Abstract: A plant for the production of slabs from a mixture of agglomerate comprises a station (50) with a mixture distribution unit (52) which pours the mixture onto the inner surface of a slab forming mould (11) present in the station. The mould (11) is provided with a sheet (15) of plastic protective material arranged above the inner surface of the mould and which forms the surface for contact with the mixture which is introduced into the mould by the distribution unit (52). The station comprises air suction means which are coupled/connected to suction ducts (54) which are present in the mould and which emerge with their front end inside the mould in a zone of the mould situated between the inner surface of the mould and the sheet (15), so as to allow the suction of air between the sheet and this inner surface and bring the sheet (15) against this surface by means of a vacuum. A method for the production of slabs is also described.

Abstract: Described is a method of making a densified fiber batt that includes the steps of: a) providing a fiber batt with a first plurality of fibers having a first melting point and a second plurality of fibers having a second melting point different from the first melting point; and b) subjecting the fiber batt to heat and pressure in a static press, thereby forming a densified fiber batt having a first surface and an opposed second surface.

Abstract: A lapping material having a knitted fabric constituted by warp knitting or weft knitting, and a resin with which the knitted fabric is impregnated.

Abstract: A moulded front storage compartment for a vehicle, comprising a structural layer wherein the structural layer is shaped as a three-dimensional storage cavity for holding luggage or goods wherein the structural layer comprises at least one porous fibrous layer and wherein the at least one porous fibrous layer comprises staple fibers and a binder.

Abstract: Method for producing a weakened decorative composite from at least one decorative material (25) and a spacer fabric (11), in particular for producing coverings of airbags in motor vehicles, which spacer fabrics (11) have an upper cover layer (12) and a lower cover layer (13) and a layer (15) having spacer threads (14) is located between the cover layers (12, 13), wherein the weakenings in the spacer fabric (11) are blind holes (16) which are introduced into the lower cover layer (13) of the spacer fabric (11), wherein the blind holes (16) substantially pass through the lower cover layer (13) and the layer (15) having the spacer threads (14) and the upper cover layer (12) is substantially not weakened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-axial fabric which is dimensionally-stabilized. The composite fabric has a substrate and a plurality of first, second, third, and fourth strands disposed across the substrate and oriented in non-parallel directions with respect to one another. Binding fiber secures the aforementioned strands to the substrate. The composite fabric can be substantially free of more than three strands overlapping at a common position on the substrate. A road employing the multi-axial fabric is described.

Abstract: A liquid flame retardant composition is in the form of an admixture which includes a phosphate-based flame retardant, ammonium hydroxide and zinc borate. The invention extends to a method of providing a phosphate-based liquid flame retardant composition, to the use of a phosphate-based flame retardant, ammonium hydroxide and a zinc borate in the manufacture of a liquid flame retardant composition, to a cellulosic material treated with the liquid flame retardant composition and to a method of inhibiting strength loss in a cellulosic material when the cellulosic material is exposed to heat.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a textile product includes the steps of providing an intermediate product formed by a backing having a front surface and a back surface, and yarns applied into the backing, the yarns extending from the front surface of the backing material, feeding the intermediate product along a body having a heated surface, the back surface being pressed against the heated surface, to at least partly melt the yarns present in the intermediate product to form the textile product, wherein the part of the back surface that is pressed against the heated surface has a relative speed with respect to the heated surface, and a device enabling applications of this method and to a floor covering incorporating such a textile product connected to a dimensionally stable carrier sheet using thermo reversible covalent interactions.

Abstract: A brush seal plate may comprise a flat ring with bristles protruding from an inner diameter of the flat ring. The brush seal plate may have a racetrack slot to allow the flat ring to move in a radial direction relative to a retention pin. The bristles may protrude from the inner diameter of the flat ring at an angle. A slot may be formed through the flat ring, and the slot may be angled. The flat ring may be circumferentially discontinuous. The flat ring may further comprise a retention opening configured to fix the flat ring in place relative to a retention pin.

Abstract: A lightweight, multi-layered composite substrate for a vehicle interior material and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. A method for manufacturing a lightweight, multi-layered composite substrate including a core layer being a foam sheet and reinforcement layers stacked on both surfaces of the core layer includes preparing the foam sheet, forming each of the reinforcement layers by forming a low-density reinforcement sheet by mixing a natural fiber with a synthetic fiber by carding, subjecting the mixed natural fiber and synthetic fiber to cross wrapping and needle punching, coating polyolefin-based powder to a weight per unit area of 10 g/m2 to 100 g/m2 on the low-density reinforcement sheet, and pressing the low-density reinforcement sheet by a heat roller set to 150 to 230° C., and obtaining a multi-layered composite substrate by stacking the reinforcement layers on both surfaces of the foam sheet by heat.

