Abstract: A composite abrasive material is formed by coating a mesh-type material substrate with an adhesive, contacting the substrate with a quantity of hard, abrasive particles, then removing all particles not held by the adhesive within the openings of the mesh-type material. The particles are surrounded with a sinterable matrix material while the particles are temporarily held by the adhesive. The substrate can have the adhesive applied in a pattern, or covering uniformly to cause the particles to adhere in certain areas to achieve a desired pattern. While the particles are held on the substrate, physical force can be applied to orient the particles uniformly; then, a powder can be applied, or the substrate can be applied to a preform. Subsequent treatment with heat and pressure will complete the composite abrasive material.

Abstract: A process of making a decorative resilient floor covering is disclosed comprising the steps of applying a first layer of a first curable polymeric material to a substrate. A tape is applied to selected regions of the first layer of the first curable polymeric material after the curing thereof. A second layer of a second curable polymeric material is applied to the cured first layer. A pigmented particulate material is applied to one of the first and second layers prior to the curing thereof. The tape is removed to reveal the first layer and the second layer with the pigmented particulate material.

Abstract: A fabric used as outerwear having a stabilized substrate, an adhesive and flock adhered to the substrate with the adhesive. The adhesive is dried and cured, preferably aerated. A waterproof film may be applied either to the substrate or to a lining adjacent the substrate. The flock may be flattened into a laid down condition.

Abstract: A process for selectively forming an antislip surface on a product thermoformed from a plastic sheet is applied to truck bed liners, for example. The surface of a plastic sheet of HDPE or other thermoplastic material is cleaned and masked, preparing a good molecular bonding surface on the selected surface areas. A sprayable or liquid polymer designed to achieve desired characteristics of hardness and toughness without brittleness, such as a thermosetting elastomeric polymer, is formed into droplets, which are sprayed or otherwise applied onto the exposed surface area. The droplets form a stippled pattern of primarily separate bumps, occupying substantially less than 50% of the exposed area. After partial hardening of the bumps, the plastic sheet is thermoformed to produce the thermoformed product.

Abstract: Disclosed are decorative surface coverings of the "inlaid" type having embossed patterns in register with inlaid patterns. Disclosed methods include the steps of: applying in a pattern on a first surface of a foamable layer an agent for modifying the foaming of said foamable layer to produce a foamable layer having a pattern of relatively nonfoamable areas and relatively foamable areas; applying a first collection of particulate resinous material substantially only to said areas containing said foaming modifier or only to said areas not containing said foaming modifier; and foaming said foamable layer in said relatively foamable areas.

Abstract: A paint applicator has a paint-impervious backing such as a cylindrical core to which is adhered a resilient reticulated reservoir such as an open-cell polyurethane foam. Covering the reservoir is a flexible reticulated metering layer that is not bonded to the reservoir except at crossing points of the reticulations. The applicator better releases paint and is more easily cleaned as compared to prior paint applicators having pile fabric coverings. In addition to paint rolls, other types of paint applicators such as paint pads and paint mittens can employ the same composite of a reticulated reservoir and reticulated metering layer.

Abstract: To provide a practical mat for decorative aggregate exposed finishes applying for decorative finished concretes or the like and a method of industrially manufacturing a novel mat for decorative aggregate exposed finishes carrying a wide variety of decorative aggregates such as made of natural stones, ceramics, glass and plastics. A practical mat for decorative aggregate exposed finishes according to this invention is made through following steps; placing a hot melt adhesive film on one surface of soft and flexible decorative aggregate carrying net having a mesh size smaller than the particle size of decorative aggregates and greater than 2 mm, placing decorative aggregates on the hot melt adhesive film, and heating them entirely to a temperature higher than the melting point of the hot melt adhesive, thereby adhesively bonding the decorative aggregates and the carrying net for reinforcement firmly.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises a backing, a first binder on the backing, and a plurality of abrasive particles in the first binder. The first binder is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive that is energy cured to provide a crosslinked coating. The invention also relates to a method of producing such articles.

