Abstract: A polygonal cluster includes a plurality of substantially parallel polymeric columns disposed inside an outermost polygonal perimeter of the polygonal cluster and extending along a thickness direction between opposing first and second major surfaces of the polygonal cluster; and a common first material substantially filling regions within the polygonal perimeter between the polymeric columns and across the thickness of the polygonal cluster, such that in a cross-section of the polygonal cluster in a plane substantially orthogonal to the thickness of the cluster, for at least each of a plurality of first polymeric columns in the plurality of polymeric columns disposed adjacent the perimeter of the cluster, the first polymeric column has a pear shape having a wider portion facing the perimeter and a narrower portion facing away from the perimeter.

Abstract: Provided are acoustic articles, and related methods, that include a porous layer and heterogeneous filler received in the porous layer. The heterogeneous filler can include clay, diatomaceous earth, graphite, glass bubbles, polymeric filler, non-layered silicate, plant-based filler, or a combination thereof, and can have a median particle size of from 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers and a specific surface area of from 0.1 m2/g to 800 m2/g. The acoustic article can have an overall flow resistance of from 100 MKS Rayls to 8000 MKS Rayls. The acoustic articles can serve as acoustic absorbers, vibration dampers, and/or acoustic and thermal insulators.

Abstract: An acoustic article (10) comprising a porous layer (14) and an acoustic absorbing filler (18) embedded within the porous layer, and methods of making the same. The acoustic absorbing filler includes agglomerates comprising porous amorphous silica particles and a binder. The acoustic absorbing filler has a median sieved particle size of 100 i.un to 2000 i.un. The acoustic article has a normal incidence acoustic absorption of no less than 0.09 a at 400 Hz.

Abstract: A protected sample collection media for use in a sample collection device includes a piece of porous sample collection media having a first major side and an opposing second major side; and a protective sheath fully covering the first major side and the second major side. The protective sheath has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is removable without removing the second portion. The second portion forms a tab constructed to be gripped by hand. The protected sample collection media may be part of a system including a sample collection device. The system may be provided as a kit including instructions for use of the kit.

Abstract: A sample collection device includes a housing including an exhalation portion and a coupling portion. The coupling portion can be coupled with/to a sample collection tube. An airflow path extends through the housing. The device further includes porous sample collection media partially disposed between within the housing and arranged to occlude the airflow path. The porous sample collection includes nonwoven material and may include polylactic acid, polypropylene, or a combination thereof. The housing can be a single piece, part, or component, or can be multiple pieces, parts, components, or portions. In an embodiment of a two-piece housing, the first part includes an exhalation piece (e.g., a mouthpiece or nosepiece) and the second part includes a coupling end constructed for coupling with a sample collection tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multi-layer composite articles including at least two nonwoven web layers. Each or the layers may be a spunbonded web, and each may include biodegradable materials. The multi-layered composites of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for air filtration, as they can combine a high dust holding capacity with sufficient strength, dimensional stability, and a relatively low pressure drop.

Abstract: A light control film includes opposing substantially planar substantially parallel first and second major surfaces spaced apart along a thickness direction of the light control film by less than about 500 microns; and a plurality of substantially parallel optically transparent polymeric columns disposed in, and substantially surrounded by, a light absorbing polymeric material. Each of the polymeric columns has a first column end at the first major surface and an opposite second column end at the second major surface and has an aspect ratio of greater than about 3, such that the first column ends of at least one pair of adjacent polymeric columns include substantially parallel substantially straight sides facing, and substantially coextensive with, each other.

Abstract: A sample collection system includes a housing comprising a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another; porous sample collection media disposed along an airflow path in the first part; and an assay disposed on the second part and constructed to receive a sample captured by the porous sample collection media. The first and second parts are rotatably movable relative to one another. Moving the first and second parts relative to one another aligns the porous sample collection media with at least a portion of the assay. The assay may be a lateral flow assay or a vertical flow assay. The media is constructed to collect a sample from exhalation airflow. A collected sample may be eluted from the media onto the assay using a liquid.

Abstract: A sample collection device includes a planar sheet of material having opposing edges and a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, the planar sheet of material having at least two fold lines. A porous sample collection media has at least three edges and opposing major surfaces, at least one edge is fixed to the first major surface of the planar sheet of material. The planar sheet of material is configured to form an airflow channel by fixing the opposing edges together, the airflow channel extends from a mouthpiece end to an air outlet end. The porous sample collection media substantially occludes the airflow channel between the mouthpiece end and the air outlet end.

