Abstract: The present invention relates to filled articles such as comforters, pillows, duvets, quilts, sleeping bags and the like which are filled with low denier per filament fibers having a curvilinear structure.

Abstract: The invention is a novel body armor that comprises a metallic layer having a surface contoured for close fitting to the wearer, the layer bounded by an outer perimeter, a second layer of organic material located adjacent the metallic layer, the layer of organic material having the same surface contour as the metallic layer, an inter-layer of releasably engageable fasteners inserted between the metallic layer and the organic material layer to form a multi-layer laminate, and a layer of semi-flexible plastic surrounding and in contact with the outer surfaces of the metallic layer, to form an armor unit cover.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite part, comprising an elongated foam core and a flow channel media attached to a first elongated side thereof. The flow channel media forms interstices for the passage of resin. At least one fabric layer is secured to the elongated foam core, and encloses a first elongated side of the foam core, including the flow channel media. In this way, a resin flow path is defined along the first elongated side. The fabric layer can further enclose at least a second and third elongated side of the foam core where, where each of the second and third elongated sides adjoin the first elongated side. Fabric tab portions can be provided extending from the second and third elongated sides for aiding in the installation of the composite part in a larger composite structure.

Abstract: A coated glass mat comprises a glass mat substrate having non-woven glass fibers and a coating which essentially uniformly penetrates the glass mat substrate to desired fractional thickness of the coated glass mat. The coating imparts a tensile strength to the coated glass mat which on average is at least 1.33 times greater than the tensile strength of the glass mat substrate without the coating. In example embodiments, penetration of the coating into the glass mat substrate preferably extends to a depth of from twenty five percent of a thickness of the coated glass mat to seventy five percent of the thickness of the coated glass mat. Moreover, a non-coated thickness of the coated glass mat is sufficiently thick for bonding purposes with, e.g., a gypsum slurry or other core materials such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics. The coating has a porosity in a range of from 1.3 CFM to 5.0 CFM, e.g.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation batt is encapsulated within an envelope to form an encapsulated insulation batt assembly. The envelope has pressure sensitive adhesive on lateral flanges or surfaces of the envelope for securing the encapsulated insulation batt assembly to spaced-apart frame members defining a cavity to be insulated. Release liners, on surfaces of the envelope or the lateral flanges, which overlay and are releasably secured to the pressure sensitive adhesive, are removed from the pressure sensitive adhesive immediately prior to bonding the encapsulated insulation batt assembly to the spaced-apart frame members. Preferably, the release liners for the pressure sensitive adhesive are contact areas on the surfaces of the envelope or the lateral flanges coated or otherwise treated with a release agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming textile pads from a textile batt. The method includes the steps of splitting an incoming single textile batt and forming partial thickness textile batts, applying an adhesive to outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, and adhering vapor barriers to the partial thickness textile batts. The apparatus comprises a pair of feed rollers for receiving a textile batt, a splitting knife downstream of the pair of feed rollers, adhesive appliers positioned downstream of the splitting knife and capable of applying an adhesive to outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, vapor barrier supply positioned downstream of the adhesive appliers and capable of supplying vapor barriers that contact the outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, pressure rollers positioned downstream of the pair of vapor barrier supply rollers.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced recycled thermoplastic composites and methods for their manufacture are presented. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic composite incorporates a matrix of recycled thermoplastic and a plurality of high modulus, reinforcing fibers, with the recycled thermoplastic including polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, PET and styrene-butadiene rubber, and the reinforcing fibers including glass fibers, natural fibers, carbon fibers, and aramid fibers. Preferably, each of the reinforcing fibers has a minimum length of approximately ½ of an inch and a modulus of approximately one million psi.

Abstract: An absorbent article including one or more graphics thereon and a method for making the same are provided according to the present invention, wherein the reference markers used to cut the graphics are not included on the final absorbent article. Further, a variety pack of absorbent articles and method for making the same are provided, wherein each absorbent article in the pack includes a graphic thereon which differs from the graphics on the other absorbent articles in the pack.

Abstract: Thermal apparatus that reduces passive intermodulation products generated on a satellite or other spaceborne vehicle. Exemplary passive intermodulation free thermal blankets comprise a reflector stack including multiple polyimide layers with metallized film on one side thereof, a binding layer that secures the reflector stack together, and an outer cover layer that wraps around the binding layer and reflector stack to cover an outer surface of the thermal blanket and form a hem on an inner surface of the thermal blanket. Multiple small thermal blankets or patches may be bound together using grounding inserts and polyimide tape to form a quilt-like assembly. The quilt-like assembly is enclosed by an outer cover layer that wraps around the multiple patches to cover one surface thereof and form a hem on an opposite surface thereof.

