Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an SPE extraction apparatus is provided with a new SPE disk which eliminates radial wicking and weeping and new disk holding apparatus which minimizes the indirect flow region and minimizes the number of sample transfers required. The new SPE disk encapsulates the sorbent/fiber matrix between two porous outer layers which can be filters, united into an essentially non-porous rim around the disk perimeter. The disk holder and ring seal against this disk rim so that the active central portion of the disk is held entirely within the direct flow path. Thus weeping and indirect flow loss are virtually eliminated. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus eliminates the need to manually disassemble the apparatus while in use. Advantageously a flow control mechanism is incorporated into the disk holder to further minimize the amount of solvent needed for extraction.

Abstract: A conformable insulation assembly is provided and includes a mineral fiber batt of a binderless fibrous material of substantially long fibers having low dimensional stability. The insulation assembly is capable of conforming and expanding its shape to an area into which it is installed better than prior art insulation assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable shower mat for application to the bottom of a bathtub or shower stall, and comprised of a thin flexible, generally rectangular base sheet of water-impervious material, and a top sheet, coextensive with the base sheet, of a thin, pliable water-impervious material. A multitude of randomly curled wood fibers is distributed over the upper surface of the base sheet, and a layer of heat-activated adhesive secures the top sheet to the base sheet and affixes the wood fibers therebetween in such a manner that the upper surface of the top sheet is embossed with the impressions of the wood fibers so as to provide a textured slip-resistant surface.

Abstract: An insulation blanket including an inner core air cell made of metal and having a first side for receiving a first composite and a second side for receiving a second composite. The first composite having a first inner layer formed of a metal foil sheet, a first middle layer formed of ceramic based sheets, and a first outer layer formed of an intumescent, fire-retardant coating on a fiber glass sheet; and the second composite having a second inner layer formed of a metal foil sheet, a second middle layer formed of ceramic based sheets, and a second outer layer formed of an intumescent, fire-retardant coating on a fiber glass sheet.

Abstract: In order to provide an insulation system for internal thermal insulation of a pressure chamber which can be subjected to pressure by a gas flow, the system being constructed for arrangement at an inner surface of an outer jacket of the pressure chamber and comprising at least one layer of insulating material, whereby good thermal insulation can be obtained with little maintenance work, it is proposed that the insulation system should comprise means for equalizing pressure between the insulating material and an internal chamber, which means are arranged over a large area relative to a surface of a layer of insulating material.

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: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a flexible jacket covering a roving of fibers which have been impregnated with a metal powder is described. The flexible jacket allows the material to be handled easily and to be weaved, knitted or braided into the shape or form desired. The jacket is made from a thermoplastic which decomposes or is otherwise fugitive during the processing of the woven form in which the metal is melted to consolidate the form into a finished part.

Abstract: A glass fiber mat for a stampable sheet includes long fibers and short fibers which will not separate even during forming and which are distributed uniformly to make the features of the respective fibers effective. A production system includes a double belt press type laminator which stacks the glass fiber mat, a thermoplastic resin melt and a film which is taken up and applies heat and pressure for impregnation, and cools while maintaining a pressure condition. A supply supplies the glass fiber mat into the laminator. A pair of pressure shearing rollers are arranged between the supply and an endless belt of the laminator for partially cutting the glass fibers into short fibers. The rollers are made of steel to apply line pressure to the glass fiber mat to shear the continuous fibers to uniformly distribute the short fibers in long fibers.

Abstract: A reshapable insulation assembly and a method of using such insulation assembly are provided. An insulation assembly of the invention of a type useful in the insulation of buildings includes a conformable mineral fiber batt extending in a first direction, wherein the batt has a perimeter in a cross-section that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an exterior layer extending in the first direction and overlying the perimeter of the batt, wherein the exterior layer has a perimeter in the cross-section that is substantially greater than the perimeter of the batt. The exterior layer thereby loosely encapsulates the batt, whereby compression of the insulation assembly urges the assembly into a new shape with different dimensions in the cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique thermal insulation panel. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a vacuum insulated panel formed of a highly impermeable evacuated envelope that is supported by a thermal barrier made of a macro-structural support structure having a cell or void size of 0.5 micron or greater. Preferably, the panel includes a getter material. Further, the present invention is directed to a thermal insulation barrier of a macro-structural structure. Preferably, the barrier is formed of elements having a geometric shape of a repetitive three dimensional design that permits stacking of one thermal insulation element with another thermal insulation element having a complimentary geometric shape, and which locks movement of adjacent thermal insulation elements in at least one of the directions 90.degree. to the stacking direction.

