Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electret filter element includes preparing fibers and producing, by a spray device, a spray mist of fluid droplets which include an electrical charge formed by an electric field between detaching fluid droplets and a counter-electrode. The fibers are passed through the spray mist so as to wet the fibers with the fluid droplets. The fibers are laid down to form a fibrous layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for a production of two-dimensional or three-dimensional fibrous materials of microfibers or nanofibers containing a set of spinning metal nozzles connected to a first potential, a set of electrodes of a collector facing the set of the nozzles, arranged at regular spacing and connected to a second potential, and a collecting plate or a collecting cylinder for collecting microfibers or nanofibers settled between couples of adjacent electrodes of the collector.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming three dimensional arrays of aligned nanofibers in an open, loose structure of any desired depth. The arrays are formed according to an electrospinning process utilizing two parallel conducting plates to align the fibers and rotating tracks to distribute the fibers throughout the array. Arrays can be used as formed, for instance in tissue engineering applications as three dimensional scaffolding constructs. As-formed arrays can be combined with other materials to form a composite 3-D structure. For instance, composite polymeric materials can be electrospun to form composite nanofibers within the array. Multiple polymeric materials can be electrospun at different areas of the array to form a composite array including materially different nanofibers throughout the array. The arrays can be loaded with other fibrous or non-fibrous materials to form a composite array. Arrays can also be rolled to form a uniaxial fiber bundle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide electrospinning devices, methods of use, uncompressed fibrous mesh, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laminate comprising a first thermoplastic polymer layer with a first melt flow index, adjacent a thermoplastic polymer second layer with a second melt flow index, the first and second layer comprising the same thermoplastic polymer, characterized in that the first melt flow index is lower than the second melt flow index. The invention also relates to a microfluidic device comprising the laminate and a method for incorporating an ink pattern in the laminate.

Abstract: Methods for controlled electrospinning of polymer fibers are described. The methods include spinning a polymer fiber from a fluid comprising a polymer in the presence of an electric field established between a plurality of collectors and a jet supply device controlling the dispersion characteristics of the fluid by applying a magnetic field created by at least one magnet located after the point of jet formation. Different voltages are applied to at least two collectors of the plurality of collectors. At least one magnet, located between the jet supply device and at least one collector, creates a magnetic field substantially transverse or substantially collinear to an electrospinning jet stream. The magnetic field changes direction of travel of the electrospinning jet stream.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus is described. The electrospinning apparatus has a rotary nozzle mechanism that moves simultaneously along a non-linear track for forming polymeric fibrils, so that the polymeric fibrils can be piled to form a uniform web on a receiving carrier from any receiving angle. Therefore, the electrospinning apparatus resolves problems of the prior polymeric fibrils, such as various distribution and slow production rate. In addition, a method of manufacturing polymeric fibrils in the aforementioned electrospinning apparatus is further described.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus is described. The electrospinning apparatus has a rotary nozzle mechanism that moves simultaneously along a non-linear track for forming polymeric fibrils, so that the polymeric fibrils can be piled to form a uniform web on a receiving carrier from any receiving angle. Therefore, the electrospinning apparatus resolves problems of the prior polymeric fibrils, such as various distribution and slow production rate. In addition, a method of manufacturing polymeric fibrils in the aforementioned electrospinning apparatus is further described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film roll comprising an electrified portion at at least part in the transverse direction of a film that is wound into a roll, in which the difference between the maximum width and the minimum width of the electrified portion is 10 mm or less. In this manner, side slipping can be reliably prevented while securing escapeways for air at the edges, and a film roll having no side slips, wrinkles, deformation, decentering, or the like can be manufactured. The film roll of the present invention can be manufactured by intermittently electrifying the film at a predetermined cycle, the ratio of the time duration of the electrification in the cycle being 10 to 80%. The film roll of the present invention has a high adhesive force and does not suffer from slipping during evacuation in a vacuum evaporator. Thus, the film roll is suitable as a master roll for metallization and can be suitably applied to various uses such as magnetic tapes, packaging materials, capacitors, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline resin laminated film comprising a liquid-crystalline resin layer and a non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer laminated on at least one surface of the liquid-crystalline resin layer, and having an interlayer adhesiveness of at least 30 N/cm; and a liquid-crystalline resin laminated film comprising a liquid-crystalline resin layer and a non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer laminated on at least one surface of the liquid-crystalline resin layer, and satisfying TN≧TL wherein TN and TL indicate the thermal deformation temperature of the non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer and that of the liquid-crystalline resin layer, respectively, measured through thermal mechanical analysis (TMA). These are obtained by forming a non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer on at least one surface of a liquid-crystalline resin layer through co-extrusion, followed by stretching the resulting laminated film.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for coating a substrate, and an extrusion coatig structure. According to the present process, the coating is provided by producing a bimodal polyethylene composition by subjecting ethylene, optionally with hydrogen and/or comonomers to polymerization or copolymerization reactions in a multistage polymerization sequence of successive polymerization stages. The polymerization reactions are carried out in the presence of a single site catalyst capable of forming a composition which comprises a low molecular weight component with an MFR2 of 20 g/10 min or more and a density higher than the density of the composition, and a high molecular weight component, said composition having a melt flow rate MFR2 of 5 g/10 min or more and a density of 915-960 kg/m3. The composition is extruded on the substrate as such or by adding 10 wt-% or less, calculated from the total weight of the coating, of high pressure PE-LD by blending into the extrusion composition or by coextrusion.

