Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials are manufactured from at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the bulk hand feel.

Abstract: An ergonomic floormat has particular utility as a surgical mat to decrease musculoskeletal fatigue in humans during prolonged static postural stress, as occurs during standing. The floormat is uniquely designed in a laminated fashion, utilizing bubble shaped closed cellular materials, closed cellular polyethylene foam materials and/or closed cellular polypropylene foam materials. The unique design allows an ergonomically, non-compressible mat, which offers high support and high Indent Force Deflection. The mat is designed for single use only and is completely disposable. The mat is water repellant and anti-static, and can include an anti-skid bottom surface of a low-tack, adhesive material to allow for greater securement to the surgical floor and to prevent slippage. While the floormat is designed with particular application for the operating theatre, it may find use in consumer and industrial situations as well, where a disposable mat is desired for maximum ergonomic and anti-fatigue properties.

Abstract: A collapsible cellular insulation panel for use with mobile shelters is provided. The panel comprises first and second outer sheets with a plurality of intermediate thin flexible membranes. The membranes are secured along first and second edges to inner surfaces of the outer sheets. The membranes are attached to adjacent membranes along strips that are parallel to and intermediate the first and second membrane edges. The interconnected membranes form cells that trap insulating air and break up convective currents between the outer sheets. Supported from underneath on a horizontal surface, the membranes lay substantially flat, such that a thickness of the panel substantially equals the sum of the thicknesses of the membranes and outer sheets. The panel is thus well adapted for use with mobile shelters, because it occupies little volume in the collapsed state.

Abstract: A damping element for a shoe, especially for a sports shoe, having at least one first element which extends essentially in a load direction over a pre-determined height in the unloaded state of the damping element, and is embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area in which an associated second element with a smaller cross-section can at least partially penetrate. The second element extends essentially in the load direction over a pre-determined height in the unloaded state of the damping element, and is arranged coaxially in relation to the first element. To improve the damping performance of the shoe, the second element is also embodied as a hollow body and the two associated elements are interconnected by means of an elastic connecting section which only extends between the first-element and the second element so that the elements together form a gas-tight chamber.

Abstract: To provide a glass sheet incorporating a plurality of optical elements, which incorporates a plurality of glass optical elements and realizes higher productivity and uniform quality of glass optical elements. The glass sheet incorporating a plurality of optical elements includes a plurality of lens parts formed by molding a glass material, reference surface areas each of which is formed around an outer periphery of each lens part and is horizontal to the lens part, and connection parts each of which extends from one reference surface area and connects one lens part to another lens part, in which the connection part has a margin for facilitating separation of the glass sheet into a plurality of pieces.

Abstract: This is a new method for the construction of waterproof insulated products, by creating individual insulation-filled compartments without stitching through the outer shell of the product. This invention further provides methods for constructing waterproof insulation products without requiring the attachment of the individual compartments to the inner lining.

Abstract: Modularized insulation blanket for thermal and/or acoustical insulation. The modularized insulation blanket has a cover formed of a distal layer and proximal layer in sealed mated relationship. The distal and proximal layers are sealed along longitudinal and latitudinal heat-sealed seams that define a plurality of modules. The heat-sealed seam may be creased so as to be foldable and/or perforated to provide a tear line. Within the modules are batting blocks. The blankets may be attached to surface structures such as the interior skin surface of an aircraft fuselage, pipes or other structures with retention systems. The blankets may be formed in an apparatus including a platen, heat seal rollers or heating sealing mechanisms, and edge sealers.

Abstract: A web is formed from two sheets of polymeric material. An upper sheet includes pockets of any form. A lower sheet is subsequently bonded to the upper sheet which causes the sealing of each of the pockets. A web thus formed may be laminated with a metallic foil or metallized polymeric film. Such a web may also be laminated with a similar web in a face to face relationship so that the pockets interdigitate.

