Abstract: Fabrics containing hydrophilic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers and at least one non-ePTFE fiber are provided. The fabric provides a combination of high breathability and controlled moisture management. In exemplary embodiments, the fabric may be a woven, knit, or fleece fabric. The fabrics contain at least 15% ePTFE fibers based on the final fabric. The hydrophilic ePTFE fibers in the fabrics may be used to control moisture such as water vapor, liquid water, or sweat within the fabric by storing the moisture within the hydrophilic ePTFE fiber network. Also, little to none of the moisture remains on the outside of the hydrophilic ePTFE fibers, making the fabric feel dry even where there is moisture therein. A polymer membrane and/or a textile may be laminated to the fabric to produce a laminated article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic membranes and use of these synthetic membranes for isolation of volatile organic compounds and purification of water. The synthetic membrane includes a hydrophobic polymer layer located on a polymeric membrane support layer. The invention includes a method of isolating volatile organic compounds with the synthetic membrane by contacting a volatile organic mixture with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing volatile organic compounds from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of pervaporation. The invention also includes a method of purifying water with the synthetic membrane by contacting an ionic solution with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing water from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of reverse osmosis. The invention also relates to methods of isolating non-polar gases by gas fractionation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic membranes and use of these synthetic membranes for isolation of volatile organic compounds and purification of water. The synthetic membrane includes a hydrophobic polymer layer located on a polymeric membrane support layer. The invention includes a method of isolating volatile organic compounds with the synthetic membrane by contacting a volatile organic mixture with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing volatile organic compounds from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of pervaporation. The invention also includes a method of purifying water with the synthetic membrane by contacting an ionic solution with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing water from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of reverse osmosis. The invention also relates to methods of isolating non-polar gases by gas fractionation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a composite balloon comprising a layer of material having a porous microstructure (e.g., ePTFE or expanded polyethylene) and a thermoplastic polymeric layer useful for medical applications. The layers of the composite balloons become adhered through a stretch blow-molding process. Methods of making and using such composite balloons are also described amongst others.

Abstract: A tape heater for keeping warm or heating an object by deforming its shape to conform to contours of the object, which comprises: a heating element; and an outer covering member that envelops and accommodates the heating element and that is composed of a porous sheet made of a resin which has a melting point of 300° C. or higher. Provided is a tape heater that deforms to conform to the contours of an object to be kept warm or the like after being placed on the object and changes its shape that has been deformed as little as possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier system for an object worn on the body, comprising a flexible carrier plaster, which has a flat carrier layer and an adhesive layer, applied to the lower face of said carrier layer, which adhesive layer adheres to the skin of a body part when pressed thereon, the adhesive layer consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and further comprising, on the upper face of the carrier layer facing away from the skin, a rigid mounting platform. According to this disclosure, a joining region of the mounting platform is permanently joined to the upper face of the carrier layer via a structural adhesive connection that consists of a structural adhesive.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface defining a plurality of staple retaining slots, a staple disposed within each staple retaining slot of the cartridge body, and a substantially circular buttress. The buttress includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one stiffened region joins the buttress to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The inner portion, the middle portion, the outer portion, and the at least one stiffened region are all formed from a common material.

Abstract: A method of loading a self-expanding stent into a delivery sheath configured to retain the stent in a radially compressed pre-deployment configuration, including the steps of radially compressing the stent from a relaxed outside diameter d0 to a compressed outside diameter d1, providing a loading sheath with an inner diameter d2, where d0>d2>d1, translating the stent relative to the sheath, whereby the stent is accommodated within the lumen of the loading sheath, providing a delivery sheath with an inner diameter d3, where d0>d3>d2, advancing the loading sheath, containing the stent, into the lumen of the delivery sheath, and deploying the stent into the lumen of the delivery sheath.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of loading a self-expanding stent (10) into a delivery sheath (12) that is by itself strong enough to preserve the stent in a radially compressed pre-deployment configuration, comprising the steps of: (i) compressing the stent (10) to a relatively small diameter; (ii) providing a loading sheath (18) with an inner diameter d1; (iii) with the stent (10) exhibiting an outside diameter of d2, where d2<d1, providing relative translational movement between the stent (10) and the loading sheath (18), whereby the stent is accommodated within the lumen of the loading sheath (18); (iv) advancing the loading sheath (18), containing the stent (10), into the lumen (16) of the delivery sheath (12); and {v} deploying the stent into the lumen (16) of the delivery sheath (12), by withdrawing the loading sheath (18) while restraining the stent (10) from axial movement out of the lumen (16) of the delivery sheath (12).

