Abstract: An air duct has a filter mount opening originally intended to accept a shallow filter element for filtering air entering the duct. The opening has an interior flange whose original purpose was to support the shallow filter element. This flange has interior edges defining an air passage opening. The invention is implemented a filter unit including a frame and a deep filter element mounted in the frame. The frame has dimensions allowing the filter unit to replace the conventional shallow filter element with the frame inserted into the air passage opening and closely spaced to all of the interior edges. A resilient gasket is mounted adjacent to the opening's interior flange and projects slightly into the air passage opening so as to contact the deep filter element's frame. The gasket prevents air leakage between the interior flange's interior edges and the frame.

Abstract: An electret filter media, and mask, that is made of a nonwoven web of thermoplastic microfibers. The thermoplastic microfibers are of substantially the same composition, are nonconductive, and have an effective fiber diameter less than about 15 micrometers. The nonwoven web also has sufficient unpolarized trapped charge to exhibit an initial filtration quality factor of at least 0.31 when measured under the DOP Penetration and Pressure Drop Test.

Abstract: An improved disinfecting air filter that can be used to disinfect air or other gases. The invention can be advantageously used as a standalone to control microorganisms or used with a traditional HEPA filter to effectively control all microorganisms as well as dust particles. The device contains an iodine-donating filter disposed to dispense an effective quantity of iodine vapor into the gas or air stream to be filtered. The iodine laden air then passes through a porous filter of polyvinyl acetal polymer which material has an unusual affinity for iodine and effectively removes it leaving disinfected and iodine-free air or gas.

Abstract: A replaceable air filter apparatus suitable for filtering the air in the home includes a frame for affixing the apparatus to the house duct work associated with the heating and/or air conditioning system the frame includes a hinge disposed on one edge, which cooperates with a hinge disposed on a register that may control the flow of air through the duct work and may include adjustable shutters and a device for removably retaining a filter media. The register may be pulled away from the frame for inserting and removing the filter media disposed therein, when desired.

Abstract: A combined filter and HME has a rectangular housing with an inlet port and an outlet port. A pleated filter element is located in the housing towards the outlet port and an HME element is located towards the inlet port. An oval deflector between the HME element and the inlet port is oriented with its longer axis aligned with the shorter lateral dimension of the housing, so that gas from the inlet is deflected preferentially along the longer lateral dimension of the housing, thereby giving a more evenly distributed gas flow over the surface of the HME element.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use in a forced air ventilation system, the filter apparatus having a first fan folded sheet of a washable first type of filter material, a second fan folded sheet of a second type of filter material, and fanfolds of the first and second fan folded sheets are substantially equally shaped and folded together such that the fanfolds of the first and second fan folded sheets are interdigitated to form a filter material assembly. The first type of filter material is preferably an electrostatically self-charging washable material such as woven polypropylene and the second type of filter material is preferably disposable and contains activated charcoal. The filter material assembly may be removably disposed in a rectangular filter frame for mounting the filter material assembly in the forced air system. The filter frame has at least one crank shaft rotatably deposed between two opposed side walls which are between an open front end and an open back end of the frame.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

Abstract: An expandable filter cartridge for installation in the filter housing of a vehicle includes a rectangular frame having top and bottom legs and side legs. The side legs of the frame are extendible and retractable in length to configure the frame between a relatively compact size for insertion into the filter housing and a relatively expansive size for spanning the interior dimensions of the filter housing. The filter cartridge is installed by being inserted while in its compact configuration into a slot in the filter housing and, once inside, expanded to span the interior dimensions of the housing.

Abstract: An air-permeable filter material for use on doors, door frames, windows or window frames and a method of using the filter material to protect against the ingress of pollen and dirt particles in the environment. The filter material may be composed of fabric or film or a combination of film and fabric, the material having perforations of a diameter of 2-250 .mu.m, and a fixing material for applying the filter material.

