Abstract: An interior furnishing part for use in motor vehicles has a covering material sheet forming the exterior or facing surface of the furnishing part backed by a support part with a padding material between the covering material and the support part. Initially, the material sheet is unshaped and is shaped in a mold. During molding, the material sheet is provided with a recess or rib in the exterior or facing surface. After the molding operation, a decorative or attachment seam is sewn in the exterior surface of the furnishing part with the sewing machine guided by the recess or rib. The seam extends at least partly through the interior furnishing part. A foamable material can be used as the padding material.

Abstract: A non-woven recyclable polyester fabric suitable for use as a bale covering that is a single layer batt formed of crosslapped fiber having a structure compacted by needlepunching and calendering. A process for producing this non-woven recyclable polyester fabric that includes forming a web of fiber, crosslapping the web to form a batt, needlepunching the batt, and calendering the batt under suitable conditions.

Abstract: A stitchbonded absorbent article and method of making same are presented. The article exhibits good hand, repeated washing durability, and absorbency. The article includes first and second layers which are mechanically held together by stitches of yarn, at a stitch density ranging from about 15 to about 35 st/10 cm, and stitch gauge ranging from about 10 to about 40, using a stitching yarn comprising at least two compositionally different fibers having different heat stability being at least partially melt-bonded together at points of mutual contact, the yarn being melt-bonded at least partially to outer surfaces of the article.

Abstract: A gun barrel lining made of composite material having refractory fiber reinforcement and a ceramic matrix, the fiber reinforcement comprises a cylindrical inner portion constituted by a three-dimensional fiber texture and a cylindrical outer portion surrounding the inner portion and having the same axis, the outer portion being constituted by a strip wound around the inner portion, and the inner and outer portions being codensified by the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: A method looks to the making of belts through the use of a belt buckle having an open frame and a belt blank having first and second ends, the method comprising the steps of inserting the first end of the belt blank through the buckle open frame, folding the belt blank onto itself about a fold line, applying a marketing indicator to the belt blank at a location within the fold of the belt blank and securing the assembly of the folded belt blank, the buckle and the marketing indicator, while maintaining the marketing indicator at such location within the fold of the belt blank.

Abstract: A gas turbine blade includes a central core covered by a plurality of layers of composite material, and optionally also an outer sleeve of woven composite material. A network of transverse seams pass through the layers of composite material, and preferably also the core and the outer sleeve. This construction is particularly applicable to large diameter turbine blades.

Abstract: A forming assembly comprises two presser members (22,24) each having a corrugated surface for receiving a workpiece made up of generally diamond-shaped pockets (10). Each presser member is made up of sections (22a,22b; 24a, 24b) mounted on slide rods (38) for movement between a spaced-apart position, in which a workpiece can be located therebetween, and a closed position, movement into which, while the workpiece is held between the presser members, is effective to compress the workpiece laterally. For holding the pockets in their diamond shape formers (20) are inserted therein. A flange (18) is formed at one end of the workpiece and integral therewith by pressing outwardly folded material against a lateral end face of the presser members (22,24) using a presser plate (52). This forming method is especially suitable for forming self-supporting filter units.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative ribbon, including the steps of gathering an elongate ribbon, stitching the ribbon along the length thereof while gathered with wire thread to hold the ribbon in the gathered condition. The ribbon may also be heat set while held in the gathered condition by the wire stitches. A ribbon according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of bonding fabric materials together into an integral structure is unique in the attachment of a mating fabric onto a base fabric. The mating fabric is disposed to have a longitudinal binding end of specified profile for adhesion to the base fabric with improved tensile strength. Also disclosed is a structurally durable seamless quilt obtained by the use of the method.

