Abstract: A mat system is made up of multiple mat modules with interlocking features that allow for separate mat modules to be assembled into different patterns or shapes to cover larger areas as an area mat, define long pathways such as in hallways and customize the shape of the mat may be used to better fit the specific location. The mat modules are secured to each other to provide larger mat systems with a safer and better-looking transition. The mat modules are constructed such that there is a first connecting arrangement and a second connecting arrangement. When the mat modules are assembled, the first connecting arrangement on one mat module will assemble to the second connecting arrangement and an adjacent mat module to provide a secure and seamless connection between the mat modules. These connecting features can be integral to the mat modules or separate pieces.

Abstract: A method to secure an adjacent pair of turf members to a ground surface is provided. The method includes disposing a joint strip on the ground surface, disposing a first turf member on the joint strip, inserting a first set of primary fasteners through the first turf member, joint strip and ground surface, inserting a first set of secondary fasteners through the first turf member, joint strip and ground surface, disposing a second turf member on the joint strip to permit a side edge of the second turf member to align with the side edge of the first turf member along a seam line, inserting a second set of primary fasteners through the second turf member, joint strip and ground surface, and inserting a second set of secondary fasteners through the second turf member, joint strip and ground surface.

Abstract: A method for seaming artificial turf at its edges is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a tape having a lower surface resting on a support surface, an upper surface underlying the edges of the artificial turf, and a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the upper surface of the tape. After application of heat sufficient to soften the hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, the layer of hot melt adhesive is bonded to the lower surface of the edges of the turf to the tape while the adhesive extends into valleys of the underside of the turf. Also provided is a heating cart for heating the adhesive and a method of using the heating cart to heat the adhesive.

Abstract: A composite part includes a sub-material having a compression hardness of up to 50 kPa with a compression of 40% and a recess formed in the sub-material. A first skin and a second skin are connected at a seam that is disposed within the recess. A holding profile that includes a groove having side walls and a base and at least one wing is introduced into the recess.

Abstract: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports transition turf field having at least two strips with a plurality of fibrillated polypropylene strands tufted within a backing material. The strands are tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, and stitch patterns depending upon end use. The backing material consists of at least two layers of a woven material, with the bottommost one coated with a secondary coating used to contain the ends of the plurality of strands. The strips are placed onto a shock layer and coupled together using a hook and loop fastening system. The field is covered with an infill preferably consisting of resilient particles. The field is easily installed and removed and is ideal for use in indoor, multiuse sports and entertainment facilities that require a multitude of different flooring surfaces.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods fabricating devices having nanostructures that allow adhesion or growth of one cell type, such as endothelial cells, more than another cell type, such as smooth muscle cells. In particular, stent covers having such nanostructures are described, and methods for fabricating these stent covers. Also described herein are methods for optimizing the nanostructures forming the devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial turf runway surface suitable for supporting take off, landing and taxiing of aircraft. The turf system cures many of problems and pitfalls associated with natural sand or grass systems, such as rutting, bare spots, erosion, unevenness, standing water as well as other problems associated with natural grass airstrips. The synthetic surface also removes nesting materials and food and thereby dissuades birds and other animals from landing and congregating thereon. The system includes a synthetic covering, such as an artificial turf covering, one or more sheeting or flow through membranes, a compacted rock base suitable for supporting the aircraft when landing, tacking off and taxiing.

Abstract: A reinforced seam/inlay and method for forming such seam/inlay to join pieces of synthetic turf material together are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method of joining fiber composite laminates is disclosed. Two fiber composite laminates may be joined together end-to-end. The bonding is done through the thickness of the fiber composite laminates. There are two ways to form the bond: (1) non-interlocking; and (2) interlocking.

Abstract: To provide carpet tiles that can be installed more easily and quickly the inventive carpet tiles (1) comprise: a support plate (2); a carpet material (3) on said support plate 2; a first mechanical locking element (4) extending along a first joint edge (8a) of said carpet tile (1); and a second complementary mechanical locking element (5) extending along a second joint edge (8b) of said carpet tile (1).

