Abstract: This pertains to the general field of gels, foams, and aerogels, particularly, to low density open cell organic foams and low density open cell carbon foams, and methods for preparing them. These low density open cell organic foams are derived from organic gels which may be prepared from hydroxylated benzenes (such as phenol, catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, and phloroglucinol) and aldehydes (such as formaldehyde and furfural) using lower than conventional catalyst concentrations (e.g, an R/C value of greater than about 1000, yielding an initial room temperature pH typically lower than about 6.0). These organic foams are characterized by relatively large particle and pore sizes, high porosity, and high surface area. Low density open cell carbon foams derived from such organic foams are also shown, as are methods for preparing same. These carbon foams are also characterized by relatively large particle and pore sizes, high porosity, high surface area, and high electrical capacitance.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon packaging sheath is provided which includes a long slim extruded plastic tube for storing a furled thin-walled intra-aortic balloon. An entry section of the same plastic is injection molded onto one end of the tube, with the entry section including an outwardly flared entry port surface which is spaced from one end of the tube, and an internal passageway which is co-linear and congruent with the internal cross-section of the tube from the respective end of the tube through the intersection of the second internal passageway with the outwardly flared passageway. Thereby a smooth internal surface is provided through the flared passageway into the internal passageway and through the later into the tube. The exit end of the sheath tube is inverted by use of a heated tipping die such that a distal end portion is turned outwardly and back circumjacent another portion of the tube wall to form a smoothly rounded exit passageway of the tube at the exit end.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing acrylic boards containing real flower materials includes adhering real flower materials to an artificial fiber paper or cloth using a glue solution soluble in an acrylic solution, the fiber cloth or paper and the real flower material capable of retaining their malleability in the congealed acrylic solution; and pouring the acrylic solution into a mold holding the fiber paper or cloth with the flower materials adhered thereto; and bending the acrylic board thus obtained to a desirable shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a rigid circuit board has a circuit board with a reduced thickness in a bend region. The bend region may have several layers of laminate and conductive material. The circuit board is heated to the glass transition temperature which allows the circuit board to become flexible. The apparatus has a clamping member and a stationary member. The clamping member uses a shape memory alloy actuator with a transition temperature about the same as the glass transition temperature of the laminate. The actuator is used to form the bend region to a predetermined shape around the stationary member. When the circuit board is cooled, the circuit board again becomes rigid in its predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method for bend forging an artistic metallic straight pipe, wherein, a die core made from a steel rope is placed in the pipe bore, and a filler with plastisol uniformly mixed up is then introduced into the pipe bore until it is saturated to form a solid straight pipe. The latter is placed in an upper and a lower bendable die housing each of which forms a trough, and both ends of the die housings are provided with latch holes. Polyurethane is poured into the troughs to envelop the straight pipe, many hard bracing stubs are buried in the top/bottom of the troughs after heating, to solidify the polyurethane, a flexible die set is formed. The external top and bottom surfaces of the upper and lower die housings are provided thereon with two laminated springs, so that when the die set is forged, action force can be uniformly distributed to render the straight pipe to be bending forged to have the desired bending curvature.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, turbine housing unit for an intermittent combustion reciprocating internal combustion engine turbocharger is prepared from a lay-up or molding of carbon--carbon composite materials in a single-piece or two-piece process. When compared to conventional steel or cast iron, the use of carbon--carbon composite materials in a turbine housing unit reduces the overall weight of the engine and reduces the heat energy loss used in the turbocharging process. This reduction in heat energy loss and weight reduction provides for more efficient engine operation.

Abstract: An improved structure for carbon-carbon composite piston architectures consists of replacing the knitted fiber, three-dimensional piston preform architecture described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,133 (Taylor et al.) with a two-dimensional lay-up or molding of carbon fiber fabric or tape. Initially, the carbon fabric or tape layers are prepregged with carbonaceous organic resins and/or pitches and are laid up or molded about a mandrel, to form a carbon-fiber reinforced organic-matrix composite part shaped like a "U" channel, a "T"-bar, or a combination of the two. The molded carbon-fiber reinforced organic-matrix composite part is then pyrolized in an inert atmosphere, to convert the organic matrix materials to carbon. At this point, cylindrical piston blanks are cored from the "U"-channel, "T"-bar, or combination part. These blanks are then densified by reimpregnation with resins or pitches which are subsequently carbonized.

