Abstract: Reticulated polyvinyl chloride plastisol foams which can be produced using mechanical frothing techniques are disclosed. These reticulated foams are sufficiently open or porous to facilitate screen printing with plastisol inks to produce thru color, decorative, cushioned floor coverings.

Abstract: A polyolefin filter for tobacco products and the like was prepared. The extruded element is an open-cell foamed polyethylene or polypropylene having a TPM filtration efficiency greater than 20%. The filter rod can be made by extruding polyethylene containing less than 0.2 moles of a volatile blowing agent per 100 grams of resin at a melt temperature between 130.degree. C. and 150.degree. C., the temperature of the die being between 120.degree. C. and 136.degree. C. Higher melt temperature and die temperature are required for polypropylenes.

Abstract: A roof drain, for receiving rain water from a roof and conducting it to a drain pipe, includes a drain body made from polyurethane foam and having a flange integral with and adjacent to the inlet end of such drain body. A collar which makes sealing connection with the roof covering is attached to the drain body flange by molding the drain body in contact with a preformed collar of vinyl acetate ethylene material.

Abstract: Molten synthetic resin material containing foaming agent in an amount of 0.05 to 5 percent by weight is injected into a pre-pressurized mold cavity in a mold which is closed by a relatively low clamping force having a coefficient in the range of 10 to 40, said coefficient being represented as a ratio of clamping force to maximum injection shot volume. The above injection step is carried out for at least 3 seconds. After the injection step has been initiated, the pre-pressurized mold is released to atmosphere during the injection step at the soonest. At least two molds may be used to be alternately charged with said material.

Abstract: A horn pad assembly having a large irregularly shaped horn switch subassembly is made by enclosing the horn switch subassembly in a sealed bag of heat shrinkable plastic film to mask the slots and holes in the subassembly, heat shrinking the heat shrinkable plastic film to provide a relatively smooth and taut enclosure, and molding a decorative pad of resilient plastic material onto the portions of the heat shrunk plastic film covering the top sides and underside edges of the horn switch subassembly.

Abstract: Reticulated polyvinyl chloride plastisol foams which can be produced using mechanical frothing techniques are disclosed. These reticulated foams are sufficiently open or porous to facilitate screen printing with plastisol inks to produce thru color, decorative, cushioned floor coverings.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously forming an integral porous outer barrier layer having a density gradient therein on selected external surfaces of a fired ceramic article and for increasing the porosity content and crushability characteristics thereof embodies the firing of a ceramic compact comprising a reactant fugitive filler material and a ceramic material in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A process and die are disclosed for preparing a foamed article of thermoplastic resin having a particular cross section configuration. The die of the invention is provided with a plurality of apertures in its face through which the resin is discharged. The apertures in the face of the die are distributed in a shape corresponding to the cross section of the foamed article which is produced. The apertures are further divided into a plurality of groups in which there is at least one zone which is void of apertures so that the apertures in the same group are actually restricted to a narrow band. The zone on the surface of the die which is void of apertures has a thickness more than twice the average distance between two adjacent apertures belonging to the same group.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a one-step process for the production of elastomeric moldings which have a compact surface by the technique of reaction injection molding, using highly reactive systems of specific polyisocyanates, polyhydroxyl compounds and specific active aromatic polyamines. The instant invention further relates to active hydrogen containing blends useful in preparing elastomeric moldings, said blends comprising polyhydroxyl compounds, and specific active aromatic diamines. The blends herein may also contain catalyst for the reaction between hydroxyl groups and isocyanate groups.

Abstract: A process is presented for forming flexible foam, polyurethane foam material having an integral skin, and polyurethane foam laminates, from a thermosetting frothed mixture, particularly a mechanically frothed mixture. Also presented is a flexible polyurethane foam material having an integral skin, and polyurethane foam laminates.

