Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of nonwovens. The nonwovens including a spunbonding apparatus for forming a first web of nonwoven material on a first belt, and a meltblowing apparatus for forming a second web of nonwoven material on a second belt. The second belt moves in a direction opposite the first belt and after formation, the second web is deposited on said first web to form a composite spunbond and meltblown web.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nonwoven materials, and specifically, to a nonwoven fabric comprised of at least three continuous filament precursor webs, each precursor web being of a thermoplastic polymer dissimilar from the other precursor webs, wherein the resulting durable nonwoven laminate fabric exhibits improved tactile and ductile qualities, as well as improved tensile strength, the nonwoven fabric being eminently suitable for application in improving the comfort and use of hygiene, medical and industrial products.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nonwoven materials, and specifically, to a nonwoven fabric comprised of at least two continuous filament precursor webs, each precursor web being of a polyolefin polymer dissimilar from that of the other precursor web, wherein the resulting lightweight nonwoven laminate fabric exhibits improved tactile and ductile qualities, the nonwoven fabric being imminently suitable for application in improving the comfort and use of hygiene, medical and industrial products. The lightweight nonwoven fabric is manufactured with a minimum level of processes complexity, and can be either used as a replacement for an existing facing layer, such as a topsheet of a hygiene product, or used in conjunction with an existing construct so as to improve long-term comfort.

Abstract: A method of applying leg elastics to absorbent garments involves optimizing the spacing between multiple elastic members. The elastic members are bonded to a substrate with variable spacing along the length of the leg opening. More particularly, narrower spacing is provided in the crotch area, thereby providing higher gasketing pressure, while wider spacing is provided in areas outside the crotch area for lower gasketing pressure and greater comfort. Alternatively, narrower spacing can be applied to the back portion of the leg, with medium spacing in the crotch area and wider spacing in the front portion or the leg, or conversely, wider spacing in the back portion with medium spacing in the crotch area and narrower spacing in the front portion, depending on the wearer's needs. The resulting garments have optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.

Abstract: A composite part made from a sheet molding compound is disclosed as having improved characteristics over traditional sheet molding compound composite parts. The composite part may be made from a unique sheet molding compound material having a resin impregnated filamentized fiber layer and a resin impregnated fiber layer prior to compaction. The resin impregnated filamentized fiber layer side prevents the movement of partially filamentized or unfilamentized fibers to the visible surface of the composite part when the part is molded. The resin impregnated filamentized fiber layer may be contain a conductive filamentized fiber such that the surface of a sheet molding compound may be conductive and be capable of being electrostatically sprayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting sails comprising a roll stand configured to supply a carrier film. The apparatus contains a support mechanism for the carrier film, and further comprises of a drawing mechanism, a first resin dispenser, a first wiper portion, two yarn applicators, a second resin dispenser, a second wiper portion, an element applicator, a calendar, and curing mechanism.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic strand to a flat substrate or sheet of material moving the elastic strand and the sheet in a converging manner from a first position in which the elastic strand is spaced from the sheet to a second position in which the elastic strand contacts one surface of the sheet. A filament of adhesive is dispensed onto the strand in a pattern configured with adhesive masses coupled by thinner filament sections. The adhesive masses are contacted with the strand when the strand is in the first position. The strand is bonded to the substrate with at least the adhesive masses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a laminate flexible strip for attachment to a vehicle in the form of a weather sealing strip. The strip includes a core member and a filler layer of elastomeric seal material disposed about and into the voids of the core member. The core member is formed by bending a wire into an undulating pattern that forms a number of continuously connected longitudinally spaced and laterally extending u-shaped metal clamping clips for reinforcing the seal material. A number of continuous laterally spaced and longitudinally extending linear fibers are attached to the clips to maintain the spatial relationship between the bent wire members. While the fibers or laminate maintain the longitudinal spacing of the wires, they also allow the core to flex laterally and compress longitudinally in the finished extrusion. The fibers may be made of the same material as or a material dissimilar to the clips.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elasticized composite material including a multiplicity of elastic strips for use in garments, particularly in disposable absorbent articles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the first substrate around the mandrel to form a tube while moving the tube longitudinally at a first velocity, and simultaneously winding at least one elastic strip around an outer surface of the tube at a second velocity to form a helical path. The elastic strip can be joined to the outer surface of the tube along the helical path to form a first composite tube. The method further includes the step of folding a second substrate around the first composite tube to cover the elastic strip and to form a second composite tube, which then can be slit longitudinally to form a planar composite material. Finally, the planar composite material can be activated to form the elasticized composite material.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastic strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastic strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven.

