Abstract: Improved composite semipermeable membranes including microporous carbonaceous adsorptive material supported by a porous substrate for use in separating multicomponent gas mixtures in which certain components in the mixture adsorb within the pores of the adsorptive material and diffuse by surface flow through the membrane to yield a permeate stream enriched in these components. Methods for making the improved composite membranes are described including one or more oxidation steps which increase the membrane permeability and selectivity.

Abstract: The manufacturing process for a filter unit made as an adsorbent moulded element provides for the dry mixing of granules of an adsorbent medium, especially activated carbon, and a granular organic thermoplastic binder medium. The dry mixture is then placed in a mould and compacted. As far as possible, air is excluded from the mixture in the mould when the mixture is heated to a temperature well above the plastic range of the binder medium, and kept at that temperature until carbonization and at least partial coking of the binder medium occur. The moulded element is left to cool and is then removed from the mould. Typically, in a filter unit made in this manner, with an entry side and an exit side for the filtrate, the granules of the adsorbent medium in the adsorbent element are fixed in the residual structure of the carbonized and openpored, partially coked organic binder medium having micropores.

Abstract: A reusable and collapsible container having a collapsed configuration for storage and shipment and an assembled configuration for containing a product. The container is formed from a polymeric sheet and has substantially flat panels, hinges connecting adjacent panels, and releasable fasteners on at least some of the panels for holding the panels in an assembled configuration. The sheet has opposing walls separated by longitudinally extending webs. A portion of the hinges cross the longitudinally extending webs and are formed by hot compression of at least one wall of the sheet. Another portion of the hinges are longitudinally extending and are formed by cold compression of at least one wall of the sheet.

Abstract: Distinct preforms are made for different portions of a composite material part that is to be fabricated, and they are assembled together in a non-densified state or in a state that is not completely densified by uniting respective contacting surfaces of the preforms (13, 15, 36) together by means of fibrils (17, 19) projecting perpendicularly from the surface of one of the preforms (13, 15) and in which the surface of another preform (36) is engaged. The assembled-together preforms are then co-densified. The fibrils are formed on the surface of a fiber preform by the ends of fibers thereof that have been displaced by the preform being needled. The method is particularly suitable for fabricating a sandwich panel of composite material comprising two rigid skins between which there is disposed a core constituted by partitions that are perpendicular to the skins.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes refractory fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes a carbon fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group. Graceful failure can be obtained when the carbon fibers are highly graphitized.

Abstract: A fiber preform constituting the fiber reinforcement of the part to be made is itself made by shaping and consolidating a fiber fabric by a liquid process. An interphase layer between the fibers and the matrix is formed on the consolidated preform prior to densification thereof with the matrix, such that the operation of densifying the consolidated preform can be performed without requiring supporting tooling therefor.

Abstract: A corner component and a method of providing the same for securement to a static structure to provide a decorative surface, e.g., a counter-top, or stall shower. The corner component is comprised of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of filled acrylics, filled polyesters, and filled acrylic-polyester blends and is formed from an integral member of thermoplastic material. The corner component comprises a first generally planar section, a second generally planar section, and a curved intermediate section having a radius of curvature of no greater than I inch. Each of the first and second sections is of a predetermined thickness of at least 1/4 inch. The intermediate section is of a thickness that is substantially less than the predetermined thickness of the first and second sections such that the first and second sections can be bent with respect to each other by the application of heat to the intermediate section.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous fluid permeable body which is heatable by the passage of electric current therethrough. The process involves coating silicon-containing particles with a cokable organic binder to produce coated particles with a particle size fraction of 0.2 to 10 mm, forming the particles into a molding, coking the binder and heating the molding at 1400.degree. to 2000.degree. C. in the presence of nitrogen to form a doped body containing 30% to 100% .beta.-silicon carbide.

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical clip and fixture for use therein includes molding a polymeric clip body, the clip body having hinged legs, the polymer of the clip body being substantially amorphous. The clip body can then be moved to a desired configuration while being subjected to a temperature above the glass transition temperature. The molded clip body is then heated to a temperature within the crystallization range for a period of time sufficient to impart at least 20% crystallinity thereto to impart a spring back property. Also disclosed herein is a fixture for forming a surgical clip in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A lampshade is manufactured from heat deformable sheet material by forming a blank of the sheet material, in the shape of a sector of an annulus, into a hollow truncated cone having upper and lower peripheral edges. The overlapping edges of the blank are temporarily tacked together and the blank supported by an apparatus which engages the interior of the conical blank, which apparatus includes a former for engagement with the interior surface of the blank adjacent the upper and lower peripheral edges thereof so that marginal edge portions of the blank project beyond the formers. Heating means heat the marginal edge portions and upper and lower die members engage the heated and softened marginal edge portions to fold or roll the deformable sheet material around the edge portions of the formers and thereafter hold the formed edge portions in place until the material has cooled.

