Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the creation and harvesting of algae using tufted products. One exemplary tufted product comprises a substrate and tufts tufted through the substrate. The use of a tufted product provides various advantages with respect to the creation and harvesting of algae. Among other things, such products can be configured to improve the amount of algal-growing surface area provided and other growing environment characteristics and to facilitate the harvesting of the algae from the tufted product by facilitating the release of all or most of the algae from attachment to the tufted product.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a flocked metal plate, which has a hydrophilic nature and is excellent in water retention property and water absorbing property, and a method of producing the flocked metal plate. A flocked metal plate having a flocked layer, which is formed by implanting short fibers as short fiber bundles in a synthetic resin adhesive layer provided at least one face of a metal plate or a surface treated metal plate, wherein the synthetic resin adhesive layer is made a hydrophilic synthetic resin adhesive layer, the short fibers implanted in the synthetic resin adhesive layer are made hydrophilized short fibers, and the short fibers are implanted in the synthetic resin adhesive layer to give a flocked layer having short fiber bundles at as high density as possible, thereby giving a flocked metal plate carrying a flocked layer having been made a flocked layer which exhibits a hydrophilic nature, water retention property and water absorbing property.

Abstract: A paper-based composite comprises an interface layer (1) and a surface layer (2) which is bond on at least one surface of the interface layer (1). The interface layer (1) is made by foaming and curing polyurethane with paper cords (3) which are made by winding paper blended with a resin or adhesive.

Abstract: A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly, comprising: an insert comprising an armature, a rim portion and at least one spoke connecting the armature to the rim portion; a rim assembly comprising a first rim portion and a second rim portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being configured to be disposed around a periphery of the rim portion of the insert and the first rim portion and the second rim portion are configured to be secured to each other about the rim portion of the insert, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being separately formed from a polymeric material prior to the securement of the rim assembly to the rim portion of the insert; and a decorative cover disposed about an exterior surface of the rim assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to flocked articles and methods for making the same, more particularly to flocked elastomeric and/or stretchable articles and methods for making the same.

Abstract: A multi-colored flocked article is provided having a plurality of flock and adhesive regions. Each flock region is defined by a plurality of flock fibers that are substantially the same in color and are substantially free of light dispersants, such as titanium dioxide. Further, each flock region is of a different color relative to an adjacent flock region to form a patterned, multi-colored design. Each of the plurality of adhesive regions corresponds to a flock region and includes a colored adhesive. The color of the adhesive is at least similar or substantially similar in color to the flock fibers in the corresponding flock region.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer material exhibiting an increased hydrophilicity prepared by processing the material in a jet mill or a cryogenic grinding mill.

Abstract: A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material.

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: A structure includes a conductive film (12) provided in an underlying layer (10); and a carbon nanotube bundle (20) including a plurality of carbon nanotubes each having one end connected to the conductive film (12), wherein, at other end side of the carbon nanotube bundle (20), at least carbon nanotubes allocated at outer side of the carbon nanotube bundle (20) extend with convex curvatures toward the outside of the carbon nanotube bundle (20), and the convex curvatures of the carbon nanotubes allocated at the outer side of the carbon nanotube bundle are larger than those of inner side of the carbon nanotube bundle (20), and diameters of the carbon nanotube bundle (20) decrease toward the other end of the carbon nanotube bundle (20).

Abstract: An organic opto-electronic polymer having the structure of formula (I) is provided: The polymer can be used in the light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting element as a blue light-emitting material.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a construction (10) having a functional side (12). The method includes the steps of: supplying a flexible substrate (20); attaching one or more structures (30) to the substrate (20) on a surface or side thereof facing the functional side (12) of the construction (10); and forming one or more features, for example, such as fibrils (39), on at least one of the structures (30), wherein the features have at least one dimension which is at least one of micro-sized or nano-sized.

