Abstract: Disclosed is a cloth and solid piece assembly, which comprises a cloth which is subjected to an embossing process to have a receiving portion formed through the embossing process in such a manner as to protrude from a surface of the cloth in a direction perpendicular to the surface to have an opening oriented in a direction opposite to the protruding direction, a solid piece received inside the receiving portion, and an adhesive material. The adhesive material is received inside the receiving portion and bonded to an inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion while plugging the opening of the receiving portion, so as to fix the solid piece inside the receiving portion. The cloth and solid piece assembly can reliably suppress peeling of a bonded region between the adhesive material and the cloth, in a simple structure.

Abstract: In order to produce a nonwoven fabric having elastomeric properties spun filaments (1), consisting preferably (but not essentially) of cellulose material such as cellulose acetate or solvent spun rayon, not in yarn formats, are corrugated or crimped in an overfeed process, as in stuffer box (6), into stabilized three dimensional batts. A proportion of filaments (3) of a thermal memory material, such as modified polyester, in a stretched format are included. The resulting batt is then subjected to controlled hydroentangling and a controlled heat treatment to yield three dimensional nonwoven fabrics with elastomeric properties due to contraction of the stretched filaments. Elastomeric memory material activated to shrink by ultrasonic treatment may be used in place of thermal memory material. The elastomeric properties can be adjusted to suit end-use requirements and applications are envisaged in the medical and hygiene areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer, composite, fleece material having a core layer and at least one cover layer attached to the core layer, where the at least one cover layer is needled with the core layer such that fibers of the at least one cover layer protrude into the core layer. The multilayer, composite, fleece material is intended for use in the manufacture of interior panels of vehicles and to have improved mechanical properties, low thermal conductivity, very low tendency to produce emissions, and good acoustic properties when used for that purpose, as well as enable its inexpensive manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laminated net, and more specifically to a laminate comprising a nonwoven fabric and knitted net to be utilized as rounded bale wrap, wherein the wrap maintains the integrity of the bale during, pick-up, transport, and storage. The net of the present invention is laminate to nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric provides additional coverage to the rounded bale so as to maintain the compact shape of the bale during pick-up, transport, and storage.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, layered insulation composed of glass or ceramic fabric covered with a ceramic coating and overlying an insulating felt made from needled polybenzazole (PBZ) material which is preferably polybenzoxazole (PBO), and which optionally contains a poly(1,3-phenylene isophtalamide) felt material, commercially known as Nomex™, either combined with the PBZ felt or layered beneath the PBZ felt as a separate layer. The insulation is readily applied to a reusable launch vehicle via a silicone adhesive.

Abstract: A method of forming a multilayer insulation material formed of an acoustical composite layer and a first thermal layer is provided. The acoustical and insulting layer is formed of a polymer based thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers. Preferably the reinforcing fibers are wet use chopped strand glass fibers (WUCS). The acoustical composite layer may be formed by opening the WUCS fibers, blending the reinforcement and polymer fibers, forming the reinforcement and polymer fibers into a sheet, and then bonding the sheet. A first thermal layer formed of one or more polymer based thermoplastic organic materials is then positioned on a first major surface of the acoustical composite layer. A second thermal layer of polymeric fibers may be optionally positioned on a second major surface of the acoustical composite layer. The multilayer acoustic material may be utilized in semi-structural and acoustical applications.

