Abstract: A balloon catheter and a method of making the balloon catheter, having a balloon which is bonded to an elongated shaft, and which has a first layer and a second layer and an improved strong bond between the balloon and the shaft. One aspect of the invention is directed to a balloon in which the balloon first layer has at least a section with a gas plasma-etched or chemical solution-etched surface for improved bondability. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a balloon in which the balloon first layer has a proximal end section bonded to an outer surface of the shaft and the balloon second layer has a proximal end section bonded to an inner surface of the shaft, and, in one embodiment, at least a section of the balloon first layer has a gas plasma-etched or chemical solution-etched surface.

Abstract: Sheath materials and processes are disclosed. For example, hypotube sheaths and processes of making hypotube sheaths are disclosed. Devices and systems, including medical devices and systems, such as catheters, containing hypotube sheaths are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective cover for protection of agricultural products comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting sufficient vapour permeability to permeability to permit transmission of gases through the cover while retarding passage of dust and insects. The protective cover is provided in a tubular configuration sized to permit the cover to be positioned generally about associated agricultural products, with the cover being particularly suited for use on products prior to harvest, such as bananas. The cover may be formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, and may be formed from fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven fabric may be formed with protection-enhancing agents such as insecticidal, fungicidal, algaecidal, decay-inhibiting, and UV-protective agents. The nonwoven fabric may be pigmented as desired.

Abstract: A composite fiber-resin structural member includes a composite fiber-resin tube having a central axis, and an elongated truss. The truss has a longitudinal axis and includes at least two wires and a plurality of diametral carbon fibers which forms circular bundles around the wires. The truss fits within the fiber-resin tubing such that the central axis of the fiber-resin tubing and the longitudinal axis of the truss are coaxial. The diametral fibers are connected to the fiber-resin tubing with resin, and are of substantially equal length from the longitudinal axis of the truss. Preferably, at least one of the wires of the truss is mechanically textured to include a consistent and repeating distortion along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging water or solvent based formulations, in particular to those formulations which are prone to skinning. The invention comprises a container that is adapted to contain such a formulation in which an anti-skinning layer is located between at least a portion of an internal surface of the container or a lid and the formulation.

Abstract: A reinforced, high pressure hose is disclosed for use in the transport of high pressure fluids. The hose includes a multilayered inner tube capable of prolonged exposure to fluids such as those containing hydrocarbons, and a reinforcement layer overlaying the inner tube. The reinforcement layer includes at least one reinforcement strip wrapped about the inner tube and with the edges of the strip in an overlying relationship.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photo-sensitive laminate film for use in making an image mask for etching an image on a substrate. In a first preferred embodiment, the photo-sensitive laminate film comprises a support sheet having a first surface and a second surface, a layer of polymer resin composition having photocrosslinkability, the layer of polymer resin composition having a first surface and a second surface, and a fractionally-releasable bonding layer located between the first surface of the support sheet and the second surface of the layer of polymer resin composition. Upon the creation of an image mask from the layer of polymer resin composition, the image mask is capable of being separated from the first surface of the support sheet such that at least a portion of the bonding layer located between the image mask and the first surface of the support sheet is released from the support sheet with the image mask, and the remaining portion of the bonding layer remains with the support sheet.

Abstract: A system and method for adhering a fabric to a backing substrate is disclosed. The system includes at least one roll of a reusable backing substrate, wherein the reusable backing substrate supports the fabric during a printing process. The system also includes at least one roll of fabric and a lamination system for removably adhering the fabric to the backing substrate. A print zone is configured for receiving the backed fabric and prints a pattern on the backed fabric. After the pattern is printed, the fabric is removed from the backing substrate and the backing substrate may be reused in another printing process. The invention is also directed to a method for printing a pattern on a layer of fabric using a reusable backing substrate and a laminated backing substrate used in the disclosed system and method.

Abstract: A coating composition and process of applying the coating to a substrate are provided herein. The coating composition includes filler particles, binder and a liquid carrier, such as water. The filler particles have an average particle size in the range from about 100 to about 600 microns and preferably in the range from about 200 to about 450 microns. The coating composition comprises from about 15% to about 50% by weight liquid carrier and from about 35% to about 90% by dry solids weight filler particles. The coating composition preserves the acoustic performance characteristics of the substrate to which it is applied, while imparting a textured appearance to the substrate, making the substrate virtually indistinguishable from surrounding panels.