Abstract: An aramid ballistic protection construction is disclosed with a combination of woven para-aramid fiber sheets and compressed pulp sheets. The construction exhibits improved wearer comfort and increased flexibility, with a level of ballistics protection nearly equal to that provided by an equivalent areal density of woven sheets, alone.

Abstract: A sealing mat is proposed for use in civil and underground engineering for the insulation of soil against liquids, especially water, having two outer layers consisting of a fibrous material, between which is placed a powder of mineral sealing material, e.g. bentonite, and the two layers are connected with each other, whereby between the two layers (1, 2) an aero-fleece is place, in which the powder (4) of mineral sealing material is stored, and the two layers (1, 2) are sewn to each other with the aero-fleece located in between.

Abstract: A fireproofing material is provided in the form of a loose mixture comprising:a. at least one heat-insulating material which is heat resistant at temperatures of up to 1100.degree. C.,b. at least one swelling agent active at elevated temperatures,c. at least one binder active at elevated temperatures, andd. at least one flexibly compliant constituent,wherein the mixture is free from inorganic fibers. The mixture is typically contained in a sealed flexible bag. The flexibly compliant constituent is typically a granular foam or a fiber conglomerate. The flexibly compliant constituent is present in the mixture in quantities of 1 to 30% by weight and preferably 2 to 15% by weight.

Abstract: The heat-resisting material according to the present invention comprises a fiber aggregate containing crystalline alumina short fibers and formed in a continuous length and an inflammable sheathing for maintaining the shape of the fiber aggregate in a compressed state. The expansion percentage of the fiber aggregate after burn-off of the sheathing is not less than 10% by volume based on the volume of fiber aggregate in a compressed state. This heat-resisting material can be worked into various forms of product of the heat-resisting material such as rope, square bar, sheet, etc., according to the purpose of use. The present heat-resisting material is provided in continuously long products, has high heat resistance and restoring property, and can be easily applied to the openings or spaces ranged continuously in the longitudinal direction, such as the boundaries between the blocks of the heat-resisting material and joints.

Abstract: A fibrous insulation blanket is disclosed. The blanket includes a binderless collection of long, single component inorganic fibers. Preferably, the blanket is made of glass fibers.

Abstract: A barrier membrane for use with articulating mechanical devices includes hinges formed along preferred folding lines. The hinges encourage the membrane to fold in a predetermined manner in response to articulation of the mechanical device. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is composed of flexible outer thermal layers encasing rigid panels that are spaced apart from each other at the hinges.

Abstract: A notepad holder for a message board, including a generally flat base, a first member formed integrally with and extending substantially perpendicular to a first end of the base, and a flexible second member formed integrally with and extending substantially perpendicular to a second end of the base, the second member being opposed to the first member. The first member and the second member are separated by a distance sufficient to enable the base, the first member, and the second member to receive an appropriately sized object therewithin, the object being retained by a flexing between the flexible second member and the first member. In a preferred form, a pad of sheets of paper is retained on said notepad holder by a force applied upon the pad of sheets of paper by a relative flexing of the first member and the flexible second member.

Abstract: A vacuum packaged conformable insulation assembly may be installed in a cavity before the vacuum in the insulation assembly is released. The insulation assembly includes a compressible batt of mineral fibers such as fibrous glass wool. During manufacture, the batt is encased in a gas-impervious envelope. The envelope is vacuum-sealed to retain the batt in a compressed state. The envelope may be provided with opening structures for selectively releasing the vacuum in the envelope. The envelope is sufficiently large to permit the batt contained therein to fully recover when the vacuum is released. According to a method of the present invention, the envelope is placed in a cavity to be insulated, and then the envelope is ruptured to allow the batt to expand to cause the insulation assembly to conform to the cavity.

Abstract: Fibrous insulation suitable for use in insulation cavities in buildings includes mineral fibers in an amount within the range of from about 90 to about 99 percent by weight, and organic material, in the form of organic fibers and organic particles, in an amount within the range of from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight. The mineral fibers and the organic material are integrated together so that the organic material is distributed generally uniformly among the mineral fibers. At least a majority, or about 50 percent by weight and, more preferably, a substantial amount, or about 75 percent by weight, of the organic material is in the form of organic fibers. The fibrous insulation is preferably binderless and encapsulated.

Abstract: An insulation assembly includes an elongated batt of fibrous insulation material having a top end and a bottom end, and a facing secured on a major surface. The facing is secured to the major surface by a series of spaced apart adhesive ribbons, wherein the adhesive ribbons are oriented generally transversely of the insulation assembly, and are nonlinear in a generally downwardly-oriented concave shape.

