Abstract: Modification, neutralization and/or decontamination of airborne biological and/or chemical contaminants from a breathable atmosphere by subjecting the breathable atmosphere to a filter which is formed from a plurality of polymeric multilobal fibers. These fibers include a central core with T-shaped lobes projecting therefrom, wherein each T-shaped lobe has a leg and a cap. The lobes define a longitudinally extending internal cavity between two adjacent legs that extends the entire length of the fiber. The filter is impregnated with a biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent for chemically modifying, neutralizing and/or decontaminating airborne biological and/or chemical contaminants from a breathable atmosphere. A filter projection preferably extends into an external reservoir containing a supply of biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent. This configuration increases the capacity and efficiency of the filter, and causes a lower pressure differential across the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-pathogenic air filtration medium comprising a fibrous substrate whose fibers are coated with coating comprising a polymer. The coating provides an environment that is destructive to airborne pathogens. In particular, the filter medium can be used in a building air handling system that both filters the air and eliminates pathogens.

Abstract: A portable air purifier system and apparatus which includes a multi-element filter pack that is replaceable as a single unit, thus facilitating health safety of maintenance personnel. By serially disposing filter elements in order of descending sizes of particulates, filtering is improved. Selectably includable within the filters are materials that are particularly efficacious in removing contaminants such as acetone, ammonia, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethanol, methane, ethane, methanol, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and other hazardous substances. By including an ultra-violet light source directed onto an activated charcoal layer, germicidal action is facilitated, and noise is abated through the advantageous employment of an expanded plenum and multiple right angle bends in air passageways.

Abstract: Microbicidal air filter for use with an air passageway, which comprises an immobilization network having substantially impregnated therein an amount of at least one antimicrobial substance sufficient to substantially immobilize, retain and kill microbes suspended in a volume of air moving through the air passageway. The immobilization network is substantially permeable to air. A microbicidal facemask and a microbicidal air filter used in an air circulation system using the immobilization network are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microporous filter medium treated with a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic chemical having a medium to high charge density and a molecular weight greater than about 5000 Daltons, adsorbed on at least a portion of the microporous structure, and a biologically active metal in direct proximity to the cationic chemical and also on at least a portion of the microporous structure, wherein the flow of fluid through the filter medium decreases in response to an amount of polyanionic acids present in an influent. Robust microbiological interception is still maintained due to the extended empty bed contact time as a result of the diminished flow rate.

Abstract: Modification, neutralization and/or decontamination of airborne biological and/or chemical contaminants from a breathable atmosphere by subjecting the breathable atmosphere to a filter which is formed from a plurality of polymeric multilobal fibers. These fibers include a central core with T-shaped lobes projecting therefrom, wherein each T-shaped lobe has a leg and a cap. The lobes define a longitudinally extending internal cavity between two adjacent legs that extends the entire length of the fiber. The filter is impregnated with a biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent for chemically modifying, neutralizing and/or decontaminating airborne biological and/or chemical contaminants from a breathable atmosphere. A filter projection preferably extends into an external reservoir containing a supply of biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent. This configuration increases the capacity and efficiency of the filter, and causes a lower pressure differential across the filter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium comprising a microporous structure having a mean flow path of less than about 2 microns and made of an array of active particles. At least a portion of the surface of microporous structure has formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic material in combination with a biologically active metal. A microbiological interception enhanced filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: A foam filter and the manufacturing method thereof is disclosed. The method for manufacturing a foam filter includes the following steps: First, mixing the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with water by heating until the PVA is dissolved to form a solution (A) and then cooling said solution (A). At the same time, mixing the vegetable starch with water to form a paste-type solution (B). After that, mixing said solution (A) with said solution (B) to form a solution (C) followed by adding formaldehyde, catalyst and active carbon into said solution (C) to form a paste mixture. Then soaking a polyurethane (PU) foam into said paste mixture and heating said paste mixture to acetalize said PVA therein. Finally, cooling said paste mixture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium comprising a microporous structure having a mean flow path of less than about 2 microns and made of an array of active particles. At least a portion of the surface of microporous structure has formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic material in combination with a biologically active metal. A microbiological interception enhanced filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: An electrostaticly charged filtration media is provided including a plurality of polymeric structured polymeric film layers having a structured surface defined on at least one face of each structured film layer forming at least in part flow channels. The plurality of structured film layers are configured as a stack with the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack that are in fluid communication with ordered fluid pathways. Each fluid pathway is defined at least in part by at least one discrete flow channel such that fluid can flow substantially unimpeded from one of the inlets to an outlet opening at another face of the stack. A layer of fluid pathways is defined by two opposing charged film layers at least one of which is a structured film layer. The flow channels have an average height of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm and an average width of from 0.05 mm to 50 mm and an average aspect ratio of from 0.5 to 10.

Abstract: A filter material having a supporting structure which supports and absorption filter layer, which in turn contains an additive having a biocidal effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air filter including a composition which has a biostatic or biocidal agent adapted to migrate through particulates accumulating in use on the filter. The biocidal agent may have bacteriostatic and/or fungistatic properties and may optionally include a humectant, a surfactant or rheological additive. The invention also relates to compositions for treating filters and a method of reducing airborne contaminants in air.

