Abstract: A process for producing a cylindrical reinforcing fibrous molding by sealing openings at opposite ends of a porous cylindrical disintegratable mold, immersing the mold into an aqueous solution of a molding material containing reinforcing fibers and an inorganic binder, and depositing the molding material onto the outer peripheral surface of the mold by applying suction within the mold to form a molding blank; pressing the molding blank against the mold to adjust the shape of the molding blank; disintegrating the mold to remove it from the blank; and heating the molding blank to partially bond the reinforcing fibers with the inorganic binder.

Abstract: A method for shaping a tetrafluoroethylene resin pipe which comprises:(a) winding a porous sheet of tetrafluoroethylene resin which is not sintered around a mandrel,(b) covering the wound sheet with an elastomeric material,(c) isotactically pressing the wound sheet covered with the elastomeric material,(d) removing the elastomeric material from the wound sheet, and(e) sintering the wound sheet. According to the present invention, a dense tetrafluoroethylene resin pipe having excellent appearance and surface smoothness can be easily obtained, while maintaining the advantages inherent in the conventional winding methods.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of mixing the sand and the decomposable binder to form a dough-like consistency, forming the dough-like mixture into a sheet. Cutting the sheet into silhouette shapes and then drying the shapes to form a rigid article suitable for a variety of purposes. The preferred article is coated with a decomposable waterproof sealant. Method of forming planar frangible targets as well as formed three-dimensionsl tableware and food containers are disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for the continuous production of a high-strength and high-modulus polyethylene material having excellent properties. According to the process, powder composed of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene powder as a principal component is subjected to compression molding, rolling and stretching. The polyethylene powder has an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin. The compression molding is carried out by feeding the polyethylene powder between endless belts arranged in an opposing up-and-down relation, and conveying the polyethylene powder while holding the same between the endless belts and at the same time, continuously compression molding the polyethylene powder at a temperature lower than its melting point by a compressing means provided inside of the endless belts. In at least one of the compression molding step and rolling step, an olefin polymer having a molecular weight lower than the polyolefin polymer is concurrently processed.

Abstract: A method for the continuous preparation of a polyethylene having high strength and high modulus of elasticity is here disclosed which comprises the steps of mixing 100 parts by weight of an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene powder having an intrinsic viscosity of 5 to 50 dl/g in decalin at 135.degree. C. with 2 to 50 parts by weight of a liquid organic compound having a boiling point higher than the melting point of the polyethylene, feeding the resulting mixture to between a pair of upper and lower endless belts facing each other, continuously compression-molding the mixture at a temperature less than the melting point of the mixture by pressing means disposed inside the endless belts, and rolling and then drawing the same.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process and devices for producing beam-shaped moldings from fine plant parts mixed with binders in molding presses. Based on the discovery that the degree of compaction of the core of such moldings decreases with increasing cross section of the moldings, it is suggested in the present invention that the core zone of the molding be formed by an additional amount of fine parts moved there and compacted deliberately, which amount of material acts reactively as a compression zone to the moveable walls surrounding it during the compaction of the molding. Compaction of the molding over its entire cross section and at the same time particularly great compaction of the peripheral zones of the molding are thus achieved. The strength and the bending resistance of such moldings are particularly high, and such moldings are therefore also suitable for forming railroad ties.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic molded products, sheets, and the like, having a glossy surface are produced by intimately blending discrete reinforcing fibers (e.g. fiberglass) and thermoplastic fibers (e.g. polypropylene or polycarbonate) into a web. The web is heated to the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers while applying pressure, to eliminate air and press the web into a consolidated structure. Breakage of the reinforcing fibers is minimized by limiting the thickness of the web and limiting the pressure so as to produce a consolidated structure with minimal fiber breakage and a Notched Izod of at least one. Layered consolidated structures, some without reinforcing fibers, may be heated and pressed together to form a final structure having a thickness greater than the individual structures. The great majority of the fibers are provided so that the fibers of each type are within the range of about 0.5-5 inches.

Abstract: A high-strength and high-modulus polyolefin material can be continuously produced from a polyolefin in a powder form by feeding the polyolefin powder between a combination of endless belts disposed in an up-and-down opposing relation, compression-molding the polyolefin powder at a temperature lower than the melting point of the polyolefin powder by means of a pressing device while holding the polyolefin powder between the endless belts and conveying the same, and then rolling and stretching the resultant compression-molded polyolefin. The pressing device is constructed of pressing platens and corresponding sets of rollers, which are all accommodated within the respective endless belts. The rollers in each set are connected together, and the sets of rollers are arranged movably in an endless fashion between the respective platens and the endless belts associated therewith.

