Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for fabricating improved ceramic composite turbine shrouds with abradable seals are disclosed. A high temperature seal with an abradable coating is provided. The seal comprises a three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure recessed below the abradable coating, with loops incorporated in and protruding from the base structure. The abradable coating is integrally attached to the base structure via the loops. Additionally, a graded density seal is provided with a three-dimensional, low-density woven composite structure. The low-density structure is abradable. A three-dimensional, high-density woven composite base structure is recessed below the low-density structure, with the low-density structure integrally attached to the base structure via weaving.

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 composite velour fabric garment includes a laminate consisting of an outer woven shell layer, an inner thermal layer of knit construction, and an intermediate layer disposed between and laminated to each of the shell layer and the thermal layer. The outer woven shell layer contains spandex in at least a weft direction for stretch and recovery in a width direction. The knit construction of the inner thermal layer provides stretch in at least a width direction, in harmony with the shell layer, and the inner thermal layer has a raised surface facing inwardly, away from the shell layer. The raised surface includes a plurality of discrete pillar regions of sinker loop yarn arranged in a grid or box pattern and configured to form a plurality of intersecting channels between a wearer's body and the inner thermal layer. The intermediate layer has controlled air permeability, including zero air permeability. One or more of the outer, inner, and intermediate layers include flame retardant material.

Abstract: The invention provides a knitted spacer fabric having a tightly knitted bottom layer, a more loosely knitted upper layer and pile yarns extending across the space between the lower and upper faces. Settable material, is introduced into the space between the upper and lower faces and can be caused to set by the addition of a liquid. Until set, the fabric is flexible and can be shaped but after the material in space has set, the fabric is rigid and can be used as a structural element in a wide range of situations.

Abstract: A composite, felt-based material includes a felt layer, a second material layer, and an adhesive layer which adheres the second material layer to the felt layer.

Abstract: A laminate material element for a hook-and-loop closure, particularly for a diaper closure, having a carrier and a textile material laminated onto the carrier, which material has a basic structure formed from threads, and additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting. The additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting form loops provided for making a connection with hook-and-loop hooks. At least a part of the threads or fibers of the basic structure is formed from polyamide. According to the invention, the additional threads incorporated into the basic structure by means of knitting have polyolefin, particularly polypropylene, as their main component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced laminate (101), which laminate comprises at least one area on the surface of the laminate configured with projecting fibers for being joined to one or more other elements. This is accomplished by arrangement of a hybrid mat (505) most distally in the laminate which comprises at least two layers with fibers (105) transversally across the joining face (402) of the layers. The outermost layer (301) of the hybrid mat is removed prior to joining, whereas the innermost layer (506) of the hybrid mat remains a constituent of the laminate (101). The invention relates to different methods of causing fibers to project from the surface of the laminate, said fibers thus having a reinforcing effect on the joints. The invention also relates to a laminate manufactured by the disclosed methods and a blade for a wind power plant comprising such laminate.

Abstract: A self bonding floor tile includes a main body and a self bonding layer connected with the main body. The self bonding layer includes an absorbate, a first adhesive and a second adhesive. The first adhesive connects the main body with the self bonding layer. At least a portion of the absorbate extends into the first adhesive, and at least a portion of the second adhesive penetrates into the absorbate for connecting the self bonding layer with a body to be decorated. A method for manufacturing the self bonding floor tile includes: providing a main body; spreading a first adhesive over the main body; providing an absorbate with porous or wick structure, and adding the absorbate to the first adhesive; spreading a second adhesive over the absorbate. The present self bonding floor tile can be quickly installed, easily and partly replaced with low installation and replacement cost.

Abstract: A nanofiber non-woven composite containing a nanofiber non-woven layer and a textile layer. The nanofiber non-woven layer has a first side and a second side and a plurality of nanofibers. At least 70% of the nanofibers are bonded to other nanofibers. The textile layer has a textile layer thickness and is located on the first side of the nanofiber non-woven layer. At least a portion of the nanofibers of the nanofiber non-woven layer are penetrated at least partially into the textile layer thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal (LC) display of the PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to novel polymerisable compounds and novel LC media for use in PSA displays.

