Abstract: A gasket assembly (20) and method for forming the gasket assembly (20) for sealing two mating surfaces (46,48) over a complex geometrical contact region. The gasket assembly (20) is formed by a hollow silicone rubber tube (22) having a naturally straight configuration but easily bent into complex configurations without kinking. The tube (22) is filled with a curable liquid rubber compound (30) and then the ends (24,26) of the tube (22) are joined in end-to-end fashion to form a continuous loop. The joined ends (24,26) of the tube (22) can be reinforced with a connector (34,134) and then locally cured on a preliminary operation so that the liquid rubber compound (30) does not escape. The tube (22) is then laid up in a mold (40) having a complex geometrical feature (42) which replicates the complex geometrical contact region of the two mating surfaces (46,48) to be subsequently sealed.

Abstract: A tubular thermal sleeve assembly for providing protection to an elongate member and method of enhancing the robustness of a thermal sleeve with the assembly is provided. The thermal sleeve assembly includes a tubular wall of insulative material having an outer surface and an inner surface bounding a cavity extending along a longitudinal central axis for receipt of the elongate member. The assembly further includes a flexible outer layer of metallic material extending along the longitudinal central axis between opposite ends with the metallic material having a plurality of openings formed between the opposite ends.

Abstract: A reflective panel and method of construction thereof from post consumer mixed Asian cardboard for forming structural and/or acoustic and/or thermal panels is provided. The method includes providing post consumer mixed Asian cardboard and comminuting the cardboard into predetermined reduced sized pieces. Then, combining the reduced sized pieces with a heat bondable textile material to form a substantially homogenous mixture. Further, forming a web of the mixture of a predetermined thickness in a dry nonwoven webbing process. Then, heating the web to bond the heat bondable material with the reduced sized pieces to form a nonwoven sheet having opposite sides. Further, bonding at least one reflective layer to at least one of the opposite sides of the nonwoven sheet.

Abstract: A nonwoven sheet material and method of construction thereof is provided. The nonwoven sheet material includes a heat bondable textile material and a used post consumer material. The used post consumer material includes at least one of a non-thermoplastic material, thermoplastic material, a plastic composition including different types of plastic constituents, and other materials containing contaminants such as dirt, oil, grease and the like in a non-washed state, which are ordinarily considered non-reusable waste. The used post consumer material is bonded with the heat bondable textile material to form the nonwoven sheet material and panels formed therefrom.

Abstract: A gasket assembly (20) and method for forming the gasket assembly (20) for sealing two mating surfaces (46,48) over a complex geometrical contact region. The gasket assembly (20) is formed by a hollow silicone rubber tube (22) having a naturally straight configuration but easily bent into complex configurations without kinking. The tube (22) is filled with a curable liquid rubber compound (30) and then the ends (24,26) of the tube (22) are joined in end-to-end fashion to form a continuous loop. The joined ends (24,26) of the tube (22) can be reinforced with a connector (34,134) and then locally cured on a preliminary operation so that the liquid rubber compound (30) does not escape. The tube (22) is then laid up in a mold (40) having a complex geometrical feature (42) which replicates the complex geometrical contact region of the two mating surfaces (46,48) to be subsequently sealed.

Abstract: A gasket assembly (20) and method for forming the gasket assembly (20) for sealing two mating surfaces (46,48) over a complex geometrical contact region. The gasket assembly (20) is formed by a hollow silicone rubber tube (22) having a naturally straight configuration but easily bent into complex configurations without kinking. The tube (22) is filled with a curable liquid rubber compound (30) and then the ends (24,26) of the tube (22) are joined in end-to-end fashion to form a continuous loop. The joined ends (24,26) of the tube (22) can be reinforced with a connector (34,134) and then locally cured on a preliminary operation so that the liquid rubber compound (30) does not escape. The tube (22) is then laid up in a mold (40) having a complex geometrical feature (42) which replicates the complex geometrical contact region of the two mating surfaces (46,48) to be subsequently sealed.

Abstract: A nonwoven material and method of construction thereof from post consumer mixed Asian cardboard for forming structural and/or acoustic and/or thermal panels. The method includes providing post consumer mixed Asian cardboard and comminuting the cardboard into pieces of a predetermined size. Further, combining the reduced sized cardboard pieces with heat bondable textile fibers to form a substantially homogenous mixture, and then, forming a web of the mixture, with the web having a predetermined thickness, in a dry nonwoven webbing process. Then, heating the web to bond the heat bondable material with the reduced size pieces of mixed Asian cardboard to form the nonwoven material.

