Abstract: An improved thermally insulating batt particularly designed for use as filling material for winter apparel, quilts, sleeping bags and the like, is produced by first preparing carded webs consisting of natural or synthetic fibers, plying several webs to form a batt, and then subjecting this batt to a subsequent resin treatment, on at least one face thereof, by using specific cross-linked glues. The resin treated batt is then calendered, under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, so as to obtain, on its surface, a soft, resilient and heat-sensitive film and, in the interior, an air chamber so as to provide a low thermal exchange coefficient and a proper control of the body temperature.

Abstract: A woven belt having thick and narrow portions with a breaking strength per unit width that exceeds the level of strength of conventional fabric straps and belts. One embodiment of the belt includes at least four layers of weave structure in which two outer layers are woven into a hollow tube by a common weft and the remaining inner layers are woven together by a second weft. The widthwise central area of the belt is provided with a thickness that is larger than a quarter of the belt width.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: Aromatic polyamide staple fiber bundles of improved dispersibility in viscous matrices and production of fiber-reinforced compositesDescribed are bundles of aromatic polyamide staple fibers having a staple length of at least 1 mm which have been provided with an effective amount of an agent which enhances the cohesion of the fiber bundle.The staple fiber bundles are held together by the adhesive before mixing into a matrix material and separate into individual fibers on mixing into the matrix material. There is no need for special mixing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of producing easily densified high bulk fibers that have adhered particulates. The high bulk fibers have hydrogen bonding or coordinate covalent bonding functionalities, and a binder is applied to the fibers to bind the particles to the fibers. The binder has a functional group that forms a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and a functional group that forms a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers are adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder is in turn adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) of reinforcement materials in composite bodies. The oxidation protection mechanisms include getterer materials which are added to the composite body which gather or scavenge undesirable oxidants which may enter the composite body. The getterer materials may be placed into at least a portion of the composite body such that any undesirable oxidant approaching, for example, a fiber reinforcement, would be scavenged by (e.g., reacted with) the getterer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the getterer material(s) form at least one compound (e.g., at least one glassy material) which acts as a crack sealant, thereby further enhancing the oxidation protection of the composite body. One or more ceramic filler materials which serve as reinforcements may have a plurality of superimposed coatings thereon, at least one of which coatings may function as a getterer.

Abstract: Resin compositions useful for filament winding applications comprising an epoxy component including at least one polyepoxide resin curable by heat, an olefinicially unsaturated monomer component including at least one polyolefinically unsaturated monomer curable by actinic radiation, at least one photoinitiator, at least one organic peroxide, and a heat activated curing agent for epoxides. The compositions have a viscosity less than about 2000 centipoise (cps) and are capable of retaining this viscosity for at least about 2 hours at a temperature of from about ambient temperature to about 60.degree. C. The resins are capable of being immobilized by actinic radiation exposure and further heat cured without substantial resin drip. One or more organic peroxides are employed, selected from the group of organic peroxides having 10 hour decomposition half lives at temperatures of from about 50.degree. C. to less than about 104.degree. C.

Abstract: A coated abrasive backing material is provided which is suitable for heavy duty grinding applications is provided by a continuous solid resin matrix having dispersed therein an essentially isotropic fibrous web. The invention also provides a coated abrasive based on said backing.

Abstract: A structural element suitable for walls, tanks and bulkhead structures comprising opposed, axially extended surface structures and ribbing interposed therebetween in freely movable relation responsive to a temporary first relative dimensional condition of the surface structures and ribbing, and in blocking relation against separation of the surface structures responsive to a persistent second relative dimensional condition of the surface structures and ribbing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) of reinforcement materials in composite bodies. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a coated ceramic filler material adaptable for use as a reinforcing component in a ceramic matrix composite is provided with a plurality of superimposed coatings. The coating system includes a first coating in substantially continuous contact with the ceramic filler material and one or more additional or outer coatings superimposed over the underlying coating and in substantially continuous contact therewith. Zonal junctions are formed between the filler and the first coating, between superimposed coatings, and between the outer coating and the ceramic matrix. The coatings are selected so that the interfacial shear strength of at least one of these several zones is weak relative to the other zones.

Abstract: A method of making a product including continuously feeding an elongated flexible tubular bladder, and braiding a first ply of a tubular braid of first yarns including reinforcing fibers and moldable material on the bladder, the tubular bladder having sufficiently high temperature degradation characteristics with respect to a molding processing temperature of the material such that the bladder maintains its structural integrity when the material is molded thereon.

