Abstract: A method for making a fiberglass truss has features that eliminate the need for a mold. The method includes first a step of tensioning a pair of spaced-apart filaments strips to define the chords for the truss. The chords are interconnected at several points along their lengths with a strip of filaments for defining triangular bracing or a web for the truss. Tension is applied to the strips to secure the chords and web in place. Then the chords and web are coated with resin. After hardening, the tension is removed. In one method, the chords are tensioned between two end walls of a container. The intersecting points of the web and chords are restrained against lateral movement by means of retaining devices mounted to two oppositely facing side walls. Triangular spacer elements define passageways for the chords and web. The container is filled with resin after the chords and web have been placed and tensioned. After impregnation, the container is drained. The completed truss may be removed after hardening.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an energy absorbing structure for a vehicle comprises the steps of (a) winding a continuous resin wetted filament around a number of attachment points at the opposite ends of a jig to form an array of parallel strands, (b) displacing and tensioning the strands by means of first cross bars substantially at right angles to the strands, (c) winding a second array of parallel strands between the attachment points over said first cross bars, (d) displacing said second array onto said first array by means of second cross bars lying parallel and in between the first cross bars, (e) laying a third array of strands over said first and second cross bars and between said attachment points, and (f) curing the structure. The structure may then be fixed to the interior of a vehicle door panel.

Abstract: A new composition of matter comprises the product of the amassment of two or more arrays of glass roving or other suitable filaments, each of which array has been coated or impregnated with one of two complementary resin systems, preferably thermosetting polyester resin systems. Each such complementary resin system comprises substantially the same or functionally similar resin and each further comprises a curing agent, for example, in the case of polyester resin an organic peroxide, which curing agent differs from the curing agent in the other resin system. The resin system of each array further comprises suitable accelerator which is substantially ineffective to promote the curing agent of the resin system in which it is incorporated, but which does effectively promote the curing agent of the other, complementary resin system. Upon amassment of the separate arrays the two accelerators act synergisticly in the combined resin system.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foamstrip.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a synthetic filling material comprising a plurality of filaments having a short fiber length and being bent in the form of a loop to be converged to one point and to be integrally bonded at the converged point. A filament bundle formed of a plurality of gathered filaments is inserted among filament bending members to bend the filament bundle zigzag and is heated to cut and bond on the top of the zigzag at one side thereof.

Abstract: Continuous glass fiber forming packages with a sizing composed of a coupling agent, a stabilizer, a lubricant, a non-crosslinking film-forming polymer and a self-reactive crosslinking film-forming polymer are disclosed for utilization in polyolefin polymer reinforcement. The article formed and formation method for fiber combination with a polyolefin polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ink reservoir element for use in a marking instrument is disclosed, which combines good ink holding capacity and good ink release properties with a wide variety of inks. The ink reservoir element is formed from a coherent sheet of flexible thermoplastic fibrous material, such as a spunbonded polyester fabric or a foam-attenuated extruded polyester fabric, which has been uniformly embossed with a series of parallel grooves. The embossed sheet is compacted and bonded into a dimensionally stable rod-shaped body whose longitudinal axis extends parallel to the embossed grooves. A method and apparatus is disclosed for continuous production of the ink reservoir elements from a continuous web of the fibrous sheet material.

