Abstract: A dust is electrostatically charged using an ion-releasing device adapted to release only ionized air with occurrence of a corona discharge, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed and the amount of ozone generated to the utmost. An electric dust collector includes a charging section having a discharging electrode and an earthed electrode, a dust-collecting section having a voltage-applied electrode and an earthed electrode and an air feed fan. Dust introduced into the dust collector is electrostatically charged by breaking the air insulation by a corona discharge occurring in the charging section to produce ionized air and then removed in the dust-collecting section where an electric field is formed. However, because the corona discharge is generated, there is a problem that the discharged current is large, and the amount of power consumed and the amount of ozone generated are large.

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 sintered stainless steel filter is used as the grounded electrode of a point-to-plane electrostatic precipitator. Particles flow through, rather than parallel to, the collection plate. Particle collection efficiency is empirically shown to increase as the charged particles are drawn closer to the grounded filter. The utilization of stainless steel fiber filter provides (1) low particle penetration (high particle collection efficiency) of different particle range, (2) applicability to all different particulate components, (3) high loading capacity but low pressure drop (less energy and maintenance needed), (5) low electric voltage for operating the system, and (6) low cost and small dimension.

Abstract: A pleatable high efficiency non-woven, gas filtration media is provided. The media has an electrically charged air laid fibrous layer with a thickness between about 2 and about 35 mils, and a wet laid fibrous layer having a thickness of between about 5 and about 35 mils. The combined layers have, (a) a thickness of between about 10 and about 50 mils, (b) a stiffness of between about 200 and about 3500 mgs, (c) a Frazier of between about 10 and about 400 CFM, and (d) an &agr; of at least 15.

Abstract: A filtration media is formed from at least one structured polymeric layer, wherein a structured surface is defined within the layer. Layers may be configured as a stack that has the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack and corresponding ordered fluid pathways, thereby forming an ordered, porous volume. The ordered fluid pathways may be defined by a plurality of flow channels formed within the structured surfaces of the structured layers, or may be defined by a plurality of protuberances formed in an ordered pattern within the structured surfaces of the structured layers.

Abstract: A washable air filter for removing particles from the inlet air to a heating and/or air conditioning system formed of an assembly of a central polymeric pad containing actively charged charge control agents of a first polarity, a polymeric net containing a dispersion of charged charge control agents of a second polarity in the polymer on each side of the pad and a stiff, deformable metal or plastic grill on each side of the net to form an assembly which can be corrugated and placed in a perimeter frame. The charging is preferably accomplished as the assembly passes over the surface of a roller with a conductive surface.

Abstract: A pleated filter is provided with electrically conductive fibrous material that releases ions to improve trapping efficiency. The edges of folded filter media are rendered emitting as by attaching conductive strings to the edges of the folds. The ends of the fibers in the strings are left exposed and, by applying high voltage on these strings, ions may be produced which charge dust particles to improve the filter's efficiency. Alternately, the pleated medium itself provides ion-emitting fiber ends along folded edges that have been rendered conductive.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator type filter is combined with replaceable, polarizable trapping media. In one aspect of the invention, the media is fitted between polarizing plates. In another aspect, the media is coated in sections to form a conductive surface which serve as the equivalent to the charged plates of the precipitator. These electrodes may be alternately displaced to provide a ready means to effect electrical connections.

Abstract: An electrofiltration apparatus is provided having at least one electrostatically charged polymeric film layer having surface structures. The film layers may be configured as a collection cell that has the structured film layer defining a plurality of ordered inlet openings through a face of the collection cell and corresponding air pathways, thereby forming an open, porous volume. The air pathways are defined by a plurality of flow channels formed by the structured film layers. The electrofiltration apparatus is coupled with an ionizer which actively induces charges onto the particles to be removed by the collection cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a filter media for a high efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filter including a multiplicity of adjacent electrostatically charged piles of nonwoven fabric. The invention further includes a method of making a HEPA filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning of a gaseous fluid from particles being present in the fluid, the gaseous fluid being ionized, i.e. the particles are subjected to a charging, and that the ionized gaseous fluid is brought to pass through a precipitator unit (2) including a filter medium. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning of a gaseous fluid. Filters for cleaning of air often require expensive filter medium and complicated arrangements as regards ionization of the air and charging of the filter medium. The present invention is characterized by an extremely simple method where the air is ionized and then the ionized air is brought to pass through a filter medium of polypropylene.

Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning air from charged particles in an air flow duct. The device includes at least one precipitator panel including one or more precipitator units that are arranged so that their inlets have a large extension relative to the cross-sectional area of the air flow duct and a relatively small extension in the direction of the air flow through the units. The precipitator panels include at least two electrode elements preferably connected to a high voltage source and located such that all air in the air flow duct passes through the respective electrode elements.