Abstract: A flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces, especially wall and floor surfaces, is described. The shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic, each sheet with inwardly facing, opposing, resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets. The shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets, to provide wear and weather resistance. A moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A multi-ply tissue product has several plies (2, 3, 4, 5) The multi-ply configuration is made by at least one folding (a; b; c) of at least one ply sheet (P) of tissue material in order to reduce the possibilities of delamination and to make the product flexible simultaneously.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: A composite material wherein one or more backing materials are disposed in generally contiguous relation to an insulating material. Methods for forming composite materials comprising securing one or more backing materials to an insulating material such that the backing materials are in generally contiguous relation to the insulating material. Methods for using the composite materials of the present invention wherein a structure is wrapped with a composite material of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition suitable for use in the manufacture of electrophoretic display cells. The mechanical properties of the cells are significantly improved with this composition in which a rubber material is incorporated.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be non-apertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing corrugated board, wherein a biopolymer latex adhesive is used as the corrugating adhesive. The biopolymer latex adhesive can be obtained by extruding a plasticized biopolymer, especially starch, in the presence of a crosslinking agent such as glyoxal. The preparation of the latex adhesive and its application in corrugating operation do not require a gelatinization step, nor the use of caustic soda or borax.

Abstract: A mass transit flooring assembly including a plurality of sandwich panels. The sandwich panels (30) include a top skin (54), a bottom skin (58), a perimeter defining closeout (46), and a core (50) between the top (54) and bottom skin (58) and within the closeout parameter (46). The closeout (46) includes mating surfaces used to connect adjacent panels. The core is a precured reinforced core including a plurality of phenolic ribs and foam strips positioned in an alternating fashion. The precured core is manufactured by impregnating a layer of fabric with phenolic resin between two foam cores and stacking in a similar alternating fashion to create a bun. After the bun is cured at a constant pressure and temperature and cooled, the bun is cut along a plane perpendicular to the plane of the layers to provide a precured reinforced core panel ready to be inserted as a core in a sandwich panel.

Abstract: The oxygen-absorbing label of the present invention has a laminated structure successively comprising a base layer having a release adhesive layer on its surface, an oxygen-absorbing sheet made from an oxygen-absorbing resin comprising a thermoplastic resin and an oxygen absorbent blended therein, and an air-permeable layer. The air-permeable layer is bonded to the base layer at a position surrounding an outer periphery of the oxygen-absorbing sheet. The air-permeable layer comprises (A) a water-resistant moisture-permeable resin film having a water pressure resistance of 2,000 mmH2O or higher and a moisture permeability of 1,000 g/m2/24 h or higher and (B) a microporous film.

Abstract: Radiant heat reflective cell blanket (10) is formed with superposed support sheets (12 and 13) that form an array of cells thereover. A dead air space is maintained in each cell, and heat reflective sheets (20 and 21) are located within each cell. The reflective sheets (20 and 21) are adhesively connected to the upper and lower support sheets (12 and 13) to maintain a dead air space therebetween. The cells avoid the accumulation of dust, dirt, and fibrous material on the reflective surfaces of the blanket, thereby maintaining the reflectivity of the blanket, and the cells avoid outside contact by other objects that might reduce the reflectivity of the blanket.

Abstract: A game ball is disclosed that includes a polymer foam layer processed with an inert fluid blowing agent, such as nitrogen. The polymer foam may be a polyolefin material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylvinylacetate, and the inert fluid blowing agent may have a relatively high-purity. The polymer foam may be manufactured with a process that includes impregnating a polymer with the inert fluid blowing agent and expanding the polymer by heating the polymer above a softening temperature of the polymer, reducing a fluid pressure surrounding the polymer, and cooling the polymer. The game ball may be a soccerball, football, or volleyball, for example, that includes the polymer foam.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting plate with inner bamboo sleeves, which includes upper plywood, bottom plywood, and side wooden strips. Several bamboo sleeves are provided between the plywood, wherein the bamboo sleeve can be fulfilled in the inner space of the supporting plate between the plywood, The supporting plate with inner bamboo sleeves obtains better strength for supporting goods. The need of wood will be decreased that is utilized and economic.