Abstract: This invention relates to carbon--carbon (C--C) composite comprising carbon fibers or carbon fabric, carbon char on the carbon fiber or fabric and pyrolytic carbon on the carbon char, wherein the density of the carbon composite is at least 1.3 g/cc. The invention also relates to wet friction elements and power transmission devises containing the same. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the carbon--carbon (C--C) composites. These C--C composites and wet friction elements and power transmission devises made therefrom have improved friction properties desired by wet brakes and clutches. These C--C composites provide improvements in cost, and when run against metals, such as steel or iron, improvements in wear and frictional behavior compared to known C--C composites for wet friction applications. In one aspect, the carbon--carbon does not require bonding to a metal backing or core material.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a multi-portion mixing element for a static mixer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base and a split die set having a first die and a second die in axial alignment which are rotatably mounted to the base. Each of the dies have an opening forming an extrusion pattern which mate with respect to the other. The dies are capable of rotating together so that the patterns are in an aligned position during rotation. The dies are also capable of rotating to a misaligned position. An extruder for extruding an extrudable material through the first and second dies is provided and a controller controls the rotational position of the dies during extrusion. The dies are rotated simultaneously during extrusion with the patterns aligned to form a mixing portion of the mixing element and are rotated to a misaligned position to create a space between the mixing portions.

Abstract: A method for making an electrical connector (10,170) formed by molding a plastic septum (50) transversely across an axially extending connector cavity (22) defined between the axial connector walls about the array of contacts (60) extending axially within the cavity (22) from one connector face to another. The contact sections (62) extending from the connector are initially straight prior to molding and are then subjected to a forming step to define right angles for example, with portions (66) of the contacts (60) embedded with the plastic septum (50) being of irregular cross-section to establish resistance to the stresses of such forming and maintain the sealed nature of the connector (10). The connector may comprise an integrally molded plastic housing (174) or a metal shell (20) with the plastic septum (50) molded therewithin such as about an inner flange (34) for sealing and retention.

Abstract: Grooved friction materials (12 or 14) each include a single-layer pyrolytic-carbon fabric material formed of woven or nonwoven yarn strands (20 and 22). The pyrolytic-carbon fabric material (12 or 14) has a top surface (16) and a bottom surface (18), the top surface (16) having molded grooves (28) therein. The yarn strands (20 and 22) at the grooves (28) exhibit superior integrity because they are generally whole, undamaged yarn strands. Wet friction members for friction engaging mechanisms include a support member (54, 56, or 58) and at least one piece (48, 50, or 52) of grooved friction material (14) adhered to a surface of the support member. The bulk grooved friction material (14), from which the individual pieces (48, 50, or 52) are cut, is a single-layer pyrolytic-carbon fabric material formed of yarn strands (20 and 22) and has a top surface (16) with grooves (28) therein. The yarn strands (20 and 22) at the grooves (28) are generally whole and undamaged.

Abstract: A refractory composite structure is formed which comprises a ductile refractory metallic layer with a roughened surface which is tightly bonded to a refractory composite structural shell. The roughened surface is preferably dendritic in form and produced by chemical vapor deposition techniques. The refractory composite structural shell is preferably a carbon-carbon composite formed by applying a carbon filament preform to the roughened surface, infiltrating the preform with a carbon matrix precursor, and carbonizing the precursor.

Abstract: An improved seal or boot for inhibiting contaminants from interfering with operation of a mechanism having two flexibly interconnected components which axially extend from opposite ends of the seal. The seal is formed as a one-piece hollow and elongated body defining an enclosed cavity wherein the pivotal connection of the mechanism is arranged and having first and second annular mounting ends. The first and second annular mounting ends are configured to allow the components of the mechanism protected by the seal to axially extend therefrom. To permit flexural movement of the seal and the interconnected components of the mechanism protected by the seal, a plurality of bellow-like configurations are disposed along a major length of the seal between the first and second mounting ends. Each bellow-like configuration on the seal has predetermined root and crest diameters with wall sections of a predetermined material thickness extending therebetween.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow structure suitable for example as reservoir for pressurized fluids, which structure is obtained by curving over a part of its length a corrugated tube provided circumferentially in the hollow of its waves with a hardenable fiber reinforced composition, then subjecting the tube thus curved over at least a part of its length to a treatment for hardening the hardenable composition. The tube may comprise longitudinal reinforcements (braid or layers of widely spaced helical wires), the ends of the tube being possibly equipped with systems for communicating with the outside or for sealing, the final shaping being followed by a treatment for hardening said composition. The winding of the tube may be carried out about a central core or drum.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a lampshade from a heat-deformable sheet material. The apparatus includes a first supporting assembly for supporting a hollow body formed from the heat-deformable sheet material, the hollow body having upper and lower peripheral edges. A second supporting assembly is provided for releasably supporting a forming and stiffening ring in peripheral engagement with an interior surface of the hollow body adjacent a peripheral edge of the hollow body so that a marginal edge portion of the hollow body projects beyond the forming and stiffening ring. The second supporting assembly is located adjacent the first supporting assembly and includes a retractable supporting assembly for engaging an underside and an upper side of the forming and stiffening ring.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, a cellulosic ether, fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the cellulosic ether to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation.

