Abstract: A tie-off closure device and method of its use for securing wrapped plastic netting around a load on a pallet or the like.

Abstract: A sound masking system for generating background sound. The background sound is automatically adjusted to ambient noise levels by adjusting the amplitude of the frequency levels detected.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin net by a polycondensation reaction is disclosed. One of the reactants is deposited upon a template and subsequently the second reactant is also deposited on the template. An embossed structure is obtained which can then be biaxially oriented to form a net sheet if desired.

Abstract: A mattress comprising a plurality of spaced springs, a plastic support platform having a plurality of extruded unoriented plastic spaced longitudinal support members and a plurality of extruded unoriented plastic spaced longitudinal stabilizing members, at least one of said stabilizing members being in position in each space between said longitudinal support members, said stabilizing members being smaller than said support members, a plurality of extruded plastic spaced cross-stabilizing members that intersect said support and stabilizing members substantially at a right angle and are integrally joined at the crossings, said cross-stabilizing members being oriented and smaller than said longitudinal support members, said support platform being in position on top of said springs with said longitudinal support members extending along the length of the mattress in contact with a majority of plurality of springs, said longitudinal members having a breaking load of at least about 35 pounds for a strip having one l

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for making a thermoplastic polymer sheet and particularly a thermoplastic polymer netting structure. It further relates to a process and apparatus for splitting a thermoplastic polymer sheet or net structure so as to divide the sheet or net at the center thereof into two thin sheets. According to the invention, a previously formed plastic sheet or netting structure is reheated and then placed between two opposed heated smooth surfaces such as metal rolls. The sheet or net is heated to a temperature within the range of temperatures wherein the adhesion of the resin forming the sheet to the metal rolls is good and where its cohesion is poor. The opposed faces of the sheet or net structure adhere to the heated smooth surfaces. The opposed heated surfaces are separated; this causes the sheet or net to split in half to follow each surface.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing fusible net products and the products resulting therefrom are disclosed. Low-melt-strength polymers are extruded with a stable high-melt-strength polymer to form a composite net structure having a carrier net layer of the stable high-melt-strength polymer carrying a net layer of similar structure and of the low-melt-strength polymer. After the molten layers are quenched and solidified the net layer on the carrier is easily delaminated. The net layer can be removed anytime after the material ceases to be tacky and may be conveniently stored as a composite if desired. The carrier polymer net is available for sale directly as is or it may be oriented or ground and recycled to again form the carrier. The low-melt-strength polymer may be sandwiched between outer layers of high-melt-strength polymer or the low-melt-strength polymer may be carried on both sides of the high-melt-strength polymer.

Abstract: A remarkably superior plastic netting for use in palletized loads is disclosed. The plastic netting is composed of linear low density polyethylene. The netting is molecularly oriented by a minimum factor of 4 in the longitudinal direction. The resulting netting is highly desirable for use in the wrapping of palletized loads since it is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, strong, and has a low degree of permanent stretch coupled with a relatively high degree of elastic stretch.

Abstract: A mass of net-like material of oleophilic, hydrophobic netting material is formed from strips of netting secured into a loose mass. Oil contacting the mass is sorbed by the strands and tends to bridge the openings in the net-like material to increase the short term oil pick up capacity.

Abstract: An improved wrapping material for palletized loads which are tension wrapped is disclosed. A plastic net material comprising the plurality of sets of strands, the strands of at least one said set being substantially parallel, is oriented along said one said set to have a stretch factor of less than 15% in the oriented direction. This net is used for wrapping about pelletized loads and gives substantially improved results over known plastic net materials used in tension wrapping of palletized loads.

Abstract: A method of producing an improved mineral board and the resulting product are disclosed. According to the present invention, the board is predominantly composed of perlite and a binder therefor, preferably urea-formaldehyde resin. The perlite is crushed after the composition is in its final shape but before the binder is set whereby its strength is substantially increased. The composition and process of making the board substantially reduce energy costs as compared to known methods for making wet-process mineral boards. The product composition may include up to 95% perlite by weight.

Abstract: A reinforced thermoplastic lightweight film sheet is disclosed in which a lightweight plastic net or net-like product is freely sandwiched between at least two layers of lightweight thermoplastic film. The net is freely movable with respect to the film layers except along selected strips where at least the plastic film layers are bonded together fixedly securing the net thereat therebetween. The reinforced sheet is especially useful as bagging material where it exhibits increased burst strength and rupture resistance and reduced elongation and creep.

Abstract: A method for reducing the aging period of foams produced using a gaseous expansion agent is disclosed which includes biaxial orientation of the thermoplastic polymer foam. The foam is cooled after it is extruded and blown up from a tubular die, the cooling being to a temperature at least 40.degree. C. below its melting point. Thereafter, the foam is biaxially oriented to a dimension at least 25% greater in both radial and axial directions than the dimensions of the extruded, blown up, cooled foam.

Abstract: A task lighting system for home, office or industry utilizes pairs of U-shaped fluorescent tubes at diagonal angles in a shielding enclosure supported a predetermined distance above a work surface. Veiling reflections are reduced by reducing the light output in the central region. The task lighting system may be integrated into furniture.

Abstract: A viscous liquid containing dye and possibly further additives is added to a package of hydraulic mulch material for hydraulic mulching. The viscous liquid and its additives are suitable to be later uniformly mixed through the hydraulic mulch during subsequent mixing and agitation with water prior to application, thereby eliminating the need for precoloring of the mulch material.

Abstract: A floor-standing acoustic space divider has an upward and outward protuberance along the top edge of at least one of its sides. The protuberance increases the acoustic shadow of the space divider, reflects direct sound back into the area from which it originates, improves speech privacy in open plan architectural space and improves noise reduction in its immediate locale.

Abstract: An improved space divider is disclosed. The divider comprises two half-panels which are joined together and supported to being free-standing. A specific construction is also disclosed which has excellent acoustic properties together with a good fire rating.

Abstract: An improved wrapping material for palletized loads is disclosed. A plastic net material which has been biaxially oriented to have a stretch factor of less than 15% under specified conditions is used for wrapping about the palletized load.

Abstract: A free standing indirect lighting fixture utilizing a one-piece molded reflector and a diagonally mounted high intensity discharge lamp has a frosted diffuser over the lamp. Acoustic material on the fixture absorbs ballast hum as well as adding acoustic absorbtion to the room. A back lighted information strip may optionally be included.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the manufacture of plastic net formed by extruding a plurality of spaced strands of plastic into a net structure. In accordance with the invention, adjacent strands in the net are joined in physical contact throughout all or a substantial portion of the length of the strand between the joints in the net structure. The strands are merged and integrally consolidated in the joints so that in effect the extruded structure is a solid sheet with or without perforations between the strands. Thereafter the strands are stretched preferably in two different directions to draw the strands apart and separate them throughout the length of the strands between the joints to form a high strand count oriented net produced for the first time by extrusion.