Abstract: A method of pultrusion is provided that includes the steps of saturating a bundle of fibers in a curable resin, pulling the saturated fibers (also known as "prepreg") into a flexible mold, manipulating the mold (with the saturated fibers therein) into a given shape or form, allowing the saturated fibers to cure or harden, and then removing the flexible mold by mechanical or chemical means. This novel method permits one to mold prepreg into any given shape prior to hardening, not limited by the shape of a given mold or die.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes a carbon-coated refractory fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group. Graceful failure can be obtained after exposure of the composites to temperatures up to 1300.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of the eccentricity dimension which measures the eccentricity dimension .alpha. between optical fibers and a coating member of a fiber ribbon made up of optical fibers and a coating member having a rigidity relatively lower than the fibers and covering the outer surface of fibers. When taking up the fiber ribbon at a constant speed, the rotational speed .omega..sub.a of a first rotary drum made to contact one surface of the fiber ribbon and the rotational speed .omega..sub.b of a second rotary drum made to contact the other surface of the fiber ribbon are measured and the radii R of the rotary drums, the overall thickness t of the fiber ribbon, and the rotational speeds .omega..sub.a and .omega..sub.b of the rotary drums are substituted in the following equation to compute the eccentricity dimension .alpha.:.alpha.=(.omega..sub.b -.omega..sub.a) (R+t/2) / (.omega..sub.b +.omega..sub.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a carbon-carbon component, in particular a brake disk, a porous substrate in the shape of a brake disk (32) is formed exclusively from carbon fibres. Holes (34), whose axes are parallel to the axis of rotation (36) of the disk, are made in the substrate and are arranged on concentric circles (38) centered on said axis of rotation. Areas (42) free of holes are provided around keyways (40) in the disk. The substrate is then compregnated by CVD. The holes in the substrate reduce the path of the gas in the substrate.

Abstract: A low amplitude wave-board panel having improved bending strength and bending stiffness properties is provided. More specifically, the amplitude of the waves is substantially equal to, or less than half the thickness of said board. Preferably, the wave amplitude ranges from between 1/8" to about 1".

Abstract: A structure (10) is provided for use in a seat belt retractor (11) having a frame (13), a spool (15) supported in the frame and rotatable in belt winding and unwinding directions, a spring member (75) biasing the spool in the belt winding direction, and a spring cover (26) attachable to the frame for enclosing the spring member. The structure includes a first plastic portion (22) which is at least a part of the frame (13) of the retractor (11). The structure also includes a second plastic portion (26) which comprises the spring cover. A plastic hinge portion (28) interconnects the first and the second plastic portions (22, 26). The plastic hinge portion (28) enables the first and second plastic portions (22, 26) to pivot relative to each other and into position with the second plastic portion (26) covering the spring member (75).

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing first and second chemical compounds to be mixed for reaction, the first and second chemical compounds being extruded in respective first and second bands of semi-solid material and wherein one of the bands may be coated with a protective coating to prevent a chemical reaction between the epoxy resin and the curing agent until the epoxy resin and curing agent are kneaded together, the apparatus including a twisting section including a pair of endless belts which have portions overlying one another, the belts being oriented so that their axes extend at complementary angles relative to the direction of travel of an infeed conveyor belt which advances the juxtaposed bands of material through the twisting section which twists together the bands, producing an elongated, generally cylindrical product with first and second bands being wrapped helically upon one another.

Abstract: A mandrel for making a rigid tubular article that has integrally-formed straight and arcuate portions. The mandrel has a plurality of shape-providing elements slidably disposed on interconnected straight and arcuate rods. After a rigid tubular article has been formed about the mandrel, the shape-providing elements can be slid off the straight and arcuate rods so that the mandrel can be removed from the rigid tubular article's interior. This provides for easy separation of the mandrel from the tubular article.

Abstract: Improved composite semipermeable membranes including microporous carbonaceous adsorptive material supported by a porous substrate for use in separating multicomponent gas mixtures in which certain components in the mixture adsorb within the pores of the adsorptive material and diffuse by surface flow through the membrane to yield a permeate stream enriched in these components. Methods for making the improved composite membranes are described including one or more oxidation steps which increase the membrane permeability and selectivity.

