Abstract: A sound absorbing component contains a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin expanded body having a percentage of void being not less than 50 vol %, and a resin molded body. An air layer is provided between the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin expanded body and the resin molded body. This sound absorbing component can effectively absorb the sound especially in the frequency region of 500 to 3000 Hz corresponding to the exterior noise problematic in automobiles, even if it is lightweight and thin.

Abstract: A composite core is selected which is formed of a reinforcing fiber and a thermoplastic synthetic resin by a compression molding, and including a first region in which the grammage M.sub.1 is set in a range of 400 g/m.sub.2 .ltoreq.M.sub.1 .ltoreq.700 g/m.sup.2 to provide a reduction in weight, and a second region in which the grammage M.sub.2 is adjusted in a range of 900 g/m.sup.2 .ltoreq.M.sub.1 .ltoreq.1,200 g/m.sup.2 to provide an enhanced rigidity. At a first step, the composite core is heated, whereby it is expanded, and the thermoplastic synthetic resin is expanded. At a second step, a skin material is superposed onto the composite core. At a third step, the composite core is compressed, and the skin material is bonded to the composite core. In the laminate produced in the above manner, the first region contributes to a reduction in weight, and the second region contributes to an increase in rigidity.

Abstract: A pipe clogging detecting device which incessantly monitors states of a pipe through which fluid is flowing, and when clogging occurs, immediately alarms the occurrence of clogging to operators. The device includes a plurality of containers, a pipe interconnecting the containers, a vibration sensor provided on the pipe, and a detecting device for detecting the occurrence of clogging in the pipe, based on output signals from the vibration sensor.