Abstract: A new and improved air bag using a weft inserted warp knit fabric laminated to a film as the inflatable member of the air bag when the inflator device is engaged to supply gas into the interior of the bag.

Abstract: A multi-fabric layer, resin matrix laminated composite tube is disclosed having an end portion adapted for crush initiation by the provision of slits in the fabric of at least the innermost fabric layers of said tube, the lengths of said slits preferably decreasing in progressively outer fabric layers of the laminated material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypropylene fiber which is suitable for hot rolling and which is used for producing a non-woven fabric having high tenacity and good feel by heat rolling within a wide range of processing temperatures.A polypropylene fiber contains boiling n-heptane extract in the amount of 1.5 to 5 percent by weight after extraction with boiling n-hexane, and the extract has a melting point peak of 140.degree. C. or higher.

Abstract: High bulk tissue webs are processed sequentially through separate calendering and embossing units to optimize the balance between sheet caliper for winding tension and embossing element height for pattern definition, resulting in embossed, high-bulk tissue products with improved embossing pattern clarity. The multiple step converting process enables the use of male embossing elements having a height of about 0.04 inch or greater. The tissue webs have a Residual Waviness value of 12 micrometers or greater, which is attributable to average surface waviness values for the spot embossments being about 30 micrometers or greater.

Abstract: A nondisassembling partition assembly comprising a partition matrix made up of intersecting first and second slotted plastic partitions, each of the partitions having at least one slot. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The matrix is held together in a nondisassembling relationship by at least one parent weld formed by heating an edge of the partitions at one or more intersections with one or more heat sources until the intersecting partitions become molten, removing the heat source or sources from edge of the intersecting partitions and allowing the partitions to cool. The parent welds formed by this process permanently secure the partitions together in the nondisassembling relationship without the use of any material other than the partitions themselves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly smooth fiber comprising a fiber produced from a thermoplastic resin on which a mixed composition is deposited in an amount of 0.1 to 2.0 percent by weight of said fiber, said mixed composition comprising 50 to 85 percent by weight of a composition (A) consisting of an alkyl phosphate salt having an average number of carbon atoms of 6 to 14 and/or an alkyl phosphate salt having an average number of carbon atoms of 10 to 22 to which a polyoxyalkylene group is added; and 15 to 50 percent by weight of a composition (B) consisting of a polyoxyalkylene modified silicone containing amide group.The present present invention also relates to a fabric or formed articles produced from such a highly smooth fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing polymer beads incorporating solid particles and to the novel polymer beads per se. The invention provides a process for producing polymer beads incorporating solid particulate material, which process comprises producing a dispersion having a dispersed phase including one or more monomers also including solid particulate material, and causing said one or more monomers to undergo a polymerization reaction to form said polymer beads, wherein said dispersion further includes a solid phase dispersing agent for dispersing solid particles of material in the dispersed phase and wherein said solid phase dispersing agent reacts with at least one monomer to thereby become chemically incorporated in said polymer. The polymer beads comprise a polymer matrix having solid particulate material dispersed substantially uniformly therein and wherein the polymer matrix incorporates a solid phase dispersing agent chemically reacted into the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A coated base fabric for use in an automotive airbag is provided. The coated base fabric includes a substrate of woven nylon or polyester which is overcoated with a porosity blocking layer of polyamide material. The porosity blocking layer of polyamide material is present at a level of about 0.6 ounces per square yard or less. A method for producing the coated fabric of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains generally to a crosslinked plumbing tube which has at least one overmolded end (e.g. nose cone or nut) attached thereto. In one aspect of this invention, the tube is more rigid than the overmolded component while in another aspect of the invention, the tube is more flexible than the overmolded component. In either embodiment of this invention, the tube provides an all-plastic waterway for a contained liquid or gas to flow through. The degree of flexibility is controlled independently controlling the density of the tube polymer and the overmolding polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the tube and the overmolding polymer are both partially crosslinked to independent first degrees prior to the overmolding process. Subsequent to the overmolding process, the crosslinking is continued to a higher degree for both polymers.

Abstract: A sealing element is made up of a shut-off body with a sealing surface; a bonding layer component provided on the sealing surface of the shut-off body and containing silicon and carbon; and a sliding layer component provided on the bonding layer component and containing silicon and carbon. The bonding layer component has a silicon content greater than that of the sliding layer component so that the bonding layer component has more ductile properties than the sliding layer component. The sliding layer component is harder than the bonding layer component. The sliding layer component is thinner than the bonding layer component and less than one um so that the bonding layer component takes up stresses of the sliding layer component without impairing adhesion capability of the bonding layer component to the sealing surface.