Abstract: A fastening member according to the invention includes right and left sewn areas which are sewn to one member out of a cushion member and a cover material, a hook-and-loop fastener area which is disposed between the right and left sewn areas and which has a plurality of female engagement elements formed on one face thereof, and a connection area which connects between the hook-and-loop fastener area and the respective sewn areas. Here, the connection area is configured to have a lower yarn density than that of the sewn areas and allows the hook-and-loop fastener area to be displaced relatively to the sewn areas. According to the fastening member of the invention, since the fastened cover material can be easily displaced against the cushion member, wrinkling occurrence at the cover material can be prevented when the cover material is assembled to the cushion member.

Abstract: Void-maintaining laminates comprising fuzzy woven or fuzzy membrane layers are provided. Laminates of the present invention comprise at least one sheet-like core element, typically comprising void spaces or channels and, bonded thereto, at least one layer of fuzzy woven composite for use in geotechnical applications. The superior adhesion or bonding of the respective layers to one another, and its contribution to the structural integrity of void spaces or channels, enables the construction and positioning of drainage composites having the desirable characteristics of high permittivity and high transmissivity. Numerous embodiments of the invention are possible. Fuzzy geocomposites of the invention can be used, for example, underneath buildings, foundations, roadways and other paved structures, or in landfills or other types of geotechnical installations to replace or complement conventional drainage materials such as sand, stone and gravel. Methods for making the fuzzy geocomposites are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforced sandwich structure (10) comprising stacked in height direction thereof, at least one top layer (2) and at least one bottom layer (3) comprising a fibrous reinforcing material, which top and bottom layer sandwich between them at least one core (1) of a foamed material, the sandwich structure being impregnated with a resin material. The at least one core material comprises at least one insert (9) which extends in height direction of the reinforced sandwich structure (10) over at least part of the height thereof and in at least one of the longitudinal and transversal direction thereof. The at least one top layer (2), the at least one bottom layer (3) and the at least one core material which comprise the at least one insert are connected to each other by means of reinforcing fibers, at least part of which extend in height direction of the sandwich structure.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and methods of making and recycling carpet. In one aspect, the carpet includes: a primary backing which has a face and a back surface; a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing; an adhesive composition backing; and an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing. The method of making carpet includes extrusion coating the adhesive composition onto the back surface of a primary backing to form the adhesive composition backing. The method of recycling carpet can recover one or more polymeric carpet components.

Abstract: Fiber based z-directional reinforced composites having enhanced inter-laminar strength, impact toughness, transmission properties (electrical and thermal conduction) and coefficient of thermal expansion are provided. The composites include at least two substrates separated by a reinforcement zone that includes a plurality of fibers disposed in a binder resin. At least some, and in one embodiment, a majority, of the fibers are oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular to the substrates. Multi-layered composites having more than two substrate layers can also be formed. Methods for forming such composites are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis comprising at least two pieces of knitted fabric and to the method of manufacturing it using a sonotrode to perform ultrasonic welding. The prosthesis comprises at least one first piece of knitted fabric and at least one second piece of knitted fabric, which are welded together by means of a plurality of welds situated in a joining region in which at least a portion of the said first and second pieces of knitted fabric are superposed, the said first and second pieces of knitted fabric each comprising a group of yarns extending respectively in first and second directions A and B, characterized in that the said directions A and B are substantially aligned with one another in the said joining region, and each said weld in the joining region is of elongate shape with its longitudinal axis being aligned with the said directions A and B.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for manufacturing core composite layer workpieces (sandwich structures) from at least one first and at least one second cover sheet (1, 2) between which a core sheet (30) including especially short cut fibers (9) is provided, are disclosed with which a continuous and substantially break free manufacture can be conducted which leads to composite layer structures with reasonable costs. Single manufacturing parameters can specifically be varied with different embodiments so that in a relatively simple manner composite layer structures with desired physical properties can be obtained, for example with respect to their strength, stiffness, flexibility, mechanical and acoustic absorption capabilities, working properties, and so on. Composite layer structures for new applications can be manufactured as well.

Abstract: An insulated composite fabric that includes an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an insulating-filler fabric layer enclosed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer. The insulating-filler fabric layer is a textile fabric with a raised surface on at least one side of the fabric.

