Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides medical devices 10 that each include a plurality of fibers 22, substantially all of the plurality of fibers 22 each including a portion having a maximum diameter of at least five micrometers, wherein substantially all of fibers 22 form a layer on at least one external surface of medical device 10. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing medical devices 10, the methods including the steps of: (a) applying a layer comprising a plurality of fibers 22 to at least one surface of medical device 10; and (b) matching the value of the Young's modulus of the layer to ±35% (in some embodiments to ±20%) of the value of the Young's modulus of an animal tissue.

Abstract: A papermaking belt for use in making paper. The papermaking belt may be used in conjunction with a single-wire draw or twin-wire draw of a papermaking machine. The papermaking belt includes a woven reinforcing element and a patterned framework. The framework defines either or both faces of the papermaking belt. The pattern of the framework is independent of the weave of the reinforcing element.

Abstract: A laminate composite material comprises a layer of an open weave supporting fabric having a layer of breathable resin adhered thereto by an extruded layer of a thermoplastic resin blended with a high temperature volatile particulate. The resultant composite material is substantially impervious to air and water and permeable to water vapor and having a water vapor transmission rate exceeding one (1) perm of water vapor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture-retentive cooling gel, a laminate thereof, and a moisture-retentive cooling plaster, which offer moisture-retaining and cooling effects for a controlled duration and have superior functionality, e.g., capability of delivering and transporting an effective ingredient such as a pharmacological active ingredient, a perfume or a deodorant. The moisture-retentive cooling gel comprises: a water-retentive matrix (a1) of a water-soluble polymer having a water content of not lower than 40 wt %; and fibers (f) dispersed in the water-retentive matrix, the fibers (f) having a hydrophilic property at least at surfaces thereof, some of the fibers (f) being exposed on a surface of the water-retentive matrix (a1). The gel has a higher water content and a higher water vaporization rate. An endothermally water-dissolvable compound may be retained in the water-retentive matrix and/or the fibers for enhancement of the cooling capacity of the gel.

Abstract: A material having a multi-denier base material layer including a plurality of fine denier fibers, the fine denier fibers of less than about 10 dpf, and a plurality of large denier filaments intermixed with the fine denier fibers which form channels in a longitudinal direction of the material, the large denier filaments of greater than about 10 dpf. A method of producing a multi-denier cover material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforced tape including a visually transparent backing layer, a reinforcing scrim preferably of fibers made of visually transparent material along one surface of the backing, and a layer of transparent adhesive covering but not totally wetting the reinforcing scrim so that the scrim is visible along the backing layer before the tape is applied to give a user a visual indication of the strength of the tape. The indexes of refraction of the material of the fibers in the scrim and of the adhesive are similar so that when the layer of adhesive is pressed against a substrate through the backing layer, the adhesive will more totally wet the fibers of the reinforcing scrim, causing them to become significantly less visible in the reinforced tape adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Roofing membrane comprises reinforcing scrim fabric and a polymeric material, such as EPDM or TPO. The fabric is preferably a polyester tri-directional laid scrim fabric made from continuous yarns, which is held together by an adhesive, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), or any other suitable adhesive such as plastisol polyvinyl chloride. The polyester scrim fabric includes a central area and selvage areas on opposing edges thereof. The selvage areas of the fabric include more strands of yam than the central area, to provide additional strength along the sides of the fabric. Further, the continuous yarns that make up the selvage are not cut along the edges, so that the continuous yarns form loops along the edge portions of the selvage areas.

Abstract: A headliner (10) for use with a motor vehicle including a combination of a chopped fiber roving (22) bonded between a non-woven film layer and a urethane core (14) to eliminate warpage in the headliner (10) after the molding and forming process is complete. The combination of stiffness and mechanical bond provides this effect. The combination may also include a polypropylene non-woven material (18) combined with a polyethylene film (20) to form a laminate top (12) and bottom layer (16). The chopped fiber roving (22) is randomly disposed between the laminate (21) and a urethane matrix (44) used to form a core (14) of the headliner (10) to provide the shape stability to the headliner (1).