Abstract: A toner supply roll including a cylindrical soft polyurethane sponge structure formed on an outer circumferential surface of a metal shaft by foam molding of a polyurethane material in a mold cavity of a mold. The sponge structure having hardness of 350 g or lower includes a skin layer having a network of cells and openings open in its outer circumferential surface and communicating with respective ones of the cells located adjacent to the skin layer, such that the openings are substantially aligned with central portions of the respective ones of the cells in axial and circumferential directions of the sponge structure. Each opening has a size of 100-800 .mu.m, and a total area of the openings is at least 20% of the total surface area of the skin layer. The sponge structure has a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer circumferential surface of the skin layer so as to extend linearly or helically in the axial direction of the sponge structure. The protrusions have a height of 20-3000 .mu.

Abstract: A structural corner reinforcement for strengthening frames includes at least a first segment and a second segment of frame bar, each formed into a desired profile and each having a hollow interior portion, a reinforcing channel having a first leg and a second leg arranged at an angle to the first leg, with ends of the channel securing first and second extensions to extend the first and second legs, respectively, at least one of (i) a portion of the first extension of the reinforcing channel being inserted through a first end of the first segment of the frame bar into and substantially spaced from surfaces of the hollow interior portion of the first segment and (ii) a portion of the second extension of the reinforcing channel being inserted through a first end of the second segment of the frame bar into and substantially spaced from surfaces of the hollow interior portion of the second segment, and a rigid reinforcing and structural material, formed from a foamed chemical, inside at least one of (i) the hollow

Abstract: A device for laying a molten film 3 emerging from a slot die 2 onto a rotating take-off chill roll 1 has at least one electrode which is arranged parallel to and at a short distance from the surface of the take-off roll 1 and to which a high voltage in the range from 4 to 12 kV is applied. This electrode is, for example, a metal strip 5 which has a tapering sharp edge 6 that is oriented toward the surface of the take-off roll 1. In addition to this metal strip 5, a second electrode 27 is arranged at a distance from the surface of the take-off roll. This second electrode is a metal strip without a strip edge and has applied to it a voltage of a magnitude that is equal to or different from that of the metal strip 5. As a result, electric fields are formed in addition to the electric field from the one metal strip electrode 5.

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 method for making foam-filled parts having fiber-reinforced skins or surfaces is disclosed. Mold halves of pressure-resisting thermally insulative material are covered with a release material, which is then covered with the fiber skins. The fiber skins are coated with heat-curable resin, and the mold halves are then clamped together to form a cavity. A catalyzed foam-forming mixture is poured into the cavity. The mixture foams and expands to the full volume of the cavity, and while it hardens generates heat sufficient to cure the resin.

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 composite member has a diecast part and a hub part that consists of a harder material than the diecast part. The diecast part is attached to the hub part by diecasting within a diecast mold. The hub part has at least one end face. The at least one end face has an annular sealing projection that, during diecasting of the diecast part, rests at a surface of the diecast mold and is deformed by the diecast mold.

