Abstract: Rubber plugs, which are to be used with medical containers or medical devices, are produced by forming a vulcanizable, mixed rubber compound, vulcanizing a resultant formed rubber compound, treating the rubber plug with steam of high temperature and high pressure, treating the rubber plugs in an aqueous solution which has been adjusted to be acidic, rinsing the rubber plugs with high-quality water, washing the rubber plugs with a shower of dust- and germ-free water, and drying the rubber plugs by at least one of far infrared radiation and high frequency heating. The process makes it possible to reduce the number of insoluble fine particles, which are attracted on a surface of each rubber plug, to an extremely low level and moreover, remove (or deactivate) pyrogen substances on and in the vicinity of the surface of the rubber plug.

Abstract: A surface reforming method for a plastic molded product of this invention is characterized by comprising a step (a) for immersing a plastic molded product into supercritical carbon dioxide or subcritical carbon dioxide under a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of said plastic, and a step (b) for vaporizing carbon dioxide adhered to the surface of the plastic molded product under a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of said plastic. A plastic molded product may be composed of a polymer having a polar group.

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: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a solid core component that includes a relatively hard central portion and a relatively soft skin portion surrounding the central portion. Various preferred embodiment golf balls are disclosed utilizing this core configuration. A golf ball comprising the noted core component having a wound layer disposed about the core skin portion is described. Another preferred embodiment relates to the use of the noted core component having a multi-layer cover assembly surrounding the core. Various methods for producing such golf ball core components are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for reducing the level of moisture of fluent materials or wet solid materials, characterized in that the material to be treated is provided in a particle form and then exposed to a relatively high volumetric flow of gas treating medium which is drawn through the material so as to force the moisture in the center of each individual piece to migrate towards the periphery thereof where it can be easily evaporated. Air at ambient temperature may be used as gas treating medium so as to minimize the level of energy required to provide an efficient drying operation.

Abstract: A self-cleaning surface which has an artificial, at least partially hydrophobic, surface structure of elevations and depressions, where the elevations and depressions are formed by particles secured by a carrier on the surface, wherein the particles have a fissured structure with elevations and/or depressions in the nanometer range; and a process for making such a surface.

Abstract: A process for producing self-cleaning surfaces, in which an at least partially hydrophobic, surface structure is formed by securing particles on a polymer surface, which comprises applying, to the polymer surface, at least one solvent which comprises the particles and which solvates the polymer surface, and securing at least part of the particles to the polymer surface by removing the solvent; self-cleaning surfaces obtained by the process; and objects containing self-cleaning surfaces obtained by the process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf ball is disclosed. A cover is molded through use of either a thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group or a thermoplastic resin containing a compound having two or more groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. Subsequently, a polyisocyanate compound is caused to permeate into the surface layer of the cover to thereby cause the reaction between the polyisocyanate compound and the group(s) capable of reacting with the isocyanate group. As a result, a modified layer having excellent properties is formed at the surface of the cover formed from thermoplastic resin. In this case, a non-yellowing polyurethane resin is preferably used as the thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group, and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is preferably used as the polyisocyanate compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production and for the spooling of preoriented polyester filaments comprising at least 90 weight %, relative to the total weight of the polyester filament, of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and/or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTMT), preferably of PTMT, characterized in that:

Abstract: A method of making photochromic thermoplastic wherein the material is extruded into a length or lengths having at least one relatively small cross-sectional dimension. The length or lengths are treated with a solution of photochromic dye dissolved in a solvent, for example, cyclohexanone, which attacks the material. The length or lengths have a surface area-to-volume ratio sufficiently large to absorb an effective amount of the dye at their surface or surfaces. The length or lengths are dried to evaporate the solvent. The length or lengths are heated during the treating and drying steps. The dried length or lengths are cut into smaller pieces which may be introduced directly into a molding machine to form photochromic articles. Where a plurality of lengths are provided, the surfaces thereof are maintained separated from one another during the treating and drying steps.

Abstract: Film treatment surface provided with a propulsion system for circularly contoured film (5) along a circular path are disclosed. The essential propulsion and steering system is represented by two adjustable disks (2, 3), one being equipped with a propulsion wheel and a steering mechanism whereas the second disk embodies an idler wheel and a steering mechanism. The treatment surface was found to be beneficially suitable for the manufacture of cut shaped blanks made from shaped films of plasticized polyvinyl butyral. The blanks can be used in automobile windshields.