Abstract: A winding apparatus is disclosed for winding force transmitting elements of iber reinforced materials. Such force transmitting elements are used, for example, for connecting helicopter rotor blades to the rotor head. A cylindrical winding carrier is mounted for rotation on a machine frame. The fiber strand feeding device is mounted for translation on the frame. A plurality of separate winding cores are distributed around the carrier. Relative motion of the carrier and fiber strand feeding device is controlled, for example, by computer to achieve the desired windings on the separate cores, so that at least one set of elements is produced simultaneously under the same winding conditions, whereby all the members of a set have uniform characteristics, especially force transmitting characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for manufacturing articles comprised of fiber-reinforced hydraulically bound material. A layer of the fiber-reinforcing and hydraulically bindable materials are placed on a first endless carrier while a second similar layer is formed on a second endless carrier. The layer formed on the second carrier is deposited on the layer formed on the first carrier by reversing the second carrier and the composite layer formed as a result is thereafter given the desired shape and is hardened.A number of fibrous network structures are used with the hydraulically bindable material and the two are formed into a layer with the networks distributed in it. Water is removed from that layer by suction, while on the second carrier a number of fibrous networks are likewise supplied to be formed into a layer comprised of the hydraulically bindable material with the networks distributed in it and water is also removed by suction from this layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to electric fuses having tubular casings having a high bursting strength and to the method and materials by which these casings are made. Such tubular material has also other applications than casings for electric fuses. Tubular structures made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,709 of which this is a division thereof have a plurality of plies which may include strips of non-woven, non-uniformly oriented glass fiber mat, composite strips of woven glass fiber cloth and non-woven glass fiber mat and glass fiber rovings. The plurality of strips are self overlapping and their overlaps are angularly displaced relative to one another. The tubular structure further includes a synthetic thermosetting resin integrating the plurality of strips into a multi-ply laminate.This invention relates to a process of manufacturing tubular structures of the above referred-to kind by pultrusion.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for impregnating a fabric reinforcement structure with a liquid impregnant especially suited for impregnants which set rapidly under normal conditions. The reinforcement structure is continuously advanced through a column of liquid impregnant to which impregnant is continuously supplied so as to cause the impregnant to move in a direction opposite to that in which the reinforcement structure is advanced.

Abstract: A reinforced laminate and the method and apparatus for the manufacture thereof which includes the embedding of reinforcing wire elements in plastic layers and plastic laminates to provide reinforced structures, producing a reinforced corrugated laminate including a corrugated layer with plastic layers applied to one or both sides thereof, producing a wire grid, corrugating the grid and applying overlying plastic layers and combining the planar and corrugated structures with cushioning and resilient foam materials.

Abstract: A method for making conductive brushes which comprises providing a rotatable cylindrical mandrel having a plurality of longitudinal recesses on its surface, and winding electrically conductive fibers from a supply around the mandrel by rotating the mandrel. The brush backing or base may be formed by a number of methods utilizing the recesses on the surface of the mandrel. In one embodiment, the brush backing is formed by placing a strip of a conductive material in each of the recesses, and after the conductive fibers have been wound thereover, the conductive fiber windings are caused to adhere to each other by adhesive means and another strip of conductive material is placed over the windings to mate with the strip in the recess to form the backing for the conductive brush. Individual conductive brushes are obtained by cutting the conductive fibers in the longitudinal direction of the mandrel.

Abstract: Electrical-insulating pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the backing of which is a web of oriented polymeric fibers impregnated with a crosslinked polymeric resin to provide a voids-volume of less than 60%.

Abstract: A method is provided giving a bundle of glass fiber strands improved integrity. A plurality of glass fiber strands are contacted with a fine, particlized, thermoplastic material in an amount up to about 0.5% by weight of the dried combined plurality of glass fiber strands in a forced gas chamber. The plurality of glass fiber strands containing the thermoplastic material is heated so that the thermoplastic material is softened on the plurality of strands thereby holding the strands together in such a manner that the plurality of strands can be processed without separating, but when the plurality of strands are chopped or woven the strands separate.

Abstract: A resin reinforced fiber structure is formed by coating and curing the resin of resin coated fibers in air form a hard gel surface is passed through a bath containing a molten metal at a temperature from about 95.degree. C. to the anaerobic degradation temperature of the resin to complete internal cure of the resin under non-oxidizing conditions.