Abstract: Articles comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having serpentine fibrils and having a discontinuous coating of a fluoropolymer thereon are provided. The fluoropolymer may be located at least partially in the pores of the expanded fluoropolymer membrane. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is fluorinated ethylene propylene. The application of a tensile force at least partially straightens the serpentine fibrils, thereby elongating the article. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane may include a microstructure of substantially only fibrils. The articles can be elongated to a predetermined point at which further elongation is inhibited by a dramatic increase in stiffness. In one embodiment, the articles are used to form a covered stent device that requires little force to distend in the radial direction to a first diameter but is highly resistant to further distension to a second diameter (stop point).

Abstract: A mold cooling system is provided for cooling a polymer product shaped in a mold. The mold cooling system includes a moving manifold having a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a mold housing having a mold surface that defines a cavity. The mold housing has a connector configured to receive the cooling fluid supply and cooling fluid return of the moving manifold; and a passageway that extends through the mold housing adjacent to the mold surface, the passageway connecting the cooling fluid supply and the cooling fluid return when the moving manifold is received in the connector. A method is also provided for cooling an extruded, blow-molded product before the product is released from a mold.

Abstract: A protective cover including a bellows portion wherein a plurality of valleys and peaks are arranged alternately. The valleys include a plurality of large valleys and a plurality of intermediate valleys whose inside and outside diameter dimensions at bottoms are greater than those of the large valleys, and the large valleys and the intermediate valleys are arranged alternately. Small valleys whose inside and outside diameter dimensions at bottoms are greater than those of the intermediate valleys are respectively arranged between the large valleys and the intermediate valleys. The peaks are respectively arranged between the large valleys and the small valleys as well as between the intermediate valleys and the small valleys, and apexes of the peaks have a same outside diameter dimension as one another. The apexes of the peaks are made thinner than the bottoms of the large valleys.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a liquid-pervious sheet suitable to be used as a liquid-pervious topsheet of a bodily fluid-absorbent wearing article. One surface 58 of both surfaces 57, 58 of a liquid-pervious sheet 11 is formed with crests 61 and troughs 62 extending in parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction A and alternate in a transverse direction B. The one surface 58 is additionally formed at least in the respective crests 61 with a series of compressed debosses 70. In the respective compressed debosses 70, thermoplastic synthetic fibers forming the liquid-pervious sheet 11 more densely gather together than in zones surrounding the respective compressed debosses 70 and thereby maintain initial fiber formation of the individual thermoplastic synthetic fibers.

Abstract: A method of deforming an outer wall of polymer pipe is provided. The method includes: forming dual-wall pipe having a smooth wall and a corrugated wall; extruding an outer wall of pipe onto the corrugated wall of the dual-wall pipe; penetrating the outer wall of pipe with a vacuum punch; and drawing a vacuum between the corrugated wall and the outer wall via the vacuum punch; wherein the vacuum drawn between the corrugated wall and the outer wall causes the outer wall to deform in a direction towards the corrugated wall. An apparatus for forming an outer wall of pipe and a mold configured to form a coupling preform in a segment of continuously-extruded and molded polymer pipe are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing an endless double-walled pipe having corrugated pipe sections and sleeve pipe sections are described. The production is effected by extrusion of an outer tube (Sa), forming the outer pipe of the double-walled pipe, and of an inner tube (Si), forming the inner tube of the double-walled pipe, in a molding passage (10) having sections with a corrugated molding surface and a smooth cylindrical sleeve molding surface. To shape the sleeve section, the outer tube is extruded into the sleeve molding surface and is brought into contact with the sleeve molding surface. The inner tube (Si) is then extruded into the outer tube (Sa), already in contact over the entire axial length of the sleeve molding surface, and is brought in the process into contact with the inner side of said outer tube (Sa) that is in contact.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for corrugating and winding up rolls of a plastic film. The plastic film is corrugated as it is continuously wound onto a roll, by a film drawing drum conformed with a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves to perform open-end corrugation or folds which extend crosswise the film; the plastic film is corrugated crosswise, causing the same film to penetrate into the grooves of the drawing drum by suction of air through a plurality of suction holes which open out into the grooves of the drum.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing reinforced tubing suitable for medical device applications are disclosed. An inner layer is molded around a core to define an inner surface adjacent to the core and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The outer surface includes one or more recessed pathways defined therein. A reinforcement member is then formed in each of the one or more recessed pathways of the molded inner layer. An outer layer including an inner surface and an outer surface is subsequently molded over the inner layer and the reinforcement member. The inner surface of the outer layer substantially conforms to the outer surface of the inner layer and the reinforcement member. The core is then removed from within the inner layer to provide a lumen through the inner layer.

