Abstract: Air filter elements with primary filter medias have foam pre-cleaners with an increased surface area provided by an upstream face which has peaks and valleys. In one embodiment, the peaks and valleys are defined by parallel ribs. If the filter element is a panel-type filter element having a pleated primary filter media, then, in accordance with one embodiment, the pre-cleaner is secured to the primary filter media by adhesive deposits on the peaks of the primary filter media. If the filter element is annular, the pre-cleaner is also annular and is slid axially over a perforated sleeve or screen on the primary filter media and held thereon by friction. By having the upstream surface of the foam pre-cleaner configured in peaks and valleys, the surface area of the upstream surface is increased substantially, which improves the capacity, efficiency and life of the filter element.

Abstract: This invention relates to automotive evaporative emissions canisters. Such structures of this type employ a carbon-filled foam which adds adsorptive performance to the canister without having to enlarge the canister or having to change the carbon in the canister to a higher performance carbon.

Abstract: A liquid-injected compressor with at least two cooperating compressor elements (2 and 3) is provided. The compressor elements are mounted in a housing (1). At least one of the compressor elements is rotatable and is bearing-mounted with a shaft end (7, 8, 13, 14) in the housing (1). The compressor is provided with an inlet (22) and an outlet (17-18-19) which are connected to the inside of the housing (1). The shaft end (14) of the rotatable compressor element (3) is situated in the outlet (17-18-19) in the housing (1). At least one body (20 or 41), made of material which is permeable to gas, is fixed on this shaft (14), forming a filter which practically entirely seals the outlet (17-18-19) and only lets the compressed gas through.

Abstract: An open-pore polyurethane foam support body (20) is impregnated in a single step with a solution of a thermoplastic adhesive dissolved in a solvent that is also a foam expander, or in two sequential steps first with a foam expanding solution and then, after the foam has expanded, with a solution of a thermoplastic adhesive, to form an adhesive layer (40) on the surfaces (25) within the pores (22) and passages (24) of the foam body (20). Sorbent particles (30) of activated carbon are introduced into the expanded pores until the expanded foam is packed to the desired density of carbon particle loading. The impregnated and loaded foam is then air dried at room temperature to evaporate the foam expanding solution until the foam body contracts to substantially its original volume.

Abstract: An odor filter for exhauster hoods, which filter includes an adsorption filter bed regenerable by washing. The filter bed is made of a highly air-permeable substrate material and an adsorbent affixed thereto in the amount of 50 to 400 g/l by an adhesive mass and has a mean particle diameter between 0.2 and 2 mm.

Abstract: A filter having a nestable frame including a first leg, a second leg extending obtusely from the first leg, and a third leg extending from the second leg and forming a channel between the second and third legs. A brace having similar first, second and third legs is mounted to the frame, with the second and third legs of the brace preferably extending into the channel of the frame. A chamber is formed by the second and third legs of the frame and the second and third legs of the brace. The chamber is preferably filled with material which rigidities the box beam structure formed by the walls surrounding the chamber. A filter medium material attaches to the frame, by adhesion and/or by clamping engagement between the first legs of the frame and brace.

Abstract: Add-on filters for heated-air blowers and other electric motor-powered appliances. The filters are fabricated from a washable, flexible, reticulated foam which traps even minute solid and liquid particles and is adhesively attached to the blower housing. A template, which also serves as a protective cover for the adhesive, has index lines along which a blank of the filter material can be trimmed to size and configured for a particular blower intake.

Abstract: A seal-free and frame-free odor and/or pollutant filter, e.g., in air conditioners and motor vehicles, having a self-supporting and elastic adsorption filter bed installed under slight compression in air supply ducts. The filter bed is made of a highly air-permeable substrate material and an adsorbent affixed thereto by an adhesive mass.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification filter comprising a metal porous body obtained by packing and fixing metal fibers having a mean fiber diameter of 5 to 40 .mu.m or heat resistant ceramic fibers having a mean fiber diameter of 1 to 40 .mu.m in a dispersed state into pores of a foamed structure porous body made of a heat-resistant metal so that a packing density of the resulting metal porous body is from 5 to 20%. The filter may be in a laminated structure by laminating the foregoing foamed structure porous body filled with or without the metal or ceramic fibers and a fiber structure porous body obtained by fixing metal fibers having a mean diameter of 5 to 40 .mu.m or heat-resistant ceramic fibers having a mean diameter of 1 to 40 .mu.m in a dispersed state so that a packing density is from 5 to 25% are laminated.

