Abstract: A strong, flexible and vandalism-resistant panel is provided. The panel has a flexible interwoven skeleton structure that is embedded in a layer of polymer material. The skeleton structure is formed from a generally parallel arrangement of linear cross-members interconnecting adjacent links. The links are in the form of a triangular wave pattern and include a plurality of link elements interconnected at their opposed ends or peaks by alternately spaced transverse curves or folds. The linear cross-members are nested in the transverse curves of adjacent links to join the adjacent links. The panel of the present invention is particularly useful as a panel used to cover the space between two adjacent railroad car sections. The formed panels are flexible, cannot be dented, are substantially cut-proof, and are highly vandalism-resistant.

Abstract: A strong, flexible and vandalism-resistant panel is provided. The panel includes a flexible wire skeleton structure such as a chain link structure embedded in a layer of polymer material such as rubber, synthetic rubber or another suitable polymer material. The chain link structure is made from parallel flat helical link sections connected by curved cross-sections. The panel of the present invention is particularly useful as a curtain for a roll-up door or for panels used to cover the space disposed between two adjacent railroad car sections. The formed panels are flexible, cannot be dented, are substantially cut-proof and are highly vandalism-resistant.

Abstract: A belt splicing tool for thermally joining first and second ends of thermoplastic belts. The tool includes a position control means and first and second clamping mechanisms cooperatively engaged and diametrically opposed along a longitudinal axis. The first clamping mechanism holds a first end section of a belt and the second clamping mechanism holds a second end section of a belt. The position control means repositions the clamping mechanisms relative to one another along the longitudinal axis between a first position where the longitudinal spacing between the clamping mechanisms is minimized, and a second position where the longitudinal spacing between the clamping mechanisms is maximized. The tool retains and aligns both belt ends in an opposed abutting relationship while permitting longitudinal movement of the belt ends relative to one another.