Abstract: The element consists of an outer skin, in which to house the actual filtration fiber. The skin is of sufficient integrity to confine the filtration fiber, not deteriorate, and maintain pliability, with a working temperature range of thirty-five degrees through Four hundred degrees Fahrenheit, and five to thirty pounds per square inch pressure. The filtration fiber(s) can be manipulated to perform specific tasks, for instance: the regulation or removal of water within an ethylene glycol system, or, with introduction of water the micronal capacity may be regulated.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulating composite comprising (a) a first thermally reflective layer having a reflective surface and an opposite surface, (b) a second thermally reflective layer having a reflective surface and an opposite surface, and (c) a porous metal oxide film having a thickness of 20 &mgr;m or less that is positioned between the first and second thermally reflective layers such that there is substantially no direct physical contact (thermal bridging) between the first and second thermally reflective layers. The present invention further includes an insulating element in which the insulating composite is disposed within an air-impermeable container.

Abstract: A heat insulating/sound absorbing material wherein the entire surface of an inorganic fiber mat is covered with a synthetic resin film or films and a method of producing the same. Front and rear surfaces of an inorganic fiber mat 12 as well as both side surfaces along a longer side thereof are covered with synthetic resin films 13, 14; both ends of the synthetic resin films in the direction of a longer side of the inorganic fiber mat 12 are extended from both ends in the direction of a shorter side thereof to thereby cover both end surfaces in the direction of a shorter side of the inorganic fiber mat 12; an adhesive is applied continuously or discontinuously along the direction of a longer side of film to a portion in the direction of a shorter side of the inorganic fiber mat whereby the inorganic fiber mat and the synthetic resin films, and a mutually opposing portion of the synthetic resin films are bonded so as to make air communicate through unbonded portions.

Abstract: A composite fire stopping article capable of fire stopping through-penetrations without the need for a secondary reinforcement structure includes an interior insulating material, such as mineral wool, sandwiched between layers of an intumescent material. The insulating material and intumescent material may be enclosed in a bag formed of a polymeric material. The intumescent material is substantially free of graphite and consists essentially of filler material, binder material, and a hydrated alkali metal silicate intumescent component.

Abstract: A filling material comprised of a flexible and highly resilient polyurethane foam, combined with a soft and plush down fill. The filling material is inserted or blown into a casing to form a pillow or other cushioned articles. The filling elements offer adequate support and softness with a “cradling effect” of a person's head. The filling elements retain its shape and bounce back to its original state.

Abstract: An insulation product contains a mixed layer of textile fibers and of natural fibers. A process for manufacturing the insulation product includes passing fibrous bundles of textile fibers and of natural fibers together through an apparatus that divides the textile fibers into segments and that mixes the textile fiber segments with the natural fibers. The bundles of natural fibers can be in the form of specially manufactured mats and/or can be production scraps. The resulting mixture of fibers is formed into a non-woven batt, mat, blanket, or board. The process provides a mixed fibers product, with an improved combination of thermal and acoustic insulation and adequate strength, at a low production cost.

Abstract: A multilayer gypsum board having face sheets comprising inorganic fiber, preferably randomly oriented glass fiber, which have been completely impregnated with a gypsum slurry so as to penetrate through the random interstices between the inorganic fibers and to thereby coat the board surfaces with gypsum slurry. The multilayer gypsum board may have a polymeric compound added to unset gypsum the compound may comprise any of the following: polyacrylamide, polymethylacrylamide, polyvinyidene chloride (PVDC), polyamide, poly (hexamethylene adipamide), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, cellulose acetate, polyisobutylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polychloroprene, styrene, butadiene, natural rubber, poly (2,6 dimethyl pentene oxide), poly (4-methyl-1-pentene) and polydimethyl siloxane.

Abstract: The composite material can be produced without complicated measures to fix the distance between the covering layers and it can be brought into a desired three-dimensional contour. The composite material has a first outer covering layer and, at a distance from it, a second outer covering layer, in particular of metal, plastic or wood veneer. An intermediate layer is arranged between the covering layers. The intermediate layer is formed by at least one natural fiber mat of renewable raw materials which is interspersed with fusible and/or foamable particles and/or curable substances.

