Abstract: A method for producing shaped bodies of particulate material by introducing an easily flowable slurry of water and particulate material into a mold with perforated walls and by applying a sufficiently high pressure to the slurry in the mold so as to express a sufficient proportion of the liquid to allow physical contact and interengagement between the particles. The method may be carried out continuously in an extrusion process including introducing the slurry under high pressure into a extruder and conveying the slurry through a shaping section of the extruder to a draining and consolidation section of the extruder with drain holes and slits whereby a non-flowable, consolidated, shaped body leaves the extruder through an exit section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded element, in particular in the form of a plate, which comprises a compressed mixture of binder and filler. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a molded element, in particular a plate, wherein a mixture comprising binder and filler is compressed and heated. The present invention furthermore relates to floor plates, a sports hall provided with such floor plates, promotional gifts, ceiling plates, furniture and objects of art.

Abstract: Electret fibers that contain a polymeric material and a fluorochemical additive. The electret fibers have a low level of extractable hydrocarbon material. Electret filters that have low extractable hydrocarbon levels exhibit improved filtration performance.

Abstract: Disclosed are high-performance thermoplastic materials used in building a three-dimensional model and its supports, by fused deposition modeling techniques. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic resin comprising the modeling material is selected from the group consisting of a polycarbonate resin, a polyphenylsulfone resin, and a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin. An amorphous thermoplastic resin which self-laminates, bonds weakly to the modeling material, has a heat deflection temperature similar to the heat deflection temperature of the modeling material, and has a tensile strength of between 5000 psi and 12,000 psi comprises a support material. In a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic resin comprising the support material is selected from the group consisting of a polyphenylene ether and polyolefin blend, a polyphenylsulfone and amorphous polyamide blend, and a polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone and amorphous polyamide blend.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layered web uses contoured honeycomb drums for the manufacture of non-woven webs used to make the multi-layered web. The method can use spunbonded, melt blown, or electro-static spun techniques for depositing solidifying filaments on outer collection surfaces of a multi-drum system. The multi-drum system may be employed to improve multi-layered web uniformity and the overall quality of the multi-layered web by presenting a single optimal collection surface for each independent web layer being produced.

Abstract: A polyester composition containing fine particles with an average size of 0.03-1.8 &mgr;m which have been surface-modified with polyester (B) of which less than 70 mole percent of the repeating units consist of ethylene terephthalate, butylene terephthalate or ethylene naphthalate units, in polyester (A) of which at least 70 mole percent of the repeating units consist of ethylene terephthalate, butylene terephthalate or ethylene naphthalate units. The composition has a filtration pressure increase rate of no greater than 10 kg cm2/hr when filtered using a double layer of 2400 mesh wire filters with an inner diameter of 64 mm&phgr;, a temperature of 290° C. and a filtration rate of 33.3 g/min.

Abstract: A method of making electret fibers, which method comprises the steps of: blending a polymeric material with a fluorochemical additive compound; extruding the blend at a temperature maintained below 290° C. to form extruded fibers; and annealing and charging the extruded fibers; wherein the polymeric material and extrusion conditions are selected such that the resulting fibers have a level of extractable hydrocarbon material that is less than about 3.0 weight percent based on the weight of the fibers.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention are produced by blending hydroxy-functional polyesters with proteins at elevated temperatures. These compositions can be shaped into articles by known processes such as extrusion, compression molding, and injection molding. Among articles that can be made from such compositions are those with sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene.

Abstract: Profiled sections 1, in particular extruded seals made of elastic material, are designed and produced economically such that they have absolute storage stability and low coefficients of friction and are suitable for a wide variety of uses. The profiled sections 1 are made of a non-lacquer-repelling material. After leaving the extruder 12 and before entering the fused salt bath 16 the profiled sections are coated with a lubricating lacquer 7 applied to the uncured surface 5. The lubricating lacquer 7 is then cured in the fused salt bath 16 without there being a need for a separate curing section or similar. This method not only evenly coats the profiled sections with lubricating lacquer 7 but also prevents the formation of air bubbles or the like, thereby yielding a consistently even coating 6.