Abstract: A mesh structure is formed from a set of a warp strands and a set of intersecting weft strands. The warp strands are formed of a knitted synthetic material which shrinks when exposed to heat, and the weft strands pass through the weave of the warp strands at the nodes where the strands intersect. Heat is applied to the mesh structure to shrink the weave of the warp strands tightly around the weft strands at the nodes, thereby co-joining the weft and warp strands to form a high-strength mesh.

Abstract: Degradable cross-linkers which are used to form polymer networks which degrade under aqueous conditions are described. These cross-linkers comprise a central polyacid, monomeric or oligomeric degradable regions and an optional water soluble regions. These monomers are preferably polymerized using free radical or condensation polymerization. Degradation occurs at the ester linkages after cross-linking polymer filaments, and results in soluble polymer filaments which may be cleared from the body. Preferred applications of these materials include, for example, controlled release of drugs and cosmetics, tissue engineering, wound healing, hazardous waste remediation, metal chelation, swellable devices for absorbing liquids and the prevention of surgical adhesions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wide-meshed, textile lattice to provide reinforcement for bitumen-bonded layers, in particular of road surfacing, which is coated with a bonding compound having an affinity for bitumen and essentially consisting of two sets of parallel, load-bearing threads (1, 2), whereby one set of threads (1) extends in the longitudinal direction of the lattice and the other set of threads extends in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lattice and the threads (1, 2) are of glass fibres or chemical fibres such as polymer fibres or polycondensate fibres. In order to develop a reinforcing lattice for bitumen-bonded layers which provides a better bond with a pre-prepared formation than the known lattices, the over-crossed threads (1, 2) are secured to a thin fleece (3) by Raschel-locking, whereby the binding Raschel-locking threads (5) surround the longitudinally extending threads (1) of the lattice and secure the threads (2) extending transversely.

Abstract: New methods for and patterns of applying meltsprayed materials in single-layer web and laminate constructions so as to control various characteristics in the webs and laminates is provided. The patterns of adhesive produce scrim or cell-like patterns that allow for control of desirable characteristics. For example, the loft of a laminate may be enhanced, as well as strength properties.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-porous, breathable membrane of at least polyamide-4,6, with an elongation at rupture of about 250 to about 500% in the longitudinal direction and about 200 to about 500% in the transverse direction. The membrane has a higher heat resistance than a non-porous, breathable membrane made from polyether ester and, if it also contains an antioxidant, passes the oven/watertightness test. If the membrane is produced from a mixture of polyamide-4,6 and about 10 to about 30% by weight polyether amide, the membrane exhibits a surprisingly increased water-vapor permeability. The membrane is usable in the manufacture of thermally protective clothing.

Abstract: A nonwoven web and method of preparing a novel nonwoven web of synthetic fiber are disclosed. An aqueous solution amide crosslinked synthetic precursor polymer is extruded under defined conditions through a plurality of die orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are attenuated with a defined primary gaseous source to form fiber under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate sufficient to provide fiber having,the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage. The attenuated threadlines are dried with a defined secondary gaseous source. The resulting fibers are deposited randomly on a moving foraminous surface to form a substantially uniform web.

Abstract: A water-soluble polyimide precursor, which can be suitably applied for aromatic polyimides and exhibits a low reduction in heat resistance and mechanical properties, an aqueous solution of the polyimide precursor and a polyimide obtained from the precursor. A heat-resistant fiber impregnated material and an impregnated sheet-like material are prepared by using the precursor and a laminate is prepared by employing the precursor.

Abstract: An on-machine-seamable papermaker's fabric has a base structure which is a flattened array of a spirally wound multicomponent yarn. The flattened array has two layers, two sides, a length, a width and two widthwise edges. In each turn of the spiral winding, the multicomponent yarn has a substantially lengthwise orientation and is joined side-by-side to those adjacent thereto by a fusible thermoplastic material in each of the two layers. The multicomponent yarn forms seaming loops along the two widthwise edges. At least one layer of staple fiber material is needled into one of the two sides of the base structure and through the two layers.

