Projecting Particles In A Moving Gas Stream Patents (Class 264/121)
  • Patent number: 5858172
    Abstract: Wood pulp sheets treated with triacetin and other compounds, or solutions or emulsions of same, having increased softness while maintaining absorbency, and methods for producing same. More particularly, the invention relates to the treatment of wood pulp useful for making a fluff pulp using a softening agent including alkyl ethers, aryl ethers and formic, ethanoic and propanoic esters of low molecular weight glycols, such as triacetin, propylene glycol diacetate and 2-phenoxyethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Rayonier Inc.
    Inventors: Karl D. Sears, Peter R. Abitz
  • Patent number: 5853635
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a heteroconstituent nonwoven web including a mixture of different filament types simultaneously formed into the same web. The filament types may differ as to polymer composition, additive loadings, fiber size, fiber shape, and/or degree of crimping. The invention is also directed to a method of forming a multilayered nonwoven structure in which different filament types constituting different layers are simultaneously formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Morell, Bryan D. Haynes
  • Patent number: 5843365
    Abstract: A preform of complex three-dimensional shape is prepared by a directed fiber preforming process in which a flow of chopped fibers are drawn by vacuum against a foraminous screen having a shape corresponding to that of preform to be made. The screen has depressed regions that are susceptible to excessive build-up of the chopped fibers. To counteract the build-up in these areas, a baffling system is provided behind the screen having baffle plates which are extendable into and out of blocking engagement with the backside of the problem depressed regions to govern the vacuum draw and hence the deposit and build-up of fibers across the depressed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Pinson, Robert A. Hames, Josh Kelman
  • Patent number: 5817161
    Abstract: In forming a piano-convex lens from a column-like lens blank by heating the blank to a temperature higher than the transition temperature thereof and by pressurizing an upper die with a closed space formed between the blank and the upper die, there are alternately repeated operations of pressurizing the upper die and stopping the application of pressure thereto. Through the control of the amount of displacement of the upper die, the maximum pressure of gas in the closed space at each pressurizing step is so controlled: as to be low according to the surface viscosity of the blank to the extent that no local concave deformation in the surface of the blank is produced; and as to be high to the extent that gas caught in the closed space is discharged at each step of stopping the application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takagi, Kenji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5810902
    Abstract: In a process of making gas laid products by entraining particles including fibers at least partially coated with a binder in a gaseous stream, passing the stream through a forming chamber and through a permeable collecting surface where the particles including fibers build up to form a product like fiber glass insulation, this invention prevents particles including fibers from contacting and building up on the walls of the forming chamber and causing wet spots in the finished product by maintaining a high velocity, high pressure layer of gas close to the exposed surface of the walls of the chamber and moving in the general direction of the gaseous stream. This is accomplished by apparatus including a plurality of plenum boxes forming the walls of the forming chamber with the surface exposed to the gaseous stream having gas directing openings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Gene Brown, Michael Terricks McKibben, Edward Lee Hite, Kenneth Andrew Clocksin
  • Patent number: 5795517
    Abstract: An air cannon (100), formed by associating an inlet cone (116), an air amplifier (104) and an outlet cone (124) with one another, receives chopped fibers and forcefully deposits the chopped fibers on a collection surface (102) or web moving beyond an outlet end (126) of the outlet cone (124). A binder is applied to the resulting mat (172) of chopped fibers, the binder is activated by the application of energy with the resulting treated mat (182) being compacted, cooled and rolled up to form a chopped strand mat package (194). For wide mats, one or more banks (130) of air cannons (100) extend across the moving collection web. The air cannons (100) of each bank (130) are alternately directed up-line and down-line of the web to reduce interference between the air cannons (100) by means of L-shaped support rods (136) which have generally horizontal and generally vertical legs (136H, 136V) which are separated from one another by acute and obtuse angles (140, 142) for up-line and down-line direction, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Canada
    Inventors: Daniel F. Heisler, Christopher J. Clements, Kenneth M. Berry