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disposable worn article of the present invention includes: a first step of applying an adhesive on at least one of a first web and a second web; a second step of sandwiching an elastic member between the first and second webs and combining the first and second webs and the elastic member together, thereby producing a combined web; and a third step of melting a portion of at least one of the first and second webs and a portion of the elastic member, thereby reducing a shrinking force of the elastic member in the melted portion.

Abstract: A laminated structural body is manufactured by laminating unidirectionally arranged strands and a web such that two layers of the web sandwich the strands therebetween. A cylindrical web is delivered in a direction parallel to a central axis thereof. A polymer liquid is discharged from a spinning head, which is disposed in the cylindrical web and rotated about the central axis of the cylindrical web, toward an inner surface of the cylindrical web to spin strands of the discharged polymer liquid. The spun strands are arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the circumferential direction of the cylindrical web and laminated on the inner surface of the cylindrical web. The cylindrical web with the strands laminated thereon is folded flatwise to sandwich the strands between the two folded layers of the web.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

Abstract: A structural member for reinforcement of asphalt and concrete roadways and other products, and which comprises a gridwork of warp strands and weft strands which are disposed at right angles to each other and so as to define an open structure. In one embodiment, the gridwork is impregnated with a thermosettable B-stage resin so as to interlock the strands at their crossover points and maintain the gridwork in a semi-flexible state, and after being applied to the product to be reinforced, the resin is heated to convert the same into a fully cured composite to thereby rigidize the gridwork and reinforce the product. In cases where the product to be reinforced is heated, such as asphalt paving, the heat of the product provides the heat necessary to fully cure the resin in situ. In another embodiment, the resin is fully cured to rigidize the gridwork prior to its being applied to the structure to be reinforced. A method of producing the resin impregnated gridwork is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire carcass is produced by a method in which a narrow carcass ply member including a plurality of cords coated by, and embedded in a rubber material is extruded from an extruder, and an inner liner member is simultaneously extruded from the extruder integrally with the carcass ply member. A narrow band-shaped laminated body is thereby efficiently formed, in which the inner liner member is integral with the carcass ply member.

Abstract: A method for applying a fluid filament to a strand useful for bonding elastic strands to an absorbent garment is described. The strand is oscillated as it moves along an isolated path past a fixed fluid filament dispenser. The strand captures substantially all of the fluid filament, and at least partially all sides of the strand are coated with the filament. The filament coated strand may then be bonded to one or more substrates in some embodiments.

Abstract: A softer absorbent garment is prepared by incorporating elastic strands that are coated around their periphery. The elastic strands are coated with adhesive by immersing them in an adhesive-filled applicator comb prior to applying the elastic strands to the garment. The absorbent garment thus requires less adhesive, and the manufacturing method provides a cleaner work environment.

Abstract: A method for producing a film with attached fibrils having a cloth-like look and feel. A flocking or metering device is provided for dispensing a layer of the fibrils. The fibrils are next delivered onto a moving vacuum belt, which has a porous surface for drawing the layer of fibrils thereto. After dispersion, the fibril layer is transported and held by the vacuum conveyor belt to a position under a slot cast extrusion die, where a lower temperature melt polymer is released. Upon release, the lower temperature melt polymer and fibril layer fuse and combine to interlock to create a composite temporary web. In one embodiment, the fibril layer and lower temperature melt polymer are delivered at a first nip point between a pair of nip rollers to create the composite temporary web. The composite temporary web may next be collected on collection rolls, or combined with a higher temperature melt polymer under a second slot cast extrusion die to form a permanent film with fibrils.