Abstract: A Wind and Sun Tolerant Mesh is disclosed which is composed of either natural or synthetic material, the generally vertical directional strands crossed by horizontal strands, some or all of which individual horizontal strands of which broaden out on one side forming as sill which projects outward at an angle away from the plane surface of the mesh in a venetian blind profile, and wind baffling effect, while simultaneously allowing release of any excess pressure from wind gusting into the opposite side due to the semi permeable nature of the mesh and as there is no restricting sill on the inside surface, thus giving better control and protection to either articles or utilities made from, and/or persons or property protected by, commodities of any various sort constructed wholly or partly from the mesh.

Abstract: A chopped fiberglass containing laminate for fabricating sound absorbing moldable structures, such an automotive headliner is provided. The laminate includes a nonwoven fine denier thermoplastic fiber scrim, a thermoplastic barrier film on one surface and a layer of chopped fiberglass and powder adhesive on the exposed surface of the barrier film. The laminate is combined with a foam core, fiberglass layer and decorative fabric on the fiberglass layer to provide a composite having elongation exceeding 30% in both machine and transverse directions for forming the headliner. An apparatus and method for forming the laminate are so disclosed.

Abstract: A flame-blocking fabric is disclosed that includes a nonwoven scrim and a plurality of flame resistant fibers entangled to and with the nonwoven scrim. The nonwoven scrim may be comprised of fibers that may be chosen from the groups of aramid fibers and melamine fibers. The flame resistant fibers may be chosen from the groups of aramids, polybenzimidazoles and melamine fibers. Also disclosed is an aircraft seat that includes a frame, a foam cushion, a fire-blocking fabric that has a nonwoven scrim and a plurality of flame resistant fibers entangled to and with the nonwoven scrim, and a dress cover. The fire-blocking fabric is thermally resistant enough to meet Federal Aviation Administration seat burn requirements. Also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing the fire-blocking fabric that includes the steps of laying a web of flame resistant fibers on a nonwoven scrim and entangling the fibers to and with the scrim.

Abstract: The invention is an extruded bicomponent elastomeric netting having unidirectional elasticity. Such a netting product is a non-woven article employing a non-elastic material such as polypropylene (10) in the machine direction strands and an elastic material such as a styrenic block copolymer (12) in the cross machine direction strands. The reverse arrangement, a product with “reverse strand distribution”, is also possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for the manufacture of dimensionally stable, liquid-impermeable, flexible, elastic pressbands, particularly for use with broad-nip shoepresses of paper making machines. The method comprising pouring a flowable mixture of a prepolymer onto a substrate moved by a distance maintaining device over a cylindrical mandrel and maintained during this movement in an adjustable distance from the surface of said mandrel, and being coated during this movement by a coating device with a flowable prepolymer, wherein during this coating of the substrate threads or wires are laid down onto the substrate in the direction of rotation of the mandrel and are coated with the polymer substance.

Abstract: A method for providing a wire for forming a patterned fiber web, a wire which has been provided by means of the method according to the invention and a patterned fiber web formed on the wire (100) according to the invention, which comprises a plurality of threads (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) arranged in a wire structure with a plurality of drainage opening (107, 108, 109) and a patterning area (110) substantially in the plane of the wire, intended for the forming. In the method a number of the threads (103, 104, 105) are given a permanent deformation for forming one or several pattern creating surfaces (111) within the patterning area (110) at the forming. The invention may be applied in relation to production of soft tissue paper, wet pressed non woven materials, air laid non woven materials, or at the production of hydraulically patterned or entangled non woven materials.

Abstract: A papermaking belt comprises a reinforcing element and a resinous framework joined together. The resinous framework is formed by a plurality of resinous beads which mutually contact or cross-over. Super-knuckles extending outwardly from the reinforcing element are formed at points of contact. A preferred continuous process for making the belt comprises extruding, in a pre-selected pattern, a plurality of beads of a resinous material onto the forming surface thereby forming the resinous framework thereon, joining the resinous framework and the reinforcing element together, and then solidifying the resinous framework. The resinous material may comprise at least two chemically-active materials capable of cross-linking upon contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for the manufacture of dimensionally stable, liquid-impermeable, flexible, elastic pressbands, particularly for use with broad-nip shoepresses of paper making machines. The method comprising pouring a flowable mixture of a prepolymer onto a substrate moved by a distance maintaining device over a cylindrical mandrel and maintained during this movement in an adjustable distance from the surface of said mandrel, and being coated during this movement by a coating device with a flowable prepolymer, wherein during this coating of the substrate threads or wires are laid down onto the substrate in the direction of rotation of the mandrel and are coated with the polymer substance.

Abstract: A reinforced shrink wrap has been developed for use in all types of environments and products or applications. The shrink wrap is tear resistant and can be prepared to withstand exposure from the sun and corrosive elements. The shrink wrap includes a layer of a shrink film and a layer of polyolefin film. In addition, a reinforcing filamentous grid in an extrusion tie layer is disposed in between the shrink film and a polyolefin film.

Abstract: A chopped fiberglass containing laminate for fabricating sound absorbing moldable structures, such an automotive headliner is provided. The laminate includes a nonwoven fine denier thermoplastic fiber scrim, a thermoplastic barrier film on one surface and a layer of chopped fiberglass and powder adhesive on the exposed surface of the barrier film. The laminate is combined with a foam core, fiberglass layer and decorative fabric on the fiberglass layer to provide a composite having elongation exceeding 30% in both machine and transverse directions for forming the headliner. An apparatus and method for forming the laminate are so disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a halogen-free flameproof mesh sheet for use outdoors. The flameproof sheet contains a flame retardant which does not have an increase in viscosity during storage, has excellent gloss and flexibility, and does not generate harmful halogen gas at the time of combustion. A mesh sheet woven out of a coated yarn, typically a multifilament fiber, is impregnated with the flame retardant and heat treated. The fabric is impregnated with the flame retardant such that 60-350 parts by weight of the flame retardant is contained with respect to 100 parts by weight of the mesh sheet fabric. The flameproof mesh sheet are suitable for use in building construction and is suitable for outside exposure for extended lengths of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integral net having a lattice of polymeric material defined by holes traversing the integral net from one surface to the other. The present invention also provides a method for producing an embossed sheet of polymeric material by first contacting a billet of polymeric material with an embossing tool having a plurality of protrusions whereby the embossing tool impresses indentations into the billet to a given depth. Subsequently, the method involves skiving the embossed billet. By this method, an embossed sheet of the polymeric material is removed from the billet, which embossed sheet can be an integral net.

Abstract: A chopped fiberglass containing laminate for fabricating sound absorbing moldable structures, such an automotive headliner is provided. The laminate includes a nonwoven fine denier thermoplastic fiber scrim, a thermoplastic barrier film on one surface and a layer of chopped fiberglass and powder adhesive on the exposed surface of the barrier film. The laminate is combined with a foam core, fiberglass layer and decorative fabric on the fiberglass layer to provide a composite having elongation exceeding 30% in both machine and transverse directions for forming the headliner. An apparatus and method for forming the laminate are so disclosed.

Abstract: A soft, meshed, electromagnetic shielding textile sheet is placed in a mold, and the mold is clamped. The soft, meshed electromagnetic shielding textile sheet is shaped so as to conform with the inner surface of the mold when the mold is clamped. Therefore, it is not necessary to fabricate beforehand any insert of a shape corresponding to that of the inner surface of the mold. Since the meshed, electromagnetic shielding textile sheet is impregnated with part of a resin injected into the mold to form an injection-molded resin body, the adhesion of the electromagnetic shielding textile sheet to the injection-molded resin body is improved.

Abstract: An extruded hook fastener strip is created on a roll having hook forming cavities in its surface by extruding plastic material into the interface between the forming roll and a second strip carried by a backing roll. The second strip is firmly bonded to the fastener strip on that side opposite the formed hooks.

Abstract: This invention concerns a composite material which is characterized by comprising a large number of composite material cells, as structural units of the composite material, each comprising a first phase composed of a base material and a second phase composed of a dispersion material surrounding the first phase discontinuously; and comprising a matrix comprising the base material and the dispersion material dispersed in the matrix, the dispersion material being dispersed discontinuously in the form of a three-dimensional network in the composite material; wherein the dispersion materials of the composite material cells are combined to form a composite material skeletal part, thereby exhibiting properties of the dispersion material without reducing the strength of the matrix owing to the skeletal part, and improving strength characteristics thereof owing to the skeletal part serving as a resistance to external stress.