Abstract: A method for making an activated carbon composite which involves providing a crosslinkable resin and a support material which is wettable by the resin. The support material can be cotton, chopped wood, sisal, non-fugitive material, and combinations of these. The support is contacted with the resin; and the resin and support material are dried. The resin and support material are then shaped, the resin is cured, and the resin and any carbonizable material are carbonized. The carbon is then activated to produce the product composite. An activated carbon composite produced by the above described method in which the carbon is in the form of a continuous structure reinforced by and uniformly distributed throughout non-fugitive support material.

Abstract: Method for producing a shaped part made of a graphitized carbon/carbon composite material in which a compound of carbon fibers is prepared impregnated with a solution of carbon precursors and then cut into sections placed in a mould subjected to a carbonization stage by means of hot unidirectional pressing, wherein, so as to prepare the compound, the fiber is subjected to a heat deoxidation and oil removal treatment followed by a softening in a bath for increasing wettability and hooking and then impregnation in a bath formed of an aqueous solution containing pitch mesophase, high-yield pitch and a binder, the required sufficient calculated amount of compound being placed in bulk in a hot constant volume pressing mould so as to accurately fill the mould at the end of pressing before carrying out said carbonization, the moulded part finally being graphitized at a high temperature. Applications include the aeronautic and spatial fields.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is adapted for use as an access graft having a permanent set, kink-resistant U-bend section. A method for making the access graft includes the utilization of a tube of implantable material adapted to be attached in a blood circulatory system and to provide thereby a site for access for cannulation, the tube having a permanent set, kink-resistant U-shaped bent section and the method including the steps of forming a straight tube by a process which yields a set, dryable tube; taking a length of the tube and inserting in it along its length a flexible rod-like support member; wrapping the tube containing the support member around a core so as to define a bend in the tube, the bend being wet at this stage; drying the wet tube containing the support member while wrapped around the core to permanently shape the tube into a bent form; removing the dried tube from the core and removing the support member so as to form an access graft, U-shaped bent section.

Abstract: A flexible conduit which utilizes internal spacers and form wires to maintain dimensional integrity during contouring. Once formed into the desired configuration, the system can be made rigid by the injection of pressure into one or more internal elastomeric tubes which expand to solidify the structure. The "fixed" form can then be removed and measurements made for fabricating conforming production pipes and tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid, boron-containing, inorganic oxide resin containing unsaturated organic groups. The resin can additionally comprise the units .brket open-st.M-O.brket close-st., where M can vary from one unit to the next and is selected from Si, Ti, Al, Ba, Zr, Li and Hf. Also disclosed is a process for inhibiting the oxidation of carbon-carbon composites by impregnating the composite with such resins, cross-linking the resin and pyrolyzing to convert the resin to a ceramic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a catheter. This method includes the manufacturing of a tube-like basic body with a proximal and a distal end, the arranging of a connecting member to the proximal end, and the finishing of the distal end, wherein for the basic body at least partially material has been used which forms cross links when irradiated and wherein the basic body is exposed to controlled radiation.

Abstract: By kneading a composition containing a filler and an organic forming binder, extruding the composition, baking the composition in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, there is obtained a first baked lead containing, as a binder, a carbon obtained by the carbonization of the organic forming binder. Then, by heating the first baked lead in an oxidizing atmosphere to remove the binder carbon, there is formed a second baked lead composed of at least the filler. The pores of the second baked lead are impregnated with a solution containing perhydropolysilazane, subjecting the lead to a heat treatment in an inert atmosphere or an ammonia gas atmosphere to form a third baked lead containing the resultant silicon nitride. Finally, ink is filled into the pores of the third baked lead to provide a baked color pencil lead.

