Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generation of fine fibers via electro-spinning from a polymer solution is provided. The spray or spinning electrode is dipped in a polymer solution to maintain a polymer solution coating on the electrode for electrostatic spinning of fine fibers. A cover provides an evaporation barrier that reduces solvent loss. The drive unit may move the electrode around the cover to facilitate dipping of part of the electrode while exposing another part of the electrode for electro-spinning of fine fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a porous chemical mechanical polishing pad comprising focusing a laser beam from a laser into a sintering nozzle and injecting the fluidized thermoplastic particles into the sintering nozzle via an injection port. The method further provides sintering the thermoplastic particles with the laser beam and selectively depositing the sintered thermoplastic particles onto a table to form the polishing pad.

Abstract: The present invention provides membranes having a coating layer comprising cellulose or cellulose derivative and a porous support comprising nanofibers prepared by a process of coating a solution comprising cellulose or a cellulose derivative dissolved in an ionic liquid on to a porous support layer. The present invention is useful for providing improved water flux and high rejection rates for oil/water emulsions. The present invention also provides fluid separation systems in UF, NF, RO and FO, incorporating membranes of the present invention.

Abstract: Articles of manufacturing comprising electrospun elements having continuous or stepwise gradients of porosity, average pore size, weight per volume and/or of agents for promoting cell colonization, differentiation, extravasation and/or migration are provided. Also provided are methods of manufacturing and using same for guiding tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter describes the use of fluorinated elastomer-based materials, in particular perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based materials, in high-resolution soft or imprint lithographic applications, such as micro- and nanoscale replica molding, and the first nano-contact molding of organic materials to generate high fidelity features using an elastomeric mold. Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter describes a method for producing free-standing, isolated nanostructures of any shape using soft or imprint lithography technique.

Abstract: A nozzle comprising a thin, flexible substantially planar polymeric film having a plurality of pores with structures allowing for generation of an aerosol at reduced extrusion pressure is disclosed. The pores can comprise at least two sections, or steps, in which the thickness of the membrane is reduced in stepwise fashion, or the pores can be tapered. Nozzles formed comprising pores having such structures permit aerosol generation at lower extrusion pressures, thereby allowing for decreased weight of aerosolization devices, increased efficiency, increased portability and increased battery life. The pore structures also allow for the use of thicker, more easily processed polymeric films in manufacturing while having a thinner, more efficient aerosolization area. The use of decreased extrusion pressures also results in increased uniformity in aerosol generation and improved reliability of other components.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing of the pre-inked rubber stamp from thermo-plastic material, based on selective closing of surface pores of raw printing plate (27) from porous thermo-plastic material by selective flash irradiation, comprising of preparing of transparent thin sheet material (30) with non-transparent original pattern of necessary stamp print-out, pressing raw printing plate, covered with the said transparent sheet with original pattern, against flat transparent cover (2) of a flash light source, exposing the said raw printing plate through the said transparent sheet by several flashes, the raw printing plate (27) together with the thin sheet (30) with original pattern is transposed along the transparent cover (2) of the flash light source between the flash expositions, a non-transparent cover (32) with opening for exposing and markings (33) is used.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing an anisotropic material comprising providing a viscoplastic material having a yield stress, and a plurality of magnetic particles disposed therein, and then subjecting the viscoplastic material to a magnetic field for a time sufficient to at least partially align at least a portion of the magnetic particles to at least one of a predetermined position or orientation. Also disclosed is an article having anisotropic properties comprising a viscoplastic material, and a plurality of magnetic particles distributed therein and at least partially aligned to a predetermined orientation. An article having anisotropic properties, comprising a fixed viscoplastic material, and a plurality of magnetic particles distributed and at least partially anisotropically aligned in the fixed viscoplastic material is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in first subjecting the polyimide sheet to ionic bombardment, followed by an irradiation in the visible domain and finally a relatively brief chemical etching. Said method enables a thin polyimide sheet comprising pores, of nanometric to micrometric size, having a substantially cylindrical shape and substantially equal diameters to be obtained.

