Abstract: Disclosed is an antimicrobial air permeable substrate comprising a high concentration of a dry powder. Also disclosed is the use of the antimicrobial material to kill, denature or otherwise deactivate microbes, particularly airborne or droplet-borne microbes. The invention also relates to a functionalised fabric that will deactivate air borne virus upon contact. In particular, it relates to a fabric within which is contained an active compound or compounds that have been demonstrated to deactivate air borne virus and other pathogens when said virus or pathogens make contact with the active compound within the fabric. The active compound or compounds described are harmless to humans, animals, marine and plant life and are prolifically available from sustainable resources.

Abstract: A method is provided, for dissipating and entrapping super absorbent polymer particles (11, 12, 13, 14) within air-permeable, non-woven structures (100), for use in the construction of absorbent articles (600). The method comprises the steps of: (i) of constructing an air-permeable, non-woven structure (100) comprising at least first (1), second (2) and third (3) layers of non-woven fabric, each said layer having void spaces of differing size defined therein; (ii) dispersing absorbent particles (11, 12, 13, 4) onto an external surface (10) of the highest numbered layer of said air-permeable, non-woven structure (100) formed in step (i); and (iii) dissipating the dispersed absorbent particles (11, 12, 13, 14) within the air-permeable, non-woven structure (100) by applying an external energy source acting upon the absorbent particles (11, 12, 13, 14) in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the external surface (10) of the air-permeable, non-woven structure (100).

Abstract: A method is provided for managing microporous and/or mesoporous and/or macroporous small particle adsorbent powders within a manufacturing process to minimize atmospheric dust. The adsorbent powder is processed by spray-drying to form larger diameter spherical particles. The larger diameter spherical particles are then dispersed in a controlled manner so as to be brought into intimate contact with a substrate. The resultant powder-and-substrate matrix is then subjected to an alternating electrical field (AEF) via an alternating power supply, thereby to reduce the spray-dried powder back to its original small particle state, whilst remaining in intimate contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A laminate (200) for a pouch (100) for collecting excreted waste, such as an ostomy pouch, comprises one or more porous layers (5). An adsorbent material is impregnated within the one or more porous layers (5) and a first polymer sheet (8) is attached to a first side of the one or more porous layers (5). Gases can permeate into the one or more porous layers (5), allowing odorous gases to be filtered via adsorption by the adsorbent material that is within the one or more porous layers (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides an diagnostic apparatus and method for physiologically measuring the biological responses of a selected group of muscles during exercise. Biological responses measured include blood flow, blood pressure, transcutaneous oxygen, and lymphatic clearance rate. The apparatus comprises a pressure plate attached to an axle. A spring mechanism is attached to the pressure plate to bias the plate towards the resting position. The spring may be adjusted so as to increase the resistance to the group of muscles being exercised and induce fatigue.

Abstract: The invention provides a puncture resistant polymeric sheet material (1) comprising a plurality of discrete platelets (2) disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the sheet material in an overlapping interrelation, wherein the disposition of the platelets in the sheet material has been effected by pressure-forming. As shown in FIG. 5 , pressure-forming techniques result in an decrease in penetration by a factor of up to four.