Abstract: Self-tuning materials which can efficiently emit or receive radio waves in spite of being simple in their construction and small in their dimension, and are applied to patch antenna, wave directors or the like. Metallic chips containing two or more kinds of ingredients which are distributed in a layered, net-like or needle-shaped configuration, and an organic or inorganic bonding material which is small in dissipation of electric power under radio waves of high frequencies are mixed with each other, and are pressurized under a high pressure while being highly electrified in the direction perpendicular to the pressurizing direction to mold the metallic chips and the bonding material in a plate-shaped configuration while being heated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition for use in dental flosses or tapes. More particularly, it relates to novel compositions containing a base polymer, a block copolymer and a nonmigrating compatibilizer or plasticizer that, in combination in a blend, result in a floss or dental tape having good breaking strength, elongation, tenacity, nick resistance and gentleness to the gums.

Abstract: A cable system is provided which can accommodate electrical and optical cabling. The conductors of the system employ a layer which is impedance-matched to space, decreasing their cross-section to electromagnetic interference. The conductors of the system also employ a layer which symmetrizes electromagnetic interference signals, reducing the effect of interference and crosstalk on the signals carried by the conductors. The system also includes a node interface device for connection to a global electrical and fiber network. The node interface device connects to a user interface device through the cable.

Abstract: A rubber-modified styrene type polymer excellent in transparency and excellent in impact strength and moldability, is presented. A rubber-modified styrene type polymer comprising from 1 to 15 parts by weight of a dispersed phase made of a rubber-like elastic material and from 99 to 85 parts by weight of a continuous phase made of a polymer comprising from 35 to 75 wt % of styrene type monomer units and from 65 to 25 wt % of (meth)acrylate type monomer units, wherein the rubber-like elastic material is a styrene (30 to 50 wt %)-butadiene (70 to 50 wt %) block copolymer, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the polystyrene portions of this block copolymer is from 45,000 to 75,000, and the ratio (Mw/Mn) of MW to the number-average molecular weight (Mn) is from 1.20 to 1.80.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of obtaining a gas-introduced fiber-reinforced resin injection molding and to a molding obtained by the method. According to the present invention, there can be obtained a lightweight gas-introduced fiber-reinforced resin injection molding containing glass fibers or like fibers having excellent rigidity and strength and improved surface properties.

Abstract: A polyurethane material is injected into a mold cavity having a reduced pressure to form e.g. the surface portion of a polyurethane covering for a steering wheel. A polyurethane material for forming a substantial inner portion thereof and free of any coloring matter is, then, injected into the cavity. Then, a polyurethane material containing coloring matter is injected into the cavity to form the remaining inner portion of the covering.

Abstract: A mold press includes an upper mold carrier mounted to slide up and down along an upright mold press frame and to rotate about a horizontal rotation axis. The mold press frame is supported on a mold press base to tip forward and aft about a horizontal upper mold pivot axis disposed parallel to and below the rotation axis. A lower mold carrier is supported on the mold press base below the upper mold carrier and above the upper mold pivot axis. The lower mold carrier includes a lower mold mounting plate that is pivotally supported on the mold press base for tipping motion along a hinged edge about a lower mold pivot axis that lies parallel to and below the rotation axis and above the upper mold pivot axis. An electronic motion controller may be programmed to coordinate the reciprocating, tipping and rotating motions to accommodate a variety of mold/retainer configurations.

Abstract: An automotive interior door panel having a decorative covering displayed to the interior compartment of a vehicle and a rigid substrate having a backing surface. The backing surface includes a plurality of energy absorbers integrally molded thereon. The method utilizing the following steps. A low-pressure or high pressure injection mold operable between open and closed positions is moved to the open position. The mold has a covering receiving surface and an energy absorber producing surface. A flexible covering is positioned juxtaposed the covering receiving surface. The mold is moved to the closed position to create a space between the covering and the energy absorber producing surface. A molten plastic material is injected into the space to form the door substrate. The substrate has a nominal cross-sectional thickness between said energy absorbers.

Abstract: The inventive method relates to manufacturing of thermoformed packaging items or parts thereof having a non-uniform wall thickness and containing at least one layer with a specific function which at least one layer needs for this function a specific minimum thickness. In a first method step a multilayer film material (10) containing the layer with the specific function is produced, e.g. by coextrusion. In a second method step a thermoformable blank (30) is produced by injection molding onto the multilayer film material (10) a substantially flat injection molded part (21) with thicker and thinner portions. In a third method step the blank (30) is thermoformed into the packaging item or part thereof or into an item (40) from which the packaging item (50) is produced in further steps.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three-dimensional fibrillar matrices useful as, among other things, structural prosthetics and scaffolds for cells. The porous fibrillar matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, implants as tendon and facia prosthetics, and product packaging.