Abstract: An acoustical and thermally absorbent chopped strand mat formed of thermoplastic bonding materials and bundles of reinforcing fibers is provided. The reinforcing fibers are preferably wet use chopped strand glass fibers (WUCS). The thermoplastic bonding materials may be any thermoplastic or thermosetting material having a melting point less than the reinforcing fiber. The chopped strand mat may be formed by partially opening the WUCS fibers and filamentizing the thermoplastic bonding materials, blending the reinforcement and thermoplastic bonding fibers, forming the reinforcement and thermoplastic bonding fibers into a sheet, and bonding the sheet. During bonding, the sheet is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the thermoplastic bonding fibers but below the temperature of the glass fibers. The melted thermoplastic bonding fibers act as a glue to hold the glass fibers in bundles. The chopped strand mat thus formed may be used as a reinforcement material in automotive applications.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforcing structure for use in manufacture a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The method includes arranging a plurality of first reinforcing fibers in a transverse direction and attaching a permeable transport web of staple fibers to the first reinforcing fibers such that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in the direction transverse comprises at least 30% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A paper makers felt comprising a fibrous outer layer formed of inter-engaged fibers of between 3.0 and 67 dtex inter-engaged preferably by needling, and a web layer formed of fibers which are between 200 and 600 dtex and are inter-engaged preferably by point bonding. The outer layer is engaged with the web layer, preferably by needling, forming a composite paper makers felt.

Abstract: A reactive and adsorptive (i.e., multi-functional protective) textile and methods for constructing and using same which possess at least chemically reactive and biocidal properties. Nanoparticles from different classes such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal hydrates and POMs are incorporated into elements which can be utilized in a wide variety of protective materials. The nanoparticles may be treated to reduce water solubility or combined with halogens, alkali metals or secondary metal oxides to specifically engineer the nanoparticle to address a particular chemical or biocidal threat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising at least one heat shrinkable adhesive layer stitch-bonded with yarns, which shrink less than the adhesive layer or do not shrink, when the adhesive layer is exposed to heat. The stitch-bonded yarns form loops upstanding from the shrunk adhesive layer and the loops create a textured surface on the composite, and the composite is substantially inelastic after the adhesive layer is shrunk. The composite may further comprise at least one fibrous layer stitch-bonded to the shrinkable adhesive layer, and the fibrous layer is less shrinkable than the adhesive layer or is substantially non-shrinkable.

Abstract: A method of forming a molding mat formed bundles of reinforcing fibers and bonding materials is provided. The reinforcing fibers are preferably wet use chopped strand glass fibers (WUCS). The bonding materials may be any thermosetting material having a melting point less than the reinforcing fiber. The molding mat may be formed by partially opening the wet use chopped strand glass fibers and filamentizing the bonding materials, blending the reinforcement and bonding fibers, forming the reinforcement and bonding fibers into a sheet, and bonding the sheet. During bonding, the sheet is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the bonding fibers but below the temperature of the glass fibers. The molding mat thus formed may be used as a reinforcement material in sheet molding compounds.

Abstract: An orthogonal stitch-weave method and fiber architecture. The architecture allows near-net-shape composite preforms to be fabricated, thereby reducing costs associated with complex preform shapes and increasing desired strengths of the composite.

Abstract: A fiber preform for constituting the fiber reinforcement of composite material is prepared and then consolidated by depositing sufficient matrix phase therein to bond the fibers together while not completely densifying the preform. Pins of rigid material are put into place through the consolidated preform and densification of the consolidated preform containing the pins is continued by depositing at least a ceramic matrix phase. Thereafter, at least a portion of each pin is eliminated so as to leave a calibrated perforation passing through the resulting part, the pins being made at least in part out of a material that can be eliminated by applying treatment that does not affect the ceramic material of the matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of composite sheets having a multiaxial fibrous reinforcement, which involves: forming a unidirectional lap of reinforcing threads, at least 50% by weight of which are co-blended threads consisting of reinforcing filaments and of filaments of an organic material which are intimately mixed, giving the said lap a cohesion allowing it to be lapped, lapping this lap on a support in movement, in a transverse direction in relation to the direction of movement, heating the reinforcing-thread/organic-material assembly, which is displaced in the direction of movement, and setting it by the action of heat, if appropriate by applying pressure, then cooling it to form a composite band, and collecting the said band in the form of one or more composite sheets. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to the products obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft feeling, aesthetically pleasing, and form-fitting disposable nonwoven undergarment for men, women, and youths, and optionally comprises a protective panel for those individuals with mild incontinence conditions. It is the object of the present invention to provide a comfortable, durable disposable undergarment by forming the undergarment of a three-dimensionally imaged nonwoven fabric. The present invention discloses an assortment of durable, disposable undergarments capable of meeting the needs of the general public, and specifically, to subsets of the population such as travelers, athletes, medical personnel and patients, for which routine care of conventional undergarments is inconvenient or unavailable.

Abstract: A loop fastener product is formed by needling a batt of fibers through a carrier sheet such as a plastic film, to form loops on the other side of the carrier sheet. A binder, such as a powder resin or plastic film, is placed over the fiber side of the product and fused to the carrier sheet to bond the fibers in place. In some cases the product is needled in only discrete areas, leaving other areas free of loops. The product may be formed into outer covers for disposable diapers. Fibers of one resin are readily combined with films and backings of other resins to produce particularly thin and low weight loop materials.

Abstract: A process for forming thermoplastic composites that uses wet use chopped strand glass is provided. Wet reinforcement fibers such as wet chopped strand glass fibers are opened by passing the fibers consecutively through a first opener, a condenser, and, optionally, a second opener. The opened reinforcement fibers are mixed with a resin and transferred to a first sheet former. The resin is preferably polypropylene fibers. An optional second sheet former may be used to form a final composite having high structural integrity. The resulting sheet may be optionally passed through a needle felting machine for mechanical strengthening. The sheet is then passed through a thermal bonder to thermally bond the reinforcement glass fibers and resin. The composite product that exits the thermal bonder can be subsequently used as a reinforcement in a molding process to produce composite articles.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an artificial leather comprises the following steps. First, ultramicrofiber-forming fibers having an islands-in-sea type cross-sectional configuration are formed by blend spinning or conjugate spinning. Secondly, a porous reinforcement sheet of low compactness is formed from polyester, polyurethane or polyolefin by spunbonding, meltblowing or calendering. Next, the ultramicrofibers are entangled with the reinforcement sheet by needle punching or spunlace to form the complex reinforced ultramicrofiber nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven is impregnated or coated with an elastomer resin composition, and then subjected to a coagulating process, a washing process, a drying process and a removing process to produce a semi-product leather. Finally, the semi-product leather is then processed to produce the artificial leather.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous method of producing a thick, thermoformable, from a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers. The inventive method comprises the following steps: A) blending thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers to give a dry-laid blended web, B) consolidating the blended web by needle felting, C) heating the consolidated blended web, and D) compacting it to give a semi-finished product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a complex, three-dimensional structure (12), such as a truss, from composite fiber/resin includes pulling a plurality of continuous fibers (50) from a feed source (62) along a processing path (58) about a longitudinal axis (14). At least some of the fibers are wound around the longitudinal axis in opposite directions (70,72) by rotational elements to form helical and reverse helical components (30, 34) that intersect at nodes (26,28). Select nodes are engaged by engagement members (84) and are maintained radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis by a support frame (80) to create sequential discrete segments (22) in the helical and reverse helical components. The select nodes can be engaged and maintained from outside the helical and reverse helical components. Resin can be applied to the fibers by resin applicator (90) and cured.

Abstract: A method of inserting z-axis reinforcing fibers into a multi-layer composite laminate. Layers of material made up of z-axis fiber and y-axis fibers are automatically transported into a z-fiber deposition machine having a housing with upper and lower surfaces. Z-axis apertures are formed in the respective upper and lower surfaces. An elongated solid rod having a tapered front tip is aligned in close proximity to the aperture in the bottom surface. The rod is first rotated by a motor and then actuated upwardly completely through the thickness of the layer of x-y material by an actuator. A first hollow tube having a z-axis is axially aligned with the aperture in the top surface and a fiber bundle is threaded downwardly through a first hollow tube to a position adjacent its bottom end.

Abstract: A table or counter mat having a composite sheet structure comprising a non-slip backing layer 3, a top liquid absorbent textile surface 1 for resting cups, mugs or glasses, and an intermediate stabilisation layer 2 joining the backing layer 3 to the textile surface 1 wherein the resultant mat is absorbent and readily able to be laundered. The invention also provides a method of forming the table or counter mat by curing and bonding of the nitrile rubber backing layer 3 to the intermediate layer 2 and upper polyester textile layer 1 at greater than 100° C. and preferably greater than 170° C. and a sublimation printing 4 for printing on the textile layer 1 occurs at greater that 100° C. and preferably greater than 170° C. such that the mat is able to be laundered in hot water.

Abstract: A method of producing a textile preform to be used for making a fiber reinforced plastic composite product involves the following steps. A two- or three-dimensional semi-finished textile material or article is produced by essentially any textile production process, such as weaving, knitting or braiding. A binder is applied to the textile material, which is then subjected to a reforming and/or draping process by being applied onto a carrier and reforming tool having a contour or geometry adapted to that of the desired preform that is to be produced. Thereby, the previously unfixed fibers of the textile material are brought into the desired finished orientation and are then fixed, and the cross-sectional shape of the material is changed. This produces the preform having the desired contour, geometry and fiber orientation. The preform may then be subjected to further processing steps to form the finished composite product.

Abstract: A method of forming durable nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web comprising a blend of matrix fibers, lyocell fibers, and fusible binder fibers. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Fabrics formed in accordance with the present invention exhibit significant improvements in strength while remaining drapeable and are capable of withstanding multiple laundry washing with nominal shrinkage.

Abstract: A method for making a composite material by continuously depositing glass yarns on a moving substrate, at least 80 wt % of the yarns being blended yarns consisting of intimately mixed glass filaments and thermoplastic organic material filaments, and the amount of deposited glass being equal to over 40 wt % of the total amount of material deposited in the form of glass yarns and organic material; transferring the combined glass yarns and organic material to a number of areas where they are heated, compressed and cooled, and specifically heated and/or cooled while simultaneously being compressed; and cutting the resulting assembly into plates or winding it onto a revolving drum.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric for a filter excellent in cleaning efficiency and trapped matter retention volume is constructed by two or more different kinds of fibrous layers placed one over the other. The nonwoven fabric has an average pore size from 30 ?m inclusive to 60 ?m inclusive and a total pore area at 0.011 cm2/cm2 or more with respect to an entire surface of the nonwoven fabric. The average pore size is calculated according to a bubble point method as defined in ASTM F-316-80 with use of a Coulter Porometer II.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new mattress cover sheet with barrier effect against bacteria and parasites, consisting of a spunlace fiber based fabric. The spunlace fabric mattress cover can be produced in a structure with one or more layers, and can contain antibacterial substances. The sheet subject of the invention provides an effective barrier between the person and the mattress, in particular avoiding the transfer of pollutants from the mattress to the person and at the same time protecting the hygiene of the mattress itself.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing nonwoven fabrics having an improved balance of properties in the machine and cross-directions. More specifically, the invention utilizes nonwoven webs that include relatively low levels of multiple-component fibers having latent three-dimensional spiral crimp combined with fibers that do not develop spiral crimp. The latent spiral crimp of the multiple-component fibers is activated, such as by heating, under free shrinkage conditions, after formation of the nonwoven web to achieve re-orientation of the non-spirally-crimpable fibers and an improved balance of properties such as tensile strength and modulus.

Abstract: A transmission belt is made of a cord, a rubber or thermoplastic matrix, and an adhesion material which is able to adhere the cord to the rubber or thermoplastic matrix. The cord is made of at least two yarns, such that a first yarn has a melting or decomposition point T1 and a second yarn has a melting point T2, wherein T1>T2. A ratio of a linear density of the first yarn to a linear density of the second yarn is between 1,000:1 and 1:1, wherein the second yarn is fused to the first yarn. A method of making such cords includes intertwining the first and the second yarn and then heating to a temperature between T1 and T2, with the heating step being integrated with or followed by a step wherein the cord is subjected to a dipping treatment with a rubber adhesion material.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric which consists of a blend 75% to 95% by weight of polypropylene based fibers and 5 to 25% by weight of polyester based fibers. The polypropylene fibers are extruded from a melt mixture of about 80 to 99% by weight polypropylene and about 1 to 20% by weight of a suitable heat stabilizer. The polyester based fibers are extruded from a melt mixture of 80% to 100% by weight polyester and 0 to 20% by weight of other stabilizers and/or fire retardants. The flame retardant compounds are added to and blended with the polyester melt prior to the extrusion of the polyester based fibers. Most preferably, the extruded polypropylene and polyester based fibers are staple fibers of between about 2 and 12 denier.

Abstract: An article of furniture is made from elongated polymer filaments. The polymer filaments may be monofilaments or plural filaments which are twisted together and heat set to prevent their untwisting during the subsequent weaving process. The heat setting of the polymer filaments is achieved by heating the polymer material either before or after the twisting process.

Abstract: The method generally comprises the steps of providing a hydroentangled non-woven layer having a first binder component, and depositing a second non-woven layer having a high bulk and loft on to the hydroentangled layer to form an unbonded composite fabric. The second layer also has a binder component with a melting temperature substantially equal to the first binder melting temperature.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforcing structure for use in manufacture a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The method includes arranging a plurality of first reinforcing fibers in a transverse direction and attaching a permeable transport web of staple fibers to the first reinforcing fibers such that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in the direction transverse comprises at least 40% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A damped sleeve having a damping layer attached to a backing layer is disclosed. The damping layer is formed from a non-woven energy absorbing felt and is attached to the backing layer by lines of attachment which define pockets between the layers. The layers are positioned coaxially around an axis and define a central space for receiving elongated items to be protected from vibration. Resilient filamentary support members are arranged between the damping and backing layers to support the layers radially in spaced relation relative to the axis. The support members may be helically wrapped around the axis, circumferentially positioned or arranged in a zig-zag pattern transversely to the axis. A slit in the layers provides access to the central space.

Abstract: A method of making a pultruded part having a uniform cross-section using a novel reinforcing mat. The method comprises orienting a plurality of longitudinal rovings along a longitudinal axis of a pultrusion die; providing a reinforcing structure comprising a permeable transport web of staple fibers attached to a plurality of first reinforcing fibers oriented so that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis comprises at least 40% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure; shaping the reinforcing structure to generally conform with a profile of the pultrusion die; combining a resin matrix with the longitudinal rovings and the reinforcing structure in the pultrusion die so that the longitudinal rovings and the reinforcing structure are substantially surrounded by the resin matrix; at least partially curing the resin matrix in the pultrusion die; and pulling the pultruded part from the pultrusion die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing wire having an inverted cone-shaped cylinder within a spool, wherein the diameter of the top end of the cylinder is larger than the lower end thereof enabling a tape wound thereon unwound from the spool to go from a lower position to a higher position of the cylinder while the tape being wrapped on the wire due to the centrifugal force of rotation in the wrapping process. This has the benefit of preventing the subsequent turns of the tape from loosening out of the spool, and enables the tape being continuously, evenly, and securely wrapped on the wire in a high speed operation.

Abstract: A product includes a dimensionally stable polymeric multifilament yarn having a decitex per fiber count DPF of at least 7.5 and a fatigue strength retention FR, wherein preferred yarns are spun and drawn such that FR increases when DPF increases. Particularly preferred yarns are fabricated from poly(ethylene terephthalate) and have a DPF of between 10 and 20.

