Abstract: A light-weight and impact-resistant composite material formed from a three-dimensional textile structure preform comprising at least three systems of yarns that define a plurality of interstices within the textile structure. A cellular matrix material impregnates the textile structure so as to fill the interstices of the three-dimensional textile structure and to coat at least a portion of the surface area thereof.

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief comprising an upper layer of visco-elastic foam, a middle layer of visco-elastic foam having a greater hardness, and a bottom layer of highly resilient polyurethane foam. These layers are sandwiched between two layers of reticulated filter polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A method of extruding a foamed plastic into a carrier that relies on the use of dual, multiple blowing agents, a dispersed blowing agent and a micro-encapsulated blowing agent. The resulting product is a polymer coated textile that is resilient with good compression rebound.

Abstract: The present invention provides recyclable protective wraps with crease retention useful in protecting metal objects from atmospheric corrosion and moisture. The protective wraps comprise an outer barrier layer, a flexible woven substrate and an inner barrier layer. All layers are preferably of polypropylene. The outer barrier layer may further comprise ultraviolet light inhibitors. The woven substrate is preferably a tight weave. The inner barrier layer may further comprise vapor phase corrosion inhibitors. When so present, the VCIs containing inner barrier layer is identified with by the addition of a pigment of different color or shade than that of the outer barrier layer.

Abstract: A textile is coated with a backing coating, and a foam backing is applied to the backing coating surface of the textile. A backing material is mounted to the surface of the foam backing opposite to the textile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: A composite intraluminal prosthesis which is preferably used as a vascular prothesis includes a layer of ePTFE and a layer of textile material which are secured together by an elastomeric bonding agent. The ePTFE layer includes a porous microstructure defined by nodes interconnected by fibrils. The adhesive bonding agent is preferably applied in solution so that the bonding agent enters the pores of the microstructure of the ePTFE. This helps secure the textile layer to the ePTFE layer.

Abstract: A molded article including a plastic layer and an outer film over the plastic layer forming a composite laminate with the plastic layer and a process for preparing same. The outer film has an inner surface adjacent and bonded to the plastic layer and an outer surface opposed to the inner surface. The molded article also includes a reinforcing material adhered to the inner surface of the outer film layer and preferably at least partly embedded in the inner surface of the outer film layer.

Abstract: A moisture-crosslinkable polyurethane adhesive, comprising a) 70 to 95% by weight of a polyurethane polyaddition prepolymer comprising units of at least one polyol and at least one polyisocyanate and, b) 5 to 30% by weight of an essentially amorphous poly-&agr;-olefin, the adhesive comprising a content of free NCO groups representing 1 to 20% by weight of the adhesive.

Abstract: An article of clothing has a clothing part adapted to surround and cover a user's body, and a layer of a polymeric adsorbing material applied on the clothing part and formed so as to retain at least some toxic components of a poison gas so as to prevent penetration of the some toxic components to a user's body.

Abstract: A uniformly applied monolithic roofing surface membrane at appropriate thickness and pitch is field applied upon a surface. The surface membrane may be field applied from a spray applicator foam dispenser moving between two parallel tracks. The uniform application of foam at each pass is assured, by accelerating the speed of the foam dispenser at the end of each pass, by providing continuous movement of the spray applicator upon the tracks. The monolithic roofing surface monolithic thus formed includes a spontaneously curable polymer, such as low rise polyurethane adhesive or polyurethane foam, having a mesh such as of fabric or fiberglass therein, with a silicone coating thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: An air bag cover having a surface sheet including a TPE layer (decorative layer) on the surface side is provided. A surface sheet with the breaking elongation adjusted by containing a filler in a TPE material for forming the TPE layer, is used. Thereby, the breaking rapidity at a tear line groove formation portion is improved.

Abstract: A modular element for coating floors, walls and the like, comprises a thermoformable central layer, on an exposed face of which a top layer made either of a fabric or non fabric material is arranged, on the other face of the central layer being arranged a lower layer made of a material which can be coupled with a male portion of a tearable strip.

