Abstract: A unitary removable and reuseable jacket for the thermal insulation of pipe accounterments. The fully-formed generally-rectangular jacket is composed of three layers: a heat and water resistant outer fabric layer, a hardened rigid-cell polyurethane middle layer, and a thin flexible heat-shrinkable plastic inner layer. The inner and outer layers are joined together by perimeter seams and a transverse center seam which form two pockets adapted to contain the polyurethane foam middle layer. The inner and outer layers are formed at time of manufacture while the middle layer is formed during the application process. During the application process, an exothermic chemical reaction is generated by the combination of the chemicals polyol and isocyanate which are inserted between the inner and outer layers through holes contained in the outer layer, to form a rapidly expanding and hardening rigid cell polyurethane foam middle layer.

Abstract: A process for diffusing and subliming water-soluble and water-insoluble materials into never-dried, shrinkable aromatic polyamide fibers, using steam heated at certain controlled temperatures, within a specially designed treatment chamber and a process and apparatus for treating a tow of shrinkable material.

Abstract: A cable splice is environmentally sealed by positioning around it a stretched sheet of a curable elastomeric composition, allowing the sheet to relax into engagement, and then curing the composition. The composition may comprise a polychloroprene elastomer and a polyepoxide and optionally a curing agent, the polyepoxide present in sufficient quantity that it can act as a plasticizer.

Abstract: The method includes the step of providing a cylindrical mandrel with vacuum openings around the circumference thereof and of a diameter substantially equal to the maximum diameter of the container. A thermoplastic strip is then wrapped around both the container and the mandrel, and just that portion of the strip enclosing the container is heat shrunk to follow closely the contour of the container. Then, the mandrel is withdrawn from the thermoplastic sleeve and that portion of the sleeve extending above the container is heat shrunk to engage snugly over the top of the container lid.

Abstract: Polypropylene surgical monofilaments sutures of improved compliance are made by drawing polypropylene monofilament to a greater extent than its natural draw ratio, followed by annealing with shrinkage.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly supports an umbilical cord during the shaping and curing of the cord for use as a vascular graft. The mandrel assembly has a pair of mandrel members adapted to be releasably connected in end-to-end relation. Adjacent end sections of the mandrel members have reduced cross sectional shapes to provide the graft with a throat to restrict the flow of blood through the vascular graft. Each mandrel member has a low friction outer surface to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the mandrel member from the lumen of the umbilical cord. In one embodiment, the adjacent ends and neck portions of the mandrel members have small holes. A vacuum pump draws air from within the mandrel members to withdraw moisture from the tissue of the umbilical cord and hold the umbilical cord in conforming relationship with the joined mandrel members during the forming and curing of the umbilical cord.

Abstract: A method of making wraparound fabric article comprises positioning a closure member(s) at an edge portion of a sheet of fabric (1), and welding or bonding (a) fibres of the fabric adjacent to the closure member so as to trap the closure member by preventing of reducing relative movement of fibres at the edge portion (2). Preferably, the method involves attaching two closure members to the fabric, by which the article can be held in a wrapped around configuration.

Abstract: A method of vulcanizing a tubular article by extruding a sheath of unoriented polyethylene terephthalate about the article followed by quenching the sheath to an amorphous state. The sheathed article is then subjected to vulcanizing conditions in order to convert the sheath from the low density amorphous state to the higher density crystalline state, thus compressing the article to effect a smooth finish.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluidic module from two or more pieces of plastic material having an intermolecular bonded interface, comprises forming an interface surface on each piece, forming at least one fluidic passageway in at least one of the interface surfaces, assembling the pieces with the interface surfaces in contact with each other and confining them against expansion. Heat is applied to the assembled pieces to induce their expansion against their confinement to cause transmigration of molecules from one interface surface to the other to bond the pieces together.

Abstract: An electrical component, such as a joint between bus bars, is insulated by wrapping therearound a sheet of gel-like material, and manually causing it to conform to the joint. The material is curable by ultra-violet radiation, and this is directed on to the wrapped sheet to cause it to harden. A recoverable tube may be mounted over the sheet, before or after curing, to provide additional protection.

