Abstract: A method may comprise: sintering a particulate mixture comprising binder particles at about 5% to about 75% by weight of the particulate mixture and fugitive particles at about 25% to about 90% by weight of the particulate mixture, thereby forming a porous mass; and substantially removing the fugitive particles from the porous mass, thereby forming an ultra-low pressure drop (ULPD) porous mass with fugitive particles at 0% to about 5% by weight of the ULPD porous mass.

Abstract: A method for baling a cellulose acetate tow is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: laying the cellulose acetate tow into a can; pressing the laid tow with a press having a first platen and a second platen, each platen facing each other, each platen having a contoured face, the contoured face having at least three sloped portions, a first sloped portion located adjacent a peripheral edge of the platen having a first slope, a second sloped portion located adjacent the first sloped portion having a second slope, and a third sloped portion located adjacent the second sloped portion having a third slope, wherein the first slope is greater that the second slope, and the second slope is greater that the third slope; and packaging and securing the pressed tow; whereby the pressed tow having substantially flat surfaces.

Abstract: A method for baling a cellulose acetate tow is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: laying the cellulose acetate tow into a can; pressing the laid tow with a press having a first platen and a second platen, each platen facing each other, each platen having a contoured face, the contoured face having at least three sloped portions, a first sloped portion located adjacent a peripheral edge of the platen having a first slope, a second sloped portion located adjacent the first sloped portion having a second slope, and a third sloped portion located adjacent the second sloped portion having a third slope, wherein the first slope is greater that the second slope, and the second slope is greater that the third slope; and packaging and securing the pressed tow; whereby the pressed tow having substantially flat surfaces.

Abstract: A method for baling a cellulose acetate tow is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: laying the cellulose acetate tow into a can; pressing the laid tow with a press having a first platen and a second platen, each platen facing each other, each platen having a contoured face, the contoured face having at least three sloped portions, a first sloped portion located adjacent a peripheral edge of the platen having a first slope, a second sloped portion located adjacent the first sloped portion having a second slope, and a third sloped portion located adjacent the second sloped portion having a third slope, wherein the first slope is greater that the second slope, and the second slope is greater that the third slope; and packaging and securing the pressed tow; whereby the pressed tow having substantially flat surfaces.

Abstract: A method for baling a cellulose acetate tow is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: laying the cellulose acetate tow into a can; pressing the laid tow with a press having a first platen and a second platen, each platen facing each other, each platen having a contoured face, the contoured face having at least three sloped portions, a first sloped portion located adjacent a peripheral edge of the platen having a first slope, a second sloped portion located adjacent the first sloped portion having a second slope, and a third sloped portion located adjacent the second sloped portion having a third slope, wherein the first slope is greater that the second slope, and the second slope is greater that the third slope; and packaging and securing the pressed tow; whereby the pressed tow having substantially flat surfaces.

Abstract: A protective package for an optical fiber splice comprises two elongate plastic members, each having a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a front face. Elongate grooves are formed at each end of each member. The grooves are dimensioned so as to be a close fit over the uncoated portions of spliced fibers and intervening adhesive material, with the members in face-to-face assembly. The members may be hingedly connected by the adhesive layer or by a thin deformable hinge portion. A further groove may connect the end grooves, being of a dimension to fit firmly over the uncoated end portions of spliced fibers.