  • Patent number: 5776308
    Abstract: Wood pulp sheets treated with triacetin and other compounds, or solutions or emulsions of same, having increased softness while maintaining absorbency, and methods for producing same. More particularly, the invention relates to the treatment of wood pulp useful for making a fluff pulp using a softening agent including alkyl ethers or aryl ethers and esters of low molecular weight glycols, such as triacetin, propylene glycol diacetate and 2-phenoxyethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Rayonier Research Center
    Inventors: Karl D. Sears, Peter R. Abitz
  • Patent number: 5770123
    Abstract: An energy beam is irradiated to a workpiece through a beam transmission hole defined in a mask. At that time, a relative position between an energy beam source and the mask or the mask and the workpiece is changed, so that machining depth of the workpiece is varied depending on machining portions of the workpiece, which correspond to amounts of irradiation of the energy beam. With this method, a machined product having locally different depths very easily can be made and further the product can be machined to desired depths with high accuracy by a single machining operation in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, Yotaro Hatamura
    Inventors: Masahiro Hatakeyama, Katsunori Ichiki, Tadasuke Kobata, Masayuki Nakao, Yotaro Hatamura
  • Patent number: 5766388
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes the smooth continuous motion of a masking belt to concentrate air-entrained absorbent materials on the surface of a moving fibrous substrate. Air flowing through the open areas of the masking belt carries the entrained material into the fibrous web. The fibrous web acts as a filter to separate the entrained material from the air stream. Substantially all dispensed material is captured by the fibrous web, and expensive and complex absorbent material recycle systems can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Pelley, Lynn Foelsch, William M. Bickley
  • Patent number: 5756039
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a sanitary napkin having a multi-segment core. Such a core is formed using a mold having a deposition cavity which is divided into cavity segments by at least one partition. Each partition can comprise a passageway for interconnecting adjacent cavity segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ray McFall, David Christopher Oetjen
  • Patent number: 5744073
    Abstract: A method for fabricating domain reversals in predetermined periods without the occurrence of localized variations in refractive index. Localized areas of a unipolarized ferroelectric material which is made of an LiNbO.sub.3 substrate, or the like, and possesses a nonlinear optical effect are exposed to electron beams in a predetermined pattern, so that domain reversals are defined. Thereafter, this ferroelectric material is subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature below the Curie temperature of the ferroelectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasukazu Nihei, Yoji Okazaki, Akinori Harada
  • Patent number: 5741445
    Abstract: A method of forming a light weight, closed-back mirror. The mirror is formed as a monolithic construction by the use of chemical vapor deposition techniques. A first deposition forms sheets of the material, which are machined to the proper size to form reinforcing ribs. A sacrificial mandrel is formed with grooves to receive the ribs in their assembled positions. The upper surface of the mandrel is in proximity to the rear edges of the ribs to form a substantially continuous surface. The mandrel and ribs are then subjected to a chemical vapor deposition process which forms a first coating upon the outer face of the mandrel, forming a back plate and side wall. The mandrel is then turned over, and the base is removed by machining to expose the front edges of the ribs. This process leaves islands of mandrel material between the ribs to form a substantially continuous surface. The mandrel and ribs are then subjected to a chemical vapor deposition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: CVD, Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond L. Taylor, Michael A. Pickering, Lee E. Burns
  • Patent number: 5741832
    Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin Scott Spittle
  • Patent number: 5723076
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing large polycrystalline plates from optical and scintillation materials consists in heating a crystalline blank up to the temperature of 0,5T.sub.melt. <T<T.sub.melt., where T.sub.melt. -melting temperature of the starting material, as well as thermomechanical deformation by means of profiled surface up to the double thickness of the plate to be obtained, after which the blank is deformed again at the same temperature using flat-parallel surface till the specified thickness. Such technology provides the obtaining of large polycrystalline plates of the specified geometrical form with the necessary sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Amcrys-H, Ltd.