Abstract: A multi-vane structure for incorporation in an aircraft gas turbine engine has vanes of complex geometry made of braided fibers which are continuous about the cavities defined by the vanes. These complex geometry parts are prepared by providing a plurality of removable mandrels, stacking the mandrels along a horizontal axis in a cavity end to cavity end configuration, braiding about the mandrels, cutting the mandrels adjacent the cavity end faces, side stacking the mandrels so the faces are placed in a parallel orientation and molding. Utilizing braided fibers instead of hand lay-up woven fibers eliminates seams and produces cavities having continuous fibers about the periphery thereof which substantially increases the strength and dimensional reproducibly of the part.

Abstract: Multidimensional oligomers of the present invention are surprisingly useful for advanced composites because each generally has a use temperature greatly in excess of its curing temperature. The oligomers have essentially no arms, and comprise crosslinking phenylimide end caps condensed directly onto an aromatic hub (preferably, phenyl) through "commodity" polymeric linkages, such as amide, diimide, ether, or ester. For example, p-nadicimidobenzoylchloride can be condensed with triaminobenzene to yield a multidimensional, crosslinking amide oligomer. Short chains of ether/carbonyl aromatic chains can be included, if desired. Methods for making these high-performance oligomers with ether/carbonyl aromatic chains use an Uhlman ether synthesis followed by a Friedel-Crafts reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to linear, water-dispersible sulfopolyesters that incorporate higher order polyalkylene glycol units. The sulfopolyesters provide improved abrasion and blocking resistances in polyester fiber sizing applications.

Abstract: A sewn material for shielding against electromagnetic waves is provided without increasing the number of stitch perforations created when sewing electrically conductive threads to a base material. Two electrically conductive threads are sewn on at least one edge of a strip of elastomeric base material in an over-edge chain stitch that extends across the edge surface of the base material. Portions of the threads are partly exposed on the edge surface and other portions of the threads are sewn through the base material, thereby providing dual shield layers for shielding against electromagnetic waves entering from the side of the base material.

Abstract: Resin compositions useful for filament winding applications comprising an epoxy component including at least one polyepoxide resin curable by heat, an olefinicially unsaturated monomer component including at least one polyolefinically unsaturated monomer curable by actinic radiation, at least one photoinitiator, at least one organic peroxide, and a heat activated curing agent for epoxides. The compositions have a viscosity less than about 2000 centipoise (cps) and are capable of retaining this viscosity for at least about 2 hours at a temperature of from about ambient temperature to about 60.degree. C. The resins are capable of being immobilized by actinic radiation exposure and further heat cured without substantial resin drip. One or more organic peroxides are employed, selected from the group of organic peroxides having 10 hour decomposition half lives at temperatures of from about 50.degree. C. to less than about 104.degree. C.

Abstract: An elasticized double wall tubular cord includes an outer wall fabricated from a tube of woven material that is comprised of heavy duty, inelastic yarns, and an inner wall fabricated from a tube of woven material that is made partially of heavy duty, inelastic yarns and partially of elastic strands. The inner tube of woven material is stretchable lengthwise and attached to the outer tube of woven material along respective long edges when in stretched condition. The arrangement is such that when the inner tube of the tubular cord is in relaxed condition, the outer tube is compressed due to the compression force of the elastic strands of the inner tube for shortening the tubular cord.

Abstract: A pad for cleaning up liquid spills is described which contains a porous surface covering, and an absorbent interior containing chemically reactive reagents for neutralizing noxious chemicals within the spilled liquid. The porous surface and the absorbent component would normally consist of chemically resistant materials allowing tentative spill to pass. The absorbent interior which contains the neutralizing reagents can but is not required to be chemically resilient and conducts the liquid chemical spill towards the absorbent interior containing the chemically reactive reagents where the dangerous and undesirable chemicals within the chemical spill are then neutralized as well as removed from the premises.

Abstract: An element for lining the interior surface of a tunnel, which comprises a composite panel in which a fibrous layer is laminated over a hard substrate, and a fluoropolymer surface layer is laminated over said fibrous glass layer.

Abstract: To manufacture airbags comprising a contact fabric and/or a filter fabric it is proposed to use hollow fiber synthetic filament yarns having a hollow area fraction of 10-40%, based on the total cross-sectional area of the fiber. The closeness values are >72% for the contact fabric and 45-68% for the filter fabric. In addition to reducing the production costs, hollow fibers also make it possible to produce lighter fabrics. These have a beneficial effect on the working of an airbag.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A fiber comprising a polyolefin fiber having a finish which comprises an antistatic composition, wherein the fiber with the finish has a hydrostatic head value at least about 102 mm and is capable of being processed into a nonwoven fabric on processing equipment comprising at least one card and means for bonding the fabric at a throughput of at least about 128 pounds/hours for a period of at least two hours without formation of significant solid antistatic composition build-up on the nonwoven fabric processing equipment, and related compositions and processes, and articles made with such fibers.