Abstract: A method of molding articles of plastic having an expanded plastic cellular core using a closable and sealable mold having a sealed mold cavity and including at least one mold core extending into the cavity, comprises, directing the plastic melt material containing a foaming agent into the mold cavity under pressure so as to form a flow front of the melt which progresses through the cavity and which spreads out in all directions and flows around the mold core and tends to form a pocket of gas in the vicinity of the mold core, and venting the cavity adjacent the core so as to remove gas from any gas pocket which may be formed in the vicinity of the core. The apparatus for carrying out the invention includes a vent line which extends from the cavity in the vicinity of the mold core out of the cavity and which has a control valve for opening the vent line to vent any gas which forms in the cavity and which might tend to form a pocket after the buildup of a pressure in the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mixture of at least one non-sulphonated polysulphone and at least one sulphonated polysulphone, this mixture consisting of 10 to 30% by weight of a sulphonated polysulphone which has a theoretical exchange capacity of from 500 to 1,200 meq/kg is provided. Such mixtures enable one to obtain semi-permeable membranes using relatively concentrated solutions of the mixtures. The resulting membranes are particularly suitable for use in ultrafiltration.

Abstract: In a process for producing a highly expanded polyolefin insulated coaxial cable comprising the steps of feeding a polyolefin, a nucleating agent and a volatile liquid as a blowing agent to an extruder and heat extruding said mixture through said extruder onto an inner conductor passing through said extruder to cover the outer periphery of said inner conductor thereby forming an insulation layer of a highly expanded polyolefin foam having a foaming ratio in excess of 2.5 times (60% expansion degree), the improvement which includes the step of, after extruding the foaming polyolefin mixture around said inner conductor, sizing the outer surface of said foaming polyolefin layer on said inner conductor by means of a sizing die to provide a highly expanded uniform polyolefin insulation layer of a predetermined size, said insulation layer being tightly adhered to said inner conductor.

Abstract: This invention substantially improves the surface finish on resin filled foamed molded plastic products manufactured by injection molding by pre-heating the skin surface of that part of the mold in contact with the part prior to the injection cycle of the machine and then subsequently chilling the mold via internal tube connections to shorten the time needed in the manufacturing cycle for solidifying the part sufficiently for release from the mold.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the continuous production of block-shaped foam and to the equipment used therefore. The process of the invention broadly involves the heating of the bottom film prior to application of the foamable mixture. In this way, the undesirable crust generally formed on the bottom of the foam blocks is substantially reduced and/or eliminated.

Abstract: A process for producing an expanded article of a thermoplastic resin by extruding and expanding a foamable resin using an extruder equipped, on a resin channel in a die, with a nozzle having a number of apertures, which comprises flowing a resin mixture stream through an expansion zone while maintaining the resin mixture at a temperature above the melting point thereof, dividing the resin mixture stream into a plurality of separate streams, exiting these streams from the extrusion zone directly into a confined zone, thereby forming a plurality of soft expanded resin strands corresponding in number to the number of strands, bringing the strands into surface contact with each other to fuse and bond them together to form a bonded expanded resin mass while simultaneously removing gases generated in the course of extrusion and expansion, passing the bonded mass into an unconfined zone to permit the mass to further expand while still in a softened condition, passing the further expanded mass into a confined receivi

Abstract: A method for increasing the porosity and crushability characteristics thereof embodies the firing of a ceramic compact comprising a reactant fugitive filler material and a ceramic material in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously forming an integral barrier layer on selected external surfaces of a fired ceramic article and for increasing the porosity content and crushability characterstics thereof embodies the firing of a ceramic compact comprising a reactant fugitive filler material and a ceramic material in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A synthetic foam roofing system having roofing sections with a relatively broad undersurface and exposed surface configured to resemble interlocked and overlapping roofing shingles. Ridge, valley, hip, starter gable and starter course shingles are all constructed in a manner similar to the roofing sections to interface and interlock with the roofing sections. The roofing sections and interfacing components may be affixed by conventional means such as nails and adhesives to roof boards, rafters or over old existing roofing structures utilizing wood batting.

