Abstract: There is provided a nonwoven electret fiber filter formed with a nonwoven web of electret fibers needle-punched to an open scrim support. The scrim support material has individual discrete open areas with an average cross-sectional area as viewed from the plane of the filter media of at least 0.25 mm.sup.2, preferably 1.0 mm.sup.2, and a pressure drop across the scrim support, without the filter web, of less than 1.5 mm H.sub.2 O measured at 98.4 meters/min gaseous face velocity. The resulting filter has enhanced lifetimes, a low pressure drop and high filtration efficiencies.

Abstract: A composite filter media for bag or pocket filters and the like includes an upstream dirt-holding layer of fine polymeric fibers and a downstream high efficiency filtration layer of glass fibers. The upstream layer includes polymeric microfibers having a mean fiber diameter ranging from about 2.5 to about 4.5 microns, lofting fibers and binder fibers; and weighs between about 2.0 and about 7.0 grams per square foot. The glass fiber layer has a weight between about 1.2 and about 2.7 grams per square foot; the average diameter of the fibers in the glass fiber layer is within a range from 3.0.times.10.sup.-5 to 4.1.times.10.sup.-5 inches; and the fibers are bonded together at their points of intersection with a binder. The composite filter media has an average air filtration efficiency of at least 80%.

Abstract: Filtering bags manufactured with materials selected to withstand specific conditions of service which include labels made of materials resistant to such conditions of service which have markings resistant to such conditions of service for the life of the filter bags. The labels are preferably incorporated in the filtering bags so as not to form filtering zones.

Abstract: Multilayered filter material is provided with at least two layers having different filter properties (coarse filter layer and fine filter layer), for which the separation ratio of the coarse filter layer is selected depending on the number of layers of the filter material as well as the total separation ratio of the complete filter material. The separation ratio of the first layer is proportioned such that at least 20% of the total particles are filtered out by it. The first layer has a porosity of at least 95%. For the remaining filtration of the fine particles, at least one fine filter layer is present, which has a porosity of somewhat greater than 85%.

Abstract: A quantitative organic vapor-particle sampler for sampling semi-volatile organic gases and particulate components. A semi-volatile organic reversible gas sorbent macroreticular resin agglomerates of randomly packed microspheres with the continuous porous structure of particles ranging in size between 0.05-10 .mu.m for use in an integrated diffusion vapor-particle sampler.

Abstract: A process for producing a fabric absorbent that is capable of efficient removal of odorous substances, in particular malodorous substances. The absorbent is obtained by exposing an organic high-molecular weight compound, such as polyolefinic polymers or halogenated polyolefinic polymers, to an ionizing radiation and thereafter graft polymerizing the high-molecular weight compound with a polymerizable monomer that contains ion-exchange groups and/or a polymerizable monomer that can be converted to ion-exchange groups so as to incorporate the ion-exchange groups in the high-molecular weight compound.

Abstract: A fiber bed mist eliminator system is disclosed that includes a collector vessel having at least one inlet and at least two outlets. The system further includes at least two filter housings removably secured to the collector vessel, in which each filter housing has an inlet and outlet. Each filter housing includes a fiber bed mist eliminator. A valve may optionally be provided between at least one filter housing and the collector vessel. Each fiber bed includes an inner surface defining a first closed space and an outer surface defining a second space. The first closed space is optionally in communication with the collector vessel outlet or the filter housing outlet.

Abstract: A two-stage filter unit utilizing coarse and fine filter media in series, with the coarse filter media being detachable from a housing containing the fine filter media, the filter being especially suitable for filtration of cooling air taken in by electronic equipment.

Abstract: The cartridge filter of the present invention is a filter comprising a wound and laminated composite non-woven fabric containing heat fusible fibers, wherein the delamination strength between layers of the laminated composite non-woven fabric of said filter increases continuously or discontinuously from the outer layer toward the inner layer, the delamination strength of the inner layer-exceeds 1000 gf/5 cm, and the delamination strength of the outer layer is 5 to 1000 gf/5 cm. This cartridge excels in filtering life, filtering accuracy, and pressure resistance.

Abstract: A secondary air filter assembly that can be attached to the exhaust port of an upright vacuum cleaner is provided. The assembly includes an adapter plate that is adhered, clipped or otherwise affixed to the exhaust port, and a filter carrier that is removably attached to the base. The filter is preferably affixed as a unit to the filter carrier so that the entire filter/carrier unit can be replaced at once. The adapter base can also be used as an attachment for other accessories.

