Abstract: A fabric grounding tape and method of making same is disclosed. In accordance with the method the tape is woven on a needle loom using polyester and stainless steel warp yarns. The yarns are maintained under tension during and after the weaving process and are subjected to a heat setting procedure while still under tension. The resultant tape has the hand or feel of a conventional all polyester tape and a low ohmic resistance, i.e. 10 ohms or less per inch. The tape can sustain a multiplicity of laundering cycles without significant increase of resistivity.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis implant is disclosed comprising a generally conical bio-compatible fabric shell. The shell is pervious to tissue growth and body fluids. The interior of the shell is divided into series of discrete chambers separated by pervious fabric dividers, the chambers containing masses of bio-compatible fibers. The fiber concentration in the chambers nearest the apex of the cone is less than the concentration in chambers progressively further from the cone apex. Preferably, the shell is somewhat stretchable to permit the volume of the shell to increase or decrease in accordance with the weight gain or loss of the patient.

Abstract: A fabric anchor device for attachment to awnings or the like for holding awning retaining ropes. The device comprises a woven fabric strip having a central reinforcing spine defined by paired high tensile strength reinforcement warp yarns. The spine includes a series of mutually spaced apart attachment apertures, the respective reinforcement yarns lying on opposite sides of the apertures.

Abstract: A method of processing pulp laps and a soluble strap material for holding such laps in a bale are disclosed. In accordance with the method the laps are maintained in the configuration of the bale by soluble straps comprised of PVA and are immersed in a pulping bath while still confined by the straps. The straps rupture and dissolve in the pulping bath releasing the paper laps. The straps are formed to maximize exposure of the PVA increments to the pulping bath to accelerate dissolving and may incorporate fillers of pulpable material to maintain the PVA increments in a separated condition.

Abstract: A balloon structure is comprised of two heat-sealingly connected polymeric sheets forming a gas encompassing chamber and a connected inflation stem and is characterized by a separable integral tether-defining border strip surrounding at least a portion of the chamber, whereby the tether may be separated from the body of the balloon at all but an anchor point to provide a means for restraining the balloon. Optionally, the tether defining strip portions of the sheets may themselves be heat-sealingly connected, selectively to provide a double width tether or a tubular inflatable tether.

Abstract: A fire and wear-resistant strap material particularly useful in conjunction with fire fighting apparatus is disclosed. The strap material comprises a carrier fabric, the surfaces of which have been provided with a flexible retro-reflective coating permanently bonded thereto. The carrier fabric is preferably comprised of aramid yarns which, while having low abrasion resistance, are rendered highly wear-resistant by the retro-reflective coating, which also functions to minimize heat transfer to the supporting fabric.

Abstract: An elastic conductive fabric for use as a grounding strap and the method of making the same are disclosed. The fabric is woven utilizing elastic yarn ends intermingled with conductive yarn ends. The weaving process is carried out while the elastic yarn ends are distended by at least 150% and preferably 250-400% as compared with the relaxed condition thereof. Preferably the conductive yarn is woven in a two over one pattern so that when tension is released in the elastic ends, the crests of the conductive ends which span two picks will project a substantial distance from the fabric surface. The opposite face of the fabric may be comprised of insulative ends likewise woven in a two over one pattern to provide enlarged crests at said face. Locking yarn ends maintain the conductive crests in a perpendicular condition relative to the fabric body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible reflex-reflective article, such as a ribbon, wherein the reflective pattern evinces an undulant surface, and to the method of making the same. The invention is directed more particularly to an article of the type described wherein the reflex-reflectivity effect is produced by glass or like spheres embedded into an adhesive carrier surface to a depth at least equal to and preferably beyond the equator of the spheres, whereby the resultant product may be flexed, dry cleaned, twisted and similarly handled without loss of the reflex-reflective spheres. The invention further pertains to a method of making an article of the type described wherein the spheres are arrayed in an undulant pattern surface and yet are embedded within the carrier to an extent which will prevent their dislodgement under normal use.