Abstract: An adhesive article exhibiting air release or egress, repositionability, and/or slidability characteristics. An adhesive article comprises an adhesive layer comprising an adhesive surface comprising discrete forms of non-adhesive material randomly distributed on the patterned surface and at least partially embedded in the adhesive layer. The discrete forms of non-adhesive material provide areas of no or minimal adhesion and provide the article with some level of repositionability or slidability. The adhesive surface comprising the non-adhesive forms may be patterned to provide an adhesive surface with a contact surface and recessed area or channels that provide the article with a route for air to flow out from under the construction. An article may be formed by providing a release liner, applying discrete forms of non-adhesive material to a surface of the release liner, at least partially embedding the non-adhesive forms, and embossing the release liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automotive inner ceiling material difficult to deform at a high temperature. Sheath-core type conjugate polyester fibers are prepared. The sheath is a heat fusible component. The core is a non heat fusible component. The sheath is made of copolyester which comprises acid units made of terephthalic acid and diol unites made of ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol. The conjugate fibers and the main fibers of polyester are mixed and provided in a card machine to be opened and accumulated to obtain a fibrous web. The fibrous web is heated to melt the sheaths, which are thereafter solidified to bind the fibers to obtain a non woven fabric. The nonwoven fabric is heat-treated at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the sheath. Immediately thereafter, the nonwoven fabric is heat-molded between a pair of a mold plates. During the heat-molding process, the inner temperature is maintained at 100˜130° C. for 60 seconds to obtain the ceiling material.

Abstract: Methods of forming compressed preform products formed from continuous fibers substantially evenly coated with a thermoplastic sizing composition are provided. Applying a thermoplastic sizing composition to continuous fibers during the formation of the fibers enables a preform to be formed without applying any additional sizing or binder compositions at later stages of the manufacturing of the preform. The thermoplastic sizing composition includes a thermoplastic material, and, optionally a silane coupling agent. The thermoplastic material in the thermoplastic sizing composition includes chemicals and/or compounds that are thermoplastic or possess thermoplastic properties. One or more preforms may be randomly inserted to a muffler cavity. Upon the application of heat, the preforms decompress and fill the cavity with fibrous material. Due to the ability to decompress the compressed preform product, the preform product can have a shape that is independent of the shape of the muffler cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides multiple layer interlayers having a relatively soft inner layer and relatively stiff outer layers that can be laminated without unacceptable optical distortion and used in various multiple layer glass panel type applications. Multiple layer interlayers of the present invention have surface topography that is formed by embossing the exposed surface of the interlayer, or individual layers of the multiple layer interlayer, after formation of the interlayer or layers. The embossing process is carried out under temperature conditions that prevent the transfer of the embossing to inner layers of the interlayer. By precisely controlling the embossing of the interlayer, lamination of the interlayer with a rigid substrate does not lead to unacceptable optical distortion caused by the transfer of the surface topography through outer, stiffer layers into softer, internal layers of the interlayer.

Abstract: A multi-calender process for forming a high modulus, high strength component for use in ballistic-resistant articles. The process includes forming ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene powder into a uniform sheet at a low pressure. Multiple calender units mold and draw the uniform sheet into a non-fibrous, monolithic, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape. The multi-calender process and subsequent draw stages stretch the non-fibrous UHMWPE tape to a total draw of at least 100 to 1 to produce a high modulus, high strength UHMWPE component with a modulus of 1,400 grams per denier or greater. The multi-calender process of the present invention enables production of a high-strength, high-modulus UHMWPE component for ballistic-resistant articles and other applications at significantly higher rates and at a lower unit cost.

