Abstract: A device for slitting an elastomeric strip into two identical halves of cross-section suitable for use as windshield wiper blades includes a drive roller which grips the strip and draws it through stationary dies past the operative cutting area of a pair of rotary cutters having cutting tip configurations and placement effecting cutting of the strip to provide sharp, consistent corners at the resulting blade tips.

Abstract: A method for using alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts as a coating for friction materials which during use contact, at least part of the time, rustable metals. The method comprises contacting the friction material with an aqueous solution comprising at least about 0.05 weight alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts being the reaction product of:(i) alkanolamine; and(ii) C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid;and thereafter evaporating water from the aqueous coating on the friction material so as to leave the friction material with a coating comprising alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts. Friction materials coated by above method are also claimed.

Abstract: A method for using alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts as a coating for friction materials which during use contact, at least part of the time, rustable metals. The method comprises contacting the friction material with an aqueous solution comprising at least about 0.05 weight alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts being the reaction product of:(i) alkanolamine; and(ii) C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid;and thereafter evaporating water from the aqueous coating on the friction material so as to leave the friction material with a coating comprising alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts. Friction materials coated by above method are also claimed.

Abstract: A method of protecting an aluminum braking surface is disclosed. A brake lining associated with the surface is formed of a brake lining material which includes as a part of the composition an additive of sodium fluoride or cryolite. When a brake system composed of the braking surface and the brake lining are subjected to repeated braking actions, the additive of the brake lining reacts with a surface layer of the aluminum braking surface to form a tenacious, wear resistant layer thereon. The additive, upon further braking actions serves to maintain the wear resistant layer as fresh aluminum is exposed during normal wear of the braking surface over its useful life.