Abstract: The electric isolator (1) is manufactured from a support (2) made of laminated material and a continuous band made of elastomeric material (3) wound in several contiguous successive turns around the support on an outer face (20) thereof so as to make an isolating coating in the form of a plurality of annular flanges (16, 17, 18). The continuous band is profiled so as to have, in section, a basis used as a contact surface with the support outer surface, an upper face provided with at least one flange extending transversally to the basis, a first and a second side surfaces which continue the basis by forming a certain angle therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of vibration welding of thermoplastic joints. Such welding is conducted by vibrating two fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts under pressure along their common interface to generate frictional heat to melt and fuse their surfaces together. Fibers from at least one surface penetrate both into the weld and into the other surface. As a result, the welded, fiber reinforced thermoplastic surfaces have increased tensile strength than heretofore achievable. Vibration welds of reinforced thermoplastic surfaces according to this invention achieve a maximum tensile strength as high as about 120% of a weld formed by the unreinforced surfaces of corresponding thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: The invention is a two-part adhesive comprising as a first part: A. a polyurethane prepolymer having reactive isocyanate moieties; and a second part B. a curative composition comprising a polyurea, comprising the reaction product of a polyamine and a polyisocyanate dispersed in a polyether polyol-based polyurethane prepolymer having reactive hydroxyl moieties, and optionally a plasticizer; ii) a compound having at least one oxazolidine moiety capable of reacting with an isocyanate under curing conditions; and iii) a catalyst capable of catalyzing the reaction of isocyanate and hydroxyl moieties in the presence of moisture. The adhesive of this invention provides reasonable drive away times for replacement glass it binds into automobiles. Such drive away times are preferably about 60 minutes and more preferably about 30 minutes from application of the adhesive. The adhesive of the invention also provides reasonable working times, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Abstract: A method for securing splices in uncured rubber articles prior to vulcanization and secured splices resulting therefrom. The method includes covering a splice and two ends of uncured rubber with syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene, adhering the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to the uncured rubber adjacent to the splice, and curing the rubber. The rubber compound to which the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is adhered does not have to contain syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. In addition, because the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is preferably melted into the rubber compound, there are no uniformity problems caused by the additional layer over the splice.

Abstract: Woven or non-woven fabric, in particular for the manufacture of prepregs especially for the manufacture of structural components in the aviation industry, manufactured of fibers, preferably carbon fibers having an elasticity modulus in excess of 80 000 N/mm.sup.2, preferably of 200 000 N/mm.sup.2 and a specific gravity of preferably 1,5 g/cm.sup.3, and not more than 2,1 g/cm.sup.3, wherein the fibers are composed of mono-filaments, and the fibers and therefore also the fabrics have been pressed flat, preferably calendered. In order to produce a woven or non-woven fabric which is mechanically particularly strong and yet can be manufactured economically, each fiber is composed of at least 2000, preferably 3000 individual mono-filaments (3K=200 tex=200 g/1000 m). The woven or non-woven fabric is preferably used for the manufacture of prepregs and henceforth for lightweight structural components especially for the aviation industry and in particular for overhead luggage compartments.

Abstract: A decorative window consists of thick transparent plastic resin layer laminated to a sheet of glass. The outer surface of resin layer includes decorative features, such as deeply contoured pictographic images and finely detailed textured surfaces. The decorative window is produced as replica of a glass master originally made using conventional grinding and surface finishing techniques. The master is then covered with a mixture of silicone, catalysts for curing the silicone, and a light oil to form a mold. After curing, the mold is removed from the glass master, inverted and a glass sheet, which has been prepared for the process by being coated with organosilane ester, is clamped thereto. The mold cavity is then filled with a mixture of a clear plastic resin, catalysts for curing the resin, and organosilane ester. After curing, the replicated decorative window is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A splice for a fabric reinforced conveyor belt comprising a fabric layer having mating ends cut as an arc of a circle having a radius whose length is greater than the width of the fabric. There is also provided a fabric reinforced conveyor belt comprising: a) a pulley cover; b) at least one layer of fabric reinforcement; and (c) a top cover, wherein the fabric layer has a splice as described immediately above.

