Abstract: The method provides for forming a supporting structure of the steering wheel, the structure having a metal core and an outer cover layer of polymer material; for each portion of the structure to be covered with valuable material (e.g. brier), two curved preformed half-shells of multilayer composite material are formed of such shape and size as to fit, facing each other, on opposite sides about the corresponding portion of the structure, so as to define a substantially continuous, tubular shell; the portion of the structure is wound, over the outer cover layer, with at least one layer of cloth impregnated with a polymer resin and to which the preformed half-shells are applied; and polymerization of the polymer resin, conducted in a heated mold, ensures adhesion of the half-shells to each other and to the structure.

Abstract: A filter element 10 for purifying fluids having a filter medium 11, an enclosure member 12, and a rod 13. The filter medium 11 has folds 14, which may be zigzag-shaped, and which define a fold height 15 and a pleat surface 16. At right angles to folds 14 extend end faces 17, which represent the course of the folds 14. The enclosure members 12 are arranged on the end faces 17. To support the folds 14, the rod 13 pierces through the pleat surfaces 16 of the folds 14 creating joints 19. These joints 19 are sealed, e.g., by additional seals or by fusing the filter medium to the support rod or the support rod to the filter medium.

Abstract: In a method of producing a fuel tank from plastic, a heating element is located between two shell parts to be welded to one another. When the shell parts are pressed together, the heating element melts into the plastic and produces a weld that provides a fuel-resistant seal. The fuel tank subsequently has a particularly exact shape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid medium containing composite ultrafine particles comprises the steps of preparing a dispersion medium that is a liquid medium in which ultrafine particles of different materials from each other are dispersed, introducing the dispersion medium into first and second chambers, respectively, applying high frequency voltage to the chambers and exciting dispersion media, applying direct current voltage to each dispersion medium on the downstream side than the applying position of the high frequency voltage and electrifying these in different polarities from each other, and aggregating/bonding by means of excitation transfer as well as electrostatically aggregating ultrafine particles each other in the liquid medium in the crashing field by injecting the dispersion media electrified in different polarities from each other through two nozzle sections at a high speed, and crossing/crashing each other.

Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic resin molded products by pressing together joining surfaces of two molded products with electric resistance wire therebetween is provided, wherein the method comprising: a first step in which electric resistance wire 20 is sandwiched between the joining surfaces of two molded products which are to be joined, pressure is applied at a first predetermined pressure, and current of a predetermined value is applied for a predetermined time to the electric resistance wire, so that the resin around the electric resistance wire is melted by the thermal energy produced in the electric resistance wire while the surfaces of the two molded products that are to be joined are held at a predetermined interval; and a second step in which, following the conclusion of the first step, the current being applied to the electric resistance wire is stopped, and a second predetermined pressure is applied to attach the molten resin under pressure.

Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic pipes made by spiral winding a hollow profile with mainly rectangular cross section.

Abstract: Solid reaction products with a dense nanocrystalline structure are formed from reactant particles with diameters in the nano-scale range by compacting the particles into a green body, then passing an electric current through the body causing Joule heating sufficient to initiate the reaction to form the reaction product while simultaneously applying pressure to the reacting body to density it to a density approaching the theoretical density of the pure product. Surprisingly, this process results in a reaction product that retains the nanocrystalline structure of the starting materials, despite the fact that a reaction has occurred and the materials have been subjected to highly stringent conditions of electric current, heat and pressure.

Abstract: A sintered ceramic body which can be worked by electrical discharge machining, has high mechanical strength, and can be worked into sintered ceramic tools which have long life is disclosed. Further, sintered ceramic tools which have long life and scarcely cause flaws in work pieces are provided. The sintered ceramic body comprises ceramic particles having specific particle diameter and particle distribution.

Abstract: Stresses are relieved in elongated extruded plastic members by passing electric currents through electrical conductors embedded in the reinforcing bars. The reinforcing bars are manufactured according to a pultrusion process in which 1/16 inch diameter MIG wire is introduced into a roving bundle of impregnated fibers and drawn through a curing and shaping die. The resulting product is a rigid reinforcing bar having a longitudinal wire extending its entire length. The reinforcing bars are cut to lengths corresponding to the desired lengths of the elongated members to be extruded. The elongated member is manufactured using an extrusion process in which molten plastic surrounds a plurality of reinforcing bars to form a continuously extruded member. The member is cooled, cut at the reinforcing bar joints, and prepared for electrical resistance heating. Electrical contacts are inserted into bores provided in the ends of each reinforcing bar and are placed in electrical contact with the embedded wire.

Abstract: A molded product which is molded with thermoplastic resin by a thermal deposition method. The method uses a substantially ring-shaped resistance heating element. A hole is provided for impressing the voltage by inserting the electrode from this hole and impressing the voltage to the resistance heating element. Thereafter the hole is blocked. The electric resistance heating body is disposed between the composition planes of the parts which are to form a body.

