KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (July 23, 2008) — The Polyurethane Foam Association has inducted two industry innovators, Rick Triolo and the late J. Allen Bernel, into the Flexible Polyurethane Hall of Fame.
Triolo, retired vice president of technology for Foamex International Inc., developed flexible polyurethane fillings for rubberized fuel cells in military aircraft, reticulated foam for use in ink jet cartridges for computer printers, shock absorption foams and many other products.
Bernel, founder of Bernel Foam Products Co. Inc., invented polyether foams used in gasketing for heating and cooling devices for the automotive industry.