Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel or improved fibrous layers, composites, composite separators, separators, composite mat separators, composite mat separators containing fibers and silica particles, battery separators, lead acid battery separators, and/or flooded lead acid battery separators, and/or batteries, cells, and/or methods of manufacture and/or use of such fibrous layers, composites, composite separators, separators, battery separators, lead acid battery separators, cells, and/or batteries. In addition, disclosed herein are methods, systems, and battery separators for enhancing battery life, reducing internal resistance, reducing metalloid poisoning, reducing acid stratification, and/or improving uniformity in at least enhanced flooded batteries.

Abstract: An automatic machine for providing corrugated sheet-like elements having a component for the continuous corrugation of a ribbon in motion in a longitudinal direction. The corrugation component includes an upper conveyor and a lower conveyor. The upper conveyor includes a plurality of upper abutment elements that are extended substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of motion of the ribbon. The lower conveyor includes a plurality of lower abutment elements that are extended substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of motion of the ribbon. The upper abutment elements are intercalated between the lower abutment elements in a work area. The upper abutment elements each comprise include a flap, which has, in the end adapted to make contact with the ribbon, at least one portion that has a grip component.

Abstract: A system for diffusing wrinkles in a composite laminate may include at least one wrinkle diffuser. The wrinkle diffuser may include a diffuser body may be mounted to a tool in a manner such that a composite ply at least partially overlaps the wrinkle diffuser. A plurality of diffuser elements may be formed in the diffuser body to define a corrugated surface. The corrugated surface may cause a portion of the composite ply to assume a corrugated shape when a compaction pressure is applied to force the composite ply against the corrugated surface. The wrinkle diffuser may include an indexing feature to index the wrinkle diffuser to a ply edge of the composite ply.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous sheet of pleated, hook-form, fastener product includes training a substrate about a pressure roll having an outer surface defining circumferential grooves. As the substrate approaches a nip between the pressure roll and a mold roll calendered with the pressure roll, a portion of the substrate is disposed within a corresponding one of the grooves between the pressure roll and a stationary horn extending into the groove whereby a longitudinally-extending pleat is formed in the substrate. The pleated substrate is then passed through the nip where resin regions are laminated to a side of the substrate opposed to the pleat.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements and lands completely surrounding them. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements completely surrounded by land areas.

Abstract: Methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction include elongating the films in the machine direction without reducing the films' machine-direction tear resistance. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films without reducing the films' machine-direction tear resistance. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting transverse-direction extending linear rib pattern into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges. Incrementally stretched thermoplastic films can have a machine-direction tear resistance that is approximately equal to or greater than the machine-direction tear resistance of the film prior to stretching.

Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.

Abstract: A method of bonding a substantially planar sheet material to a corrugated sheet material using an automated process the method characterized by the steps of a) applying adhesive in discrete amounts to the contact points of the corrugated sheet material, and b) holding the sheet materials together until a bond is formed between them.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for longitudinal orientation of thermoplastic film material (4) comprises a width-reduction zone upstream of the longitudinal stretching zone, through which the width of the film is gradually reduced so as to allow longitudinal stretching without necking. The width-reduction zone comprises at least one, preferably several, pairs of pleating rollers (16, 17) comprising intermeshing grooves or discs for pleating the material, the length of said width reduction zone preferably being less than 3 times the original width of the film. The width-reducing zone has upstream (14) and downstream (15) rollers or roller assemblies, with curved axes and optionally also conveyor belts for providing smooth width reduction. Longitudinal stretching is preferably between at least two, and preferably more than two, pairs of stretching rollers (9, 10, 11, 12) which are relatively close together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable balloon, the ends of which are attached to the catheter tube, and a stent attached around the balloon. The stent extends at least partly along the length of the balloon. In an uninflated state, at least the outside surface of the balloon not covered by the stent is provided with a relief structure which is substantially disappeared in an inflated state of the balloon. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a balloon catheter.

Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for deforming a web are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method involves feeding a web into a nip that is formed between at least two intermeshing rolls. The rolls are configured for deforming a web with at least two sets of deformations that are oriented in different directions relative to the surfaces of the web.

