Abstract: An optical fiber preform is a material used for fabricating optical fibers. The optical fiber preform has a target rod which will be the core for optical fibers and a glass layer formed around the outside thereof. A mass W (kg) of the optical fiber preform and a diameter D (cm) of the target rod satisfy a relational expression 0.4·(W)1/2<D. Satisfying this relational expression can prevent the optical fiber preform from being deformed and to have uneven diameters due to the weight thereof in the dehydrating and consolidating process in fabricating the optical fiber preform, even though it is a large-sized optical fiber preform having a diameter of 10 cm or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using spinel pigments to increase the infrared heat-up rates of thermoplastic resins and specifically polyester bottle resins. In particular, the method comprises adding spinel pigments to polymerized resins to increase the reheat rates of the resulting polyester pre-forms. When uniformly distributed, these spinel pigments absorb applied energy and thereupon transfer the energy to the polyester.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and precursors for producing substantially water-free silica soot, preforms and glass. The methods and apparatus make substantially water-free fused silica preforms or glass by removing water as a reaction product, removing water from the atmosphere, removing water from the transport process, or combinations thereof. In a first embodiment, substantially water-free soot, preforms or glass are achieved by using a hydrogen-free fuel, such as carbon monoxide, in the deposition process. In another embodiment, a soot producing burner has parameters that enable operation on a substantially hydrogen-free fuel. End burners, which minimize water production, are also described. Such water-free methods are useful in depositing fluorine-doped soot because of the low water present and the efficiency in which fluorine is incorporated. In another embodiment, glassy barrier layer methods and apparatus are described for minimizing dopant migration, especially fluorine.

Abstract: A multi-layer preform, includes: (a) a plastic inner liner, comprised of a cylindrical walled body, which may or may not include a tapered annular shoulder portion, and a cylindrical walled neck portion extending upwardly from the body, and (b) a molded outer layer. Prior to the outer layer being molded over the plastic inner liner, at least a portion of the liner is crystallized by a heat treatment process. The molded outer layer may include a means to receive a closure device. When the preform is at an acceptable temperature range for orientation, the multi-layer preform can be blow-molded to form a multi-layer container having improved properties.

Abstract: A multi-layer plastic preform 14 with an inner layer 28 that is extrusion blow molded from a resin having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.90, and an outer layer 44 that is injection molded around the inner layer from a resin having an intrinsic viscosity that is at least 0.10 less than the intrinsic viscosity of the inner layer. The inner layer 28 is no greater than 20% (preferably no greater than 15%) by weight of the total weight of the preform and the outer layer 44 is at least 80% (preferably at least 85%) by weight of the total weight of the preform.

Abstract: A method for making a multi-layer blow molded container (10), the multi-layer preform (10′) from which the container is blow molded, and the apparatus (53) for making a liner (24) of the preform utilizes thermoforming of a heated sheet (34) of resin. A vacuum is drawn within a vacuum enclosure (54) at a first surface of the heated sheet of resin (34) and a male vacuum mold (56) engages the other surface of the heated sheet of resin which has a concave shape to provide the forming in a manner that prevents crystallinity of the lower freestanding base of the multi-layer container that is ultimately blow molded from the preform (10′) made with the thermoformed liner (24).

Abstract: A container of the type adapted to contain an ingestible product and configured to having a multi-layer wall portion. The wall portion includes a multi-component layer having at least two discreet sublayers with an interface extending between the sublayers and extending longitudinally of the container and terminating in a threaded end portion. One sublayer is virgin polyethylene terephthalate, and the other sublayer is a barrier formed of a copolyester of terephthalic acid of low permeability. An outer layer material formed of a recycled polyethylene terephthalate has a thickness greater than the thickness of the barrier sublayer. The several layer materials have refracted indices within the range of 1.55 to 1.75. A process for the production of a multi-layer plastic container involving injecting a virgin polyethylene terephthalate and a thermoplastic barrier material through a lamellar injection system to provide a composite-multilamellae stream.

Abstract: Sets of tessellatable elements are disclosed, in which a relatively low number of different elements may be combined together to provide very attractive tessellating patterns. The elements may be in the form of tiles, for paving or for covering flooring or walls, for example, game pieces, including television and computer games, pieces for use in maze construction and for many other applications.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a preform for a plastic optical fiber, having continuous refractive index profile in a radial direction, comprising a firs step of introducing a mixture consisting of at least two substances, each having a different density and refractive index relative to each other, to a cylindrical reactor and polymerizing the mixture in a centrifugal field generated by rotating the reactor; a second step of compensating for a void formed by volume shrinkage from the polymerization in the first step with a mixture consisting of at least two substances, each having a different density and refractive index relative to each other, and polymerizing the mixture in a centrifugal field generated by rotating the reactor, and a third step of repeating the second step until there is no void after polymerization

Abstract: A blank (2) is molded for the manufacture of a multi-layer preform (1). The blank possesses protrusions (5). After the protrusions (5) have been brought to a plasticized state under the action of heat, those surfaces that contain protrusions (5) are covered by a layer of plasticized material. The blank (2) becomes connected to the layer (6) in the area of the protrusions (5). After cooling of the preform created from the blank (2) and the layer (6), the blank (2) will be connected with the layer (6) by means of microweld positions (7) in the area of the said protrusions (5). With that, delamination of the preform (1) during further processing or use-will be effectively prevented.

