Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article of fibre reinforced resin material includes the preparation of a reinforcement preform which includes one or more roves of staple fibres with sufficiently low twist to enable the fibres to slide relative to each other and thereby the rove to elongate when subjected to tension. The reinforcement preform is shaped by deforming the preform into the desired three dimensional shape of the article being manufactured. The shaping can be carried out before, after or simultaneously with impregnation with matrix material. The matrix material may be thermoplastic material incorporated in or with the preform.

Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A composite elastic material includes a layer of ribbon-shaped elastomeric elements disposed in machine direction alignment and point bonded to an extensible layer which may be a gatherable layer or a stretchable layer. A layer of meltblown elastomeric fibers may be bonded to the layer of elastomeric ribbon-shaped elements before bonding to the extensible layer. The elastic composite has excellent cohesion, controlled breathability to air and water vapor, an opaque appearance, and is easy to cut and convert to end use products such as garments, pads, diapers, and personal care products where elasticity is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base inliner comprising a textile sheet material and a reinforcement, wherein said reinforcement comprises monofilaments whose diameter is at least 0.1 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 1 mm. The base inliner is useful for producing optionally bituminized roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: To prevent a long molding from bending during drying and hardening in a drying furnace after braiding. A pair of rotatable joints 2 and 3 are used as a stretching jig for a long braiding mandrel, the joints are connected to the respective ends of the mandrel, and a loading means 16 is used to stretch the mandrel via the joints to apply tension to it.

Abstract: A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric comprises a web of bonded thermoplastic filaments of a thermoplastic elastomer. The spunbonded fabrics of the invention are prepared in a slot draw spunbonding process operated at a rate of less than about 2000 meters per minute. The elastic fabric is used in absorbent products, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, and as coverstock for absorbent personal care products.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming a composite structure comprised of a three-dimensional fabric including first and second sheets of fabric which face each other and which are connected by intermediate yarn, the method including providing a continuous supply of three-dimensional fabric; impregnating the three-dimensional fabric with resin which is thermoreactive; mating the three-dimensional fabric with a first outer strip which contacts the first sheet of fabric, and a second outer strip which contacts the second sheet of fabric to form a stratified structure containing the impregnated three-dimensional fabric; feeding the stratified structure along a path in a feed direction X which is straight; heating the stratified structure to at least partially polymerize the resin between the first outer strip and the first sheet of fabric and between the second outer strip and the second sheet of fabric, while the resin impregnating the intermediate yarn of the three-dimensional fabric remains substantially in the pla

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making an elastomeric web. Generally stated, the process includes moving a first web (26) along an appointed machine-direction (28) of the process, and delivering a plurality of elastomeric strands (30) moving along the machine-direction. The elastomeric strands (30) have been elastomerically stretch to an elongation of at least about 50 percent, and the plurality of elastomeric strands (30) have been laterally distributed along an appointed cross-direction (32) of the process. The elastomeric strands (30) are positioned at a spaced distance (34) from the first web (26), and an adhesive is applied to the elastomeric strands (30) and the first web (26) while the elastomeric strands are at the spaced distance (34) from the first web (26). A second web (36) is laminated to the first web (26) with the elastomeric strands (30) sandwiched between the first and second webs to provide an elastomeric laminate, composite web (24) attached together with the adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.

Abstract: Small compression type injection site in the form of a self-sealing septum-like member that is self-sealing for hypodermic needle punctures and the like and a method of manufacture. Compressive stresses are introduced into a stretched elastomeric rod, whereby the decreased diameter cross section is maintained by placing a wrapping around and about the stretched rod and adhesively sealing it thereto. Sliced cross-sectional pieces of the rod then provide injection sites to be incorporated into the wall of an implantable prosthesis as by bonding or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a scanning device, also termed a pick-up, for optical recording media, which can be produced with a low outlay and thus cost-effectively, and in comparative terms has a low tilt of the objective lens and improved guidance properties. According to the invention, during the connection of an objective lens holder and actuator base plate, a prestress is applied to wires provided as elastic support of the objective lens holder on an actuator base plate. Scanning devices produced according to the invention for optical recording media have a low tilt of the objective lens and improved guidance properties.

