Abstract: An article of manufacture, such as a weighted blanket, a cushioning element, or the like, includes an elastomeric element that includes elongated elements that follow nonlinear, partially overlapping paths and voids between adjacent portions of the elongated elements. Such an elastomeric element may define a weighted layer of a weighted blanket, a cushioning layer of a cushioning element of the like. The elastomeric element may be secured directly to a substrate, such as a fabric layer. Alternatively, an adhesion layer may secure the elastomeric element to the substrate. An adhesion layer may cover only a portion of the substrate. A cover may be provided over the elastomeric element. Together, the cover and the substrate may contain the elastomeric element.

Abstract: Disclosed is railway vehicle coach, including a chassis and a bogie arranged below the chassis in a vertical direction. The coach includes a thermally insulating screen, arranged between the chassis and the bogie, above the bogie in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Protective, multi-layered, breathable fabric constructs having dynamic or static antimicrobial compositions incorporated into adhesive components. The flexible constructs employ a fabric layer and a breathable coating layer applied to the fabric. Under certain preferred embodiments, the fabric constructs also employ an energy dissipating fiber material disposed opposite the coating layer. Also, the present invention teaches a method of protecting a valuable or sensitive object from damage caused by corrosion, weather, biomass, or other environmental related conditions using the fabric material. The fabric constructs may be post-formed using heat or other methods to create shaped-to-form covers.

Abstract: Rubberized polyolefin fabrics, particularly rubberized polyolefin fiber containing fabrics and a method for vulcanizing rubber without melting or lowering the performance of the fibers. A plurality of fibrous layers are molded and rubberized under high pressures, producing fabrics having customized stiffness properties.

Abstract: Building board for use as a carrier for a surface cladding of ceramic tiles, a stucco, or a thin-layer trowel mortar, on or in buildings, in which on a moisture-resistant and moisture-sealed foam-material core layer, there is glued on both sides a water-resistant paper web or thin plastic web, onto which webs in each case a web of nonwoven fabric or of a knitted or loom-knitted woven fabric is glued.

Abstract: A flexible preform for producing, by heating and shaping, a component based on natural fibres, the preform being including a core made of a nonwoven of natural fibres, at least one surface of which is bonded to a woven fabric made of natural fibres.

Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven comprising a plurality of roped fiber bundles having a length axis. The roped fiber bundles comprise a plurality of nanofibers having a median diameter of less than one micrometer, where at least 50% by number of the nanofibers are oriented within 45 degrees of the length axis of the roped fiber bundles. The nanofibers within the same roped fiber bundle are entangled together. The roped fiber bundles are randomly oriented within the nanofiber nonwoven and are entangled with other roped fiber bundles within the nanofiber nonwoven.

Abstract: A consolidated nanofiber nonwoven comprising a plurality of roped fiber bundles having a length axis. The roped fiber bundles comprise a plurality of nanofibers having a median diameter of less than one micrometer, where at least 50% by number of the nanofibers are oriented within 45 degrees of the length axis of the roped fiber bundles. The nanofibers within the same roped fiber bundle are entangled together. The roped fiber bundles are randomly oriented within the nanofiber nonwoven and are entangled with other roped fiber bundles within the nanofiber nonwoven. At least a portion of the nanofibers are entangled with and adhered to other nanofibers within the same roped fiber bundle and at least a portion of the roped fiber bundles are entangled with and adhered to other roped fiber bundles within the consolidated nanofiber nonwoven.

Abstract: An electroactive material, in the form of a self-supported layer, comprising: a matrix, which maintains the mechanical strength of the electroactive material; and an electroactive system, which is inserted in the matrix and comprises an electroactive organic compound (ea1+), an electroactive organic compound (ea2), a solubilization liquid (L), and ionic charges present as ionic salt or acid, wherein the electroactive compounds (ea1+ & ea2) and the ionic charges are in the solubilization liquid (L), wherein the matrix comprises a textile sheet (TS) or on a stack of sheets comprising the textile sheet (TS), and wherein the mineral fibers of the matrix and the solubilization liquid (L) have indices that are substantially equal, with a difference of at most 0.1. In addition, an electrically controllable device having variable optical properties, comprising the electroactive material.

Abstract: An acoustically coupled non-woven composite containing a non-woven layer and a thermoplastic film. The non-woven layer contains a plurality of binder fibers and a plurality of bulking fibers and has a binder zone and a bulking zone.