Abstract: A composite abrasive material is formed by coating a mesh-type material substrate with an adhesive, contacting the substrate with a quantity of hard, abrasive particles, then removing all particles not held by the adhesive within the openings of the mesh-type material. The particles are surrounded with a sinterable matrix material while the particles are temporarily held by the adhesive. The substrate can have the adhesive applied in a pattern, or covering uniformly to cause the particles to adhere in certain areas to achieve a desired pattern. While the particles are held on the substrate, physical force can be applied to orient the particles uniformly; then, a powder can be applied, or the substrate can be applied to a preform. Subsequent treatment with heat and pressure will complete the composite abrasive material.

Abstract: A transfer with durable images comprising a support sheet having a monolayer of transparent microspheres that are partially embedded in the support sheet with a specularly reflecting layer covering the parts of the surfaces of the microspheres which are exposed above the support sheet. One or more coatings of two-component colors can be printed imagewise on top of the layer of microspheres. The two-component colors are based on a polyester resin an isocyanate hardener.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises a backing, a first binder on the backing, and a plurality of abrasive particles in the first binder. The first binder is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive that is energy cured to provide a crosslinked coating. The invention also relates to a method of producing such articles.

Abstract: A loop material suitable for use in a hook-and-loop fastening system, which loop material includes a bonded carded web having a first side and a second side. The bonded carded web has a basis weight of from about 15 to about 140 grams per square meter and a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 15 mm. The bonded carded web may be thermally pattern bonded. The bonded carded web is composed of fibers having a denier per filament greater than 2, with from 100 to 0 percent by weight of the fibers being thermoplastic polymer fibers and from 0 to 100 percent by weight of the fibers being bicomponent thermoplastic polymer fibers. The first component of the bicomponent fibers has a melting point which is at least about 50.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the second component. The bonded carded web has a plurality of interfiber bonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermosetting decorative laminate (11), primarily intended as flooring laminate, comprising two or more layers (3, 4, 5), whereby at least one layer is a decorative layer (4) comprising a decor paper (9) provided with a bar pattern comprising a plurality of parallel rows of bars (14), whereby the bars (14) in adjoining rows preferably are mutually offset in the longitudinal direction. The bar pattern allows said laminate (11) to be divided into m longitudinal units or panels each consisting of p rows of bars (14), whereby said unit or panel comprises m.times.p rows of bars (14). The pattern of each left end bar (A1-A9) matches the pattern of corresponding right end bar (B1-B9) of each unit or panel and the pattern of these bars matches the pattern of corresponding end bars (A, B) in corresponding rows of all m units or panels.

Abstract: Instruments are constructed of a carbon fiber material optionally doped with a doping agent such as iron oxide, the instrument having a magnetic susceptibility being adjusted to a portion of a subject being imaged. Therefore there is little effect upon the lines of magnetic flux and the magnetic field homogeneity, reducing distortion in an MR image. These carbon fiber instruments exhibit virtually no magnetic torsional forces when inserted into a magnetic field. This is important, for example when the instrument is a scalpel. Doped carbon fiber has minimal affect on radiofrequency fields. The instruments do not affect the homogeneity of an applied homogeneous magnetic field or an applied radiofrequency field. Doped carbon fiber exhibits a rigidity large enough to allow construction of high strength instruments such as biopsy needles. It also has the ability to retain a sharp edge, allowing construction of scalpels and cutting instruments.

Abstract: Particles are adhesively bond to a support such as a glass or metal strip by covering the support with a film of a sol-gel solution by immersing in a liquid containing an organometallic compound, such as an organic silicon compound. The film is allowed to gel and during gelling, mineral particles are projected against the coated support. The gelled film coated with particles is dried and unbonded particles are removed. The method is of particular application to adhesively bonding clay, carbonate and silica particles.

Abstract: An abrasive article comprising a substrate having a first major surface and an adhesive layer having abrasive particles embedded therein coated on the first major surface of the substrate, the adhesive layer comprising a hot melt adhesive comprising a polymer cross-linked via hydrolyzed or condensed silyl groups; and a method of preparing an abrasive article, the method comprising (a) providing a substrate having a first major surface, (b) applying an adhesive layer comprising a moisture-curable hot melt adhesive comprising a polymer having hydrolysable or condensable silyl groups to the first major surface of the substrate, the hot-melt adhesive being in a molten or semi-molten state, (c) depositing abrasive particles on the adhesive layer, and (d) curing the hot-melt adhesive.

