Abstract: The present invention is an improved gasket for use in a wide variety of sealing applications. The gasket comprises a continuous, form-in-place gasket element, comprising layers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, that has significant tensile strength in both the longitudinal and the transverse directions. As such, the gasketing element of the present invention provides all of the operational advantages of PTFE, while being dimensionally stable, resistant to creep relaxation and providing form-in-place dimensions, thus satisfying a wider range of sealing applications than conventional sealing materials.

Abstract: A novel filter element is constructed from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane possessing high strength which is sufficient to withstand filtration processing, as well as permitting the use of low energy to flex and clean the filter element. Further, the novel filter element of the present invention is non-linting and non-contaminating due to the ePTFE membrane structure of the filter, thereby providing excellent filtration performance for a variety of industries requiring high efficiency filtration.

Abstract: An improved gasket particularly suitable for use in sensitive environments is disclosed. The preferred gasket of the present invention comprises at least one layer of a composite material of porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer and resilient expandable microspheres. The composite material provides a number of significant advantages over existing PTFE and similar clean gaskets, including better seal under less compressive pressure, sufficient resilience to permit reuse, and retained porosity--allowing pressure equalization in the equipment to occur through the gasket itself.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for using a catalyst to remove contaminants from a fluid stream. Catalytic particles are enmeshed within a highly porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) substrate. The use of an expanded PTFE substrate provides added strength to the substrate and provides open and uniform porosity, thus, assuring proper exchange of molecules between the exterior surface of the substrate and the catalytic particles held within it. As such, the present invention is particularly suitable for use as a cross-flow filter for use in ozone generating office equipment (e.g., an electro-static photocopy machine) or similar application requiring minimal pressure drop across the filter unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved printable sheet for use in a variety of applications requiring extreme image durability and weather (e.g., water) resistance. The printable sheet of the present invention employs an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet comprising a series of polymeric nodes interconnected by fibrils. Images can be applied to this sheet using a variety of means, including pen and ink, electrostatic printing, screen printing, offset printing, etc. These images have proven to be very durable and capable of substantial wear, water exposure, and general abuse. Moreover, the printable sheet of the present invention is capable of being cleaned and reused over and over again once any given image is no longer of interest.

Abstract: A liquid metering and coating assembly for use in a thermal toner fixation unit of a plain paper copier or printer. The assembly consists of a release oil-supply roll having a compliant and flexible porous permeation control layer and a cleaning blade. The cleaning blade is mounted so as to contact the surface of the permeation control material. The cleaning blade removes excess toner and other incidental debris from the surface of the permeation control layer thereby providing a freshly cleaned surface from which controlled amounts of release oil are uniformly coated onto the surface of an adjacent contacting roll.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for production of a seal using a compactable sealing material, especially a fluoropolymer, to seal flanges, preferably matching flanges, especially to produce a ring packing to seal flange connections for pipes, in which the seal is provided on the outer and/or inner periphery with a centering collar or with several centering collar sections spaced around the periphery. The invention also concerns an apparatus to produce a seal using a compactable sealing material, especially a fluoropolymer, to seal flanges, preferably matching flanges, especially an apparatus to produce a ring packing to seal flange connections for pipes, in which the seal is provided on the outer and/or inner periphery with a centering collar with several centering collar sections spaced around the periphery, and preferably an apparatus to execute the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for using a catalyst to remove contaminants from a fluid stream. Catalytic particles are enmeshed within a highly porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) substrate. The use of an expanded PTFE substrate provides added strength to the substrate and provides open and uniform porosity, thus, assuring proper exchange of molecules between the exterior surface of the substrate and the catalytic particles held within it. As such, the present invention is particularly suitable for use as a cross-flow filter for use in ozone generating office equipment (e.g., an electrostatic photocopy machine) or similar application requiring minimal pressure drop across the filter unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved jacketing material for all forms of electro-magnetic energy conductors. The jacket material of the present invention comprises a silicone material that is imbibed into a porous polymer, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, to produce a flexible and durable composite. When applied as a cable jacket, the composite material of the present invention produces dramatic improvement over the use of silicone alone, especially in the areas of load sharing, resistance to fatigue from repeated flexure, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. The ability of the material of the present invention to withstand repeated autoclave cycles without compromise makes it particularly suitable for cable jacketing in biomedical applications.

Abstract: A method of using an improved catalytic filter material for removing contaminants such as NO.sub.x from a fluid stream. The filter employs composite fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with catalytic particles. The composite fibers are chopped into staple fibers and made into a felt material. Preferably, the felt material is then laminated on at least one side with a protective microporous membrane. The combined filter removes both macro-particles, such as dust, from the filter stream before the dust can clog active catalytic sites and effectively catalytically coverts undesirable contaminants in the fluid stream to acceptable end products.

Abstract: Ribbon cable with cable conductors arranged next to each other with a cable shield and with at least one contact element provided for electrical contacting of cable shield on the outside of ribbon cable and for electrical contacting by a contact spring of a plug-in connector that accepts ribbon cable or a contact surface of an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) housing that accepts ribbon cable. Electrical connection between the cable shield and a plug-in connector or EMI housing can be produced via the contact spring or the contact surface.

Abstract: An improved insulation package is provided that is particularly suitable for use on vehicles, such as aircraft. The insulation package includes a liquid impenetrable cover over thermal or acoustical insulation material. In order to facilitate mounting of the insulation package, the cover includes at least one sealed region that can be penetrated with a hole without compromising the waterproofness of the package. The sealed region can be provided along the edge of the insulation material, such as by way of a tab, or can be provided anywhere on the face of the insulation by forming suitable holes in the insulation. Elongated sealed regions can also be provided so as to allow for bending or slitting of the packaged insulation.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved release coating for use on a variety of elastomeric structures, such as printer rollers and belts. The coating of the present invention is a thin expanded polytetrafluoroethylene skin that has a porous surface attached to a substratum and an impermeable surface exposed as the contact surface. This use of dual surfaces on a single thin coating provides both an excellent bond to substratum materials, such as a silicone elastomer layer, as well as being highly wear resistant and resistant to chemical attack.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum cleaner in one commonly available configuration includes a canister having an interior region defining a chamber, a motor mounted on the canister, a filter mounted on the canister and disposed within the chamber, and an inlet fitting attached to the canister. The inlet fitting is positioned generally adjacent the filter which results in the flow of air or water carrying debris generally towards the filter. The present invention is directed to a deflector boot which is secured to the inlet fitting for deflecting the flow of air or water carrying debris away from the filter. The deflector boot includes a cylindrical wall having an open end at one end thereof and an end wall that encloses the opposite end of the cylindrical wall. The open end of the cylindrical wall is sized to fit snugly over the inlet fitting when attaching the boot to the fitting.

Abstract: A creep resistant article is provided which is dimensioned from a stock material consisting essentially of a plurality of layers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which has been densified. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene exhibits remnants of a fibril and node structure. The article is resistant to creep at high temperatures and under high loads.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved device for delivering a release agent to fuser rollers employed in various printer devices, such as laser printers, fax machines, copier machines, etc. The release agent delivery device of the present invention comprises an elongated web of microporous membrane (e.g., expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) bonded to a substrate, filled with release agent, and mounted between two shafts. The web spans across the fuser roller so that the roller is simultaneously cleaned and oiled during normal operation. When the portion of the web in contact with the fuser roller becomes contaminated or expends its release agent supply, the web can be advanced to place a fresh surface in contact with the fuser roller.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of employing a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for wet material pick-up. By employing a hydrophobic and air permeable filter material, such as an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with a tight gasket around its edge in place of a conventional wet/dry vacuum filter, it has been determined that the filter can be retained in place at all times during operation, regardless of the material being collected.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid metering and surface coating device which can satisfactorily perform the operation of applying a release liquid to at least the surface of toner image fixation rolls in plain paper copying, with exceptional accuracy, uniformity, and durability. The device comprises a porous support layer adhered to a metal shaft. The porous support layer is comprised of an open-celled thermosetting polymer foam internally reinforced to obtain the strength, resilience, and heat resistance needed for high durability in use as part of a hot toner image fixation mechanism in a PPC machine. The porous support is comprised of materials having high compatibility with and wettability by the liquids to be distributed and having high liquid holding capacity so as to provide smooth continuous liquid delivery.