Abstract: A composite having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a nonwoven layer containing high modulus fibers having a modulus of at least 8 GPa and thermoplastic binder fibers, where at least a portion of the high modulus fibers are connected to the binder fibers, and where the first layer has a solidity of between about 10 and 90%. The second layer is a textile layer selected from the group consisting of a knit layer, a woven layer, bidirectional laminates, and a unidirectional layer. The second layer contains high modulus fibers having a modulus of at least 8 GPa in a thermoplastic matrix.

Abstract: A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.

Abstract: A flexible composite multiple layer fire-resistant insulation structure has a primary facing surface and a secondary facing surface. There is at least one dimensionally stable membrane having a primary membrane surface and a secondary membrane surface. At least a portion of the secondary facing surface is attached to the primary membrane surface. There is also at least one lofted insulative layer having a primary insulative surface and a secondary insulative surface. The at least one woven fabric facing layer may be formed of various materials, including amorphous silica glass and S-glass fiberglass. Different weaving patterns may be used to weave the facing layer. The facing layer may include a fire resistive treatment, which may in turn include a phosphate containing compound, and more particularly, may include dicalcium phosphate. In certain embodiments, multiple layers of the above are provided, and the structure may be enclosed in an abrasion resisting sheath.

Abstract: A composite sheet material suitable for use as a wrapping material having a layer of non-woven material formed from thermoplastic fibers or spunbonded fabric and a single or a composite water impermeable layer, the layers being laminated together. The composite impermeable layer may include a polymeric woven scrim for increasing the tensile strength and tear strength of the sheet.

Abstract: A composite having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a nonwoven layer containing high modulus fibers having a modulus of at least 8 GPa and thermoplastic binder fibers, where at least a portion of the high modulus fibers are connected to the binder fibers, and where the first layer has a solidity of between about 10 and 90%. The second layer is a textile layer selected from the group consisting of a knit layer, a woven layer, bidirectional laminates, and a unidirectional layer. The second layer contains high modulus fibers having a modulus of at least 8 GPa in a thermoplastic matrix.

Abstract: A back pad comprising a nonwoven fabric, and at least one carbon and polyester fiber textile layers stacked thereon has an improved flexibility and provides an improved working environment, and thus, it can be advantageously used in the manufacturing of an abrasive disk.

Abstract: A cosmic and solar radiation shielding structure that also has structural attributes is comprised of three layers. The first layer is 30-42 percent by volume of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene fibers, 18-30 percent by volume of graphite fibers, and a remaining percent by volume of an epoxy resin matrix. The second layer is approximately 68 percent by volume of UHMW polyethylene fibers and a remaining percent by volume of a polyethylene matrix. The third layer is a ceramic material.

Abstract: Provided are laminates containing in order: a fabric layer with an oil and water repellant coating, a continuous chitosan film, a continuous water vapor permeable polyurethane layer, and a fabric layer. The laminates, which have improved function in high moisture environments, can be used to make a variety of finished articles that can be used to provide protection from hazardous chemical and biological agents.

Abstract: An industrial fabric having a composite layer, the composite layer having a non-woven mesh layer structure and a yarn layer structure being parallel to the non-woven mesh layer structure. The yarn layer structure has first and second yarns, with the first yarns being connected to the second yarns to form a mesh like structure, and the yarn layer structure being embedded into the non-woven mesh layer structure.

Abstract: An allergen trap is provided. The allergen trap includes a woven or nonwoven substrate having at least one strata. The trap is impregnated with or otherwise treated with a tacky adhesive by which allergens may be trapped. An example of an allergen is a dust mite. The tacky adhesive, in turn, may be treated with a miticide or activated carbon.

Abstract: A non-woven material including first effect fibers, first binder fibers, second binder fibers, and optionally second effect fibers. The non-woven material has a first planar zone and a second planar zone. The first planar zone includes a greater concentration of first effect fibers and first binder fibers. The second planar zone includes a greater concentration of second effect fibers and second binder fibers. The first planar zone can include a first surface skin associated with the first planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material, and a second surface skin associated with the second planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material. The non-woven material has a woven, knitted, or non-woven layer added on either one or both sides of the non-woven material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a papermachine fabric for dewatering and drying a fibrous web in a machine producing a fibrous web, including a plurality of layers with at least one carrier structure and a fiber batt having at least one fiber non-woven. The papermachine fabric according to the invention includes a fiber batt provided with a coating on at least one side.

