Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system has at least one panel of coated air bag fabric comprising a base fabric coated with a urethane coating material. The base fabric is woven in warp and fill directions from synthetic multifilament yarns. In at least one of the weave directions, the yarns comprise first yarns of a first yarn size and second yarns of a second yarn size, with the second yarn size being a lesser yarn size than the first yarn size. The first yarns and the second yarns are in predetermined positions in the base fabric to produce a crest and trough pattern on a surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-blocking roll of roofing membrane employing a combination of silicone rubber sealant, non-woven fiberglass scrim and pressure sensitive adhesive. The method utilizes a process by which silicone rubber sealant is applied to the top surface of the non-woven fiberglass scrim and made to penetrate 1/10 to 9/10 of the way into the thickness of the scrim, thus no silicone rubber sealant reaches the bottom or underside surface of the scrim. To the remaining {fraction (9/10)} to {fraction (1/10)} of the scrim's thickness and to the bottom surface of the scrim is applied pressure sensitive adhesive. This construction results into a self-adherent roofing membrane that can be packaged and transferred in roll form without the need to include an additional release liner sheet or non-blocking material such as talc, mica, or clay powder.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric for use on a pulp thickening device and the like, having a body with edge portions on which are located guides with transition points between the body, and edge portions being reinforced with a coating that extends from the edge portions over the transition points onto the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a knitted textile material that, when transfer or film-coated, is suitable for use as an artificial leather substrate. The inventive procedure involves (a) producing an elastomer composition of at least four ingredients (an anionically-stabilized waterborne polymer dispersion, an acid-generating chemical, a cloud-point surfactant, and a foam-stabilizing surfactant); (b) incorporating sufficient gas into the liquid mixture to generate a spreadable foam; (c) applying the foam onto a porous knitted textile substrate; (d) heating said foamed fabric until the elastomer coagulates over the fabric substrate; and (e) drying the resultant composite without destroying the coagulated structure. The resultant composite obtains a pliability, compressibility, and drape that is similar to that of leather and a surface that is suitable for transfer or film-coating to produce artificial leather.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions and systems comprising pre-expanded or non-expandable microspheres that provide effective insulation for the target airbag fabric during exothermic inflation. The inventive airbag fabrics are either pre-calendered prior to application of this composition or are coated through a gap (floating) knife method with such heat-expandable microsphere-containing compositions. The coated airbag fabrics and cushions may then be heated to evaporate the solvent within the coating composition. The resultant fabric thus exhibits the presence of the microsphere constituents of the coating compositions both within the interstices between the individual yarns of the fabric and over the raised yarns of the fabric.

Abstract: A rigid fabric sculpture and method of making, such that the rigid fabric sculpture includes a three-dimensional fabric element coated with a decorative resin. The method includes supporting a fabric element on a temporary support structure, molding the fabric element in a desired configuration, and applying decorative resin to the fabric element.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having such a structure that fine fibers having a small fineness are entangled with one another and a sheet obtained by impregnating the non-woven fabric with an elastic polymer satisfy the following requirements: the fine fibers should be obtained by splitting a strippable and splittable composite short fiber comprising at least two components; the fine fibers should have a monofilament size of 0.01 to 0.5 denier; the fine fibers should form a fine non-woven fabric structure that they are entangled with one another at random; the apparent density should be 0.18 to 0.

Abstract: Cellulosic fiber-containing fabrics are made wrinkle resistant by a durable press wrinkle-free process which comprises treating a cellulosic fiber-containing fabric with formaldehyde, a catalyst capable of catalyzing the crosslinking reaction between the formaldehyde and cellulose and a silicone elastomer, heat-curing the treated cellulose fiber-containing fabric, preferably having a moisture content of more than 20% by weight, under conditions at which formaldehyde reacts with cellulose in the presence of the catalyst without a substantial loss of formaldehyde before the reaction of the formaldehyde with cellulose to improve the wrinkle resistance of the fabric in the presence of a silicone elastomeric softener to provide higher wrinkle resistance, and better tear strength after washing, with less treatment.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet material comprising a substrate layer composed of an entangled nonwoven fabric consisting of ultrafine fibers and an elastic polymer or elastomer filled therein and having, on one side (side A) of the substrate layer, a grain layer comprising an elastomer mainly consisting of a polyurethane, wherein the ultrafine fibers (a) constituting the side A of the substrate layer have a mean fineness substantially within the range of 0.01 to 0.