Abstract: A frame supports a deep filter element to allow the filter element to be installed in a duct's conventional air intake opening as a replacement for a conventional shallow filter element. The frame has a flange to mate with a surface of the intake opening's interior flange. In one embodiment, two identical side panels are assembled with the relatively stiff end panels of a particular filter element to form the frame.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a filter assembly for use in conventional floor registers in HVAC systems. The assembly includes a diamond shaped center rod which splits the air flowing through the filter assembly and supports a pair of hinged doors which open during active periods of the HVAC cycle and close during the dormant period of the HVAC cycle. A sponge-like, tacky adhesive filter is positioned on the top surface of each door to filter dust or dirt particles that drift into the register during the dormant period of the HVAC cycle.

Abstract: Self-adhesive fibrous air filters that are universally compatible with devices that require filtered air and devices that provide filtered air. The self-adhesive air filters are fabricated from a flexible fibrous air filter blank composed of, for example, polyester batting, that is coated with an air permeable non-drying adhesive that has been vacuumed into the interstices of the fibers. A template serves as a protective cover for the non-drying adhesive and enables a user to shape and/or size the blank to configurations that are compatible with the air intake regions of the devices on which the self-adhesive air filters are to be installed.

Abstract: An electrostatic supercharger screen (10) is within an air flow duct (12) in front of a standard air filter (14), between a furnace/cooling unit (16) and an air vent grill (18) in a wall (20) of a building (22). The screen (10) includes an element (24) for removing small microns of particles in air that goes past the standard air filter (14) within the air flow duct (12), so as to help clean the air of pollens, smoke, odors and bacteria. A structure (26) is for supporting the removing element (24) parallel to the standard air filter (14). A component (28) is for confining the removing element (24) and the supporting structure (26) in a juxtaposed relationship.

Abstract: A face mask for covering a wearer's mouth, nose or both, with a single layer non-entraining filter medium which repulses or rejects particulate matter rather than catching or entraining particulate matter.

Abstract: A grill filter assembly for mounting in the exit or entrance wall opening of a forced air duct wherein the grill plate may be installed in a hinged relation to the duct enabling easy access to the duct opening. In a preferred embodiment, the grill face plate is adapted to have a particulate filter and/or, if desired, a scent dispenser disposed thereon and the hinged relation of the face plate enables easy access to the filter for the changing thereof. Since the grill filter assembly is adapted to be mounted directly into the exit or entrance opening of the duct, the faceplate contains no unsightly screws or other fixtures as are common on heating and air conditioning registers and face plates. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly includes match means for cooperating with the wall to expeditiously mount the assembly in the duct.

Abstract: Polyarylene ethers are employed as filter material for removing NO.sub.2 from gases and liquids. In the presence of an oxidizing agent having a redox potential of at least 0.96 V SHE, NO can also be removed. The filter material is used to produce NO.sub.2 -free gases, for example in the medical sector.

Abstract: A smog and dust filter for a tracheostomy tube which easily adapts onto existing tracheostomy tubes to filter out dust and airborne contaminants. The light weight and unobtrusive filter is easily manufactured and quickly installed onto an existing tracheostomy tube. The filter includes a securing device for engaging the outer periphery of an open end of a tracheostomy tube. A filter element, having two or more layers of net material, is attached to the securing device. The layers provide a filtering membrane to separate airborne particles and contaminants from an inhaled air stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the efficiency of air filter systems that incorporate adjustable air filter frames having telescoping frame sections. In such systems, an air bypass space exists between the frame and the filter frame support member in the air duct. This invention provides an air bypass clip that is inserted between the filter element contained in the adjustable air filter frame and the frame support member. The air bypass clip has a sealing lip which bears against the support member thus blocking the flow of bypass air between the adjustable frame and the support member.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: An air register with a filter element for filtering particulars from the air flowing from the ductwork into a room. The filter element is replaceable as necessary and is sandwiched within a recess in the register face plate by a pivotable retaining plate. The retaining plate lockingly engages the face plate to retain the filter across the openings of the register. The retaining member facilitates replacement of the filter without having to remove or disassemble the body of the register.