Abstract: A sample collection system includes a housing comprising a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another; porous sample collection media disposed along an airflow path in the first part; and an assay disposed on the second part and constructed to receive a sample captured by the porous sample collection media. The first and second parts may be slidably movable relative to one another. The first and second parts may be rotatably movable relative to one another. Moving the first and second parts relative to one another aligns the porous sample collection media with at least a portion of the assay. The assay may be a lateral flow assay or a vertical flow assay. The media is constructed to collect a sample from exhalation airflow. A collected sample may be eluted from the media onto the assay using a liquid.

Abstract: A sample collection device includes a housing extending from a mouthpiece end to an air outlet end, the housing defining an airflow channel from the mouthpiece end to the air outlet end, the mouthpiece end configured to receive an exhalation airflow. A porous sample collection media is fixed within the housing and along the airflow channel. A mouthpiece end cap is replaceably coupled to the mouthpiece end and an air outlet end cap is replaceably coupled to the air outlet end.

Abstract: Provided are acoustic articles having a porous layer (102,104,106) placed in contact with a heterogeneous filler comprising porous carbon and having an average surface area of from 0.1 m2/g to 10,000 m2/g. The acoustic articles can have a flow resistance of from 10 MKS Rayls to 5000 MKS Rayls. Optionally, the porous layer includes a non-woven fibrous layer or a perforated film having a plurality of apertures with an average narrowest diameter of from 30 micrometers to 5000 micrometers. The heterogeneous filler can enhance low frequency performance without significantly compromising high frequency performance, thickness or weight.

Abstract: The provided articles, assemblies, and methods use a non-woven fibrous web (50) having one or more layers (60) that are densified in situ to provide a layer that is densified relative to one or more adjacent layers, collectively within a unitary non-woven construction. The non-woven web (50) can be made from fibers having a composition and/or structure that resist shrinkage induced by polymer crystallization when subjected to high temperatures. Advantageously, the provided non-woven webs (50) can be molded to form a three-dimensional shaped article that displays dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sample collection devices and sample collection and testing devices. The devices described herein includes a housing defining a fluid channel from a first portion to a second portion. The devices further include a porous sample collection media disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The devices further include a fluid inlet port disposed in fluid communication with the porous sample collection media. The fluid inlet port is configured to direct a test fluid onto the porous sample collection media. The sample collection device further includes an assay configured to receive a fluid that was incident on the porous sample collection media (and eluent) and test that eluent for the presence (or absence) of a pathogen or virus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sample collection device. The sample collection device includes a housing defining a fluid channel from a first portion to a second portion. The sample collection device further includes a porous sample collection media disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The sample collection device further includes a fluid inlet port disposed in fluid communication with the porous sample collection media. The fluid inlet port is configured to direct a test fluid onto the porous sample collection media. The sample collection device further includes an assay configured to receive a fluid that was incident on the porous sample collection media.

Abstract: A sample collection device including a housing extending from a mouthpiece portion to an air outlet portion. The housing defines an airflow channel from the mouthpiece portion to the air outlet portion. The mouthpiece portion is configured to receive an h exhalation airflow. A porous sample collection media is disposed within the housing and along the airflow channel. A fluid inlet port defines an aperture through the housing and is adjacent to the porous sample collection media. The fluid inlet port is configured to direct id onto the porous sample collection media. A metered fluid dose element is attached to the fluid inlet port. The metered fluid dose element is configured to dispense a metered volume of fluid into the fluid inlet port.

Abstract: A fibrous web comprising multiple fibers, wherein the fibrous web has a major web surface; wherein the fibers near the major web surface comprise an outer surface; wherein the outer surface of the fibers compromises a recrystallized skin layer; wherein the recrystallized skin layer has a plurality of textures; and wherein at least another part of the outer surface is smooth.

Abstract: A relofted, spunbonded nonwoven web exhibiting a solidity of from less than 8.0%, to at least 3.0%, and exhibiting a Quality Factor of at least 0.30. Methods of making a relofted web; and, methods of using a relofted web as an air-filtration web, e.g. as a filter media or a layer thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are acoustic articles (100) that include a porous layer (102) and heterogeneous filler (104) received in the porous layer. The heterogeneous filler is substantially non-porous and present in an amount of from 0.25% to 7% by volume relative to the total volume of the porous layer and has a specific surface area of from 0.01 m2/g to 1 m2/g. The acoustic article has a flow resistance of from 500 MKS Rayls to 12,000 MKS Rayls.

Abstract: An acoustic absorbing filler, the acoustic absorbing filler comprising agglomerates comprising a first phase comprising a plurality of porous particulates and a second phase comprising a binder; wherein the acoustic absorbing filler has a median sieved particle size of from 100 micrometer to 700 micrometers and a specific surface area of from 50 m2/g to 900 m2/g; wherein the acoustic absorbing filler has a normal incidence acoustic absorption of no less than 0.20 alpha at 400 Hz.