Abstract: Free fibers (10) are deposited on a rotary support turntable (30) by means of a hollow deposition cone (40) having an outer wall surrounding a chamber and pierced by multiple perforations. The fibers are delivered to the outer surface of the perforated wall of the cone (40) in a cone feed zone that is remote from the zone for deposition on the turntable (30), and they are then held by suction being established inside the chamber, leading to suction through the perforations in the cone, so as to be transported by rotation of the cone from the cone feed zone to the zone for deposition on the turntable, and the fibers cease to be held on the cone in the deposition zone by localized interruption of the suction through the perforations in the wall of the cone, at least in said zone, such that the transported fibers are deposited on the turntable which is rotated about its own axis simultaneously with the cone being rotated. The fibers deposited on the rotary turntable (30) may be compacted and needled.

Abstract: A continuously operating press for the continuous manufacture of wood material boards having a textured surface on at least one side includes: an upper frame part and a lower frame part; two endless steel belts configured to draw a mat of material through the continuously operating press and to transfer press pressure, each steel belt associated with one of the upper frame part and the lower frame part; an endless metal mesh belt associated with a corresponding one of the steel belts; an insulating tunnel associated with the metal mesh belt and the corresponding steel belt; and a heating tunnel associated with the metal mesh belt and separated from the corresponding steel belt. The metal mesh belt includes a material having a thermal conductivity substantially higher than that of the corresponding steel belt and having a thermal expansion coefficient approximately equal to that of the corresponding steel belt.

Abstract: Extruded, stretched, sintered tubular PTPE materials are produced which are suited for use in the medical field as liners and covers for expandable stents. The PTFE materials have an unusually low REC (Radial Expansion Coefficient) and RER (Radial Expansion Ratio).

Abstract: There is provided a fastener for engaging with a loop fabric, comprising a base having a front surface with a multiplicity of engaging projections. At least some of the engaging projections having a top surface end and an attached end. The at least some engaging projections top surface ends form an edge angle surrounding the projections. A mantle surface extending from the top surface end edge to the attached end. Generally at least one contour line of a side view of the mantle surface is convex.

Abstract: A water repellent anti-reflective structure with a superior water repellent function and an anti-reflective function, a method of manufacturing the same, and components of vehicles comprising the water repellent anti-reflective structure (e.g., display or window panel) are taught. Numerous cone-shaped projections having a circular or polygonal bottom surface and a diameter of a circular bottom surface or a circle circumscribing with a polygonal bottom surface within a range between 50 and 380 nm are configured to be arranged at a pitch within a range between 50 and 380 nm, having an aspect ratio within a range greater than or equal to 1.5 and made from material having a contact angle with water equal to or greater than 90°.

Abstract: A material useful in a process for embossing a flexible graphite sheet is presented. The inventive material is a flexible graphite sheet which has a preselected void condition which provides the capability of controlling the morphology, and thus the functional characteristics, of the resulting embossed sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a contoured, consolidated cellulosic article, with variable basis weight, is disclosed. The method employs a former to create a mat having a substantially uniform thickness which is pre-pressed to retain its shape. The pre-pressed mat is then machined along at least one surface to result in a desirable contour. The contoured mat is then consolidated within a secondary press. The secondary press preferably includes platens shaped complementarily to the surfaces of the mat.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reforming composite fibres comprising colloidal particles and at least a binding and/or crosslinking polymer, characterised in that it comprises: means for deforming, by cold process at room temperature or at a temperature slightly higher than room temperature, said polymer of said fibre, and means for applying, on said fibre, mechanical stresses.

Abstract: A process for preparing a gas permeable flexible graphite sheet is presented. The process includes providing graphite flakes; admixing the graphite flakes with a sacrificial additive to form a graphite mixture; compressing the graphite mixture into a sheet having sacrificial additive dispersed therethrough; and treating the sheet to at least partially remove the sacrificial additive to form a permeable flexible graphite sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming tow-based absorbent structures having a single casing sheet are disclosed. The apparatus has a tow supply mechanism for providing tow material, a particulate matter supply mechanism for providing particulate matter, and a casing sheet supply mechanism for providing casing sheet material. The apparatus also has a vacuum draw roll having a foraminous center surface that has a width defined by a first edge and a second edge and is rotatable about a first axis. The vacuum draw roll is positioned to receive the tow material, the particulate matter and the casing sheet material to form a open core composite supply. The apparatus also has one or more angled surfaces positioned to create one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply, and one or more folders to further fold the one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply to form a folded core composite supply.

