Abstract: A thermal spreader for electronic components may include a plurality of carbon fiber laminate layers having a layer of stitched fibers formed thereupon. The thermal spreader may be attached to the electronic components as a thermal pad, or the thermal spreader may be extended to include attachment to a cold plate. The use of a stitched fiber layer on top of a carbon fiber laminate results in increased thermal cooling efficiency due to the increase in surface area and convectional cooling area.

Abstract: A composite construction incorporating one or more mat layers of interwoven axially drawn heat fusible tape fiber elements. The axially drawn tape fiber elements incorporate a central or base layer of a strain oriented polymer with a covering layer of a heat fusible polymer. The covering layer of the tape fiber elements is characterized by a softening point below that of the base layer to permit bonding fusion upon application of heat. An arrangement of embedded non-olefin fiber elements extends in anchored relation at least partially across the thickness dimension of the mat structure. The composite is adapted for bonding to a substrate layer. An optional covering layer may be utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven fabric towel comprising about 25 to 75% by weight a first fiber comprising a polyester or polyester co-polymer staple fiber having a staple length of between 3 and 6 inches and a surface area per unit length of between approximately 0.2 micrometer2/cm to 1.2 micrometer2/cm, about 25 to 50% by weight a second fiber comprising a multi-segment splitable staple fiber comprising a first component being a polyester or polyester co-polymer component and a second component being a polyamide component or a polyester or polyester co-polymer incompatible with the first component, wherein weight ratio of the first component and the second component is between 40:60 and 80:20, and wherein the first component and the second component have a denier per staple filament of between 0.05 and 0.5, wherein the nonwoven fabric towel is bonded with a stitches of a bulkable yarn, and wherein at least the first or second fiber comprises a hydrophilic surface treatment.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a material for a friction element of a power transmission-absorption assembly and a method of making the material is disclosed. The material has preselected channel configuration which provides a plurality of channels defined at least in part by a pattern of stitches, such as a plurality of rows of stitches.

Abstract: A composite construction comprising a mat structure comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising plurality of fibers arranged substantially parallel to one another along a common fiber direction, a multiplicity of embedded fiber elements extending in anchored relation at least partially across the thickness dimension of the mat structure such that at least a portion of the embedded fiber elements project outwardly from the mat structure and the projecting portions define at least a partial surface covering across a first side of the mat structure, and a substrate layer disposed in layered relation to the mat structure in contacting, bonding relation with said first side of the mat structure such that at least a percentage of said portion of embedded fiber elements projecting outwardly from the mat structure is at least partially bonded or embedded into a surface portion of the substrate layer. The composite is adapted for bonding to a substrate layer.

Abstract: A composite construction incorporating one or more mat layers of interwoven axially drawn heat fusible tape fiber elements. The axially drawn tape fiber elements incorporate a central or base layer of a strain oriented polymer with a covering layer of a heat fusible polymer. The covering layer of the tape fiber elements is characterized by a softening point below that of the base layer to permit bonding fusion upon application of heat. An arrangement of embedded non-olefin fiber elements extends in anchored relation at least partially across the thickness dimension of the mat structure. The composite is adapted for bonding to a substrate layer. An optional covering layer may be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.

Abstract: A plate-shaped filter element made from several wire cloth layers and having at least one layer in the form of a filter cloth is designed to allow particles of a certain size can be filtered out from a filterable material, whereby, in particular, particles can be filtered out from a fluid, an emulsion or the like. The filter element according to the invention is configured such that at least the layer forming the filter cloth is provided with spaced-apart alternating crossovers at an angle to the warp and weft threads. The alternating crossovers extend in a zigzag whereby each straight section extends across a same number of warp threads. The alternating crossovers extend from the edges which are parallel to and spaced from the warp wires. The filter element according to the invention is particularly suitable for filtering of emulsions.

Abstract: The glassware scarf is a flexible, absorbent device used to soak up excessive condensation from glassware. The scarf is wrapped about a stem of a glass, such as a wineglass, sherbet glass, etc., and absorbs condensation that drips down from the bowl of the glass. The glassware scarf has a rectangular central body portion and first and second ends tapering from opposite ends of the rectangular central body portion. A slit is defined in the rectangular body portion adjacent to the first end. The glassware scarf is wrapped about the stem of the glass, and the second end is drawn through the slit and pulled so that the glassware scarf is secured about the stem.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite sheet suitable for use as artificial leather or a precursor to artificial leather, where both surfaces have a napped or brushed appearance. The composite sheet comprises a low-density, lightly bonded non-woven web that is stitch-bonded and bulked such that the stitch-bonding yarns are not visible to the naked eyes without the need of post-processing steps to hide the yarns. The composite sheet may have binder resin(s) dispersed therein and activated.