Abstract: A device for making a profiled insulation having an extrusion die with an extrusion tip and a polymer chamber surrounding the extrusion tip. The polymer chamber has at least one air chamber therein. The air chamber is held in place and coupled to the outside of the extrusion die by a vertical fin extending outwards from the extrusion tip. When molten polymer flows through the polymer chamber around the air chamber, an opening is introduced into the polymer such that the profiled insulation is formed as the polymer exits the extrusion die, having a longitudinal cavity therein corresponding to the location of the opening formed by the at least one air chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrugating roller configured with at least two opposing sides, and a corrugated contact surface about an outer face of the roller, the roller characterized in that the roller includes a passageway from one opposing side to another, the passageway configured to allow fluid flow from the contact surface of the roller to at least one side of the roller, according to a further aspect of the invention the corrugated outer surface of the roller is effectively formed by a plurality of discs located about a common axis and each separated from one another by a radial space.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer nonwoven fabric includes a supporting step of arranging on a predetermined surface of a permeable supporting member a multilayer fiber aggregate, a moving step of moving the multilayer fiber aggregate supported on the permeable supporting member in a prescribed direction by a predetermined moving device, and a spraying step of spraying a fluid onto the multilayer fiber aggregate moved in the prescribed direction in the moving step from the second surface by a predetermined spraying device.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide liquid-pervious nonwoven fabric allowing body fluids to be spot-permeated. A nonwoven fabric includes core-sheath type composite fiber of 100 to 30% by weight wherein a core component comprises high fusion point resin and a sheath component comprises a low fusion point resin. In a cut surface of the nonwoven fabric extending in parallel to a first direction, the composite fibers extend in the first direction with repetitive curvatures in a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric. In a cut surface of the nonwoven fabric extending in a second direction, the composite fibers 2 extend in the thickness direction TD at an average fiber angle of 75° or less. The individual composite fibers intersect one another and fused together at respective intersection points by fusion of the low fusion point resin forming the sheath component.

Abstract: In at least one method for manufacturing a double-walled, thermoplastic tube with a connecting sleeve, which enables precise and complete moulding of the connecting sleeve by simple means, it is provided that a) a first tube (1) is extruded into a mould tunnel (4) comprising at least one row of moulds (5) guided on a path, b) the first tube (1) is given a corrugated shape in at least one first section and expanded into a connecting sleeve in at least one second section, c) a second tube (6) is extruded into the first tube and pressed against the corrugation troughs (8) of the first tube (1), d) while the first tube (1) is being given a corrugated shape and the second tube (6) extruded into the first, the space (A) between the two tubes (1, 6) is subjected to a pressure p1 that is above atmospheric pressure, e) the space (A) between the two tubes (1, 6) is subjected, at a specified time before or after expansion of the first tube (1) into a connecting sleeve, to an essentially constant pressure p2?p1 above atm

Abstract: A mold is provided for forming a continuously-extruded parison into a corrugated pipe. The mold includes a mold housing having a plurality of bores, a mold cavity having a plurality of annular corrugations, and a plurality of punches. Each punch is disposed in one of the bores and aligned with one of the annular corrugations of the mold cavity. Each punch is also configured to form an aperture in a corrugation of a corrugated pipe in the mold. A continuous extrusion blow molding system and a method are also provided for forming a hollow plastic product and punching a continuously-extruded, blow molded product before it is released from a mold.