Abstract: A homogeneous bulky porous ceramic material is provided, the average pore diameter D50 of which is less than 4 ?m and the closed porosity of which is less than 2 ?m, and having a bubble point that matches the pore diameter measured on the material. A hollow fiber based on the material and a module employing such fibers together with a paste constituting a precursor for the material and including a pore-forming agent are also provided.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis comprising a first layer having a predetermined first porosity and a second layer having a predetermined second porosity, wherein the first layer and the second layer are each made of first and second electrospun polymer fibers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing slippery-proof foam materials having protruded threads, which comprises the steps of foaming Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) or EVA pellets into a foam material plate, attaching a high heat resisting mesh cloth onto the surface of the plate, heating the plate by a heating device to soften the material to an extent of being suitable for a plastic formation, rolling and pressing the plate by a rolling mold or a piece of mold having an even surface and a plurality of tiny grooves thereon, so that the section of the plate receiving a larger rolling and pressing force moves towards the section receiving a smaller rolling and pressing force, and then passes through the meshes of the high heat resisting mesh cloth under the condition of being held up by the high heat resisting mesh cloth to form evenly protruded threads on the surface thereof after being cooled immediately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component composite separate membrane and a method for preparing the same, and to a multi-component composite membrane comprising a support layer and active layers, wherein the support layer is located between the active layers.

Abstract: A suction-side transmission or engine filter includes a filter bag assembly having an outlet portion and a media bag enclosing an inner support structure, the filter bag assembly is contained at least partially within a housing having an outlet port. The outlet portion and outlet port are aligned and sealed together creating an outside-in fluid flow scheme.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter comprises the steps of assembling multiple layers of filtration material on top of one another to form an assembly; holding the assembly between an ultrasonic weld horn and a weld nest so that the assembly has a marginal area outside of an edge formed on either the nest or the weld horn; and operating the weld horn so as to cause the marginal area to be cut off from the assembly at the edge and to simultaneously seal together the layers of filtration material of the remaining assembly at the edge. A filter made by the process and an apparatus used to practice the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a dome-shaped sealing element for a vaginal speculum from an annular workpiece of closed cell polyethylene foam sheet material is described.

Abstract: These glass bodies are light weight porous structures such as a boules of high purity fused silica (HPFS). More specifically, the porous structures are supports for HPFS mirror blanks. Porous glass is made utilizing flame deposition of pure silica or doped silica in a manner similar to the production of high purity fused silica. Bubbles or seeds are formed in the glass during laydown. Finely divided silicon carbide (SiC) particles are used to form the bubbles. At least one layer of porous glass is formed in the boule.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of holes, particularly of micro-perforations, in a composite material, constituted by fibers embedded in a resinous matrix, characterized in that it consists in a preliminary step of carrying out on a specimen of the composite material, with the help of a laser beam, tests consisting in adjusting the duration of illumination at a predetermined place on the specimen, as well as the focusing and power of said laser beam, so as to confine the temperature in the mass of the material to a range of temperatures both greater than the thermal decomposition temperature of the matrix resin and below the temperature of altering the physical properties of the fibers, so as to carry out the elimination of the resin without affecting the physical integrity of the fibers, then in reproducing on the material (8) to be treated, at each position of a perforation to be made, the operating conditions of the laser (10, 12) so as to constitute in said material a through passage, as a resul

Abstract: A method for bonding an electrically conductive silicon carbide structure to an electrically conductive siliconized silicon carbide structure by temporarily securing the siliconized silicon carbide structure to the silicon carbide structure; placing the silicon carbide structure with secured siliconized silicon carbide structure into an induction heating furnace having an induction coil which heats electrically conductive material in the furnace when sufficient electrical power at a frequency of from about 300 to about 1000 KC is passed through the coil; and causing sufficient electrical power at a frequency of from about 300 to about 1000 KC to be passed through the coil to raise the temperature of the siliconized silicon carbide structure and silicon carbide structure to a temperature above about 1500° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of creating pores in a polymer material in sheet form or a polymer layer such as a thin film with a thickness equal to around 100 nanometers, previously deposited on a metallic base. The invention further relates to a method of creating pores in a polymer material in sheet form, such as polycarbonate or any other equivalent material, the said method making it possible to obtain porous areas with controllable sizes and shapes, these areas being distributed according to densities and locations which can also be controlled.

