Abstract: A grip tape 11 for applying to a handle 94 generally comprises an elongate tape having a top portion 60 comprised of shock absorbing and compressible material, such as polyurethane, bonded to a shock absorbing bottom portion 90, such as of open-pored textile material, such as of felt. The top includes a central portion 62, a right densified portion 70 adjacent the right side 50 and a left densified portion 80 adjacent the left side 40. Preferably, the tops 75, 85 of densified portions 70, 80 are below the top 65 of the central portion 62 by at least 10% of the thickness of the tape. Preferably, bottom bevels 77, 87 underlie densified portions 70, 80. Tape 11 is spiral wrapped around handle 94 such that right side 50 overlies top 85 of left densified portion 80 of the previous turn, preferably such that top 75 of right densified portion 70 is disposed below top 65 of central portion 62 of the succeeding wrap.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the problem of compressing biomass, e.g., ripe grain or cereals, into solid pressed bodies 1, which are suitable for use as fuel, despite differences in the harvesting conditions, and whose strength no longer depends on the moisture content in the biomass. It was found that this problem can be solved without an essential expense by imparting a wavy structure 6 to the pressed body 1. As a result, the outer surface of the pressed body 1 is compressed more strongly by the extrusion than is the middle cross section area, in which long-fibered parts of the mass are readily oriented in a wave shape 21 and lead to elasticity of the pressed bodies 1, which is favorable for handling.

Abstract: There is described a bituminous roofing underfelt comprising a spunbond of polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate, filaments having a filament linear density of 1-8 dtex embedded in a bitumen matrix, wherein the weight of the bitumen accounts for from 40 to 90% and that of the spunbonded for from 10 to 60% of the basis weight of the roofing underfelt, and the spunbond is consolidated by a meltable binder whose melting point is below the processing temperature of the bitumen used in making the bituminous roofing underfelt and which is present in the spunbonded in a weight proportion of from 5 to 20% of the total weight. The spunbonded preferably bears an embossed pattern, for example a plain-weave embossment. There is also described a process for manufacturing the roofing underfelt and the spunbond present therein.

Abstract: A light diffracting structure 10 in an authenticating pattern 20 especially for an authentication label 30 is used for authenticating and protecting against forgery various valuable objects. The light diffracting structure 10 has unique parameters generating a uniquely colored pattern. The unique parameters are randomly defined by anisotropic process steps during the manufacturing of the diffracting structure and are not under full control of the producer. This prevents copying or creating an exact replica thereof. The authenticating pattern 20 comprises an integrated structure of a substrate layer 21 and a transparent overcoat layer 22 and the viewable interface therebetween includes the light diffracting structure 10. The uniquely colored authenticating pattern can be verified by simple observation with the naked eye which is a prerequisite for ubiquitous verification.

Abstract: A laminated support pad includes layers of material having different density in which voids are formed to extend through at least partial cross-sections of at least two adjacent layers to form regions of the pad having different support characteristics determined by the placement and extent of the voids in the laminated layers. Lamination of a layer of high density material on top of a layer of relatively low density material produces a relatively firm pad having varying degrees of firmness dependent upon the placement and extent of the voids. Conversely, lamination of layer of low density material on a top surface of a layer of relatively high density material produces a relatively soft pad also having varying degrees of firmness dependent upon the placement and extent of the voids. The pad can be cut to conform to conventional mattress sizes, and the regions formed in areas of the pad which correspond to the weight bearing requirements for optimum support of the human body in prone positions.

Abstract: An oriented strand board product is provided. The board is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board-forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction and wherein the wood strands comprising each adjacent layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB board product is clad with a dry felted wood fiber overlay on one planar surface of the baseboard.

Abstract: The invention describes a foamed material panel, in particular a shaped part composed of one or several foamed material panels. These panels consist of a soft and, if appropriate, elastic foamed material comprising cellular webs and/or cellular walls that are permanently deformed at least in some areas. A central area of the foamed material panel is plastically deformed to a higher volumetric weight than at least one intermediate area of the formed material panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent composite including a web formed from a mixture of fibrous material and particulate absorbent material. The web contains from about 15 to about 30 weight percent water. The described absorbent web is capable of containing relatively large quantities of particulate absorbent materials while maintaining an acceptable degree of flexibility.