Abstract: A stretchable stitch-bonded nonwoven fabric is disclosed herein. The fabric includes a nonwoven substrate having basis weight in the range from about 15 to about 150 g/m2, and density in the range from about 0.02 to about 0.12 g/cm3. The nonwoven substrate is bonded with a binder applied to the outer surfaces of the substrate in a liquid form in a sufficiently uniform manner so that no areas greater than the spaces between stitch insertion points are devoid of binder. The binder constitutes from about 2% to about 25% of the total weight of the sum of binder and nonwoven substrate weight. The substrate is stitch-bonded with yarns arranged in a stitch pattern that allows the stitch-bonded fabric to be stretched in at least one direction by a factor of about 2.5 to about 5.0 without forming local ruptures therein, and wherein the stitch-bonded nonwoven fabric can be washed and dried at least twenty times.

Abstract: This is a new method for the construction of waterproof insulated products, by creating individual insulation-filled compartments without stitching through the outer shell of the product. This invention further provides methods for constructing waterproof insulation products without requiring the attachment of the individual compartments to the inner lining.

Abstract: A composite material-stiffened panel has a skin obtained by molding a fiber-reinforced resin composite material into a flat skin, stiffeners arranged in rows on one surface of the skin, and a fiber-reinforced resin-composite material stitched on the skin covering the stiffeners. The composite material-stiffened panel can be manufactured as follows: A first fabric material is placed on a tool having a panel-shaped surface. Stiffeners are placed on the first fabric materials. A second fabric material is placed on the stiffeners to cover at least some of the stiffeners. The second fabric materials are reformed to match the shape of the stiffeners. The reformed second fabric material is stitched on the first fabric material along edges of the stiffeners. All the materials are covered with a bagging film for vacuum. Resin is infiltrated into the fabric materials by a RTM or a RFI method. The infiltrated resin is heated to be hardened.

Abstract: A portable chemical spill control device includes an expansive sheet of absorbent material having upper and lower surfaces and a periphery that defines a circumference. The sheet of material is of a material that is resistant to fluid attacks so that spills deposited upon the upper surface are contained on the upper surface. A peripheral bead includes a foldable portion that extends around the expansive sheet of material, the bead including an elongated tensile member and a folded portion that holds the elongated tensile member to the absorbent sheet of material. A connection joins the peripheral bead to the expansive sheet of absorbent material in a configuration that envelops the tensile member with the foldable portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus form electrical connections between electronic circuits and conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into textile material (130). Electronic circuits (128), such as semiconductor dies, are connected to a carrier (132) and electrical connections (136) are made to conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132). Conductive stitching (202, 204, 206, 208) provides electrical contacts for both the conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132) and the conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into the textile material (130). Optionally, a thin, flexible substrate material (132) is perforated during the stitching process.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.

Abstract: A structural panel comprised of a composite preform having an electrically conductive stitching. The stitching forms an electrically conductive grid-like network on the structural panel to better dissipate electrical energy received in a lightning strike throughout at least a portion of the thickness of the composite preform. Advantageously, the electrically conductive stitching is applied to the composite preform during the primary manufacturing process, rather than in a subsequent manufacturing step, to thereby help reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the structural panel. In one alternative embodiment a non-conductive polymer stitching is also applied throughout the entire thickness of the composite preform.

Abstract: A stitched yarn surface structure includes a backing having decorative upper surface and a thickness dimension T of at least two (2) millimeters. The backing exhibits a predetermined compressive resistance Rb. Plural rows of face yarn segments cover at least a portion of the decorative upper surface of the backing, with adjacent face yarn segments being spaced apart by a predetermined minimum spacing dimension S. The yarns forming the face yarn segments have a predetermined compressive resistance Ry. The compressive resistance Rb, the compressive resistance Ry, and the spacing S are selected such that a load of up to one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (psi) imposed on the stitched yarn surface structure by a loading member is able to be borne by the stitched yarn surface structure without allowing contact between the member and the decorative upper surface of the backing.

