Abstract: A sensor substrate includes a base and fibrous projections on an upper surface of the base. The fibrous projections have fixed ends fixed to the upper surface of the base and free ends opposite to the fixed ends, respectively. The fibrous projections provide a fixed end-side region including the fixed ends and a free end-side region including the free ends. The total surface area at which the fibrous projections in the fixed end-side region is larger than that in the free end-side region.

Abstract: The technology being at the core of the present invention relates to the use of novel fibers in the construction of reinforced elements and methods for their manufacture. The fibers effectively upgrade the inherent properties of the elements, as specified herein.

Abstract: A composite includes a first preform and a second preform spaced from and in overlying relationship to the first preform. The second preform defines at least one first opening extending therethrough along an axis transverse to the first preform. A first surface layer is disposed adjacent to the second preform and on an opposite side of the second preform from the first preform. A polymeric composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component is disposed between the first preform and the second preform. The polymeric composition adheres the first surface layer to the second preform through the at least one first opening. The surface layer is adhered to the second preform during molding of the composite article and in the absence of additional adhesive, thereby reducing production time and cost of the composite article.

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminate material for hook and loop closures, particularly for diaper closures, comprises laminating a textile material onto a carrier film having a surface structure that is suitable for forming a connection with the hooks of a hook and loop closure. The textile material is not connected with the carrier film over its entire area, and the textile material forming the cover layer of the laminate material is brushed after lamination.

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 rectangular carpet plank includes a baseplate having a first side edge opposed from a second side edge; and a carpet layer attached to a top surface of the baseplate. The carpet layer being divided into carpet sections, wherein each carpet section extends from the first side edge to the second side edge; each carpet section has a carpet pattern; and adjacent carpet sections have different carpet patterns.

Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for water flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.

Abstract: A protective and decorative ornament that remains substantially in place on a vehicle's outer surface under substantially all vehicle operating conditions. The ornament includes a top decorative layer, upper and lower foam layers beneath the top layer, fastening members that extend outward from at least two edges thereof, a weighted element between the upper and lower foam layers and proximate an edge that does not include a fastening member, a substantially rigid element beneath the lower foam layer, and a substantially smooth bottom layer coupled to contact the vehicle's surface.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for benzimidazole derivative compounds that prevent, remove and/or inhibit the formation of biofilms, compositions including these compounds, devices including these compounds, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Sandwich construction for automotive applications consisting of a honeycomb core (2) covered at both sides with a skin layer (1a, 1b) whereby each of the skin layers consist of a web of random laid melt spun polyester bicomponent filaments (4), which were cross-lapped (6, 7) and needled (8) to form a nonwoven mat (9) and which was compressed during moulding of the sandwich construction to form a compact skin layer with bonded filaments, which is bonded to the core.

Abstract: A design and process are provided in which a fully activated thermosetting adhesive layer and multi-layered thermoplastic adhesive are positioned between a flock layer and a substrate.

Abstract: A method of making at least one stiffener element includes cutting out two substantially identical elongate flanks from fiber plates, each flank presenting two lateral projections on either side of a central portion. The flanks are superimposed with one another and stitched together along two parallel lines that mark the boundaries between the lateral projections and the central portions. The lateral projections are folded along the lines of stitching to either side of the assembly in order to form flanges.

Abstract: An exercise towel with a strap attached to a main portion for hanging the towel in a position convenient to the user and allowing the user's hands to remain unencumbered. The towel further comprises a method for attaching exercise assistance devices, a loop for safely securing headphone wires or other cords from dangling and a pocket to securing items or cooling substances which may enhance performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer fiber containing a flame retardant. In particular, the invention provides a fiber containing poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and a flame retardant that melts at a temperature of equal to or below 280° C. The present invention also provides a process for producing such a fiber, and a material incorporating such fibers.

Abstract: A floor or surface covering comprising a single article of a material or multiple pieces of a material joined together that form a single article, in which the floor or surface covering surrounds a moveable or fixed article of furniture, in which the floor or surface covering surrounds the movable or fixed article of furniture on two or three sides of the furniture, and in which the floor or surface covering is positioned in a location that is adjacent to the two or three sides of the furniture.

