Washing Of Article Patents (Class 264/233)
  • Patent number: 6528007
    Abstract: Rubber plugs, which are to be used with medical containers or medical devices, are produced by forming a vulcanizable, mixed rubber compound, vulcanizing a resultant formed rubber compound, treating the rubber plug with steam of high temperature and high pressure, treating the rubber plugs in an aqueous solution which has been adjusted to be acidic, rinsing the rubber plugs with high-quality water, washing the rubber plugs with a shower of dust- and germ-free water, and drying the rubber plugs by at least one of far infrared radiation and high frequency heating. The process makes it possible to reduce the number of insoluble fine particles, which are attracted on a surface of each rubber plug, to an extremely low level and moreover, remove (or deactivate) pyrogen substances on and in the vicinity of the surface of the rubber plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Daikyo Seiko, Ltd.
    Inventor: Morihiro Sudo
  • Patent number: 6527997
    Abstract: A cellulose formate fiber of liquid-crystal origin, having a high elongation at break and having the following characteristics: a) under an optical polarizing microscope, its filaments have a banded structure typical of its liquid-crystal origin; b) it satisfies the following relationships: DS≧2; Ar≧8; Te<45; Mi>500; Er>10, DS being the degree of substitution of the cellulose with formate groups in the fiber (in %), Ar the elongation at break (in %) of the fiber, Te its tenacity (in cN/tex), Mi its initial modulus (in cN/tex) and Er its energy at break (in J/g). Also, a process for obtaining this cellulose formate fiber by “dry-jet-wet-spinning” of a liquid-crystal solution of cellulose formate, in which water is used as coagulating agent. A fiber of cellulose regenerated from cellulose formate which itself has a high value of elongation at break, and a process for obtaining this fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Meraldi, Vlastimik Cizek, Jean-Claude Aubry
  • Publication number: 20020135096
    Abstract: The invention relates to a recycled ABS resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Yasushi Koike
  • Publication number: 20020119577
    Abstract: A membrane having a refined surface as well as to a process and an apparatus for producing such a membrane, and which is useful, in particular, for rapid diagnostic tests for identifying specific analytes in liquid media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Hans Beer, Klaus Froese, Lothar Knoechelmann, Duane B. Piechocki
  • Publication number: 20020100993
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a coated golf ball having good adhesion of a paint, good uniformity of a thickness of paint layer, excellent safety and excellent productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tanaka, Hideki Sano
  • Publication number: 20020030300
    Abstract: A composite porous structure capable of absorbing organic pollutants from water is produced by preparing a dispersion of non film-forming PVC particles in a water-soluble organic liquid, impregnating a macroporous matrix such as a cellulosic sponge or paper with the dispersion, and curing the impregnated matrix by heating to achieve sintering of the PVC particles to produce a microporous substrate which is retained within the macroporous matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Norman B. Rainer
  • Publication number: 20020020946
    Abstract: Molded products may be made by a process comprising preparing a structure comprising a block copolymer or a graft copolymer having two or more phases, wherein each phase is comprised of polymer chains, decomposing the polymer chains of at least one phase of the structure, and cleaning the structure with a supercritical fluid or a sub-critical fluid, thereby removing the decomposed polymer chains from the structure. Molded products made by this method have very low levels of residual solvents, can be manufactured at a relatively low temperature in a short period of time without using large amounts of organic solvents, and without discharging large amounts of liquid waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Toshiro Hiraoka, Koji Asakawa, Yasuyuki Hotta
  • Patent number: 6337041
    Abstract: A method is used to make a vulcanized elastomer capable of combining with Polyurethane to form a product without the use of an adhesive. The method includes the formation of the mixture of an vulcanizable elastomer. The mixture is stabilized in a nitrogen-containing chamber before the mixture is vulcanized. The vulcanized elastomer is formed in a molding tool and is subsequently degreased with a liquid containing a non-ionic interfacial agent. The degreased elastomer is dried by baking before being coated with the acetoacetate solution containing chloro cyanuric acid. The coated elastomer is dried again by baking before being stabilized in a dustproof environment for 48 hours. Upon completion of the dustproof stabilization, the elastomer is ready for combining with Polyurethane without the help of an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiung Kuo
  • Publication number: 20010043977