Abstract: A method for making a cable jacket that includes the steps of providing at least one shielding tape having a substrate formed of a substrate material, said substrate including at least one conductive segment; inserting the at least one shielding tape between first and second jacket layers of the cable jacket, each of said first and second jacket layers being formed of a jacket material; and co-extruding the at least one shielding tape with the first and second jacket layers, wherein the substrate material of the at least one shielding tape and the jacket material of the first and second jacket layers are the same such that during the co-extrusion step, the substrate and first and second jacket layers bond together into a single layer wherein the at least one conductive segment is embedded in the single layer.

Abstract: An enhanced substrate for making a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a hydrophobic silane coating of a silane composition intermixed with a silane coupling agent applied to a glass fiber substrate. The silane coupling agent is applied to the surface of the substrate for coupling the substrate to a varnish coating. Applying the silane coupling agent to the surface of the substrate creates surface silanols, which are implicated in conductive anodic filament (CAF) growth. A silane composition, which reacts with the surface silanols, is applied to the surface of the substrate having the silane coupling agent applied thereto to form the hydrophobic silane coating. The surface presented by the hydrophobic silane coating/substrate is hydrophobic and essentially silanol-free. This surface is then dried, and varnish is applied thereto. Then, the substrate, hydrophobic silane coating and varnish are subjected to curing conditions to define the PCB.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for reinforcing cellular materials (1), a reinforced sandwich construction (5) as well as a correspondingly equipped aircraft. In the method, a cellular material (1) is provided with fiber bundles (3) that are introduced into the cellular material (1) with a needle (8). In this case, the needle (8) initially pierces a through-hole (2) into the cellular material (1) from one side in order to subsequently take hold of a fiber bundle (3) situated on the other side with the needle (8) and pull said fiber bundle into the cellular material (1).

Abstract: A floor mat for a vehicle includes an adapter plate for engaging the vehicle's mat retaining system, a mat portion, and a fastener for securing the mat portion to the adapter plate. The configuration of the adapter plate allows the mat portion to be transversely, longitudinally, and rotationally aligned and secured to the vehicle's floor despite variations in the arrangements of different vehicles' mat retaining systems. The mat portion may include a plurality of peripheral guidelines to assist the end-user to trim the mat to fit any intended one of a plurality of automobile models.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to removable, nonslip, non-adhesive coverings which are used as shelf, drawer or storage liners. In particular, the covering sheet features an improved composite material having a top decorative layer of flocked polymeric film combined to a continuous bottom layer of unsupported foam. The structure of the multilayered composite material facilitates the convenient hand tearing of the sheet to size through a grid of perforations that are obscured by a fine coating of natural or synthetic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multiple-layer composites suitable for use as floor-coverings in the form of cut tiles or broadloom sheets, providing a durable and highly stable structure that can lay flat and remain flat with variations in temperature and humidity and provide a durable and yet soft textile face. The composite comprises a laterally-compressible fabric face bonded with an adhesive layer to a highly conformable stress-absorbing cushioning layer. The face fabric comprises closely packed looped yarns reciprocating between the top and the bottom of the fabric, protruding into the adhesive layer and emerging from the adhesive layer to the surface forming micro-spring structures. The weight, properties, density and level of penetration of adhesive are controlled to maintain lateral compressibility for the entire composite and avoid warping.

Abstract: A method for providing a textile product includes the steps of providing yarns, contacting the yarns with a support material to form an intermediate product and bonding the yarns to the support material to form the textile product, wherein the bonding takes place by providing a reactive nucleus precursor at a site where the yarns contact the support material, and converting the precursor into a compound having multiple reactive nuclei in the presence of a compound having multiple nucleophilic groups, as well as a textile product obtainable by the method, uses of that product and lignin for use in producing such a textile product.

Abstract: Coating compositions, processes of making coating compositions, coated articles, and methods of forming such articles. Coating compositions include a dispersion of core/shell particles. The core includes a base polymer, and the shell includes a polar polymeric stabilizing agent. One or more hydrophobic particulate fillers is embedded at least partially in the shell. Processes include: (1) selecting the base polymer; (2) selecting the stabilizing agent; (3) selecting the particulate filler(s); (4) melt-blending these, and contacting the melt-blend with water optionally with a neutralizing agent, thereby forming the coating composition including a dispersion. Coated articles include a substrate including cellulose and a dispersion on at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A floor mat for a vehicle includes an adapter plate for engaging the vehicle's mat retaining system, a mat portion, and a fastener for securing the mat portion to the adapter plate. The configuration of the adapter plat allows the mat portion to be transversely, longitudinally, and rotationally aligned and secured to the vehicle's floor despite variations in the arrangements of different vehicles' mat retaining systems.

