Abstract: A decorative sheet for construction is disclosed. The decorative sheet for construction comprises a thermoplastic polyester resin foam forming a surface layer, a large number of inorganic aggregates scattered over the surface of the foam in the presence of an adhesive, said inorganic aggregates forming a decorative face layer by the medium of the adhesive, and a backing layer formed on the decorative face layer. The decorative sheet of the present invention enablesits decorative face layer with a backing layer to be reliably and readily transferred to the surface of concrete construction or products, and yet which enables a foam layer as a protective layer for the decorative face layer with a backing layer to be readily removed after application. A decorative concrete product for construction using the same, and processes forpreparing them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polyester film for magnetic recording media, a process for preparation thereof and a magnetic recording medium including the film having formed on the surface of a ferromagnetic metallic thin membrane, said polyester film being one wherein on the surface of one side or both sides of the film,(i) fine protuberances having an average height of 0.15 .mu.m or less exist at a rate of 1.0.times.10.sup.4 to 1.0.times.10.sup.8 per mm.sup.2,(ii) the fine protuberances are composed of fine particles whose surface is coated with a binder resin,(iii) the fine protuberances are stuck on the film surface by the binder resin,(iv) the binder resin does not substantially exist on the film surface other than in the vicinity of the film surface where the fine protuberances exist, and(v) the average surface roughness (Ra) of the film surface is in the range of 0.001 to 0.01 .mu.m.

Abstract: Cast iron pipe and other elongated hollow articles are lined with a cementitious mortar for certain applications, such as the transmission of potable water or sewage. To improve the resistance to attack from acids and to provide a crack and void spot free cement lining, a calcium alumina cement is used to line the article. A plasticizer such as fireclay is added to the calcium alumina cement prior to its application. The cement lined article is then coated with an asphaltic based coating and then cured in a high humidity environment.

Abstract: A nitrogen-containing compound of the following general formula (1) is kneaded into a resin molding material, the kneaded mixture is molded, and the surface of the resulting article is subjected to corona discharge treatment. Then, an electrostatically charged coating is sprayed on the article. ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group of 6-22 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms; n represents 2-3. In accordance with this invention, a shaped resin article with remarkably improved electrical conductivity can be obtained from a resin of low electrical conductivity substantially without affecting the physical properties and color of the resin and with high productivity. Furthermore, a resin article with high surface resistivity can be electrostatically coated with high coating efficiency and improved results in appearance and productivity substantially without affecting the physical properties of the resin.

Abstract: A process for producing a low porosity, high temperature coating on a porous substrate based on ceramic fibers of refractory compounds. The coating comprises from 30.8 to 41.9 weight % of silica (SiO.sub.2) from a silica sol, from 30.2 to 49.4 weight % of alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), from 4.0 to 16.3 weight % of silicon carbide (SiC), and from 11.6 to 16.6 weight % of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi.sub.2). The coating has an emissivity of not less than 0.8 and an operating temperature of up to 1500.degree. C. The process is carried out without a firing step and includes the steps of preparing a slurry comprising from 65 to 75 weight % of a silica sol having a content of 20 to 50 weight % of SiO.sub.2 and from 25 to 35 weight % of a mixture of particles of the refractory compounds Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiC, and MoSi.sub.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers, glass microballoons and/or diatoms, bound together with a ceramic reinforcing cloth with a sol-gel ceramic binder. The composite is particularly useful as a high strength, high temperature insulation material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat molding produced by the injection molding technique, in particular an identity card, chip card or the like, characterized in that it has different volume areas containing different plastic components and formed and disposed so as to be distinguishable from one another visually and/or by measuring technology.

Abstract: A fiberglass pipe joint with threaded ends has rough surface areas adjacent to such ends which allow strap wrenches to be used to tighten the threads with a high torque that prevents leakage. The rough areas are formed by partially embedded sand grains which are sprinkled on the resin component prior to curing, or on a wet bonding material after curing.

Abstract: In order to manufacture low-weight, large-scale, artificial rocks resistant to weathering and faithfully rendered as in nature, first a malleable plastic reproduction is made of a natural-rock object. If called for, the reproduction is braced in a second method step, preferably by coating its back side with glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The work mold so manufactured receives a parting compound in a third operational step and thereupon preferably fiberglass mats are inserted and a coat of synthetic resin is applied to make a positive in the shape of a hollow artificial-rock blank. This artificial-rock blank is coated in a fourth operational step with a synthetic resin and fine-grain, preferably multicolored natural sand is deposited on or incorporated into the still moist coat of synthetic resin. Once this coat of synthetic resin with its incorporated natural sand has hardened, the artificial rock has been completed.