Abstract: The graphitized composite article of the present invention is formed by embedding carbon fiber felt in a matrix of a carbon filler; a thermosetting resin and a solvent; curing the composite article; then, carbonizing and graphitizing the cured composite article to form the graphitized composite article for use as a separator plate capable of substantially inhibiting mixing of hydrogen and oxygen and/or the loss of electrolyte within a fuel cell stack. The graphitized composite article may be a graphitized laminate.

Abstract: The present invention aims at preventing or reducing the lowering in mechanical characteristics of a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite due to stress orientation caused by the use of a thermosetting resin as a carbon matrix precursor resin to thereby obtain a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite improved in mechanical characteristics, and for attaining this aim, provides a process for the preparation of a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite which comprises impregnating a carbon fiber with a bismaleimide-triazine copolymer resin instead of the sizing agent and thermoplastic resin which have been used conventionally and heating the resulting impregnated carbon fiber in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to carbonize or graphitize the resin.

Abstract: A method of making a tamper indicating package comprising a container having a neck with a threaded finish, an annular bead on the neck, a plastic closure which includes a base wall and a depending peripheral skirt having threads interengaging the threads of the container, and a tamper indicating band attached to the skirt by a plurality of weakened portions defining a line of severing. An annular flange extends axially upwardly and inwardly from the tamper indicating band toward the base wall of the closure and includes a first continuous annular flange portion connected to the band by a hinge portion and a second portion. The second portion includes a plurality of segment portions extending upwardly and inwardly from the first continuous portion with the free ends of the segment portions engaging beneath the bead on the container when the closure is threaded onto the container.

Abstract: A method for making a lightweight cylinder block composed of carbon--carbon is disclosed. The use of carbon--carbon over conventional materials, such as cast iron or aluminum, reduces the weight of the cylinder block and improves thermal efficiency of the internal combustion reciprocating engine. Due to the negligible coefficient of thermal expansion and unique strength at elevated temperatures of carbon--carbon, the piston-to-cylinder wall clearance can be small, especially when the carbon--carbon cylinder block is used in conjunction with a carbon--carbon piston. Use of the carbon--carbon cylinder block has the effect of reducing the weight of other reciprocating engine components allowing the piston to run at higher speeds and improving specific engine performance.

Abstract: A die head for extruding an annular body includes a mandrel having a warp portion with a number of segments spaced around the circumference of the mandrel. Heat is selectively flowed to the segments to warp the mandrel and vary the position of a die pin on the end of the mandrel in a die bushing to control the thickness of the extruded body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for lining a tubular member with an elastomeric liner having an outside diameter which is initially greater than the inside diameter of the tubular member. A series of downsizing rollers reduce the outside diameter of the liner a preselected amount. A series of shaping rollers form the downsized liner into an ellipse, thereby allowing the downsized liner to be guided around bends and turns into the interior of the tubular member. After insertion, the liner is allowed to expand to substantially its original outside diameter to secure the liner within the tubular member.

Abstract: A carbon/carbon composite is prepared without using any expensive carbon fiber fabric and without performing any complicated molding step prior to a densifying step. More specifically, a pitch-based infusiblized fiber alone, or optionally in the form of a mixture thereof with a pitch-based carbonized fiber, is subjected to carbonization and molding under uniaxial pressing to obtain a carbon/carbon composite preform. The preform is then densified using a carbonaceous matrix.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbonaceous parts including the steps of shaping a mixture of carbonaceous powder and bonding agent to form raw parts, cooling the raw parts to ambient temperature at a known rate and firing the cooled parts in a furnace from ambient temperature to a final firing temperature to release volatile particles to produce fired parts devoid of volatile products. This process is improved by placing the raw parts in an electric furnace in the absence of heating filler, heating the raw parts in the furnace to an intermediate temperature of about 200.degree. C. at a fixed initial heating rate such that the loss of volatile products is less than 10% by weight of the total amount of volatile products contained in the raw parts and being a function of the cooling rate such that the internal strain from the shaping and cooling step is freed.