    Abstract: Use of silicone for the manufacturing of confectionery molds and baking receptacles in general. The silicone may be a heat-curable elastomer of the type intended for applications in contact with foodstuffs, advantageously methyl-vinyl-polysiloxane, and it may be obtained by a process of cross-linking with platinum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Jose Maria Llorente Hompanera
  • Publication number: 20010042942
    Abstract: A three-dimensional laminated product forming apparatus and method for forming a three-dimensional laminated product from a photo-curable liquid by progressively superposing solid laminae one on top of another by photo-curing a surface layer of the photo-curable liquid and converting it to a solid lamina. A product table is provided on which a three-dimensional solid product is built up in progressive steps and which is incrementally advanced into the photo-curable liquid by a specified depth each step. A liquid surface leveling device works as a capillary to draw up a photo-curable liquid by capillary action while it is in contact with the surface of the photo-curable liquid contained in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Koki Hizumi, SHIGERU HAGIHARA
  • Patent number: 6299805
    Abstract: A sealing member is produced from form-pressed boron nitride powder, while adding an inorganic or organic binding agent. Such boron nitride powder is obtained during the machining of boron nitride blocks composed of hexagonal boron nitride. This powder can be fractionated according to particle size and the particle size desired for manufacturing the sealing member can be separated out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Hermann Friese, Helmut Weyl, Anton Hans
  • Patent number: 6243938
    Abstract: A method for lubricating a sealing member and a medicament chamber in a drug delivery device includes providing lubricating silicone on the surface of the stopper and within the plastic material of the chamber. The stopper preferably is first washed and rinsed in hot deionized water followed by drying. The dried sealing member is then tumbled with polymeric silicone and then irradiated at a target dose between 2.5 to 4.0 Mrads to cause the silicone molecules to bond with the elastomeric material of the stopper. The irradiated sealing members are then loaded in any of a series of chambers including syringes, pre-filled syringes, drug cartridges, and needleless injector ampules. The chamber preferably is made from a plastic material that has been mixed with a lubricating solution such as silicone when the plastic is compounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Thea E. Lubrecht
  • Patent number: 6214262
    Abstract: A method of producing a three dimensional section of polymerized liquid. The method includes providing a molding apparatus which includes a mold having at least one side, at least one piece of porous material adjacent to the one side of the mold and at least one support layer adjacent to the piece of porous material. The molding apparatus is clamped together and a liquid is added between the frame and the porous material. The filled molding apparatus is placed in a bath of polymerizing agent until the liquid polymerizes to form a three dimensional section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Paula Ragan, Alan Grodzinsky, Vicki Chin, Han Hwa Hung
  • Patent number: 6207086
    Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for hydrating or washing ophthalmic devices, comprising the step of directing to an ophthalmic device having a higher concentration of impurities fluid which has previously been directed to ophthalmic device having a lower concentration of impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Schlagel, Darren S. Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Wallace Anthony Martin
  • Patent number: 6177035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of cellulosic flat films and of cellulosic membranes in the form of flat membranes whereby a solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide is extruded by means of an extrusion nozzle, which has an extrusion gap, whereby the solution is shaped in the form of a film and the solution is led into a precipitation bath via an air gap and is characterized in that an extrusion nozzle is used which has an extrusion gap with a minimum length of 40 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Schlossnikl, Siegfried Ambrosch, Heinrich Firgo, Peter Gspaltl
  • Patent number: 6153139
    Abstract: A method of making an external protective and cosmetic covering for use on an endoskeletal or exoskeletal prosthesis, that has toes included in it. The skin is produced on a mold having toes cut into it. The mold is narrower and undersized in the actual foot prosthesis. The mold is modified to have toes cut into it with the definition of the toes greatly exaggerated to emphasize the normal contours and definitions of the natural nail and natural nail bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Stuart Marquette
  • Patent number: 6136244
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for producing cellulose fibers and filaments from a spinnable cellulose-containing solution, by spinning the solution using a centrifuge, with the solution which is spun containing 94-100 wt. % of the following constituents:cellulose,phosphoric acid and/or its anhydrides, andwater.By means of this process cellulose fibers and filaments can be produced which have exceptionally favorable properties for both textile and industrial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Sven Jorgen Rusticus, Eleonoor Van Andel
