An algae-elastomer composite including an elastomer matrix; algae; and a mixing additive sufficient to achieve a desired property. The algae can be present in a milled condition having a particle size value of between about 10 and 120 microns. The algae is mixed with the elastomer matrix in a dry condition having a moisture content of below about 10%. A method of preparing the algae-based elastomer composite is provided that includes the steps of: premixing an elastomer matrix; adding an algae filler; adding a mixing additive that includes a plasticizer; forming an elastomer-algae blend by blending the algae and elastomer to a temperature sufficient to be further mixed, wherein the temperature is about 10 C. higher than the temperature sufficient for the elastomer alone; adding and mixing a curing or vulcanizing agent for the elastomer dispersing the elastomer-algae blend; and heating and curing the elastomer-algae blend into a final form.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to leak-free exercise devices that are soft and conformable due to being filled with granular material. The devices are formed from one or more flexible panels joined together to form a cavity and a filler material, such as sand, contained within the cavity. The devices comprise welded seams that prevent liquid or moisture from entering the cavity and/or granular material from exiting the cavity. In some embodiments, the one or more flexible panels may further be made of waterproof materials.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to leak-free exercise devices that are soft and conformable due to being filled with granular material. The devices are formed from one or more flexible panels joined together to form a cavity and a filler material, such as sand, contained within the cavity. The devices comprise welded seams that prevent liquid or moisture from entering the cavity and/or granular material from exiting the cavity. In some embodiments, the one or more flexible panels may further be made of waterproof materials.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to manufacturing balloon envelopes for use in high-altitude mesh networks for packet-data communications. As an example, a gore portion may be placed on a table such that the gore portion overlies a groove within the table. A tendon may be placed on the gore portion and within the groove. A portion of tubing may be placed over the tendon. The tubing may have one or more surface openings. Restraining tape is applied over the one or more surface openings in the tubing. A constant force roller is applied to secure the tendon to the gore portion and to secure the tendon to the tubing. As an alternative or in addition to the surface openings, double-sided restraining tape may be placed between the tendon and the tubing. The tubing and restraining tape may prevent undesired lateral and longitudinal movement of the tendon during deployment.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to manufacturing balloon envelopes for use in high-altitude mesh networks for packet-data communications. As an example, a gore portion may be placed on a table such that the gore portion overlies a groove within the table. A tendon may be placed on the gore portion and within the groove. A portion of tubing may be placed over the tendon. The tubing may have one or more surface openings. Restraining tape is applied over the one or more surface openings in the tubing. A constant force roller is applied to secure the tendon to the gore portion and to secure the tendon to the tubing. As an alternative or in addition to the surface openings, double-sided restraining tape may be placed between the tendon and the tubing. The tubing and restraining tape may prevent undesired lateral and longitudinal movement of the tendon during deployment.

The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second. The inflatable article or bladder of the present invention may be used as or in athletic equipment, for example, including footwear.

The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second. The inflatable article or bladder of the present invention may be used as or in athletic equipment, for example, including footwear.

A reinforcing mesh element for embedding in a cement matrix of a building structure, preferably in a corner region or in a curved region. The reinforcing mesh element has a grid-shaped arrangement of fiber bundles that are embedded in a plastic matrix. The reinforcing mesh element has at least one rigid zone and at least one flexible zone. In the at least one flexible zone the plastic matrix consists of an elastomer plastic. The plastic matrix comprises in the at least one rigid zone a thermoset plastic. The flexible or rigid form of the reinforcing mesh element is thus obtained, due to the set-up of the plastic matrix. Additional stiffening bodies or stiffening elements that are connected with the grid-shaped arrangement can be omitted. The reinforcing mesh element can be adapted to the respective situation and simplifies handling when manufacturing a building structure.

A chloroprene-unsaturated nitrile copolymer having 3 to 20% by mass of a structural unit derived from an unsaturated nitrile monomer, in which the chloroprene-unsaturated nitrile copolymer has a peak at 5.80 to 6.00 ppm in a 1H-NMR spectrum as measured in a deuterochloroform solvent, and a ratio (A/B) of a peak area (A) at 5.80 to 6.00 ppm and a peak area (B) at 4.05 to 6.20 ppm is 0.6/100 to 1.1/100.

A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.