Abstract: A method for forming a seat belt through-bore in an automotive seat, which uses a lower die having an opening perforated therein and an upper die movable toward and away from the lower die, the method including the steps of providing a top cover member having an incision therein and two separate covering pieces sewn to a frontal surface of the top cover member such that they are disposed on the opposite sides of the incision, and turning upside down the thus-formed top cover member. In this method process, it is so arranged that, before lowering the upper die to press and bond the top cover member to a cushion member, the free portions of those two covering pieces are inserted into said opening of said lower die, so that the top cover member is placed flat upon the lower die, in order to avoid creation of undesired recession on the top cover member of resultant seat.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pipe liner with which a pipe is internally lined,forming a tubular body from a lengthy rectangular belt of a resin-absorbable flexible material by sewing the longer sides of the rectangle together; andcoating either the inner or outer surface of the tubular body with an airtight plastic film, for example, by:(a) inserting the tubular resin-absorbable flexible material into the airtight plastic film tube;(b) wrapping the two-layer tube with a tubular film of release means;(c) inserting an inflatable bag into the multi-layer tube;(d) pneumatically inflating the inflatable bag to thereby radially press the multi-layer tube from inside to thereby cause the multi-layer tube to become cylindrical;(e) causing the airtight plastic film to adhere closely to the resin-absorbable flexible material by removing the air trapped between the resin-absorbable flexible material and the airtight plastic film tube by drawing the air from the resin-absorbable flexible material by means of a suction mea

Abstract: A technique for the translaminar reinforcement in the z-axis direction of composite laminates utilizing an apparatus and method for heating and softening the composite laminates by ultrasonic energy, penetrating the composite laminate, moving the composite laminate fibers aside, inserting a reinforcing fiber into the composite laminate and allowing the composite laminate and reinforcement fiber to cool and bond.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a skin cover capable of making desired curved portions on the skin cover without deforming or damaging the skin cover and without creating wrinkles on the skin cover. The method includes the steps of placing one of the surface skin and the wadding along a manufacturing surface having a shape corresponding to the curved sections such that the one of the surface skin and the wadding is kept in a desired curved shape; and attaching another one of the surface skin and the wadding to the one placed along the manufacturing surface to obtain the skin cover in the desired curved shape.

Abstract: Seat covers are sewn inside-out and then inverted to fit over a frame. Inversion is accomplished by threading the sewn seat cover over a pair of generally parallel arms. The sewn seat cover is generally in the form of a pocket. The closed end of the pocket is engaged by the blunt edge of a plate. The plate pushes the closed end between the arms forcing the structure of the pocket to ride up and over the top of the arms and downward between the two arms thereby inverting the seat cover to a right side out condition.

Abstract: Non-continuous fiber reinforcements for resinous material having a layer of chopped strands, evenly distributed in random orientations and a confinement layer extending over and in intimate contact with layer of chopped strands. Rows of stitching are provided. individual stitches in the rows attach the confinement layer and the chopped strands.

Abstract: A tubular liner for use in softlining methods of pipe rehabilitation. The tubular liner is constructed of plastic materials or laminates of plastic material having one or more resin-absorbing layers. The tubular liner is made by stitching together the faces of the liner material to form a tube. The seam of the tube is then sealed and the sealed seam is fused to the tube. The resulting structure provides a durable tubular liner that resists rupture or leakage of the seam during use in pipe rehabilitation operations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative ribbon, including the steps of gathering an elongate ribbon, stitching the ribbon along the length thereof while gathered to hold the ribbon in the gathered condition and heat setting the ribbon while held in the gathered condition by the stitches to permanently set the ribbon itself into the gathered condition. A variation in the appearance of the ribbon is achieved by winding the gathered ribbon onto a mandrel before heat setting the ribbon, heat setting the ribbon while the ribbon is wound onto the mandrel to place an axially repeating permanent twist into the ribbon, and removing the heat set ribbon from the mandrel.