Abstract: An air purifying filter having an enzyme immobilized on the surface of a carrier is capable of direct killing or otherwise control of air-borne microorganisms which have been difficult to control by means of the conventional air purifying filters; and the filter is also capable of removing the retained microorganisms by killing or otherwise controlling them.

Abstract: An antibacterial air filter medium has at least one layer of a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film and at least one layer of an antibacterial reinforcing material which may be colored so as to make dirt inconspicuous; the antibacterial air filter medium retains its filtering performance even in an environment rich in water and can be inhibited from undergoing the growth of bacteria or mold fungi even in such an environment; and the antibacterial air filter medium, even when used after washing with water or in a high-humidity environment, does not undergo a decrease in filtering property such as particle collection efficiency and can be inhibited from undergoing the growth of bacteria or mold fungi thereon.

Abstract: A bactericidal after-filter device that mounts generally parallel to and downstream of an air filter of an air duct circulation network of a living enclosure includes a body having a front-screen element facing a back-screen element that allow for the filtered air to freely flow there through. A bactericidal medium, such as fibers forming a layer of angel's hair, is contained in between the front-screen and back-screen elements of the body and has a porosity that provides substantially no obstruction to the filtered air flowing there through while it locally retains and kills the air-suspended bacteria therein.

Abstract: An air purification system for purifying recirculated air eg in an aircraft, vehicle, offices or hospitals comprises the combination of a filter section with an ultraviolet illumination section and a coating of an antimicrobial agent on surfaces in one or both of the filter and illumination sections. Air flow through the illumination section is caused to be slightly turbulent by means of a multi-bladed fan being fixed in position between the filter and illumination sections. This increases the dwell time of contaminants in the illumination section. The antimicrobial agent includes as an active ingredient a quarternary ammonium salt and preferably as the following structure.

Abstract: A cell culture incubator comprising a chamber, an airflow passage through which fluids may recirculate through the chamber, a filter disposed within the airflow passage, and a structural component constructed of a material with anti-microbial properties. The structural component is disposed in the airflow passage so that microbial contaminants in air flowing into or within the incubator will contact the anti-microbial structural component and be retained in a portion of the airflow passage. The portion of the airflow passage in which the microbial contaminants are retained may be adjacent to the structural element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing purified or ozone enriched air to remove contaminants from fluids is accomplished by exposing an air stream from a surrounding area to ozone generating ultra-violet (UV) radiation to generate ozone in a system ozone chamber. The ozone chamber is configured to reduce through-flow velocity and provide time for the ozone to mix with the air and oxidize contaminants. The air stream subsequently enters a germicidal chamber and is exposed to germicidal UV radiation to destroy bacteria and ozone in the air stream resulting in sterilized air. The radiation source may include an end-cap that interfaces guiding mechanisms to align the end-cap for power connections, and/or controls emission of ozone generating radiation to control production of ozone. Further, the system may include an additional germicidal chamber that exposes an air stream to germicidal radiation prior to treatment within the ozone chamber.

Abstract: A filter material having a supporting structure which supports and absorption filter layer, which in turn contains an additive having a biocidal effect.

Abstract: An air filtration filter formed of material such as a resin bound fiber forming a woven or non-woven fabric, thermoplastic netting, tacifing resin solution and/or antimicrobial agents in which said material is compounded or coated to contain 0.01 to 20% by weight of a positive and/or negative charge control agent and then charging the filter to apply an electrostatic charge to the filter.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin air filter whose filter material carries microcapsules containing at least one volatile substance, the microcapsules being suitable for diffusing said volatile substance progressively into the air passing through the filter.

Abstract: A life cell for use in a disaster and a filtration system utilized with such a life cell. The life cell includes a contaminant detector, for detecting the presence of a contaminant in a volume of air, and an air filtration system for removing contaminants from the volume of air. The air filtration system of the life cell includes an air inlet, HEPA filter in fluid communication with the air inlet for removing particulate contaminants from the volume of air, and a carbon filter in fluid connection with the HEPA filter for removing chemical and biological contaminants from the volume of air. A blower is placed in fluid communication with the carbon filter and HEPA filter and acts to draw the volume of air from the air inlet, through the HEPA filter and carbon filter, and exhaust the volume of air such that a positive pressure is created. The preferred life cell includes a carbon filter made up of two layers of foam, an activated carbon filter medium, and a Whetlerite carbon filter medium.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in an air filtration unit, particularly for filtering cooking vapors. The assembly includes a filter disposed across an air flow and a grease pre-filter located upstream of the filter. The grease pre-filter is formed principally from wool fiber having an approximate density of 150-200 g/m2 and a loft of substantially 15-20 mm. The use of such a pre-filter substantially prolongs the service life of the filter before cleaning is required.

