Abstract: A carpet has a layer of tufting supported on a primary backing layer. A breathable membrane is disposed along an interface between the primary backing layer and a secondary backing layer. A breathable membrane is disposed along an interface between the tufting layer and the backing layer, and adhesively secures the layer of tufting to the backing layer. The breathable membrane is permeable to water vapor but impervious to liquid water, while both the tufting layer and the backing layer are permeable to water vapor. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a laminated barrier which includes the membrane, may be made of fibers, yarns, cross-laid scrim, or plastic netting, and the breathable membrane may be protected from abrasion with a floor by means of an apertured film laminated to the membrane.

Abstract: A fine particle filtration fabric, stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field which may be applied to the fabric, has a layer of air filtration media, and a reinforcing matrix of filaments extending linearly in plural directions within a two-dimensional geometric pattern along said layer of filtration media or even outside of a composite fabric containing filtration media to inhibit the distension. The air filtration media comprises a layer of flexible lay-down of discontinuous filaments or fibers providing interstitial spacing in a range of 0.1 to 0.5 microns, the layer having a thickness in the range of 1-5 millimeters.

Abstract: A construction of breathable film upon a membrane with pores or passages that extend through the porous membrane enables the membrane to maintain a moisture vapor transport, namely, to be breathable, while the breathable film on the surface of the porous membrane serves as a barrier to the ingress of unwanted liquids. In the porous membrane, the diameter of an individual one of the pores is sufficiently small so as to enable the porous membrane to support a section of a reduced-thickness breathable film extending across openings of the pores without rupturing the breathable film.

Abstract: A carpet has a layer of tufting supported on a primary backing layer. A breathable membrane is disposed along an interface between the primary backing layer and a secondary backing layer. A breathable membrane is disposed along an interface between the tufting layer and the backing layer, and adhesively secures the layer of tufting to the backing layer. The breathable membrane is permeable to water vapor but impervious to liquid water, while both the tufting layer and the backing layer are permeable to water vapor. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a laminated barrier which includes the membrane, may be made of fibers, yarns, cross-laid scrim, or plastic netting, and the breathable membrane may be protected from abrasion with a floor by means of an apertured film laminated to the membrane.

Abstract: A breathable membrane and a method of constructing a fabric having the membrane, wherein the membrane is resistive to transport of liquid water, has a layer of breathable material and is stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field, such as forces which may be applied to the membrane or resulting from a hydrostatic pressure, by a reinforcing matrix of nonwoven filaments extending in plural directions along the layer of breathable material to inhibit the distension. In the matrix, the filaments are arranged in a first plurality of the filaments which intersect a second plurality of the filaments to form cells. A minimum diameter of an individual one of the cells is greater by at least approximately an order of magnitude than a diameter of one of the filaments to provide open areas of the layer of breathable material which are free from obstruction by the filaments.

Abstract: A breathable membrane and a method of constructing a fabric having the membrane, wherein the membrane is resistive to transport of liquid water, has a layer of breathable material and is stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field, such as forces which may be applied to the membrane or resulting from a hydrostatic pressure, by a reinforcing matrix of nonwoven filaments extending in plural directions along the layer of breathable material to inhibit the distension. In the matrix, the filaments are arranged in a first plurality of the filaments which intersect a second plurality of the filaments to form cells. A minimum diameter of an individual one of the cells is greater by at least approximately an order of magnitude than a diameter of one of the filaments to provide open areas of the layer of breathable material which are free from obstruction by the filaments.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable dressing, such as a surgical dressing, is constructed of a thin elastomeric transparent film which is protected by a layer of non-woven fabric, such as a material of elastomeric filaments. The fabric is sufficiently thin, elastic and fluffy to absorb stress of abrasive objects so as to protect the underlying film. Both the film and the protective fabric are sufficiently thin and compliant to allow the dressing to conform to the contours of the human body. Adhesive used in the dressing, for securing the film to a person's skin, as well as for securing the fabric to the film, are permeable to water vapor. The film and the adhesives are impermeable to liquid water, thereby to provide an effective shield for a wound against infection by outside bacteria. A release sheet is employed for protecting a layer of adhesive on the film.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable dressing, such as a surgical dressing, is constructed of a thin elastomeric transparent film which is protected by a layer of non-woven fabric, such as a material of elastomeric filaments. The fabric is sufficiently thin, elastic and fluffy to absorb stress of abrasive objects so as to protect the underlying film. Both the film and the protective fabric are sufficiently thin and compliant to allow the dressing to conform to the contours of the human body. Adhesive used in the dressing, for securing the film to a person's skin, as well as for securing the fabric to the film, are permeable to water vapor. The film and the adhesives are impermeable to liquid water, thereby to provide an effective shield for a wound against infection by outside bacteria. A method of administering a topical reagent to a patient is disclosed.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable dressing, such as a surgical dressing, is constructed of a thin elastomeric transparent film which is protected by a layer of non-woven fabric, preferably a fabric of spun-bonded material. The fabric is sufficiently thin, elastic and fluffy to absorb stress of abrasive objects so as to protect the underlying film. Both the film and the protective fabric are sufficiently thin and compliant to allow the dressing to conform to the contours of the human body. Adhesive used in the dressing, for securing the film to a person's skin, as well as for securing the fabric to the film, are permeable to water vapor, The film and the adhesives are impermeable to liquid water, thereby to provide an effective shield for a wound against infection by outside bacteria.