Abstract: An improved process for producing bonded activated carbon structures utilizing microwave radiation is provided. The structures are produced by exposing a particulate mixture comprised of activated carbon particles and polyolefin resin binder particles in a microwave transparent mold to increase the temperature of the activated carbon particles 3 to 30° C. above the crystalline melting point of the polyolefin resin binder and thereafter compressing the mixture to increase contact between the particles and lowering the temperature of the particulate mixture below the melting point of the polyolefin while maintaining point bond formation conditions. The bonded structures may be separated from the container and used as such or the bonded structure and container in which it is formed may be retained and used as a unit.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis comprising a first layer having a predetermined first porosity and a second layer having a predetermined second porosity, wherein the first layer and the second layer are each made of first and second electrospun polymer fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex coacervation process based on the use of type B gelatin as polycationic colloid, for the preparation of “Halal” certified flavor-containing microcapsules.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a porous resin stamp, which can repeatedly seal without supplying ink for a long period of time by beforehand soaking ink therein, and a producing method thereof. The present invention is characterized in the producing method of porous resin stamp, wherein an original that can selectively pass light through is put together with a porous resin body combined with at least phathalocyanine pigments as heating material which generate heat by light irradiated from a light source; the light is irradiated from the original side toward the surface of porous resin body; and an ink inexuding portion is formed by melting a surface layer of the porous resin body with heat of the heating material generated by the light passed through the original.

Abstract: A mat of polymeric fibers is treated to alter a filtration surface by the application of heat and pressure. The filtration surface is heated to a temperature sufficient to soften the fibers and pressure is applied to compact the softened fibers in order to reduce the average pore size on or at the filtration surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in general, to an improved material and method of planarizing a surface on a semiconductor wafer and, more specifically, to a method of altering the properties of polymers, preferably thermoplastic foam polymers, used in polishing applications. The chemical and mechanical properties thermoplastic foam substrates can be transformed by inorganic, inorganic-organic, and or organic—organic grafting techniques, such that the polymer foam is endowed with new set of properties that more desirable and suitable for polishing.

Abstract: A method of producing a microporous membrane comprising the steps of: extruding a polymer at a temperature of from (polymer melting point +10° C.) to (polymer melting point +100° C.); drawing the extruded polymer at a rate of 5˜120 m/min in 10˜150° C. to obtain a polymer film; annealing the polymer film at a temperature of from (polymer melting point −100° C.) to (polymer melting point −5° C.) for 10 seconds to 1 hour; irradiating both surfaces of the annealed polymer film with an ion-particle amount of 102˜1020 ion/cm2 energized at 10−2˜107 KeV, at an irradiating distance of 5˜100 cm under a vacuum of 10−2˜10−[torr; cold stretching the irradiated polymer film at a temperature of from −20° C. to (polymer melting point −40° C.); hot stretching the cold stretched polymer film at a temperature of from (polymer melting point −40° C.) to (polymer melting point −5° C.

Abstract: A method for controlling pores of a spongy molding comprising a water-soluble polymeric material, which comprises a prefreezing step characterized in that a solution or a gel of the water-soluble material is prefreezed by cooling an interfacial side of the solution or the gel and air layer to induce a temperature slope in parallel with a direction of thickness within the solution or the gel, and a step of lyophilizing a solution or a gel of the water-soluble material prefreezed in according to the prefreezing step. Using the method for controlling pores, a spongy molding having a porous form enabling easily physical connection with the outside and the inside of sponge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the pore structure of thin polymeric sheets, such as porous membranes and thin films, during solvent casting or interfacial polymerization. The invention may be used to reduce or eliminate macrovoid pore defects from solvent-cast or interfacially polymerized polymeric membranes used in a variety of separations or controlled release tasks or to create a desired pore structure in porous thin films, such as may be used in breathable garments, surgical dressings, and screen printing. A nonuniform electric field is generated at one or more locations in proximity to a liquid film in which a desired pore structure is to be formed. Due to the difference in dielectric constant between the liquid within the pores and that in the surrounding liquid, the electric field causes an attractive or repulsive force on the evolving pores.