Abstract: To provide a method of shaping a granular polytetrafluoroethylene powder, in which a powder flowability can be enhanced and an apparent density can be increased without substantially changing an average particle size and particle size distribution of the powder. The granular polytetrafluoroethylene powder having an average particle size of 100 to 800 &mgr;m is subjected to shaping by using a rotating-type stirring vessel with two cross axes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the preparation of a high-quality sintered body of a rare earth oxide or a composite oxide of a rare earth oxide and an adjuvant oxide such as aluminum oxide. The method comprises shaping a rare earth oxide powder characterized by specified particle diameter distribution values of D50 and D90 and a specified specific surface area or a powder blend of the rare earth oxide and adjuvant oxide into a powder compact and subjecting the powder compact to a sintering heat treatment at a specified sintering temperature by increasing and decreasing the temperature up to and from the sintering temperature each at a rate not exceeding a specified upper limit.

Abstract: A method for imparting an electrostatic charge to a nonwoven fibrous web 20. The fibrous web 20 is wetted with a wetting liquid 24, followed by being saturated with an aqueous polar liquid 30 and 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: Liquid is purified by passing it through a bed containing disc-shaped buoyant media beads having grooved surfaces. Such beads are formed from a polymeric pellets. The pellets are passed through a scarifier to roughen their surfaces. Pellets are also passed through a rolling mill which grooves the pellets and compresses them into disc-like shapes.

Abstract: A process for making functional or decorative flakes or platelets economically and at high production rates comprises applying a multi-layer sandwich of vapor deposited metal and release coats in alternating layers to a rotating chilled drum or suitable carrier medium contained in a vapor deposition chamber. The alternating metallized layers are applied by vapor deposition and the intervening release layers are preferably solvent soluble thermoplastic polymeric materials applied by vapor deposition sources contained in the vapor deposition chamber. The multi-layer sandwich built up in the vacuum chamber is removed from the drum or carrier and treated with a suitable organic solvent to dissolve the release coating from the metal in a stripping process that leaves the metal flakes essentially release coat free.

Abstract: In a process for upgrading cleaned used plastic material to be reclaimed, all steps are performed in a continuous way so as to extrude continuously the plastic material to provide elongated strands thereof, cutting the strands continuously as they are supplied by extrusion to convert them into pellets. Then, the pellets are fed without any intermediate storage to a continuous crystallizer in a stream of hot gas to heat the pellets to crystallizing temperature.

Abstract: A method of producing reformed crosslinked polymer articles provides reformed crosslinked articles free of visible and objectionable folds, seams and interfaces on reformed surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a product is produced by a method including the steps of extruding a silane-grafted polyethylene tube, heating an end of the tube, reforming the end of the tube to produce a radially enlarged sealing surface thereon, cooling the reformed tube, and curing the reformed tube to produce an increase in the degree of crosslinking of the polyethylene material.

Abstract: A reduction of the surface tackiness of a low-hardness thermally conductive silicone rubber sheet is performed by coating an organohydrogenpolysiloxane oil evenly on a resin film, and pasting together the oil-coated side of the resin film and an addition-cured low-hardness thermally conductive silicone rubber sheet having an Asker C hardness of from 1 to 80. Pasting can be done, for example, by passage between two rolls to supply the organohydrogenpolysiloxane oil to the surface of the silicone rubber sheet. Then, in only the surface part of the sheet, a cross-linking reaction is caused to reduce the tackiness of the sheet surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing fine denier multicomponent thermoplastic polymer filaments incorporating high melt-flow rate polymers. Multicomponent filaments are extruded such that the high melt-flow rate polymer component is substantially surrounded by one or more low melt-flow rate polymer components. The extruded multicomponent filament is then melt-attenuated with a significant drawing force to reduce the filament diameter and form continuous, fine denier filaments.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the production of a reinforced polymer, which method comprises: (a) introducing carbon nanotubes into a polymer to provide a mixture of the polymer and the nanotubes; (b) stretching the mixture at or above the melting temperature (Tm) of the polymer to orient the carbon nanotubes; and (c) stretching the mixture in the solid state to further orient the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf ball is disclosed. A cover is molded through use of either a thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group or a thermoplastic resin containing a compound having two or more groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. Subsequently, a polyisocyanate compound is caused to permeate into the surface layer of the cover to thereby cause the reaction between the polyisocyanate compound and the group(s) capable of reacting with the isocyanate group. As a result, a modified layer having excellent properties is formed at the surface of the cover formed from thermoplastic resin. In this case, a non-yellowing polyurethane resin is preferably used as the thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group, and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is preferably used as the polyisocyanate compound.

