Abstract: An article exhibiting insulating or cushioning properties includes a multi-layered one-piece woven textile having opposed first and second faces and a continuous circumscribing peripheral edge therebetween. A first outer surface of the article is defined by a fluid-impervious laminate first sheet secured to the first face of the textile that includes a first fabric carrying a fluid-impervious melt-adhesive sealing film. A second outer surface of the article is defined by a fluid-impervious laminate second sheet secured to the second face of the textile that includes a second fabric carrying a fluid-impervious melt-adhesive sealing film. A continuous fluid-impervious seal is formed between the first sheet and the second sheet circumscribes the peripheral edge of the textile. The sealing film of each sheet is bonded to a respective face of the textile. The article is suitable for incorporation into a light-weight construction configured for rugged outdoor use.

Abstract: The present invention provides thickened fabrics and reinforcements for use as a spacer or reinforcement for a matrix system. The fabric includes in a first embodiment a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated, resulting in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin or bonding agent, for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making such fabric by increasing the thickness of a woven or non-woven material by such methods as applying tension during weaving operations, or using unbalanced yarns.

Abstract: A molded article having both of sufficient strength and peel resistance, especially a heat insulating material for a high temperature furnace, is provided. A carbon fiber-containing stacked molded article 1 comprises a substrate 10 composed of first carbon fibers piled, and a woven fabric layer 20 located on at least one surface of the substrate 10, and composed of carbon fiber spun yarns 21 including second carbon fibers 22 having an average fiber diameter of 12 ?m or less, and third carbon fibers 23 having an average fiber diameter in excess of 12 ?m.

Abstract: A process for enhancing a gripping area of an object, providing a frictionally enhanced, moisture repellent, sure-grip gripping surface, achieved by less than a one second ultra-violet radiation curing of an ultraviolet-curable coating applied over an ultra-thin, less than 0.001 inches thin, polymeric woven or knitted fiber such as nylon, spandex, or blends that has been positioned about the gripping surface area of an object to be gripped. This inexpensive three step process uses commonly available, low-cost materials and minimal energy, is environmentally friendly and does not require repeated steps, thermosetting, vulcanization, caustic chemicals, molds, molding techniques, or gluing a molded cover onto a surface.

Abstract: The pre-consolidated spunbonded web (A) comprises continuous microfilaments having a diameter (D1) less or equal to 15 ?m, and bonding dots having a density higher than or equal to 90 dots/cm2, and more preferably higher than or equal to 100 dots/cm2. This pre-consolidated spunbonded web (A) is used preferably for making composite nonwoven, more especially hydroentangled composite nonwoven (AJBfC) comprising said pre-consolidated spunbonded web (A), and an absorbent pulp layer (P), and a carded or spunbonded cover layer (C).

Abstract: A laminate is made by first treating two spun-bond webs formed of endless thermoplastic synthetic-resin filaments with wetting agents. Then a layer of hydrophilic fibers is applied to one of the treated spun-bond webs and then the other of the treated spun-bond webs is applied to the layer of hydrophilic fibers on the one treated spun-bond web. Finally the two treated spun-bond webs and the layer of hydrophilic fibers between them are hydrodynamically consolidated together.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for continuous production of a textile structure resistant to perforation and penetration, comprising the steps consisting in: a) simultaneously weaving two fabric elements overlapped and spaced from each other, wherein at least the warp or chain threads of the upper fabric element and the weft threads of the lower fabric element, or vice-versa, comprise ballistic threads; b) inserting, during said weaving step, at least one intermediate layer between said upper fabric element and said lower fabric element; c) joining the assembly of the two upper and lower fabric elements interposed between which is said intermediate layer to obtain a multilayer textile structure.

Abstract: A multi-region device for repair, regeneration or reconstruction in articular tissue injury such as torn ligaments and tendons is provided. The device comprises at least one degradable material and biocompatible non-degradable polymeric fiber-based material, in a three-dimensional braided scaffold. The two end sections are designed for attachment of the device at the site of implantation and are designed to allow bone cell ingrowth, and one or more middle regions are designed to allow ligament or tendon cell ingrowth.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the thermal conductivity of fabrics by surface coating of the fabrics with high thermal conductivity materials 6. The fabrics may be surface coated when they are individual fibers or strands 4, bundles of strands, formed fabric or combinations therefore. A particular type of fibrous matrix used with the present invention is glass. Some fabrics may be a combination of more than one type of material, or may have different materials in alternating layers. HTC coatings of the present invention include diamond like coatings (DLC) and metal oxides, nitrides, carbides and mixed stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric combinations that can be applied to the host matrix.

