Abstract: Provided is a novel method by which a porous cellulose medium is able to be suitably produced from cellulose acetate. A method for producing a porous cellulose medium, which comprises: a step for preparing a cellulose acetate solution wherein cellulose acetate is dissolved in a solvent; and a step for obtaining a mixed solution by mixing the cellulose acetate solution, a deacetylating agent and a catalyst with each other.

Abstract: In the process for producing a rubber for manufacturing a tire: a calender forms a ply with a mixture of ingredients of the rubber while a conveyor moves the ply in a first direction, a mass of product other than the rubber is deposited on the ply, and the conveyor displaces the ply in a second direction, such that the mass is arranged between two faces of the ply extending one against the other.

Abstract: [Problem]To provide a method for producing a polyol-crosslinking, crosslinked fluororubber product which exhibits low tack properties and significantly increased rubber hardness. [Means for Solving the problem] The method comprises pressurizing, heating, and vulcanizing a fluororubber composition to mold a vulcanized product; the fluororubber composition comprising a polyol-crosslinkable fluororubber, a crosslinking accelerator including a quarternary phosphonium salt or a quarternary ammonium salt, and a polyol crosslinking agent, the weight ratio X of the crosslinking accelerator to the polyol crosslinking agent (crosslinking accelerator/polyol crosslinking agent) being from 0.90 to 3.00 for a quarternary phosphonium salt, and being from 0.4 to 0.6 for a quarternary ammonium salt; applying a treatment solution containing the polyol crosslinking agent and the crosslinking accelerator dissohttp://reedman/Manuals/Text_Manual/Section_03.htm - 3.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for making shaped polymeric materials. Methods are provided for making shaped polymeric materials from a precursor composition that contains a polar solvent and a polymerizable material that is miscible with the polar solvent. The precursor composition is at least partially polymerized in a mold.

Abstract: A novel oxide material (MIN-I) comprising YO2; and X2O3, wherein Y is a tetravalent element and X is a trivalent element, wherein X/Y=O or Y/X=30 to 100 is provided. Surprisingly, MIN-I can be reversibly deswollen. MIN-I can further be combined with a polymer to produce a nanocomposite, depolymerized to produce predominantly fully exfoliated layers (MIN-2), and pillared to produce a pillared oxide material (MIN-3), analogous to MCM-36. The materials are useful in a wide range of applications, such as catalysts, thin films, membranes, and coatings.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a package containing a compacted particulate composition, comprises wrapping a compacted particulate composition with a first film and treating the wrapped compacted particulate composition at an elevated temperature to shrink the film such that it clings to said composition. The resulting packages may be made using low compaction pressures and consequently may have low friability and be fast dissolving.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous processes for the production of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing an untreated golf ball core comprising a thermoset rubber composition, the untreated golf ball core comprising an untreated outer surface having a hardness; treating the untreated outer surface of the untreated golf ball core with a surface-softening material comprising at least one fatty acid or fatty acid salt composition to form a golf ball core comprising a treated outer surface having a hardness less than the hardness of the untreated outer surface; and forming at least one cover layer about the core to form the golf ball. Also, the untreated core may comprise a geometric center and an untreated outer surface, each having a hardness such that the hardness of the treated outer surface is less than both the hardness of the untreated geometric center and the hardness of the untreated outer surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial lenses containing metals and methods for their production.