Abstract: A heat-resistant alumina fiber mat contains an accumulated mass of alumina staple fibers and continuous alumina filaments. The accumulated mass is sewn with the continuous alumina filaments. A process for producing a heat-resistant alumina fiber mat includes accumulating a precursor of alumina staple fibers to obtain an accumulated mass, sewing the accumulated mass with continuous filaments to give a sewn mass and then sintering the sewn mass. The continuous filaments may be continuous alumina filaments or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by quilting, with threads, fibers, filaments or strands of flexible material at spaced locations over essentially the entire outer surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: The method is one of producing multi-ply laminates incorporating an exposed veneer in quality wood or cork, and involved bonding the veneer (1) to a thin flexible thermoplastic film (2) by way of a layer of hot melt adhesive (3). The same laminate can be reinforced to enable its use in manufacturing sewn goods, such as bags and acessories, by ading a tough, close-woven backing fabric (20), bonded to the back of the film (2) in similar fashion via a further layer of adhesive (3), which provides the strength necessary to take a heavy stitch when sheets are sewn together.

Abstract: A semi-finished product (24) composed of dry, loose covering layers (10,15) of reinforcing material and a debris material (9) of reaction resin (5) and elements (7) of variable form and volume as core (22) is used for the manufacture of moulded parts by hot pressing.

Abstract: Ceramic insulation has a mat of intersecting, discrete ceramic fibers bonded with a sol-gel glass binder. A fabric-reinforced glass coating is bonded to at least one surface of the mat. The insulation is prepared by forming a slurry of ceramic fibers, molding the slurry to form a soft felt mat, drying the mat, and incrementally introducing the binder into the mat with a multiple-impregnation technique, which controls shrinkage of the ceramic fiber mat. The fabric-reinforced glass coating is formed by applying a glass fiber cloth to a surface of the ceramic fiber mat and coating the same with a powdered glass. The powdered glass is melted and cooled.The process provides a layering technique that permits formation of a continuous fibrous structure having layers that impart distinct characteristics at desired regions within the structure.

Abstract: A leather article decorated with light emitting diodes. The article has first and second lengths of flat, braided conductors sewn to thee back surface with a gap between the two lengths. Holes are formed through the leather between the two lengths of conductors and the light emitting diode is secured by its leads to the two lengths so that it protrudes through the leather. Lengths are connected to a battery and a switch so that the decorated area may be turned off or on as desired.

Abstract: A composite reinforcement element comprising three superimposed and crossed even layers of threads and a continuous thread extending perpendicularly through the three superimposed even layers. The layers are impregnated with a binder and the binder is polymerized after impregnation. The superimposed and crossed even layers are initially maintained assembled, before the impregnation and the polymerization of the binder, by a conjugate action of gripping and friction of the three superposed and crossed even layers of threads on the continuous thread which extends therethrough. The continuous thread forms an internal surface of the composite reinforcement element which protrudes from the superimposed and crossed even layers of threads in the form of open loops which are interconnected on an external surface of the element.

Abstract: An improved joint and method for providing the improved joint structure in joined or fused thermoplastic strap positioned about a package or article is disclosed. The improved joint includes means for increasing the peel separation resistance of overlapping portions of the joint above the peel separation resistance provided by a weldment between the overlapping portions providing for a joint strength that approaches the tensile strength of the strap material or weldment.

Abstract: A dry fiber form, for use in the preparation of composite parts, is provided with reinforcing threads sewn across the juncture of two non-parallel portions, to prevent failure in the interior of the part due to "out-of-plane" stress developed under applied load, the stress being in a direction other than that of the fibers at said juncture.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced resin composites formed by elements joined by a high shear strength, high fracture toughness adhesive are disclosed. The elements are created in easily produceable cross-sectional shapes such as flat, C-shaped, Z-shaped or T-shaped. When joined, the elements form delamination resistant fiber reinforced resin composites having more complex shapes. The strength of the junctions between a pair of elements, such as a panel and its associated reinforcing members, can be enhanced by fasteners, such as rivets, if desired.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing pad assembly and method of making same are provided wherein such assembly comprises a top layer, a bottom waterproof layer, an absorbent layer between the top and bottom layers, and a multiple-purpose structure disposed between the absorbent layer and the top layer, such structure providing cushioning, means enabling immediate passage therethrough of liquid from the top layer, means substantially preventing reverse wicking of liquid that has passed through the structure, and a suspension which allows air to freely associate with the underside of said top layer for drying purposes.