Abstract: Improved insulating modular panels are manufactured to incorporate into each insulating modular panel at least one vacuum insulation panel. Vacuum insulation panels are conveyed seriatim toward a pultrusion die which ultimately produces the insulating modular panels as a continuous block. Joint spacings or gaps between adjacent vacuum insulation panels and sides of the vacuum panels are filled with foam or preformed filler material to form a substantially continuous inner core which has substantially continuous side edges. Reinforcement material is applied to the inner core. The reinforcement material can be impregnated with resin prior to its application to the inner core or resin may be injected into the pultrusion die. In either event, a continuous elongated block of insulating modular panels emerges from the pultrusion die. The continuous elongated block is severed at joint spacings or gaps between adjacent vacuum insulation panels to form insulating modular panels of desired sizes from the block.

Abstract: A tape covering for elongate substrates such as metal pipes is provided. At least one edge of the tape is chamfered. and in preferred embodiments the angle of the chamfer is no greater than 25.degree. especially no greater than 7.degree.. In other preferred embodiments the tape comprises a backing layer and an adhesive layer, both of which preferably include a chamfered edge, the chamfer preferably extending through both the backing layer and the adhesive layer. The tape is preferably heat recoverable, and the adhesive, if present, heat activatable. The tape may be installed according to a preferred method of the invention using induction heating, preferably at such high frequency that the ratio of the thickness of the substrate to the skin depth is at least 25:1.

Abstract: A process including providing a flexible substantially rectangular sheet having a first major exterior surface opposite and parallel to a second major exterior surface, removing or displacing material from the first major exterior surface adjacent and parallel to a first edge of the sheet to form a new first surface having an elongated, curvilinear "S" shaped profile when viewed in a direction parallel to the first edge, overlapping the new first surface and a second surface adjacent a second edge of the sheet whereby the first new surface contacts the second surface to form a mated surface region, the second surface being adjacent to or part of the second major exterior surface to form the sheet into a loop, the second edge being at an end of the sheet opposite from the first edge, and permanently joining the new first surface to the second surface into a seam to form a seamed belt of this invention.

Abstract: A plastic profiled strip (10) is provided for producing helically wound tubes or pipes, the strip (10) having female and male joint formations (13, 14) extending along opposite longitudinal margins thereof and arranged so that upon spirally winding the strip into a tubular form, the joint formations (13, 14) can be interlocked to thereby lock adjacent windings of the strip together, the male joint formation (14) comprising a hinged flap (15) which is flexibly connected to the strip (10) for hinging movement between a disengaged or unlocked position displaced from the plane of the strip (10) and a locking position wherein it interlocks with the female joint formation (13) of an adjacent winding of the strip (10).

Abstract: A method and structure are provided for joining structural wood members. A plurality of slits is formed in the end portions of members to be joined, and the end portions are brought into proximity with slits in alignment. The members are temporarily fixed in the desired orientation and adhesive is applied into the slits. Connecting plates are coated with the adhesive, inserted into the aligned slits and the adhesive is hardened.

Abstract: An injection molded trim strip and a method for its formation are provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing an elongate, polymeric strip having an upper surface, a lower surface which is spaced from the upper surface and first and second ends; removing material from the polymeric strip inwardly from at least one of the first and second ends so as to create a modified strip; and injection molding with a polymeric material to fill at least a portion of an area formerly occupied by the removed material to create a trim strip having an intermediate surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces formed from the injected polymeric material.

Abstract: An appliqu e adapted to be adhered for decorative purposes to a planar surface on a layer of transparent material (e.g., of glass or plastic). The appliqu e comprises a layer of polymeric material which is transparent and free of visible inclusions. The front surface of that layer includes a planar central portion having a decorative surface texture (e.g., the surface texture of rippled glass, hammered glass, moss glass, Flemish glass, glue chip glass, or baroque glass), and beveled surface portions around that textured surface portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is laminate flooring and other articles with tongues and grooves for joining sections of the flooring or articles and a method of making the tongue and groove joints. The lower surfaces of the tongues and grooves are indexing surfaces for aligning the wear surfaces of the flooring sections. The tongues and grooves are made such that when the tongue is fully inserted into the groove, a continuous space is formed between the upper surface of the tongue and groove. The grooved edges are cut at an acute angle to the surface. This provides a space between the upper surfaces of the tongue and groove and between the edge surfaces above the tongues and grooves toward the wear surfaces of the flooring sections. Glue in the joint, upon curing, resists penetration of moisture and increases the strength of the joint.

Abstract: An instrument trim panel (12) includes a shell (14) made from a flexible plastic material. A textured section (18) is circumscribed by a simulated seam (20). A closed cell plastic block (28) is press fitted behind the textured section. An air pocket (26) is interposed between the block and textured section. A rigid substrate (22) is molded and cured behind the shell (14) and block (28). The air pocket allows the textured section to be deformed to simulate the appearance and feel of a leather applique.

Abstract: A panel or slab construction includes a fiber core glued between two facing sheets of thin metal and having edges of the core spaced inwardly of the slab from the associated edges of the metal facing sheets thereby defining a recess. A decorative molding member having a predetermined shaped edge extends into the recess and is fixed to the edges of the metal sheets thereby concealing the adjacent edges of the core. At least one side of the molding is stepped approximately the thickness of the metal sheet such that the sheet overlies the molding with its exposed surface forming a flush transition with the surface of the shaped molding edge. A seamless veneer may thereby be formed and fixed to the steel facing sheet and associated molding as a single piece to finish the panel in a manner simulating the appearance of a solid slab.

Abstract: A breakaway board for practicing chops and kicks in karate and other martial arts improves upon the prior an by increasing control over the board by the board holder. The paired mortise- and-tenon interlock between the two breakaway halves is modified by including a detent in one or more of the pairs between mortise and tenon such that the two halves definitively snap into place when they are reassembled so that the person holding the board can be assured that the two halves are fully together. Additional protection for the board holder is provided by an improved palm pad to prevent bruising after repeated strikes, and to accommodate board holding handles, the front faces of the two halves are grooved at the top and bottom edges to provide a positive seat for the resilient cord characteristic of these board holders.

Abstract: A method of resawing elongated radially sawn segments of timber so that bsawn boards are produced. Said wedges are sawn with the desired angle between the radial faces and are resawn so that the growth rings of the tree are basically parallel to the broad backsawn faces. The flared radial edges of the boards indicate the growth ring orientation and therefore the cupping tendency and the direction of bow. This enables a greater degree of consistency in the manufacturing process over conventional methods. Said backsawn boards can be used individually as conventional boards with the mentioned advantages or can be laminated together to make a range of laminates that balance or use the bowing and cupping tendency of backsawn timber.

Abstract: A duct for transporting air within an air handling system. The inventive device includes a plurality of panels coupled together to form a hollow duct. The panels are sealed along interior surfaces thereof by coextensive foil webs. The panels can be formed from a single blank and subsequently folded into an operative orientation for use in a heating and air conditioning installation.

Abstract: Improved insulating modular panels are manufactured to incorporate into each insulating modular panel at least one vacuum insulation panel. Vacuum insulation panels are conveyed seriatim toward a pultrusion die which ultimately produces the insulating modular panels as a continuous block. Joint spacings or gaps between adjacent vacuum insulation panels and sides of the vacuum panels are filled with foam or preformed filler material to form a substantially continuous inner core which has substantially continuous side edges. Reinforcement material is applied to the inner core. The reinforcement material can be impregnated with resin prior to its application to the inner core or resin may be injected into the pultrusion die. In either event, a continuous elongated block of insulating modular panels emerges from the pultrusion die. The continuous elongated block is severed at joint spacings or gaps between adjacent vacuum insulation panels to form insulating modular panels of desired sizes from the block.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new masking tape with tool guide for facilitating application of joint compound to wall joints and edges formed by drywall panels used to construct interior building walls. The masking tape with tool guide comprises an elongated strip of flexible tape having pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on one side thereof whereby the paper strip may be adhered to a drywall panel adjacent a joint to be finished with joint compound. The tape is divided centrally longitudinally into a first half and a second half with release paper covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the first half and a straightedge member fixedly adhered to the second half of the paper strip by the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The straightedge member comprises an elongated strip of flexible solvent-resistant plastic having an integral longitudinal lip formed along one edge thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum insulator casing for thermal insulating between inside and outside of the casing. The vacuum insulator casing has an inner casing constructed at least two planer sections and a corner section located between the planer sections and an outer casing having a similar shape to the inner casing, which covers the inner casing having a space between them. The space the inner and outer casings is filled with a plurality of vacuum insulator panels and other insulator material. Each vacuum insulator panel has a gas tight outer package from which air has been evacuated and a low thermal conductivity material filled in the package. The vacuum insulator panels are sandwiched between the inner and outer casings so as to touch both casings.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer and fabric sheet composite has been developed that can provide large surface area coverage. The fabric is backed by a polymer sheet with a strip along the edge not backed by the fabric. This strip of polymer can be used to attach to another sheet of polymer and fabric composite by sealing the polymer edge of the first sheet to the polymer layer of the second sheet.