Abstract: A process for forming a flocked article is provided that includes the steps of: (a) cutting a pre-formed or solid adhesive film into a desired shape; (b) removing a first portion of the cut pre-formed adhesive film from a second portion of the cut pre-formed adhesive film; and (c) heating and applying pressure to the cut pre-formed adhesive film to adhere the film to flock to form a flocked article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article having at least one surface coated with electrostatically flocked material. The flock material used is one or more fibers, preferably synthetic fibers. When electrostatically flocked onto the article surface, the flock material is oriented, thus providing a silky smooth feel to the surface. The articles may include, for example, elastic articles such as rubber gloves, elastic medical drapes or wraps, elastic orthopedic supports/braces and clothing. The present invention also provides a process and apparatus for electrostatically flocking material onto an article.

Abstract: Fibrous structures having a nonwoven substrate, a scrim material and a plurality of solid additives and methods for making such fibrous structures are provided herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inner flock coating for vehicles with an indicative and/or decorative motif and the manufacturing process thereof, which inner coating is made up of a support, an adhesive layer and a flock layer made up of a set of fibres adhered to the support via the adhesive layer, wherein said motif is located on a visible surface of said inner coating and wherein said motif is performed by the combination of at least two visibly different areas of the coating, a first area and a second area on which a laser beam is applied.

Abstract: A sanitary article is provided for reducing the spread of contamination between a user and an object. The article comprises a permeable layer, an impermeable layer, and an anti-bacterial gel interposed between the permeable layer and the impermeable layer. The permeable and impermeable layers may be sealed to each other to restrict the movement of the gel and to make the article unitary. The gel may at least partially diffuse through the permeable layer upon the user contacting the permeable layer while the impermeable layer impeded diffusion of the gel toward the object upon the object contacting the impermeable layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for making a decorative article, more specifically to a method of making a decorative article containing flock and an insert, such as a woven insert.

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: A carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) 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, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one olefin block copolymer, especially ethylene based block copolymers An olefin block copolymer is extrusion coated onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing Additional steps and procedures can include washing or scouring the primary backing and fibers prior to the extrusion step, and utilizing implosion agents The preferred olefin block copolymer is an ethylene based block interpolymers The constructions and methods are suited for making tufted, broad-loom carpet having improved abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flocked articles comprising a metallized film and methods of manufacturing such articles.

Abstract: There is provided a bank structure which partitions off a pattern formation region in which a functional liquid is to be disposed and flow. The pattern formation region includes a first pattern formation region, and a second pattern formation region which is continuously connected to the first pattern formation region and which has a larger width than the first pattern formation region. The second pattern formation region is provided with at least one partition bank which partitions off the second pattern formation region to regulate the flow direction of the functional liquid. A partition width substantially orthogonal to the flow direction of the functional liquid which is regulated by the partition bank is less than ±20% of the width of the first pattern formation region.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer material exhibiting an increased hydrophilicity prepared by processing the material in a jet mill or a cryogenic grinding mill.

Abstract: Vehicular upholstery fabric is woven by using chenille yarn and multi-fiber yarn for weft yarns. The weaving interval between chenille yarns is set up less than the apparent thickness of the chenille yarn, which is specified as an observed value of the thickness. The apparent thickness of the multi-fiber yarn is less than one-fifth of the apparent thickness of the chenille yarn. There are tight portions where a great number of warp yarns passes over the chenille yarn, and rough portions, where a small number of warp yarns passes over the chenille yarn that is formed on the surface of fabric. PPT-fibers are used for the pile of the chenille yarn and the warp yarn.

Abstract: A process for producing ultramicrodenier filaments evenly distributed in a fabric matrix includes producing bicomponent fibers or filaments using two polymer components; converting the bicomponent fibers or filaments into a fabric; and treating the fabric with an alkali to produce ultramicrodenier filaments of the order of 0.05 to 0.13 denier per filament uniformly distributed in the fabric matrix.

Abstract: The invention is directed generally to stretchable flocked articles and/or assemblies, more specifically stretchable flocked articles and/or assemblies having at least one elastomeric adhesive and a method for making the same. One aspect of the invention is an elastomeric textile product comprising a textile design and a self-supporting, elastomeric adhesive layer. In one preferred embodiment, the self-supporting, elastomeric adhesive layer comprises an elastomeric film position between opposing first and second adhesive films.