Abstract: A fabric having good wrinkle resistance and a soft hand is described. A process for producing the fabric is also described. The process involves applying a softener to one side of the fabric and applying a wrinkle-reducing resin to the opposite side of the fabric using a foaming application method, such that the respective finishes are concentrated on the surface to which they were applied. Preferably, the softener is applied to the face of the fabric and the resin chemistry is applied to the back of the fabric. The resulting fabrics have hand characteristics comparable or superior to those of pure finished fabrics, while having wrinkle-resisting characteristics of typical resin-treated fabrics.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new adhesive coating composition, particularly for use on airbag fabrics, which is composed of a crosslinked blend of a polyalkyl- or polyphenylsiloxane with vinyl functionality and a copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate. This coating provides excellent adhesive properties to the coated fabric, in that it restricts the movement, when put under stress, of the yarns constructing that fabric, which are situated adjacent to seams in the fabric. This reduces the effect known in the trade as combing. Fabric treated with this material in the manner described herein, requires a marked increase in the amount of force required for this yarn movement. This distortion of the fabric can be detrimental in an automotive airbag, in that, it may result in the loss of inflating air, and under extreme conditions may result in a seam failure.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet having naps on its surface and having writing effect, a high-class external appearance, hand touch and feel like natural leather, and folds like natural leather. When it is subjected to lasting shoemaking, it is possible to obtain shoes which have at its surface no unevenness and do not get out of shape. A leather-like sheet wherein the following fiber-entangled nonwoven fabrics (A) and (B) are stacked with an adhesive agent present in a discontinuous state: (A) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (a) having a fineness of 0.1 denier or less, the surface opposite to its stacking surf ace being fluffed, and rupture elongations in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions thereof being 50% or more and 80% or more, respectively, and (B) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (b) having a fineness of 0.

Abstract: An annular gasket having a seal material (2) disposed on an unwoven cloth (1) capable of preventing a lateral flow so as not to reduce a compressive stress by disposing the seal material (2) annularly on the unwoven cloth (1) using the thin and soft unwoven cloth (1) as a core material, wherein the seal material (2) is disposed annularly on the front and rear surfaces of the unwoven cloth (1), whereby the shape of a sealing member can be maintained, a seal performance can be increased, and a cost and size can be reduced.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, a layer of granules adhered to the protective coating, and a web bonded to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing a roofing material includes coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a protective coating to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, applying a layer of granules to the protective coating, and applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: An anti-erosion irrigation mat is fitted with parallel runs of drip line irrigation tubing and delivered in panels or rolls that can installed in a single operation instead of the two separate operations conventionally required for erosion prevention and irrigation. The drip line tubing runs are fitted with drip emitters at uniform intervals and are attached to the matting which may be made biodegradable for short term service, e.g. from biodegradable natural fibers, or made durable, e.g. from nylon filaments. The components of the invention, i.e. anti-erosion matting and irrigation drip lines, are commercially available. The low velocity of drip irrigation applies water through a grid pattern of drip emitters with a minimum of surface erosion that is well controlled by the matting. In addition to the time and cost savings from reducing the installation to a single operation, there are additional cost savings from simplification of the original system design effort.

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: A sheet material suitable for use in the manufacture of shoes comprising a non-woven fiber fabric having a stiffening thermoformable binder impregnated into and extending inwardly from one surface of the fabric for a depth of more than 0.25 mm and the remaining part of the fabric being impregnated with a resilient rubbery binder and having a lower binder to fiber weight ratio than the region impregnated with the stiffening thermoformable binder. A method of making a material and a shoe insole including the material are also described.

