Abstract: A blocking device for filling a cavity in a hollow structural member includes a foamable material, and magnetic member embedded on a surface of the foamable material, the magnetic member is secured within the hollow structural member and the foamable material is foamed and expanded by the application of heat so that the cavity is filled.

Abstract: A composite structure and method of making the composite structure are disclosed. A reinforcing fabric such as fiberglass is mechanically attached, for example, by stitching to a non-woven polyester fabric. The attached fabrics are placed in a mold with the non-woven fabric facing the inside of the mold. A self-expanding, self-curing foam is filled into the mold in an amount sufficient so that upon expansion in the closed mold, the foam penetrates into the interstices of the non-woven fabric which upon curing forms a bond therewith. The resulting structure can be used in a number of applications wherein the reinforcing fabric is later impregnated, for example, with a resin, and allowed to cure. Typical use of such a structure is as a stringer in fiberglass boat construction.

Abstract: An implant is provided with an open-celled silicone elastomer foam outer layer. The implant may be formed by compressively deforming beads mixed with liquid elastomer in a mold containing a preformed support structure. The elastomer is cured and the beads dissolved out. Infusion and sensor catheters covered with the foam provide improved transport rates and faster response.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a web shaped material which is impregnated with a curable resin and which contains thermoplastic particles distributed in the web shaped material. The thermoplastic particles are of an expandable type but occur in the composite material in substantially unexpanded form. The curable resin is in a A- or B-stage. In addition, the invention comprises use of a composite material of this nature for producing laminates by warm pressing and expanding the thermoplastic particles and a method for producing the composite material.

Abstract: A first wooden surface layer and a second wooden surface layer are arranged in a mold, a core wire is arranged within the space defined by the first wooden surface layer and the second wooden surface layer, and resin introduced into that space. The first wooden surface layer and the second wooden surface layer are pressed against the inner surface of the mold by means of the internal pressure of the resin, thereby molding the first wooden surface layer and the second wooden surface layer. It is possible to obtain a molded article in which a wooden surface layer, a resin core and a core wire have been unitarily integrated without the production of cracks in the wooden surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention is to improve a laminate molding method and a laminate-molding apparatus for manufacturing molded products that have an external appearance of excellent quality. For this purpose, according to a molding method, by which a mold clamping device (3) laminates sheet of skin material (Mm) and a core resin (200), the tension of the sheet of skin material Mm, which is inserted into a cavity (9) between a clamped fixed metal mold (11) and a clamped movable metal mold (12) and is laminated by the movable metal mold (12), is varied, continuously or in a stepped manner, in consonance with the insertion amount of the sheet of skin material (Mm).

Abstract: A method for molding a plastic part comprises preforming a film laminate and insert molding a plastic substrate against the film laminate. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with re-entrant edge portions. The insert molding step involves positioning the film laminate in a mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold cavity against the film laminate. The force of the closing of the mold and the injection of the resin causes the re-entrant edge portions to curl up under the solidifying resin to ensure complete coverage of the longitudinal edges of the plastic substrate by the film laminate. According to another embodiment, a stencil of an image is made in the film laminate prior to the insert molding. The resin injected into the mold flows into the stencil so that the image is visible against the surrounding surface of the film laminate.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: A passenger seat comprising: a frame element, vehicle anchorage means connected to the frame element, a seat body comprising a resilient material fixed with respect to the frame element and trim cover attachment means, the trim cover attachment means comprising a relatively high density, rigid foam member having a groove disposed in a surface thereof, the groove capable of receiving connection means comprised in a trim cover. A process, system and mold for producing a passenger seat are also described.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing multilayer moldings using a mold including a pair of male and female mold pieces for manufacturing a multilayer molding in which a part of its thermoplastic resin substrate surface is partially laminated with a shin material. Either the male or the female mold piece has a mold surface provided with a molten resin feeding path opening inside an area where the skin material is placed and at least one dent into which a part of or the whole skin material fringing end can be inserted, at a part of or the whole position corresponding to a fringe of the skin material to be laminated and a block to be fitted into the dent. The block is fitted into the dent so that the skin material fringing end inserted into the dent is sandwiched and fixed between an inner wall of the dent and the block and at the same time an upper surface of the block can form an even mold surface with the mold surface surrounding the dent.