Abstract: A motor vehicle dashboard including a body made of injection-molded plastic form, and at least one air duct integrally molded with the dashboard body. The air duct is produced by means of an at least partially absorbable removable insert, particularly an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A mold for forming a wire harness includes a trough having a concave surface. A plurality of wire supports extend into the trough for supporting a plurality of wires in the trough and spacing the wires away from the concave surface. A polymer sheath material is introduced into the trough, thereby encasing the wires.

Abstract: A method of producing a three-dimensional shaped plastic foam part comprises the steps of mixing plastic foam granules of a predetermined range of sizes and of different hardness in a predetermined mixing ratio to obtain a mixture of the plastic foam granules, mixing the mixture of the plastic foam granules with a liquid primary material until the granules are coated with the liquid primary material and a mixture of coated plastic foam granules is obtained, feeding a preset quantity of the mixture of coated plastic foam granules into a mold cavity of a mold closed on all sides, reducing the volume of the mold cavity at least in partial regions thereof after it has been filled with the mixture of coated plastic foam granules, triggering a reaction of the liquid primary material by applying pressure and heat until a continuous cellular structure of plastic foam has been formed and the plastic foam granules have been interconnected by the cellular structure of plastic foam after the volume of the mold cavity has

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: In forming a donut-like headrest under a foaming process, a sealing garnish element is provided, which includes a garnish portion and an edge abutment portion. Prior to a foaming step, the sealing garnish element is brought to a donut-like trim cover assembly and inserted fit in an annular opening formed in the annular inward wall region of the trim cover assembly, such that the edge portions of the annular opening are abutted against the edge abutment portion of sealing garnish element, while the garnish portion is attached on and along the annular inward wall region of trim cover assembly. Hence, during the foaming step, those edge abutment and garnish portions of sealing garnish element effectively prevents a liquid foaming base material injected in the trim cover assembly, against leakage from the annular opening.

Abstract: A device for laying a film 3 emerging from a slot die 2 onto a take-off roll 1 has at least one electrode that is arranged parallel to and at a short distance from the surface of the take-off roll 1 and to which electric voltage in the range from 4 to 12 kV is applied. This electrode is, for example, a metal strip 4, which has a tapering strip edge 6 this is directed toward the surface of the take-off roll 1. In addition to this metal strip 4, one or a plurality of electrodes 5, 8 and 16 are arranged at a distance from the surface of the take-off roll. These additional electrodes have applied to them an electric voltage whose magnitude is the same as or different from that applied to the metal strip 4. As a result, additive electric fields to the electric field of the one metal-strip electrode are formed.

Abstract: A corner reinforcement for use in strengthening screen frames, for example, includes at least a first segment and a second segment of screen bar, each formed into a desired profile and each having a hollow interior portion, a reinforcing channel and a rigid reinforcing and structural material. The reinforcing channel has a first leg and a second leg arranged at approximately ninety degrees to the first leg with ends of the channel securing first and second extensions to extend the first and second legs, respectively. At least a portion of (i) the first extension of the channel is inserted through a first end of the first segment of the screen bar into and substantially spaced from surfaces of the hollow interior portion thereof and (ii) the second extension is inserted through a first end of the second segment of the screen bar into and substantially spaced from surfaces of the hollow portion thereof.

Abstract: A corner reinforcement for use in strengthening screen frames, for example, includes at least a first segment and a second segment of screen bar, each formed into a desired profile and each having a hollow interior portion, a reinforcing channel and a rigid reinforcing and structural material. The reinforcing channel has a first leg and a second leg arranged at approximately ninety degrees to the first leg. At least a portion of (i) the first leg of the channel is inserted through a first end of the first segment of the screen bar into and substantially spaced from a surface of the hollow interior portion thereof and (ii) the second leg is inserted through a first end of the second segment of the screen bar into and substantially spaced from a surface of the hollow portion thereof.