Abstract: A process using acrylate monomers and ultraviolet light permits modification of porous polymeric materials without the use of a free radical initiator is described as is the material so modified. The modified polymeric material exhibits new properties such as wetability and advantageous flow characteristics that are useful in filtration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter comprises the steps of assembling multiple layers of filtration material on top of one another to form an assembly; holding the assembly between an ultrasonic weld horn and a weld nest so that the assembly has a marginal area outside of an edge formed on either the nest or the weld horn; and operating the weld horn so as to cause the marginal area to be cut off from the assembly at the edge and to simultaneously seal together the layers of filtration material of the remaining assembly at the edge. A filter made by the process and an apparatus used to practice the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a thin fiber-structured polymer web suitable for a high-speed and large-scale production using electrospinning.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a porous resin stamp, which can repeatedly seal without supplying ink for a long period of time by beforehand soaking ink therein, and a producing method thereof.

Abstract: A method for the production of molded bodies comprising foam particles is proposed in which the foam particles are shaped and welded together using microwave energy. The foam particles are accommodated in a foil-like bag and the bag is manually shaped or shaped through the use of a shaped mold with simultaneous change of the shape of the foam particles, and evacuated into a dense package. Microwave energy is subsequently used to melt together at least the surfaces of the foam particles. The method in accordance with the invention is particularly well suited as an economical manufacturing technique for packaging, in particular specialized packaging for models, small production runs, prototypes and the like.

Abstract: A susceptor-impregnated thermoplastic foam is molded by heating the susceptor-impregnated thermoplastic foam, preferably by induction; imprinting an object against the foam; and allowing the foam to cool into a hardened form conformed to the object.

Abstract: A method for re-using unneeded expanded styrene and an apparatus for preparing comminuted expanded styrene that can be used as a starting material for injection molding. The expanded styrene is rendered re-usable through a first step of comminuting expanded styrene, a second step of illuminating far-infra-red light to the expanded styrene comminuted by the first step to reduce its volume, a third step of further comminuting expanded styrene, reduced in volume by the second step, to prepare a granulated material, and a fourth step of injection-molding the granulated material from the third step to prepare a regenerated article.

Abstract: A method for re-using unneeded expanded styrene and an apparatus for preparing comminuted expanded styrene that can be used as a starting material for injection molding. The expanded styrene is rendered re-usable through a first step of comminuting expanded styrene, a second step of illuminating far-infra-red light to the expanded styrene comminuted by the first step to reduce its volume, a third step of further comminuting expanded styrene, reduced in volume by the second step, to prepare a granulated material, and a fourth step of injection-molding the granulated material from the third step to prepare a regenerated article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing inorganic porous materials, mainly composed of glass or glass-ceramic components. The glass or glass-ceramic components can have interconnected continuous macropores with a median diameter larger than 0.1 &mgr;m, and mesopores in the walls of said macropores, said mesopores having a median diameter between 2 and 100 nm. The process can include dissolving a water-soluble polymer or some other pore forming agent and a precursor for a matrix dissolving agent in a medium for mixing with a metalorganic compound.

Abstract: A plastic sheet capable of being shaped by a cold room temperature tool, said sheet being a semi-rigid thermoformable plastic foam doped with carbon black having a concentration within a range of 0.0000081 to 0.0081% by weight of the foam. And a method of forming a product from such sheet by heating it to its thermoforming temperature range by infrared (IR) heat and placing and compressing the sheet between mold parts of a cold tool, the IR heat preferably being generated by quartz lamp electric heaters.

Abstract: A ceramic filter containing at least one functional material and method of manufacturing, a ceramic filter whose surface through which a liquid to be purified flows into is densest and the average particle size of the filter continuously increases toward the interior thereof, a method of manufacturing the ceramic filter including ultrasonic vibration, an extrusion molding die used to manufacture the ceramic filter and an extrusion molding apparatus using the die.

Abstract: A method for closing of the pores of selected areas of the surface of thermo-plastic porous material (7), comprising heating of selected areas of the surface of the porous material (7) by light radiation. Simultaneously, the surface of the porous material (7) is compressed by a transparent smooth body (11). According to the embodiment (I), the surface of the porous material (7) is scanned over by one of the several focused light beams, that are switched on and off. According to the embodiment (II), between the porous material (6) and the smooth transparent body (11), a transparent means containing a light-absorbing pattern (9) of surface elements with pores being left open is placed, whereas the distance between the light-absorbing surface (10) and the surface (7) of the porous material (6) is at least 0.