Abstract: A filter includes a center layer of carbon cloth interposed between two layers of filter material whose edges are welded together to provide not only a filter edge substantially free of carbon particles, but also an effective barrier to the migration of carbon particles from the filter's interior to its exterior. A filter pouch, encapsulating the carbon filter, includes a layered structure welded together proximate its edges. The filter pouch is also suitable for use with a desiccant filter.

Abstract: A message board comprising a bulletin board fixedly mounted on a backing of heavy cardboard or other substrate, and an optional dry-erase laminate fixedly mounted onto the bulletin board. A frame is fixedly secured to the edges of the bulletin board and backing. The frame is provided with a front channel and a rear channel, each adapted to receive and firmly retain a portion of a generally "C"-shaped grip. The grip may be integrally formed with various accessories desired to be attached to the frame of the message board or other similarly shaped fixed member.

Abstract: Fire resistant glass fiber products are produced by coating the glass fibers with at least one nitrogen containing compound and at least 10 weight percent of at least one boron containing compound, drying the glass fibers and curing a binder that is in the coating. The nitrogen containing compound(s) are present in sufficient amounts that there is at least one mol or atom of nitrogen present for each mol or atom of boron present in the boron containing compound(s). When the product is exposed to a fire or high temperatures, such as about 1000 degrees F. or higher, the nitrogen released from the nitrogen containing compound(s) reacts with boron or boron oxide to form a sheath of refractory material around the fibers that protects the fibers and allows the fibers to maintain integrity to higher temperatures and/or for longer times than untreated fibers.

Abstract: A mail holder for a message board having a retaining grip, an elongate rear portion extending from the retaining grip, a bottom portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongate rear portion, and an elongate front portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom portion towards the retaining grip, the rear, bottom, and front portions defining a cavity for retaining one or more planar objects therein. The front portion may be biased to provide a slight clamping force towards the rear portion to retain the planar objects between the front and rear portions. The rear portion may be substantially flat and the front portion curved towards the rear portion as it extends away from the bottom portion. The bottom portion may have waves formed therein extending generally parallel to the front and rear portions. The retaining grip has a substantially "C" shape, including a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayered elastic sheetlike structure; and a multilayered elastic sheetlike structure are described.The multilayered elastic sheetlike structure comprises at least one elastomeric layer of a film, a sheet or a fibrous structure and at least one layer of bonded, inelastic fibrous web connected to the elastomeric layer at permanent connection sites. The inelastic layer of fibrous web, prior to its connection with the elastomeric layer, is initially drawn, so that the fibers of the inelastic layer of fibrous web essentially are aligned in the direction or initial drawing and that the inelastic layer of fibrous web in the initially-drawn state is connected to the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A flexible lightweight drip berm comprising a pillow having an inner area which receives a hydrocarbon absorbing pad. A opening in the upper surface allows access to the pad and inner area. A retractable screen secures and protects the pad while allowing entry of hydrocarbon material. A lower pocket is provided to retain weighted material when necessary.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal insulation blanket suitable for removable mounting on a structure such as the exterior of a reusable launch vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention include a batting layer with a rigid screen embedded within it. A cover layer is secured over the batting, and a plurality of fasteners are held by the screen in a position where they extend out from the blanket to be mounted on the exterior of the space craft. The blanket can include two layers of batting with the screen disposed therebetween. The structure would have corresponding mating fasteners on its exterior to which those extending out from the blanket cover would be joined for a secure mount. The blanket can be formed of a first and a second batting layer with the screen positioned therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, a cover would be positioned over the batting layers, and the blanket would be quilted to hold the layers and cover in close proximity.

Abstract: A wood structural member of the present invention, such as a laminated wood beam, a wood I-beam, or a truss, includes multiple wood segments and plural multiple-fiber synthetic reinforcements. Each of plural reinforcements includes multiple strands of different types of synthetic fibers that are maintained in position by a resin encasement. The surface of a reinforcement to which a wood segment is bonded is adapted so that the reinforcement may be bonded to the structural member with nonepoxy adhesives, such as resorcinol, commonly used in the laminated beam industry.

