Abstract: A floor plank having a rigid, composite core having an upper side and a underside, the core being thermally stable and formed of PVC and calcium carbonate material that does not include ortho-phthalates, a wood veneer having a lower surface on the upper side of the core and further including an exposed surface, a protective coating on the exposed surface of the wood veneer, the protective coating formed of catalyzed polyurethane having aluminum oxide particles, and a thermo-acoustic cushion coating on the back surface of the core. A method of making is also provided.

Abstract: Waterproof engineered floor and wall planks have a veneer layer bonded with a plastic composite core, and an underlayer, preferably an underlayer of cork.

Abstract: Waterproof engineered floor and wall planks have a wear layer, an underlayer about an extruded dust and plastic composite core and a click-lock edge fastening system.

Abstract: An acoustical vinyl tile having an integral acoustical layer is disclosed. The vinyl tile includes a vinyl portion and an acoustical portion. The acoustical portion comprises a plurality of individual layers, the combination of which is customized to the particular sub-floor structure to which the tile will be adhered or overlain. The individual layers of the acoustical portion can include any of a variety of combinations of rubber, cork, polyurethane foam, and the like. The resulting tile meets one or more of ASTM E 2179, ASTM E 989, ASTM E 492, and ASTM E1007 IIC sound requirements. A method of designing the disclosed tile to suit a particular flooring application is also disclosed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for the color stabilization of cork and specific colored woods by the combined use of a small amount of inorganic UV-absorbers and an excess of organic UV-absorbers in a protective coating. A further aspect of the invention is the use of such a UV-absorber combination for the color stabilization of cork and specific colored woods.

Abstract: Building panels with a homogenous decorative surface having a wear layer comprising fibres, binders and wear resistant particles.

Abstract: Waterproof engineered floor and wall planks have a wear layer and an underlayer about an extruded dust and plastic composite core.

Abstract: A method for producing a floor panel comprising a carrier board, a cork layer, a primer and a decorative layer is disclosed. To achieve qualitatively improved decorative layers, a method is disclosed in which the cork layer is applied to the carrier board, in which, in order to form the primer, a coating system having a proportion of volatile components is applied to the cork layer, and in which the decorative layer is printed onto the primer.

Abstract: A vinyl floor panel for a flooring system prepared from a blend of a polymer and cork granules. The floor panel includes top and bottom surfaces with a first layer between both surfaces. A printed pattern is located on the top surface. The first layer is prepared from a blend of a polymer polyvinyl chloride and cork granules, where the cork granules are evenly distributed with the polyvinyl chloride throughout the length, width, and thickness of the first layer.

Abstract: A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material.

Abstract: A laminated anti-fatigue area rug comprises a bottom laminate of anti-fatigue material being rubber or vinyl having anti-slip properties for stability, a top laminate of cork with an upper wearing surface having a polyurethane coating and a middle bonding laminate of fiberglass cloth and adhesive material to bond the layers together. There resulting rug is sufficiently flexible that it may be rolled for storage without cracking the cork or delaminating.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a hybrid wood material comprises a high density softwood core and a cork insulator joined together by an adhesive. The softwood core may comprise of Forest Stewardship Council softwood. Preferably, no formaldehyde is used in the fabrication of the material. The material may be used for flooring applications. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Abstract: Various gasket release agents and methods of providing and using the same are provided with a gasket body having a release agent coating on one or more surfaces that contact mating surfaces of a joining assembly. The coating may be provided as a mixture of constituents including hexagonal boron nitride. Other constituents may include a release agent and a binding material that enhances the adhesion of the release agent to the gasket body surfaces. A binding material may include, for example, organic or inorganic materials. Surfactants, in some embodiments, may be added to a gasket release agent dispersion in addition to binder materials and fillers.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for the color stabilization of cork and specific colored woods by the combined use of a small amount of inorganic UV-absorbers and an excess of organic UV-absorbers in a protective coating. A further aspect of the invention is the use of such a UV-absorber combination for the color stabilization of cork and specific colored woods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of formaldehyde-free aqueous binders having a broad molecular weight distribution for substrates, said binders comprising (A) from 0 to 100% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated acid anhydride or ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid whose carboxylic acid groups can form an anhydride group, or mixtures thereof, (B) from 100 to 0% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, (C) at least one polyfunctional crosslinker or mixtures thereof, and (D) from 1-80% by weight of an aqueous polymer dispersion, the polymers of A) and B) obtained by free-radical addition polymerization, when classified in a coordinate system by way of their average molecular weight Mw and their polydispersity, being situated in the area above a straight line which is defined by the linear equation y=1.