Abstract: A layered, artificial surface including plural components filled with microbeads of pre-selected sizes, shapes and depths. The microbeads of the pre-selected sizes and shapes and depths provide plural different types of resistance and firmness for the artificial surface. Pre-determined chemical compounds are applied to the microbeads to change a surface charge on the microbeads, or produced with a desired surface charge to provide different interactions and thus different types of resistance and firmness for the artificial surface. The artificial surface does not require the application of a vacuum to maintain a shape or resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous web having a first region and at least one discrete integral second region, the second region having at least one portion being a discontinuity exhibiting a linear orientation and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least another portion being a deformation having a plurality of tufted fibers integral with but extending from the first region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multiple layer composites suitable for use as wall and floor coverings, among other uses, that provide a strong durable structure and a soft textile or fabric face. The composite includes a face layer bonded to an adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer penetrates into the face layer. The face layer can have legs extending there from, and such legs are anchored by the adhesive layer to provide stronger attachment between the adhesive layer and the face layer. A backing layer may also be provided in contact with the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer also embeds into the backing layer, and the legs extending from the face layer may penetrate into the backing layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a knitted spacer fabric having a tightly knitted bottom layer, a more loosely knitted upper layer and pile yarns extending across the space between the lower and upper faces. Settable material, e.g. cement, is introduced into the space between the upper and lower faces and can be caused to set by the addition of a liquid, e.g. water. Until set, the fabric is flexible and can be shaped but after the material in space has set, the fabric is rigid and can be used as a structural element in a wide range of situations, e.g. to form a cover of a prefabricated shelter, a track-way for vehicles, pedestrians or animals; a shelter by applying the fabric to a framework; formwork for casting concrete; barriers, e.g. to line tunnels; to repair structures, e.g. roofs; to form floors or damp proof structures; to reinforce earth structures, e.g. river banks; to provide flood defences; or to repair existing pipes, including buried water pipes or to construct new pipes.

Abstract: A foam insulating liner includes a liner frame comprising a first side, a second side and a perimeter disposed about an injected foam insulating core. The method of its manufacture includes the steps of placing a first side of an insulating liner frame in a first half of a mold; placing a second side of said insulating liner frame in a second half of said mold; sealing together said first half and said second half of said mold; disposing a quantity of foam material between said first side and said second side of said insulating liner frame within said sealed mold; and removing a foam insulating liner from said mold.

Abstract: A laminate web comprising a first and second precursor webs, at least the first precursor web being a nonwoven web, the laminate web having a first side, the first side comprising the second precursor web and at least one discrete tuft, each of the discrete tufts having a linear orientation defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of tufted fibers being integral extensions of the first precursor web and extending through the second precursor web; and a second side, the second side comprising the first precursor web.

Abstract: Fibrous structures comprising a tuft. More particularly, the present invention relates to fibrous structures comprising at least two chemically different compositions wherein less than all of the chemically different compositions present in the fibrous structures forms a tuft, and processes for making such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an improved pultruded and clinched Z-axis fiber reinforced composite laminate structure. The upper and lower skins and the core are pulled automatically through tooling where the skin material is wetted-out with resin and the entire composite laminate is preformed in nearly its final thickness. The preformed composite laminate continues to be pulled into an automatic 3-dimensional Z-axis fiber deposition machine that deposits “groupings of fiber filaments” at multiple locations normal to the plane of the composite laminate structure and cuts each individual grouping such that an extension of each “grouping of fiber filaments” remains above the upper skin and below the lower skin. The preformed composite laminate then continues to be pulled into a secondary wet-out station.

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet, and then applying the flocking to a release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and thermoplastic hot melt film is applied to the back of the flock. The transfer, which is essentially release sheet, is then applied to a substrate, such as item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc., by positioning a sheet of thermoplastic hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt with the flock in contact with the hot melt film, and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermoplastic hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the cost involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet has a first side and a second side, the first side being a body-facing side. The topsheet defines a CD-MD plane and includes a fibrous nonwoven web and tufts, the tufts having fibers of the fibrous nonwoven web. The topsheet further includes first, second and third zones, each zone being characterized in a Z-direction by the zone fiber orientation, wherein the first and third zones are displaced relative to each other and each include fibers having portions orientated substantially parallel to said CD-MD plane of the topsheet. The second zone is intermediate and adjacent to the first and third zones, the second zone including substantially reoriented fibers that are substantially vertically oriented with respect to the CD-MD plane of said topsheet.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure and methods of fabricating such structure are disclosed. In one example, the surface of a CMC substrate (12) is urged against a surface of a tool having blunt teeth. The blunt teeth can form surface indents that can serve as a first bond-enhancing arrangement between the surface of the substrate and a corresponding boundary of a thermally-insulating coating (14). In another example, sharp teeth can form surface indents and also penetrate through the surface of the substrate to cut some of the fibers beneath the surface of the substrate into split fiber segments, and a portion of the split fiber segments can protrude above the surface of the substrate. The protruding fiber segments can serve as a second bond-enhancing arrangement between the surface of the substrate and the corresponding boundary of the coating.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin comprising a topsheet comprising a plurality of discrete tufts of fibrous material, wherein the topsheet has a density of less than 0.027 g/cc under a load of 0.004 psi, and a density of less than 0.068 at a load of 0.23 psi.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing membrane which is useful for closing out liquids and comprises moisture-absorbing, swellable fibres capable of generating a high swell pressure. The sealing membrane is constructed as a textile layer and may be disposed on the back of a moisture-impermeable layer of material of construction.

Abstract: A carpet according to the present invention includes: a first air-impermeable layer (surface layer), a sound absorbent layer provided on a reverse side of the first air-impermeable layer, and a second air-impermeable layer (backing material layer) provided on a reverse side of the sound absorbent layer. In the carpet, a pile yarn is implanted through the first air-impermeable layer and the sound absorbent layer.

Abstract: An impact resistant membrane and methods of preparing and utilizing the membrane are disclosed. The membrane comprises a loft layer, a first polymeric layer bonded to a first surface of the loft layer, and a second polymeric layer bonded to a second surface of the loft layer. The membrane can be fabricated by providing a loft layer and applying a polymeric layer on a first surface and on a second surface of the loft layer. The membrane has a higher resistance to failure due to impact and thus protects the underlying structure membrane for a longer time. A method of facilitating protecting a structure comprises providing a single ply membrane having a loft layer and a polymeric layer disposed on at least two surfaces of the loft layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the incorporation of glitter particulates in flocked pile fabrics, as well as fabrics manufactured using the same. The fabrics produced according to the invention comprise flocking and glitter particulates at the exposed surface of the adhesive used to attach the flocking and glitter particulates to the fabric. By adhering the glitter particulates to the exposed surface of the adhesive layer—rather than admixing the glitter particulates with the adhesive—the decorative effect is maintained while reducing the amount of glitter particulates used in the manufacturing process. In addition, the process does not require the passage of glitter particulates through an adhesive deposition tool, thereby eliminating shape and size restrictions imposed by the use of such tools.

Abstract: A flexible energy absorbing sheet material in which a dilatant material (6) is impregnated into or supported by a resilient carrier (1). The dilatant material remains soft until it is subjected to an impact when its characteristics change rendering it temporarily rigid, the material returning to its normal flexible state after the impact. The carrier can be a spacer fabric, a foam layer or modules or threads of dilatant material contained between a pair of spaced layers. Methods of manufacturing the energy absorbing sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite material assembly (1) comprises a) a surface enhancing layer (5) comprising at least one layer of fibres, having a length to width aspect ratio of more than 5:1 and b) a structural layer (7) comprising at least one reinforcing fibre and at least one polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heatproof and fireproof cover, in which a nonwoven that contains a superabsorbent material is located between an outer skin and a covering skin.

Abstract: Polyurethane carpet backings are made using a polyurethane-forming composition that includes hydroxymethyl-containing polyester polyols. The formulation allows a significant replacement of conventional polyols with polyols derived from annually renewable resources, while maintaining important properties like edge curl, tuftbind, viscosity and good curing rates.

Abstract: Biomimetic tendon-reinforced” (BTR) composite structures feature improved properties including a very high strength-to-weight ratio. The basic structure includes plurality of parallel, spaced-apart stuffer members, each with an upper end and a lower end, and a plurality of fiber elements, each having one point connected to the upper end of a stuffer member and another point connected to the lower end of a stuffer member such that the elements form criss-crossing joints between the stuffer members. The stuffer members and fiber elements may optionally be embedded in a matrix material such as an epoxy resin. The fiber elements are preferably carbon fibers, though other materials, including natural or synthetic fibers or metal wires may be used. The stuffer members may be rods, tubes, or spheres, and may be constructed of metal, ceramic or plastic. The stuffer members are preferably spaced apart at equal distances. If the members are tubes, the fiber elements may be dressed through the tubes.

