Abstract: A polymeric membrane system containing a polymeric membrane and a substrate with interstitial gaps. Polymeric membrane components reside within the interstitial gaps of the substrate and below the surface of the substrate. Also, the layer of polymeric membrane components is thinner than the cross-sectional thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: A thermal protection structure includes a thermal protection layer formed by impregnating reinforcing fibers with a matrix resin, a gas-pervious wear-resistant layer formed of a heat-resistant material and laminated on the outer surface to be exposed to heat of the thermal protection layer. The wear-resistant layer prevents the direct impact of raindrops or ice pellets on the thermal protection layer, so that the reduction of the thermal protection ability of the thermal protection layer due to wear can be prevented. The gas-pervious wear-resistant layer permits the emission of gases produced by the thermal decomposition and carbonization of the thermal protection layer caused by aerodynamic heating into the environment.

Abstract: An improved process for making stitchbonded fabric in which a feed material that has a visible pattern on it is surface is multi-needle stitched with a contractible yarn and then the stitched material is contracted to form an attractive, novel surface pattern that is quite different from the original pattern on the feed material

Abstract: A laminate is provided that is highly conformable to the contours of a wearer's body when used in a personal care absorbent article or a medical article. The laminate is extendible in its cross direction to a width at least 25% greater than an original, unstretched width upon application of a stretching force and exhibits little or no retractive force in the cross direction once they have been stretched. Elastic elements are placed to provide stretch and recovery in the machine direction of the laminate without affecting the inelasticity of the cross direction. When the garment is worn, the laminate is extendible only in one axis where needed to provide a substantially perfect fit on the wearer while the retractive force provided in a second axis of the laminate helps ensure snug fit.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane system containing a polymeric membrane and a substrate with interstitial gaps. Polymeric membrane components reside within the interstitial gaps of the substrate and below the surface of the substrate. Also, the layer of polymeric membrane components is thinner than the cross-sectional thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one step method for bonding and creping a nonwoven web. In the method of the present invention, a nonwoven web is adhered to a creping roll and bonded while on the creping roll. The bonding of the nonwoven adheres the nonwoven to the creping roll in a pattern of the bonding roll. Once creped from the creping roll, the resulting nonwoven web is creped in the pattern of the bonding roll. The creped nonwoven webs of the present invention are useful in a wide variety of application including as wipes, liners, transfer or surge layers, outercovers, other fluid handling materials and looped fastener materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-unbonded material that has at least two distinct regions. One region has different bond pattern than another region. The different bond pattern provides different, specific functionality or characteristics to the material. In an embodiment, the one region provides an optimal mechanical fastener, hook engagement. The different characteristics include, but are not limited to, opacity, tensile strength or stiffness. The different characteristics are provided by a bond pattern specific to the particular region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are stronger and appear more substantial by being more opaque than or color-shifted relative to an inner region. The outer regions, in an embodiment, are not directly backed or supported by the garment to which the material is attached. Accordingly, it is important for the outer regions to provide adequate strength, stiffness, color, and opacity absent the garment backing the outer regions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an insulated reentry heat shield for minimizing heat transfer to a spacecraft structure or the like during atmospheric reentry. The heat shield (10) comprises an outer heat resistant layer (12) including an ablative first material backed by an inner insulating layer (14) including an insulating second material. The outer and inner layers (12, 14) are bonded to one another by a middle layer (16) disposed therebetween. The middle layer is formed by disposing at least one layer of a phenolic loaded third material between the outer and inner layers and heating all three layers simultaneously to remove phenolic volatiles from the middle layer. In one embodiment, the ablative first material is carbon-carbon, the insulating second material is carbon foam, and the phenolic loaded third material is carbon scrim cloth. The present invention also discloses a method for use in constructing a heat shield.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane system containing a polymeric membrane and a substrate with interstitial gaps. Polymeric membrane components reside within the interstitial gaps of the substrate and below the surface of the substrate. Also, the layer of polymeric membrane components is thinner than the cross-sectional thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: A nonwoven has low tensile and high elongation in the first direction (typically the CD) and high tensile and low elongation in the second direction (typically the MD). The nonwoven has a plurality of bonding points defining a total bonding area along the second direction greater than along the first direction. Accordingly, the nonwoven has unbonded fiber portions and bonded fiber portions, with a bonded portion/unbonded portion ratio greater along the second direction than along the first direction. The bonding points are preferably either circular or oval in plan.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns nonwoven fabrics containing filaments of at least two different cross sections. The subject invention further pertains to methods used to produce these fabrics. In an embodiment specifically exemplified herein, the nonwoven fabric of the subject invention is made of nylon.

