The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 20, 2008
Filed:
Sep. 25, 2006
Douglass E. Hughes, Boulder, CO (US);
Rich Buhler, Longmont, CO (US);
Douglass E. Hughes, Boulder, CO (US);
Rich Buhler, Longmont, CO (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
The filtration device of the present invention relies on materials and methodologies that achieve the formation of a structural matrix that may later accommodate the addition of other adsorbent materials as opposed to merely binding adsorbent materials together through the use of compression and/or binder materials. The filter device of the present invention relies on (i) a unique method of processing to achieve maximum density of materials, (ii) a polymeric material having a distinct morphology and (iii) a very small micron diameter of the polymeric material to create uniformity. For example, in place of compression to increase density, the materials comprising the filtration device of the present invention are instead vibrated into a mold cavity. Thus, the methodology of the current invention optimizes how all of the materials comprising the filtration device fit together without compaction. The material being processed is vibrated as it is gradually poured into the mold. Once the mold cavity has been filled to a point where it will hold no more material, it is heated and then cooled. In place of an external binder, the structural material adheres to itself as it softens. This results in a tortuous path matrix of pores rather than an absolute pore barrier.