Abstract: Disclosed is a method of improving the coating on electrodes (11 and 12) in spark gap devices which minimizes filament formation, densifies the coating, and ensures a good bond between the coating and underlying electrode. The device is coupled to a circuit (FIG. 2) which includes appropriate components so that a rapid sequence of current pulses having large amplitudes during arc initiation is passed through the device. The coating bonds with a different area of the cathode for each current pulse. The signal may be applied with appropriate reversal of polarities so that essentially the entire surface of both electrodes is thus reacted. Subsequently, the device may be subjected to an additional pulse in order to leave asperities on the surface which will increase field emission and ensure a low surge limiting voltage.

Abstract: A lamp envelope comprised of silica glass having a SiO.sub.2 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 glass layer on an inner surface thereof is coated on the free surface of such SiO.sub.2 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 glass layer with a protective layer comprised of a silica glass having a lower B.sub.2 O.sub.3 amount relative to the B.sub.2 O.sub.3 amount in the SiO.sub.2 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 glass layer.

Abstract: An improved fusing fluid or protectively coating solder-plated printed circuit conductors while they are heated to fuse the solder. Certain prior fusing fluids tend to pull away from portions of the molten solder surface, leaving them unprotected from oxidation. The improved fluid contains a small percentage of phenothiazine or a homologue, which promote complete wetting of the solder surface without causing the foaming and cleaning difficulties associated with surfactants.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing nitrided silicon parts which retain their mechanical properties after hot oxidation, said method consisting of sintering silicon powder in an atmosphere which is rich in nitrogen. 1% to 10% by weight of aluminium powder is added to the silicon before sintering thereof and preliminary hot oxidation is effected in conditions which allow acicular mullite to form by the direct action of the aluminium and of a complement of oxygen molecules supplied by the outside medium on the silicon formed.

Abstract: A simulated leather sheet material is comprised of a polymer impregnated fibrous mass with a grain layer forming one surface and a split layer forming the opposing surface. The grain layer has an actual density equal to its bulk density and the split layer has a bulk density less than its actual density. The sheet material has a density decreasing from the grain layer to the split layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying size to an array of fibers of the type in which the array of fibers is directed past at least one nozzle adapted to spray a size onto the array of fibers, wherein the improvement comprises means, positioned immediately upstream from the nozzle, for removing the entrained gases flowing with the array of fibers and a conduit having a decreasing cross sectional area in the downstream direction positioned downstream from the nozzle.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing articles containing carbon fibers when the fibers are temporarily plasticized to render them more flexible thereby permitting tortuous mechanical manipulation of the fibers to be carried out with little or no mechanical damage. The improvement comprises exposing the carbon fibers to agents capable of intercalating single crystals of graphite, such as bromine or iodine monochloride which have the effect of plasticizing the fibers by lowering their tensile modulus. While the fiber yarns are appreciably more flexible in the plasticized state, and have a higher elongation-at-break, on removal of the plasticizer they tend to return to their original state but retain a measurable degree of the shape imparted to them.

Abstract: Polyamide substrates are pre-conditioned for electroless plating by contact with an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH of at least about 10 and etched with an aqueous acid etch solution of an organic acid containing at least two carbon atoms, in combination with from 1 to 10 percent by weight of an inorganic acid which is nondeleteriously reactive with the organic acid. Trichloroacetic acid is the preferred organic acid and sulfuric, hydrochloric and/or nitric the preferred inorganic acids. Contact with the aqueous alkaline solution can be eliminated where the polyamide is caprolactam.

Abstract: A method for the production of aluminum substrates useful in the production of lithographic printing plates which comprises mechanically graining the surface of an aluminum sheet, subsequently finely graining the mechanically grained sheet in a saturated solution of an aluminum salt of a mineral acid to which up to 10% of a mineral acid has been added, with discretional electrolysis, and then optionally anodizing the sheet.

