Abstract: An insulated building panel and building construction panel system utilizes a plurality of panels made of solid foam core with insulation R values, encapsulated within external hard coatings permanently bonded to the cores. The cores optimally consist of expanded polystyrene foam and the hard coatings are a polyurethane hard coat blend. Roof and exterior wall construction units utilize a plurality of adjacently aligned panels, each panel being located between support members and being compressed together and pressure-fitted against adjacent panels and support members such that each construction unit is formed from the compressed, pressure-fitted panels. The panels themselves serve as the primary structural elements and only insulating elements of the construction units.

Abstract: The floor member, in the form of a floor tile or a floor plank, that is formed of a flexible, non-rigid material, has a bottom portion formed with a plurality of moisture dispersal pathways that lead toward peripheral side edges of the bottom portion. The moisture dispersal pathways permit any moisture that develops between a floor base and the bottom portion of the floor member that is installed on the floor base to flow in the moisture dispersal pathways toward at least one of the peripheral side edges of the bottom portion, for passage beyond the one peripheral side edge of the bottom portion. Adjacent tiles of a floor tile installation have communicable moisture dispersal pathways such that moisture is not entrapped below the floor member and can migrate through the communicable pathways to an outermost peripheral side edge of the floor tile installation for dissipation of moisture into the ambient air.

Abstract: A buffer board for a treadmill includes a bamboo strip portion and an endurable slide plate. The bamboo strip portion is composed of at least one longitudinal bamboo strip and at least one transverse bamboo strip. The longitudinal bamboo strip and the transverse bamboo strip are crosswise knitted to constitute a woven bamboo plate. The woven bamboo plate can be stacked one by one to constitute a stack of woven bamboo plates in a desired thickness for enhancing the strength of the buffer board. The longitudinal bamboo strips connected side by side and the transverse bamboo strips connected side by side are stacked up to constitute a laminated bamboo board. The upper woven bamboo plate or the laminated bamboo board is attached with the endurable slide board. After being applied with a press force, the surface of the endurable slide board is formed with concave-convex massage pattern according to the pattern of the woven bamboo plate or the laminated bamboo board.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting make-up residue. One embodiment comprises a mat configured to collect the make-up residue. The mat includes a first side section and a second side section connected by a center section. The first side section and the second side section are able to open about the center section so that the mat lies substantially flat. This allows for collection of make-up residue that falls on top surface of the mat. The first side section and the second side section are also able to fold about the center section into a U-shape (or V-shaped) so that the make-up residue resting on the top surfaces of the first side section and the second side section falls toward the center section. When the make-up residue falls into the center section, the make-up residue may be poured from the center section, such as into a container.

Abstract: A bamboo load bearing panel includes at least one bamboo panel element. The bamboo panel element includes a bamboo laminate layer with first and second layers of a plurality of bamboo strips having a cortex and pith surface, parallel and longitudinally cut from bamboo culm pressed flat and planed wherein the first and second layers are each planed to a thickness. The cortex surface of the first layer of bamboo strip is bonded to the cortex surface of the second layer of bamboo strip and a wood veneer layer is bonded to the pith surface of the first layer of the bamboo strip positioned such that the grain of the wood veneer layer is perpendicular to the grain of the bamboo strip. A finished bamboo load bearing panel includes at least one bamboo panel element bonded to optional layers of finishing wood veneers.

Abstract: An interlocking portable rollout attic flooring having a plurality of planks laid in a mutual abutting relationship of side edges of the planks, to define a common longitudinally extensive top and bottom surfaces, the common bottom surface having longitudinally directed notches oriented orthogonal to the side edges. The longitudinally directed notches engaged with spaced apart beams for support and stability of the flooring. The side edges of the planks configured in a mutually overlapping relationship wherein each plank supports a portion of weight applied to each adjacent plank. At least one longitudinally directed flexible strap fixed to the top surface of the flooring to secure the planks in the abutting relationship while allowing the planks to be rolled into a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: A chair pad has foldable panels for movement and shipment. A hard wood chair pad forms from multiple elongated rigid planks, processed like hardwood flooring. The chair pad provides a substantially rigid surface that folds easily for transport and shipping. The rigid planks utilized in the chair pad, similar to hardwood flooring planks, have sufficient thickness such that when they are bonded in an adjacent side by side abutting manner along the longer lengthwise edges similar to some hardwood flooring and further bonded to a backing in an adjacent side by side manner, the planks form a substantially rigid surface. The planks connect adjacently lengthwise along their long side edges.