Abstract: A process for forming a reinforced sandwich structure which includes, stacked in height direction thereof, at least one top layer and at least one bottom layer including a fibrous reinforcing material, which top and bottom layer sandwich between them at least one core of a foamed material, the sandwich structure being impregnated with a resin material. The top and bottom layers of fibrous reinforcing material are forwarded along opposite top and bottom faces of the core material to form a multi-layer laminate. A plurality of inserts are inserted in longitudinal and/or transversal direction of the core material interconnecting the top and bottom layer and the core by applying reinforcing fibers at least part of which extend in height direction of the laminate, and the structure is impregnated with a plastic material.

Abstract: A method of making a sandwich-type composite panel having a cellulose-based core and a living hinge from a stack of material is provided. The stack includes first and second reinforced thermoplastic skins, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a cellulose-based cellular core disposed between the sheets and the skins. A pressure is applied to the stack after heating the stack wherein the skins are bonded to the core by the sheets to form the composite panel. A portion of the composite panel is crushed at a predetermined location simultaneously with applying the pressure to locally compact and separate the cellular core at the predetermined location to form two side portions of the panel. The heated first skin stretches during the step of crushing while remaining intact between the two side portions. The skins bond together at the predetermined location to form the living hinge.

Abstract: A process is described wherein pile yarn is woven with cotton weft and warp yarns to produce ferry fabrics, such as towels. The fabric is then washed in warm water to dissolve the PVA fibers. The amount of fibers dissolved, depends upon the count of the yarn or yarns used. By dissolving the PVA fibers, a hollow air space is produced throughout the pile yarn, corresponding to an increase in the air space in the pile yarn. By increasing the air space in the pile yarn, the resulting towels are softer and bulkier than standard cotton towels. The present invention further relates to pile yarn in terry woven fabric (warp yarn), or weft yarn, in the case of flat fabrics.

Abstract: An artificial hair and a wig using the same are provided which have the property of thermal deformation expanding upon heating by a hair drier or others used for hair styling. The artificial hair 1 is made by mixing at the pre-determined ratio a semi-aromatic polyamide having a glass transition temperature between 60-120° C. and a resin not expanding in said temperature range. The artificial hair may have a sheath/core structure comprising a core portion 5B and a sheath portion covering the core portion. As the resin not expanding in said temperature range, polyethylene terephthalate or others can be used, and as the sheath, nylon 6 or nylon 66 can be used. Said artificial hair 1 can maintain its shape at room temperature or after shampooing due to thermal deformation by heating in steam atmosphere at temperature of glass transition or higher or about 80-100° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modular textile system includes dividing a textile web into a plurality of frames that define carpet tiles to be formed from the textile web, providing each frame with an indicium, and forming the textile web into a plurality of carpet tiles. The indicium may include at least one of a variously oriented indicium and a variously positioned indicium for indicating the orientation of each carpet tile in an installation.

Abstract: Energy-absorbing textile structure, in particular for use in vehicle construction, which has high-tensile yarns for absorbing force, is formed by a braided fabric (2) with standing ends (3) in the force input direction and in that the textile structure has at least one region (4) with local modification of the fiber structure (2, 3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven substrate comprising a layer of fibers, wherein a plurality of the fibers each comprise a plurality of fibrils extending outwardly from a surface of the fibers, and wherein the plurality of fibrils comprise a lipid ester.

Abstract: Provided is a mat which is capable of significantly contributing to sound and healthy life environment, and particularly capable of effectively reducing energy of electromagnetic waves, vibrations, sounds, impacts, radiations and so on and which has excellent antibacterial properties, antiviral properties, anti-allergen properties and deoderization properties. The mat (11) is a mat with a backing layer (13) formed on the back surface side of a fiber surface layer (12), wherein at least one of the fiber surface layer (12) and the backing layer (13) contains an organic attenuating filler (marked as ?), a radiation reduction filler (marked as ?), an iodine-based compound (marked as ?) and an allergen reduction filler (marked as ?).

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a fibre composite component with a base element, and with at least one ancillary element bonded to the base element. A reinforcement element is introduced in at least one bonding region of the base element or the ancillary element for purposes of developing a bonding surface for the ancillary element or the base element. A reinforcement element with fibre sections, the ends of which emanate from a bonding surface is provided. A fibre composite component is provided with a base element, in the bonding regions of which reinforcement elements are introduced, on the bonding surfaces of which ancillary elements are bonded with one such.