Abstract: A method for making a composite material including a discontinuous phase of cellulosic fiber encapsulated in and bonded to a continuous phase of a polymeric component containing a major portion of polyethylene by mixing the cellulosic fiber and polymeric component while raising the temperature of the mixture to the encapsulation point, maintaining the encapsulated material within the encapsulation range while reducing the particle size, and thereafter extruding the material while controlling its temperature within the encapsulation range and substantially aligning the fibers in the flow direction until the material contacts a heated die.

Abstract: A process for consistently making ceiling tiles having uniform density and surface texture includes using a conveyor along which trays are moved in a generally horizontal direction. A feeder box is used to deposit pulp in the trays, the pulp being comprised of a mixture of water, starch, fibrous material, and other ingredients. The feeder box through which pulp is deposited in the trays is of a special design, and includes a sloping front edge which creates a negative rake angle with respect to layers produced by the system. The lower front edge of the feeder box includes a surface having a compound curvature. Ceiling tiles are produced by the process having improved uniformity of density and surface texture.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus for and a method of producing compacted particulate articles, as well as the compacted particulate articles made by that method. A particulate material mixed with a binder is introduced to and directed through a briquetting press wherein said particulate material is first sandwiched between polymer film, the sandwich formed in resilient polymer dies, then the polymer film is peeled off of the formed articles and collected while the formed articles are collected, accumulated and further processed.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic molded products, sheets, and the like, having a glossy surface are produced by intimately blending discrete reinforcing fibers (e.g. fiberglass) and thermoplastic fibers (e.g. polypropylene or polycarbonate) into a web. The web is heated to the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers while applying pressure, to eliminate air and press the web into a consolidated structure. Breakage of the reinforcing fibers is minimized by limiting the thickness of the web and limiting the pressure so as to produce a consolidated structure with minimal fiber breakage and a Notched Izod of at least one. Layered consolidated structures, some without reinforcing fibers, may be heated and pressed together to form a final structure having a thickness greater than the individual structures. The great majority of the fibers are provided so that the fibers of each type are within the range of about 0.5-5 inches.

Abstract: Interpenetrated matrix of polytetrafluoroethylene and elastomer is disclosed. The matrix is formed into a composite material which is flexible, durable, highly porous with a tight microporous structure and improved retractability. The composite material is subjected to a multi-expansion process to produce shaped articles such as films, tubes, rods and filaments with excellent flexibility and elasticity. More particularly, the composite material can be utilized to produce vascular grafts with excellent biological compatibility.

Abstract: A rigid, self-supporting, acoustical mineral fiberboard comprising a mixture of about 50 to 70 weight percent of mineral fibers, 15 to 35 weight percent of perlite, 1 to 10 weight percent of cellulosic fibers, and 4 to 15 weight percent of a binder with the proviso that the board forming solids do not include any clay filler. A pattern is formed on the fiberboard after the fiberboard has been dried.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane comprising at least two layers having different average pore diameters is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of: filling the inside of a cylinder of an extruding mold distinctively with at least two kinds of polytetrafluoroethylene fine powders with each of which a liquid lubricant has been mixed; subsequently paste-extruding the powders to obtain a multilayer extrudate, which is then optionally rolled; and then stretching the extrudate or the rolled extrudate at least monoaxially after the liquid lubricant is removed therefrom or without removing the liquid lubricant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of composite material parts by aligning reinforcing fibers through application of electric fields. The fibers are in the form of rods preimpregnated with a matrix material or coated with a sizing, and aligned within a dielectric alignment fluid. By providing appropriate electrodes, an electric field is created which mimics the stress lines exhibited by the final composite part when under stress. The reinforcing fibers align to the electric field, thereby aligning to the stress lines.

