Abstract: A cushion body 11 is formed by stacking a first sheet-like fibrous structure 4a and a second sheet-like fibrous structure 4b where webs 2 are stacked such that their extending direction conforms with a thickness direction T of the cushion body and between the first sheet-like fibrous structure 4a and the second sheet-like fibrous structure 4b, a load receiving member 4e whose flexing degree to load in the thickness direction T is small is disposed.

Abstract: An injection molding method of producing a honeycomb body involves introducing an injection moldable polymer into a mold having a two-dimensional array of parallel pins separated from each other in a manner forming inter-cell reinforcement volumes between honeycomb cells being molded for strengthening the honeycomb. The pins can be cylindrical or have hexagonal shapes, trapezoidal shapes, and diamond shapes. Reinforcement fibers can be introduced into the polymer for even further strengthening the honeycomb body. Foaming agents can be added to the molten polymer with or without the fibers to decrease the density of the honeycomb and reduce heat transfer through the honeycomb for saving energy. Roughening, or producing textured surfaces of the honeycomb product can reduce glare due to sunshine that is detrimental should the honeycomb be used in the construction of buildings and the like. Foaming agents introduced into the polymer during molding can also produce such textured surfaces.

Abstract: There are provided a foamed molded article formed of a resin composition comprising a reinforcing fiber and a resin component, wherein the reinforcing fiber comprises a surface-treated fiber (A) comprising a base fiber (A-I) composed of a polyalkylene terephthalate and/or a polyalkylene naphthalene dicarboxylate and from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the base fiber (A-I), of a sizing agent (A-II) adhering to the surface of the base fiber (A-1), and the resin component comprises a modified polyolefin resin (B) which is a polyolefin resin modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative, wherein the foamed molded article has an expansion ratio of 1.3 to 5, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a machine structural element from a molded composite material includes manufacturing of an abradable layer made integrally from the material of the element. The method consists in adding a filler material to the resin at the surface to be made abradable, the filler material being able to disintegrate, such as e.g. transitioning to vapor phase, during the heat treatment of polymerizing the resin in order to create porosity inside the layer. The porosity thus created provides the relevant surface with properties of abradability.

Abstract: An injection-foaming method for a thermoplastic resin comprising using an injection unit 30 provided with a hopper 35, a plasticizing cylinder 31 and a screw 32, and a mold 10 having a mold cavity 10a of changeable capacity; filling the mold cavity 10a with a foaming-agent-containing melted resin injected from the injection unit 30; and then enlarging the mold cavity 10a for allowing the foaming-agent-containing melted resin to expand, wherein inclusion of a foaming agent into a thermoplastic resin is done by using a mixture of a foam nucleating agent and a foaming gas as foaming agent, feeding the mixture to hopper 35 or plasticizing cylinder 31 and screw 32 of injection unit 30 at a pressure of 0.1 MPa or more and less than 1.0 MPa, and contacting the mixture with a pre- or post-plasticized thermoplastic resin present in hopper 35 or plasticizing cylinder 31 and screw 32.