Abstract: A roll-up door has a plurality of panels and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to ends of the panels for mounting the panels in channels. At least some of the panels are formed of blow-molded thermoplastic material and have a relatively flat outside face and an inside face including ribs that extend longitudinally and transversely on the panel. A reinforced panel of thermoplastic material is made by blow molding a panel with a thermoplastic material to form a relatively flat outside face and a ribbed inside face, and with elongated channels along upper and lower walls thereof. The panel is trimmed while it is still warm to open the channels at one end. While the panel is still warm, reinforcing members are inserted into the elongated channels. The panels are cooled to shrink the channels onto the reinforcing members.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for corrugating and winding up rolls of a plastic film. The plastic film is corrugated as it is continuously wound onto a roll, by a film drawing drum conformed with a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves to perform open-end corrugation or folds which extend crosswise the film; the plastic film is corrugated crosswise, causing the same film to penetrate into the grooves of the drawing drum by suction of air through a plurality of suction holes which open out into the grooves of the drum.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film having a first surface defining pockets, each pocket having a depth and breadth and a bottom, the bottom is preferably textured and is thinner than the thickness of the first surface. Devices made from the film include one or more of a variety of materials contained within the pockets and a second layer overlying the first surface to cover the openings of the pockets. A process of making the film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A twin-wall pipe comprises an internal pipe and an external pipe. The external pipe is corrugated, having elevations and troughs. The twin-wall pipe is further provided with a socket. In a transition portion towards the twin-wall pipe and the socket, provision is made for at least one overflow passage which interconnects the clearance between the external pipe and internal pipe in the vicinity of the transition portion and an adjacent elevation.

Abstract: A method for producing an embossed PVA film, which includes embossing the film such that the crystallinity index of the emboss top is 0.50-0.90. The invention provides an embossed PVA film superior in resistance to blocking even when in a rolled state, in appearance to show the high quality of products, and in resistance to pinholes.

Abstract: A tear-resistant flexible hinge structure is placed between a pair of substantially rigid panels so as to permit the panels to be hinged one with respect to the other, where the flexible hinge is formed from a plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride. The hinge structure is formed under heat and pressure so as to comprise at least three parallel rows of alternating flat and raised portions, in staggered relationship. This causes a structure whereby any rip or tear which starts in the formed flexible hinge cannot continue because it will encounter a discontinuity in the configuration and thickness of the material, which precludes further propagation of the rip or tear. Typically, after the hinge structure has been formed, it is configured in a semi-circular cross section, re-heated and cooled, so as to set and have a memory in its closed configuration as opposed to the originally pre-formed flat, open configuration.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a boot seal for use in sealing a joint. The joint comprises first and second relatively movable parts. The boot seal is configured in the form of a sleeve to extend between and around the vehicle relatively movable parts. The sleeve has a laminate wall which comprises at least two layers of thermoplastic elastomeric material which are bonded together. At least one of the layers is a stretch-toughenable polyester thermoplastic elastomer which has been diametrically stretched in an amount effective to increase the toughness of said one layer. The laminate wall has a percent elongation to rupture of at least 100, and a flexural modulus which is less than 100,000 psi. The laminate wall preferably has a puncture resistance of at least 50 Newtons/mm wall thickness.

Abstract: A three-dimensional non-woven fabric formed by spinning semi-molten fibers onto a mold. The three-dimensional non-woven fabric includes a hanging fiber wall formed from the semi-molten fibers hanging down from the mold in a tangled state.

Abstract: Corrugated cardboard is molded into a desired shape for use in interior trim, such as for use in lining the ceiling of an automobile. The molded corrugated cardboard is obtained by applying a hot-melt adhesive onto all or at least a portion of a side of a base layer of, for example, resin felt or non-woven fabric. The base layer is then applied to a plate-like corrugated cardboard layer such that the hot melt adhesive is between the two layers. The corrugated cardboard and base layers are then molded together. The base layer may be put on only a portion of the cardboard layer where molding is apt to cause wrinkling or rupture of the cardboard layer, or the base layer may be applied to an entire surface of the corrugated cardboard layer. Even if the corrugated cardboard wrinkles or ruptures during molding, the wrinkle or rupture is filled by lofting of the base layer which is simultaneously molded in a superimposed state on the corrugated cardboard.

Abstract: A bi-directionally corrugated sandwich construction for use in applications equiring high-strength, light-weight components is disclosed. The sandwich construction comprises first and second face sheets positioned essentially parallel to and spaced apart from each other and having a core therebetween. The core has two sets of corrugated strips which have planar peaks and troughs positioned at regular intervals. The strips of the first set are positioned parallel to and spaced apart from each other with the peaks and the troughs in phase with each other such that parallel rows of troughs are formed perpendicular to the strips. The strips of the second set are positioned parallel to each other with the peaks and troughs in phase with each other, and are positioned perpendicular to the first set of strips in the rows of troughs formed thereby.

