Abstract: Methods for forming openings having predetermined shapes in a substrate and apparatuses with these openings. The methods may be used to form assemblies which include the substrate with its openings and elements which are disposed in the openings. In one example of a method, each of the elements include an electrical component and are assembled into one of the openings by a fluidic self assembly process. In an particular example of a method to create such an opening, the substrate is etched through a first patterned mask and is later etched through a second patterned mask. Typically, the second patterned mask is aligned relative to the opening created by etching through the first patterned mask and has an area of exposure which is smaller than an area of exposure through the first patterned mask.

Abstract: A pattern forming material contains a block copolymer or graft copolymer and forms a structure having micro polymer phases, in which, with respect to at least two polymer chains among polymer chains constituting the block copolymer or graft copolymer, the ratio between N/(Nc?No) values of monomer units constituting respective polymer chains is 1.4 or more, where N represents total number of atoms in the monomer unit, Nc represents the number of carbon atoms in the monomer unit, No represents the number of oxygen atoms in the monomer unit.

Abstract: Segregating membrane supporting material is a three-dimensional assembly of fibers thermo-compressed into non-woven fabric, and the non-woven fabric fibers are joined together in sheet form. This segregating membrane supporting material is non-woven fabric, including at least 10 weight % polyacrylonitrile-based synthetic fibers, which is thermo-compressed to give an overall bulk density 40% to 75% of the density of the fibers which make up the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: Heat treatment is performed on preforms placed in an enclosure accompanied by sweeping with an inert gas under reduced pressure, and with a gaseous effluent being exhausted continuously via a first effluent outlet connected to an effluent exhaust circuit. At the end of the heat treatment, the first gaseous effluent outlet is closed so as to isolate the effluent exhaust circuit from the enclosure, sweeping of the enclosure with the inert gas is interrupted, and the heat-treated preforms are left in the enclosure and are subjected to densification by admitting a reagent gas into the enclosure via at least one reagent gas admission duct opening out into the enclosure, with gaseous effluent being exhausted via a second effluent outlet separate from the first, said second outlet being closed during the heat treatment step. Advantageously, metal, in particular sodium, contained in the gaseous effluent exhausted from the enclosure during the heat treatment step is neutralized.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an electret processed product, comprising the steps of allowing a section nozzle (22) to come into contact with a nonconductive fiber sheet (S) so as to cross in the lateral direction of the sheet while running the sheet, allowing the surface of the sheet on the opposite side of the contact portion to come into contact with or to immerse into a water surface, sucking water from the suction nozzle (22) so that the water can be passed through the sheet in the thickness direction of the sheet to penetrate the water into the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), and drying the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), whereby a high quality and high performance electret processed product can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: A stereolithographically fabricated marking for a semiconductor device component, such as a packaged or unpackaged semiconductor device or another substrate. When formed on a semiconductor device with a stereolithographically formed package structure, the marking may be integral with the package. The marking may be formed as apertures through or recesses in one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers of material, or the marking may include one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers that protrude from a surface of a semiconductor device component. Raised markings may also be formed on the surfaces of packaged or bare semiconductor device components. Alternatively, the marking may be fabricated separately from a semiconductor device component, then secured thereto. Methods for stereolithographically marking semiconductor device components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing supports from a three-dimensional object formed by solid freeform fabrication. The three-dimensional object and support structure both contain a phase change component in order to achieve the desired phase change characteristics needed for dispensing the material. The method prevents the phase change material within the three-dimensional object from migrating within the object during post processing to remove the support structure.

Abstract: Device articles such as medical devices and parts thereof are thermoformed of a thermoplastic condensable polymer composition. After thermoforming the article is subjected to a solid state polymerization step.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a breathing bag including a connector portion and a distensible portion including the steps of providing moldable material, forming a portion of the moldable material into the connector portion of the breathing bag and forming another portion of the moldable material into the distensible portion of the breathing bag. The moldable material may be provided by extruding a parison of thermoplastic material; the connector portion of the breathing bag may be formed by compression molding and the distensible portion of the breathing bag may be formed by blow molding or blow and vacuum molding; such distensible portion and connector portions are formed or molded integrally. A breathing bag made by such process.

