Abstract: A sampling device samples gas from a gas stream flowing through a tube to means utilizing the gas to detect the presence or otherwise of particulate contaminants. The device ensures that the sampled flow has at least as many particulate contaminants/unit volume as the main flow. The device divides the flow into two parallel flows and then decelerates one flow before providing the sampled flow. The other flow passes to the utilizing means. The device is particularly useful in the sterile packaging of product to detect microorganisms and other culturable contamination.

Abstract: A gas sampling assembly takes a sample of a gas and passes the gas through a monitoring unit. A material within the unit removes particulates from the gas and a port is provided for feeding into the unit a material for indicating the presence of particulates. A transparent portion of the unit allows the indication to be viewed. The unit can be used in sterile packaging apparatus.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous film comprises subjecting a fibrous material comprised of fibers of a film forming material to conditions of heat and pressure to covert the fibrous material to a porous film. The method allows the production of film material having substantially uniform pore sizes. For example, the pore size distribution of the film may be such as to have a ratio of maximum pore size:mean flow pore of less than 1.2, e.g., less than 1.1.

Abstract: A method of coating porous webs wherein porous materials having a range of pore sizes are given desired characteristics by selective depostion in the large pores of particulate treatment agents. Thus some characteristics are achievable by control variation of pore size distribution (e.g. sample, uniformity, liquid filtration properties) while others depend on specific attributes of the treatment agents (e.g. response to calendaring, catalysis, security marking adhesion properties).

Abstract: A material, which may have a highly open structure such that it has negligible barrier properties, is treated with expandable particles. These are then caused to expand within the material, reducing its openness and improving its barrier properties. The product may be a porous material. The pores may be modified by an agent applied together with the particles or after the expansion. The particles may be thermoplastic microspheres containing gas. The material may be a network material, with a fiber matrix with many voids.