Abstract: A process for producing a component with an inner fabric includes layering at least two layers of fabric one on top of the other. A layer of plastic in powder form or sheet form is introduced between respective pairs of neighboring layers of fabric. The plastic has a melting point corresponding to at most the melting point and/or the decomposing temperature of the fabric layers. The fabric layers and plastic layer are heated and pressed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, during which the plastic layer is at least partially melted. After reaching the desired final form, the partially-melted plastic is cooled, thereby bonding the fabric layers to one another. The cooled plastic is arranged between the layers of fabric and, in particular, at least partially between the fibers of the fabric layers.

Abstract: A novel class of carbon fiber precursor derived carbon foams and a method for their production are described. A new class of C/C composites comprising unidirectional or woven carbon fabrics in a matrix of the novel carbon foams, and the method for their production are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a web transfer belt, having good paper releasability, that can be produced with ease and at a low cost without increasing either its hardness or its weight, and a production process therefor. In one embodiment, the web transfer belt includes a high-molecular weight elastic member formed using a resin material mixed with microcapsules (alternatively, closed bubbles or closed bubbles created by a foaming agent), and having a web-receiving face for receiving a web P thereon to transfer, at whose web-receiving face there are provided a multitude of recesses having cut-openings of the microcapsules, such that a water film W easy to be formed between the web-receiving face and the web P can be broken by a large number of recesses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a carpet which comprises a) yarn tufted into a primary backing, wherein the primary backing has a face side and a back side and wherein the yarn is adhesively attached to the primary backing; b) a woven secondary backing with a first side and a second side wherein the first side is directly or indirectly attached to the back side of the primary backing; and c) a thermoplastic polymer layer adjacent to the second side of the secondary backing, wherein the polymer layer is attached to the secondary backing via melt bonding.

Abstract: An expandable breathable laminate is described. The laminate includes a reticulated polymer layer and an fibrous layer. The fibrous layer is chemically treated so as to facilitate transfer of liquid through the fibrous layer and ultimately through the polymer layer via capillary action. The layers are bonded with an adhesive that does not impair the breathability and expandability of the laminate. Thus, removal of perspiration from the skin of the wearer of a garment made from the laminate can be accomplished.

Abstract: Materials in the form of foam sheet comprising destructured or complexed starch expanded as a continuous phase, having a density lying between 20 and 150 kg/m3, cell dimensions in the range lying between 25 and 700 &mgr;m and with a cell distribution such that 80% of them have a dimension lying between 20 and 400 &mgr;m in the absence of stretching.

Abstract: A light-weight and impact-resistant composite material formed from a three-dimensional textile structure preform comprising at least three systems of yarns that define a plurality of interstices within the textile structure. A cellular matrix material impregnates the textile structure so as to fill the interstices of the three-dimensional textile structure and to coat at least a portion of the surface area thereof.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: A mouse pad including a fibrous sheet made of ultrafine fibers, and a substrate. The mouse pad may be incorporated into a mouse pad package so that a part of the surface of the mouse pad provided by the fibrous sheet or a separate piece made of substantially the same material is exposed so that a consumer can touch it directly to confirm its touch and test its likely behavior as a mouse pad.

Abstract: A disinfecting mat includes a spongy core retaining a liquid disinfectant and a cover completely enclosing the core, where the cover has a top surface with an annular top edge and a top central mat portion that is liquid permeable. The core is contained in a water impermeable frame with a bottom and sides that contain the cover and with an inwardly extending annular lip that extends over at least a part of the annular top edge while leaving the top central mat portion open. The liquid permeable top central mat portion allows the disinfectant to puddle in areas of the top central mat portion that are depressed during use.