Abstract: A method of making an embossed air-laid absorbent sheet includes: depositing a dry web of fibers on a foraminous support; embossing the compacted web with a laser engraved roll provided with a hard rubber embossing surface having an embossing pattern with a depth of from about 5 mils to about 100 mils. The hard rubber embossing surface is biased toward a second embossing surface selected from the group consisting of the surface of a nip roll and a foraminous web support engaging a support embossing roll. The process further includes bonding the web.

Abstract: Preform for carbon-carbon composite part (55) comprising multiple layers of fibrous mats (51, 52, 53) wherein each mat (51, 52, 53) comprises random carbon-containing fibrous matrix (11) having polymeric binder distributed therein and wherein adjacent mats (51, 52, 53) are bound together by additional polymer binder, stitching, and interlocking tabs. Also, method of manufacturing thick multi-layer composite preform, by: providing optionally reconfigurable tool including perforated screen through which vacuum can be drawn; delivering chopped fibers (b) to the tool while drawing vacuum therethrough to form fibrous object; delivering binder (c) to the fibrous object; melting or curing the binder (d) to make a fibrous mat (51, 52, 53); assembling plurality of the fibrous mats (51, 52, 53) and additional binder into the shape of a preform (e); and heat-pressing the resulting mat assembly (f) into finished thick preform (55).

Abstract: Endless steel band for belt presses, especially double belt presses, with a thickness between 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, which is turned around on drums of the belt press, and whose surface has a maximum medium roughness up to RZ 50.5 ?m, in which a plurality of depressions are provided starting from the surface of the steel strip and extending into the steel strip, the depressions being substantially evenly distributed and reaching from the surface of the steel strip 200 ?m to 600 ?m deep into the steel band. Such steel band can be used for the production of plates, preferably wood-based plates, especially chipboards, with elevations.

Abstract: A combinatorial library includes a gelcast substrate defining a plurality of cavities in at least one surface thereof; and a plurality of gelcast test materials in the cavities, at least two of the test materials differing from the substrate in at least one compositional characteristic, the two test materials differing from each other in at least one compositional characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a mineral fiber comprising one or more shaped cavities and a mineral fiber panel prepared by the method and an apparatus for preparing mineral fiber panels comprising one or more shaped cavities. Furthermore the invention relates to uses of the mineral fiber panel comprising one or more shaped cavities.

Abstract: A corrugated wooden fiberboard panel system provides a new structural member for use in the construction of building walls, ceilings, and floors as a substitute for conventional framing members, such as studs and joists.

