Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: An insulator is provided having a folded, stacked substrate with a plurality of insulating cells. The substrate is folded such that cells on one folded portion are interleaved with cells on another portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air-filling cushioning material which can sufficiently inflate cells and, in addition, which can hold the crease of the fold when being formed into a three-dimensional configuration. An air-filling cushioning material 1, in which a plurality of cells 2 having an air-fillable space are formed by adhering overlapped flexible sheets 1a, 1b at predetermined spots wherein one sheet 1a is flat while the other sheet 1b is molded beforehand into a configuration of the cells 2 in inflation at the position where the cells 2 are to be formed. Therefore, there is no such problem, as in the conventional case where the cells are formed by tucking the other sheet, the cells cannot inflate well. The cells 2 formed on the other sheet 1b can inflate sufficiently into a configuration as molded.

Abstract: A composite structure, and method of manufacturing it, having a specified width, length, and height defining a top and bottom the composite structure. The composite structure includes a three dimensional structural core constructed of a polymer with a first series of a geometric pattern repeated along its length. The structural core also has a second series of the geometric pattern repeated along the width thereof. The geometric patter may be a sinusoidal curve or a substantially pyramidal shape. The composite structure also includes a first reinforcement layer made of a polymer positioned above the structural core and bonded thereto. It also includes a second reinforcement layer made of a polymer that is positioned below the structural core and bonded thereto. The composite structure may also include a decorative layer above the first reinforcement layer, an acoustical batting layer positioned between the first reinforcement layer and the structural core, and may include fire retardant chemicals.

Abstract: A novel design for dummy ribs in a plasma display panel. The plasma display panel includes upper and lower substrates which are installed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and which contain therebetween a plurality of barrier ribs and discharge spaces that are between the barrier ribs. The plasma display panel has a display region for displaying images from the discharge spaces. Outside the display region are formed sets of dummy ribs which are positioned in parallel to each other and spaced by a predetermined distance from the display region. Dummy ribs serve to support the upper and lower substrates while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween. Each set of dummy ribs has at least one reinforcing rib specially designed to be resilient to damage. When exposed to sandblasting, the reinforcing rib remains functional and continues to keep the upper and the lower substrates separated by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention features integrated membrane assemblies for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The assemblies include two or more flat sheet membrane elements and at least one common manifold connected to the interior regions of the membrane elements.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning article is made from a multilayer film having a seal layer, a gas barrier layer, and a tie layer adhering the seal layer to the gas barrier layer. The cushioning article has a plurality of inflatable chambers, with each of the chambers having a plurality of cells connected in series to one another via inflation channels. Although the inflatable article can be made from relatively thin films, the article exhibits a relatively high burst pressure and can be inflated to, for example 3 psi, and withstand conditions such as 140° F. and high altitude, without film delamination, seal failure, or film rupture. Preferably, the tie layer comprises an anhydride modified polyolefin having an anhydride content of at least 150 ppm.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: An inflatable web, and method and apparatus for inflating the web, which generally includes two sheets having inner surfaces sealed to each other in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers of predetermined length, each of the chambers having at least one change in width over their length; an inflation port located at a proximal end of each chamber, the inflation ports being formed by intermittent seals between the sheets; and longitudinal flanges formed by a portion of each of the sheets that extend beyond the inflation ports and intermittent seals.

Abstract: An insert film having a printed part is integrally molded to a surface of a panel body made of a resin by an insert molding. The printed part is printed on a first binder layer applied to a resin film and also is formed on the resin film in a state such of being sealed with the first binder layer and a second binder layer applied on the printed part. The printed part is formed as a trimming portion (blackout) along a peripheral portion of the resin film, and an area is formed between the peripheries of the first binder layer and the second binder layer and the periphery of the resin film.

Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.

Abstract: An article having a top sheet, a core layer and, optionally, a barrier layer is configured to provide storage and metered release of a highly viscous fluid to a target surface. The core layer contains an array of three dimensional voids, which may be opened (i.e., apertured) or closed, that are configured to receive and store the fluid, and is formed of a material that is non-absorbent with respect to the fluid.

Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.