Abstract: A textile treatment process, treatment bath, and treated fabric are disclosed. The process imparts water repellant, stain resistant, and wrinkle-free properties as well as aesthetically pleasing hand properties to a fabric made in whole or in part of fibers having a hydroxyl group, such as cellulosic fibers, though immersion in an aqueous bath and subsequent heating for curing. The aqueous treatment bath contains 8%-14% urea resin, preferably DMDHEU, and 4%-10% of a polytetrafluorethylene, preferably ZONYL® PTFE.

Abstract: A multi-layer fabric is prepared from a chopped glass-fiber strand mat, at least one layer of continuous glass-fiber rovings and a porous tissue-paper backing. The tissue paper is disposed on a first lateral surface of the chopped-strand mat. The roving layer(s) overlay an opposed lateral surface of the mat. The layers are stitch-bonded together to form a complex fabric having advantageous resin wet-out when used as a reinforcement in a composite product.

Abstract: A meltblown fiber comprising at least 20% by weight polyester selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.55 dl/g and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.80 dl/g is provided. The meltblown fibers are collected as a web that can be incorporated into composite sheet structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molding material which is easy to produce and allows a reinforcing fiber bundle to be well dispersed in the molded product obtained by injection molding, etc., a production process thereof, a polyamide based resin composition with good flowability, and molded products obtained from them.

Abstract: A vibration-damping laminate having a constraining layer secured to a viscoelastic layer. The constraining layer includes a mat of non-thermoplastic fibers. The viscoelastic layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: An expansion joint patch apparatus for repairing failed or torn expansion joint belting having a substantially flat, woven substrate material, and a cured solution of suspended elastomer, coating the substrate material. The substrate material is selected from the group consisting of aramid, fiberglass, corrosion resistant alloy wire, polyester, ceramic and kevlar fabrics. The elastomer material is selected from the group consisting of chloroprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene propylene, chloronated isobutylene isoprene, fluoroelastomers and silicone rubbers. The invention further includes a method for forming a fluoroelastomer patch for repairing fabric expansion joints.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating. The asphalt coating includes a lower region that is positioned below the substrate when the roofing material is installed on a roof. A web is fused to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A portion of the web and of the asphalt coating have been intermingled by melting, thereby fusing the web and the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing the asphalt-based roofing material includes the steps of coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating, and intermingling a portion of the web and of the asphalt coating by melting, thereby fusing the web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to elastic nonwoven webs and films made from thermoplastic polymers. In particular, the present invention is directed to forming nonwoven webs and films from an elastomeric polymer and then cross-linking the polymer in order to improve the stretch characteristics of the article. Cross-linking also makes the article more temperature resistant. in one embodiment, the elastomeric polymer is a metallocene-catalyzed copolymer of polyethylene. Elastic layers made in accordance with the present invention can be combined into laminates and used in various products, such as diapers and other personal care articles.

Abstract: A separator pad for use in transporting stacked equal-height containers comprised of a liquid and gas impervious polymer film overlying a flexible core fabric. The core fabric preferably has a basis weight from about six to about eleven ounces per square yard, and the overall thickness of the pad preferably is from about 20 to about 40 mils. The polymer film, such as a polypropylene film, is chill rolled with rolls having a polished finish to impart a high friction gloss surface on the separator pad. The gloss-finish separator pad should have an average static coefficient of friction of at least 0.35, and an average kinetic coefficient of friction of at least 0.2. Due to the high friction surface, the separator pad prevents containers such as aluminum cans from falling during transport.

Abstract: An injection molded fiber-impregnated thermoplastic composite material comprising a plastic polymer matrix wherein the fibers are sufficiently interwoven and entangled in said polymer matrix to provide improved resistance to mechanical loading, and wherein said composite material is particularly suited for the preparation of an injection molded toe cap for a protective shoe.

