Abstract: A film is placed over a mold cavity and molten plastic deposited thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon. The film-molten plastic combination is then formed in said mold cavity into a molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A composite material includes a highly aligned discontinuous fibers. The material comprises a plurality of substantially aligned warp fibers which have been woven about a plurality of weft filaments, each warp fiber having a series of crossover points with adjacent warp fibers. A plurality of matrix polymer filaments are associated with the warp fibers, the polymer matrix filaments having been treated such that each warp fiber adheres to the matrix polymer filament at at least the crossover points such that the warp fibers are attached to each other at the crossover points. A series of preselected patterned cuts are made in at least some of the warp fibers. The invention is also for a method of making a composite material with discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: An armor assembly for protecting a body disposed behind said armor assembly, wherein the armor assembly comprises at least one layer of material made of an essentially brittle material, said layer extending slanted relative the expected trajectory of an oncoming firearm projectile.

Abstract: A strong, leak-proof seal includes a number of intermittent ultrasonic bonds spaced closely together. At least two layers of material, such as nonwoven webs laminated to a liquid-impermeable film, can be held together by these bond points. The bond points can be arranged in a pattern, such that material that is displaced during the bonding process blocks the passage of any fluid between the bond points.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible cellular panel 10 comprises a plurality of parallel, aligned, elongated tubular sections 12 secured together at the median region of their adjacent longitudinal margins to form the panel 10. The adjacent tubular sections 12 of the panel 10 are made of a pair of substantially identical separate strips of sheet material from those forming the other adjacent tubular sections 12. The various adjacent pairs of strips are laminated together along their confronting longitudinal margins. Each strip is made of at least two separate flexible substrate sheets 18,20 having completely different appearances, and are secured together by welding together their longitudinal margins.

Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially flat mechanically expandable pad, i.e., one positioned almost exclusively in the x-y plane, having a expandable member therein that once activated expands the mechanically expandable pad out of the x-y plane and into the z-direction. Such activation occurs when cinch members are used to contract the expandable member in the x or y-directions but cause its expansion in the z-direction. The pad is useful for cleaning, polishing, buffing, etc. and the expandable member has application in other types of absorbent articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having an improved topsheet that provides improved skin comfort as well as superior fluid handling characteristics. Such absorbent articles comprise a main body portion preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The main body portion has longitudinal edges and lateral edges. The topsheet has a central zone and a pair of end zones extending laterally outwardly from and contiguous with the central zone. The topsheet comprises a nonwoven outer layer and an apertured thermoplastic film layer. The nonwoven outer layer has an opening positioned in the central zone.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible cellular panel 10 comprises a plurality of parallel, aligned, elongated tubular sections 12 secured together at the median region of their adjacent longitudinal margins to form the panel 10. The adjacent tubular sections 12 of the panel 10 are made of a pair of substantially identical separate strips of sheet material from those forming the other adjacent tubular sections 12. The various adjacent pairs of strips are laminated together along their confronting longitudinal margins. Each strip is made of at least two separate flexible substrate sheets 18,20 having completely different appearances, and are secured together by welding together their longitudinal margins.

Abstract: Filling material for percolating filters used in the biological treatment of fluids are provided with strips which are made of plastic and are connected to one another via a transversely directed holding web. The strips are arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in order to increase the strip density. In the filling material according to the invention, the strips are provided with different cross-sections over their length. For example, the strips may be reduced in width in regions adjacent to their connection to the holding web. As a result, the strips can be arranged in one layer with an increased strip density.

Abstract: A method of forming a camouflage pattern, a method of manufacturing a camouflage material in accordance with the pattern, and a camouflage material so manufactured. The method is performed by the taking of a series of photographs in a setting in the environment in which the camouflage configuration is intended to be used. One typical environment might include oak, poplar and birch trees. The individual images of the photographs are then entered graphically into a computer. The computer images are then overlain, one upon another, to form a composite print. Using the computer, the colors in the composite print are separated into a plurality of color prints portraying the predominant colors in the composite print. The colors are identified, and a corresponding plurality of layer screens based upon the individual color prints are made. The layer screens are then employed to screen the identified colors onto a sheet of material.

Abstract: A structural article comprises a substrate having an ionic charge which is coated with a coating having essentially the same ionic charge. The coating consists essentially of a filler material and a binder material. The substrate is preferably fiberglass, the filler is selected from the group consisting of fly ash, charged calcium carbonate, ceramic microspheres and mixtures thereof and the binder material is preferably acrylic latex. The substrate is preferably bonded together using a mixture of urea formaldehyde and standard acrylic. In a preferred embodiment, the coating comprises nearly 85% of the structural article and a filler which is approximately 50% fly ash and 50% calcium carbonate comprises approximately 85% to 95% of the coating.

