Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.

Abstract: A method of making a composite rotor yoke includes preparing a molded rotor yoke in a closed cavity tool and possibly machining at least one portion of the molded rotor yoke to form the rotor yoke. In the preferred embodiment, preparing the molded rotor yoke is accomplished by applying layers of uncured low-flow composite material and a layer of uncured high-flow adhesive; substantially enclosing the uncured molded rotor yoke in the closed cavity tool; applying pressure so as to compress the uncured molded rotor yoke; and curing the uncured molded rotor yoke. During the curing process, the high-flow adhesive bleeds out of the molded rotor yoke, thereby preventing marcels from forming through movement of the low-flow composite material.

Abstract: A breathable laminate has a liquid-resistant backing film layer having varied vapor permeability that includes breathable thinned localized regions and thicker non-breathable regions, wherein the film layer is co-extensively directly joined with a liquid- and vapor-permeable nonwoven fabric. The breathable laminate can have unidirectional air permeability. The present invention also relates to disposable apparel and absorbent products which incorporate the breathable laminate, and methods of making the breathable laminate.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for forming a multilayered electrospun composite is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto a first ePTFE layer. A second ePTFE layer is applied onto the nanofibers to form a composite structure. The composite structure is heated.

Abstract: An article comprising a microporous membrane. A first porous fabric is laminated to a first side of the microporous membrane. A second porous fabric is laminated to a second opposite side of the microporous membrane to form a laminate with the membrane and the first porous fabric. The laminate has two fabric sides separated by the microporous membrane. A treatment material is applied to the laminate to form a treated laminate. The treated laminate has an oil resistance of at least a number 7 determined by AATCC 118 testing on both fabric sides and has an air permeability through the treated laminate of at least 0.01 CFM per square foot determined by ASTM D737 testing.

Abstract: A protective cover includes a textile layer and an air permeable, moisture-vapor-transmissive, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane layer attached to said textile layer, the cover having an MVTR rating of at least 4000 g/m2/day.

Abstract: A laminate material for lighter-than-air vehicles includes at least one monofilament yarn layer, a polymeric film layer adjacent to the at least one monofilament layer, and a metallized coating adjacent to said polymeric film layer. A clear film cover layer may be adhered to the metallized coating, and one or more fluorescent dyes may be incorporated into the clear film layer.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for forming a multilayered electrospun composite is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto a first ePTFE layer. A second ePTFE layer is applied onto the nanofibers to form a composite structure. The composite structure is heated.

Abstract: An elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The composite is formed by passing the film through a nip to bond the film to the nonwoven web material(s). Concurrent with bond formation, apertures are also formed in the elastic film. The apertures are of a size sufficient to provide a desired level of texture, softness, hand feel, and/or aesthetic appeal to the composite without having a significant adverse effect on its elastic properties. Aperture and bond formation are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, bonding pattern, degree of film tension, bonding conditions, etc.

Abstract: A laminated sheet comprising a woven or nonwoven fabric comprising glass fibers fixed by a binder, and a fluororesin film laminated on each other, wherein the binder contains a copolymer (A) having repeating units (a1) based on at least one fluoromonomer selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene, and repeating units (a2) based on at least one non-fluoromonomer selected from the group consisting of a vinyl ether, a vinyl ester, an isopropenyl ether, an isopropenyl ester, an allyl ether and an allyl ester.