Abstract: An article which comprises (1) a composite comprising a polyurethane matrix including fibrous or particulate reinforcement, the polyurethane matrix being formed in situ about the reinforcement by reaction of polyurethane forming components at a temperature below the melting point of the reinforcement and (2) a polymeric film bound to at least one surface of the composite, the film being bound to the composite by adhesion to the polyurethane matrix which emerges or is enhanced as the matrix is formed in situ.

Abstract: A formed sheet of thermalconductive silicone gel is provided. The formed sheet has (i) a thin film reinforcement layer hardened into rubber only in a surface layer on the upper side, the lower side, or both sides, (ii) a sheet-shaped reinforcement material buried in a surface layer of the upper or the lower side, or (iii) a sheet-shaped reinforcement material buried in a surface layer of the upper side or the lower side of the sheet, and a thin film reinforcement layer hardened into rubber in this surface layer or in a surface layer on both sides of the sheet. The formed sheet of thermalconductive silicone gel has low compressibility, high strength, is easy to handle during the mounting process, and can be reused after its contact compression between a chip and a heat sink has been released.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel curable silicone-based aqueous emulsion composition suitable as a surface-coating composition for an air bag base cloth and capable of exhibiting excellent adhesion to the substrate cloth and imparting the surface-coated cloth with excellent flexibility and flame retardancy. The aqueous silicone emulsion composition is a uniform blend which comprises:(A) 100 parts by weight of an aqueous base emulsion of an organopolysiloxane consisting of(A1) from 10 to 70% by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least two hydroxyl groups bonded to the silicon atoms in a molecule, in which from 0.01 to 10% by moles of the monovalent hydrocarbon groups are alkenyl groups,(A2) from 0.

Abstract: A flexible composite comprising a high tensile strength fibrous component dispersed within a flexible or resilient polymeric matrix, the matrix and fibrous component being essentially unbonded to each other so that the composite retains essentially the flexibility of the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Caustic- and acid-resistant nonwoven articles useful for surface conditioning of sheeting, especially metal sheeting, and a method for the manufacture of such articles are described. The articles comprise a plurality of compacted, stacked nonwoven web elements, the web elements each comprising entangled fibers bonded together at points of mutual contact by an adhesive binder, the binder comprising a terpolymer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The nonwoven articles can be configured into any of a variety of convenient and useful shapes, such as roll shapes and slab or bar shapes.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric of chemically bonded non-cellulose fibers including a random arrangement of non-cellulose fibers and an essentially formaldehyde free latex binder capable of developing maximum tensile properties at temperatures less than the melt bonding temperature of the non-cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A closure for a container having an opening, said closure comprising at least one resilient mass of fibers selected from synthetic fibers, natural fibers and mixtures thereof, said at least one resilient mass of fibers having a density in the range of 0.15 to 2.00 g/cm.sup.3 and having one of an interlocked structure, an associated structure and a combination thereof, and wherein the closure is sized and has a density to enable the closure to be sealingly inserted into the opening of said container.

Abstract: Nonwoven articles having high durability and absorbent characteristics, and their methods of manufacture, are presented. One preferred article is characterized by(a) a nonwoven web comprised of organic fibers comprised of polymers having a plurality of pendant hydroxyl groups; and(b) a binder comprising an at least partially crosslinked and at least partially hydrolyzed polymeric resin having a plurality of pendant resin hydroxyl groups, the resin crosslinked by a crosslinking agent, the crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of organic titanates and amorphous metal oxides, the polymeric resin derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of monomers within the general formula ##STR1## wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of Si(OR.sup.4 OR.sup.5 OR.sup.6) and O(CO)R.sup.7 ; andR.sup.1 -R.sup.7 inclusive are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and organic radicals having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A recyclable textile sheet material for textile sun protection articles, tarpaulins, tent fabrics, canopy fabrics and the like comprises yarns or threads of polyolefin biconstituent fibers in combination with 0-50% by weight of polypropylene fiber in the warp and/or fill direction.