Abstract: A structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure arranged within the composite joint. A method of producing a structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure and an aircraft structure comprising such structural composite parts.

Abstract: Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.

Abstract: A display unit comprising of at least one display sheet of a substantially rigid and foldable material divided into a plurality of panels by crease and/or score lines that when erected forms a display unit with at least one concave presentation face.

Abstract: A building material includes a first segment of a grass; a second segment of the grass; and a first joint element in the first segment that engages with a corresponding second joint element in the second segment, so that the segments form a strip. The grass may be bamboo. A board includes a plurality of bamboo segments, joined together end-to-end with joint elements to form strips; a plurality of strips, attached together to form panels; and a plurality of panels, attached together to form the board. The strips and panels are laminated together with an exterior grade, low formaldehyde, low-urea-content adhesive.

Abstract: A die (20) comprising two die cavities (38,40), with each supplying one polymeric material, a septum (26) separating the two die cavities (38,40), and a die opening (44) through which an extrudate is extruded. The septum (26) has a dispensing edge (36) and a plurality of extrusion channels. First extrusion channels connect one die cavity (38) and second extrusion channels connect the other die cavity (40) to the dispensing edge (36). The first and second extrusion channels are disposed in alternating positions along the dispensing edge such that one first channel is disposed between any two adjacent second channels. A method of extruding with such a die (20) and an extruded article made therefrom. The extruded article comprises a plurality of longitudinal first zones composed of a first polymeric material alternating with a plurality of longitudinal second zones composed of a second polymeric material such that one first zone is disposed between any two adjacent second zones.

Abstract: An insert-molded fiber optic transmission component has at least one insert and a main body portion. The main body portion has at least one adjoining surface, a portion of the at least one adjoining surface lying in a first plane. The insert has an engaging face disposed against the outer edge surface and a reference surface adjacent the engaging face, where the reference surface lies in a second plane, and the adjoining surface is adjacent the engaging face of the at least one insert and the first and second planes being parallel to and offset from one another.

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: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interior trim component includes an aerated skin layer and a glass-reinforced urethane substrate layer. A method for manufacturing an interior trim component is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of aerating a skin layer into a molding tool and depositing a glass-reinforced urethane substrate layer over the aerated skin layer.

Abstract: In the case of a floor covering that consists of at least one layer of a thermoplastic material, sections of the surface of the floor covering are composed of stone tiles or a natural material, according to the invention, whereby these sections are disposed spaced apart from one another, in each instance, or to lie against one another, in each instance. By means of the effect of heat during production of the floor covering, the stone tiles or the natural material become integral with the thermoplastic material and are wetted from the underside by the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A one-piece tray for shipping and then displaying articles in an upright position at a point of sale has a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and opposite side walls and is made of corrugated board having a bottom liner, a top liner, and a fluted medium. A plurality of grooves extend across the width of the bottom wall in a top surface thereof to engage bottom edges of articles standing upright in the tray and hold them in position as other articles are removed from the front of the tray. The grooves are formed by cuts made through the top liner and a portion of the medium and crushed areas extending along one side of each cut, forming a rearwardly facing abutment at each cut for engaging bottom edges of articles to prevent the bottom edges from sliding forward in the tray.

