Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is an ice-phobic coating formulation comprising an elastomer, filler particles, and a cryoprotectant.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is an ice-phobic coating formulation comprising an elastomer, filler particles, and a cryoprotectant.

Abstract: A composite seal having a multilayer elastomeric construction and method for constructing the same is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a composite seal comprised of a low-durometer elastomer compliant layer coated with, or alternatively encapsulated by, a thin protective layer for securely sealing a bipolar plate and a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The elastomer compliant layer is preferably a silicone constituent and the thin coat protective layer is preferably a fluoroelastomer or fluoropolymer constituent suitable for bonding to the elastomer compliant layer. The foregoing layers constructing the composite seal are preferably deposited directly onto the aforementioned fuel cell components along a predetermined periphery. The resulting composite seal is thin in construction, resistive to undesired chemical and thermal reactions and provides the necessary compressive compliance without undue stress on the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A composite seal having a multilayer elastomeric construction and method for constructing the same is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a composite seal comprised of a low-durometer elastomer compliant layer coated with, or alternatively encapsulated by, a thin protective layer for securely sealing a bipolar plate and a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The elastomer compliant layer is preferably a silicone constituent and the thin coat protective layer is preferably a fluoroelastomer or fluoropolymer constituent suitable for bonding to the elastomer compliant layer. The foregoing layers constructing the composite seal are preferably deposited directly onto the aforementioned fuel cell components along a predetermined periphery. The resulting composite seal is thin in construction, resistive to undesired chemical and thermal reactions and provides the necessary compressive compliance without undue stress on the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A composite seal having a multilayer elastomeric construction and method for constructing the same is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a composite seal comprised of a low-durometer elastomer compliant layer coated with, or alternatively encapsulated by, a thin protective layer for securely sealing a bipolar plate and a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The elastomer compliant layer is preferably a silicone constituent and the thin coat protective layer is preferably a fluoroelastomer or fluoropolymer constituent suitable for bonding to the elastomer compliant layer. The foregoing layers constructing the composite seal are preferably deposited directly onto the aforementioned fuel cell components along a predetermined periphery. The resulting composite seal is thin in construction, resistive to undesired chemical and thermal reactions and provides the necessary compressive compliance without undue stress on the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining the structured stability and configuration of golf course sand bunker borders which method comprises excavating the soil area adjacent the bunker edge, rigidly positioning adjacent open-top, uniquely designed compartments in the excavated area along the edge of the bunker, filling the compartment with soil to the top of each compartment and leveling the soil on top of the compartments. Each compartment comprises side panels, front and back panels and a bottom closure panel. The compartment is rigidly positioned by means of spikes driven through the back and front panel into the soil at the edge of the bunker and a spike through the bottom closure into the soil beneath the sand in the bunker.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining the structured stability and configuration of golf course sand bunker borders which method comprises excavating the soil area adjacent the bunker edge, rigidly positioning adjacent open-top, uniquely designed compartments in the excavated area along the edge of the bunker, filling the compartment with soil to the top of each compartment and leveling the soil on top of the compartments. Each compartment comprises side panels, front and back panels and a bottom closure panel. The compartment is rigidly positioned by means of spikes driven through the back and front panel into the soil at the edge of the bunker and a spike through the bottom closure into the soil beneath the sand in the bunker.

Abstract: A pinch clamp to restrict flow in a flexible tube or hose is provided. The pinch clamp includes two elongated pinching members that are pivotally connected at one end with a threaded tightening member at the other end for selectively securing the pinching members in a closed position when the pinching members are pivoted toward each other. The inner cooperating faces of elongated pinching members have flat cooperating surfaces for engaging the flexible tube or hose.

Abstract: A fuser member for fixing toner to a recording medium having a fluoropolymer non-stick topcoat on a compliant silicone rubber baselayer bonded to a metallic insert is provided. The fluoropolymer is adhered to the silicone rubber baselayer using a primer of a blend of silane and a polyamide resin. The primed silicone baselayer is preheated in an infrared oven to remove low molecular weight fractions.

Abstract: A multi-layer roll having a thin fluoropolymer top coat on an elastomeric base layer bonded to a substantially rigid insert is provided. The top coat is formed by placing a thin non-self supporting fluoropolymer sleeve about the insert, or wrapping extruded fluoropolymer film about the insert which is placed in a mold sleeve and positioned in a book mold to hold the membrane in place. Liquid or flowable elastomer is injected into the space between the insert and flexible top coat at a point downstream of where the top layer is held in position between mold elements to prevent wrinkling. The mold is then heated to cure the elastomer.