Abstract: A composite panel having a non-adhesion portion is mounted on a stationary table and a bending table and is fixed thereto by vacuum adsorption pads. An upper portion bending table is mounted on a face sheet providing the non-adhesion portion. The face sheet is secured using the vacuum adsorption pad on the bending table. The bending table is rotated, so that the face sheet is bent. The center core member is cut with a V-shape. An adhesion agent is coated. Next, by rotating the lower bending table, the other face sheet and the center core member are bent so that the core member is adhered to the upper face sheet. Without causing a gap between a face sheet and a center core member and a partial contact, an integral bending processing of a flat sheet shape composite panel can be realized. In addition to this, to assurance adequate strength in a bending processing portion of the composite panel, it is unnecessary to provide a separate member and the like.

Abstract: A packaging article constructed in accordance with the invention is provided which is formed and shipped in a flat shape, and which may be converted into a rigid L-shaped, U-shaped, triangular or square/rectangular shipping or storage container for the protection of articles during shipping and storage. The packaging article is constructed using a rigid but pliable member to allow for ease in formation and handling, but after formation into an L-shaped, U-shaped or other shaped shipping or storage container, to produce a rigid storage structure or tube.

Abstract: A multilayer structure intended for a packaging laminate with embossed appearance comprises a base layer and flexible, deformable layer disposed in planar relationship adjacent one another, with both layers adhesively bonded to one another along part surfaces of the total contact surface of each respective layer in a predetermined pattern. The flexible layer may be permanently deformed along the part surface or part surfaces that are in abutment against, but not adheringly bonded to the base layer, so that it substantially deviates from being in abutment against the base layer. Methods of producing a multilayer structure and a packaging laminate, as well as packaging containers produced from the packaging laminate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layered wet tissue product includes a first sheet layer embossed with a predetermined pattern and at a predetermined depth, and a second sheet layer embossed with a predetermined pattern and at a predetermined depth. The first and second sheet layers are thermally bonded to each other in a symmetrical structure such that an air layer can be formed between the first and second sheet layers and at least one of the first and second sheet layers is coated with liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation element (4, 4′), at least one nonwoven layer (5) and/or a foam layer (11) being enclosed by a film layer (1), and, to achieve a solution which is adequately permeable to water vapour but nevertheless flame-retardant, proposes that the film layer (1) consists of a flame-retardant material which is preferably closed to vapour diffusion, that the film layer (1) also has through-openings (2) and that the through-openings (2) are open to vapour diffusion.

Abstract: The invention is a composite mat that is useful in horse trailers, assembly-line settings, specialty packaging, or the like. The mat has a force distributing upper layer and an impact absorbing layer disposed below the force distributing layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes an insulating piece formed from a rubber based elastomeric foam having a density of 30 to 120 g/dm3 or between 40 to 80 g/dm3. The foam may be acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), or butyl rubber (IIR). Additionally, separate air channels are provided which extend in the longitudinal direction outside the projections in a uniform distribution over the cross-sectional area of the insulating piece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition suitable for use in the manufacture of electrophoretic display cells. The mechanical properties of the cells are significantly improved with this composition in which a rubber material is incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum heat-insulating block including a honeycomb core, wherein the block structure prevents the honeycomb core having a low bulk specific gravity from collapsing by atmospheric pressure, the block attaining flexibility and sound absorption property. The vacuum heat-insulating block 100 according to the present invention is basically composed of a core utilizing a plurality of layered honeycomb members 50 (formed by bonding a honeycomb core member 51 to a support plate 55) and covering the core with a cover member 70. Moreover, a woven or non-woven fabric 60 having air permeability is disposed between the layers of honeycomb core members 51.

Abstract: A substance encapsulation system capable of being apertured under a tensioning force comprises a first web and a second web. A powdered, granular, particulate, or gel substance can be disposed between the first and second webs. Upon application of a sufficient force having a vector component parallel to the transverse axis, the bond site fractures to form a corresponding aperture to facilitate exposure of the substance. Alternatively, a central layer may be disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The central layer may carry a substance to be exposed or the central layer may be a dissimilar material from the first and second webs.

Abstract: Honeycomb products and methods of manufacture thereof, particularly for aerospace applications. The honeycomb core products are made of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material, and preferably are made by a direct manufacturing process, such as stereo lithography, selective laser sintering, or fused deposition modeling. The cell sizes, shapes and wall thicknesses can be modified or varied throughout the product as desired. An interlocking structure is utilized to securely hold together adjacent honeycomb products.

Abstract: A multilayer sheet structure (10) comprises a front sheet (11), a net-like backing sheet (12), and sewing threads (14) for partially joining the front sheet with the backing sheet so as to form bag portions (13) between the front and backing sheets. Paddings (15) such as cotton, wool or the like can be stuffed through net clearances of the backing sheet into bag portions surrounded with sewing threads to form bulges (11b) at desired locations on the front surface of the front sheet. Thus, a quilted multilayer sheet structure (17) having bulges on the front surface thereof can be easily produced.

Abstract: A single-layer waterproof insulating system that is totally waterproof, windproof and an insulating high performance fabric for textile products or garments such as coats, jackets, vests, pants, blankets, hats, caps, gloves, etc., composed of three separate panels: a waterproof outer panel; a middle micro-cell membrane thermal wall film panel of polyurethane; an inner panel; wherein the three panels are sealed by the process of a permanent bond by laminating the three panels together with a permanent adhesive producing a single-layer fabric that blocks water from penetrating the insulating system, thereby providing a wearer both warmth and protection from moisture and wind.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a wafer employing a device for determining, in-situ, during the CMP process, an endpoint where the process is to be terminated. This device includes a laser interferometer capable of generating a laser beam directed towards the wafer and detecting light reflected from the wafer, and a window disposed adjacent to a hole formed through a platen. The window provides a pathway for the laser beam during at least part of the time the wafer overlies the window.

Abstract: Heat insulation blanket (10) includes a layer of inner cells (16) containing a phase change material, and opposed outer cells (18 and 19) containing dead air or other undisturbed gas. When placed in an attic or other insulated area, the phase change material changes phase when the outside atmospheric temperature passes the phase change temperature, resulting in a delay in the transfer of heat between the interior space and the atmosphere because of the heat required for or given up by the PCM during its change of phase. The outer plies of sheet material that form the superposed cells of the cell blanket are formed with a coating of heat reflective material that faces the interior of the cell blanket, whereby the reflective surfaces are protected against deterioration and retain their capacity to reflect radiant heat.

Abstract: Stiffness-treated honeycomb sandwich structures which exhibit reduced core crush and/or reduced void content are provided. Additionally, stiffness-treated prepreg plies which exhibit increased frictional resistance when disposed on other prepreg plies are also provided. Further, associated starting materials and methods are provided.

Abstract: A soft elastic cushion for use in conjunction with an orthopedic aid has a textile composite comprising at least two layers arranged on the soft elastic cushion. It is possible in this way to secure a textile cover on a soft elastic substrate such as silicone.

Abstract: String of packing cushions formed by two superposed layers of flexible plastic film sealed together along transversely extending lines to form a series of closed chambers, loose fill packing material in the chambers, and perforations in the film between the chambers defining tear lines by which the cushions can be separated. In certain disclosed embodiments, the string of cushions is made by positioning an elongated length of flexible plastic tubing about a chute, drawing a section of the tubing from the chute, introducing loose fill packing material through the chute into the section of the tubing which has been drawn from the chute, sealing the walls of the tubing together along a transversely extending seal line above the loose fill packing material to close the section and form a cushion, perforating the tubing along a transversely extending tear line above the cushion, and repeating the process to form successive cushions separated by tear lines.