Abstract: A synthetic board is made from a plastic film ply 4, 6 adhered or welded to a parallel array of thin-walled plastic tubes 2. In some versions, the tubes are spaced from each other. In others the tubes are contiguous. This allows the board to curl up more or less depending on the tube packing about the tubes axes but to resist bowing between the ends of the tubes. The board is useful for packaging, display, cladding and insulation. In some versions, a second parallel array 7 lies at 90° to the first and the board is free to fold about the boundary between the two arrays. In this way, runs of cruciform carton blanks can be manufactured. The tubes can contain particulate or gel filling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular mat which is formed by base profiles (1) in the form of U-shaped grooves, with respect to 0which covering profiles determining the mat surface are incorporated by means of fitted coupling, the base profiles (1) being able to be joined by means of lateral engagement there between so as to form the desired mat extension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making the wall of a heat-insulated fluid-confinement tank, such as for a liquefied gas, that is integrated in the carrier structure (50) of a ship, wherein a prefabricated substantially rectangular block (25) is assembled on top of a flexible mat strip (35), the assembling of said block comprising the following steps: applying two longitudinal parallel strips of glue (26, 26?) on the lower surface of said block (25), said strips (26, 26?) being separated by a glue-free central longitudinal space (28); gluing said glued block (25) on a flexible mat strip (35) by pressing said glued block (25) on said flexible mat strip (35) so that after gluing, said longitudinal central space (28) is at least partially filled with glue, thus defining a substantially continuous glue layer on the lower surface of the block (25), said substantially continuous glue layer reinforcing the gluing of said flexible mat strip (35) in order to ensure tightness.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally deformable, sheet-like reinforcing structure, wherein material attenuations (3) are incorporated into a sheet-like, cellular base material, distributed over an area of the base material, by means of cutting or sawing, said material attenuations (3) sub-dividing the base material into a plurality of material cells (1) which are delineated from each other by the material attenuations (3) but are still connected to each other.

Abstract: A vehicular floor mat constructed of a plurality of hollow tubes, at least two spaced-apart through holes along a length of the hollow tubes for receiving at least two threaded rods, a plurality of tubular spacers positioned inbetween two adjacent hollow rods for maintaining a predetermined distance between the hollow tubes, and a nut engaging the ends of the threaded rods to hold the hollow tubes together forming a floor mat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for window blast protection. The system includes a first material, which is either elastomeric or non-elastomeric, which is bonded to a second material, which is elastomeric when the first material is non-elastomeric, and is non-elastomeric when the first material is elastomeric. The system also includes a cover for protecting the materials, where the cover releases the materials in response to the pressure impact of an explosive blast. The second material is anchored to the inside of the cover. When the system is in use, the system further includes a bonding agent for bonding the first material to a film attached to the inner surface of the window and an anchoring means for anchoring the outside of the cover to a frame or wall surrounding the window.

Abstract: There is described a process for adhering a first elongate foam element having a first end portion to a second elongate foam element having a second end portion. The process comprises an initial step of melting a first surface portion of the first end portion to produce a first molten portion. Next the first end portion is abutted to the second end portion. Thereafter, the first molten portion is caused to solidify to create a seam bond between the first end portion and the second end portion. Thus, the present invention relates to adhering two elongate foam elements together at their end portions. The bond between the foam elements is created by melting at least a portion of the surface of one or both of the end portions of the two foam buns. This creates insitu a molten region which acts as an adhesive when the end portions of the two buns are abutted or otherwise contacted with each other.

Abstract: A supply roll of durable plastic wrapping material for use with a wrapping mechanism for wrapping cylindrical cotton modules formed in a module-forming chamber of a cotton harvester is made in lengths connected in end-to-end relationship with Velcro® hook and loop connections provided at opposite ends of each length and having sufficient holding strength for the leading length to remain connected to the following length during the wrapping process, but for permitting the leading length to separate from the following length when the supply roll is subjected to a braking force. Other Velcro® hook and loop connections are provided on the lengths of material for securing them about the module with their placement being such to permit modules from 5? to 7.5? in diameter to be wrapped using no more than two wraps of material. The lengths of wrapping material may be mechanically stripped from the modules at the gin and cleaned and mechanically reattached in end-to-end relationship and formed into rolls for reuse.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite structure and a composite structure obtained by the method is described.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a platform having a plurality of peripheral edges, a plurality of elevating panels for maintaining the platform in a raised position, and a layer of microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the platform. The platform includes a movable portion defined at least partially by a line of disruption extending substantially between a pair of adjacent edges of the platform. The movable portion of the platform is adapted to pivot along the line of disruption.

