Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for repairing a farrowing crate, particularly a portion of the grating floor of the crate which is frequently damaged and in need of replacement. The method provides for cutting and removing a rectangular portion of the grate including the damaged portion, then replacing it with a removable and replaceable section, and fastening the removable section into place. The apparatus includes a receiving and positioning bar for connecting one end of the replacement section to the basic grate, a longitudinal seal-plate member attached to each longitudinal side of the replacement section, and an attachment device for fixing and holding the replacement section firmly in the operating position. Alternatively, the replacement section may engage a pair of bottom side supports.

Abstract: Cigarette filters with improved efficiency and reduced resistance to gas flow, and a method of preparing them, are disclosed. The filters are made from crimped multicomponent polypropylene polymers having microfissures on their surfaces and micropores on their cross-sections, with 5 to 7 crimps per centimeter of length, and a unit fineness of 5 to 7 dtex. The elementary fibers in the bundle have different centers of gravity, and are present in ratios of from 1:3 to 3:1 by weight. The fibers are prepared by separate melting and thermal treatment of each polypropylene polymer component, having LVI values ranging from 100 to 200 ml/g, at temperatures ranging from 230 to 330 degrees C. The difference in LVI values between the components is from 30 to 50 ml/g, and at least one of the components has a 5-20% high molecular weight fraction, by weight, with an LVI of from 400 to 450 ml/g.