Abstract: A toothed belt and method of manufacturing the same wherein the opposed ends of a tooth covering fabric are stitched with an interposed rigid element disposed within the stitching. The rigid element is used to accurately locate the joint of the fabric with respect to the tooth molding groove, at least during a subsequent tensile cord winding step which normally tends to displace the fabric joint. The joint may be accurately located as desired with respect to the mandrel or mold. Different structure for holding the ends of the rigid element are disclosed. The rigid element may be removed prior to the rubber vulcanization step during which step the wrapped tensile cord effectively maintains the fabric joint at the desired location.

Abstract: An improved fastening device is disclosed for securing a longitudinally extending body member within an aperture of a workpiece. The fastening device is designed to accept resilient material after the fastening device is inserted within the workpiece. In one alternative embodiment the inserted resilient material acts in cooperating with the longitudinally extending body member to lock the device in place and to provide a supporting structure to the workpiece. In another alternative embodiment, the body member, after injection by the resilient material, assumes the shape of the workpiece aperture.

Abstract: Provided is a composite for use as thermal insulation in high temperature environments. The composite comprises a layer of randomly laid and oriented, fine diameter, heat resistant fibers interlocked together into the form of a shape sustaining paper having a high fiber index and two lateral surfaces, said paper being compressed to produce a paper which has a thickness of from about 0.01 to 0.50 inch and a density of about 6 to about 30 lb/cu.ft. A high temperature resistant scrim is disposed upon each of the lateral surfaces of the paper, and a network of abrasion-resistant, high temperature-resistant threads is stitched through the scrim and the paper such that the scrim is mechanically locked to the paper by said threads. The network of threads and the scrim substantially retain the structural integrity of the said paper to maintain said paper in compression.

Abstract: A method of at least one-sided coating of thin plates with a laminating material in a continuous operation comprises supplying a laminating material into a pressing gap, supplying a plurality of thin plates into the pressing gap, applying a pressure in the pressing gap to the thin plates and the laminating material so as to laminate the former with the latter, the supplying a plurality of thin plates including connecting neighboring ones of the thin plates with one another at their end sides facing toward one another with alignment of their upper and lower limiting surfaces so as to form a plate strand and then supplying the thusly formed plate strand into the pressing gap, and separating the plate strand into individual plates by dividing the plate strand in connecting regions of the latter.

Abstract: Moldless process for manufacturing foamed articles is disclosed wherein a trim cover is first prepared as having a composite structure of an outer facing material such as fabric and an inner backing material of low melting point such as a thin foam of polystyrene and having a shape substantially corresponding to a final contour of the finished article; the trim cover is heated and forced to form a pre-shaped cover conforming to the final contour of the finished article preferably by means of a restraining frame such as basket or plastic cage configured to the final contour of the finished article; highly reactive polyurethane composition foamable at low internal pressure is poured inside the pre-shaped cover and allowed to foam and expand to fill substantially an entire volume within the pre-shaped cover; and then the pre-shaped cover is externally heated to around the melting temperature of the backing material so as to significantly shrink and virtually dissipate the backing material interposed between the

Abstract: The machine comprises a frame (1, 2, 3, 4), a rotary mandrel (15) mounted on a horizontal shaft (14), a vertical arm (12) having a detachable work device (20) at the lower end of the arm, and means (M1, M2, M3) for shifting the arm (12) along three orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z).

Abstract: An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length subsequent to manufacture of the article, preferably by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion of the elastically shirrable segment. The predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of the elastically shirrable segment preferably comprises an elastomeric monomer which is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring. The opposed ends of the elastically shirrable segment in the article are interconnected to one another through the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member.