Abstract: In forming a headrest for automotive seat, a three-dimensional trim cover assembly with an opening formed therein is subjected to a foaming process. The trim cover assembly has a pair of extensions formed in that opening and a foldable sealing portion defined in one of those two extensions. The foldable sealing portion is formed with a hole. In operation, both two extensions are turned over via the opening into the trim cover assembly, and during the foaming process, an injection nozzle is inserted through the opening and into the hole of foldable sealing portion. Then, a liquid base foaming material is injected from the injection nozzle into the trim cover assembly and cured therein, during which, the foldable sealing portion is folded about another of the two extension by a pressure applied thereto from the liquid base foaming material being cured, so as to close and seal the opening against leakage of the liquid base foaming material from that particular opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of unitary foam panels wherein frames members are fabricated by forming metal stock into a crossectional channel configuration, cutting and swedging the channel into predetermined lengths. The frame members are swedged to provide frictional interconnection at the corners thereof upon assembly of said frame members into a rectangular frame configuration. Assembly of the frame is accomplished in a shuttle having two assembly jigs. Upon assembly, each frame is moved by the shuttle into a molding press wherein a panel of foam is molded within the frame. The shuttle moves back and forth through the molding press in a manner which provides for removal of a completed panel and assembly of an additional frame from one jig of the shuttle while the molding operation is accomplished within the molding press upon a frame retained within the other jig of the shuttle.

Abstract: A method is illustrated for manufacturing bicycle cranks in which a layer of foamable material is applied on an outer surface of a metallic member which has two holes respectively defined in two ends thereof. A layer of composite preimpregnated material is then applied on the layer of foamable material. Thereafter, the metallic member is mounted in a mold and then heated to make the foamable material foam, thereby achieving formation of a semi-product crank by means of formation of the foamable material, the composite preimpregnated material, and the metallic member. After removal from the mold, the holes of the semi-product crank is tapped, and the semi-product crank is then trimmed and ground. Patching is applied to make an outer surface of the crank smooth.

Abstract: A method of forming a ball-shaped unit including (1) molding an inner core subunit from a high-resilience, polyurethane foam material, (2) lining the wall of a mold cavity which is larger than such a formed inner core subunit with a thin film of an outer, skin-forming material--preferably a water-based, pigmented, acrylic emulsion, barrier release coating for urethane foam, (3) suspending the inner core subunit generally centrally within and circumsurroundedly spaced from the lined mold cavity wall, (4) filling the space intermediate the inner core subunit and the lined mold cavity wall with a soft, slow-return, polyurethane material thus to form an outer core subunit which encases the inner core subunit and which is encased by the skin-forming material, and (5) removing from the mold cavity, in the form of the desired ball-shaped unit, the assembly including the inner and outer core subunits and the skin-forming material.

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: 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: In a method of making a linear composite member, a hollow carrier is provided having a cavity and an inner surface. A curable liquid or gelled resin is applied to the inner surface. A curable foam is introduced into the cavity. The foam contacts the resin when the resin is not more than partially cured, and preferably when the resin has a viscosity not greater than 250,000 centipoise at 25.degree. C. The foam and resin, which are preferably both polyurethanes, are cured together to form a linear composite member having a foam core and a hard resin skin formed integrally. In a preferred embodiment, a reinforcement material, such as a glass fiber web, is embedded in the resin skin.

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: 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 toner supply roll including a metal shaft and a cylindrical soft polyurethane sponge structure formed on an outer circumferential surface of the metal shaft by foam molding of a polyurethane material in a mold cavity of a mold. The sponge structure having a hardness of 350 g or lower includes a skin layer having generally smooth surface and openings, and a network of cells. The openings are open in the smooth surface and communicate with respective ones of the cells located adjacent to the skin layer, such that the openings are substantially aligned with central portions of the respective ones of the cells in axial and radial directions of the sponge structure. Each opening has a size within a range of 100-800 .mu.m, and a total area of the openings is at least 20% of a total area of the smooth surface of the skin layer. The method of producing the roll is also disclosed.

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: 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 conductive roll including a conductive shaft, a conductive rubber foam layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the conductive shaft, and a semi-conductive solid rubber layer formed on an outer circumferential surface of the conductive rubber foam layer. The conductive roll is produced by forming a cylindrical laminar body which gives the conductive rubber foam layer and semi-conductive solid rubber layer, and simultaneously vulcanizing and foaming the laminar body in a mold in which the conductive shaft is placed in position.