Abstract: A glass fiber containing polymer sheet is prepared by providing a non-woven carrier web, superposing an adhesion film over the carrier web, applying a layer of glass fibers onto the adhesion film, and laminating together the assemblage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying granules to a coated asphalt sheet to form at high production speeds with shingles a variegated pattern having uniform pattern edges. Granules of a first color are applied to spaced first areas on a continuously moving tacky asphaltic strip, such as a hot asphalt coated organic or glass fiber mat. Hot asphalt or another adhesive is applied to at least a portion of one or both of the leading and trailing edges of the first areas to provide predetermined uniform edges to tacky second areas between the spaced first areas. Granules of a second color are then deposited on the second areas. The granule coated strip is then cut into shingles. The method may be used to create multiple pattern areas with two or more different colored granules or granule blends.

Abstract: This method and apparatus provide for uniformly coating a hot elongate member with a powder coating. The elongate member and power carry an electrostatic charge which aids in providing the uniform powder coating. This method and apparatus electrostatically charge and heat the elongated member prior to entering a powder coating booth. In the booth, we sequentially discharge the powder coating, electrostatically charge the powder coating and then coat the elongated member with the charged powder coating. In one development, this method and apparatus uniformly powder coats window lineals directly on a pultrusion line.

Abstract: A single-tool manufacturing process utilizing a stereolithographic tool for fabricating flexible reinforced rubber parts. The stereolithographic tool is fabricated using a laser and computer-controlled optical scanning system. Then fabric and resin are manually applied to the tool. The stereolithographic tool is utilized like a mold, with successive layers of fabric and resin applied thereto. After curing, the mold is shattered and removed from the designed part.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises a backing, a first binder on the backing, and a plurality of abrasive particles in the first binder. The first binder is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive that is energy cured to provide a crosslinked coating. The invention also relates to a method of producing such articles.

Abstract: An embossed sheet coated at least partially with expanded graphite and suitable for use as a gasket or as a component layer of a gasket is manufactured by positioning a planar metallic sheet between an upper embossing die and a lower embossing die with a layer of particles of expanded graphite between one of said dies and a surface of the sheet. One of the dies has a protuberance to emboss a ridge into the sheet while the other die has a recess to receive the ridge. The method also comprises pressing the dies together to cause the particles to coalesce and form a coating attached to the sheet while simultaneously embossing said ridge into the sheet.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) product having a label that includes information pertaining to the type of material of the product for recycling purposes. The label is covered on its back surface side with a transparent surface mat. The product is formed by coating a surface of a mold with a gel coating to become an outer surface through a mold release agent, laying a glass mat of unsaturated polyester resin-impregnated reinforced fiber on the gel coating, further laying a glass mat of the same material and applying pressure of a roller or a brush on the gel coating, laying a label with printed material for indicating the material at an arbitrary position on one of the glass mats, laying, for example, a transparent surface mat of unsaturated polyester resin-impregnated glass fiber by pressure of a presser such as a roller or a brush or the like on the label, and consolidating each of the components to form the final product.

Abstract: Processes for the formation of flocked automotive molding members of the type adapted to border windshield and door windows are disclosed. The processes include coextrusion of a thermoplastic polymer and reactive hot melt adhesive in a common die orifice or head onto a profiled metal strip. The hot melt provides an adhesive layer for subsequent flock adherence to the thermoplastic polymer. The hot melt is moisture curable, thereby eliminating need for a curing oven or the like downstream from the flocking station.

Abstract: A play area surface treatment is provided comprising, from top to bottom: a layer of polymeric mesh, a layer of landscape separator, six inches of ground rubber buffing, a second layer of landscape separator, and six inches of pea gravel as a base material. Additionally, a protective edging is provided which is attached to the top layer of nylon woven mesh and provides a protective edging surrounding the play area.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric consisting of random entangled staple fibers which serves as a supporting structure is first subjected to pressure spraying on each side with a paint-like liquid comprised of a water base, or of a petroleum solvent thinner containing micron sized particles, such as copper treated with a suitable compatible binder, such as polyester epoxy, or acrylic resins. After spraying and drying, all solvents are removed by air circulating in an oven. The thus-sprayed fabric is then passed through apparatus which simultaneously heats and compresses the fabric to greatly reduce its thickness to form a sheet in which the entrained metal particles are brought into intimate contact with each other, thereby to impart conductivity to the fabric sheet.