Abstract: A filter unit is provided for a forced air heating duct having an inside and an outlet end with a register. The unit includes a frame having a tapered body shaped to wedge within the duct adjacent the register. A filter is shaped to fit inside the duct and is disposed entirely between the duct and the register. The filter can be replaced by removing the register, while leaving the frame in place.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thickness and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a filter holder having a sealing surface and method of making a filter. The filter being made of a folded material of manufacture having a circumferential sealing rim and having a spacer to keep open the folded areas. The spaced being formed by at least one cover layer folded with the filter. The sealing rim being formed to be received in the sealing surface and with the folds formed by at least one cover layer and the filter material both along and transverse to the folds around the circumference of the at least one cover layer and filter material being pressed into said sealing rim at a temperature above the softening temperature of at least a thermoplastic resin provided in at least one of the layers of the cover and filter material.

Abstract: A nonwoven needlepunched polyester batt of single monolayer construction is cut to a dimension slightly larger or smaller than the dimension of an interior warm air register, and fitted into the plenum of the heating system by compression or by stretching, as the case may be. The batt is integral, having no pockets or chambers therein. The filter has no frame, as the nonwoven batt has sufficient rigidity in relation to its weight to remain in place in the plenum, and is kept against the air register by the flow of air through the duct system, thereby filtering air flow.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for mounting over an opening at an end of a forced air system duct has a filter frame with sidewalls between open front and back ends and a channel which opens inwardly of the sidewalls. At the front end is a sheet of preferably self charging electrostatic washable filter material behind a grill, both of which are peripherally disposed within the channel and are sized and sufficiently flexible so as to be removably insertable into the channel. A second sheet of a second filter material, preferably including activated charcoal, may be disposed in the channel behind the first sheet of filter material. The filter material may be made of a woven polypropylene and the sheet may have heat sealed finished edges. A wall mount having a support frame for mounting on a wall around the opening which extends through the wall is sized and operable to support the filter frame. The support frame may be mounted to a wall.

Abstract: A combination respiratory filter and sampling device has been developed which collects airborne contaminants for respiratory exposure measurements. The devices, which fit existing commercial half-mask respirators, are generally smaller and lighter in weight than existing filters, and have low resistance to airflow, so they can be comfortably worn by people performing their normal work duties. Each device consists of at least a front, a middle and a back section which can be independently separated and analyzed by traditional laboratory techniques. The filtering and sampling media thicknesses and types can be adapted to target specific compounds.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) adapted to be secured to a register (18) of the type used for covering a forced air duct outlet (12) in heating/cooling systems is disclosed. The filter assembly (10) removes contaminant particles from air flowing through the forced air duct outlet (12). The filter assembly (10) includes a filter material (33) of permeable and pliable material and an elastic band (34) secured to the filter material (33) for clamping the filter material (33) to the exterior surface (27) of the register skirt (26).

Abstract: A metal respirator cartridge which may be completely assembled prior to performing the encapsulation process wherein the periphery of the filter element is completely sealed to the metal cartridge body. The cartridge has a metal cover provided with a unique air inlet opening which performs two distinct functions, that is, as an opening to admit air into the metal respirator cartridge as is normal; and as an opening which, during the manufacturing process, allows a liquid sealant to be introduced into the interior of the metal cartridge body to encapsulate the periphery of the filter element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter for a reduced threat chemical/biological protective spiratory device which includes a housing having an air intake orifice and an air exit orifice and which encloses a filtering element which includes a plurality of bonded spherical carbon beads arranged in a open cell type matrix. The filtering element also includes an aerosol and particulate filtering element which is a plurality of electrostatically charged polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: A filtering device for connection to the respiratory tract of a person and comprising a cover (1) enclosing a heat and moisture exchanging material and a bacteria absorbing filter which consists of a folded, air-permeable sheet material. The heat and moisture exchanging material is formed as strips (9) inserted in the pleats of the sheet material (8).

Abstract: Fibers comprising 10 to 100% of bicomponent fibers, composed of a core polymer covered by a sheath polymer, are heated to a temperature between the softening point and the melting point of the sheath polymer for 5 seconds to 5 minutes at a pressure of 0 to 2000 psi until the fibers are bonded together. The products are used for drive belts and seals, nib felts for marking pens, filter cloths for plate and frame filters, filtration cartridges, stamp pad ink reservoirs, and battery separators.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bodily waste reservoir deodorizing apparatus and method for deodorizing odors from bodily waste reservoirs, such as ostomy appliances and diapers. The apparatus has a miniature fan that moves air through a deodorizing element, which may contain activated charcoal as a means for eliminating odors. It is often worn inconspicuously under the clothing close to the bodily waste reservoir, and serves to prevent social discomfort and embarrassment on the part of the wearer.