Abstract: Vertically oriented carbon nanotubes (CNT) arrays have been simultaneously synthesized at relatively low growth temperatures (i.e., <700° C.) on both sides of aluminum foil via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The resulting CNT arrays were highly dense, and the average CNT diameter in the arrays was approximately 10 nm, A CNT TIM that consist of CNT arrays directly and simultaneously synthesized on both sides of various types of foil has been fabricated. The TIM is insertable and allows temperature sensitive and/or rough substrates to be interfaced by highly conductive and conformable CNT arrays. The use of foil, including substrates fabricated from carbon (CNT woven arrays, exfoliated graphite sheets, bucky paper, and the like) is disclosed.

Abstract: A narrow fabric includes an elastomeric coating on at least a portion of at least one side of the narrow fabric to provide designed, localized control and performance in the narrow fabric. Optionally, the elastomeric coating may be embedded with flock fibers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flocked article is provided that includes an elastomeric film and a plurality of flock fibers on a flocked surface of the film. The flock fibers are embedded in the film.

Abstract: An appliqué for applying a design to a fabric includes a flock in a pre-determined multi-colour pattern retained by a flock adhesive and an application adhesive suitable for adhering the appliqué to a fabric. A garment or piece of fabric having an appliqué and a method of decorating a fabric by applying an appliqué using an application adhesive are disclosed.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is a solid core fibrillation-resistant, synthetic polymeric filament having three substantially equal length convex sides. The sides through substantially rounded tips centered by a distance “a” from the axis of the filament. Each rounded tip has a radius substantially equal to a length “b”. Each tip lies on a circumscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length (a+b) and the midpoint of each side lies on an inscribed circle having a radius substantially equal to a length “c”. The filament has a denier-per-filament in the range 10<“dpf”<35; the distance “a” lies in the range 0.00025 inches (6 micrometers)<“a”<0.004 inches (102 micrometers); the distance “b” lies in the range from 0.00008 inches (2 micrometers)<“b”<0.001 inches (24 micrometers); the distance “c” lies in the range from 0.0003 inches (8 micrometers)<“c”<0.0025 inches (64 micrometers); and the modification ratio (“MR”) lies in the range from about 1.1<“MR”< about 2.0.

Abstract: A flock material exhibiting an increased degree of filament separation prepared by cutting a fluoropolymer or carbon fiber yarn into lengths, introducing mechanical energy into the lengths in order to cause the lengths to separate into single-filaments fibers and removing or classifying at least a portion of the single-filament fibers from the lengths in order to obtain a flock having a particular fraction of single-filament, fluoropolymer or carbon fibers.

Abstract: The process for printing and finishing on fabrics partially or totally containing aramidic fibre, in the form of filament and/or flock, consists of carrying out a plasma treatment on the fabric only before the printing process and/or before the finishing process.

Abstract: A card based business communication is produced in a unique manner in which a pigmented coating is applied over one face of the card substrate so as to change the appearance of the card material and provide a based for a high resolution image. An image is applied either directly over the pigmented coating or alternatively, the image may be reverse printed on a transparent film such that when the film is applied over the pigmented coating, the image will be visible through the face of the film.

Abstract: A cleaning strip for cash and credit card machines comprises a strip coated with flock fibers and made of a substrate, wherein two opposing strip edges define a machine direction and the width of the strip measured transversely to an insertion direction into a cash and credit card machine corresponds substantially to the length of a side edge of a banknote or credit card suitable for use in a cash and credit card machine to be cleaned. On at least one of the surfaces thereof, the strip has at least three transverse strips (14), mounted transversely to the machine direction at a distance from each other and provided with a coating made of flock fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a multi-colored two-part decorative flocked article and to a method making and process of using the same.