Abstract: A multi-layer roll having a thin fluoropolymer top coat on an elastomeric base layer bonded to a substantially rigid insert is provided. The top coat is formed by placing a thin non-self supporting fluoropolymer sleeve and about the insert, or wrapping within extruded fluoropolymer film about the insert which is placed in a mold sleeve and positioned in a book mold to holds the membrane in place. Liquid or flowable elastomer is injected into the space between the insert and flexible top coat at a point downstream of where the top layer is held in position between mold elements to prevent wrinkling. The mold is then heated to cure the elastomer.

Abstract: A micro-compliant roll having a PTFE top layer on a silicone rubber baselayer bonded to a metallic insert is provided. The roll with PTFE top coat is heated under pressure to a temperature below the PTFE crystalline melting point and quenched to provide a compliant top layer having crystallinity of no more than about 70 percent. The PTFE top layer is applied by adhering a fibrillated PTFE membrane to a silicone rubber baselayer using a primer of a blend of silane and a polyamide resin, or wrapping the PTFE film about an insert with end spiders placed in a sleeve mold and liquid or flowable elastomer is injected into the space between the insert and PTFE membrane.

Abstract: A fuser member for fixing toner to a recording medium having a fluoropolymer non-stick topcoat on a compliant silicone rubber baselayer bonded to a metallic insert is provided. The fluoropolymer is adhered to the silicone rubber baselayer using a primer of a blend of silane and a polyamide resin. The primed silicone baselayer is preheated in an infrared oven to remove low molecular weight fractions. A primer is applied to the prebaked rubber and completely dried before applying the fluoroelastomer topcoat by spaying.

Abstract: A method of forming a fuser roll by disposing a substantially uncured fluoroelastomer composition which is substantially free of metal containing material on a substrate, and curing the fluoroelastomer material. The fluoroelastomer has at least about 23.4 mole percent hexafluoropropylene and can be cured by electron beam treatment, fugitive base treatment or by the use of blocked/hindered bases.

Abstract: A fluoroelastomer composition free of metal or metal containing compounds, such as metal, metal alloys, metal salts or metal oxide suitable for the upper layer of a fuser roll which does not require the use of mercapto functional active release agents to prevent offset is provided. The fluoroelastomer compositions contain at least 23.4 mole percent hexafluoropropylene. They can be cured by electron beam treatment, fugitive base treatment or by the use of blocked/hindered bases.

Abstract: A fuser member for applying heat and pressure to fuse toner to a recording medium which does not require use of mercapto functional release agents has a surface of a fluoroelastomer material including vinylidene fluoride and at least about 23.4 mole percent hexafluoropropylene. High hexafluoropropylene molar content at least as high as about 30.0 mole percent and preferably 38.1 mole percent may be utilized. When the fluoroelastomer material is a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, the fluorine content is between about 69-71%. Such fuser members may be utilized alone or with polysiloxane release agents which do not include mercapto functional compounds.

Abstract: In a fuser roll for electrostatic copying machines comprising a cylindrical metal core surrounded by a cylindrical body of elastomeric material having an outside cylindrical sleeve of protective material, the end surfaces of the elastomeric material are protected from the deleterious effects of silicone fluid by sealing rings of elastomeric material such as fluorosilicone which is resistant thereto. The rings, which are rectangular in cross section and are made of uncured, deformable material, are inserted in the ends of the sleeve with the ends of the sleeve protruding. The sleeve is assembled with the metal core and placed in a cylindrical mold. Silicone rubber is injected into the space between the core and the sleeve and the sleeve and rings are expanded into contact with the mold wall. The roll is then cured.

Abstract: In a fuser roll for electrostatic copying machines comprising a cylindrical metal core surrounded by a cylindrical body of elastomeric material having an outside cylindrical sleeve of protective material, the end surfaces of the elastomeric material are protected from the deleterious effects of silicone fluid by sealing rings of elastomeric material such as fluorosilicone which is resistant thereto. The rings, which are rectangular in cross section and are made of uncured, deformable material, are inserted in the ends of the sleeve with the ends of the sleeve protruding. The sleeve is assembled with the metal core and placed in a cylindrical mold. Silicone rubber is injected into the space between the core and the sleeve and the sleeve and rings are expanded into contact with the mold wall. The roll is then cured. In the finished cured rolls, the rings are bonded to the end surfaces of the silicone rubber body, and to the interior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeve over an area of substantial width.