Abstract: The present invention is an improved electrically conductive filter media particularly suitable for use in applications where static electricity must be dissipated. The filter media of the present invention comprises a microporous filtration layer having electrically conductive particles embedded therein. When attached to support media, this structure provides exceptional filtration efficiency while assuring a consistent and evenly distributed electrical pathway to ground.

Abstract: A spiral wound gasket having multiple windings of spirally wound strips of metal, fire resistant compressible filler material and oxidizer resistant compressible filler material is disclosed. The fire resistant filler material is arranged in a region toward the outside periphery of the gasket and the oxidizer resistant compressible material is arranged in a region radially closer to the inside periphery of the gasket. The gasket has excellent sealability characteristics from low to high gasket seating stresses, and is effective for use with corrosive chemicals while providing a measure of protection in fire situations.

Abstract: An multi-layered EMI gasket has a first layer constructed of an electrically conductive resilient material and a second, support layer of an electrically conductive material secured in facing engagement with the first layer. The material of the second layer is more rigid than the material of the first layer, so that the second layer imparts rigidity to the gasket. Preferably, the resilient material is carbon particle filled EPTFE and the support layer is a metal foil. The combination of these elements is very effective at conducting electrical signals, thereby providing exceptional EMI/RFI shielding of electronic components, while being far easier to handle and install than prior art gaskets. Further, the resilient material of the first layer permits the gasket to conform to irregular surfaces, thus providing an excellent environmental seal.

Abstract: The present invention is an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) floss with improved handling properties. Unlike previous expanded PTFE flosses, the floss of the present invention employs a fiber of increased thickness so that the floss is maintained in an unfolded orientation. The improved processing steps of the present invention create a floss that has a number of improved properties, including more uniform dimensions along its length, improved compressibility and handling, and automatic visual indication of those segments of the floss that have been used.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved jacketing material for all forms of electro-magnetic energy conductors. The jacket material of the present invention comprises a silicone material that is imbibed into a porous polymer, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, to produce a flexible and durable composite. When applied as a cable jacket, the composite material of the present invention produces dramatic improvement over the use of silicone alone, especially in the areas of load sharing, resistance to fatigue from repeated flexure, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. The ability of the material of the present invention to withstand repeated autoclave cycles without compromise makes it particularly suitable for cable jacketing in bio-medical applications.

Abstract: An improved filter unit suitable for use in a variety of clean air filtration applications is taught. The filter unit employs continuous microporous filtration membranes, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, to deliver exceptional filtration efficiencies on the order of 99.99999% at 0.1 .mu.m with minimal pressure drop produced across the filter. Additionally, the filter unit of the present invention has the further advantage of avoiding many previous deficiencies in HEPA and ULPA filter units, such as filter contamination from shedding particles and/or out-gassing, and limitations on chemicals to which the filter can be exposed without deterioration. As a result, the present invention provides a cleaner and more durable filter that can be used to address growing contamination problems in many different industries, such as electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the delivery of various dispersants to a surrounding environment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a composite membrane which is resistant to wetting by low surface tension dispersant emitting substances and provides an essentially uniform rate of release of dispersant into the environment. Previous problems of inconsistent dispersant release and apparatus leakage are avoided and a more durable, compact, and reliable dispersant delivery system is provided.

Abstract: Improved O-ring gasket material and method for use in sealing various apparatus, such as fluid conduits for heat exchange apparatus, is provided. The gasket material comprises a cylindrical core of elongated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) contained within a tight wrap of high strength film. The gasket material has the exceptional operational properties of PTFE, while being resistant to cold flow or "creep" which distorts most PTFE seals under heavy unconfined compression.

Abstract: Improved material and method for use in sealing plate and frame apparatus, such as a plate and frame heat exchanger, are provided. The gasket material comprises a core of elongated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) contained within a tight wrap of high strength film. The gasket material has the exceptional operational properties of PTFE, while being resistant to cold flow or "creep" which distorts most PTFE seals under heavy unconfined compression. The preferred material is pre-compressed to aid in installation.