Abstract: A filter medium having high stiffness is provided. The filter is a nonwoven web of conjugate fibers which has a Frazier permeability above 200 CFM, an NaCl efficiency above 75 percent, a Gurley Stiffness above 700 mg, and a SEP value of above 80. The conjugate fibers may be polyolefin, more particularly polypropylene and polyethylene in a side-by-side configuration. The medium may be made into a filter by conventional means such as pleating. Such filters are useful in HVAC systems and transportation cabin air filtration.

Abstract: A filtration medium made from a plurality of solid fibers aligned in the same direction and packed and bundle together and compressed at a portion thereof by a retainer member, and a displacement member disposed inside the packed fibers forming close packed aligned fibers defining a fluid flow passages between the fibers having a cross-sectional area capable of retaining particles from a fluid passing therethrough.

Abstract: A sensible and latent heat exchange or adsorbent media formed from an improved desiccant or adsorbent paper having higher strength and thinner gauge to provide increased area of media, the media having a multiplicity of passageways therethrough through which an air stream can flow. The improved desiccant or adsorbent paper is comprised of fibrillated and non-fibrillated organic fibers formed to provide an improved support material having improved levels of strength and higher levels of desiccant or adsorbent material contained in the improved fibrous support material to provide the improved paper.

Abstract: A fluid filter arrangement including layered filter media capable of successively filtering varying sized particulate matter from a treated fluid stream with each layer of the layered filter media having a substantially equal terminal pressure drop thereacross.

Abstract: Constructions and methods are described for collecting particulate material from gas streams. In certain specifically described air filter arrangements, a first, rigid, filter construction is used in conjunction with a removable and replaceable depth media filter, to form filter media. The preferred arrangement is configured so that the removable and replaceable depth media filter can be removed and replaced, without disengaging the first filter construction from a filter assembly or housing, if desired. Some preferred configurations and materials are described.

Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner filter medium which is a nonwoven spunbond web of conjugate spunbond fibers. The web has a Frazier permeability of at least 250 CFM, an NaCI efficiency of at least 65 percent, a Gurley Stiffness of at least 20 mg, and a pressure drop of 0.5 or less mm H.sub.2 O. The conjugate fibers are made from polymers, more particularly polyolefins, still more particularly polypropylene and polyethylene in a side-by-side configuration. The filter medium is treated by a hot-air knife and through-air bonded during the production process. The medium is also electret treated. The medium has sufficient stiffness to be converted into a filter by conventional techniques. While this invention is directed mainly to air purification and filtration, other gasses may be filtered as well.

Abstract: A particulate filter structure and method for making the structure are disclosed. The structure includes a stable framework of relatively large denier fibers having a lower melting component and a higher melting component. The larger denier fibers have a denier of from about 30 dpf or more and are bonded by the lower melting component at the crossover points. Smaller denier fibers, which preferably are of the same composition as the larger denier fibers are immobilized onto the framework formed by the larger denier fibers by applying heat. Functional particulate such as activated carbon is immobilized primarily onto the smaller denier fibers, also by application of heat.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a reduced velocity chamber with a high velocity air inlet, an electric motor, a rotary mechanism driven by the motor for creating a vacuum in the chamber, an outlet for exhausting air from the chamber, which air flows in a selected path from the air inlet, through the chamber and out the air exhaust outlet and a disposable porous sheet filter layer in the chamber for removing solids particles from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has a fiber filter between the filter layer and the motor where the fiber filter has an electrically charged non-woven material for removing very fine air particles in the chamber, intersecting the air path and generally coterminous with the disposable filter layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven disposable face mask includes a filtration layer formed of a plurality of thermoplastic microfine meltblown microfibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1.5 microns. The filtration layer also has a basis weight of less than ten grams per square meter. The resultant face mask provides improved wearer comfort and barrier and filtration properties.

Abstract: An electret filter media includes an additive or mixtures thereof that enhance the charge stability of the media. The filter media achieves acceptable alpha values for a range of filtration challenges without significant decay in alpha values over time. Preferred charge additives include fatty acid amides, oleophobic fluorochemical surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A portable air cleaner designed to remove fine particles and unwanted gases from a room to provide for a healthier and cleaner environment. The portable air cleaner includes a high air volume circulating design and operates quietly and efficiently. The portable air cleaner is designed to minimize the unsettling of particles which have settled out on the floor about the base of the air cleaner so as not to aggravate the particle concentration within the room environment. The portable air cleaner includes a particle filter designed to have ultra high efficiencies with respect to particle removal. Disposed coterminous to the particle filter to remove unwanted gases from the filter air to provide for improved cleaner and healthier environment.