Abstract: A method of producing a bent resin tube by heating a certain portion of a straight resin tube to be bent partially by a partial bending means, and bending the heated certain portion partially by a partial bending die, thereby rendering a desired bend shape to the tube. In this method, a large die for constraining the shape of the whose tube or a large oven is not required. Therefore, space for equipment can be reduced, and production efficiency is enhanced because the time required for bending operations is decreased remarkably. The heating may be done by high frequency induction heating, high frequency dielectric heating, or other conventional heating.

Abstract: A leather-like thermoplastic polyester series resin sheet is disclosed, including a uniformly and finely foamed sheet comprising a thermoplastic polyester series resin, wherein said foamed sheet has cells having a diameter of substantially not longer than 1 mm, the cell walls thereof have a thickness of substantially not thicker than 100 .mu.m, and the cell wall constructing each cell extends with irregular bending so as to make a flexibility of not more than 20,000 mg in the Gurley flexibility test. A process for production of the leather-like thermoplastic polyester series resin sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a carbon-carbon component, in particular a brake disk, a porous substrate in the shape of a brake disk (32) is formed exclusively from carbon fibres. Holes (34), whose axes are parallel to the axis of rotation (36) of the disk, are made in the substrate and are arranged on concentric circles (38) centered on said axis of rotation. Areas (42) free of holes are provided around keyways (40) in the disk. The substrate is then compregnated by CVD. The holes in the substrate reduce the path of the gas in the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for preparing a benzo(a)pyrene-free, carbon-containing, refractory ceramic material that can subsequently be used for preparing ceramic preforms.

Abstract: A manufacturing process to produce a laryngeal mask substantially as described in UK Patent GB2205499B consists in a mould which manufactures the inflatable annular ring formation of the device in an inverted form. This allows a more rigid core in the cavity mould or alternatively a dip-moulding process, which in turn, permits greater accuracy in control of wall thickness. An alternative form of the mould eliminates the need to assemble a further component, by incorporating the latter into the same single moulding process. And in a further alternative embodiment, the same single moulding process additionally provides an integrally formed inlet for oesophagus drainage, independent of the larynx-venting function of the mask per se.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an apex filler including extruding a substantially linear elastomeric strip having a base and a pair of sidewalls converging from the base to an apex. The sidewalls of the elastomeric strip are then engaged with a nip presented by a pair of opposed frusto-conical rollers and a base support. The rollers are rotated to work the elastomeric strip whereby the base of the strip is rotated at a first linear speed, the apex is rotated at a second, greater speed and the sidewalls are rotated at linear speeds substantially proportional to the distance from the base to the apex, thereby forming an apex filler.

Abstract: Antiabrasion curved section made of reinforced curved plastic material and comprising in at least one of a lower portion and an upper portion in antiabrasion material. A plurality of antiabrasion sections are produced inside a profiled mold having a plurality of grooves in which is arranged the antiabrasion material of the lower faces. Reinforced filaments impregnated with a stabilizable resin are supplied to the mold and, finally, the antiabrasion material of the upper faces is applied. The mold is wound on a mandrel and the plastic material is stabilized before removing the mold sections which form a unitary assembly dividable particulary during the stranding of arm rings.

Abstract: A method for producing a honeycomb shaped ceramic having a predetermined shape made of a flat honeycomb molding formed from a composition containing a heat-resistant inorganic material is disclosed. This method comprises the steps of: forming a honeycomb molding from a composition containing heat-resistant inorganic materials, a binder which is gelled when coming in contact with hot water, and a plasticizer; providing the honeycomb molding with flexibility by immersing the honeycomb molding in hot water at a temperature high enough to gel the binder; and sintering the honeycomb molding.

Abstract: A method of forming a carbon composite material by applying vertical compressive force and a variable lateral force simultaneously to a mixture of carbon fiber and a carbon precursor material during carbonization of the mixture.

Abstract: For the manufacturing of an oxidation-stable component that can withstand temperature changes for space travel, a solid CFC-body with a density of from 0.1 to 0.8 g/cm.sup.3, which has nondirectional short fibers, is made from short carbon fibers and a hardenable resin binder. From the solid CFC-body, a CFC-blank having the dimensions of the component to be manufactured is prepared by means of turning or other material cutting. The CFC-blank is infiltrated with pyrolytic carbon to a density of no more than 1.0 g/cm.sup.3 and then with metallic silicon so that its density amounts to more than 2.0 g/cm.sup.3. A portion of the metallic silicon is reacted with the pyrolytic carbon to form silicon carbide. The proportion of the unreacted metallic silicon which remains in the component after this reaction amounts to at least 15 percent by weight.