Abstract: A resilient pre-cut fibrous insulation blanket includes first and second insulation blankets. The blankets each have a first major surface with one or more longitudinally extending cuts in the surface that are spaced inwardly from lateral edges of the surface and spaced apart from each other. The cuts only partially sever the blankets to form separable connectors in the blankets that join adjacent blanket sections formed by the cuts. The first major surfaces of the blankets are bonded to each other, with the cuts in the major surfaces of the blankets aligned longitudinally, to form a batt with longitudinally extending batt sections joined by the separable connectors in the blankets whereby the batt can be handled as a unit or one or more batt sections can be separated from the remainder of the batt by hand to form a batt of lesser width.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information carrier which has flat surfaces, is excellent in beautiful appearance and permits beautiful necessary printing, and a production process which permits easy and inexpensive production of such an information carrier. An IC chip 1 and a coil 2 connected to the IC chip are embedded in a substrate 3 composed of a nonwoven fabric. The IC chip and the coil are held between two nonwoven fabrics produced according to a conventional production procedure. The laminate of the nonwoven fabrics is fed to a roller or a press and the two nonwoven fabrics are hot-pressed, whereby their mating surfaces are joined with or without an adhesive (including low-melting synthetic resin fiber) incorporated into the webs. After positioning of the coil in the thus obtained raw product of information carrier, the laminate of the nonwoven fabrics and cover sheets is cut to obtain an information carrier of predetermined shape and size.

Abstract: An insulation package contains a plurality of unfaced or faced, uncut and pre-cut fibrous insulation batts of a pre-selected width enveloped within a covering in a compressed condition. Each of the pre-cut fibrous insulation batts has a plurality of longitudinally extending batt sections separably joined to adjacent batt sections by separable connectors. The separable connectors hold the pre-cut fibrous insulation batt together for handling but can be separated along the lengths of the batt sections by hand to separate adjacent batt sections. Preferably, between 20% and 70% of the fibrous insulation batts in each of the insulation packages are pre-cut fibrous insulation batts.

Abstract: An absorbent structure and method utilizes pockets or pouches of inorganic or organic granular materials in absorbent structures (such as a structure containing superabsorbents, including polymeric hydrogel forming materials) and fibrous webs, to form a composite heterostructure. The composite absorbent heterostructures are useful, for example, in applications such as diapers, incontinence articles, hygienic supplies and other applications which require good fluid absorbency and retainment properties. The granular material can be made of light plastic materials such as polystyrene or materials such as sand or seeds, and the grains can be hollow, with possible access to their interior volumes.

Abstract: The heat resisting fiber-reinforced composite material of the invention is a heat-resisting fiber-reinforced composite material used for a product or a part that generates temperature distribution; wherein the thermal expansion coefficient at a portion corresponding to a medium to low temperature range is greater than the thermal expansion coefficient at a portion corresponding to a high temperature range, and the boundary between the portion corresponding to medium to low temperature range and the portion corresponding to the high temperature range is a transition region.

Abstract: A cosmetic body-care preparation, in particular a preparation for bathing, showering and/or for hair care or shampooing the hair. The composition contains honey in a proportion of at least 20% by weight.

Abstract: The liner is formed by a “support” structure and an outer or decorative liner layer. The “support” structure consists of three superimposed layers made of polyester fibers, where the middle layer (1) is considerably thicker than the outer layers (2), while the decorative layer (3) is of a polyester liner or of another suitable material, allowing recycling of the entire set. The different layers are attached to each other by pre-heating layers (1) and (2) and the corresponding molding of the “support” formed by these, including the outer or decorative layer (3), without requiring any further adhesive to keep said layers joined.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced recycled thermoplastic composites and methods for their manufacture are presented. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic composite incorporates a matrix of recycled thermoplastic and a plurality of high modulus fibers, with the recycled thermoplastic including polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, PET and styrene-butadiene rubber, and the high modulus fibers including glass fibers, natural fibers, carbon fibers, and aramid fibers. Preferably, each of the high modulus fibers have a minimum length of approximately ½ of an inch and a modulus of approximately one million psi.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation blanket is pre-cut for custom fitting the insulation blanket into wall, floor, ceiling and roof cavities of different widths formed by the framework of a building. The insulation blanket has one or more pairs of longitudinally extending cuts in the major surfaces of the blanket. Each pair of cut(s) leaves a separable connector within the blanket between adjacent sections of the insulation blanket whereby the blanket can be handled as a unit for insulating a cavity having a width about equal to the width of the blanket or easily separated or torn apart by hand at a separable connector for insulating a cavity having a lesser width. A major surface of the blanket may have a facing bonded thereto that is separable by hand along the cut(s) in the major surface to facilitate separating the blanket by hand.