Abstract: A grip structure includes a surface material layer, a substrate material layer, the surface material layer and the substrate material layer laminated with each other, and a plurality of evenly distributed bonding combination points secured between the surface material layer and the substrate material layer, so that the surface material layer can be bonded and combined with the substrate material layer by the bonding combination points. In such a manner, the sweat or water will return to infiltrate into the surface of the grip structure in a slower speed, thereby greatly enhancing the comfortable sensation of holding the grip structure of the racket.

Abstract: A stretchable nonwoven web, or laminate of a stretchable nonwoven web and an elastic sheet, is treated with a plurality of bond lines in one or more regions thereof to provide controlled stretching properties. In one embodiment, the nonwoven web or laminate has at least one first region having a plurality of bond lines in a direction parallel to the machine direction and at least one second region having a plurality of bond lines in a direction parallel to the cross-machine direction to provide controlled stretching in different directions in different regions of the web. The bond lines can be substantially continuous in length, or segmented. When segmented bond lines are employed, the length of the bond line segments and spacing between them can be varied to import variable stretch properties to the nonwoven web or laminate.

Abstract: A multi-purpose sheet material comprising an absorbent layer and a cut-resistant material in contact with the absorbent layer. The cut-resistant material can comprise a cut-resistant support system, such as cut-resistant support element formed in the absorbent layer for example. The cut-resistant material may alternatively comprise cut-resistant particles, such as polymer particles having an average size of at least about 100 micrometers for example. Preferably, the sheet material exhibits an absorbent efficiency of at least about 0.2 and a slice resistance of at least about 30 kgf/cm, and more preferably an absorbent efficiency of at least about 1.0 and a slice resistance of at least about 40 kgf/cm. It is also preferred that sheet material exhibit a cut-resistance of at least about 30 kgf/cm, an absorbent efficiency of at least about 0.2, and a wet abrasion loss of less than about 400 mg per 100 revolutions.

Abstract: A composite sheet has a high total light transmittance over its entire region, the composite sheet including a nonwoven fabric formed from thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers and a non-porous and moisture permeable plastic film formed from an ester-based thermoplastic elastomer resin and joined by fusion to one surface of the nonwoven fabric. The composite sheet thus constituted has a total light transmittance of not less than 60% and not greater than 95%.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: A composite having a plurality of filaments arranged in a fibrous web that is held together in a unitary structure by a domain matrix. The domain matrix comprises a plurality of matrix islands that individually connect, or bond, at least two filaments, to thereby hold the filaments in a unitary structure. Portions of the filament lengths within the unitary structure are free of matrix islands, causing the domain matrix to be discontinuous. The composite possesses a greater flexibility than coated structures. The composite may be formed into cross-plied structures. A method of making the composite also is disclosed.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: A substance encapsulation system capable of being apertured under a tensioning force comprises a first web and a second web. A powdered, granular, particulate, or gel substance can be disposed between the first and second webs. Upon application of a sufficient force having a vector component parallel to the transverse axis, the bond site fractures to form a corresponding aperture to facilitate exposure of the substance. Alternatively, a central layer may be disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The central layer may carry a substance to be exposed or the central layer may be a dissimilar material from the first and second webs.

Abstract: A papermaking belt comprises a reinforcing element and a resinous framework joined together. The resinous framework is formed by a plurality of resinous beads which mutually contact or cross-over. Super-knuckles extending outwardly from the reinforcing element are formed at points of contact. A preferred continuous process for making the belt comprises extruding, in a pre-selected pattern, a plurality of beads of a resinous material onto the forming surface thereby forming the resinous framework thereon, joining the resinous framework and the reinforcing element together, and then solidifying the resinous framework. The resinous material may comprise at least two chemically-active materials capable of cross-linking upon contact.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface layer; a backing sheet; and an absorbent layer interposed between the surface layer and the backing sheet. The surface layer includes: a porous film having a plurality of through holes; and a fibrous layer disposed on the liquid-receiving face of the porous film. The fibrous layer is of a plurality of strips extending in parallel and spaced apart from each other. Each strip of the fibrous layer is fixed to the porous film at spaced fixing portions, so that the porous film is exposed between adjacent strips of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be non-apertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate.