Abstract: There is provided a modular area rug having a plurality of individual floor covering elements positioned in an aesthetically pleasing tiled configuration. The modular area rug may include a plurality of similar repeating sub-units, each of which may comprise multiple floor covering elements. The modular area rug is free-standing, requiring no contact with a wall to maintain its monolithic nature. Further, the individual floor covering elements may be easily repositioned to satisfy user needs or whims. Each floor covering element has a textile upper surface and a skid-resistant backing of either a sheet material or a fabric-elastomer composite.

Abstract: A phase-change optical information recording medium in which information can be recorded, erased, and read includes a substrate and a recording layer overlying the substrate. The recording layer achieves a crystal phase and an amorphous phase. The absorptance Ac of the recording layer in the crystal phase against light having a wavelength of from 370 nm to 450 nm is lower than the absorptance Aa of the recording layer in the amorphous phase against the light. Information is recorded on the recording medium with a recording wavelength of from 370 nm to 450 nm at a recording pitch of 0.3 &mgr;m to 0.52 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising an image layer and a base material wherein said base material comprises at least one oriented sheet laminated to a core sheet comprising a vacuous composite of polyolefin and polyester having a density of less than 0.7 g/cc.

Abstract: A vehicle carpet module comprising a segment of tufted carpet including contiguous portions formed with at least two different sizes of yarn. A mass backing layer is attached to the rear surface of the carpet segment. The carpet module is shaped and sized to cover the floor of a specific motor vehicle.

Abstract: A reinforced foam backing for a floor covering is presented. The reinforced foam backing comprises a foam layer comprising at least one thermoplastic polymeric material. The foam layer has a plurality of voids substantially uniformly distributed therein. The reinforced foam backing further comprises a reinforcing material adhered to the foam sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle carpet module consisting of a piece of tufted carpet that is attached to a piece of thermoplastic material, the module being contoured to the shape of a motor vehicle floor. The carpet module being vacuum formed over a single hollow mold element. The mold element having a molding surface shaped to correspond to the shape of the vehicle floor and having a plurality of vacuum ports formed through the contoured surface. A vacuum pulling the air from the interior of the mold element and causes the vacuum ports to draw a heated carpet segment against the contoured surface and thereby shape the segment into a carpet module. The carpet segment is heated sufficiently soften the thermoplastic material which, upon subsequent cooling, hardens to retain the shape of the molding surface.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for securing floor mats to vehicle carpets and include a back plate that underlies a vehicle carpet, a top plate that overlies a floor mat, and fasteners that are configured to removably secure the back and top plates together such that the carpet and floor mat are sandwiched therebetween. The top plate has an upper surface that has promotional indicia thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus that removably connects an AA or AAA-size flashlight conjoined with a reflective device that can be removably attached to a retractable leash, or any other device, or the forearm of a person using a standard non-retractable leash. The apparatus has a loop section, and long and short members of primarily elastic material with Velcro™ hook and loop type fasteners positioned at either end. The loop section is a receiving area for a flashlight and is integrated within the long and short members. The long and short members and loop section have a reflective property. The long and short members wrap completely around the vertical mid-section of the retractable leash. The reflective quality of the device combined with use of a flashlight allows the person walking a dog to become more visible to others in the absence of ambient light, as well as, providing increased visibility by the individual person.

Abstract: The present invention is a tissue web comprising cellulosic fibers and a semi-synthetic cationic polymer having a molecular weight less than about 5 million. The semi-synthetic cationic polymer can be heterogeneously distributed in the tissue web. The semi-synthetic cationic polymer has a degree of cationic substitution of at least 0.2.

Abstract: A method for molding panels in a sheet molding system comprised of a thermoplastic sheet delivery station and two mold halves, the method comprising the steps of delivering two sheeting layers of thermoplastic material between the two mold halves; inserting a rigidizing insert between the two sheeting layers of thermoplastic material; closing the mold halves to bring the two sheeting layers of thermoplastic material in contact with the insert; and compressing the thermoplastic sandwich between the mold halves to form a panel. A thermoplastic-insert sandwich and a laminate panel comprised of thermoplastic layers abutting a pre-manufactured insert are also claimed.

Abstract: Layered silicate materials and applications are disclosed. In one aspect, the invention features layered silicate materials having pores that run generally perpendicular to the layers. In another aspect, the invention features composite materials including layered framework materials (e.g., layered silicate materials, layered Aluminophosphate materials, layered tin sulfides) having pores or openings that run generally perpendicular to the layers.

Abstract: The invention provides a fabric (10) comprising a porous layer (15) that is porous in the direction along the layer, the porous layer including fibres (16) extending across the layer, whereby, in use, fluid (A) is arranged to be driven along the porous layer in the general extent of the layer. The fabric allows heat from a body in contact with the fabric to be carried along the porous layer, thereby efficiently cooling the body. The invention also provides articles comprising the fabric, such as clothing. Advantageously, the fabric is lightweight, flexible and non-bulky, and provides efficient cooling of the body.

Abstract: A combinatorial library includes a gelcast substrate defining a plurality of cavities in at least one surface thereof; and a plurality of gelcast test materials in the cavities, at least two of the test materials differing from the substrate in at least one compositional characteristic, the two test materials differing from each other in at least one compositional characteristic.

Abstract: A fire blocking non-woven needlepunched textile structure, comprising a first fiber component containing polyacrylonitrile copolymer with a halogen containing monomer and a second fiber component. The second fiber component is selected such that it supports the first fiber component during burning, optionally including an inorganic filler as a coating for the first and second fiber components. In alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a fire blocking non-woven textile structure containing the above first and second fiber components, blended with a third binder fiber component in the form of a vertically lapped nonwoven structure.

Abstract: There are provided a composition for matte layer formation suitable for the production of a matte synthetic leather having a matte surface with a high level of jet-blackness even without the practice of embossing, raising, etc., and a release sheet for the production of a matte synthetic leather by using the composition. The composition for matte layer formation suitable for the production of a matte synthetic leather comprises a thermosetting resin and a matting agent as indispensable components. The matting agent comprises one or at least two types of organic or/and inorganic porous fine particles. The porous fine particles have a mean particle diameter in the range of 0.5 to 20 &mgr;m and a specific surface area in the range of 1 to 1000 m2/g. The release sheet is produced by using the composition.

Abstract: A strap for winding on a handle is disclosed to include a strap body having a gripping layer made of rubber and located on a top side of the strap body for holding by a user's hand, and a bottom layer bonded at a top surface thereof with a bottom surface of the gripping layer and having a ductility smaller than that of the gripping layer. The gripping layer has a transverse width grater than that of the bottom layer. The gripping layer is provided at one of two lateral sides thereof with a protrusion lip on which a recessed portion is formed and the said recessed portion forms a guiding line at a position where the recessed portion is adjacent to a top surface of the gripping layer.

Abstract: The invention comprises reinforced composite structural members which are formed by bonding reinforcing sections to predetermined areas on the outside surface of a hollow profile formed from a thermoplastic resin cellulosic fiber composite material, where the predetermined areas are located substantially away from the center of mass of the composite profile. The reinforcing sections have a higher modulus than the composite material used to form the hollow profile. The invention also comprises processes for forming these reinforced composite structural members.

Abstract: Method for producing a multi-ply web comprising at least three plies of flexible material, such as paper and nonwoven material and a multi-ply product produced according to the method. A first and second ply are glued together with a first glue pattern and a second and third ply are glued together with a second glue pattern which, as seen in the thickness direction of the multi-ply web, is substantially aligned with the first glue pattern.

Abstract: A fusible non-woven fibrous web for a quilt batt. The fusible non-woven fibrous web includes a non-woven fibrous web and a heat sealable and releasable adhesive. The adhesive is coated on the outer surface of the web and insinuates between the fibers of the web internally. The adhesive thus binds the fibers of the web and provides a tackiness sufficient to allow the web to be applied to, removed from, and reapplied to a backing material or other fabric.