Abstract: A hollow fiber separatory element of the type having a plurality of hollow semipermeable fibers terminating at their end portions in resin tubesheets; each tubesheet has a disc-shaped portion that tapers radially inwardly toward its inner end surface that serves as a pressure-induced sealing surface when forced into contact with a correspondingly tapered surface on the inner wall of a surrounding jacket. Each tubesheet optionally includes a second tapered portion that extends outwardly from the outer end face of the disc portion and its peripheral surface tapers radially inwardly toward the outer end planar surface which exposes the open ends of the fibers therein. The tubesheet disc portion may be circular, lenticular, elliptical or have other selected shape.

Abstract: A veneer sheet reinforced with at least one piece of cord is provided. The cord is thrust through the sheet at appropriate intervals and projects from either side of the sheet. The projecting portions are fastened by deforming the cord or applying an adhesive including a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, and a wet-setting resin.

Abstract: Continuous glass fiber with a polyolefin compatible sizing composed of a coupling agent, a stabilizer, a lubricant, a non-crosslinking film forming polymer, softening agent and surfactant are disclosed for utilization in polyolefin polymer reinforcement. The article formed and formation method for fiber combination with a polyolefin polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monolayer tape for use in making up a multilayer matrix or composite which is bonded at a high pressure and temperature by pressing the composite between heated platens in air to cause densification, the tape consisting of collimated fibers held together by metal wire woven with and at right angles to the fibers, the wire being the same material as the matrix to become a part thereof when the composite is bonded. The aluminum matrix in which the fibers are embedded is provided by aluminum foils alternating with the collimated fibers in the multilayer matrix.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conditioning the surface of the strings of a racquet such as used in tennis and other racquet sports. The method comprises a first step of applying a first primer coat of adhesive to the strings in the central portion of the racquet by spraying it through a template. The first coat of adhesive is applied to both sides of the strings and after drying a second coat is applied thereto. A granular substance, such as white quartz fractured to the size of 1/50th of an inch having a general cubical-shape, is sprinkled over the second coat of adhesive while damp. After the abrasive settles in and dries, a final sealing layer of adhesive is sprayed over the quartz crystals and second coat. This process both coats and locks the strings together at the intersections to lengthen strike-life and also forms a rough frictional surface on the strings to provide better ball control and create a better spin on the ball when hit.

Abstract: A hollow filament separatory module utilizing an annulus of semi-permeable hollow filaments with open ends encased in a potting compound and a collection chamber communicating with said open ends adjacent the potting compound with access surface means formed in the potting compound wherein the open ends appear, said filaments having ends thereof encapsulated by the introduction of potting medium into the interfilament interstices under the urging of vibratory energy and thereafter creating said open ends by cutting of ends and potting medium at a time in the curring cycle of the potting compound prior to its final cure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for assembling veneer strips by applying adhesive threads to the upper and lower surfaces of the strips of veneer, by means of a plurality of thread supplying and alternating devices located in spaced juxtaposition. The invention is characterized in that each thread supplying and alternating device comprises two circular segment bodies which are rotatably mounted on a frame of the apparatus. The circular segment bodies are adapted to be driven by a common driving device, and on each circular segment body a thread guide is located. The circular segment bodies are so arranged and formed that an adjustable free passage for the workpiece to be treated is provided.

Abstract: Method for making a laminated ballistic helmet from plural, continuous filament resin-coated layers. A continuous filament bundle, yarn or end is deposited on a plurality of different sized helmet-shaped preforms. A resin is coated upon or impregnated into the continuous filament bundle, yarn or end, either before or after deposition. The resulting resin containing preforms are stacked in nested relation and then molded to produce a bonded, laminated ballistic helmet.

Abstract: A splice for an optical ribbon utilizes the elongated strain relief members in the ribbon as guide members to form a space in which the optical channels of the two ribbons are axially aligned to optically connect them. The splice and corresponding splicing method are particularly useful to gang splice two optical ribbons.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric materials are bonded to a variety of substrates over a broad range of temperatures and pressure by employing an adhesive system comprising thermoplastic polyether urethane.

