Abstract: Described is a membrane comprising a microlayer polymeric composite having at least about 10 microlayers. The microlayers are each individually up to about 100 microns thick and alternate between at least one fluid barrier material and at least one elastomeric material. The membrane can be formed into a pressurized bladder or cushioning device for many applications, including footwear and hydropneumatic accumulators.

Abstract: A noise-absorbing member is attached on a surface of a dashboard at a passenger compartment side of a vehicle. A diaphragm case member of a temperature sensitive element portion of an expansion valve is disposed near the noise-absorbing member to face the noise-absorbing member. Thus, when noise due to a vibration of a valve body of a valve body mechanism portion of the expansion valve is transmitted to a diaphragm for operating the valve body and is further transmitted to the diaphragm case member, the noise transmitted from the diaphragm case member can be effectively reduced by the noise-absorbing member.