Abstract: An ergonomic floormat has particular utility as a surgical mat to decrease musculoskeletal fatigue in humans during prolonged static postural stress, as occurs during standing. The floormat is uniquely designed in a laminated fashion, utilizing bubble shaped closed cellular materials, closed cellular polyethylene foam materials and/or closed cellular polypropylene foam materials. The unique design allows an ergonomically, non-compressible mat, which offers high support and high Indent Force Deflection. The mat is designed for single use only and is completely disposable. The mat is water repellant and anti-static, and can include an anti-skid bottom surface of a low-tack, adhesive material to allow for greater securement to the surgical floor and to prevent slippage. While the floormat is designed with particular application for the operating theatre, it may find use in consumer and industrial situations as well, where a disposable mat is desired for maximum ergonomic and anti-fatigue properties.

Abstract: A collapsible cellular insulation panel for use with mobile shelters is provided. The panel comprises first and second outer sheets with a plurality of intermediate thin flexible membranes. The membranes are secured along first and second edges to inner surfaces of the outer sheets. The membranes are attached to adjacent membranes along strips that are parallel to and intermediate the first and second membrane edges. The interconnected membranes form cells that trap insulating air and break up convective currents between the outer sheets. Supported from underneath on a horizontal surface, the membranes lay substantially flat, such that a thickness of the panel substantially equals the sum of the thicknesses of the membranes and outer sheets. The panel is thus well adapted for use with mobile shelters, because it occupies little volume in the collapsed state.

Abstract: A damping element for a shoe, especially for a sports shoe, having at least one first element which extends essentially in a load direction over a pre-determined height in the unloaded state of the damping element, and is embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area in which an associated second element with a smaller cross-section can at least partially penetrate. The second element extends essentially in the load direction over a pre-determined height in the unloaded state of the damping element, and is arranged coaxially in relation to the first element. To improve the damping performance of the shoe, the second element is also embodied as a hollow body and the two associated elements are interconnected by means of an elastic connecting section which only extends between the first-element and the second element so that the elements together form a gas-tight chamber.

Abstract: A print medium that is expandable and collapsible comprises two sheets separated by at least one collapsible brace. The collapsible brace includes a first wall attached to one of the sheets and a second wall that swings in relation to the first wall. The swinging motion of the second wall in one direction expands a distance between the two sheets, while a swinging motion of the second wall in the opposite direction collapses the distance between the two sheets. At least one sheet of the paper may include an ink receiving layer. When the collapsible brace is expanded, the print medium becomes a substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: A seal has a non-woven fabric folded along lines transverse to the opposite side of the seal and secured by adhesive to fabric strips. The non-woven fabric forms elongated cells with a plurality of the cells receiving inserts to increase seal stiffness. By securing one of these strips to a stationary component of the sealing surfaces, the opposite strip may expand or collapse relative to a movable sealing surface to accommodate excursions of that surface. Multiple layers of cells may be provided in the seals. The inserts may have various cross-sectional configurations including circular, triangular or rhombic and formed of tubes, solid rods or coiled springs.

Abstract: A first film plate 20 and a second film plate 40, each made of flexible resin film, are attached to a top surface and a bottom surface of a key top 30 made of mold-resin, respectively, so as to cover the key top 30. The first film plate 20 is pressed upward to form a recessed portion 23, the key top 30 is molded within this recessed portion 23. The second film plate 40 is arranged on the bottom surface of the key top 30. All of the first film plate 20, the key top 30, and the second film plate 40 are transparent. Decorative layers 21 and 41 are formed on the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40, respectively.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A composite material-stiffened panel has a skin obtained by molding a fiber-reinforced resin composite material into a flat skin, stiffeners arranged in rows on one surface of the skin, and a fiber-reinforced resin-composite material stitched on the skin covering the stiffeners. The composite material-stiffened panel can be manufactured as follows: A first fabric material is placed on a tool having a panel-shaped surface. Stiffeners are placed on the first fabric materials. A second fabric material is placed on the stiffeners to cover at least some of the stiffeners. The second fabric materials are reformed to match the shape of the stiffeners. The reformed second fabric material is stitched on the first fabric material along edges of the stiffeners. All the materials are covered with a bagging film for vacuum. Resin is infiltrated into the fabric materials by a RTM or a RFI method. The infiltrated resin is heated to be hardened.

