Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag cushion which exhibits a low amount of seam usage (in order to attach at least two fabric panels or portions of a panel together) in correlation to an overall high amount of available inflation airspace within the cushion itself. These correlated elements are now combined for the first time in what is defined as an effective seam usage index (being the quotient of the length of overall seams on the cushions and the available inflation airspace volume). The inventive cushion must have at least one substantially straight seam and must possess an effective seam usage factor of less than about 0.11. A cushion exhibiting such a low seam usage factor and also comprising an integrated looped pocket for the disposition of an inflator can is also provided as well as an overall vehicle restraint system comprising the inventive airbag cushion.

Abstract: Polymer films comprising plasticizer compounds represented by Structure 1 as described in the specification are useful as protective films in polarizing plates for display applications. Methods of manufacturing such polymer films and polarizing plates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical film that comprises certain radiation cured (meth)acrylate binders and, desirably, irregular semicrystalline asymmetric particles.

Abstract: The invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coated articles, including tapes and transfer coatings, having microstructured surfaces and methods of making pressure-sensitive adhesive articles bearing such microstructured surfaces. The performance properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesive articles can be tailored by independently varying the microstructure and the rheological properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The image display device has a display section formed of plural pixels and a control section which controls the display section, and is provided with nonvolatile phase-change type pixel memories in respective ones of the pixels, or is provided with a nonvolatile phase-change type frame memory in the control section. Each of the nonvolatile phase-change type pixel memories is formed of one or more switches and a variable-resistance memory element fabricated from a chalcogenide material for storing display data for at least a specified period of time. The nonvolatile phase-change type frame memory is formed of one or more switches and a variable-resistance memory element fabricated from a chalcogenide material for retaining display data for one frame.

Abstract: A wall covering assembly comprising a front layer of a vinyl coated fabric or paper, a rear ceramic layer, and an intermediate layer made of an acrylic compound containing finely divided phase change material such as crystalline acryl hydrocarbons or salt hydrates. The wall covering assembly facilitates thermo-regulation due to latent heat absorption and latent heat release in the phase transition range of the phase change material, which enhances the thermal comfort of rooms and leads to energy savings.

Abstract: A sealant useful for sealing the surfaces of carbon foams to provide a surface useful for, inter alia, composite tooling or other high temperature applications or for bonding of carbon foams together to form larger blocks.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic film includes forming the ceramic film by crystallizing a ceramic raw material liquid which includes a first raw material liquid and a second raw material liquid. The first raw material liquid and the second raw material liquid are different types of liquids, the first raw material liquid is a raw material liquid for producing a ferroelectric, the second raw material liquid is a raw material liquid for producing an oxide such as an ABO-type oxide, a solvent included in the first raw material liquid and a solvent included in the second raw material liquid have different polarities, and the ceramic film is formed in a state in which the first raw material liquid and the second raw material liquid are phase separated so that first crystals formed of the first raw material liquid are intermittently formed in a surface direction of the ceramic film and second crystals formed of the second raw material liquid are formed so as to interpose between the first crystals.

Abstract: A unique and novel multi-functional composite fabric and fabrication process for use during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear countermeasure (CBRNC) events is disclosed. The composite fabric combines the performance characteristics of chemically resistant films and radiation attenuating polymer matrices. The composite fabric offers universal protection against a wide range of military chemical agents, toxic industrial chemicals and materials (TICS and TIMS), biological agents, as well as certain ionizing and non-ionizing forms of radiation. The composite fabric is heat sealable and can be fabricated utilizing hermetically seal seams, and has application in protective clothing and equipment, indoor and outdoor covers, containment systems, bags, drapes, gowns, remains pouches, etc.

Abstract: A paperboard composite for use in packaging applications includes paperboard adhered to a backing structure, providing enhanced wet tear strength. The backing structure includes an oriented polymer film and a reinforcing scrim, bonded together by a thermal bonding layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the parts of the backing structure are of similar chemical composition, thereby facilitating recycling of scraps and other waste.