Abstract: The method for producing resorbable or degradable polymeric medical devices by applying compressive forces on solid polymeric objects containing liquid or solid additives, is characterized in that: A) the additives are able to promote the slip-page of the polymeric objects through the forming device, facilitate transient chain mobility and promote chain orientation; B) said additives are present in an amount of 0.005 to 20% of the dry weight of said polymeric objects; C) the solubility parameters of said additives being selected in such a way that after absorbing by said polymeric objects the additives do not dissolve more than 0.01 to 1% of the total mass of said polymeric objects; D) said applying of compressive forces is performed minimally at a temperature of Tmin=Tg?50° C., Tg being the glass transition temperature of the polymer the said object is made of polymer; and E) said applying of compressive forces is performed maximally at a temperature Tmax=Tm?5° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an organized clay composite, wherein a step for cation exchanging an interlayer metal cation of a lamellar clay mineral to an organic onium ion by swelling the lamellar clay mineral with water or an aqueous solvent and then adding and mixing thereinto an emulsion which is obtained in advance by emulsifying a curable resin composition with use of an organic onium salt or with use of an organic onium salt and a nonionic surfactant, and a step for introducing the curable resin composition into the interlayer of the lamellar clay mineral are performed simultaneously. The present invention also relates to an organized clay composite obtained by the method. The present invention further relates to a resin molded product obtained by molding/curing such an organized clay composite.

Abstract: A method of preventing gravity-induced deformation of a ceramic green body. The method comprises providing a ceramic green body and disposing the body in a fluid medium bath having a density that is greater than or equal to that of the ceramic green body. The green body is suspended and floats freely in the fluid medium, and deformation of the green body due to its own weight is prevented. Outer or peripheral portions of the ceramic green body may also be stiffened when the fluid medium bath comprises an aqueous salt solution comes into contact with the green body and causes gelation of a binder within the ceramic green body.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a composite material including a hydrophobic porous organic polymer bead. An embodiment further relates to a method of obtaining the composite material as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: Biomimetic stimuli-responsive surfaces and articles of manufacture, together with methods of fabrication and related methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing porous structures, particles or matrixes, which may be comprised of one or a plurality of components, an apparatus for carrying out the method and particles formed in accordance with the method. The method is particularly suitable for producing porous composite or pure particles for pharmaceutical applications. In accordance with the method, a composite comprising a material such as a pharmaceutical, a biodegradable polymers and/or a biological agent is formed. The composite must further comprise a material that is soluble in supercritical fluid. Extraction of the supercritical fluid soluble material produces porous structures, which may be in the form of particles or matrixes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanoscale ceramic composite generally includes modifying a polymeric ceramic precursor, mixing the modified polymeric ceramic precursor with a block copolymer to form a mixture, forming an ordered structure from the mixture, wherein the modified polymeric ceramic precursor selectively associates with a specific type of block of the block copolymer, and heating the ordered structure for a time and at a temperature effective to form the nanoscale ceramic composite.

Abstract: Compositions containing at least one liquid epoxy resin, at least one solid epoxy resin, at least one propellant, at least one curing agent and at least one mica-containing filler produce expandable, thermally curable binder systems which may be used without the addition of hollow glass beads for the production of stiffening and reinforcing laminates and for the production of stiffening and reinforcing moldings. Said laminates according to the invention are suitable for the stiffening and reinforcing of components, in particular in the automotive industry, such as car body frames, doors, boot lids, engine bonnets and/or roof parts. In addition, the mouldings that may be produced from said binders are suitable for the stiffening and reinforcing of hollow metal structures, in particular of hollow car body parts such as body frames, body supports and posts or doors in the automotive industry.

Abstract: A self-sealing shell useful as a component of a soft fluid-filled prosthetic implant is provided. The shell is at least partly constructed of a wall made of a colloid of an elastomeric polymer matrix and particles of a water-swellable material distributed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate-supported process for continuous and automated manufacturing of microfibrous fuel cells and other electrochemical cells. Specifically, a removable substrate layer is formed around an inner current collector, followed by sequentially coating multiple structure layers, such as the inner catalyst layer, the membrane separator, and the outer catalyst layer, over such removable substrate layer, and subsequent removing such removable substrate layer, so as to form a lumen around the inner current collector, to allow passage of fluid therethrough. The removable substrate layer preferably comprises a water-soluble polymer, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous method for producing polarizing films that includes a step of monoaxially stretching a polyvinyl alcohol film having a width of at least 2 m in an aqueous boric acid solution, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol film is stretched on the condition that it satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2): A?5 (m)??(1) A/B?0.5 (min) (2) wherein A indicates the stretching distance (m); and B indicates the stretched film speed (m/min). The method gives wide polarizing films of wide and good polarization performance, and the polarizing films thus produced are useful as the material for polarizers that may be in large-size liquid-crystal displays.

