Abstract: An improved carpet padding comprises a layer of rebonded flexible polyurethane foam, a relatively thin intermediate layer of flexible prime polyurethane foam, and a top layer of polymer film. The layers are laminated together by either a flame or liquid adhesive method. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom layer of rebonded foam is from two to eight times as thick as the intermediate layer of prime foam, and the top layer of polymer film is a metallized polyester embossed with a uniform pattern.

Abstract: Improved, flexible, open-celled polyurethane foams of reduced density, but with stability and firmness characteristics comparable to those of standard foams, are described. The foams are formed in situ from the reaction, in the presence of a catalyst, of an isocyanate, one or more blowing agents including water, a foam stabilizer, a polyether polyol, and a liquid salt produced from the reaction of CO.sub.2 with a water-soluble amine or amino alcohol. Preferred amines or amino alcohols for the CO.sub.2 salt include primary amines and polyols which contain primary amino end groups, secondary amines which contain primary hydroxyl groups, and a variety of low molecular weight aminohydroxy compounds. The liquid salt is present in the foam formulations in an amount of at least 2 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyol.

Abstract: Improved, flexible, open-celled polyurethane foams of reduced firmness, but with densities comparable to those of standard foams, are described. The foams are formed in situ from the reaction of isocyanate, one or more blowing agents including water, a foam stabilizer, polyether polyols or polyester polyols or a mixture of these polyols, and monofunctional materials chemically analogous to the polyols, in the presence of a catalyst. The monofunctional materials can be alcohols, polyesters, or polyethers. Useful monofunctional alcohols have carbon chain lengths of at least 3, and preferably from 8 to 20. Useful monofunctional polyesters have molecular weights from 300 to 2000, and preferably from 300 to 800. Useful monofunctional polyethers, which are derived from the reaction of a monofunctional alcohol with propylene oxide and/or ethylene oxide, have molecular weights from 100 to 3000, and preferably from 200 to 1800.

Abstract: Improved methods are provided for incorporating carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide generating compounds into polyurethane foam forming compositions as blowing agents to eliminate or reduce the amount of low boiling liquid auxiliary blowing agents, such as methylene chloride and chlorofluorocarbons conventionally used in the manufacture of urethane foams.

Abstract: Apparatus for lining an irrigation canal with a sheet of fiber-reinforced plastic includes structure for depositing a layer of resin and fiber on a web of flexible carrier material, partially curing the resin prior to laying the sheet in the canal, and then laying the sheet in the canal while the resin is flexible enough to conform to the shape of the canal. The final curing of the resin takes place after the sheet is placed in the canal. A predetermined-shape wrinkle is induced in the carrier web before it is laid into the canal to assist in conforming the sheet to the canal shape without causing randomly placed wrinkles so that the sheet is smooth in the canal. The apparatus forms the sheet and is propelled so that it travels along the length of the canal, fabricating a continuous sheet as it travels. In one embodiment the carrier is a flexible but nonelastic material like kraft paper, coated on one side with wax or other film to prevent saturation by the resin.

Abstract: Improved, flexible, open celled polyurethane foams are described. The foams are formed in situ from the reaction of a polyisocyanate, a conventional polyester polyol, a polyether polyol, a high hydroxyl polyester polyol and a blowing agent in the presence of a catalyst. A polyether foam stabilizer is normally also included. A small amount of a destabilizing silicone ingredient can also be included. Useful high hydroxyl number polyester polyols have hydroxyl numbers in the range 300-600, and preferably 400-450. The average equivalent weight of the useful high hydroxyl number polyester polyol is normally in the range 100-200. The compositions of the invention are useful as filter media and are especially suitable for outdoor seating applications.