Abstract: An impact energy-absorbing, low density urethane foam for use in automobile bumpers has good moldability and is relatively temperature insensitive, i.e. gives approximately the same physical performance over a wide range of temperatures. This foam is characterized by its good multiple impact performance and low compression set values. The foam is water blown in a closed mold from a quasi-prepolymer system. The molded density is preferably in the range of 5 to 10 PCF.The foam formulation is based on a polymer polyol of a poly (oxypropylene/ethylene) triol reacted with a styrene/acrylonitrile monomer mixture which triol thus modified is reacted with (1) a roughly 1/5 to 1.5/1 weight amount of a hydroxy terminated polybutadiene homopolymer based on polymer polyol, (2) a 50 to 150 equivalent weight polyol crosslinker of 2 to 6 functionality, (3) a MDI glycol or triol quasi-prepolymer, and (4) some water.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the production of weather-resistant rigid molded foams based on polyurethanes having a dimensional stability under heat according to DIN 53 432 of at least 70.degree. C. and a compact surface, a cellular core and an integral density distribution throughout the cross-section of the moldings, comprising foaming a foamable reaction mixture of polyisocyanates, polyhydroxyl compounds, blowing agents and, optionally, other isocyanate-reactive compounds, activators and other auxiliaries in a closed mold under the conditions of in-mold foaming, the improvement wherein the polyisocyanates used are reaction products containing isocyanate groups and urethane groups, said reaction products formed by reacting diisocyanates containing at least one cycloaliphatically bound isocyanate group and no more than one aliphatically bound isocyanate group with sub-stoichiometric quantities of organic polyhydroxyl compounds.

Abstract: A bung for closing a wine bottle in the manner of a cork is formed in a conventional injection-moulding machine from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with the addition of sodium metabisulphite and sodium bicarbonate. The sodium metabisulphite, which is in stoichiometric excess in relation to the sodium bicarbonate, decomposes to liberate sulphur dioxide. The sodium bicarbonate decomposes to liberate water and carbon dioxide. The bung as moulded accordingly has a foamed core with a liquid-impervious skin. It contains sulphur dioxide, and water enabling the sulphur dioxide to act as an oxygen scavenger when the bung is in use in a wine bottle. The bung therefore provides the bottle with a long shelf life, with no noticeable tainting of the wine.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously forming an integral barrier layer on selected external surfaces of a fired alumina-based compound ceramic article and for increasing the porosity and crushability characteristics thereof embodies the sintering of a ceramic compact comprising a reactant fugitive filler material and the alumina-based compound ceramic material in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A molding composition is disclosed for forming in a single step a natural sandwich foam product having a cellular core and a thick, densified outer layer. A hard, particulate filler material such as fly ash is admixed with an unreacted, rigid polyurethane foam system, together with a density distribution control agent such as carbon tetrachloride which lowers the viscosity of the admixture. In molding, the mold cavity is charged with the admixture and the foam reaction is permitted to occur with the mold closed. The resultant, filled foam product has a thick outer layer formed adjacent the mold surface of substantially greater density than its core. In the densified layer, both the polyurethane and filler material components of the resultant product are concentrated to provide over three times the density of the core structure. Formulations are set forth which provide substantial layer thickness and an outer surface having a durometer hardness value of 50 or greater over the entire surface area.

Abstract: Shaped synthetic-resin bodies are made in a separable mold by injecting a flowable mass of a synthetic-resin material into the mold cavity. To precool the mass and cause an initial setting at least of the surface thereof, a liquefied gas, i.e. a low-boiling liquid which is in a gaseous state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, is introduced between the mass and the walls of the cavity. The coolant is discharged from the cavity through at least one controllable cross-section outlet to regulate the contact time between the coolant and the mass. The initially set precooled body is ejected from the mold and is subjected to final cooling and temperature homogenization (tempering), e.g. in a liquid bath.

Abstract: Unitary molded plastic hinged article and method of making in which a fluid molten mixture of heat softenable resin and a blowing agent in substantially unfoamed condition is introduced into an expandable mold cavity to fill the cavity and the mold is expanded to allow foaming of the resin to form at least one foam cored article section while the resin adjacent the mold surface is still fluid and in which the hinge structure is formed by a member adapted to form a thin, flex portion and portions transitional from the thickness of the flex portion to the thickness of a cored article section, the shaping member being slidably disposed in an aperture in the mold with portions of the walls of the aperture exposed within the mold cavity at the time the molten mixture is introduced and the exposed portions of the walls being wiped by the shaping member when the mold is expanded.