Abstract: A thermal protection system (TPM) for protecting a surface subject to high thermal load comprising a fiber substrate where the substrate is composed of woven or non-woven layers of fibers laminated together, or the substrate is formed by a process of three-dimensional weaving, wherein the fiber substrate has a variable density of fibers, with said density of fibers increasing across the thickness of the TPM, and further wherein the substrate is needled and coupled to an insulation backing.

Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional sheets (30a, 30b, 30c) are superposed in different directions and they are bonded together. At least one of the unidirectional sheets is made by spreading a tow so as to obtain uniform thickness, width not less than 5 cm, and a weight of no more than 300 g/m2, cohesion being imparted to the sheet so as to enable it to be handled prior to being superposed with other sheets. Advantageously, the unidirectional sheets are made of carbon fibers and are obtained by spreading out large tows.

Abstract: An improved process for making stitchbonded fabric in which a feed material that has a visible pattern on it is surface is multi-needle stitched with a contractible yarn and then the stitched material is contracted to form an attractive, novel surface pattern that is quite different from the original pattern on the feed material.

Abstract: A blanket which is placed over a person to protect the person from flying glass during extrication of the person from a vehicle involved in a collision. The blanket comprises at least one inner layer of pliable cut-resistant material and at least two outer layers of buffer material between which said inner layer is sandwiched so as to provide the feel and body of a blanket. A kit for use by rescue workers includes, in addition to the blanket, gloves for handling the blanket after use, a bio-hazard bag in which the used blanket is placed, and a carrying case for the blanket, gloves, and bio-hazard bag.

Abstract: A design tape provided with one or more round bar-like protrusions each having a circular cross-section and extending parallel with each other along a central line of a surface of plain weave cloth, each of the round bar-like protrusions being constructed by making use of hollow weave fabric and having a substantially circular cross-section.

Abstract: A laminate of a thermally pointbonded nonwoven base fabric and a coating of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride on at least one surface of the base fabric, and a footwear upper made from the laminate and wherein the upper functions additionally as a lining for the footwear.

Abstract: A substantially laterally pressure-loaded panel has a side aspect ratio of at least 1.5, is formed of at least two reinforcement layers of substantially unidirectional fibers. The predominant orientation of the fibers form an angle of between about ±55°-±75° (preferably about 60°) with the longer side of the panel, with about one-half of the layers having a positive (+) angle and about one-half a negative (?) angle, within the range. The panel preferably has about 60-100% of its thickness formed by the reinforcement layers. The panels can be used can be used in boat and/or shipbuilding structural panels, pressure-loaded tanks, pressure-vessels and other corresponding structures that are subjected to a lateral pressure load.

Abstract: A novel golf towel, retaining water over four hours under an average weather for golfing, is comprised of; 1) an outer layer of Terry cloth made of a composite texture of: including but not limited to, cotton, polyester and polyimide; 2) an inner layer of porous hydrophilic polymer; and 3) a grommet for a holding means. The outer layer of the Terry cloth and the inner layer of thr porous hydrophilic polymer are cut into a similar size and stitched together to prevent a separate moving. The structure and the compositon of materials of the textile for the outer layer cloth combined with the porous structure of the inner layer show excellent longer water retaining time while maintaining softness and cleaning power of an average towel. Amount of water remained in the towel of this invention and that of two 100% cotton towels measured at 30 minutes' time interval reveals a much slower evaporation of water from the towel of this invention.

Abstract: A resilient mat is disclosed which provides cushioning and comfort to users standing thereon or otherwise contacting the mat. The mat includes a resilient gel inner layer surrounded by a support ring to which an upper cover member and a lower cover member are attached. The support ring exhibits stiffness greater than the stiffness of the upper and lower cover members so that adherence of the upper and lower cover members to the support ring is enhanced even after prolonged use. The upper and lower cover members can exhibit the same or different colors in particular embodiments. The upper and lower cover members also can exhibit anti-slip properties in selected embodiments.

Abstract: A flexible insulation blanket having a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) outer layer, and a method of producing a flexible insulation blanket having a smooth, aerodynamically suitable, outer surface by infiltrating ceramic material within the outer ceramic fabric layer of the flexible insulation blanket and curing the ceramic material to form a CMC layer. The CMC layer is cured while the blanket is under compression such that the resulting CMC layer has a smooth surface.

Abstract: There is provided a high density woven fabric wherein air permeability under 50 kPa differential pressure is 2.5 L/cm2/min. or less, and air permeability index (50 kPa) calculated by the formula 1 is 1.2 or more. Air permeability index (50 kPa)=(Log (Q (55 kPa))−Log (Q (45 kPa)))/(Log 55−Log 45)  (Formula 1) Air permeability under Q(55 kPa):55 kPa differential pressure is (1/cm2/min.); and Air permeability under Q(45 kPa):45 kPa differential pressure is (1/cm2/min.).

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded fabric has a pattern of stitches formed by a multi-needle stitched set of contractible stitching threads in a planar material that comprises a non-fibrous layer of polymer or metal, such as a metallic foil, a polymeric film, or a leather. Contraction of the stitchbonded fabric provides the fabric with unusual tactile, visual and functional effects.

Abstract: A design board of the present invention includes a base sheet having at least one substantially flat surface and a contact surface member substantially the same size as the base sheet and coupled to the substantially flat surface. The design board of the present invention is capable of holding fabric in position on the contact surface member to aid in design and organization of fabric projects. The present invention also includes a method of using the design boards for quilting and a kit for storing several design boards to aid in organizing fabric projects.

Abstract: In a method of cutting a cloth of the invention, a cloth woven by warps and wefts is cut at 45 to 55 degrees to divide the cloth into a left-to-right cutting bias portion and a right-to-left cutting bias portion as bias cloths. The left-to-right cutting bias portion has a left-to-right stretching direction, and the right-to-left cutting bias portion has a right-to-left stretching direction. Then, the right-to-left cutting bias portion and the left-to-right cutting bias portion are cut into bias front cloths, bias adhesive core pieces, bias adhesive tapes, and bias linings. By crossing the bias core pieces or the like having the different stretching directions and bonding to a stretchable cloth, a stable stretchability and tension can be given to the stretchable cloth.

Abstract: Reinforcement structures and processes for forming same are provided, wherein the reinforcement structures are adapted for use in forming composite parts. The structures comprise a first reinforcement layer; a second reinforcement layer; and a flexible core layer comprising elongated fibers and a plurality of discrete bodies.

Abstract: A composite sheet is disclosed. The composite sheet comprises an open random fibrous web having substantially vertical fibers near a top surface, a first binder resin and a second binder resin, wherein the first binder resin has a melting point lower than the melting point of the second binder resin, wherein the melting point of the second resin is lower than the melting point of the web, wherein the resins are activated in situ with the web fibers to form a resin-fiber rich region on the top surface and wherein the abrasion-resistant sheet can withstand at least about 3,000 cycles on the Wyzenbeek abrasion test using 80-grit abrasive paper. An abrasion-resistant sheet comprising a single binder resin and other abrasion-resistant sheets are also disclosed. Processes for making these abrasion-resistant sheets are further disclosed herein.

Abstract: A structural panel comprised of a composite preform having an electrically conductive stitching. The stitching forms an electrically conductive grid-like network on the structural panel to better dissipate electrical energy received in a lightning strike throughout at least a portion of the thickness of the composite preform. Advantageously, the electrically conductive stitching is applied to the composite preform during the primary manufacturing process, rather than in a subsequent manufacturing step, to thereby help reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the structural panel. In one alternative embodiment a non-conductive polymer stitching is also applied throughout the entire thickness of the composite preform.

Abstract: A portable ironing pad that comprises a flexible laminate structure that includes a coated cotton cover layer, a foam layer, a fiber pad layer, and a rubber mesh layer. The layers are superimposed upon one another and are secured together along the peripheral edges thereof by a stitched welting. A storage pouch is stitched to one end of the ironing pad for receipt of the folded ironing pad therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strengthening layer for composites to be formed by means of vacuum technique, which layer substantially consists of a strengthening material and for a smaller part of substantially round transport threads for guiding the resin therealong, which threads are substantially form-retaining in cross-section and lie substantially in the direction of the resin transport.

Abstract: The placemat has two sides sewn together along the periphery by spaced stitch lines. One side is cut from a sheet of fabric. The other side is cut from a sheet of vinyl. The edge portions of the sheets are folded and situated between the sides prior to stitching.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wide-meshed, textile lattice to provide reinforcement for bitumen-bonded layers, in particular of road surfacing, which is coated with a bonding compound having an affinity for bitumen and essentially consisting of two sets of parallel, load-bearing threads (1, 2), whereby one set of threads (1) extends in the longitudinal direction of the lattice and the other set of threads extends in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lattice and the threads (1, 2) are of glass fibres or chemical fibres such as polymer fibres or polycondensate fibres. In order to develop a reinforcing lattice for bitumen-bonded layers which provides a better bond with a pre-prepared formation than the known lattices, the over-crossed threads (1, 2) are secured to a thin fleece (3) by Raschel-locking, whereby the binding Raschel-locking threads (5) surround the longitudinally extending threads (1) of the lattice and secure the threads (2) extending transversely.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.