Abstract: A method for making asphalt fibers includes supplying molten asphalt to a rotating asphalt spinner at a temperature between about 270.degree. F. and about 500.degree. F., centrifuging asphalt fibers from the asphalt spinner, and collecting the asphalt fibers. A method for integrating asphalt with reinforcement fibers includes establishing a moving veil of reinforcement fibers, such as glass fibers, and centrifuging asphalt fibers from a rotating asphalt spinner positioned within the veil of reinforcement fibers such that the asphalt is integrated with the reinforcement fibers. A method for making asphalt roofing shingles includes assembling together a mat of asphalt fibers with a mat of reinforcement fibers, coating the assembled mats to form an asphalt coated sheet, applying granules to the asphalt coated sheet, and cutting the asphalt coated sheet into roofing shingles.

Abstract: An abrasive material is formed by coating a substrate with an adhesive, contacting he substrate with a quantity of hard, abrasive particles, then removing all particles not held by the adhesive. The remaining particles are surrounded with a sinterable or fusible material while the particles are temporarily held. The substrate can have the adhesive applied in a pattern, or covering uniformly and masked, to cause particles to adhere in certain areas to achieve a desired pattern. While the particles are held on the substrate, physical force can be applied to orient the particles uniformly; then, a powder can be applied, or the substrate can be applied to a preform. Subsequent treatment with heat and/or pressure will complete the abrasive material.

Abstract: A method of forming a transferable pattern or image of an inorganic film by coating an embossed substrate with an inorganic layer, that may comprise one or more films, over both recessed and raised surface portions, adhesively laminating a transfer substrate to the inorganic layer coating the raised surface portions of the embossed substrate and separating the embossed substrate and the transfer substrate. The adhesive is selected such that the bond between the transfer substrate and the inorganic film on the raised surface portions is greater than the bond between the inorganic layer on the raised surface portions and the embossed substrate.The embossed substrate resulting after removal of the inorganic layer coating the raised surface portions may be modified to include additional inorganic layers over the recessed surface portions by tinning or electroplating methods such that this thickened inorganic layer may also be transferred from the embossed substrate to a transfer substrate as set forth above.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fiber-reinforced part utilizing the single-tool method of stereolithography. The tool is fabricated by designing the tool on a computer-aided design system and curing successive layers of a fluid medium via a computer-controlled irradiation source to form the three-dimensional tool. The desired part is generated by applying layers of resin-wetted fabric to the tool, curing the fabric on the tool, removing the tool from the designed part and cleaning, trimming and inspecting the designed part.

Abstract: A method for impregnating a plastic product with a hard wear-resistant material surface layer comprises providing a support plate having a desired shape and further having an adhesive layer on at least a portion thereof; introducing a plurality of particles comprising a hard wear-resistant material onto the adhesive layer; curing the adhesive so as to anchor the particles onto the support plate; placing the support plate into a mold cavity; introducing a polymer material into the cavity; exposing the sheet and polymer material to conditions effective to provide a polymer product having a hard wear-resistant material surface layer therein; cooling the mold and removing the support sheet therefrom.

Abstract: An imitation leather laminate material comprises a base sheet consisting of 50 to 90% by weight of a microfiber felt wherein said microfibers are polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide 6 or polyamide 6--6 of from 0.05 to 0.4 denier, and 50 to 10% by weight of a polyurethane-polyurea polymer having an average molecular weight corresponding to a polymer solution viscosity within the range from 10,000 to 50,000 centipoise (cps) when the solution is 25% by weight in dimethylformamide at a temperature of 20.degree. C.; the resulting base sheet has final weight within 140 to 450 g/m.sup.2 and density within 0.20 to 0.40 g/cm.sup.3 and is backed with one or more functional substrates adhered thereto.

Abstract: A glass run of the invention includes a furrow part on which a window glass moves and slides. The furrows of the furrow part are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the sliding direction of the window glass. When dirt or dust is deposited in between the window glass and the furrow part, it enters the furrows of the furrow part. The slanted configuration of the furrows of the furrow part, in combination with the sliding force of the window glass, moves dust or dirt along the furrows to a position where the dirt does not rub against the end face of the window glass. The structure of the invention keeps the window glass from undesirably rubbing dust or dirt, thus preventing an increase in sliding resistance and undesirable noise.