Abstract: Fibrous sorbent media or pads are formed from non-woven mats of thermoplastic fibers, preferably polypropylene fibers, having a mean diameter between about 0.5 microns and about 25 microns. The mats have a weight between about 2 ounces/yd2 and about 25 ounces/yd2; a thickness of at least {fraction (1/20)} of an inch; an oil absorbency ratio of at least 5 to 1 or a water absorbency ratio of at least 5 to 1. The sorbent media have first and second major surfaces with abrasion resistant, liquid permeable, integral skins and fibrous cores. The liquid permeable skins of the media are formed by melting fibers at and immediately adjacent the major surfaces of the mats to form thermoplastic melt layers which are subsequently solidified into the skins on the major surfaces of the mats. For many applications, the thermoplastic fibers of the mats are point bonded together at spaced apart locations to increase the integrity of the mats.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation media is formed from a non-woven mat of thermoplastic fibers having a mean diameter of less than about 15 microns. Preferably, when used as an acoustical insulation, the media is formed of fibers having a mean diameter of less than about 13 microns; the media has a density of less than about 60 Kg/m3; and the media has a Fraiser air permeability of less than 75 cubic feet per minute per square foot of surface area. The media has first and second major surfaces and a fibrous core with at least one of the major surfaces having an integral skin thereon. The skin is formed by melting fibers at and immediately adjacent the major surface of the mat formed into the media to form a thermoplastic melt layer which is subsequently solidified into a skin on the major surface of the mat. The thermoplastic fibers of the mat are point bonded together at spaced apart locations to increase the integrity of the mat.

Abstract: An insulation blanket is disclosed that contains fire-blocking materials for preventing rapid penetration of fire into an aircraft fuselage in case of a fire outside the aircraft. The insulation blanket contains at least one layer of fiberglass or other thermal-acoustic insulation material without fire-blocking properties, and one or more layers of fire-blocking material. The fire blocking material is wider than the thermal-acoustic insulation so that it may be folded against and attached to adjacent structural frame members of the fuselage. In the alternative, a thermal-acoustic insulation material is used that has fire-blocking properties instead of the separate layers of fire-blocking and thermal-acoustic insulation materials. A method for installing insulation blankets according to the present invention is disclosed, whereby a fire-blocking insulation portion of the blanket is folded against and attached to frame members of the aircraft using attachment posts or spring clips.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent insert for foodstuff packagings, the liquid-absorbing component of which is a superabsorbent polymer which, in a hitherto unrivaled fashion, persistently absorbs and retains large quantities of liquid even under high pressure load, protects the foodstuffs from bacterial decay, and prevents contamination of the packagingd goods by migrating soluble constituents of the polymer. This combination of properties of the superabsorbers used is expressed by the QSAP 0.3 quotient of retention according to the tea bag test+absorption against pressure (AAP) 0.3, divided by the amount of solubles (LA), which quotient is at least 20. Superabsorbers having such properties are obtained by using special combinations of crosslinkers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for producing said absorbent inserts and their use in foodstuff packagings, as ice substitute, and as leak-proofing means in transport packagings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent insert for foodstuff packagings, the liquid-absorbing component of which is a superabsorbent polymer which, in a hitherto unrivaled fashion, persistently absorbs and retains large quantities of liquid even under high pressure load, protects the foodstuffs from bacterial decay, and prevents contamination of the packaging goods by migrating soluble constituents of the polymer. This combination of properties of the superabsorbers used is expressed by the QSAP 0.3 quotient of retention according to the tea bag test+absorption against pressure (AAP) 0.3, divided by the amount of solubles (LA), which quotient is at least 20. Superabsorbers having such properties are obtained by using special combinations of crosslinkers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for producing said absorbent inserts and their use in foodstuff packagings, as ice substitute, and as leak-proofing means in transport packagings.

Abstract: The insulating cover comprises a gas and water impermeable first foil (13) which defines a first circumferential outer rim, a gas and water impermeable second foil (26) substantially coextensive with said first foil (13) and defining a second circumferential outer rim. The first (13) and second foil (26) are joined together at the first and second outer circumferential rims of the first (13) and second outer circumferential rims of the first (13) and second foils (26), to define an enclosure between the first (13) and second (26) foils. A body of insulating material (24) is inserted in the enclosure. A plurality of supporting tubular elements (20) in co-planar relationship with said first (13) and second foil (26) provide a stiffness of the insulating cover (15) in axial direction of the plurality of supporting tubular elements (20) and flexibility of the insulating cover (15) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module that contains one or more layers of a multi layered composite film is disclosed. The multilayered film contains at least one layer of polycarbonate and at least one layer of fluorine-containing polymer. The photovoltaic module of the invention features improved printability and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The envelope (100) has an additional flap (103) extending externally by superposition, being connected to the main portion (101) via two parallel lines of heat sealing (102, 105). According to the invention, the additional flap (103) has a reinforcing strip (106) applied thereto and at least one cutout (110) is formed therein to define the outline of a pull tongue (114). The cutout (110) extends beyond the reinforcing strip (106) in the form of two slots (113) formed through the wall of the flap and forming tear starters. The flap also has a line of perforations (104) extending parallel to the direction of the reinforcing strip (106) and at a distance therefrom, so as to enable the panel which is obtained by tearing the corresponding portion of said flap to be detached.

Abstract: An improved high-density glass wool rigid panel for use in the construction of air distribution ducting in air conditioning and heating installations of the sort made of a box-shaped high-density glass wool body with optional glass fiber reinforcing mesh is disclosed. The rigid panel is formed with a step on opposite sides, covered with aluminum strips on the larger surfaces, wherein there is an overlap of said aluminum strips on step running right around its smaller side.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced recycled thermoplastic composites and methods for their manufacture are presented. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic composite incorporates a matrix of recycled thermoplastic and a plurality of high modulus fibers, with the recycled thermoplastic including polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, PET and styrene-butadiene rubber, and the high modulus fibers including glass fibers, natural fibers, carbon fibers, and aramid fibers. Preferably, each of the high modulus fibers have a minimum length of approximately ½ of an inch and a modulus of approximately one million psi.

Abstract: An elongate, liquid absorbent pad for controlling liquids and/or collecting liquid spills and leaks. The pad includes: (1) an elongate, substantially coherent, liquid absorbent structure formed of a matrix of fibrous material having a substantially polygonal cross-section; (2) a flexible, liquid permeable cover enclosing the absorbent core, and; (3) at least one fastening means positioned on at least a portion of the liquid permeable cover. The fastening means may be a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, clips, snaps, fasteners, eyes, hooks, pins or the like. The fastening means may also be an adhesive layer or a combination of mechanical systems and adhesives. The fastening means is adapted to secure the absorbent pad or sock to a surface, to another absorbent pad, or to a device for wiping up liquid.

Abstract: A high strength, low density fiber board panel for use in the furniture industry is provided, including mineral wool, a lightweight aggregate material, cellulosic fiber, a binding agent and gypsum. The mineral wool makes up approximately 0% to 33%, the lightweight aggregate material approximately 25% to 41%, the cellulosic fiber approximately 20% to 35%, the binding agent approximately 5% to 9%, and the gypsum approximately 0% to 23%, of the dry solids weight of the panel.

Abstract: Structurally strong articles are formed from inherently weak materials, such as expanded polystyrene, coated with one or more layers of a thermoplastic sheet material, such as amorphous polyethylene terephthalate. The inherently weak interior members are either fluid permeable or perforated. These members are sandwiched or encapsulated by heat deformable outer layers. The articles are made by applying a fluid pressure between the stack of interior members and the thermoplastic sheet, with the thermoplastic sheet heated to conform to the interior members. The fluid pressure is maintained until the thermoplastic sheet is cooled so that tension extending in all directions is produced in the sheet. The resulting articles are useful as building elements, signs, motor vehicle panels, pallets, surf boards, and sail boards.