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: In an automotive upholstery component including a trim main body and an ornamental sheet mounted on a selected part of the surface of the trim main body, the ornamental sheet is attached to the trim main body without using a bonding agent so that the fabrication steps may be reduced in number, the working environment may be improved, and the design characteristics of the product may be enhanced. A door trim main body is placed on an upper die for pressing which is equipped with a welder upper electrode, and the ornamental sheet is placed on the lower die for pressing which is equipped with a welder lower electrode. High frequency electric current of a prescribed voltage is applied across the upper and lower electrodes so that the ornamental sheet may be attached to a prescribed part of the surface of the door trim main body 20 over the entire area of the ornamental sheet, and the use of a bonding agent may be thereby abolished.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapidly drying and compacting wet fiber mats are disclosed. Rapid drying is produced by heating the wet fiber mats with a combination of radiowave energy and conductive heating. As the fiber mats are heated, three-dimensional compacting forces are applied by pressing the fiber mats between a flat surface press and a porous support on which is mounted a resilient mold insert. At high radio frequencies in the microwave range, power is transmitted from a multimode cavity through the porous support and resilient mold insert to the fiber mat. At low radio frequencies, differential radio-frequency voltages are applied directly to metal press plates which contain and compact the fiber mat. Methods and apparatus can be adapted to conveyorized or multi-opening press operations. Objects suitable for use with the invention are most commonly characterized by having a flat face surface on one side and webs or other features which may extend normal or generally normal to the flat surface.

Abstract: A method and lining for rehabilitating a pipe or conduit. The method comprising providing a heat curable resin impregnated lining with first and second conductive strips extending lengthwise through the lining from a first end to a second end and separated circumferentially by non-conductive material. Connecting the conductive strips together at said second end and causing a current to flow through said first conductive layer from said first end to said second end of said lining, and through said second conductive lining from said second end to said first end. The lining having a plurality of conductive strips extending lengthwise through the lining.

Abstract: An internal molding having a predetermined shape of a hollow portion of a manifold is integrally molded by blow molding or the like, and external molding elements having a predetermined shape of the exterior of the manifold and being split into a plurality of parts are molded. The internal molding is integrated with the external molding elements by adhesion or fusion. Further, an external molding is molded, and an internal molding having a shape substantially identical with or smaller than a predetermined shape of a hollow portion of the hollow resin molding is integrally molded. Then, the internal molding is softened by arranging the internal molding inside the external molding and heating the internal molding, and the inside of the internal molding is thereafter pressurized to cause the internal molding to contact the external molding, so that the internal molding is integrated with the external molding.

Abstract: A system (30) and method for preheating molding compound in the form of resin pellets (20) used in molding integrated circuits (50). A slanted plate (36) is connected to an electrode (31) to preheat resin pellets (20). The slanted plate (36) produces a temperature gradient in pellets (20) with a high temperature end (21) and a lower temperature end (22). A preheated pellet (20) with the lower temperature end (22) first is placed in a mold pot (40). A transfer ram (46) contacts the high temperature end (21) of the pellet (20) to deform the pellet (20) and fill any void spaces between the pellet (20) and surrounding mold pot bushing (44). The ram (46) continues to deform the pellet (20) to force air or other gases from the mold pot bushing (44) and to inject molding compound into a mold cavity (42).

Abstract: In a method for connecting pipe pieces of corrugated pipes to form a pipe, which is to be used in particular as a protection pipe for communication cables or light wave guides, external pipe segments are formed by appropriate cutting in the vicinity of the external pipe portions, which external pipe segments are inserted into recesses of welding sleeves. These welding sleeves comprise an outer ring and an inner ring, the inner ring not projecting radially beyond the inner pipe portions into the pipe. At least one of the rings is welded with the external pipe segments.

Abstract: A lining and method for in situ rehabilitation of a pipe. The lining includes a tubular shaped resin impregnated composite having a conductive layer surrounding an inflatable bladder. The method includes the steps of positioning the lining within a pipe section, inflating the bladder until the lining is in contiguous contact with the interior of the pipe and inducing an electric current through the conductive layer to resistively heat the lining and cure the impregnated resin.

Abstract: This invention provides a porous film useful as a fresh fruit and vegetable wrapping material which is obtained by forming a large number of small recesses in an organic film and which does not allow permeation of water, bacteria, and viruses, but allows permeation of a gas, e.g., the oxygen gas or the carbon dioxide gas, and water vapor. The porous film includes the organic film and the large number of recesses formed in the organic film and having an average opening width of 0.5 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m and inner surfaces exhibiting affinity.