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded nonwoven fabric having repeating patterns of stitches in a fibrous layer is prepared with a stitching thread that consists essentially of fiber of partially molecularly oriented synthetic organic polymer. The fabric can be stretched, shrunken, and/or heat set and is particularly suited for thermoforming operations.

Abstract: After sanding the upper surface 6 of a concrete slab 2, thermosetting resin 13 is poured onto the upper surface, and a unidirectional reinforcing fiber sheet is laid on the resin 13. The reinforcing fiber sheet is supported on the upper surface of the slab at the ends of the sheet by anchor pins 14 and maintained in a stretched state, to thereby impregnate the resin into the sheet and adhere the sheet to the upper surface of the slab. The resin-impregnated fiber sheet is then cured to reinforce the slab. The resin used has a viscosity of 5,000 cP or less at 20.degree. C., a thixotropic index of 3 or less at 20.degree. C., and a glass transition point of 60.degree. C. or greater after hardening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral hygiene and specifically to an improved method for adding chemotherapeutic agents to dental floss containing several multi-fiber bundles, to methods of treating the oral cavity with the improved dental floss and to the improved dental flosses per se.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and zones of differential extensibility for relieving the stresses that develop in the flaps when the flaps are folded down along the edges of crotch of the wearer's undergarments is provided.

Abstract: A composite structure and related fabrication method is provided which has a plurality of composite material layers and at least one embedded shape memory alloy component for providing controlled structural deformation. The shape memory alloy component includes a shape memory alloy tendon having a relaxed shape at temperatures below a predetermined transition temperature and a contracted shape at temperatures above the predetermined transition temperature. The shape memory alloy component also comprises a pair of electrically insulating opposing face sheets adhered to opposite sides of the shape memory alloy tendon to electrically isolate the shape memory alloy tendon from the surrounding composite material layers.

Abstract: Self-reinforced composites of amorphous thermoplastic materials such as poly(methylmethacrylate), polycarbonate and polysulfone are made by melt-extruding and simultaneously drawing and cooling the material to produce fibers with longitudinally-oriented molecular chains, then arranging the fibers in a preform, such as a mat, rod, plate or other useful shape, in which adjacent fibers are in contact with each other, and thereafter heating the preform with fiber constraint to a temperature above the glass transition temperature and below the degradation temperature of the thermoplastic, and applying pressure, to soften and fuse together the outer surfaces of the fibers without completely eliminating the longitudinal orientation of the molecules within the fibers. Where the amorphous thermoplastic is poly(methylmethacrylate), the preform may be wrapped about the bone-implantable element of a joint prosthesis to provide a high-strength integrated mantle of connected, contracted, and oriented fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for creating in a web (1) of sheet material a fold which includes at least one elastic thread (4). The web is placed on two mutually separated carrier elements (2, 3), and at least one prestretched elastic thread (4) is placed over the web in the space between the opposing edges of the carrier elements.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are provided for the formation of a spun-bonded fibrous web suitable for service in nonwoven end uses. A melt-processable thermoplastic polymeric material is melt-extruded to form a multifilamentary spinline, is quenched, and is wrapped about at least two spaced driven draw rolls that are surrounded by a shroud prior to collection to form a web, and is bonded to form a spun-bonded nonwoven product. The draw rolls exert a pulling force on the multifilamentary spinline so as to accomplish drawing of the molten multifilamentary spinline prior to complete solidification. The shroud makes possible the self-stringing of the spinline around the draw rolls. A pneumatic jet located at the exit end of the shroud assists in the contact of the multifilamentary spinline with the draw rolls in order to facilitate the imposition of a uniform pulling force and expels the multifilamentary spinline in the direction of its length toward a support where it is collected.