Abstract: Polyamide substrates are pre-conditioned for electroless plating by contact with an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH of at least about 10 and etched with an aqueous acid etch solution. The aqueous acid etch solution is preferably an aqueous solution of an organic acid containing at least two carbon atoms, particularly an acetic acid compound, such as trichloroacetic acid.

Abstract: Caprolactam polymeric substrates are conditioned for electroless plating by etching with an aqueous solution of organic acid containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably an acetic acid compound, such as trichloroacetic acid.

Abstract: A process for metal-coating plastic surfaces by chemical pretreatment with n acid pickling agent whereby to prepare the plastic surfaces for the subsequent superposition thereon of a metal layer is described. The plastic surfaces to be coated are chemically pretreated by means of an acid pickling agent in the gaseous phase, the chemical pretreatment is then terminated by chemical reaction of the said pickling agent with another material in the gaseous phase to form gaseous reaction products. If desired, the chemically pretreated plastic surface may then be treated with an aldehyde in solution. The treated surface may then be metal coated, if desired employing a galvanic process without external current.

Abstract: A sheet form fabric conditioner for use in a tumble dryer comprises a substrate carrying a fabric conditioning formulation exposed at the major surfaces of the sheet. The formulation forms a thin layer on each surface and the layers are embossed with channels. If these channels are visible after a drying cycle then sufficient conditioner remains for another cycle.

Abstract: A fluid medium is used in a process for polishing all surfaces of plastic components made of a material which is insoluble or inert within that fluid medium unless subjected to a temperature at which the insoluble plastic would deform. The process, which is particularly suitable for polishing the internal surfaces of tubing components for medical equipment, includes applying a vaporized solvent at an elevated pressure to liquify or melt the insoluble plastic component surfaces without deforming the component, followed by solidifying or freezing the surfaces by removing the component from the presence of the vapors.

Abstract: A vacuum deposition apparatus comprises a cabinet having a vacuum chamber defined therein. A door is movably mounted on the cabinet for movement between a closed position fully sealing an opening to the vacuum chamber and an opened position fully exposing the opening. The door is preferably mounted on the cabinet for swinging movements towards and away from the opening and for vertical sliding movements whereby the door may be moved downwardly to a remote position. The door is preferably counterweighted to facilitate its vertical sliding movements and is pivotally mounted on a bracket by self-centering bearing assemblies which are pre-adjusted to continuously insure a positive static seal as between the door and the opening to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A layer of an aqueous solution containing polyvinyl alcohol and a zirconyl compound is applied to a clean glass surface and dried to produce a precoating thereon. A subsequently-applied phosphor-photobinder coating thereon is exposed to a light image and then developed with a turbulent aqueous liquid. The phosphor-photobinder coating exhibits improved adherence to the surface during the developing step due to the presence of the precoating.

Abstract: Shaped articles of polyvinyl chloride resins containing low-molecular plasticizers are irradiated with ultraviolet light of a wavelength in the vacuum ultraviolet region to cause the shaped articles to form therein a cross linked layer capable of preventing otherwise possible exudation of plasticizers to their surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for providing a protective oxide layer on an alloy. The technique involves the preliminary cleaning of the alloy's surfaces to remove as much unwanted oxide as possible and the subsequent exposure of the alloy surface to an environment which produces an acid resistant oxide by selective oxidation of one of the constituents of the alloy and which acts as a reducing environment for other constituents of the alloy. For the production of a chromium oxide layer on a stainless steel comprising chromium, iron, and nickel, a suitable environment includes a 600.degree.-1200.degree. C. mixture of H.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. If a major portion of the mixture is H.sub.2, the chromium is oxidized whereas the iron and nickel are not.

Abstract: A metalized plastic foil is demetalized along an edge by means of a rotating, narrow steel disk whose periphery has been roughened by means of sandblasting or electroerosion.

Abstract: A method for the production of aluminum substrates useful in the production of lithographic printing plates which comprises mechanically graining the surface of an aluminum sheet, subsequently finely graining the mechanically grained sheet in a saturated solution of an aluminum salt of a mineral acid to which up to 10% of a mineral acid has been added, with discretional electrolysis, and then optionally anodizing the sheet.