Abstract: A sheet of coated abrasive material including a backing having abrasive on one surface and loops projecting from its other surface by which the sheet of coated abrasive material can be held by hooks on the support surface of a pad. The backing comprises a polymeric bonding layer defining its rear surface. The sheet of coated abrasive material comprises a nonwoven sheet of longitudinally oriented fibers having anchor portions bonded in the polymeric bonding layer at spaced bonding locations, and arcuate portions projecting from the rear surface of the backing between the bonding locations to provide the loops.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and article manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional image is obtained in a substantially flat surface covering by aligning the platelets of a platey material in the optical surface of the surface covering parallel to the exposed surface of the surface covering and realigning predetermined platelets to a predetermined angle with respect to the original alignment. The platelets can be realigned by pressing a gelled transparent or translucent element into the platey material containing layer or by mechanically embossing the platey material containing layer.

Abstract: A covering sheet, which is preferably already marbled or veined, is subjected to a scraping operation resulting in the formation of shavings. The shavings are deposited on the previously scraped sheet and made to adhere thereto again, thus producing a substantially non-directional grain effect.

Abstract: A method is taught of making a multiple-layer, three-layer shingle, in which a base shingle layer is formed by separating a first shingle layer longitudinally into halves, with adhesive applied longitudinally to the halves of the base shingle layer, and with a second shingle layer then being separated into halves to function as secondary shingle layers that are applied over the adhesive on the base shingle layers, to secure them together, and with a third shingle layer being separated longitudinally into halves and then transversely into segments, with adhesive being applied transversely over granules on the top surface of the secondary shingle layer, with the segments of the third shingle layer forming a top shingle layer, with such segments being selectively applied to yield predetermined design effects. The result is to produce a three-layer laminated shingle, with the layers adhered together with granules on the top surfaces of the layers sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A boat deck surface covering comprising at least two layers which are applied one over the other. The layers contain a slow hardening elastic resin, such as epoxy resin, a hardener or curing agent for the resin, and a solid particulate, finely divided filler material of low density. The underlayer contains a coloring agent or pigment for the simulation of white or black gap material, which is exposed through narrow strips or gaps in the top layer, preferably a wood plank-simulating surface layer, to produce a surface covering simulating a wooden plank pattern.

Abstract: Thermoplastic based pavement marking sheets are disclosed. The marking sheets employ a conformant composite material including: polyolefin and a nonreinforcing mineral particulate; and/or a thermoplastic upper surface. Preferably, the sheet's thermoplastic upper surface is embedded with reflective elements and/or skid-resistant particles. A solventless process of embedding particles in thermoplastic pavement marking sheets is disclosed. Processes for preparing marking sheets are also disclosed. Conformant pavement marking sheets which may be applied in cooler conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for estimating the size and location of couplings within a waveguide directional coupler is provided. The method is applied to a waveguide directional coupler having a main transmission waveguide connected to an auxiliary transmission waveguide by a plurality of bore hole couplings. The bore hole couplings are in the interior of the waveguide directional coupler and, therefore, are not easily measurable. The invention provides a simple and inexpensive method for measuring the size and location of the couplings without dismantling or destroying the waveguide directional coupler.

Abstract: A drapable, water vapor permeable, wind and water resistant composite fabric including a fabric substrate, a layer of a foamed water vapor porous adhesive in the surface area of one side of the fabric substrate and a layer or fabric material suitable for exposed use on the other is provided. The fabric material is preferably a layer of flocked fibers. The cellular structure of the foamed adhesive permits water vapor to pass through, however, wind and liquid water is inhibited from passing through the foam barrier. The foamed adhesive is inhibited from penetrating deeply into the fabric substrate during manufacture by an adhesive barrier material on the fabric which may be substantially removed during later processing. The resultant fabric is drapable and particularly suited for use in apparel, replacing two or more single purpose fabric layers within one multipurpose fabric layer.