Abstract: A vinyl floor panel for a flooring system prepared from a blend of a polymer and cork granules. The floor panel includes top and bottom surfaces with a first layer between both surfaces. A printed pattern is located on the top surface. The first layer is prepared from a blend of a polymer polyvinyl chloride and cork granules, where the cork granules are evenly distributed with the polyvinyl chloride throughout the length, width, and thickness of the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hemostatic porous sponge comprising a matrix of a fibrous biomaterial and particles of a fluid absorbing, particulate material adhered to said matrix material, a method of producing these sponges and their use for wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image receiver element comprising a single low density layer, wherein the single low density layer comprises non-crosslinked aliphatic polyester containing non-interconnected void space, and wherein the single low density layer does not absorb more than 3 weight % moisture at 80% RH and 21.3° C. as compared to the weight % moisture of said single low density layer at 20% RH and 21.3° C. The invention relates to a method of forming such an image receiver element, a printing system comprising an imaging material and the image receiver element, and a method of printing comprising obtaining an imaging material comprising a colorant layer; obtaining the image receiver element; superposing the colorant layer with the receiver element; and transferring colorant from the imaging material to the image receiver element.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrophilic polyurethane foam structure containing inert activated carbon particles, includes the steps of: (a) providing a water phase containing a surfactant and dispersed inert particles; (b) providing a isocyanate-terminated polyether having functionality of more than 2; (c) mixing the water phase and the isocyanate-terminated polyether, immediately transferring the resulting mixture to a mould or a continuous web, whereby a foam structure is obtained; and (d) drying the foam structure until it has a moisture content of at most 10% (wt). A foam structure produced by the method and a wound dressing containing the foam structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to foamed binders for wood strand products and methods and systems for producing wood strand products using foamed binders. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes a method for producing a wood strand product from cellulosic particles, the method comprising the steps of foaming a phenol formaldehyde binder to produce a foam, tumbling the cellulosic particles in a rotary blender, applying the foam to the cellulosic particles in the rotary blender, blending the cellulosic particles and the foam so that the foam covers the cellulosic particles, and consolidating the cellulosic particles under heat and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention takes as its object the provision of a thermoplastic resin foamed sheet having excellent surface exterior appearance, lightweightness, PTT property and light reflectivity and the provision of a method for producing the thermoplastic resin foamed sheet. Specifically, the thermoplastic resin foamed sheet is a foamed sheet including 80 to 99.5% by weight of an (A) thermoplastic resin and 0.5 to 20% by weight of (B) PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), wherein when in the foamed sheet interior observed with a SEM (scanning electron microscope), the number of the particles of (B) PTFE having a dispersed particle size falling within a range from 0.05 to 1 ?m is represented by (L), the number of the particles of (B) PTFE having a dispersed particle size falling within a range from 1 to 30 ?m is represented by (M) and the number of the particles of (B) PTFE having a dispersed particle size falling within a range of 30 ?m or more is represented by (N), (L)/(M)=99.99/0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous structures embedded with nanoparticles, methods of forming the structures, and methods of using the structures. In most general form, the invention relates to porous materials embedded with nanoparticles having characteristics, such as magnetic, enabling to align or arrange the nanoparticles in the material by exposure, e.g. to a magnetic field. Therefore, a method according to the invention provides manufacturing materials having variable magnetic and electromagnetic properties which can be adapted during manufacture for various applications, such as electromagnetic wave absorbers, lens, concentrators, etc.

Abstract: A sheet-forming composition is provided which has a construction comprising a combination of a heat-polymerizable binder component containing at least one (meth)acrylic monomer or its partial polymer, a heat conductive filler, a heat polymerization initiator for the binder component and a foaming agent. A process for making a heat conductive foam sheet also is provided.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced polymer foam articles are disclosed. Through the system and process of the present disclosure, fibers can be incorporated into the foam article during an injection molding process while minimizing fiber breakage. Thus, foam articles can be produced having relatively long fibers. For instance, when using a feed stock containing fibers having a length greater than about 0.7 cm, such as from about 1 cm to about 1.3 cm, foam articles can be produced in which at least about 10% by volume of the fibers have a length greater than 3 mm and wherein at least about 1% by volume of the fibers have a length greater than about 7 mm.

Abstract: The invention disclose a process for making molds which do not generate toxic gas in pouring a molten metal into the molds equipped with casting cores or the like even when the binder contained therein decomposes and which are excellent in the disintegration characteristics after casting. The process comprises mixing a particulate aggregate with one or more water-soluble binders, a surfactant, a crosslinking agent and water under stirring and foaming to prepare a foamed aggregate mixture, charging the foamed aggregate mixture into a mold-foaming cavity, solidifying the charged mixture by evaporating the water contained in the mixture to form a mold, and taking the mold out of the cavity.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: A filled polyurethane foam that includes a closed-cell polyurethane matrix having a mineral filler dispersed therein, wherein the polyurethane foam has a density of from about 1.5 to about 3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is described. The filled polyurethane foam can be prepared by mixing a polyol component that includes a blowing agent and an isocyanate component under reaction conditions, wherein one or both of the polyol component and the isocyanate component include a mineral filler, and allowing the mixed components to expand and cure. The filled polyurethane foam can be used as a door core that includes less polyurethane than polyurethane door cores that lack the mineral filler.

Abstract: A compounded rubber, which is made up of an NBR polymer, an organic peroxide and a blowing agent, to which 1 to 100 parts by weight of a synthetic silicic acid serving as a reinforcing filler and 10 to 200 parts by weight of precipitated calcium carbonate having a prismatic particle shape and serving as a filler are added to 100 parts by weight of the NBR polymer, is extrusion molded by a continuous extruder, and heated by HA heating and UHF heating in combination throughout the rubber to cause vulcanization and expansion, thereby providing a thick sponge having a homogenous cell structure. The sponge is passed through press rolls, and the resulting sheet stock is cut or punched with a cutting or punching machine into pieces of a desired form to obtain an applicator for cosmetics.