Abstract: Molded skins and methods of making molded skins are disclosed. An embodiment of a skin includes a sheet having first and second surfaces, a first arcuate portion integral with the sheet, and a second arcuate portion integral with the sheet and adjacent to the first arcuate portion. The sheet includes a cellulosic material. The first arcuate portion includes a first surface and a second surface, each having an arc. The second arcuate portion includes a first surface and a second surface, each having an arc. An angle forming the arc of the first surface of the first arcuate portion is greater than 110 degrees and an angle forming the arc of the first surface of the second arcuate portion is less than 102 degrees.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for making porous thermoplastic nibs which are adhesive-free and plasticizer-free. The method comprises the steps of feeding a coherent fibrous structure into a compacting, shaping and bonding die, heating the surface of the fibers uniformly by surrounding them with a hot fluid and causing their surfaces to become tacky and to develop a cohesive bond between the fibers.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for making a reinforced fibrous absorbent member, fibrous material is collected on a forming surface to at least partially form the absorbent member. Fibrous material is entangled with a reinforcing web which is overlaid on at least a portion of the partially formed absorbent member. Additional fibrous material is collected on the forming surface to further form the absorbent member whereby at least a portion of the fibrous material forming the absorbent member becomes entangled with at least one of the reinforcing web and the fibrous material entangled with the reinforcing web to secure the reinforcing web within the absorbent member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming tow-based absorbent structures having a single casing sheet are disclosed. The apparatus has a tow supply mechanism for providing tow material, a particulate matter supply mechanism for providing particulate matter, and a casing sheet supply mechanism for providing casing sheet material. The apparatus also has a vacuum draw roll having a foraminous center surface that has a width defined by a first edge and a second edge and is rotatable about a first axis. The vacuum draw roll is positioned to receive the tow material, the particulate matter and the casing sheet material to form a open core composite supply. The apparatus also has one or more angled surfaces positioned to create one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply, and one or more folders to further fold the one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply to form a folded core composite supply.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The expandable polymer can also have the drug or agent added to its structure at a polymer resin preparation stage, through use of an aqueous solution mixed with one or more fluoropolymers, or in a mixing stage. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: Method for loading ceramic moulds presenting a die plate having at least one forming cavity in which a die is slidingly received, comprising the following operative steps for each complete loading cycle: preparing a powder layer at least the upper part of which has properties conforming to the required aesthetic characteristics of the exposed face of the tile; transferring said layer to above said at least one forming cavity; depositing into said at least one cavity a powder layer having a thickness greater than that necessary to obtain the desired tile thickness, and before pressing removing, by suction, the surface layer of the powder contained in the mould cavity, without appreciable mixing of the powder present at the interface between the surface layer and the underlying material.

Abstract: A method of making an embossed air-laid absorbent sheet includes: depositing a dry web of fibers on a foraminous support; embossing the compacted web with a laser engraved roll provided with a hard rubber embossing surface having an embossing pattern with a depth of from about 5 mils to about 100 mils. The hard rubber embossing surface is biased toward a second embossing surface selected from the group consisting of the surface of a nip roll and a foraminous web support engaging a support embossing roll. The process further includes bonding the web.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: A process for extruding of products from fluoropolymers preferably shaped as rods or tubes which have unique physical and other properties resulting from the addition of nanoparticles under unique processing conditions while also utilizing accurate control of processing parameters such as time and temperature and others according to novel methods.

Abstract: A process for the production of tablets with a cavity using a press, equipped with upper and lower punches, the lower punch comprising a ring portion being able to reciprocate, characterized in that a central member is provided within the ring portion of the lower punch, this central member being fixed in a pre-determined position beneath the upper part of the die during the process and that, at some stage before the first compression step, the ring portion of the lower punch is adjusted at a position beneath the level of the upper end of the central member.

Abstract: A scintillator panel having a wavelength conversion member has some problems: lowered durability to be caused by an area not covered with a protective layer around a projection formed on the wavelength conversion member surface; lowered resolution response and CTF caused by an irregularity of the film thicknesses of wavelength conversion members and a variation in gaps between wavelength conversion members and sensor panels; and breakage of the sensor panel by projections when a radiation detector is formed by bonding the scintillator panel and sensor panel. At least one of these problems can be solved by a scintillator panel having projections on the wavelength conversion member surface whose sizes are reduced, and by a radiation detector having such a scintillator panel and a sensor panel bonded together.

Abstract: A to be molded wood flake (12) or strand part is shown, having sharp definition in a bend in the part. The method of making such part includes using fines (13) to sharply define the bends of the part.

Abstract: A molded wood flake or strand part (14) is shown, having a densified and/or thinner perimeter surrounding a hole (15) in the part. The method of making such part includes narrowing the mold cavity surrounding the hole, and/or providing a hole punch (17) with a shoulder which projects beyond the surface of the mold, to further compress the wood flakes or strands near the hole.