Abstract: A method of molding a plastic element having a microstructure embedded therein includes the steps of providing a master having a microstructure therein; casting a liquid surface coating over said master; solidifying the liquid surface coating to form a rigid molding tool containing said microstructure; placing the molding tool into a molding machine; introducing a plastic element into the molding machine; transferring the microstructure from the molding tool to the plastic element; and removing the molded plastic element from the molding machine. The molding tool may also be produced by machining directly into a molding base element a predetermined microstructure without machining through a transfer interlayer. An injection-molded binary optical element produced according to the method of the present invention provides an injection molded optical element which diffracts light.

Abstract: An illuminated plastic lighting of alphanumeric symbols, such as letters, numbers or words, in soft feel buttons is provided, wherein a translucent rigid base portion is covered with a soft opaque plastic. The opaque plastic has the same thickness as a raised protrusion bearing the desired alphanumeric symbol. The opaque plastic coating is applied in a fluid condition to the top level of the alphanumeric symbol, for revealing the alphanumeric symbol through a recess in the opaque elastomeric coating material. A light source is placed at the bottom of the translucent base portion. The soft feel button is specially useful for making lighted buttons and more particularly, for soft feel buttons for automobile dashboards and the like.

Abstract: A homogenizer for incident light including: a sheet of embossable material including a one micro-sculpted surface relief structure that (i) controls the direction in which light propagates and (ii) homogenizes light with directionality has been formed by replicating in the sheet of embossable material another micro-sculpted surface structure that (i) controls the direction in which light propagates and (ii) homogenizes light with directionality, the another micro-sculpted surface structure having been formed in a photosensitive medium having a refractive index by: (a) generating random, disordered and non-planar speckle in the photosensitive medium using coherent light, the coherent light having been diffused through a holographic diffuser, so as to define non-discontinuous and smoothly varying changes in the refractive index of the photosensitive medium, the smoothly varying changes scattering collimated light into a controlled pattern with smooth brightness variation; and (b) developing the photosensitive m

Abstract: Processes for the formation of flocked automotive molding members of the type adapted to border windshield and door windows are disclosed. The processes include coextrusion of a thermoplastic polymer and reactive hot melt adhesive in a common die orifice or head onto a profiled metal strip. The hot melt provides an adhesive layer for subsequent flock adherence to the thermoplastic polymer. The hot melt is moisture curable, thereby eliminating need for a curing oven or the like downstream from the flocking station.

Abstract: An implantable body including an outer membrane forming an enclosure for receiving a filler material. The surface of the outer membrane is characterized by a random distribution of peaks separated by valleys. The peaks and valleys are separated by gradual contoured slopes with a smooth transition between the peaks and valleys which are substantially free from indentation. The enhanced surface provides improved anchoring of the implant, yet reduces host reaction. The enhanced surface is formed by depositing a distribution of cured polymeric particles on an uncured tacky surface. This intermediate surface is then cured, followed by application of a layer of uncured elastomeric material. The entire surface is then cured to form the enhanced surface.

Abstract: A display card is provided on one surface thereof with two images which appear to an observer to be interacting. One of the images is provided on the card by quality ink printing such as lithography. At least a portion of this image occupies but only a portion of a prescribed field of view on the card. The second image, which occupies substantially all of the remainder of the field of view, is provided by a plastic coating adhered to the card and having a reflection-type hologram embossed therein. The holographic image circumscribes and touches at every possible point that portion of the printed image occupying a portion of the field of view. The method of making the display card comprising ink printing one image and adhering the plastic coating bearing the hologram on the card in a manner to circumscribe that portion of the printed image which occupies the field of view.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material, mainly to be used for splints and supports in orthopaedical, surgical and veterinary practice, is proposed for the fixation of body parts, the material including a copolymer of .epsilon.-caprolactone, polyurethane, and ethylene-butylene-styrene mixed with triallylcyanurate and oleic acid-imide, the copolymer mixture being gamma irradiated after processing, such that a degree of cross-linking of the molecules and a partially crystalline configuration results in a molded material with reproducible flexibility, elasticity and reciprocal stretch properties.

