turbocharger installed on an internal combustion engine. The protector screen prevents debris from entering the turbocharger in case of engine failure such as a broken valve. The protector screen is heat resistant and easily installed between the exhaust manifold and turbocharger turbine inlet.

Abstract: An inverse flow depth filter assembly includes an elongated, generally elliptical housing with gas inlet and egress means and a bottom drain. A filter cartridge is suspended from the housing top so that an annular channel is created between the housing and the cartridge. The cartridge has a plugged top and an open bottom. Air enters the housing and is channeled downward through the annular channel until it reaches the cartridge bottom. Air then enters the cartridge bottom to flow in an upward vertical pattern through the filter element. The filtered air then passes through ports in the plug and exits the housing through the gas egress means.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical mist eliminator bed element for use in removal of liquid aerosols from a moving gas stream by flowing the gas stream through the element. The element comprises a first fiber bed for collection of aerosol particles, and a second fiber bed adjacent the first fiber bed for preventing reentrainment of liquid in the gas stream. The element is adapted to be oriented with respect to a substantially horizontal flow of aerosol containing gas so that adjacent surfaces of the fiber beds are substantially vertical, the first fiber bed being upstream of the second fiber bed with respect to the flow of gas. The first fiber bed comprises a bed of fibers having a mean diameter of at least about 10 microns packed to a substantially uniform bed voidage of 85% to 98%, the mean fiber diameter, bed voidage and distribution of fibers in the first bed being such as to provide for collection of the droplets of liquid aerosol from an aerosol containing gas.

Abstract: A separator for separating fibers from fines in a flow of gas includes an enclosed housing which includes a cylindrical upper section and a lower section. A screen basket is fixedly mounted in the housing, and this basket defines a screened cylindrical wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The screen basket is positioned in the housing to define an annular chamber between the upper section of the housing and the screened cylindrical wall of the basket. A first duct is mounted to pass a first flow of gas, fibers and fines into an upper portion of the annular chamber, and is oriented tangentially to cause the first flow to swirl around the screened cylindrical wall. A second duct is mounted to remove gas and fines which have passed through the screened cylindrical wall, and a third duct is mounted to remove gas and fibers which have passed to the lower section of the housing from the lower section.

Abstract: A sealed scroll compressor comprises a scroll compressor section, an electric motor, a sealed container, an oil storage, a fixed and orbiting scroll members, and a wire mesh member for improvement of oil separation in refrigerant gas. A shell portion of said sealed container is lined annularly with the wire mesh member and the gas containing oil is adapted to flow downwardly along the wire mesh member. When the gas flows downwardly, the oil sticks to the wire mesh member and is separated from the gas. The oil collected on the wire mesh member drops down into the oil storage. The gas from which the oil is separated is, after that, discharged out of the compressor.

Abstract: A metal filter foil has elongated slits forming the filter openings. The slits are arranged in a plurality of groups. In each group the slits are parallel to one another, and the slits of different groups form an angle with one another.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeation membrane in the form of a metal coating such as palium and alloys of palladium less than 100 microns in thickness supported by a fabric with a mesh width not exceeding 50 microns. A diffusion blocking material such as nickel and alloys of nickel may be provided. The metal coating may be in the range of about 10 to 30 microns, and the mesh width may be in the range of about 2 to 20 microns.

Abstract: A composite stove hood filter consists of a primary metal mesh filter and a nonwoven, secondary disposable filter. The secondary filter is a low basis weight (0.2 oz./yd..sup.2 to 1.0 oz./yd..sup.2) spun-bonded polymer sheet which is attached to the primary filter by means of elastic bands or Velcro strips. A patch of melt-blown polymer material, impregnated with air freshener, may be attached to the spun-bonded sheet of the secondary filter to freshen the air as it is filtered.

Abstract: An air filter unit is provided for use with an internal combustion engine. The unit includes inner and outer sleeves, a filter medium disposed intermediate the sleeves, and end plates affixed to and overlying the corresponding ends of the sleeves and filter medium. At least the outer sleeve is formed from a blank of foraminous, relatively stiff, sheet material with the periphery thereof including burr-forming peripheral portions and an elongated peripheral portion folded back upon itself to form a hem-like segment. The blank is then formed into a cylindrical sleeve with the hem-like segment overlapping and being affixed to a burr-forming peripheral portion opposite the hem-like segment so as to form an elongated seam extending the length of the sleeve. The overlapped seam-forming peripheral portion being exposed only on an interior surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A fine mesh screen is coated with at least one metal, by galvanic or chemical deposition. Metals of the platinum group are especially advantageous. The mesh width may be as small as 0.1 micron or less. Several screens may be arranged in a stack and used to clean waste gases.

Abstract: A separator for removing frozen or condensed water from an air stream, such as to aircraft environmental and avionics cooling systems, is described which comprises a generally tubular housing having an inlet and outlet, one or more screens of selected mesh size disposed in preselected spacing generally transverse of a direction of air flow within the housing, a brush or wiper disposed against each screen for removing moisture from each screen, either the screen or contacting brush being rotatable relative to the other, a motor operatively connected to the rotatable screen or brush for rotating one against the other to remove moisture from the screen, and a conduit operatively connected to the housing for draining moisture therefrom.