Abstract: A non-crimped, unidirectional fabric. The fabric includes a plurality of non-crimped, unidirectional fibers arranged parallel to one another. Weft fibers are arranged perpendicular to the non-crimped, unidirectional fibers. Warp fibers are arranged parallel to the non-crimped, unidirectional fibers. The weft fibers are woven around the non-crimped, unidirectional fibers and around the warp fibers without crimping the unidirectional fibers. A non-woven thermoplastic fabric is secured, such as by melt bonding, to the non-crimped unidirectional fibers to act as a toughening layer and improve the impact resistance of the fabric after it is molded into a part.

Abstract: An infusion fabric includes a mat selected from a group consisting of continuous filament mat, direct chopped mat, direct continuous mat and combinations thereof and a woven roving or bonded reinforcement layer. The mat and woven roving reinforcement layer are stitched together. The continuous filament mat includes E-glass and/or ECR-glass fibers, a binder and a size.

Abstract: A failure resistant, flame retardant vapor barrier facing for insulation is disclosed. The facing is comprised of a coating and a backing. The coating comprises a pair of coextruded composites each composite comprised of FR material, UV blocking material, pigment material and a polyolefin (e.g., LDPE). The backing is a woven substrate woven from flame retardant polyolefin (e.g., HDPE) tapes. The woven substrate is laminated to building insulation using an adhesive. The woven substrate lends strength, flexibility and form to the facing.

Abstract: A back pad comprising a nonwoven fabric, and at least one carbon and polyester fiber textile layers stacked thereon has an improved flexibility and provides an improved working environment, and thus, it can be advantageously used in the manufacturing of an abrasive disk.

Abstract: A papermaking belt for dewatering and imprinting a paper web. The belt comprises two laminae joined together in a face to face relationship to form a unitary laminate. The first lamina comprises a foraminous imprinting member which may serve as a reinforcing structure for a patterned framework. The second lamina comprises a secondary base and a batting which is joined to the secondary base to form a dewatering felt. The two lamina are juxtaposed and attached such that batting from the second lamina extends through the foraminous imprinting member of the first lamina providing a hydraulic connection therebetween.

Abstract: A method of producing a lightweight heat resistant and insulative composite sheet, and containing glass fibers, consisting essentially of homogenized glass fiber and binder materials forming a first layer, binder material extending in a second layer on a surface of the first layer and bonded thereto, woven glass fiber facing cloth extending in a third layer on a surface of the second layer and bonded thereto so that the second layer is sandwiched between the first and third layers, binder material in all layers being cured, to integrate the layers.

Abstract: A heat and pressure consolidated flexible laminate, and a method for producing the same, is provided that includes in superimposed relationship, a flexible, resin coated backing layer consisting of one or more sheets, a decorative layer consisting essentially of a leather material and, optionally, an overlay.

Abstract: A composite sheet that comprises an elastically stretchable layer and an inelastically stretchable layer formed with inelastically stretchable continuous fibers bonded to at least one surface of the elastically stretchable layer intermittently in one direction. The continuous fibers are oriented substantially in one direction thereof so that the composite sheet may present a ratio S1/S2 of 3.0 or higher where S1 represents a tensile strength in this one direction and S2 represents a tensile strength in the direction orthogonal to this one direction.

Abstract: Carpet backings and use thereof in tufted carpets with good tuft bind and fuzz resistance and free of inorganic and latex materials are disclosed. Backings suitable as tuftable primary backings or as secondary backings have a nonwoven fabric with thermoplastic filaments and a thermoplastic supporting fabric operatively attached as by needling, thermal calendaring or point bonding.

Abstract: A composite fabric for use as a replacement for vinyl transportation vehicle seating trim is described. The composite includes a woven fabric bonded to a nonwoven substrate, and is desirably substantially all-polyester. The composite has physical properties superior to that of conventional vinyl materials, yet is lighter weight. In addition, the composite is readily and efficiently recyclable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrics for paper making machines that are rendered contamination resistant and maintain good permeability as a result of a durable coating that lasts the entire life of the fabric. A fluoropolymer will render the fabric contamination resistant over the entire fabric lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress cover formed of a composite material consisting of a nonwoven material and a woven layer, in which the nonwoven material comprises a single nonwoven layer, and in which said nonwoven layer and said woven layer are permanently bonded together whilst retaining the flexible character of the woven layer.

