Abstract: A power transmission belt is disclosed in which the exterior of the overcord section is generally flat in contour and bears an outer seamless tubular knit textile material adhered to an adjacent rubber layer material interposed between the exterior belt back surface and a strain-resisting tensile section. The belt is adapted to be run against backside idlers or tensioners with minimized noise generation. A simplified process including use of a tubular knit stretched over and applied to the building drum is disclosed, thereby eliminating conventional calendaring and Bannering operations.

Abstract: A one-step method of making a necked-bonded laminate, wherein the layers of the laminate are formed and laminated within the same process. The method includes forming a nonwoven web, necking the nonwoven web, and immediately feeding the nonwoven web into a laminator where an elastomeric film is laminated to the nonwoven web. The elastomeric film may also be formed during the process prior to being fed into the laminator. Additionally, more than one nonwoven web may be formed and laminated to the elastomeric film during the process. The invention further includes apparatus for carrying out the one-step method.

Abstract: Porous carpeting for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A carpet backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to intense vacuum to draw air through the carpet backing to create a porous structure. A layer of porous thermoformable material may be applied to the porous carpet structure to provide mechanical strength.