Abstract: A machine for applying elastic to material is provided that includes a conveyor for carrying material. The conveyor moves the material in one direction along a flow path. An elastic band storage with a plurality of elongate elastic bands is provided for application to the material. An elastic feeder has a feeder head that feeds the plurality of elastic bands directly onto the material while the feeder head moves laterally across the flow path. The lateral movement of the feeder head across the moving conveyor applies the elastic bands to the material in a curved contour. The feeder head is operable to feed the elastic bands onto the material while maintaining a selected spacing between individual elastic bands throughout the curved contour.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite elastic material. A thermoplastic film is extruded from an extruder. The thermoplastic film is fed while still in a molten condition onto a rotating forming structure exhibiting a multiplicity of apertures therein. A pneumatic vacuum is applied to the thermoplastic film to produce apertures in the thermoplastic film. An elastic member having at least one elastic strand is placed against a surface of the thermoplastic film while the thermoplastic film is still in a molten condition.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite elastic material. An elastic member having at least one elastic strand is fed onto a rotating forming structure exhibiting a multiplicity of apertures therein. The elastic member has a surface facing the forming structure and another surface facing away from the forming structure. A thermoplastic film is extruded onto the surface of the elastic member facing away from the forming structure. A pneumatic vacuum is applied to the thermoplastic film and the elastic member so that the thermoplastic film is simultaneously apertured and bonded to the elastic member thereby forming a breathable composite elastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for manufacturing a body to be reinforced with a fiber-composite material, especially bottles or containers or metal or plastic for holding a pressurized gaseous medium, in which a plurality of light, high-strength inorganic or organic, non-conductive or conductive as well as non-metallic yarns are wrapped around the body, whereby individual fiber strands or fibers are unwound and are bundled and, prior to being wound on the body, are impregnated with a plastic material. The wrapping of the yarns is carried out with controllable, pre-tensioned yarns. During wrapping, the individual yarns are again impregnated with a polymer melt of thermoplastic and each individual wrapping layer is smoothed and/or cooled by a temperature-controlled roller.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for mounting elastic elements (T) on an elongated, moving material web (M), in which an elastic element extends between two holder elements (H) which are moved in a given direction and which elastic element extends essentially at right angles to the movement direction of the holder elements. According to the invention, different points on an elastic element which are mutually displaced transversely in relation to the movement direction are moved at mutually different speeds in relation to one another, and the elastic element is fastened to the material web subsequent to having achieved given distances in the movement direction between the different points on the elastic element, as a result of the different movement speeds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the production of a three-dimensional textile (3), wherein the textile (3) is formed from two sheets of textile (5, 6) placed face to face and connected together by a plurality of threads (10), impregnated with resin and inserted between two layers (16, 17) so as to form a layered structure (1). This layered structure (1) is inserted between two dies (25, 26) of a heated press which is subsequently closed to allow the resin impregnating the structure to distribute itself uniformly. The layers (16, 17) are then attached by vacuum to the faces of the dies (25, 26) which are then opened through a first controlled distance within the limit of the elastic recovery of the three-dimensional textile (3). The outermost layers of the structure (1) are then polymerized by heating the dies (24, 26) while the resin impregnating the threads (10) remains in a plastic state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing structural components for any type of vehicles and other devices, in particular cars and motorcycles, where the components can operate under compressive and/or extensive stress or successive repetitions thereof, in which method two or more spools in a fixed, predetermined spatial placement, are used as starting elements, with the formation of rigid rods of yarn therebetween, the rods being built up by the winding of the yarn around and between the spools to form a component which may be in either finished or unfinished form.