Abstract: Implants (20, 22) and methods of making the implants for treating bodily defects or remodeling tissue. The implants have a low density and open pores (49) which may permit tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A spherical annular seal member 39 includes a spherical annular base member 37 defined by a cylindrical inner surface 33, a partially convex spherical surface 34, and an annular end faces 35 and 36; and an outer layer 38 formed integrally on the partially convex spherical surface 34 of the spherical annular base member 37. The spherical annular base member 37 includes a reinforcing member 5 made from a metal wire net and a heat-resistant material 6 filling meshes of the metal wire net of the reinforcing member 5 and formed integrally with the reinforcing member 5 in mixed form.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a plurality of fiber tape strips woven or braided together. Each of the plurality of fiber tape strips is made of a single layer of unidirectional fibers. The fibers are at least partially embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. A tubular composite part is made from this composite material and of an internal film. A method of manufacturing the composite material comprises weaving or braiding the fiber tape strips, especially in the form of a tube. A method of manufacturing a composite part comprises pressurizing the film inside the tube while heating both the tube and the film up to their forming temperature so as to bond the film to the woven fiber tape strips.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet excellent in repulsive feeling is provided by a leather-like sheet substantially including a fibrous material which is a leather-like sheet in which a staple fiber nonwoven fabric (A) in which ultra-fine fibers of an average single fiber fineness of 0.0001 to 0.5 dtex and an average fiber length of 1 to 10 cm are entangled with each other and a woven or knitted fabric (B) including a conjugate fiber in which two or more polyesters are disposed in side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core relationship are laminated.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional wound packing member is described, the method comprising the steps of: taking material selected from at least one of the following forms comprising perforated sheet, net, woven, non-woven and knitted material; subjecting the at least one material to at least one forming process selected from the processes comprising rolling into tubes, braiding, knotting and knitting to form a three-dimensional and resilient structural unit member for packing into a wound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making fire resistant materials, such as fabrics or barriers, comprising the steps of selecting cellulosic fibers and optionally synthetic fibers; feeding a machinery serving to make the nonwoven material with the fibers, and treating the fibers at least one time with at least one fire retardant chemical compound while the machinery is making the non-woven material for obtaining the requested fire resistant nonwoven material. Preferably, an aqueous solution containing the fire retardant chemical compounds is spread on the nonwoven web before, during and/or after the web is heated up during a thermo bonding step of the process. The process is environmentally friendly and allows for higher impregnation of the fibers with fire retardant chemicals.

Abstract: Weave is a process for fabricating freeform shells, proceeding from a precise definition of a given desired final three-dimensional shape of such a shell, to an optimized parametric mesh of said shape, to physical battens which, once fastened at calculated crossings, realize the final object of use. The initial iso-parametric mesh may be triangulated for increased rigidity. Such a mesh's battens' geometry is precisedly controlled by Weave such that the shell under construction automatically takes on, as it is fastened, the shape and dimensions of the designed fabrication without explicit registration or alignment. Weave places minimal constraints on shape type, complexity, scale and material. Minimal tools are required for preparing and fastening the battens, and no special construction skills or building environment are needed.

Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcing medical balloons in order to withstand high internal pressures without excessive dilation of the reinforced balloon. The method calls for the use of continuous filament high modulus yarns in a braided structure, pressurizing the balloon, inserting the pressurized balloon inside the braided structure, applying axial tension on the braid, thus causing the braided structure to collapse onto and conform to the shape of the pressurized balloon and bonding the reinforcement braid yarns to the exterior surface of the pressurized balloon.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a fiber-reinforced resin strand including spreaders that spread a reinforcing fiber bundle and are provided inside a crosshead to which a molten resin material is supplied continuously from an extruding machine, twisting rollers provided at a downstream position from an exit nozzle of the crosshead and that pultrude a fiber-reinforced resin strand formed of a resin-impregnated fiber bundle from the exit nozzle while imparting twists thereto, and twist retaining rollers provided at a downstream position from the twisting rollers and that retain twists of the fiber-reinforced resin strand. The twisting rollers and the twist retaining rollers are made of metal with asperities being formed on the surface thereof. The manufacturing apparatus can achieve excellent durability and is capable of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin strand at a high production rate without causing slipping.

Abstract: A catheter includes a braid assembly having a dual-laminate coating. The braid assembly includes a plurality of braid members interwoven to provide for interstices between the braid members, each braid member having an electrically conductive element, a flexible non-electrically-conductive polymer coating that insulates the electrically conductive element and a thermoplastic bonding adhesive coating. The braid assembly is formed between an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer. One or more of the braid members may be coupled to an energy delivery element.