Abstract: 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 comprises a first continuous annular flange portion connected to the band by a hinge portion and a second portion which has free ends of the segment portions engaging beneath the bead on the container when the closure is threaded onto the container. In one form the second portion comprises a plurality of segment portions extending upwardly and inwardly from the first continuous portion. In another form, the second portion comprises a second continuous flange portion.

Abstract: Net shape composite articles are made by a molding process. The molded preform is densified in a process where the rate of temperature increase is controlled to prevent distortion. The densified composite objects are impregnated with a secondary material to provide desirable properties such as strength, stiffness, or oxidation resistance. Diverse parts such as golf clubs and engine parts can be made by the process.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a light-weight panel, e.g. for aircraft, comprising preparing a panel preform having a pair of surface members or skins separated and supported by an internal core in which spaces or interconnected pores provide vents to an edge of the panel, the wall surface members and the core comprising fibrous material, which may be carbon fiber, and using a pyrolysis process such as CVD to form a pyrolytic matrix around the fibers within the fibrous material, there being a flow of gas through the vents during the pyrolysis process.

Abstract: Bending a laminate having a thermo-plastic core layer and metal sheets adjoining the core layer on both sides, is performed by heating the laminate and then bending it. To allow bends of small radius to be made, heating causes softening of at least one of the boundary regions of the core layer adjoining the metal sheets, while a central region of the core layer remains unsoftened. The heat may be by inductive heating of one or both metal sheets.

Abstract: A multilayer molded article having a thermoplastic resin body and a skin material covering the resin body is produced by supplying a skin material between a pair of molds, holding the skin material between a skin material-holding frame which is moved in a direction perpendicular to a mold-closing direction and a skin material-supporting frame which is moved in the mold-closing direction, supplying a mass of a thermoplastic resin melt, and closing the molds to form a multilayer molded article, in which at least one moving member which moves forward or rearward in the mold closing direction is provided around a mold face and is recessed in the mold closing direction after the supply of the resin melt, at least one ejector which is provided on the skin material-holding frame is ejected to fold an edge of the skin material towards a center of the mold, and the moving member is forwarded toward the mold face so as to fold back the edge of the skin material over the back of the resin 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: This composite material with a fibrous reinforcement has refractory fibres (2) embedded in a nonmetallic matrix (4) and an interphase material (6) interposed between the fibres and the matrix, the interphase material being boron carbonitride with a lamellar or amorphous structure containing in atomic %, 0 to 98% nitrogen, 1 to 99% carbon and 1 to 99% boron. The composition of the interphase material can be homogeneous or vary gradually from the fibre-material interface (8) to the material-matrix interface (10).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a molding member, for instance for automobile front window plates, as well as a method of manufacturing such molding members. The molding member has a lip section in the form of a ridge which extends throughout the entire length. The lip section bears against the surface of the window plate along the upper portion to realize a flush outer surface between the upper edge of the window plate and the body panel, but is spaced therefrom along the side portions to define a weir. The weir can be formed by deforming a predetermined location of the ridge, and prevents flow of the rain water across the molding member to preserve the driver's or passenger's sight through an adjacent side window.

Abstract: A thin ribbon of paint film is guided and applied directly to hot thermoplastics extrudate just as it exits the extrusion die by a film curving and guide plate and then by a film application wheel that is adjusted so that the film mates with and is laminated to the extrudate with an adhesive bond between the paint film substrate and the extrudate. This eliminates the need for high gloss, high metallic content thermoplastics for use as extrudate such as currently used for finished automotive side molding and allows reground thermoplastics to be used as the extrudate and finished with a paint film covering. The thermoplastic extrusion molding is then compression formed in a preform operation to establish end corners with selected radii for corner sharpness as well as reshape the part cross section. This is accomplished with a die and end cap construction which can be relatively adjusted to provide effective gas venting around the end of the die cavity on die closure.

Abstract: A machine for bending reinforced thermoplastic workpieces includes a machine frame. First and second spaced rest plates are mounted to the frame, with the plates having a first planer orientation, which define a rest plane, for supporting a workpiece and a second angularly disposed orientation for bending the workpiece. A compression rest is disposed between the plates. A heated bending beam is in alignment with and spaced from the compression rest. A drive system is operably associated with the frame for causing relative movement between the beam and the plates and the rest, so that a workpiece supported by the plates and the rest in the first orientation may engage the beam. The plates are operably interconnected for therefore defining a common pivot axis. A system is provided for causing at least one of the plates to be pivoted about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A manufacturing process to produce a laryngeal mask substantially as described in UK Patent GB2205499B consists in a mould which manufactures the inflatable annular ring formation of the device in an inverted form. This allows a more rigid core in the cavity mould or alternatively a dip-moulding process, which in turn permits greater accuracy in control of wall thickness. An alternative form of the mould eliminates the need to assemble a further component, by incorporating the latter into the same single moulding process. And in a further alternative embodiment, the same single moulding process additionally provides an integrally formed inlet for oesophagus drainage, independent of the larynx-venting function of the mask per se.

Abstract: A resin reservoir particularly adapted for use with a resin transfer molding process. This reservoir comprises a pressure yielding porous sponge containing about two to about ten times the sponge's weight in resin. The reservoir is used in a resin transfer molding process. The process comprises applying pressure to a pressure yielding porous sponge containing resin to transfer the resin to a porous article precursor. The resin reservoir facilitates resin transfer molding by providing a resin reservoir that can ensure the desired impregnation of a porous preform such as a dry fiber composite precursor.

Abstract: A method of producing crack-free green activated carbon structures using a carbon matrix containing high gel strength binders such as methyl cellulose binders is disclosed. The invention also relates to a method of drying activated carbon structures by first contacting the structure with microwave radiation and then drying the structure in a conventional oven.

Abstract: Polymer-type fibers longitudinally shrinkable by calcination and other carbon fibers are mixed and mechanically compressed and integrated by a needle punch, and the polymer-type fibers are then shrunk when calcined. Thus, there is obtained high bulk density carbon fiber felt having average bulk density of 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 or more without the carbon fiber felt impregnated with, resin and compressingly molded. The density of carbon fiber felt may change in the thickness direction thereof. The high bulk density carbon fiber felt may be used as a thermal insulator for a high-temperature furnace, a heat-resisting cushioning material, and a material for the electrode of a secondary battery.

Abstract: A method for forming a tampon applicator having a dome shape forward end, in which the stability of the petal tips to maintain their closure, is enhanced. During the manufacture of the tampon barrel, the petals which collectively form the dome shape tip are sprayed with a predetermined amount of moisture prior to their being presented to the heated tip forming die. It has been observed that the addition of moisture prior to petal tip formation counteracts the tendency of the petal tips to thereafter move towards their opened condition.

Abstract: The thermostructural composite material is produced by forming a fibrous preform made from refractory fibers coated with a sizing agent. The preform is densified by a refractory matrix, in particular ceramic, while a carbon interphase is provided between the fibers and the matrix. The fibrous preform is made from refractory fibers coated with a sizing agent of the type that leaves behind a carbon residue upon thermal decomposition. The carbon interphase is produced by the thermal degradation of the sizing agent, occurring for example after the preform is made. The sizing agent is chosen among phenolic, acrylic and cellulose resins, and in particular carboxymethylcellulose.

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: A process for producing a friction material under low-temperature conditions using, as a reinforcement, one or more fibers selected from a metal fiber, an organic fiber and an inorganic fiber and, as a binder, a compounded pitch that consists of a mesophase pitch and sulfur and/or an aromatic nitro compound. The content of an optically anisotropic phase in the mesophase pitch is at least 80% and the softening point of the mesophase pitch is not higher than 270.degree. C. The friction material produced exhibits consistent friction characteristics over a broad temperature range.

Abstract: An adsorption type packing for gas chromatography composed of finely divided carbon particles in whole, and having a ratio of nitrogen gas adsorption at a relative pressure of 0.3 (V.sub.0.3) to nitrogen gas adsorption at a relative pressure of about 1.0 (V.sub.1.0) each in the adsorption isotherm of said packing, V.sub.0.3 /V.sub.1.0, of 0.9 or more and a BET specific surface area of 1,000 to 2,000 m.sup.2 /g; and a process for producing said packing.

Abstract: A packing material for liquid chromatography is produced by mixing 1.0 part by weight of carbon black, 0.5 to 2.5 parts by weight of one or a mixture of a synthetic resin which can be graphitized by heating and a toluene- or benzene-soluble component of pitches, and an organic solvent to obtain a mixture. The carbon black has a particle diameter of 12 to 40 nm, a specific surface area of 50 to 650 m.sup.2 /g, a DBP oil absorption amount of 50 to 150 ml/100 g. The synthetic resin is one selected from phenol resin, furan resin, furfural resin, divinylbenzene resin and urea resin. The pitches are ones selected from petroleum pitches, coal-tar pitches and liquefied coal oil. The mixture is granulated by spray granulation or emulsion granulation to obtain granules whose ratio L.sub.min /L.sub.max of a minor axis diameter L.sub.min to a major axis diameter L.sub.max is 0.90 to 1.0. The heat treatment of the granules is also made in an inert gas under pressure.