Abstract: A method of making a fishing line indicator for nymph fishing uses a thin sheet of flat closed cell polyethylene foam having a plurality of hemispheres formed thereon to which is applied a rubber based adhesive to one flat side thereof and then covering the adhesive with a protective covering. A fluorescent coat is applied to the other side of the sheet having hemispheres thereon and a plurality of fishing line indicators are cut from the sheet, each including two hemispheres.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a clutch facing including the steps of mixing graphite and phenolic resin to form a graphite mixture, soaking an asbestos fiber string within the mixture, removing the soaked string such that phenolic resin content of between 14-24 weight percents and graphite content of between 1-8 weight percents for every 100 weight percents is produced and bonding the string to the clutch facing such that the Rockwell hardness of the clutch facing is between 20-60 on the Moh scale.

Abstract: A resin reinforced fiber structure is formed by drawing fibers under tension, in spaced relation to each other through a bath containing a molten heat curable resin, combining the fibers in mutual contact for removal of excess resin, spreading the fibers for passage through a preheating zone and then in a recombined state through a plurality of radiant heating zones and relatively narrow cold shaping dies in series. The preheating and heating zones provide heated surfaces in spaced relation to the resin coated fibers, effect a viscosity break to enable the resin to more completely wet the fibers and advance polymerization towards a gel point. The narrow cold shaping dies provide the desired shape to the final article and remove excess resin as cure is advanced. The fiber reinforced resin structure at about the resin gel point is passed through a final cold shaping die, and then to a final curing zone.

Abstract: Densified regions are formed in a low integrity dry-formed nonwoven fibrous web by embossing a front surface of the web with spaced-apart raised surfaces of an embossing roll. The web is embossed to the extent that the densified regions will transmit a treating fluid completely through their thickness to the front surface of the web while non-densified or high loft regions will not. Simultaneously with the embossing, treating fluid from a treating fluid conveying surface is applied to a rear surface of the web. The fluid migrates completely through the thickness of the web to the front surface in substantially only the densified regions of the web.The product of this invention is a dry-formed web having a basis weight in the range of about 0.5 oz./yds..sup.2 to about 8.0 oz./yds..sup.2. A surface of the web has an undulate profile including high loft regions and valley regions. The density of the web in the high loft regions is less than about 0.10 gr.

Abstract: A method of producing a transparent plastic window containing embedded therein a novel static electricity dissipating circuit (hereinafter referred to as an anti-static circuit), which may also contain a heating circuit insulated therefrom.

Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of twistless or substantially twistless yarn a sliver or a roving of staple fibres is used as basic material. The sliver or the roving is wetted by a liquid mixture containing a latent solvent for at least a portion of the staple fibre material and drafted in a wet condition to form a thinner fibre strand, which is subsequently false twisted and bonded. The fibre strand is bonded by activation of the latent solvent under an increased temperature, and dried under evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: Improved weather resistant products such as building siding, shutters, roof vents and the like, are made by coextruding or laminating a plasticized vinyl chloride capstock with a substrate of rigid vinyl chloride polymers, chlorinated vinyl chloride polymers, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers. The resulting composites are much improved over rigid PVC, chlorinated PVC, or ABS articles alone for retention of appearance and retention of impact on aging.

Abstract: A fancywork is made by bonding a yarn or yarns in a desired pattern onto the surface of a base plate or sheet of planar or various three-dimensional shape, which surface of the base plate or sheet has been coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The bonding of the yarn is effected by pressing with the fingertip, and an implement for guiding the yarn may be used. A decorative plate for sticking onto various objects is also made similarly by bonding a yarn or yarns on one surface of a base plate or sheet which has been coated on both surfaces with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and cutting out around the circumference of the pattern formed.

Abstract: An extruded plastics mesh having two sets of oblique strands lying in adjacent planes and joined together at their crossing points by tenacious intersections is suitably stretched to form a structure having mesh openings each of which is a six-sided figure bounded on four sides by portions of four separate strands and on the other two sides by strandlike members comprising stretched intersections of the original mesh. To inhibit splitting of the structure along the length of the stretched intersections there is provided at opposite ends of each such intersection a relaxed web integral with the structure and extending across the crotch defined by the two strands which form the intersection.

