Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for uniformly distributing a flowing medium flowing in a first direction in a conduit onto a surface so as to form a uniformly distributed medium thereon having a width greater than that of the conduit, the method including deflecting the flow of the flowing medium and simultaneously spreading the flowing medium from the width of the conduit to the greater width in a direction transverse to the first direction, and again deflecting the flowing medium in a passage having a generally curvilinear shape transverse to the surface in order to provide a substantially uniformly distributed and parallel flow of the flowing medium onto the surface.

Abstract: A paper-like product composed of staple fibers oriented substantially in a certain specific direction is provided, wherein the orientation degree of the constituent staple fibers, expressed by the following formula: ##EQU1## is at least 50%. A prepreg is formed by impregnating the paper-like product with a matrix resin. Composite prepregs are formed by laminating a plurality of such prepregs or such a prepreg with a prepreg composed of continuous filaments, in a manner such that the orientation directions of fibers in the prepregs intersect one another. The paper-like product is prepared by scattering a liquid dispersion of staple fibers in the horizontal direction by a centrifugal force, and collecting the scattered staple fibers in the form of a web on a collecting surface continuously moving in the vertical direction.