  • Patent number: 6132668
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of thick films having a biaxial molecular orientation. Such films are prepared in accordance with the present invention from rod-like extended chain aromatic-heterocyclic ordered polymers. Such films have high tensile strength, modulus, and environmental resistance characteristics. A preferred ordered polymer for use in the present invention is poly (para-phenylenebenzo bisthiazole), (PBT), a compound having the structure: ##STR1## The present invention is also directed to methods and apparatus suitable for producing biaxially oriented films, coatings, and like materials from ordered polymers, preferably PBT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk M. Baars, Donald D. Bretches, Robert B. Davis, Andrew C. Harvey, Richard W. Lusignea
  • Patent number: 6126826
    Abstract: Methods for making microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes from vinylidene fluoride polymers and the products produced. The PVDF microporous membranes have a significantly faster flow rate at a given pore size as compared to equally-sized microporous membranes made by conventional procedures. The PVDF microporous membranes also have significantly smaller pore sizes than conventional microporous PVDF membranes. The present membranes have unique macrostructural features responsible, in part, for their unique functional properties. The process includes dissolving the polymer in a liquid that includes a solvent and a co-solvent for the polymer. The dissolution of the polymer can be at temperatures ranging from about 20.degree.C. to about 50.degree.C. while the formation of the microporous membrane can be at temperatures ranging from about -10.degree.C. to 50.degree.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Whatman Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel M. Pacheco, John F. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 6103162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing flexible cellulose fibres by spinning solutions of the cellulose through spinnerets over an air layer in an amine oxide-containing aqueous and/or alcoholic regenerating bath followed by drying, in which the damp threads from the spinneret are taken before drying through at least one post-treatment bath containing water and water-miscible alkanols, diols, triols or mixtures thereof, and a washing bath containing water, an alkanol, a diol or a triol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaftzur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Konrad Frigge, Hans-Peter Fink, Peter Weigel, Ernst Walenta, Helmut Remde
  • Patent number: 6103117
    Abstract: Respective hollow fiber membranes suitable for use in removing undesired contaminants from blood, in particular in an artificial kidney, have:(1) per membrane area of 1.8 m.sup.2, in vitro clearances for urea and phosphorus respectively of .gtoreq.195, and .gtoreq.180, ml/min, a .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin clearance .gtoreq.44 ml/min and an albumin permeability .ltoreq.0.5%;(2) an albumin permeability .ltoreq.1.5% and an overall mass transfer coefficient Ko .gtoreq.0.0012 cm/min; and(3) a vitamin B.sub.12 dialyzance of .gtoreq.135 ml/min and an albumin permeability .ltoreq.3%. The membranes can be prepared by spinning hollow fibers from a spinning solution comprising a polysulfone, a hydrophilic polymer, a solvent and water, the spinning solution having a viscosity x at 30.degree. C. of 25-130 poise and a quantity y % of water given by:-0.01x+1.45.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.-0.01x+2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaaki Shimagaki, Fumiaki Fukui, Takeshi Sonoda, Koji Sugita
  • Patent number: 6096258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a cellulose film suitable for direct food contact by precipitation from a solution of cellulose water and a tertiary amine oxide cellulose solvent. After precipitation of a cellulose gel from the solution, the gel is washed at ever increasing temperatures and then dried to provide a cellulose film having a solvent level to not more than 40 ppm. Portions of the wash water is collected and treated to recover the solvent for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Viskase Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Edmund DuCharme, Jr., Edward Makoto Kajiwara, Norman Abbye Portnoy
  • Patent number: 6093355
    Abstract: Use in the manufacture of extruded lyocell articles of cellulose having a value of Pipe Flow Index (as defined) to Jet Flow Index (as defined) in the range from 0.85 to 6 can offer a number of advantages, particularly in cellulose solution transport and in spinning stability. Pipe Flow Index is designed to assess the flow performance of cellulose solution under low shear conditions typically experienced in transfer pipework. Jet Flow Index is designed to assess the flow performance of cellulose solution under high shear conditions typically experienced during extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Acordis Fibres (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: John Paul Newbury, Thomas Dovey
  • Patent number: 6054214
    Abstract: A process for preparing high strength carbon fiber from PAN-fiber wherein the time of the oxidation step is reduced from 30-90 minutes to about 8-15 minutes and product prepared therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6054083