Abstract: A moisture-collecting device comprises an enclosure (12) with a fluid inlet (15), a fluid outlet (16) and a fluid passage (18) extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and a moisture-absorbing body (17) disposed in the fluid passage. The moisture-absorbing body fills substantially the entire flow cross section of the fluid passage (18) and to a substantial degree consists of a material having a high moisture-absorbing capability. The moisture-absorbing body defines, or has formed within it, at least one fluid passageway (19) which is in fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet (15) and the fluid outlet (16) and is substantially free of moisture-absorbing material. When the moisture-absorbing body (17) absorbs moisture it swells, and when it has swelled to a predetermined extent it may actuate a control or operating member, such as a valve.

Abstract: A nonwoven disposable face mask includes a filtration layer formed of a plurality of thermoplastic microfine meltblown microfibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1.5 microns. The filtration layer also has a basis weight of less than ten grams per square meter. The resultant face mask provides improved wearer comfort and barrier and filtration properties.

Abstract: Gases such as effluent air from industrial processes are cleaned in a purifying assembly which contains a filter bed with a bulk quantity of a cleaning composition. The cleaning composition is populated with micro-organisms and it is a mixture of grapeseeds (1-95%), beer draff (1-50%), minerals (0.01-40%) and lava dross or lava split. 13. Contaminated soil may be reclaimed with the method by forming a bulk mixture of the soil to be reclaimed with the purifying composition. Air is then conducted through the bulk mixture for cleaning the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a support for a filtration medium comprising passing a sheet of nonwoven fibrous polymeric material having first and second sides through a calender which comprises a nondeformable roll and a resilient roll, the nondeformable roll being maintained at a temperature below the melting temperature of the material, so as to increase the smoothness of the first side of the material which contacted the resilient roll. A filtration medium support material prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention, as well as a filter comprising a filtration medium and that filtration medium support material, are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: An air filtration media comprises a single layer of randomly oriented and randomly intermingled synthetic, polymeric resin microfibers, staple fibers and bonding fibers. The microfibers, taken as a whole, have an average fiber diameter no greater than 5 microns and comprise between 50% and 90% by weight of the filtration media; the staple fibers, taken as a whole, have an average fiber diameter between 10 and 30 microns and typically, comprise between 5% and 45% by weight of the filtration media; and the bonding fibers, taken as a whole, have an average fiber diameter between 0.9 and 15 denier and comprise between 5% and 25% by weight of the filtration media. The bonding fibers have thermoplastic surfaces with a lower temperature softening point than the microfibers and the staple fibers and bond the fibers together to form the air filtration media.

Abstract: A water vapor resistant filter comprising a permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt comprising polyimide fiber having a repeating unit represented by formula (I) is described. The permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt is covered with a condensed polycyclic polynucleus aromatic resin, a melting fluorine resin, a solvent-soluble cold setting fluorine resin or a fluorine elastomer: ##STR1## X, R and n are defined in the specification. A water vapor resistant antistatic filter is also described, which comprises a permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt comprising polyimide fiber having a repeating unit represented by the above-described formula (I). The permeable molded material, nonwoven fabric or felt is covered with an electroconductive material and a condensed polycyclic polynucleus aromatic resin, a solvent-soluble cold setting fluorine resin or a fluorine elastomer. Processes for producing these filters are also described.

Abstract: A dust sock filter medium laminate is provided which has at least two nonwoven webs of microfibers which have an average diameter (using a sample size of at least 10) between about 10 and 25 microns and which webs have been joined by a method comprising the steps of (a) directing the component layers to a separation zone, (b) applying water in the amount of from about 5% to 25% based on the weight of the combined layers, (c) combining the component layers, (d) passing the combination through a sonic bonder operating within the range of up to about 40,000 cps against a patterned anvil to produce a corresponding pattern of thermal bond areas over about 3% to 25% of the surface area of the combination, and, (e) drying the sonically bonded combination.