Abstract: A single- or multi-ply disposable article comprises at least one foreshortened, wet-extensible ply that has a surface topography exhibiting regions of minimum and maximum calipers comprising creping ridges, wherein the creping ridges are oriented in a first direction; and a coating bonded to the at least one foreshortened ply, the coating defining bonded regions and a plurality of unbonded regions in the ply. The minimum caliper is coincident the bonded regions, and the coating comprises a plurality of mutually parallel lines of adhesive extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: The insulating cover comprises a gas and water impermeable first foil (13) which defines a first circumferential outer rim, a gas and water impermeable second foil (26) substantially coextensive with said first foil (13) and defining a second circumferential outer rim. The first (13) and second foil (26) are joined together at the first and second outer circumferential rims of the first (13) and second outer circumferential rims of the first (13) and second foils (26), to define an enclosure between the first (13) and second (26) foils. A body of insulating material (24) is inserted in the enclosure. A plurality of supporting tubular elements (20) in co-planar relationship with said first (13) and second foil (26) provide a stiffness of the insulating cover (15) in axial direction of the plurality of supporting tubular elements (20) and flexibility of the insulating cover (15) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a composite sheet having a layer of inelastically stretchable continuous fibers improved so that a possible unevenness in fiber diameter may be minimized.

Abstract: A portable lightweight cooling apparatus for cooling a human body is disclosed, having a channeled sheet which absorbs sweat and/or evaporative liquid, a layer of highly conductive fibers adjacent the channeled sheet; and, an air-moving device for moving air through the channeled sheet, wherein the layer of fibers redistributes heat uniformly across the object being cooled, while the air moving within the channeled sheet evaporates sweat and/or other evaporative liquid, absorbs evaporated moisture and the uniformly distributed heat generated by the human body, and discharges them into the environment.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of multipolymer fibers is described that is unidirectionally stretched and permanently elongated at ambient conditions and exhibits a substantial increase in tensile strength in the stretch direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the web in the direction of fiber orientation to the tensile strength in the other direction is at least about 10:1. The ratio of elongation at peak load in a direction transverse to the direction of fiber orientation is at least about 6:1. The multipolymer fibers normally are a blend of polyethylene and a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, one of which is a dominant phase and one of which is a dispersed phase. A third component having elastomeric properties that is at least partially miscible with one or both of the other components is included in some blends.

Abstract: An improved plasticized polyvinyl chloride interlayer for laminated safety glass, and an improved method of manufacturing a laminated safety glass including such plasticized polyvinyl chloride containing film is disclosed. An improved functional silane adhesion promoter is utilized in such a manner so as to impact energy dissipation is maximized while structural integrity is maintained. The plasticized polyvinyl chloride interlayer is formulated so as to provide improved long term heat stability at service use temperatures.

Abstract: A washable cover for mattresses and like objects, that is made from textile material and includes a water vapor permeable, allergen- and waterproof barrier layer, and an outer material. The cover includes at least one additional textile fabric and a voluminous batting at least 3 mm thick. The batting is arranged between the outer material and additional textile fabric. The outer material, batting, and additional textile fabric are joined together at least pointwise by threads. The barrier layer is laminated onto the additional textile fabric at least pointwise after the latter is joined to the outer material and batting.

Abstract: A plastering layer (2) of plastics material, having attached thereto a net reinforcing material (6) to be embedded in or underneath a plaster layer (12), in particular a plaster layer (12) on a thermal insulation (16) of a building wall (26), wherein said reinforcing material (6) is connected to said plastering fillet (2) by means of at least one plastics strand (8), with said reinforcing material (6) having been interposed between plastering fillet (2) and plastics strand (8) when the connection was made, and with a material-uniting connection being established between plastering fillet (2) and plastics strand (8).

Abstract: The present invention provides bond patterns for nonwoven fabrics and laminates thereof, and a process of producing the bond patterns. The bond patterns provides highly distinct and recognizable patterns without significantly reducing the physical properties of the nonwoven fabrics. The bond pattern comprises a series of unbonded regions in a geometric pattern of regularly bonded regions, and each unbonded region forms an unbonded area enclosed by the bonded regions surrounding the unbonded region, whereby the series of unbonded regions forms a visually recognizable pattern, wherein the bonded regions cover from about 3% to about 50% of the surface of the nonwoven web, and wherein each of the unbonded areas has a size equal to or less than about 0.3 cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate wound dressing comprising a plurality of layers of preferably silver or silver-coated fibers in a woven fabric alternating with layers of nonconductive, preferably nonmetallic, fabric. Each layer preferably contains a different ratio of metalized to nonmetalized fibers. The metalized fibers are preferably made of or coated with silver. The dressing promotes healing by stimulating cellular de-differetiation, followed by cellular proliferation. The dressing also has antibacterial, antifungal and analgesic properties.

Abstract: A multiple ply composite structure used to reinforce, seal and shape concrete structures has a first ply formed of unidirected continuous filament reinforcements which are bonded together by a thermosetting polymeric resin matrix. A second ply comprises a plurality of separately spaced protuberances, each of which is individually coated with a hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin. The hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin of the second ply bonds the first ply to the second ply by forming a concave resin meniscus which anchors each of the protuberances of the second ply to the first ply.

Abstract: In a transfer sheet and a method of transferring a figuration to a ceramic product, an ink is provided by mixing a chromophoric pigment for expressing a desired coloration, a vitreous powder and thermoplastic resin. A sheet of paper or plastic film is perpared on which an appropriate figuration is screen printed with the use of the ink to transfer it to an outer surface of a ceramic product. A thermoplastic separable layer is provided between the mount sheet and a pigment layer. The pigment layer is coated with an adhesive layer.

Abstract: In the tubular lining material composed by rolling tubularly a sheet-like unwoven fabric, stitching mutually both side edges thereof to obtain a tubular unwoven fabric having a stitched part and forming a continuous synthetic resin tubular coating layer on the surface of this tubular unwoven fabric, as the coating layer is thicker than other parts, the elongation of the stitched part is prevented and pinholes would not occur in the stitched part when the pipeline is repaired.

Abstract: A tagged packet carries a tag which is attached to the main body of the packet by a thread. The thread comprises polypropylene so as to be attachable by heat sealing to the body. The body is made up of layers of sheet material also comprising thermoplastic material to allow the body to be closed by heat seals. The thread is secured to the f ace of the body at one edge at the same time as that edge is heat sealed and the heating for the thread seal is applied from the opposite face of the body whereas the adjacent regions of edge seal spaced from the thread has the heating applied through the first face. This arrangement gives closer control of the different conditions required for securing the thread and for sealing together only the sheet material of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective material comprising a base layer comprising cut resistant yarn, an intermediate layer comprising natural fiber and an outer layer comprising a flexible, elastomeric material impervious to liquid. The intermediate layer is bonded to the elastomeric material, while the cut resistant yarn in the base layer remains substantially free of encapsulation by the elastomeric material. The intermediate layer is joined to said base layer at one or more locations, preferably by selective strike through of limited amounts of the elastomeric material to encapsulate yarn in the base layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a freezer bag comprising a multibag having at least an inner liner bag and an outer support bag, the inner liner bag having a first sidewall and a second sidewall attached together along respective lateral edges forming edge seals, each sidewall having a top edge, and the liner bag having a folded edge defining the bottom of the liner bag, the outer support bag having two sidewalls attached together along respective lateral edges forming edge seals, each sidewall having top edges defining the opening to the multibag, and the support bag having a folded edge defining the bottom of the multibag, the top edges of the liner bag being attached to an inner surface of each respective sidewall of the support bag wherein the liner is thermoplastic and has a thickness of less than 2.0 mil (50.8 micron).

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic composite material which comprises:a thermoplastic plastic sheet and, bonded to one side thereof,a thermoplastic spun felt comprising a hot-melt adhesive, to a method of producing it and to its use.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as percutaneous access devices and other implants, are disclosed which have synthetic biotextured surfaces. The peripheral outer surfaces of these items are provided with either a positive or an inverse representation of transverse surfaces using microcasting techniques.

Abstract: A material for relief has a sheet obtained by heating and compressing a sponge made of a cellulose and a base attached to the back of the sheet. By forming a pattern on the sheet and supplying a water in such a manner as to correspond to the pattern, a raised-portion is formed.

Abstract: A process of decorating fabric includes the step of imparting wrinkles to the fabric oblique to the warp and weft directions and heat setting the wrinkles into the fabric. The wrinkle imparting step may include moving the fabric longitudinally and simultaneously moving portions of the fabric from side to side by frictionally engaging the fabric to an oscillating means such as an elastomeric pad or interleaved fingers and oscillating the pad or fingers from side to side. Heat setting of the fabric includes exposing the wrinkled fabric to heat at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient duration to set the wrinkles in the fabric. Desirably, the wrinkled fabric is in contact with a transfer print paper while the fabric passes through the heat setting step to set the wrinkles and fix color on the fabric. The longitudinal movement is desirably coordinated with the side to side movement to obtain aesthetically pleasing results. The invention also includes apparatus and the product.