Abstract: A process and method for recycling cigarette butts is disclosed. The process and method involves reacting ground cigarette butts with a solvent and mineral spirits and then shaping and drying the resultant product. Once the processed cigarette butts have hardened or cured the material may be formed into useful objects with no leaching of chemicals upon contact with water.

Abstract: A hollow particle having a core/shell structure in which the core contains an acid group and is crosslinked, the surface of the core is covered with an interlayer of an acid group-free, crosslinked resin having a Tg of from ?60° C. to 80° C., the surface of the interlayer is covered with an outer layer of an acid group-free, crosslinked resin having a Tg of from 80 to 150° C., and the particle has a hollow structure inside thereof that is produced by ionizing and swelling the acid group of the core by the action of a volatile base.

Abstract: Polymer films comprising plasticizer compounds represented by Structure 1 as described in the specification are useful as protective films in polarizing plates for display applications. Methods of manufacturing such polymer films and polarizing plates are also disclosed.

Abstract: In the swell-welding according to the invention of two bodies, of which at least one body consists of plastic, the connection surface of the plastic body is firstly exposed to a gas which contains the vapor of a swelling agent for the plastic. The plastic body reversibly swollen at the surface is welded to the other body by pressing onto one another, and the pressed-together bodies are conditioned. In all process steps, the temperature of the bodies to be connected is below the glass transition temperature of the plastic. No auxiliary substance remains in the welded body. The flush connection produced by swell welding is durable and strong.

Abstract: A method of preparing a plasticised particulate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composition is provided, comprising: mixing, in a mixer, at a mixer speed and for a time sufficient that the mixture attains a temperature of at least 50° C.: particulate PVA resin in an amount from 80% to 90% by weight of the mixture; and plasticiser in an amount from 10% to 20% by weight of the mixture, wherein at least a portion of the plasticiser is water; monitoring the apparent viscosity of the mixture during mixing and continuing mixing until the apparent viscosity of the mixture has peaked to a maximum and dropped off to a substantially constant level, thereby to obtain a plasticised particulate mixture having a moisture content in the range from 7% to 14%; preferably adding an anti-caking agent in an amount from 0.05% to 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating Alzheimer's disease is disclosed. The method comprises delivering indomethacin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action directly to the hippocampus or the lateral ventricle through an implanted catheter. The catheter has a flexible distal end that is implanted directly in the hippocampus or lateral ventricle as the preferred embodiment. The distal end has either a porous tip or a closed end. Where the distal end is closed, or a plurality of elution holes are present indomethacin is delivered to the hippocampus or lateral ventricle through either the porous tip or the elution holes.

Abstract: A method of making a multichromal sphere includes the steps of preparing a composition of at least (1) a matrix material and (2) at least two sets of particles, each of the sets of particles having a color different from at least one of another of the sets of particles and a segregation (e.g., an electrical or magnetic) property different from at least one of another of the sets of particles, encapsulating the composition within a shell to form an encapsulated sphere, immobilizing the encapsulated sphere in a manner to restrict at least rotation of the encapsulated sphere, subjecting the immobilized encapsulated sphere to an external field associated with the segregation property different among the sets of particles, under conditions in which the sets of particles are able to migrate within the matrix material, thereby producing color segregation in the immobilized encapsulated sphere, and solidifying the matrix material while substantially maintaining the color segregation.

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: A cylindrical filter element which comprises a folded filter medium, in particular having a pleated configuration, which is annularly secured to a hollow cylinder, two expanded film axial end plates, and a support tube which is integrated into the cylindrical filter element and upon which the folded filter medium may be affixed. The support tube has an annular components adjacent respective axial end plates which has an interlocking fit with the film end plates and which may be connected to a sealing element.