Abstract: An airbag assembly including an inflatable airbag, an ignitable propellant charge for generating inflating gas and a filter between the interior of the airbag and the propellant charge. The filter comprising a porous carbon foam substrate coated substantially throughout with a thermally and structurally stable material which has been formed in situ by chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Abstract: An odor-removing filter approaching the carbon-particle loading of a filled filter may be formed by spraying or roll coating the adhesive against one or more faces of a porous, fibrous, air-permeable mat, depositing carbon particles or other odor-removing particles of a size to compliment the void size of the mat on the adhesive coated face or faces of the mat and then driving the particles into the mat and thereafter curing the adhesive to lock the particles into the mat. The adhesive bond of the particles to the mat is improved by working the particles against the adhesive-coated fibers. An overspray of an adhesive may also be utilized to further improve the retention of the particles. So-called "clean filters" may be produced according to the method disclosed, wherein a white, fibrous mat has carbon particles loaded on one face while the opposite face appears white or "clean". An indicator filter notifying the user when the filter becomes grease laden may also be formed following the methods used herein.

Abstract: An antimicrobial air filter has a layer of fabric bearing porous activated carbon particulate deodorizing agents, a layer of polymeric expanded foam filter media impregnated with a biostat type antimicrobial agent and a pleated sheet of HEPA filtration media treated with the biostat. The layers are assembled such that the biostat does not migrate into the porous carbon particulates. The filter may be used in central air conditioning and heating systems without the need for an air circulator in addition to those conventionally employed.

Abstract: An air filtration device for removing undesirable gaseous components of an air flow comprises a pad of a sorbent material having disposed therein a plurality of zones of an open-celled foam. The provision of these zones decreases the pressure drop across the pad and prolongs the useful life of the pad.

Abstract: An air filter assembly and more specifically the use and combination of a relatively inexpensive and easily replaced paper filter associated with a conventional polyfoam or fiberglass filter conventionally employed in an intake of an air duct system associated with an air conditioning system or air heating system utilized in homes, offices and the like. Specifically, the air filter assembly includes a rolled filter paper that is drawn across the upstream side of a polyfoam filter or fiberglass filter which acts as a support for the filter paper with the paper filter being replaced periodically by moving a new segment of paper filter from the paper supply roll to a position in alignment with and in engagement with the polyfoam filter and disposing of the used paper filter. An inspection window is provided in the air intake louver door normally provided in air conditioning/heating systems to enable the condition of the paper filter to be observed to determine if the paper filter should be changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of filtering, at the end user's home, business or the like, a gas stream in which polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) have been concentrated at sufficient levels to be a significant health hazard.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image by electrostatic charge comprises an image forming part including a photoconductive drum and an electrostatic charger for forming an image by electrostatic charge, and an ozone eliminating filter located in the air flow generated by the rotation of the photoconductive drum. The ozone eliminating filter includes a coating layer made of a coating material to eliminate ozone in the ambient air. The coating material includes an ozone eliminating substance an organic binder and a foaming agent. The ozone eliminating filter may be made of adhesive double-coated tape which includes an ozone eliminating substance on one side.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for removing fine particulate matter and vapors from a process exhaust air stream, and particularly those emitted during post-production curing or post-treatment of foamed plastics, such as polyurethane foam, in which the exhaust air stream is passed through a transfer duct into which is introduced a water spray in the form of a mist of fine droplets in an amount which exceeds the saturation point; thereafter the exhaust air stream is introduced into a filter chamber having a cross-sectional area that is substantially greater than that of the transfer duct, and the exhaust air stream passes through at least one, and preferably a plurality of high surface are a filters, whereby a portion of the water is removed from the exhaust air stream and collected in the filter chamber prior to the discharge of the exhaust air stream into the environment.