Abstract: A web is formed from two sheets of polymeric material. An upper sheet includes pockets of any form. A lower sheet is subsequently bonded to the upper sheet which causes the sealing of each of the pockets. A web thus formed may be laminated with a metallic foil or metallized polymeric film. Such a web may also be laminated with a similar web in a face to face relationship so that the pockets interdigitate.

Abstract: A disposable shoe liner that is formed from a first substrate, a second substrate, and discrete regions of a functional material sandwiched therebetween is provided. In particular, the first and second substrates contain are fused together at certain portions such that fused portions and unfused portions are formed. The unfused portions form pockets that contain the functional material. In some embodiments, for example, the pockets contain activated carbon granules to provide comfort to the foot and to absorb odors exuded therefrom.

Abstract: A crystalline substrate based device including a crystalline substrate having formed thereon a microstructure and at least one packaging layer which is formed over the microstructure and defines therewith at least one gap between the crystalline substrate and the at least one packaging layer and at least one opening in the packaging layer communicating with the at least one gap.

Abstract: A flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces, especially wall and floor surfaces, is described. The shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic, each sheet with inwardly facing, opposing, resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets. The shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets, to provide wear and weather resistance. A moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent paper product, such as a napkin or tissue, including at least two tissue paper plies which are superposed and joined, cut or precut into a desired format and connected to one another at least over a segment of a peripheral zone. The plies are joined along the segment by marking patterns without resort to glueing and at least one ply is fitted with embossing patterns in a central zone. The invention applies to sanitary and household papers, in particular disposable napkins and tissues.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning article is made by a process of extruding two multilayer films (or extruding one film which is either annular or folded over) each having (a) a seal layer, (b) a tie layer containing an anhydride modified olefin polymer containing anhydride at a level of at least 150 ppm, based on the weight of the modified olefin polymer, and (c) an oxygen barrier layer comprising crystalline polyamide, crystalline polyester, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, and/or crystalline polycycloolefin. Selected portions of the films are heat sealed to one another in a selected area providing a heat seal pattern which leaves inflatable chambers between the films, whereby an inflatable cellular cushioning article is produced. At some point after extrusion, at least one of the multilayer films are aged for a time and at a temperature in accordance with at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) 141° F. to 250° F. for a period of at least 1 second; (ii) 101° F. to 140° F.

Abstract: A non-metallic pad for placement between equipment and its support, for example between a pipe and a beam supporting the pipe. The pad comprises an elongated main body, preferably having male and female dovetails on either end to permit connecting multiple pads together. In profile, the main body has a convex top and a flat bottom. The main body is of a lattice internal structure, with the ribs of the lattice running substantially vertically. The ribs terminate at one end against a closed top surface, and at the other end terminate at a common level to form an open bottom. Injection molding is preferably used to form the pad. Preferred non-metallic materials for the pad are plastics, including glass fiber filled polyurethane, glass fiber filled nylon, and rubber filled polypropylene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surface modified polymer comprising a surface which is covalently bonded to a surface modifying compound. Formation of the covalent bond between the polymer and the surface modifying compound is achieved by a reaction between an intrinsic functional group that is present in the polymer and the functional group of the surface modifying compound. By using a polymer having an intrinsic functional group, a separate surface activation step is avoided.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning article is made from a multilayer film having a seal layer, a gas barrier layer, and a tie layer adhering the seal layer to the gas barrier layer. The cushioning article has a plurality of inflatable chambers, with each of the chambers having a plurality of cells connected in series to one another via inflation channels. Although the inflatable article can be made from relatively thin films, the article exhibits a relatively high burst pressure and can be inflated to, for example 3 psi, and withstand conditions such as 140° F. and high altitude, without film delamination, seal failure, or film rupture. Preferably, the tie layer comprises an anhydride modified polyolefin having an anhydride content of at least 150 ppm.

Abstract: A web for the manufacture of fluid filled units with a novel machine and process is disclosed. The web includes an elongate heat sealable, flattened plastic tube comprised of face and back imperforate layers. The layers are imperforately joined together along spaced side edges. The layers include superposed longitudinal lines of weakness disposed generally transversely midway between the side edges. The web has longitudinally spaced, pairs of transverse seals. Each transverse seal extends from a respective side edge to an end near but spaced from the longitudinal lines of weakness. The transverse seal pairs include transverse lines of weakness extending from one side edge to the other generally centrally of each seal in a longitudinal direction. The side edges, transverse seals and lines of weakness together delineating two oppositely oriented strings of pouches with each pouch having three imperforate sides and a centrally located fill opening at its fourth side.