Abstract: An article of composite design for attachment to another fabric article, comprising an underlying layer of twill on one side of which an ink portion of the composite design has been screen printed and heat cured. The twill is cut into a desired shape so that the twill and the ink portion form the composite design, the portion of the twill without ink printed thereon forming a substantial portion of the composite design. Methods of making and attaching the composite design are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing, drying, and/or otherwise cleaning or processing flexible, substantially planar sheets is provided. The apparatus includes a guiding means for receiving at least one sheet and guiding the sheet through the apparatus; a plurality of rollers which rotate to move the at least one sheet through the apparatus and provide tension to the sheet for processing; and one or more cleaning stations or processing chambers for processing (such as washing, rinsing, and drying) the at least one tensioned sheet. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for cleaning reusable tier sheets used to separate layers of stacked articles.

Abstract: A vehicle panel material comprises a mixture of recycled, reground thermo-formable material and reprocessed headliner material which includes fibrous bats with polyester fibers, glass fibers and a thermo-setting resin. The method of manufacturing such material includes the steps of shredding thermo-formable material into strips; shredding headliner material comprising thermo-formable fibrous bats, glass fibers and thermo-setting resin; mixing and carding the thermo-formable material and headliner material into a mat; heating the mat to at least partially melt the thermo-formable material; and shaping the mat into a vehicle panel.

Abstract: A papermaking fabric comprised of modular panels secured to one another by hook and loop tape fastener material or similar fastening means. The fabric can be repaired by removing therefrom a section encumbering the damage and securing in its place in overlapping relationship with the existing panels a replacement panel section which bonds to the existing fabric base by similar fastening type means. Alternatively, the fastening means may be used to join the ends of a fabric.

Abstract: A decorative applique for removably adhering to the interior surface of a sheer garment to create a silhouette on the exterior surface of the sheer garment. The decorative applique includes an applique structure having an adhering surface; and glue on the adhering surface for removably adhering the decorative applique to the interior surface of the sheer garment by pressing the adhering surface against the interior surface of the sheer garment to create a silhouette on the exterior surface of the sheer garment.

Abstract: The polymer and fabric composite includes at least two polymer sheets with fabric attached covering substantially one side of the polymer sheets. In one embodiment, one of the sheets has a strip of polymer along at least one edge not backed by the fabric. This edge forms a lip that can be attached to another polymer sheet to form a strong bond between the two polymer layers. In another embodiment multiple polymer sheets are prepared with the fabric backing covering substantially one side leaving a lip of polymer for attachment along an edge of each of the polymer sheets. Additional similarly prepared polymer sheets with a polymer lip and fabric backing can be attached to manufacture the desired size of continuous composite.

Abstract: Printed decorative paper having a three dimensional pattern comprises base paper 1, a printed design layer 2 formed of a water-based ink as an undercoat on a surface of the base paper, an overlying printed design pattern layer 3 formed of a water-based curable ink containing a repellent in harmony with said pattern in the undercoat, and overlying water-based curable topcoat 4 applied to the entire surface of the base paper in such a way that said topcoat in the areas where said printed design pattern layer 3 is formed is repelled to form concavities 5. This printed decorative paper is environment friendly due to the non-use of organic solvents, is enhanced in durability as a interior decor material and can be produced with high efficiency.

Abstract: A pre-impregnation has a ribbon-shaped tow of reinforcing fibers and a ribbon of thermoplastic resin laminated on the ribbon-shaped tow and fixed thereto at intervals, and the thermoplastic resin is allowed to uniformly impregnate into the ribbon-shaped tow under heat application so that a void does not take place in the ribbon-shaped tow.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a process for the preparation thereof is disclosed for a fibrous composite (e.g., synthetic wood). The fibrous composite contains 50 to 95% by weight carpet and 5 to 50% by weight of a structural adhesive. Structural adhesives effective in this application would include phenol-formaldehyde resins, either of the resole or novalac type, phenol-formaldehyde resins that have at least one other co-monomer present, e.g., bis-phenol A, resorcinol, and other substituted phenols, urea-formaldehyde resins, melamine urea formaldehyde resins, tannin-phenol-formaldehyde resins, diisocyanate resin, epoxy resins, crosslinkable polyvinyl acetate, proteins, e.g., soy flour, blood and polyester resins.