Abstract: In a process for the production of molded parts that have a lamination of decorative material, as well as a foam layer between the decorative material and the molded part, the decorative material is first provided with an unfoamed backside layer. The backside layer is then connected to the molded part and expanded, while connected to the molded part, under the effect of heat.

Abstract: A porous composite laminate material comprises a layer (4) of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, and a layer (2) of non-expanded porous PTFE attached thereto. The non-expanded porous PTFE layer may be a sintered porous PTFE produced by sintering granular-type PTFE particles to form a porous integral network of interconnected particles; and may be produced in situ by spray application onto the membrane followed by baking. Modifiers including unsintered fine powder PTFE, thermoplastic fluorinated organic polymer, a low molecular weight PTFE and mixtures thereof may be included. The expanded PTFE membrane can be in sheet form or in the form of expanded PTFE fibres woven into a fabric. The laminate may be used for oiling and cleaning high temperature fuser rolls in a photocopying machine, or as a filter.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar.sup.

Abstract: A method of molding a plastic with a foamed interior and a dense outer skin of a desired thickness, whereby a blowing agent is mixed with a plastic material and the mixture is injected, under pressure, into a mold cavity of a mold unit. The mixture is allowed to cool along the molding surfaces of the mold cavity for a determined amount of time. The pressure is released and the mold cavity expanded to allow the blowing agent to foam the interior of the plastic article. The molding cavity is then compressed to achieve the desired dimensions for the plastic article, and to give the interior a uniform cellular structure. Control over the timing of the expansion of the mold cavity, the injection temperature, the rate of injection of the mixture, the rate at which the cavity is expanded and compressed, and the timing of the compression of the mold cavity allow a skin of desired thickness to be formed on the plastic article.

Abstract: A head rest assembly is fabricated using a blow molding process. A skin surrounds a foam cushion and an insert is secured to the skin. The insert and the skin may be flush with each other. The skin includes a channel designed to receive the peripheral edge of the insert therein. The recess undercuts the opening periphery of the skin by 285.degree.. The insert is adhered to the skin either after the molding of the skin or, in the alternative, during the molding of the skin.

Abstract: A laminated skin material comprising an olefin thermoplastic elastomer composition layer and an olefin resin foam layer which does not cause undesirable break, unevenness and wrinkle of the skin material when a laminated molded article is produced by disposing the laminated skin material between male and female molds, feeding a molten thermoplastic resin between the laminated skin material and the male or female molds, and integrally laminating the skin material and thermoplastic resin; a molding method using the laminated skin material, a molding method in which a laminated skin material used in the method is preheated which give a laminated molded article having good appearance and the laminated molded article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of molding a fiber-reinforced resin laminate which can manufacture a lightweight laminated molding having excellent mechanical characteristics regardless of the shape of a molding, which can readily unite a surface coat material and a molding while the surface coat material is held in good condition, and which can impart excellent appearance to a laminated molding. Also disclosed is a laminated molding manufactured by the method. The method uses a molding material which contains fiber-containing thermoplastic resin pellets which, in turn, contain reinforcing fibers having a length of 2 mm to 100 mm. The reinforcing fibers account for 5% to 70% by weight of the molding material. A molten resin obtained through the plasticization of the molding material is injected into a die, onto which a surface coat material for covering the surface of a molding is previously attached.

Abstract: A modular building panel and a method for constructing the same provides a framework composed of structural members, typically formed of metal, and a backer board typically formed of a cementacious composite for receiving an exterior wall coating surface. The backer board and the framework are separated from, and insulated from, each other by a layer of foam that is applied in liquid form and that expands and cures into a solid form. Substantially no fasteners extend between the backer board and the metal framework to reduce conduction of heat therebetween. The foam serves as an adhesive to hold the backer board rigidly in place at a predetermined spacing from the framework and to anchor the backer board to the structural members. The structural members can comprise U-shaped and C-shaped channel beams for further rigidity and enhanced anchoring. Upon assembly, the backer board and the framework are overlaid upon each other, typically using spacers of a predetermined spacing thickness.