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for providing a non-clumping insulating fabric suitable for use in clothing and bedding comprising: a fiber fill layer comprising a plurality of fibrous insulative elements; an adhesive layer having an adhesive surface for binding material coming in contact with the adhesive surface; wherein each insulative element of the fiber fill layer is bound to the adhesive surface forming a continues layer of secured insulative elements; repeating this layering process to reach a desired insulative value; and wherein the adhesive layer and the fiber fill layer are at least partially enclosed by a cover for preventing the fibrous elements from being dislodged from the adhesive layer and preventing the fibrous elements from being soiled.

Abstract: The suede artificial leather of the present invention comprises a three-dimensional entangled body comprising a superfine fiber having a fineness of 0.2 dtex or less and an elastomeric polymer A, and satisfies the requirements (1) to (4) as specified in the specification. By meeting the requirements, the suede artificial leather acquires excellent color fastness to light and color development in a wide range of colors and a high quality with good suede feeling, surface touch, hand, mechanical properties and color fastness.

Abstract: A buffing or polishing material has a nonwoven fleece layer and a backing layer that adds strength and dimensional stability to the material. The nonwoven fleece layer is a needled blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers having a uniform density and working surface, resulting in a better polishing or finishing consistency. The material can withstand high heat levels and can be worked quickly, resulting in a more efficient polishing or finishing operation. The buff material can be converted into any preferred shape or tool, such as an endless belt, disc, flapwheel, or spiral band.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods are taught relating to temperature stabilizing saddle pads, horse blankets, saddle girths, saddle seat cushions, and saddles for protection and increased performance of horses and/or riders, among other similar products. The invention provides for products that stabilize the temperature of the horse and/or the rider by absorbing heat generated by the body of the horse and/or rider when the temperature exceeds a preset temperature appropriate for the product. In this process heat energy is absorbed through phase change, resulting in a constant temperature as long as there is material that has not changed phase.

Abstract: A polished-piece holder is provided that does not easily stick or adsorb to a polishing pad of a polishing apparatus and reduces occurrences of production line troubles and therefore the number of failed polished pieces. A single sheet of a thermosetting resin impregnated fiber substrate or a laminated sheet formed by laminating a plurality of sheets of the thermosetting resin impregnated fiber substrate is formed under heat and pressure into a plate. The thermosetting resin impregnated fiber plate is then processed to form a polished-piece holder for holding pieces to be polished. The evaluation portion has a certain length in a direction of the average line. The thermosetting resin impregnated fiber plate has a surface roughness with a maximum wave height Ry of 10 &mgr;m or greater over an almost entire area of the surface layer.

Abstract: A durable, water-resistant, breathable, multi-layer laminate adapted to transmit moisture and composed of (1) an outer woven, non-woven or knitted layer of fabric, (2) a discontinuous non-breathable hydrophobic adhesive, (3) a first hydrophilic barrier film adhesively secured to the outer fabric layer, by the hydrophilic adhesive, (4) a continuous film or discontinuous breathable hydrophilic adhesive, and (5) a second hydrophilic barrier film adhered to the hydrophilic adhesive. The first hydrophilic barrier film and second hydrophilic barrier film are adhesively secured to each other with the breathable hydrophilic adhesive and define a void area between the two films and together the films enhance moisture migration and transfer. The laminates may include two additional layers of (6) a second hydrophilic adhesive, and (7) a fabric backing layer secured by the second hydrophilic adhesive.

Abstract: A composite fabric for a shoe includes an air permeable substrate made of a thermoplastic fibrous material, an air permeable face layer made of a thermoplastic material, a plurality of spaced apart connecting lines provided on the face layer for bonding the face layer to the substrate, and a plurality of connection-free areas defined among the connecting lines.

Abstract: A polished-piece holder capable of preventing a polished piece from taking scratches, being increased in wear resistance, thickness accuracy, warpage resistance and dimensional stability, and preventing a deterioration in polishing accuracy. The polished-piece holder includes a core layer and a wear-resistant surface layer laminated on at least one of front and rear surfaces of the core layer. The core layer is constituted of at least one thermosetting resin impregnated fibrous layer and the surface layer is likewise constituted of a thermosetting resin impregnated fibrous layer. The thermosetting resin impregnated fibrous layer constituting the surface layer is subject to heating and pressurizing, to thereby provide a prepreg wherein a nonwoven aramid fiber substrate is impregnated with thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A cushioning material for forming press includes fiber material layers 31 and 32 superimposed with a bonding material layer 30 interposed, an upper rubber layer 33 positioned on an upper surface of one fiber material layer 31, a lower rubber layer 34 positioned on a lower surface of the other fiber material layer 32, an upper exudation preventing layer 35 positioned on an upper surface of the upper rubber layer 33, and a lower exudation preventing layer 36 positioned on a lower surface of the lower rubber layer 34.