Abstract: In a method of forming a composite web structure that is finishable to form a disposable absorbent garment, a topsheet assembly is formed having a pair of longitudinally-extending, elasticized leg cuffs. The topsheet assembly is then applied on a core assembly to create a first web structure assembly. A backsheet assembly is also formed which includes a backsheet material, and this backsheet assembly is applied on the first web structure assembly to form a second web structure assembly. Then, the second web structure assembly is cut at one or more locations to form the finishable composite web structure. The step of forming a topsheet assembly generally includes providing two webs of topsheet material and two webs of elastic material; applying each web of elastic material onto one of the webs of topsheet material to form two subsequent webs; and folding each of the subsequent webs about the elastic material to create an assembly having elasticized leg cuffs.

Abstract: A method for constructing an elastomeric composite ply comprises using parallel S and Z twisted cords to reinforce an elastomeric matrix. The S and Z cords are made inexpensively by using a yarn twist that is less than the cord twist. Composite plies made by the method can be used in elastomeric articles such as tires.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a steel cable reinforced conveyor belt while monitoring the tensions of all the cables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a textile product of the lapped/bonded type from fibres and/or filaments travelling in the direction of advance in the form of a web, this method comprising at least one step, called the “prelooping step”, in which the fibres and/or filaments individually undergo looping transversely to the direction of advance of the web, if appropriate accompanied by transverse drawing, characterized in that it subsequently comprises a step of confining the parallelized fibres and/or filaments in the form of loops, this latter confining step taking place directly on a support, without transport members, such as needles or transfer elements, being involved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a textile product of the lapped/bonded type from fibres and/or filaments travelling in the direction of advance in the form of a web, this method comprising at least one step, called the “prelooping step”, in which the fibres and/or filaments individually undergo looping transversely to the direction of advance of the web, if appropriate accompanied by transverse drawing, characterized in that it subsequently comprises a step of confining the parallelized fibres and/or filaments in the form of loops, this latter confining step taking place directly on a support, without transport members, such as needles or transfer elements, being involved.

Abstract: A method for grounding reinforcement (12) and composites (17) on a calender line reduces static build up on the composite (17), and makes it possible to subject a wire reinforced composite to electron beam processing (EBP). The method employs a slip ring (36) attached to rolls which contact composite (17) on the calender (11), and reinforcement (12) before it reaches the calender (11), wherein the slip ring (36) rotates with the rolls while the rolls are working polymer into the reinforcement, and a terminal (34) connected to the slip ring (36) remains stationary, and the terminal (34) is attached to ground (27). The method effectively grounds the composite as well as the reinforcement to prevent electrical discharge during EBP.

Abstract: A transverse fiber web includes a base stabilizing layer, a fiber layer and a second stabilizing layer. A longitudinal fiber web with sides that are substantially parallel to the fibers is cut into web parts, which are then reassembled to form the transverse fiber web. The fibers of the transverse fiber web form angle with a longitudinal direction of the transverse fiber web that is greater than 0°. The material selected for the base stabilizing layer can absorb tensile forces in the longitudinal direction of the transverse fiber web to increase the stability of the transverse fiber web during manufacture. The wed parts used in the assembly of the transverse fiber web can be complementary shaped to interlock with each other, or can overlap to permit flexible assembly of the transverse fiber web.