Abstract: A component, particularly for land vehicles, preferably a car body component for motor vehicles, consists of a metallic foam material with a foamed porous layer comprising a metal powder and a blowing agent and possibly at least one solid metal sheet, there being metallic bonds between the solid metal sheet and the foamed porous layer. The component has at least one stamped contour which is raised from its surface, the angles, occurring in the region of the transitions between the three-dimensionally molded contour and the surface region being of the order of 100.degree. to 180.degree.. To produce the component, an essentially flat, metallic foam material, which is provided with solid metal sheets as covering layers, is initially shaped into a semi-finished molded product, which is end-contoured on one side, and the semi-finished molded product, so formed, is placed into a foaming mold, one wall of which is adapted to the end-contoured side of the semi-finished molded product, and foamed therein.

Abstract: A seat avoiding crumples of a surface material covering a cushioning body thereof, giving a comfortable soft feeling for a person who sits thereon and having such a hardness that a weight of the person can be supported. A seat (1) comprising a surface material (2) and a cushioning body having a shape corresponding to an outline of the seat. The cushioning body composing of a first cushioning body (6) integrated in one with at least a part of the surface material and a second cushioning body (10) underlying the first cushioning body.

Abstract: A dash mat for a vehicle comprising a passenger compartment and an engine compartment separated by a firewall. The dash mat comprises a decoupling layer with multiple openings and a sound barrier layer with integrally molded fasteners that are received within the decoupling layer openings to secure together the decoupling and sound barrier layers. The fasteners have at least one flange portion that overlies the sound barrier to capture a portion of the decoupling layer between the flange and the sound barrier.

Abstract: A method for making a multi-layer plastic preform 14 with an inner layer 28 that is extrusion blow molded from a resin having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.90, and an outer layer 44 that is injection molded around the inner layer from a resin having an intrinsic viscosity that is at least 0.10 less than the intrinsic viscosity of the inner layer. The inner layer 28 is no greater than 200 (preferably no greater than 15%) by weight of the total weight of the preform and the outer layer 44 is at least 80% (preferably at least 85%) by weight of the total weight of the preform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing various supports in cushions suitable for chairs sofas, and pillows. The method comprises piercing a previously manufactured cushion (86) with injecting needles (84) to inject a firming solution into the cushion (86) to provide the internal lumbar support (88). The needles (84) can be placed at a variety of different heights to product various effects. Also disclosed are a number of products that can be produced using the method, with explanations as to how the method can be adapted to produce each variation.

Abstract: A process for preparing microporous separating elements for batteries by intensive mixing of a high molecular weight polyethylene with a precipitated silica having specific chemical and physical characteristics, a process liquid and a stabilizer to form a powder mixture, which is extruded to form a film, from which the process liquid is removed, thereby leaving the desired microporous separating elements which are recovered.

Abstract: A wire harness for use on contoured, mounting surface includes individual wires bundled together. In an effort to protect these wires from mechanical wear, vibration, and water the wire harness is encased in foam. The foam is molded about the wire harness so that is surrounds the harness in the shape of the mounting surface. The foamed-in wire harness may have an elastic memory, so that it can be bent and resiliently recover to its molded shape.

Abstract: A method for producing a bicycle saddle includes the steps of:(a) forming a rigid saddle base having therein a hole;(b) positioning the saddle base on a projecting mold part of a male mold, wherein the projecting mold part has a surface contoured to complement a concave inner surface of the saddle base, and the surface is formed with an indentation;(c) placing a foam material in a female mold;(d) causing the projecting mold part to project into and close a mold cavity of the female mold; and(e) forming a saddle cushion around the saddle base by causing the foam material to expand and fill a space around the projecting mold part and then fill the indentation in the projecting mold part through the hole in the saddle base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process comprising forming a preform with planar stretch ratios greater than about 14 from a polyester having a natural stretch ratio which is substantially matched to the preform planar stretch ratio at processing conditions; and stretch blow molding said preform to produce a container. Suitable natural stretch ratios include those greater than about 13 at 210.degree. F. The desired natural stretch ratios and desirable final container properties are achieved by balancing the appropriate I.V. and copolymer modification.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shoe sole includes step (1): preparing an inside part which has two passages defined therethrough, step (2): placing the inside part into a mold, step (3): injecting foam material into the mold to let the foam material fill in the two passages and heating the foam material so as to form abonded combination, and step (4): removing the bonded combination from the mold and drying the combination.

Abstract: According to the invention, a novel guide member for integrally forming the fastening parts with the urethane mold and an integral molding method using the guide member are provided. The guide member includes a guide body that has an extended body which includes concave cross-section and at least one open end (4, 7), and isolation members (5, 6) provided near the ends of said guide portion. The isolation members are detachable, and by engaging with the fastening surface of the fastening parts, they effectively block any seepage of liquid foaming raw material. With the integral forming method using said guide member of the invention, it is possible to embed the ends of the fastening parts within the urethane molding and to improve its peeling strength at low cost.

Abstract: A multi-layer molded article having a skin material layer made of a vinyl chloride resin, a propylene resin core, and an adhesive layer present between the skin material layer and the core, in which the adhesive layer includes (A) a layer having (a) a sublayer containing a polyester resin and an epoxy group-containing ethylene copolymer, which is bonded to the skin material of the vinyl chloride resin, and (b) a sublayer containing at least one copolymer selected from an ethylene copolymer and an epoxy group-containing copolymer, which is bonded to said propylene resin core, or (B) a layer obtained from an ethylene resin composition containing a polybasic carboxylic acid and an epoxy-group containing copolymer (c) which contains ethylene units, unsaturated carboxylic acid glycidyl ester units or unsaturated glycidyl ether units and an ethylenically unsaturated ester units other than the unsaturated carboxylic acid glycidyl ester units.

Abstract: A process of producing a molded synthetic resin article with a powder embedded in a surface thereof to form a finished surface. The process includes brushing an inner wall of a mold at a desired area thereof with a brush carrying a powder to be embedded in the surface of the article. The brushing action simultaneously provides an electrostatic charge on the inner wall of the mold for attracting and holding the powder thereon, and deposits the powder in an evenly distributed manner onto the desired area. A synthetic resin is fed into the mold. The synthetic resin is molded such that the synthetic resin is pressed against the desired area of the inner wall of the mold, flowing around the powder held thereon such that the powder is at least partially embedded in the synthetic resin. The process provides a uniform non-strippable firm surface of the powder on a surface of the resulting article.

Abstract: A process for the production of a foam rubber tree bark-configured article having a manmade textile backing is provided. The inventive process involves the vulcanization of NBR or SBR including a chemical blowing agent, and optionally including EPDM as an ozone-resistance agent, over a silicon-base mold which is a negative relief mold of at least a portion of tree bark, and with a backing adhered to, and not easily removed from, the unmolded side of the rubber. Such a backing is either 100% polyester or 100% nylon, which provides an excellent, long-lasting, durable, easily colored, fast-drying article for use in outdoor camouflage applications. The article itself, as well as clothing, footwear, and shelter articles incorporating the inventive product, are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a cushioned article. A base is formed in a female base mold. The base has a substantially smooth exterior and a substantially rough interior surface. A flexible skin is formed by applying at least one carrier solvent free material onto a form. The base and flexible skin are assembled such that a cavity is formed therebetween and a foam material is injected into the cavity such that when the foam material cures, the foam material unites the base with the flexible skin to form the article. A method is also provided for making a cushioned article in which a first carrier solvent free resin mixture is applied to a form to form a first coating, a second carrier solvent free resin mixture is applied to the first coating to form a second coating, a foamable polymeric resin is applied onto the second coating to form a third coating, a binder coating is applied to the third coating and a fiberglass coating is applied onto the binder coating to form the cushioned article.

Abstract: A component and wire harness combination includes a component comprising a panel having a channel with an opening. A plurality of wires are disposed in the channel. A sheath encases the plurality of wires in the channel, protecting the wires and retaining them within the channel.

Abstract: A reinforcing plate is overlaid with a decoration sheet with a first adhesive layer interposed, and heated and pressed to form first laminate. A surface of the decoration sheet in the first laminate is coated with a clear second adhesive layer of a liquid polyurethane resin, a surface of which in turn is overlaid with a clear film and heated and pressed to prepare a second laminate. The second laminate is placed within a mold and a resin is insert molded on the reinforcing plate in the second laminate. A clear hard coating is preferably formed on a surface of the second laminate in order to provide higher abrasion resistance.

Abstract: An improved process for producing integral, composite handles having cushioned comfort grips, for appliances such as electric steam irons, comprising a first step of injection molding a one-piece handle substrate of strong, rigid, resinous composition having the desired predetermined shape and design, including a recessed, wrap-around area corresponding to the area of the handle which will be gripped by the hand of the eventual user of appliance. The present process comprises a second step of injection molding an integral, outer, soft, contoured layer of foamed resin into the recessed, wrap-around area of the rigid plastic handle substrate, to form a smooth, compressible, comfort grip surface area of the composite handle for engagement with the hand of the user.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient composite structure having an exposed reinforcing fabric layer free of structural foam and curable resin and for manufacturing a composite article utilizing the resilient composite structure. The method for manufacturing a composite article includes the steps of positioning at an attachment point within the first plastic shell a resilient foam core composite structure having an exposed reinforcing fabric layer attached to a non-woven fabric layer on one side thereof, the resilient foam core substantially filling interstices of the non-woven fabric layer, without substantially penetrating the reinforcing fabric layer; saturating said reinforcing fabric layer with a curable plastic resin; positioning said second plastic shell on said first plastic shell so that said resilient composite structure contacts an attachment point of said second plastic shell and is compressed between the plastic shells; and allowing said plastic resin to cure.

Abstract: In the end portion of a weather strip, the projecting base end portion of a hollow seal portion is left as a first uncut-off portion, whereas the main portion of the hollow seal portion is cut off. The thus treated end portion is set in a split mold. In this setting, a cooling mold is brought into contact with a decorative high molecular layer. Also, the first uncut-off portion is pushed down in a direction away from the decorative high molecular layer is thereby pressed against the outer surface of the side wall of a trim portion. Also, a first middle mold is disposed opposed to the outer surface of the side wall to thereby form a cavity, while the cavity and decorative high molecular layer are separated from each other through the first uncut-off portion. Molding material is injected into the cavity to thereby form a mold forming portion.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for the production of molded laminated articles a thin layer of a first moldable heat curable material is placed in the mold cavity of a heated mold and thereafter a second polymerisable material is injected to fill the remainder of the cavity, so that the materials are in intimate contact and form the laminate. The polymerisation of the second material is exothermic and the curing of the first material is facilitated by heat from this reaction. Preferably the second material is also foamable and the foaming generates pressure that molds the first material against the mold surface while it is being cured. Preferably the layer of first material is brought in contact with the mold surface, and air that would otherwise be trapped between them, is removed by drawing a vacuum between the layer and the surface. A preferred first material is epoxidised bondable uncured vulcanisable rubber and a preferred second material is foamable polymerisable polyurethane.

Abstract: A plastisol article is having an outer surface which has the look and feel of suede is provided. The article is made from a plastisol composition which includes expandable microspheres. A mold is dipped into the plastisol composition, withdrawn from the composition, and heated. The coated mold is heated at a temperature sufficient to expand the microspheres throughout the extent of the plastisol layer and to rupture the microspheres at the surface of the plastisol layer. The time and temperature at which the plastisol layer is heated causes only the microspheres substantially at the outer surface of plastisol layer to rupture. Substantially all of the microspheres within the plastisol remain unruptured. The expandable plastisol may be applied directly to a product or it may be applied over a layer of solid (unexpandable) plastisol. The expandable plastisol composition may include a blowing agent.

Abstract: A composite spring-damper and method of making same. The spring-damper has an exposed fabric layer free of structural foam and curable resin. A core formed of resilient foam defines a spring shape and a fabric layer disposed on an outer surface of the core is attached to foam core by means of the foam having substantially filled only interstices of an inner portion of the fabric layer, without substantially penetrating an outer portion of said fabric layer; whereby the fabric layer of the composite spring-damper may thereafter be substantially completely saturated with a curable material for lamination to another structure. An attached reinforcing fabric layer may be provided on the exterior surface of the fabric layer, in which case the fabric layer may be entirely saturated and only the attached fabric layer substantially free of foam.