Abstract: In order to provide a light heat insulating member having both an extremely low thermal conductivity and a high heat resistance in an atmosphere, in which pressure is reduced, a core member consisting of accumulated heat resisting inorganic fiber is put between a high temperature side skin member and a low temperature side skin member made of heat resisting fiber textile and these three members are tied all together in one body by sewing, using heat resisting inorganic fiber thread. It is possible to reduce the thermal conductivity to an extremely small value by adding a material having a high emissivity (SiC powder, SiC whisker) to the core member and to prevent scattering of material constructing the core member by covering side wall parts of the core member by the high temperature skin member.

Abstract: A method for pad printing a pattern on a textile substrate with a pad printing machine, and fabric and apparel so formed from the textile substrate. The method includes the steps of positioning the textile substrate on the printing area of the pad printing machine, transferring a pattern having at least one color from the cliche of the pad printing machine to a printing pad, and transferring the pattern from the printing pad to the textile substrate.

Abstract: A design is provided for the construction of an insulating system for use in sleeping bags and other applications in which improved insulation and loft properties are sought. By bending the fibers or netting and attaching an anchor, additional compartments and increased loft are provided. The additional compartments created slow the thermal transfer rate to improve the insulation properties.

Abstract: A bearing mat for supporting an exhaust gas catalyst is configured as a binding agent-free, multi-layered flat structure made of thermally stable threads mechanically reinforced by quilting seams. The threads consist of a crimped yarn composed of filaments and are fixed in the flat structure by the quilting seams under tensile stress. The quilting seams are sewn using a thread whose thermal stability is lower than the mat's operating temperature. A process for producing the mat is also provided, in which crimped yarn composed of thermally stable filaments is withdrawn from rolls in several strands and placed under tension on a transporting device moving transversely to the take-off direction in order to form a multi-layered flat structure. The flat structure moved forward by the transporting device is mechanically reinforced with quilting seams so that the threads remain under tension after the flat structure is removed from the transporting device.

Abstract: A belt for supporting strips of deformable material includes a flexible central band. One or more strips are placed onto the band. Variable-configuration air chambers are arranged along edges of the band. The air chambers, when inflated, may have upper and lower surfaces that are substantially flat and substantially parallel to the band. An apparatus for using the belt includes a storage coil, a take-up winding, and first, second, and third devices. A first part of the belt is wound onto a reel of the storage coil with a first tension. A second part of the belt is wound onto a beam of the take-up winding with a second tension greater than the first tension. The first devices vary the first and second tension, the second devices keep the air chambers in the first part of the belt inflated, and the third devices rotate the reel and beam.

Abstract: A portable ironing pad that comprises a flexible laminate structure that includes a coated cotton cover layer, a foam layer, a fiber pad layer, and a rubber mesh layer. The layers are superimposed upon one another and are secured together along the peripheral edges thereof by a stitched welting. A storage pouch is stitched to one end of the ironing pad for receipt of the folded ironing pad therein.

Abstract: The present invention involves a single layered printed fabric for applying a printed fabric pattern to an object. The printed fabric has a predetermined shape corresponding to the printed fabric pattern. The printed fabric includes first and second portions disposed adjacent each other, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The third portion is printed on the first and second portions, wherein the third portion represents a simulated stitch attaching the first portion to the second portion. The fourth portion is printed on the first portion, wherein the fourth portion represents a simulated stitch hole to simulate an appearance of a hole through which the stitch disposes to simulate an appearance that the first portion is a top layer stitched onto the second portion which is a bottom layer.

Abstract: A protective strap is disclosed to include a base layer, a top layer, and a needle thread. The top layer is bonded to a top side of the base layer. The needle thread is exposed on a top side of the top layer so as to form a predetermined design by an embroidering method. The predetermined design can not only provide skidproof effect but also enhance flexibility of design alteration. Additionally, the needle thread runs into the protective strap in different deepness such that the combination between each two layers can be enhanced.

Abstract: A reinforced composite structure (29) is disclosed. The structure is formed by opposed layers of material extending over a core and continuous bundles stitched in a repeating pattern through the opposed layers (30, 32) and the intermediate core (29) to form the reinforced composite structural member (29).