Abstract: Polyether-reinforced fiber-based materials, and methods for their manufacture, are disclosed. A representative material is a sheetlike ply having on one or both faces thereof a polyether-impregnated stratum extending depthwise into the ply thickness dimension no greater than about one-half the ply thickness dimension so as to leave a portion of the ply thickness dimension unimpregnated with polyether. The materials can comprise plural superposed plies wherein at least one ply has at least one polyether-impregnated stratum, such as polyether-reinforced corrugated paperboard. The polyether-reinforced materials have excellent compression strength and foldability. Each polyether-reinforced stratum is made by controllably applying a low-viscosity liquid mixture of an epoxy resin and a hardener, wherein the epoxy resin is substantially non-prepolymerized, to a fibrous web surface, then curing the resin mixture.

Abstract: A thin, tacky, non-pourable film of incompatible in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and thermosettable matrix resin that contains an essentially uniform density and thickness across the breadth of the film. The in situ-expandable mass is not pourable yet can be easily dispensed in a uniform manner within a mold and thereafter expanded to the dimensions of the mold. Composites and reinforced compositions, as well as methods of molding, are disclosed.

Abstract: A woven fabric useful for air bags capable of smoothly opening in an initial stage of inflation and having a high burst strength and an excellent safety satisfies all the requirement that(A) a stress strain curve of the woven fabric in at least one of the warp and weft directions is a substantially downwardly convex curve, where the elongation .epsilon. is in the range: 1%.ltoreq..epsilon..ltoreq.20%;(B) where the elongation .epsilon. is in the range: .epsilon..ltoreq.10%, the tensile strength S(.epsilon.) of the woven fabric is 10 to 100 kg/3 cm in both the warp and weft directions; and(C) the woven fabric has a tensile toughness of 2,000 to 4,000 kg.%/3 cm in both the warp and weft directions, the tensile toughness being represented by an area of a region, in a graph showing a stress-strain curve of the woven fabric in each of the warp and weft directions, defined by the stress-strain curve and an abscissa corresponding to a stress of zero.

Abstract: A cast lining fabric is prepared from hydrophilic synthetic material. The cast lining transports moisture from the skin and environment beneath a cast to the outside environment where the moisture is removed by evaporation providing a dry atmosphere beneath the cast. The resulting dry environment reduces the ill effects of bacterial, fungal and mildew growth, reduces odor, increases dryness and comfort, and allows the wearer to bathe and swim.

Abstract: Resin compositions useful for filament winding applications comprising an epoxy component including at least one polyepoxide resin curable by heat, an olefinicially unsaturated monomer component including at least one polyolefinically unsaturated monomer curable by actinic radiation, a cyanate ester component including at least one cyanate ester compound having at least two cyanate functional groups per molecule, at least one organic peroxide, at least one photoinitiator, and a heat activated curing agent for epoxides. The compositions have a viscosity less than about 2000 centipoise (cps) and are capable of retaining this viscosity for at least about 6 months at about ambient temperature. The resins are capable of being immobilized by actinic radiation exposure and further heat cured without substantial resin drip. One or more organic peroxides are employed, selected from the group of organic peroxides having 10 hour decomposition half-lives at temperatures of from about 50.degree. C. to less than about 104.

Abstract: Combinations of materials in composite form, which are thermoadhesive to themselves by treatment at temperatures not exceeding 90.degree. C. and which can be shaped in the form of a laminate at said temperature, are characterized in that they comprise an open mesh textile substrate first impregnated or coated with a first rubber-like elastoviscous constituent having a softening point not exceeding 90.degree. C. and further coated with a second, semi crystalline constituent essentially of polyester type having a fusion temperature from 35.degree. to 80.degree. C. These combinations have controlled adhesiveness and adequate fluidity for easy application by hand, particularly in do-it-yourself applications, orthopedics, sport and physiotherapy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a low cost, self-venting, inflatable protective cushion of simple and structurally efficient design with a shape and construction that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed which includes a sheet defined by at least one fold line and a plurality of flap portions, each flap portion having a base edge corresponding to a fold line and at least two side edges each extending outwardly from a base edge and ultimately converging to meet each other, the flap portions being folded at the fold line(s) and being Joined at corresponding side edges to define an inflatable chamber. The inflatable protective cushion and method for making same may further include a lightweight, low permeability, fabric that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed and minimizes the packed volume of the cushion when stored.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel polycarbonate-based block polymer, and to fibers and bioresorbable implantable medical devices fabricated from said fibers.

Abstract: A material in the form of polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, woven and non--woven fabric thereof, thermoplastic elastomer, and polyurethane sheet is coated with a silicone coating composition to a thickness of 5 to 20 .mu.m, obtaining a silicone coated base material. The silicone coating composition contains (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least two hydrogen atoms, (C) an organic silicon compound having at least one hydrogen atom and at least one epoxy and/or trialkoxy-silyl group, (D) a carbon, NiO.sub.2, FeO, FeO.sub.2, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4, CoO.sub.2, CeO.sub.2 or TiO.sub.2 powder having a mean particle size of up to 20 .mu.m, and (E) a platinum catalyst. The silicone coated base material is flame resistant and fully acceptable in practical use even though the silicone coating is as thin as 5 to 20 .mu.m, namely less than about one-half of the conventional coating thickness.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite materials containing a thermoplastic composite core bonded integrally with a fabric layer are provided. The fabric layer has a greater elasticity than the core, so that the fabric layer can conform smoothly to the core during thermoforming. This improvement has been demonstrated to improve aesthetic appearance and nearly eliminate wrinkling and distortion of the fabric layer when compared to conventional composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved electrically conductive filter media particularly suitable for use in applications where static electricity must be dissipated. The filter media of the present invention comprises a microporous filtration layer having electrically conductive particles embedded therein. When attached to support media, this structure provides exceptional filtration efficiency while assuring a consistent and evenly distributed electrical pathway to ground.

Abstract: A heat recoverable sleeve has a high recovery ratio of at least 60%. It uses a specific arrangement of recoverable fibers in one direction woven in a twill configuration with both heat stable fibers and heat recoverable fibers extending in another direction.

Abstract: An improved article of manufacture and method thereof utilizing a fibrous structure of initially discrete layers, each having first and second sides at least one side of each layer is uncalendered and the structure has a shrinkage of no more than about 2 percent. The structure is impregnated with a thermoset type polymeric material and in the final structure there is no visible layer separation.

Abstract: This invention provides a shaped ceramic composite article comprising ceramic oxide fiber(s), a first coating comprising a carbonaceous matrix which includes boron nitride particles in contact therewith, and a second coating comprising silicon carbide. The inventive composite article is useful in applications requiring good heat resistance and mechanical properties, such as gas fired radiant burner tubes, gas burner nozzle liners, heat exchangers, thermowells, core busters or flame dispersers, and other gas fired furnace components.

Abstract: A device to capture, contain and collect hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel before they can be spilled or leaked from the ventilation valve or fuel intake port of the fuel tank of a vessel and on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The device is formed as a low-profile box with a floor section and upright wall sections having stratified layers of a textile material and a solidifying polymer enclosed within a outer envelope of textile material. A seamed area at the center of the device with slits in the textile material allows the device to circumscribe the annular conduit of a device passing through the seamed area.

Abstract: Low molecular weight cyclic oligomers of formula (I) ##STR1## in which n is an integer of 2 to 20, and each C in the oligomer is a radical of formula (II): ##STR2## and each X in the oligomer is --O--R--O-- or --S--R--S--, B and D are both carbonyl groups CO, or together represent a divalent radical of formula ##STR3## in which A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3 A.sub.4, Ar.sub.1, Ar.sub.2 and Ar.sub.3 are selected from a variety of aromatic radicals, A.sub.1, A.sub.2, Ar.sub.3 and Ar.sub.4 also possibly being hydrogen, are useful in the production of high molecular weight, linear, polyketones, polyphthalazines and polyisoquinolines; the cyclic oligomers have low melt viscosities when heated above their softening temperatures and can be readily molded, whereafter they can be ring-open polymerized to form molded high molecular weight polymer products with excellent properties.

Abstract: Discontinuous fibers are coated with a binder material with the binder material adhering the fibers to super absorbent particles. Fibers in the product are substantially unbonded except to the super absorbent particles. The binder may be present at an amount which is sufficient to substantially continuously coat the fibers. Plural coatings of various binder materials may be used. The binder material may be heat fusible or heat curable and the treated fibers mixed with other fibers for use in producing a wide variety of products.