Abstract: An oriented strand board (OSB)-fiberboard composite structure is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction. In a preferred embodiment, the wood strands comprising each adjacent OSB layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB-fiberboard composite product is clad with a wood fiber overlay on one major surface of the baseboard. The composite board is manufactured without warping, by providing particular OSB layer thicknesses, such that the lower OSB layer is about 25% to about 35% thicker than the OSB layer bonded to the fiberboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorption body intended for an absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel or an incontinence guard, and comprising an absorbent material, preferably cellulose fluff, which increases in quantity continuously from the edge margins of the article in towards the center part thereof. According to the invention, the absorption body is compressed to an essentially flat shape and exhibits a degree of compression which increases continuously from the edge margins towards the center part of the body. The invention also relates to a method of producing an essentially flat absorption body, the density of which increases continuously from the edge margins in towards the center part thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to mineral fiberboard products which are embossed to provide a decorative surface. In the invention herein a layered structure is formed before the embossing process that consists of the currently used mineral fiberboard on the bottom with an additional layer of a granulated fines material on the board surface. When embossed using the current process, the resulting composite board provides higher fidelity images than the unlayered embossed board.

Abstract: An oriented strand board product is provided. The board is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction and wherein the wood strands comprising each adjacent layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB board product is clad with a dry felted wood fiber overlay on one planar surface of the baseboard.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulosic fibrous structure, particularly a consumer product such as toilet tissue, facial tissue or a paper towel. In a first embodiment, extending outwardly from each face of the cellulosic fibrous structure is a plurality of protuberances. The protuberances extend bilaterally outwardly from the plane of the cellulosic fibrous structure in both directions. The bilaterally extending protuberances increase the caliper and texture of the consumer product embodied in the cellulosic fibrous structure. In a second embodiment, the protuberances extend outwardly, and are induced by fluid embossing, rather than mechanical embossing. Also disclosed is a fluid embossing process for making such cellulosic fibrous structures.

Abstract: A towel for wrapping and drying hair on a human head includes a configuration for facilitating wrapping of the towel about the head and also provides for an area of enhanced water absorption for contacting the hair and for facilitating rapid drying thereof.

Abstract: A louvered plastic film has louvers including central regions with a relatively high coefficients of extinction and outer regions with relatively low coefficients of extinction. Such a film provides a dramatic reduction in ghost images.

Abstract: Free-flowing dunnage packaging material is made from molded pulp to form non-planar, dish-like shapes, each having a hollowed central void preferably surrounded by beaded edges. The dunnage pieces are preferably manufactured by a free of form process which results in random shaping, thereby avoiding nesting and maintaining package volume.

Abstract: An embossed plastic film is made ultra soft and cloth-like by providing a plurality or post-embossed stretched areas along lines that are spaced uniformly across its width and length. The stretched areas are thinner than the unstretched areas. Films also have unique textures and offer cloth-like or non-woven appearances.

Abstract: A composite beam having a constant stress geometry is provided wherein a varying fiber content in a fiber impregnated resin is employed across the beam's cross section to cause the neutral axis of the beam to shift toward the compressive side. The design provides the maximum deflection in the direction of the load before compressive failure occurs for a given size and shaped beam of equivalent stiffness.

Abstract: A very lightweight sandwich panel is constructed using as the core layer a very thin plastic sheet that has been preformed with projections having broad bonding areas on their free ends for chemically cementing to one outer layer of the panel and with areas between the projections for bonding to the other outer layer. The projections may be made of different cross-sectional shapes, heights, spacings, tilts, profiles, etc., to produce different characteristics in the panel. Differences may even be made in a given sheet to produce a panel having different characteristics in various portions, including shape and function. These characteristics can be predetermined, and the panels may therefore be computer designed. Special panel applications such as airplane wings and thermal boards are comtemplated.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an improved leaf packet useful in forming a spiral filtration module, the improved module which results from utilization of the leaf packet and a method of preparing the leaf packet. The membrane sheet utilized in forming a spiral filtration module is fused and densified in the area of its fold to increase the sheet density in this area and thus provide protection against mechanical failure. The densification includes the application of heat and pressure to the membrane surface of the sheet so as to densify the membrane surface and seal it against the penetration of feed stream liquid while also densifying the membrane, the backing and an optional reinforcing strip (if utilized).