Abstract: Described is an exhaust gas cleaning metallic substrate of the structure that three metallic honeycomb bodies are successively arranged within a metallic casing. Among the three metallic honeycomb bodies, (i) the metallic honeycomb bodies at front and rear positions have each been constructed by fixing a planar and corrugated bands as constituent members of said metallic honeycomb body at at least some of points of contact therebetween and also an outer peripheral wall of the metallic honeycomb body and an inner peripheral wall of the metallic casing at at least some of points of contact therebetween, and (ii) the metallic honeycomb body at a middle position has been constructed without fixing a planar and corrugated bands as constituent members of said metallic honeycomb body at points of contact therebetween and also an outer peripheral wall of the metallic honeycomb body and an inner peripheral wall of the metallic casing at points of contact therebetween.

Abstract: Laminated protective plastic sleeves are formed with an inner fuzzy layer laminated from a fuzzy surface sheet homogenous plastic substrate with an intermediate adhesive layer. The fuzzy laminate is then formed into a finished protective sleeve by shaping front and back plastic sheet laminations to hold a protected item identifying matter and descriptive matter, the finished layers being heat-welded and the finished sleeve being finally cut and shaped to the desired configuration.

Abstract: A molding obtained by laminating resinous plates of 0.05 to 1 mm thick, prepared by impregnating 20% by volume or more of a reinforcing fiber with a thermoplastic resin, and molding the resultant laminate, wherein sections where deviation or deformation is caused by an external force, or preferably nonjoining parts having an area of 5 to 60% based on the area of the location where impact is absorbed, are provided between the laminated layers constituting the molding, or the laminated layer surface where the impact is absorbed is formed with a shape having a curvature of 5 to 20 mm in radius. The molding absorbs impact force significantly and prevents efficiently human body, etc. from the shock upon striking.

Abstract: An anemometer fabric which changes appearance under aerodynamic stress is disclosed and claimed. The composite fabrics typically include a support fabric with a plurality of dual surfaced tabs overlaying the fabric. The tabs have different colors on each side and are secured so that an applied aerodynamic force will flip the tabs, thereby changing fabric color.

Abstract: An improved beach towel or blanket having compartments or pockets therein for holding articles. The pockets have integral closures, and may be lined with waterproof or water-repellent material.

Abstract: The present invention provides deodorant compositions for controlling malodor from perspiration comprising a safe an effective amount of a 1,3-diketone compound having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein each W is independently selected from the group consisting of O, S and (CH.sub.2).sub.n, wherein n=1-3; and each X is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having from about 1 to about 5 carbon atoms, or two X moieties are covalently bonded to form a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl ring having from about 3 to about 12 atoms including from 0 to about 3 heteroatoms in the ring; and a topical carrier; whereby the composition is suitable for topical application to the skin or to articles of clothing worn in the vicinity of the skin.

Abstract: A safety net attached to the doors at a pumping station to cover the open well when the doors are open. The safety net has a plurality of strips in a first direction and a substantially perpendicular plurality of strips in a second direction. The strips are connected where there are intersections. The edges of the strips have attachment means for connection to the doors, or alternately for connection to the frame about the top of the well. When the doors are opened, the safety net is in place and when the doors are closed, the safety net is suspended in the open well. The safety net may also be connected to a single door for those wells which have only a single door as a cover.

Abstract: This invention involves an artist's working support or panel that is durable, of high quality, and long lasting. The structure has a planar core material usually balsa wood with a stressed-skin layer or sheet adhered to its front and back surface. Specific adhesives are used to enhance the quality of the working support. The panel is completed by adhering a finishing material such as canvas or paper to at least one surface of the panel.

Abstract: An all-composite article comprising two composite parts pivotally joined by a composite hinge which is fabricated integrally therewith. The method of making such an all-composite article.

Abstract: A towel for wrapping and drying hair on a human head includes a configuration for facilitating wrapping of the towel about the head and also provides for an area of enhanced water absorption for contacting the hair and for facilitating rapid drying thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wick for a wet bulb, wherein the bulb is elongated with a free end and a supported end. An absorbent fabric has a portion configured as a folded over sleeve to at least partially closely surround the bulb. The sleeve has two ends, one of which is open and the other of which is closed to permit the open end of the sleeve to be slipped over the free end of the bulb and passed to the supported end until the closed end of the sleeve approaches the free end of the bulb. A plastic film lining inside the sleeve is resistant to corrosive materials to protect the bulb from corrosive materials and has a lower coefficient of friction than the fabric to ease installation over the bulb. A tail contacts a water supply to pick up water and transport it to the sleeve to wet the bulb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sorbent article comprising at least two contiguous layers formed from a single sheet, said layers being joined at a fold in said sheet and being intermittently releasably bonded together.