    Abstract: A preparation process in which PTFE coarse particles are finely pulverized into particles in wet state, thus enabling the finely pulverized particles to be washed as they are and an amount of impurities to be decreased efficiently and after the washing, agglomeration granulation is carried out, thus enabling PTFE molding powder to be obtained in the reduced number of steps; a preparation process of a polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder, characterized in that polytetrafluoroethylene coarse particles obtained by suspension polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene are finely pulverized, in wet state, into an average particle size particularly in a range of 10 to 100 .mu.m and then washed; and a preparation process of a polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder, characterized in that after the washing, mechanical force is applied to the washed powder in wet state for agglomeration granulation, thus giving particles having an average particle size in a range of 200 to 800 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Asano, Singo Tanigawa, Akira Shimodoh, Tetuo Shimizu, Shiouji Kawachi
  • Patent number: 6048479
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing cellulose fibers or yarns with a reduced tendency to form fibrils includes treating fibers or yarns, which are washed after the filament forming process but not yet dried, with a cross-linking agent. The process includes treating the fibers or yarns with reactive polysiloxanes which are modified with amino, polyalkylene oxide, epoxy or carboxyl functional groups and which cross-link with themselves. The process is particularly suitable for fibers produced according to the NMMO process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventor: Abdulmajid Hashemzadeh
  • Patent number: 6042767
    Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a cellulosic yarn by spinning of a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide, the solution possibly containing water and/or a stabilizer, to form fibers or filaments, coagulating, washing, and drying, the yarns are treated prior to drying with an aqueous alkaline solution for a period less than 20 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Abdulmajid Hashemzadeh, Peter Raidt
  • Patent number: 6042769
    Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of solvent-spun fiber can be increased by subjecting the fiber to a treatment which reduces its degree of polymerisation by about 200 units or more. Suitable methods of treatment include severe bleaching, for example application of an aqueous liquor containing 0.1 to 10 percent by weight sodium hypochlorite (as available chlorine) to the fiber followed by steaming. Fiber may be treated in never-dried or previously-dried form. Fiber treated by the process of the invention is useful for example in the manufacture of paper and hydroentangled fabrics. Fiber of increased tendency to fibrillation can be beaten to a Canadian Standard Freeness 400 in the Disintegration Test by 30,000-150,000 disintegrator revolutions and to a Canadian Standard Freeness 200 in the same Test by 50,000-200,000 disintegrator revolutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Acordis Fibres (Holdings ) Limited
    Inventors: James Martin Gannon, Ian Graveson, Pamela Ann Johnson, Calvin Roger Woodings
  • Patent number: 6019922
    Abstract: A powder free medical glove having an outer side a silicon treated surface and the inside of cross linked coagulated glove bonded with a layer formed of an anti-blocking composition. The anti-blocking composition includes of a polymer or copolymer mixed together with a micronised high density polyethylene material and wax in suitable blends that result in the composition having anti-blocking and improved lubricity properties. The medical glove with the skin contacting anti-blocking coating enables donning of the glove to be effected without the aid of donning powder such as starch powder. When the finished glove is washed and rinsed with water to remove the coagulant powder, and the said glove treated with a silicon solution, a glove substantially free of loose powder glove is produced and has good lubricity for donning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Mfg Sn Bhd
    Inventors: Noorman Abu Hassan, Chak Choy Yuen
  • Patent number: 5997790
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for the preparation of regenerated cellulose filaments from an anisotropic solution including cellulose formate, phosphoric acid, and formic acid in which the formed cellulose formate filaments are dried to a moisture content of not more than 15% prior to regeneration and after regeneration the filaments are washed and dried under low tension. In this manner cellulose multifilament yarns of high breaking load and high elongation at break can be obtained, which in addition have a very regular linear density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Gerardus Hendricus Vos, Bernardus Maria Koenders, Hanneke Boerstoel
  • Patent number: 5993717
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a molded latex product which does not require a vulcanizing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Maxhill Toy Industries SDN. BHD.