Abstract: A coated duct fabric for wire wound flexible ducts that is constructed from woven fabric having flat filament fill yarns and spun warp yarns woven in a 1/1 plain box weave.

Abstract: There is disclosed a belt assembly including: (a) an endless belt capable of repeated cycling over rollers having a first side edge and a second side edge and defining a center region between two side regions, wherein a low friction composition comprised of a fluoropolymer covers a portion of the length of the first side edge; and (b) a belt guide apparatus which contacts the first side edge during cycling of the belt to position the belt on the rollers, wherein the low friction composition reduces the wear of the belt at the first side edge.

Abstract: An environmentally sound vegetation growth-enhancing erosion control blanket is formed from an elongated rectangular excelsior/wood wool mat. The mat is held together with adhesive and a surface pattern is embossed therein. When the finished blanket is placed atop the ground, the blanket serves to shield the earth area from wind and water erosion forces, without the presence of the plastic netting often used in the prior art. As the ground vegetation grows, it ultimately replaces the blanket which decomposes and furnishes the ground vegetation with a nutritive mulch.

Abstract: There is provided a speaker damper for use in an acoustic output device, which exhibits excellent shape retaining property at the time of molding, is highly safe to work environment and has excellent water resistance, heat resistance an durability. The speaker damper is obtained by impregnating cloth formed of mixed yarn of a wholly aromatic polyamide fiber and an aromatic polyester fiber with a polyester resin, and molding the cloth under heat and pressure.

Abstract: Crosslinked cellulose fibers having free pendant carboxylic acid groups are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers, and are crosslinked with a crosslinking agent having a cure temperature lower than the cure temperature of the polycarboxylic acid. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing a fibrous sheet incorporating the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic thermoformable composite material for shaping and stretching into a desired form without voids and holes, including a core formed by at least one layer of chopped fibers enveloped and impregnated by thermoplastic material to form a fabric layer. Layers of thermoplastic material respectively positioned on opposite sides of the fabric layer core, and the layers of thermoplastic material provided with a sufficient thickness to flow into and heal any voids or holes formed in the core as the composite material is shaped and stretched into a desired form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base fabric for automobile air bags having excellent flexibility to ensure compact folding of the air bag and high flame retardancy for safety in hazard, which consists of a woven fabric web and a rubbery coating layer formed thereon from a silicone-based coating composition in the form of an aqueous emulsion comprising: (a) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by the general formulaX--?--SiR.sup.1.sub.2 --O--!.sub.m --?--SiZ.sub.2 --O--!n-SiR.sup.1.sub.2 --X,in which R.sup.1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, Z is R.sup.1, OR.sup.2 or --(--O--SiR.sup.1.sub.2 --).sub.k --OR.sup.2, R.sup.2 being a hydrogen atom or R.sup.1 and k being a positive integer not exceeding 1000, X is R.sup.1 or OR.sup.2, m is a positive integer of 100 to 10,000 and n is 0 or a positive integer not exceeding 1,000 and which contains at least two OR.sup.2 groups in a molecule; (b) from 0.

Abstract: Filter material comprising fabric of ceramic oxide fibers and vermiculite particulate is disclosed. The presence of the vermiculite provides an improvement in the flexural endurance of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat-resistant felt for hot products which is sufficiently heat-resistant for conveying or placing hot products thereon in manufacturing processes of iron and steel, non-ferrous metal, and ceramics products, and contributes to the improvement of the quality and life of products. A heat-resistant fiber web of a blend or laminate comprising metal fibers and inorganic fibers or a heat-resistant fiber web of a blend or laminate comprising metal fibers or inorganic fibers and heat-resistant organic fibers is needle-punched with or without a heat-resistant ground fabric laminated so as to intermingle.