Abstract: Two paper webs saturated with an A-phase phenolic resins and dried to a B-phase are conveyed through separate low melting point metal alloy baths, one web after being corrugated, to convert the resin to a fully cured C-phase, whereafter the webs are joined to form a waterproof single face corrugated web.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.

Abstract: A mechanical activation system has a first activation member, a second activation member, an activation zone, and a non-slip zone. The first activation member has a first plurality of teeth, and the second activation member has a second plurality of teeth. The first plurality of teeth is capable of intermeshing with the second plurality of teeth. The activation zone includes a first portion of the first plurality of teeth and a first portion of the second plurality of teeth. The first portion of the first plurality of teeth and the first portion of the second plurality of teeth include teeth having continuous tips. The first non-slip zone includes a second portion of the first plurality of teeth or a second portion of the second plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a tooth having a discontinuous tip.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web includes providing a precursor web a first forming structure having a plurality of discrete first forming elements and a first pressure source and applying pressure between the first pressure source and the first forming structure to force the precursor web to conform to the first forming elements of to form a first embossed web having a plurality of first discrete extended elements. The first embossed web is then provided between a second forming structure having a plurality of discrete second forming elements and a second pressure source and pressure is applied between the second pressure source and the second forming structure to force the first embossed web to conform to the second forming elements to form a second embossed web having a plurality of second discrete extended elements. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of first and second discrete extended elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a film catalyst, including forming a catalyst layer on one side or each side of a base material to obtain a film catalyst, bending the film catalyst, and optionally cutting the film catalyst, wherein the bending step is conducted by bending the film catalyst with a bending tool composed of two gears that are oppositely arranged as meshing each other while a protective material having a compressibility of 40 to 95% is inserted between the catalyst layer of the film catalyst and the two gears.

Abstract: A panel filter including a pleated filter media, a frame and a screen is provided. The pleated filter media is supported by the frame which is a one-piece die cut frame or a two-piece die cut frame with integrally formed webbing and border. The pleated filter media is further supported by the screen on one or both sides.

Abstract: A device for watering purposes, a method for the manufacture thereof, as well as means for the manufacture thereof are disclosed. The device includes a water-collecting container extending along the intended desired area to be watered. Internally in the container, there is a transverse double partition wall, which extends from the base portion of the container up to at least half the effective height of the container. Along the outside of the container, a liquid-sucking wick extends that is connected to the internal liquid-receiving spaces of the container at a mutual distance from each other, as seen along the length extension of the container.

Abstract: A panel filter including a pleated filter media, a frame and a screen is provided. The pleated filter media is supported by the frame which is a one piece die cut frame or a two-piece die cut frame with integrally formed webbing and border. The pleated filter media is further supported by the screen on one or both sides.

Abstract: Methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction include elongating the films in the machine direction without reducing the films' machine-direction tear resistance. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films without reducing the films' machine-direction tear resistance. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting transverse-direction extending linear rib pattern into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges. Incrementally stretched thermoplastic films can have a machine-direction tear resistance that is approximately equal to or greater than the machine-direction tear resistance of the film prior to stretching.

Abstract: Method for imparting elasticity to a laminate comprising at least one elastic film having a width and at least one ply of non-woven material secured to the film, particularly through interposition of a bonding material, particularly glue, which comprises the following steps in which: the laminate is unrolled in the form of a web in order to pass it between two sets of toothing, of which the teeth engage in each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the laminate in order to thus stretch the laminate in the direction of its width, characterized in that: a tension is imparted to the web in the longitudinal direction or machine direction during its unrolling between the toothing, particularly by providing a tensioner roll, particularly downstream of the sets of toothing.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements and lands completely surrounding them. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements completely surrounded by land areas.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A tolerance strip is formed a strip of resilient material with corrugations, the corrugations extending transversely across the full width of the strip, the corrugations defining crests with troughs between adjacent corrugations, a central portion of the corrugations being of substantially uniform height across the strip, portions of the corrugations adjacent each longitudinal edge of the strip decreasing in height towards the edge of the strip. In one form the corrugations are flat longitudinally of the strip at the crests and/or troughs.

