Abstract: A continuous carpet (10) or other flooring manufacturing process that accommodates use of a variety of materials including recycled PVC from used carpet and carpet manufacturing waste. The continuous process forms backing (12) and is capable of feeding the backing into a lamination stage for bonding with the face cloth (14). By providing a continuous process whereby the backing layer, upon formation, can be immediately laminated to the face cloth, manufacturing time and associated cost are reduced. Moreover, formation of the backing layer as a process separate from the lamination thereby protecting the face cloth from unnecessary heat and pressure and enhancing the many types of material, including recycled and waste materials, especially used carpet and used carpet by products. Use of these cheaper materials reduces both the manufacturing cost by products.

Abstract: Textile fiber face modular flooring having edges treated to mimic the appearance of grout between installed modules or otherwise provide visual demarcation between modules and methods and apparatus for producing such modules.

Abstract: A lightweight coated fabric substrate of high tenacity yams, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene or the like is extrusion coated with a material resulting in a substantially air impermeable fabric with a tear strength-to-weight ratio of at least 8 pounds/oz. per sq. yd. at weights of between 2 and 7.5 oz. per sq. yd.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of a release liner fabric during cutting and subsequent use. The method is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerized resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The fabric is cut in those areas where the cured coating is applied, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the fabric edge. The method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of release liners used for the protection of rubber sheeting for manufacturing automobile tires.

Abstract: Backlit sign fabric formed by coating release paper with ink, applying a plastisol coating onto the dried ink, applying a reinforcing scrim onto the coating, curing the product, then removing the release paper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion coating a nylon fabric or the like. The apparatus includes a supply roll for supplying a length of fabric having a top and bottom surface and a take-up roll for taking up the length of fabric. An extrusion coating head located between the supply roll and the take-up roll and perpendicular to the movement of the length of fabric applies a plastic coating onto one surface of the length of fabric. A combining roll located between the supply roll and the take-up roll and adjacent to the extrusion coating head joins the plastic coating to the one surface of the length of fabric. In the preferred embodiment, the combining roll is heated to provide improved adhesion of the plastic coating onto the surface of the length of fabric while, at the same time, a water mist prevents sticking. The resulting fabric has a tear strength of greater than about 50 pounds and a weight of less than about 5.5 oz. per sq. yd.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of a release liner fabric during cutting and subsequent use. The method is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerized resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The fabric is cut in those areas where the cured coating is applied, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the fabric edge. The method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of release liners used for the protection of rubber sheeting for manufacturing automobile tires.

Abstract: An awning fabric for use with a backlit sign of the type having a light source disposed on one side of the awning fabric. The awning fabric includes a scrim and a translucent coating on at least one side of the scrim. The scrim is treated with an optical brightener. When the awning fabric is viewed by an observer from the side opposite the light source, the visibility of the scrim to the observer is minimized. The translucent coating may be plastisol. The optical brightener is preferably a fluorescent whitening agent comprising a stilbene derivative. Also disclosed is a method for producing an awning fabric. The method includes applying an optical brightener to a scrim and applying a translucent coating onto at least one side of the scrim. The method may further include applying an opaque coating onto the translucent coating. Thereafter, a solvent is selectively applied to the opaque coating thereby forming a selected pattern on the awning fabric.

Abstract: A process of reinforcing airbag fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of the fabric during the cutting process. The process is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerizable resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The airbag fabric is cut in those areas where the coating has been applied and cured, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the airbag fabric edge. The process is particularly suitable for the fabrication of airbags used for the protection of vehicle occupants as in automobiles. Airbags constructed of a breathable, edge-coated fabric are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to flame retardant thermoplastic molding compositions, comprising:(a) a polyester resin derived from a cyclohexanedimethanol and a carbocyclic dicarboxylic acid or ester;(b) a tetra brominated bisphenol-A epoxy oligomer endcapped with epichlorohydrin flame retardant; and(c) a reinforcing agent.The compositions of the present invention have excellent thermal stability and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: A novel compositions is disclosed which comprises polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, and 30-85% by total weight of barium sulfate of said molding composition.

Abstract: Polyester resins modified with a glass fiber reinforcing agent treated with novel sizing agents exhibit marked by improved physical strength properties.