Abstract: It is the objective of the present invention to provide an active carbon electrode which is of sufficient mechanical strength to be formed into a large plate, may be suitably used as an electrical double layer condenser capable of a large current discharge, and which can realize a high capacitance. The method of production for such an active carbon electrode comprises the steps of a) producing a carbon base material by carrying out a first activation treatment to a carbon material obtained by carbonization of a carbon compound; b) producing a formed body by adding a binder to the carbon base material; c) carbonizing the formed body; and d) producing an active carbon electrode by carrying out a second activation treatment to the carbonized formed body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for folding edge sections of molded parts, blanks, or covers provided for them of leather, artificial leather, plastic, or the like, having a sizing plate provided with a cut-out, into which is inserted a pressure plate, the dimensions of the cut-out in the sizing plate corresponding to those of the finished molded part or blank or of a part of it, having a folding plate, on whose side facing the sizing plate, edges are formed for folding over the edge sections of the molded part, blank or cover, and having a base die for accommodating the sizing plate and the pressure plate, the pressure plate inserted into the cut-out of the sizing plate preferably being flexibly supported on the base tool and being vertically movable with respect to the sizing plate and the base die, and the folding plate being retained on a fixing plate, which is vertically movable, for example pneumatically or hydraulically, so as to allow the folding plate to be set down on the sizing plate, as well

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inverting and flattening an air bag including an inverter for inverting the air bag and an actuator for actuating the air bag to cause it to flatten. The inverter includes a plunger moveable in a vertical direction through an aperture in a conveyor table to cause a face panel of the air bag to pass through an aperture formed in a main panel of the air bag. The actuator includes a spin disk for causing an inertial force to be applied to the air bag whereby outer portions of the air bag are caused to move radially outwardly relative to a central gripped portion. After the air bag is flattened, it is dropped down onto belts running along the conveyor table and the belts are actuated to convey the bag out of the apparatus. In addition, a load table is provided for automatically moving air bags into alignment with the inverter in preparation for an inversion and flattening cycle.

Abstract: A method of making an intraocular lens including attaching a fixation member to an optic to form an IOL assembly with a length of the fixation member between a location on a peripheral surface of the optic and a distal end of the fixation member being elongated and substantially straight. The substantially straight length of the fixation member is permanently deformed into a curved configuration suitable for implantation in an eye of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of making material having superior heat insulation capacity for use in furnaces and other apparatus. The method comprises grinding flexible graphite foil, preferably recycled material, to a small particle size, thermally shocking the particles to expand them, mixing the expanded graphite with a thermoset phenolic resin, heating the mixture under pressure to form a solid sheet and then heat treating the solid sheet.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing containers from sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. Hydraulically settable sheets are formed from the mixture by extrusion, then calendering the sheets using a set of rollers and then drying the sheets in an accelerated manner to substantially harden the sheets. The resulting hydraulically settable sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. The sheets can be laminated, corrugated, coated, printed on, scored, perforated, cut, folded, rolled, spiral wound, molded, assembled and seamed to mass produce articles of manufacture from the sheets such as food and beverage containers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites comprising:subjecting short fibers composed of bundles of multiple single fibers to dry or wet fibrillation;preparing a sheet oriented in the two-dimensional random direction; andafter impregnating the obtained sheet with resins pitches and laminating the sheet followed by molding, subjecting the molded product to baking and densification treatments.

Abstract: An elongated structural element includes an external tubular casing (11) with the hollow interior space filled with a polymer binder (12) containing a plurality of elongated parallel continuous strands of fiber reinforcement material (13) extending lengthwise of the element. A method for preparing such an element is provided by filling a preformed tubular casing (11) with a polymer binder (12) in liquid form in which is dispersed the fiber reinforcement material (13) and allowing the polymer binder to solidify. The element may be initially shaped prior to solidification or reheated into another shape such as a helical coil or spring. An internal casing (29) can also be used where the fiber reinforcement strands (13) are between the external and internal casings (11) and (29).

Abstract: A packing ring of a composite structure including a packing of expanded graphite and an annular mass of superposed sheets of expanded graphite is produced by a method including the steps of spirally winding a ribbon of expanded graphite into a roll, compression molding the roll into the packing, and incorporating the annular mass into the packing by compression molding within a molding die so that at least one packed part has a higher density than the packing in at least one of the inner and outer peripheral parts of the packing. A seal device has an empty space through which passes a shaft and containing at least one such packing in the empty space to seal between the inner wall of the empty space and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

Abstract: Blanks serving for the production of insulating material and folding packs have to be provided with folding and bending lines. These folding and bending lines in the plastic foam must not break when the blank is folded. This is achieved according to the invention by embossing the folding and bending lines for forming the blank into the "fresh" web of material which for the most part still contains expanding agent. The folding and bending lines formed in this way have surprisingly proved to form durable hinge lines in the plastic foam material and make it possible to fold up the blank for forming a folding carton without it breaking or cracking.

Abstract: Filled thermoplastic pitch comprising particulate filler and advanced mesophase pitch having a TMA deformation temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and a method for the manufacture thereof. The filled thermoplastic pitch may be shaped and densified in one or more thermoforming operations. The resulting preform may be thermoset and carbonized in ordinary baking operations without requiring molds and pressurized vessels.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastic molding having a web of decorative material as a covering. The web is larger than the molding in at least one direction defining a protrusion beyond at least one edge of the molding to be made. A plasticized plastic composition is fed in plasticized condition to an open mold cavity of a mold consisting of lower and upper mold halves. The web is placed over the composition in the mold. The molding is compressed into shape by closing the mold over the composition and against the web of decorative material arranged between the mold halves. Over the protrusion, the mold defines a skin of the plastic. The plasticized plastic composition is compression molded, at least in regions also against the protrusion of the web of decorative material, forming the skin. The protrusion is turned around the edges of the molding after the hardening thereof, and the protrusion with its skin is heat welded to the edge or rear of the molding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material which comprises a carbon fiber reinforcement in the form of nonwoven fabric and a matrix composed of an adhesion promoting phase of vitreous carbon and a filling phase of soft carbon or fine mosaic carbon. It has a high density, high strength, good frictional properties, and high wear resistance.

Abstract: Carbon-carbon grids for ion optics sets are thermomechanically stable under the extreme temperature changes that are experienced in ion thrusters. Screen, accelerator and decelerator grids are thermomechanically stable, lightweight, and resistant to erosion from ion sputtering and have extended lifetimes over conventional molybdenum grids.

Abstract: A method for forming a coved backsplash system, comprising two adjacent perpendicular wall sections joined by a curved corner joint. In particular, a designed relief, or groove, is formed on the rear surface of the material at a predetermined depth. The grooved material is placed on a shaped mandrel having the capacity of maintaining controlled heating, limited to the area being formed on the material. The grooved area is also heated by a device in conjunction with the surface area being heated by the mandrel. The solid surface material is brought to a thermoforming temperature by conductivity of the heat generated in the mandrel and heating devices. A wiping arm is used to form the solid surface material to the mandrel, the solid surface material being brought in contact with a flat work surface by the wiping arm. The non-grooved, flat surface areas of the material are then held in place by the wiping arm while the solid surface material begins the cooling process.

Abstract: A structural member of fiber reinforced composite material suitable for secondary processing and a method of processing is described. The structural member before secondary processing is typically a multi-ply tube, rod, or sheet formed with an outer sheath of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material having a melting temperature t.sub.m1 and an inner core material, also fiber reinforced thermoplastic, having a melting temperature, t.sub.m2 lower than t.sub.m1. The member, prior to secondary processing, is thermoplastic. In a secondary process the member is heated to a temperature between t.sub.m1 and t.sub.m2, but sufficient to render the outer sheath malleable. The member is deformed to a desired geometry, such as a helix, and cooled to a hardened state.

Abstract: A thin-walled, wide mouth molded plastic container is provided with a tamper evident band initially molded as a straight-walled cylinder spaced outwardly of the lip of the container and connected thereto by a frangible horizontal bridge. The upper edge of the cylindrical band extends above the level of the container lip. Subsequent to molding and preferably before capping, the band is curled inward by application of a curling tool. The container lid is axially applied, the outer edge of the lid displacing the curled band outward. The resilience of the band and bridge permits outward deflection and immediate restoration of the curl to its initial position. The curl prevents removal of the lid without fracture of the bridge and removal of the tamper-evident band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing frame members for picture frames and to the product of that process. The process comprises the steps of forming a plastics extrusion and cutting it into lengths and applying to the lengths of plastic extrusion a solvent based wood paste which is then moulded or otherwise shaped such that it forms ornamentation on the surface of the plastics extrusion and it is then allowed to dry. This process makes use of the low cost of extrusion plastics moulding but enables the ornamental features that would otherwise only be obtainable by injection moulding to be obtained with the extrusion moulding.

Abstract: A container made of a synthetic material, e.g., a bottle (10), comprising a closed bottom wall (11) and an opening (12) in the upper portion opposite the bottom wall. The container is produced according to a blow moulding, stretch blow moulding or thermoforming method, and its wall (9) comprises at least one fold line (13) consisting of a narrow linear area (13a) of said wall, in which the synthetic material has a different physical structure, whereby it is less plastically deformable but has at least as much tensile strength as the rest of the wall (9). This structural modification is obtained by mechanical or thermal processing or by exposure of the area in question to suitable particle radiation. The resulting bottle is readily foldable with a view to disposal after use.