    Inventors: Aleksandr Ivanovich Ilyukha, Fyodor Antonovich Osadchii, Vladimir Petrovich Seminozhenko, Aleksandr Antonovich Chernyshov, Lyudmila Sergeyevna Gordienko, Pyotr Nikolayevich Onoprienko
  • Patent number: 5711903
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a porous preform for an optical fiber, including the steps of removing impure particles from silica powder while being stirred in an alkaline liquid phase, and obtaining the porous preform for an optical fiber by applying the powder forming method to the silica powder used as a main raw material. The present invention further has a method of manufacturing a porous preform for an optical fiber, including the step of preparing a forming material by adding fine particles having a particle diameter satisfying the following formula (I) to the silica powder, and obtaining the porous preform by applying the powder forming method to the forming material: ##EQU1## wherein d: diameter of fine particles, and D: diameter of silica powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Yagi, Masato Oku, Takayuki Morikawa, Tsuguo Sato, Kazuaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5702654
    Abstract: Single crystal sapphire is conventionally employed for mid-wave IR windows and domes exposed to high aerodynamic heating environments. Single crystal sapphire, however, suffers a loss of compressive strength in the c-axis of 95% on heating from ambient to 800.degree. C. This loss of compressive strength on heating results in poor thermal shock resistance. Poor thermal shock resistance jeopardizes the reliability of the windows and domes. The process of the present invention strengthens sapphire and improves its resistance to thermal shock by introducing magnesium (Mg) ions into the crystal lattice of sapphire to form a solid solution. The solid solution increases the strength of the sapphire. Additionally, a larger increase in strength results from converting the Mg into second phase precipitates comprising magnesium aluminate spinel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: William W. Chen, Norman H. Harris
  • Patent number: 5700404
    Abstract: A process and device for producing an optically pure polycrystalline salt body by melting a starting material for the salt and then introducing the melted material into a casting mould having a base which is kept at a temperature of 1.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. below the melting point of the material to form a solid crust on the base and then solidifying the entire melt to form the polycrystalline salt body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Berthold
  • Patent number: 5696201
    Abstract: A process which permits the production of mouldings which have little odor and comprise fibrous semifinished products to which heat-curing novolak resins have been added and which are suitable for lining heat-emitting and/or sound-emitting vehicle parts, in which their binders are completely and uniformly crosslinked. The odor emission, in particular the formaldehyde emission, is thus reduced. This process furthermore permits the production of products having an unusually large layer thickness. The homogeneous polymerisation reaction is achieved by the use of a hot fluid in the form of a dry, saturated steam and under elevated pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Matec Holding AG
    Inventors: Carlo Cavalloni, Antonio La Grotteria, Harald Freyer
  • Patent number: 5685358
    Abstract: Ge, Si or a Ge-Si alloy are melt-molded to form, for example an optical lens, by heating Ge, Si or a Ge-Si alloy to at least its melting point, and heating a molding die to a temperature above that melting point. The molten material is injected at a predetermined pressure into a cavity of the heated molding die, and then the melt is cooled at that pressure to a temperature just above a temperature at which the melt solidifies. The pressure on the melt is then decreased, and the melt is cooled to the temperature at which it solidifies. The pressure on the solidified melt is increased, and the solidified melt is cooled. After releasing the pressure on the cooled solidified melt, the optical lens, or other molded article, is removed from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignees: Tokyo Denshi Yakin Co., Ltd., Toshio Ohzono
    Inventors: Koichi Kawasaki, Toshio Ohzono
  • Patent number: 5679296
    Abstract: An automotive interior trim part (10) is made by molding a substrate retainer layer (16), forming a skin layer (12) and forming an intermediate layer (14). The intermediate layer (14) is formed from a plurality of clusters of entangled high melt and low melt kinked fibers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET layer is blown into a partially closed mold that has the skin and retainer positioned in each mold die. The mold undergoes induced vibrations to promote tightening of the packed clusters. The mold is then fully closed to compress the PET fibers into full density. Heated air is then blown into the mold to soften the low melt fibers to adhere them to the retainer layer and skin. Cool air is then blown into the mold to resolidfy the clusters and form the intermediate layer into its molded shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Davidson Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Kelman, Stephen N. Roberts, William W. Knight, Randy Reed, David R. Pinson, Alfred F. Brault