Abstract: An axially extending tubular composite member having a plurality of plies and extending along a longitudinal axis has at least three plies with selectively structured fiber components in each ply. Typically an inner ply has at least one biaxial fiber component, an intermediate ply has at least an axial fiber component that typically is combined with two further fibers to form a triaxial fiber component. Another ply typically has a woven fiber component. A further ply having a biaxial component either replaces the ply of woven fiber or is disposed beneath it over the intermediate ply. A surface veil having fiber and an excess of resin material typically covers at least the innermost or outermost surface of the composite member. An internal web member can be provided, and typically also employs fibers and the matrix material.

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: The present invention has an object to provide a disc storage bag being able to prevent a disc stored therein from falling off from the bag. The disc storage bag of the invention comprises a first sheet made of a nonwoven fabric, a second sheet disposed at least on one surface of the first sheet for covering part of the surface on one end side of the first sheet, and a third sheet for covering part of the same surface of the first sheet on the other end side thereof, whereby the first sheet forms a disc storage portion jointly with the second and third sheets. The first and second sheets are closed at the one end and opposite lateral sides for forming a bag portion therebetween.

Abstract: An air bag for use in a motor vehicle and a fabric from which the air bag is constructed. The air bag has a plurality of panels connected together about their respective peripheries to define an interior cavity for receipt of an inflation medium therein. At least one of the panels is made from the disclosed fabric, which is an unscoured and uncalendered rapier woven fabric having an air permeability of less than approximately 5.0 CFM. The fabric also has a circular bend of less than approximately 2.2.

Abstract: A sampler device having an upper compartment layer; a lower compartment layer; a seal attaching the upper compartment layer to the lower compartment layer, wherein the upper and lower compartment layers and the seal form a compartment or compartments, for containing sample material; and a reinforcement layer for protecting the compartment. The present invention also relates to an easy, inexpensive and reliable method of packaging sample material.

Abstract: A vehicle panel material comprises a mixture of recycled, reground thermo-formable material and reprocessed headliner material which includes fibrous bats with polyester fibers, glass fibers and a thermo-setting resin. The method of manufacturing such material includes the steps of shredding thermo-formable material into strips; shredding headliner material comprising thermo-formable fibrous bats, glass fibers and thermo-setting resin; mixing and carding the thermo-formable material and headliner material into a mat; heating the mat to at least partially melt the thermo-formable material; and shaping the mat into a vehicle panel.

Abstract: A sterilization device which includes an inner sterilization wrap and a re-usable outer sterilization bag. The re-usable outer sterilization bag has an outside surface and an inside surface defining a pouch with an opening for receiving the inner sterilization wrap and a sterilizable object. The material is preferably a spunbonded or meltblown polyolefin fiber non-woven breathable web. Also provided are methods of sterilizing an object, and methods of using a sterilizable bag.

Abstract: A first air bag comprises an upper cloth and a lower cloth, the peripheries of the both cloths being connected, characterized in that the upper cloth consists of an airtight sheet obtained by weaving a composite fiber composed of a filament core and a thermoplastic polymer bonded thereto-which has a melting point lower than that of said filament core, and then fusing said thermoplastic polymer so that the surface of said upper cloth has a continuous thermoplastic polymer layer. A second air bag consists of a membranous material having a breaking extension of 100% or more. A third air bag comprises an elastomer body and a shape-retaining member partially attached to the elastomer body, said member being composed of elastic fibers or threads and high-modulus fibers.

Abstract: A two-layer material suitable for use as a barrier layer for a cushion sock in a foam-in-place process is formed by bonding a discontinuous adhesive layer to a pinhole-free, lubricant-free barrier layer. The discontinuous adhesive layer has a melting temperature higher than 180 degrees Fahrenheit. A foam cushion is molded adjacent the cushion sock by first attaching a barrier layer to the cushion sock, and vacuum drawing the cushion sock attached to the barrier layer over a mold. The cushion sock and the barrier layer are then heated to a temperature no higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit to bond the cushion sock and the barrier layer together.

Abstract: A system for the softening or other treatment of fabric articles is provided which comprises a vented bag comprising a fastening system and flexible sheet releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a liquid fabric-treatment composition.