Abstract: There are described a dimensionally stable laminate whose surfaces are formed by spunbonded webs and comprising at least two layers of spunbonded and at least one laid layer of reinforcing yarn, the laid layer or layers each being disposed between two layers of spunbonded and having a thread density of from 0.5 to 3 threads/cm, spunbonded and laid layers having been joined together by needling at about 20-70 stitches/cm2, a process for manufacturing this laminate, and its use for manufacturing roofing sheets and roof sealing sheets.

Abstract: A resin-impregnated endless belt for a long nip press or calender of the shoe type, or for other papermaking and paper-processing applications, has a base fabric in the form of an endless loop with an inner surface, an outer surface, a machine direction and a cross-machine direction. The base fabric has machine-direction (MD) structural elements and cross-machine-direction (CD) structural elements in an open structure wherein at least some of the MD structural elements and CD structural elements are spaced apart from one another. The MD structural elements cross the CD structural elements at a plurality of crossing points, where they are joined to one another by mechanical, chemical or thermobonding means. A coating of a first polymeric resin is on the inner surface of the base fabric. The first polymeric resin impregnates and renders the base fabric impermeable to liquids, and forms a layer on the inner surface thereof. The coating is smooth and provides the belt with a uniform thickness.

Abstract: An abrasive member and a cleaning device for a probe needle of a probe card are obtained which are capable of simplifying an operation of cleaning a probe needle of a probe card and also eliminating the step of employing an organic solvent or the like in the probe needle cleaning operation to improve the operating environment. In the cleaning device for a probe needle of a probe card, an abrasive member for a probe needle includes first and second fiber materials formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of a metal fiber, a carbon fiber and a ceramic fiber. The first and second fiber materials extend in different directions and are fixed to each other at a region thereof. A surface of abrasive member is provided with a space having approximately the same width as the width of the tip of a probe needle.

Abstract: An improved washing implement which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining good resiliency and durability, is made from at least one piece of open cell polymer mesh. To achieve the improved softness, resiliency, and durability of the improved washing implement an improved open cell mesh is provided which is softer and sufficiently resilient as a result of its controlled material and cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, the controlled physical parameters of the open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length and node diameter. Optimizing the physical parameters of the mesh also results in a washing implement that absorbs and delivers increased amounts of water and cleansing product to the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: An improved washing implement which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining good resiliency, is made from at least one piece of open cell polymer mesh. To achieve the improved softness and resiliency of the improved washing implement an improved open cell mesh is provided which is softer and sufficiently resilient as a result of its controlled cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, the controlled physical parameters of the open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length and node diameter.

Abstract: The specification discloses a synthetic paper composite web containing a relatively smooth, dense top layer comprising synthetic pulp, a relatively soft non-woven base layer of synthetic filaments and a low density polyolefin film layer substantially continuously interbonding the top and base layers together along their interface. An advantage of the composite of the invention is that it is substantially weather resistant, strong, recyclable and compatible with a range of inks and printing systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved open cell mesh which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining acceptable resiliency, as a result of controlling cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, physically measurable parameters of the open cell mesh, and more particularly the cell structure, are controlled within pre-defined ranges. The controlled physical parameters of the subject open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length, node thickness, and node width. Additionally, there is provided a method of testing the mesh's resistance to an applied load, which is a predictive indicator of softness and resiliency.

Abstract: An elastic laminate structure is provided which is formed from at least one fabric layer and an open cell mesh having first and second strands. The laminate structure is formed such that the first strands are integrally bonded to the first fabric layer. The integrally bonded first strands both penetrate the first fabric layer and bond mechanically and/or chemically to the fibers of the first fabric layer. In addition, the first strands are deformed such that they are substantially flat in shape and substantially coplanar with the fabric layer. The elastic second strands have a substantially elliptical shape. The integral bonding of the first strands and the deformed shape of the first strands and the second strands provides an elastic laminate structure which can be worn about the body without irritation or other discomfort.