Abstract: A twin axial or parallel pair cable for high data rate differential signal transmission with extremely low skew. The cable has first and second plated electrical conductors which extend in substantially parallel relation to one another. Preferably the conductors are surrounded by first and second foamed fluoropolymer insulating dielectrics, respectively. The dielectrics and the conductors are surrounded by a braided metal shield of plated electrical conductors. The dielectrics insulate the conductors from each other and from the shield, and are sufficiently crush resistant to maintain the conductors in substantially parallel relation to one another over the length of the cable. The shield may be covered with an optional jacket.

Abstract: An improved liner and method is taught for use in protecting a wearer's skin from moisture retention when worn with prosthetic devices and other substantially non-breathable shells. The liner is form fitted to attach to a wearer without bunching or other pressure points which can cause skin irritation. Preferably, the liner comprises a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene coated on its interior surface with a polyurethane material to aid in moisture isolation and to protect the liner from compromise due to oils and other contaminants found in perspiration. The liner is effective at shielding a wearer's skin from moisture even when worn with no separate absorbent layer.

Abstract: An improved method for making a release agent delivery device for delivery of release agent to a roller is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.

Abstract: An improved low noise electrical signal transmission cable is disclosed. The cable employs an insulative layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is bonded in fixed relative position with a surrounding shield layer through use of an adhesive, such as fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP) or perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA). The bonding process reduces the separation of layers which can sometimes occur with expanded PTFE insulative cables and avoids the generation of unwanted triboelectric signals that can result from such separation.

Abstract: An improved body armor for use in protecting a wearer from penetration injuries from bullets and other hazards is disclosed. The body armor employs a waterproof/moisture vapor permeable cover over flexible armor plating layer or layers which improves breathability of the armor. Additionally, the waterproof nature of the cover allows for use of more flexible armor materials which has not be treated to be water repellent. As a result, a more wearable and, thus, effective body armor is created.

Abstract: The present invention is an easily mounted and centered gasket particularly suitable for use with raised flange joints and similar applications. The gasket of the present invention employs a unique design to utilize external mounting bolts to assist in holding the gasket in place during initial joint assembly and cut-out exterior edges to allow for accurate final centering of the gasket. Due to its accuracy in mounting position, the gasket of the present invention provides tighter gasket tolerances, and thus cleaner laminar flow, through fluid conduits.

Abstract: An improved insulation system for vehicles and method of making and using the same are disclosed. The insulation system comprises one or more layers of insulative material sealed within a case which is impermeable to liquids while being at least in part moisture vapor permeable. When installed within a sealed vehicle where moisture vapor build-up is a problem, the insulation of the present invention serves to isolate condensed moisture from causing damage to the vehicle's contents or its shell. When moisture levels decrease within the vehicle, moisture is free to evaporate from the insulation and dissipate from the vehicle, thus reducing the vehicle's weight and the costs inherent in excessive moisture retention within a vehicle.

Abstract: Improved insulative cable assemblies and methods for producing them are disclosed. The insulative cable assemblies comprise a conductor housed within a polymeric insulation layer expanded with expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The use of a relatively inelastic outside sheath controls the expansion of the insulative layer and assures a snug fit between the insulation and the conductor. The insulation layer is highly resilient and resistant to dielectric changes due to compression or damage from mechanical manipulation of the cable. Additionally, the ability to expand the insulative layer after cable assembly is completed provides far greater freedom in cable processing without compromising low dielectric constant.

Abstract: An improved composite fiber of fiberglass and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided. The composite fiber comprises a coherent strand of commingled filaments of fiberglass and PTFE which is far more resistant to flex, abrasion, and chemical attack than previous fiberglass fibers. Preferably filaments of expanded PTFE tow yarn and filaments of PTFE are combined through a process of air-jet texturing. The fibers of the present invention have a wide range of possible uses, including being formed into a fabric and employed as filter media.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for installing a filter sleeve in filtration apparatus is provided. In its basic form, the present invention uses a filter sleeve with a pre-installed end cap bonded to at least one of its ends. Through use of a bonding process such as sonic welding, the end cap and filter sleeve form a tight seal with one another which is durable and quite resistant to leakage. The end cap can be provided with receptacles to allow for ready interface with existing filtration apparatus, eliminating presently utilized mounting procedures which can be ineffective, burdensome, and time consuming. Additionally, improved method is also provided for securely sealing the opposite end of the filter sleeve.