Abstract: Provided is an improved corrugated containerboard that includes a corrugated medium sandwiched between and secured to a top liner and a bottom liner. The corrugated medium, top liner, and bottom liner each include fibers that are oriented in a machine direction, and the corrugated medium defines a plurality of flutes that are oriented in the machine direction. The improved corrugated containerboard is constructed from conventional paperboard which is drawn through a corrugation system in the machine direction. A first piece of paperboard is drawn between a pair of dies to form the corrugated medium with flutes oriented in the machine direction. A second and third piece of paperboard are glued to either side of the corrugated medium to form the corrugated containerboard. Each die includes an engaging surface with ridges thereon, and the engaging surfaces are opposed and define a forming zone therebetween which the first piece of paperboard is drawn through.

Abstract: An improvement in a corrugated strip having major flat sections which extend between longitudinal edges of the strip and which are joined along lateral edges by intermediate sections extending between the major flat sections, includes stiffening ribs protruding from the strip along at least one of the connected lateral edges of the major flat and intermediate sections, the stiffening ribs being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the lateral edges. Additionally, a method and apparatus for forming corrugated strips, including corrugated strips having stiffening ribs, includes structure for applying a force, through dies, to a strip of material along an axis which is oriented at an acute angle to the strip.

Abstract: A low amplitude wave-board panel having improved bending strength and bending stiffness properties is provided. More specifically, the amplitude of the waves is substantially equal to, or less than half the thickness of said board. Preferably, the wave amplitude ranges from between 1/8" to about 1".

Abstract: The strength and workability of a reinforced composite corrugated body are improved. A corrugated body is produced such that corrugate lines provided with vertically spaced ridges and grooves formed alternately in a sheet material are formed in a smooth meandering waveform in a horizontal direction. The corrugate lines are formed by corrugating rollers to have a substantial amplitude ratio H/L higher than or equal to 0.4 but lower than or equal to 1.4, a substantial meandering ratio D/N lower than or equal to 0.35, a substantial meandering overlapping ratio higher than or equal to 0.5 and a width narrowing ratio i in the advancing direction of the corrugate lines lower than or equal to 8% plus a stretch strain ratio of the sheet material. Sectional shapes of crest and bottom portions of the corrugate lines are formed to be curved or chamfered with a small width. A flat liner is adhered to at least one of the opposite faces of the resultant corrugated body.

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure resistant packing (e.g., for the packing gland of a valve stem) has a core of density 1.3-1.6 gm/cc that includes a plurality of strands, each strand including a flexible graphite tape, longitudinally corrugated and folded into at least two longitudinally extending partially superimposed layers. Preferable, each strand is overknitted with a reinforcing wire, the strands in the core are braided, and a jacket, which includes a carbide fiber, an inorganic fiber, and a phenolic fiber, is disposed about the core.

Abstract: Chips of cardboard, in particular of packing cardboard, which are formed by cutting flat, preferably used packing cardboard lengthwise and crosswise, and the bulk volume of which is increased by copings and/or bent-over portions and/or peaks and/or recesses are provided, as is a packing unit comprising a wrapper, loosely filled at least to a substantial proportion with the bulk packing material made from a web of paper, in which the wrapper is formed by the web of paper shaped in the manner of a helical roll, the adjacent, helically extending long edges of which web are joined overlapping one another, and in which the wrapper is closed at both ends in the manner of a sack, and as is a process in which the cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, is comminuted (cut) and is deformed to increase the bulk volume of the chips forming the packaging material, as well as an apparatus having a device for comminuting cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, having one lengthwise and one crosswise cutting unit

Abstract: Preformed cellulosic linerboard as utilized in the manufacture of corrugated products is provided with enhanced crush strength by a combined lignin-coating and calendering treatment. The linerboard is coated with an aqueous lignin-containing solution and then, with the coating in a wet or dry state, subjected to at least one pass through a calender nip to substantially increase the CD crush strength of the treated linerboard over the CD crush strength of an untreated linerboard or a lignin treated but uncalendered linerboard. The linerboard may be laminated with a substantially air and moisture impervious sheet to inhibit bleeding of the lignin coating in high humidity conditions.