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 method of applying a wettant to an air laid, non-woven, fibrous filter web or other filter media includes the steps of atomizing the wettant into relatively small particles having a diameter equal to or less than about 1/2 of the diameter of the smallest fiber in the web or mat, and entraining the particles in a carrier air stream. The carrier air stream is forced through the batt at a face velocity substantially greater than the face velocity that the filter media sees when it is used to filter contaminant particles in use. Accordingly, dispersal of the wettant throughout the batt is assured, and migration of the particles into the effluent air stream when the batt is used in filtering is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A smoke filter which is useful in containing smoke produced during electrosurgery or laser surgery procedures which has a prefilter layer to contain most of the smoke produced in these surgical procedures and to extend the useful life of the smoke filter, a microporous polymeric membrane layer which acts as a final filtering layer of the smoke filter and disposed between these two layers is a protective foam layer which protects the integrity of the microporous polymeric membrane from damage caused by the prefilter layer.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for an airbag gas generator of the type utilizing gas-producing propellant charge to generate gas to inflate an airbag, and having a filter chamber exhibiting contoured interior surfaces. A gas permeable filter material with a large effective filter surface is disposed in the filter chamber in such a manner as to substantially completely fill up the filter chamber and to contact substantially all of its contoured interior surfaces. The filter material comprises a circular knitted wire knit, rolled up and pressed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a filter including a microporous membrane and a supporting structure connected thereto, including producing a mold for the membrane and the supporting structure, filling the mold with a molding material whose solubility can be changed by high energy radiation, and forming the micropores by partial irradiation of the membrane with high energy radiation and removal of the regions having increased solubility. The filter produced according to the above method is a unitary structure with the supporting structure integrally connected to the membrane.

Abstract: A filter element has a generally ring-like structure which basically comprises a plurality of generally radial sections circumferentially arranged to define a central space. Each radial section has a plurality of circumferentially zigzag pleats formed from a ribbon of a filtering sheet material. The radial sections are circumferentially connected such that radially inwardly open generally radial spaces and radially outwardly open generally radial spaces are defined. The radially inwardly open radial spaces are closed at the axially opposite ends by end walls. Fluid to be filtrated can enter the radially outwardly open radial spaces and then passes through the zigzag pleats into the radially inwardly open radial spaces and thus into the central space. The ring-like structure has many modifications.

Abstract: An evaporative fuel control canister device containing a quantity of fuel-absorbing material which includes EPDM elastomeric foam for improved absorption of both fuel vapor and liquid fuel.

Abstract: A chemical filter is provided for preventing pollutants in the atmosphere from contaminating sensitive electronic equipment, such as hard disc drives. The chemical filter comprises a layer of charcoal or charcoal-impregnated foam to remove organic contaminants and at least one layer of a high surface area metal to remove inorganic pollutants, such as SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, NO.sub.2 and Cl.sub.2. In one embodiment, the chemical filter comprises a layer of charcoal, a layer of a copper foam, a layer of a nickel foam and a layer of a particle filter.A method is also provided for preventing pollutant molecules in the atmosphere from contaminating electronic equipment. The method comprises interposing the chemical filter of the invention between the electronic equipment and the source of the pollution, introducing polluted air into the chemical filter, reacting pollutant molecules with the high surface area metal, and introducing filtered air to the electronic equipment.

Abstract: A gas filter suitable for an ostomy bag comprises a pad impregnated with a deodorizing agent (e.g., activated carbon) and made of any open cell plastic foam material which is laminated together with a first microporous membrane. A layer of water repellent material is applied on the surface of the first microporous membrane other than the surface to which the foam pad is attached. The layer is sufficiently thin so that gas flow through the microporous membrane is not blocked.

Abstract: A filter element has a generally ring-like structure which basically comprises a plurality of generally radial sections circumferentially arranged to define a central space. Each radial section has a plurality of circumferentially zigzag pleats formed from a ribbon of a filtering sheet material. The radial sections are circumferentially connected such that radially inwardly open generally radial spaces and radially outwardly open generally radial spaces are defined. The radially inwardly open radial spaces are closed at the axially opposite ends by end walls. Fluid to be filtrated can enter the radially outwardly open radial spaces and then passes through the zigzag pleats into the radially inwardly open radial spaces and thus into the central space. The ring-like structure has many modifications.

Abstract: The invention relates to films and tubular structures which are selectively permeable to liquids and gases which are based on a copolymer composed of a copolymerized fluorinated olefin, copolymerized vinyl acetate and, optionally, a copolymerized olefin. It is possible for the acetate groups of the copolymer to have been saponified to form OH groups. The films or tubular structures have in each case an inherent, latent capacity for modifying their structure and are at the same time oleophobic and oleophilic. The invention also embraces processes for the preparation of the shaped articles described and processes for modifying their structure. The invention also relates to the use of shaped articles according to the invention.