Abstract: A method of fixing toner images carried on a long footage of continuous web such as rolled paper or folded paper, uniformly but intermittently from end to end of the web. During fixation, the image bearing surface of the web is urged against a fixing member such as heated roller or the like and the fixing member is rotated to move the web, and during the intermission of fixation, the web is disengaged from the fixing member. Preferably, when the web is urged against the fixing member and/or when the web is disengaged from the fixing member, rotation of the fixing member is stopped and the web is maintained in pressure contact with the fixing member as it is stopped from rotating.

Abstract: The compound 4,4,4-trichloro-1,2-epoxy butane is utilized as a coupling agent for carbon fibers and resin matrix material in the production of carbon fiber reinforced composites to enhance the bonding characteristics of the fiber and resin while improving the flexural strength of the final composite structure.

Abstract: A method for the production of aluminum substrates useful in the production of lithographic printing plates which comprises graining the surface of an aluminum sheet in a saturated solution of an aluminum salt of a mineral acid to which up to 10% of a mineral acid has been added, with optional electrolysis.

Abstract: A fixing member having an abhesive surface for fusing a heat-softenable toner powder image to an appropriate receiving member is disclosed together with a fixing apparatus, e.g., a roller-fuser device, and a fixing process which employs such a fixing member. The surface of the fixing member bears an abhesive elastomeric fluoropolymer composition containing a crosslinked polymer comprising tetrafluoroethylene repeating units and perfluoroalkyl perfluorovinylether repeating units.

Abstract: A hydrophobic plastic support which has a layer thereon comprising a copolymer, said copolymer consisting essentially of an acrylic monomer selected from alkyl esters of acrylic acid and alkyl esters of methacrylic acid, and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a group of the formula--COXROHwherein X stands for an oxygen atom or ##STR1## in which R' stands for a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or a hydroxy group, and R stands for a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group.

Abstract: Fuser members coated with a release layer of silicone rubber are treated with a solvent to remove low molecular weight siloxanes, polysiloxanes and other impurities from the silicone rubber. The solvent must be one which removes or extracts the low molecular weight siloxanes, polysiloxanes and other impurities without dissolving or otherwise adversely effecting the integrity of the silicone rubber layer coated upon a base member. Generally solvent extraction is continued until the components in the cured silicone rubber which interfer with the release properties of the rubber in releasing toner from the fuser member surface, are depleted to concentration where they do not inhibit release of the toner.

Abstract: A non-chemical, mechanical process for antiquing wood applying a high temperature flame to the surface of a variety of woods for short periods of time, is provided. The processed pieces of variously shaped wood can be coated and are useful as decorative articles and home furnishings.

Abstract: A new class of porous electrodes deposited on solid electrolyte for use in thermoelectric generator devices as the sodium heat engine. The electrode configuration has an openness that provides especially high electrode efficiency.

Abstract: A method of treating an intraocular lens or ophthalmic surgical tool with a water-soluble adherent film forming material, such as polyvinyl alcohol, in a liquid media after which the liquid media is evaporatively removed to provide a dehydrated coating that is both water-soluble and liquid swellable. The device is packaged and sterilized, such as by ethylene oxide, and supplied to the ophthalmologist. Immediately prior to its use in surgery, the ophthalmologist rehydrates the coating by submerging in a sterile aqueous bath causing the coating to swell into a soft sluffable cushion for protecting a corneal endothelium during both static touch contact and dynamic sliding contact with the coated lens or tool.

Abstract: An improvement for the flame spray process in which a heat-fusible self-fluxing material is heated in a heating zone to at least heat-softened condition and propelled in such condition out of said zone in finely divided form onto an obscure substrate surface of a base article. An obscure substrate surface may be such that conventional fusing techniques are not suitable for use in final bonding of the flame spray material to the substrate. The invention includes the use of an ordinary commercial soluble silicate solution applied to the coated substrate surface, solidified by furnace fusing, and removed by attrition to provide a base article which may be further processed to predetermined dimensional tolerances.