Abstract: A reinforced shrink wrap has been developed for use in all types of environments and products or applications. The shrink wrap is tear resistant and can be prepared to withstand exposure from the sun and corrosive elements. The shrink wrap includes a layer of a shrink film and a layer of polyolefin film. In addition, a reinforcing filamentous grid in an extrusion tie layer is disposed in between the shrink film and a polyolefin film.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for high speed manufacture of a composite sheet material, which includes a cylindrical cam-driven strand-traverse guide that can loop strands around pins projecting from a pair of advancing pin conveyors which can transfer the strands to the surface of a moving sheet, are provided. When the strands are elastic, the elastic composite sheet material made by this process and apparatus are useful in elastic components of disposable diapers, adult incontinence articles and other garments.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber array by connecting bare fibers to connection elements in a facing arrangement, comprising a step of aligning a plurality of bare fibers using a bare-fiber guide; a step of bringing a flat member into contact with the aligned bare fibers, tacking the bare fibers onto the flat member by direct or indirect bonding means while keeping the bare fibers sandwiched between the bare-fiber guide and the flat member, and separating the bare fibers and the bare-fiber guide thereafter; and a step of forming a coating of uncured material on the external peripheral surfaces of the tacked bare fibers and on the flat member exposed between the bare fibers, curing this material, and bonding the bare fibers to the flat member. This method dispenses with the need to provide a bare fiber guide member and allows manufacturing costs to be reduced.

Abstract: An elastic laminate suitable for use with a nonwoven garment has an elastic film with elastic strands placed thereon. The laminate is particularly suitable for combining with facing materials when making “targeted elastic materials” for placement into the structure of the nonwoven garment. A disposable garment may then utilize the elastic laminate, or the targeted elastic material made therefrom, to include an area of elasticized gathering under tension to better conform to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

Abstract: A pultrusion method produces a composite structural member having rigid elements embedded therein. The structural member may be a sandwich structure in which one or more rigid, pre-rigidized, or rigidizable composite or non-composite structural elements are introduced at regular or irregular positions within core elements. The structural member may also be formed from layers of resin-matrix fiber fabric into a structural cross-section, such as an I-beam or T-beam, with a bundle of pre-pultruded rods located at the bends or the web-flange intersection points within layers.

Abstract: A targeted elastic laminate material having different zones of tension across a width of a material roll and methods for making the same. At least two polymers or polymer blends having different set properties are used to produce varying tension zones across the material. The targeted elastic laminate material has elastic properties that provide improved fit characteristics to disposable personal care products, while maintaining a flat roll profile that allows the material to be easily processed at a high speed.

Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for forming an article includes a moving of at least one first strand of material, such as strand (22), along an appointed machine-direction (34). The at least one first strand of material is attached to a base layer of material (42) to provide a substrate composite (40), and a laminate layer (44) can be placed adjacent the at least one first strand of material to provide a laminate composite web (48). In a particular aspect, at least one second strand of material, such as strand (56), can be moved along its appointed machine-direction, and the at least one second strand of material can be attached to the base layer (42). In another aspect, an appointed portion of the base layer (42) can be folded to substantially enclose the at least one second strand (56) with the base layer material.

Abstract: A composite panel includes fibres adhered together by means of an adhesive binder to form a sheet having opposed planar faces and fibre reinforcement ribs imbedded in the sheet.

Abstract: A process of laminating textiles for producing air-permeable or moisture-permeable laminated textile materials involves generating a discontinuous layer of adhesive with a precise pattern of voids by means of temporarily introducing sets of parallel yarns or, alternatively, mesh-like webs in contact with an initially uniform layer of adhesive temporarily carried on a release-coated carrier. After the adhesive layer and the mesh-like web have been pushed into contact with a first fabric layer, the release-coated carrier is stripped away, along with the mesh-like web, from the first fabric layer. The adhesive layer remaining on the first fabric layer will exhibit a discontinuous pattern that is complementary to the mesh-like web pattern. Subsequently, a second fabric, or film, is bonded to the exposed adhesive surface on the first fabric to create a laminated material exhibiting air permeability or moisture permeability.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for high speed manufacture of a composite sheet material, which includes a cylindrical cam-driven strand-traverse guide that can loop strands around pins projecting from a pair of advancing pin conveyors which can transfer the strands to the surface of a moving sheet, are provided. When the strands are elastic, the elastic composite sheet material made by this process and apparatus are useful in elastic components of disposable diapers, adult incontinence articles and other garments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element with a determined permeability, said element comprising a first layer and a second layer welded together with interposition of a band of fibers, so as to form a plurality of adjacent welding points, which are separated the one from the other, the fibers of the band having a melting temperature at most 5° C. higher than the melting temperature of at least one of said layers, whereby at the welding points, fibers of the band are molten into the welding lines, so that between two adjacent welding lines, fibers of the band are not molten and form a channel for the exchange of gases but avoiding the passage of solid particles.

Abstract: A flat strip (1) including at least one layer (2) of longitudinal filamentary rovings (3), and means for assembling said filamentary rovings. The assembly means comprise a bonding material (5) and retaining means (4) surrounding and clamping said layer (2). The longitudinal filamentary rovings (3) are agglomerated into a relatively flat strand with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and each filamentary roving (3) has a predetermined average compactness of at least 60%. The retaining means (4) consist of a flat tubular sheath including elements (7) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of said filamentary rovings (3). Said strip is particularly useful for reinforcing ducts used in the oil industry.

Abstract: A three dimensional sail of one piece construction is made on a rotating roll having a deformable outer surface. The roll is divided into a large number of segments, extending across the width of the roll, with the convex profile of each segment being adjustable. A sail is made on the roll on a continuous basis by applying a first layer of film, deforming the film on the roll, applying adhesive and reinforcing the yarns, and applying a second layer of film to form a 3-D laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastic laminate structures comprising an open cell polymeric mesh integrally thermal bonded between two fabric carrier layers and methods for manufacturing such laminates.

Abstract: A composite elastic material includes a layer of ribbon-shaped elastomeric elements disposed in machine direction alignment and point bonded to an extensible layer which may be a gatherable layer or a stretchable layer. A layer of meltblown elastomeric fibers may be bonded to the layer of elastomeric ribbon-shaped elements before bonding to the extensible layer. The elastic composite has excellent cohesion, controlled breathability to air and water vapor, an opaque appearance, and is easy to cut and convert to end use products such as garments, pads, diapers, and personal care products where elasticity is desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a composite material which is light weight and highly damped against vibration. The composite material comprises fibers embedded in a resin matrix wherein the fibers are oriented in a waveform that is substantially continuously variable as to period, amplitude and/or shape. A viscoelastic material is combined with the resin matrix to provide vibration dampening characteristics. The variation in the period/amplitude takes place in a region of the composite structure which is selected to provide optimum strength and dampening characteristics as desired for the particular application. Even without the viscoelastic material, the light weight structure is useful as a pre-preg material from which other composite structures may be formed. Methods of manufacturing the composite material include using multiple, identical cells in which each cell is used to fabricate a fiber, resin matrix and viscoelastic adhesive composite.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base inliner comprising a textile sheet material and a reinforcement, wherein said reinforcement comprises monofilaments whose diameter is at least 0.1 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 1 mm. The base inliner is useful for producing optionally bituminized roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: Hand-tearable barrier laminates are provided which include a reinforcing layer having a first tensile strength laminated to flexible cellulosic web comprising open porosity and a second tensile strength which is less than the first tensile strength. The web is treated with a water-resistant polymeric resin for providing liquid water resistance to the web while permitting water vapor to pass through it. Inexpensive web materials can be substituted for polymer foam and microperforated plastic films currently employed by the housing industry.

Abstract: A process for making a laminated sheet by cutting a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet into a plurality of cut sheets. The cut sheets are feed to a butting apparatus to bring adjacent end faces of the cut sheets against each other. The abutted cut sheets are joined to a continuous sheet, which is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet, by melt welding using a heated roller where the cut sheets and the continuous sheet cling to the heated roller. Cooling of the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet occurs by causing such to cling to a cooling roller. A correcting roller is moved along the cooling roller, where the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet are between the cooling roller and the correcting roller, so that the amount of contact arc between the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet is changed to adjust the amount of warp in the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet.

Abstract: A composite friction unit includes a three dimensional composite body formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers distributed throughout the body in a predetermined uniform distribution and orientation, and a substantially uniform array and distribution of secondary fibers extending transverse to the primary fibers thereby forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout.