Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bulk-stretched pillowed laminate of two or more layers in which at least one of the layers is stretched before other layers are attached to it. In one execution, a thermoplastic film is stretched until it permanently deforms. Then, while still in a stretched state, a nonwoven web is laminated to the film and the resultant composite is allowed to relax slightly causing the nonwoven layer to gather and pucker, which in turn gives the composite a thicker and bulkier feel and appearance. The material of the present invention, while having a wide variety of uses, is particularly well-suited for use as an outercover for personal care absorbent articles, including diapers, training pants and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: A waterproof felted material (10) has a thermoplastic polyolefin sheet (20) to which a thermoplastic fibrous polyolefin matting (30) is bonded with a portion of the fibers of the matting (40) embedded in and fused to the thermoplastic polyolefin sheet. A solidifying coating (50) may be applied to the matting.

Abstract: A method and a pre-form for strengthening a substrate structural member. Layers are applied to a surface of a substrate where the layers include dry fibre reinforcement materials. A reduced pressure is then applied to the layers and a curable resin is introduced to the layers such that the resin is drawn therethrough until the interstices therein are substantially filled with the resin. The resin is then cured. The layers are preferably woven fabric and may include resin distribution layers of relatively low weave density and high permeability and reinforcement layers of higher weave density and lower permeability. The layers may be provided as a pre-form.

Abstract: A sacrificial fabric structure is disclosed for protection from the moving chain in chain saws. The structure includes fabric woven in a loose satin weave.

Abstract: Improved pin-reinforced sandwich structure ties the face sheets (typically on opposite sides of a foam core) together with a plurality of Z-pins that extend into each face sheet (through the core). The pins are arranged in a tetrahedral or hat section configuration in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional arrangements to provide enhanced reinforcement, particularly in shear. We are able to improve the pulloff strength additionally by dimpling the core surrounding the pins to produce adhesive fillets along the pins.

Abstract: A two-layer material suitable for use as a barrier layer for a cushion sock in a foam-in-place process is formed by bonding a discontinuous adhesive layer to a pinhole-free, lubricant-free barrier layer. The discontinuous adhesive layer has a melting temperature higher than 180 degrees Fahrenheit. A foam cushion is molded adjacent the cushion sock by first attaching a barrier layer to the cushion sock, and vacuum drawing the cushion sock attached to the barrier layer over a mold. The cushion sock and the barrier layer are then heated to a temperature no higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit to bond the cushion sock and the barrier layer together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-supporting laminate filter medium having an electret lofty spunbond web and an electret microfiber web, wherein the spunbond web has a density between about 0.01 g/cm.sup.3 and about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to making nonwoven fabrics which are durable for machine washing and durable for other wet and hard use or abusive applications. The inventive fabrics comprise two layers of fabric sheet bonded together at closely spaced locations where the bonding includes fibers from both fabrics thoroughly involved with the binder. The inventive fabrics retain the qualities of a spunlaced nonwoven fabric which include low cost, comfort, drapability, softness, absorbency, breathability and others while having the durability comparable to traditional knitted or woven fabrics.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly stretchable fabric having an elongation percentage of 5 to 45% and a recovery percentage of elongation of at least 70% and comprising spun yarns serving at least as warps or wefts, the fabric being characterized in that the spun yarns contain two-component composite fibers comprising a highly shrinkable polyester component A and a polyester component B less shrinkable than the polyester component A, the composite fibers being so oriented that in the vicinity 5 of the crests of weaving crimps of the spun yarn, the polyester component A faces toward the inner side of the crimps. The invention also provides a process for producing the fabric. The fabric is excellent in stretchability and recovery from elongation and is capable of retaining its appearance and hand.

Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Abstract: Improved pin-reinforced sandwich structure ties the face sheets (typically on opposite sides of a foam core) together with a plurality of Z-pins that extend into each face sheet (through the core). The pins are arranged in a tetrahedral or hat section configuration in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional arrangements to provide enhanced reinforcement, particularly in shear. We are able to improve the pulloff strength additionally by dimpling the core surrounding the pins to produce adhesive fillets along the pins.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularlycontainers and packaging materials, having a particle packed, highly inorganically filled, cellular matrix are disclosed. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together a starch-based binder, a solvent, inorganic aggregates, and optimal admixtures, e.g., fibers, mold-releasing agents, rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures have a predetermined viscosity and are heated between molds at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce form-stable articles having a desired shape and a selectively controlled cellular, structural matrix. The molded articles may be placed in a high humidity chamber to obtain the necessary flexibility for their intended use.

Abstract: Improved processes are provided for treating a porous substrate (especially a fabric) to produce novel internally coated porous materials. During treatment, a curable thixotropic material and one or modifying materials are applied to the porous substrate as an impregnant. The treatment imparts specific properties to the end product material. Selection of the modifier material is based on the particular end use application. Sufficient energy is directed to the impregnant and porous substrate to cause the impregnant to flow into the porous substrate and force the modifier to specific positions within the substrate.

Abstract: A gel-fiber glass (GFG) is a newly-formed sol-gel glass polymerized from tetramethoxysilane on the surface of activated glass wool fibers or activated fibrous glass. GFG is a support for trapped chemical or biochemical reagents. A thin layer of reagents trapped in gel glass during its preparation is present on the surface of a lattice of glass fibers. Columns for affinity chromatography were prepared from the GFG membranes with entrapped antigens or antibodies and were used to isolate different proteins, including tumor-associated antigens; GFG membrane demonstrated high effectiveness and stability, and can isolate proteins in extremely high amounts. The membranes can be used in diagnostic practice, generation of specific antibodies and therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creation of a textile fabric that has been patterned with a selective application of heat, which provides a carved portion in registry with a color change. The textile fabric includes a blend of fibers of a first polymer having a first color with fibers of a second polymer having fibers of a second color. The melting point of the first fibers exceeds that of the second fibers. When patterned with a selective application of heat that exceeds that of the second fibers but is less than that of the first fibers, the second fibers melt away leaving the first fibers with the first color dominating. In the uncarved areas, the resulting color is a blend of the first color and the second color.

Abstract: A felt, especially for the press part of a papermaking machine, comprises at least one support belt and at least one fiber belt deposited on and affixed to it. In order to impart to such a felt improved operational properties while retaining adequate transverse stability and in order to manufacture it at substantially lower cost, the support belt(s) 45, 50, 57, 58, 64, 71, 72 each are composed of at least one support-belt strip 46, 51, 52, 59, 60, 65, 66, 73, 74, 75 with a width less than that of the support belt(s) 45, 50, 57, 58, 64, 71, 72 , said strip(s) being continuously wound essentially in the direction of advance of the felt 42, 47, 53, 61, 67 and also spirally transverse to it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing modified, fiber-reinforced xerogels having porosities greater than 60% and xerogel matrix densities below 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 and to their use as thermal insulating material.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved sheet products and specifically to improved nonwoven sheet products made from highly oriented plexifilamentary film-fibril webs. The improved sheet products have high opacity and strength with a much wider range of porosity or Gurley Hill Porosity Values. In particular, sheet products made in accordance with the present invention have considerably higher Gurley Hill Porosity Values than similar weight sheet products subject to the same finishing treatments in accordance with prior known sheet materials. Similarly, sheet products made in accordance with the present invention can be made which have much lower Gurley Hill Porosity Values than prior sheet materials. The invention includes numerous methods and data characterizing the webs and sheets that form the improved sheet materials.

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition that is capable of adhering to the surface of various kinds of substrates, in particular woven fabrics or the like in the absence of an adhesion promoter or coupling agent. The composition of the present invention includes a catalyst system which enhances the cure rate of the silicone compound. Strong adhesion of the silicone rubber coating composition to the substrate is achieved at high coating speeds using a mixture of an organopolysiloxane, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane resin and a catalyst system. The catalyst system is made up of either an unaccompanied platinum catalyst or a dual system utilizing a platinum catalyst and a peroxide curing agent. The silicone rubber composition is particularly suitable as a coating for airbag fabrics.