Abstract: A novel air filter design for use in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems comprising a laminated unit having a filter media where the upstream side of the filter media having a porous layer of passive electrostatic netting. The air filter design has a corrugation configuration to increase the available surface area when compared to conventional flat filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from a fluid stream includes an unobstructed channel for conveying a stream in turbulent flow and a series of objects extending at least along one side of the channel, the objects being closely spaced from each other in the direction of flow so as to define therebetween spaces in which eddies penetrate from the channel to cause collection of particles on surfaces of the objects upon decay of the eddies.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from a fluid stream includes an unobstructed channel for conveying a stream in turbulent flow and a series of objects extending at least along one side of the channel, the objects being closely spaced from each other in the direction of flow so as to define therebetween spaces in which eddies penetrate from the channel to cause collection of particles on surfaces of the objects upon decay of the eddies.

Abstract: An air filter for use in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems including a laminated unit (100) having a filter media (102) where either side of the filter media (102) has a porous layer (104, 106) of passive electrostatic netting. The air filter has a corrugation configuration (142, 144) to increase the available surface area when compared to conventional flat filters.

Abstract: Filter assemblies are disclosed that include a pleated web in which the pleats are connected to each other to provide support for the filter media during use. The interconnected pleats preferably form an array of openings facing the upstream side of the filter assembly when subjected to fluid pressure during use. In addition, the preferred filter media also includes an array of pockets located behind each of the points at which the pleats are connected. By connecting the pleats to form arrays of openings and pockets during use, the filter assemblies provide a structure that deforms in a predetermined, acceptable manner without the need for external support structure to support the pleats.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for trapping particles suspended in gaseous fluid stream generally includes a first and a second electrode with a porous filter therebetween along with electrical contacts for applying a DC voltage across the first and second electrodes. A third electrode is provided and a frame is included for removeably supporting a porous filter, along with the first, second, and third electrodes in order to electrify, by induction, the third electrode with a voltage in the third electrode in order to increase trapping of the particles by the filter apparatus.

Abstract: A device for treating automobile exhaust with a static electrical charge. The inventive device includes a housing having inlet and outlet ports positionable into communication with an exhaust pipe of a vehicle. A folded mesh panel undulates through the housing and receives a static electrical charge from a generator to reduce emissions from exhaust gases passing therethrough.

Abstract: A clog-resistant filter for extracting fine particulate contaminants, such as smoke, from a gaseous fluid stream, such as air, uses interaction between Van der Waals forces and a non-ionizing electrostatic field to efficiently capture the contaminant particles in a filter material whose pores are many times larger than the diameter of the particles to be captured. The filter material is physically so configured to further enhance that interaction and is disposed between at least a pair of electrodes of opposite polarity. The material may be spaced apart from the electrodes, but preferably touches one of them. The particles are trapped generally throughout the thickness of the filter material but ample room is left for continued air flow. The electrostatic voltage is preferably between 3 and 9 kV and is largely independent of electrode spacing. The configuration of the filter material is such that the flow velocity through the material is less than 0.1 m/sec, preferably on the order of 0.03 m/sec.

Abstract: An air purifier has discharge electrodes which generate a corona emission. These discharge electrodes are disposed within a flow passage provided in the air purifier along with a blower. Also included in the air purifier is a filter which scavenges contaminant particles in the air charged by the discharge electrodes. A control unit detects a discharge current of the discharge electrodes to control a rotational speed of the blower in accordance with the detected emission current.

Abstract: An electrostatically stimulated air filter and process, contemplates a housing having an fluid intake and a fluid exhaust; a upstream electrode, disposed downstream of the fluid intake, for carrying a ground potential; a filter, disposed downstream of the prefilter, for filtering out contaminants in the fluid; an ionizing electrode, disposed between the filter and the prefilter, for carrying a second potential; and a downstream electrode, disposed downstream of the filter, for carrying a ground potential; and a fan, downstream of the filter, for driving air through the prefilter and the filter. Ionization of incoming fluid occurs as a result of electric fields generated by the downstream electrode, the ionizing electrode, and the upstream electrode. The filter comprises an upstream dielectric layer and a downstream conductive layer, usually fibers coated with activated carbon powder.

Abstract: A non-ionizing, clog-resistant filter for extracting fine particulate contaminants such as smoke from a gaseous fluid stream such as air uses interaction between Van der Waals forces and a non-ionizing electrostatic field to efficiently capture the contaminant particles in a filter material whose pores are many times larger than the diameter of the particles to be captured. The filter material is physically so configured to further enhance that interaction, and is disposed between at least a pair of electrodes of opposite polarity. The material may be spaced from the electrodes, but preferably touches one of them. The particles are trapped deeply into the thickness of the filter material and leave ample room for continued air flow. The electrostatic voltage is preferably between 3 and 9 kV and is largely independent or electrode spacing. The configuration of the filter material is such that the flow velocity through the material is less than 0.1 m/sec, preferably on the order of 0.03 m/sec.