Abstract: A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for introducing a helical formation (11) into a flexible tubular material (12). The material (12) is supported together with a surrounding helical former (13) so as to deform the material (12) to have a helical indentation (11) corresponding to the shape of the former (13). The material (12) is then set in that configuration and the former (13) is removed.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously activating two or more portions of a web in different directions. The process involves feeding a web into an apparatus that includes a pair of intermeshing activation rolls having three dimensional surface features configured to simultaneously activate different portions a web in different directions. The three dimensional surface features are arranged in discrete regions on the rolls such that at least two of the regions provide different directions of activation. The rolls include one or more buffer regions positioned between the discrete regions on the roll that provide different directions of activation.

Abstract: A mechanical activation system has a first activation member, a second activation member, an activation zone, and a non-slip zone. The first activation member has a first plurality of teeth, and the second activation member has a second plurality of teeth. The first plurality of teeth is capable of intermeshing with the second plurality of teeth. The activation zone includes a first portion of the first plurality of teeth and a first portion of the second plurality of teeth. The first portion of the first plurality of teeth and the first portion of the second plurality of teeth include teeth having continuous tips. The first non-slip zone includes a second portion of the first plurality of teeth or a second portion of the second plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a tooth having a discontinuous tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bellows hose, which is capable of being used without leakage, and which has a longer length and/or diameter than has been previously achievable. A bellows hose comprises an inner tubular bellows and an outer tubular bellows. An insulation layer is provided between the bellows. An armoured layer is provided around the outer bellows, to improve the insulation further. The hose can have length above 30 m and a diameter above 400 mm. A method of, and apparatus for, making the hose are also described, which involves the use of a non-metallic mandrel.

Abstract: A method of producing a corrugated product comprises the steps of providing at least one medium conditioning apparatus upstream of at least one of a corrugating labyrinth, single-facer, and/or double-backer. The moisture content in at least one of a web of medium material, first face-sheet, and/or second face-sheet is adjusted to be in the range of 6-9 wt. % moisture by applying a substantially continuous thin film of liquid thereto using the at least one medium conditioning apparatus. In one example, at least one heating arrangement is arranged downstream from the at least one medium conditioning apparatus to heat at least one of the web of medium material, first-face sheet, and/or second face-sheet.

Abstract: An alternating pattern gel cushioning device and methods for making the same. The gel pattern may be two or three dimensional. The devices may be zoned or stacked. The device may be made by a variety of methods including roller molding, open face molding, injection molding, casting, extrusion, compression molding and other methods.

Abstract: A method of stably producing a ceramic sheet with good quality, where the tip portions of convex parts constituting numerous wrinkles on the surface of the ceramic sheet are not in contact with each other, and concave parts are open. To produce the ceramic sheet, clay is placed on the upper surface of a stretched rubber sheet, and the upper surface of the clay is covered by a surface layer made from a material that burns when the clay is baked. The rubber sheet is contracted to form wrinkles on the upper surface of the clay and the surface layer. The clay is baked and the surface layer is made to disappear by burning to obtain the ceramic sheet. Thus, the surface layer prevents the tips of the convex parts constituting the wrinkles from being in direct contact with each other.

Abstract: Necked nonwoven webs having improved cross-directional uniformity are made by a process which includes the step (prior to neck stretching) of corrugating the nonwoven web to reduce its width from an initial width A to a reduced corrugated width B. The cross-directional uniformity is optimized as the corrugated width B approaches the ultimate width C of the necked nonwoven web.

Abstract: A corrugated pattern forming sheet exhibiting excellent performance when being used as optical elements, such as an antireflector and a retardation plate is provided. A corrugated pattern forming sheet of the invention includes a resin layer, and a hard layer provided at least in a portion of an outer surface of the resin layer. The hard layer is made of a metal or a metallic compound. The hard layer has a wavelike corrugated pattern. The average pitch of the corrugated pattern is 1 ?m or less, and the average depth of the bottom of the corrugated pattern is 10% or more given an average pitch of 100%.