Abstract: A method for post-treating a laminated precursor nonwoven web which includes layers of thermoplastic man-made fibers and at least one layer of cellulose-based staple natural fibers, including consolidating the web laterally and thereby reducing the maximum pore size measure of the web. The precursor web and the resultant consolidated nonwoven web are also disclosed, as is utilization of the product web in medical uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter medium, which contains an electretized nonwoven web of crimped fibers selected from the group consisting of spunbond filaments and staple fibers, wherein the nonwoven web has a Frazier permeability equal to or greater than about 100 ft.sup.3 /min/ft.sup.2 and a density between about 0.01 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.095 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a reduced velocity chamber with a high velocity air inlet, an electric motor, a rotary mechanism driven by the motor for creating a vacuum in the chamber, an outlet for exhausting air from the chamber, which air flows in a selected path from the air inlet, through the chamber and out the air exhaust outlet and a disposable porous sheet filter layer in the chamber for removing solids particles from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has a fiber filter between the filter layer and the motor where the fiber filter has an electrically charged non-woven material for removing very fine air particles in the chamber, intersecting the air path and generally coterminous with the disposable filter layer.

Abstract: A corona-assisted electrostatic filtration apparatus which includes a cathode, an anode filter element, and a means of establishing a nonalternating potential difference between the cathode and the anode which is sufficient to maintain a corona field of ionized gas between the cathode and the anode filter element. The anode filter element includes a porous fibrous sheet material having pores in a range of from about 0.1 to about 100 micrometers, with at least a portion of the fibers thereof being uniformly coated with a metal. Also provided is a method of utilizing such apparatus to remove particulate matter from a gaseous medium.

Abstract: Deodorant comprising 5 to 100% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound having a molar ratio of Ca/P of 0.8 to 2.0, a deodorant sheet and filter sheet containing such calcium phosphate compound, and a functional paper containing 10 to 80% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound. A filtering medium for an exhaust gas comprises a ceramic material containing 5 to 100% by weight of a calcium phosphate compound, as well as a filter cartridge and exhaust gas filter containing the filtering medium. Based on the excellent properties of the incorporated calcium phosphate compound, the agents and products according to the present invention exhibit a highly improved adsorptivity to oil-soluble substances, odor substances, animal or vegetable cells, viruses, biopolymeric substances or other substances, and therefore can be advantageously used in various fields of technology. For example, the functional paper can be used as a deodorant, filter medium and adsorbent as well as a flame-retardant paper.

Abstract: An electrostatic filter of a combination of a layer of filter material having electrostatic properties and a layer of filter medium without electrostatic properties. The medium is a lofted material arranged to retain particles in the sub-micron and lower micron ranges, and in use, is located upstream of the material. The invention also includes a method of filtering dust from the atmosphere utilizing the electrostatic filter.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved sorbent filter for use in both particulate filtration and absorption of gaseous contaminants in a variety of applications, such as for filtration in a computer disk drive. The filter of the present invention provides previously unavailable levels of combined particulate filtration and contaminant sorption while being capable of ready reconditioning (such as through washing with D.I. water).

Abstract: An air cleaner comprises a cleaning element having a three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix of material for adsorbing airborne particulate matter and for absorbing volatile liquids and a variety of noxious gases. The three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix of material adsorbs particulate matter of many types and sizes and advantageously draws the particulate matter below the surface of the material. To enhance the cleaning properties of the material, the three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix of material may additionally comprise a zeolite to improve the absorption of gases and a metallic additive, such as copper sulfate, to inhibit biological activity. The material forming the three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix may be acrylamide, siloxane, acrylate, or a cellulosic material and may be in the form of fibers or particles.

Abstract: A wool filter for a dust-proof mask is disclosed, in which wool fibers are mixed with chemical resin film slitting yarns so as to manufacture a non-woven fabric, thereby doubling the electrostatic force to improve the dust filtering function. In manufacturing the wool filter for a dust-proof mask, 40 to 90 weight % of wool yarns is uniformly mixed with 10 to 60 weight % of chemical resin film slitting yarns, preferably polyolefinic resin film slitting yarns.

Abstract: A method of preparing paper for filter bags, the method of the type comprising a step during which a non-woven paper is prepared comprising two superposed layers, namely a layer based on synthetic fibers and a layer of cellulose fibers, by a technique which is known per se, wherein the method includes a subsequent step of subjecting the non-woven paper to a calendering operation between a support structure and a heated cylinder having projections. The present invention also provides apparatus for implementing the method and products obtained in this manner.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved electrically conductive filter media particularly suitable for use in applications where static electricity must be dissipated. The filter media of the present invention comprises a microporous filtration layer having electrically conductive particles embedded therein. When attached to support media, this structure provides exceptional filtration efficiency while assuring a consistent and evenly distributed electrical pathway to ground.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable and easy to use end-line filter designed to be utilized between a source of compressed air such as a pneumatic hose with an air chuck on its terminal end, and the inlet valve of an inflatable such as a pneumatic tire, to remove moisture from the compressed air before the compressed air enters the inflatable. The invention may also be utilized between the end of a pneumatic hose and a compressed air powered tool. A porous filter media is utilized which has pores that allow the passage of air but do not allow the passage of water or moisture. As the filter becomes saturated, the pores progressively close and eventually block the passage of air. In this manner, the filter automatically indicates the need for a replacement filter element.