    Inventor: See Teik Leong
  • Patent number: 5958320
    Abstract: Cellulosic fibers made from a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide and optionally water and which have a low tendency to fibrillate are produced by coagulating the fibers in at least two stages. The residence time of the fibers in the first coagulation stage is adjusted so that on leaving the first coagulation stage only the adhesiveness of the surface of the solution formed into fibers has been counteracted. In subsequent coagulation stages, the fibers are kept in a slack state. On leaving the final coagulation stage, the fibers have been thoroughly coagulated. The cellulosic fibers have a new structure and apart from a very low tendency to fibrillate, they possess a high dyeing level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Pitowski, Ulrich Wigand Wachsmann
  • Patent number: 5942181
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for molding and texturizing the upper surfaces of concrete products such as patio and paving stones following the steps of densifying and molding the concrete products and releasing them on pallets to a substantially horizontally traveling, longitudinally extending conveyor, then passing the concrete products continuously on the conveyor past an overhead force spraying station at a predesignated speed and directing a predetermined volumetric, overhead spray of liquid at a predetermined spray angle and pressure to progressively loosen some of the material and texturize the upper surfaces as the products move past the spraying station, and then before they have absorbed enough liquid to deleteriously affect their strength, either in the uncured or cured state, and, while they are continuing to travel along the conveyor, directing a flow of gas at the upper surfaces at a pressure to blow off the liquid and loosened material from the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Besser Company
    Inventor: Duane A. Rondeau
  • Patent number: 5910275
    Abstract: A sponge cloth of decrystallized cellulose modified by the acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. The cloth does not contain any organic or inorganic sulfur compounds. The sponge cloth is produced by treating wood pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes and foaming agents, spreading the mixture on a web and boiling in water with subsequent drying to form a finished cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Jorg Hausdorf, Eberhard Link
  • Patent number: 5906780
    Abstract: A sponge of decrystallized cellulose modified by an acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. No organic or inorganic sulfur compounds are present in the sponge. The sponge is produced by treating pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes, pressing the mixture into a perforated mold whose receiving volume corresponds to the dimensions of the sponge to be produced, then placing the mold with its contents in boiling water, and removing the sponge thus formed in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Jorg Hausdorf, Eberhard Link
  • Patent number: 5897817
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making semipermeable membranes from cellulose acetate and for making medical devices therefrom. In the process, a molten liquid comprising cellulose acetate (CA) is extruded to produce a membrane. The solvent and non-solvent are removed from the membrane to produce a semipermeable membrane having a water permeability. The semipermeable membrane is impregnated with a liquid consisting essentially of water to render the semipermeable membrane capable of being stored until time of use without undergoing a substantial loss in water permeability. The semipermeable membrane can be incorporated in a casing in order to produce a medical product, wherein the membrane is impregnated in the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Althin Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Radovich, Melvin Rothberg, George Washington
  • Patent number: 5891370
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing formed objects such as fibers, filaments, yarns, films, membranes in form of flat membranes, hose membranes and hollow fiber membranes and the like, involves pressing cellulose solutions in an amine oxide of a tertiary amine and if necessary water, in particular in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and water, through a nozzle and precipitating the solutions in a coagulation bath and washing the formed objects obtained. The coagulation bath liquid and the washing water is processed, if necessary, for recovery of the amine oxide of the tertiary amine. Hydrogen peroxide, peroxyethanoic acid, ozone or chlorine dioxide is added to the coagulation bath and/or the washing water. The substances added can preferably be decomposed catalytically or by enzymes prior to the recovery process of the water and the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Connor, Derek Budgell