  • Patent number: 5672306
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorbent fibrous nonwoven structure composed of a matrix of pulp fibers having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface; and an adsorbent material integrated into the pulp fiber matrix so that the concentration of adsorbent material adjacent the first exterior surface of the nonwoven structure is at least about 60 percent, as determined by optical image analysis, and the concentration of adsorbent material adjacent the second exterior surface is less than about 40 percent, as determined by optical image analysis. This adsorbent nonwoven structure provides useful strength and low-lint characteristics. The fibrous nonwoven structure of the present invention may be laminated together or to surfaces of other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Troy Alan Sprang, Annmarie Veronica Douglas, Benji Dawn Morgan
  • Patent number: 5650130
    Abstract: Ceramic oxide powders and methods for their preparation are revealed. Ceramic oxide powders are obtained using a flame process whereby one or more precursors of ceramic oxides are introduced into a counterflow diffusion flame burner wherein the precursors are converted into ceramic oxide powders. The nature of the ceramic oxide powder produced is determined by process conditions. The morphology, particle size, and crystalline form of the ceramic oxide powders may be varied by the temperature of the flame, the precursor concentration ratio, the gas stream and the gas velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Joseph L. Katz, Philippe F. Miquel
  • Patent number: 5650366
    Abstract: A ceramic mirror having a surface flatness of no more than 1 .mu.m and/or a centerline average height of no more than 1 nm as measured by the laser interference method, is made from a titanium oxide powder having an average particle diameter of 0.5 .mu.m and a minimum purity of 99.8% by weight. The mirror also has a maximum amount of irregular reflection of incident light not exceeding 5% when the angle of projection is between 0.degree. and 90.degree. as measured by a colorimeter and is made by the process including forming a titanium oxide powder having a maximum average particle diameter of 0.5 .mu.m and a minimum purity of 99.8 wt. %, compacting the titanium oxide powder by cold isostatic pressing to produce a compact, sintering the compact of titanium oxide powder in air at a temperature of 1000.degree. C.-1300.degree. C. to produce a ceramic body, hot isostatic pressing the ceramic body after the sintering in an inert atmosphere at 800.degree. C.-1500.degree. C. under a minimum pressure of 500 kg/cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Nihon Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Kishi
  • Patent number: 5643505
    Abstract: Low cost broadband infrared windows are fabricated using a near net shape process which greatly reduces the cost of machining and grinding window materials. The fabrication of zinc sulfide (ZnS) IR windows uses ceramic powder processing to avoid the expensive prior art chemical vapor deposition method. Further, the invention involves a means of hardening and strengthening ZnS as part of the powder process, with IR transmission performance comparable to undoped CVD-prepared ZnS. The compositional modification used in the practice of the invention involves the introduction of gallium sulfide (Ga.sub.2 S.sub.3) as a second phase which acts to toughen and harden the ZnS. The process of the present invention achieves a hardening effect without degrading the IR transmission properties also by means of controlling the polycrystalline microstructure grains to a very small size. At the same time, porosity, which strongly degrades IR transmission, is minimized by full densification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Norman H. Harris, Thomas K. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 5630859
    Abstract: In forming a plano-convex lens from a column-like lens blank by heating the blank to a temperature higher than the transition temperature thereof and by pressurizing an upper die with a closed space formed between the blank and the upper die, there are alternately repeated operations of pressurizing the upper die and stopping the application of pressure thereto. Through the control of the amount of displacement of the upper die, the maximum pressure of gas in the closed space at each pressurizing step is so controlled: as to be low according to the surface viscosity of the blank to the extent that no local concave deformation in the surface of the blank is produced; and as to be high to the extent that gas caught in the closed space is discharged at each step of stopping the application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takagi, Takashi Inoue
  • Patent number: 5629083