Abstract: Sheets, films, and articles of manufacture from a corn zein resin. A wet corn zein resin is formed including corn zein and a fatty acid, and the wet zein resin is cold rolled into sheets. The sheets are dried, and the dried zein resin is processed to form sheets, films, and/or articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A biodegradable sugar-inorganic hybrid composite comprising a sugar or a sugar derivative uniformly dispersed in a matrix of an inorganic oxide, of which degradation products are suitable for recycling use.

Abstract: A method for imparting an electrostatic charge to a nonwoven fibrous web 20. The fibrous web 20 is contacted with a liquid solution that includes water and a non-aqueous water soluble component, followed by drying 31. The resulting dried product is an electret article 43 that could be used as an air filter in, for example, a respirator 50.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an information-recording medium comprising, on a substrate, a dye recording layer capable of recording information, the method comprising the step of drying the substrate formed with the dye recording layer by allowing clean air to flow while rotating the substrate at a high speed; wherein an intake for introducing the clean air is narrowed by arranging a lid having a circular opening at a central portion, at an opening disposed at an upper portion of an apparatus for rotating the substrate at the high speed.

Abstract: A flexible imaging belt seam treatment article comprising a high-temperature-resistant flexible substrate that supports a thermoplastic polymer film. The film is deposited on the flexible substrate by dissolution of a film-forming thermoplastic polymer in a carrier solvent, applying the resulting solution to the flexible substrate, and eliminating the carrier solvent. The article can then be used to treat a seam of a flexible imaging belt by placing it on the seam, heating the strip and seam, and applying pressure to the strip and seam.

Abstract: A tubular medical catheter having an inner liner comprising ultra high molecular weigh high density polyethylene, and methods of making the same, are provided herein.

Abstract: A high strength hydrogel having a constant swelling pressure upon implantation and thereafter is formed by preparing a hydrogel solution and then injecting the solution into a mold and cause to gel. The molded gel is then washed in a saline solution from about one day to twelve weeks, after which the gel is irradiated for sterilization purposes, dehydrated and packaged. The pre-treatment with the use of a physiologic solution results in an implant which exhibits a constant swelling pressure profile after implantation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of three-dimensional acoustically sound automotive insulation parts. In particular, the process includes mixing a two component polyurethane resin, applying the resin to a substrate, molding the substrate and then trimming and demolding the resin applied substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing NMMO-water mixture which collects in the interior of a tubular film which is produced by the NMMO process comprises a spinning vat and a wash vat. Between the two vats is situated a conveyor belt which circulates endlessly over two rollers. The conveyor belt is directed upward at an incline from the spinning vat to the wash vat. The tubular film, in the interior of the spinning vat, is passed vertically downward, then reversed and conducted vertically out of the spinning vat and passes over the inclined conveyor belt into the wash vat. Above the conveyor belt is situated a spray device having spraying nozzles from which wash liquid at a temperature between 60 and 80° C. is sprayed onto the tubular film which is transported via the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Method of, and apparatus for, treating concrete blocks (10) in order to carry out an artificial aging process. For the mechanical treatment of the concrete blocks (10), the latter are positioned in a desired formation on a table top (14). Treatment bodies (17) are moved over the top side of the concrete blocks (10) with the table top (14) inclined. In this case, the concrete blocks (10) are arranged obliquely relative to one another, with the result that projecting edges and corners are partially removed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polycarbonate comprises preparing a free hydroxyl-containing polycarbonate and reacting the hydroxyl-containing polycarbonate with a mixture of (B) a symmetrical optionally activated aromatic carbonic acid diester and (C) an optionally substituted aromatic hihydroxy compound, diol or diacid. A copolymerization reagent comprises a mixture of (B) a symmetrical optionally activated aromatic carbonic acid diester and (C) an optionally substituted aromatic hihydroxy compound, diol or diacid. A copolymer comprises [polycarbonate]x moieties; (B) [symmetrical optionally activated aromatic carbonic acid diester]y moieties and (C) [optionally substituted aromatic hihydroxy compound, diol or diacid]z moieties, wherein x, y and z are mole percents of the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a part (108, 200, 300), comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A system and method for treating pipes according to which the flexibility of the pipe is increased or maintained, or at least any decreases in the flexibility of the pipe is minimized, in relatively low temperature environments.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions incorporating long chain alkylphenol endgroups, for example cardanol, show enhanced pit replication characteristics when molded into optical disks. The enhancement in molding performance is especially pronounced at the shortest mold cycle times tested. Thus, a blend of 75 parts by weight bisphenol A polycarbonate 92 percent encapped with phenol, and 25 parts by weight bisphenol A polycarbonate about 100 percent endcapped with cardanol showed enhanced pit replication performance in optical disk molding trials relative to the same bisphenol A polycarbonate alone and analogous blends utilizing short chain alkylphenols.