Abstract: A roof covering for a building having a roof with structured roof tiles and a structure projecting out from the roof surface, such as a chimney, a window, a wall, or ventilating pipe. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate of a thermoplastic backing to a fibrous web. This laminate, for example, could be used as a loop laminate for use in a hook and loop fastening system or an intermittently bonded elastic fibrous laminate. The laminate comprises a thermoplastic backing layer, having a first face and a second face. The backing layer has a plurality of projections extending from at least the first face of the backing. A fibrous web is attached to the backing at the location of at least some of the projections. The thermoplastic material of the backing, at the location of the projections, penetrates into the fibrous web encapsulating at least in part fibers of the fibrous web. The fibrous web preferably penetrates into at least some of the projections. The fibrous web is generally not attached, or very lightly attached, to the backing layer over at least some portion of the distance between adjacent projections.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a protective membrane having first and second layers. The first layer is air permeable, vapor breathable, and liquid repellant. The second layer is vapor breathable, liquid repellant, and adsorptive of chemical and/or biological agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are extruded articles such as, for example, fibers and films, containing thermoplastic polymeric compositions having a copolymeric major component and a melt processable additive treatment, wherein the melt processable additives have enhanced segregation to or expression at the surface of the article, thereby improving the effect of the desired characteristic of the additive treatment. Also disclosed are multicomponent extruded thermoplastic articles having two or more distinct components arranged in a specific geometric arrangement, wherein the thermoplastic polymeric composition of at least one geometric component includes a copolymeric major component and a melt processable additive treatment. Also disclosed are web materials including the extruded articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of durably liquidproof laminates and articles made therefrom, the laminates incorporating a barrier layer and a textile made from a composite yarn containing a core including fiberglass as a strength component and a sheath of a different material around the core. Shelters and other protective articles incorporating this laminate are also described.

Abstract: An article includes a plastic material and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) laminate coupled to the plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof. The web materials possess haemostatic properties.

Abstract: An antimicrobial and chemical deactivating composition for use in a liquid medium or for incorporation into a coating, structural plastic materials, thin microporous membranes, textiles and sponges. The composition includes macrosize or submicron particles of silver, platinum with silver and their salts with parabens, oxide, salicylate, acetate, citrate, benzoate and phosphate along with copper and zinc salts of the same.

Abstract: OBJECT: To realize a wiping sheet with sufficient flexibility, high adhesion strength, easy attachment on concavo-convex surface, good adhesiveness and durability. CONSTITUTION: A wiping sheet 4 wherein a microfiber cloth having a dirt wiping effect is laminated on one side of a resin film of 20 ?m or less in thickness, and a polymer sheet having an adhesive effect due to suction function of fine bubbles is laminated on the other side.

Abstract: An article having (a) a layer of fabric having a first surface and a second surface made of polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; and (b) a first composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said first composite disposed adjacent to said first surface of said fabric,wherein the article passes a Newark Flex test after 10,000 cycles. In another embodiment, the invention includes a second composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said second composite disposed adjacent to said second surface of said fabric. The article of the present invention is preferably waterproof, fire retardant, and flexible.

Abstract: A roof membrane and a roof system employing a EPDM membrance which is compatible with a bituminous adhesive. The membrance includes an outer layer of polymeric layer such as EPDM bonded to a polyester protective layer which is in turn bonded to a fleecy material. This can be adhered to a roof deck surface using hot asphalt or bitumen which bonds the fleecy material to the roof deck in turn holding the EPDM in place. The polyester layer prevents the asphaltic material from attacking and dissolving the EPDM with the fleecy material providing good adhesion between the polyester and the EPDM.

Abstract: A three-layer transfer member having a rigid substrate, a conformable intermediate layer and an outer thin fluoropolymer layer wherein the fluoropolymer layer can be tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxy, fluorine ethylene propene monomers, polymers thereof, and mixtures thereof, and an image apparatus including the same.

Abstract: A burn through and flame propagation resistant system, includes a sheet of burn through and flame propagation resistant paper made of aramid fibers, mica flakes, and aramid fibrid binder; and one or more sheets of polymeric film, preferably, flame propagation resistant polymeric film, bonded to at least one major surface of the sheet of burn through and flame propagation resistant paper to form a laminated sheet. Preferably, for many applications, the system is also water vapor transmission resistant with the sheet or sheets of polymeric film or a coating providing the water vapor transmission resistance. The burn through and flame propagation resistant paper and/or polymeric film(s) may have major surface(s) coated with a heat sealable adhesive, e.g. for securing the laminated sheet to itself or another laminated sheet to form a bag or envelope for encapsulating insulation.

Abstract: A transfix member with a substrate, an optional intermediate layer, and thereover an outer coating having a haloelastomer consisting essentially of monomers selected from the group consisting of halogenated monomers, polyorganosiloxane monomers, and mixtures thereof, and a heating member associated with substrate.

