Abstract: A method of producing a drainage grid or network comprising a number of interlocked strips is disclosed which comprises providing a warp direction a plurality of strips having a channel or channels formed longitudinally therein, feeding such strips into a bonding zone wherein a filter material is bonded over the channel or channels, subsequently providing strips of polymeric material transverse to the warp strips and bonding them thereto to form the weft of the network and thereafter collecting the network or grid so produced. The warp and weft may be produced from yarn reinforced polymeric webbing which is heat bonded to give a mesh. It has been found that polyolefin materials, particularly polyethylene, are suitable. Where reinforcing is provided this may be in the form of reinforcing polyester yarns and are preferably inserted in the longitudinal direction in bundles. The filter fabric may also be a thermoplastic material and may be heat bonded, needle punched or woven.

Abstract: A method of producing a mineral fibre element comprising a mineral fibre base layer having a surface coating in the form of a fibrous netting formed of a thermoplastic polymer material wherein such a surface coating is provided on at least a part of the surface of the base layer, wherein the surface coating is formed directly on the surface of the base layer and wherein the surface coating is formed by heating a thermoplastic polymer material so as to melt it and distributing the polymer melt obtained in the form of fibres and/or filaments on the surface of the base layer and cooling it to form a solid layer.

Abstract: A composite panel includes fibres adhered together by means of an adhesive binder to form a sheet having opposed planar faces and fibre reinforcement ribs imbedded in the sheet.

Abstract: A process of laminating textiles for producing air-permeable or moisture-permeable laminated textile materials involves generating a discontinuous layer of adhesive with a precise pattern of voids by means of temporarily introducing sets of parallel yarns or, alternatively, mesh-like webs in contact with an initially uniform layer of adhesive temporarily carried on a release-coated carrier. After the adhesive layer and the mesh-like web have been pushed into contact with a first fabric layer, the release-coated carrier is stripped away, along with the mesh-like web, from the first fabric layer. The adhesive layer remaining on the first fabric layer will exhibit a discontinuous pattern that is complementary to the mesh-like web pattern. Subsequently, a second fabric, or film, is bonded to the exposed adhesive surface on the first fabric to create a laminated material exhibiting air permeability or moisture permeability.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for high speed manufacture of a composite sheet material, which includes a cylindrical cam-driven strand-traverse guide that can loop strands around pins projecting from a pair of advancing pin conveyors which can transfer the strands to the surface of a moving sheet, are provided. When the strands are elastic, the elastic composite sheet material made by this process and apparatus are useful in elastic components of disposable diapers, adult incontinence articles and other garments.

Abstract: A thread guide for an apparatus for the manufacture of a reinforcement from a thread deposited directly in its final position by projecting lengths of the thread for laying the thread onto a receiving surface in which a pair of deflectors is provided for guiding and controlling the braking pressure exerted on the threads before discharge from a projection orifice and in which at least one deflector is adjusted relative to the other by pivotally adjusting the deflector and locking it in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminated body comprising a uniaxially stretched laminate composed of (I) a first thermoplastic resin layer and (II) an adhesion layer which has a lower melting point than said first thermoplastic resin layer (I) and is provided on at least one surface of said thermoplastic resin layer (I), said adhesion layer (II) being composed of a composition containing (A) 100 to 30% by weight of an .alpha.-olefin (co)polymer having a melt flow rate of 0.01 g to 100 g/10 minutes obtained by (co)polymerizing an .alpha.-olefin in the presence of a catalyst which includes at least one compound of a transition metal of Group IV in the Periodic Table containing a ligand having a cyclopentadienyl skeleton, and (B) up to 70% by weight of an olefin-based polymer; in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a nonwoven or woven fabric and a reinforced laminated body, each derived from the laminated body.

Abstract: A three dimensional sail of one piece construction is made on a rotating roll having a deformable outer surface. The roll is divided into a large number of segments, extending across the width of the roll, with the convex profile of each segment being adjustable. A sail is made on the roll on a continuous basis by applying a first layer of film, deforming the film on the roll, applying adhesive and reinforcing the yarns, and applying a second layer of film to form a 3-D laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastic laminate structures comprising an open cell polymeric mesh integrally thermal bonded between two fabric carrier layers and methods for manufacturing such laminates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a composite material which is light weight and highly damped against vibration. The composite material comprises fibers embedded in a resin matrix wherein the fibers are oriented in a waveform that is substantially continuously variable as to period, amplitude and/or shape. A viscoelastic material is combined with the resin matrix to provide vibration dampening characteristics. The variation in the period/amplitude takes place in a region of the composite structure which is selected to provide optimum strength and dampening characteristics as desired for the particular application. Even without the viscoelastic material, the light weight structure is useful as a pre-preg material from which other composite structures may be formed. Methods of manufacturing the composite material include using multiple, identical cells in which each cell is used to fabricate a fiber, resin matrix and viscoelastic adhesive composite.

Abstract: A method for laminating a porous sheet 1 and a coarse mesh reinforcing material 2 which includes an adhesive layer and is reinforced by drawing, by heat pressing with that adhesive layer in between, in which, (1) the heating temperature during heat pressing is equal to or above the melting point of the adhesive layer and equal to or below the melting point of the porous sheet, (2) a specific relationship is maintained among the difference between the heating temperature and the melting point of the adhesive layer, the difference between the heating temperature and the softening point of the porous sheet, and the heating time, and (3) the unrolling tension of the porous sheet is maintained at 200 to 550 g/mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced article comprises a tubular body and a plurality of fiber braids for reinforcing the tubular body. The fiber braids have a first section parallel to the axis of the tubular body, and a second section forming an angle with the axis of the tubular body. The second sections of the fiber braids form a network capable of enhancing the resistance of the article to flexure and torsion.

Abstract: The apparatus for the manufacture of a reinforcement from a thread deposited directly in its final position by projecting lengths of the thread for laying the thread onto a receiving surface (S). The apparatus includes an assembly (5) comprising rollers (15) for the advancing of thread (1), a rotary conduit (2), a knife (3) for cutting the thread and freeing a length (10) upon each turn of said rotary conduit (2), and a thread guide (4) to receive the cut lengths of thread. The thread guide comprises deflectors (43) exerting a pressure on the thread. The pressure of the deflectors can be adjusted by screws (7).

Abstract: Security paper, security documents made from the security paper, and processes for making the security paper, are provided. A filament is bonded and embedded into paper which has previously been manufactured. The filament is bonded to the paper by an adhesive, or by heat and pressure. The filament is embedded into the paper by pressure applied by rolls. The filament may be imprinted with printed matter for visual confirmation of document authenticity. The filament may include any combination of security features, such as reflective filaments, fluorescent filaments, and high tensile strength filaments.

Abstract: Process of adhering conductors such as bare copper wire, copper wire with polymide insulation, and multistrand Kapton wrapped superconductors to mount structures such as a cylinder of arbitrary cross sections, a saddle support, or steel tubes using adhesive layers of material such as BONDALL 16-H, 3M-2090 and T-164. The adhesive layers are subject to b-staging before being used, where it is heated to a temperature of approximately 60-100.degree. C. for approximately 1/2 hour to approximately one hour. The support surface can optionally be grooved to allow for better wire placement and no wire slippage.

Abstract: A run flat pneumatic tire is reinforced by a thin annular composite band imbedded in the crown portion of the tire in combination with a plurality of radial cords or plies in its sidewalls which have freedom in shear with respect to one another. The band is formed by a plurality of layers of material strips wherein each strip is wound in a helical pattern, with adjacent strips being wound at reverse angles to each other. Each layer is formed under sufficient pressure and at an elevated temperature whereby the band is prestressed in tension which decreases the maximum stress at the footprint area of the tire. The invention furthermore incorporates the method of imparting the prestress on the annular band during its manufacture.

Abstract: Process and device (1) for applying a thread (3) onto a support (9) while parting to the thread (3) a sinuous shape, which are characterized by the following features:a) the thread (3) is delivered with a controlled linear speed of value V.sub.1 ;b) the thread (3) is displaced transversely to its direction of advance;c) it is applied onto the support (9), the thread (3) and the support (9) at the contact being driven with a linear speed V.sub.2 which is less than V.sub.1 ;d) the conformation ratio of the thread (3) is thus defined by the ratio V.sub.1 /V.sub.2.Plies obtained by the process and device (1) of the invention.Articles, in particular tires, made using such plies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminated body comprising a uniaxially stretched laminate composed of (I) a first thermoplastic resin layer and (II) an adhesion layer which has a lower melting point than said first thermoplastic resin layer (I) and is provided on at least one surface of said thermoplastic resin layer (I), said adhesion layer (II) being composed of a composition containing (A) 100 to 30% by weight of an .alpha.-olefin (co)polymer having a melt flow rate of 0.01 g to 100 g/10 minutes obtained by (co)polymerizing an .alpha.-olefin in the presence of a catalyst which includes at least one compound of a transition metal of Group IV in the Periodic Table containing a ligand having a cyclopentadienyl skeleton, and (B) up to 7% by weight of an olefin-based polymer; in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a nonwoven or woven fabric and a reinforced laminated body, each derived from the laminated body.

Abstract: A hollow and cylindrical laminated molded product which is constituted by mutually overlapped joining of edge sides in a longitudinal direction of at least one or more elongated laminated articles formed by layered lamination of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin plates containing reinforcing fibers of not less than 30% and not more than 85% in volume content, and a method of producing the above-mentioned laminated molded product using a simple molding tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a highly predictable composite usable to fabricate such structural articles as complex-shaped automotive body parts and building panels. Included in this composite is at least one netlike preform having a plurality of inter-crossed roving bound to each other at thermoset junction points. This preform is compressed into a mold, and at least one layer of polymer paste is added thereto. The preform layers and the polymer paste layers are compressed to the shape of the mold, and then they are heat and flame treated to complete the curing of the thermoset resin and to produce a desired surface finish.

Abstract: A process for making a laminated sheet by cutting a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet into a plurality of cut sheets. The cut sheets are feed to a butting apparatus to bring adjacent end faces of the cut sheets against each other. The abutted cut sheets are joined to a continuous sheet, which is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet, by melt welding using a heated roller where the cut sheets and the continuous sheet cling to the heated roller. Cooling of the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet occurs by causing such to cling to a cooling roller. A correcting roller is moved along the cooling roller, where the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet are between the cooling roller and the correcting roller, so that the amount of contact arc between the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet is changed to adjust the amount of warp in the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet.

Abstract: A process for making a mineral fiber artificial log that can be used in vented and unvented gas fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and free-standing gas fire room heater to simulate the appearance of a real burning log. The process utilizes a screen mold formed from a pattern that can be made to give the desired exterior configuration and size for the formed log. The screen mold is placed in an outer porous jacket and then in a vacuum chamber. A slurry of the formulation containing mineral wool fibers, a suitable high temperature binder, and water is drawn into the mold while contained in the vacuum chamber, so liquid is drawn through the mold and mineral fibers are trapped in the mold. The log is formed to the size and shape of the mold. Once molded, the log is removed from the mold, dried in an oven, treated with a suitable rigidizing exterior coating, and again oven dried. The log is painted suitably, dried again, and packaged for sale.

Abstract: A machine is described for the production of pre-man made-reinforcement formations especially having a thermoplastic matrix. The machine has a guiding-in device for reinforcement fibers and down-stream in the feeding direction there is a calender roller and thereafter is a winding device. At least in the area of the guiding-in device for the reinforcement fibers there is provided a needle track formed as a transport conveyor which serves as a fixation for the guided-in and deposited reinforcement fibers prior to being calendered.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a ribbon into a web laminating machine including movable guide arms that move transversely to the direction on movement of the webs and include remote repositioning of the arms and locking means to lock the arms in desired spaced relationship along a guide rail.

Abstract: A multi-density batt having a plurality of overlaid thermoplastic fiber web layers. Each of the web layers comprise a homogeneous blend of matrix fibers and binder fibers. The binder fibers have a relatively low predetermined melting temperature and the matrix fibers have a relatively high predetermined melting temperature. The binder fibers and matrix fibers are heat-fused together. The batt has a width defining a cross direction and a length defining a machine direction. At least one integrally-formed, relatively thick, high density region extends in both the cross direction and machine direction of the batt. At least one integrally-formed relatively thin, low density region extends in both the cross direction and machine direction. The batt can be used to form a cushion, such as a seat cushion.

Abstract: A composite friction unit includes a three dimensional composite body formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers distributed throughout the body in a predetermined uniform distribution and orientation, and a substantially uniform array and distribution of secondary fibers extending transverse to the primary fibers thereby forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for use in heavy duty vehicles comprises a belt having a particular structure wherein a rubberized strip containing one or more cords is slantly extended from one of both side edges of the belt toward the other side edge with respect to an equatorial plane of the tire and continuously extended substantially zigzag in a circumferential direction of the tread while bending at each side edge of the belt at different inclination angles of the strip with respect to the equatorial plane in each of side regions of the belt before and after the bending at the side edge.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for arranging cut lengths of reinforcement cords in parallel on a moving rubber surface by feeding the cord into successive cord receiving receptacles on a rotor, cutting predetermined lengths of the cords introduced into the receptacles, removing the cords from the receptacles by a comb which intermeshes with the rotor and advancing and guiding the parallel cords onto the moving rubber surface.

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: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite structure comprises the steps of forming a radially inner portion of a preform with braided reinforcing fibers extending substantially transverse to an axis of the preform and forming a radially outer portion of the preform circumscribing the inner portion with braided reinforcing fibers extending substantially parallel to the axis of the preform. The preform is heated and consolidated in a mold into the composite structure. The composite structure has braided reinforcing fibers extending throughout a radially inner portion substantially transverse to an axis of the structure along which the structure is subject to splitting to resist splitting of the composite structure along the axis and braided reinforcing fibers extending throughout a radially outer portion substantially parallel to the axis to resist bending of the composite structure. The composite structure is particularly suitable for manufacturing a bone plate.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous structure includes the steps of flowing a first liquid reactive resin forming material over a base surface, forming a first thin substantially uniform layer thereof and gelling the first layer. A second liquid resin forming material is flowed through an orifice under pressure forming a liquid stream thereof. The liquid stream is gelled to form a continuous filament with structural integrity as it advances toward the first gelled layer. The filament is contacted with the first layer and distributed thereover in a preselected pattern forming a porous non-woven filament blanket. A particulate solid material is distributed substantially uniformly over the filament blanket. A third liquid resin forming material is flowed over the blanket forming a second thin substantially uniform layer of the third liquid resin forming material and the layer is gelled.

Abstract: An improved, low-cost stretchable band incorporating a conductor for disposition around the human torso or other three-dimensional object, and particularly intended for use with respiration monitoring apparatus, is disclosed. Also presented is an improved enclosure housing circuitry releasable connected to the conductor in the band when the band is incorporated in respiration monitoring apparatus.

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 pneumatic radial tire for airplanes comprises a toroidal carcass of at least two carcass plies, a tread rubber superimposed on the carcass, and a belt disposed between the carcass and the tread rubber, in which the belt is comprised of a plurality of radially inner belt plies and a plurality of radially outer belt plies, and each of the radially inner belt plies contains cords extending substantially zigzag at a cord angle A of 5-15.degree. with respect to the equatorial plane in the circumferential direction while radially being bent at both side ends of the ply, and each of the outer belt plies contains cords having a cord angle B larger than the cord angle A. In this tire, the occurrences of standing wave and cut peel off are prevented with the reduction of tire weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid prepreg having reinforcing carbon fibers and foreign fibers. The carbon fibers have a diameter ranging from 5-30 microns and are unidirectionally arranged. The foreign fibers are composed either of single monofilaments having a diameter ranging from between about 50-150 microns or of strands formed by bundling together a plurality of single monofilaments having a diameter ranging from between about 5-50 microns. If strands are employed, they have a conversion diameter (D.sub.0) which is less than about 500 microns. The conversion diameter (D.sub.0) is represented by the following equation: ##EQU1## wherein n is the number of monofilaments used in forming the strand, and wherein d is the diameter of these monofilaments. Examples of foreign fibers which can be used when practicing this invention include boron fibers, metal fibers and organic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a polymeric pre-stretched grid for supporting a structure, such as an earthwork, wherein a suitable polymeric material, e.g. polyethylene, is used to make thin polymer strips by a molding machine, these strips are fully stretched by a pre-stretching machine so as to rearrange long bonds of polymer molecules to form the pre-stretched strips with high tensile strength, then these pre-stretched strips are crossed over each other longitudinally and transversely in line with a pre-set width by a machine (or manually) and the crossings of longitudinal and transverse network plies are united by gluing or hot fusion or otherwise to form a pre-stretched grid.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for airplanes comprises a toroidal carcass of at least two carcass plies, a tread rubber superimposed on the carcass, and a belt disposed between the carcass and the tread rubber, in which the belt is comprised of a plurality of radially inner belt plies and a plurality of radially outer belt plies, and each of the radially inner belt plies contains cords extending substantially zigzag at a cord angle A of 5.degree.-15.degree. with respect to the equatorial plane in the circumferential direction while axially being bent at both side ends of the ply, and each of the outer belt plies contains cords having a cord angle B larger than the cord angle A. In this tire, the occurrences of standing wave and cut peel off are prevented with the reduction of tire weight.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for causing a plurality of threads (7) to arrive on support (11) so as to obtain a ply (13) while imparting a nonlinear shape to the threads (7). The threads (7) are caused to arrive with controlled speed on a cylindrical drum (2) in rotation around an axis. The threads (7) are imparted the nonlinear shape by means of teeth (5) which are displaced with respect to others, parallel to the axis of rotation. At least some of these teeth are flexible between a free end in contact with a thread (7) and an anchoring zone. Plies (13) obtained with this method or device, these plies being used for instance in a tire.

Abstract: For the production of a tight complex having an internal reinforcement or framework and more particularly intended for the production of aerostatic balloons, a nonwoven reinforcement (10) is formed from weft and warp threads arranged in the form of two superimposed layers. To each of the faces of said reinforcement and using a predetermined force is applied a covering film (16a,16b), after bringing it to its pasty melting point on a heating drum (30a,30b). The nonwoven character of the reinforcement makes it possible to preserve the seal of the covering films during complexing. Moreover, the formation of small loops or rings on the edges of the complex obtained in this way makes it possible to introduce connecting cables facilitating the taking up or absorption of stresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing papermakers or like fabrics wherein preformed apertured fabric bands are joined together in spaced edge-to-edge disposition in a manner to provide substantial uniformity of construction throughout the fabric width. The invention proposed supporting the bands (11, 12) in spaced parallel disposition on a pinned roller (26) wherein the distribution and configuration of the pins (34) matches the apertures in the bands and creating an infill band in the region between adjacent preformed bands (11, 12) by feeding thermoplastic matrix material to the surface of the pinned roller in said region, causing said matrix material to flow into interstices between the pins and to bond with the material of the preformed bands. Reinforcing yarns (13) will be provided in the region between adjacent preformed bands and extending in a direction parallel to the bands and will be embodied within the matrix material of the joined structure.