Abstract: A method of depositing solder on a conductive region of a substrate comprising providing a substrate having a substrate aperture and a coefficient of thermal expansion. A polymeric stencil is also provided such as to have a stencil aperture and a coefficient of thermal expansion which is approximately equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate. The method also includes disposing the polymeric stencil on the substrate such that the stencil aperture is aligned with a conductive region; and reflowing the solder paste while the polymeric stencil remains disposed on the substrate. The polymeric stencil is then removed from the substrate essentially without any solder-paste being removed with the polymeric stencil.

Abstract: A salt sculpture air freshener is formed of a sodium chloride material, such as halite, formed into a sculpted shape and having a coated material thereover. It is mounted to a base having an electrical heater, such as an electric lamp, mounted therein for heating the coated salt material. The salt material may have a light tunnel therethrough for passing the heat and light from the electric heater so that the coated material is heated to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound. The process of making an air freshener includes forming the salt material into a sculpted shape, selecting and coating the formed salt material with a coating material having bactericidal properties, mounting the coated salt material to a base having a heater therein, and heating the salt material to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound.

Abstract: A silicone rubber windshield wiper blade 10 having a coefficient of friction of 0.2 formed by embedding a tetrafluoroethylene polymer 43 such as Teflon plastic into a surface region of the blade 10.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively curing a sheet of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer (EPDM) material to form a roofing membrane for installation on a roof deck. The method includes the steps of providing a sheet formed of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer, the sheet having a field and longitudinal edge areas bordering the field; and then simultaneously shielding at least one edge area of the EPDM sheet and exposing at least the field to a source of radiation to cure at least the field of the EPDM sheet and provide a selectively cured EPDM roofing membrane. Also disclosed is the product formed by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for changing the dielectric properties of a polymer impregnated and pyrolyzed ceramic matrix composite (polymer impregnated and pyrolyzed ceramic matrix composite) is disclosed. The polymer impregnated and pyrolyzed ceramic matrix composite can be used in aircraft and turbine engines. polymer impregnated and pyrolyzed ceramic matrix composite comprises a ceramic matrix, a reinforcing fiber, and at least 1 additive used to change dielectric properties (dielectric constant and loss factor). The additive can be a low dielectric constant material having a dielectric constant in the range of 1 to 7.5. The low dielectric constant material can be an oxide such as silica or aluminosilicate or a non-oxide such as silicon nitride, boron nitride, or silicon carbide. The low dielectric constant material can be incorporated in the ceramic matrix as a filler.

Abstract: A method of modifying a physical property of a nanotube includes subjecting a nanotube having a defined lattice structure orientation to stress conditions sufficient to disrupt the lattice structure and form a dipole of dislocation cores therein, and wherein the dipole of dislocation cores split and propagate in the nanotube in a manner such that the dipole of dislocation cores are separated by at least one domain of modified structure, and wherein the physical properties of the nanotube are altered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of cellulosic moulded bodies which are formed from a solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide, particularly fibers, whereby the moulded bodies are brought into contact with an aqueous solution of a textile auxiliary agent which bears two reactive groups in the alkaline milieu. The invention is characterised in that as the textile auxiliary agent, a compound of formula whereby X is halogen, R═H or an ionic residue and n=0 or 1, respectively a salt of this compound is used. The invention also relates to the use of compounds of this formula to reduce the tendency to fibrillate and to increase the UV absorption of solvent-spun fibers.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of lyocell cellulose fibers which comprises treating the lyocell cellulose fibers with at least one compound of the formula wherein R1 and R2 are each independently of the other halogen or a sulfo-substituted phenylamino radical, at least one of the two substituents R1 and R2 being halogen, R3 and R4 are each independently of the other unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted by C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, acylamino, sulfo, —SO2—CH═CH2, —SO2—CH2CH2—OSO3H, —NH—CO—CBr═CH2 or by —NH—CO—CHBr—CH2Br, A1 and A2 are each independently of the other —O—, —S— or —NR5—, wherein R5 is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, A3 and A4 are each independently of the other —O—, —S— or —NR5—, or —A3—R3 is halogen and/or —A4—R4 is halogen, wherein R5 is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl and B is an

Abstract: The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250.times. magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: An erosion-resistant, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide window and method of making the same are disclosed. The method includes the step of immersing a chemically vapor-deposited or a hot isostatic pressed, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide body into a liquid comprising gallium, the liquid having a temperature of about 600.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C., for at least about thirty minutes to form a gallium-doped body. The gallium-doped, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide body according to the invention is one capable of transmitting light having a wavelength in the range of about 300 nanometers to about 15,000 nanometers. Furthermore, the gallium-doped, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide window according to the invention is capable of transmitting light, having a wavelength in the range of about 380 nanometers to about 700 nanometers have been exposed to rain erosion for 20 minutes at 470 miles per hour with a 90.degree.

Abstract: A profiled element for use as a wiping strip in a motor vehicle screen wiper is made of rubber or an elastomer, and has a coating formed by applying a solution to the profiled element. The solution comprises a powder of graphite for example, which is dispersed in a resin, and the solution includes a proofing agent for making the coating impermeable.

Abstract: A candle has an elongated wax body formed around a wick and having a tip from which the wick projects and which is formed with a shoulder. The candle is oriented upside down with the tip from which the wick projects directed downward and heat is projected against a surface of the tip to melt wax on the surface of the tip such that the melted wax runs down and drips off the candle tip and wick projecting therefrom. Heat is projected against the tip by directing a hot-air jet against the tip. Alternately this can be done by projecting infrared radiation against the tip. To achieve the most attractive results the candle is rotated about a central longitudinal candle axis while projecting heat against its tip.

Abstract: The invention provides in improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.

Abstract: A porous material of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which can retain at least 90% of 0.109 .mu.m latex spheres and has a flow rate (IPA flow rate) of at least 0.6 ml/cm.sup.2 /min as measured with isopropyl alcohol under a differential pressure of 1 kg/cm.sup.2. A process for the production of a porous material of PTFE, which comprises, after forming a molded article from fine powder of PTFE by paste extrusion, (1) sintering the molded article, (2) rolling up the molded article thus sintered and heat-treating it at a temperature lower than the melting point of the polytetrafluoroethylene in a state as rolled up, and then (3) stretching the molded article thus heat-treated in at least an uniaxial direction. The porous material of PTFE according to the present invention has micropores and good permeability and particularly is excellent in performance of retaining fine particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a fibrous electret material which includes the steps of (1) forming a fibrous web of nonconductive thermoplastic fibers from a blend of nonconductive thermoplastic resin and an additive which is (a) a thermally stable organic compound or oligomer containing at least one perfluorinated moiety or (b) a thermally stable organic triazine compound or oligomer containing at least one nitrogen atom in addition to those in the triazine group or (c) a combination thereof; (2) impinging jets of water or a stream of water droplets onto the web at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge; and (3) drying the web.

Abstract: A tamper evident cap is provided which includes plastic and includes a skirt having means for engaging means on a neck of a container for closing and opening the container, and an annular frangible band connected to and depending from the skirt, wherein the band includes an outer wall frangibly connected to the skirt by a line of weakness comprising fracturable bridges, posts and the like, and an inner wall joined to the bottom of the outer wall by a curvilinear connecting portion and extending therefrom inwardly and upwardly in a generally inverted "J", "U", "V", triangulated curl " or "trapazoidal" cross-sectional shape, wherein the inner wall includes a free end comprising a rim adapted to engage the interfering means on a container.

Abstract: A profiled element for use as a wiping strip in a motor vehicle screen wiper is made of rubber or an elastomer, and has a coating formed by applying a solution to the profiled element. The solution comprises a powder of graphite for example, which is dispersed in a resin, and the solution includes a proofing agent for making the coating impermeable.

Abstract: A process for improving the permselectivity of polymeric gas separation membranes is disclosed. The process involves contacting the membrane with a fluorocarbon, such as fluorinated ethers, perferably perfluorinated compounds, or a solution of a fluorocarbon and a caulking agent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the application of a pattern on a work piece of thermoplastic material, preferably plastic, in which method a material, preferably fabric, carrying a predetermined pattern, is brought into contact against said work piece, that the plastic material is heated to a predetermined temperature, and that said patterned material is allowed to remain in contact with the plastic material for a predetermined time, so that the pattern is completely or partly taken up by the work piece, whereupon said pattern carrying material is removed, a method for the production of an object from the work piece with simultaneous application of the pattern, as well as an object produced according to the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing process of synthetic yarn and the produced yarn which has superior texture and brightness, and excellent color developing, hygroscopicity, and anti-static properties. A plurality of monofilaments is drawn out at an appropriate speed, dried and heated. Then a property enhancing agent containing a metallic salt, alcohol, optional solvent and optional additional functional agent, such as a hygroscopic agent, ultraviolet protecting agent, or resist agent, etc. is applied onto the surface of the filaments which are melted and flame bonded to each other. Multi-filaments are formed with spaces therebetween in which the functional agent remains inserted. The new synthetic yarn is produced after the multi-filaments are subjected to washing, drying and take-up procedures.

Abstract: Conventionally produced edible tubular casing is improved in its mechanical properties by being exposed to ultraviolet spectra in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm. The so treated casing is humidified, collapsed and wound onto a reel. The reel of tubular casing may be transported to a point of use where it is unwound, inflated, shipped and cut into lengths as desired.

Abstract: An abrasive wheel made of an abrasive which is chemically reactive with a ceramic workpiece and a binder mixed with the abrasive is held against the ceramic workpiece at a temperature ranging from 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. preferably 100.degree. C. to 180.degree. C., under at least an atmospheric pressure in a moistening atmosphere within a pressure vessel. The abrasive wheel is rotated in abrading contact with the ceramic workpiece. A surface layer of the ceramic workpiece which is held against the abrasive wheel is mechanically abraded and also subjected to a tribochemical reaction with the abrasive wheel, so that the surface layer of the ceramic workpiece can smoothly and neatly be removed from the ceramic workpiece. The ceramic workpiece thus ground is finished highly accurately and efficiently.

Abstract: A PTC element comprising a conductive sheet of a crystalline polyolefin matrix and a conductive filler, having provided on both sides thereof an electrode of a metallic foil, the PTC element having a resistivity at 20.degree. C. (.rho..sub.20) of not more than 1.8 .OMEGA..multidot.cm, a peak resistivity (.rho..sub.p) of not less than 2.0.times.10.sup.6 .OMEGA..multidot.cm, and a temperature difference ?T.sub.a (0.degree.C.)-T.sub.b (.degree.C.)! of not greater than 10.degree. C., wherein T.sub.a (.degree.C.) is a temperature at which the resistivity is 10.sup.6 times the resistivity at 20.degree. C. (.rho..sub.20) and T.sub.b (.degree.C.) is a temperature at which the resistivity is 10 times the resistivity at 20.degree. C. (.rho..sub.20).

Abstract: This invention provides a molded polymeric object, partially or completely coated with a hydrophilic polymer which provides a wettable surface to the molded object such as a contact lens. It also provides a process for using latent-hydrophilic monomers to make molded objects with wettable surfaces.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a hollow body including a plastic, in which at least one polyalkyleneimine is added to the plastic.

Abstract: A method of producing reformed crosslinked polymer articles provides reformed crosslinked articles free of visible and objectionable folds, seams, and interfaces on reformed surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a method includes the steps of extruding a silane-grafted polyethylene tube, heating an end of the tube, reforming the end of the tube to produce a radially enlarged sealing surface thereon, cooling the reformed tube, and curing the reformed tube to produce an increase in the degree of crosslinking of the polyethylene material.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a thin, durable coating of a perfluorosulfonated, salt- or acid-form ionomer on a selected substrate, which comprises contacting the substrate with an aqueous, surface active dispersion of the thermoplastic, sulfonyl fluoride precursor of the perfluorosulfonated, salt- or acid-form ionomer, contacting the dispersion-wetted substrate with a salt solution or a strongly ionizing acid solution of a sufficient ionic strength to cause a thin, adherent coating of the precursor particles in said dispersion to be formed on the substrate, then removing excess dispersion and excess salt or acid solution, annealing the coated substrate at an elevated temperature and thereafter converting the precursor to the desired acid or salt form ionomer.