Abstract: An insulating board in which the capacity to absorb the moisture exemplified by wood fiber based board, cellulose fiber based board and perlite based board is coupled with the high permeability of fiber glass insulation to provide a board having a balance between the capacity to hold moisture and sufficient permeance to allow the board to give up the moisture as the board is passed through a cycle of absorption and desorption, whether it be on a daily or seasonable cycle is provided with an air retarder sheet laminated thereto, which while it provides an air retarder and a water shield has a high permeance so as to allow water vapor to pass through.

Abstract: A breather package for surgical elements such as sutures or suture-needle assemblies having a layer of fibrous material and a layer of plastic material forming a pocket therebetween. Longitudinal heat seals and transverse top and bottom seals are provided which form the package. The layer of fibrous material is provided with longitudinal strips of release agent material through which the longitudinal heat seals are formed. An apparatus for forming such a package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A zone adhering adhesive tape material for releasably retaining one or more electric or electronic conduit members of interest or the like in position with respect to an adjacent surface is disclosed which includes a continuous, flexible web of backing material in strip form and a pair of spaced parallel zones of adhesive material applied along both edges of one side of the backing material defining a relatively wide non-adhesive zone therebetween. The material attaches the conduit members releasably under the non-adhesive zone.

Abstract: An improved multilayer insulation blanket for insulating cryogenic structures operating at very low temperatures is disclosed. An apparatus and method for fabricating the improved blanket are also disclosed. In the improved blanket, each successive layer of insulating material is greater in length and width than the preceding layer so as to accommodate thermal contraction of the layers closest to the cryogenic structure. The fabricating apparatus has a rotatable cylindrical mandrel having an outer surface of fixed radius that is substantially arcuate, preferably convex, in cross-section. The method of fabricating the improved blanket comprises (a) winding a continuous sheet of thermally reflective material around the circumference of the mandrel to form multiple layers, (b) binding the layers along two lines substantially parallel to the edges of the circumference of the mandrel, (c) cutting the layers along a line parallel to the axle of the mandrel, and (d) removing the bound layers from the mandrel.

Abstract: A floor mat system is disclosed wherein the floor mat is removably attachable to an existing floor, and enables the use of the floor by pedestrians in wet and oily environments. The mat includes a skid-free upper surface bounded by an edging portion either or both of which has self-gripping fastener means attached thereto and a removable portion which is capable of absorbing liquids such as water or oil coming in contact therewith. The removable portion is adapted to be removably attached to the fastener means to provide for removal and cleaning of the removable portion and is positioned below the skid-free upper surface and edging portion.

Abstract: The laminated mat of the present invention is suitable for protecting a surface from liquid spills. The mat includes a means for retaining the spills within the laminated mat; a means for channeling the spills throughout the laminated mat; and a means for absorbing the channeled spills. The retained means comprises a sheet of nonporous plastic material. The nonporous sheet is preferably a cushioning, bubble-pack of polyeyhelene and nylon. The channeling means is the bumpy bubble-pack surface. The absorbing means comprises an absorbent sheet, which absorbs the liquid spills that are retained on the nonporous sheet. The nonporous sheet is adhered to the absorbent sheet by a heat bonding process, whereby a polytube heat sealer seals the perimeter of the absorbent sheet to the nonporous sheet. The absorbent material may also be folded several times, and adhered to itself to form an absorbent roll.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article is provided comprising a substrate and, applied to the substrate, a fabric-softening material and a bleach agent, wherein the substrate comprises at least two separate areas, the first area comprising softening material and being substantially free of peroxy bleach, and the second area comprising peroxy bleach and being substantially free of softening material.

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: There is provided an integral textile composite which fabric comprises a substrate portion having at least one organic textile fiber layer and an insulating portion. The insulating portion has at least one inorganic fiber layer which is substantially co-extensive with the organic fiber layer, and at least one insulating layer of insulating material which is substantially less than co-extensive with the inorganic fiber layer. A plurality of first needled stitches composed of organic fibers from said organic fiber layer of said substrate portion are needled in and disposed at least substantially through the insulating portion, while the inorganic fibers of the inorganic fiber layer in the insulating portion are substantially undisturbed.