Abstract: Method of forming a fiber web (210) intended for use in absorbent products, such as sanitary towels, by air-laying fibers. Separate air flows containing fibers are fed to a number n of different mat-forming wheels (160, 170, 180), where n is a whole number which is at least 2. Separate web layers (161, 171, 181) are formed on each mat-forming wheel. The fiber web (210) is formed by virtue of said web layers being combined downstream of the mat-forming wheels to form a common fiber web which is imparted very great manufacturing accuracy by virtue of the manufacturing method. The manufacturing speed and thus the web speed can be very high, and the desired manufacturing accuracy at the web speed concerned is achieved by selecting a sufficiently great number n of mat-forming wheels. The invention also relates to a fiber web manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: A method for creating a patterned concrete surface with the aid of a concrete surface retarding agent. According to the invention, printing technique or an output technique is used to transfer the surface retarding agent forming the desired pattern to the surface coming into direct contact with the concrete to be cast. The printing or output technique can also be used to transfer a release agent or other substance affecting the surface of the concrete to the surface coming into contact with the concrete to be cast, in the same or in a separate transfer stage.

Abstract: A method of making a low friction bearing for use when immersed in a liquid particularly water is provided comprising a synthetic resin composition which includes powders of a rice bran ceramic, carbon rice bran ceramic or both which are uniformly dispersed in a synthetic resin. The weight ratio between the RBC or CRBC powders and the synthetic resin is 30:90 to 70:10.

Abstract: A method and a production plant for production of sheets with substantially stiff structure of paper material comprise the steps of paper grinding to obtain paper flakes, spreading the flakes to obtain a carpet of flakes, sprinkling the carpet with gluing liquid, accomplishing a first compacting of the flakes and accomplishing a second compacting of the carpet during which is executed a simultaneous forming to obtain a sheet with a plurality of stiffening dishes.

Abstract: A compatibilized polyolefin/polyolefin composite material includes a polyolefin/polyolefin composite substrate and a reinforcing mat formed from reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic polymer powder. The mat may also incorporate an optional emulsion polymer binder. In addition the compatibilized polyolefin/polyolefin composite material may incorporate an additional film layer so that the mat is sandwiched between the substrate and the film layer. A method of producing such materials from a polyolefin/polyolefin composite substrate that is topologically/mechanically bonded to a reinforcing mat formed from reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic polymer powder is also described.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a fire door core. Hydraulic binder and resin are supplied from raw material bins and mixed to provide a submixture. Exfoliated vermiculite is then mixed with the submixture to provide a mixture that is deposited into a plurality of compression molds. Each of the filled molds are pressed in a press at a predetermined temperature at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined period of time sufficient to harden the mixture into a hardened slab. The hardened slabs are then removed from the molds, impregnated with water or steam in a water impregnation assembly and dried in a drying assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a fragrance delivery system comprising forming fused microspheres and incorparting a fragrance therein. The method relates to the mixing together of two separate factions comprising a silicate part and a modifier part, drying the mixture, heating the mixture to form an agglomeration, removing any free-flowing spheres from the agglomeration, soaking the agglomeration in fragrances or essential oils, and then drying the agglomeration.

Abstract: A core component is molded to include surface depressions to compensate for varying widths and depths of the shell or framing of a building or structural member. The component includes two major surfaces defining respective front and rear sides of the component, and the rear side of the component is preferably the mirror image of the front side. The core component is preferably pre-formed and the surface layers are wetted to contain at least 2%, preferably about 4% to 20%, more moisture than at the thickness center of the mat to provide surfaces capable of adhesive coating for adherence to surrounding structural members, preferably two prefabricated molded doorskins. The core component is preferably made from a composite soft board material.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a consolidated cellulosic article having first and second surfaces of a desired contour, a uniform density and variable caliper and basis weight are disclosed. The method and system employ a primary press having first and second similarly contoured platens to consolidate a mat of cellulosic material and a binding agent to a softboard having first level of density with first and second opposed sides of similar contour. A removal tool is then employed to remove cellulosic material from one or both of the first and second sides in a planar fashion. The resulting mat is then compressed a second time by a secondary press having first and second platens corresponding in shape to a higher density level while maintaining a substantially uniform caliper and basis weight.

Abstract: A method and system for pressing lignocellulosic and/or cellulosic materials to produce composite products such as medium density fiberboard subjects a mat of material to a alternating or vibratory force normal to the top face of the mat. The frequency of the alternating forces may be between 0.2 Hz and 2 Hz. This vibratory pressing action serves to cause heat to be transferred more quickly to the core of the mat from the surface, and reduces the pressing time required for thermosetting resins within the mat to cure. The system has a press for accepting the mat; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the core of the mat; a control system for accepting a first signal from the temperature sensor and in response to that signal causing the press to apply vibratory forces to the mat normal to the surface of the mat when the core of the mat is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a friction member used for a vibration wave driving apparatus including a vibration member, a contact member which is brought into frictional contact with the vibration member and relatively moved by vibrations produced in the vibration member, and the friction member formed on one of friction portions of the vibration member and contact member, a molded member is formed by compression molding of a plastic powder and an additive, a sintered member is formed by sintering the molded member, a sheet is formed by cutting the sintered member in the form of a sheet, and a modified layer formed by cutting is removed from the friction surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the abrasion resistance of a spun-bonded nonwoven without substantially adversely affecting its hand or drape characteristics, by incorporating low melt binder fibers into the web during the laydown phase of the spun-bonded nonwoven production process. More specifically, improved abrasion resistance is achieved by intimately blending continuous binder fibers with the primary extruded fibers in a spun-bonded nonwoven web. Also encompassed within this invention is a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric having improved abrasion resistance and comprised of primary extruded fiber and low melt binder fiber such that the binder fiber comprises between about 1 and about 50 weight percent on weight of the spun-bonded nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: To produce a reformed medium density fiber (MDF) product, a reforming process is performed on a pre-finished MDF board having at least one pre-finished surface which, in turn, carries at least one coating. The process comprises the steps of: placing the pre-finished medium density fiber board in a heated press mold; closing the heated press mold while the pre-finished medium density fiber board is located therein; applying pressure and heat to the pre-finished medium density fiber board using the heated press mold so that the pre-finished surface(s) is (are) reformed without cracking, bubbling, or removal of the coating(s); opening the heated press mold; and removing the pre-finished medium density fiber board from the heated press mold. The application of pressure and heat preferably is such that the board becomes reformed, preferably no greater than 0.045 inch into the board.

Abstract: Decorative surface material having a decorative pattern in which a combination of domains of varying sizes and colors are defined by shading variations at the interfaces of adjoining domains, the decorative pattern being provided by a process in which a flowable thermosettable molding formulation having orientable particles mixed therein is divided into fragments which are mixed together, the mixture is fed into a hot mold and pressure is applied to form the solid surface material.

Abstract: A plastic closure that includes a cap having a base with a peripheral skirt defining a cap interior and threads on the skirt for securing the closure to a container. A liner is secured to the interior of the cap, preferably by compression molding in situ. The liner preferably consists essentially of a blend of matrix polymer material, particulate barrier polymer material and compatibilizer material. The heat and pressure of compression forms the particles of barrier polymer material into platelets that are oriented essentially parallel to the plane of the closure base.

Abstract: A reinforced continuous molded article which is equally reinforced in all aspects is suitable for molding into automobile exterior trim. The article comprises at least one thermoplastic, having essentially homogeneously mixed therein about 2% to about 15% by volume reinforcing particles having one or more layers of 0.7 nm-1.2 nm thick platelets, wherein more than about 50% of the reinforcing particles are less than about 20 layers thick. A method of producing reinforced articles comprising these reinforcing particles is also disclosed. Optionally, such articles may have embossed surfaces or may have a decorative film laminated thereto.