Abstract: A method for hydroentangling a nonwoven web to increase the strength and abrasion resistance while maintaining highly desirable hand and drape characteristics. The method provides for carding and cross-lapping synthetic and/or natural fibers so as to form a desired substrate. The substrate is then hydroentangled under relatively low pressure to form a desired spunlace web, and a relatively low amount of a foam adhesive latex binding material is applied to the spunlace web. Thereafter, a force is applied to the foamed spunlace web so as to cause the foamed binding material to fully penetrate the spunlace web from face to back. The resulting hydroentangled (spunlace) nonwoven web provides an enhanced balance of tensile properties, abrasion resistance, and fabric aesthetics.

Abstract: A system for photopheresis treatment of immune diseases in the blood without immobilizing the patient or contacting the blood with treating agents, includes portable apparatus worn by the patient and a method of irradiating blood with rays as the blood flows continuously in a closed sterile loop path.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite material comprising a meltblown fabric layer of a thermoplastic polymer sandwiched between two prebonded, spunbonded reinforcing fabric layers of a thermoplastic polymer, all continuously-bonded together to form a composite material. The preferred thermoplastic polymer for both the meltblown and spunbonded layers is polypropylene. The nonwoven composite material contains a minimal number of loose fibers, is highly resistant to the penetration of liquids and would also be expected to exhibit good abrasion resistance, while maintaining tear resistance and softness comparable to non-prebonded materials characterized by discrete bonding patterns. The nonwoven composite material is especially useful as a sterilization wrap for surgical and other health care items.

Abstract: A carcass shroud is formed from a liquid water porous hydrophobic and oleophilic polyolefin sheet. Preferably, the sheet is a spun-bonded fabric, such as spun-bonded polypropylene or a perforated polyolefin film having liquid water porosity. Preferably, a surfactant is dispersed throughout the shroud fabric or coated onto the film. Sodium chloride may also be dispersed in the shroud or onto the shroud surface. Such a carcass shroud can be applied to a carcass in a dry state, i.e., without being wetted with brine prior to application. The porous nature of the sheet or film allows liquid water to pass through while the oleophilic nature of the material causes it to hug tightly to the warm fat of the carcass. The salt acts to bleach the surface of the carcass and the surfactant acts to draw blood from the carcass, substantially enhancing its appearance. After cooling, the shroud readily releases from the carcass and does not leave fibrous contamination, as do known shrouds.

Abstract: A guillotine-type valve in which the plate thereof is sealed around all edges relative to the housing in which it operates, said seals being pressure assisted. Adjacent the periphery of the plate, including its upper and lower edges, are curved, flexible strips of sealing material which contact the opposite face surfaces of the plate near the edges to form the seal. Surrounding such seals is a chamber and means is provided to maintain such chamber under pressure greater than the pressure of the fluid being controlled by the valve.