Abstract: A pressed elongate cover profile made from a mixture of a fiber material and a binding material and having opposite end portions, a groove formed in one of said opposite end portions, a tongue on the other of said opposite end portions, a wall thickness which changes continuously from the one end portion to the other end portion, and a greater packing of an end portion with a greater wall thickness than that of the end portion with a smaller wall thickness, at least an outer surface of the cover profile which is visible after mounting of the cover profile, being lined with a firmly attached protective layer, and a method of and an apparatus for manufacturing such a cover profile.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramic products. This method comprises the steps of mixing ceramic powder, organic materials imparting formability to the ceramic powder, and a first solvent, thereby preparing a mixture, shaping the mixture thereby forming a product of a simple shape, drying the product, immersing the dried product in a bath of a second solvent, thereby plasticizing the product, and re-shaping the plasticized product.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying binder to newly formed mineral wool fibres by means of several distribution means like nozzles or spreaders (30-33, 36-36, 41-43) while said mineral wool fibres are suspended in an air or gas stream on their way to a collection means (29), which in one or more steps form a final mineral wool path (F-J), whereby the binder or binder mixtures from the different distribution means (30-33, 35-36, 41-43) are supplied to different parts of the fibre suspension and in such amounts--in relation to the fibre flow in that part of the fibre suspension, which is actuated by the respective distribution means--that different layers (e.g. F+J, G+I, H) of the final mineral wool path get different content of binder.

Abstract: A binder, a water-repelling agent, and a mold release agent are added to wooden fibers obtained by splitting wood chips. This mixture is collected into a body having a particular shape without being formed into a mat. The collected body is compression molded under heat to make a molded wooden product.

Abstract: A corrugated metal-clad sandwich panel with a wafer composite core is provided. The single stage process for the panel manufacture involves utilizing a press platen system which is mechanically convertible between a planar and a corrugated configuration. The metal sheet is first placed on the lower platen which is in the planar configuration. The wafers and an isocyanate resin in admixture are uniformly distributed over the metal sheet. Optionally, a second metal sheet is placed over the wafer/resin mat. The platens are converted from the planar to the corrugated configuration, thus forming the corrugated metal-clad sandwich panel having a waferboard core in a single stage.

Abstract: In a process for producing fibrous mats as a starting material for compression moulded articles, fiberized waste materials are mixed with thermoplastic and/or thermoset or thermosetting binders, the mixture is spread onto an air-permeable conveyor belt to give a first fleece layer, on said fleece layer is loosely placed a polyester fabric or lattice with at least partly multifilament threads, a mesh size between 4 and 7 mm and a thermoset or thermosetting finish, then a second fleece layer is spread onto the fabric or lattice and then the layers are compressed at elevated temperature and under pressure to give a transportable mat, from which individual moulded articles are produced by compression moulding at temperatures between 180.degree. and 220.degree. C., the polyester fabric undergoing thermal conditioning prior to its use at temperatures roughly corresponding to the mould temperature.

Abstract: A briquetter for low density materials having a hopper, an auger in the bottom portion of the hopper extending outwardly of the hopper with its leading end feeding material conveyed by the auger and a pair of rolls receiving the feed material having briquette forming pockets extending along the roll circumferences, arranged to form complementary pockets for shaping the briquettes transversely of the rolls. A pair of confronting, threaded auxiliary ribbon flights in the hopper are provided immediately above the auger for pre-compressing material as it enters the auger. The auxiliary ribbon flights are tapered in diameter and have threads that become progressively smaller and are in opposite directions so as to concentrate pressure on material entering the auger. The leading end of the auger is smaller in diameter than the threads of the auger and is pointed to concentrate pressure on materials introduced between the pair of rolls.

Abstract: An orthotic footwear insert is made of a resilient shock-absorbing layer. The layer has an upper surface, intended to receive the heel, the upper surface having a plurality of outwardly projecting nodules arranged in a waffle-like pattern which defines the upper plane. The layer also has a lower surface, beneath the heel-receiving surface. The lower surface has a plurality of rib members extending longitudinally between the back and front edges and generally parallel to the side edges of the layer. The rib members are therefore arranged such that air does not become trapped between them when pressure is applied to the layer. The invention also includes a method of making a shock-absorbing composition, which can be used to construct the footwear insert or other products. According to this method, an elastomeric material is comminuted into particles, and the resulting composition is formed into a desired shape. Preferably, a quantity of water is added to the composition.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic molded products, sheets, and the like, having a glossy surface are produced by intimately blending discrete reinforcing fibers (e.g. fiberglass) and thermoplastic fibers (e.g. polypropylene or polycarbonate) into a web. The web is heated to the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers while applying pressure, to eliminate air and press the web into a consolidated structure. Breakage of the reinforcing fibers is minimized by limiting the thickness of the web and limiting the pressure so as to produce a consolidated structure with minimal fiber breakage and a Notched Izod of at least one. Layered consolidated structures, some without reinforcing fibers, may be heated and pressed together to form a final structure having a thickness greater than the individual structures. The great majority of the fibers are provided so that the fibers of each type are within the range of about 0.5-5 inches.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a method for producing a structure, more particularly a wooden structure, in the surface of a hardened fibreboard, especially a medium-density fibreboard; it comprises the steps of: applying a resin-water mix to the surface of the fibreboard on one or both sides to soften and penetrate into the surface of the fibreboard; and pressing the fibreboard with a short-cycle press, under the action of pressure and heat, and using a structured pressure-plate. The water-part of the resin-water mix is caused to evaporate and the resin-part to cure, whereas the structure of the pressure-plate is moulded into the surface of the fibreboard.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics are produced by mixing fibers especially textile fibers with binder powders, and by bonding the fibers and binder powders in twin-platform belt ovens for heating the powder. During this step, air is passed through the nonwoven mat or web or interlocked fibers. In order to avoid contamination of the oven with binder powder fragments detached from the nonwoven fabric, the provision is made to arrange a steaming process upstream of the air heat treatment process. The steam is to condense on the fibers or on the binder powder and to promote sticking of the powder to the fibers of the nonwoven fabric. Advantageously, a sieve drum device is employed in place of the twin-platform belt oven for the final bonding heat treatment; this device can operate herein in a much more economical fashion than the oven.

Abstract: An ultrastretchable polymer material is prepared starting from polyolefine particles with a low entanglement density and a weight average molecular weight (M.sub.w) higher than 400,000, the particles being densified to a coherent material together with a process auxiliary material at an elevated temperature, but below the melting point of the pure polyolefine.From this ultrastretchable material, objects with a high tensile strength and a high modulus can be produced by stretching it, for instance, at a temperature which is at most 70.degree. C. below the temperature at which the polyolefine melts under the prevailing conditions, if desired after removal of the process auxiliary agent present in it.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyethylene materials oriented at a high level is disclosed in which a selected ethylene polymer as produced is extruded or rolled at a temperature lower than its melting point and subsequently subjected to stretching. The polymer is from 5 to 50 dl/g at 135.degree. C. in decalin in intrinsic viscosity and smaller than 60 .ANG. in crystal size on a plane (110) in the diffraction pattern.

Abstract: A platen assembly is provided for manufacturing flat-topped wave-board. The assembly can be mechanically converted between a planar configuration and a wave-like configuration to form a board with a flat-topped and bottomed profile.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a stiff permeable sheet-like fibrous structure which includes forming a web with 20% to 60% single fibres having a high modulus of elasticity (as herein defined) and between 7 and 50 millimeters long, and 40% to 60% by weight of a wholly or substantially unconsolidated particulate plastics material, and then treating the web by heating to melt the plastics material and passing it between a pair of nip rollers so that the plastics material can flow and wet out the fibres, the nip between the rollers being set to a dimension less than the thickness of the unconsolidated web and greater than that of the web if it were to be fully consolidated, and allowing the web to expand and remain substantially permeable after passing through the rollers.

Abstract: A composite lumber product of consolidated comminuted wood and thermosetting resin made by a method which comprises densifying the material into a product-shaped heated metal mold by applying the compressing thrust in a direction parallel to the width dimension of the lumber-like article produced, rather than in the direction parallel the thickness dimension as in conventional hot platen pressing. Densifying in this manner produces much superior orientation of the wood grain along the long axis of the composite lumber product. The timed period elapsed during the densification to dimension now can be, and must be, quite short--of the order of twenty seconds or preferably less--allowing maximum heat transfer into the densified material from the hot metal broad-face (W.times.L) surface to thus minimize the presstime required. Apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the production of a fiber-reinforced molding material of thermosetting resin, which method comprises supplying a liquid thermosetting resin composition to at least one spreading roller disposed as separated by a gap of not more than 5 mm from the terminal of a supply unit, rotated at speed in the range of 1,000 to 7,000 r.p.m., and provided on the circumferential source thereof with at least one ridge or groove formed parallelly to the rotary axis thereof, thereby causing the liquid thermosetting resin composition to be spread out in the form of particles, allowing said particles to be mixed with separately spread reinforcing fibers, piling the resultant mixture, and then deaerating the piled mixture thereby causing the reinforcing fibers in the piled mixture to be impregnated with the resin composition.