    Abstract: A process for the production of modified phenol-aldehyde resins includes the use of a modifier selected from melamine, urea, and other suitable nonvolatile organic compounds. The phenolic component of the resins preferably includes a difunctional phenolic compound. The inventive resins resist precuring and are particularly useful in blowline blending procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventor: Zygmunt Teodorczyk
  • Patent number: 5627116
    Abstract: A sintered, translucent ceramic article comprises alpha alumina and up to 0.050 wgt. percent magnesia and between 0.001 to 0.100 wgt. percent lutetium oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the lutetium oxide is at 0.050 wgt. percent and in a second preferred embodiment half the lutetium oxide is replaced by yttrium oxide. A method of making a translucent ceramic article comprises the steps of: forming an aqueous slurry to yield one of the composition described above; adding nitric acid to adjust the pH to 4.6; adding an aqueous binder and plasticizer in the amount of 2.5 solids wgt. percent; spray-drying the slurry; forming an article by wet-bag isopressing; prefiring said article in air at about 1325.degree. C. for about 2 hours; and sintering said air-fired article in hydrogen for about 3 hours at 1800.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Karlene J. Zuk
  • Patent number: 5624628
    Abstract: A method of introducing a casting compound composed of aggregates and a matrix with a hardening binder into a hollow space within a tubular sheathing of a tension member composed of one or more individual elements, particularly in the anchoring range of the tension member relative to a structural component. In accordance with the method, the aggregates are introduced first and the matrix is then introduced in the liquid state into the grain structure formed by the aggregates. A finely granular material is used as the aggregate. The finely granular material is introduced with the aid of compressed air through at least one tubular lance which is inserted in longitudinal direction of the tension member through the anchoring range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Dyckerhoff & Widmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Hansch, Christoph Nieberle, Oswald Nutzel
  • Patent number: 5618474
    Abstract: A smooth contoured structure is formed from a planar surface by etching mesas of equal height into the surface and heat treating the structure to mass transport material above the desired contour to fill in voids below the desired contour. In an alternate embodiment, an optical element is formed using a patterned layer of sacrificial material and thermally treating the sacrificial layer to form a precursor contour line. The line is then transformed onto a substrate and smoothed to form the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Zong-Long Liau, Richard C. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5614147
    Abstract: A method for applying particulate powder material to a moving, pre-formed, fibrous substrate. In this method, particulate powder material is entrained in a continuous airstream. The air-entrained stream of particulate material exits a nozzle to be applied to the substrate or recirculated. The stream of air-entrained particulate matter has a velocity component in the direction of movement of the fibrous substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Pelley
  • Patent number: 5614132
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mineral fiber product includes centrifuging mineral fibers with a spinner, forming a veil of the mineral fibers moving in the direction of the axis of the spinner, directing toward the veil, from a position within the veil, organic material to cause intermingling of the organic material and the mineral fibers, and, collecting the intermingled organic material and mineral fibers to form a mineral fiber product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shiv K. Bakhshi, Steven H. Williams, James W. Scott, Randall M. Haines
  • Patent number: 5615291
    Abstract: A capillary for an optical fiber connector which is low in machining cost and a process for producing the same is provided. The capillary for an optical fiber connector of the present invention comprises a cylindrical ceramics sintered body, and having a straight-hole like narrow hole 3 with a slightly larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the optical fiber bare line for passing the bare line of the optical fiber therethrough, and a tip surface for connection at which the narrow hole opens; and an inner surface of the narrow hole being substantially a sintered surface. Therefore, a number of steps of grinding of the inner surface of the narrow hole is markedly reduced thin the conventional capillary for an optical fiber connector so that production cost can be reduced to a low amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hayakawa, Osamu Kobayashi, Takeshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 5609800