Abstract: Containers which are ready to be filled or a package material having a plastic surface can be sterilized by hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase being supplied to the previously heated plastic surface, the entire sterilization procedure being performed with the hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure in which the structure has a reinforced part having been loaded with a cordierite powder at least on one end surface of the frontal openings of the substrate of a honeycomb structure made of cordierite. This honeycomb structure does not decrease merits of a small pressure loss and the like as a thin-walled honeycomb structure, and is also excellent in abrasive resistance of the end surfaces of the frontal openings.

Abstract: A method of producing a molded article including the step of inserting an expandable and contractible hollow elastic pressing member (2) inside a hollow molded article placed in a drying mold (8) and feeding a fluid in the elastic pressing member (2) to expand the pressing member (2) thereby to press the molded article toward the inner surface of the drying mold (8), wherein the molded article is pressed onto the inner surface of the drying mold (8) by the elastic member (2) in the expanded state while exchanging the fluid in the elastic pressing member (2).

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymers including an alkylene carbonate, and a method of preparing the same. The copolymers are represented by Formulas 1 and 2, and they are prepared with terpolymerized lactide or delta-valerolactone, carbon dioxide, and alkylene oxide, in the presence of a catalyst. (wherein, —O—A— is an opened alkylene oxide structure, the alkylene oxide being selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 1-butene oxide, 1,1-dimethylethylene oxide, cyclopentene oxide, cyclohexene oxide, 1-phenylethylene oxide, 1-vinylethylene oxide, and 1-trifluoromethylethylene oxide; and x and y are independently an integer being equal to or less than 2,000, n is an integer, and n=(z-x-y), wherein z is an integer being equal to or less than 20,000.).

Abstract: An ink wastage absorber is made from a flexible polyurethane foam having an air-permeability of 1.0 cc/cm2/sec or more, or is made from a flexible polyurethane foam produced by using a foamable raw material containing a polyol, an isocyanate, a catalyst, and a foaming agent, wherein the polyurethane foam is impregnated with a surface active agent. An ink supporter includes an ink permeation member provided at a portion corresponding to a printer head and an ink absorbing member being in contact with the ink permeation member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a fibrous material. The conditioning arrangement includes a moisturizing chamber having two series of opposed rollers arranged to accept a fiber batt into a pressing space therebetween. The pressing space tapers from a batt entrance toward a batt exit. This tapered configuration is affected for compressing a fiber batt as it is rolled therethrough. As illustrated, before entering the conditioner, the cotton batt has a greater thickness than after compaction and processing through the moisturizing chamber. A moisture infusion assembly is provided within the moisturizing chamber and has an air distributor configured to dispense moisture laden air adjacent to a fiber batt being processed through the pressing space. An air collector is configured to pull exhaust air away from the fiber batt being processed through the pressing space.

Abstract: Methods for improving layered manufacturing techniques to improve an objects' surface properties and shorten manufacturing time for support structures. One aspect of the invention forms surfaces having reduced or no concavities between layers having improved crack resistance. One method deposits alternate, surface improvement material on each layer near the future location of the main material surface, followed by deposition of the main material, the edges of which conform to the previously deposited and solidified alternate material. In this method, the center of the main material layers can be concave rather than the interlayer regions. Another aspect of the invention provides removable structures to support the deposition of main material. The support structures provide support over main material cavities for depositing the material to form the cavity ceilings, while minimizing the time and material required to build the support structures.