Abstract: A birefringent interference polarizer which may be fabricated from readily available materials using established coextrusion techniques is provided. The polarizer has a level of light absorption near zero and can be fabricated to polarize and reflect light of specific wavelengths while transmitting light of other wavelengths. The polarizer includes multiple alternating oriented layers of at least first and second polymeric materials having respective nonzero stress optical coefficients which are sufficiently different to produce a refractive index mismatch between the first and second polymeric materials in a first plane which is different from the refractive index mismatch between the first and second polymeric materials in a second plane normal to the first plane. The refractive index mismatch in the first plane is preferably at least 0.03.

Abstract: Preforms for molding processes are prepared by applying an aqueous dispersion of a tackifier onto one or more reinforcement fibers, (2) drying the coated reinforcement fibers to remove the water present and (3) forming one or more of the coated reinforcement fibers into a predetermined shape. The preforms comprise reinforcement fibers having a substantially uniformly distributed tackifier on the surface thereof in the form of a discontinuous film coating.

Abstract: A method of making a laminate and articles of furniture made from the laminate are disclosed wherein a transparent acrylic or polycarbonate sheet is coated with a clear urethane coating composition to at least a portion of one surface of the acrylic or polycarbonate composition sheet. The coated sheet is then treated with a water-based or latex color coating composition over the urethane coating. A urethane primer-surfacer coating composition is then applied over that portion of the sheet to which the color coating has been applied. The surface of the sheet is then adhesively bonded to a backing member, in which the uncoated surface of the acrylic sheet layer forms the outer layer of the laminated article. Preferably, the urethane coating composition is a low VOC urethane coating composition containing less than 4.0 pounds of volatile organic compounds per gallon of urethane coating composition.

Abstract: In order to manufacture low-weight, large-scale, artificial rocks resistant to weathering and faithfully rendered as in nature, first a malleable plastic reproduction is made of a natural-rock object. If called for, the reproduction is braced in a second method step, preferably by coating its back side with glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The work mold so manufactured receives a parting compound in a third operational step and thereupon preferably fiberglass mats are inserted and a coat of synthetic resin is applied to make a positive in the shape of a hollow artificial-rock blank. This artificial-rock blank is coated in a fourth operational step with a synthetic resin and fine-grain, preferably multicolored natural sand is deposited on or incorporated into the still moist coat of synthetic resin. Once this coat of synthetic resin with its incorporated natural sand has hardened, the artificial rock has been completed.

Abstract: An improved process to make composites contains the steps of: (1) contacting a substrate with a thermoplastic partially-cured curable resin at above the glass-transition temperature to form a preform; (2) adding a matrix resin that can dissolve the tackifier and co-curing the tackifier and matrix resin to form a composite. The resulting composites are useful in structural applications.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb deodorizing filter including ceramic fibrous paper supporting cuprous oxide or both cuprous oxide and solid acid includes the steps of: soaking ceramic fibrous paper in a slurry; drying the soaked paper; and forming the dried paper into a honeycomb filter. The slurry includes a mixture of a reductant-added water solution with either (i) the cuprous oxide and binder, or (ii) cuprous oxide, solid acid and binder. Alternately, the fibrous paper and binder may first be formed into a honeycomb filter and then soaked in the slurry.

Abstract: A polymer composite includes a thermoplastic plastic polymer having a fine grain metal or metal oxide dispersed therein. Preferably, the fine grains has a size of about 1,000 nm or less. A method of making the polymer composite by adhering a metal layer to a thermoplastic polymer layer in a thermodynamically nonequilibrated condition followed by relaxation of the polymer layer to obtain thermodynamic equilibrium which causes the metal layer to be absorbed by the polymer layer as fine grains is also disclosed.