Abstract: A play surface layer structure comprises a base layer having panels joined in side-by-side relation. Each of the panels is formed of an impact-absorbing material. A surface layer has carpeting panels positioned in side-by-side relation atop the base layer so as form an exposed surface of the play surface layer structure. Textile interfaces are between the base layer and the surface layer. The interfaces secure the surface layer to the base layer.

Abstract: A fibrillar structure and a method of making it. The structure comprises a backing layer, a plurality of fibrils and a contacting region. The method of making it comprises constructing a synthetic fibrillar array, preparing a liquid material on a substrate and contacting the fibrillar array with the liquid material.

Abstract: The invention refers to a cover, comprising a fleece arranged between a top and a bottom layer which holds a super absorber. At least in one layer a permeability area which is permeable to moisture is provided through which the cover can be moistened in a controlled way.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite film comprising a layer of an organic polymer, wherein the organic polymer is an elastomer; the organic polymer having an elastic modulus of less than or equal to about 105 Pascals when measured at room temperature; and a bundle of carbon fibers disposed in the layer of organic polymer; each bundle comprising a column and an end face; each bundle also having a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the column and passes through the center of the column; the end face of the carbon fiber bundle intercalated with nitrate ions and fibrillated so as to have a surface area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is about 110% to about 250% greater than the surface area of a cross-section of the carbon fiber bundle measured at the column.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. Tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the under lying floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disposable cleaning sheet for removing debris, especially hair from a non-smooth or rough surface, especially fibrous type surfaces such as carpeting or upholstery. The cleaning sheets comprise a fibrous substrate and a plurality of protrusions extending from strand elements embedded within fibrous substrate. The cleaning sheets use the protrusions to dislodge the debris from the surface being cleaned, and the fibrous substrate captures the dislodged debris without a backing for the protrusions interfering with the particle capture of the fibrous substrate. Further, the protrusions are firmly embedded within the fibrous substrate such that they cannot be dislodged from the substrate in use.

Abstract: Interchangeable and removably connected geometric carpet sections or runners that are suitable for use in homes, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and the like are described. The carpet sections have geometric configurations wherein the various sections are removably joined together to follow a given path or direction. Alternatively, a plurality of stair step modules, contain carpet sections, which are attached to stair steps are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a polishing pad includes providing a non-woven fabric made of a plurality of fibers. The non-woven fabric is submerged with a polymer resin solution. The polymer resin submerged in non-woven fabric is cured to form a porous polymer having an outer face adapted for polishing a workpiece. The outer face of the porous polymer is finished to form a polishing pad with a plurality of naps on the outer face. The plurality of naps on the outer face have a density ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 g/cm3, and the plurality of naps on the outer face have a length ranging from 50 to 600 ?m.

Abstract: The articles of the present invention are directed to flocked articles having a plurality of conductively coated concentric multi-component flock fibers. The flock fibers are: adhered between a release adhesive layer and a permanent adhesive layer; orientated substantially perpendicular to the release adhesive and permanent adhesive layers; and maintained substantially parallel to one another along their entire length. In one embodiment the multi-component flock fibers are bi-component fibers having an outer polymer composition of poly(cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet and then applying the flocking to the release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and hot melt film is not applied to the back of the flock. The transfer (which is essentially a flocked release sheet) is then applied to a substrate (i.e., an item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc.) by positioning a sheet of thermosetting hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt film with the flock in contact with the hot melt film; and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermosetting hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the costs involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A tufted nonwoven includes a face material which tufts a bonded nonwoven having a mixture of a plurality of bicomponent filaments 1 with a plurality of bicomponent filaments 2. At least bicomponent filaments 1 have component 11 and component 12. Component 11 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(11), and component 22 of the bicomponent filaments 2 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(22). Component 12 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(12), and component 21 of the second bicomponent filaments exhibits a melting temperature Tm(21), and Tm(12) is higher than Tm(21). The melting temperatures of components 11 and 22 and the melting temperatures of components 12 and 21 obey a relationship in which Tm(11) and Tm(22)>Tm(12)>first Tm(21) and optionally wherein the face material is bonded to bicomponent filaments 2 by a solidified melt of component 21. Also described are a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture.