Abstract: A flat hernia implant with a flexible fabric formed from at least two textile fabric structures constructed substantially independently of one another and firmly interconnected over the entire surface area of the hernia implant so as to form a composite structure, is made available for use in surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to mesotubes and nanotubes (hollow fibers) having an inner diameter of 10 nm-50 &mgr;m and to a method for the production thereof. The hollow fibers can be produced by coating degradable materials with non-degradable materials, whereby the degradable materials are destroyed by thermal methods, for instance. The hollow fibers are used in separation technology, catalysis, micro-electronics, medical technology, material technology or in the clothing industry.

Abstract: A hollow thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament carpet yarn includes a core portion having N number (typically, three or four) lobes joined thereto. Stiffening ribs are formed in the core portion. The stiffening ribs cooperate to define at least N hollow regions in the core portion. The hollow regions may communicate or be isolated from each other. Each lobe has at least one transverse-stiffening web therein that prevents the lobe lateral edges from being deformed towards the exterior of the filament. The major portion of each lateral edge of each lobe may be substantially linear or convexly curved over substantially its entire length. A spinneret plate for producing the filament is also disclosed.

Abstract: By achieving an extruded, foamed core formed from plastic material peripherally surrounded and integrally bonded with a plurality of cooperating synthetic, plastic, extruded, outer layers, a unique, multi-component, multi-layer synthetic closure is provided which may be employed as a bottle closure or stopper for any desired product, whether the product is a liquid, a viscous material, or a solid distributed in a bottle or container and dispensed through the open portal of the container neck. The present invention achieves a mass producible, resilient, synthetic bottle closure which is employable for any desired bottle, including wine. By employing the present invention, a multi-component or multi-layer synthetic closure is attained which possesses physical properties substantially equal to or better than the physical properties found in cork material, which has caused such cork material to be the principal closure material for wine bottles.

Abstract: A hollow shrinkable fiber is manufactured by wet spinning a copolymer of acrylonitrile and a halogen-containing vinyl monomer, and then carrying out steam treatment, followed by drying treatment, and then heat treatment, thus forming a marrow-like or network-like hollow portion comprising a large number of voids in a core part of the fiber cross section. The void ratio of the fiber cross section is 10 to 50%, and the dry heat shrinkage percentage of the fiber is at least 15%. The fiber has a hollow form similar to that of natural fur, is excellent in terms of bulkiness, a lightweight feeling and warmth retention, and can be used as down hairs in pile products.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer filament is characterized by a four-sided void that extends centrally and axially through the filament. Each apex of the void extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior configuration of the filament. The four-sided void has a modification ratio in the range from about 1.2 to about 2.0 and occupies from about five percent 5% to about thirty percent 30% of the cross sectional area of the filament. A spinneret plate for producing the thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament has a cluster of four orifices centered about a central point. Each orifice includes a generally isosceles triangle-shaped major portion from which extends a pair of legs, each leg of one orifice being spaced from the leg of an adjacent orifice to define a gap therebetween.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for purification of nanotube soot in a non-destructive and efficient method using a polymer having a coiling structure to extract nanotubes from their accompanying material without damage to their structure and with a high mass yield. Nanotube soot is added to a solvent which including a coiling polymer to form a solution. The solution is mixed with a nanotube composite suspension is formed with extraneous solid material such as amorphous carbon settling at the bottom of the solution. The nanotube composite suspension is decanted from the settled solid.

Abstract: A bicomponent elastic fiber that includes a core formed of an elastic fiber and having a sheath formed of a non-elastic material surrounding the core. The sheath has at least one cut therein extending at an angle to the length of the fiber to expose and release the elasticity of the core elastic fiber. This provides elasticity to the bicomponent elastic fiber.

Abstract: Plastic lumber having sufficient stiffness and strength to allow its use in structural and load-bearing applications. The plastic lumber is composed of a thermoplastic polymer, a thermosetting polymer cured with reinforcing fibers and, preferably, a coupling agent and foaming or blowing agent. As a preferred embodiment, the thermosetting polymer and reinforcing fibers are sourced from recycled materials, specifically, sheet molding compounds and bulk molding compounds.

Abstract: An absorbent fiber is constructed to include a hydrophobic exterior and a hydrophilic interior for use in various absorbent constructions as an absorbent, capture and entrain liquids and attendant odors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow fiber, which includes: at least one thermoplastic polymer with an equilibrium water content of 2% or less; wherein the number of hollow portions (&agr;1) and a hollow ratio (&agr;2) in said fiber satisfy the following equations: &agr;1≧7 2≦&agr;2≦65 0.14≦(&agr;1×&agr;2)/100≦250.

Abstract: A molding material comprises at least the following components A, B and C, with the component C arranged to contact a composite comprising the components A plus B. The components are elongated members identified as: A A continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, B A thermoplastic polymer or oligomer having a weight average molecular weight of 200 to 50,000 and a melt viscosity lower than that of the component C, and C A thermoplastic resin having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.

Abstract: A support structure for use primarily as a lightweight, portable, strong, and fracture resistant tent support and the like, and method for making thereof. The support structure includes a fiberglass core and a resilient outer layer of material that is at least 0.2 millimeters thick. Preferably, the outer layer is made of polyethylene that is between 0.5 to 0.6 millimeters thick, inclusive. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure is curved to conform with the shape of the tent it supports, thereby preventing the support structure from springing back when inadvertently released from the tent. More preferably, the support member includes a plurality of elongate curved sections that are detachably secured together to form the support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-lobal hollow filament having stiffening ribs in the core portion and at least one transverse web in each lobe.

Abstract: A flap fusion sheet is formed by fusing a flap continuous in the longitudinal direction at least at positions other than end portions in the width direction at one side of a continuous backing sheet. The backing sheet is formed by laminating layers made of a low melting point polyolefin on both sides of a flat yarn cloth made of high melting point polyolefin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermo-expandable fibers and to the expanded hollow fibers or microtubes, microcellular foam or foamed composite material that results upon heating the expandable fibers. The thermo-expandable fiber of the present invention is characterized by having a polymeric wall surrounding one or more pockets or particles of blowing agent or propellant within the fiber. The polymeric wall may have reactive functional groups on its surface to give a fusible fiber. When the expandable fibers are heated, they expand to form hollow fibers or microtubes comprising polymeric shells surrounding one or more internal gaseous voids, and when the fibers are expanded while in contact with each other, a microcellular foam may be formed. The foam consists of a plurality of hollow fibers fused together, optionally aided by functional groups present on the surface of the heated fibers that act to crosslink the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an azlactone-derivatized polyamide shaped article made by reacting at least one polyamide with a solution comprising an aza-bicyclo compound and a vinylazlactone derivative of the formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are defined herein.

Abstract: Crimped polyester fibers which comprise a polytrimethylene terephthalate-based polyester and have three-dimensional crimps with a number of crimps of 9 to 30 peaks/25 mm and a crimp ratio of 20 to 50% and further a crimp modulus of elasticity of 80% or above. A fiber structure wherein the weight ratio of staple fibers of the above crimped polyester fibers to heat-bonding conjugated staple fibers is 30:70 to 95:5 and heat-bonded spots are formed at least partially in contact points of both the staple fibers and/or contact points of the mutual heat-bonding conjugated staple fibers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to benzocyclobutene resins having flame retardant properties. Such resins have a high glass transition temperature (Tg>250° C.), low moisture absorption, low dielectric constant, good mechanical properties, flame retardancy (meets or exceeds UL94 V-O and/or VTM-O requirements), and can be cast onto a reinforcement to prepare a laminate for use as a substrate for electronic circuitry. The flame resistant compound is reaction product of a halogen containing compound of the formulae R&Parenopenst; DA)n or R&Parenopenst; DA&Parenclosest;n R2 wherein R is a halogen containing aromatic group, a halogen containing aliphatic group or a combination thereof; R2 is hydrogen, an aromatic group, an aliphatic group or an combination of an aromatic group and an aliphatic group which may contain halogen atoms; DA is a Diels-Alder reactive diene or a group that can act as a dienophile in a Diels-Alder reaction; and n is greater than or equal to 1; with a benzocyclobutene compound.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for manufacture for a catheter of the type having an inner tubular member defining a lumen, an outer tubular member surrounding said inner member, and a support member mounted between the tubular members to provide rigidity to the flexible catheter. The support member comprises a high tensile strength wire braid, and in the preferred embodiment comprises a stainless steel wire braid which has been tempered or hardened. This higher tensile strength affords significantly greater kink resistance to the flexible catheter. One wire braid has a tensile strength in the range of 300 to 425 kpsi and a braid density of approximately 40 pic. The high tensile strength wire braid has the disadvantage of tending to flare out at its free ends. Therefore, means are provided for preventing the flaring of the wire braid during manufacture of the tubing assembly. One means includes adhesive applied over the free ends. Another means includes a restraining sleeve applied over the free ends.