Abstract: An embossed thermoplastic liquid barrier film is disclosed having a visible nonwoven fibrous three-dimensionally embossed pattern in the film on both sides. The films have thicknesses of about 0.5 to about 2 mils and an embossed depth to provide the visible nonwoven fibrous three-dimensionally embossed pattern with the film having a soft hand feel.

Abstract: A carrier tape comprising a strip of flexible material having a series of spaced pockets and a predetermined thickness, the size of the pockets and the predetermined thickness being adapted to receive a component between the major surfaces of said strip. In a preferred embodiment the pockets have at least a substantially closed base portion which lies between the major surfaces of the strip. The strip of flexible material comprises a layer of nonwoven thermoplastic polymeric fiber adhered together and has in the range of 20 to 70 percent air filled open spaces between the fibers. The strip of flexible material may also be composed of a thermoplastic foam.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a batt of a loose assemblage of fibers, having an initial density, that is embossed to produce a batt having a discrete pattern of hydrogen-bonded, compressed or densified portions and regions between the compressed portions. The regions have an average density greater than the average initial density of the batt and less than the density of the batt and less than the density of the compressed portions so as to form discrete density gradients across the surface of the batt. The batt has an initial average density of from about 0.03g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.15 g/cm.sup.3. The compressed portions have an average density in the range of from about 0.40 g/cm.sup.3 to about 1.00 g/cm.sup.3 and have a size in the range of from about 0.0002 cm.sup.2 to about 0.12 cm.sup.2. The regions defined between the compressed portions occupy from about 97 percent to about 99.5 percent of the area of the surface of the batt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fiber reinforced plastic sheet having a gradient layer structure wherein the number of reinforcing fibers continuously varies and a process for producing the same by spreading a mixture of the fibers different in the number of filaments over the traveling zone of a conveyor and then pressing it while it contains a resin. The fiber reinforced plastic sheet of the invention is excellent in smooth appearance, fluidity during molding to an article, fiber filling ability into a complex form portion of an article and mechanical strength and can be produced inexpensively.

Abstract: A reinforcing woven fabric comprising warps of reinforcing filamentary yarns arranged to form a high-density portion of warps and low-density portion of warps in the transverse direction and wefts of reinforcing filamentary yarns extending obliquely to the warps, a preformed material formed using a plurality of the reinforcing woven fabrics, a fiber reinforced composite material formed using the preformed material and a beam particularly suitable as the fiber reinforced composite material. The high-density portion of warps in the reinforcing woven fabric can satisfy the strength and rigidity against bending or tensile stress required for the flange of the beam and the obliquely extending wefts in the low-density portion of warps can satisfy the strength against shear stress required for the web of the beam, when a plurality of the reinforcing woven fabrics are laminated to form the preformed material for the beam. The mechanical properties required for the beam can be efficiently obtained.

Abstract: A composite beam having a constant stress geometry is provided wherein a varying fiber content in a fiber impregnated resin is employed across the beam's cross section to cause the neutral axis of the beam to shift toward the compressive side. The design provides the maximum deflection in the direction of the load before compressive failure occurs for a given size and shaped beam of equivalent stiffness.

Abstract: A composite part of flexible cellular material and elastic, rubber material, wherein the cellular material is a cellular synthetic material and is compressed with the rubber material under cellular synthetic material hot-stamping conditions, the cellular material being condensed in the region of attachment.

Abstract: A converter mechanism and method for producing a relatively narrow width and small size cushioning dunnage product of pad-like form, from sheet-like stock material. A conversion kit comprising a funnel-like chute member and a coacting elongated generally rectangular shaped (in top plan) bar former is provided for conversion of a known cushioning dunnage converter into one which can produce the relatively narrow and small size pad-like cushioning dunnage product of the invention. The bar former has its forwardmost end disposed generally adjacent the exit end of the funnel-like chute member, with its rearward end extending rearwardly of the entrance to the funnel-like chute member.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite comprising a fibrous web and a matrix composition nonuniformly distributed in the major plane of a fibrous web.