Abstract: A method of joining laminate panels includes providing at least two laminate panels and joining together the seam areas of the at least two laminate panels by forming at least one seam. Each laminate panel includes at least one layer of textile material having a first thickness in a non-seam area and a second thickness in a seam area. The second thickness is less than the first thickness. An article of manufacture includes at least two laminate panels joined together at the seam areas of the at least two laminate panels by forming at least one seam. Each laminate panel includes at least one layer of textile material having a first thickness in a non-seam area and a second thickness in a seam area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibrous structure comprising at least one mat of discontinuous thermoplastic fibers partially bound together, wherein said fibers can be dyed and are transferred to one or more backup fabric structures so as to create a resistant binding between the layers while maintaining a continuous felt-like surface appearance of the assembly thus obtained. This structure can produce in a continuous manner. Upon the application of appropriate pressure and temperature, the structure provides composite materials that do not require any additional surface-finishing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer, composite, fleece material having a core layer and at least one cover layer attached to the core layer, where the at least one cover layer is needled with the core layer such that fibers of the at least one cover layer protrude into the core layer. The multilayer, composite, fleece material is intended for use in the manufacture of interior panels of vehicles and to have improved mechanical properties, low thermal conductivity, very low tendency to produce emissions, and good acoustic properties when used for that purpose, as well as enable its inexpensive manufacture.

Abstract: A process for producing resin-impregnated laminate composite structures that comprise a closed-cell core between resin-impregnated fabric layers, and preliminary and composite structures formed by such a process. The process includes stitching a roving in a preliminary structure that includes the core so as to structurally reinforce the core. The roving passes through through-holes in the core and traverses opposite outer surfaces of the preliminary structure. The outer surfaces of the preliminary structure traversed by the roving may be defined by outer surfaces of the core, or the preliminary structure may further include two or more fabric layers on outer surfaces of the core such that the core is between the fabric layers, the roving passes through one or more fabric layers, and at least one of the outer surfaces of the preliminary structure and traversed by the roving is defined by a fabric layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical-modulation object, including birefringent island-in-the-sea yarns, whose island portions are grouped, based on two or more spinning cores, in a matrix. The optical-modulation object causes formation of an optical modulation interface between island portions and sea portions, thus maximizing optical modulation efficiency, as compared to conventional birefringent island-in-the-sea yarns.

Abstract: A composite fabric product comprises at least one layer of textile material and at least one layer of melted plastic material, wherein non-melting textile material is embedded in at least one of the said layers of melted plastic material, and wherein filaments or yarns located in at least one of said layers of textile material extend into said at least one layer of melted plastic material and interlace with the non-melting textile material embedded therein.

Abstract: A coated airbag is provided. In another aspect, a method of extrusion coating an air impermeable material onto a one-piece woven airbag fabric is employed. Another aspect preheats a fabric such that the fabric remains hot during a coating application thereon. Furthermore, a machine for making and coating an airbag fabric is also provided.

Abstract: A method for the production of a textile semifinished product consisting of a fibre nonwoven fabric for use as a preform for the production of components composed of fibre-reinforced plastic, in which the fibres are converted by laying/assembling/draping into a fibre nonwoven fabric in the shape of a band corresponding to the power absorptions of the respective component to be generated, being provided with required UD fibre portions and/or thermoplastic fibres and furthermore the fibre architecture of the band is permanently fixed by pre-defined seams.

Abstract: A conveyor belt reinforcing fabric weave is disclosed, having a plurality of center tension warps crimped about a plurality of middle wefts. Upper and lower wefts lie above and below the middle wefts. The upper and lower wefts are in opposition to each other and in non-opposition with the center wefts. Binder warps are interlaced above and below the central tension warps in alternating sequence, with at least one of the binder warps interlacing upper and lower wefts other than those interlaced by an adjacent binder warp. Interlacing of the middle wefts by the central tension warps locks the wefts in place, providing enhanced resistance to faster pullout. The lack of straight tension warps provides a highly flexible fabric that can be used in multi-ply applications. A conveyor belt incorporating one or more plies of the inventive fabric is disclosed, as is a method for manufacturing the belt.

Abstract: The invention discloses a fastener made from a carbon/carbon composite and a manufacturing technique thereof. The fastener can be adopted in a high-temperature furnace or corrosive environment to replace a graphite fastener or a molybdenum fastener, and is made from carbon fiber via the steps of felt making, densifying, plastifying modification, machining and purifying.