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 method of molding a headrest of automotive seat comprises the following steps. First, a bag shaped flexible outer skin member is prepared, has an elongate slit formed therethrough. A part of a stay member is inserted into the outer skin member through the slit and set relative to the outer skin member. A given biasing force is applied to longitudinal ends of the slit so that the slit is stretched in longitudinally opposed directions and thus caused to take a closed position. Then, an injection nozzle of a foamable material feeder is put into the slit by expanding the slit against the biasing force. A foamable material is poured into the outer skin member, and the material feeding is stopped when a given amount of material is fed to the outer skin member. The application of the biasing force to the slit is continued until the material is sufficiently cured.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an adhesive foamed product for use in a hollow component of a motorcar, includes the steps of mixing an adhesive resin, a foaming agent, a crosslinking agent, a foaming accelerator and a polymerizable monomer to thereby formulate a highly foamable composition, arranging the foamable composition thus formulated in the interior of a hollow component of a motorcar, and heating the foamable composition until it is foamed to have a shape corresponding substantially to the shape of the hollow component.

Abstract: A high impact resistant rotationally molded door and process for molding the door is disclosed in which a hinge member is integrally molded to the door along one edge only. This hinge member forms to the hollow door edge without door warpage during curing and shrinking of rotationally molded plastic door body. Door warpage is avoided by delaying full integral attachment of the hinge member to the door until curing of the injected foam interior which both bonds to the interior of the door and the hinge member. An improved seal and hinge seal is disclosed together with a placed window construction that can include both placement and shaping to meet the special order needs. Further improvements including the expedient of venting a rotationally molded door during the rotational molding process through an integrally molded hinge edge reinforcing member. This same venting scheme is utilized for enabling improved cooling of the door once molding of the hollow door shell has occurred.

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 blade for a fan is formed by rotomolding around a pre-positioned support member, part of which extends out of the mold, the support member being shaped, or being provided with one or more projections, which are partly embedded in the plastic material forming a skin of the fan blade. The fan blade is made hollow by this method, but is preferably filled either during molding or subsequently with a hard foam material. A hub is also provided for mounting any fan blades, but in particular those made by the method, in which a hub includes a body portion having a first radial face associated therewith, a plate having a second radial face parallel to the first radial face and spaced therefrom, and a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced depressions facing one another on the first and second radial faces to accommodate the fan blade support members, means being provided to secure the plate to the body portion effective to clamp the fan blade and support members firmly.

Abstract: A headrest to be installed to a seat back of an automotive seat. The headrest comprises a generally bag-shaped outer skin including a surface section which has first and second end edge portions. The first end edge portion includes a first part integral with the surface section, and a second part integral with the first part and generally parallel with the surface section. A slit is defined between the first part of the first end edge portion and the second end edge portion.

Abstract: In the molding of boot and shoe heels a foamable plastics molding material is injected into a heel mold and a pressurized gaseous fluid is injected into the heel body after it has formed an outer skin against the mold inner surfaces but before it has fully set in order to displace and compress the foaming material and form within the heel at least one enclosed hollow chamber which provides a different degree of resilience to heel strike forces at the location of the chamber. A plurality of closely adjacent chambers may be provided to obtain the same effect, particularly when the heel is shallow. A preformed member may be placed in the mold to form the heel outer surface and ensure a minimum heel wall thickness at this location. The invention also includes apparatus for making such heels, and the heels when so made. The molded body may comprise a sole with an integral heel part. The enclosed chamber may be vented to the ambient atmosphere or it may be sealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for panels in vehicles, comprising an outer cover layer (1), an inner carrier (2) and an intermediate layer (3) of a highly heat-reflecting material. The heat-reflecting layer (3) extends continuously, on the one hand with a part in close connection to an area of the cover layer which at least during certain time periods is exposed to heat radiation and accordingly is given an increased temperature, and on the other hand with at least one additional part over an area which has a lower temperature. In this manner, the increased temperature is limited through reflection and through dissipation of heat from the area with the increased temperature.

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: A method of manufacturing a rigid foamed product includes the steps of mixing a metal adhesive resin, a foaming agent, a foaming accelerator, a crosslinking agent, a monomer, and a fibrous material to formulate a foamable composition, arranging the foamable composition thus formulated in a cavity of a formed metal component, and heating the metal component with the foamable composition.