Abstract: A screen unit for a screening machine comprises a screen layer which is bonded to a screen frame spanning an opening thereof. The screen layer is uniformly heated before such bonding is effected so that cooling after bonding generates a tension in the screen layer to allow it to have a trampoline or drumhead vibratile action. The tension is maintained by a reinforcing frame embedded in the frame body.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacture of elastic leg and/or waist disposable diapers. A preferred form of the diaper uses for the entire moisture impermeable backing sheet an elastomeric material of the type that is heat unstable and relatively inelastic in its unshrunk form and stable and relatively elastic in its heat shrunk form. Numerous materials of this type are available. Included among them are block copolymers which include a rubbery material as one component, polyurethanes, and irradiated polyethylene. Alternatively, a conventional polyolefin backing sheet may be used with strips of the heat shrinkable elastomeric material bonded in appropriate marginal locations in the waist or leg zones. These marginal zones are then heated to an appropriate temperature and any tension on the sheet relaxed to allow shrinkage and elasticization to take place.

Abstract: The method of preparing dried asymmetric cellulose acetate blend membranes through the use of at least one drying agent which is a hydrophobic organic compound, such as polysiloxanes, hydrocarbons, ethers, ketones, chlorohydrocarbons or nitrohydrocarbons. The membranes are dried from their aqueous state by direct evaporation of water. The resulting air dried membranes are suitable for the desalination of water by reverse osmosis, non-aqueous liquid separation, ultrafiltration, pervaporation, and for the separation of various gaseous mixtures into their constituent parts.

Abstract: Methods of modifying substrates, in particular joining pipes, especially pipes composed of glass fiber-reinforced polymers, make use of heat-recoverable conductive polymer articles. An insert is placed between the substrate and the article, and undergoes a desired chemical and/or physical change when the article is recovered. Preferably the insert is a fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymer which is cured in situ against the substrate. Preferably the conductive polymer is a sintered material or another material having good physical properties above its recovery temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for improving the dimensional stability of a thermoplastic polymeric film such that it can be used as a flexible support in optical disk assemblies in which maintenance of flatness, smoothness and track configuration of the record layer thereon is essential. This process comprises the steps of: (a) heat treating the film for a time and at a temperature sufficient to achieve a low free volume state; (b) subjecting the film to a substantially uniform omnidirectional tension; and (c) heat treating the film while under such tension for a time and at a temperature sufficient to effect substantial stress relaxation.

Abstract: A heat deformable tube having a melt liner of noncross-linked, thermoplastic material, such that upon heating to a temperature high enough to cause the tube to return to its original shape; the melt liner melts and encapsulates the substrate.

Abstract: A heat resistant container is made from a PET preform by crystallizing its neck (10), heating just its body to the softening temperature of PET, blow molding an intermediate container (21) in a cooled mold (5.degree. to 40.degree. C.) with a larger volume than that of the final container to be obtained, heating the intermediate container to 180.degree.-220.degree. C. for 1 to 15 min, and then molding it a second time to its final dimensions at a temperature of 80.degree.-100.degree. C. for 2 to 6 sec.

Abstract: A wrap-around recoverable article suitable for enclosing a splice in a telecommunications cable splice comprises a fabric cover portion and closure elements at its edge regions which can be held together to maintain the sleeve in a wrapped-around configuration around the cable splice. The closure elements comprise a bundle of heat-stable filaments, preferably glass, enclosed by a loop or folded-over portion of the fabric.

Abstract: A process for extrusion comprising extruding, under conditions which will provide a shrink film, a linear low density copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, said copolymer having (i) a density in the range of about 0.915 to about 0.932 grams per cubic centimeter; (ii) a weight average molecular weight of at least about 250,000, (iii) a ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight of at least about 6; and (iv) a copolymer species with a molecular weight of at least about 500,000 in an amount of at least about 8 percent by weight based on the weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: A mold for forming a plastic cap and a method of removing a cap from such a mold. The mold includes female and male members which, together, form a mold cavity in which the cap is formed. The female member includes an upper assembly and a plurality of cams. The cams have radial protrusions engaging the male member to form annular recesses in the cap. The cap is removed from the mold by moving the upper assembly of the female member axially and the cams thereof radially away from the cap, and then removing the cap itself from the male member of the mold. Preferably the cap is shrunk onto the male member to develop a space between the cap and the female member of the mold prior to moving the female member away from the cap.

Abstract: A wraparound recoverable article comprises longitudinally opposed edge regions which can be brought together to close the article. On recovery of the article a configurational change of or adjacent the closure member can be seen. This can be used as a temperature indicator to show that recovery is complete. Preferably the configurational change is a rotation of the material at the edge regions which results in a white line extending along the length of the closure, and which is not visible before recovery, becoming visible.

Abstract: Process for the production of elastic tapes from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, wherein the thermoplastic is extruded to form a flat or tubular film and is slit in the usual manner, the extruded film being oriented lengthwise at least in the ratio of 1:1.5, cooled and stored until the modulus of elasticity has increased by at least 25%, measured according to DIN 53,455, before the film is slit, and the use of these tapes for the production of elastic seals.

Abstract: A method is provided for masking a crack in a drywall or plaster surface of a dwelling, comprising the steps of die cutting a repair patch from a heat-shrinkable plastic film of a defined size presenting a surface area adapted to be placed in covering relation over the crack and bounded about its periphery by surrounding edges. The patch is prepared with an adhesive confined to the surrounding edges only and is placed over the crack making an initial attachment to the drywall and heat is applied to the patch, to cause a contraction in size of the patch while exerting a pressure normal in size in the patch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cable. In the cable, the conductors are surrounded entirely or partly by synthetic resin supporting elements. In order to avoid shrinkage of the supporting elements, and hence extra loads on cable at high temperatures, the supporting elements are preshrunk before assembly of the cable. The elements are preshrunk by heating a temperature just below the softening temperature of the synthetic resin in question, maintaining them at this temperature, and then cooling them. During the heating process, the strength elements are mounted in such a way that their contraction will not put them into tension.

Abstract: Curable fabric comprising first and second curing reactants, at least one of which is in the form of a fabric member, and comprising heat-recoverable fabric members.

Abstract: Monofils and bristles which comprise at least 90% by weight of acrylonitrile units and have a linear density of more than 2.5 tex possess a relative solution viscosity of 1.7 to 6.0, a tear strength of at least 20 cN/tex and an initial modulus of more than 700 cN/tex.The manufacturing process is distinguished by a wet stretch of the spun filaments by at least 1:4, drying under tension and a subsequent hot stretch of at least 1:2, the overall stretch being at least 1:8, preferably 1:10 to 1:20.The monofils and bristles according to the invention are suitable in particular for producing filament-reinforced composite materials.

Abstract: A method of preparing a template for a product from a sample of the product. The ultimate template is either larger or smaller in size than the sample. Initially, a mixture of liquid rubber and a curing agent is prepared. The sample is then covered with the mixture and the mixture is permitted to harden to form a temporary mold. The sample is then removed from the mold to form a cavity, and the size of the cavity in the mold is altered to either increase or decrease its dimensions. Finally, a hardenable material, such as an epoxy resin, is poured into the mold to form the template. If an enlarged template is to be formed, the size of the cavity of the mold is increased by immersing the mold in an organic solvent bath. If the size of the mold is to be decreased, an organic solvent is added to the mixture before formation of the mold, and after the mold has been formed, it is heated to shrink the size of the mold.

Abstract: To convey corrosive liquids, rubber hoses are customarily provided with an inner lining that is made of a synthetic material which is resistant to solvent. In order to achieve the previously unobtainable smooth, fold-free application of the thin plastic foil against the inner rubber layer of a hose, the present invention utilizes an extremely thin-walled contractible foil sleeve that is smoothly contracted upon a rigid fabrication mandrel. This foil sleeve then forms the base for the further build-up of the hose.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing fiber reinforced silicone elastomer hoses and the hoses (25) resulting from the method are disclosed. The method comprises the step of extruding an unreinforced silicone elastomer inner tube (13) containing two vulcanizing agents having different activation temperatures. The extruded inner tube (13) is partially cured by heating the tube to the activation temperature of the lower temperture vulcanizing agent. The partially cured inner tube (13) is mounted on a mandrel (19) and wrapped with a fabric reinforced, calendered sheet (21) of uncured silicone elastomer containing a vulcanizing agent. External pressure is applied to the wrapped tube while the wrapped tube is heated to activate the second vulcanizing agent of the inner tube (13) and the vulcanizing agent of the wrapping sheet (21).

Abstract: A low temperature heat shrinkable ethylenepropylene diene terpolymer tubing is described which has a texturized surface. Upon applying the heat shrinkable tubing to a complex shaped object and exposing it to temperatures below 85.degree. C., the tubing shrinks radially, linearly and uniformly so as to preserve the texturized friction surface, shrinking over depressions and expansions of the complex surface without wrinkling. In addition, a low temperature semiconductive heat shrinkable tubing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article comprising a magnetic shielding thermoplastic polymeric material containing a powdery ferrite and a heat shrinkable thermoplastic polymeric material layer. Due to its specific structure, this article is excellent in applicability over any electrical component, and may provide over the component a cover having excellent magnetic shielding and mechanical strength properties. It may also bring about a substantial increase in inductance of the component.

Abstract: A method of forming a windowed unitary panel having a peripheral edge portion of a windowpane of glazing integrally embedded within a frame of high modulus plastic material includes heating the pane to a preselected temperature prior to its being positioned within a mold. The peripheral edge portion of the windowpane protrudes into the mold cavity so that the high modulus plastic material forming the frame encapsulates the peripheral edge portion. This prevents buckling of the windowpane since the preheated windowpane contracts simultaneously with the contraction of the rigid frame as it cools from the molding temperature to ambient.

Abstract: A branch-off region at an end of a sleeve (2), enclosing for example a branch in a telecommunications cable, is sealed by a method which includes positioning at the end of the sleeve (2) some means for example a clip (1) or a filling piece that forms terminal conduits (3), positioning a heat-activatable adhesive (5) in the end, and activating the adhesive by a heating means such as an electrical heater.

Abstract: A process for placing heat-shrinkable polyfluoroolefin polymer sleeves, preferably, FEP resin or PFA resin, over Frasch sulfur well piping and other downhole well piping to protect such piping from corrosion.A heat chamber for heat-shrinking the polyfluoroolefin polymer sleeves onto the piping.

Abstract: A shaft assembly comprises a shaft having at least one small diameter portion located on the way in the axial direction thereof, and at least one member mounted to the outer periphery of the small diameter portion of the shaft rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction. The shaft assembly is produced by first forming the member on a large diameter portion of the shaft and then moving the member from the large diameter portion to the small diameter portion. The member moved to the small diameter portion is mounted to the small diameter portion rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction by the shrinkage thereof.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable tubing is described which has a texturized surface. Upon applying the heat shrinkable tubing to a complex shaped object and applying heat the tubing shrinks radially and linearly, uniformly so as to preserve the texturized friction surface, shrinking over depressions and expansions of the complex surface without wrinkling.

Abstract: A branch-off seal between a heat-recoverable sleeve, such as a tubular or wrap-around sleeve made from cross-linked polymeric material, and two or more substrates such as electrical cables is effected by using one or more clips the outer legs of which are positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve so as to form an appropriate number of conduits and applying heat to cause the sleeve to shrink about the substrates positioned within the conduits. The preferred clips are formed as a trident, the central leg of which extends into the heat-recoverable sleeve and is provided with a layer of a hot-melt adhesive or another sealant so as to enhance the seal formed at the branch-off.

Abstract: A process and device utilizing the memory characteristics of cross-linked polymers for temporarily holding and releasing parts or components is presented. In a first step, a polymeric material or part capable of being cross-linked is formed into a first "memory" shape. Thereafter, in a next step, the polymer is cross-linked via irradiation or any other suitable technique to fix or lock the polymer into the first memory shape. Next, the polymer is heated and deformed to a second shape and thereafter cooled to lock in that second shape. During the deformation process, the cross-linked polymer will preferably be deformed about a second component or part so that upon cooling, the second part will be tightly held by the deformed polymer. Thus, the second part or component will be temporarily held for any desired length of time.

Abstract: A process and device utilizing the memory characteristics of cross-linked polymers for temporarily holding and releasing parts or components is presented. In a first step, a polymeric material or part capable of being cross-linked is formed into a first "memory" shape. Thereafter, in a next step, the polymer is cross-linked via irradiation or any other suitable technique to fix or lock the polymer into the first memory shape. Next, the polymer is heated and deformed to a second shape and thereafter cooled to lock in that second shape. During the deformation process, the cross-linked polymer will preferably be deformed about a second component or part so that upon cooling, the second part will be tightly held by the deformed polymer. Thus, the second part or component will be temporarily held for any desired length of time.

Abstract: The within inventive method for repairing a drywall surface (i.e. gypsum boards) or a plaster wall or ceiling, obviates the need for spackling and contemplates instead the use of a plastic film in covering relation over the surface defect and in this position properly prepared, so that the plastic is totally devoid of wrinkles and in firm attachment to the surface, with the result that the repair cannot be detected from the original surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent electromagnetic wave shielding material comprising a black electroconductive synthetic fiber gauze embedded in a molded synthetic resin body composed of diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate. This gauze is preferentially located in the vicinity of the surface of the molded body, and the resin surface sinks in the portions of mesh openings of the gauze to impart a light scattering property to the surface.

Abstract: A heat recoverable article comprises a recoverable fabric and a polymeric layer of at least 0.03 mm thickness, and preferably unstressed. Such an article can be recovered by means of a torch to provide an environmental seal around substrates such as cables and pipes.

Abstract: Recovery of a heat recoverable article can be carried out without a flame by wrapping around the article a flexible bag and introducing into the bag a liquid of sufficient temperature and heat capacity. Uniform recovery is ensured by maintaining a pressure within the bag so it conforms to the changing size or shape of the recovering article.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells jacketed with a decorative heat shrink jacket are pre-heated to a temperature sufficient to soften the heat shrink jacket when placed thereon but below a temperature which will rapidly heat shrink the jacket. The heat shrink jacket is thereafter conformed to the cell by heat shrinking with distortion of the decoration thereon being minimized.

Abstract: A recoverable article comprising a recoverable fabric having a recovery of at least 40% may be used for providing environmental protection.

Abstract: In a submarine cable optical fibre regenerator housing a copper tail pipe (optionally with a brass end section incorporating an anti-extrusion profile for fitting inside a gland) is provided with a tight fitting length of thermoplastics sleeving by collapsing a thermoplastics preform down onto the tail pipe using heat and air pressure applied to the outside of an elastomeric tube into which the tail pipe and preform have been inserted.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing containers covered tightly with a protective sheet with a porous resin film layer or rubber film layer in-between.By the method of this invention, a resin solution or rubber solution is foamed mechanically in advance and the foamed layer made by the foamed resin film or the foamed rubber film then is covered with a heat shrinkable sheet which is heat shrunk tightly to the containers. The foamed layer does not shrink during the heating. Accordingly, the surface of the heat shrinkable sheet is free from waviness due to gas foaming of the covered layer during heat shrinking which has been the case with conventional methods. The method, therefore, does not affect the appearance or printing performance of the surface of the heat shrinkable sheet.

Abstract: A pipe cluster unit comprises a plurality of plastic pipes arranged parallel to one another and being in mutual engagement with one another along longitudinal lines of contact to form a pipe cluster and a cover layer bonded to external surface portions of the pipes. The cover layer connects adjoining pipes to one another by bridging the adjoining pipes at locations spaced from respective lines of contact between adjoining pipes.

Abstract: A method of covering a substrate which comprises(1) overlappingly wrapping a heat-shrinkable polymeric closure member in sheet form around an elongate substrate;(2) placing a crosslinked polymeric patch member over the exposed edge and outwardly disposed adjacent portions of the sheet in the area of the overlap;(3) interposing between the closure and patch members a layer of a hot melt adhesive; (4) heating the said hot melt adhesive to its tack temperature and pressing the patch member against the closure member, thereby bonding them together; and(5) heating the closure member to cause shrinkage thereof into circumferential contact with the substrate to conform generally to the shape of the substrate causing the patch member to stretch by at least 5% in the direction of shrinkagethe method being carried out under conditions such that (a) said patch member remains bonded to said closure member throughout at at least the major portion of its length in the overlap area; and (b) at least part of said patch membe

Abstract: For heat-setting tubular articles (such as can bodies) of an at least partly biaxially oriented crystallizable polymer, preferably a saturated linear polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, e.g. for thermally processable food containers, a tube of the polymer is fitted over a mandrel and clamped at its ends to the mandrel at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The tube is then heated, e.g. by inserting a heater 28 into the interior of the mandrel, above the temperature to which it is to be heat-set (at least 60.degree. C. above for PET) whereupon it shrinks into contact with the mandrel but is restrained from axial or further radial shrinkage. The tube and mandrel are cooled to below the heat-set temperature and the tube may then be cut into can body sections by knives engaging in circumferential grooves. Contact between the tube and mandrel is released, e.g.