Abstract: Utensils or objects for packaging or supporting or accommodating or depositing food and/or beverage, or for packaging merchandise, are provided. The utensils or objects feature merits of plastic material such as polystyrene, also feature ideal resistance to the conducting of heat or iciness, while being free from the drawback of difficult decomposition of plastic material and from the concern of food/beverage being polluted by plastic material. The utensils or objects are even more superior to those made of purported bio-plastic, of which decomposition is far from satisfactory, heat endurance far from acceptable, and manufacturing cost far from realistic.

Abstract: A non-lethal projectile having a nose component, a driving band adjacent the nose component and a body component wherein one or more of the projectile components comprises densified materials such as elastomers and foam that incorporate a dense filler material. The dense filler material is a heavy metal powder. The body component of the projectile includes a stabilizing component such as fins, drag stabilizing tails or streamers, or rifling bands for spin stabilization.

Abstract: A system and method for primarily erecting curvilinear buildings using a plurality of interconnected structural tubes/sandwich panels is provided. Fabricating a structural tubing comprises: connecting a fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a flexible outer membrane, wherein the lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam material when cured; and curing the curable material. Fabricating a sandwich panel comprises: connecting a first fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a first flexible outer membrane, wherein the first lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam when cured; connecting a second fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a second flexible outer membrane, wherein the second lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam when cured; and curing the curable material of the first lining and second linings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a woody resin molded body which comprises a step of passing a woody resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin, a cellulose powder and a blowing agent, a weight ratio of the thermoplastic resin to the cellulose powder being from 20/80 to 80/20, through a shaping die that has no core body and extruding the woody resin composition into a cooling die. A barrel temperature of an extrusion molding machine is set lower than a foaming temperature of the blowing agent, and a temperature of the shaping die is set within a foaming temperature range of the blowing agent, to thereby obtain a woody resin molded body which has a high-expanded foam layer and a low-expanded foam layer formed on the outside of the high-expanded foam layer and in which the cellulose powder is not exposed on a surface of the low-expanded foam layer.

Abstract: A porous hollow fiber membrane which has high blocking performance and high water permeability suitable for filtration and the like and exhibits excellent strength, and a process for stably producing the porous hollow fiber membrane are disclosed. The process utilizes a hollow fiber molding nozzle having two or more circular discharge ports which are disposed concentrically. Multilayer melt-extrusion is performed by discharging molten mixtures which include a thermoplastic resin and an organic liquid and differ in composition from the adjacent discharge ports. The resulting product is cooled to solidify to obtain a hollow fiber. The organic liquid is then removed from the hollow fiber by extraction to produce a porous hollow fiber membrane. The molten mixture discharged from at least one circular discharge port includes an inorganic fine powder in addition to the thermoplastic resin and the organic liquid. The inorganic fine powder is removed by extraction after cooling in addition to the organic liquid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for forming a porous bio-mimicking scaffold is provided. At first, at least two types of solutions are provided where at least one of the solutions is a bio-mimicking scaffold solution comprising a bio-mimicking scaffold and at least one of the solutions is a pore forming solution comprising a pore forming material having at least one corresponding specific solvent. Then, a filling process is performed to fill the solutions into different needles of a blending injection device. Following that, an electrospinning process is performed to form a composite material. Each material type for forming the composite material is selected from the group consisting of the following: fiber, particle, and combination of fiber and particle. Finally, a removing process using the solvent to dissolve the pore forming material is performed to thereby form a porous bio-mimicking scaffold.

Abstract: A method of making an article having an improved oleophobic property. The method includes the step of providing a microprous membrane. The method also includes the step of laminating a porous fabric to the microporous membrane to form a laminate with a membrane side and a fabric side. A treatment material is applied to the laminate to provide a treated laminate. The treated laminate has an oil resistance property of at least a number 7 determined by AATCC 118 testing on both the membrane side and the fabric side. The laminate also has an air permeability therethrough of at least 0.01 CFM per square foot determined by ASTM D737 testing.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing fiber-reinforced foamed resin structural composite materials is described. One embodiment of the method includes providing a foamable resin between fiber-reinforced layers within a cooled die. Another embodiment of the method includes providing elements through a fiber-reinforced foamed resin composite material for communicating information and/or fluids. Thus, for example, optical fibers, electrical conductors, or water or air ducts may be included through the composite material. The material is inexpensive to produce and can be recycled.

