Patent ID: 6706092
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A62B,B01D,Y02A

Abstract:
An apparatus for chemically modifying, neutralizing and/or decontaminating chemical and/or biological contaminants from a breathable atmosphere, said apparatus comprising a filter which comprises a plurality of polymeric multilobal fibers, said fibers comprising a central core having a plurality of T-shaped lobes projecting therefrom, each of said T-shaped lobes having a leg and a cap, said lobes defining a longitudinally extending internal cavity between two adjacent legs that extends the entire length of the fiber; and which filter has been impregnated with at least one biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent in an amount sufficient to chemically modify, neutralize and/or decontaminate chemical and/or biological contaminants from a breathable atmosphere, which biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent is selected from the group consisting of acids, deliquescing agents, acetyleholinesterase, organometallic catalysts, enzymes with regenerable cofactors, cyanide carbonyls, carbonimides, substituted phosphoric acid, esters, thioethers, nitrogen heterocycles, olefinics, peroxides, peracerates, perborates, calcium hypochlorite, calcium oxide, detergents, surfactants, quaternary ammonium, complexes, photoreactive reagents, photochemical agents, and combinations thereof.