Abstract: A blast resistant laminate composite container wall construction is provided for a bomb-resistant airline baggage container for withstanding gas-expansion explosives. A PVC substrate core (26) of sufficient thickness, at least about 0.5 inch, is used to provide a substantially rigid container wall. A first layer (28) of 0.02 inch thick woven roving fiberglass is on one side of the core, a second layer (30) of 0.02 inch thick woven roving fiberglass is on the first layer, a third layer (32) of 0.02 inch thick woven roving fiberglass is on the second layer, a fourth layer of 0.03 inch thick random chopped strand fiberglass is on the third layer, a fifth layer of 0.03 inch thick random chopped strand fiberglass is on the fourth layer, a sixth layer of 0.02 inch thick woven roving fiberglass is on the other side of the core, a seventh layer of 0.02 inch thick woven roving fiberglass is on the sixth layer, an eighth layer of 0.02 inch thick woven roving fiberglass is on the seventh layer, a ninth layer of 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a woven textile surface covering. The method involves applying a resin composition layer onto a back surface of a woven layer. The woven layer is formed by weaving warp and weft yarns. The resin composition layer is effective for bonding to the warp and weft yarns. The resin composition layer is provided with a resin composition and a cross-linking agent effective to wet, penetrate, and encapsulate the warp and weft yarns. The resin composition layer occupies the interstices of the warp and weft yarns and when the resin is heated, the resin cross-links with the woven layer. A backing layer is then contacted with the surface of the heated resin composition layer thereby bonding the backing layer to the resin composition layer. The present invention also relates to a woven textile surface covering having a first layer with a decorative surface and a back surface. The first layer is formed from woven warp and weft yarns that have interstices therebetween.

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief including an upper layer of visco-elastic foam, a middle layer of visco-elastic foam having a greater hardness, and a bottom layer of highly resilient polyurethane foam. These layers are sandwiched between two layers of reticulated filter polyurethane foam.

Abstract: Single and double density biopolymer foams, composite biopolymer foams including both single and double density foams, and methods of preparing these foams and composite foams are described. Also described are biocompatible constructs which include single or double density biopolymer foams and extracellular matrix particulates and methods of preparing these constructs. The foams, composite foams, and biocompatible constructs of the invention can be used in tissue repair and reconstruction.

Abstract: A porous composite laminate material comprises a layer (4) of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, and a layer (2) of non-expanded porous PTFE attached thereto. The non-expanded porous PTFE layer may be a sintered porous PTFE produced by sintering granular-type PTFE particles to form a porous integral network of interconnected particles; and may be produced in situ by spray application onto the membrane followed by baking. Modifiers including unsintered fine powder PTFE, thermoplastic fluorinated organic polymer, a low molecular weight PTFE and mixtures thereof may be included. The expanded PTFE membrane can be in sheet form or in the form of expanded PTFE fibres woven into a fabric. The laminate may be used for oiling and cleaning high temperature fuser rolls in a photocopying machine, or as a filter.

Abstract: A panel adaptable for use in automotive trim applications has a laminate of a support layer and an A-side layer made of vinyl or cloth. The support layer is made of a thermoformable material such as foam, felt or polypropylene. The laminate is thermoformed to impart the contour of a rigid substrate to which the panel will be attached. The support layer retains the desired contour without the use of other materials. The panel may have a shirred appearance imparted thereto by the inclusion of a plurality of gathers therm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distinct advancement over presently known ion-exchange composite membranes, and the techniques for making such membranes. In one embodiment of the present invention, this is accomplished by a thin integral composite membrane comprised of a microporous polymer film, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene having a porous microstructure defined by polymeric fibrils, which provides a reinforcing support that supports an ion-exchange polymer resin or material on one side of the porous polymeric film and supports another different ion-exchange polymer resin on the other side. Thus, the invention uses two different ion-exchange resins on each side of a porous polymeric support film. By employing ionic exchange resins which differ in structure, functional groups or equivalent weight, or a combination of such, a wide variety of composites can be made and tailored to specific end uses.