Abstract: A tough board of thermoplastic resin foam provided with skin layers on both surfaces thereof and formed of large cells elongated in the direction of the thickness of said board, wherein an intermediate high density layer thicker than 0.1mm lies substantially halfway between the upper and lower surfaces of said board. The board is formed by extruding thermoplastic resin containing dissolved foaming agent as a sheet, cooling the upper and lower surfaces rapidly to form solid skin layers and then slowly cooling while allowing controlled expansion thereof between expansion restricting members.

Abstract: A process for producing cork lines which comprises holding a leader or lers with a pair of metal molds having at the junctional surfaces thereof one or more cavities for forming a float or floats and one or more furrows formed so as to pass through said cavity or cavities for holding said leader or leaders, injecting a molten synthetic resin mixed witha foaming agent into said cavity or cavities to effect molding and foaming of said resin, cooling said metal molds and taking out a flat or floats integrally fixed to said leader or leaders from said metal molds.

Abstract: Foam insulated conductor is produced by heating the conductor to a temperature at which the conductor retains sufficient heat to effect crosslinking and foaming of a polymer composition, followed by extruding the polymer composition onto the conductor, with the crosslinking and foaming being effcted by the retained heat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for continuous extrusion coating of a hollow core material with a highly expanded polyolefin resin, which is characterized by subjecting an extruded molten mass of an expandable polyolefin resin to external cooling at the point at which said molten mass begins to foam and supplying said hollow core material with the surface temperature thereof kept below the softening point of said polyolefin resin for thereby enhancing the fastness of adhesion of the highly expanded polyolefin foam with the hollow core material and at the same time facilitating the release of the two materials thus joined.

Abstract: A method of forming a ball core is disclosed. A flowable homogeneous mass of a thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent is injected into the spherical cavity of a mold under temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to activate the blowing agent. The mold is cooled to 32.degree. to 65.degree. F. so as to form a skin on the surface of the mass. The mass is held within the mold cavity for a sufficient time so that the skin has adequate strength to prevent its rupture by blowing agent contained within the mass, upon removal of the mass from the mold cavity. The mass is cooled at an exterior temperature of 32.degree. to 65.degree. F. A ball core for baseballs and softballs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an imitation wood workpiece by forming a synthetic resin workpiece having a cellular plastic core and a densified covering layer after extruding and solidifying synthetic resin and thereafter imparting an appearance of wood grain to the synthetic resin workpiece by heating the densified covering layer of the workpiece and by relief embossing texture furrows in portions of the densified covering layer.

Abstract: Extruded structural members are produced from polyolefins reclaimed from lead-acid battery cases which heretofore, because they are not biodegradable, have created an ecological problem. Such structural members have an impact strength which nominally is 17% greater than the impact strength structural members formed of corresponding virgin polyolefins.

Abstract: Foamable synthetic resin materials are plastified and injected into a mold cavity in an amount less than the volume of mold cavity and a body of gas under pressure is charged in the mold cavity in such manner that it is enclosed by said resin materials. When the injected resin materials sets at least at its outer surface layer, the gas is discharged out of the mold cavity so that the foamable resin materials can be expanded in the hollow portion formed by the pressure of the charged gas. Said foamable resin materials may be surrounded by unfoamable resin materials in the mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to packing containers formed from shrinkable plastics material of the type in which a plastics blank is shrunk onto a mold to produce a form having a bottleneck shape. The portion so given bottleneck shape has longitudinal and relatively parallel surface pleats. The plastics material so used has a relatively thick base layer of shrinkable foamed plastics material and an outer layer of homogeneous, relatively non-shrinkable plastics material.

Abstract: A rigid, dimentionally stable, distortion-free article of foamed polyvinyl aromatic resin, having a solid outer skin, is formed by incorporating in a foamable polyvinyl aromatic resin a finely, divided inert solid that has been surface treated to render the solid hydrophobic and then molding the foamable composition under foaming conditions. Foamed polyvinyl aromatic resin articles molded in accordance with the present invention have physical dimensions capable of meeting tolerances in the order of .+-. 0.002 inches and are suitable for use in the manufacture of precision measuring devices and, particularly, frames for level instruments.

Abstract: Plastic blown ware is made by expanding a molten plastic tubular blank into contact with the wall of a mold cavity. This invention evacuates air from the part of the cavity around the outside of the blank to increase the pressure differential across the tube wall during the blowing period and to help prevent the plastic from pulling away from the cavity wall during cooling and shrinkage. The invention makes blown ware by compounding the plastic with a blowing agent and by controlling the bubble size and wall thickness by changing the pressure on opposite sides of the blown article to whatever pressure will permit the gas bubbles and the plastic to expand to the desired size during cooling and setting of the plastic.

Abstract: An impact energy-absorbing, relatively low density, urethane foam for use in automobile bumpers has a high content of urea linkages and is relatively temperature insensitive, i.e. gives approximately the same physical performance over a wide range of temperature. The foam is water blown in a closed mold from a quasi-prepolymer system. The pack factor is preferably in the range of 1.5 to 8 and the molded density is in the range of 5 to 20 lbs./ft..sup.3.The foam formulation is based on a polyol of a poly (oxypropylene/ethylene) triol reacted with a styrene/acrylonitrile monomer mixture which triol thus modified is reacted with (1) a 50 to 150 equivalent weight polyol cross linker of 2 to 6 functionality, (2) a MDI or TDI/glycol or triol quasi-prepolymer and (3) some water.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of and a machine for the production by injection welding of articles of large size and/or complex structures having, at least locally, composite portions formed by the introduction of one of at least two materials of different compositions inside the other, said method comprising the steps of: injecting a first material into at least two different zones of a mould and then injecting a second material into the first material at said zones, the second material pushing the first material against the walls of the mould; and creating in the junction plane of the masses of the first material, a leakage of a pre-determined quantity of said first material, so as to permit the joining and mixing of the two masses of the second material at the level of the junction of the masses of the first material.

Abstract: The method of this disclosure relates to the application of a foam layer, in fluid form, to either an impervious or a relatively porous substrate and to the formation of a contoured foam laminate using a relatively rigid foam. The method of applying foam to a porous substrate includes heating the substrate prior to the application of the fluid foam. Upon striking the heated substrate, the foam forms a blow barrier to prevent foam bleedthrough. The method also optionally includes forming the laminate in a die prior to completion of foaming.The laminate includes a flexible substrate, preferably a polyurethane foam layer and an optional lattice skrim located between the substrate and the exposed surface of the foam layer.

Abstract: A method of producing foamed thermoplastic resin articles having smooth and glossy surfaces free from swirl marks and hair cracks, which comprises melting a thermoplastic resin containing a condensable blowing agent and an organic chemical blowing agent, injecting, in full shot, the molten resin into a mold cavity to which a pressurized gas is being applied during said injection, terminating the application of the pressurized gas to the mold cavity, enlarging the volume in said molded cavity by movement of a mold wall, and thereafter cooling and solidifying the resin to form the foamed articles.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a differentially expanded sheet material comprises applying an organic solvent to the surface of an expandable thermoplastic sheet containing a blowing agent and allowing the treated sheet to at least partially dry before a composition comprising an ink and a kicker for the blowing agent is applied to selected areas of the treated surface. The sheet is then heated so that differential expansion occurs.

Abstract: A method of injection molding foamed articles wherein, after the mold is closed and while the mold is held closed, a gas counterpressure is generated within the mold cavity against which a portion of the foamable resin is injected under a pressure which prevents foaming. Thereafter, a shape-forming element adapted to be retracted to be flush with a wall of the mold cavity in the final phase thereof, is advanced to force the nonfoamed material, still against the gas counterpressure, into the remainder of the cavity. After a skin has formed, on the mass within the mold cavity the latter element is retracted to permit foaming, preferably after foaming has been initiated by allowing a portion of the foamable mass to recede into the injection cylinder during the inception of the foaming process.