Abstract: A polymeric material in a grid configuration comprising an integral uniplanar or substantially uniplanar oriented grid formed from orientable thermoplastic polyester, polyamide or polyurethane elastomer. Such grid is used for load support systems in furniture, bedding and automotive applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a glass fiber facing sheet for engineered surfaces such as cement boards which reduces the pitting associated with open mesh glass scrims. The glass fiber facing sheet comprises an open mesh glass scrim having a plurality of intersecting continuous multifilament yarns which are bonded at their crossover points to provide dimensional stability to the scrim. A melt blown polymer web is preferably joined to one face of the glass scrim and covers the mesh openings in the scrim. The opposed face of the scrim defines an exposed grid profile surface which is available for mechanical interaction between the scrim and the cementitious slurry used in cement boards. In cement boards, the glass fiber facing sheet of the present invention is preferably mechanically integrated into a surface portion of the cement core along the exposed grid profile of the scrim.

Abstract: A filter material is described containing synthetic yarns based on a thermoplastic, elastomer copolyether ester. The yarns contain at least 70 wt. %, referred to total yarn weight, of a thermoplastic, elastomer copolyether ester containing at least 95 wt. %, referred to the total weight of the thermoplastic, elastomer copolyether ester, of the recurrent structural units of formulas I and II,--O--OC--Ar.sup.2 --CO--O--R.sup.4 (I)and--O--OC--Ar.sup.3 --CO--O--R.sup.5 (II),where Ar.sup.2 and Ar.sup.3 independently of each other represent bivalent aromatic radicals,R.sup.4 represents a bivalent aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical, andR.sup.5 stands for the bivalent radical of a polyalkylene ether.The invention also relates to a method of producing this filter material and to a filter press containing such a filter material.

Abstract: A netting having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. There is a first part intended to be substantially horizontal in use having at least two portions. The portions are being mutually longitudinally aligned. At least one portion has apertures of a larger size than apertures in at least one other portion. The second part comprises a flap connected or connectable to the first part at or adjacent one edge of the second part and at or adjacent the portion of larger opening size in the first part.

Abstract: Bicomponent elastomeric extruded netting having bidirectional elasticity is formed of one set of relatively elastic, extruded strands in one direction and another set of transverse, relatively elastic extruded strands. The strands are formed of relatively elastic resins.

Abstract: An anisotropic elastic web, particularly an anisotropic elastic film layer having a machine direction and a cross direction and having a thickness of from 20 to 300 microns formed of an extruded blend of a block copolymer elastomer portion and a polyolefin polymer portion blended in a ratio of from 10:1 to 0.4:1, respectively. The elastomer portion generally is a block copolymer elastomer formed of A blocks and B blocks, the A blocks are formed predominately of monoalkenyl arene and the B blocks are formed predominately of conjugated diene. The polyolefin portion is comprised predominately of an inelastic fiber forming polyolefin polymer, copolymer or blend. The anisotropic film layer has a F10 force Ratio (MD to CD) of at least 1.5. This anisotropic elastic web is usable in a variety of garment applications where an elastic is supplied in roll form and requires strength in a machine direction and elastic properties in a cross direction.

Abstract: A towel, sponge and gauze made from a plurality of fibers of polyvinyl alcohol that are only water soluble at temperatures above 37.degree. C. The polyvinyl alcohol fibers have a degree of hydrolysis of at least 80% with a degree of polymerization between approximately 300 to 3000.

Abstract: An improved washing implement which exhibits superior softness, while also retaining good resiliency. To achieve the improved softness and resiliency of the improved washing implement an improved open cell mesh is provided which is softer and sufficiently resilient as a result of its controlled cell structure parameters. In preferred embodiments, the controlled physical parameters of the open cell mesh include basis weight, cell count, node count, node length and node diameter. Additionally there is provided a method of testing the mesh's resistance to an applied load, which provides an additional parameter for characterizing the mesh of the present invention.

Abstract: A woven glass fabric reinforcement for paper or resinous articles made of continuous glass filament warp yarns and weft yarns is provided. At least one of the warp yarns and the weft yarns is a zero-twist yarn made of continuous glass filaments having a diameter of between about 5 and 13 microns and a yarn count of between about 5.5 and 136 Tex.