    Abstract: Self-adhesive carbonaceous grains for use in the manufacture of high-density and high-strength carbon artifacts containing 0.5-1.5 wt % of a quinoline-soluble but pyridine-insoluble component and at least 97 wt % of a quinoline-insoluble component and which are prepared by heat-treating in a nonoxidizing atmosphere a mesophase pitch that is obtained by polymerizing condensed polycyclic hydrocarbons or substances containing them in the presence of a superacid consisting of hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride. The carbonaceous grains are molded and the mold is baked at a sufficient temperature to achieve its carbonization, with the heating rate being not more than 20.degree. C./h in the temperature range from 400 .degree. to 600.degree. C. In this way, high-density and high-strength carbon artifacts showing a homogeneous fine mosaic texture of optical anisotropy can be efficiently manufactured in high carbon yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Isao Mochida, Ryuji Fujiura, Takashi Kojima, Hitoshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5597518
    Abstract: A face plate for a cathode ray tube display is produced by a method in which small holes are formed through a sheet of unfired ceramic tape. The holes are arranged in a desired pattern for the location of pixel dots. The holes are filled with generally transparent glass to form plugs in the desired pattern. The ceramic tape is cured to a hardened state by firing to an appropriate temperature. Each plug is coated at an inner, anode side of the face plate with phosphor of appropriate color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Silicon Video Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Lovoi
  • Patent number: 5587124
    Abstract: A method for depositing synthetic diamond includes the following steps: (a) providing a deposition chamber; (b) providing a deposition surface in the deposition chamber, the deposition surface having a concave contour; (c) directing a plasma toward the concave deposition surface, the plasma including hydrogen and a hydrocarbon, such that synthetic diamond is formed on the concave deposition surface; and (d) releasing the synthetic diamond from the concave deposition surface to obtain free standing diamond, wherein the released diamond generally flattens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: John Meroth
  • Patent number: 5585180
    Abstract: Glass microfibers having diameters of less than one micron are useful in engineered plastics to achieve very smooth surfaces and thermal stability in composite parts. As made, glass microfibers are very bulky and intertwined making it impossible to meter and feed the material using conventional equipment. The processes used for chopping and milling coarser glass fibers to prepare them for engineered plastic composites are unsatisfactory for glass microfibers for various reasons. It has been discovered that flowable glass microfiber agglomerate products can be made by processing the microfiber in a muller mill or in a self impact mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Fadell
  • Patent number: 5580512
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of low cost "oriented" composite molding compounds using discontinuous fibers embedded in a resin matrix. The method involves the steps of aligning discontinuous fibers by use of a strong electric field while simultaneously inserting the fibers onto a polymer substrate comprised of an uncured resin matrix. A preferred embodiment includes the incorporation of a mesh or a glass capillary array located parallel and adjacent to the polymer substrate to further ensure fiber alignment. After the fibers are attached to the uncured resin matrix, the aligned fibers are forced to lie down parallel along the surface of the polymer substrate by mechanically forcing the fibers flat. The newly formed reinforced polymer films may then be stacked with the fibers of each ply oriented to achieve the desired mechanical properties, and then cured to produce an improved composite laminate which can be machined to form a high strength shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Koon, Chi H. Sheu, Brent R. Meredith
  • Patent number: 5575959
    Abstract: Low cost broadband infrared windows are fabricated using a near net shape process which greatly reduces the cost of machining and grinding window materials. The fabrication of zinc sulfide (ZnS) IR windows uses ceramic powder processing to avoid the expensive prior art chemical vapor deposition method. Further, the invention involves a means of hardening and strengthening ZnS as part of the powder process, with IR transmission performance comparable to undoped CVD-prepared ZnS. The compositional modification used in the practice of the invention involves the introduction of gallium sulfide (Ga.sub.2 S.sub.3) as a second phase which acts to toughen and harden the ZnS. The process of the present invention achieves a hardening effect without degrading the IR transmission properties also by means of controlling the polycrystalline microstructure grains to a very small size. At the same time, porosity, which strongly degrades IR transmission, is minimized by full densification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Norman H. Harris, Thomas K. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 5571604