Abstract: The instant invention employs the impressive capabilities of modern materials such as plastics, composites, and metal alloys of carrying large tension forces, enabling them to carry compression loads by converting the compressive force of internally contained pressurized fluids into distributed tension forces. The walls and membranes of the pressurized elements, and of the envelopes are not “inflated” as in structures made of flaccid or stretchable materials, but are made of substantially rigid materials whose rigidity is enhanced by the fluid pressures contained within. An important application of the principals set forth herein will be in the use of very high tensile strength materials such as titanium or aluminum that are not often considered for use in compression. The significant weight-savings so achieved make possible new applications that might include exotic airframes: lighter-than-air craft, or small robotic solar-powered aircraft to be used for survey, surveillance, or communication.

Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous nonwoven web and method of making are disclosed, wherein the web contains meltblown fibers and staple fibers. The meltblown fibers may be present as a bimodal mixture of microfibers and mesofibers, and comprise an intermingled mixture with staple fibers further intermingled therein.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave absorbing material and a method for preparing the same are disclosed. The electromagnetic wave absorbing material consists of liquid resin, carbon nanocapsules, carbon fiber and hollow glass microsphere. All components are mixed well to form the electromagnetic-wave absorbing material. The method for preparing the electromagnetic-wave absorbing materials includes steps of: mixing the liquid resin, carbon nanocapsules, carbon fiber and hollow glass microsphere well to form a slurry solution; pour the slurry solution into a mold; after curing and cooling, an electromagnetic-wave absorbing material is obtained. The electromagnetic-wave absorbing material with density ranging from 0.75 to 1.0 g/ml matches requirements of compact design and light weight in high technology industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a castable, aerogel-based, ultra-low thermal conductivity opacified insulation to suppress sublimation. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aerogel opacified with various opacifying or reflecting constituents to suppress sublimation and provide thermal insulation in thermoelectric modules. The opacifying constituent can be graded within the aerogel for increased sublimation suppression, and the density of the aerogel can similarly be graded to achieve optimal thermal insulation and sublimation suppression.

Abstract: A porous ceramic body comprises a plurality of fibers and a bonding system bonding a portion of at least two fibers of the plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The bonding system has a second coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. In some embodiments, when the plurality of fibers and the bonding system are combined the resulting porous ceramic body has a third coefficient of thermal expansion which is at least about 10% less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite capable of being located within a hollow interior portion of a structural material and being expanded therein. Also, articles of manufacture comprising open-cellular structural material containing within the open-cell or cell thereof, at least one sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite. The composite is desirably in the shape of a plug that is similar or close to similar to the shape of the hollow interior. In addition, there is described a process that comprises forming a pre-shaped sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite for use in reinforcing and stiffening a normally open-cellular structural material. Also described is a process for reinforcing or stiffening a normally open-cellular structure, any tubular structure, or any channel structure, by putting at least one sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite within a hollow interior portion of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are compaction resistant thin film composite membranes having a porous polymeric support; a semi-permeable polymer film polymerized on the porous polymeric support; and particles, of a size in the range of microparticles and nanoparticles, dispersed in the porous polymeric support. Also disclosed are methods of making compaction resistant membranes by polymerizing a polymer film on a porous polymeric support with particles of a size in the range of microparticles and nanoparticles dispersed therein, the particles having been selected to improve flux flow characteristics over time of the semi-permeable membrane. Also disclosed are methods of purifying water using the disclosed membranes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous ceramic media structure is provided. The method comprises preparing an aqueous solution that comprises ceramic fibers in a liquid carrier, adding a pore-forming, fibrous material to the aqueous solution, drying the aqueous solution to form a ceramic web, and removing the fibrous material from the ceramic web to thereby increase the porosity of the ceramic web.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at an improved method for forming two-tone trim panels for automobiles and the like, wherein the color demarcation line between color regions of the panel skin may be hidden in a narrow groove or joint. The groove in the formed skin may be formed by the expansion pressure of foam conforming the skin to a narrow projection in a foam mold. Alternatively, a narrow groove may be formed by skiving or embossing along the color demarcation line.

Abstract: Polymer molding processes, such as injection-molding processes, include use of a viscosity-reducing supercritical fluid additive resulting in less breakage of reinforcing fibers upon introduction into the mold.

Abstract: Mechanically reinforcing complex (3), intended for incorporation in a composite part (1) with injected resin based core (2), comprising a reinforcing textile structure (5), for impregnation in a thermoset resin conferring mechanical properties. It is characterized in that it comprises a layer of open-cell foam (4), present on the inner face of the complex (3), intended to come into contact with the resin of the injected core (2).