Abstract: A dust collector includes a front case and a rear case. A discharging electrode plate and an electrical charge plate are arranged zig-zag along guide elements formed in the front case, the guide elements extending in a front-to-rear direction. A dust collecting part is installed under the discharging electrode plate and the electrical charge electrode plate. An active carbon filter is installed in the rear case in order to deodorize the air.

Abstract: A portable air filter system is described for use in the home, offices, or other areas where it is desired to remove airborne particulate matter from the air. The air filter system includes an enclosure having an air inlet and outlet areas, removable air filter which is grounded, a fan for moving air from the inlet to the outlet through the filter, and an ionizer for supplying negative ions to the air exiting through the outlet. The filter includes electrostatically charged fibrous material in a removable cartridge.

Abstract: Improved photographic speed is provided in a photothermographic material comprising in reactive association (a) photosensitive silver halide, (b) an oxidation-reduction image-forming combination comprising (i) a long-chain fatty acid silver salt oxidizing agent, with (ii) a reducing agent, (c) a synthetic polymeric binder, and (d) a photographic speed increasing concentration of a certain non-dye, thione speed increasing addendum. A developed image having increased photographic speed can be provided in the described photographic material, after imagewise exposure, by heating the element to moderately elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are heat-activatable adhesive compositions comprising an amorphous condensation polymer which is characterized by having an acid component comprising a phthalic acid derivative and a glycol component comprising from about 15 to about 85 mole percent of (1) a linear aliphatic glycol having the structure HO--R--H wherein R is either: ##STR1## or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O--.sub.n wherein n is an integer from 2 to 4; and from about 85 to about 15 mole percent of (2) a branched aliphatic glycol having the structure: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl. These polyester adhesives are further characterized as being soluble in halogenated solvents, having glass transition temperatures within the range of about -30.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C., and having high bonding strengths at elevated temperatures. They have been found useful in a variety of photographic materials, and particularly in photographic film units.

Abstract: A step tablet in which density steps of a definite shape, each density step having a specific optical density, form a series of decreasing or increasing densities, in which any two density steps contiguous to each other are disposed with a boundary space of a specific shape between the density steps.

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements in interference film photography.

Abstract: Photographic elements containing a light absorbing matting agent overcome the "starry night" effect.

Abstract: NEGATIVE WORKING LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING PLATES WHOSE COATING COMPRISES THE ADMIXTURE OF ACRYLATED ESTERS OF EPOXY RESINS WITH NEGATIVE WORKING LITHOGRAPHIC SENSITIZERS ARE FORMED, WHEREBY THE NON-IMAGE AREAS ARE REMOVABLE BY AQUEOUS ALKALI DEVELOPERS.

Abstract: A photosensitive coating composition comprising reaction products of a monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and two different epoxy polymers; a polyethylenically unsaturated compound; and photoinitiator; and method of employing the same.

Abstract: A light-sensitive printing plate having a matt layer, which is removable at development, on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A heat developable photographic material comprising, in reactive association, (a) photosensitive silver halide, with (b) an image-forming combination comprising (i) a silver imidazoline-2-thione wherein the imidazoline-2-thione portion is a 1-methyl, 1-ethyl or 1-phenyl-4-imidazoline-2-thione, with (ii) an organic, silver halide developing agent and (c) a binder, can provide developed and stabilized images without the need for processing solutions or baths. An image can be developed and stabilized in this material by merely heating the material to moderately elevated temperatures after imagewise exposure. Other addenda employed in heat developable photographic silver halide materials can be employed with the heat developable photographic materials described.

Abstract: A polyester film, typically a support for photographic material is coated, prior to coating a hydrophilic organic colloid layer, with a subbing composition containing at least one compound represented by the general formula ##STR1## wherein a and d each represent 1 or 2; b and c each represent 0, 1, or 2 but b and c must not be 0 at the same time, A represents a divalent group; and n represents 0 or 1.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material containing at least one negative image silver halide photographic emulsion layer comprising silver halide grains that have an average grain size of not more than about 0.7 .mu. and are substantially of the surface latent image type and containing a binder in an amount of not more than about 250 g per mol of silver halide, and containing a compound represented by the following general formula (I):r.sup.1 nhnhcor.sup.2 (i)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aryl group; and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group or an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; in at least one of the hydrophilic colloid layers, and a compound represented by the following general formula (II) or (III): ##STR1## wherein Y represents a sulfur atom, a selenium atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom or a divalent residue; --NR.sup.4 --, wherein R.sup.