Abstract: Polyurethane foams are employed to separate vapor of a volatile, organic liquid such as perchloroethylene from air or other gas containing the organic vapor. The absorbed, organic vapor can subsequently be recovered in liquid form by desorbing the vapor from the vapor laden foam and subsequently condensing the desorbed vapors.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a self-contained spray applicator for one handed operation in a zero gravity vacuum environment by a free-flying astronaut not attached to any spacecraft while avoiding contamination of the operator by back spray.Said applicator includes a rigid accumulator (12) for containment of a fluid (17) within a flexible bladder (16), the fluid being urged out of the accumulator under pressure through a spray gun (13). The spray gun includes a spring loaded lockable trigger (47) which controls a valve (56). When in an open position, the fluid passes through the valve into the ambient environment in the form of a spray. A spray shield (14) is provided which directs the flow of the spray from the applicator by trapping errant particles of spray yet allowing the passage of escaping gases through its material. This reduces the reactive force exerted by the escaping spray on the operator of the applicator.

Abstract: A flash-back arrestor for dissolved acetylene cylinders wherein a cylinder gas-permeable at both ends thereof is joined to an inner end of a valve body in a dissolved acetylene cylinder in such a manner that said cylinder is communicated with a gas passage in said valve body. Filter plates are provided at upper and lower portions of said cylinder, and a packing consisting of a non-combustible granular material is inserted in the portion of the interior of said cylinder which is between said filter plates.

Abstract: The contamination of machine components by a plasticizer such as dioctyl phthalate is controlled by placing a plasticizer absorbing/adsorbing member in the migration path of the plasticizer. The plasticizer may migrate with the airflow (airborne contamination) in a machine or through direct contact (conductive). The airborne contaminants such as dioctyl phthalate (DOP) tend to migrate from relatively warm heat producing components to cooler components of a machine. The airborne contaminants are trapped by an active DOP absorber disposed in the airflow path between the components. In a convenience copier, the airborne contaminants tend to condense on the photoconductor's surface. To this end, the active absorber/adsorber is placed in the airflow stream between various heat generating electrical components and the photoconductor's surface. In a connector, the contamination results from direct contact and is controlled by placing a plasticizer migration barrier in the migration path of the plasticizer.

Abstract: The invention provides an air cleaner assembly in combination with an engine having a blower housing with airflow circulating therethrough and a carburetor having an intake. The assembly comprises a duct having an inlet and an outlet with the inlet angularly disposed through the blower housing, an air cleaner housing having side walls and a bottom wall, and an outlet chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the carburetor inlet. Within the air cleaner housing, a first interior wall is upstanding from the bottom wall and defines with certain side walls an intake chamber having an inlet communicating with the duct outlet, and a second interior wall upstanding from the bottom wall so that a filter chamber is formed between the interior walls having an outlet in its bottom wall so that the filter chamber and outlet chamber communicate through the filter chamber outlet and the outlet chamber inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for adsorbing fuel vapor having a fuel vapor inlet communicating to a fuel tank, a mixed gas outlet communicating to the intake passage of an internal combustion engine, a desorbent air inlet communicating to the atmospheric air and an adsorbent for adsorbing the fuel vapor introduced from the fuel tank. The adsorbent includes an integrally formed activated carbon having a monolithic honeycomb structure having many through passages.

Abstract: An apparatus for adsorbing fuel vapor having a fuel vapor inlet hole communicating to a fuel tank, a mixed gas outlet hole communicating to the intake passage for internal combustion engine, an inlet hole for the desorbent air communicating to the atmospheric air and an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor and by using, as to the adsorbent which is at least partially foamed body of active charcoal constituting a three-dimensional network cell structure having an inner communicating space between granular active charcoals.

Abstract: A respirable particle sampling instrument passes air with a fan through a passage having first a pre-filter thereacross to collect non-respirable airborne particles and then a main filter to collect respirable particles, the pre-filter being formed by a random fibrous network having interstices of such size and distribution as to capture a major proportion of the non-respirable particles within a prescribed range of velocity for which particle capture is predominantly by inertial impaction. The pre-filter suitably comprises porous foamed plastics material, preferably in a structure of contiguous layers having successively changing pore sizes and distribution, preferably of a polyester, and preferably having an oil coating. The pre-filter will normally have a penetration function approximating the so-called Johannesburg curve.