Abstract: A blast and fragment resistant polyester or polyether-based polyurethane boot sole includes embedded protective material throughout the entire sole. The embedded protective material consists of one or more layers of woven polyaramid fibers. The polyaramid fibers are thinly coated with polyester or polyether-based polyurethane before they are woven into a layer for incorporation into the sole. This enhances the adhesion between the embedded polyaramid protective material and the polyurethane sole.

Abstract: A composition suitable for implantation in soft tissue (for example at or around a body orifice) in order to augment the volume of soft tissue is produced. The particles, which are desirably irregularly shaped, are formed from a biodegradable phosphate glass, and may have an average particle diameter of 50 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m, preferably 50 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;m. The particles are used with a carrier medium for injection into soft tissue such as the bladder submucosa. This procedure can be applied to treat conditions such as vesicoureteric reflux. Additionally the procedure could be used cosmetically.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant laminate includes a substrate and a durable wear-resistant top layer assembly laminated over a top side of the substrate. The layer assembly includes a wear-resistant upper layer and an underlying decorative layer which together include a first paper sheet impregnated with a first resin. The top layer assembly further includes a core layer underlying the decorative layer. The core layer includes second and third paper sheets impregnated with a second resin. A fourth paper sheet is interposed between the second and third paper sheets in the core layer. The fourth paper sheet is impregnated with the first resin, whereby the fourth paper sheet functions as a balance sheet to equalize expansion and contraction of the layers under the influence of environmental factors.