Abstract: The toner fuser roll of the present invention, which is characterized by good thermal conductivity and resistance to degradation by release agents in addition to excellent wear properties, is capable of producing toner fused images with desirably high gloss. In accordance with the invention, the fuser roll comprises a cylindrical core and a base cushion layer comprising a condensation-cured poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer formed on the core. A barrier layer that comprises a cured fluorocarbon polymer and includes a particulate filler overlies the cushion layer. Overlying the barrier layer is a highly smooth outer surface layer comprising an addition-cured poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer and having a roughness value, Ra, no greater than about 10 microinches. Further in accordance with the invention is a process for forming the just described toner fuser roll.

Abstract: A composite conduit comprising an inner layer of fibrous material impregnated with a corrosion resistant resin and a fire resistant outer layer thereon, the outer layer comprising a fibrous material impregnated with an effective amount of calcium sulfate.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer compositions comprising a fiber-containing composition derived from cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof which is at least partially coated with a partially acidified, hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing polymers derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described. Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: A mop head 1 comprising a body 5 having a connector 4 for connection to a mop handle (not shown), and a plurality of flexible elongate cleaning members 3 attached to the body 5. The members 3 comprise hollow tube-like members which are open at their ends remote from the body 5. The members 3 may be made from woven or non-woven fabric material, or foam-like material; a preferred form of material is microfibre cloth.

Abstract: A hollow monofilament of a high temperature spinnable thermoplastic such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) which is substantially hollow by up to about 80% by volume and has an outer diameter in the range from about 0.07 to 0.80 mm. is used in the construction of braiding in substitution for solid monofilaments with the advantage of lower cost and increased abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A high temperature non-asbestos compressed sheet formed without rubber binders, additives, curatives and fillers. The yarns that comprise the invented woven compressed sheet have an elongated metallic core and a vermiculated graphite jacket substantially encapsulating the jacket. In one preferred embodiment, the core is either a metallic foil or a flattened metallic wire both having a generally rectangular cross-section. In another preferred embodiment, the core is a metallic wire shrouded by carbon fibers. The yarns also include an adhesive layer that secures the jacket to the core. Also disclosed is a method for making the invented sheet.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fiber demonstrates moisture wicking properties. The fiber has one or more internal lenghtwise open channels each having an opening and at least one groove having a deepest point, a longest dimension and a mouth. The mouth is defined by moving a line from the deepest point along the longest dimension until the largest convex set is identified. The mouth is at the line segment closing the largest convex set. The mouth has width x wherein the average transverse cross-sectional area of the groove is greater than or equal to (.pi.x.sup.2)/8. A durable hydrophilic surface modification is assosiated with said channel.

Abstract: The invention relates as a whole to composite structures and methods of forming thereof and can be used in particular, in the manufacture of bodies and compartments of flying vehicles used in rocketry and aeronautics.A composite shell shaped as a body of revolution comprises a plurality of multilayer elements forming its structure consisting of a set of crisscrossing strips. Said strips are made of a plurality of fibers formed as a "skin-core" structure and impregnated with a thermoplastic or resilient-elastic binder. The fibers formed as a "skin-core" structure are produced by impregnating the fiber filaments with a thermosetting binder and curing it. Multilayer air-tight shells and multilayer shells of a rib-cellular structure can be produced from said strips (FIG. 1, FIG. 10).

Abstract: A synthetic polymer filament is characterized by a trilobal void that extends centrally and axially through the filament. Each apex of the void extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior configuration of the filament. The trilobal void has a modification ratio in the range from about 1.4 to about 3.0 and occupies from about five percent (5%) to about thirty percent (30%) of the cross sectional area of the filament. At a given constant void percentage a decrease of modification ratio increases the degree of sparkle.A spinneret plate for producing the thermoplastic synthetic polymer filament has a cluster of three generally arrow-shaped orifices centered about a central point. Each orifice is defined by a first and a second outer leg joined together at a pointed end directed away from a central point of the cluster. Each orifice has a central leg extending from the jointure of the outer legs toward the central point of the cluster.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer compositions comprising a fiber-containing composition derived from cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof which is at least partially coated with a partially hydrolyzed, internally plasticized, crosslinked, superabsorbing polymer derived from polysuccinimide and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: A wire cord for reinforcing rubber items, more particularly pneumatic tires for cars and trucks, comprises at least three wire filaments 2 arranged about a continuous core filament 3. The core filament 3 consists of a non-metallic material capable of longitudinal contraction when the rubber item 5 to be reinforced is vulcanized, this material being more particularly non-drawn nylon. On vulcanization of the rubber item 5 to be reinforced the core filament 3 contracts and expands in diameter.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a medical system, having a first part including a plastic material that is dimensionally stable at a heat-treatment temperature and a second part including a plastic material that is not dimensionally stable at the heat-treatment temperature and thus tends to flow under a compressive force; in which the plastic materials do not contain any PVC or EVA. The connection is made by bringing the surfaces on the first and second parts together with subsequent heat-treatment under a compressive force, wherein the second plastic material tends to flow under the simultaneous effects of temperature and compressive force.

Abstract: Hollow polyester fibers having a thickness of 0.11 to 8.89 d tex (0.1 to 8.0 denier), a hollow volume (a cross-sectional area ratio of hollow to fiber) of 40 to 85%, and a crystallization degree of 20% or more and crystal size in (0 1 0) plane of 4 nm or more of polyester, has a high resistance to compression and a high recovery from compression and are useful for producing woven and knitted fabric having a high durability, pile sheet materials having high resistance to and recovery from pile prostration, and nonwoven fabrics and artificial leather materials having a high resistance and recovery from compression.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibers that are capable of spontaneously transporting certain fluids, for example aqueous fluids, such as water, on their surfaces. The fibers, especially in the form of tow, can be incorporated into absorbent articles, such as diapers, in order to transport fluids to more effectively utilize the absorbent portion of the article. The fibers can be synthetically coated with absorbent materials.

Abstract: A method of oxidizing the surface of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent that includes sulfuric acid and potassium chlorate under reaction conditions sufficient to oxidize the surface. The invention also features a method of decreasing the length of carbon microfibers that includes contacting the microfibers with an oxidizing agent under reaction conditions sufficient to decrease the length.

Abstract: Novel bicomponent fibers have a sheath domain and an core domain which is embedded entirely within, and thereby completely surrounded by, the polyamide domain. The core domain is annular and defines a longitudinally extending central void. The preferred bicomponent fibers have a sheath-core structure wherein the polyamide domain constitutes the sheath and a fiber-forming polyolefin polymer constitutes the core. The preferred trilobal bicomponent fibers will exhibit a modification ratio of between 2 to 4, an arm angle of between 7.degree. to about 35.degree., and a total cross-sectional void area between about 3 and about 10 percent. Each lobe of the fiber may optionally contain a lobal void space which, if present, is preferably radially elongate in cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molded part made of completely biodegradable starch foamed material to be used for protecting transported articles and to a method for its preparation, wherein the starch foamed material is expanded to form starch foam profiled sections which are self-adhesive when moisture is applied and can be processed individually or so as to form single or multi-layer foam panels. The advantages reside in improved operating properties and minimized expenditure on packaging.

Abstract: A separation module to be used for separation and filtration of micro-substances. The separation module comprises a bundled configuration of a plurality of hollow thread-type porous membrane elements made of high polymer material. The bundled configuration is sealingly disposed in a casing, in which the thread-type porous membrane elements are bound each other by means of molten thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Synthetic fibers that have a round cross-section and three round longitudinal voids.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a composite microporous polyolefin membrane having a high separation, a high flux and a high strength, comprising a microporous layer, b-layer, providing a reinforcing function, the b-layer being stacked on at least one surface of a microporous layer, a-layer, providing a separate function, wherein micropores in a-layer and b-layer are mutually interconnected inside of the layer and also between layers, thereby forming micropores connected from one surface of the membrane to the other surface thereof, and the ratio of the mean distance Da between microfibril bundles of micropores existing in a-layer to the mean distance Db between microfibril bundles of micropores existing in b-layer is in the range of 1.3.ltoreq.Db/Da.ltoreq.15, and furthermore all of the inner and the outer surfaces of the composite membrane and the surface inside of micropores are coated by a thin film of a hydrophilic copolymer.

Abstract: A method for forming a hollow fiber bundle unit for insertion into an assisted breathing device comprising spinning a hollow fiber or hollow fibers, collecting multiple fibers into a bundle, filling the walls of the hollow fibers within the hollow fiber bundle with an humectant, coating the hollow fibers containing the humectant with a solution of an adhesive material, forming and drying the hollow fiber bundle coated with the solution, and preparing the hollow fiber bundle coated with the solution for insertion into the assisted breathing device.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: Patterned fibers having repeating segments of controlled conductivity separated by insulating segments are prepared by patterning the fiber with photoresist and, optionally, metallizing bare portions of the fiber where the photoresist has been exposed and removed. Fibers of the present invention can be patterned as alternating segments of bare fiber/photoresist-coated fiber, bare fiber/metallized fiber, or metallized fiber/photoresist-coated fiber.

Abstract: A porous fiber includes a distinctive configuration of voids therein to achieve advantageous levels of wettability, liquid penetration and mechanical properties. The fiber has a denier of not more than about 50, and a percent elongation at break of not less than about 30%. The fiber can also have a tensile strength at break of not less than about 200 MPa.

Abstract: Peat moss having water repellency when it is dry is used as culture soil by subjecting it to a water repellency preventing treatment. In addition, a seedling-growing peat board with few germs and impurities, being lightweight and easy to handle, and particularly suitable for use as bed soil of a seed bed, is provided. The culture soil contains peat moss which is water repellent when dry, and a water-absorbing clay adhered to the surface of the peat moss. This is accomplished by treating water to render it absorbable by peat moss, suspending a water-absorbing clay in the treated water, contacting the peat moss with the suspension to absorb the suspension onto the surface of the peat moss, and drying the peat moss.

Abstract: A flexible, composite, thermoplastic filament, which contains continuous fibers, and which filament contains a flexible sheath of a thermoplastic polymer which coats a fiber bundle of fibers, which fiber bundle is impregnated with a thermoplastic powder, which is made of the same thermoplastic polymer coating the fiber bundle, wherein the filament has a substantially elliptical cross-section.

Abstract: Polyamide fiber cords for rubber reinforcement are produced by subjecting cords having a denier per filament of 1.5-10 to RFL adhesive solution having a swelling ratio in DMSO of 122-340% at an impregnated state in cord, embedding the thus treated cords in rubber and vulcanizing them, and have a cord strength in rubber of not less than 8.0 g/d. They provide excellent fatigue resistance under repetitive compressive strain without lowering strength in the dipping and vulcanization.

Abstract: An elastic fixing roll having an elastic, compliant body material and release surface material is disclosed. The body material can be made of porous silicone rubber or fluorosilicone rubber foam, or a porous synthetic polymer foam reinforced with silicone rubber or fluorosilicone rubber. The release surface material is formed of porous polytetrafluoroethylene film containing silicone rubber or fluorosilicone rubber.

Abstract: A volume of carbon fibrils that includes a multiplicity of fibrils having a morphology consisting of vermicular tubes that are free of a continuous thermal carbon overcoat and have graphite layers that are substantially parallel to the fibril axis and a process for preparing such fibrils.