Abstract: The invention provides a glass fiber facing sheet for engineered surfaces such as cement boards which reduces the pitting associated with open mesh glass scrims. The glass fiber facing sheet comprises an open mesh glass scrim having a plurality of intersecting continuous multifilament yarns which are bonded at their crossover points to provide dimensional stability to the scrim. A melt blown polymer web is preferably joined to one face of the glass scrim and covers the mesh openings in the scrim. The opposed face of the scrim defines an exposed grid profile surface which is available for mechanical interaction between the scrim and the cementitious slurry used in cement boards. In cement boards, the glass fiber facing sheet of the present invention is preferably mechanically integrated into a surface portion of the cement core along the exposed grid profile of the scrim.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced article comprises a tubular body and a plurality of fiber braids for reinforcing the tubular body. The fiber braids have a first section parallel to the axis of the tubular body, and a second section forming an angle with the axis of the tubular body. The second sections of the fiber braids form a network capable of enhancing the resistance of the article to flexure and torsion.

Abstract: A box-shaped fibrous preform is produced by laying or superposing a plurality of reinforcing fibrous material layers (6a) on top of each other into a box-like shape. The box-shaped fibrous preform is used as an auxiliary member (1) or by cutting the box-like member into segments of a required shape. The auxiliary member (1) is combined with reinforcing fibrous material forming a main structural member. The auxiliary member and the main structural member are placed in a mold and a resin is supplied into the mold to carry out a resin-impregnating and curing operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel thermoplastic article having a fabric comprised of textile fibers embedded therein produced by applying heat and pressure to a laminate comprising, in order, (1) an upper sheet material, (2) a fabric comprised of textile fibers, and (3) a lower sheet material to produce a thermoplastic article having the fabric embedded therein. The upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a copolyester having an inherent viscosity of 0.5 to 1.2 dL/g, when measured at 25.degree. C. using 0.

Abstract: A method of forming a pin-reinforced foam core sandwich structure (10) including placing first and second face sheets (12), (14) on opposite sides of a foam core (16), the foam core (16) having at least one low density sublayer (28), an optional high density foam sublayer (26), and a plurality of Z-pins (20) positioned therein. The combination of the foam core (16) and face sheets (12), (14) forming a preliminary structure. Autoclave curing the preliminary structure according to a particular temperature and pressure regime, to crush the at least one low density sublayer (28) and to force the plurality of Z-pins (20) into the first and second face sheets (12), (14). Also provided is a pin-reinforced foam core sandwich structure (10) formed by the above process. In a second embodiment, all, or a portion, of the foam core (16) is removed using a solvent to dissolve the foam core (16), but not the Z-pins, to create a column structure (40).

Abstract: The improved creped non-laminar singular web structure comprising long fibers and short fibers demonstrated by high TWA and Z peeling. Creping causes a certain portion of long synthetic fibers and short fibers to substantially be oriented in a predetermined vertical or Z direction across the thickness of the web structure. In particular, when a stratified preparation containing wet stiff CTMP fibers is used, the vertically oriented CTMP fibers increase the total water absorption (TWA) of the web structure without collapsing. The high TWA print/double-creped paper products manufactured from the above web structure are suitable for heavy wipe and dry uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to carbon--carbon (C--C) composite comprising carbon fibers or carbon fabric, carbon char on the carbon fiber or fabric and pyrolytic carbon on the carbon char, wherein the density of the carbon composite is at least 1.3 g/cc. The invention also relates to wet friction elements and power transmission devises containing the same. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the carbon--carbon (C--C) composites. These C--C composites and wet friction elements and power transmission devises made therefrom have improved friction properties desired by wet brakes and clutches. These C--C composites provide improvements in cost, and when run against metals, such as steel or iron, improvements in wear and frictional behavior compared to known C--C composites for wet friction applications. In one aspect, the carbon--carbon does not require bonding to a metal backing or core material.