Abstract: A method of directing extruded synthetic fibers toward at least one surface of a mineral fiber insulation batt, and corresponding apparatus and resulting product. In certain embodiments, a row of extrusion heads is provided for directing extruded synthetic fibers (e.g. fibers including ethyl vinyl acetate or EVA) toward a surface(s) of the batt(s) to be impregnated with same. Optionally, extrusion heads may be provided all around the batts so as to impregnate substantially all surfaces thereof with the extruded synthetic fibers. As the fibers exit the heads, they are hit with pressurized heated air streams which cause them to go into an insipid spin which increases directional tensile strength of the resulting batt in all directions. In certain embodiments, every other batt of a plurality of batts passes over an elongated member which extends over top of the conveyor in order to more efficiently impregnate edge surfaces of the batts.

Abstract: A wood structural member for bearing a structural load includes at least one wood segment having a generally radial cross-section is selected and arranged so that the annual rings intersect the horizontal shear stress plane at an angle between thirty and ninety degrees.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Portions of a sound and thermic insulation mattress are modified so as to retain the water imperviousness of the mattress and its insulation characteristics when it is secured to a support. The mattress is provided with an opening therein and a foam insert arranged in the opening and provided with an orifice. The insert is held in the opening by an adhesive strip which is glued to the foam insert and the mattress.

Abstract: Encapsulated glass fiber insulation includes a non-woven covering material over the top surface of a mineral fiber core, with the formed covering material extending adjacent the side surfaces. The covering material is greater in width than the sum of the widths of the top and two side surfaces, so that the edges of the formed covering material extend beyond the mineral fiber core.

Abstract: Multi-layer covering articles having a base layer adapted to yieldably conform to a surface to be covered and having properties appropriate for a particular application in which the article is to be used, and a thermoplastic surface layer bonded to a surface of the base layer and incorporating a reinforcing material to provide strength and tear resistance for the covering article. The reinforcing material permits the surface layer to function as the strength-providing member of the article, permitting the base layer to be designed solely in accordance with the requirements of a particular application without regard to its strength.

Abstract: A modularized, encapsulated insulation assembly includes a plurality of insulation modules which each include a compressible, resilient insulation material encapsulated within a vented, flexible envelope which overlays and encloses the major surfaces, lateral surfaces, and at least the end surfaces of the insulation material at the ends of insulation modules facing other modules of the assembly. Where both ends of the insulation material in an insulation module are enclosed within the envelope, the envelope is vented to permit air to pass through the envelope during the compression and recovery of the insulation module. Each adjacent pair of insulation modules is joined by a flexible connector strip which extends between adjacent ends of the insulation modules and lies either substantially in the plane of one of the major surfaces or about midway between the major surfaces of the insulation modules.

Abstract: An improved insulation package is provided that is particularly suitable for use on vehicles, such as aircraft. The insulation package includes a liquid impenetrable cover over thermal or acoustical insulation material. In order to facilitate mounting of the insulation package, the cover includes at least one sealed region that can be penetrated with a hole without compromising the waterproofness of the package. The sealed region can be provided along the edge of the insulation material, such as by way of a tab, or can be provided anywhere on the face of the insulation by forming suitable holes in the insulation. Elongated sealed regions can also be provided so as to allow for bending or slitting of the packaged insulation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an air freshener composition containing a fiber pad comprising at least one needle-punched, nonwoven, hydrophilic fiber wherein the fiber has a capillary structure and deep grooves or channels along the longitudinal axis of the fiber, a fragrance incorporated into said fiber pad, wherein the fiber pad is enclosed by a container having air passageways to allow for the fragrance to escape into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A structural component is disclosed which includes first and second extrusions each consisting of a plurality of strengthening fibers. A third extrusion comprises a thermoplastic matrix that encapsulates the first and second extrusions. The three extrusions together define a non-planar cross sectional configuration of substantially transverse dimensions sufficient to provide component strength and stiffness. Also disclosed is an elongated structural component formed by extrusion consisting of a first extruded portion of a plurality of segments of strengthening fibers joined in a thermoplastic matrix and a second extruded portion comprising a thermoplastic matrix compatible with the first extruded portion. The first and second extruded portions together define a predetermined non-planar cross sectional configuration of substantially transverse dimensions sufficient to provide component strength and stiffness.

Abstract: An insulating plate element includes a heat insulating core layer (1) open to diffusion and which is coated on both sides with a diffusion-proof outer layer (4,5), the core layer (1) being divided into cells by means of diffusion-proof separating layers (3) that extend perpendicular to the diffusion-proof outer layers (4,5) and are connected thereto in a diffusion-proof manner.