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorbent fibrous nonwoven structure composed of (1) a matrix of pulp fibers having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface; and (2) an adsorbent material integrated into the pulp fiber matrix so that the concentration of adsorbent material adjacent the first exterior surface of the nonwoven structure is at least about 60 percent, as determined by optical image analysis, and the concentration of adsorbent material adjacent the second exterior surface is less than about 40 percent, as determined by optical image analysis. This adsorbent nonwoven structure provides useful strength and low-lint characteristics. The fibrous nonwoven structure of the present invention may be laminated together or to surfaces of other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Troy A. Sprang, Annmarie V. Douglas, Benji D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5571465
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly, and substantially uniformly, heating and cooling a bed of polymeric fibers having high melting point and low melting point fibers therein for softening the low melting point fibers and bonding them to the high melting point fibers to form a seat cushion. Hot and cool gases are flowed through the bed of fibers to effect the heating/cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Prem P. Gill, Paul W. Chrenka
  • Patent number: 5569425
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly, and substantially uniformly, heating and cooling a bed of polymeric fibers having high melting point and low melting point fibers therein for softening the low melting point fibers and bonding them to the high melting point fibers to form a seat cushion. Hot and cool gases are flowed through the bed of fibers via a plurality of ventilator spikes extending into the fibers in the mold cavity to effect substantially uniform gas flow rates through the fibers for quick more uniform heating/cooling of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Prem P. Gill, Paul W. Chrenka, David W. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5567746
    Abstract: Moldable ferromagnetic particles and method of making a magnetizable molding therefrom. The ferromagnetic particles are spray-coated with a slurry comprising insoluble thermoplastic particles suspended in a solution of a soluble polymer to produce a coating on the ferromagnetic particles which comprises a majority of the insoluble thermoplastic particles embedded in a lesser amount of a binder polymer. When compression molded, the insoluble thermoplastic particles form a continuous matrix for the ferromagnetic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Gay
  • Patent number: 5540872
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fabric of the type which may be used in absorbent garments, dressings or the like involves the use of an apertured collector element which has a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The method involves positioning material adjacent to one side of the apertured collector element and developing a pressure differential between the one side of the apertured collector element and a second, opposite side to force the fabric material against the apertured collector element. The material, which has conformed to the shape of the collector element, is then solidified into its intended three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Ulman
  • Patent number: 5536341
    Abstract: A soft panel has a layer formed from thermoplastic fiber clusters comprised of a very high percentage of crooked matrix fibers and a very low percentage of crooked binder fibers with a lower melt temperature and wherein the fibers have a plurality of bends that entangle the fibers together in the clusters. The fiber clusters are blown onto a first foraminous screen that defines a retainer side of the fiber layer and through which air is being drawn. A layer of thermoplastic powder is sprayed onto a thermoplastic veil draped over the fiber cluster layer while the latter remains on the first screen and air is drawn through this screen and the veil to retain the powder layer in place. A hot shell skin tool is then applied to the powder to form a flexible skin fused to the fiber cluster layer. The fiber cluster layer with the flexible skin joined thereto is then adhered on its retainer side to a preformed rigid retainer to complete the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Josh Kelman
  • Patent number: 5523031
    Abstract: A method for fiberizing mineral material with organic material includes centrifuging mineral fibers from molten mineral material with a first spinner rotating about an axis, changing the direction of the mineral fibers to form a downwardly moving veil of mineral fibers, establishing a flow of molten organic material moving downwardly in a first conduit positioned within the veil, and directing the flow of molten organic material to a position beneath the spinner, dividing the flow of molten organic material into a plurality of streams, directing, by means of individual conduits, individual ones of the plurality of streams radially outwardly away from the first conduit, rotating the individual conduits about the axis, centrifuging organic fibers from the molten organic material by means of nozzles at the radially outward ends of the individual conduits, and directing the organic fibers into contact with the veil of mineral fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ault, Michael T. Pellegrin, James E. Loftus