Abstract: A method of forming felts, the fibers of which are disposed in random directions, by depositing the fibers which are carried by a current of gas on a gas-permeable conveyor, the fibers, prior to being deposited, being coated with a binder composition. The felt constituted on the conveyor is subjected to at least one longitudinal compression, the intensity of which is regulated in such a way that no creases form on the surface. The felts obtained are highly resistant to compression, tearing and flexion.

Abstract: An article having non-planar portions, such as a material handling pallet, including a substantially flat deck member and a plurality of hollow leg members projecting integrally from the deck member, is molded as a one-piece unit from a loosely-felted mat formed from a mixture of resinous particle board binder and flake-like wood particles. The leg members are preformed in a separate preform mold or the article forming mold and the mat is deposited on the female die over mold cavities containing the preforms. When the article forming mold is closed, the mat and preforms are compressed into substantially the desired shape and size under temperature and pressure conditions which bond the wood particles of the mat and the preforms together to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molded wooden product includes the steps of: preparing a ligneous molding material by adding a binder essentially consisting of a synthetic resin and the like to wood fibers; adjusting the weight of the molding material in a fibrous state or in a state of being aggregated into a predetermined configuration; directly supplying the molding material to a shaping mold; shaping the outer periphery of the molding material by moving the shaping mold toward the center in conformity with the final external shape of a molded product; and hot compression molding the molding material, thereby obtaining a molded wooden product of a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A process for the hot press moulding of moulded articles, such as the internal linings of motor vehicles or the like is described, in which planar blanks of tangled fibre mat fleece mixed with binders, using at least one mould, are permanently deformed in a multidimensional moulding process after evaporating on the mat fleece. A stabilizing support is introduced during the deformation process on at least one side between the shaping surface of the mould and the mat fleece. It is in the form of a fibrous sandwich layer which is substantially elongation-free in the surface direction at ambient temperature, but is plastically deformable within the hot press mould under the action of heat. With and/or immediately after the moulding process, said stabilization support becomes a substantially elongation-free, inflexible covering. The geometry of the flexible stabilizing support is to be made to coincide with that of the mat fleece blank to be deformed.

Abstract: Described are smooth, glossy finished fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg materials composed of reinforcement fibers impregnated with and surrounded by thermoplastic. Prior to consolidation, the material preferably consists of thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers, intimately blended together. When heated, with the aid of pressure, the thermoplastic fibers melt, surround and impregnate the reinforcing fibers and provide a smooth, glossy finish to the reinforced article. Excellent surface appearance and the ability to accommodate high-speed processing characterize the prepreg materials of this invention.

Abstract: Elastic, heat-insulating shapes of ceramic, refractory or fireproof fibers and, where needed, further refractory or fireproof substances, and temporary or inorganic binders, as well as a process for the preparation thereof. The heat-insulating shapes are characterized by the fact that they contain 5 to 40 weight % of fibrids comprised of organic polymers, as a result of which they have elastic properties and can be formed with ease at moderate temperatures. In preparing these shapes, a customary aqueous dispersion containing the fibers and binder is mixed with the fibrids of the organic polymer, and water is removed therefrom and the shapes are otherwise produced in a known manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing high modulus products. A polymer morphology or powdered metal is solid-state deformed under pressure through the rollers of an extrusion rolling die, at a temperature near but below its crystalline melting point, while controlling the extrusion rate and the rate of rotation of the rollers so that the rate of extrusion of the polymer or metal is substantially the same as the rate of rotation of the rolling die surface.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic molded products, sheets, and the like, having a glossy surface are produced by intimately blending discrete reinforcing fibers (e.g. fiberglass) and thermoplastic fibers (e.g. polypropylene or polycarbonate) into a web. The web is heated to the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers while applying pressure, to eliminate air and press the web into a consolidated structure. Breakage of the reinforcing fibers is minimized by limiting the thickness of the web and limiting the pressure so as to produce a consolidated structure with minimal fiber breakage and a Notched Izod of at least one. Layering consolidated structures, some without reinforcing fibers, may be heated and pressed together to form a final structure having a thickness greater than the individual structures. The great majority of the fibers are provided so that the fibers of each type are within the range of about 0.5-5 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus for texturing the surface of wet cast plastic acoustical composition during manufacture of acoustical tiles by use of spinning air rolls. In the apparatus, at least one hollow cylindrical roll that is perforated in a random manner is suspended over the surface of wet cast plastic acoustical composition, the roll being driven by a motor. The interior of the roll is preferably provided with a perforated air tube or pipeline, from which issues uniform air pressurization of the spinning roll vessel. By providing differential speed of the roll in contrast to the line speed of the wet plastic composition and different air pressurization of the roll, a wide variety of textures may be produced on the surface of the wet plastic acoustical composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making brake pads (60) having the step of heat preforming a plurality of dosages (39) of a friction material for brake pads (60) to obtain a plurality of blanks (61) on which respective metal holders (53) are then placed, and the step of hot molding, individually and simultaneously, such blanks (61) to form a plurality of brake pads (60).