Abstract: A frame carries a variable flow scent dispenser and supports an air filter. The frame, dispenser and filter are to be inserted as a unit into a forced air heating and/or cooling system duct adjacent to the duct outlet through a floor or wall register. The filter is in the form of a two-ply fibrous sheet with an opening between the plies to receive the frame and dispenser. The filter collects dirt particles borne by the warm air as it leaves the duct and is quickly and easily replaceable. The scent dispenser is a container for scented air freshening material and has apertures through opposite walls, which walls are disposed transversely to the direction of airflow, permitting warm airflow through the container. The warm air will cause evaporation from the scented material and will entrain the vaporous scent and disperse the scent throughout the room.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air circulation and filtration system for use with an indoor ice-skating arena. The air circulation and filtration system consists of intake and return air panels which replace and simulate in substantially all respects the boundary "boards" commonly used in indoor ice-skating facilities. The circulation and filtration system remains designed to remove undesirable gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and exhaust gases emanating from ice resurfacing machinery, from the ice-skating areas used by skaters. The return air panels contain a plurality of angularly offset air passage apertures which direct an air circulation course within an indoor ice-skating arena. The angularly offset air passage apertures promote a circular air course proximal to the ice-skating surface. The location of the intake air panels also promotes a circular air flow course.

Abstract: A respirator cartridge having a housing, a replaceable filter and a cover is provided. The cartridge is sealed by a lip on the filter frame and sealing rings on the housing and cover. The cover is releasably connected to the housing by protuberances on the cover which slide along ramp-up lock devices on the housing when the cover is turned, compressing the filter frame and sealing the cartridge.

Abstract: A variable air filter system is described for convection and ventilation air flows, filter elements being introduced into the air flow in order to clean or purify the room air. To obtain an improved filtering effect, provision is made for filter elements to be disposed at a distance in front of or above the air-generating surface or the air-generating cross-section, the area of such filter elements being as large as or, if required, larger than the air-generating cross-section of the air-emitting surface. It is possible to provide the filter elements with the facility of enabling different inclination, form, overall depth, and length and height arrangement to be adjusted to the optimum value for filter efficiency in the air flow for cleaning.

Abstract: A germicidal mask system to be worn by a user kills germs, viruses, or other pathogens which are located in the air to be breathed by the user. Before entering the mask, the air is exposed to ultra-violet radiation killing the undesirable germs, viruses, and other pathogens for which the ultra-violet radiation is lethal. In this manner only germ free air is provided to a user. Such a mask system would be useful to those users who are easily susceptible to contagious diseases. The germicidal mask system could also expose exhaled air from the user to kill any germs, viruses, or other pathogens exhaled by the user. Such a system would be useful to those who are continuously exposed to contagious diseases, such as doctors, or other health professionals, so as not to pass any diseases on to patients. This system also finds use in biological laboratories in order to prevent media cultures from being contaminated.

Abstract: A filter container for direct or indirect connection to a protective mask comprises a cup-shaped casing having a bottom wall with an inhalation air intake formed therein, a cover closing the casing and having a top wall with an inhalation air outtake formed therein, a particle filter disposed within a bottom portion of the casing and secured around its circumference to an inner sidewall of the casing, and an absorption filter mounted between the particle filter and the cover within an upper portion of the casing. The bottom wall of the casing has a plurality of inwardly projecting, circumferentially spaced, radially directed stiffening ribs formed thereon, and the stiffening ribs have inwardly facing longitudinal edges lying substantially in a single plane. The particle filter has upper and lower folds, and engages at lower folds thereof the inwardly facing longitudinal edges of the stiffening ribs and engages at upper folds thereof a member supporting a bottom of the absorption filter.