Abstract: A continuous reinforced composite material, including a first sheet with at least two polymer layers and a first fabric layer operatively coupled therebetween. The first sheet having at least one border where at least some of the fibers of the first fabric layer are continuous thereby having no free ends at the border. The composite material further includes a second sheet with at least two polymer layers with a second fabric layer operatively coupled therebetween. The second sheet having at least one border where at least some of the fibers of the second fabric layer are continuous thereby having no free ends at the border. The composite material further includes a seam wherein the borders of the first sheet and second sheet overlap and are operatively coupled to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of vibration welding of thermoplastic joints. Such welding is conducted by vibrating two fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts under pressure along their common interface to generate frictional heat to melt and fuse their surfaces together. Fibers from at least one surface penetrate both into the weld and into the other surface. As a result, the welded, fiber reinforced thermoplastic surfaces have increased tensile strength than heretofore achievable. Vibration welds of reinforced thermoplastic surfaces according to this invention achieve a maximum tensile strength as high as about 120% of a weld formed by the unreinforced surfaces of corresponding thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A covering for use on a surface is provided. The covering is removable, non-skid, and non-adhesive. The covering includes a substrate having a front surface and a back surface. The substrate is non-skid coated. A decorative top sheet is adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness and flatness characteristics for use in connection with the strapping of packages or the like, is disclosed. A sheet workpiece is conducted into a nip defined between a pair of opposed milling and stretching rollers wherein one of the rollers is rotated at a lineal surface velocity which is greater than the lineal surface velocity of the other roller, and the rollers are rotated in opposite directions. One of the rollers effectively brakes or retards one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece while the other one of the rollers effectively accelerates the other one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece as the workpiece passes through the nip defined between the rollers whereby the workpiece is simultaneously milled and stretched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite web comprising one elongated flat composite layer of mutually parallel fibers in a matrix, in which the fibers run at an angle .alpha. (differing from 0.degree.) relative to the lengthwise direction of the web, and which in the lengthwise direction is made up of joined-up and connected web parts. This composite web can be used for continuously producing multi-layer composites. The composite layer of the composite web has no areas with overlap or gaps when placed in a multi-layer composite. The invention also relates to a method for the production of this composite web and of multi-layer composites.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.

Abstract: A composite panel is provided which includes a resin matrix having embedded therewithin alternating layers of particulates and flexible sheeting. The composite panel is capable of supporting its own weight and exhibits impact resistance and shatter resistance. Preferably, the resin is transparent, the particulates are decorative, and the flexible sheeting becomes transparent upon curing of the resin. The composite panels are included within articles such as tables, desks, other furniture, vertical partitions, decorative panels, doors, windows and floors. Also included is a method of making the composite panels by molding layers of these materials within an open mold.

Abstract: An elongate composite structural member and method of making the same which is particularly useful for forming the handle of hand-held striking and prying tools or implements. The elongate structure member comprises a foamed in place molded resin composition core and outer skin layer which is reinforced with intermediate layer of structurally strong, unidirectional oriented fibers. The expanded foam resin, intermediate fiber layer and the expanded foam resin outer skin are bound together by the cured foamed resin composition formed during the molding process to form a strong, integral composite structure.

Abstract: A bonded fabric comprising a mesh of filament yarns of the core-sheath type having little or no elasticity in the longitudinal direction but which will break when bent without affecting the filaments in the core.

Abstract: A fiber-cement trim board is formed by a fiber-cement core layer faced with a pair of fiber-cement surface layers of substantially equal thickness in the core layer and have a cement-to-wood ratio by weight of between 2 and 3.5 and at least 70% of the wood strands have a length longer than 10 min. Each of the surface layers is formed of a fiber-cement mixture containing wood strands, at least 80% of which have a length of less than 4 mm and a cement-to-wood ratio by weight of between 2 and 3.5. The board is covered at least on the two main faces by a water barrier coating.

