Abstract: A solid phase extraction or chromatographic medium comprises a porous nonwoven fibrous matrix comprising at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene and blown microfibers, and sorptive or reactive hydrophobic siliceous molecular sieve particulates enmeshed in said matrix, the ratio of molecular sieves to matrix being in the range of 40:1 to 1:40.

Abstract: A particle loaded, porous, fibrous compressed or fused article comprises a nonwoven fibrous polymeric web, which preferably is thermoplastic, melt-extrudable, and pressure-fusible blown microfibrous web, and sorptive particles enmeshed in said web, the particle loaded fibrous article has a Gurley number of at least two seconds, and the article is useful in separation science. A method of preparation of the article and method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid phase extraction or chromatographic medium comprises a porous nonwoven fibrous matrix comprising at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene and blown microfibers, and sorptive or reactive hydrophobic siliceous molecular sieve particulates enmeshed in said matrix, the ratio of molecular sieves to matrix being in the range of 40:1 to 1:40.

Abstract: A dental isolation dam has a plurality of elastic fibers arranged in a rectangular, crisscrossed pattern between impervious films. The fibers enable the dam to be easily placed, and, once released, clinch around necks of isolated teeth to provide enhanced moisture and infection control.

Abstract: A protective covering of nonwoven fabric for an orthopedic cast, wound dressing or other bandage is disclosed. The covering is adapted to fit loosely about the bandage to be protected and is capable of being heat-shrunk at a relatively low temperature to closely cover the bandage. The covering is permeable to water vapor and air, it may be treated with a surface active agent to provide superior water and soil repellency, and it may be provided in various colors or with various decorative designs.

Abstract: A low profile heat-sealable adsorbent filter for ostomy appliances is provided. The filter comprises a heat-sealable microporous film layer, a filter layer of melt-blown microfibers loaded with adsorbent particles and a cover layer. The microporous film layer provides for rapid release of flatus or other gas in having a Gurley value of less than about 100 seconds/50 cc. The melt-blown microfiber filter web has an estimated service life of about 3 days or more with a web basis weight of about 700 grams/m.sup.2 or less. The low profile filter can be sealed to the outside face of an ostomy appliance with a perimeter seal to provide a filter with no liquid or gas by-pass and no liquid by-pass through the filter.

Abstract: A particle loaded, porous, fibrous compressed or fused article comprises a nonwoven fibrous polymeric web, which preferably is thermoplastic, melt-extrudable, and pressure-fusible blown microfibrous web, and sorptive particles enmeshed in said web, the particle loaded fibrous article has a Gurley number of at least two seconds, and the article is useful in separation science. A method of preparation of the article and method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A particle loaded, porous, fibrous compressed or fused article comprises a nonwoven fibrous polymeric web, which preferably is thermoplastic, melt-extrudable, and pressure-fusible blown microfibrous web, and sorptive particles enmeshed in said web, the particle loaded fibrous article has a Gurley number of at least two seconds, and the article is useful in separation science. A method of preparation of the article and method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carrier tape comprising a strip of flexible material having a series of spaced through openings and a predetermined thickness, the size of the openings and the predetermined thickness being adapted to receive a component between the major surfaces of said strip. The strip of flexible material comprises a layer of nonwoven thermoplastic polymeric fiber adhered together and has in the range of 20 to 70 percent air filled open spaces between the fibers.

Abstract: A high elastic modulus, cohesive bandage comprising partially extended spaced aligned elastic yarns sealed between two thin nonwoven fibrous webs by means of a polymeric binder is disclosed. The bandage provides joint support without imposing undue constriction. A method of supporting and/or providing compressive force to a mammalian limb including supporting suspensory ligaments and flexor tendons in the leg of a horse is also described.

Abstract: A method of evaporative cooling using sorbent sheet materials comprising a fibrous web that includes entangled fibers and a solid high sorbency liquid-sorbent polymeric material is disclosed. A sorbent sheet material useful for administering cold water therapy is also described.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet material adapted to be cut into smaller pieces to form portions of a fastener. The method comprises providing a self supporting polymeric film that provides the structural strength to retain the integrity of the sheet material, and stitching a plurality of yarns through the film to form loops projecting from one surface of the film and locking portions of the stitches adjacent the opposite surface of the film. The sheet material can also include a layer of heat softenable polymeric material adhered to the film over the locking portions.