  • Patent number: 5863478
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a process for the production of cellulose fibers wherein a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine-oxide is extruded through spinning holes of a spinneret, whereby filaments are extruded, the extruded filaments are conducted across an air gap, a precipitation bath and a drawing device whereby the filaments are drawn, the drawn filaments are further processed into cellulose fibers, the drawn filaments being exposed during further processing to a tensile stress in longitudinal direction not exceeding 5.5 cN/tex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut Ruf, Christoph Schrempf
  • Patent number: 5851466
    Abstract: Crimped polybenzazole staple fibers which satisfy the following specifications at the same time:(1) 2.ltoreq.number of crimps (number/inch).ltoreq.40(2) 2.ltoreq.crimp index (%).ltoreq.30(3) 0.3.ltoreq.crimp index/number of crimps.ltoreq.3.0; methods for manufacturing crimped polybenzazole staple fibers; and the rotary cutter therefor. The crimped polybenzazole staple fibers of the present invention are superior in crimp property and are useful for manufacturing spun yarn and unwoven fabric. According to the method of the present invention, crimped polybenzazole staple fibers superior in spinnability can be manufactured with ease. In addition, the cutting blade of the present invention stands a long time use for manufacturing staple fibers from a continuous filaments tow of high tenacity fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yabuki, Takaharu Ichiryu, Tadao Kuroki, Mitsuhiro Sakuda
  • Patent number: 5837184
    Abstract: Process for the production of cellulose fibres having a reduced tendency to fibrillation, in which a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine-oxide is spun into fibres and the freshly spun fibres are contacted with a textile agent comprising at least two reactive groups, and are heat-treated, characterized in that the heat treatment is carried out by means of irradiation with electromagnetic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinrich Firgo, Markus Eibl, Johann Schickermuller
  • Patent number: 5834584
    Abstract: An electrically conductive rubber roller for electrophotography which does not exhibit touch memory or bleed out of remnant siloxanes, even after 18 days of storage without use, and, in a preferred form, exhibits little change in electric resistance with changes in environment. This roller is made by making a rubber molding material composition containing a raw polysiloxane rubber which does not contain more than 5,000 ppm of low molecular weight polysiloxanes, cyclic siloxanes and non-functional silicone oils (remnant siloxanes); molding this composition into a roller; at least primarily crosslinking the rubber in the roller; and then subjecting the crosslinked rubber roller to heating under a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Itani, Yuji Yamasaki, Hirotoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 5833901
    Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing process of synthetic yarn and the produced yarn which has superior texture and brightness, and excellent color developing, hygroscopicity, and anti-static properties. A plurality of monofilaments is drawn out at an appropriate speed, dried and heated. Then a property enhancing agent containing a metallic salt, alcohol, optional solvent and optional additional functional agent, such as a hygroscopic agent, ultraviolet protecting agent, or resist agent, etc. is applied onto the surface of the filaments which are melted and flame bonded to each other. Multi-filaments are formed with spaces therebetween in which the functional agent remains inserted. The new synthetic yarn is produced after the multi-filaments are subjected to washing, drying and take-up procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignees: Bo-Hyun Paik, Daesong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bo-Hyun Paik
  • Patent number: 5820800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing vacuum suction pads, in which, in addition to reductions of contaminant components, the material of vacuum suction pads is subjected to an improved surface treatment which prevents deposition of pad marks on work surfaces and reduces frictional resistance of suction pads on work surfaces to lessen their fatigue. Suction pads of synthetic rubber, to be connected to a vacuum source, are each formed with a thin halogenation-hardened layer at least on a sucking surfaces to be held in contact with a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Shuuzou Sakurai, Tadasu Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 5817264
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a thermal diffusion transfer component comprising: dissolving an organic pigment in a Lewis acid and a polar aprotic solvent to form a pigment solution; coating the solution on a substrate; optionally washing the coated substrate with a protic solvent to remove the Lewis acid and the aprotic solvent; and optionally drying the coated substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Bing R. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5817272
    Abstract: A process of making a biocampatible porous hollow fiber that is made of polyolefine material and is coated with a biocompatible carbon material is disclosed. The biocompatible hollow fiber produced can be used as exchange material, diaphragms and/or semipermeable membranes within devices which will contact blood or plasma outside of the living body. The coated fiber is produced by introducing a preformed porous hollow fiber into an atmosphere of gaseous monomer vinylidene chloride and subsequent induction, e.g. by gamma radiation, of a graft-polymerization reaction to form an uniform polyvinylidene chloride layer. The ultimate coating is formed after a dehydrochlorination reaction in which hydrogen chloride is removed from the layer. The dechlorination reaction is typically performed by treating the fiber with hot concentrated aqueous ammonia solution. The reaction can be continued to reduce the chlorine content of the coating to less than 6% of its original value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignees: Rainer H. Frey, Lothar Sellin, H. Peter Brehm
    Inventors: Rainer H. Frey, Lothar Sellin
  • Patent number: 5804108
    Abstract: A process for preparing high strength carbon fiber from PAN-fiber wherein the time of the oxidation step is reduced from 30-90 minutes to about 8-15 minutes and product prepared therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5783136
    Abstract: A method of preparing a stereolithographically produced prototype for experimental stress analysis. The method includes creating a 3-D solid model prototype through a stereolithographic process. The prototype is cleaned in an alcohol bath and cured by exposing the prototype to a bath of ultraviolet light. Further, curing of the prototype is accomplished by placing the prototype in a thermal oven at an elevated temperature for a period of time. Upon removal and after cooling of the prototype, the prototype can be tested using several different experimental stress analysis procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Floyd Enke
  • Patent number: 5772942
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for producing polybenzazole fibers where a spinning dope containing a polybenzazole polymer in an acid solvent is extruded through a spinning nozzle, followed by coagulation in a coagulating medium and washing with a fluid capable of dissolving the acid solvent; thereafter, in one process, the fiber obtained by the coagulation under specific conditions and the subsequent washing is dried in a heating zone with at least 80% part based on the total length thereof being set at a temperature of 240.degree. C. or higher, and in the other process, the fiber obtained by the coagulation under the conventional conditions and the subsequent washing is neutralized with a basic solution, followed by washing with a fluid capable of dissolving the basic solution, and then dried at a specific temperature set depending upon the residual moisture content in the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Teramoto, Tooru Kitagawa, Michio Ishitobi
  • Patent number: 5772935
    Abstract: Plasticizer extraction from polymer membranes such as battery separators and the like, by exposure to a solvent-water combination. The water or steam is supplied to form an additional interface in a bulk solvent, and to agitate the solvent and control the temperature, as well. At the extractor exit, as well as the inlet, a water elbow is furnished in such a manner as to prevent solvent vapor contact with the atmosphere, and to keep the extractor body under some excessive pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Igor Zhadanovsky
  • Patent number: 5770121
    Abstract: A method for preparing optical quality, thin films of polymers and co-polymers, as well as blends of such polymers or co-polymers with flexible polymers and co-polymers which comprises(a) preparing a solution of the polymer or co-polymer or blend in a suitable solvent;(b) forming a film from the solution;(c) cooling the thus-formed film to a temperature below the freezing point of the solvent; and(d) dissolving the solvent out of said film at a temperature below the melting point of the solvent.This method can be employed to prepare films of high optical clarity for electro-optical device applications. Because of their thermal stability, mechanical strength and chemical resistance, films prepared according to this method can also be used as filters and separation membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Chyi-Shan Wang, Jar-Wha Lee, D. Mark Husband