Abstract: An article having (a) a layer of fabric having a first surface and a second surface made of polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; and (b) a first composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said first composite disposed adjacent to said first surface of said fabric,wherein the article passes a Newark Flex test after 10,000 cycles. In another embodiment, the invention includes a second composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said second composite disposed adjacent to said second surface of said fabric. The article of the present invention is preferably waterproof, fire retardant, and flexible.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet for cleaning and removing particles from a surface is disclosed. The sheet includes a particle retention layer including an electret material for collecting and retaining the particles. The sheet also includes an outer layer covering at least a portion of the particle retention layer. The outer layer comprises a low dust retention material and includes a surface having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough.

Abstract: An air filter comprising a laminate of a non-woven fabric made up of polyolefin fibers or polyester fibers or a composite of the non-woven fabrics and a PTFE porous film, wherein the amount of the total gases generated from the air filter is 20 &mgr;g/g by the analysis of gas chromatography. The amount of the gases generated from the air filter is greatly reduced by heat-treating the non-woven fabric at a temperature of from 80 to 130° C. for 5 minutes to 20 minutes before or after laminating with the PTFE porous film.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.

Abstract: The present invention is a luminous fabric and garment that have excellent luminescent properties under conditions of poor lighting, that lose their luminescent properties only slightly due to wear degradation and the like during prolonged use, that have the same color tone and design as regular fabrics and garments during day use, and that possess excellent aesthetic qualities and are free from design limitations.

Abstract: A preform material for manufacturing a protective garment having a top material, in particular a firefighter's protective garment. The material is made of an insulating lining made up of an at least two-ply water-jet-consolidated nonwoven fabric having a weight per unit area of 80 g/m2 or lighter for each individual ply, a lining material having a weight per unit area of 120 g/m2 or lighter, that is quilted to the at least two-ply nonwoven fabric; and a semipermeable membrane, constituting a moisture barrier. After the at least two-ply water-jet-consolidated nonwoven fabric has been quilted to the lining material, the semipermeable membrane is laminated onto the outer side, facing away from the lining material, of the nonwoven fabric ply and has a weight per unit area of 20 to 30 g/m2.

Abstract: A rubber for a hot press cushioning pad having a value of loss tangent (tan &dgr;) in accordance with dynamic viscoelasticity measurement of at most 0.04, wherein the temperature condition is set at a hot press temperature ranging from 150° C. to 300° C., and the frequency condition is set to a time period of one press cycle ranging from 1 to 2×104 seconds.

Abstract: A self-lubricating liner includes poly(p-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole), polytetrafluoroethylene, and a resin. The self-lubricating liner has superior strength and temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, thermal conductivity, and low moisture regain.

Abstract: An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having uniform edge to edge flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either latent image formation, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, an intermediate polymer ply over the base layer, and an outer elastomeric layer. Alternatively, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer and an outer polymer layer. The belt may further include reinforcing layers which may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric layer and/or an elastomerimpregnated spun cord layer. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.

Abstract: A composite of thermally non-adherent fluoropolymeric and non-fluoropolymeric components is created through the agency of a non-woven, fibrous binder interposed between and portionally embedded into both components. The fibers of the non-woven binder have a substantial portion of their length extending into both components and cross the interface at an angle that is substantially normal to the plane of embedment. The composite possesses good peel-adhesion behavior between the otherwise thermally non-adherent components.

Abstract: To provide various members such as filter cloth for dust collection which assures small pressure loss and easy shaking down of dust particles and is excellent in friction property and mechanical strength, sliding member excellent in sliding property, water repellent member excellent in water repellency, non-sticking member excellent in non-sticking property and member for supplying mold releasing agent in electrophotographic apparatuses which is excellent in air permeability, heat resistance and oil resistance, and provide a multilayered felt used therefor and a process for producing the multilayered felt. The multilayered felt is obtained by placing a layer of a web comprising polytetrafluoroethylene staple fibers on at least one surface of a felt and then joining the polytetrafluoroethylene staple fibers and fibers which form the felt by intermingling through water jet needling and/or needle punching.

Abstract: Disposable garments, protective clothing and accessory items formed from one or more layers of fractured plastic film or treated nonwoven material are provided for use in clean rooms and similar working environments. The use of non-particulating or low particulating fractured plastic films and treated nonwoven materials reduces particulate contamination resulting from wearing the associated garment or using the accessory item in a clean room environment. Samples of disposable clean room products may be tested in a manner that closely approximates the intended application for the respective disposable clean room product to provide a more realistic measure of particulate emission rates during actual wear or use.

Abstract: An air filter comprising a laminate of a non-woven fabric made up of polyolefin fibers or polyester fibers or a composite of the non-woven fabrics and a PTFE porous film, wherein the amount of the total gases generated from the air filter is 20 .mu.g/g by the analysis of gas chromatography. The amount of the gases generated from the air filter is greatly reduced by heat-treating the non-woven fabric at a temperature of from 80 to 130.degree. C. for from 5 minutes to 20 minutes before or after laminating with the PTFE porous film.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved protective cover for use in protecting a wearer against liquid contact, even under highly demanding conditions. The invention describes a seam that joins two laminates where the seam provides against leakage and air passage according to tests described in the text.

Abstract: A non-slip, waterproof, water vapor permeable fabric and method of making are described. The fabric is made by obtaining a waterproof, water vapor permeable film and adhering one side of the film to a layer of fabric which may be a stretch fabric. The other side of the film is provided with a discontinuous coating of an elastomer which has an elastic modulus of less than 5.5N/mm.sup.2. The discontinuous coating may take various forms including a pattern of dots or a grid of intersecting lines. The discontinuous coating may optionally project above the surface of the film. The presence of the discontinuous coating of elastomer results in a fabric with a static coefficient of friction of greater than about 1.0 on the discontinuously coated side of the fabric. The film is preferably a porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene film provided with a hydrophilic coating on one surface; the hydrophilic coating may serve as an adhesive for joining the one surface of the film to the layer of fabric.

Abstract: A composite of thermally non-adherent fluoropolymeric and non-fluoropolymeric components is created through the agency of a non-woven, fibrous binder interposed between and portionally embedded into both components. The fibers of the non-woven binder have a substantial portion of their length extending into both components and cross the interface at an angle that is substantially normal to the plane of embedment. The composite possesses good peel strengths of greater than 5 pounds/linear inch between the otherwise thermally non-adherent components.

Abstract: A method for preparing an uncured supported elastomer material includes the steps of: providing a fibrous reinforcement material; providing a layer of uncured elastomer material substantially adjacent to the fibrous reinforcement material; exposing the layer and the fibrous reinforcement to a temperature below a curing temperature and above a flow point of the uncured elastomer material, and a pressure sufficient that the uncured elastomer material flows into the fibrous reinforcement material, so as to provide an uncured supported elastomer material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a film/nonwoven laminate which incorporates a low gauge machine direction oriented film layer laminated to a nonwoven support layer. The individual layers are designed such that the film layer in the laminated state has an elongation at break value in the cross machine direction that is greater the elongation at peak load value for the nonwoven layer in the same direction. Consequently, if the laminate is subjected to severe stretching forces in the cross machine direction, the nonwoven layer will fail before the film layer. In addition, the laminate has a peak load value of at least 300 grams. As a result, the laminate is particularly useful as, for example, an outercover material for personal care absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method for preparing an uncured supported elastomer material includes the steps of: providing a fibrous reinforcement material; providing a layer of uncured elastomer material substantially adjacent to the fibrous reinforcement material; exposing the layer and the fibrous reinforcement to a temperature below a curing temperature and above a flow point of the uncured elastomer material, and a pressure sufficient that the uncured elastomer material flows into the fibrous reinforcement material, so as to provide an uncured supported elastomer material.

Abstract: A viral barrier composite of a thermoplastic film thermally bonded on at least one side thereof to a breathable thermoplastic web, and method for making the same. The viral barrier composite has viral barrier properties, a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 700 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours and a bond strength between the thermoplastic film and breathable thermoplastic web of at least 0.07N/cm. The viral barrier composite is formed by calendering an assembly comprising a thermoplastic film and a breathable thermoplastic web between a smooth roll and a pattern roll. The viral barrier composite may be used for constructing articles of protective apparel.