Abstract: A rib forming apparatus has an elongated support table, a supply of thermoplastic sheet material over the table, a transporting means having at least two transverse carriages mounted on the table to slide along longitudinal edges thereof, a thermal means mounted on one of the carriages for locally heating the sheet material in preparation of a molding press, and at least one press module mounted on another carriage and having a reciprocating press blade positioned at one flat side of the sheet material and a couple of swiveling press blades positioned at the opposite flat side of the sheet material and movable toward the reciprocating press blade to mold the heated section of the sheet material by closing the above three press blades toward each other, whereby a series of vertical rib folds are formed transversely of the sheet material and advanced by the transport means through the closed press blades.

Abstract: A method that includes coextruding two or more thermoplastic resin streams through a profiled die plate, which die plate is shaped to form a nonplanar film (three dimensional) preferably with a regularly oscillating peak and valley structure that oscillates from a top surface to a bottom surface forming longitudinally extending ridges on both faces of the film. The film is formed by coextruding the film through the oscillating die plate opening causing partitioning of the resins in different zones in the width direction of the film. Flattening of the film results in a film with side-by-side zones formed of different polymers or relative proportions of polymers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of manufacturing filter cartridges are disclosed, the system including a tube of laminated and seamed filter media, a media unwind mechanism, a mandrel having a starting point operatively positioned proximate the media unwind mechanism, structure, operatively positioned proximate the mandrel, for feeding the tube of laminated and seamed filter media into the starting point of the mandrel, structure, operatively positioned in the mandrel, for pressurizing the tube of laminated and seamed filter media with a gas, structure, operatively positioned in the mandrel, for expanding the tube of laminated and seamed filter media into a substantially cylindrical shape as the tube of laminated and seamed filter media passes over the mandrel, a pleater mechanism, operatively positioned proximate the mandrel, a blade mechanism, operatively associated with the pleater mechanism, for alternately engaging the tube of laminated and seamed filter media with the blade mec

Abstract: The invention provides a process to deliver an elastomeric composition to a substrate. The elastomeric composition is cooled. The cooling also results in substantially complete transfer of the elastomeric composition from the pattern roll to the substrate with a resulting reduction in elastomer degradation.

Abstract: A corrugated laminate material (44) for use in an evaporative heat exchanger, said material including a water retaining medium having a wettable surface (40) and an opposed vapour resistant surface (42).

Abstract: The method of forming pleated filter media includes providing a generally planar web of filter material, folding the web to form a pleated web having a plurality of fold lines, arranging the plurality of pleats in a first spaced configuration defined by a first distance between adjacent pleat tips, applying a continuous strand of adhesive to the web, and adjusting the arrangement of the plurality of pleats into a second spaced configuration defined by a second distance between adjacent pleat tips. The web has a front face and a rear face. Each fold line is intermediate oppositely sloping first and second wall surfaces. The plurality of fold lines form a plurality of pleats having a first plurality of pleat tips and a second plurality of pleat valleys. The second distance is different from the first distance.

Abstract: A double walled reinforcement structure and method for making a double walled reinforcement structure having a plurality of longitudinally extending and nested structural members. Each structural member comprises a first cell having a first cross-section and a second cell having a second cross-section. The second cell is positioned within the first cell and the second cell contacts the first cell in a plurality of locations to provide mutual support of the cells in a manner increasing the tensile and compressive strength of the structure.

Abstract: Presented herein is an apparatus and method for deforming a sheet material. The apparatus includes a deforming roller having a plurality of circumferential depressions and at least one cord in rotational engagement with the roller and adapted to press the material into the depressions. The method includes the steps of providing a rotating deforming roller having circumferential depressions, at least one cord aligned to fit within the depressions and at least one sheet material, and feeding the material in a first direction between the roller and cord and deforming the material by pressing it at least partially into the depressions with the cord. The deformation may include stretching or extending the material, and/or aperturing the material, and/or producing topographical shapes or surface features in the material.