Abstract: Process for producing fabrics comprising at least one layer of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes with the tapes comprising at least a core component, the process comprises the steps of forming at least one layer of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes in a weaving machine with the polymeric tapes being used as warp yarn and a binding thread being used as weft yarn or with the polymeric tapes being used as weft yarn and a binding thread being used as warp yarn and subsequently consolidating the at least one monolayer using pressure and heat, characterised in that the melting temperature of the binding yarns lies below the consolidating temperature and the melting temperature of the core component of the polymeric tapes lies above the consolidating temperature.

Abstract: The following invention discloses a type of electronic circuits that is realized directly on textile. The circuit has opto-electronic functions that are realized with a number of components integrated into the textile. These components comprise electronically and/or optically active material, that are supported by fabric elements. The components furthermore include an electrolyte. The components have lest two separated structures of an active material, and the electrolyte is in direct contact with the two separated active structures in that component. The separated structures can control their electrical and optical character through the electrolyte. These types of devices are very suitable for implementation in textile, since they are quite insensitive to the spacing between the separated active structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of high-strength ribbons having a high modulus of elasticity made of a highly molecular polyolefin, wherein the polyolefins, particularly polypropylene and polyethylene, are extruded through a slotted nozzle, are then subjected to a temperature of 85° to 135° C. for a duration of at least one second, the films are then cut into individual ribbons, if necessary, and stretched at temperatures between 90° and 165° C. in one or more steps, are rolled up or further processed directly into textiles or technical flexible sheet materials. The ribbons can be laminated into multi-layer flexible sheet materials by using adhesives or adhesion promoters, the flexible sheet materials being particularly suitable as protection from ballistic projectiles. In this case particularly in the form of plate-shaped or flexible compound bodies.

Abstract: A method of making a linear heater includes the following steps. Firstly, a linear supporter is provided. Secondly, a carbon nanotube structure is made. Thirdly, the carbon nanotube structure is attached on a surface of the linear supporter. Finally, at least two electrodes are provided and electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: Leather sheet material is made by hydroentangling a web (4) of mixed reclaimed leather fibers and synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers are meltable bicomponent fibers which are heated prior to entanglement to fuse and form a supporting network for the leather fibers. A sheet of tissue paper (1a) is laid over the surface of the leather fiber web (4) and hydroentanglement jets (16) are directed through the tissue paper into the web.

Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a non-woven fabric that is excellent in bulkiness, flexibility, and feeling, in which less fibers drop out even in the case wherein the non-woven fabric is used for an application such as clothing items and a wiping cloth in which a surface of a non-woven fabric is rubbed, that is, excellent in a lint-free property. A mixed continuous fiber non-woven fabric in accordance with the present invention is characterized by comprising a split continuous fiber and a crimped continuous fiber, and is preferably characterized in that a total amount of the crimped continuous fiber is in the range of 10 to 90% by weight (where a total weight of a split continuous fiber and a crimped continuous fiber is 100% by weight).

Abstract: A woven fabric that is characterized by retaining its shape once formed and that includes monofilament filling yarns that are disposed in at least two separate plies, ground yarns that weave alternatively over and under respective monofilament yarns, stuffer yarns that extend in the direction between monofilament filling yarns of respective plies and binder yarns that extend between monofilament filling yarns of respective plies. Also disclosed is a method of forming a woven fabric into a permanent shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-strength lightweight tufted backing, particularly for use as primary or secondary carpet backing, comprising at least one ply of melt-spun synthetic filaments, which are bonded by means of high-energy water jets, characterized in that it includes a small amount of a thermally activatable binding agent, which is applied onto the ply of melt-spun filaments in the form of at least one thin layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides thickened fabrics and reinforcements for use as a spacer or reinforcement for a matrix system. The fabric includes in a first embodiment a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns containing glass fibers. A portion of the weft yarns are undulated into a sinusoidal path forming a generally “C” shaped bridge between adjacent warp yarns which results in an increased thickness for the fabric. The fabric is coated with a polymeric resin or bonding agent, for substantially binding the weft yarns in the undulated condition. This invention also includes methods for making such fabric by increasing the thickness of a woven or non-woven material by such methods as applying tension to warp yarns having opposite twists during weaving operations, or using unbalanced yarns, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for forming a multilayer construction, and the multilayer constructions including at least one layer of an elastic meltblown fabric, the process comprising extruding one or more polyolefin polymer (e.g., a propylene-?-olefin copolymer) having a MFR from less than 90 dg/min through at least one die having a plurality of nozzles to form a plurality of continuous fibers, at least one die operating at a melt pressure from greater than 500 psi (3.45 MPa) to form at least one elastic meltblown fabric, and adhering the at least one elastic meltblown fabric to at least one extensible fabric.