Abstract: Sound absorbent fabric sleeves are formed from interthreaded, preferably braided, resilient, staple spun polymer yarns. Bulk and softness needed for sound absorption is provided through the staple fibers and resiliency desired for expansion capability and shape maintenance is provided through a resilient monofilament core. The yarns are sometimes referred to as dref mono/poly yarns. The sleeves can be heat set to better resist unraveling and maintain tubular shape. The yarns inherently resist fraying. A pressure sensitive or other adhesive layer or an elastomeric material or other material layer can be provided around all or part of the outsides of the sleeves. Spring clips can be provided extending through the tubes between the yarns to assist in mounting the sleeves or to modify them for uses other than sound absorption.

Abstract: A composite component is provided having at least one felt layer as reinforcement when used for crash and/or noise management applications, and preferably also including at least one reinforcement fiber layer. At least one of the reinforcement layers, preferably a felt layer, may be formed into a preform which is placed into a mold of suitable shape to form the component, along with the other reinforcement layers, with a resin/polymer being injected into the mold and then cured to form the composite component.

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition that is capable of adhering to the surface of various kinds of substrates, in particular woven fabrics or the like in the absence of an adhesion promoter or coupling agent. The composition of the present invention includes a catalyst system which enhances the cure rate of the silicone compound. Strong adhesion of the silicone rubber coating composition to the substrate is achieved at high coating speeds using a mixture of an organopolysiloxane, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane resin and a catalyst system. The catalyst system is made up of either an unaccompanied platinum catalyst or a dual system utilizing a platinum catalyst and a peroxide curing agent. The silicone rubber composition is particularly suitable as a coating for airbag fabrics.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synthesis from PET (virgin, recycled, post consumer, or precursor raw materials) of novel water dispersible or water emulsifiable polyester resins having improved hydrophobicity or non-polar characteristics. These characteristics give the applied film of these dispersions or emulsions much improved water repellency while at the same time retaining their redispersible or reemulsifiable properties. Such resins can be used for many applications in the paper, textile, coatings, paint, construction, and other industries.

Abstract: A lampshade includes a self-supporting backing member constituted of an extruded oriented polystyrene and an additive including a light-reflecting powdered filler, especially titanium dioxide, co-extruded with the oriented polystyrene and weighing in the range of 1%-10% of the total weight of the polystyrene. A fire-retarding filler, for example, antimony oxide, is also coextruded.

Abstract: A casing for forming a rippled meat product includes a generally tubular stockinette fabric integrally knitted with a restrictive structure. The restrictive structure may include one or more helical threads. The differential expansion of the stockinette and the restrictive structure when the casing is stuffed creates a helical bulge in the surface of the meat product. The restrictive structure may include a chain of longitudinal connections that promote a decrease in the longitudinal spacing of the turns of the helical thread in response to the radial expansion of the helical thread during stuffing. Such a restrictive structure also facilitates a method for releasing the casing from the meat product following processing by severing the endmost connection in the chain.

Abstract: As a paper-made stampable sheet having a high rigidity and, if necessary, improved adhesiveness and non-permeability and a light weight stampable sheet shaped body made from this sheet and a method of producing the same, there are proposed a paper-made stampable sheet obtained by paper-making a mixture of thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers to obtain a sheet-like web, piling a thermoplastic resin film of a single layer or multi layer or an organic fiber nonwoven fabric having at least one excellent property selected from rigidity, non-permeability and adhesiveness on at least one-side surface of the sheet-like web in accordance with use purpose, compressing them under heating above a melting point of the thermoplastic resin constituting the web, cooling and solidifying at a compressed state as well as a light weight stampable sheet shaped body made from this sheet and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: An composite prepreg ply which can be designed to exhibit desired electrical properties without loss of structural integrity or the addition of parasitic weight, and a method of preparing the composite prepreg ply. The composite prepreg ply includes: (i) a low dielectric cloth substrate having a metal layer adherent on both sides thereon, the metal having been selectively removed from at least one portion of at least one side of the cloth, such that there is at least one area of cloth without any metal adherent thereon; (ii) a layer of encapsulant resin material adherent on the metal layer; (iii) a resistive resin layer containing a filler material dispersed in a carrier resin, the resistive resin layer adherent on desired areas the cloth without any metal adherent thereon, and (iv) an impregnating resin covering one or both outermost surfaces of the encapsulant resin material and the resistive resin layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight prepreg having uniform formation, low linear thermal expansion coefficient and good mechanical strength, comprising a porous para-oriented aromatic polyamide film and a thermoplastic resin and/or a thermosetting resin, the porous para-oriented aromatic polyamide film being impregnated with the thermoplastic resin and/or the thermosetting resin, a process for producing the same, and a printed circuit substrate/board using the same.