Abstract: A packaging carton manufactured from a pre-shaped blank (10), cut from a flexible sheet of foldable material. The carton has a plurality of panels (A, A1, A2, B, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, E) and naps (32, 33, 36, 37) separated by fold lines (16 to 31) that define edges of the panels. Selected pairs of the end flaps (36, 37) of the carton incorporate between them a foldable gusset (39) subtended by two converging fold lines (40,41) that converge on a selected fold lines (16, 19). Further selected flaps (32, 33) of the carton (40) are provided with slots (34) each of which is dimensioned and positioned for receiving one of the gussets (39). The gussets (39) are positioned relative to the slots (34) so that the gussets (39) engage in, and are retained by, the respective slots (34) thereby to hold adjacent panels of the carton together.

Abstract: Various modifications to a porous substrate, such as employed in lateral flow assay devices, to regulate or modify the flow rate and/or flow path pattern of a fluid through the porous substrate is described. The lateral flow assay device has a porous substrate matrix in fluid communication with a flow-rate control zone having a number of flow-rate control devices arranged as features in or on a substrate surface or laminates thereof in a body. The flow-rate control devices may include: a density gradient, porosity gradient, ion affinity gradient, micro-channels, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A building board for use as a ceiling or wall element in house building is characterized by a plurality of OSBs which are disposed side by side and are bonded together in multiple layers.

Abstract: There is provided a film for improving contrast, the film including a plurality of stripes each having a section in the shape of one of a trapezoid, a triangle, with a decreasing width from a surface of the film to an inner portion of the film, a rectangle, and a parallelogram, having a constant width from the surface of the film to the inner portion of the film. In a cross-sectional view cut along a thickness direction of the film, a line connecting an inner edge of an inner portion of one stripe with an inner edge of an outer portion of another adjacent stripe forms a shielding angle of 15 to 50° with a normal line perpendicular to a surface of the film.

Abstract: A joint construction in a laminate of, alternately, at least two metal layers and at least one plastic layer accommodated between them comprises metal layers which each have at least two sections. The two sections of at least one outer metal layer overlap one another and are fixed to one another at the location of the overlap by means of an adhesive. Each metal layer has overlapping sections which are fixed to one another by an adhesive.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features an article that includes a layer including a plurality of spaced-apart portions of a first material extending along a first direction. The layer transmits about 20% or more of light of wavelength ? having a first polarization state incident on the layer along a path. The layer transmits about 2% or less of light of wavelength ? having a second polarization state incident on the layer along the path, the first and second polarization states being orthogonal. For wavelength ?, the first material has a refractive index of 1.8 or more and an extinction coefficient of 1.8 or more, and ? is 300 nm or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacture method for processing bamboo timber into high strength and xylon type bamboo timber methods for rearranging bamboo timber fibers, and articles formed of the xylon type bamboo timber.

Abstract: A veneer laminated material formed by improving a laminated material formed in a plate or column shape by stacking a plurality of sheet-like veneers overlappingly with each other and adhering them to each other, and a method of manufacturing the veneer laminated material. The method comprises the steps of forming the veneers into parquet-like veneers formed by longitudinally arranging the plurality of divided small veneer pieces in a parquetry pattern continuously with each other, intersecting the fiber directions of the parquet-like veneers aslant with the longitudinal side ends of the parquet-like veneers, and laminating and forming the veneer laminated material by arranging the fiber directions of the parquet-like veneers adjacent to each other in a laminated layer cross section so as to be reversed to each other and intersected with each other.