Abstract: A process for the production of three-dimensionally deformed mouldings from planar blanks of binder-containing fibrous mats, which preferably contain cellulose and/or lignocellulose fibres is proposed. The initially pourable, loose fibrous material is brought into mat form and compressed to a tangled fibre fabric, from which the desired blanks are punched or separated in some other way. These blanks are subsequently softened by steam treatment or adequately plasticized for deformation purposes by some other heat treatment. In this form, they finally undergo the process which compresses or deforms the fibrous material. During or after steam treatment or the other thermal treatment, a linear or lattice-like retaining grid or pressing grid is applied to at least one side of the mat blank in such a way that, in accordance with the grid structure and at least partly stopping the thickness increase resulting from steam treatment, a corresponding compression pattern is impressed in the vaporized-on mat blank.

Abstract: An embossing machine wherein two driven embossing rolls are provided with ripheral knobs and depressions. The knobs of one roll extend with clearance into the depressions of the other roll and vice versa during travel of the knobs and depressions through the nip of the rolls. The clearances between the top lands of knobs and adjacent portions of internal surfaces bounding the respective depressions are smaller than the clearances between the flanks of the knobs and the adjacent portions of the respective internal surfaces. This ensures that a carpet of loose fibrous material which is fed into the nip is converted into embossed textile material having a first layer of compacted portions which are formed adjacent the top lands of knobs on one of the rolls, a second layer of compacted portions which are formed adjacent the top lands of knobs on the other roll, and fluffy intermediate portions which connect the compacted portions forming one of the layers with compacted portions of the other layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastic absorbent which comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of pulverized cellulose pulp and staple fibers of a split yarn obtained by splitting a tape-form oriented laminate comprising at least one layer of a synthetic resin having a high melting point and at least one layer of a synthetic resin having a low melting point, in which the layer of the synthetic resin having a low melting point is at least partially exposed to the surface. Another elastic absorbent comprises an intermediate layer of a powdery polymeric water-absorbing agent, which is interposed between upper and lower layers, each of the upper and lower layers comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of pulverized cellulose pulp and staple fibers of the same split yarn as mentioned above.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrous mat includes the steps of (a) combining (i) glass fibers, (ii) polyolefine fibers, (iii) fibers selected from the group consisting of polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, and mixtures thereof, and (iv) a cross-linked latex binder, (b) consolidating the fibers and binder into a loosely packed mat, (c) curing the consolidated mat at a temperature in the range of about 250-400 F., and (d) molding the cured mat into a desired shape at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process for the production of thick synthetic resin sheets having a multicolor pattern, involves processing heated thermoplastic chips into a coherent sheet by means of a pair of rolls profiled to a depth of about 0.1-0.5 mm which effect partially differing densification.

Abstract: There is proposed a process for the manufacture of wood fiber boards, wherein by far the largest part of the outer layers to be conventionally sanded away no longer consists of wood fibers but of wood dusts of a defined particle size, a material which is available as waste from other consolidations of wood raw materials. By employing the process of the invention, it also is possible to achieve an only small density drop towards the center of the board, so that this process is particularly suitable for the manufacture of medium density wood fiber boards with a weight of 600 to 950 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a molded article, for use, for example as a fluid filter or as a preform for a structural composite, is prepared from a batt of nonwoven structural fibers and a binder material, such as binder fibers or a thermoresponsive resin. The batt is stabilized by exposing it to a temperature slightly below the melting point of the binder material, so that the binder material becomes tacky and bonds the fiber materials at the surface of the batt. By exposing the batt to the heat for only a few seconds, only the binder material at the surface of the batt bonds the structural fibers; the structural fibers within the batt remain unbonded. Accordingly, the batt is "skinned", so that it is stiff enough to be handled, but is still flexible enough that it can be molded into complex shapes. The molding is effected in a mold in which heated air is drawn through the batt to force it to assume the contours of the mold.