Abstract: A press blanket for a press device in a paper making machine, or the like, is formed of an elastomeric blanket material and fully embedded layers of reinforcement threads. The radially inner layer is formed of longitudinal threads which extend parallel to the axis of the press blanket. The radially outer layer is formed of circumferential threads which are wound in the direction of blanket motion and are wound generally helically. The threads are fully surrounded by the layer of homogeneous elastomeric material, that is formed from a single pouring. The circumferential threads have a diameter of at most 1/500 of the outside diameter of the fully rounded press blanket. In a unit area of the press blanket, the tensile strength of the circumferential threads is at least 40% greater than the tensile strength of the longitudinal threads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of manufacturing a roofing membrane that is free of any organic mat. The process includes selecting a lightweight polyester fabric including an open grid of over-under construction in which fill yarns are held between pairs of machine direction yarns lying essentially one above the other, the fabric including polyester yarns having about 30 to about 300 denier yarns in the machine direction, about 30 to about 300 denier yarns in the fill direction, a yarn per inch count of about 3.times.3 to about 10.times.10, and a dry weight pick-up of about 60 to about 250 parts by weight of binder relative to 100 parts by weight of polyester in the fabric; selecting a high strength reinforcing open grid; and passing the lightweight polyester open fabric, the high strength reinforcing open grid and any additional reinforcements free of any organic mat through bituminous material to form the roofing membrane.

Abstract: A multiaxial nonwoven fabric is disclosed which is comprised of a selected warp material and a multiplicity of selected continuous yarns assembled in a specified lay pattern and bonded on to the warp material. Each of the yarns is oriented in a scalene or right-angled triangle shape, and the resulting yarn assembly is built of intersections at least in warp, weft and oblique axes, whereby structural strength and dimensional stability are greatly improved. A method and an apparatus are also disclosed for producing the fabric.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture in a continuous process of a flat substrate from a fibres-reinforced matrix for a printed circuit, in which use is made of at least two moving layers of reinforcing fibres and the fibres are positioned in at least two crossing directions, whereupon the filaments layers provided with matrix material, optionally together with one or more electrical conducting layers, such as a metal foil, and/or insulating layers on one or on either outer side, are passed through a preferably heated laminating zone, such as a double belt press, characterized in that use is made of filaments-containing layers made up of a plurality of mutually parallel filaments that are not bonded in the form of a fabric and extend substantially linearly.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite composed of a scrim/mat. The scrim/mat includes a layer of fiber scrim to which is bonded a layer of fiber mat. This product can be formed into a tubular member such as a fuse tube. The tube is made by pultruding the scrim/mat.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a plurality of bundles of semipermeable hollow fibers for a membrane device from a sheet of fibers (19) formed by winding a fiber or a stranded set of fibers (11) on a drum (1, 2) consists in:cutting the sheet of fibers (19) on the drum (1, 2) along a line of cut that is substantially parallel to the axis of the drum (1, 2);laying out the sheet of fibers (19) on a plane (14);rolling up the sheet of fibers (19) in a direction perpendicular to the line of cut to form a single bundle of fibers (45); andcutting up the single bundle of fibers (45) into a plurality of bundles for a membrane device.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for applying threads (9) on a support (11) in order o obtain a ply (13) while imparting a sinuous form to the threads. There is used a rotary drum (2) having rows (4A) of fixed teeth (5A) and rows (4B) with movable teeth (5B) which are displaced parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. Plies obtained with this method or device and articles incorporating such plies, such articles being, for instance, tires.

Abstract: In a method of and an apparatus for heat-setting a non-woven fabric in which a warp web and a weft web is cross-laminated, the fabric is gripped at least at its opposite side edges by and between an outer peripheral surface of a hot cylinder and an endless belt normally tensioned against that outer peripheral surface. Widthwise shrinkage is fully prevented during travel of the fabric around the hot cylinder, and firm bonding of the warp and weft webs is attained.

Abstract: A composite friction unit includes a three dimensional composite body formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers distributed throughout the body in a predetermined uniform distribution and orientation, and a substantially uniform array and distribution of secondary fibers extending transverse to the primary fibers thereby forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout.