Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a heterogeneous fiber fluid reservoir for holding and delivering fluid. A reservoir may comprise a rod having a core component and a surrounding component. Each of the core component and the surrounding component may comprise fibers. The core component may have a first property, and the surrounding component may have a second property different from the first property, or the core component and the surrounding component may each have a different value or range of values for the same property. Alternatively, a reservoir may comprise a rod that includes fibers and has a cross-sectional diameter. At least one property of the rod may vary in value along the cross-sectional diameter of the rod. The property may include, for example, fiber bulk density, fiber diameter, fiber material, fiber morphology, fiber surface tension, capillary force, fluid absorption capacity, color, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a heterogeneous fiber fluid reservoir for holding and delivering fluid. A reservoir may comprise a rod having a core component and a surrounding component. Each of the core component and the surrounding component may comprise fibers. The core component may have a first property, and the surrounding component may have a second property different from the first property, or the core component and the surrounding component may each have a different value or range of values for the same property. Alternatively, a reservoir may comprise a rod that includes fibers and has a cross-sectional diameter. At least one property of the rod may vary in value along the cross-sectional diameter of the rod. The property may include, for example, fiber bulk density, fiber diameter, fiber material, fiber morphology, fiber surface tension, capillary force, fluid absorption capacity, color, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a heterogeneous fiber fluid reservoir for holding and delivering fluid. A reservoir may comprise a rod having a core component and a surrounding component. Each of the core component and the surrounding component may comprise fibers. The core component may have a first property, and the surrounding component may have a second property different from the first property, or the core component and the surrounding component may each have a different value or range of values for the same property. Alternatively, a reservoir may comprise a rod that includes fibers and has a cross-sectional diameter. At least one property of the rod may vary in value along the cross-sectional diameter of the rod. The property may include, for example, fiber bulk density, fiber diameter, fiber material, fiber morphology, fiber surface tension, capillary force, fluid absorption capacity, color, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Caps having porous elements that act as a vent to facilitate cooling of hot fluids stored in containers. Certain embodiments comprise a cap that may be affixed to a container filled with a hot fluid. The cap may include a porous element that allows air to enter the container during the cooling process, but also prevents the introduction of microbes and bacteria into the container. The cap may include a through hole, chamber, or recessed area to receive and secure the porous element. In certain embodiments the porous element may comprise a sintered composite material with thermoplastic particles and either metal particles and/or metal powder. In other embodiments, the porous element may comprise a layered structure. The layers may include a combination of the sintered composite material, a metallic layer, or various porous layers.

Abstract: A filter has a longitudinal axis with an inner diameter defined by a hollow longitudinally extending center. The filter has fingers extend radially outwardly arcuately from the longitudinal axis. The fingers have base ends near the longitudinal axis and outer edges at extremities spaced from the longitudinal axis. The outer diameter of the filter is defined by the outer edges of the fingers. The filter is formed from a sintered porous molded thermoplastic or another material resulting in a filter more rigid than standard filters. The fingers are spaced apart from one another a predetermined, substantially fixed distance to form slots therebetween sized to capture contaminants therein.

Abstract: A filter has a longitudinal axis with an inner diameter defined by a hollow longitudinally extending center. The filter has fingers extend radially outwardly arcuately from the longitudinal axis. The fingers have base ends near the longitudinal axis and outer edges at extremities spaced from the longitudinal axis. The outer diameter of the filter is defined by the outer edges of the fingers. The filter is formed from a sintered porous molded thermoplastic or another material resulting in a filter more rigid than standard filters. The fingers are spaced apart from one another a predetermined, substantially fixed distance to form slots therebetween sized to capture contaminants therein.