Abstract: The air handling apparatus provides a separate heating mixing air deck and a separate cooling mixing air deck each with their own return air and outdoor air supplies to maximize indoor air directed to the heating deck and monitor the cooling deck to utilize either return or outside air for greatest efficiency in the cooling deck. Near the rooms serviced by the system the air from the respective heating and cooling decks is mixed and directed through a control plate which can accommodate various filters including a germicide type. The control plate also has a bypass door allowing the filter to be bypassed if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating contagious respiratory hospital patients to reduce the nosocomial and airborne transmission of diseases such as tuberculosis, pertussis, influenza and measles is provided. In one embodiment, a self-contained portable and prefabricated room in combination with an air-flow control and filtering system is provided. The room is adapted to be assembled within the confines of a preexisting structure or room such as a hospital room. The air-flow control and filtering system functions to filter air being exhausted from the room to adjoining patient areas and to maintain the room at a continuous negative air pressure relative to ambient atmospheric pressure. The system also automatically increases its capacity when the door is opened in order to maintain a constant negative pressure and further provides a warning system for monitoring unauthorized access to or exit from the room as well as notification of loss of power and/or operation.

Abstract: A respirator cartridge having body, cover and filter media elements, and including a sealant dispersion member in one of the body or cover elements. The dispersion member directs the sealant material to the peripheral edge of the filter media without wetting the filtering surface of the media. An improved method for rotational molding filter media in/or for a filter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: There is described an improved Clean Room System for use with a sterile surgical garment which includes a helmet having an inlet port and an exhaust port. Connected to the inlet port is a portable and mobile pressure filtering system for suppling filtered air to the helmet. A separate portable and mobile vacuum filtering system is connected to the outlet port on the helmet for exhausting and filtering all air removed from the interior of said helmet before exhausting the air into the atmosphere. An exhaust flexible duct is connected at one end to the vacuum filtering system and the other end is extended to a point below the hem of the sterile surgical garment but above the level of the floor. All air fed to the helmet is filtered and all air exhausted from the helmet is filtered and directed away from the confines of the garment thereby preventing reinhalation of the exhausted air and precluding oxygen deprivation to the user.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for use in medico-surgical applications has an element formed by a strip of bacterial filter material that is folded laterally into pleats and bent into a loop so that the folds extend radially. The element is sealed around its outer edge into a circular casing having axial, tapered ports at its opposite ends. A conical gas diverter is sealed into a central opening of the element on each side. Exhaled gas warms and moistens the element; inhaled gas is filtered and takes up some of the heat and moisture from the element. The exchanger is symmetrical so that it can be used either way around.

Abstract: A lifesaving pillow uses a flexible and air-permeable antigas sheet member including a poisonous gas removing layer containing an antigas agent for removing poisonous gas and, if necessary, a deodorizing layer containing a deodorizing agent and a smoke filtering layer for filtering smoke as a pillow bag or a detachable pillow cover which is an outside element of the pillow. The lifesaving pillow can be used as an ordinary pillow and further can be utilized as a mask or a self-defensive device having an antigas function by a user putting it over the nose or mouth when a fire occurs.

Abstract: A filter for a respirator for removal of tritiated water having a housing with fluid inlet and output ports. A filter chamber is interposed between and in communication with the inlet and outlet for containing the tritium filter medium. A tritium filter media is selected from a particulate activated carbon or a particulate silica gel in which the media has a moisture content of from about 25% to 40% by weight of the media and a particulate distribution size range of from 6.times.20 to 12.times.30.

Abstract: A snap-on filter for chemical cartridges is presented which includes a filter element comprising a perforated fiberglass prefilter bonded to a felt filter. The filter element is contained within a filter housing which snaps onto the chemical cartridge of a standard gas mask. The fiberglass prefilter is perforated to provide a passage way for fumes into the interior of the filter as well as the filter surface. The perforations increase the overall surface area of the prefilter for filtration. This feature enhances the efficiency and overall life of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter element adapted for attachment to a respirator face piece which includes front and rear walls of filter material, a breather tube, and a porous inner layer which maintains the front and rear walls in a spaced-apart relationship over substantially their entire area and which functions to evenly distribute air flow across the available filter element surface area.

Abstract: A filter element adapted for attachment to a respirator face piece which includes front and rear walls of filter material, a breather tube, and a porous inner layer which maintains the front and rear walls in a spaced-apart relationship over substantially their entire area and which functions to evenly distribute air flow across the available filter element surface area.