Abstract: The compact disposable packing for kit that contains aiding means which are secured from any contamination comprises a back plate made of plastic material. The back plate is covered with a sheet that forms a reservoir which opens in a small duct comprising a breakage incipient area. The sheet is itself covered with a hood that delimits a housing for a member like a gauze and similar. The plate, the sheet and the hood are tightly assembled and sealed, and the breakage incipient area is arranged so that the small duct is broken in the housing upon bending the back plate for bringing a fluid contained in the reservoir to impregnate the member.

Abstract: A segmented, encapsulated insulation assembly preferably includes a blanket of fibrous insulation having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending cuts therein. The cuts divide the fibrous insulation into segments and weaken the fibrous insulation to permit the fibrous insulation to be selectively separated at any of the cuts. The fibrous insulation is encapsulated within an envelope having weakened transverse tear lines that divide the envelope into envelope segments. The transverse tear lines in the envelope overlay the cuts in the fibrous insulation to permit the envelope to be separated at the cuts thereby forming a plurality of encapsulated fibrous insulation modules. One or more of the encapsulated fibrous insulation modules can be selectively separated from the segmented, encapsulated fibrous insulation assembly to form an insulation panel of a desired length to insulate a cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforcing structural rebar. The rebar comprises an inner core formed by pultruding reinforcing fibers through a bath of a first resin material, the inner core typically containing at least about 40 percent by weight reinforcing fibers and an outer cladding of a corrosion resistant and reinforced second resin material.

Abstract: Insulation blankets featuring a thermoplastic polyolefin protective covering.

Abstract: A plastic covered article for a railing which includes an elongate core encased in a seamless, plastic casing. The casing is heat shrunk to conform with the exterior surface of the core. The core is thereby covered along its length with a weather-resistant casing which requires no periodic field maintenance.The railing articles of the present invention are fabricated by heating a tube of plastic material and causing the tube to expand. The elongate core is inserted into the expanded tube to encapsulate the core. The tube encapsulating the core is again heated to shrink the tube tightly against the core such that the tube conforms to the exterior surface of the core.

Abstract: An absorbent body formed of an absorbent web having a blend of multi-limbed regenerated cellulosic fibers and non-limbed cellulosic fibers has surprisingly improved specific absorption capacity. This absorbent body may be in the form of sanitary napkins, tampons, diapers, and adult incontinence devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing/making mineral fiber (e.g. fiberglass) thermal insulation batt is disclosed wherein a base mineral fiber layer is impregnated with a two-layer layering system so as to produce a batt which is substantially vapor impermeable with a perm vapor rating less than about one. The first layer of the layering system is of a low melt material while the second layer is of a high melt material, the first layer being sandwiched between the base insulating layer and the second layer, and functioning to bond the layering system to the base. In certain embodiments, the first layer includes quick blooming ethyl vinyl acetate (e.g. from about 10-25% by weight) and a low density (e.g. 22-26 lbs. per cubic foot) polyethylene, and the second layer includes high density (e.g. 28-38 lbs. per cubic foot) polyethylene. The resulting insulation batt is vapor impermeable, less susceptible to cold-crack, easier to manufacture, fire retardant, more durable, and easier to handle.

Abstract: A flexible, composite, thermoplastic filament, which contains continuous fibers, and which filament contains a flexible sheath of a thermoplastic polymer which coats a fiber bundle of fibers, which fiber bundle is impregnated with a thermoplastic powder, which is made of the same thermoplastic polymer coating the fiber bundle, wherein the filament has a substantially elliptical cross-section.

Abstract: A shock absorbing cushioning device suitable for products, objects and footwear which is comprised of a compressible insert encapsulated within an elastomeric barrier member. The elastomeric barrier member is secured to the compressible insert by a plurality of tensile members having a first portion embedded in the elastomeric material and a second portion embedded in the compressible insert. The elastomeric member is also filled with a fluid, preferably a compressible gas.

Abstract: A mineral fiber (e.g. fiberglass) thermal insulation batt is disclosed wherein a base mineral fiber layer is impregnated with a two-layer layering system so as to produce a batt which is substantially vapor impermeable with a perm vapor rating less than about one. The first layer of the layering system is of a low melt material while the second layer is of a high melt material, the first layer being sandwiched between the base insulating layer and the second layer, and functioning to bond the layering system to the base. In certain embodiments, the first layer includes quick blooming ethyl vinyl acetate (e.g. from about 10-25%) and a low density (e.g. 22-26 lbs. per cubic foot) polyethylene, and the second layer includes high density (e.g. 28-38 lbs. per cubic foot) polyethylene. The resulting insulation batt is vapor impermeable, less susceptible to cold-crack, easier to manufacture, a better fire retardant, more durable, and easier to handle.