Abstract: The body of a mattress comprises a cocoon thread bundle of long fibers formed by reeling cocoon threads off cocoons and separating them one from another. The body the mattress also has inner layers sandwiching the bundle. The body is quilted at appropriate positions and covered by a suface cloth made of woven fabric, and the periphery of the body is fastened by a retention cloth. The mattress has touch different from, for example feather mattress and serves to reduce yarn breakage of the cocoon long-fibers which are used as the stuffing. The stuffing can be easily produced without fail by a process comprising the steps of reeling cocoon threads off boiled cocoons and winding them around a take-up reel, fusing the wound cocoon threads at appropriate positional, and cutting the fused bundles.

Abstract: A light-weight fabric for producing outerwear garments suitable for wear on boats, beaches and in other environments in which the wearer may be exposed to rain or water, as well as to cold temperature. The fabric is composed of inner and outer skins formed of woven synthetic plastic fibers, such as nylon, which render the skins water-resistant, yet permeable to vapor whereby the fabric is breathable. Sandwiched between the skins is a layer of polyester fiberfill which imparts thermal insulation-characteristics to the fabric. Dispersed throughout the fiberfill and imprisoned therein are fine, closed-cell foam plastic beads which impart buoyancy and quick-dry properties to the fabric.

Abstract: Sheet structural material and leather-like sheet structural material which have a porous layer formed by applying a foamed material having a thixotropy index of 2 to 4 and drying the foamed material and a method of producing the same, are disclosed. The foamed material is prepared by foaming a compound solution containing at least a base resin and a filler. The porous layer has open cells and the diameter of the open cells is in the range from 20 to 250 micrometer. The air permeability of the resulting sheet structural material is 3 to 13 cm.sup.2 /cm.sup.3 /sec.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fire retardant noise absorbing material, with excellent water proof properties, fire resistance, noise absorption, and improved tear resistance if necessary, and a method of producing the same efficiently in a short time in a simple and easy manner. The fire retardant noise absorbing material having gas permeability of a section of 10 mm in thickness from a surface of the film layer in the range of 5 to 80 ml/cm.sup.2.sec, is produced following the steps of; superposing a polyester film or a polyethylene film onto fire retardant soft urethane foam; laminating a sheet of mold releasing paper thereon; heating the paper while pressure is applied thereto from the surface of the paper by means of a hot plate to affix the film layer on the fire retardant soft urethane foam by hot melting; removing the laminated material from the hot plate in a heated condition; and separating the mold releasing paper from the laminated material after the film has solidified.

Abstract: A process for the production of a foam rubber tree bark-configured article having a manmade textile backing is provided. The inventive process involves the vulcanization of NBR or SBR including a chemical blowing agent, and optionally including EPDM as an ozone-resistance agent, over a silicon-base mold which is a negative relief mold of at least a portion of tree bark, and with a backing adhered to, and not easily removed from, the unmolded side of the rubber. Such a backing is either 100% polyester or 100% nylon, which provides an excellent, long-lasting, durable, easily colored, fast-drying article for use in outdoor camouflage applications. The article itself, as well as clothing, footwear, and shelter articles incorporating the inventive product, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adhesive that exhibits desired oil-resistance and processing properties. The adhesive is suitable for use in elastic composites and disposable absorbent products. In one embodiment, the adhesive exhibits the following properties: an Elastic Modulus value that is greater than about 4.times.10.sup.5 dynes per square centimeter at 40.degree. C. across the frequency range of about 0.1 to about 100 radians per second; an Elastic Modulus in Oil value that is greater than about 4.times.10.sup.5 dynes per square centimeter at 40.degree. C. across the frequency range of about 0.1 to about 100 radians per second; a Viscosity value of less than about 40,000 centipoise at a temperature of about 275.degree. F.; and a Viscosity value of greater than about 60,000 centipoise at a temperature of about 250.degree. F.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate provided with super-absorbent material to be manufactured by allowing suitable monomers to polymerize in the presence of a catalyst in order to obtain a polymer solution, adding a cross-linking agent to the polymer solution to obtain a pasty composition, subsequently applying the composition on or in a substrate and allowing the applied composition to dry and cross-link in order to obtain the substrate with the super-absorbent material. The pasty composition further contains other additives. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a substrate. The substrates can be used as sheathing material in cables, in hygiene products such as baby napkins, sanitary towels and incontinence products, in or as packagings and packaging materials and in agricultural substrates. The invention also relates to such products.

