Abstract: A new method of binding at least one article, and a new binding strap for use in binding an article or articles is taught.

Abstract: An electrostaticly charged filtration media is provided including a plurality of polymeric structured polymeric film layers having a structured surface defined on at least one face of each structured film layer forming at least in part flow channels. The plurality of structured film layers are configured as a stack with the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack that are in fluid communication with ordered fluid pathways. Each fluid pathway is defined at least in part by at least one discrete flow channel such that fluid can flow substantially unimpeded from one of the inlets to an outlet opening at another face of the stack. A layer of fluid pathways is defined by two opposing charged film layers at least one of which is a structured film layer. The flow channels have an average height of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm and an average width of from 0.05 mm to 50 mm and an average aspect ratio of from 0.5 to 10.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the removal of organic substances and/or nitrogen sources from an aqueous medium by exposing the aqueous medium to the action of microorganisms supported on a gas permeable, water impermeable layer, or on and/or in a three dimensional microbial support layer, that is proximate a gas delivery layer through which gas, preferably, oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to the gas permeable layer such that it diffuses through the gas permeable layer and is supplied to the microorganisms.

Abstract: An electrostaticly charged filtration media is provided comprising a plurality of polymeric structured polymeric film layers having a structured surface defined on at least one face of each structured film layer forming at least in part flow channels, the plurality of structured film layers configured as a stack with the structured surfaces defining a plurality of ordered inlets open through a face of the stack that are in fluid communication with ordered fluid pathways each fluid pathway defined at least in part by at least one discrete flow channel such that fluid can flow substantially unimpeded from one of the inlets to an outlet opening at through another face of the stack wherein layer of fluid pathways is defined by two opposing charged film layers at least one of which is a structured film layer that has flow channels with an average height of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm and an average width of from 0.05 mm to 50 mm and an average aspect ratio of from 0.5 to 10.

Abstract: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.

Abstract: The invention is a mating film. The mating film comprises a base sheet having a first major surface. A plurality of generally parallel ridges project from the first major surface. The ridges comprise a stem portion attached to the base sheet and generally upright from the base sheet. A head portion of each ridge is spaced from the first major surface and extends generally laterally from the stem portion so as to define a lateral distance. The center of each stem portion of each ridge is spaced from the center of each adjacent ridge stem portion by a distance greater than about 2 times lateral distance defined by the head portion.

Abstract: A flexible cover for protecting a splice of a conveyor belt, in particular, for protecting the belt fastener that forms the splice. The splice cover includes a body having a first surface and an opposite second surface, with a plurality of first reclosable fasteners extending from the first surface. The first reclosable fasteners engage with a plurality of second reclosable fasteners, which are attached to the belt. The second reclosable fasteners can be secured to the belt by the belt fastener, by adhesive or other attachment means, by being integral with the belt fastener, or by being integral with the belt web. The second reclosable fastener can be any structure that engages, interlocks, mates, or otherwise attaches to first reclosable fastener. Also provided are methods for making the splice cover, and methods for placing and removing the splice cover over the belt fastener.

Abstract: A flexible cover for protecting a splice of a conveyor belt, in particular, for protecting the belt fastener that forms the splice. The splice cover includes a body having a first surface and an opposite second surface, with a plurality of first reclosable fasteners extending from the first surface. The first reclosable fasteners engage with a plurality of second reclosable fasteners, which are attached to the belt. The second reclosable fasteners can be secured to the belt by the belt fastener, by adhesive or other attachment means, by being integral with the belt fastener, or by being integral with the belt web. The second reclosable fastener can be any structure that engages, interlocks, mates, or otherwise attaches to first reclosable fastener. Also provided are methods for making the splice cover, and methods for placing and removing the splice cover over the belt fastener.

Abstract: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.

Abstract: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.

Abstract: A new method of binding at least one article, and a new binding strap for use in binding an article or articles is taught.