Abstract: A new class of programmable electroset compositions in an uncured state consist of both a dielectric phase changing vehicle that is a fluid and an electrically conductive additive which is also a fluid. Compositions of the present invention are programmably responsive to electric energy input during cure such that the final, cured end-product properties are altered by at least 5% from those that would be obtained without such electric energy input. The programmably alterable properties include density, hardness and bouyancy. A new method wherein the extent of curing of the compositions is monitored requires the monitoring of both the input voltage and input current during electrosetting of the composition.

Abstract: A silicone/DACRON polyester composite vascular graft especially well suited as an arteriovenous (A-V) graft fistula for dialysis application. The graft has the ability to seal around needle puncture holes without externally applied pressure, excellent anti-kink, anti-crush and strength properties, and a smooth non-porous inner surface which reduces thrombus deposition and enhances the graft wall compliance or elasticity.

Abstract: A process of making a biocampatible porous hollow fiber that is made of polyolefine material and is coated with a biocompatible carbon material is disclosed. The biocompatible hollow fiber produced can be used as exchange material, diaphragms and/or semipermeable membranes within devices which will contact blood or plasma outside of the living body. The coated fiber is produced by introducing a preformed porous hollow fiber into an atmosphere of gaseous monomer vinylidene chloride and subsequent induction, e.g. by gamma radiation, of a graft-polymerization reaction to form an uniform polyvinylidene chloride layer. The ultimate coating is formed after a dehydrochlorination reaction in which hydrogen chloride is removed from the layer. The dechlorination reaction is typically performed by treating the fiber with hot concentrated aqueous ammonia solution. The reaction can be continued to reduce the chlorine content of the coating to less than 6% of its original value.

Abstract: A plastically deformable aqueous mixture capable of being shaped into a body, the mixture being composed of any one or combination of ceramic, glass-ceramic, glass, molecular sieve, carbon, or metal powders, cellulose ether organic binder, water insoluble hydrophobic polymer co-binder having an average molecular weight of at least about 8,000, plasticizer, and water. A method of making a body which involves mixing the above components in a high shear mixer at a temperature of about 30.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. to form a homogeneous mixture, extruding the mixture at a temperature of about 30.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. into a green body, followed by drying and firing to produce the product body.

Abstract: Bonding of expanded polymeric parts together to produce lost foam molds suitable for casting metallic details is accomplished by applying a non-aqueous, adhesive-free coating comprising a polar, highly dielectric component contained in a liquid vehicle to the interfacing surface of at least one of the parts to be joined. The interfacing surfaces of the parts to be joined are held in contact while the assembly is irradiated with high frequency electromagnetic energy. This energy enables the coating to dielectrically heat the mated expanded polymeric parts until a bond is effected by melting the polymeric parts and inducing expansion of the parts into one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part as a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder dispensing mechanism includes a drum which is moved horizontally across the target area and counter-rotated to smooth and distribute the powder in an even layer across the target area. A downdraft system provides controlled temperature air flow through the target area to moderate powder temperature during sintering.

Abstract: An annular culture vessel for growing mammalian cells is constructed in a one piece integral and annular configuration with an open end which is closed by an endcap. The culture vessel is rotatable about a horizontal axis by use of conventional roller systems commonly used in culture laboratories. The end wall of the endcap has tapered access ports to frictionally and sealingly receive the ends of hypodermic syringes. The syringes permit the introduction of fresh nutrient and withdrawal of spent nutrients. The walls are made of conventional polymeric cell culture material and are subjected to neutron bombardment to form minute gas permeable perforations in the walls.

Abstract: In molding bonded plastics material, in particular expanded or foamable polystyrene in combination with rigid sheet polystyrene, the rigid material (2) is firstly preformed in a preforming mold (33, 36) while simultaneously separating by a cutter (40) the preformed portion from the rigid sheet of starting material, the preformed portion is transferred (27) to the molding stage (3) while contained in a preforming half-mold (33), foamable material (44) is fed to and is molded onto the preformed portion with sintering and the pulse action of steam (45), and the molded portion (P) is discharged (6). The preforming half-mold (33) is moved alternately between the preforming position (1) and the molding position (3), and cooperates with respective counter-molds (36,41). The scrap is recovered without being involved in the molding stage.