Abstract: A novel reinforcement system for maximizing tensile strength and modulus of elasticity per ply for composite systems has one or more pockets with a first pocket edge, a second pocket edge, a pocket front surface, and a pocket rear surface. The pocket front surface and the pocket rear surface each have a pocket cross-stitch that perpendicularly traverses the pocket. The pocket traverses the fabric parallel and adjacent to the first fabric edge and the second fabric edge in a warp, or 0 degree, or x-axis direction. The pockets contain one or more fiber tows with a plurality of filaments in a stack.

Abstract: Provided are polyphenylene sulfide compositions having improved thermo-oxidative stability, methods for obtaining them, and articles comprising the compositions. The compositions comprise polyphenylene sulfide and a bismuth additive. The bismuth additive comprises a bismuth halide, an inorganic bismuth salt, a bismuth carboxylate, an oxide comprising bismuth and a transition metal, bismuth metal, or a mixture thereof. Optionally, the compositions further comprise at least one zinc(II) compound.

Abstract: Rectangular carpet modules or “planks” and installation of such planks having the continuous appearance of broadloom carpet or a wide variety of other effective, human scale designs. “Planks” sized approximately ¼ meter (25 cm) by 1 meter (100 cm) (or approximately 9 inches by 36 inches) are particularly effective.

Abstract: Disclosed are spray-on anti-soil formulations, and methods for treating fibers, carpets, and fabrics with the same. The anti-soil formulations comprise a synergistic blend of an anti-soil component and a stain blocker component adapted to be sprayed-on a fiber, carpet, or fabric instead of known exhaust applications. The anti-soil component can be either fluorochemical or non-fluorochemical based, while the stain blocker can comprise any chemical that blocks positively charged dye sites. Fibers, carpets, and fabrics treated with the anti-soil formulations exhibit superior anti-soil characteristics compared to sprayed-on fluorochemicals and exhibit similar anti-soil characteristics compared to known exhaust application.

Abstract: A process for producing an IPA/PET copolymer fiber that is homogenous having a substantially level, single IPA copolymer content, said fiber having improved pilling resistance and dye uptake.

Abstract: A latex marking ink suitable for marking rubber articles has been developed. The ink comprises vulcanizable rubber latex, pigment, vulcanizing agent, and non-ionic stabilizer dispersed in water. Shear stability is dramatically and unexpectedly increased by the presence of the non-ionic stabilizer even though viscosity also increases.

Abstract: A protective cover of an electronic device includes a leather layer, which includes an outside surface and a bottom surface. A backing layer integrates with the bottom surface of the leather layer. The protective cover adheres onto the electronic devices, hence, the electronic devices are well protected, and the appearances of the electronic devices are well maintained. The surfaces of the electronic devices cannot be dirtied, scraped, or damaged. Users can feel more comfortable when operating their electronic devices, hence, the worthiness and the usability of the electronic devices are greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A hierarchical surface having improved control of the wetting characteristics and methods for forming the same is described. The hierarchical surface includes a primary structure having at least one primary characteristic features; a secondary structure having at least one secondary characteristic features, wherein the size of the at least one secondary characteristic features are larger than the size of the at least one primary characteristic features. Moreover, the primary structure and the secondary structure synergistically provide improved mechanical properties and control of the wetting characteristics over that of the primary structure or the secondary structure alone.

Abstract: A fleece for a smokeless tobacco pouch is disclosed. The fleece comprises a material and at least one thread attached to said material.

Abstract: A panel assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel is provided. The panel has first and second outer layers and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The assembly also includes a component pivotally connected to the panel and a living hinge which allows the component to pivot about a pivot axis between different use positions relative to the panel. The assembly further includes a stiffening support having a support axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The support is bonded or joined to the panel to locally reinforce the panel adjacent the living hinge. The stiffening support eliminates the need for a metal hinge and provides for a light weight assembly with improved aesthetics and function.

Abstract: A carpet tile having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of a background pattern. The contrast pattern is positioned proximate a selected side edge of the carpet tile and has a contrast color different than the colors of the background pattern. Within a floor covering, the rotational position of the carpet tile can be varied to thereby achieve a desired visual appearance with respect to the contrast patterns of adjacent carpet tiles.