Abstract: A split sleeve for insulation of heat generating components, such as an exhaust gas recirculation device, comprises an outer layer of knitted woven or braided glass fiber yarn. A first metal wire skeleton or frame in the form of a continuous wire support for the outer layer is bent in a first step with a series of reverse bends to form a comb-like structure and in a second step to a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration in which the wire defines a cavity and the wire bends define an opening extending lengthwise of the cavity. A layer of heat insulating mineral paper is spaced from the cover layer by the metal wire skeleton. The heat insulating mineral paper is provided with a metal foil layer on the side away from the metal wire skeleton. A second metal wire layer configured like the first extends lengthwise of the sleeve and spaces the reflective surface of the foil from the heat generating component.

Abstract: Encapsulated glass fiber insulation includes a non-woven covering material over the top surface of a mineral fiber core, with the formed covering material extending adjacent the side surfaces. The covering material is greater in width than the sum of the widths of the top and two side surfaces, so that the edges of the formed covering material extend beyond the mineral fiber core.

Abstract: A woven fabric sleeve for protecting and covering elongated substrates is made up of circumferentially and longitudinally extending interlaced fill and warp members, the fill members forming circumferentially extending alternating bands of relative flexibility separating bands of inflexibility. The fill members may be comprised of monofilament or multifilament yarns of alternating large and small diameters and may include wire, especially resilient wire, heat settable materials, including polyester served wire and DREF yarns having resiliently settable cores. The fill members may be held in relation to one another utilizing Leno and mock Leno weaving.

Abstract: The present invention describes a prepolymer of aliphatic polyoxaesters containing amines and/or amido groups having polymerizable end groups that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fabric capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves. The fabric contains metal-coated (preferably aluminum) glass fibers bonded together with sheath-core binder fibers. The glass fibers are typically less than 11/4 inches long and the binder fibers are originally approximately 2 inches long. The glass and binder fibers are thoroughly mixed and spread across a flat surface, such as a conveyor, prior to heating. After heating, the mixture is compressed to form the reflective fabric.

Abstract: A molded friction material for a damper is disclosed, which contains, as a part of a friction regulating material, porous fibrous particulates having an average particle size of 0.5 to 2 mm and a bulk density of 0.1 to 0.2 g/cm.sup.3 and comprising finely divided ceramic fibers or porous fibrous particulates having an average particle size of 0.1 to 5 mm and a bulk density of 0.2 to 2.0 g/cm.sup.3 and comprising finely divided ceramic fibers, a filler, and a binder. The friction material exhibits excellent performance basically required of a friction material, such as mechanical strength and damping characteristics, and hardly squeaks during damping.

Abstract: A reservoir system consisting of a nonwoven made from thermoplastic polymer filaments, shaped into a closed bag containing a water-soluble active principle. The bag is intended to ensure a prolonged release, progressing linearly, of the active principle in an aqueous environment. For a given active principle, the desired diffusion kinetics are obtained by adjusting, depending on the availability of the active principle, the surface area of the nonwoven and the degree of hydrophily of the latter. To this end, it is impregnated, either with polysiloxane or a quaternary ammonium salt, or with a perfluorinated compound or an acrylic resin and paraffin.

Abstract: A peel-open package includes a polymeric film, a lid adhered to the polymeric film along a continuous portion thereof and a product encapsulated between the polymeric film and lid material. The polymeric film is typically a coextruded multiple layer film having a sealable layer and at least one base layer. The sealable layer comprises an ethylene copolymer derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl acetate and alkylacrylates, a talc additive, and an additive which provides peelability to the heat seal layer. The lid material is preferably a microporous layer to allow sterilization and prevent subsequent contamination by bacteria and other microbial organisms. The peel-open package provides a good seal range for uncoated Tyvek.RTM., evidence of seal integrity, reduced Tinting, and a seal strength which is sufficiently low to prevent the delaminating or branching of the lid material when it is removed. The present invention also includes methods of making peel-open packages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic composite material consisting essentially of a thermoplastic polymer and a wood fiber. The composite can be used in the form of a linear extrudate or a thermoplastic pellet to manufacture structural members. The linear extrudate or pellet can have any arbitrary cross-section or can be a regular geometric shape. Typically the thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride polymer and the wood fiber are combined and extruded in the form of a pellet. The pellet can be then taken, placed in an extruder and extruded in the form of a structural member. The composite material of the invention can be used to form structural members having high modulus (greater than about 500,000 psi). The thermoplastic structural members of the invention can then be recycled to form new thermoplastic.