Abstract: An absorbent article is described which has a moisture-impervious backing layer, a liner sheet comprising an integral sheet, and an absorbent-core layer positioned between the liner sheet and the backing layer. Raised elasticized barrier means form a pocket to receive exudates. The barrier means may include elastic bands that are attached only to the liner sheet in the crotch portion of the article, such as by an adhesive. The liner sheet is bonded to the backing sheet adjacent leg-opening portions of the article, but is not bonded to the backing sheet at regions of the liner sheet adjacent first and second edges of the elastic bands, such as from at least about 5 mm to about 20 mm adjacent the first and second edges of the elastic bands. Preferably, the liner sheet is free of adhesive for a region of about 8 mm to about 12 mm adjacent the first and second edges of the elastic bands. The absorbent article may be substantially hourglass shaped, or substantially rectangular shaped.

Abstract: A thermoformable, fiber-reinforced composite material contains 5 to 70% by volume of unidirectionally aligned reinforcing fibers having individual filament diameters of 7 to 30 .mu.m, which are bonded by a matrix of a thermoplastic elastomer-modified polypropylene which essentially wets the entire surface of the individual filaments.The elastomer-modified polypropylene preferably consists of a mixture of polypropylene with thermoplastic ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) and/or ethylenepropylene rubber (EPM). The reinforcing fibers preferably consist of glass.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an optical fiber composite insulator, including the steps of: preliminarily heating the insulator body in its entirety at not less than 70.degree. C., then filling said organic insulating material into the through hole while said at least one optical fiber is being stretched straight, and then curing the organic insulating material by heating in a temperature range of not less than 75.degree. C. but not more than 90.degree. C. while at least one optical fiber is kept stretched straight.

Abstract: An apparatus in which material to have elastic applied thereto is carried by a first conveyor in one direction along a flow path. An elastic conveyor extending transversely of the material flow path is operable to continuously draw elastic from storage, tension it and carry it to a feeder head that reciprocates transversely of the flow path. A transverse elastic applicator receives elastic substantially continuously from the feeder head in a square-wave pattern and moves it toward the flow path. The elastic applicator has spaced guide members mounted adjacent opposite sides of the flow path to hold tensioned elastic therebetween extending transversely of the flow path as the elastic applicator moves the elastic to the flow path and applies the elastic to the material on the first conveyor. Cutters positioned inboard of the guide members sever the elastic after it has been applied to the material.

Abstract: A distinctive apparatus and method for applying an elastic strand onto a moving substrate along a selected curvilinear path includes a transporting mechanism for moving the substrate along a selected substrate path and a supplying mechanism for supplying the elastic strand along a selected elastic path. An oscillating mechanism selectively changes a positioning of the elastic strand and includes a slidably movable guide which moves in a direction essentially transverse to said substrate path. The elastic strand slidably travels along the guide which positions the elastic strand such that the elastic strand is selectively applied to the substrate along the curvilinear path. A bonding mechanism selectively applies adhesive in an arrangement which selectively secures the elastic strand to the substrate. A rotatable nip roll contacts the elastic strand and the substrate to press the elastic strand onto the substrate along the curvilinear path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tensioned garter. A garter is any continuous loop of elastic material or a laminate of elastic bands and one or more flexible backing sheets. In one embodiment mandrels having a perimeter of the desired garter shape are mounted to a rotating drum. Tensioned elastic ribbons are progressively clamped, sealed, and cut around the mandrels to form individual tensioned garters which cling to the side walls of the mandrels. Once the garters are formed the mandrels may be rotated on their radial axes for alignment with downstream operations. Sealing through elastic members is avoided by interrupting the bonding of elastic members to an elasticized laminate at locations where ribbons are to be clamped. High compression of elastics where they are not sealed to the laminate causes elastic members to burst and contract. Elastic contraction leaves an area in which ribbons may then be bonded together without sealing through elastic members.

Abstract: At their free ends the yarns are straightened, clamped and welded with a film. Welding is performed with two welding bars to which is allocated a brush beam to tension the yarns. The welding bars are borne and/or guided by a frame to which the brush beam is also secured. The frame is fitted on a mobile chassis which also has a holder to take a roll of welding film. For use in weaving preparation works and in weaving works, especially in preparing the warp and in starting weaving.