Abstract: Hydrophilic fibers may be prepared by discharging a heated and pressurized dispersion of a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer into a zone of reduced temperature and pressure, and then modifying the fibers so produced by treatment with an aqueous admixture of selected cationic and anionic water-soluble, nitrogen-containing polymers. Blends of the hydrophilic fibers with wood pulp provide paper products having improved physical properties.

Abstract: Hydrophilic polyolefin fibers may be prepared, for example, by discharging a heated and pressurized solution of an anionic polyolefin composition containing carboxylic functionality into a zone of reduced temperature and pressure, and then modifying the fibers so produced by treatment with an aqueous admixture of selected cationic and anionic water-soluble, nitrogen-containing polymers. Blends of the hydrophilic fibers with wood pulp provide paper products having improved physical properties.

Abstract: A method of processing a coated strand comprises heating the strand; directing a gas at the strand to cool and support the strand; and moving the strand through a zone having an atomized mist of liquid therein to cool the strand.

Abstract: A glass fiber is drawn through a rotating body of flowable coating material to apply the material thereon and then is further drawn through a throat section of an open ended cage formed by a plurality of wire strands forming a hyperboloid of rotation. As the glass fiber is drawn through the throat section the previously applied flowable material contacts the wire strands causing a vortex of material which centers the fiber in the throat and distributes the material uniformly and concentrically thereon.

Abstract: Hydrophilic polyolefin fibers may be prepared, for example, by discharging a heated and pressurized solution of an anionic polyolefin composition containing carboxylic functionality into a zone of reduced temperature and pressure, and then modifying the fibers so produced by treatment with an aqueous admixture of selected cationic and anionic water-soluble, nitrogen-containing polymers. Blends of the hydrophilic fibers with wood pulp provide paper products having improved physical properties.

Abstract: Hydrophilic fibers may be prepared by discharging a heated and pressurized dispersion of a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer into a zone of reduced temperature and pressure, and then modifying the fibers so produced by treatment with an aqueous admixture of selected cationic and anionic water-soluble, nitrogen-containing polymers. Blends of the hydrophilic fibers with wood pulp provide paper products having improved physical properties.

Abstract: A contact fuser assembly and method for preventing toner offset on a heated fuser member in an electrostatic reproducing apparatus includes a base member coated with a solid, abrasion resistant material such as polyimide, poly (amide-imides), poly (imide-esters), polysulfone and aromatic polyamides. The fuser member is coated with a thin layer of polysiloxane fluid containing low molecular weight fluorocarbon. Toner offset on the heated fuser member is prevented by applying the polysiloxane fluid containing fluorocarbon to the solid, abrasion resistant surface of the fuser member.

Abstract: A method of processing a body having a surface of which at least a portion is vitreous and during which the vitreous region or regions of the surface become(s) activated. While the surface is at elevated temperature, it is contacted by gaseous hydrogen in a non-oxidizing, dehydrated atmosphere, after such hydrogen has been conditioned by contact with a substance at elevated temperature which is capable of provoking the fixation of hydrogen to the vitreous region or regions of the surface.

Abstract: The thermoplastic polymer employed in this invention is a rubber modified unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride containing polymer which is prepared by polymerizing the monomers in the presence of the rubber in a finely divided form. The surface to be metallized is first aminated with aqueous hydroxylamine or hydrazine, then treated with a noble metal salt solution and thereafter treated with a reducing agent, as needed, to produce a metallized surface having a resistance of 100 ohms/sq. or less. The metallized surface can then be further plated by conventional means.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrophilic polymer film is described in which the film is immersed at a temperature greater than 80.degree. C., and preferably greater than the crystalline melting point of the polymer, in a liquid capable of swelling the polymer. Polymers to which this method can be applied include graft copolymers of for example polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and nylon with acrylic or methacrylic acid. The films when treated have decreased electrical resistance and increased hydroxyl ion permeability and are then useful as battery separators and in other semi permeable membrane applications.