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: The invention relates to a method of waterproofing the surface of a polymer work piece. The aim of the invention is to prevent liquid or gaseous, hydroxyl-group (OH group) containing substances, such as water, vapor or glycerol, from diffusing into a polymer surface. To this end, the work piece is treated with at least one organic solvent that blisters the surface of the polymer work piece, thereby diffusing at least one waterproofing agent dissolved in the solvent into the surface of the polymer work piece, said waterproofing agent being a silicon-organic compound. The solvent is allowed to react and is then removed from the polymer work piece, whereby at least a part of the waterproofing agent remains bound in the surface of the polymer work piece.

Abstract: A method of making a multichromal sphere includes the steps of preparing a composition of at least (1) a matrix material and (2) at least two sets of particles, each of the sets of particles having a color different from at least one of another of the sets of particles and a segregation (e.g., an electrical or magnetic) property different from at least one of another of the sets of particles, encapsulating the composition within a shell to form an encapsulated sphere, immobilizing the encapsulated sphere in a manner to restrict at least rotation of the encapsulated sphere, subjecting the immobilized encapsulated sphere to an external field associated with the segregation property different among the sets of particles, under conditions in which the sets of particles are able to migrate within the matrix material, thereby producing color segregation in the immobilized encapsulated sphere, and solidifying the matrix material while substantially maintaining the color segregation.

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: A method of manufacturing a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus. The including forming a hydrogel core from a hydrogel material in a natural state. The hydrogel material in the natural state is characterized by a natural swelling rate. The hydrogel is treated in an alkaline solution having a pH of at least about 8. This treatment transitions the hydrogel core from the natural state to a treated state characterized by an elevated swelling rate. The elevated swelling rate is greater that the natural swelling rate. The resultant, treated hydrogel core forms at least a portion of a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus that is otherwise sized for insertion into a spinal disc nucleus cavity. In one particular embodiment, the hydrogel core is inserted into a constraining jacket. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus including a hydrogel core having the elevated swelling rate.

Abstract: In-situ processes for making bichromal particles include forming particles having a one color and an anionic surface charge, and separately forming particles having another color and a cationic surface charge. The anionic and cationic particles are mixed, and aggregated to form bichromal aggregates. The aggregated particles are coalesced to form bichromal particles. The bichromal particles can be used in gyricon sheets and gyricon displays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: The present invention is related to systems and methods for modifying various non-equidimensional substrates with modifying agents. The system comprises a processing chamber configured for passing the non-equidimensional substrate therethrough, wherein the processing chamber is further configured to accept a treatment mixture into the chamber during movement of the non-equidimensional substrate through the processing chamber. The treatment mixture can comprise of the modifying agent in a carrier medium, wherein the carrier medium is selected from the group consisting of a supercritical fluid, a near-critical fluid, a superheated fluid, a superheated liquid, and a liquefied gas. Thus, the modifying agent can be applied to the non-equidimensional substrate upon contact between the treatment mixture and the non-equidimensional substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material. This method is not limited to room temperature conditions and can be applied whenever the expandable polymer material is wet with a wettable liquid, and the expansion is performed at a temperature preferably below the vaporization or boiling points of that liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: A process for making high aspect ratio metal flakes 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 materials applied by suitable coating or vapor deposition sources contained in the vapor deposition chamber. The release coat materials can be a thermoplastic solvent-soluble polymer. The multi-layer sandwich built up in the vacuum chamber is removed from the drum or carrier and treated with a suitable solvent to dissolve the release coating from the metal in a stripping process that leaves the metal flakes essentially release coat free.

Abstract: A method of maintaining as well as restoring the condition of weathered asphalt shingles and strips which are applied to flat roofs, pitched roofs, or vertical walls. The process involves applying resaturant neat or as a water emulsion. Suitable resaturants include fatty acid methyl esters, petroleum distillates, and water emulsions thereof. The process restores the suppleness and softness of the weathered shingles or strip and adds about three years to the lifetime of the roof. The process may be repeated for additional lifetime extension.