Abstract: A method for forming a foamed innerspring unit is provided including releasably securing a plurality of coils to a jig, delivering a foamable reaction mixture to a tray and positioning the jig so that the ends of the coils extending away from the jig are spaced from the bottom of the tray so that the rising foam embeds the end of the coil. The process is repeated by releasing the foamed layer embedding one end of the coils, releasably holding the first foam layer with the ends thereof spaced from a tray having said foamable reaction mixture therein so that the second end of the coils is embedded a second foam layer. A mattress formed of a plurality of innerspring unit sections formed in accordance with the foregoing may be combined within a cover to define a mattress. By selecting the firmness of the coils of adjacent sections, regions of differing firmness can be provided in the mattress.

Abstract: A method for the manufacturing of a headrest or a steering wheel or an armrest for motor vehicles comprises the steps of forming a pillow element, laying an upholstery flexible sheet onto the front surface of the pillow element, and introducing the pillow element with the flexible sheet as an insert into a foaming mould having a complementarily shaped seat. An outer body is thus foamed within the mould around the seat, so as to permanently secure the outer body simultaneously to the pillow element and to the perimetral edge of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A synthetic reinforcement having surface features that facilitate adhesion of the reinforcement to another surface and a process for making the same is disclosed. The synthetic reinforcement is comprised of a plurality of continuous fibers that are maintained in position by a resin encasement. An external surface of the synthetic reinforcement can be characterized by micro-recesses that are located in a generally random pattern, which increases the surface area of the resin encasement.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a large oceanic type shipping container while applying fluid foam insulation to the container. The apparatus utilizes a stationary frame which supports a housing, the housing having an open ended foaming chamber in which a mandrel is cantileverly mounted. Heated platens are mounted to the mandrel and housing. At least some of the platens are movably mounted and capable of engaging the container when the container is within the chamber. The container is moveable into and out of the housing chamber by use of a carriage movably supported on a guide base. The housing is swingably mounted so that it may be pivoted relative to the frame and relative to a horizontal plane, allowing increased foaming efficiency of the container's cavities. After foaming, a void detection system having thermal sensors with scanning capability allows detection of inadequately insulated voids within the cavities of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic plastic sheeting which is in the form of a flexible synthetic plastic film of material which has a biocide incorporated therein. The biocide can serve to inhibit the growth of different microorganisms that cause bio-deterioration and, as such, the film can be used for packaging of or the covering, or protection of, products that are exposed to bio-deterioration. The sheeting can also be provided in sleeve form permitting fitting on timber poles, for covering regions of poles to be disposed underground, in use, thereby protecting these regions against bio-deterioration.

Abstract: A fire resisting slab fabrication method including the steps of i) preparing a first compound by mixing by weight 25%-30% magnesium oxide with 20%-25% magnesium chloride and 10%-15% water at room temperature; ii) preparing a second compound by mixing by weight 15%-20% foamed plastic with 15%-20% wooden chips and 5%-10% quartz sand at room temperature; iii) mixing the first compound with the second compound at room temperature, so as to obtain a mixture; and, iv) processing the mixture thus obtained into a flat core layer by means of a press roll mechanism, and simultaneously covering two layers of meshed glass fiber cloths and two layers of meshed non-woven cloths on two opposite sides of the core layer.

Abstract: A molded article of rigid polyurethane foam is manufactured by using a mold of separable upper and lower mold sections mated to define a cavity therebetween. A film of polypropylene which is previously vacuum formed in conformity to the mold cavity is closely set within the cavity and secured to the lower mold section outside the cavity. A rigid polyurethane foam-forming raw material is introduced into the cavity and on the film and caused to foam and expand in place to mold an article of rigid polyurethane foam. Thereafter, the molded article is lifted together with the film from the mold cavity by a pneumatic pressure or ejector pin. The molded article is stripped from the film to remove only the molded article from the mold without taking the entire film out of the mold. The once lifted film is returned to the original shape by vacuum suction for replacing the film in the cavity.

Abstract: A process for preparing multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting comprising:(A) providing a composite comprising a backing material and adhered thereto a layer of a foamable resin which contains a blowing agent;(B) forming a partially printed composite by applying to a portion of the surface of the layer a composition containing an accelerator which functions to lower the temperature at which the blowing agent decomposes and by applying to some, but not all, of the other portions of the surface of the layer a composition containing an inhibitor which functions to decrease the activity of the blowing agent; and(C) forming the multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting by raising the temperature of the printed composite to a level such that the blowing agent decomposes and the resin fuses, the decomposition of the blowing agent evolving gas which causes expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where the surface is not printed and expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where t

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of composite sheet bodies by back-foaming a flexible facing with a polyurethane foam forming reaction mixture. This polyurethane foam is characterized by a density of less than 300 g/l, preferably from 20 to 150 g/l, and optionally contains isocyanurate groups. Suitable flexible facings include those having a thickness of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. This composite bodies produced by this process are suitable for use in the automobile sector as self-supporting components. Conventional stiffening elements are not necessary to produce these self-supporting composite bodies.

Abstract: A method of producing a surfaced composite panel of cellulosic particulates, such as wood flakes, involves the application of polymer forming foamable material to at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the panel, contacting said at least one of the first and second surfaces with a pressure applying surface to apply pressure thereto, foaming the polymer forming foamable material while pressure is applied and curing the applied foam material to produce a polymeric coating on the panel with the desired surface, which is typically extremely smooth. One or both surfaces may be surface treated in this manner. A skin formed on the surface of the panel is believed to add to the strength and stiffness of the coating on the panel. A wide variety of foaming systems may be used to accomplish this surface treating. By avoiding sanding the surface treated panel, the skin remains intact.

Abstract: The method of forming rigid panel assemblies of this invention eliminates the requirement for mechanical fasteners and may be used to bond wall boards to studs, floor joists to wood flooring such as plywood or OSB boards and trusses to ceiling panels. The method of this invention includes applying a thin bead of a thoroughly mixed two-component liquid polyurethane foamable resin adhesive on the surface where the components are to be joined. The foamable resin is formulated to provide a long tack time or delay curing until the assembly is complete. The foamable resin is then allowed to cream and rise before bonding. Where the bead is applied to the side faces of the support members, the support members are preferably turned to orient the foam beads over the fibrous panel, which is preferably supported on a flat horizontal support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a multilayer molded article including a resin body and at least one sheet of a skin material, an edge part of which is present in a surface area of the resin body. The apparatus includes a mold, and a clamping device for clamping an edge part of a skin material or mated edge parts of adjacent skin materials during molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing and positioning the head, shoulder, and torso region of the human anatomy when in the prone position for radiographic examination or treatment. The device consists of a base board, a face support, a pair head side walls, a pair of shoulder walls, and a pair of body side walls. A foam mixture is applied to the upper surface of the base and the entire device is placed into a large flexible container or bag. A patient's head, shoulder and torso region are placed on the device in a prone position. The patient remains in a fixed position while the foam mixture expands around the patient's body and the apparatus. After a brief period of time, the foam sets or hardens and a mold or template is formed. This mold serves to immobilize the head, shoulder and torso region of the body when in a prone position during radiographic examinations and treatment as well as other procedures.

Abstract: An edge for loudspeaker diaphragm is made by disposing a diaphragm one of a pair of mating molds, disposing a strip-shaped base material of the edge on the said one of the molds, and hot-molding them with the other mold mated with the one mold. Foaming action of the base material occurs, and an eventual foamed edge is integralized with the diaphragm.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for spinning polymer filaments permits the obtaining of skin-core filament structure by feeding a polymer composition to a spinnerette at a flow rate sufficient to obtain a spinning speed of about 10 to 200 meters per minute through the spinnerette; heating the polymer composition at a location at or adjacent to the spinnerette so as to heat the polymer composition to a sufficient temperature to obtain a skin-core filament structure upon quenching in an oxidative atmosphere; extruding the heated polymer composition through the spinnerette at a spinning speed of about 10 to 200 meters per minute to form molten filaments; and quenching the molten filaments in an oxidative atmosphere so as to effect oxidative chain scission degradation of at least a surface of the molten filaments to obtain filaments having a skin-core structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushioning composite molded article obtained by forming a cushioning material having a surface material on a rigid substrate integrally, and a process for producing the composite molded article by a simple procedure involving a small number of steps for production, andwhen a rigid-resin molded product is set in a mold and an expandable elastomer is injected, after which the inside of the mold is enlarged to expand the substance,the expanded elastomer becomes a cushioning material and its skin layer becomes a surface material, and the formation of them and the union in a body of them and the rigid substrate, i.e., the rigid-resin molded product can be carried out in one mold in succession, so that the production is easy and that labor and the production cost are saved.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an additive-containing PTFE or other fluorocarbon polymer resin which achieves substantially complete and thorough homogeneous distribution of the selected additive within the polymer matrix. The selected additive and polymer are blended and then subjected to an air milling in an air impact pulverizer to achieve particle to particle impact and the homogeneous distribution of the additive in and among the polymer particles. The milled polymer-additive composite is paste extruded and further processed to form additive-containing PTFE products such as dental floss, insulating or conductive materials, laser markable materials, abrasion resistance materials and the like.

Abstract: A primary molding material is injected into a primary cavity with a predetermined volume formed by mold elements for primary injection molding which are movable relative to each other, and the mold elements are moved away from each other to increase the volume of the primary cavity by a predetermined amount. In this state, the primary molding material is foamed to form a primary molded part. Then, one of the mold elements for primary injection molding is replaced by a secondary injection mold element including a movable mold element, and a secondary molding material is injected into a secondary cavity formed by the primary molded part, the secondary injection mold element, and the movable mold element for secondary injection molding.

Abstract: Polyimide resin dope having at least three fluorine atoms in a repeating molecular unit and an organic solvent (A) are extruded in a tube form or coating the dope on a supporting body. The polyimide resin dope is then immersed in a solvent (B), which the organic solvent (A) is miscible with the solvent (B). Thus, a polyimide-type gas separation membrane including fluorine is virtually defect free in the skin layer, and manufactured cost-effectively by a simple manufacturing method.

Abstract: A variable pitch fan for a helicopter equipped with a NOTAR.RTM. mechanical antitorque directional control system comprises a plurality of blade assemblies. Each blade assembly includes a blade portion, which is molded from a blended material which includes fiber reinforced polypropylene. A key to the invention is the use of long fibers, having a length of at least approximately one-half inch, for reinforcement, the long fibers providing for about twice the pull-out strength of short or chopped fibers. Another key aspect of the invention is the use of a blowing agent in the blended material, which serves to reduce weight and warpage by creating a foamed structure having a variable density, the structure retaining considerable strength because of the fiber reinforcement. The blade portion is molded about a spar which has holes therethrough, the holes providing a mechanical interlock between the blade and the spar.

Abstract: A structurally rigid biodegradable foam scaffold useful for cell transplantation is provided. The foam can be loaded with nutrients and/or drugs that elute from the foam during transplant to promote growth of the cells. The foam, which features a continuous network of pores, is fabricated using a novel method involving phase separation and consequent expansion upon sublimation of a liquid solvent, preferably naphthalene.

Abstract: The invention provides a molded polyurethane article having internal mold release properties. The polyurethane article comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate component (I) and an isocyanate-reactive polyol component (II). The polyol component comprises an isocyanate-reactive polyol (A) having a molecular weight from 100 to about 10,000 and an effective amount of an internal mold release composition (B). The internal mold release composition comprises a silicon-containing polymer (a) and a diester functional compound (b). The diester compound comprises the reaction product of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid (i) and an alcohol having from 2 to 30 carbons.

Abstract: A headliner assembly for lining a passenger compartment ceiling of a motor vehicle comprising a headliner cover having an exterior surface presenting a major exterior appearance of the headliner assembly and an opposite interior surface, and a body of foamed material adhered to the opposite interior surface of the headliner cover and having central portions thereof with a greater thickness than peripheral portions thereof, the body of foamed material being of generally constant density throughout its extent including the central and peripheral portions thereof.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for molding a peripheral frame around a sheet or grid of thermoplastic material to produce a framed panel. A peripheral frame, preferably of structural foam or the like, is injection molded about a thermoplastic sheet or grid of panel-forming material which has been previously drawn or stretched at a temperature which orients the molecules of the polymer, i.e., below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, T.sub.g. Either during the frame molding process, or subsequent thereto, the panel-forming material is heated sufficiently to cause the material to shrink or revert toward its prestretched condition so as to tension the panel-forming material within the frame. Elastomeric sealing means are disclosed for sealing the mold during injection of the frame-forming material and locator fingers are provided to position a grid-like panel-forming material prior to initiation of the molding process.