Abstract: A composite ski pole is formed of fiber reinforced plastic laminates laid up around an inflatable bladder, and placed in a female mold. The bladder inflates to compact the laminates to substantially eliminate voids and form a smooth, hollow ski pole with a structurally strong and stiff skin. The molds may use compound shapes such as differing cross sections or longitudinal bends.

Abstract: A lift bag includes a plurality of independently inflatable chambers for controlling lifting of objects. Each chamber is defined by an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet, the upper surface sheet of one chamber positioned below an adjacent chamber being securely attached to the lower surface sheet of an adjacent chamber. The lift bag can be operated at pressures of about 15 psig at specified heights which allows greater flexibility compared to conventional, single-chambered lift bag which operate at pressures of about 7 psig. Preferably, all seams, reinforcements, and fittings are vulcanized in place using uncured rubber coated fabric. Grommets or other securing means may provide further stability to the lift bag.

Abstract: A weeping hose comprised of warp yarn and filler yarn having an interior coating, the improvement comprising utilizing a first warp yarn and a second warp yarn having different diameters, the first warp yarn comprising the bulk of the warp yarn in the hose, the second warp yarn is disposed axially about the circumference of the hose, the interior coating of the hose covering the first warp yarn but not covering the second warp yarn.

Abstract: This invention relates to aliphatic copolyesters prepared from succinic acid (or derivatives thereof) and a process for the preparation thereof. The aliphatic copolyesters contain a second component, 1,4-butanediol, and a third component which is either a diacid or a diol (or derivatives thereof).

Abstract: A pultruded composite member having a longitudinal axis comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers in a solid polymer matrix, said member having embedded at least one functional feature having been incorporated therein during its manufacture when the fiber reinforced liquid polymer was pulled through a pultrusion apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent composite comprises (a) a water-absorbent polymer, (b) a water-insoluble inorganic material and (c) a water-insoluble hydrophilic fibrous material at a weight ratio between (a), (b) and (c) in the range of 100:5-1200:5-1200. It is very useful as the absorbent component for a sanitary napkin and a medical pad.

Abstract: A rod connection arrangement includes a connection element for connecting a cylindrical reinforcing rod to a cylindrical main rod, with the reinforcing rod extending at an angle to the axis of the main rods. Each rod respectively consists of a core of compression material surrounded by a fiber composite wall having fabric layers with fibers that cross at an angle. The connection element consists of an arcuate body having a central axis and an inner surface with a radius substantially equal to an outer radius of the main rod. The arcuate body preferably extends over an arc of less than 360 degrees. The connection element further consists of an integrally formed joint plate projecting radially outwardly from an outer surface of the arcuate body. The joint plate is preferably formed by two layers of a fabric material imbedded in a rein matrix wherein fibers of the fabric layers cross at an angle of substantially .+-.45 degrees.

Abstract: A composite prepreg for producing a tennis racket, which is light and tough and superior in flexibility and vibration absorption abilities, comprises thermosetting resin and reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers are a combination of (a) aromatic polyamide or polyester fibers and (b) carbon fibers, the fibers (a) being formed into a first type of strand and the fibers (b) being formed into a second type of strand, the first and second types of strand being arranged with certain regularity. The present invention is also directed to a tennis racket comprising a circular frame constituting a ball hitting area and a shaft connecting with the circular frame, the frame and shaft having a plurality of layers structured so that at least one layer is formed from the above described composite prepreg.

Abstract: An improved article of manufacture and method thereof utilizing a fibrous structure of initially discrete layers, each having first and second sides. At least one side of each layer is rough and the structure has a shrinkage of no more than about 2 percent. The structure is impregnated with a thermoplastic-type polymeric material, and in the final structure there is no visible layer separation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a low cost, self-venting, inflatable protective cushion of simple and structurally efficient design with a shape and construction that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed which includes a sheet defined by at least one fold line and a plurality of flap portions, each flap portion having a base edge corresponding to a fold line and at least two side edges each extending outwardly from a base edge and ultimately converging to meet each other, the flap portions being folded at the fold line(s) and being joined at corresponding side edges to define an inflatable chamber. The inflatable protective cushion and method for making same may further include a lightweight, low permeability, fabric that optimizes the cushion's ability to withstand inflation pressures and impact when deployed and minimizes the packed volume of the cushion when stored.

Abstract: Abrasive and polishing belts and discs suitable for offhand and automated article finishing comprising a lofty, nonwoven abrasive web optionally needled to a woven fabric and a polymeric layer coated on the woven fabric opposite the nonwoven layer or if no woven fabric, coated on the nonwoven layer.