Abstract: A high efficiency fluid filter arrangement wherein a combined layer of scrim and filter media applications is of empirically relatively estimated weight size and depth with intermediate pleat spacing so as to arrive at a combined filtration capability value in keeping with selected approved test standards.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a process of making a corrugated net material including the following steps. First prepare a net material with an adequate length, and then heat and soften the net material by means of a heating element. March the soften net material through a gap formed by two press rollers which rotate in relative direction such that the softened net material is pressed by the two press rollers flatly. March the pressed flat net material continuously into a vessel such that the flat net material is cumulated in the vessel and squeezed by itself to form a plurality of non-directional bends. Lastly, release the squeezed net material from the vessel such that the corrugated net material is thus obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a corrugated sandwich panel including the steps of: extruding melted polyethylene resin by use of an extruder and a slit nozzle; molding the extruded polyethylene resin to a vertically corrugated inner sheet by use of a plurality of molding rolls; supplying a lower sheet from the lower portion of the inner sheet and an upper sheet from the upper portion thereof; forming a plurality of melting grooves by use of heaters each provided between the upper sheet and the inner sheet and between the lower sheet and the inner sheet such that the melting and bonding between the upper sheet and the inner sheet and between the lower sheet and the inner sheet is conducted; and pressing the upper sheet, the inner sheet and the lower sheet each having the plurality of melting grooves formed thereon by use of a plurality of press rolls.

Abstract: A closure device for a thermoplastic bag which includes two opposing, longitudinally extending interlockable male and female fastening strips having respective male and female closure elements or profiles that are deformed to interdigitate and produce an audible clicking sound and or tactile effect that is perceptible to the touch as the closure device is opened and closed. Interdigitation of the two profiles is achieved by cold forming the profiles while interlocked. The shape of the cold form is a stepped deflection of both profiles so that their shapes are generally congruent. The stepped deflections provide a change in the occlusion and peel force of the interlocking closure device thereby resulting in an audible clicking or popping sound as the closure device is opened and closed and a tactile effect that is perceptible to the touch as the closure device is closed.

Abstract: A filter may comprise a plurality of pleats, at least one pleat including a pair of pleat legs and pleat tip region. In some embodiments, a thickness of pleat tip region at a point spaced about one to four pleat leg thicknesses from the end of the pleat tip region may be less than or equal to about twice the pleat leg thickness or may be less than or equal to a distance between corresponding points on opposing outer surfaces of the pleat legs. A filter may comprise a pleated structure having a plurality of pleats. In some embodiments, the pleated structure may have more than one layer and at least one of the pleats may have a reformed pleat tip region. In other embodiments, the pleated structure may have a pair of pleat legs and at least one of the pleats may have a reformed pleat tip region and contacting pleat legs. A filter may comprise a plurality of pleats, at least one pleat including a pleat tip region having contacting inner surfaces.

Abstract: An embossing and adhesive application process including the steps of: applying an adhesive to a first patterned embossing roll which is engaged with a second patterned embossing roll having a complementary pattern to the first embossing roll; passing a web of sheet material between the first and second embossing rolls at a tangential line speed to simultaneously emboss the web and direct the adhesive against the web; and splitting the adhesive such that at least some of the adhesive remains on the first embossing roll and some of the adhesive remains on the web to form an adhesive pattern between embossments on the web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube, and more particularly to a PTFE tube for a flexible hose. In particular the invention relates to a PTFE tube having a smooth bore for use in the production of a lined hose assembly farther comprising hose braids, external hose protection and end fittings. The PTFE tube comprises external roots and peaks, which tube is obtainable from a non-convoluted tube having an original wall thickness W0 and an internal diameter ID by a process in which a region of the tube is thinned to provide external convolutions with a root wall thickness W1 characterised in that the convoluted PFTE tube has an improved resistance, of greater than 7.6%, to permeation by comparison with the non-convoluted tube, the comparison being made between tubes of (i) equal nominal bore ID; and (ii) equal weight of PTFE per unit length.