Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A fabric comprising elongated metal elements and thermoplastic material, said thermoplastic material being present in a volume of at least 40% of the total volume of said fabric, whereby at least part of the elongated metal elements are metal cords. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a reinforced article by applying heat and/or pressure to such a fabric.

Abstract: A steel structure adapted for the reinforcement of elastomeric members has steel elements containing a plurality of steel filaments at least one of which filaments is provided with first and second crimps. The first crimp lies in a plane that is substantially different from the plane of the second crimp. Application of the both crimps can be carried out efficiently using two pairs of toothed wheels which are not externally driven. This arrangement renders it possible to obtain steel structures with an increased penetration of rubber or with an increased elongation at break.

Abstract: A steel structure adapted for the reinforcement of elastomeric members has steel elements containing a plurality of steel filaments at least one of which filaments is provided with first and second crimps. The first crimp lies in a plane that is substantially different from the plane of the second crimp. Application of the both crimps can be carried out efficiently using two pairs of toothed wheels which are not externally driven. This arrangement renders it possible to obtain steel structures with an increased penetration of rubber or with an increased elongation at break.

Abstract: A steel structure adapted for the reinforcement of elastomeric members has steel elements containing a plurality of steel filaments at least one of which filaments is provided with first and second crimps. The first crimp lies in a plane that is substantially different from the plane of the second crimp. Application of the both crimps can be carried out efficiently using two pairs of toothed wheels which are not externally driven. This arrangement renders it possible to obtain steel structures with an increased penetration of rubber or with an increased elongation at break.

Abstract: A fabric (144) for use as a stab-resistant insert in protective textiles comprises a plurality of steel cords (100). Each of the steel cords (100) comprises a longitudinal axis (102) and two or more steel filaments (104). Each of the steel filaments (104) forme a twisting angle &agr; with the longitudinal axis (102) of the steel cord (100). The steel cords (100) have two or more of such twisting angles which are substantially different from each other so that any penetrating stab or knife is stopped.

Abstract: A fabric (144) for use as a stab-resistant insert in protective textiles comprises a plurality of steel cords (100). Each of the steel cords (100) comprises a longitudinal axis (102) and two or more steel filaments (104). Each of the steel filaments (104) forme a twisting angle .alpha. with the longitudinal axis (102) of the steel cord (100). The steel cords (100) have two or more of such twisting angles which are substantially different from each other so that any penetrating stab or knife is stopped.

Abstract: A steel cord (114) comprises strength elements (100, 132) and having a length, a longitudinal central axis (112) and a cord pitch. At least one of the elements (100) has a projection on a plane YZ perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (112). This projection takes the form of a curve with a radius of curvature which alternates between a maximum and a minimum. The curve further has a center of curvature. The radius of curvature and the center of curvature lie inside the curve so that a convex curve is obtained. The cord (114) is further characterized by one or both of following features:(i) the distance between two minimum radii of curvature of said curve measured along the longitudinal central axis (112) is different from half the cord pitch; or(ii) if all of said elements (100) provide a convex curve, at least one of said convex curves substantially differs from another convex curve.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) for the reinforcement of timing belts or transmission belts comprises only two to five strands (12) tightly twisted with each other in a first direction at a cord twisting pitch. Each of said strands (12) comprises only two to seven steel filaments (14) tightly twisted with each other in this first direction at a strand twisting pitch. The steel filaments (14) have a diameter ranging from 0.03 to 0.40 mm. The ratio strand twisting pitch to filament diameter is greater than 30, the ratio cord twisting pitch to filament diameter is greater than 30, and the ratio cord twisting pitch to strand twisting pitch is greater than 1. Such a steel cord has an acceptable low torsion moment under axial loads.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) comprises eight or more strands (12, 14) twisted together. Each of the strands has a substantially same cord twisting direction and a substantially same cord twisting pitch in the steel cord, and each of the strands consists of two to five individual filaments (16, 18) twisted together. Such a multi-strand steel cord can be manufactured without having to twist the individual strands separately and beforehand.

Abstract: A steel cord (114) comprises strength elements (100, 132) and having a length, a longitudinal central axis (112) and a cord pitch. At least one of the elements (100) has a projection on a plane YZ perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (112). This projection takes the form of a curve with a radius of curvature which alternates between a maximum and a minimum. The curve further has a center of curvature. The radius of curvature and the center of curvature lie inside the curve so that a convex curve is obtained. The cord (114) is further characterized by one or both of following features:(i) the distance between two minimum radii of curvature of said curve measured along the longitudinal central axis (112) is different from half the cord pitch; or(ii) if all of said elements (100) provide a convex curve, at least one of said convex curves substantially differs from another convex curve.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) adapted for the reinforcement of elastomeric articles including a center structure of one to five center filaments (16) and a maximum of two layers of layer filaments surrounding said center structure: an outer layer of outer layer filaments (12, 13) and optionally, an intermediate layer of intermediate layer filaments (24) between the center structure and the outer layer. All the center filaments (16) and all the layer filaments (12, 13, 24) have the same twist hand and have the same twist pitch. The outer layer filaments (12, 13) exert a force which is directed radially inward.

Abstract: A steel cord comprises steel filaments twisted around each other in a first direction about at least one steel core filament having a wave form. The twisted filaments are individually subjected to a rotation about their own axes. This steel cord is formed by deforming the core filament into a planar wave form and twisting the core filament in a second direction to a predetermined degree. The core filaments together with the other filaments are twisted in the first direction so that the twisted filaments are individually subjected to a rotation around their own axes in the first direction.

Abstract: A steel cord (10) adapted for the reinforcement of elastomers, comprises individual steel filaments (12, 14). Some of these steel filaments (12) have a difference in torsion saturation level in comparison with other steel filaments (14). All of the individual steel filaments have a predetermined number of residual torsions and are preferably free of residual torsions. Such a steel cord is manufactured by making use of two false twisters.

Abstract: A steel cord, having steel filaments twisted so as to have a final twist pitch, is manufactured by plastically deforming the steel filaments by overtwisting the steel cord to a twist pitch which is smaller than the final twist pitch, untwisting the steel cord to the final twist pitch, further untwisting the steel cord to a twist pitch which is greater than the final twist pitch, and twisting the steel cord again to the final twist pitch. The first two steps (i.e., overtwisting and untwisting) are done under a first tension and the third and fourth steps (i.e., further untwisting and twisting) are done under a second tension which is lower than half of the first tension.