Abstract: Smooth surfaces of impervious zirconia-base ceramics are chemically treated to produce micropitting and/or microcratering therein which enables durable adherence of metal coatings (e.g. of noble metal) applied thereon. Treatment involves contact of the smooth surfaces with liquid leachant selected from concentrated sulfuric acid, ammonium bisulfate, alkali metal bisulfate and mixtures thereof at a temperature of at least 250.degree. C. Leached surface is contacted with hydrochloric acid to remove reaction residue comprising sulfate of metal elements including zirconium in the ceramic.

Abstract: Mixtures of water with water soluble and/or miscible halogenated compounds are used to pre-etch polysulfone and other polymers such as polyesters and polycarbonates to induce or improve adhesion of metals deposited by electroless plating processes.

Abstract: A method of bonding a polyamide plastics material to a rubber composition comprises heating the polyamide plastics material to soften at least its surface, contacting the softened surface with a rubber composition and allowing the polyamide plastics material to cool in contact with the rubber composition. The plastic-rubber composite produced by this method may be used in applications in which hitherto rubber-metal composites have been used, of which the following is a specification.

Abstract: Airborne magnetic toner is recovered from the vicinity of a magnetizable recording medium by magnetically attracting the toner with a magnetic field which does not alternate in magnetic polarity thereby magnetically polarizing the toner; and, subsequently passing the polarized magnetic toner through a magnetic field which alternates in magnetic polarity thereby decreasing the magnetic polarization of the magnetic toner. This procedure maintains the flow characteristics of the toner and avoids the clumping together of toner normally associated with magnetic recovery of magnetic toner.

Abstract: A composition and method for the pre-treatment of rubber surfaces prior to application of adhesive, the composition comprising a halogen substituted isocyanuric acid (preferably trichloroisocyanuric acid) and a non-halogenated sulphonamide (preferably paratoluenesulphonamide).

Abstract: A diffusion barrier and separation substance for metal parts which adjoin each other in an oxygen-free, inert and preferably a helium-containing atmosphere such as used in a closed-cycle high temperature reactor or gas turbine comprises first and second adjoining metal parts with a hexagonal boron nitride placed between said parts. The hexagonal boron nitride is applied to the boundary surface of the metal parts in an aqueous or organic suspension prepared as a pasty, putty-like or brushable liquid substance. The substance contains from 5 to 50% of boron nitride, from 0.5 to 30% of binders and from 2 to 6% of swelling agents and 50 to 90% liquid suspension medium. The suspension medium may advantageously contain an anti corrosive agent and in addition the formed protective film is burned from 0.25 to 3 hours at a temperature of from 100.degree. to 500.degree. C.

Abstract: The composition contains an alkaline agent and a polyether of the formula ##STR1## in which R is an alkyl, aryl-alkyl, aryl or alkyl-aryl group; and n and p are integers, of which one can be 0, the sum n + p being at least equal to 12. The composition is especially applicable to painting booths for automobile bodies.

Abstract: Catalytic compositions useful in the preparation of substrates prior to chemical deposition (autocatalytic plating) comprises an excess hydrolyzable stannic ion relative to stannous ions together with catalytic metal(s) and selected chemical additives. By simple adjustments, a plurality of substrates may be treated.

Abstract: Selected portions of a thin film coating of metal are removed from an insulative substrate by directing a coherent beam of light energy from a laser at the coating, to heat the coating and cause the evaporation and entrapment of the substrate material at the coating-substrate interface. A positive pressure builds up at the interface resulting in an explosion which removes the coating material.

Abstract: A coating modification process is provided for use in ultrafiltration systems to improve the adherence of porous coatings of preformed, aggregated, inorganic metal oxide particles, to substrates, particularly those comprised of hollow tubular porous carbon members. The process involves exposure of the coated members, during the initial treatment to water vapor at specific humidity, temperature and times. The ultrafiltration systems so treated are particularly well-suited for prolonged use in the concentration and separation of oil from mixtures of oil, water and detergents, the recovery of polyvinylalcohol from textile wastes, and other useful applications.