Abstract: A washable fabric covered mattress pad involves the combination of a layer of resilient foam with a layer of fabric, both of which layers are machine washable and dryable. The fabric, either manmade or natural fiber material, is flame laminated to one side of the layer of foam. The non-covered side of the foam layer frictionally engages a mattress for non-slip self-positioning of the mattress pad without requiring straps or other specific holding mechanisms. A second or additional layers of foam of varying physical characteristics and/or thicknesses may be added through heat bonding thereof in a predetermined pattern to the non-covered side of the first layer of foam. Such arrangement results in a fabric covered, completely washable self-positioning mattress pad, such as having a preferred thickness generally in a range of from about one to about four inches.

Abstract: The present invention includes a foam flame bonded fabric laminate that is wind-resistant, breathable, and supple along with a low cost process for producing it. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a foam bonding agent layered between fabrics or other materials where the foam possesses wind-resistant and breathable characteristics independent of the other layers. The process of the present invention involves two-step foam flame bonding with each step accomplished in a separate pass through a laminating device. In one embodiment, the first step includes lightly exposing a thin polymer foam (such as polyester polyurethane or polyether polyurethane) to a flame without preheating, then pressing it against the inner face of mesh or tricot. The second step includes more vigorously exposing the foam face of the foam-mesh or foam-tricot laminate to a flame, then pressing it against the inner face of a berber, pile, or fleece fabric.

Abstract: A process for fabrication of composite articles using electroset materials. Conductive substrates are formed defining the shape of the product to be formed. Electroset material is placed between the substrates and the substrates energized by high voltage. Fluid between the conductive portions of the substrates is under the Winslow effect whereas fluid between nonconductive portions of the substrate is not so affected. The fluid between conductive portions is retained by the Winslow effect and cured.

Abstract: Transversely stretchable elastic laminated fabric with cloth-like facings was made by a two-step process. In the first step an inelastic laminate was made by continuously extruding an elastomer sheet between two plies of a fibrous sheet and joining the plies by applying pressure on them between a closed gap niproll assembly. Two longitudinal slits were made into the laminate. Then the rolls of inelastic laminate so made were taken to an oven and the laminate was unwound and pulled through the oven at an elevated temperature, while tension on the web was increased until the slits necked. The necked laminate was wound up on a takeup roll. When samples were unwound, surprisingly they did not grow in width, and they showed good CD-elasticity (elongation and springback). Breathability of the laminate was superior to the laminate formed using an open niproll assembly gap.

Abstract: An ink jet recording sheet, having high ink absorption, water resistance, persistency, a satisfactory fabric-like soft touch, mechanical strength and being capable of recording ink images having a high quality, includes a foamed undercoat layer formed on a surface of a substrate sheet and comprising a polymeric binder and an ink-receiving layer formed on the foamed undercoat layer from a mixture of 50 to 90% by weight of an amorphous silica having an oil absorption value of 100 to 400 ml/100 g with 10 to 50% by weight of a polymeric binder, and provided with a surface thereof having a Bekk smoothness of 10 seconds or less determined by JIS P 8119.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a costume having semi-rigid costume components, and the costume itself. The semi-rigid costume components are capable of being sewn to fabric to form an integrated costume. An embodiment is shown in which the costume includes a semi-rigid muscular torso suitable for a superhero chestpiece. The sewn rigid component is formed from fusing a layer of fabric to a layer of foam and the resulting laminate is vacuum molded into a three-dimensional shape.