Abstract: Building panels with a homogenous decorative surface having a wear layer comprising fibres, binders and wear resistant particles.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing insulating and/or fire-resistant material, wherein the potato steam peels are subjected to a treatment for recovering a cork fraction, at least a non-calorific part, from those peels, while the insulating and/or fire resistant material is manufactured at least from the recovered cork fraction and a binding agent. The invention further provides insulating and/or fire-resistant material containing at least a cork fraction recovered from potato steam peels. Further, the invention provides a construction element, provided with such insulating and/or fire-resistant material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure which is made of synthetic material with characteristics similar to or even better than those of cork and which can therefore be used in all applications in which a cork closure is normally used. In particular, the closure according to the present invention is a stopper for containers for wine or liquors. In particular, the present invention relates to a container closure made of an expanded elastomer by means of a thermal moulding method, characterized in that the expanded elastomer can be produced by means of a step of expansion by a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A synthetic cork closure having at least a portion thereof coated with a gas impermeable polymer coating composition.

Abstract: A floor underlayment includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. The first layer includes cork material. The second layer is coupled to the first layer and has a high degree of resistance to moisture permeability. The third layer is coupled to the first layer opposite the second layer. The third layer is configured and formed from at least one material to enhance dimensional stability of the first layer.

Abstract: A hog fuel board is made by placing a hog fuel mat including an ammonium chloride catalyst with flexible non-sticking layers on outside surfaces between screens in a preheated platen press and pressing the mat to preset stops and for a predetermined time and pressure to cause adhesives naturally present in the hog fuel to disperse throughout the board. The presence of ammonium chloride as a catalyst uniformly distributed through the hog fuel mat significantly lowers the temperature required at the heating press platens to form a board which also has improved properties. There is also described a hog fuel veneer board with a hog fuel mat sandwiched between veneer sheets and a lumber product with a hog fuel coating thereon. These additional products are both formed using the ammonium chloride catalyst to reduce press temperatures and create a product with improved properties, particularly, internal bond strength.

Abstract: A synthetic cork closure having at least a portion thereof coated with a gas impermeable polymer coating composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a board-on-chip (BOC) package. An adhesive material including a carrier and microcapsules distributed in the carrier is used to bond a semiconductor component to a mounting surface in a BOC package. The microcapsules contain a hardener and/or a catalyst that, when combined with the carrier, initiate a bonding reaction. The contents of the microcapsules are released via application of an external influence, such as pressure or heat, when the bonding reaction is desired to begin. The use of microcapsules permits the formulation of adhesive blends with a substantially increased pot life, increased stability and reliability at high temperatures, and favorable low temperature reaction and bonding characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials containing polyreaction products cured by UV radiation in presence of at least one UV initiator and/or electron radiation and/or IR radiation, planar structures based on renewable raw materials which contain these materials particularly in the coating layer, and methods of the production of said planar structures.