Abstract: Packaging and/or storing atactic polypropylene or other amorphous poly alpha olefins is accomplished by first heating a mass of the olefin material to a molten state and then cooling the molten mass of olefin material to an extrusion temperature. Next, the formless mass of atactic polypropylene is extruded and cut into a succession of pellets. Inert dust-like material is sprayed onto the cutting surfaces and the surface of the olefin material so that the natural tendency of the material to stick to itself and to other objects is avoided.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating an article such as an electric part is disclosed which includes the steps of:(a) powder coating the article with a thermosetting resin powder coating composition to form a melted layer of the thermosetting resin composition around the article;(b) molding the melted layer of the thermosetting resin composition obtained in step (a) in a mold under pressure while maintaining the mold at a temperature lower than the softening point of the thermosetting resin composition, so that a solidified, molded layer of the thermosetting resin composition having a predetermined shape is formed around the article; and(c) heating the solidified layer obtained in step (b) to cure the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: Hollow porous microspheres of uniform diameter and of uniform wall thickness are disclosed. The walls of the hollow microspheres comprise sintered together particles which define interconnecting voids within the walls and a single central cavity in the interior of the microspheres and inner and outer microsphere wall surfaces. The interconnecting voids are continuous and extend from the outer wall surface to the inner wall surface. The walls have uniform void content and the interconnecting voids are uniformly distributed in the walls of the hollow microspheres and the walls of the hollow microspheres are free of latent solid or liquid blowing gas materials and are substantially free of relatively thinned wall portions and bubbles. The hollow porous microspheres include microspheres in which the interconnecting voids have been closed and sealed.

Abstract: Particles of a fine powder of a thermoplastic synthetic resin (host powder) having a suitable broad range between its initial glass transition temperature (initial T.sub.g) and its final T.sub.g, are partially coated with an anti-caking coating powder (coating powder) by blending at an elevated temperature to form "mottled" particles. The elevated temperature is defined in relation to the initial and final T.sub.g s as: (initial T.sub.g -20).degree. C. but below the final T.sub.g. Mottled particles, without being encapsulated, have the unique ability to maintain their individual particulate characteristics at a temperature at least 10.degree. C. above the initial T.sub.g of the uncoated host powder, and flow freely under applied pressure. Such pressure is applied by a rolling drum which spreads the mottled particles onto a target bed where they are selectively sintered With a controlled high energy beam, usually a laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food storing container and a method thereof, said container is formed with thermoplastic synthetic resin material and a bio-ceramic material naturally radiating extreme infrared ray is adhered to the inside surrounding surface thereof.Said bio-ceramic material is adhered to on the tape of polyester material in high density to be supplied into the surface of the inside molder as a roll type before an injection molding of a container and then the injection solution is filled thereon to mold a predetermined container, whereby the bio-ceramic material is uniformly distributed in the container, and also the container is constructed by a method of adhering the bio-ceramic material to the polyester material so that the firmness, the preservation and the ease-of-manufacturing thereof becomes high.

Abstract: Process for the formation of a removable surface area of a specific depth on a substrate with all coatings seated on the surface of the substrate, wherein a layer of a material, thin as related to the substrate, with a thermal expansion coefficient strongly deviating as compared with the substrate, is bonded to the substrate at one temperature and is subsequently cooled to another temperature.

Abstract: A ridge cover is formed of inorganic (glass) felt-like sheet material fill-coated with an asphaltic material modified to improve its flexibility. The sheet material is repeatedly back bent upon itself to provide a thickened portion for the ridge cover. The flexible asphaltic material surprisingly allows such back bending of the sheet material substantially without fracture of the glass fibers of the inorganic felt at the bends.

Abstract: Process for preparing shaped bodies of thermoplastic polymers by means of extrusion, injection, or spin molding of granules having a length within the range of from 2 to 100 mm, obtained by cutting a continuous calendered filament constituted by a bundle of fibres impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer in powder form and coated with an outer sheath constituted by a thermoplastic polymer which is the same as, or different from, the polymer which constitutes said powder, and having a melting point equal to or higher than the powder polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molded optical channel waveguide, having a critical internal reflection angle and an exposed surface, and affixing a holographic layer, having gratings formed therein, in overlying relationship with the exposed surface of the optical waveguide. The gratings are positioned to form an angle with the surfaces of the holographic layer such that light rays incident on an upper surface of the holographic layer and substantially normal thereto are diffracted by the gratings into the optical waveguide. Also, light waves travelling within the waveguide emanate outwardly through the holographic layer. Light generators and detectors are mounted to supply light to and receive light from the holographic layer.

Abstract: A method of patterning a concrete surface and a pattern transfer mat for use in the method. The pattern transfer mat has a transfer surface having three-dimensional irregularities and carrying a multiplicity of grains to be transferred to the substrate concrete. Concrete is cast against the transfer surface of the mat and cured in situ and the mat is then detached.