Abstract: A board material A board material having a flexible sheet member, and a plurality of hard strip members including a plurality of first hard strip members bonded in parallel to a first side of the flexible sheet member and second hard strip members arranged into sets and bonded in parallel to a second side of the flexible sheet members corresponding to the first hard strip members, the first hard strip members having a width in an integral multiple of the width of the second hard strip members.

Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.

Abstract: A table pad coupling system including a first table pad and a second table pad. The first table pad having a plurality of peripheral surfaces including a first peripheral surface and a second peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface opposite the second peripheral surface. The first table pad additionally including a plurality of magnets positioned within the first table pad, the plurality of magnets including a first magnet associated with the first peripheral surface and a second magnet associated with the second peripheral surface, the first and second magnets having a surface of a same magnetic polarity, the surface of the first magnet and the surface of the second magnet outwardly oriented proximate the respective first and second peripheral surfaces.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.

Abstract: A commercial floor mat has a plurality of aluminum rails arranged in closely spaced side-by-side relationship and connected together by hinged connectors beneath the rails. Each rail has a pair of downwardly facing grooves on its underside extending along respective edges of the rail. Each connector has a flexible central web and a pair of spaced upstanding tabs disposed in the downwardly facing grooves of adjacent rails. The tabs have flexible barb-shaped ribs extending along their opposed faces to anchor the tabs in the grooves with a friction fit. The flexible central webs of the connectors facilitate hinged movement of connected rails to permit the mat to be rolled onto itself into a compact configuration.

Abstract: A table pad coupling system including a first table pad and a second table pad. The first table pad having a plurality of peripheral surfaces including a first peripheral surface and a second peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface opposite the second peripheral surface. The first table pad additionally including a plurality of magnets positioned within the first table pad, the plurality of magnets including a first magnet associated with the first peripheral surface and a second magnet associated with the second peripheral surface, the first and second magnets having a surface of a same magnetic polarity, the surface of the first magnet and the surface of the second magnet outwardly oriented proximate the respective first and second peripheral surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and material for securely wrapping items and providing protection against damage caused by the penetration of moisture or liquids. In particular, the methods and material of the present invention combine the advantages of multiple-material wrapping in a one-step wrapping process by joining the different wrapping segments at their edges to form a continuous wrapping material that can be utilized with existing wrapping technologies.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt, is described. The module is of a micocellular polymeric foam produced by an injection molding process. The foam polymeric material exhibits excellent mechanical properties required for modular conveyor belts capable of withstanding long service lives. Also, the reduced weight in comparison to conventionally molded modules helps decrease wear on the conveyor belt support structures including the drive sprockets.

Abstract: A blow molded structure comprising a body made out of a first polymeric material and an integrally molded, coextruded living hinge made out of a second, more flexible polymeric material. A method of making a blow molded article having a coextruded living hinge.

Abstract: A table pad coupling system including a first table pad and a second table pad. The first table pad having a plurality of peripheral surfaces including a first peripheral surface and a second peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface opposite the second peripheral surface. The first table pad additionally including a plurality of magnets positioned within the first table pad, the plurality of magnets including a first magnet associated with the first peripheral surface and a second magnet associated with the second peripheral surface, the first and second magnets having a surface of a same magnetic polarity, the surface of the first magnet and the surface of the second magnet outwardly oriented proximate the respective first and second peripheral surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-insulating structure using a fluff-like heat-insulating material such as cellulose insulation fibers, capable of allowing convenient handling and preventing a so-called settling-down phenomenon in which the top of the heat-insulating material will settle down with time. The heat-insulating structure comprises a plurality of strap-shaped partition members 2 arranged to define an array of heat-insulating segments therebetween, and cellulose insulation fibers filled in each of the heat-insulating segments. A surface member 3 such as an underlying member or a facing member may be adhesively attached to the exposed surface of the interleaved structure of the partition members and the heat-insulating segments filled with the cellulose insulation fibers to provide a discrete heat-insulating panel.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may comprise a material with a dual chemistry such that the tacky surface is tacky both when dry and when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.