Abstract: Method is disclosed for preparing a honeycomb insulation structure having its cells partially filled with a low density foam and a high density integral skin completely covering one edge of the honeycomb. Method comprises placing one edge of a honeycomb in an inert material; introducing a foamable or foaming substance into the cells and allowing it to rise from the surface of the inert material until it overflows slightly. The overflowing foam comes into contact with a pressure platen just above the honeycomb thereby forming the high density integral skin. The level of the material in the cell determines the thickness of the void on one edge. Structure has utility in cryogenic storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ preparing and applying foam to a surface, such as a roof, and at the same time applying a membrane onto the surface of the foam, produces a foam-membrane sandwich having an upper surface of controlled smoothness and thickness or pitch, which sandwich is firmly held to the treated surface. The apparatus is normally self-propelled and may be automatically controlled so as to be advanced across the surface to be coated with membrane-covered rigid polymeric foam, preferably of polyurethane foam, as the curing pre-foam and covering membrane are applied. In preferred embodiments of the invention the membrane is a roofing felt or fiberglass web, mat, treated paper or cloth fed from the apparatus from a roll thereon, producing with the roof or other surface to be coated, a form into which a curing pre-foam is deposited as the apparatus is advanced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of continuously extruding thermoplastic material with a solid, hollow or open cross-section, in which a liquid medium is continuously applied to the surface of the material being extruded before it leaves a nozzle which shapes the cross-section of the extruded material to the desired profile, and the surface of the material being extruded is also roughened, either before, simultaneously with or immediately after the application of the liquid medium, but before the material leaves the nozzle.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a differentially expanded sheet material comprises applying an organic solvent to the surface of an expandable thermoplastic sheet containing a blowing agent and allowing the treated sheet to at least partially dry before a composition containing a metallic powder and a kicker for the blowing agent is applied to selected areas of the treated surface. The sheet is then uniformly heated to a temperature at which the blowing agent in contact with the kicker decomposes but below that at which it decomposes in the absence of the kicker, so that the areas of the sheet in contact with the kicker expand to a greater extent than the uncontacted areas.

Abstract: A method for forming small, smooth surfaced foamed glass pellets with a coated surface of ash is disclosed. The method involves the recovery of waste glass, typically soda/lime/silica glass, crushing and sizing same to obtain particles of less than 200 mesh. The small particles may be pelletized in a pelletizing disk, drum, rotary kiln or other compressive or extrusion devices by the addition of water until the small particles begin to agglomerate. The pellets are then coated with a high-melting point release agent, especially ash, and then heated to a temperature above the softening point of the glass to cellulate the glass agglomerates to form substantially spherical pellets having a bulk density of as low as eight pounds per cubic foot and possessing a very fine, substantially uniform pore structure.

Abstract: The method of this disclosure permits the application of a foam layer, in fluid form, to a relatively porous substrate and the formation of a contoured foam laminate using a relatively rigid foam. The method includes heating the substrate prior to application of the fluid foam and forming the laminate in a die prior to completion of foaming. The laminate includes a flexible substrate, preferably a polyurethane foam layer and a lattice skrim located between the substrate and the exposed surface of the foam layer.

Abstract: a process for the manufacture of a foamed thermoplastic aromatic polyethersulphone comprising heating a solid thermoplastic composition comprising an aromatic polyethersulphone which is not in admixture with another type of thermoplastic polymer, said composition containing 0.25 to 20% by weight of an absorbed volatile liquid selected from water, acetone, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, methylene chloride and chloroform, to a temperature above (Tg-50).degree. C where Tg is the glass/rubber transition temperature of the thermoplastic polyethersulphone.Preferably the thermoplastic composition contains 0.5 to 20% and particularly 1 to 20% by weight, of the absorbed volatile liquid.The solid thermoplastic composition may be in the form of a powder or granules so as to produce a foamed puff-ball type of structure or it may be in the form of a shaped article such as a sheet, film, coating, moulding or extrusion so as to produce a foamed shaped article.