Abstract: A plurality of cores are covered with the same jacketing material by passing the cores through respective dies of a plate, while flowing the jacketing material through sub-channels in the plate and into coating relationship with the cores. Any of the sub-channels can be shut off by diverting the jacketing material a flow diverting path without affecting the flow in the other sub-channels.

Abstract: A patterned tool and method for producing a durable tactile warning surface for sidewalks and other walkways including pouring a concrete base, applying pigmented or colored hardener to the upper surface of the concrete base, stamping the upper surface of the concrete base with the patterned tool including a substantially flat member having a plurality of symmetrically disposed recesses of a predetermined diameter and depth formed on the lower surface thereof and a plurality of corresponding vent channels formed through the substantially flat member in communication with each corresponding recess and curing the concrete base to form a durable tactile warning surface including a plurality of symmetrically disposed raised elements of a predetermined diameter, height and spacing corresponding to the plurality of recesses to produce an uneven surface visually contrasting with adjacent surface areas.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of about 1 to 4 %wt cured elastomer irregularly-shaped particles having a sieve size of about 0.7 mm +/-0.1 mm in uncured elastomer to suppress bubble formation without substantial loss of tensile strength, in calendered, cured elastomer products, such as, decorative or sealing sheet materials.

Abstract: A method for producing a unitary part having a property enhancing coating strongly bonded to a core of either plastic or fiber reinforced composite is provided by applying the coating to a formed and shaped carrier substrate which is placed into the mold. Plastic is injected into the mold such that the plastic infiltrates the coating during molding and therefore locks the coating to the part after cure. Utilizing the present method substantially enhances the coating bond strength and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating a post production coating step.

Abstract: A method including: based on a primary mold having a surface pattern identical with that of a composition to be produced, making a secondary mold having a low melting point sprayed metal layer of Zn or the like to which the surface pattern of the primary mold is transferred; next, after carrying out mold-releasing treatment on the secondary mold surface, spraying a high melting point metal such as Ni or the like; reinforcing the back side of the thus-formed high melting point sprayed metal layer with FRP or the like; hardening said FRP or the like; and then, releasing a composition consisting essentially of the high melting point sprayed metal layer and the reinforcing resin layer from the secondary mold.

Abstract: A method and system for significantly increasing the density of particulates on a substrate includes disposing a particulate material, such as fibers or abrasive material, onto a surface of the substrate, whereby the particles adhere to the substrate. The substrate is then exposed to conditions sufficient to cause the surface area, on which the particulate material is disposed, to diminish, thereby significantly increasing the density of the particulate material. The system includes a support on which the substrate is disposed, apparatus for disposing the particulate material in the substrate and apparatus for causing the surface on which the particulate material is disposed to significantly diminish.

Abstract: The occurrence of efflorescence has been reduced or eliminated in ceramic articles formed from a novel vitreously bonded cement-containing composition. The articles also exhibit improved strength, reduced firing shrinkage and increased frost resistance. The articles are produced by combining hydraulic cement containing calcium silicate and/or calcium aluminate components, vitrifiable inorganic powders forming molten liquid-flowing substances, and reactive or sinterable mineral powders selected from the group consisting of magnesium silicates, aluminum silicates and mixtures thereof; combining the ingredients with water to form a mixture; molding the mixture into an article; hardening the article by hydration; and firing the molded article to a maximum temperature of between about 1000.degree. C. to 1400.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is a coated particulate in the form of a powder or in the form of a pellet, the particulate comprising a vinylidene chloride interpolymer and being coated with at least one processing aid at a level effective to improve the extrudability of the vinylidene chloride interpolymer. The processing aid beneficially is selected from the group consisting of fatty esters; wax esters; glycerol esters; glycol esters; fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohols; fatty amides; metallic salts of fatty acids; olefin polymers and polyolefin waxes.

Abstract: Methods of coating stereolithographic parts and smoothing over characteristic surface discontinuities having alternating recesses and peaks. A stereolithographic part is first substantially covered with a substance capable of becoming less viscous when heated at a temperature which does not substantially thermally degrade the part, wherein the heated substance has an appropriate surface tension. Then, the substance is heated to that temperature until the substance flows preferentially into the recesses of the surface discontinuities and away from the peaked surface discontinuities. The substance will thereafter form a short surface connection over the recesses of the discontinuities through the surface tension of the heated substance. The substance is then polymerized or hardened either by cooling, thermally setting or by UV curing.

