Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a release liner adapted to separate adjacent layers of an elastomeric material. The release liner, which can be a woven fabric, is made, at least in part, from a fibrillated yarn. The fibrillated yarn provides a more textured surface to the release liner than a multifilament yarn of the same material, which allows the release liner to be easily separable from the elastomeric material. The release liner made according to the present invention is durable and can be used repeatedly before being replaced.

Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system is constructed of a plurality of panels of uncoated fabric. Respective of the panels have been processed to achieve a selected air permeability with greater accuracy on a lot-to-lot basis than had generally been achieved with uncoated fabrics of the prior art. In one presently preferred methodology, a plurality of fluid jets, preferably water jets, are utilized to impact panels of the uncoated fabric under selected operating conditions. Pores created by the fluid jets may be heat set to achieve a selected permeability. Fluid jet processing may also be utilized to produce a fabric having a selected thread count.

Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system is constructed of a plurality of panels of uncoated fabric. Respective of the panels have been processed to achieve a selected air permeability with greater accuracy on a lot-to-lot basis than had generally been achieved with uncoated fabrics of the prior art. In one presently preferred methodology, the panels are first calendered under selected temperature and pressure conditions such that a low reference permeability is achieved. Next, respective of the panels may be needled such that the permeability is raised from the low reference permeability to a selected permeability level. Alternatively, a plurality of fluid jets, preferably water jets, may be utilized to impact panels of the uncoated fabric under selected operating conditions. Pores created by the fluid jets may be heat set to achieve a selected permeability.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag including a first panel of calendered uncoated fabric with a permeability of less than approximately 2 CFM at a pressure drop of 0.5 inches of water and at least one second panel of calendered uncoated fabric of the same yarn and weave type as the first panel operatively associated with the first panel. The at least one second panel has a permeability of greater than approximately 2 CFM at a pressure drop of 0.5 inches of water. At least one of the panels is constructed of a fabric having been processed to a controlled higher permeability subsequent to calendering.