Abstract: A nonwoven material and method of construction thereof from post consumer mixed Asian cardboard for forming structural and/or acoustic and/or thermal panels. The method includes providing post consumer mixed Asian cardboard and comminuting the cardboard into pieces of a predetermined size. Further, combining the reduced sized cardboard pieces with heat bondable textile fibers to form a substantially homogenous mixture, and then, forming a web of the mixture, with the web having a predetermined thickness, in a dry nonwoven webbing process. Then, heating the web to bond the heat bondable material with the reduced size pieces of mixed Asian cardboard to form the nonwoven material.

Abstract: A nonwoven material and method of construction thereof from post consumer mixed Asian cardboard for forming structural and/or acoustic and/or thermal panels. The method includes providing post consumer mixed Asian cardboard and comminuting the cardboard into pieces of a predetermined size. Further, combining the reduced sized cardboard pieces with heat bondable textile fibers to form a substantially homogenous mixture, and then, forming a web of the mixture, with the web having a predetermined thickness, in a dry nonwoven webbing process. Then, heating the web to bond the heat bondable material with the reduced size pieces of mixed Asian cardboard to form the nonwoven material.

Abstract: A gasket assembly (20) and method for forming the gasket assembly (20) for sealing two mating surfaces (46,48) over a complex geometrical contact region. The gasket assembly (20) is formed by a hollow silicone rubber tube (22) having a naturally straight configuration but easily bent into complex configurations without kinking. The tube (22) is filled with a curable liquid rubber compound (30) and then the ends (24,26) of the tube (22) are joined in end-to-end fashion to form a continuous loop. The joined ends (24,26) of the tube (22) can be reinforced with a connector (34,134) and then locally cured on a preliminary operation so that the liquid rubber compound (30) does not escape. The tube (22) is then laid up in a mold (40) having a complex geometrical feature (42) which replicates the complex geometrical contact region of the two mating surfaces (46,48) to be subsequently sealed.

Abstract: An elongated sleeve structure for insertion and protection of elongated items within a duct is disclosed. The sleeve structure is formed from a flexible sleeve woven from warp and fill yarns to produce opposed layers in closely spaced relation. The layers have a common seamless edge and are joined along a second edge by a knit stitch formed by interlooping of successive traverses of the fill yarn which is common to both layers. The layers are of equal width and are resiliently separable into a spaced apart relationship defining a central space which accommodates the elongated items. A pull tape is positioned between the opposed layers for drawing the elongated items through the sleeve central space once the sleeve structure is positioned within the duct. Multiple sleeve structures may be joined together in an assembly using an attachment piece allowing a plurality of sleeve structures to be pulled simultaneously.

Abstract: Multilayer sleeves for insulating or protecting elongated substrates are disclosed. The sleeves are continuously knitted in different sections integrally joined end to end, the sections being formed of different filamentary members chosen for desired characteristics. The sleeves are formed into the multilayer configuration by reverse folding the sleeves inwardly to place one section coaxially within another. Sleeve ends may be finished with welts to prevent raveling and serve as a clinch on the elongated substrates. Rib knits are used to form insulating air pockets lengthwise along the sleeves to augment the insulating effectiveness.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for receiving and protecting elongated items within a duct is disclosed. The sleeve assembly includes a plurality of separate and independent sleeves, each sleeve being woven from warp and weft filamentary members that form sidewalls surrounding and defining a central space. Pull cords are located within each central space for drawing the elongated items through the sleeves once positioned within a duct. The assembly includes means for drawing the sleeves simultaneously through the duct, such means including an outer jacket surrounding the sleeves, the jacket having an inwardly facing surface that exerts a compressive force on the sleeves causing them to be drawn through the duct together with the jacket. The means may also include a loop which attaches the sleeved together at one end. The sleeves may be biased into an open or a substantially flattened configuration.

Abstract: A composite sheet biasable into a tubular shape to form a sleeve for isolating or protecting elongated items is disclosed. The sheet has a reflective surface formed by a metal foil layer overlying a flexible polymer layer having a metalized surface. A biasable polymer netting layer is positioned overlying the flexible layer opposite the metalized surface. The netting layer is formed of elongated members that define interstices. A damping layer of non-woven material is positioned adjacent to the netting layer. An adhesive layer is positioned between the flexible layer and the netting layer to bond the netting layer and the damping layer to the flexible layer. Biasing is effected by the elongated members of the netting layer which are stiffer in the circumferential direction around the sleeve to provide radial stiffness.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for receiving and protecting elongated items within a duct is disclosed. The sleeve assembly includes a plurality of separate and independent sleeves, each sleeve being woven from warp and weft filamentary members that form sidewalls surrounding and defining a central space. Pull cords are located within each central space for drawing the elongated items through the sleeves once positioned within a duct. The assembly includes means for drawing the sleeves simultaneously through the duct, such means including an outer jacket surrounding the sleeves, the jacket having an inwardly facing surface that exerts a compressive force on the sleeves causing them to be drawn through the duct together with the jacket. The means may also include a loop which attaches the sleeved together at one end. The sleeves may be biased into an open or a substantially flattened configuration.

Abstract: An elongated sleeve structure for insertion and protection of elongated items within a duct is disclosed. The sleeve structure is formed from a flexible sleeve woven from warp and fill yarns to produce opposed layers in closely spaced relation. The layers have a common seamless edge and are joined along a second edge by a knit stitch formed by interlooping of successive traverses of the fill yarn which is common to both layers. The layers are of equal width and are resiliently separable into a spaced apart relationship defining a central space which accommodates the elongated items. A pull tape is positioned between the opposed layers for drawing the elongated items through the sleeve central space once the sleeve structure is positioned within the duct. Multiple sleeve structures may be joined together in an assembly using an attachment piece allowing a plurality of sleeve structures to be pulled simultaneously.

Abstract: Multilayer sleeves for insulating or protecting elongated substrates are disclosed. The sleeves are continuously knitted in different sections integrally joined end to end, the sections being formed of different filamentary members chosen for desired characteristics. The sleeves are formed into the multilayer configuration by reverse folding the sleeves inwardly to place one section coaxially within another. Sleeve ends may be finished with welts to prevent raveling and serve as a clinch on the elongated substrates. Rib knits are used to form insulating air pockets lengthwise along the sleeves to augment the insulating effectiveness.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for covering elongated substrates is disclosed. The sleeve is knitted from a combination of first and second filamentary members having different properties from one another. The filamentary members are plated so that the filamentary members having properties compatible with the substrate are positioned predominantly on the inner surface of the sleeve facing and engaging the substrate. Filament properties include heat resistance, high-tensile strength, resistance to abrasion, chemical attack and damping capability. Ribs are integrally knitted lengthwise along the sleeve to form insulating air pockets. The ends of the sleeve are finished with welts to prevent unraveling.

Abstract: A sleeve having a longitudinally extending slit for covering wires or tubing is provided with a support layer of a continuous monofilament of formable metal wire or heat-settable monofilament formed into a multiplicity of spaced apart reversely bent crests and troughs. The continuous monofilament is bent to form a split tube having the crests and troughs in facing relationship. At least one outer layer is provided on said support layer. The outer layer may be an insulator such as a metal foil or metalized film, an abrasion-resistant material or a resilient sound-absorbing material. Inner layers may comprise insulating materials and/or felts, foams or other sound-absorbing materials. Various closure means for closing the longitudinal opening formed at the slit are disclosed.

Abstract: A heat protective sleeve for the protection of elongated members is disclosed, the sleeve having a first sheet of insulative material with an outer reflective layer. Oppositely disposed edges of the first sheet have means for joining the edges to a portion of the first sheet in overlapping relationship to form a tubular sleeve. A second insulative sheet is attached to the outer surface of the first sheet inward from the edges. The second sheet also has a reflective layer on its outer surface and is attached to the first sheet along its edges, parallel to the edges of the first sheet, thus, forming an air pocket between the sheets. A stiff monofilament wire bent into a spiral or other shape is disposed within the air pocket to maintain the pocket shape. In use, the air pocket is positioned facing a heat source and the sleeve interposes a reflective layer, an insulating layer, an air pocket, a second reflective layer and a second insulating layer between the elongated members and the heat source.