Abstract: A low-cost and easy to manufacture static structure and method for soundproofing walls, floors, and/or ceilings of rooms in new and/or existing construction utilizes an asphalt based flexible membrane as one or more sound absorbing layers which may be applied to an existing wall panel or first applied to one or more unmounted wall panels to form a laminated structure which is then affixed to the walls, floor or ceiling to be soundproofed. The wall panel is preferably gypsum wallboard. Each sound absorbing layer, in addition to soundproofing, may also serve to prevent or at least reduce air or water infiltration to and from the room.

Abstract: A low-cost and easy to manufacture static structure and method for soundproofing walls, floors, and/or ceilings of rooms in new and/or existing construction utilizes an asphalt based flexible membrane as one or more sound absorbing layers which may be applied to an existing wall panel or first applied to one or more unmounted wall panels to form a laminated structure which is then affixed to the walls, floor or ceiling to be soundproofed. The wall panel is preferably gypsum wallboard. Each sound absorbing layer, in addition to soundproofing, may also serve to prevent or at least reduce air or water infiltration to and from the room.

Abstract: Molding apparatus and method for molding of features integral with a base, such as in the production of fastener elements for hook-and-loop type touch fasteners, e.g. by the Fischer process, employs a mold roll (1) formed of rings (9) that have coolant passages (22) formed within the ring components (9) themselves for substantially direct contact with cooling liquid. Axial tie rods (16) compress the mold rings (9) together, contributing to the sealing of the coolant passages and the stiffness of the mold roll. Mold cavities (2), including cavities (2) used for injection molding, and cooling passages (22) formed in either mold rings (9) or injection mold plates by photo-chemical etching, laser machining and other techniques are disclosed. Various machines and methods taking unique advantage of these features are disclosed, including ring alignment methods for improved base thickness control and for forming products with very thin bases.

Abstract: A method for producing a multiplicity of fastener element molding cavities extending from a mold surface, for molding a plastic product having fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from a product base, and a mold so produced. The mold cavities are formed by depositing multiple layers of plating material on a workpiece in a predetermined pattern selected to produce a desired mold cavity shape, or by depositing a thick stratum of plating material over an array of fastener elements and then removing the fastener elements to leave shaped cavities within the plating material. The mold may be in the form of a roll or belt for continuous processing, or in any form for discrete injection molding. Molds having fastener element cavities defined by rigid cast materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a multiplicity of miniature cavities extending from a mold surface for molding a plastic product having features integrally molded with and extending from a product base, and a mold so produced. The mold cavities are formed by depositing multiple layers of plating material on a workpiece in a predetermined pattern selected to produce a desired mold cavity shape. The mold may be in the form of a roll or belt for continuous processing, or in any form for discrete injection molding. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of touch fastener products, such as those with arrays of miniature hooks.

Abstract: A fastener strap sheet is provided that includes (a) a sheet material having a first surface and a second surface substantially opposite the first surface, the first surface being constructed for face-to-face cooperating engagement with the second surface; and (b) a pattern of cuts extending through the sheet material, the cuts defining an array of fastener straps, each fastener strap including an elongated body having a predetermined width, and a head portion at one end of the body having a width greater than the predetermined width and defining an opening through which the strap body can be pulled. The array of straps define a first set of straps and a second set of straps, the heads of the first set, being located on a first side of the array and the heads of the second set being located on a second, opposite side of the array, and the bodies of the first set being directly bordered by and parallel with the bodies of the second set, in an interdigitated arrangement.

Abstract: Molding apparatus and method for continuous molding of features integral with a base, such as in the production of fastener elements for hook-and-loop type touch fasteners, e.g. by the Fischer process, employs a mold roll formed of rings that have coolant passages formed within the ring components themselves for substantially direct contact with cooling liquid. Axial tie rods compress the mold rings together, contributing to the sealing of the coolant passages and the stiffness of the mold roll. Other types of sealing are disclosed. Mold cavities and cooling passages formed by photo-chemical etching, laser machining and other techniques are disclosed. Various machines and methods taking unique advantage of these features are disclosed, including ring alignment methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming urethane foam and polyvinyl chloride plastic material from composite plastic articles (18). The articles pass through a granulator (23) and pass through a first elutriator (36) where two streams of particles are formed. A denser stream passes to a second elutriator (50) where at its exit (56) substantially pure polyvinyl chloride particles are passed into bin (58). A less dense stream of particles pass to a screen separator (64) where intermediately sized particles are sorted onto conveyor (74) which passes substantially pure urethane foam to baler (76).