Abstract: Method for obtaining an improved but easily adjustable and releasable frictional engagement between two contact surfaces. According to the method, both contact surfaces are provided with material layers (2, 4) which, when there is low contact pressure between the contact surfaces, ensure that these surfaces are able to move comparatively easily in relation to each other, but, when there is higher contact pressure, these material layers engage in each other and make relative movement between the contact surfaces impossible or substantially difficult. This can be achieved by means of both contact surfaces being flocked with a layer of short fibres (5), in particular synthetic fibres. The invention also relates to an arrangement for obtaining an improved frictional engagement between two contact surfaces and to objects provided with such contact surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat reflective film for the construction industry, comprising a base film containing polyurethane, characterized in that the base film is damped on both sides with a metallization coating. The heat-reflective film can be diffusion open or diffusion closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing natural fibre-based composite materials containing natural binders and powdery proteins, comprising the following steps; adding a powdery protein adhesive binder to natural fibres having a moisture content of 1 15%; mixing the natural fibres together with the powdery protein adhesive; adjusting the moisture content of the composition to 6 24% w/w; and submitting the mixture to a heat pressure treatment to form the natural fibre-based material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nacreous polymer sheet comprising voided polyester polymer wherein said sheet has voids of a length to height ratio of greater than 9:1, voids of a length of between 10 and 100 micrometer and a number of voids in the vertical direction is greater than 6.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite product, such as a furniture element, where a core is encapsulated in and enveloped by a foamed plastic material (3) in a mould (4). The composite product is manufactured by using as a core (1) a supporting element, which is either integrated in the composite product or removed after the moulding of the product is completed. Alternatively the core (1) may be composed of support elements in the mould. Furthermore, there may be attached to the core a covering plate (2) made of a plastic material with greater density than the foamed plastic envelop (3) and the covering plate (2) may be enclosed by foamed plastic (3) by means of moulding. The invention further comprises a moulded composite product, for example a furniture element.

Abstract: A self-adhesive labelstock comprises a face paper that has an adhesive layer formed on its one side. The face paper is finished in contact over a long distance with a smooth, hot drying surface, which finishes the smoothness of the paper, such as a Yankee cylinder or a Condebelt dryer. The face paper is suitable for printing by many different printing methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive transfer device for selectively making a repositionably adherable substrate from a selected substrate. The device comprises a base substrate, a layer of pressure-sensitive repositionable adhesive disposed on the base substrate, a layer of pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive disposed adjacent to the repositionable adhesive layer opposite the base substrate, and structure providing a release surface. The release surface is removably engaged with the permanent adhesive layer opposite the repositionable adhesive layer and the base substrate so as to cover the permanent adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to short metal fibers. A set of short metal fibers, with an equivalent diameter ranging from 1 to 150 $(m)m, comprises entangled and curved fibers. At least 10% of the short metal fibers are entangled, whereas the length of the curved fibers is distributed according to a gamma-distribution, having an average length preferably between 10 and 2000 $(m)m.

Abstract: A high strength polyethylene filament, wherein said filament has a fineness of 1.5 dtex or less as a monofilament, a tensile strength of 15 cN/dtex or more and a tensile elastic modulus of 300 cN/dtex or more, and, the rate of dispersion-defective fibers cut from the filament is 2% or less, is disclosed, and a high strength polyethylene filament, wherein said filament has a tensile strength of 15 cN/dtex or more and a tensile elastic modulus of 300 cN/dtex or more, and, a long period structure of 100 Å or less is observed in an X-ray small angle scattering pattern is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel fluorinated dendrons and to a universal strategy for producing functional fluorinated dendrons programmed to self-assemble into supramolecular nanocylinder compositions containing p-stacks of high electron or hole mobility donors (D), acceptors (A), or D-A complexes in the core. Such nanocylinder compositions are uniquely applicable to devices spanning from single supramolecule to nanoscopic and to macroscopic scales including transistors, photovoltaics, photoconductors, photorefractives, light emissives, and optoelectronics.

Abstract: A sintered supported polycrystalline diamond compact (PCD) having improved abrasion resistance properties is manufactured by subjecting diamond crystals placed in adjacency with a metal carbide support containing a catalyst/sintering aid to high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) processing. Said PCD compact comprises: a) a body of diamond crystals comprising a mixture of about 60 wt % to about 80 wt. % of coarse fraction having an average particle size ranging from about 30 to 60 &mgr;m and a fine fraction being about not substantially greater than about 20% of the average particle size of said coarse fraction; and b) a support body comprising about 12 wt. % or less of a catalyst/sintering.

Abstract: A composite structure is formed by depositing a one or more coatings on an open-cell foam skeleton to form a higher-density composite foam. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the composite foam can be a carbon/carbon composite formed by a rapid densification process. The composite structure is suitable for use, for example, as a friction material employed in clutch and brake devices.

Abstract: Electroactive polymeric arylenes and intermediates useful for making such polymers are disclosed. The present invention also provides electroactive compositions comprising the electroactive polymeric arylenes, organic electronic devices which comprise these polymers and compositions, and methods of fabricating these devices.

Abstract: Improved composite structure comprises threads distributed within disperse matrix. The structure has increased strength by virtue of distance between the points of support of the thread span, which is deliberately selected to be less than the distance corresponding to the critical lengths corresponding to buckling. The structure is suitable for various articles of manufacture requiring improved the strength-to-weight or rigidity-to-weight ratio in various directions.

Abstract: A reflective article useful, for example, in automotive headlights includes a substrate, a reflective metal layer, and a haze-prevention layer between the substrate and the reflective metal layer. The substrate includes an amorphous thermoplastic resin having a heat distortion temperature of at least about 140° C., a density less than 1.7 grams per milliliter, and an organic volatiles content less than 1,000 parts per million measured according to ASTM D4526. The haze-prevention layer includes a material having a volume resistivity of at least 1×10−4 ohm-centimeters and a tensile modulus of at least about 3×105 pounds per square inch. The article resists hazing of the reflective layer at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polycarbonate composite material which can be thermoplastically shaped and which comprises at least two layers. The invention is characterised in that at least one layer comprises an LOI value of lower than 29 and at least one layer comprises an LOI value of higher than 29. The invention also relates to methods for producing said material, the use of the same and flame-proof polycarbonate moulded parts.

Abstract: An optically clear structural laminate includes a thermosetting resin, a silane coupling agent and a filler. The laminate has a high weight to strength ratio and is capable of optical transmission over a wide range of temperatures. The laminate has increased tensile strength and is capable of being easily formed into complex shaped components. The structural properties of the laminate make it useful as aircraft canopies and windows.

Abstract: An article including a panel-like structure mountable in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the vehicle interior thereof, and a process for making the same are disclosed. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane and a heat-activated crosslinking agent onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a composition comprising (i) a poly(vinyl chloride) resin and at least one plasticizer and/or (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane resin material is gelled onto an inner surface of the outer layer while on the outer layer is retained on the mold surface. The gelled composition is then fused to form an inner layer interfacially chemically bonded to the outer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating a gasket that includes electrostatically spraying a solvent-free coating material onto a grounded gasket and then fusing the material to itself and the gasket. In one aspect, a particulate lubricant and a silicone are used as the coating material.

Abstract: A floor underlayment includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. The first layer includes cork material. The second layer is coupled to the first layer and has a high degree of resistance to moisture permeability. The third layer is coupled to the first layer opposite the second layer. The third layer is configured and formed from at least one material to enhance dimensional stability of the first layer.

Abstract: There are provided a first reference layer, in which a direction of magnetization is fixed, and a storage layer including a main body, in which a length in an easy magnetization axis direction is longer than a length in a hard magnetization axis direction, and a projecting portion provided to a central portion of the main body in the hard magnetization axis direction, a direction of magnetization of the storage layer being changeable in accordance with an external magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerizable composition comprising (A) a compound including a polymerizable unsaturated group and (B) a macromolecular compound including, at a side chain thereof, a structure represented by the following general formula (I). The present invention also provides a negative type planographic printing plate precursor responsive to an infrared laser, the precursor being superior in recording sensitivity and printing durability and using the polymerizable compound as a recording layer.