Abstract: An air filter device for an air-conditioning apparatus includes a mounting frame unit, an axle mounted rotatably to the mounting frame unit, and a plurality of blade-like frames mounted axially on and projecting radially from a peripheral surface of the axle. The blade-like frames are spaced angularly apart from one another. A plurality of filtering sheets are held respectively by the blade-like frames. Each of the filtering sheets covers an entire area confined by a respective one of the blade-like frames. The filtering sheet includes active carbon fabric felt which is made by weaving activated carbon fiber filaments.

Abstract: Aminated polymers capable of reversibly complexing carbon dioxide and other acid gases including CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2, NO.sub.x and H.sub.2 S, a method of using such polymers and an operational unit including such polymers are disclosed. The polymers incorporate amine group which reversibly complex acid gases. Such polymers provide a significant advantages over presently used sorbents used to remove acid gas.

Abstract: An aircraft pneumatic air filter includes a pair of cup-shaped interconnected cover having respective inflow and outflow nozzles and a filter cartridge maintained in the cavity defined therebetween. A scale provided on one of the covers allows for visual inspection of the filter cartridge and comparison against the scale to determine the need for filter replacement or system service.

Abstract: A method of charging a nonwoven web of thermoplastic microfibers to provide electret filter media is provided. The method includes impinging on a nonwoven web of thermoplastic nonconductive microfibers capable of having a high quantity of trapped charge jets of water or a stream of water droplets at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge and drying said web.

Abstract: A consolidated non-woven web made by post-treating a precursor nonwoven web including consolidating the web laterally by drawing, thereby reducing the maximum pore size measure of the web and improving the filtration efficiency of the web, and subjecting the consolidated web to an electrostatic field to further enhance filtration efficiency.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for treating waste water in oxidations ponds, oxidation ditches, or other bodies of water in a waste water treatment facility to abate the malodors caused by the presence of volatile contaminants. In the process, a water stream is withdrawn from the body of waste water and contacted with an air stream in an air-water contact apparatus. The water stream is thereby aerated and stripped of potentially odor causing volatile contaminants and an off-gas stream is produced containing the stripped volatile contaminants. At least a portion of the aerated and stripped water stream is returned to the body of waste water to inhibit anaerobic decomposition of organic impurities.

Abstract: An air filtration media comprises a single layer of randomly oriented and randomly intermingled synthetic, polymeric resin microfibers, staple fibers and bonding fibers. The microfibers, taken as a whole, have an average fiber diameter no greater than 5 microns and comprise between 50% and 90% by weight of the filtration media; the staple fibers, taken as a whole, have an average fiber diameter between 10 and 30 microns and comprise between 5% and 45% by weight of the filtration media; and the bonding fibers, taken as a whole, have an average fiber diameter between 10 and 30 microns and comprise between 5% and 25% by weight of the filtration media. The bonding fibers have thermoplastic surfaces with a lower temperature softening point than the microfibers and the staple fibers and bond the fibers together to form the air filtration media.

Abstract: A self-supporting laminate formed from an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane material and a coated metal mesh material is described that is self-supporting and can be formed into a pleated filter member.

Abstract: A method for post-treating a precursor nonwoven web including consolidating the web laterally and thereby reducing the maximum pore size measure of the web. The resultant nonwoven web is also disclosed as is utilization of the product web as a filter.

Abstract: An adjustable air filter for use in heating, ventilating, cooling, and forced air systems. The air filter includes a media for filtering air and adapted to be cut with scissors, and a frame embracing the peripheral edges of the media. The frame includes a pair of male sections and a pair of female sections respectively telescopingly receiving the male sections. Also, the frame is adapted to be cut with scissors and is preferably formed of polyvinyl chloride. Each of the male sections includes a T-shaped projection and each of the female sections includes a complementary shaped T-shaped slot adapted to telescopingly receive the T-shaped projection for preventing inward separation of the sections from one another. In the preferred form the media is of the electrostatic type and includes at least one layer of polypropylene woven in an egg-crate pattern. Also, the layer preferably includes a pad of washable polyester material.