Abstract: An improved vacuum cleaner having a removable dirt collector inside a substantially enclosed suction compartment is provided with a conditioning pack for deodorizing and/or disinfecting the stored waste matter even when the vacuum cleaner is not in operation. The conditioning pack is mounted on a fixture inside the suction compartment but outside the waste holder of the dirt collector. This arrangement facilitates more effective deodorization and/or disinfecting and, at the same time, easy emptying of waste matter from the dirt collector.

Abstract: A microbiocidal air filter assembly, for filtering air, having a) a housing component defining an air path b) an air filter component b) an air inlet, and d) an air outlet, wherein the air filter component comprises a first air filter element and a second filter element, wherein the air filter component is disposed so as to intersect the air path for air flow communication between the air inlet and the air outlet through each of the air filter elements, wherein one of the air filter elements is a microbiocidal air filter element and comprises a demand disinfectant resin, the demand disinfectant resin being an iodinated strong base anion exchange resin.

Abstract: An air filter for effectively filtering bacteria, fungi and viruses from the air. The air filter comprising of a carrier substrate impregnated with iodine resins effectively immobilizes and attenuates bacteria, fungi and viruses contained in passing air. The air filter may be employed in combination with a multi-layered air filter to provide a filter which effectively purifies passing air of a variety of contaminants. The air filter provides a safe and effective method for the removal of bacteria, fungi and viruses from the air.

Abstract: The photocatalytic action of titanium dioxide and the anti-odor activity of undecylenic acid or its compounds are combined in an atmospheric scrubbing or renewal system. The invention consists in placing a filter impregnated with these two substances and exposed to a natural or artificial source of ultraviolet radiation in the path of the air.

Abstract: A frameless electrostatic air filter used in heating and air conditioning systems includes a plurality of filter media layers and an internal support grill and has no external support grill or frame. The frameless electrostatic air filter has an internal support grill to support the filter media layers and a fabric edging that is secured in place all the way around the edge of the frameless electrostatic air filter. The center of the frameless electrostatic air filter is secured with a plastic rivet. The frameless electrostatic air filter seats and seals tight to the inside lip of filter receptacles.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner filter bag exposes bacteria in incoming dirty air to bactericide throughout the useful life of the bag. Fingers provided on the interior walls of the bag are impregnated with bactericide. Air flow in the bag during vacuum cleaner operation causes the fingers to stand out from the wall, intercepting particles in the dirty airstream and exposing bacteria on those particles to the bactericide. The fingers stand out from the wall, and thus kill bacteria, substantially throughout the useful life of the bag, even after a cake of dust and dirt has formed on the inner walls of the bag.

Abstract: An antiseptic clean system according to the invention is designed to effectively and thoroughly destruct not only drifting microbes but also germs that have fallen and are adhering to the panels and to the backsides and the gaps of the pieces of equipment installed in the room. It is adapted for use with a clean room provided with antiseptic panels and comprises one or more than one air conditioners, each having an air conditioner main body containing therein a photocatalyst so that air is fed back into the room after passing through the photocatalyst.

Abstract: A frameless electrostatic air filter used in heating and air conditioning systems includes a plurality of filter media layers and an internal support grill and has no external support grill or frame. The frameless electrostatic air filter has an internal support grill to support the filter media layers and a fabric edging that is secured in place all the way around the edge of the frameless electrostatic air filter. The center of the frameless electrostatic air filter is secured with a plastic rivet. The frameless electrostatic air filter seats and seals tight to the inside lip of filter receptacles.

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: An air filtration and purification system, particularly adapted for treating contaminated air within a preselected zone of a building interior space, includes a filter and purifier unit comprising first and second stage particle filters, an odor neutralizer comprising an ozone generator, an activated carbon adsorbent media for extracting gaseous compositions exposed to the ozone injected into the airflow stream and an ultrahigh efficiency final stage particle filter. All filter units and the ozone generator are disposed in a cabinet together with one or more air propulsion fans interposed between the second stage particle filter and the adsorbent media. The system is particularly configured for removing air containing tobacco smoke and other contaminants from smoking areas of restaurants and other places of business and may be configured to return purified and odorized air through ceiling ducts to form an air curtain defining the zone.

Abstract: A germ-removing filter includes a filter substrate, and an antimicrobial material dispersedly mixed into the filter substrate. The antimicrobial material is antimicrobial fiber bonded with silver ion. The total amount of the silver ions present in the filter substrate material when mixed with the antimicrobial fiber is equivalent to an amount of silver ions contained in an antimicrobial fiber which is mixed at more than 10 wt % in the filter substrate and which has entire exchange groups or bonding groups thereof exchanged or bonded with silver ions. An apparatus using the filter for maintaining a sterile room under sterile condition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closed hollow filter canister having gas-impermeable end walls (94, 96) and a gas-permeable side wall (100). Gas contaminated with liquid is sprayed under pressure through line (90) and flow-restricting orifice (80) into the interior space of the canister where the contaminants become atomized and are retained by the side wall (100). Gas free of liquid contaminants passes into the atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment the gas is air contaminated with water, and the wall (100) is of cellulosic material which becomes wetted with water which gradually volatilizes. The filter canister may be used to treat streams (90a, 90b) from a gas compressor (50) and an associated reservoir tank (125).