Abstract: There is provided a technique for producing an aromatic polycarbonate which undergoes no deterioration in quality in a gear pump, has excellent hue and contains a small amount of foreign materials even when a production plant is scaled up. In producing the aromatic polycarbonate by melt-polycondensation, a molten polycondensate is fed continuously into a shaft seal portion of a self-lubricating gear pump disposed for transporting the polycondensate from a polycondensation vessel such that the following expressions: Q/S≧0.1 (cm/sec) wherein Q is a flow rate (cm3/sec) of the polycondensate, and S is a cross sectional area (cm2) of a passage provided for feeding the polycondensate to the shaft seal portion, and D≦2.9W1/3 wherein D is an internal diameter (cm) of a pipe, and W is a flow rate, are satisfied, thereby operating the gear pump. A polycondensation vessel therefor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant article (10, 30, 40) for use, while submerged or partly submerged in molten glass, in a glass article manufacturing operation, the article having a ceramic element (12, 32, 42) coated on its molten glass contacting surfaces with a thin base coating of a nickel chromium-aluminum-cobalt-yttria-composite powder (18, 34, 44) and a somewhat thicker coating (20, 36, 46) of a prealloyed ceria-yttria stabilized zirconium oxide superimposed on the base coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing sheets, films, and articles of manufacture from a corn zein resin. A wet corn zein resin is formed including corn zein and a fatty acid, and the wet zein resin is cold rolled into sheets. The sheets are dried, and the dried zein resin is processed to form sheets, films, and/or articles of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon heating element having an arbitrary specific resistance and an arbitrary shape which are arbitrary necessary as a heating element, and a method of producing the same. The carbon heating element is obtained by uniformly dispersing one or at least two metal or metalloid compounds into a composition having shapability and showing a high yield of a carbon residue after firing, shaping the dispersed material-containing mixture thus obtained, and firing the shaped material under a nonoxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A multi-layer sandwich of vapor deposited metal and release coats in alternating layers is applied to a drum or carrier in a vapor deposition chamber. The metallized layers are applied by vapor deposition. The release layers are solvent soluble thermoplastic or lightly crosslinked polymeric materials applied by vapor deposition in the chamber. The multi-layer sandwich is removed and treated with solvent to dissolve the release coating from the metal flakes. The release coat material can be a radiation curable, crosslinkable vapor deposited polymeric material of low crosslink density. A high energy radiation source crosslinks the release material to produce tack-free, solvent soluble release coat layers. The multi-layer vapor deposit can be built up on an endless belt passing from the chamber through a separate vacuum lock. Both chambers are at vacuum pressures below atmospheric while depositing the flake material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting reinforcement in concrete from the corrosion caused by chloride ions. According to the method, metallic copper and/or copper compounds are added to the concrete mass, in which mass the copper reacts with the chloride to form salts with a chloride content and of low solubility, thus substantially reducing the danger of steel corrosion caused by chloride. The copper or copper compound can also be brought into close contact with the concrete, for example in the form of a repair mortar.

Abstract: A branched polycarbonate resin suitable for making containers is disclosed. The polycarbonate is characterized in that at 260° C. and shear rate of 10 s−1 it has a melt viscosity of 5500 to 900 Pas, and in that at 260° C. and shear rate of 1000 s−1 it has a melt viscosity of 880 tom 1500 Pas, and in that it has a melt flow index (MFR) of 0.1 to 3.0 g/10 min. A container made of the polycarbonate exhibits great breaking strength.

Abstract: A method for forming a product from cellulosic material and thermoactive material is described. A mat is formed from a mixture having cellulosic material and thermoplastic material. The mat is consolidated and pressed to a final thickness. At least a portion of a surface of the mat or product may be surface modified. Consolidating the mixture may include forming a first face layer, forming a core layer on the first face layer, and forming a second face layer on the core layer. Forming the core layer may include depositing mixtures of wood flakes and plastic flakes according to mixture flake size in successive layers such that the core layer has larger flakes adjacent the first face layer and adjacent the second face layer, and smaller flakes in a middle portion of the core layer. Consolidation can occur as a mat or composite moves through a hot-gas consolidation zone.

Abstract: A process for treating mixed plastics waste that comprises macromolecular polymers and low molecular weight polymers is described. The process includes the steps of: introducing the mixed plastics waste into an organic solvent to produce a suspension, the solvent being one in which at least one of the macromolecular polymers is soluble at a specific temperature; maintaining the suspension at a normal pressure and at an operating temperature at which none of the macromolecular polymers dissolve; extracting the low molecular weight polymers from the mixed plastics waste to produce a solution containing dissolved low molecular weight polymers and an extracted mixed plastics waste; and removing the extracted mixed plastics waste.

Abstract: Rapidly disintegrating preparations containing at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient and at least one excipient can be obtained by a simple process in which at least the predominant part of the complete composition of the ingredients for the preparation to be produced is granulated, the resulting granules and, where appropriate, the remainder of the ingredients are shaped in the presence of liquid virtually without pressure, and the resulting shaped articles are dried.

Abstract: A polymeric and fibrous laminate is preferably formed of a polyolefin having fillers, such as ground glass, shredded cloth, polypropylene, scrap urethane, or other materials which are heated, mixed, and made into a high viscosity gelatin mass. The polyolefin is combined with a fibrous material in the form of a veil of some type such as Trevira (or other synthetic material), glass (such as fiberglass or other mineral origin materials), or natural fibers, or combinations thereof. The laminate advantageously enhances retainment of fasteners when inserted into the laminate and superior adhesion properties to bond to other substrates that would normally not bond to recycled or virgin polyolefins.

Abstract: A library preparation method using compounds from natural products.

Abstract: A stereolithographically fabricated marking for a semiconductor device component, such as a packaged or unpackaged semiconductor device or another substrate. When formed on a semiconductor device with a stereolithographically formed package structure, the marking may be integral with the package. The marking may be formed as apertures through or recesses in one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers of material, or the marking may include one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers that protrude from a surface of a semiconductor device component. Raised markings may also be formed on the surfaces of packaged or bare semiconductor device components. Alternatively, the marking may be fabricated separately from a semiconductor device component, then secured thereto. Methods for stereolithographically marking semiconductor device components are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for heat treating a polymer PTC composition to increase the peak resistivity of the composition making it especially well suited for high voltage applications. A polymer PTC composition having a melting point temperature Tmp is provided. The temperature of the polymer PTC composition is increased at a rate, r1, to a temperature greater than Tmp. The temperature of polymer PTC composition is held at the temperature greater than Tmp for a predetermined period of time. Then the temperature of the polymer PTC composition is decreased to a temperature less than Tmp at a rate, r2, wherein r2 is greater than r1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating a mould-imparted texture including applying a textured skin to a moulding from a pre-textured mould.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multilayer, transparent, amorphous film which comprises at least one crystallizable thermoplastic as main constituent, in particular a polyester, and also comprises at least one hydrolysis stabilizer. The hydrolysis stabilizer is preferably a phenolic compound, an oxazoline, and/or a monomeric or polymeric carbodiimide, where appropriate combined with an organic phosphite. It is preferably added in the form of a masterbatch. On exposure to moisture and heat it shows practically no embrittlement and retains its tensile stress at break. The film may have been rendered UV-resistant, or flame-retardant, or one side or on both sides have been coated, or be sealable, and/or have been corona- or flame-treated. It is generally produced by extrusion or coextrusion, the hydrolysis stabilizer being added in the form of a predried or precrystallized masterbatch. The film can be shaped particularly effectively by thermoforming.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for treating (e.g., recycling) polystyrene foam scrap particulate in a manner which increases the density of the polystyrene while minimizing an amount of heat required to convert the polystyrene into densified solid polystyrene plastic (e.g., polystyrene flakes), thereby avoiding noticeable polymer degradation. The invention involves first heating polystyrene particulates to a semi-molten state in a heating zone so that polystyrene particulates coalesce. Pressure is then applied in a pressure zone to the polystyrene while the polystyrene is coalescing. The pressure is applied by a pressure mechanism which crushes the heated and softened polystyrene, and which preferably maintains the pressure on the polystyrene until the polystyrene cools below the softening temperature of the polystyrene. The pressure mechanism squeezes essentially all gases (entrained air and expansion gases) from the polystyrene, and thus precludes, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: The present invention involves the synthesis of a series of amylose (starch) derivatives with various degrees of substitution and amylose/amylopectin ratios. These chains are chemically crosslinked and then mechanically deformed (stretched) to produce a biodegradable and mechanically superior material. Specifically, the process consists of chemically modifying starch into starch derivatives such as starch ethers, starch esters and starch carbamates. The polymers have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 35% to about 95% (degree of substitution is from about 1.05 to about 2.85) and preferably have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 65% to about 90% (degree of substitution is from about 1.95 to about 2.70). The starch derivatives are crosslinked to obtain crosslinked chains and processed into sheets, films, fibers, threads or other articles as known in the art.