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 biased together to precompress the mat. Finally, 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: A plastic container having base and sidewall portions is provided with corrugations as a unitary part of the sidewall portion. The sidewall portion is of a thickness that would not be capable of supporting itself without the unitary corrugations. The corrugations serve to rigidify, and this impart self-supporting capabilities to, the sidewall portion. The upper edge of the sidewall preferably includes a unitarily formed rim which assists in maintaining the sidewall in its generally tubular condition (and thus more easily facilitates the placement of articles in the container). The container may be closed by a flexible and gatherable terminal portion which is an integral extension of the rim or the upper edge of the sidewall. The containers of the invention are formed by an extrusion blow-molding technique using an appropriately configured blow mold.

Abstract: A parison is blow molded to form a sealed aseptic bottle for subsequent opening and filling. The pressure of the gas in the interior of the bottle when sealed is sub-atmospheric to prevent distortion of the bottle.

Abstract: A process using molds for curing a composite skin-stiffeners assembly from fiber material impregnated with a resin. This process allows molding and co-curing of single-skin type panels with integral stiffeners, allows stiffeners of variable heights, thicknesses and widths, allows substantial freedom in the layout of stiffeners, and allows even integral cross-stiffeners. Bonding and mechanical fasteners are also dispensed with. This process is further characterized by providing a stiffener forming mold part having a corrugated face, laying composite material over the ridges defined by the corrugated face to form stiffeners of open cross-sectional shape and interspacing gaps between them in bonding contact with skin forming material, and co-curing of the skin-stiffeners assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a corrugated tube having a smooth inner wall surface and a corrugated outer wall are provided. A first strip of resin material is wrapped around first portions of rollers arranged in a circular array and is helically wrapped around the first portions of the rollers each having equally spaced ridges therearound to form the corrugated outer wall. A second strip of resin material is fed from the interior of second portions of rollers arranged in a circular array onto the inner surface of the outer wall being manufactured and bonded thereto. The second strip bonded to the outer wall is wrapped around the second portions of the rollers each having a smooth surface to form the smooth inner wall.

Abstract: A rug underlay comprising a central open lattice of stiffening material, and intermediate layer of fiber batting on each side of the lattice needle punched through the lattice, an upper outer corrugated layer of heat fused fibers, and a lower outer stiff, backing layer of a mixture of clay and an elastomeric latex impregnating the lower portion of the intermediate layer. This article is used as a padding or an underlay for rugs or carpeting particularly as an underlay for an oriental rug laid over carpeting.

Abstract: A rug underlay comprising a central open lattice of stiffening material, and intermediate layer of fiber batting on each side of the lattice needle punched through the lattice, an upper outer corrugated layer of heat fused fibers, and a lower outer layer of elastomeric material embossed with ridges in a grid design. This article is used as a padding or an underlay for rugs or carpeting in a home or office.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a twin-wall internally corrugated plastic structural part provided with a smooth, dense, solid, thin walled, non-cellular skin comprising injecting a thermoplastic or resin material into a pair of closed mold members which define a sealed cavity. A small amount of plastic material is initially injected into the cavity with the material impinging upon and being dispersed over the mold members thereby forming a generally continuous thin skin substantially the mold surfaces. Thereafter, successively and intermittently injecting an inert gas under pressure through one mold member during continued injection of the plastic material into the cavity thereby pressurizing the skin against the walls of the mold cavity and progressively commingling the inert gas under pressure and the inwardly flowing plastic material as both enter the cavity until the cavity is filled with an internal corrugated body integral with and bonded to the skin.

Abstract: A sign is fabricated which presents different messages depending on the angle of view. The fabricated sign has walls, different sides having parts of different messages. The method of fabrication includes taking at least two images, cutting them into strips of equal width and combining successive strips alternatively from the two images in order to form a third image, which is printed on a plastic sheet. This sheet is laid upon a wave-formed mold surface so that the tops of the waves coincide with the borders between the strips. The plastic sheet is softened and stretch-deformed, e.g., by vacuum deformation, while the borders are held against movement into the form of the waved mold surface.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric having alternating stripes of high fiber density and low fiber density is made in such a manner that the high fiber density stripes run across the fabric and maximize the cross direction strength to a point that the cross direction/machine direction strength ratio approaches unity. This advantageous and desirable characteristic can be achieved by hydroforming card web; first disposing the carded web on a relatively fine mesh screen and placing a finger-like striping bars over the web with the axis of the bars at 90.degree. to the card web's general fiber orientation. Water was then sprayed over the assembly with sufficient force to rearrange the fibers in the web thereby producing the nonwoven fabric of this invention.