Abstract: Filtration apparatus comprising at least one microporous member having at least a pair of opposed surfaces and a predetermined thickness, a tubular member positioned with respect to at least one of said opposed surfaces whereby fluid passing through said microporous member is filtered and the filtrate is received by said tubular member for distribution and/or collection.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis module comprising a semipermeable membrane, a porous membrane support structure, and a porous backing member having at least a pair of opposed surfaces and including a plurality of longitudinally extending channels, said porous backing member being mounted relative to said porous membrane support structure in such a manner that fluid passing through said membrane passes through said porous support structure and is adapted to enter said channels in said porous backing member.

Abstract: Novel products are described which possess a capability of transmitting air and moisture vapor, are waterproof, and have fabric-like aesthetic properties. These products may have applications such as rainwear material, tent material, garment liners, and shoe liners. These products may be made by spray spinning filamentary polymer material onto open-celled polymer film, or onto non-cellular elastic polymer film with the additional steps of stretching and heat setting creating a stable open-celled structure in the film portion of the product. Subsequent calendering of the product may further improve its fabric-like aesthetic properties.