Abstract: A method of increasing the viscosity of photographic coating solutions which comprises adding polymers having therein the repeating unit represented by the following formula (but having a maleic acid content of more than about 40% by mol' ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a t-butyl group, and M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 each represents a cation, which may be identical or different from each other, to gelatin containing photographic coating solutions.

Abstract: Letterpress and offset photopolymer printing plates are disclosed having relatively thin water developable photopolymer layers, which, after being developed, have ink-repulsive, non-image areas. Adhesive layers are provided in the disclosed printing plates that are interposed between an ink-repulsive coating contained in the printing plate substrate and the water-developable photopolymer, and provide a balance between satisfactory adhesive and ink-repulsive properties in the resulting plate.

Abstract: Laminates for the manufacture of flexographic printing plates and containing (a) a layer consisting essentially of a photocrosslinkable mixture of a two-block copolymer of from 30 to 95% w/w of a diene hydrocarbon and from 5 to 70% w/w of a styrene monomer or a partially hydrogenated product thereof with a compatible monomer having at least one C--C double bond, said mixture containing a photo-initiator, (b) a non-photocrosslinkable elastomeric underlayer having a Shore A hardness of from 15 to 70 and (c) a non-photocrosslinkable stablizing layer preferably between layers (a) and (b).

Abstract: The photosensitive composition contains a water-soluble graft copolymer of a partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate grafted with acrylonitrile and optionally another vinylic monomer, a polymeric emulsion and a diazo compound. This composition possesses high resistance to solvent, abrasion and moisture and a favorable water-dissolubility as well.

Abstract: In making silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, a method of drying a layer of silver halide emulsion coated on a support is disclosed. The coated film is cooled and set, and thereafter a normal portion of the coated film is dried and undried thickly coated portions of the coated film are then dried by use of microwaves.

Abstract: A photographic binder prepared by heating a mixed aqueous solution of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer and polyvinyl alcohol in acidic state makes it possible to coat a photographic coating liquid for forming photographic layers in the same manner as in the case of using gelatin and furthermore gives excellent physical properties to the resultant photographic layers.

Abstract: An imaging combination comprising (i) a tellurium (II) or (IV) compound as an oxidizing agent and (ii) a reducing agent provides an improved amplified image. This imaging combination is useful in heat-developable materials containing sources of physically developable nuclei. A developed image can be provided in the material containing the developable nuclei and can be provided by heating the element to moderately elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A micro-capsular material for use as a photographic reproducing medium includes a plurality of micro-capsules distributed over a given surface. Each of the capsules is formed with a mantle of light transmissive material. The mantles may be clear or colored and are advantageously transparent. The contents of each of the capsules includes a photoconductive material as well as a color progenitor or precursor material. Simultaneous exposure of the capsular material to light and high frequency electrical energy causes rupture of the capsule mantles and release of the capsular contents. When an image is focused by a lens onto the surface, selected ones of said capsules are ruptured to thereby result in a reproduction of the image. Dispersing micro-capsules having different color progenitor materials makes possible color photography when means are provided for selectively directing only those component of colored light onto the micro-capsules having corresponding color progenitor materials.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of matted photographic layers gelatine particles which are dispersed in a water-in-oil emulsion are hardened, separated from the emulsion, redispersed in water, added to the layer which is required to be matted, and the casting composition is applied to a substrate and dried.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved aluminum substrate for lithographic printing plates which comprises applying an interlayer bonding solution to the surface of an aluminum web, heating said interlayer solution on the surface of the said aluminum at an elevated temperature and removing any excess solution which has not reacted with the aluminum substrate.

Abstract: Acid-treated gelatin having a jelly strength of at least 250 g (in bloom) is added to silver halide emulsion layers, ultraviolet absorber layer, etc. which are coated on a resin coated paper and which contain high boiling point solvent, whereby deterioration of physical properties of surface of the photographic paper can be prevented.

Abstract: A heat developable, photographic material comprising (a) a photographic metal compound with (b) an oxidation-reduction image-forming combination comprising (i) a tellurium (II) or (IV) compound as an oxidizing agent and (ii) a reducing agent provides an improved amplified image. The photographic metal compound can be, for example, photograhic silver halide. A developed image can be provided in the material after imagewise exposure by heating the element to moderately elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Gelatin, especially in a layer of a light-sensitive silver halide photographic material, is hardened with the reaction product of a compound having at least three vinylsulfonyl groups in the molecule and a compound having at least one water-soluble group and at least one group capable of reacting with the vinylsulfonyl group, such as --SH, .dbd.NH and --NH.sub.2.

Abstract: A method for forming images which comprises processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive element containing in the uppermost layer thereof a matting agent composed of methyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymers having a methyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid molar ratio of 6:4 to 9:1 at a temperature above about 30.degree. C. The matting agent is capable of being dissolved into alkaline processing solutions and does not adversely affect the transparency and graininess of the images formed.