Abstract: This invention relates to fibre reinforced plastic (“FPR”) roofing materials with a sandwich structure. A pair of sheets of FRP are arranged with a gap between them, and a rib structure which joins the sheets is interposed. Further, this invention relates to a method for producing FRP roofing material in which channels are provided in the core material and a reinforcing fibre impregnated with a resin is distributed through these channels. A preferred joint structure for the roofing material is to use butt joints and to provide a connecting layer extending across the surfaces of both ends of the sandwich structures. A layer containing a resin distribution medium is provided between the abutting end faces. This invention overcomes various problems of conventional joint structures, permitting the ends of the sandwich structures to be easily, firmly and cheaply joined together, ensuring high joint strength and rigidity, while achieving excellent appearance.

Abstract: A dynamic structural panel having one or more compliant dimple layers connected together by one or more reinforcing layers engaging ends of dimples on the dimple layer to create a cavity between the layers. The dimples are spaced apart from one another to form a dimple layer region. The dimple layer region may be either curved relative to the dimples or corrugated, thereby providing compliancy for the dynamic structural panel. The connection of the dimple layer and reinforcing layers creates an integral structural panel that can be planar by having identical heights of the dimples on the dimple layer to create a planar panel (flat) or nonplanar (curved) by varying the heights of the dimples on the dimple layer or through planar spacing adjustment. The panel can be modified in various ways such as by choice of materials and/or geometries of the various layers and/or incorporation of additional structural features.

Abstract: A protective member primarily for use as an energy absorbing pad for incorporation into garments to protect the wearer against accidental impacts. The member comprises a putty-like energy absorbing material (2) encapsulated in a flexible envelope (3, 4). The energy absorbing material is normally soft and flexible but changes to become temporarily rigid when an impact force is applied thereto, thereby absorbing the impact energy, the material returning to its normal flexible condition after the impact. The energy absorbing member preferably comprises a series of connected corrugations to increase its energy absorbing properties.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible cellular panel 10 comprises a plurality of parallel, aligned, elongated tubular sections 12 secured together at the median region of their adjacent longitudinal margins to form the panel 10. The adjacent tubular sections 12 of the panel 10 are made of a pair of substantially identical separate strips of sheet material from those forming the other adjacent tubular sections 12. The various adjacent pairs of strips are laminated together along their confronting longitudinal margins. Each strip is made of at least two separate flexible substrate sheets 18,20 having completely different appearances, and are secured together by welding together their longitudinal margins.

Abstract: A pad structure with arc bridges like structure that can provide sufficient elasticity and strength. The pad structure mainly contains: a frame, a first layer and a second layer. The frame contains plural interlaced members. Each of the members contains a top surface, a bottom surface and two side surfaces. The frame has plural grids therein. The first layer contains a bottom surface having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the bottom surface of the first layer is united on the top surfaces of the frame. The first layer forms plural upwardly protrudent arc surfaces on top of the grids. The second layer contains a top surface united on the bottom surfaces, the side surfaces of the frame and the second portion of the bottom surface of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure assembled from elements, the elements forming an entity with topological interlocking.

Abstract: A panel structure for a transport machine is disclosed which is constituted by an integral combination of an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel has reinforcing protuberances and recesses, possessing a higher rigidity than the outer panel. The protuberances of the inner panel and a back side of the outer panel are bonded together through insulating layers present on the protuberances.

Abstract: A lumber substitute product formed by two elongated plastic members which are secured together and configured to have the external cross sectional shape of the product for which it is a substitute while providing an internal longitudinal channel adjacent each in which reinforcing member is mounted.

Abstract: A cushioning means, which contains a substrate sheet, bouncing cells made of elastic material convexly formed on one side of the substrate sheet, supporting cells made of elastic material convexly formed on the other side of the substrate sheet, each the supporting cell having a passage connected to the corresponding bouncing cell, and a liquid article such as water take part of the space between the surfaces of the bouncing cells and supporting cells. Since the space is not full of the liquid, an air chamber is formed in the bouncing cells. The cushioning means utilizes the low density and high compressible nature of air collaborating with the flowing nature of liquid for the comfortable and effective cushioning purposes.

Abstract: A composite material wherein one or more backing materials are disposed in generally contiguous relation to an insulating material. Methods for forming composite materials comprising securing one or more backing materials to an insulating material such that the backing materials are in generally contiguous relation to the insulating material. Methods for using the composite materials of the present invention wherein a structure is wrapped with a composite material of the present invention.

Abstract: A composite panel waffle stiffener has fabric plies pre-cut to a selected pattern and laid on a tool having a waffle configuration. The plies overlap each other to maintain continuity of the structure. The resulting waffle stiffener is then bonded to a panel requiring stiffening. The stiffener is flexible and may be bonded to curved panels. Holes in the stiffener allow access to the volume between the stiffener and the panel for minimizing volume loss within, for example, a wing structure containing fuel and for ventilating air or moisture trapped in the volume.

Abstract: A device having an improved thermal barrier coating (46) and a process for manufacturing the same. A support structure (28) for retaining a ceramic insulating material (46) on a substrate (16) is formed by the deposition of a support structure material through a patterned masking material (14). The support structure can define cells into which the ceramic insulating material is deposited following removal of the masking material. The masking material may be patterned by known photolithographic techniques (22,24) or by laser etching (48). The support structure (28) may be a composite metal-ceramic material having either discreet layers (30,34) or a graded composition and may be deposited by an electro-desposition process followed by a heat treatment to form a solid state diffusion bond with the substrate.

Abstract: A mesostructured material, which has plural tubular mesopores and is arranged on a polymer surface, characterized in that the mesopores are oriented in on direction parallel to the surface. The mesostructured material can be developed to functional devices.

Abstract: The invention comprises reinforced composite structural members which are formed by bonding reinforcing sections to predetermined areas on the outside surface of a hollow profile formed from a thermoplastic resin cellulosic fiber composite material, where the predetermined areas are located substantially away from the center of mass of the composite profile. The reinforcing sections have a higher modulus than the composite material used to form the hollow profile. The invention also comprises processes for forming these reinforced composite structural members.

Abstract: A flat sheet structured thermal device using a two-phase active fluid. The device including at least a top sheet, at least two intermediary sheets, and a back sheet stacked longitudinally. Each intermediary sheet has at least one zone etched through its entire thickness to form a gas transport channel. The etched zone being longitudinally bordered by at least one groove formed on the same sheet. The at least one groove contributing to the formation of at least one capillary channel when the sheet is covered by another sheet. The capillary channel is of a section adapted to enable the liquid phase of the fluid to be pumped therein by capillary forces. The device allows fluid to pass reversibly between the capillary channel and the gas transport channel during the liquid/gas or gas/liquid transition due to temperature variations to which at least one zone of the device is subjected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for linking two adjacent plastic work pieces (2, 3). The inventive method is characterized in that the intended contact zone (K) of at least one of the two work pieces (2) with which the latter adjoins to the other work piece (3) is at least partially subjected to a high-energy radiation to such an extent that the glass transition temperature is reduced in a marginal zone (R). The two work pieces (2, 3) are brought in the desired position relative to each other. For establishing the connection of the two work pieces (2, 3) at least the marginal zone (R) modified by the previous radiation process is heated at least in its surface area to a temperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature of the marginal zone (R) modified by the radiation process but lower than the glass transition temperature of the zones of the work pieces (2, 3) that have not been modified.

Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes an array of machine elements disposed within a matrix material. Each machine element includes a cross-section defining an internal space that is filled with a viscous fluid. Preferably, the machine elements are provided in complementary pairs of tubular members, with the internal spaces of the tubular members communicating with one another. When subjected to a predetermined force, the cross-sections of the tubular members change shape, changing the volume of the internal spaces, and causing fluid to flow into or out of the internal spaces. Preferably, under the predetermined force, one tubular member increases in volume and the other tubular member simultaneously decreases in volume, thereby causing fluid to flow between the tubular elements to dissipate energy from the predetermined force.