Abstract: A floatable flat textile structure with embedded, air-filled floating bodies is disclosed. To provide a flat structure that has a high buoyancy, resists damage and can be manufactured cost-effectively, the floating bodies are formed as air-filled ropes made of an air-filled foil, wherein the air-filled ropes are connected by connecting elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filled articles such as comforters, pillows, duvets, quilts, sleeping bags and the like which are filled with low denier per filament fibers having a curvilinear structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flattened tubular film (1) made of thermoplastic material, in which the inner faces are not welded or glued, and are in mutual contact only over a part of their surface, thus forming a plurality of cells (3) of determined shape, essentially hermetic, containing a gas. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a film, by extruding a preform, introducing a gas into the preform and flattening using at least one cylinder (2) whose surface has a relief such that, during the flattening, the two inner faces of the film come into mutual contact only over a part of their surface, thus forming a plurality of cells of determined shape, substantially hermetic, in which the said gas is imprisoned.

Abstract: A buffer air cushion has an outer air cushion and an inner air cushion disposed in the outer air cushion. The outer air cushion is inflated with a smaller inner pressure than that of the inner air cushion so that the buffer air cushion may have better pressure elasticity and shock-absorbing functions.

Abstract: A method for producing sections in sandwich structures of fiber composites is provided, as well as the structures. The method involves shaping sectional cores around a cut-out, applying bands circumferentially along the perimeter of the cut-out, and covering the sectional cores and to circumferential bands, with layers. The sandwich structure is then impregnated with resin.

Abstract: Air cell dunnage is disclosed which collapses for shipment and is constructed to be subsequently inflated for use. The air cell dunnage is a bubble sheet containing a multiplicity of gas cells and a base layer fused to the bubble layer. The bubble layer further includes conduits interconnecting selected groups of the selected cells and a common channel extending longitudinally on the sheet in fluid communication with each of the selected groups. The conduits provide access to selected groups of gas cells for collapsing and inflating the cells for shipment and use, respectively.

Abstract: An absorbent structure and method utilizes pockets or pouches of inorganic or organic granular materials in absorbent structures (such as a structure containing superabsorbents, including polymeric hydrogel forming materials) and fibrous webs, to form a composite heterostructure. The composite absorbent heterostructures are useful, for example, in applications such as diapers, incontinence articles, hygienic supplies and other applications which require good fluid absorbency and retainment properties. The granular material can be made of light plastic materials such as polystyrene or materials such as sand or seeds, and the grains can be hollow, with possible access to their interior volumes.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device is formed of natural or synthetic resin material or composite material, wherein energy absorption is provided by a plurality of cup-shaped cells having a thin-walled construction with a circular cross section. The absorber is useful for automotive bumper impact and also for other applications, including automotive padding and general cushion applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulose-containing fibrous material, wherein hydroxy groups were oxidized at the C(6) of glucose units of the cellulose into aldehyde and/or carboxy groups, a paper or nonwoven (product) made therefrom, in particular tissue (products) a process for their manufacture. The paper or nonwoven (products) of the invention display excellent strength properties.

Abstract: A multilayer foil insulation, and related method of manufacturing the insulation, that is used for dissipating heat and attenuating sound. Layers of foil are stacked in a spaced apart relationship, and include perforated layers and an imperforate layer adjacent to or sandwiched between the perforated layers. Each of the perforated layers includes a pattern of perforations that define a plurality of standoffs that extend from the perforated layers and that contact an adjacent layer, thereby defining insulating spaces therebetween and maintaining the spaced apart relationship. The perforations permit sound to enter the multilayer foil insulation, wherein sound is acoustically scattered as it passes into the multilayer foil insulation through the perforations and the imperforate layer acoustically absorbs the sound within the multilayer foil insulation.

Abstract: A sound-proofing and heat insulation mat construction comprising: a body sheet (6) made of insulation material, grooves (10) formed on the top of said insulation sheet, a thin aluminum foil (4) mounted on said insulation sheet (6) and moreover covering the grooves (10), further flexible heat transfer pipes (5) mounted in said grooves on the top of the insulation sheet, a thin metal sheet layer (2) covering said pipes and a plurality of parallel V-grooves (8) on the underside of said insulation sheet (6) and further an underliner (7) as a felt-type layer on the underside of the insulation sheet (6) and the underliner (7) folded into said V-grooves said folding allowing the mat element to be bent into bent-up position.