Abstract: An integral three-dimensional article having interstitials therethrough, the three-dimensional article comprises an unconstrained number of axially successive stages. An apparatus and process for molding such a three-dimensional article are also disclosed. The apparatus has members extending into a mold cavity, each member having access to the periphery of the mold cavity. Each stage may nest within an adjacent stage. The nesting may be accomplished by having the end of one stage be convex, while the mating end of an adjacent stage is complementary and concave. The article may be useful as a static mixer, heat exchanger, etc.

Abstract: A method for measuring the barrier properties of naturally occurring tissue, such as the skin. The method comprises the steps of providing a probe having a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other, a voltage generator capable of supplying an increasing voltage between said electrodes, and a voltage meter capable of indicating the voltage between said electrodes. The electrodes are placed in contact with the target surface. An increasing voltage from is supplied from the voltage generator to the electrodes until current between said electrodes reaches a predetermined value. The voltage, which occurs when the current reaches the predetermined value, is noted. In another embodiment the invention comprises a device for measuring the barrier properties of the skin. The device comprises a probe. The probe has a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other.

Abstract: Methods for producing granular compositions comprise the steps of preparing a viscous liquid mixture, forming a plurality of ligaments from the viscous liquid mixture, cutting the ligaments with one or more liquid jet streams to form pieces, and drying the pieces to form the granular compositions. Apparatus for producing a granular compositions comprise a viscous liquid composition supply, a ligament forming device in fluid communication with a viscous liquid composition supply, one or more liquid jet nozzles adjacent an outlet of a ligament forming device, and a dryer.