Abstract: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports field having at least one strip having a plurality of fibrillated polypropylene strands tufted within a multilayer backing material. The strands are tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, and stitch patterns depending upon end use. The multiplayer backing material has a top mesh polypropylene layer at least three layers of a backing material coated with a secondary coating used to contain the ends of the plurality of strands. The strips are placed onto a fine aggregate layer placed over a coarse aggregate layer and a geotextile fabric. The geotextile fabric is placed onto a compacted and leveled subgrade. A ground rubber infill, with or without sand particles and diatomaceous earth, is introduced onto the strips. In alternative arrangements, a series of perforated drains and drain tiles may be introduced to the coarse aggregate layer to promote drainage.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

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: A pre-defined trim line within a carpet between a usable portion of carpet and a trim edge. The trim line may be formed by avoiding the tufting of yarn or by the removal of a tufting of yarn along a row. In one aspect of an embodiment of the invention, the pre-defined trim line provides an identifier of where to cut a patterned carpet to provide a high quality seam. Another aspect of an embodiment of the invention provides a gap for installers to easily cut between rows of yarn without unintended cross-cuts and also speeds the installation.

Abstract: A joined structure of a metal terminal and a ceramic member has a joining layer between the terminal and the ceramic member. The joining layer has a metal adhesive layer containing at least indium metal. The invention further provides a joined structure of a metal member and a ceramic member. The metal member has a tip face and a side face. A hollow is formed in the ceramic member. A joining layer is formed between a bottom surface facing the hollow and the tip face of the member, and further formed between a side wall surface facing the hollow and the side face of the member. The joining layer has a metal adhesive layer containing at least indium metal.

Abstract: A re-configurable floor covering and method of assembly that includes modular units that may be easily assembled in a variety of designs and that may be easily disassembled. This modular design provides flexibility in use and maintenance, as well as in removal and re-use. The modular units may be assembled so that adjacent units are linked.

Abstract: An artificial turf playing surface utilizes hot-melt adhesive for fastening artificial turf layers to a fiber-reinforced tape, for fastening rubber particle cushion layers to a fabric tape, and for fastening the parts of mated-surface, interlocking fasteners respectively to artificial turf layers and to rubber particle cushions. The adhesive is a low-melting, polyamide adhesive, which can adhere firmly to a resin backing of a turf layer, and to a rubber-particle cushion.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is performed by providing a glass sheet having first and second opposite surfaces merging with each other along a peripheral ground angled surface setting-off with the glass sheet first surface an included angle substantially greater than normal. The glass sheet is placed in a mold having opposing cavity portions which collectively define a cavity including a peripheral edge cavity portion defined in part by a cavity defining surface which lies in the plane of the glass sheet first surface when the mold is closed. The mold is then closed such that the cavity defining surface and the glass sheet round angled surface set-off and angled complementary to the included angle and with the glass sheet per surface abutting the cavity defining surface inboard of the glass sheet ground angled surface.

Abstract: An interior component for a motor vehicle has a first front surface region made from a first polyurethane, and a second front surface region integrated with the first region and made from a material different from the first polyurethane. For example, the second region may be carpeting or a region of polyurethane having a different color from the first region. In one embodiment, the interior component is a floor for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An endless papermaking press felt comprises a base and a batt layer intertwiningly integrated with the base. The batt layer comprises a wet paper web side layer and a machine side layer formed on an outer surface and inner surface of a base respectively, The base is manufactured from belt-shaped partial base bodies, which are connected to one another in side-by-side relationship. The press felt can be manufactured easily and at reduced cost.