Abstract: A multi-layered concave basin is formed for mounting in an opening in a wash stand. The basin is made from pliant woven twigs with successive bottom layers of a first clear epoxy, a clear fiber cloth and a second clear epoxy and a top layer of a third clear epoxy to create a basin impervious to water under pressure from a wash basin spigot.

Abstract: A method manufacturing a one-piece bowl of thermostructural composite material comprising fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix. The method comprises supplying deformable fiber plies that are whole, being free from slots or cutouts, superposing said plies on a former of shape corresponding to the bowl to be made, deforming the plies, and bonding the superposed plies to one another by means of fibers extending transversely relative to the plies, e.g. by needling so as to obtain a bowl preform which is then densified. The bowl (1) can be used as a support for a crucible (5) in an installation for producing monocrystalline silicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft feeling, aesthetically pleasing, and form-fitting disposable nonwoven undergarment for men, women, and youths, and optionally comprises a protective panel for those individuals with mild incontinence conditions.

Abstract: The following invention relates to phenyl-linked polybenzoxazoles having terminal, aryl- or heteroaryl-attached cyanate groups which can be used for adhesive bonding and as dielectrics, especially for electronic components, and to a process for preparing them.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using discarded carpet segments or other recycled textiles to make wood-like material in sheets that are comparable to plywood. The carpet segments or other recycled materials are shredded, then layered across a slow-moving conveyor to form a thick, low-density belt of fibers. This belt is compressed between rollers, and then needle-punched, using needles with surface barbs that pull fibers downward and upward. This needle-punching causes fibers inside the mat to be pulled into vertical alignment (i.e., perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of a horizontal mat), to form a needle-punched mat that will hold together without chemical adhesives. A binder material is then applied to at least one and possibly both surfaces of the mat, by means such as spreading or spraying a liquid binder on either or both surfaces of the mat, or stretching a continuous film of the binder material across either or both surfaces of the mat.

Abstract: A method and device for producing melt-spun continuous threads includes two preparers spaced apart from one another, at each of which a partial quantity of a preparation is applied to the threads. A first preparation is performed upstream of a first draw-off device and a second downstream of the first draw-off device. As a result, high cohesion of the filaments in the thread is achieved.

Abstract: An absorbent wiping cloth can be made by hydraulic bonding of hydrophilic fibers with a prebonded spunbond filament layer. A further spunbond filament layer can be provided on the fiber side of this laminate.

Abstract: A printer provided with a unit for forming an image and an endless intermediate belt trained under tension around rollers in such manner that the belt can rotate over the rollers, the intermediate belt being operatively connected to the said unit for transfer of the image from the unit to a receiving material, wherein the belt comprises a fabric of threads as a support, the threads of the fabric being so positioned that when the intermediate belt rotates, a deviation of said belt axially is substantially independent of the tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous method for producing a thermoplastically deformable, thin semi-finished product consisting of a thermoplastic and long reinforcement fibres. The method comprises the following steps: A. the thermoplastic fibres and reinforcement fibres are mixed in their dry state to form a mixed nonwoven, B. the mixed nonwoven is bonded by needling, C. the bonded mixed nonwoven is heated and D. pressed to form a semi-finished product on a calender or in a smoothing device.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers have at least a component including poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component including at aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of production of regenerated leather with leather waste material. The process is characterized in comprising the following steps: (1) peeling off and producing fibers; (2) adding and mixing auxiliary materials; (3) layering by netting; (4) presetting by needle punching; (5) hot-melt adhering; (6) pressing and cooling. Compared with the conventional wet method, the process of the present invention has advantages of no pollution, low energy consumption, saving water and improved quality of the leather product.

Abstract: A fiber preform for manufacturing a brake disk out of composite material is itself manufactured by superposing and bonding together fiber layers. Structural fiber layers (10) are used to form at least a first preform portion that is to constitute the fiber reinforcement of the brake disk core, while the or each preform portion that is to constitute the fiber reinforcement of a friction portion of the brake disk is constituted by a felt (16, 18), at least in its portion adjacent to the friction face.