Abstract: A method of joining adjacent, non-coplanar, fiber reinforced composite structures includes machining a plurality of serrations (4) into an edge (6) of a consolidated first fiber reinforced composite structure (2) such that reinforcing fibers continue from a main body (14) of the first fiber reinforced composite structure (2) into the serrations (4). One or more reinforcing fiber plies (16) are then laid up around the serrations (4) to form an unconsolidated second structure such that the serrations (4) protrude through at least one reinforcing fiber ply (16). In addition to the one or more reinforcing fiber plies (16), the unconsolidated second structure also includes a matrix precursor. Sufficient heat and pressure are applied to the unconsolidated second structure and the serrations (4) to consolidate the second structure into a fiber reinforced composite structure (8).

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: A corner structure of a resinous molded part includes a base portion and a pair of lever portions which are formed integrally with the base portion. The molded part is provided with cut-outs which are arranged at corners where the base portion intersects the lever portions. A thickness of a portion outside the recess is established to be larger than a thickness of another portion inside the cut-out. With the establishment of the thickness, the amount of the inward inclination of the lever portions derived from the differential shrinkage can be reduced since they are pulled outwardly due to the increased thickness of the outside portion, when the part is cooled.

Abstract: A device making it possible to install tiles or any other decorative design in the form of a panel, particularly on walls or floors, wherein these decorative designs are laid down and adhere by adhesive prebonding on a mesh consisting of a trellis of filaments, the said panels are formed of two parts, an external polygon consisting of mosaics arranged in rigorously defined positions which determine the manner in which the panels fit together, and a random arrangement inside the said polygon or frame with a density of mosaics or stones such that they do not touch and do not form any alignment, the juxtaposition of the said panels formed in this way provides a final appearance devoid of connection joint lines.

Abstract: A composite weatherboard having a timber member and a metal exterior sheath. The sheath is extruded with longitudinal projections which are fitted and pressed into permanent engagement with corresponding grooves or tongues provided in the timber member thereby obviating the need to use an adhesive or other fastener.

Abstract: A belt construction having a reinforcement layer and at least one cover layer incorporating a layer of mock leno fabric having a tensile strength of at least 2800 kN/m width.

Abstract: A cooler wall panel has a foam polymer core that has a thermosetting polymer skin adhered directly to the core.

Abstract: A theft and vandalism resistant resilient surfacing system having resilient mats molded with recesses in their upper sides extending part way through the mats adjacent the edges and corners. Connector plates extend beneath the juxtaposed edges of adjacent mats and have posts extending upwardly through narrow openings in the bottom portions of the recesses. Means are provided for abutting on the upper sides of the bottom portions and retaining the upper ends of the posts. Preferably, the posts have stiffly resiliently deformable arrowhead formations on their upper ends which snap couple with the openings in the bottom portions.

Abstract: A felt for use in a papermaking machine consists of a textile base fabric and a batt layer for supporting the paper web. A flow control layer is interposed between the base layer and the batt layer, to prevent rewetting of the paper web upon the paper web exiting the press nip of the paper making machine. The flow control layer is formed of a porous hydrophobic material. Pressure exerted by the press nip forces water from the paper through the upper batt layer and the flow control layer into the base layer. When such pressure is relieved, the hydrophobicity of the flow control layer prevents backflow of water to the upper batt layer and the paper web, to prevent rewetting of the web. The flow control layer is preferably formed of a spunbonded filamentary nylon material treated with a hydrophobic chemical composition, which maintains its integrity during the needling process in which the batt layer and the base layer are secured together.

Abstract: The plate-shaped component (1) has a sealing (2) surrounding its side faces (2a) and is easily exchangeable. The surrounding sealing (2) is an integral part of component (1) and has varying thicknesses along its length. This allows compensating for dimensional variations of the plate-shaped component (1) by suitable production processes, such as casting or spraying, and keeping the fixed external dimensions of the component (1) surrounded by sealing (2). An overhanging area (3), positioned on component (1) and surrounded by sealing material, serves as a stop and permits component (1) to be flush-mounted in a housing (7) from the inside. A wedge-shaped elevation (4) of sealing material, which acts as a pinch or fold and is positioned in the overhanging area (3), improves the flush mounting still further. For outdoor installation, the plate-shaped component (1) may be additionally provided with heating as well as temperature measuring means (5, 8).

Abstract: A synthetic microfiber blanket having a uniform thickness is formed from a nonuniform blanket having thin or feathered lateral edges. The nonuniform blanket is cut transversely into a plurality of discrete pieces of blanket of uniform length. The plurality of discrete pieces of blanket are arranged with the thin lateral edges in overlapping relationship to form a blanket of a desired width and thickness. The overlapped, discrete pieces of blanket are then joined into an integral blanket of uniform width and thickness by entangling together fibers of adjacent pieces of blanket. A scrim backing can be incorporated into the blanket for added strength and dimensional stability.

Abstract: An expandable aqueous coating composition includes a polymeric binder including latex particles wherein the latex particles include a copolymer having a glass transition temperature of about -20.degree. C. to about +60.degree. C. and a weight average molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 500,000 and including expandable particles having a liquid blowing agent contained within a thermoplastic shell.

Abstract: An edge treatment for solid surfacing is provided which is attachable to a cantilevered margin (60) of the solid surfacing (50). The edge treatment may have a curved contour on a top (12) for finishing the cantilevered margin (60) of the solid surfacing (50). Angles in the cantilevered margin (60) are covered with corner edge treatments (10) having an inner cylindrical surface (16) and an outer cylindrical surface (18). A groove (20) is carved into the corner edge treatment (10) on a side thereof adjacent the cantilevered margin (60). The cantilevered margin (60) is provided with a tongue (62) having a complemental cross-section to that of the groove (20). The corner edge treatment (10) connects to the tongue (62) of the cantilevered margin (60) with adhesive interposed therebetween to form a secure and easily assembled edge for the solid surfacing (50).

Abstract: A closing element for rooms, such as buildings, containers, superstructures of vehicles or the like, which can be rolled up and covers a two-dimensional area. The closing element is of a flexible material which can be rolled up and is reinforced transversely of its rolling direction by bending-resistant reinforcement layers which increase the transverse stiffness and which are embedded on both sides of a core zone within the closing element. At least the core zone of the closing element is of a shifting-resistant material of middle-soft formulation of approximately 70-85 shore A, and/or textile and/or metal flakes or fibers are mixed into the material of the core zone.

Abstract: A trim strip for attachment to a substrate such as a vehicle includes a metallic core member and a one-piece outer layer which includes injection molded plastic inserts. In addition, a method of making the trim strip includes the steps of bonding an outer layer to the core member wherein the outer layer extends beyond the longitudinal ends of the core member, injection molding plastic inserts which bond to the outer layer, and forming the outer layer over the ends of the core member, thereby forming end caps over the metallic core.

Abstract: An all-composite article comprising two composite parts pivotally joined by a composite hinge which is fabricated integrally therewith. The method of making such an all-composite article.

Abstract: A means and method for encapsulating a mechanically spliced belt, used in agricultural machinery, are disclosed. The encapsulating material protects the mechanical splice from exposure to environmental and operational conditions. The encapsulating material increases the cross-sectional modulus of the mechanical splice while maintaining geometric integrity of the fastening system, thereby increasing the operational life of the spliced belt.

Abstract: A two ply laminated structural material is made from used vehicle tires, such as steel belted radial automobile tires. Each ply consists of a plurality of individual tread bearing tire belts joined end to end. The individual belts are made from tires by removing the tire sidewalls and transversely cutting the annular remainder. The individual belts are joined so as to provide a continuous structural belt capable of carrying a load in tension. By bonding two such belts together thread to thread using adhesive or vulcanization, a structural material is obtained having sufficient stiffness and strength to be used in the manufacture of a variety of rubber products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bevelling interior angles of sheets of coloured or non-coloured plain glass, plate glass or flattened glass, is disclosed. The vertex of the interior angles is bevelled, with assigned rake and bevel angles of the rotary tool, by moving the tool parallel to the bisector of said angle, first on one side and then on the other side of the bisector, with the active part of the tool substantially tangential to the bisector. The apparatus comprises at least one rotary tool such as a grinding wheel, drive means for rotating the tool, a first member for supporting the tool and a rotary assembly or the like to enable them to be moved angularly within a first vertical plane about a diameter of the tool. A second member supports the first member in such a manner as to enable them to be moved angularly within a second vertical plane perpendicular to the first vertical plane.

Abstract: A synthetic wood board comprised of an extrusion of plastics material having opposed elongated top and bottom flat parallel walls spaced apart by transverse walls. A wood grain simulation pattern is formed in at least one of the top or bottom surfaces of the board. Two of the transverse walls are end walls, and each have integrally formed elongated connectors which interconnect with connectors of an adjacent one of the synthetic wood boards. A central fastener receiving channel extends longitudinally in the top and bottom walls and aligned back to back. A transverse wall is provided on each side of the fastener receiving panel. The fastener receiving channel of at least the top wall is provided with a cover strip which is removably connectable across a top opening thereof to conceal fastener heads of fasteners secured therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for splicing webs of pressure sensitive laminate material. When webs of pressure sensitive laminates are spliced by conventional methods and wound into rolls, the resultant splices must be located and removed when the roll is later converted into pressure sensitive products. The novel splice is achieved by eliminating the top tape used in a conventional splice and overlapping a face sheet of one laminate web over the other laminate web to join the webs. For many processes, this novel splice is printable and does not have to be edited out, and it is at least as strong as those made with tapes. Also disclosed is a novel spliced pressure sensitive laminate.

Abstract: A novel joint for connecting a closed composite adherend utilizes complementary scarf surfaces on the adherends and then bonds the adherends together. The angle of the scarf is determined by the materials used and the expected loads. Preferably, constant stiffness is achieved through the joint. In alternative embodiments, lap joint areas are included to create localized stress free zones. A method of creating the scarf surfaces utilizes a wrapping technique in which the edges of a lamina of composite material are prepared so as to provide a desired edge termination which permits each layer to be bonded to the adjacent adherend.

Abstract: A mat structure and method of matting is disclosed, wherein a front mat is formed having a first opening. A second mat is formed having an opening smaller than the first opening in the front mat. A well mat is formed having an opening corresponding to the outer dimensions of the second mat and corresponding to the dimensions of a picture to be matted. A backing member is also provided. In a first configuration, the well mat is secured to the backing member. In a second configuration, the well mat is secured to the back of the front mat. In either configuration, a picture is positioned within the opening in the well mat so that, when the second mat is positioned in the well over the picture, the picture is secured in place by the second mat either opposing the backing member (in the first configuration) or opposing the back of the front mat (in the second configuration). The resulting structure comprising the front mat, second mat, well mat, picture, and backing member may then be framed.

Abstract: A seamed flexible imaging member and a method of constructing a flexible imaging sheet is disclosed. The method of constructing a flexible imaging sheet comprises the steps of overlapping and forming. In the step of overlapping, a first marginal end region and a second marginal end region of the sheet are overlapped. In the forming step, a substantially planar surface is formed, extending in a direction transverse to the sheet with one end of the planar surface being integral with the sheet adjacent one end of the sheet and the other end of the planar surface being integral with the sheet adjacent the other end of the sheet, for securing the first marginal end region and the second marginal end region to one another by a seam. The seamed flexible imaging member comprises a sheet having a first marginal end region and a second marginal end region.

Abstract: This invention is an fluid absorbing means wherein an integral grid of inverted, semi-conical projections or fingers with rounded upper ends is provided. This grid can be walked on while preventing oil or other liquids which are dripped, spilled or otherwise deposited thereon from coming into contact with the soles of the user's shoes. Openings are provided at the juncture of the inverted, semi-conical fingers so that the contaminating fluid can pass therethrough onto an absorbing mat disposed thereto. This absorbing mat can be formed from cotton fiber, polymer material, polyethylene sponge, cellulose fiber or other suitable material or a combination thereof. A housing means completely surrounds the grid and its underlying absorbing material and includes an integral bottom to contain the contaminating fluids should the absorbing material become saturated.

Abstract: A sandwich panel element comprises a core of fibrous material arranged between first and second parallel outer skins of generally planar sheet material. The core material consists of a plurality of elongate strips arranged in side-by-side and end-to-end abutting relationship. The strips are formed so that the fibers are in a direction generally transverse to the planes of the sheet material. The strips are individually shorter than the length or width of the panel element and the mutually abutting ends of the strips are staggered with respect to rows of adjacent strips. The ends also may be chamfered at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the strips to allow the ends to overlap.