Abstract: Seam strips are provided in a textile covering for a floor, wall or ceiling which are exposed and afford an aesthetic surface treatment. The seam strips comprise inverted T-shaped strips with an upstanding web terminating in a margin short of the pile height and a pair of flanges projecting laterally from each of the lower opposite sides of the web. The flanges have holes for securing, by way of screws or nails, the strips to the underlying floor, wall or ceiling. The adjacent edges of the textile covering are secured to the upper surfaces of the flanges. The textile coverings preferably have the backstitches of tufts and portions of the primary backing forming an exposed surface which, together with the exposed margin of the strips, form an aesthetically pleasing surface treatment.

Abstract: In an arrangement for jointing together adjacent pieces (1, 2) of floor covering material, mutually facing edge portions of the pieces (1, 2) in a joint are profiled such that the one piece (1) has a groove-shaped accommodation space (5) in which a corresponding bead-shaped projection (6) on the other piece (2) may be accommodated. The one piece has a flocking (9) which is disposed for holding together adjacent pieces. The profiling has, besides the accommodation space (5) and the projection (6), mutually facing surfaces (7, 8) on both pieces (1, 2, respectively), at least one of these surfaces being flocked (9). The flocking (9) or flockings (9) are located outside the defining surfaces of the accommodation space (5) and the projection (6).

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: This application discloses an anchor sheet and method of installation comprising a laminate with an upper layer of relatively thin, flexible rigid sheet material having on its upper layer a plurality of hooks and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material attached to the upper layer, the laminate having sufficient rigidity, thickness, and mass that when combined with an overlying decorative covering, it is stable against buckling. The bottom layer is dimensioned such that there is an overlap area of lower layer along two adjacent edges of the lower layer for detachable attachment of an overlapping portion.

Abstract: A floor covering has a plurality of extruded rigid rails that are placed side-by-side, and are held together with flexible junction members that fit into bottom opening slots in adjacent rails. Each rail also has a guide for receiving tread inserts, as shown, strips of carpeting, on an upper side thereof. The tread inserts are slid into place longitudinally under overhanging shoulders. An end cap is placed on each end of each rail for preventing the junction members and the tread inserts from moving longitudinally to keep the rails and the tread inserts in an assembly.

Abstract: An anchor sheet subfloor that includes a laminate having an upper layer of relatively thin flexible rigid sheet material and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material. The upper sheet layer can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. In one arrangement, the sheet can be cut and fit within the boundaries of a room and the sheet has sufficient rigidity and mass to remain without distortion or buckling within the room by free floating on the existing floor without substantial attachment to the floor. It can be possible for a sheet to be cut and fit on site to fit the contours of a room to form by itself or in combination with other anchor sheets a free floating smooth subfloor on which can be overlaid decorative covering pieces.

Abstract: A method for attaching fabric to a structural part. The structural part is at least partially surrounded by fabric at least on one side. The structural part, which is provided with holes, is surrounded by the fabric at least in the region of the holes on both hole-opening sides. Fabric pieces on one side are inserted through the holes and are connected to the fabric of the other side in the region of the hole openings by bonding or welding.

Abstract: An anchor sheet subfloor that includes a laminate having an upper layer of relatively thin flexible rigid sheet material and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material. The upper sheet layer can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. In one arrangement, the sheet can be cut and fit within the boundaries of a room and the sheet has sufficient rigidity and mass to remain without distortion or buckling within the room by free floating on the existing floor without substantial attachment to the floor. It can be possible for a sheet to be cut and fit on site to fit the contours of a room to form by itself or in combination wit other anchor sheets a free floating smooth subfloor on which can be overlaid decorative covering pieces.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of floor laying and underlay and surface material for this. According to the invention a coating of fiber flock on the underlay as well as on the underside of the floor surface material is utilized. Hereby is achieved partly that the need of glueing of floor material is eliminated and partly to provide a floor underlay that gives smoothing out, noise suppression and insulation as well as a fixing underlay for various floor materials so that these can be laid in larger or smaller portions and remain on site but simply can be adjusted when required.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A sanitary apparatus is provided including a pair of mats each having a substantially planar configuration. Each mat defines a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed of side edges. The mats are hingably coupled for storage purposes.

Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

Abstract: A method for producing visco-elastic fluidic material flows by drawing a visco-elastic fluidic material with corresponding separate second fluid flows associated therewith to form a visco-elastic fiber vacillating in a repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern having a bowed portion with first and second side portions that first converge toward each other and then diverge outwardly in generally opposing directions. In one operation, the visco-elastic fiber vacillating in the repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern is an adhesive material deposited onto woven and non-woven fabric substrates and stretched elongated elastic strands in the manufacture of a variety of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles.

Abstract: Carpet tape for use with a carpet construction which uses a loop back and hook tape for installation. The tape includes a substrate having pressure sensitive adhesive on one of its surfaces and there are hooked areas on the same surface. The hooked areas are located on either side of the pressure sensitive adhesive for engagement of the loops of pieces of the carpet. The adhesive is located on an area of the substrate substantially free of hooks, and the hooked areas are spaced apart from each other, for adhesion to the underside of the carpet pieces along neighboring edges for formation of a seam between the carpet pieces.

Abstract: A novel carpet seaming method and tools for reducing or eliminating seam peaking and profiling is provided. The backing of abutting pieces of carpeting can be reinforced along their respective edges. A staple is supported on an anvil with its legs facing the carpet backing beneath the seam line while a hammer is driven onto the carpet pile and the underlying staple base. The impact of the hammer impales the carpet backing over the legs of the staple, and compresses the staple base against the anvil. The legs can then be forced towards each other to lock the staple in position. The process is repeated along the length of the seam line until a row of staples spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and extending from one end of a seam to the other end securely holds the abutting pieces of carpet together to form a seam. After seaming, the carpet may be stretched conventionally and secured to tack strips along the periphery of the area being carpeted.

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: An essentially homogeneous, water-resistant, water-absorbent rod, containing a cohesive spiral winding of water-resistant, water-absorbent sheet material, in which the rod can absorb at least 50% by weight of water when placed in water at 23.degree. C. for one minute. Methods for fabricating and using this rod are also described.

Abstract: A process for the application of tear resistant edge strip material to a rubber base sheet of a launderable dust control mat is provided. The process involves the in-line mating of first and second strips of carboxilated rubber to the longitudinal borders of a rubber sheet by means of a series of pressure rolls. The process permits separate rubber sheet and side strip materials to be joined in a continuous or semi-continuous operation immediately prior to assembly of a mat thereby enhancing material handling efficiencies. An apparatus for carrying out the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A floor covering for automotive vehicles includes a first surface area layer formed of tuft carpeting or other high quality, esthetically pleasing floor covering material and a second surface area layer formed of needlepunch floor covering or other durable and less costly material. The first and second surface layer portions are provided on a support mounted over a waterproof bottom surface sheet of polyethylene, or the like. One or both of the tuft carpet and needlepunch areas may be adhered to the support via a hot melt film layer. The densities of the materials selected for the layers are determined for durability and strength and may additionally absorb vehicle vibration and provide reduced noise in the vehicle cabin. To this effect, an additional base layer may be provided between the bottom surface layer and the hot melt layer which is formed of high density material for increasing passenger comfort and overall durability of the floor covering material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of installing wall to wall carpeting of a selected width over an underpad of a selected thickness by attaching hooked tapes of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the underpad along the perimeter of the area to be covered by the carpeting. The underside of the carpeting, which is substantially covered with loops, is then attached to the upper surface of the tapes through hook and loop technology. The hooked tape and the underpad are of substantially equal thickness so that the loops on the underside of the carpet will attach to the hooks on the upper surface of the tape. In a further aspect, the underpad has loops substantially covering its lower surface so that the underpad is attached to the floor by a second hooked tape of lower profile than the carpet tape which is used to attach the underpad to the floor.

Abstract: An entrance grating for office buildings is comprised of a series of closely spaced tread rail elements, forming the upper surface of the grating, and a plurality of support elements underneath the tread rail elements and tightly secured thereto at right angles. The tread rails are of extruded construction and include a hollow, tubular spine section for high strength and rigidity per unit of weight. The underlying support elements, also of extruded construction, are in the form of downwardly opening channel-shaped elements. High strength, expandable wall, blind fasteners are employed to secure the support elements to the tread rail elements at each of the crossing points to provide a strong, rigid assembly. The open bottoms of the channel-shaped supports may be closed by plastic pad strips providing resilient support and noise reduction.

Abstract: In the manufacture of vacuum insulation panels, it is necessary to prevent deformation and damage to the brazed seal-off provided to maintain internal vacuum. The invention provides seal-off port geometries which improve the integrity of the vacuum panel. Annular troughs are formed in the metal sheet around the seal-off port to provide improved strength and stability to the seal-off area and to permit movement to compensate for melt-back of the glass mat contained within the panel.

Abstract: A floor covering comprises a plurality of tread strips of substantially resilient material, each tread strip having a wear layer of a material which provides a fibrous tread surface, and a plurality of spacer strips of substantially rigid material arranged interposed between the tread strips whereby each successive pair of tread strips is spaced apart by an assembly of at least two, typically three of said spacer strips arranged to lie side-by-side with connecting means passing through aligned apertures in the strips.

Abstract: A carbide phase on a porous or impervious carbon substrate is provided by chemically reacting the substrate with a concentrated solution of a carbide forming element in compound dissolved in a suitable solvent. The carbon substrate is heated to a temperature at which the compound decomposes and chemically reacts with the carbon substrate to form the desired carbide phase.

Abstract: A floor mat including a plurality of rigid, elongated rails interconnected by flexible coupling members is provided. Each of the rails include a base portion supporting a tread surface and a pair of parallel side members connected to the sides of the base portion. Each of the side members defines a passageway. The coupling members are flexible, resilient, and each including a web with longitudinal side margins. Each web has connected to each side margin an arrangement for engaging the passageway of a side member. When the floor mat is disposed on a flat, horizontal floor, the web is at bottommost position in the floor mat.

Abstract: A reinforced composite backing tape for securing adjoining straight edges of textile sheets, and particularly, but not exclusive, for interconnecting abutting edges of carpet pieces. The backing tape comprises an elongated reinforced backing sheet having opposed elongated parallel edges. A plurality of spaced apart, transversely disposed, rigid stabilizing bars are immovably retained over a top surface of the backing sheet. The bars are formed from a material capable of providing resistance to bending forces to provide resistance against the tape folding along an elongated seam defined along the abutting edges of the carpet pieces connected thereto to prevent carpet peaking along the abutting edges. A thermo-meltable adhesive material is disposed over the top surface of the tape and the bars to adhesively secure the tape to edge surface portions of backing material of the carpet pieces.

Abstract: A component in the form of a substrate (10) comprises spacing means (14) extending in a direction outwardly from a surface (11) of the substrate (10) which spaces the surface (11) and any substance (13), such as an adhesive, carried thereon from any other surface when located adjacent the component. The spacing means (14) has a nonadhesive contactable surface and is non-deformable in normal use of the component so as to inhibit contact between the said surface (11), or any substance (13) carried thereon, and the said other surface.

Abstract: A heat bond seaming tape has a base formed of a strip of paper or paper-like material. A strip of an open mesh material is adhered to the base strip and is disposed in substantially symmetrical, overlying relation thereto. A plurality of spaced, transversely disposed, rigid bracing members are sandwiched between the mesh strip and base strip or in the alternative are secured on top of the mesh strip. A thermoplastic adhesive overlies the open mesh strip and the bracing members for adhering the strip and bracing members to the backs of adjacent carpet edges, so that a seam defined by said adjacent carpet edges, will lie flat in response to the provision of said seam tape, due to the rigid bracing members extending generally transversely across the carpet seam.