Abstract: Composites of paper and bioriented polyester plastic film are made by passing a web of paperboard and a web of plastic film, with a layer of extruded molten polymer impregnating and bonding agent between the webs, through a nip. The process involves controlling one or more of the speed of the webs, the temperature of the molten polymer, the pressure or spacing of the rolls at the nip, and the rate of extrusion, relative to the porosity and surface characteristics of the paper web such that a portion of the molten polymer impregnates partially into and becomes part of the paper web and a substantial portion lies outwardly of the surface of the paper web and solidifies to form a new surface to which the film is bonded and which it is supported clear of the paper surface. The molten polymer may be polyethylene or an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer. These composites are useful in forming corrugated structures which may be used for baking in convection ovens.

Abstract: The multilayer plastic container comprises a neck portion, a body portion, adjacent the neck portion, forming a cylindrical wall, and a bottom portion adjacent the body portion and opposite the neck portion. The cylindrical wall comprises a first layer of PET, a layer of EVOH adjacent the first layer of PET and a second layer of PET adjacent the layer of EVOH the EVOH has an average thickness which is greater near the neck portion of the container than near the bottom portion of the container.

Abstract: A single walled container for storing hot or cold foods or liquids having a layer of insulation comprised of void containing particles held together with a binder applied to the outer part of the sidewall. The insulation layer provides a controlled amount of insulation which is sufficient to prevent pain to the fingers yet it transmits sufficient heat to warn the user of the temperature of the container's contents. The binder may be any thermoplastic or thermoset resin, and other ingredients may be added to the binder to control viscosity, density, or color.

Abstract: A composite plastic container is formed by blow molding a body from a plastic parison into a base having a bottom, side walls and an open top, which includes an upper annular edge. A peripheral shoulder defines the upper portion of the body. The double side walls and bottom are relatively thick for strength and stability; the bottom also including a substantially solid rim in alignment with the annular edge for enhanced stability. A central opening in the bottom forms a plastic plug to anchor the bottom to the base. The lip of the shoulder mates and substantially covers the annular edge forming a smooth, rounded interface in the preferred embodiment. The peripheral lip can mate in other ways with the annular edge. Other features include an insert label and a protrusion in a side wall to form a window.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a, pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.

Abstract: A thermally insulated sleeve is adapted to fit over a cup. The sleeve has a sidewall having an inside surface and an outer surface. The sidewall is adapted to seal the sidewall upon itself and to form a seam. A thin thermally insulating coating having a controlled thickness is supported by the sidewall. The thin thermally insulating coating is comprised of a binder and void containing particles, ranging from 0.1 microns to 200 microns in size, adapted to being restricted by the binder. A heat-activated adhesive is supported by the inside surface of the sidewall. When the sleeve is heated the heat activated adhesive bonds the sleeve to the cup.

Abstract: A parison of thermoplastic resin to be particularly used to be subsequently blow molded to become a plastic bottle has an upper portion (H), a middle portion (L) and an end portion (N). The middle portion has, on its lower side near the terminal portion, a lower sub-portion (M) which has a thickness that is variable and smaller with respect to the wall thickness of the parison in the middle portion, with a profile in the shape of a downward narrowing frustum of a cone. Preferably, the thickness in the lower sub-portion (M) is decreased by at least 12% with respect to the thickness of the remaining middle portion of the parison, and the angle between the sides of the profile in the shape of a frustum of a cone and the axis of symmetry is between 5° and 10°. The advantages are broader process tolerances, elimination of heat conditioning treatments, reduction in resin usage.

Abstract: A construction diagram affixed to a construction paper, for constructing a three-dimensional figure out of paper, or out of any other printable foldable surface, according to the principles of origami and papercraft. The construction diagram includes an image matrix and fold lines. The image matrix indicates what areas of the paper will be visible when the three-dimensional figure is constructed according to the construction diagram and the principles of origami, and the fold lines indicate how to fold the paper. Some of the fold lines may be truncated, depending on the shape of the paper used, compared to how long the fold lines would be if the paper were of a standard shape for the particular three-dimensional figure to be constructed. The result is a three-dimensional figure that is as large as could be constructed from the paper used.

Abstract: A polyethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate resin contains an antimony compound as a polycondensation catalyst, and has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.55 to 0.75 dl/g, a terminal carboxyl group content of 32 eq/ton or less, an acetaldehyde content of 8 ppm or less and a diethylene glycol component content of 0.8 to 3.0 wt %. A preform and a bottle made of the resin are also described.

Abstract: A multi-layer preform, includes: (a) a plastic inner liner, comprised of a cylindrical walled body, which may or may not include a tapered annular shoulder portion, and a cylindrical walled neck portion extending upwardly from the body, and (b) a molded outer layer. Prior to the outer layer being molded over the plastic inner liner, at least a portion of the liner is crystallized by a heat treatment process. The molded outer layer may include a means to receive a closure device. When the preform is at an acceptable temperature range for orientation, the multi-layer preform can be blow-molded to form a multi-layer container having improved properties.

Abstract: An improved multi-layer preform is provided which includes: (a) a plastic inner liner, having a cylindrical-walled lower portion and a cylindrical-walled upper portion integral with and extending upwardly from said lower portion, and (b) a molded outer layer. The liner further includes (a) a mount means, such as a generally continuous annular groove, or (b) a vent means, such as a plurality of recesses or grooves positioned circumferentially about the upper portion of the liner, or (c) both a mount means and vent means used in functional combination.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an artificial tree is provided which includes a tree element having a central generally disc-shaped member and a plurality of generally annular rings concentric to the central disc-shaped member and to one another such that the central disc-shaped member and the rings, in the operative position, are positioned in a vertically spaced, tiered array, with the central disc-shaped member at an uppermost position such that the tiered array is configured to have a tree-shape. A plurality of connecting strips connect each tier of the array to a next adjacent tier of the array. The disc-shaped member, the concentric rings, and the connecting strips may be formed from a unitary sheet of material, and the disc-shaped member and the concentric rings may be formed by providing a plurality of discontinuous generally spiral slits in the sheet of material.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vehicle ornament includes a hollow base component configured to resemble a select figurine, such as an animal's head, having one or more apertures thereon in communication with an interior chamber. The base component includes a neck portion adapted to receive a trailer hitch ball, an air freshener assembly or an attachment plug that is mountable to the top end of a vehicle antenna. The attachment plug includes a warning device that alerts nearby animals of an approaching vehicle.

Abstract: A die-cut sheet having score lines and cutouts which in the form of a sheet of multilayered paperboard including at least two paper layers on the outer and inner sides that are made of different materials, that use a starch-based adhesive, preferably a cornstarch-based adhesive and that each have a basis weight of at least 150 g/m2 is shaped into a box. The die-cut sheet is preferably in the form of a sheet of double-faced or double-wall corrugated board including 30 to 55 flutes/30 cm at a height of 2.3 to 5 mm and a takeup ratio of 1.30 to 1.65, with the liner and the medium having basis weights of 150 to 350 g/m2 and 120 to 200 g/m2, respectively. The box can be used as a paper container for photo-sensitive materials.

Abstract: The neck of a container has a smooth seal surface engaged by the inner skirt or plug of a cap. Such surface is free of trim and parting line flaws which are characteristic of blow-molded jars because the surface is formed in such a way that the seal surface is not in contact with mold parting lines and further the trim of the neck (excess plastic) is located away from the sealing surface. In one form of the disclosure, above the sealing surface the neck wall slants outward and then bends upward-inward in a short, tapered stretch about 18° to the horizontal which engages the underside of the cap disk to compress against the disk or a liner or foil. In another form of the invention, above the seal surface the neck extends outward and then upward and then inward in a flange which is trimmed along a line which has a circumference no less than the circumference of the seal surface. The exterior of the neck is formed with shoulders which engage over locking beads on the interior of the outer skirt of the cap.

Abstract: A decorative roll-patterned metal strip or sheet, preferably aluminium strip or sheet, having: a thickness of about 0.05-1.0 mm, preferably about 0.1-0.8 mm, with a surface having a plurality of indentations of a depth of about 0.001-0.05 mm, preferably about 0.02-0.035 mm, and optionally having a layer of a paint of a thickness of about 3-30 microns, preferably about 10-15 microns, on the surface and within its indentations, the ratio of the depth of the indentations to the thickness of the strip or sheet being in the range of about 1:5 to about 1:100. A process is provided for making the decorative roll-patterned metal strip.

Abstract: For forming a preform of composite material, such as aluminum-based composite material (MMC) by using friction during the forming thereof, ceramic reinforcement, such as Al2O3 and binder are prepared, and the prepared reinforcement and the silanor group binder are put into a die for press forming. During the forming, polycondensation occurs due to frictional heat generated between the fibrous or grain-like particles of the reinforcement and the silanor group binder to harden it, thereby obtaining a preform in which the particles of the reinforcement are fixedly connected to one another.

Abstract: A multilayered polymeric preform or container is disclosed wherein the blow temperatures of each polymer in a preform is controlled by the addition of a predetermined selected amount of a fast heat up additive such that each polymer layer blows at the same relative period of time to prepare the container.