Abstract: The present invention is a contoured wall and method for creating the contour and appearance of a wall formed from individual assembled units such as stones. The wall is formed from a plurality of interlocking wall portions that each have at least two non-linear mating surfaces. Each of the wall portions further has a lateral face contoured to resemble the stone wall. The wall is formed from hardenable construction material such as concrete poured between two mold members. Each of the mold members has a lateral mold face with at least one of the lateral faces having a plurality of interlocking contoured relief portions to provide a molded surface having the contour of a stone wall. In one embodiment, at least one of the mold members includes a plurality of individual form liners, or mold modules, each of which includes two non-linear mating edges and a lateral relief mold face.

Abstract: Method for making hollow microspheres of substantially uniform diameter and of substantially uniform wall thickness is disclosed. The walls of the hollow microspheres comprise sintered together particles which define interconnecting voids within the walls and a single central cavity in the interior of the microspheres and inner and outer microsphere wall surfaces. The interconnecting voids are continuous and extend from the outer wall surface to the inner wall surface. The walls have substantially uniform void content and the interconnecting voids are substantially uniformly distributed in the walls of the hollow microspheres and the walls of the hollow microspheres are free of latent solid or liquid blowing gas materials and are substantially free of relatively thinned wall portions and bubbles. The method includes heating the microspheres for a sufficient period of time to close and seal the interconnecting void.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional image is obtained in a substantially flat surface covering by aligning the platelets of a platey material in the optical surface of the surface covering parallel to the exposed surface of the surface covering and realigning predetermined platelets to a predetermined angle with respect to the original alignment. The platelets can be realigned by pressing a gelled transparent or translucent element into the platey material containing layer or by mechanically embossing the platey material containing layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite product from an intake material incorporating commercial, municipal or industrial waste containing organic, plastic and fibrous material includes first granulating and sizing the material. The material is then heated in three consecutive phases, first at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 215.degree. to 250.degree. F., then at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 250.degree. to 320.degree. F. and then at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 320.degree. to 400.degree. F., wherein said material is continuously mixed during said heat phases. The material may then be co-extruded with a reinforcement structure and forced into vacuum profile dies to form a product or compression molded to form a product and cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying particulate powder material to a moving fibrous substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a volumetric dry material feeder for forming a continuous stream of particulate powder material. The continuous stream is then transmitted through a nozzle and exits at an outlet thereof. The nozzle is movable between a first and second position by a motion control. The motion control includes an adjustable differential gear box and an encoder for synchronizing the dispensing of powder at a predetermined location of the substrate. A flow separator is disposed beyond the outlet of the nozzle and intermediate of the first and second positions. In operation, the motion input drives the nozzle to oscillate between the first and second positions at a variable speed over each product cycle. As the nozzle crosses a plane of the flow separator, the continuous stream of particulate powder material exiting the nozzle is split into two intermittent streams of particulate powder material.

Abstract: Hollow porous microspheres of substantially uniform diameter and of substantially uniform wall thickness are disclosed. The walls of the hollow microspheres comprise sintered together particles which define interconnecting voids within the walls and a single central cavity in the interior of the microspheres and inner and outer microsphere wall surfaces. The interconnecting voids are continuous and extend from the outer wall surface to the inner wall surface. The walls have substantially uniform void content and the interconnecting voids are substantially uniformly distributed in the walls of the hollow microspheres and the walls of the hollow microspheres are free of latent solid or liquid blowing gas materials and are substantially free of relatively thinned wall portions and bubbles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing microspherules from activated carbon, including placing active-carbon particles of less than 100 .mu.m in size in a pelletizer equipped with a vortexer, incrementally adding an aqueous dispersion of a water-insoluble synthetic resin until microspherules of the desired size form, turning off the vortexer but allowing the pelletizer to continue operating, immediately powdering the microspherules off, and drying the microspherules.

Abstract: A preformed yarn useful for forming composite articles is disclosed which includes a core of a multiplicity of fibers, fine powder provided in the interstices between the fibers, and a flexible sleeve formed of a thermoplastic resin and surrounding the core. The fine powder is formed of a material which neither melts nor reacts with the thermoplastic resin at a temperature up to 450.degree. C. and at a temperature up to the melting point of the thermoplastic resin. The incorporation of the fine powder between the fibers is effected by injecting fine powder-containing air from a jet nozzle and blowing the air against a bundle of the fibers.