Abstract: A molecular delivery system including a plurality of nanowires (e.g., Si NWs), each of the nanowires having a surface layer formed of a silicon-containing material and a covalently bound linker (e.g., silane linker) attached to the surface layer and optionally including a substrate to which the nanowires are adhered or a molecule to be delivered attached to the linker. Also disclosed is a method of delivering into a cell an exogenous molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to air rich yarn and fabric with pores throughout the cross-section. Air rich yarn and fabric have high wettability, easy dryability, quick absorbency and increased thickness. When air rich yarn is used to make terry fabric it makes thicker fabric with increased capacity to absorb water and also release moisture faster while drying.

Abstract: A method of making a textile pattern includes forming a design module having a substantially square shape, forming a motif from the design module by repeating the design module to form a unitary array of design modules, where the design modules of the unitary array of design modules have various orientations with respect to one another in fixed positions within the unitary array, and repeating the motif along a length and a width of a continuous textile web so that the continuous textile web comprises a first occurrence of the motif and a second occurrence of the motif.

Abstract: Deformed web materials are disclosed. The web materials have discrete deformations formed therein. The deformations may be features in the form of portions of a web with apertures therein, protrusions, depressed areas, and combinations thereof. These features may extend out from the surface on one side of the web, or from both of the surfaces of the web. Different features may be intermixed with one another.

Abstract: A method including: (a) selectively reacting a first sugar in a mixture which includes at least one second sugar to form a product mixture comprising a product of said first sugar; (b) separating said product of said first sugar from said product mixture; and (c) separating at least one of said at least one second sugar from said product mixture.

Abstract: Carpet, comprising high piles and low piles, wherein a majority of the fibres which the high piles comprise is lighter in weight than the smaller fibres which the low piles comprise, and wherein particularly the high piles comprise fibres with a diversity of weights, wherein some of the fibres of the high piles have a weight of less than 15 dTex, and preferably less than 5 dTex, and the remaining fibres of the high piles have a weight of less than 25 dTex.

Abstract: Techniques for making nanowires with a desired diameter are provided. The nanowires can be grown from catalytic nanoparticles, wherein the nanowires can have substantially same diameter as the catalytic nanoparticles. Since the size or the diameter of the catalytic nanoparticles can be controlled in production of the nanoparticles, the diameter of the nanowires can be subsequently controlled as well. The catalytic nanoparticles are melted and provided with a gaseous precursor of the nanowires. When supersaturation of the catalytic nanoparticles with the gaseous precursor is reached, the gaseous precursor starts to solidify and form nanowires. The nanowires are separate from each other and not bind with each other to form a plurality of nanowires having the substantially uniform diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.

Abstract: A soil repellency aqueous dispersion for treating various fibers, yarns, and textiles is disclosed. The dispersion provides superior soil resistance when compared to known fluorochemical and silicone fiber treatments. The dispersion comprises clay nanoparticle components and fluorochemicals that can be applied to the fibers, yarns, and textiles using known methods.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure include trilobal bulked continuous filaments (BCFs) with a generally round central void, spinneret plates with a capillary design for producing the BCFs of the present disclosure, articles and carpets produced from the BCFs of the present disclosure, methods of producing the trilobal BCFs of the present disclosure, and the like.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include hexalobal bulked continuous filaments with three axial voids, spinneret plates with a capillary design for producing the hexalobal, tri-void bulked continuous filaments (BCFs) of the present disclosure, articles made from the hexalobal filaments of the present disclosure, methods of making the hexalobal, tri-void filaments of the present disclosure, and the like.

Abstract: A method of fabricating optical energy collection and conversion devices using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a method of anchoring CNT's into thin polymeric layers is disclosed. The basic method comprises an initial act of surrounding a plurality of substantially aligned nanostructures within at least one fluid layer of substantially uniform thickness such that a first end of the plurality of nanostructures protrudes from the fluid layer. Next, the fluid layer is altered to form an anchoring layer, thereby fastening the nanostructures within the primary anchoring layer with the first ends of the nanostructures protruding from a first surface of the primary anchoring layer. Finally, a portion of the anchoring layer is selectively removed such that a second end of the nanostructures is exposed and protrudes from the anchoring layer. The resulting product is an optically absorbent composite material having aligned nanostructures protruding from both sides of an anchoring layer.

Abstract: A secondary ply structure suitable for incorporation into a continuous fibre reinforced composite structure comprising a matrix material and a plurality of fibre ply reinforcing structures, a continuous fibre reinforced composite material so formed, and a method for the fabrication of the same are described. The secondary ply comprises a carrier sheet for example in the form of a ply of primary fibres and carries a two dimensional planar array of secondary fibres extending outwardly of the plane of the sheet into a third dimension in generally aligned manner and disposed across at least a major part of the surface thereof in generally aligned manner to provide out of plane reinforcement in the consolidated structure.

Abstract: A textile motif comprises an arrangement of substantially square, substantially identical modules variously oriented with respect to one another in fixed positions within the motif. Each module includes at least two visually distinct hues. The motif may be repeated to form an overall textile pattern.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to the technical field of fabric straps, more particularly, it relates to a fabric strap with a multi-layer structure. Said fabric strap itself is integrally interwoven by the fabric with at least a double-layer structure. It is characterized in that: there are at least two layers fabric connecting up-and-down with one or more groups of yarn according to a certain weave structure. Said one or more groups of yarn not only can form an air cushion with erect fine hairs, but also can increase anti-bursting strength of the fabric.

Abstract: Film tapes comprising a blend of a masterbatch and a propylene-based polymer are provided. The masterbatch comprises a propylene-based elastomer and filler. The propylene-based elastomer has about 50 to about 99 mol % of units derived from propylene, about 1 to about 50 mol % of units derived from C2-C20 comonomer and a peak melting point temperature of 115° C. or less. The propylene-based polymer comprises about 80 to about 100 mol % units derived from propylene and a peak melting point temperature of greater than 115° C. The compositions are suitable to make carpet fiber, carpet yarn, films, film tapes, molded parts and nonwoven fabrics having excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A golf mat includes artificial grass fibers attached to and extending upward from a backing material, which may be one or more layers. The artificial grass fibers include groups of at least two different kinds of fiber sewn through a common path in the backing material. One of the kinds of fibers in each group is shaped so as to appear like a blade of grass. The other kind of fiber in each group is pre-stressed/crimped so that the relaxed shape of the fiber is nonlinear, resembling a curlicued or articulated form having lateral excursions. The lateral excursions cause portions of one such pre-stressed fiber to overlap and interfere with another, forming a mesh. The height of the pre-stressed fibers in their relaxed state in the turf is less than the height of the relatively unstressed artificial grass fiber(s). The crimped fibers form a resilient mat with impact characteristics similar to natural turf.

Abstract: A mat/carpet (1) comprises an upper layer (3) having a soil-removing outer surface (7) for contacting traffic passing over the mat, and a lower layer (5) located below the upper layer. The upper layer comprises textile fibers (9, 11) and is water-permeable whereby water can drain from the upper layer (3) into the lower layer (5). The lower layer (5) is arranged to collect, for subsequent removal, water that is received from the upper layer (3), and may comprise channels (50) through which water can flow in a direction generally parallel to the soil-removing outer surface (7) of the mat.

Abstract: A fabric for use in chemical and biological (CB) protective garments includes at least one felt layer having from 25% to 100% carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers as a breathable physical barrier against toxic chemical droplets and/or pathogens. The felt layers are cleaned and consolidated into a mechanically competent sheet which can form adhesive seams having lapshear greater than the sheet itself. An additional supporting layer can be included. The supporting layer can be a wicking layer which is permeable with a chlorinated or otherwise chemically active solution to establish a reactive chemical barrier, the solution being dispensed on demand from a portable container. Embodiments include a second layer of CNT or of another backing fabric, sandwiching the wicking layer therebetween. Impermeable fluoropolymer seams can divide the fabric into a plurality of CNT/wicking cells. A layer of activated charcoal and/or halamine-forming hydantoin can be included for persistent reactive chemical protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems and compositions, including genetically modified microorganisms, e.g., recombinant microorganisms, adapted to utilize one or more synthesis gas components in a microbial bio-production of one or more desired biomolecules and products of commercial interest.

Abstract: The instant invention is a polyethylene composition, method of producing the same, fibers made therefrom, and method of making the same. The polyethylene composition according to instant invention comprises: (a) less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and (b) less than 20 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers. The polyethylene composition according to instant invention has a density in the range of 0.920 to 0.970 g/cm3, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.70 to 3.5, a melt index (I2) in the range of 0.2 to 1000 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) in the range of less than 2.5, vinyl unsaturation of less than 0.1 vinyls per one thousand carbon atoms present in the backbone of the composition.

Abstract: A carpet that can be installed onto a flooring surface without the requirement for registration between adjacent broadloom carpet pieces. The carpet comprises a design member that comprises a plurality of pattern members that are colorized and that define a void area, which has a substantially uniform color and pile height.

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 textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first polymer and a second polymer disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first polymer and the second polymer exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.

Abstract: Freestanding metallic nanowires attached to a metallic substrate are disclosed. A method of creating the nanowire structure using an anodized layer is presented. In one embodiment an optical SERS sensor is formed. The sensor head has at least one array of nanowires chemically functionalized to recognize molecules of interest. A method of forming a SERS sensor and using the sensor to analyze a sample is presented.

Abstract: A mat includes a lint layer including a substrate cloth and a fuzz layer combined with the substrate cloth, and a non-slip layer combined with the substrate cloth of the lint layer integrally. Thus, the mat consists of the lint layer and the non-slip layer only so that the mat has a simplified construction, thereby decreasing the cost of fabrication.

Abstract: A carpet material with at least one of its components made easier for recycle by use of an adhesive which can be selectively altered to change the adhesion strength to allow component carpet layers to be separated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lining element, in particular an interior lining and/or covering element, for motor vehicles, having a decorative layer and a support layer structure with at least one support layer, in which the air permeability and/or density and/or the mass per unit area of the support layer structure are preset for controlling the acoustic properties, and to a method for producing a lining element, in particular an interior lining element or covering element for motor vehicles, having a decorative layer and a support layer structure of at least one support layer with controlled acoustic properties. In particular, the acoustic properties of the lining element are controlled by matching the thickness, and/or the mass per unit area, and/or the air permeability of the lining element in zones, or over the entire surface, to sound emissions which are to be absorbed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide carpet tile patterns and techniques for making carpet tile patterns that provide diversity of color, texture, and/or other pattern attributes. In some embodiments, a color attribute changes along a dimension of a web from which the carpet tiles are cut. In other embodiments, a yarn pile height changes along a dimension of a web from which the carpet tiles are cut. In some embodiments, carpet tiles mimic in some respects the appearance of wood flooring having natural variations in the appearance of the wood elements.

Abstract: An elongated floor rug (24), suitable for use in a bathroom, having a slot opening (14) on one end adapted to receive and partially surround a toilet base (6) of a toilet (4) having an attached water compartment (20). The slot opening comprises a flap (12a) and a flap (12b) on each side of the rug, and an innermost edge (16) of the rug on a third side. The rug comprises a multitude of rug strand (10). When the rug is properly positioned on a floor (18), as indicated in FIG. 1, the slot opening resides below a toilet bowl (8) of the toilet. The portion of the rug which is proximate to the toilet functions as a toilet rug, and thereby serves the needs of a toilet-user. The rug is sufficiently long to also function as a bath rug, thereby meeting the needs of a wet bather.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polyolefins having atactic structural elements in floor coverings, in particular in carpets or artificial lawns.

Abstract: An anti-skid exercise mat includes a foam member having a predetermined thickness, a fabric layer located on at least one side of the foam member, and at least one soft plastic material disposed on a predetermined area of a surface of the fabric layer and at least penetrating into the fabric layer for a predetermined depth for scarf joint and adhesive connection with fibers of the fabric layer. Accordingly, the anti-skid exercise mat has preferable anti-skid and perspiration-absorptive functions during the whole course of exercising.

Abstract: A silicon structure of the present invention is provided with a silicon substrate (1) to become a base, and a plurality of fibrous projections (2) made of silicon dioxide and directly joined to a silicon-made surface (1a) of the silicon substrate (1). By arbitrarily constructing an area where these fibrous projections (2) are formed in a predetermined area, it is possible to render the area to have at least either hydrophilicity or water retentivity, so as to provide a silicon structure useful for a variety of devices.

Abstract: A quasi-isotropic sandwich structure is provided for resisting loads along multiple axes. The structure includes a core material sandwiched by fiberglass reinforcements. Fiberglass rovings are inserted through the structure such that the rovings are oriented along three axes, with adjacent axes separated by approximately 120°. Machines and methods for forming the structures are also disclosed. In one case, a machine having a single stitch head is reconfigured in each of three passes of the material to form the sandwich structure. In other cases, a machine having three stitch heads is used to form the structure with a single pass of the material. In some embodiments, the machine includes an indexing stitch head oriented at approximately 0° and two stationary stitch heads oriented at approximately ?60° and +60° with respect to the machine direction. In other embodiments, the machine includes three stationary stitch heads oriented at approximately 90°, ?30°, and +30°.

Abstract: Carpet products having antimicrobial properties and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. The carpet product includes a face fabric having a top surface and a base, and a pre-treated stabilizing material attached to the base of the face fabric. The pre-treated stabilizing material may have an antimicrobial compound coated thereonto or physically incorporated.