  • Patent number: 5523032
    Abstract: A method for fiberizing mineral material with organic material includes centrifuging mineral fibers from molten mineral material with a first rotating spinner, changing the direction of the mineral fibers to form a downwardly moving veil of mineral fibers, establishing a flow of molten organic material moving toward a second rotating spinner positioned within the veil, dividing the flow of molten organic material into a plurality of streams, directing, by means of conduits, individual ones of the plurality of streams toward the peripheral wall of the second rotating spinner, the conduits shielding the molten organic material from heat from the first rotating spinner, and centrifuging organic fibers from the molten organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ault, Michael T. Pellegrin, James E. Loftus
  • Patent number: 5520758
    Abstract: A process for producing a reinforced plastic motor vehicle bumper includes the steps of placing a woven roving (17) on a center section of a preform screen (10) that is retained by a vacuum draw from a suction fan (16). Chopped glass fibers (20) and a curable binder are sprayed onto the preform screen and woven roving. A second layer (22) of woven roving is placed onto the center section of chopped glass and first layer (17) of woven roving. Either the excess trim (39) is trimmed by a cutting die (50) before the preform is cured or the die is first cured and then the excess trim is trimmed by a cutter using a plastic base (35) in the screen that circumscribes the contoured section of the preform screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Kelman, Robert Hames
  • Patent number: 5508102
    Abstract: Disclosed is an abrasion resistant fibrous nonwoven structure composed of (1) a matrix of meltblown fibers having a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface, and an interior portion; and (2) at least one other fibrous material integrated into the meltblown fiber matrix so that the concentration of meltblown fibers adjacent each exterior surface of the nonwoven structure is at least about 60 percent, by weight, and the concentration of meltblown fibers in the interior portion is less than about 40 percent, by weight. This fibrous nonwoven structure provides useful strength and low-lint characteristics as well as an abrasion resistance that is at least about 25 percent greater than that of homogenous mixture of the same components. The fibrous nonwoven structure of the present invention may be used as a moist wipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Georger, Mark F. Jones, Thomas J. Kopacz, Gregory A. Zelazoski
  • Patent number: 5505804
    Abstract: In a method of producing a condenser lens substrate, after a first clear substrate and a second clear substrate where a micro-lens having a spherical surface or a lenticular lens is formed are stuck to each other, at least one of the clear substrates is ground. At this time, the clear substrate is ground so as to have a thickness that a focus of the micro-lens or the lenticular lens is positioned in the vicinity of the outer surface of the first or the second clear substrate. This makes it possible to form a micro-lens or a lenticular lens having a short focus in a substrate of a liquid crystal display element. As a result, when a condenser lens substrate is produced, a possibility of breakage of the clear substrate is eliminated, and handling and sticking of clear substrates become easy, thereby making it possible to improve mass-productivity of a condenser lens substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Mizuguchi, Hiroshj Hamada
  • Patent number: 5503788
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing a mixture raw automobile shredder residue, and virgin and/or contaminated synthetic plastic material, e.g., raw post consumer plastic waste. By means of this method, automobile shredder residue produced by a conventional automobile shredder is formed into a first stream by being ground in a first granulating zone to a reasonable small granular size using conventional equipment. A second stream comprising virgin and/or contaminated synthetic plastics material is ground in a second granulating zones. The two streams are combined to provide a processable mixture. The processable mixture is introduced into a high intensity, mixer. The processable mixtures transformed into a semi-molten discharge stream by the kinetic energy imparted to the processable mixture by the mixer are simultaneously vented from the mixer. The semi-molten mixture emerging from the mixer is then introduced into an extruder or press where it is formed into a mass of desired shape, and cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventors: Jack Lazareck, Martin Walsh