Abstract: A warp-free laminate is produced by winding a first set of strands or filaments about a flat mandrel with a second set of strands being wound transverse to the first set. The two sets may be perpendicular to each other. The filaments are maintained under a controlled tension while being impregnated with a resin and during subsequent cure of the resin. In order to permit the formation of a warp-free product, the winding pattern is such that it forms a mirror image about a neutral axis or plane of symmetry. The winding pattern may be chosen to provide interstices in a predetermined pattern determining punching out or high speed drilling of hole openings for subsequent printed circuit applications.

Abstract: A threadlike or ribbonlike elastic strand is provided with a substantially continuous filament of adhesive helically wrapped around the elastic strand. The elastic strand is suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as diapers and adult incontinent products. Also disclosed is a method and, apparatus for making such adhesive-wrapped elastic strands.

Abstract: A machine for applying elastic to material is provided that includes a conveyor for carrying material. The conveyor moves the material in one direction along a flow path. An elastic band storage with a plurality of elongate elastic bands is provided for application to the material. An elastic feeder has a feeder head that feeds the plurality of elastic bands directly onto the material while the feeder head moves laterally across the flow path. The lateral movement of the feeder head across the moving conveyor applies the elastic bands to the material in a curved contour. The feeder head is operable to feed the elastic bands onto the material while maintaining a selected spacing between individual elastic bands throughout the curved contour.

Abstract: A warp-free laminate is produced by winding a first set of strands or filaments about a flat mandrel with a second set of strands being wound transverse to the first set. The two sets may be perpendicular to each other. The filaments are maintained under a controlled tension while being impregnated with a resin and during subsequent cure of the resin. In order to permit the formation of a warp-free product, the winding pattern is such that it forms a mirror image about a neutral axis or plane of symmetry. The winding pattern may be chosen to provide interstices in a predetermined pattern determining punching out or high speed drilling of hole openings for subsequent printed circuit applications.

Abstract: A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric comprises a web of bonded thermoplastic filaments of a thermoplastic elastomer. The spunbonded fabrics of the invention are prepared in a slot draw spunbonding process operated at a rate of less than about 2000 meters per minute. The elastic fabric is used in absorbent products, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, and as coverstock for absorbent personal care products.

Abstract: A simplified process is disclosed for making form-fitting undergarments that may include structures for absorbing and containing body exudates. The garments are cut and seamed into rectangular or trapezoidal shapes from nonwoven elastic sheet that has parallel rows of elastic strands and specific stretch and simultaneous contraction characteristics. The finished garment when stretched in the waist direction simultaneously contracts in the direction perpendicular thereto by at least 20%.

Abstract: A method of forming a pultruded shaped composite material comprising carbon fiber having a diameter not greater than 0.001 inch aligned linearly with a degree of waviness defined by an average amplitude to length (A/L) ratio of less than 0.9 percent in a matrix is formed around the fiber and solidified or cured into a rigid form that will not melt during subsequent processing steps to prevent an increase in waviness during subsequent processing steps. The compressive strength of the composite material approaches the tensile strength of the material. The matrix material consists essentially of a resin present in the range of about 10 to 50 percent by volume of the composite material. The A/L ratio is determined by measuring the distribution of angularity found in the aligned carbon fibers in a selective cross section cut at five degrees to the fiber plane, wherein the standard deviation for a 300 sample angularity measurement is not greater than 0.88 degrees.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying tensioned elastic to material including a first conveyor for carrying material in one direction along a flow path, a second conveyor operable to draw elastic from a storage container, tension the elastic, and move the elastic longitudinally in a tensioned state along a region extending transversely of and spaced from the first conveyor flow path, and a pair of transfer grippers. The transfer grippers are movable along a path in the direction of the flow path and are positioned to grasp spaced regions of elastic held by the second conveyor. Cutters are positioned laterally outwardly of the grippers to sever elastic from the second conveyor after being grasped by the grippers. The grippers maintain the elastic in a tensioned condition and deposit on the material. Also disclosed is a method for applying tensioned elastic to material, generally as described above in relation to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a prestressed composite which comprises steps of applying matrix material to the fibers, selectively tensioning the fibers, winding the fibers on an adjustable mandrel and curing the matrix material with the fibers under tension.

Abstract: Here are disclosed disposable garments such as diaper and training pants and a method for attachment of threadlike continuous elastic members (each comprising a plurality of threadlike elastic elements) around leg-holes thereof so that the elastic members are progressively widened from their longitudinally opposite ends toward their longitudinally middle portions, respectively.The threadlike continuous elastic members 4A, 4B thus attached to the article around th respective leg-holes each comprises rubber threads 4a, 4b, 4c. The traverse, arrangement support these rubber threads in parallel to one another and forcibly guide them in sine curves with respect to the continuous web 7 so that the portions 4A.sub.1, 4B.sub.1 of the elastic members 4A, 4B to be bonded to the continuous web are bonded thereto. Then, the non-bonded portions 4A2, 4B2 of the elastic members are cut together with the web 7 along boundaries of the individual articles and thereupon contract under their own stretch stresses.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing disposable diaper type products such as diapers per se and training pants in which leg elastic strands are captured between a pair of webs which are thereafter united with a fluff pad-equipped web and wherein guide members are employed for traversing the elastic strands to abut leg openings in the diaper type product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resilient body which includes two thin layers (1, 6) of flexible material to which intermediate elastic threads (2, 3, 5) or bands are fastened in a stretched state and disposed in a regular, net-like pattern, and bodies (4) of soft material are disposed between the two layers (1, 6) in at least some of the meshes of the net formed by the elastic threads. These bodies have smaller dimensions than the meshes, so as to permit total or partial contraction of the stretched or tensioned elastic threads. The bodies also have an intrinsic stiffness such as to substantially retain their shape upon contraction of the elastic threads. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the inventive resilient body.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayered printed circuit board including the steps of arranging two plates in spaced relation, arranging a perimetral seal between the two plates with an upper opening in the seal to form an upwardly open chamber, placing a plurality of printed circuit boards between the plates in spaced relation to one another, placing the chamber under vacuum, injecting a settable matrix material into the chamber, compressing the end plates towards one another to achieve the desired outer dimensions of the board, and curing the settable matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the flat manufacture of three-dimensional articles, in particular absorbent disposable articles. According to the invention, a plurality of narrow, flexible absorbent bodies (1.sub.a -1.sub.

Abstract: A flame resistant to nonflammable composite panel is produced from a nonextrudable core mixture with a pourable, nonflammable filling material and a binder, and on both sides cover strips, flexibly bonded to the core. For a continuous production of the composite panel in one operation, the core mixture is poured onto a flexible lower adhesive film, supported as it runs in, and a pile extending over the entire width forms there. Between the lower adhesive film and a flexible upper adhesive film, likewise supported as it runs in, material of the core mixture is continuously and uniformly drawn through a V gap and compacted there for the first time and calibrated to thickness. The adhesive films containing the precompacted core mixture are adhesively bonded to the continuously fed cover strips.

Abstract: A flexible, reinforced textile composite material for constructing tensioned fabric structures, e.g. for sheltering from the outdoor environment, is disclosed. The material has a hydrophobic protective film element laminated to the textile composite material to provide enhanced hydrophobicity. In a preferred embodiment, of the invention, one or a mixture of colorants, dyestuffs or biological agents are incorporated into the hydrophobic protective film layer. The textile composite material has particular application as a tensioned architectural element for forming a dome, roof or the like, or as an electromagnetic window or a radome.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming diagonal splices in flexible, fusible material and the material spliced accordingly. The splice is formed by overlapping the material, tensioning the material at the area to be spliced, and heating a strip of the material under tension to its fusion temperature, thereby fusing and separating the material at the strip. The splice is nearly undetectable to the untrained eye.