Abstract: Thermal compression moldable nonwoven multilayered fibrous batts having substantially uniform density are provided, which are useful, for example, for fabrication of multi-density molded parts, such as multi-density molded vehicle liners. The nonwoven multilayered fibrous batts of uniform density comprising needle-punched first and second (and optionally third and/or fourth) fibrous batt layers formed with different fiber blends, wherein the multilayered batt can be molded into acoustical parts having multi-densities.

Abstract: A hydroentangled nonwoven material (8), includes a mixture of randomized continuous filaments (3) and natural fibres (5), wherein at least part of the staple fibres and/or the continuous filaments includes thermoplastic material. The nonwoven material is bonded in a non-random bonding pattern including a plurality of bonding sites (14) in which thermoplastic material included in the nonwoven material has been caused to at least partly soften or melt to create thermal bonds between the continuous filaments. The nonwoven material includes no other thermal bonds between the filaments than provided by the non-random bonding pattern. The nonwoven material may also contain synthetic staple fibers (6).

Abstract: A shag rug and method of making the same using smooth bamboo yarns formed in chenille pile. The smooth bamboo yarns have a low coefficient of friction and thus the rug and method utilize a blend of bamboo and combed cotton. The blended yarns are formed into chenille and shag of a dense woven character with a subtle sheen. To augment the bamboo yarns, blends of other fibers provide a cotton canvas base for the rug and a backing cloth beneath the base along with a polypropylene border. The blends of fibers vary according to the intended use and location of the shag rug. The shag rug of bamboo resists damage from water, mold, and mildew while limiting the retention of allergens in the bamboo fibers. The bamboo shag rug can be readily cleaned and dried.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a tubular fabric having an attachment flap for attachment to a second fabric, the method comprising providing a support yarn, a first fusible yarn and a second fusible yarn, wherein the yarns are formed into a tubular fabric having an attachment flap and the first fusible yarn is arranged so that, when it is melted and subsequently cooled, it forms a barrier in the tubular fabric to penetration by an underwire and the second fusible yarn is arranged in the attachment flap so that, in use, it can be fused to a second fabric.

Abstract: A device for obtaining off-axis reinforcement of a woven object. The device is made up of a fixed mandrel and a rotating mandrel. The rotating mandrel is connected to the fixed mandrel by a shaft that rotates through the middle of the fixed mandrel. The shaft allows the rotating mandrel to move up and down in relation to the fixed mandrel. A portion of the woven object can be clamped to the fixed mandrel while a second portion of the woven object can be clamped to the rotating mandrel. When rotated, the rotating mandrel causes the warp fibers in the woven object to twist off the 0° direction while fill or hoop fibers remain substantially parallel to the 90° direction.

Abstract: A laminated body for a vehicle includes a surface material, a cushion material, and a backing cloth that are stacked. The backing cloth is formed by stacking a plurality of short fibers so that the short fibers are oriented in different directions that cross each other, and then, three-dimensionally interlacing the short fibers with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a non-woven mat to be used as a reinforcement for a frame in a flexible sealing membrane. The method is characterised in that it includes providing vegetable-origin natural fibres optionally mixed with a minority of thermoplastic or thermofusible fibres, forming a non-woven mat or web by mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic batting, submitting the web to two successive consolidation operations including a needle punching operation and a binding operation with a chemical binder or by a thermal processing preferably under pressure, and finally submitting the non-woven consolidated web to a process for the hydrophobation of the fibres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite container floorboard having a structural strand-based board as the core material and its fabrication method thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite laminates that can exhibit high strength and/or low dielectric loss and can also be lightweight. The laminates include layers formed of high modulus polyolefin fiber. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric that can be one or more layers of the composite structures. The layers including the high modulus polyolefin fibers can include other fibers, such as fiberglass. The composites can also include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates, or in applications beneficially combining strength with low weight, such as automobile and boat materials.

Abstract: A filter coalescer cartridge for treating jet fuels is disclosed. The filter coalescer cartridge has spaced apart filter/coalescer layers to effectively remove particulate contaminates and water from the transient fuel being treated. The outer most layer is a knitted sock material formed from cotton threads including a metallic silver disposed thereon to provide an anti-microbial property to the sock material.

Abstract: Rigid, non-woven fibre panels that are used as privacy screens, partitioning, room dividers or as workstation surrounds, for example, are described. The panels are strong and may be self supporting, have good acoustic properties, and preferably have a substantially smooth surface. They are made from a single, substantially homogeneous, layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres, of which a substantial proportion may be of recycled PET. The panels are generally produced by mixing PET fibres into a web, which is then carded, cross-lapped, needle punched, calendered and thermally bonded, preferably using a heated roller.