Abstract: A barrier element for use in separating blood components is provided. The barrier element comprises a self-sustaining, fluid transmissive body comprising a plurality of thermoplastic fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart points of contact, the fibers collectively defining a tortuous fluid flow path through the fluid transmissive body from a fluid inlet surface to a fluid outlet surface, the fibers and the fluid transmissive body being configured to allow passage of at least one blood component therethrough while preventing the passage of a second blood component.

Abstract: Elastomeric multicomponent fibers and bonded fiber structures formed from elastomeric multicomponent fibers are disclosed. The elastomeric multicomponent fibers may comprise a thermoplastic polymer core material and an elastomeric polymer sheath material surrounding the core material. The bonded fiber structure may comprise a plurality of fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart points of contact, at least a portion of the fibers being multicomponent fibers having at least one elastomeric fiber component.

Abstract: A bonded fiber ink reservoir, an ink jet printer cartridge containing a bonded fiber reservoir, and a ink jet printer using an ink jet cartridge containing a bonded fiber reservoir are disclosed. The bonded fiber reservoir may comprise a three dimensional bonded fiber structure, wherein the three dimensional bonded fiber structure is comprised of a plurality of fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart points of contact, at least a portion of the fibers being multicomponent fibers having at least one elastomeric fiber component.

Abstract: An ink absorbing substrate suitable for use in inkjet printing systems is provided. The substrate comprises at least one continuous fiber bonded to itself at points of contact to form a substantially self-sustaining structure for retaining ink. The continuous fiber preferably is a bicomponent fiber having a core material and a sheath material at least partially surrounding the core material. The core material preferably is a crystalline thermoplastic polymer and the sheath material preferably is low density polyethylene modified with a cycloolefin copolymer.

Abstract: An ink absorbing substrate suitable for use in inkjet printing systems is provided. The substrate comprises at least one continuous fiber bonded to itself at points of contact to form a substantially self-sustaining structure for retaining ink. The continuous fiber preferably is a bicomponent fiber having a core material and a sheath material at least partially surrounding the core material. The core material preferably is a crystalline thermoplastic polymer and the sheath material preferably is low density polyethylene modified with a cycloolefin copolymer.