Abstract: A gripping stick such as penholders, toothbrushes and shaving holders, in which a skin layer whose main component is polyolefin resin is laminated on a substrate layer formed of high melting point high-density polyolefin resin, the skin layer comprising an elastomer of low melting point low-density polyolefin resin within which high melting point high-density polyolefin resin powder remains in the form of solid particles and a mat-tone or rough surface is formed on the surface of the skin layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a low density thermal insulation batt. The batt includes binder fibers which have been softened to adhere to and interconnect insulative fibers in the batt, and also includes short stilt fibers which interconnect and space apart the insulative fibers to define interstitial air pockets intermediate the insulative fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides a process which automatically and in a continuous and uninterrupted manner makes a roofing shingle by applying granules to the top surface of an asphalt impregnated glass mat, laminating a narrow strip of bituminous coated glass mat to the bottom side of a coated glass mat, said narrow strip being cut from said impregnated glass mat and being inverted before said laminating step and cutting the laminated product to produce a laminate having cut-out areas between the remaining tabs. The final shingle is made from a single glass mat which is processed into a two level shingle, each level being made of a portion of the original glass mat with each level having exposed granules.

Abstract: The fiber composite for bearing structures for absorption of electromagnetic waves consists in its structure of at least three layers (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to be different in their electromagnetic material constants, whereby one or more fiber layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24) are used for the layers (2 to 9). The fiber layers demonstrate alternately by layers a high or low electrical conductivity such that the electromagnetic material constants of the layers (2 to 9) composed of the fiber layers (13 to 21 and 23, 24) and binder and the layer thicknesses are matched to one another such that the reflection attenuation is integrally maximized in a given frequency range.

Abstract: A method for making a thermal insulating structure for providing thermal insulation, structural load accommodation, and noise attenuation for surfaces in aerospace systems that are exposed to high temperatures is disclosed. Structure to be protected is a high-temperature solid back sheet to which is a honeycomb core having a perforated buried septum is bonded to a substrate. A layer of cast fiber-ceramic insulation is secured to the honeycomb core, filling portions of the core outward from the septum and extending beyond the outer face of the core. To absorb structural loads, a densified top coat overlies the insulating layer. To minimize the transmission of shear-inducing loads into the insulating layer, the outer face of the honeycomb core has an irregular surface. Core cell vents extending through the walls of adjacent cells provide a controlled airspace between the back sheet and the buried septum through which a fluid coolant may be circulated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for holding a generally cylindrical workpiece for honing or otherwise machining an internal bore. The workpiece is held by a gripping surface over most of the innermost turn of a spirally wound spring and coil. The workpiece is grasped circumferentially over its outer surface without excess contact pressure at any particular point. A tendency of the machining operation to rotate the workpiece serves to secure the workpiece more tightly in position by tightening the outer turns of the spring band coil. A rotatable tensioning member acts under the influence of a biasing spring to decrease the diameter of the innermost turn of the spring band coil to bring the gripping surface into contact with the workpiece. A method for adapting the work-holding apparatus to smaller or irregularly shaped workpieces consists of molding an annular piece around the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of a decorative thermosetting laminate with an abrasion-resistant surface layer, which laminate comprises paper sheets impregnated with a thermosetting resin. In the process a continuous paper is impregnated with a noble thermosetting resin such as melamine-formaldehyde resin. At least one side of the paper is coated with 2-20 g/m.sup.2, preferably 3-12 g/m.sup.2 of small, dry and hard particles evenly distributed over the whole wet surface of the resin on the continuous paper. The resin is dried, whereupon the particle coated impregnated paper, so-called prepreg is possibly cut to sheets. At least one such sheet or continuous paper is placed as a surface layer on a base layer and bonded thereto.

Abstract: A process is provided which produces a waterproof membrane and applies this waterproof membrane directly to a fixed substrate. The process includes the steps of providing a polymeric material; melting the polymeric material; forcing the melted polymeric material through a movable die, the movable die shaping the polymeric material melt into a film; moving the movable die across the fixed substrate; and applying the film directly to the fixed substrate forming a waterproof membrane. The polymeric material is one of those known in the art to be useful as roofing material. In a preferred embodiment, this process produces a sealing membrane which is applied to a roof of a structure forming a membrane effective to protect the structure from intrusion of water. In another aspect, an apparatus is provided which is capable of performing the process of this invention.