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: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for alpine, snowboard and hiking includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material and insulated nonwoven layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh included in a moldable foam, or moldable a spacer material and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine boots, snowboard boots, cross country boots, hiking boots, protective gear, helmets, bouldering shoes, paddling apparel and gear along with appropriate variations for each application are disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous filament thermoplastic polymer/colorant tow, the filaments of which are formed from a composition containing at least one matrix including a thermoplastic polymer and a colorant, and, optionally, at least one light and/or heat stabilizer, and is converted into useful flocked articles, e.g., vehicle interiors, having such properties as good light and/or heat fastness.

Abstract: A novel lofted fiber or pile-type of fabric such as fleece, and an improved method of weaving the same. The improved lofted fiber or pile-type of fabric includes an underlying fabric substrate, a plurality of lofted fibers coupled into one portion of the underlying fabric substrate, and a different portion of the underlying fabric substrate adjacent to the portion having the plurality of lofted fibers that is substantially devoid of all lofted fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an appliqué having a graphic design image woven into a textile weave a method of making the same.

Abstract: A method of controlling the feeding of the backing material moving through a tufting machine in order to produce tufted articles such as carpets having a woven look or appearance. The backing material is indexed forwardly along its path of travel through the tufting machine by at least the stitch length for each stitch in a stitch cycle of the programmed pattern. At a desired point in the stitch cycle, the backing material can be indexed forwardly by a greater distance approximately equal to the program stitch length and a calculated jump distance to achieve a desired pattern effect.

Abstract: The composite material comprises an elastic film (F), made of polymer material, and a coating made of flocked fibers (13) on at least one face. The fibers are fixed to the film by a layer (C) of bonding material.

Abstract: A flocked material and an article of apparel incorporating the flocked material are disclosed. The flocked material includes a substrate and a plurality of flocking fibers. The substrate is formed from a two-dimensional material and has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The flocking fibers are secured to the second surface. In addition, the flocking fibers may form a plurality of apertures that expose at least a portion of the second surface of the substrate. When incorporated into the article of apparel, the flocking fibers may face inward to form at least a portion of an interior surface of the article of apparel. Accordingly, the flocking fibers may be positioned to contact an individual wearing the article of apparel.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a flocked metal plate, which has a hydrophilic nature and is excellent in water retention property and water absorbing property, and a method of producing the flocked metal plate. A flocked metal plate having a flocked layer, which is formed by implanting short fibers as short fiber bundles in a synthetic resin adhesive layer provided at least one face of a metal plate or a surface treated metal plate, wherein the synthetic resin adhesive layer is made a hydrophilic synthetic resin adhesive layer, the short fibers implanted in the synthetic resin adhesive layer are made hydrophilized short fibers, and the short fibers are implanted in the synthetic resin adhesive layer to give a flocked layer having short fiber bundles at as high density as possible, thereby giving a flocked metal plate carrying a flocked layer having been made a flocked layer which exhibits a hydrophilic nature, water retention property and water absorbing property.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric display using the action of electrostatic charges to manipulate visual displays. The fabric display comprises areas of furry fabrics (16) that can serve as visual effects or display of information and can be usable in a wearable garment, furniture, or other suitable locations where it can be incorporated to close a circuit. Through activation by the user, the surface of furry fabrics (16) is electrostatically charged causing the furs to repel from the surface and each other in a substantially vertical orientation with portions of the furs extending cut of the surface, thus revealing the color of the fabric surface.

Abstract: A surface covering such as a carpet, carpet tile, area rug, floor mat or the like incorporating a textile face disposed in contacting overlying relation to at least one polyurethane layer. One or more optional intermediate structure layers may be disposed within, on, over, or under the polyurethane layer and one or more optional backing layers may be disposed across the underside of the polyurethane layer. Polyurethane compositions preferably including castor oil may form the precoat, tiecoat, and/or backing.

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: A textile product with enhanced flame and/or smoke retardant properties and a method of forming the same is disclosed. The textile product is comprised of a textile material having a primary layer or backing with intumescent particles coated, sprayed, sprinkled, or otherwise applied to the upper surface thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the particles may be incorporated into the tufting primary or backing. The intumescent particles may also be complexed with additional agents, such as antimicrobial agents, softening agents, pliability agent, stain resistant agents, waterproofing agents, static resistance agents and combinations thereof.