Abstract: Composite product of adjacent interconnected layers of heat shrinkable fibers, made by heat shrink processing of interconnected such layers of differential shrinkage properties.

Abstract: Point-bonding and water-jet-softening of a sheet of flash-spun polyethylene plexifilamentary film-fibril strands provide a nonwoven fabric that is particularly suited for use in disposable protective garments. Garments made with the nonwoven fabric are comfortable and provide a good protection against particulate matter, such as air-borne asbestos particles.

Abstract: In gypsum board faced with a fibrous mat, for example, a mat of glass filaments adhesively bound together, improvements are realized by the use of a reinforcing resinous binder in the mat.

Abstract: A microbubbled, substantially fluid-impervious polymeric web exhibiting substantially the same consumer preferred soft and cloth-like tactile impression and low noise generation levels heretofore only achievable in microapertured, and hence substantially fluid pervious, polymeric webs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention pertains to a microbubbled polymeric web exhibiting a fine-scale pattern of discrete mushroom-shaped surface aberrations, each of said surface aberrations having its amplitude oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the surface aberration originates. However, unlike microapertured webs which are fluid pervious, at least one tiny, continuous membrane bubble, i.e., a microbubble, is provided substantially coincidental with the maximum amplitude of each surface aberration. Thus, the microbubbled web is substantially fluid-impervious.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising a glass sheet and having an etched pattern, and to a process of manufacturing an article comprising a glass sheet and having an etched pattern.The glass sheet 11 is a chemically tempered glass sheet, and the pattern comprises one or more grooves 10 etched into the article using fluorine ions to a depth of less than 2 .mu.m. The etched grooves 10 constituting the pattern may be formed in a layer 12 of inorganic material such as SiO.sub.2. They may have a width of less than 10 .mu.m and the spacing (p) between two adjacent grooves may also be less than 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of bonding low density or thin gauge polyurethane foams to polypropylene substrates, said apparatus including, a revolvable turntable for indexing the workpieces to various work stations, a conductive heating station to heat-liquify designated areas of the polypropylene substrate, and a compression station having compression platens to emboss the polyurethane foam onto the polypropylene substrate effectively fusing the fibers of the polyurethane foam with the heat-liquified areas of polypropylene.

Abstract: A resinous product is disclosed which possesses a resinous surface coatable with a layer of metal which can be bonded through an array of microdendrites extending below the resinous surface. The resinous products are prepared by coating the surface of a metal plate with microdendrites, pressing the microdendrite covered metal surface into the resinous surface, curing the resin and stripping away the plate to leave the microdendrites embedded in the cured resinous surface. The embedded microdendrites are dissolved away to produce a micro-rough resinous surface having an array of microdendrite-shaped cavities. The resinous product can be used for printed circuits and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising mobile or immobilized softener composition contained inside laminated plies, which plies are oriented for improved dryer fabric softening and antistatic performance when placed in a dryer with a load of wet fabrics. More specifically, the invention relates to an article comprising releasable fabric softener enclosed inside a flexible water-permeable two ply laminate wherein one of said plies is a first ply which comprises a special tissue which is oriented so that the second ply is less readily absorbent to molten fabric softener than the first ply, whereby the laminate provides improved fabric softening and antistatic performance.

Abstract: A container component is made from microcellular foam material, no more than approximately 30 mils thick, having a core of very small uniformity distributed cells to provide uniform opacity that is locally eliminated by the application of heat and pressure to create window areas at least 60% as thick as the surrounding material.

Abstract: A decorative tile having a front face with a design thereon varies in density so that the front face of the tile presents a solid appearance, but the overall weight of the tile is less than for a comparable conventional plaster tile. The tile of the invention can be made from a mixture including a binder, fiber strands, and a bulk enhancing agent. The decorative tile of this invention is particularly useful for ceiling decoration.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam packing unit formed in desired cross-sectional configuration and having a relatively low density. A block which may also be formed of polyurethane or the like is disposed within the unit, and possesses a higher density than that of the mass. A polyurethane flexible liner encompasses the mass and the block embedded therein. The invention further incorporates the method of producing such a unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound absorbing member comprising a fiber grid insert disposed between and bonded to two open cell foam panels.

Abstract: A porous ribbed substrate for a fuel cell electrode is herein disclosed which has a ribbed layer on one side and a non-ribbed layer on the other side, the non-ribbed layer having a bulk density smaller than the bulk density of the ribbed layer. The fuel cell electrode substrate has a porosity of 50-80% and good mechanical strength such as a bending strength of not less than 50 kg/cm.sup.2. A fuel cell prepared from the electrode substrate has excellent properties.

Abstract: A container having at least one heat-sealed juncture is formed from foam polymer sheet material. The foam polymer sheet material includes an area of crushed and compressed cellular structure directly adjacent the heat-sealed portion. The width of the crushed and compressed area is at least as great as the thickness of uncompressed foam in the layer.

Abstract: Production of high bulk nonwoven materials particularly useful as wipers and the like having a varying pattern of bonds and cloth-like feel. In one embodiment the method includes opposed, varying, high density bonding patterns on opposite sides of the materials formed by contact with surfaces having varyingly shaped or sided lands and grooves. Where both surfaces are contacted by such lands and grooves, increased spacing in the unbonded areas permits high loft, essentially unbonded fiber portions between the bond points. Construction of the individual land areas is preferable with tapered sides with vertical so as to permit engraving and high bond density and pattern depth while reducing wear. Resulting products have unique softness and absorbency characteristics for improved wipers because of the bond constructions. In addition, a wide variety of attractive patterns may be obtained.

Abstract: A mixture of binder and fibrous material is introduced into the upper regions of a mat-forming zone. The mixture is intersected by a horizontally or upwardly directed air stream and entrained therein, then layered onto at least one foraminous wire by exhausting the entraining air through said foraminous wire or wires. By reducing turbulence and by controlling the manner in which the particulate matter is deposited upon the foraminous wires, uniform non-woven webs can be obtained which may be used in a variety of ways to form versatile building products.

Abstract: A composition and method for forming paving and floor blocks suitable for use on industrial floors and the like in which the finished blocks are water and abrasion resistant. The composition includes wood particles and formaldehyde resin and may include paraffin base wax for increased mold release characteristics, as well as pigments for block coloration. The method includes mixing the materials of the composition, pouring the composition into a mold, compressing the composition in the mold, and baking the mold with composition therein to cure the mixture and form the block.

Abstract: A method for making a vinyl chloride resin sheet having a raised pattern thereon. The method comprises the steps of providing an open-celled vinyl chloride resin sheet and printing a portion of the sheet with a composition comprising a cross-linkable compound in accordance with the pattern to be formed. The printed sheet is then dried and subsequently heated to a temperature higher than its softening temperature whereby the open-celled unprinted portion of the sheet is depressed and whereby the printed pattern remains open-celled and stands in relief with respect to the depressed portion.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes an improved construction of structural members such as railroad crossties, highway spin posts and highway guard posts and to construction of said members from composite wood material including elongated wood flakes and to a method for making such improved structures.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with high density compacted and sintered polymer articles which previously could not be made entirely non-porous to liquid. It was inevitable, in an article with different parts, that frictional considerations in pressing one part would materially differ from those of another with the practical result that uniformity of density, throughout the article, could never be achieved. Fortuitously, for purposes of making various different parts of an article void free, the density values for each part need not be substantially all the same, but instead need only be raised above a predetermined threshold value.An object of this invention is the preparation of physically dense objects of sintered polymer with multiple parts, such as with abruptly varying cross section, which are uniformly void-free throughout, and of everywhere "theoretical" (reguline) density.

Abstract: A composition for application to a carrier cloth to enable ready release of a plastisol film formed on the carrier cloth and for delustering the release surface of the film and process for manufacturing a plastisol film using such composition. The composition comprises a mixture of a silicone polyester resin, a fluorotelemer for delustering the release surface and permitting ready release of the film from the cloth, a curing agent for the resin, a catalyst solution to initiate reaction between the resin and the curing agent upon application of appropriate heat, an inert flatting agent for reducing the gloss of the plastisol release surface, an anti-settling agent having a thixotrop in solution to prevent settling of the flatting agent prior to curing of the resin and to prevent foaming of the composition when applied to the carrier cloth, and an aromatic solvent to maintain the mixture in solution prior to application of the heat and to permit ready application of the composition to the cloth.