Abstract: A panel for use as a substrate for a torch-down modified bitumen roof membrane is disclosed. The panel comprises a board of combustible material with a pre-applied noncombustible facer sheet. The facer sheet protects the board from burning during installation of the membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the boards comprise cellulosic fibers and the facer sheet comprises a fabric of bituminous coated glass fibers. The panels are provided with a facer sheet overhang along two adjacent edges for overlapping the facer sheets of abutting panels. The panels are disclosed having an asphalt coating on the top of the board and with a rubber-asphalt emulsion adhesive adhering the facer sheets to the board. Also disclosed is a roofing construction and a method of applying the roofing construction incorporating the substrate panels.

Abstract: A web or structure is formed by feeding separate supplies of fibrous material into contact with two separate lickerins that are parallel to each other and rotated toward each other. The fibers from the two lickerins pass through a mixing zone and are accumulated on a moving conveying screen that is moved parallel to the axes of the lickerins. Segmented baffle plates may be inserted into the mixing zone to control the lateral or cross-sectional composition of a web formed by the fibers accumulated on the screen. A segmented feed may be used to advantageously deliver different fiber materials at different rates to each lickerin. Radially layered composite web structures having circular cross-sections may be formed with the same apparatus by forming the conveying screen into a U-shape and selectively controlling the air flow through the screen.

Abstract: Filling material for percolating filters for the treatment of liquid and process for producing and assembling the material. Especially in biological sewage treatment, filling material must provide the best possible hold for the biological filter film necessary for the purpose and must have uniform wettability. The disadvantage of known apparatuses meeting these requirements is that they either tend to clog or are difficult to produce. The new filling material will work effectively and reliably, while being simple to produce and assemble. To provide ideal growth surfaces for the biological filter film, the filling material has a plurality of plastic strips (20) which are connected to one another by means of a single holding sheet (21). Furthermore, the strips (20) have a special shape, in particular corrugated edges and/or a structured neutral region. The filling material is especially suitable for biological treatment, particularly the denitrification of sewage or drinking water.

Abstract: A nonwoven web is formed by feeding separate supplies of fibrous material into contact with two separate lickerins that are parallel to each other and rotated toward each other. The fibers from the two lickerins pass through a mixing zone and are accumulated on a moving conveying screen that is moved parallel to the axes of the lickerins. A baffle plate may be inserted into the mixing zone and acts to control the lateral or cross-sectional composition of a web formed by the fibers accumulated on the screen. When different fibrous materials are fed to the lickerin along their length, the vertical composition of the web is altered.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved prepreg layer, multilayer composition based on the improved prepreg layer, and article made from the multilayer composite.The prepreg layer of the present invention comprises an array of at least one adjacent, coplanar fibrous element. Each element has a longitudinal axis and each element comprises a plurality of unidirectional coplanar fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The fibers are at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the element. The fibers are up to eight inches, preferably from one to eight inches, and more preferably two to six inches long. The adjacent elements are connected by the polymer matrix. Typically, the elements are in strip or sheet form with the longitudinal axis corresponding to long dimension of the strip or sheet. Alternately, the prepreg layer can be a fabric layer, where the fibers are woven or knit and the fibers are at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The conductance between conductive fibers utilized in a composite panel and the surface of the panel is improved by the use of conductive inserts which are pressed into the surface of the panel sufficiently to contact the fibers facilitating electrically connecting the conductive fibers with a ground on the conductive fibers in another panel.

Abstract: A breathable, laminate fabric which is impervious to water, aqueous solutions and organic solvents comprising a base layer formed from a porous, absorbent material which is bonded at spaced points to a second layer comprised of a series of parallel strips, impervous to water, aqueous solutions and organic liquids, said straips being disposed transversely to the edges of said underlying base layer, said strips having leading and trailing edges, and extending longitudually along said base layer in an overlapping manner such that the leading edge of one strip overlaps the trailing edge of the next succeeding strip in the series, said base layer or said second layer being comprised of a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A laminated containment structure, and method of making, are disclosed. In one form, the containment structure is configured as an expansive secondary containment liner particularly suited for use in association with bulk storage tanks for hydrocarbon fuels and the like. In an alternate embodiment, the structure is configured as a sealable container suited for storage and handling of harardous materials. The containment structure is configured for efficient manufacture and installation, as well as a high degree of resistance to puncture and leakage. Manufacture is facilitated by first forming a plurality of elongated laminated strips each comprising a lamination of a polyester elastomeric layer and at least one non-woven geotextile fabric layer.

Abstract: A coating of a viscous lubricant applied prior to stretch-breaking permits forming slivers of stretch-broken carbon fibers. When an anti-static ingredient is added to the viscous lubricant cohesive slivers of stretch-broken glass fibers can be formed. Composites of matrix resin reinforced with these slivers exhibit high strength, tensile stiffness, and good formability.