Abstract: Bleached polyacrylic acid crosslinked cellulosic fibers, methods for making the fibers, and products including the fibers. The bleached polyacrylic acid crosslinked cellulosic fibers are polyacrylic acid crosslinked cellulosic fibers that have been treated with one or more bleaching agents to provide crosslinked cellulosic fibers having improved whiteness.

Abstract: A substantially noiseless fastening system for a carrying pack includes a flap attached to the shell of the carrying pack along one edge of the flap, a fastener button attached to the flap near a second edge of the flap, and a button receiver attached to the shell. The button receiver has a tapered interference fit slot terminating in a notch for receiving the fastener button, the slot narrowing towards the edge of the flap attached to the shell. The fastening system also includes a pouch attached to the shell, a locking channel attached to the pouch, and a locking groove attached to the shell. The pouch has an edge that forms an opening between the pouch and the shell, and the locking channel engages the locking groove in an interference fit to close the opening.

Abstract: A suspension of bacterial cellulose having a reticulated structure has been conditioned to remain in suspension when the suspension is under shear so that it may be coated on a substrate. The suspension of bacterial cellulose is homogenized and thereafter filtered to provide a bacterial cellulose component having a size no greater than 125 microns. This allows a process for applying bacterial cellulose as a coating on a substrate on a substantially continuous basis, either by roll coating or spraying. It also provides a coated product in which the bacterial cellulose is substantially uniform, taking into account the normal discontinuities of roll coating and spray coating.

Abstract: The addition of relatively small quantities of a bacterial cellulose to hydraulic fracturing fluids improves their rheological properties for hydraulic fracturing of geological formations. Proppant suspension is markedly improved and friction loss through well casings is significantly reduced, resulting in lower pumping energy requirements. Computer models also indicate that formation fractures will be propagated for greater distances as will the propped portion of the fracture. Normally only about 0.60-1.8 g of bacterial cellulose per liter of fracturing fluid is needed. A preferred bacterial cellulose is one made in agitated fermentors using mutation resistant strains of a bacterium from the genus Acetobacter.

Abstract: Particulate materials, particularly fine particles of clay animal litter, are agglomerated using a reticulated cellulose product formed by growing Acetobacter. Treatment with such reticulated cellulose also enhances the liquid absorbency of particulate materials.

Abstract: A binding agent comprising fiber strands of microbially produced cellulose is disclosed. The cellulose is synthesized by certain strains of microorganisms of the genus Acetobacter grown under agitated culture conditions to produce fine, interconnected fiber strands forming a three-dimensional reticulated structure. The binding agent is effective for binding fibers and fragments of material, such as natural and treated wood fragments and particles as well as synthetic materials, and it imparts wet and dry tensile strength to the bound material.

Abstract: The invention is a method of binding a portion of the cholesterol present in an aqueous suspension, such as the digestive system of a mammal. It involves the use of a purified bacterial cellulose in a sufficient amount to absorb or bind at least a portion of the cholesterol present in the system. The bacterial cellulose provides a dietary fiber component and is preferably one produced by a bacterium of the genus Acetobacter cultured under agitated aerobic conditions.