Abstract: A Yuga pad of the present invention includes a flexible foaming member with a plurality of reinforced fibers therein. The Yuga pad is made from a raw material mixed with the reinforced fibers and processed by extrusion and vulcanization. In the extrusion step, an extruder will force the reinforced fiber oriented substantially along an axial direction of the extruder. As a result, after vulcanization step the reinforced fibers in the flexible foaming member still are oriented substantially along a direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for acoustically and thermally shielding comprising a plate-shaped element. Said plate-shaped element comprises at least one layer of a woven metallic or plastic fabric having warp threads and weft threads, and said metallic or plastic tissue comprises pores. The warp threads and weft threads are not interlinked at their contact points by sintering.

Abstract: A method of making an article includes the steps of feeding fiber yarn, bundle or roving into a chopping device, chopping the fiber yarn, bundle or roving into fiber segments, texturizing the fiber segments, simultaneously introducing the fiber segments and a binder into a mold and molding the article.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane grinding tool is provided, the process including a step of mixing one or more types of polyol component selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols and polyester polyols with inorganic abrasive grains, a step of mixing an organic polyisocyanate component with inorganic abrasive grains, a step of uniformly mixing the polyol component mixed with the abrasive grains and the polyisocyanate component mixed with the abrasive grains by means of a rotary-static mixer, and a step of molding the mixture thus obtained by reacting the mixture in a mold.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for reinforcing, sealing or baffling a structure of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. The member preferably includes a carrier member and an activatable (e.g., expandable, curable or both) material disposed upon a surface of the carrier member. The carrier member is preferably formed of a thermosettable material such as a molding compound (e.g., a sheet or bulk molding compound).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing the baseball or softball for child, for exercise and for toy that has good security characteristics and similar playing characteristics to a conventional game ball. The invention provides the process of manufacturing a game ball wherein products with the same appearance as the conventional baseball can be obtained at a time by injecting, pressing and foaming the material of EVA alone or blend thereof. Thus, the process can decrease a danger of the ball currently used in the Little League greatly and provide a process of producing the game ball for child, exercise and toy that displays the uniform pattern and playing characteristics and has the high productivity.

Abstract: There are provided a plasticizing-kneading step of plasticizing a reinforcement fiber and a resin in a cylinder having a screw, and a metering-injecting step of supplying a physical foaming agent to the resin and injecting them into a cavity of a mold, after metering the necessary amount of resin for molding, a foaming-agent supplying step of supplying the physical foaming agent to the resin passed through a nozzle after being plasticized, and a mixing-dispersion promoting step of promoting mixing and dispersion of the physical foaming agent in the resin in a resin flow path from a supply portion of the physical foaming agent to the cavity of the mold. Accordingly, any breakage of reinforcement fiber is prevented and the mixing and dispersion of the physical foaming agent is improved.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for synthesizing hollow structured freestanding membrane having pore size of 2 to 200 nm which provides long-term stability that makes it viable for many practical applications such as protein separation and drug delivery.

Abstract: U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,354 issued May 15, 2001 describes an environmentally friendly and commercially practicable process for the production of microcellular polymer foams from amorphous, semi-crystalline and crystalline polymers which involves consolidating the polymer, saturating the polymer with an inert gas at elevated temperature and under elevated pressure, and controllably cooling, i.e. quenching the saturated polymer under a variety of temperature and pressure conditions to produce either a closed or open celled microcellular foam or a high density microcellular foam. It has now been discovered that a process similar to that described in this patent can be used for the production of nanocomposite and molecular-composite foams that exhibit exceptional physical properties.

Abstract: A compound permitting the economic production of packaging containers, which when activated produces concentrated amounts of CO2 gas for extended periods for preservation of perishable products therein, comprises a mixture including a CO2 generating portion incorporated within a polymer matrix. Preferably, the mixture includes citric acid; calcium carbonate, and polyethylene resin. More preferably, the mixture includes a mixture of a carboxylic acid (0.1–40%); a hydrogen carbonate (0.1–40%) and any polyolefin resin. Even more preferably, the mixture includes a mixture including (0.01–40%) Citric Acid; (0.01–40%); and 30–75% polyethylene resin. Most preferably, the mixture includes by weight 12% citric acid; 38% calcium carbonate; and 50% low density polyethylene resin with a melt index of 20 and a density of 0.924 g/cc. Alternatively, the carboxylic acid and hydrogen carbonate components are compounded into separate polymer matrixes, and later combined.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a marine seismic streamer includes a conveyor for transporting assembled mechanical harness from a storage device therefor to a storage device for storing completed marine streamer. The apparatus includes a first extruder for filling the harness with a void fill material and a second extruder for depositing jacketing material onto the filled harness both extruders being intermediate the two storage devices. A means for changing state of the void filling material is disposed proximate an outlet of the first extruder. In one embodiment, the means for changing state includes a radiation source.