Abstract: A transfer layer of cellulosic air-laid material characterized by a non-uniform binder distribution profile that allows a faster liquid acquisition. In a specific example, the transfer layer has a higher concentration of binder on its liquid-acquisition surface than on the liquid-release surface. Typically, the liquid-release surface of the transfer layer forms part of the interface transfer layer/absorbent core in the structure for absorbing body exudate.

Abstract: There is provided herein a protective cover made from conjugate fiber nonwoven fabric having a basis weight between about 1 and 8 osy laminated with a film. The conjugate fibers may be in a configuration such as sheath/core, side-by-side and islands in the sea and may be formed from polyolefins and polyamides. The preferred fiber embodiments are a side-by-side polypropylene-polyethylene fiber and a sheath/core polyethylene/nylon 6 fiber. The fabric is preferably extrusion coated with a polyethylene film to form the protective cover. The cover is light weight, waterproof and provides sufficient burst and tensile strength so that the cover may be used during transportation of, for example, a boat.

Abstract: A process for the production of a two-layer textile reinforcement for the production of bituminous sealing sheets for roofing consists first, from a first layer based on nonwoven cloth, in consolidating this nonwoven cloth by mechanical or hydraulic bonding and in thermostabilizing it. This first consolidated and thermostabilized layer is then assembled with a second mineral fiber layer, either by counter-gluing, or by needling, or by seam knitting. These two latter assembly methods are used only when the second mineral fiber layer is in the form of a grid or cloth of continuous or discontinuous mineral filaments. The first assembly method by counter-gluing is itself used no matter what the structure of the second mineral filament layer, whether it be in the form of a grid or a cloth of continuous or discontinuous mineral fibers or in the form of a scrim of mineral fibers.

Abstract: A method of preparing a laminate having increased peel strength and solvent resistance which involves (A) applying an adhesive composition to a surface of a first sheet; (B) exposing the adhesive composition on the surface of the first sheet to incoherent, pulsed ultraviolet radiation from a dielectric barrier discharge excimer lamp; (C) bringing a surface of a second sheet in contact with the adhesive composition-bearing surface of the first article; and (D) allowing the adhesive composition to cure. The incoherent, pulsed ultraviolet radiation has a single narrow wavelength band within the range of from about 260 to about 360 nanometers. The adhesive composition includes from about 94 to about 60 percent by weight of a cycloaliphatic diepoxide, from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight of a cationic photoinitiator, and from about 5 to about 30 percent by weight of a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol terpolymer, all based on the weight of adhesive composition.

Abstract: A non-woven composite interlining fabric, which is capable of being fused on by application of an adhesive substance, contains a non-woven fabric having a mass per unit area of 10 to 40 g/m.sup.2 with warp reinforcement, which warp reinforcement contains 5 to 25 g/m.sup.2 textured warp yarn having a primary elongation of 10 to 35% with a total denier of 30 to 120 dtex. The weight ratio of warp yarn:non-woven fabric is from 1:3 to 3:1. The thread count is 3 to 25/inch. The composite fabric is manufactured in a warp knitting machine having a non-woven fabric feed, the non-woven fabric being reinforced with textured filaments and, at the end, the composite being thermofixed and provided with the melting adhesive. After the warp yarn is fed and prior to the thermofixing, the composite fabric is subjected to a shrinking process. The composite fabric exhibits a final elongation in the longitudinal direction of 50 to 120%.

Abstract: A ballistic laminate structure in sheet form, which includes a first array of high performance, unidirectionally-oriented fiber bundles and a second array of high performance, unidirectionally-oriented fiber bundles cross-plied at an angle with respect to the first array of fiber bundles, and laminated to the first array of fiber bundles in the absence of adhesives or bonding agents. First and second thermoplastic films are bonded to outer surfaces of the laminated first and second arrays of unidirectional fiber bundles without penetration of the films into fiber bundles or through the laminate from one side to the other.

Abstract: A ballistic laminate structure in sheet form, which includes a first array of high performance, unidirectionally-oriented fiber bundles and a second array of high performance, unidirectionally-oriented fiber bundles cross-plied at an angle with respect to the first array of fiber bundles, and laminated to the first array of fiber bundles in the absence of adhesives or bonding agents. First and second thermoplastic films are bonded to outer surfaces of the laminated first and second arrays of unidirectional fiber bundles without penetration of the films into fiber bundles or through the laminate from one side to the other.