Abstract: A carpet tile having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of a background pattern. The contrast pattern is positioned proximate a selected side edge of the carpet tile and has a contrast color different than the colors of the background pattern. Within a floor covering, the rotational position of the carpet tile can be varied to thereby achieve a desired visual appearance with respect to the contrast patterns of adjacent carpet tiles.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of three-dimensional net-like structure includes: a nozzle with a plurality of extrusion holes that are arrayed to extrude and drop downward a thermoplastic synthetic resin in a molten state and thereby form a filament assembly of a plurality of filaments; a pair of chutes arranged across longitudinal faces of the filament assembly to have inclined surfaces that are sloped toward the filament assembly and opposed to each other across a distance that is less than a short side length of the array of the extrusion holes; water supply ports arranged to supply cooling water to the inclined surfaces; and a pair of haul-off machines configured to have endless belts arranged to be in contact with the longitudinal faces of the filament assembly and haul off the filament assembly and opposed to each other across a less distance than the distance between the pair of chutes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to fibers treated with or formed from at least one odor-absorbing composition, fiber treatment compositions, fiber treatment kits, and articles produced therefrom. In a further aspect, the invention relates to methods of increasing odor absorbency properties in a fiber. In still a further aspect, the fiber treatment compositions comprise an aqueous composition having a pH of less than about 2.1 and at least one anionic binding agent or fluorochemical. Is a further aspect, the fiber treatment compositions comprise an aqueous composition to provide a residual fiber pH of less than about 5.75 and at least one anionic binding agent or fluorochemical. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of making a modular textile system includes dividing a textile web having a length and a width into a plurality of tile areas including a first tile area, a second tile area, and a third tile area. The textile web includes a plurality of discrete design zones positioned along the width of the textile web. A first design zone includes a motif and a second design zone does not include the motif. The textile web is divided so that the first design zone is apportioned between the first tile area and the second tile area, and the second design zone is apportioned between the second tile area and the third tile area.

Abstract: A textile web includes a plurality of yarns tufted to define a motif that is repeated along the length and width of the textile web. Each occurrence of the motif comprises a design module repeated to form a unitary array of contiguous design modules, with the design modules having various orientations with respect to one another in fixed positions within the unitary array of design modules.

Abstract: A towel having an elongated first body portion provided with a first width and extends in a generally vertical direction when used with a towel bar. The elongated first body portion includes a first end that is configured to be secured to the towel bar by use of an attachment member. The elongated first body portion also includes a second end that is coupled to a first drying portion, which has a second width that is greater than the first width of the elongated first body portion. The towel may also include a second body portion that extends over the towel bar and is positioned to lie generally parallel to the elongated first body portion.

Abstract: A method of making a sheet-form loop product can include placing a layer of staple fibers on a first side of a substrate, the layer of staple fibers including first staple fibers and second staple fibers that are intermingled with one another, where a diameter of the smallest circle capable of circumscribing one of the second staple fibers is greater than a diameter of the smallest circle capable of circumscribing one of the first staple fibers; needling substantially only the first fibers of the layer through the substrate by penetrating the substrate with needles that drag portions of the first fibers through the substrate during needling, leaving exposed loops of the first fibers extending from a second side of the substrate; and anchoring the loops of the first fibers by fusing the second fibers to each other on the first side of the substrate.

Abstract: A panel for in-house pipe installation comprises a panel layer having a material and a first surface for a pipe to be attached to. The panel layer comprises a first layer portion adapted to be attached with a second surface to a floor and a second layer portion adjacent to the first layer portion adapted to be attached with the second surface to a wall. The material is notched from the second surface panel layer as to form the first and second layer portion, respectively.

Abstract: A beverage coaster comprises a top surface structured to support a beverage container, the top surface including a plurality of drain holes; an inner chamber including a moisture absorbing layer and a plastic sheet below the moisture absorbing layer to seal the bottom of the inner chamber; and a bottom surface. The beverage coaster includes a device allowing a user to compress the moisture absorbing layer to force removal of accumulated liquid through the drain holes. In various embodiments, the top surface is graded and includes a plurality of substantially parallel grooves formed therein, each of the grooves including a plurality of the drain holes. In various embodiments, the plastic sheet comprises a substantially flat first surface and a second surface having a button thereon; and the bottom surface is structured to include an opening to accommodate the button.

Abstract: A closure tab is provided and includes a first substrate. A second substrate is adhesively attached to the first substrate. The second substrate has mechanical closure material formed thereon. A compression bond pattern is applied to the first substrate and the second substrate. The compression bond pattern includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion. The compression bond pattern may include, for example, circular bond points, stripes, or a decorative element. A method is also provided wherein the second substrate is compressed onto the first substrate by a patterned roller. The second substrate may be compressed onto the first substrate by a plurality of pins spaced in alternating offset rows.