Abstract: A unidirectional fiber reinforced thermoplastic stock material is prepared by passing fibers through a resin solution to coat the fibers. The coated fibers are treated to remove the solvent and thereafter are consolidated into the desired shape.

Abstract: A continuous process for the spinning of twistless yarn from staple fibres which comprises the steps of:A. drafting a sliver or roving containing not more than 80% by weight, based on the weight of fibre, of a liquid containing a dispersed potential binding agent as herein defined,B. consolidating the drafted sliver or roving,C. rendering the potential binding agent adhesive,D. drying the yarn, andE. winding the yarn.The potential binding agent which may be starch, a starch derivative or a synthetic polymer dispersion may be rendered adhesive by dielectric heat, radiant heat, heated vapor or by polymerization or by breaking labile cross-links. The size of the particles of the potential binding agent is preferably not greater than the average fibre diameter.

Abstract: A non-woven structure, method and apparatus for producing non-wovens; the structure having 1) between about 50 and 1000 bond points per square inch, 2) bond points with a cross sectional area of from about 1 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.5 sq. ins. to about 1 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.3 sq. ins. and 3) a bonded area of from about 1% to 20% of the total area; the process comprising forming a non-woven structure which is then passed through a pressure nip comprising a bonding member and a backing member.

Abstract: In the manufacture of twistless yarn a potentially adhesive continuous filament yarn is added to an assembly of staple fibres. The fibre mixture so obtained is supplied with a solvent which, brings the potentially adhesive filament yarn into a plastic state and, enables wet drafting of the staple fibre component. After the drafting process the staple fibres are bonded.

Abstract: Fibrous web structures in which the individual fibers are uniformly felted in random orientation are produced by projecting a stream of solids suspended in air toward a moving porous collection surface. The fibers are maintained in a controlled condition uniformly dispersed in air during transit from the nozzle to the porous collecting surface and before the stream of air has spread to the point of disrupting the uniform fiber dispersion, the fibers are felted and collected on the porous support while air is continuously passed through the support to insure no gravity free fall of fibers. Liquid or dry adhesive binders may be incorporated into the structure at any convenient stage of the process but preferably before the web structure is formed on the moving support.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing foam filled laminated planks which includes continuous means for forming and feeding a longitudinally corrugated plastic reinforcing core between, and bonding it to, top and bottom cover sheet laminae consisting of roll-fed strips of resin-impregnated fabric. The corrugations of the core define channels extending lengthwise through the assembly consisting of the core and cover sheets, and lengths are cut off and fed laterally therefrom to a position wherein each channel is aligned with an elongated lance, and then fed longitudinally into overfitted relation on the lances. The outer ends of the channels are closed, and foaming plastic is fed into the channels through the lances. The planks are then moved off of the lances toward a desired delivery position.

Abstract: Novel products are described which possess a capability of transmitting air and moisture vapor, are waterproof, and have fabric-like aesthetic properties. These products may have applications such as rainwear material, tent material, garment liners, and shoe liners. These products may be made by spray spinning filamentary polymer material onto open-celled polymer film, or onto non-cellular elastic polymer film with the additional steps of stretching and heat setting creating a stable open-celled structure in the film portion of the product. Subsequent calendering of the product may further improve its fabric-like aesthetic properties.

Abstract: The process and apparatus for continuously forming glass fiber reinforced products employs a preform produced by drawing continuous glass fibers through a resin bath and stripping die. This preform is then compressed during passage through an elongate molding zone. The molding zone is formed of two, articulated die cavity-containing tracks, the individual mold components of which join at the threshold of the zone to form an elongate, moving compression stage. This stage may be heated to carry out curing of the product during compression thereof.