Abstract: A portable mattress assembly adapted for use in disaster relief situations having mattress support material engineered to provide a suitable balance between portability and comfort. The mattress assembly includes a fabric envelope adapted to provide a rugged, waterproofed, posterior surface, with a pocket defined therein, in combination with a more supple, water resistant, anterior surface. The fabric envelope further includes fasteners disposed to temporarily attach the mattress assembly to a cot, stretcher staffs, or additional mattress assemblies. The mattress assembly may be folded and retained in accordion fashion and provides handles thereon for portage.

Abstract: The present invention is a membrane method and apparatus for separating isotopic water constituents from light water. The method involves providing a supported membrane of an aromatic polyphosphazene and pressurizing the water on one side of the membrane thereby forcing the light water through the supported membrane while isotopic water constituents are retained or vice versa. The apparatus of the present invention includes an aromatic polyphosphazene placed on a porous support and means for pressurizing water through the membrane while certain isotopic water constituents are retained.