Abstract: A method of evaporative cooling using sorbent sheet materials comprising a fibrous web that includes entangled fibers and a solid high sorbency liquid-sorbent polymeric material is disclosed. A sorbent sheet material useful for administering cold water therapy is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic casting materials having reduced tack and methods for preparing and using such orthopedic casting materials, wherein the materials comprise a nonwoven, stretchable fabric which is impregnated with a curable prepolymer resin. The nonwoven fabric comprises fiber bundles and apertures between the fiber bundles, with each of the fiber bundles comprising a plurality of fibers having interstices therebetween. The curable prepolymer resin is impregnated into the nonwoven fabric such that the interstices between the fibers receive the resin, while leaving the apertures between fiber bundles substantially unoccluded. Such orthopedic casting materials are relatively inexpensive and exhibit improved properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic casting materials and methods for preparing and using such orthopedic casting materials, wherein the materials comprise a nonwoven, stretchable fabric which is impregnated with a curable prepolymer resin. The nonwoven fabric comprises fiber bundles and apertures between the fiber bundles, with each of the fiber bundles comprising a plurality of fibers having interstices therebetween. The curable prepolymer resin is impregnated into the nonwoven fabric such that the interstices between the fibers receive the resin, while leaving the apertures between fiber bundles substantially unoccluded. Such orthopedic casting materials are relatively inexpensive and exhibit improved properties.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet material adapted to be cut into smaller pieces to form portions of a fastener. The method comprises providing a backing laminate comprising a layer of base material and a sealing layer of heat softenable polymeric material along a back surface of the base material; stitching a plurality of yarns through the base material to form loops projecting from a face surface of the base material and locking portions of the stitch adjacent the back face of the base material; and heating the polymeric material to adhere it to the locking portions of the stitches. The sheet material can then be used if loops are desired, or the loops can be cut to form hooks or heated to form headed projections on the sheet material.

Abstract: Flat, inelastic, dimensionally stable sheet material is formed by stretching parallel elastomeric strands to several times their relaxed length and then bonding them to one or more flat, inelastic webs with inelastic thermoplastic polymer. When the sheet material is heated, the strands contract and the sheet material shirrs. Strips of the flat sheet material can be incorporated in disposable diapers and subsequently shirred to provide elastic waistbands or leg openings.

Abstract: This invention relates to decorative sheet useful for making ribbons, bows, and the like. The invention relates to the field of synthetic textiles.The decorative sheet material comprises(a) a thermally bonded nonwoven tissue-like base layer having at least 50 weight percent polymeric, staple fibers having a length of 1/4 to 6 inches, and up to about 50 weight percent other fibrous material, at least the outer portion of said fibers being thermally bondable, and(b) at least a monolayer of a multiplicity of substantially parallel, continuous, non-cellulosic, multifilament yarns substantially covering a first side of said base layer and thermally laminated to said base layer,at least one side of said base layer being sonically bondable to a fibrous substrate. By making the base layer out of a sonically bondable material, articles made of the sheet material of this invention can be rapidly produced.

Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms is described comprising a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate; a layer of adhesive coated on the substrate, the adhesive being non-inhibitory to the growth of microorganisms; and a cold-water-soluble powder adhered uniformly to the surface of the adhesive, the powder comprising a gelling agent and/or nutrients for growing microorganisms. Another device is described comprising a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate; a coating coated directly on the substrate, the coating being substantially water-free and consisting essentially of a cold-water-reconstitutable material comprising a gelling agent and/or nutrients for growing microorganisms; and a cover sheet releasably adhered to the bottom member, the cover sheet being substantially impermeable to bacteria and water vapor. The devices are activated by the addition of water or an aqueous test sample.

Abstract: A device useful for growing aerobic microorganisms, particularly molds. The device employs a relatively small amount of water reconstitutable medium that can be sealed in order to prevent desiccation and contamination of the medium yet still provide an adequate supply of air to the medium, by the use of a membrane underlying the medium, to support the growth of aerobic microorganisms.