Abstract: A porous polymeric sheet is provided having an electrostatic charge and comprising a zero-three composite of a polymeric matrix and a ferroelectric material dispersed therein. The polymeric component comprises a non-polar thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin, and a second thermoplastic polymer having polar functional units, such as a telomer. The composite material is formed into a porous sheet and is electrically or corona poled to create an electret material which is well suited four use in various filtration, air-masking and dust wipe applications.

Abstract: An improved respiratory suction apparatus catheter comprising a manifold for attachment to the distal hub of an endotracheal tube to form a ventilation circuit, a catheter tube which is displaceable through the manifold and into the endotracheal tube to suction secretions from the tube and lungs, and at least one wiper seal disposed adjacent the ventilation circuit to minimize the draw of air from the ventilation circuit of a patient while the catheter is being cleaned. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the catheter is cleaned more thoroughly than in the prior art while simultaneously drawing little or no air from the patient's ventilation circuit, thus extending the usable duration of the catheter apparatus. Another preferred embodiment comprises a valve, most preferably a flap valve distal of the wiper seal within the manifold, improves the cleaning of the catheter by selectively restricting or occluding the retracted catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination for surface treatment of a substrate, e.g. a nonwoven web, used in personal care product applications. The surface treatment combination not only provides adequate fluid handling properties, but also provides a topical delivery system effective in depositing a thin, tenacious and substantially continuous coating of a botanical extract on skin by an aqueous emulsion mediated dissolution of the agent from a substrate with subsequent transfer and deposition onto the skin. Coatings of the botanical extract on the skin resist removal, thereby preventing damage to the natural skin barrier and providing a protective barrier against chemically- and biochemically-induced skin damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topical delivery system effective in depositing a thin, tenacious and substantially continuous coating of a sacrificial substrate on skin by an aqueous emulsion mediated dissolution of protein from a sheet material with subsequent transfer and deposition onto the skin. Coatings of sacrificial substrate on skin resist removal, thereby providing a protective barrier against chemically- and biochemically-induced skin damage. The treatment composition also provides a vehicle for administering an effective dose of an active agent to the skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topical delivery system effective in depositing a thin, tenacious and substantially continuous coating of a silk protein on skin by an aqueous emulsion mediated dissolution of protein from a substrate with subsequent transfer and deposition onto the skin. Coatings of silk protein on skin resist removal, thereby providing a protective barrier against chemically- and biochemically-induced skin damage. The treatment composition also provides a vehicle for administering an effective dose of an active agent to the skin surface.

Abstract: The process of forming an electret nonwoven web, the process including the steps of providing a nonwoven web, generating a DC corona discharge from an apparatus including an anode electrically configured as a parallel device, and subjecting the web to DC corona discharge to form an electret.

Abstract: A durable meltblown filter material is provided comprising a first layer of fine polyester fibers having an average fiber diameter less than 8 micrometers and a second layer of polyester macrofibers having a significant number of fibers in excess of 12 micrometers. The macrofiber layer forms an open structure and the basis weight ratio of fine fiber layer to macrofiber layer can range from 2:1 to 10:1.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a filter medium including an airlaid composite, which is made of pulp fibers, at least about 2% by weight bicomponent fiber, and moisture. This airlaid composite is unique in that, when used as a filter medium, it exhibits advantageous filtering properties as well as physical strength. The bicomponent fibers of the present invention include a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and the first polymer component melts at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer component. Mixing of the pulp fibers with the bicomponent fibers is done in such a way that the fibers are evenly dispersed in the airlaid composite. This airlaid composite is then heated such that at least a portion of the first polymer component of the bicomponent fiber is melted, which bond the bicomponent fibers to many of the pulp and other bicomponent fibers when cooled.

Abstract: Process for die extrusion of melted polymers that reduces die lip buildup and its deleterious effects. Direct extrusion of mixed polymer pellets and filler concentrate pellets in one embodiment avoids a precompounding step and reduces the tendency of polymer and filler particles to adhere to the exit portion of the die. In other embodiments a reduced die lip radius and lower melt processing temperatures further enhance the benefits obtained. For co-extruded muitilayer film embodiments elimination of fillers and antiblock additives in skin layers add to the levels of die lip buildup reduction obtained. Hours of continuous operation without excessive die lip buildup in one arrangement have been increased from a level of 4 to 6 hours, for example, to in excess of 20 hours. Reduced product defect levels have also been attained.