Abstract: A process for making high aspect ratio metal flakes 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 or water soluble materials applied by suitable coating or vapor deposition sources contained in the vapor deposition chamber. The release coat materials can be a thermoplastic solvent-soluble polymer, a water soluble inorganic salt, or a high boiling point dissolvable wax-like substance. The multi-layer sandwich built up in the vacuum chamber is removed from the drum or carrier and treated with a suitable solvent or water to dissolve the release coating from the metal in a stripping process that leaves the metal flakes essentially release coat free.

Abstract: Composite products comprising or incorporating compression moldings of waste or filler particles (16) encapsulated and bound together by a thermoplastic binder (15) into a compacted mass of a shape selected for its end use, the compression molding being prepared by intensely mixing together particles of thermoplastic and waste or filler material to raise their temperature to bring the thermoplastic particles to a molten state where they coat the waste or filler particles (16), then compression molding the hot coated waste or filler particles.

Abstract: A method of making rotating element sheet material utilizing magnetic latching is disclosed. First a plurality of rotating elements having a magnetized segment are mixed with magnetic particles to attract the magnetic particles to the magnetized segments. Then the rotating elements with the attached magnetic particles are mixed with a liquid elastomer. A magnetic field is applied to orient the rotating elements in a common direction. When the rotating elements and the attached magnetic particles have all been oriented the elastomer is cured to form an elastomer substrate with trapped rotating elements and magnetic particles. The elastomer substrate is then immersed into a bath of dielectric plasticizer which is absorbed more readily by elastomer than by the rotating elements. The elastomer substrate swells to create plasticizer-filled voids around the rotating elements. The magnetic particles remain incorporated within the elastomer to form magnetic material pads which are associated with an element.

Abstract: The present invention provides elastomeric sleeves, such as, for example, grips for hand tools or sports equipment such as golf clubs, tennis racquets, baseball bats and the like, or sleeves for covering joints and/or splices in conduits or electrical devices. The invention also relates to swelling solvents and the use of swelling solvents to expand such a sleeve. In accordance with the invention, the expanded sleeve may be fitted over an elongate article, such as a grip-receiving portion of a golf club shaft or a tool, and contracted by evaporating the swelling solvent therefrom to bring the sleeve into tight contact with the elongate article.

Abstract: A method of making rotating element sheet material utilizing magnetic latching is disclosed. First a plurality of rotating elements, each element having a magnetized segment, are mixed with an elastomer and a plurality of magnetic particles to attract the magnetic particles to the magnetized segments. Then a magnetic field is applied to orient the elements in a common direction. When the rotating elements have all been oriented in a common direction, they are held in that orientation for a long enough period of time to allow the magnetic particles to migrate in the elastomer to the regions of the elastomer in the vicinity of the magnetized segments of the elements. The elastomer is then cured to form an elastomer substrate with trapped rotating elements and magnetic particles. The elastomer substrate is then immersed into a bath of dielectric plasticizer which is absorbed more readily by elastomer than by the rotating elements.

Abstract: A novel process for producing mouldings, especially contact lenses, is described, comprising the following steps: a) introducing into a mould a prepolymer containing photo crosslinkable groups that is liquid at room temperature or is readily meltable and is substantially free of solvents; b) initiating the photo cross-linking for a period of <20 minutes; c) opening the mould, so that the moulding can be removed for the mould. In accordance with the process according to the invention, it is possible especially to produce contact lenses having valuable properties.

Abstract: A method of expanding a sintered alumina substrate which includes the step, after conventional sintering, of heating the sintered alumina substrate to a temperature of about 1340 to 1380.degree. C. and holding at the temperature for a predetermined time but no less than 15 minutes, the heating step causing the sintered alumina substrate to expand.

Abstract: A method of assembling a first component for assembly with a second component involves a heating device which includes an enclosure having a cavity for inserting a first component. An array of infrared energy generators is disposed within the enclosure. At least a portion of the first component is inserted into the cavity, exposed to infrared energy and thereby heated to a temperature wherein the portion of the first component is sufficiently softened and/or expanded for assembly with a second component.