Abstract: A compound of formula I containing at least one ring nitrogen: or a pharmaceutically acceptable base or acid addition salt, prodrug, metabolite, optical isomer or stereoisomer thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a floor material and a flooring method which satisfy the various functions required of a floor while reducing the building costs and construction term. The floor material consists of a surface decorative member 2 formed from a material to have a high density and constituting a floor surface layer; an intermediate cork member 3 formed from a cork material to have a slightly lower density than the surface decorative member 2 and constituting a floor intermediate layer; and a substrate cork member 4 made from a carbonated cork material to have a slightly lower density than the intermediate cork member 3 and constituting a floor substrate layer. The substrate cork member 4 is bonded on a backing material 10 of a building, onto which the intermediate cork member 3 and the surface decorative member 2 are successively bonded so as to obtain a three-layered floor mainly consisting of a cork material.

Abstract: An eraser for a dry surface erase is disclosed. The eraser includes a cylinder having a tangentially extending flat surface to thereby form a "b" shaped member. The cylinder is provided with a covering of felt, cloth or other substance suitable for erasing material written on a dry-erase board. The felt covering extends over approximately one-third of the external surface of the cylinder. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, an eraser may be comprise a half-cylinder having a tangentially extending flat surface. A cylindrical insert is inserted into the half-cylinder and is retained by friction fit or by an adhesive. The cylindrical. Insert preferably comprises a foam material suitable for erasing dry erase surfaces.

Abstract: A mail holder for a message board having a retaining grip, an elongate rear portion extending from the retaining grip, a bottom portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongate rear portion, and an elongate front portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom portion towards the retaining grip, the rear, bottom, and front portions defining a cavity for retaining one or more planar objects therein. The front portion may be biased to provide a slight clamping force towards the rear portion to retain the planar objects between the front and rear portions. The rear portion may be substantially flat and the front portion curved towards the rear portion as it extends away from the bottom portion. The bottom portion may have waves formed therein extending generally parallel to the front and rear portions. The retaining grip has a substantially "C" shape, including a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions.

Abstract: A multi-purpose message board having a mounting panel and a plurality of spaces thereon with a multi-page permanent record unit, and a single sheet temporary record unit mounted in two of said spaces. The message board is formed of a single sheet of material with the spaces in the form of depressions molded in the single sheet, with the permanent record unit being a calendar with the pages wire bound at the top, and with the temporary record unit being a write on/wipe off plate or cork board. The mounting panel of the message board has a perimeter flange with a backboard having one surface mounted on the flange and magnets and eyelets carried on the other surface of the backboard. Containers are attached to the panel at some of the spaces. Containers may have a cup shape for holding articles and may have a frame for holding a note pad.

Abstract: Aqueous silicone dispersions crosslinkable into elastomeric state on removal of water therefrom under ambient conditions, well adapted, e.g., for the production of elastomeric silicone seals in the construction industry, include an oil-in-water base emulsion (A) of an .alpha.,.omega.-(dihydroxy) polydiorganosiloxane stabilized with at least one anionic or nonionic surface-active agent, or mixture thereof, (B) an aqueous latex of an organic (co)polymer having a particle size ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 .mu.m and a solids content ranging from 20% to 70% by weight, (C) an effective crosslinking amount of at least one crosslinking agent, (D) an effective amount of at least one nonsiliceous filler material, and (E), optionally, a catalytically effective amount of a metal curing catalyst, such aqueous dispersions further having a solids content of at least 40% by weight.

Abstract: A message board comprising a bulletin board fixedly mounted on a backing of heavy cardboard or other substrate, and an optional dry-erase laminate fixedly mounted onto the bulletin board. A frame is fixedly secured to the edges of the bulletin board and backing. The frame is provided with a front channel and a rear channel, each adapted to receive and firmly retain a portion of a generally "C"-shaped grip. The grip may be integrally formed with various accessories desired to be attached to the frame of the message board.

Abstract: A method for printing the cylindrical side surfaces of synthetic resinous corks used for wine bottles which are normally not receptive to printing inks. The method includes the steps of gas flame heating of the corks to slightly soften the surface and deposit unburned carbon particles thereat. The application of a printed image using an offset roller, the drying of the ink in a heated conduit, and the subsequent application of a high viscosity lubricant in dot pattern using an offset printing roller. The application of the lubricant in a pattern covering less than the entire surface permits the cork to release sulphur dioxide gas for oxygen scavenging of any air passing into the bottle, as well as air disposed in the head space within the bottle.

Abstract: A message board comprising cork board or other tack penetrable material fixedly mounted on a backing of heavy cardboard or other substrate, and dry-erase laminate fixedly mounted onto the cork board. The laminate generally occupies the central portion of the board and is surrounded by the cork board allowing for convenient interaction between notes written on the laminate and notes pinned to the cork board. In addition, edging or framing is fixedly secured to the edges of the cork board and backing. The message board can also include a paper pocket retained in a cavity cutout of the cork board and backing. The paper pocket resiliently and releasably retains a pad of paper, enabling the pad to be easily replaced or the paper pocket to be easily refilled.

Abstract: A display board, panel, or wall section comprising a penetrating object permeable panel and a ferromagnetic apertured material, preferably a wire mesh, disposed on a surface of the permeable panel, the apertured material being exposed to view and being adapted to receive magnetic means for securing an item to be displayed on the display panel and further having an aperture size such that the permeable panel is adapted to receive a penetrating object, such as a tack, for securing an item to be displayed on the display panel through an aperture of the apertured material.

Abstract: In veneered components for the body interior of motor vehicles, in particular for the interior of motor cars, the components are provided on the exposed side of the base part with a thin, decorative cover layer, firmly adhering thereto, of a peelable natural material. The cover layer consists of natural cork. Veneered components for the body interior of motor vehicles are thus provided which have a good visual appearance and the trim parts are pleasant to the touch.

Abstract: A display board, panel, or wall section comprising a penetrating object permeable panel and a ferromagnetic apertured material, preferably a wire mesh, disposed on a surface of the permeable panel, the apertured material being exposed to view and being adapted to receive magnetic means for securing an item to be displayed on the display panel and further having an aperture size such that the permeable panel is adapted to receive a penetrating object, such as a tack, for securing an item to be displayed on the display panel through an aperture of the apertured material.

Abstract: A board structure used for the base material of a molded ceiling member of an automotive vehicle. The board structure includes a corrugated core board formed of a cardboard. Upper and lower surface boards are bonded respectively to the upper and lower surfaces of the corrugated core board. The upper and lower surface boards are formed of cork sheets, respectively, thereby improving the moldability and the physical properties of the board structure.

Abstract: A cork chip moulding includes a mixture of cork chips and a viscoelastic material, which mixture is dispersed in or bound with a polyurethane. The cork chip moulding is superior in sound and heat insulations, and in rigidity.

Abstract: Aqueous silicone dispersions crosslinkable into elastomeric state upon removal of water therefrom, well adapted for the production of paints and silicone elastomer seals, e.g., for the construction industry, include:(A) 100 parts by weight of an oil-in-water emulsion of an .alpha.,.omega.-(dihydroxy)polydiorganosiloxane, stabilized with an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant;(B) 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of an aminosilane and/or amidosilane;(C) 0 to 3 parts by weight of a metal curing catalyst; and(D) 0 to 250 parts by weight of a non-siliceous inorganic filler, such emulsion having a pH of from 7 to 13 and a dry solids content of at least 40%.

Abstract: Insulated pipe especially but not exclusively intended for subsea pipelines for transport of oil, gas and similar products which pipe comprises a steel pipe as core, a layer of corrosion protection material, a layer of thermally insulating material surrounding this and an external protective layer surrounding the insulating layer. To improve such insulated pipes so that they are capable of resisting occurring stresses even when placed under water at great depths the three layers contain rubber, the lyaer further containing cork up to 30-70% by volume.

Abstract: In order to prevent the build-up of static electricity in laminated cork floor tiles consisting of a layer of granular cork bonded by a binder and a wear surface preferably composed of polyvinyl chloride foil, provided on one side of the granular layer, the electrical conductivity of the laminate is increased by incorporating agents to reduce electrical resistance in the binder included in the cork layer and by incorporating antistatic agents in the wear surface. The tiles may have a moisture barrier provided on the side of the granular cork layer opposite the wear surface, the moisture barrier also incorporating an agent or agents reducing the electrical resistance thereof.

Abstract: A refillable applicator-buffer for applying and buffing wax on skis, toboggans and running surfaces of similar winter sports equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to catch drippings including three sheets, one formed from an absorbent, isotropically permeable material supported by a second sheet formed from an absorbent material for absorbing drippings. These two sheets further are supported by a third sheet that is liquid-resistant, one side of which is covered by a foil material, this foil-backed sheet further preventing liquid leakage. The three sheets are bonded together by a sealing ring, tape, or adhesive.

Abstract: A rail pad or other shaped article in the form of a resiliently compressible extrudate having a textured surface and comprising particles or granules of cork or similar resiliently compressible cellular material substantially homogenously dispersed throughout a polymeric matrix of generally saturated thermoplastic synthetic resin, preferably ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, which has a stiffness modulus of not more than 1000 MPa and is extrudable under conditions at which the cellular material is not significantly degraded, the extrudate having a Poissons ratio less than that of the matrix.

Abstract: The panel has a light, generally rigid cardboard or foamed cork core to opposite sides of which are laminated two, thin sheets of steel foil ranging from 2 to 5 mils in thickness. Paper sheets are secured to and cover the outer surfaces of the steel foil; and these sheets have transparent plastic covers secured thereover. The panel has an overall thickness of less than 0.1" and weighs less than one pound per square foot--e.g. approximately 7 oz./sq. ft. The edges of the panel are covered by strips of molding to prevent injury from the sharp edges of the steel foil and to prevent damage to the panel. Magnetically-backed symbols are releasably attachable to the plastic cover layers, which also are adapted to have erasable graphics marked thereon by liquid crayon or the like.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a friction material which includes a porous material and capsules containing a hydrophobic substance in a liquid form. The porous material and capsules are formed into a composite structure by a binding agent so as to use the hydrophobic substance contained in the capsules for a component of a lubricating layer to be formed on the friction material upon breakage of the capsules.

Abstract: A laser hardened casing structure for a missile or the like is described herein which comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a pair of thermally protective layers with a laser hardened barrier layer sandwiched therebetween and comprising a heavy metal bearing resin impregnated carbon fabric, all of said layers being adhesively joined and secured to the outer surface of the casing structure to be protected.

Abstract: A laminated decorative tile particularly for flooring purposes, is made by forming a base layer of granulated cellulosic material in a matrix of fusible plastics, and placing on the base layer a thin decorative layer of cellulosic material with natural holes and recesses therein. After a film of fusible plastic has been applied on the decorative layer the laminate is hot pressed and then immediately cooled in a cold press. The tile obtained has a pleasing appearance because the granules of the base layer have been forced up, in the hot pressing operation, into the holes and recesses of the decorative layer, filling out these holes and recesses. In this embodiment the tile has a smooth wear resisting layer surface but this surface can be provided with a relief pattern such that it conforms to the structure of the decorative layer, if the tile after cooling is heated in a free state, i.e. without press plates.

Abstract: A foldable structure (2) and a method of manufacturing a foldable structure which, when folded produces a curved edge or corner. The structure comprises two panel members (32,34) having a respective edge region (18,20) which are adjacent and are spaced apart. Each edge region has a shoulder (8,10) and a curved portion (12,14). A flexible elongated bridging piece (22) is located between the shoulders (8,10) and defines a foldable region. A flexible lamina (24) covers a respective face of the panel members (32,34) and the flexible bridging piece (22).

Abstract: A flexible composition comprises an intimate mixture of cork granules with a liquid organic polyol plasticizer for the cork in the granules, with the cork granules being dispersed and bonded together with a flexible, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin.