Abstract: The film splicer includes a base body on which two films to be spliced are aligned such that splicing ends thereof make contact with each other, an adhesive tape applied to the splicing ends of the films to join them, and a splicer arm that is folded against the base body to bore sprocket holes by punching members and to cut the adhesive tape by cutting members to a length corresponding to the length in the width direction of the films, wherein the cutting members comprise punches that are capable of punching out both the adhesive tape and excessive edge areas in the width direction of the films and that are formed with tapered portions having an angle relative to a cutting direction that extends in the longer direction of the films, the tapered portions being formed at both end areas in the cutting direction, whereby edge areas in the width direction of the films spliced together are free of steps.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article including spliced absorbent material. The absorbent material has a first portion of absorbent material spliced to a second portion of absorbent material to form a longer, continuous length of absorbent material suitable for uninterrupted sequential infeed to a processing machine. A trailing end of the first portion is adjacent a leading end of the second portion. A piece of splicing material is attached to the ends. The piece of splicing material has a fluid permeability at least about as great as a fluid permeability of the first portion of absorbent material and at least about as great as a fluid permeability of the second portion of absorbent material.

Abstract: A method is provided for splicing a conveyor belt having vulcanized rubber with steel strands embedded in the vulcanized rubber, comprising the steps of exposing a plurality of strands at two belt ends, and applying a vulcanizable rubber composition to the exposed strands to form a spliced joint between the two belt ends, the vulcanizable rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of rubber, and the rubber comprising from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of syndiotactic polybutadiene.

Abstract: A seamed flexible belt having a substrate and a seam having interlocking seam members, wherein the interlocking seam members are held together by an adhesive having polyamide and an optional electrically conductive filler, for use in electrostatographic, contact electrostatic, digital and other like printing machines.

Abstract: A structural element for use in aerospace applications such as a structural element suitable as an aircraft component is described. The composite structure comprises: (a) a rib having a first end and a second end; (b) at least one member such as a face sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface; and (c) a rib-receiving member integral to the inner surface of the at least one member, wherein the rib-receiving member comprises at least one rib-receiving element having an opening therein for receiving the first end of the rib and at least one cover sheet having an opening therein for receiving the first end of the rib.

Abstract: A connecting member for structural sandwich plate members comprises a prismatic metal body having one, or preferably two, tapered edges which provide landing surfaces and weld preparations for the face plates of the structural sandwich plate members.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite material including reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin, wherein at least some of the reinforcing fibers have their ends in the matrix resin, and a second resin having an elastic modulus less than that of the matrix resin is present in contact with fiber ends of at least some of reinforcing fibers having above-mentioned ends and only in the neighborhood thereof.

Abstract: A sheet excellent in mechanical performance such as folding endurance is provided. A sheet having a substrate layer using an impact-resistant styrene type resin containing 2 to 15 wt % of rubber particles having a peak at less than 2 ?m and an impact-resistant styrene type resin containing 0.2 to 10 wt % of rubber particles having a peak at 2 ?m or more in a distribution of volume-based particle diameters, or a sheet having a substrate layer comprising an impact-resistant styrene type resin (A) containing 10 to 15 wt % of rubber having a volume average particle diameter of from 0.5 ?m to 1.5 ?m and an impact-resistant styrene type resin (B) containing 5 to 10 wt % of rubber having a volume average particle diameter of from 2.0 ?m to 3.0 ?m wherein (A) is from 50 to 95 wt % and (B) is from 5 to 50 wt % on the basis of the total amount of both components, and a surface layer formed on at least its one surface, is provided.

Abstract: A multi-facet decoration assembly is provided, comprising multiple polygonal grates with equilateral sides. Each corner of the polygonal grate has one catch pin and one slot pin disposed on the underside. This unique decoration ball assembly can be easily assembled by snapping multiple polygonal grates together so that all catch pins and slot pins on all polygonal grates are locked against each other. The decoration ball can be easily stored away when the polygonal grates and the panels are knocked down occupying only a small space, thus the storage and transportation costs can be reduced considerably.

Abstract: A protective cover system (100) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object. The protective cover system includes a cover (101, 200, 600) for defining a microenvironment and a corrosion inhibitor source for releasing one or more corrosion inhibitors into the microenvironment. In one embodiment, cover 200 comprises an outer liquid-impermeable layer (204), an inner liquid-permeable layer (202), and a superabsorbent layer (206) located between the outer and inner layers. In another embodiment, cover 600 includes a water-vapor-permeable layer (602) and a porous support layer (606) for supporting the water-vapor-permeable layer. In both of these embodiments, one or more corrosion inhibitors may be incorporated into the cover in one or more of the corresponding above-mentioned layers or in a layer separate from these layers, or may be provided in a separate container that fluidly communicates the corrosion inhibitor(s) to the microenvironment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preventing splinters and minimizing the number of injuries attributable to falling onto pressure-treated wooden members, such as landscape ties or timbers used in play areas and landscape projects, through the use of a resilient cover. A cover and various embodiments include a moldable or extrudable waterproof material in the form of a channel having a top wall and two opposing side walls. The combination of channel thickness and composition provides an impact resistance suitable to prevent injuries when one falls upon it. The inner dimensions of the channel are such that the channel fits tightly over the top and sides of a construction beam or timber.

Abstract: Fastener components, and method of making fastener components for securing loop-carrying members are disclosed. The fastener component includes a tubular structure, and a plurality of discrete projections extending from a surface of the tubular structure. Each projection includes a molded stem of resin integral with the surface from which the projection extends, and a loop-engageable head formed at a distal end of the stem to overhang the surface. A majority of the projections are directed away from a common, open longitudinal end of the tubular structure to allow longitudinal overlap of the fastener component with a complementary loop-carrying member received from the longitudinal end, but to resist subsequent removal of the loop-carrying member toward the longitudinal end due to engagement of the projections.

Abstract: In a vibration welding structure for fixing an attachment to an instrument panel (12), a first projection (70) resiliently deformable in a predetermined vibrating direction is provided on the instruction panel (12) so as to project from the instrument panel (12) toward an air conditioner duct (15). A first fitting groove portion (72) is formed in the air conditioner duct (15) for fitting engagement with a distal end portion (70a) of the first projection (70). Further, a first positioning mechanism (74) is provided between the instrument panel (12) and the air conditioner duct (15) for positioning the air conditioner duct 15 in a direction perpendicular to the vibrating direction.

Abstract: A photosensitive material is coated on an insulating material (13) stacked on a substrate (1) (FIG. 16A), and exposed and developed using a mask having a light-shielding film capable of controlling a light transmittance from 100% to 0% annularly and continuously to form a spiral photosensitive material (FIG. 16B). After conducting treatment at a high temperature, the insulating material under the photosensitive material is spirally formed by etching (FIG. 16C). A metal (12) is stacked on the substrate (FIG. 16D), and a photosensitive material is coated (FIG. 16E). The photosensitive material is exposed and developed using a mask having an annular light-shielding film with a light transmittance of 0% to leave the photosensitive material covering only the metal on the base of the spiral structure (FIG. 16F). After treatment at a high temperature is conducted and the metal exposed is etched (FIG. 16G), the photosensitive material is removed (FIG. 16H).

Abstract: A carpet tape construction 10 designed for use on top of a layer of padding 100 and beneath the abutting edges of two segments of carpet 200 which form a seam 203 to prevent the peaking of the seam 203 in a finished carpet installation. The tape construction 10 includes a tape backing member 30 having a coating 50, hot melt adhesive provided on surface top 31 and a heat activated contact adhesive 60 on the bottom 32 surface of the backing member 30 so that the hot melt adhesives 50, an the heat activated contact adhesive 60 will penetrate and bond the carpet segments 200, 200 and the padding 100 to the backing member 30.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric formed of a woven fabric strip. The fabric strip has a width less than a width of the papermaker's fabric, a main portion that is in the form of a multi-layer weave, and two lateral edges that are in the form of weaves having fewer layers than the main portion. The edges are formed such that when the fabric strip is wound around in a continuous spiral fashion to form a papermaker's fabric, the lateral edges overlap one another forming a spiral seam which has a number of layers equal to that of the main portion.

Abstract: Multipurpose fancy goods having a plurality of sheets connected to each other to form a polyhedron. The multipurpose fancy goods including a first regular square-shaped sheet, a second regular square-shaped sheet, a first regular triangle-shaped sheet, and a second regular triangle-shaped sheet each being made of a polypropylene foam sheet. Each of the first and second regular square-shaped sheets has four regular square-shaped sheet coupling parts each protruded outwardly from one side of each edge. Each of the first and second regular square-shaped sheets has four regular square-shaped sheet coupling through holes each formed around each corner. Each of the first and second regular triangle-shaped sheets has three regular triangle-shaped sheet coupling through holes each formed around each corner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer molded article comprising a thermoplastic resin substrate and at least two kinds of skin materials laminated on a surface of the substrate, the at least two kinds of skin materials including a pair of skin materials adjacent to each other wherein the pair of skin materials are folded toward the substrate to have folded edges which separate the substrate at least partly to define two portions, wherein the separated portions of the substrate are combined together via a plurality of ribs of the thermoplastic resin molded integrally with the substrate, the ribs enclosing therein a part of the folded edges of the pair of skin materials.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide an air bag door construction in which the air bag develops smoothly and securely, the skin can be easily produced with small man-hour, and which is excellent in the surface appearance. The skin 50 is formed by a mold 5 including an endless and annular wall 50 provided at a part of a molding surface to be inclined relative to the molding surface. A groove portion 35 of the skin 3 formed by the wall 50 is cut at a bottom portion thereof to separate the skin 3 into a general portion 30 and a door portion 31. The general portion 30 and the door portion 31 are relatively shifted to make both surfaces thereof flush with each other. When the surfaces of the general portion 30 and the door portion 31 are flush by the relative shift, gap between the general portion 30 and the door portion 31 can be narrowed, and gap appeared on the surface can also be narrowed.

Abstract: A method of forming a stitchless, adhesively bonded seam for a garment includes positioning an outside surface of a first sheet of fabric adjacent to an outside surface of a second sheet of fabric, and positioning a first strip of adhesive tape between the first and second sheets of fabric. A second strip of adhesive tape is positioned such that a first side is adjacent to a first portion of an inside surface of the second sheet of fabric, and the second sheet of fabric is folded such that a second portion of the inside surface of the second sheet of fabric overlaps a second side of the second strip of adhesive tape. The adhesively bonded seam is formed by applying energy to the first and second sheets of fabric and to the first and second strips of adhesive tape.

Abstract: A photocurable composition which can be produced and cured while utilizing two different polymerization modes, can be used for bonding over a sufficiently long time period, and has excellent peel strength. The composition comprises (A) a compound containing a polymerizable unsaturated bond and giving a homopolymer having a glass transition temperature of 0 to 100° C., (B) a compound which has an unsaturated bond and is copolymerizable with the compound (A), (C) a compound having at least one cationically polymerizable group per molecule, (D) a polymerization catalyst which upon irradiation with light initiates the polymerization of the compounds (A) and (B), and (E) a cationic polymerization catalyst which upon irradiation with light initiates the cationic polymerization of the compound (C) at the cationically polymerizable group(s).

Abstract: Single tubular woven or bifurcated prostheses are disclosed having varying diameters and tapered transitions. The prostheses comprise a seam along the tapered edges, thereby providing a substantially fluid-tight transition between sections or extents of the prostheses. The seam may be located at an edge where fabric of the prosthesis tapers from one diameter to a different diameter and/or at a point where the prosthesis splits such as a bifurcation. The seamed crotch may be used for tapered and non-tapered bifurcated grafts. The seam may be woven directly on a weaving loom or joined together after weaving is completed.

Abstract: A belt member is formed with a seam portion by overlapping and adhering both longitudinal end portions thereof to constitute an endless belt stretched and circulated by a rotative, first stretching member and a second stretching member. A length of the seam portion is no less than a length between a first point at which the endless belt is separated from one of the first stretching member and the second stretching member and a second point at which the endless belt is brought into contact with the other one of the first stretching member and the second stretching member.

Abstract: The use of a double sided adhesive tape for sealing and opening cartons or cartonlike packages, at least one of the two films of adhesive of the double sided adhesive tape being present applied in the lengthwise direction of the carrier material in the form of a strip which is present at least partially and which is narrower than the carrier material of the adhesive tape, the bonding of the adhesive tape between the two plies or flaps of the carton or of the cartonlike packages taking place in such a way that the part of the carrier material not covered by the film of adhesive is likewise situated between the two plies or flaps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are panelized wall systems and methods for their construction, wherein the wall systems have elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The walls are constructed with trough-edge building panels. The trough-edge building panels are preferably fiber cement. The front surface of each panel has a trough adjacent to an edge of the panel. Panels are fastened to a frame with the trough-edges adjacent to each other. A joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels such that the edges of the joint tape fall within the troughs of the adjacent panels. The wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish.

Abstract: A multi-sided bellows cover has panel sections formed of extruded plastic panels in which rigid wall sections are connected at the fold lines by flexible web sections. The web sections are integrally molded by extrusion with at least one adjacent wall section, and many serial wall sections alternating with web sections may be integrally co-extruded with one another. Intermittently, a bead of one of the flexible web sections of one of the panel sections is captured in a slot of one of the rigid wall sections of another panel section.

Abstract: Methods and material for securely wrapping items and providing protection against damage caused by the penetration of moisture or liquids. In particular, the methods and material of the present invention combine the advantages of multiple-material wrapping in a one-step wrapping process by joining the different wrapping segments at their edges to form a continuous wrapping material that can be utilized with existing wrapping technologies.

Abstract: Butt splicing tape comprising: a splicing portion, an attachment portion and a gripping portion, wherein said splicing portion comprises an elongated first backing member (10) having two faces and two longitudinal edges, a first adhesive layer (11?) on the first face of said first backing member (10), said first adhesive layer (11?) extending substantially along the first longitudinal edge of said first backing member (10) and optionally being covered by a first release liner (12), and a second adhesive layer (11?) on the first face of said first backing member (10), said second adhesive layer (11?) extending substantially along the second longitudinal edge of said first backing member (10) and being covered by a second release liner (13) having two faces and two longitudinal edges, the first face of said second releaser liner (13) being adjacent to second adhesive layer (11?); wherein said attachment portion (20, 21) is connected to said splicing portion, and includes a third adhesive layer (31) and is conne

Abstract: A process for forming an injection molded article including multiple appliques. The process generally includes the steps of: positioning in a mold a first applique including a edge; positioning in the mold a second applique including a terminating end; abutting the second terminating end against the edge in a non-overlapping, substantially perpendicular configuration; injection molding a thermoplastic resin around the appliques to form an article. Because the first and second appliques do not overlap, they will not separate from one another over the life of the injection molded article. Accordingly, multiple applique articles formed according to the process of the present invention maintain their structural integrity and are resistant to warping, peeling and/or separation of the appliques from one another.

Abstract: The application discloses a belt formed of first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet including, respectively, first and second pluralities of tabs spaced apart so as to define first and second pluralities of openings along corresponding first and second edges of the first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet, wherein the first plurality of tabs are joined to the second plurality of tabs so as to join the first edge to the second edge. Also disclosed is a method for forming a belt of a thermoplastic material, including forming angles on a first edge of a first portion of thermoplastic sheet and on a second edge of a second portion of thermoplastic sheet, forming first and second pluralities of openings, respectively, in the first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet, placing together the first and second edges such that they overlap, and joining the first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet together.

Abstract: A splicing tape (100) is provided having a base layer (10), an adhesive layer (20) on the top of the base layer (10), a first adhesive strip (30a) and a second adhesive strip (30b) on the bottom of the base layer (10), and a two lines of separating portions (50a and 50b) in the base layer (10). A splicing tape (100a) is also provided having a base layer (10a), a top adhesive (20a) on the top of the base layer (10) with detackified portions (14a and 15a), and a bottom adhesive (30c) on the bottom of the base layer (10a) with a detackified portion (23a), and first and second lines of separating portions (50a and 50b) in the base layer (10a). The line of separating portions (50a or 50b) can include perforations having a ratio of perforation length to space between perforations between a ratio of 4 to 6 and a ratio of 9 to 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative laminate layer and a core. The method is achieved by forming a decorative laminate of a predetermined size, placing the decorative laminate within a die cavity, injection molding the core within the die cavity while the decorative laminate remains within the die cavity to form a decorative laminate panel and releasing the formed decorative laminate panel from the die cavity. The invention further relates to a decorative laminate panel manufactured in accordance with the method defined above and a unitary edge profile member adapted for use in the fabrication of a compound injection molded decorative laminate panel.

Abstract: A sheet of material which is made two dimensional which includes portions that are removed that allows the sheet to be folded to create a three dimensional structure without the need for cutting and darting.

Abstract: A method is described for splicing together overlapping ends of first and second lengths of photographic film strips of common film strip width, comprising positioning a bonding element between an overlapping end of the first length of photographic film and a corresponding overlapped end of the second length of photographic film, and heating the bonding element to effect an adhesive bond between such film ends, wherein the bonding element comprises an induction heating receptive support and thermoplastic adhesive layers on each side of the support, and wherein the heating of the bonding element is performed by induction heating. The present invention allows for the preparation of photographic film splices, consisting of either homogeneous or dissimilar film bases, using a bonding element and induction heating to provide smooth yet strong splices. In particular, the invention enables successful splicing of acetate support (e.g., cellulose triacetate (CTA)) based films and polyester support (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to a prismatic, especially panel-formed thermal insulation element which is enveloped in a gas-tight foil and evacuated, whereby a stable core pre-formed from a porous material is completely enveloped in a single cut sheet of the gas-tight foil; as well as a manufacturing process for same comprising the following steps: a) Manufacture of a prismatic core corresponding to the desired form of the thermal insulation element from a porous material; b) Enveloping of the principal faces of this core with a single sheet of the gas-tight foil; c) At least partial welding together of the foil which is drawn tight around the core along the face of the core; d) Folding-in of the welded seam area of the foil against the face of the core; e) Stress-free folding-together of the areas of the cut sheet of gas-tight foil projecting beyond the core, covering and in flat contact with the end surface(s) of the core; f) Welding together of the folded-together areas of foil on at least on

Abstract: A process for splicing a first portion of absorbent material to a second portion of absorbent material to form a longer, continuous length of absorbent material suitable for uninterrupted sequential infeed to a processing machine. The process includes the steps of placing a trailing end of the first portion adjacent a leading end of the second portion and aligning the ends. A piece of splicing material is attached to the ends. The piece of splicing material has a fluid permeability at least about as great as a fluid permeability of the first portion of absorbent material and at least about as great as a fluid permeability of the second portion of absorbent material. In other aspects, the disclosure includes a spliced, continuous length of absorbent material, and a personal care absorbent article formed from the spliced absorbent material.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may comprise a material with a dual chemistry such that the tacky surface is tacky both when dry and when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Abstract: Inserts of metal in the plastic of a plastic structural element are coated with a coupling layer of fibre-reinforced plastic, which reduces the abrupt change in stiffness and/or coefficient of thermal expansion at the joining interfaces in the metal-plastic composite. By altering the volume fraction of fibres and/or by different orientation of the fibre layers within the coupling layers, a gradual change in the E-modulus and the thermal expansion coefficient are produced, as a result of which abrupt changes in these values at the composite interfaces can be avoided. The sudden change in stiffness between the plastic material and the metal inset also reduced by reducing the stiffness of the insert, which again is achieved by specific choice of shape. Preferred, in particular, is a finger-shaped fanning out of the insert in the plastic material.

Abstract: A panel for an airbag of an automobile is formed by integrally molding a cover body, which is made of a synthetic resin, with a main body, made of another synthetic resin. The panel includes a joint portion, joined with the cover body, and provided around an opening portion formed in the main body. The joint portion constitutes an overlapping portion in which an outer peripheral edge of the cover body is overlapped as being arranged on the inner side of an opening edge of the main body.

Abstract: A protective cover system (100) for inhibiting corrosion of a metallic object. The protective cover system includes a cover (101, 200, 600) for defining a microenvironment and a corrosion inhibitor source for releasing one or more corrosion inhibitors into the microenvironment. In one embodiment, cover 200 comprises an outer liquid-impermeable layer (204), an inner liquid-permeable layer (202), and a superabsorbent layer (206) located between the outer and inner layers. In another embodiment, cover 600 includes a water-vapor-permeable layer (602) and a porous support layer (606) for supporting the water-vapor-permeable layer. In both of these embodiments, one or more corrosion inhibitors may be incorporated into the cover in one or more of the corresponding above-mentioned layers or in a layer separate from these layers, or may be provided in a separate container that fluidly communicates the corrosion inhibitor(s) to the microenvironment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrics for paper making machines that are rendered contamination resistant and maintain good permeability as a result of a durable coating that lasts the entire life of the fabric. A fluoropolymer will render the fabric contamination resistant over the entire fabric lifetime.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and composition for providing a three dimensional welding rod. The welding rod essentially comprises a first layer which is substantially formed from a consolidated layer having pigmented particles and a second layer which is substantially formed from a consolidated layer of clear particle. The three dimensional welding rod includes three dimensional pigmented particles which appear to be dispersed about the clear particles and having an excess of clear upon forming the seam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile web, especially a textile-covered web for a paper-making machine, which, viewed from a transverse direction, is provided with several web sections (6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 27, 28) that extend parallel to one another in a lengthwise direction and are aligned adjacent to one another, with their lateral edges (9, 10, 11, 12, 21, 22, 29, 30) being attached to one another via fasteners (15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 33, 34). This textile web is characterized in that the adjacent lateral edges (10, 11, 21, 22, 29, 30) follow a meandering course with alternating projections (13, 23, 31) and recesses (14, 24, 32), and the web sections (6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 27, 28) are interlocked with one another via these projections (13, 23, 31) and recesses (14, 24, 32), and in that the fasteners (15, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 33, 34) connect the projections (13, 23, 31) to one another.

Abstract: Engineered tile panels incorporating a hard surface veneer formed from ceramic, glass, and stone layer affixed to the core or substrate which may be assembled gluelessly and which provide uniform grouting gaps upon assembly, is disclosed along with methods therefore.

Abstract: An arrangement which comprises: first and second panel-shaped pieces of flooring for joining together, said pieces resting on a sub-floor and having profiles along mutually meeting edge portions which, on the first piece, consist of a groove and a projection located thereunder, and on the second piece a tongue insertible in the groove, and also a recess accommodating the projection; wherein said projection, at its outer, free edge, is of greater thickness transversely of the plane of extent of the flooring piece than at its inner edge connected with remaining parts of the piece; and wherein the underside of the projection lies flush with the remainder of the underside of the flooring piece.

Abstract: The present invention thus provides a plastic part with a surface area of a semi-rigid sheet material such as metal, wood or wood-based paper product and a novel process where the sheet material edges are covered with a second plastic component that adheres both to the sheet material and to the first plastic material. A first plastic substrate component is prepared with an adhered sheet material surface area and then the edges of the sheet material are overlapped by a second molded-on, plastic edge-covering component. A preferred sheet material laminate structure is also provided with a backing layer that protects an interior adhesive layer. The second molded-on edge-covering component covers the sheet material edge to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface. This construction produces a more durable sheet material edge covering and eliminates the tendency of the sheet material to peel off the molded part during use.

Abstract: Edges, hems, patches and seams for woven fabric that has been treated for water repellency, and methods for making the same, are shown and described. In one particular embodiment of the invention, for example, a lapped seam between two pieces of water repellent fabric has an outer material at least partially overlapping an inner material, and a laminate strip positioned between the overlapping portions of the materials. The outer and inner materials, which are both oriented in the same direction, have an exterior layer of woven fabric that has been treated with water repellent and/or stain repellent chemicals, and an inner layer comprising a polymer membrane, such as polyurethane. The laminate strip has a bottom portion in contact with the outer layer of the inner material. The bottom portion has a low melt point, high flow rate adhesive system of one or more layers that penetrates and surrounds the fibers in the woven fiber of the outer layer of the inner piece of material.

Abstract: Compositions including a fabric layer with a water-insoluble polymer impregnated into the fabric layer to provide sheets are described. In particular, the sheet composites have a permeability to oxygen in the direction perpendicular to the sheet that is less than one-tenth the transmission rate for the fabric layer alone and less than one-fifth the transmission rate for the polymer alone without the fabric layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a substantially cylindrical tool from a substantially planar substrate, wherein the tooling has at least one patterned surface. The resulting tooling includes a patterned surface with a sufficiently strong weld that is capable of producing an article having a pattern surface that has a relatively narrow and preferably cosmetically pleasing seam line. Such articles include retroreflective sheeting, structured abrasive articles, adhesive articles suitable for use in personal care products, and the like.

Abstract: Method and material for wrapping items using a wrapping material made up of separate wrapping portion of a predetermined length. The wrapping portions are attached and released at their ends using a Z-lock system. The Z-lock system holds the wrapping portions together during manufacturing but can also easily release or separate the wrapping portions at a desired point in the wrapping process. The separating of the wrapping portions exposes an adhesive that is use to securely bond at least one wrapping portion to the item being wrapped at the end of a wrapping cycle.