Abstract: A coated aramid fiber is disclosed wherein the coating is a small amount of chitosan and the coated fiber is useful in manufacture of an improved friction paper. An improved friction paper is, also, disclosed wherein chitosan is present throughout the paper as a coating on all components.

Abstract: A stitch-bonded fabric suitable for use as an airbag.

Abstract: An enclosure for electronic modules, comprising walls made of composite material including conductive fibers for shielding the enclosure interior from electromagnetic radiation, and means for securely mounting at least one module inside the enclosure with a fastener means, the mounting means comprising composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved produce bag comprising an open, mesh-like fabric suitable for processing on automated bagmaking equipment. The bag has a sealed end, an open end capable of being sealed after filling of the bag and a longitudinal, heat-sealed seam extending from end to end. An optional print band or label can be heat sealed to the bag to reinforce the longitudinal heat-sealed seam.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin structure comprising a thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers, having a ratio (Lw/Ln) of the number average fiber length (Ln) to the weight average fiber length (Lw) of the uniformly dispersed reinforcing fibers of 1.1 to 5, and having a weight average fiber length of 1.0 mm to 200 mm.

Abstract: An absorbent composition of matter including a non-crosslinked gel forming polymer and at least one clay and preferably including a trivalent cation. The absorbency of the composition exceeds the sum of absorbencies of the components of the blend. The gel formed as a result of absorbency of fluid is non-slimy and has a high gel strength. The composition can be used with food products when made with all food safe ingredients. An absorbent article incorporating the absorbent material can be used for storage of food products.

Abstract: A weather-strip to be mounted on an automobile door having a movable door glass including an elongated main body, and at least one lip provided on the main body and having a contact layer provided thereon. The contact layer has a thickened portion which may act as a practical contact part to contact a side surface of the movable door glass.

Abstract: A computer model calculates a critical aspect ratio for a discontinuous fiber composite having fibers dispersed in a matrix. The critical aspect ratio is a function of the elastic modulus and the cohesive energy of the fiber and the matrix. The composite incorporates physical features such as fiber shape features or additives in the fiber or matrix which adjust the elastic modulus and/or cohesive energy of the fiber, of the matrix or both to a value different than the corresponding value for unmodified fiber material or matrix material. These adjustments are selected so that the critical aspect ratio for the material including the modifications will be less than the corresponding critical aspect ratio for the material without the modifications. The resulting composite provides enhanced load sharing between fiber and matrix.

Abstract: Fire-retardant barrier structures. The fire-retardant barrier structures are useful for protecting military personnel and equipment from both fire and chemical and/or biological agents. The fire-retardant barriers are multilayer structures having desirable flammability characteristics and resistance to nuclear, chemical and/or biological agents. The preferred barriers also possess favorable durability properties and are printable.

Abstract: An airbag of an airbag restraint system mounted on an automotive vehicle and adapted to protect a vehicle passenger in a serious vehicle collision. The airbag is formed of front and rear side sheet-like members which are sewn with each other at their peripheral portions to be bag-shaped. Each sheet-like member includes a cloth which is woven with warp and weft yams formed of polyester resin or nylon 6, 6 fibers. The cloth is impregnated with a resinous material including a polyurethane resin adhesive for the fibers, so that the yarns of the sheet-like member are bound with each other thereby effectively preventing fray from occurrence even upon cutting of the sheet-like member.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric includes a system of machine-direction (MD) yarns interwoven with a system of cross-machine direction (CD) yarns. The MD yarns are pairs of a first MD yarn and a second MD yarn. The first and second MD yarns are of a substantially rectangular cross section having identical width and thickness. The first and second MD yarns of each pair weave side-by-side as a single yarn with the CD yarns through the fabric. The CD yarns are of circular cross section. The fabric has a permeability to air less than 150 cubic feet per minute per square foot at 0.5 inch H.sub.2 O-pressure.

Abstract: A gloss coating composition comprising radiation curable oligomers and monomers, and photosensitizers in a homogeneous mixture having a viscosity in the range of 4500 to 8000 cps; wherein the presence of the photosensitizers causes polymerization of the radiation curable oligomers and monomers when exposed to an ultraviolet light source. The coating composition is applied to at least one surface of a substrate and exposed to an ultraviolet light source resulting in curing of the composition onto the substrate surface without substantial penetration into the substrate surface forming a gloss coated substrate.