Abstract: A flexible article of manufacture especially suitable for use as a ballistic resistant body armor which comprises two or more layers, at least one of said layers being a fibrous layer, and at least one of said layers being a polymeric layer in contact with and bound to all or portion of said fibrous layer.

Abstract: A clothing material comprises a first fabric layer connected to a tear-resistant second layer. The second layer includes a plurality of first threads extending generally parallel to one another in a first direction and a plurality of second threads extending generally parallel to one another in a second direction different from the first direction. The threads all extend substantially in a common plane. The first threads are all connected to each of the second threads at cross-over points between the first threads and the second threads. A third layer of fabric is attached to the second layer of the material on a side thereof opposite the first layer. The threads of the intermediate, tear-resistant layer may be interconnected by a plurality of connecting thread segments tied in knots about the cross-over points.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness for use in connection with the strapping of packages or the like, is disclosed. A sheet workpiece is conducted into a nip defined between a pair of milling and stretching rollers wherein one of the rollers is rotated at a lineal surface velocity which is greater than the lineal surface velocity of the other roller, and the rollers are rotated in opposite directions. One of the rollers effectively brakes or retards one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece while the other one of the rollers effectively accelerates the other one of the surfaces of the sheet workpiece as the workpiece passes through the nip defined between the rollers whereby the workpiece is simultaneously milled and stretched.

Abstract: The present invention is a highly predictable composite usable to fabricate such structural articles as complex-shaped automotive body parts and building panels. Included in this composite is at least one netlike preform having a plurality of inter-crossed roving bound to each other at thermoset junction points. This preform is compressed into a mold, and at least one layer of polymer paste is added thereto. The preform layers and the polymer paste layers are compressed to the shape of the mold, and then they are heat and flame treated to complete the curing of the thermoset resin and to produce a desired surface finish.

Abstract: The ski described is characterized by the use of a selected fiber reinforced material comprising a sheetlike textile material and a thermoset resin, the fiber content being 30-70% by weight and the fiber being not less than 30% by weight synthetic. This material is notable for high flexibility and high restoring forces and confers excellent properties on the ski, for example good vibration damping.

Abstract: An article that includes at least two networks of high strength fibers and a matrix material which impregnates the high strength fibers to form a composite element having a first plane profile and a second plane profile, wherein at least one of the first and second plane profiles has on its surface a textured pattern, and the matrix material is distributed substantially uniformly over the textured plane profile, and a method for making the composite element.

Abstract: A wood board comprising a core layer comprising one or more strand boards formed by using a foaming binder, and at least one surface layer comprising oriented strand board, which is laminated to at least one surface of the core layer, the foaming binder being a mixture of a foaming resin and a non-foaming resin at a ratio within a range of 4:1-1:4. It is preferable that the thin wooden strips comprising the surface layer has at least one of an average length value and an average width value thereof which is larger than that of the thin wooden strips comprising the core layer. The wood board of the present invention has particularly superior resistance to moisture, and has low density and high strength. In the wood board of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the anisotropy of the strength thereof by adjusting the number of layers or the thickness thereof.