Abstract: A packing material for a column comprises a porous support coated with silicone polymer having an Si--R bond, wherein R is a hydrophobic group and an Si--R' bond, wherein R' is a hydrophilic group, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the continuous production of foam blocks or sheets having an essentially rectangular cross-section from a foamable, liquid reaction mixture, possibly in the form of a liquid froth, in which the reaction mixture is applied from a stationary mixing head onto a moving lower facing sheet inclined in the longitudinal direction. An upper covering sheet is supplied from above and is brought into contact with the reaction mixture by means of a deflecting element. The deflecting element is flat in the longitudinal direction, so that a channel with an essentially constant cross-section is formed between the lower facing sheet and the upper covering sheet guided by the deflecting element, the length of which channel in a longitudinal direction is several times greater than its central height H.sub.M. The deflecting element can be oscillated about an axis at the entry end where it rests on the reaction mixture by the application of pressure.

Abstract: A composite structure and method of making the composite structure are disclosed. A reinforcing fabric such as fiberglass is mechanically attached, for example, by stitching to a non-woven polyester fabric. The attached fabrics are placed in a mold with the non-woven fabric facing the inside of the mold. A self-expanding, self-curing foam is filled into the mold in an amount sufficient so that upon expansion in the closed mold, the foam penetrates into the interstices of the non-woven fabric which upon curing forms a bond therewith. The resulting structure can be used in a number of applications wherein the reinforcing fabric is later impregnated, for example, with a resin, and allowed to cure. Typical use of such a structure is as a stringer in fiberglass boat construction.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention, a layer of polyurethane elastomer for obtaining a polyurethane skin (5) is produced, in a first step, against a mould surface (1). In a second step, a reaction mixture for obtaining a polyurethane foam layer (6) is applied against this polyurethane skin (5). In a third step, a suitable polyurethane or polyisocyanurate reaction mixture for obtaining a rigid synthetic carrier (8) is applied against the polyurethane foam layer (6). In this way, a synthetic trim part is obtained which is easier to recycle. This method can moreover also be performed easier.

Abstract: In order to prevent the formation of flash on a gasket used to seal a filter element when the filter element is mounted in a housing to filter a fluid, such as air for an internal combustion engine, a molding method and apparatus utilizes a pair of mold components which abut along a mold line and define a cavity for forming the gasket. As the expandable material expands to fill the cavity and form the gasket, a portion of the material adjacent the mold line is received in an annular groove in one of the mold components so that flash is not formed at the mold line. One of the mold components also has an upwardly sloping ramp surface so that air and gas move along the ramp surface as the material expands and does not become trapped in the cavity, thus avoiding defects and blemishes in the gasket due to trapped air bubbles.

Abstract: A recyclable seal is formed on the surface of a climate control system door by placing the door into a mold having channels for receiving a foammelt, forming the foammelt by melting a solid sealant material and mixing a foaming agent therewith, supplying the foammelt mixture under a predetermined pressure to the mold so as to flow through the channels and through openings in the door to form an interconnected seal on opposite sides thereof, venting the channels along substantially the entire length thereof so as to maintain a relatively low differential pressure across the foammelt mixture to force the foaming agent to a center section of the seal so that a gas pocket is formed therein, and cooling the mold while supplying the foammelt mixture thereto.

Abstract: This invention produces three-dimensional shapes such as window lineals by first lining a foam die with a continuously moving reinforcing veil. Once the veil is in the foam die, a foam is blown into the die. The foam expands in the die forcing the veil against the die wall. The veil is selected so that the foam never fully penetrates the veil, but adheres to it. The material exiting the foam die is now properly shaped to enter the curing die. Resin is then injected onto the foam core where it penetrates the veil, is cured in the heated curing die and exits as a finished product of a plastic skin adhered to a foam core with a veil sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A method for making a novel, relatively low-cost loudspeaker cone assembly with an integral suspension rim. The method is for making a cone assembly wherein a cone body having an outer free edge is placed within an open female mold having an annular channel configured to form the suspension rim with the free edge of the cone exposed to the channel. A predetermined quantity of liquid plastic is deposited into the channel of the open mold. Next, the mold is substantially closed by a male die to seal the cone body adjacent its outer free edge. The liquid plastic is then cured under specific pressure and temperature conditions, over a selected interval, so that the resulting annular suspension rim is integrally impregnated into the free outer edge of the cone body and forms high density closed-cell outer skin surfaces in an integral sandwich construction with a low density closed-cell inner core, thereby providing improved flexibility, strength and durability.

Abstract: A protective and release coating is applied to the front portion of an artificial eyepiece before it is placed in a mold to form a taxidermy animal head mannikin. The protective and release coating is preferably a latex material that protects the front surface of the glass or plastic artificial eyepiece from scratching or other damage while being placed in a mannikin mold. The mannikin mold defines a cavity surface contoured for correct anatomical features of the animal head mannikin, including the features immediately surrounding the eye. Eye socket recesses in the cavity surface are shaped to snugly receive the front portions of the eyepieces. Indicia ridges or locator sockets may be located around or in the eye socket recesses, to facilitate the proper orientation of artificial eyepieces within the eye sockets.

Abstract: A method of bonding various materials, such as foam materials, to thermoplastic resins using a silane composition is provided. The thermoplastic resin is doped with a silane by washing the thermoplastic resin in a silane solution and then evaporating the solution from the resin. The silane-doped thermoplastic resin is then melted and formed into a polymeric article. In one embodiment, a polyurethane foam can then be sprayed onto the polymeric article. As the foam forms on the surface of the article, it bonds with silane trapped within the thermoplastic resin. In one embodiment, the polymeric article can be formed through a rotational molding technique. Through the process of the present invention, many useful articles can be formed such as polymeric pallets, water craft devices, thermocoolers and the like.

Abstract: The method of forming rigid panel assemblies of this invention eliminates the requirement for mechanical fasteners and may be used to bond wall boards to studs, floor joists to wood flooring such as plywood or OSB boards and trusses to ceiling panels. The method of this invention includes applying a thin bead of a thoroughly mixed two-component liquid polyurethane foamable resin adhesive on the surface where the components are to be joined. The foamable resin is formulated to provide a long tack time or delay curing until the assembly is complete. The foamable resin is then allowed to cream and rise before bonding. Where the bead is applied to the side faces of the support members, the support members are preferably turned to orient the foam beads over the fibrous panel, which is preferably supported on a flat horizontal support surface.

Abstract: An improved shaped article comprising a thermoformed composite sheet, which is a layer of thermoplastic polymer attached to a surface of a lightweight conformable fabric, the other surface of the fabric being attached to a layer of rigid foam, provides the article with improved wall thickness uniformity and impact resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing a smooth hard coating on a wood substrate. A layer of a foamed polymerized latex emulsion is applied on the surface of a wood substrate, such as an oriented strand board. The layer is dried, crushed and then cured to form the coating. If desired the cured coating may be provided with a post cure heat treatment to improve its hardness. The present invention is also directed to applying and drying the layer of the foamed polymerized latex emulsion on a mat of wood fibers or flakes and then crushing and curing the crushed layer and the mat into a hardboard having a smooth hard coating. The coating of the present invention is useful as a sealer coat on a wood substrate. By adding pigment to polymerized emulsion, the sealer coat can be used to provide a finish coat on the wood substrate.

Abstract: A method of making an article from a fiber reinforced polymer composite material including the steps of providing at least two mandrels, wrapping at least one of the mandrels with a first layer of a fiber reinforced polymer composite material, disposing the at least two mandrels in a predetermined orientation, wrapping a second layer of a fiber reinforced polymer composite material around the mandrels, and curing the wrapped assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound attenuation composite and a method for making the composite. The sound attenuation composite includes a barrier layer and an open cell foam layer loaded with a sound blocking filler. In one embodiment, the foam layer is filled with a barium sulfate filler. In another embodiment, a solid polyvinyl chloride barrier layer is loaded with barium sulfate, wherein 60 parts of barium sulfate is present in each 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A tandem motorcycle seat for attachment to the frame of an associated motorcycle has a unitary, rigid, elongated platform member configured to seat upon and be secured to the frame of the motorcycle, and an elongated tandem saddle on the platform member providing drive and passenger seat portions. A backrest for a person seated on one of the seat portions has a depending leg spaced inwardly from the side margins of the saddle which extends through a passage in the saddle into a receptacle on a bracket secured to the platform member. In making the seat, a first layer of a mixture of glass fibers and polyester resin is embedded on the lower element of a mold which is configured to form the platform member of the seat. Hardware is applied on the first layer and a second layer of glass fiber/resin is applied to the first layer and about the hardware so as to encapsulate at least a portion of the hardware in the layers which are then partially cured.