Abstract: An anti-static film comprises one or more polymeric film layers having a layer of conductive, low capacitance material secured thereto. The polymeric film layer(s) may have pin holes formed therethrough. The conductive, low capacitance layer comprises one or more strands of conductive, low capacitance fiber arranged in a predetermined pattern. The polymeric film layer(s) are bonded one to the conductive, low capacitance material using a polymeric layer formed from the same material as the film layers. Alternatively, the layer of conductive, low capacitance material may be omitted, with the adhesive layer being extruded onto the polymeric layer having pin holes formed therethrough. Similarly, an anti-static fabric comprises one or more layers of woven polymeric material having a layer of conductive, low capacitance material secured thereto. Alternatively, the fabric may have or polymeric layer extruded thereon in which pinholes are formed.

Abstract: A fabric for garments to be used in cold temperatures or at high altitudes includes an inner layer comprising a thin, comfortable fabric having relatively poor moisture absorption, such as silk, nylon tricot, or polyester tricot, is laminated to a barrier layer comprising a hydrophobic, moisture and air impervious film such as polyethylene, which in turn is laminated to an insulating layer such as fleece or polyurethane fiberfill. The fabric is laminated using an adhesive comprising a mixture of acrylic and polyurethane with a cross linkage catalyst which reacts with active hydrogen groups in polyurethane, heated for about one minute between 180° F. and 220° F. to dry and cure the lamination.

Abstract: A nonwoven primary carpet backing includes thermoplastic polymer filaments or fibers bonded by means of a binder polymer. The backing includes at least a distinguishable thermoplastic woven layer, a distinguishable thermoplastic continuous layer, or a distinguishable nonwoven layer including filaments or fibers bonded by means of a binder polymer, which layer reduces the delamination strength of the backing, measured in accordance with DIN 54310, by at least 30% and preferably by at least 50%, with respect to the same backing without the distinguishable layer. Although the breaking strength of the untufted backing according to the invention is lower than that of untufted backings not including the distinguishable layer, the tufted backing according to the invention actually has a higher breaking strength and elongation than tufted backings not including the distinguishable layer.

Abstract: A polymeric-resin-coated papermaking-processing belt, which may be used as a sheet-transfer, long nip press (LNP) or calender belt, includes a reinforcing base having the form of an endless loop with a face side and a back side, these being the outside and inside of the endless loop, respectively. The face side of the reinforcing base is coated with a polymeric resin material, while the back side has a staple fiber batt attached thereto. The staple fiber batt has a smooth, fused surface free of protruding fiber ends. This surface is kept clean more easily than that of a typical staple fiber batt. Methods for manufacturing the polymeric-resin-coated papermaking-processing belt, including several ways for providing the staple fiber batt with the smooth, fused surface, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fiber cement felts of the present invention include: a top fabric layer that includes fine machine direction yarns and fine cross machine direction yarns interwoven with the fine machine direction yarns; a bottom fabric layer underlying the top fabric layer that includes coarse machine direction yarns and coarse cross machine direction yarns interwoven with the coarse machine direction yarns; and a batt layer attached to and overlying the top fabric layer. Preferably, the top fabric layer is heat bonded to the bottom fabric layer. It is also preferred that the fiber cement felt of the present invention include a second batt layer that underlies the bottom fabric layer. In this multiple layer structure, the felt can have higher tenacity, improved resistance to blinding and compaction, and a reduced tendency to mark a fiber cement sheet during its formation.

Abstract: A liquid-distribution garment worn in body-side combination with substantially impermeable protective apparel. The garment is composed of at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted reinforcing fabric; and at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted absorbent nonwoven fabric joined to the layer of reinforcing fabric so that the joined layers have a water wicking rate of at least about 4 centimeters per 30 seconds in at least one direction. The garment may contain a body portion, sleeve portions and/or leg portions, at least one of those portions being formed from the material composed of at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted reinforcing fabric and at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted absorbent nonwoven fabric. The garment may have sub-portions that contain superabsorbents.