Abstract: A method of waterproofing the stitch lines of padding material having a high degree of thermal insulation, usable in clothing and the like comprises the step of applying a tape composed of a support layer of polyamide fibre fabric, a waterproofing layer of polyurethane resin, and an adhesive layer of great adhesion and cohesion and based on elastomers.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced resin composites formed by elements joined by a high shear strength, high fracture toughness adhesive are disclosed. The elements are created in easily produceable cross-sectional shapes such as flat, C-shaped, Z-shaped or T-shaped. When joined, the elements form delamination resistant fiber reinforced resin composites having more complex shapes. The strength of the junctions between a pair of elements, such as a panel and its associated reinforcing members, can be enhanced by fasteners, such as rivets, if desired.

Abstract: A method of producing a wide variety of ribbon flowers; wherein, a framework unit (10) is employed in conjunction with a length of ribbon (18) a stitching means (11) and a severing means (12), to produce the basic core elements of the various flower varieties; wherein, all of the essential core elements are produced by following the same basic method steps; and, the individual flower varieties are arrived at by selecting options among the broad basic method steps, and also electing to perform optional method steps intermediate the basic steps to produce the particular varieties.

Abstract: A process for the production of a foam-backed article in which a covering is formed by sewing several parts together along joining seams and the outer side of the cover is laid onto a preliminary mold. A one-piece airtight film is positioned so that it overlies the whole of the covering and is then applied against the film and a peripheral edge portion of the film is sealed against the preliminary mold. The vacuum is applied to the interior of the preliminary mold to pull and bond the film to the inner side of the covering which is thereafter removed, turned inside out, and applied into a thermoforming mold in which the foam backing is formed.

Abstract: A flame resistant fire barrier fabric comprising a preformed self-extinguishing thermoplastic face fabric laminated to an underlying glass fabric wherein the glass fibers are coated with a thin adherent encapsulating coating, and wherein the encapsulating coating substantially minimizes fiber to fiber self abrasion.

Abstract: A cold weather garment is produced from inner and outer fabrics and a layer of open cell skinned foam at least 1/4 inch thick, and preferably about 3/4 inch thick. The skin may be provided on a major flat face of the foam and the other face convoluted, or both faces can be skinned, or the foam layer may include two or more thicknesses of skinned foam. The garments provide better wind resistance than garments with simple open cell foam constructions and allow the selection of a wider variety of outer fabrics while still having the desired MVT, insulation, and wind resistance properties. The skinned foam is also easier to handle, cut, and sew during the construction of cold weather garments.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for producing laminated articles such as vehicle seat inserts. A continuous web of foam riser material is intermittently advanced along the apparatus by chain drag conveyor means. Fabric cover panels are longitudinally spaced on the upper surface of the web and sewn thereto at an upstream sewing machine station. The conveyor means advances the web together with the panels to a platen press station wherein a press plate moves to insert cutting and heat sealing dies into engagement with the laminated material. A laminated insert pattern is cut from both the web and overlying cover and thereafter heat sealed around its outer perimeter by bonding means sandwiched between the panel and web. A photocell sensing arrangement is adapted to normally see-through the web such that it senses the trailing edge of each advancing panel.

Abstract: An elongated spacer is disclosed for use in separating the glass panes in multiple-glazed thermal windows. The spacer has an elongated hollow interior for storing a dessicant material and a plurality of moisture barrier partitions at intervals along the length of the interior. The spacers are originally manufactured in oversized lengths and later cut to fit particular windows. The partitions divide the elongated interior into subcompartments, and when the spacer is cut to length the partitions confine moisture contamination and dessicant loss to the particular subcompartment which is cut.

Abstract: An improved method and related apparatus are provided for making convertible top for automobiles and the like, wherein top deck and side quarter panels of fabric-based material cooperatively form rain gutters extending along the opposite sides of the top deck panel. The top deck and each side quarter panel for a convertible top are initially sewn together in overlying relation near one side margin whereupon the side margin is folded over with the side quarter panel folded back upon itself to define a pair of directly overlying side edge strips. This folded side margin is advanced through a folding fixture adapted to insert an elongated rod substantially into the base of the fold between the side edge strips of the side quarter panel. An adhesive material is applied between the side edge strips which are then pressed together to obtain a secure bond therebetween and to lock the rod in place.

Abstract: A method of making a permanently attached doll wig integrating a high pile, backed piece of material and strands of synthetic doll hair rooted through both the material and the doll head. Initially, the material is attached to the doll head pile side down by a line of stitching. The material is then folded over and held in place by an adhesive and permanently secured by rooting strands of synthetic doll hair through both the material and the doll head. Rooting some synthetic doll hair directly into the doll head adjacent to, but beyond, the edges of the material, obscures the edges.

Abstract: A laminar block for lining an inner wall of a furnace is composed of a number of individual laminated sheets of inorganic fibers sewed together by means of chain stiches. When the laminar block is cut to size, severing the thread, the chain stitches prevent the laminated sheets from separating.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture directed to a mural like device which is formed on a blank or sheet of flexible fabric type material by the forming in the surface thereof a pattern to define predetermined form. Strands of yarn material formed in closely spaced spiral loops are secured to the blank or sheet material along the pattern formed thereon as e.g. by sewing. The loops so fixed are severed along the free end thereof to impart a three dimensional effect to the pattern. Illuminating lights are disposed along the pattern for added visual effects and decorative or ornamental devices may also be interposed between and/or to compliment said lights for additional visual effects.

Abstract: A decorative device for application upon the exterior of an article of wearing apparel; the device comprising first and second sheets of transparent fluid impervious flexible material in registering relationship and being mutually secured in their marginal zones for jointly defining a central chamber. The decorative device is secured directly to the article of wearing apparel as by stitching and with there being a liquid of predetermined coloration and either of foaming or nonfoaming character partially filling the chamber for exception through the walls of said device. The liquids utilized are of predetermined formulation to possess the capacity to foam or otherwise so that upon movement of the wearer of the article of wearing apparel the liquid will be caused to flow within the confined chamber.

Abstract: A treated fabric is constructed that is capable of withstanding extremely harsh weather and abrasion conditions in low temperature environments. The treated fabric comprises a woven or weft inserted warp knit synthetic fiber fabric which has a generally open construction and is pretreated with a chemical bonding agent to facilitate adhesion of a neoprene coating to the fabric. A neoprene, such as neoprene AD, having a highly crystalline structure and including effective amounts of low temperature plasticizers, antioxidants, and loadings, is applied to the fabric, and it is coated with a highly crystalline acrylic coating. The neoprene coating vulcanizes (cures) in use, such as when used as a geotextile fabric, the highly crystalline acrylic coating protecting the neoprene until it vulcanizes. The fabric may be attached to a nonwoven filter fabric, and formed into a bag which is filled with sand, grout, or the like during actual use of the geotextile fabric in the harsh environment.

Abstract: Non-woven, bias laid fabrics, where the various fabric layers are held together by external means, such as stitching, and wherein, preferably, at least two of the layers are formed at an angle of from 30.degree. to 150.degree. relative to the long axis of the fabric, are formed by directing at least two pluralities of yarns back and forth across the width of the forming fabric, to be wrapped around or mounted on a series of needles formed on a moving conveyor, one conveyor being placed on either side and moving in the direction of the long axis of the fabric. Speed of movement of the yarns can be determined by the speed of movement of the mechanism for the machine operated to hold the various fabric layers together; preferably said machine mechanism moves more slowly near the ends of each cycle, so that yarn carriers are similarly slowed at either end of the forming fabric width, aiding in making successive courses of yarn lie parallel to each other without the necessity for extra equipment.