Abstract: An elongate composite structural member and method of making the same which is particularly useful for forming the handle of hand-held striking and prying tools or implements. The elongate structure member comprises a foamed in place molded resin composition core and outer skin layer which is reinforced with intermediate layer of structurally strong, unidirectional oriented fibers. The expanded foam resin, intermediate fiber layer and the expanded foam resin outer skin are bound together by the cured foamed resin composition formed during the molding process to form a strong, integral composite structure.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite materials containing a thermoplastic composite core bonded integrally with a fabric layer are provided. The fabric layer has a greater elasticity than the core, so that the fabric layer can conform smoothly to the core during thermoforming. This improvement has been demonstrated to improve aesthetic appearance and nearly eliminate wrinkling and distortion of the fabric layer when compared to conventional composite materials.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a multi-ply carbon fibre fabric, preform or composite material from a layer of unidirectionally aligned carbon fibres of ultra-high modulus and a layer of low modulus carbon fibre comprising the steps of: arranging in superimposed relationship the layer of unidirectionally aligned carbon fibres of ultra-high modulus and the layer of low modulus carbon fibres so that at least a substantial number of the fibres of low modulus are disposed transversely of the fibres of the ultra-high modulus fibre layer, and connecting the two layers by interlacing fibres of the layer of low modulus fibres with those of the layer of ultra-high modulus fibres by needle-punching using felting needles orientated and configured so that their barbs snag only the low modulus fibres during passage through the layers.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a laminated, fire resistant flexible sheet material, and the resulting laminate product are disclosed. The method comprises directing a second web of flexible material to overlie a first web of a flexible material in which the face of the first web is coated with an admixture of a substantially solvent-free adhesive and a fire retardant composition so that the adhesive in the admixture joins the webs together to form a fire retardant flexible laminate construction.

Abstract: A structural part having as its basis a sandwich fabric, in particular a velour fabric, having at least a first layer (a) and a second layer (b) and intermediate links connecting said layers (a, b), in which connection the fabric consists of a technical yarn such as aramid fiber, carbon fiber, ceramic fiber or, in particular, glass fiber, is resinified and cured, and the intermediate links form rigid spacing elements for the first and second layers (a, b). In order to be able to produce, in particular, structural parts which have a strong curvature, at least one of the layers (a, b) be woven in an open weave, such as used also in multi-layer fabrics.

Abstract: An articulated knee brace includes a pair of arms pivotally connected by corresponding pivot pins and gear segments supported by a set of hub plates having holes for receiving adjustable stop pins. The arms are attached by flexible and releasable bands to a person's limb on opposite sides of a joint, and one of the arms carries an adjustable hydraulic control unit. The unit includes a tubular housing enclosing a pair of axially spaced pistons rigidly connected by a shaft, and a curved link member connects the pistons to the hub plates eccentrically of the pivot axes. A set of manually rotatable valves are supported by the housing between the pistons and variably control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valves and between the piston chambers in response to pivoting of the arms for selectively and independently adjusting the resistance to flexion and extension of the brace and limb.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of providing a formable composite material comprising providing a reinforcing material (9) having a plurality of superimposed layers (1-6), each layer consisting of a plurality of unidirectional non-woven yarns or threads (10) laid side-by-side, the yarns or threads in at least some of the different layers extending in different directions, said layers being stitched (12) together, and before said stitching incorporating in or with the reinforcing material (9) a matrix material (7, 8).

Abstract: A multilayer nonwoven thermal insulating batt is provided. The batt comprises a blend of bonding staple fibers and staple fill fibers, the fibers being formed into a multilayer batt. The bonding fibers are subsequently bonded sparingly to staple fill fibers at the points of contact to enhance the structural stability of the multilayer batt but allow delamination of the individual web layers under mechanical action.

Abstract: An improved stuffer box used for crimping textile fibers, particularly fibrillated polyolefin films. The width of the stuffer box is related to the linear density of the fiber bundles to be crimped whereby there is one millemeter of width for each fiber bunder size in the range of from about 200 to about 750 denier. Pressure controlled hinged lid or fixed lid exit orifices may be employed. Also employed may be a distributing device for applying additive material to the textile fibers prior to crimping to enhance the crimping operation or to enhance the end use of the crimped fiber or both. Fibrillated polyolefin materials that are crimped in accordance with the invention are adapted for use as filter materials in smoking articles.

Abstract: A longitudinal laminate board of mineral wool and method of making the board are disclosed. The laminate board consists of adjacently disposed pieces at least some of which are shorter than the length of the board and whose fibre plane form an essentially right angle to the plane of the laminate board. The pieces are jointed within the laminate board.

Abstract: Method for surface modifying substrates characterized in adsorbing on the surface of a solid substrate a polyamine of a high average molecular weight and cross-linking this with crotonaldehyde either simultaneously or by addition in separate steps to produce amino groups on the surface of the substrate, and optionally adsorbing one or several alternating layers of an anionic polysaccharide and of the said polyamine being cross-linked with crotonaldehyde, and optionally finally adsorbing the said polyamine, not cross-linked, to produce free primary amino groups by which chemical entities having a biological activity may be bound by covalent or ionic bonding.

Abstract: Improved ballistic resistant laminates have been developed by bonding alternating plies of fabric woven from glass or normally solid organic polymers and non-woven scrim prepreg impregnated with a heat curable resin. A preferred organic polymer is an aramid exemplified by Kevlar. A preferred heat curable resin is phenol-formaldehyde/polyvinyl butyral blend.

Abstract: A resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell for use as a component of an article of luggage. The shell comprises a first nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers and an exterior material attached to the first nonwoven batt. The first batt and exterior material are thermally formed to a predetermined shape. The shell may also include one or more additional component layers selected from a second nonwoven, fibrous batt, a layer of backing material, a water impermeable film, and a lining material. In manufacturing the shell, the exterior material is attached to a first portion of a substrate material which is comprised of the nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers. A second portion of the substrate material is secured to an apparatus for thermal forming and the exterior material and substrate material are thermally formed to a resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell having a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A reinforcement member for a plastic laminate structure consisting of at least two laminate layers bonded to one another, the member having a synthetic body defining a length axis X, a breadth axis Y, and a thickness axis Z, formed of a synthetic plastic material, the length and breadth axes X and Y lying in a first plane, and the thickness axis Z lying in a second plane normal to the first plane, a plurality of first reinforcement fibres lying parallel to the first plane, and, a plurality of second recruitment fibres lying parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: A single ply polyester fabric of straight warp construction having at least 200 ends per inch of 1000 denier multifilament yarn in the warp direction and at least 18 picks per inch of 0.4 mm, monofilament yarn in the weft direction with a warp crimp of less than 2%. Preferably, the polyester fabric is impregnated with a nitrile and polyvinylchloride latex and has a polyurethane coating on one surface thereof. The single ply polyester fabric is particularly suitable for use as a belt in an automatic truck loading and unloading system.

Abstract: Textile structure based on filaments impregnated and/or coated with thermoplastic material (FIT filaments) is formed from at least two layers of such FIT filaments, arranged perpendicularly to one another in the manner of a warp and a weft, but without being interlaced, and a binding weave consisting of a warp and a weft holding each of the FIT filaments in position. The textile structure is particularly applicable to the production of laminates exhibiting high mechanical stength.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-layer protective fabric for protective suits used in hazardous or toxic environments. A first layer comprises strips of water and vapor impermeable material, there being a gap between adjacent such strips. A second layer comprises a plurality of strips of a wicking material with each such strip covering the inner surface of a first layer strip, passing through the gap between adjacent strips and covering the outer surface of the adjacent first layer strip. Moisture, such as perspiration will pass via the wicking material through the gaps past the first layer for evaporation and diffusion through a third layer of a liquid impermeable/vapor permeable material which extends over the second layer material covering the outer surfaces of the first layer.

Abstract: A plastic sheet is disclosed which is used as a subcarrier for insulating linings of building surfaces. The sheet is formed by parallel, alternating, dovetail-shaped channels and grooves. A coarse-meshed lattice matting, having filaments, is glued or partially fused to the backside of the plastic sheet and serves to anchor the sheet to the underlying foundation. This lattice matting stretches over the entire backside or inner surface of the sheet. The webs of the plastic sheet are expandable and can compensate for stresses occurring between the underlying foundation and the external facing material such as ceramic tile.

Abstract: A metallized textile web includes a homogeneous metal layer on the textile web and is as flexible as the textile web itself, wherein the textile web itself can be composed of glass fibers, synthetic resin fibers, carbon fibers, etc., and the composite metallized textile web is suitable for wallpaper-like metallic lining of a space. The metallized textile web provides a material which forms an electronically impermeable Faraday's cage and at the same time is elastic and vibration- and displacement-secure so as to provide electronic release of respective structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are interleafed fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites formed by introducing a ductile interleaf block copolymer layer to a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layer. Also disclosed are methods for producing such composites. These composites are useful in numerous applications where toughness, impact strength and resistance to delamination are desirable.

Abstract: A wallcovering material having a paper backing being color and/or design printed face to which substantially parallel warp and fill yarns are tricot stitched thereto to provide an aesthetic structure through which the color and/or design shows through. The warp and weft yarns are knit to the paper backing material and held firmly in place by the polyethylene film on the face of the paper backing. The warp and weft yarns are openly spaced so that the color and/or design printed on the paper shows through and provides a pleasant view to the area in which the wallcovering is installed.

Abstract: A liquid composition for developing latent electrostatic images comprising toner particles associated with a pigment dispersed in a nonpolar liquid. The salient feature of the invention is that the toner particles are formed with a plurality of fibers of tendrils from a thermoplastic polymer and carry a charge of a polarity opposite to the polarity of the latent electrostatic image. The polymer is insoluble or insolvatable in the dispersant liquid at room temperature. The toner particles are formed by plasticizing the polymer and pigment at elevated temperature and then either permitting a sponge to form and wet-grinding pieces of the sponge or diluting the plasticized polymer-pigment while cooling and constantly stirring to prevent the forming of a sponge while cooling. When cool, the diluted composition will have a concentration of toner particles formed with a plurality of fibers.

Abstract: A woven multilayered textile fabric and attendant method wherein a plurality of layers of the fabric are formed of straight yarns, including at least one layer formed of warp yarns and respective layers formed of filling yarns positioned in superposed relation on opposite sides of the layer of warp yarns and extending at right angles to the warp yarns, and binder warp yarns arranged in cooperating pairs with one binder yarn of each pair extending over certain superposed filling yarns and under certain other superposed filling yarns, and the other binder yarn of each pair being woven oppositely under said certain superposed filling yarns and over said certain other superposed filling yarns.

Abstract: A wrapped core for a ski comprising a wood or foamed plastic longitudinally extending core having first longitudinal strands of material positioned on the top and or bottom surfaces of the core and second strands of fiber reinforcement braided thereover to surround the core and capture said first strands. Third longitudinally extending strands of fiber reinforcement are intertwined with said second braided strands. The method and apparatus for forming the wrapped ski core.

Abstract: A composite laminated, non-distortable needlepoint canvas material comprised of a primary layer of non-elastic, open-mesh woven fabric having a uniform weave pattern of mesh apertures and a relatively thin secondary mesh-stabilizing layer of sheer non-elastic fabric material. The threads of the open-mesh primary layer are impregnated and coated with a synthetic resin mesh-stiffening material and are bonded to the sheer secondary layer by the synthetic resin mesh-stiffening material of the primary layer or by a combination of such mesh-stiffening material and an applied synthetic adhesive. The threads of the primary layer are not susceptible to raveling at the edges of the composite needlepoint material. The sheer fabric secondary layer may be a non-woven, semi-transparent, random-spun synthetic fiber material or a sheer closely woven fabric material.

Abstract: A structural fiber pre-form useful as a structural article when saturated with a resin which is subsequently cured is disclosed, which is comprised of a large number of tightly packed, parallel structural yarns. The yarns are held in alignment by a sewing yarn passing vertically around and between the yarns. The pre-form may be covered with a smooth covering, such as a fabric covering, which may either be sewn to the fiber pre-form in a single process, bound thereto by curing of a saturating resin, or a combination of processes.