Abstract: An insulation assembly includes an elongated batt of fibrous insulation material having two opposed major surfaces, where the batt has a first facing secured on its first major surface. The first facing extends beyond the side edges of the batt to form opposed flanges suitable for attaching the insulation assembly to a building structure. The batt has a second facing secured on its second major surface, with the second facing extending beyond the side edges of the batt to form opposed flanges suitable for attaching the insulation assembly to a building structure. The method of making an insulation assembly includes moving a pack of fibrous insulation material along a path, where the fibrous insulation material has two opposed major surfaces. A continuous encapsulation material is applied to the pack, and a portion of the encapsulation material is continuously gathered to form a two part fold.

Abstract: A lightweight, partially evacuated load-supporting insulation panel comprising an outer gas-impermeable envelope and an inner gas-permeable envelope. The inner envelope is filled with a mixture of coarse gas-permeable granules and fine gas permeable particles, void spaces formed within and between said granules and particles containing a gas of low thermal conductivity. An intermediate gas impermeable envelope may also be used.

Abstract: A method of producing a mineral fibre element comprising a mineral fibre base layer having a surface coating in the form of a fibrous netting formed of a thermoplastic polymer material wherein such a surface coating is provided on at least a part of the surface of the base layer, wherein the surface coating is formed directly on the surface of the base layer and wherein the surface coating is formed by heating a thermoplastic polymer material so as to melt it and distributing the polymer melt obtained in the form of fibres and/or filaments on the surface of the base layer and cooling it to form a solid layer.

Abstract: An insulation product includes an elongated batt of fibrous insulation material, and a facing adhered to a major surface of the batt, wherein the facing is a coextruded polymer film of barrier and bonding layers, with the bonding layer having a softening point lower than the softening point of the barrier layer, with the bonding layer being one or more materials of the group consisting of ethylene N-butyl acrylate, ethylene methyl acrylate and ethylene ethyl acrylate, and wherein the facing has been heated to a temperature above the softening point of the bonding layer, but below the softening point of the barrier layer, whereby the facing is adhered to the batt by the attachment of the bonding layer to the fibers in the batt due to the softening of the bonding layer.

Abstract: A fibrous sheet coated with a water-soluble binder of polyvinyl alcohol is impregnated with an aqueous solution dissolved with water-soluble carboxylate, so as to produce a water-disintegratable fibrous sheet. Salting out of the polyvinyl alcohol with the carboxylate maintains wet strength of the water-disintegratable fibrous sheet even in a wet state, which is easily disintegrated when immersed in a large amount of water after use. Furthermore, it does not suffer from deterioration in water-disintegratability and wet strength if it is left at high temperatures, and is good in water-disintegratability in cold water.

Abstract: A water-disintegratable fibrous sheet having a layered structure comprising: (a) at least one first fiber web comprising pulp of conifer and pulp of hardwood; (b) at least one second fiber web comprising pulp of conifer, having a content of pulp of hardwood less than that in said first fiber web or containing no pulp of hardwood, said first and second fiber webs forming said layered structure; and (c) a water-insoluble or water-swellable binder being added to at least one of said first and second fiber webs. The fibrous sheet excellent in water-disintegratability and strength can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element with a determined permeability, said element comprising a first layer and a second layer welded together with interposition of a band of fibers, so as to form a plurality of adjacent welding points, which are separated the one from the other, the fibers of the band having a melting temperature at most 5° C. higher than the melting temperature of at least one of said layers, whereby at the welding points, fibers of the band are molten into the welding lines, so that between two adjacent welding lines, fibers of the band are not molten and form a channel for the exchange of gases but avoiding the passage of solid particles.

Abstract: A fiber having increased cut resistance is made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fiber-forming polymer is poly(ethylene terephthalate) or a liquid crystalline polyester comprising monomer units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preferred fillers include tungsten and alumina.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball which comprises a center, at least one cover layer, and at least one layer of windings between the center and the cover. Preferably, the thread of the present invention is comprises of at least about 10 individual strands that are each about 0.01 inches in diameter. Most preferably, the thread is a solvent spun polyether urea thread manufactured by combining over 25 strands with diameters of less than about 0.002 inches. Because of the smaller thread dimension, the thread of the present invention is capable of being wound more densely than the typical thread. The elastic modulus of this thread is greater than about 20 ksi when wound about a center. The maximum elongation of the thread is greater than about 8%. The smaller cross-sectional area of the thread and higher elastic modulus of the thread also enable production of golf balls with less total thread volume.

Abstract: A fiber having increased cut resistance is made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fiber-forming polymer is poly(ethylene terephthalate) or a liquid crystalline polyester including monomer units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preferred fillers include tungsten and alumina.