Abstract: A method and means for enhancing the inner environment of a package containing perishable merchandise include taking a closable package containing perishable merchandise and placing in the package a multi-layered sheet including a plurality of layers comprised of moisture absorbing materials to absorb any residual moisture emanating from the perishable merchandise. The multi-layered sheet includes a quantity of CO2 generating material incorporated therein. The CO2 generating material is exposable to humidity and any residual moisture within the package and any moisture absorbing material to allow the CO2 generating material to emit an atmosphere of CO2 within the package from exposure to moisture within the air in the package, and to absorb any residual moisture in the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising an imaging layer and a base wherein said base comprises a closed cell foam core sheet and adhered thereto an upper and lower flange sheet, wherein said foam core sheet has a modulus of between 100 and 2758 MPa and a tensile toughness between 0.344 and 35 MPa, and wherein said upper and lower flange sheet has a modulus of between and 1380 and 20000 MPa and a toughness between 1.4 and 210 MPa.

Abstract: A commercially available product, of a type having a batting with a softness and flexibility and configured for use in the formation of a quilt, where the quilt has at least one cover to be securably attached to the batting, includes a composite member sold in at least one desirable size for making a quilt and formed of the batting and an adhesive material as an article of manufacture, is disclosed. The batting consists of a fibrous material and the adhesive material includes a water-soluble material and is effective to form a removable bond at the opposing faces of the batting, so that the quilt may be formed by at least temporary attachment of the cover to the batting by the bond and the bond is removable after formation of the quilt.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel.

Abstract: The subject invention provides non-woven fabrics having yarns of varying characteristics. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides nonwoven fabrics that comprise yarns of different deniers or cross sections. The use of these yarns gives the nonwoven fabric a unique appearance and advantageous properties. The subject invention further pertains to the processes used to produce these fabrics.

Abstract: A balloon for a catheter and a method of making the balloon, having a layer of a porous polymeric material with a modified outer surface and a lubricious coating bonded to the modified outer surface. In one embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a polymer impregnated in the porous polymeric material, and the subsequently applied lubricious coating bonds to the impregnating polymer. In another embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a functionality deposited on the porous polymeric material which bonds to the subsequently applied lubricious coating. The modified outer surface provides an improved strong bond between the lubricious coating and the balloon, for improved catheter performance.

Abstract: The invention resides in a system and method of tensioning a net comprising a frame having at least two opposing frame members and a net extending therebetween. The net is made from material of cords of a water soluble yarn capable of high shrinkage rates when wetted with water and dried. A tensioning device may be provided along one of said frame sides for causing tensioning of localized regions in said mesh after said mesh is wetted with water. The invention further resides in a method of tensioning a net to a frame having at least two opposing frame members and the net extending therebetween such that by sizing the net larger than said frame and mounting the net onto the frame such that the border is located outside of the frame and wetting the net and allowing it to dry, the net shrinks around the frame taking up play otherwise existing prior to the wetting step.

Abstract: A three dimensional fabric suitable for use as a moisture management system for footwear and apparel which includes a first surface and a second surface which encase a center section. At least one surface is water repellent and may include pores of a predetermined size to allow moisture to pass therethrough. The fabric further contains a moisture absorbing agent which functions to capture and hold moisture which is later evaporated within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A porous composite block is provided that contains at least two groups of binding agent particles. The first binding agent particles have an average particle size between about 5 ?m and 200 ?m. The second binding agent particles have an average particle size no larger than half the average particle size of the first binding agent particles and also between about 10 nm and 30 ?m. The porous composite block can also contain active grains and active granules such that the granules are smaller than the grains. The grains and the granules can be capable of treating water. A method of forming a porous composite block and a water treatment system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved composite material structure having large portions of additive material aligned over a substantial width of a material structure and occupying a larger percentage of the structure volume. The material structure includes a resilient substrate layer or conventional decking having a plurality of elongated rods arranged on a surface of the substrate layer to form at least one rod layer. The spaces between rods are filled with a slurry material which is allowed to set causing the component elements to bond together to form a lightweight durable and high strength composite material structure.