Abstract: Compositions and processes for forming radiopaque polymeric articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, radiation inspection apparatuses and methods are then used to determine the presence and attributes of such radiopaque polymeric articles. A radiopaque polymeric article of the present invention can be created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten or their compounds, with a powdered polymer, pelletized polymer or liquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. In addition to creating radiation detectable objects, the radiopaque polymeric materials of the present invention can be used to create radiation protective articles, such as radiation protective garments and bomb containment vessels. Enhanced radiation protection can also be achieved through the use of nano-materials. The principals of the present invention can be used to provide protection against other types of hazards, including fire, chemical, biological and projectile hazards.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for forming radiopaque polymeric articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, radiation inspection apparatuses and methods are then used to determine the presence and attributes of such radiopaque polymeric articles. A radiopaque polymeric article of the present invention can be created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten or their compounds, with a powdered polymer, pelletized polymer or liquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. In addition to creating radiation detectable objects, the radiopaque polymeric materials of the present invention can be used to create radiation protective articles, such as radiation protective garments and bomb containment vessels. Enhanced radiation protection can also be achieved through the use of nano-materials. The principals of the present invention can be used to provide protection against other types of hazards, including fire, chemical, biological and projectile hazards.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for forming radiopaque polymeric articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, radiation inspection apparatuses and methods are then used to determine the presence and attributes of such radiopaque polymeric articles. A radiopaque polymeric article of the present invention can be created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten or their compounds, with a powdered polymer, pelletized polymer or liquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. In addition to creating radiation detectable objects, the radiopaque polymeric materials of the present invention can be used to create radiation protective articles, such as radiation protective garments and bomb containment vessels. Enhanced radiation protection can also be achieved through the use of nano-materials. The principals of the present invention can be used to provide protection against other types of hazards, including fire, chemical, biological and projectile hazards.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for forming radiopaque polymeric articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, radiation inspection apparatuses and methods are then used to determine the presence and attributes of such radiopaque polymeric articles. A radiopaque polymeric article of the present invention can be created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten or their compounds, with a powdered polymer, pelletized polymer or liquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. In addition to creating radiation detectable objects, the radiopaque polymeric materials of the present invention can be used to create radiation protective articles, such as radiation protective garments and bomb containment vessels. Enhanced radiation protection can also be achieved through the use of nano-materials. The principals of the present invention can be used to provide protection against other types of hazards, including fire, chemical, biological and projectile hazards.

Abstract: Articles, including fabrics and film layers, are disclosed which can protect against multiple hazards, including radiation, chemical, biological agents, metal projectiles and fire hazards. In some embodiments, the fabrics and films of the present invention are used to produce garments having protection against multiple hazards and superior heat dissipating properties. A radiation protective compound is preferably created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten or their compounds, with powdered polymer, pelletized polymer or a liquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. This radiation protective mixture can then be laminated or otherwise adhered to other types of protective films or fabric, such as the protective polymer films or fabrics used for chemical protective garments, biological protective garments, bullet proof vests or fire retardant garments.

Abstract: An article which has radiopaque qualities and a method for making it. In a preferred embodiment, a lightweight fabric, such as a cloth surgical mask liner (24) or an entire surgical mask (10), is impregnated with a relatively lightweight radiopaque material, such as a barium sulfate compound, to impart radiopaque qualities. In other embodiments, a similar fabric is used to produce an entire radiation protective jumpsuit, a tent, wallpaper or a liner for a commercial aircraft cabin. Impregnation of the relatively lightweight radiopaque material can be performed in a number of ways, including soaking the fabric in a solution containing the relatively lightweight radiopaque material or using the fabric as a filter in a passing solution of the lightweight radiopaque material. In one preferred embodiment, which is particularly suited for mass production of relatively lightweight radiopaque fabrics, a lightweight radiopaque material is mixed with a liquid polymer.

Abstract: Articles, including fabrics and film layers, are disclosed which can protect against multiple hazards, including radiation, chemical, biological agents, metal projectiles and fire hazards. In some embodiments, the fabrics and films of the present invention are used to produce garments having protection against multiple hazards and superior heat dissipating properties. A radiation protective compound is preferably created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth, tungsten or their compounds, with powdered polymer, pelletized polymer or a liquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. This radiation protective mixture can then be laminated or otherwise adhered to other types of protective films or fabric, such as the protective polymer films or fabrics used for chemical protective garments, biological protective garments, bullet proof vests or fire retardant garments.

Abstract: An article which has radiopaque qualities and a method for making it. In a preferred embodiment, a lightweight fabric, such as a cloth surgical mask liner (24) or an entire surgical mask (10), is impregnated with a relatively lightweight radiopaque material, such as a barium sulfate compound, to impart radiopaque qualities. In other embodiments, a similar fabric is used to produce an entire radiation protective jumpsuit, a tent, wallpaper or a liner for a commercial aircraft cabin. Impregnation of the relatively lightweight radiopaque material can be performed in a number of ways, including soaking the fabric in a solution containing the relatively lightweight radiopaque material or using the fabric as a filter in a passing solution of the lightweight radiopaque material. In one preferred embodiment, which is particularly suited for mass production of relatively lightweight radiopaque fabrics, a lightweight radiopaque material is mixed with a liquid polymer.

Abstract: An article having an electrical circuit component printed directly onto one side of a substrate includes the substrate and an electrical circuit component formed of a conductive liquid printed directly onto one side of the substrate. The electrical component is capable of performing its electrical circuit functions, as printed, and without the necessity for post-printing processes such as metal etching, catalytic ink activation, or electroless deposition.

Abstract: An article having an electrical circuit component printed directly onto one side of a substrate includes the substrate and an electrical circuit component formed of a conductive liquid printed directly onto one side of the substrate. The electrical component is capable of performing its electrical circuit functions, as printed, and without the necessity for post-printing processes such as metal etching, catalytic ink activation, or electroless deposition.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for directly printing an electrical circuit component onto a substrate includes structure and steps for providing a printing station, and for transporting the substrate to the printing station. Structure and steps are provided for printing, at the printing station, an electrical circuit component on the substrate using an electrically-conductive liquid. Preferably, the printed electrical circuit component is capable of performing its circuit function directly after printing, without the need for post-printing process steps such as etching, catalytic ink activation, electroless bath, etc.

Abstract: A method of making a spiral-wound tube, a tube made by such a method, and an outer layer used in such a tube includes structure and steps for bonding a regenerated cellulose web to an outer surface of a spiral-wound substrate. Preferably, the regenerated cellulose comprises a laminate of reverse-printed PVDC-cellophane bonded to a protective layer such as paper. The regenerate cellulose outer web has high strength, is substantially impermeable to liquid and air, has a low coefficient of friction, and is biodegradable. By reverse printing the regenerated cellulose web, printing inks are not smudged or transferred to other surfaces, thus providing an appealing and usable product.

Abstract: A press for printing an electrical circuit component directly onto a substrate with an electrically-conductive liquid includes a press surface having a printing direction and a direction transverse thereto. A plurality of liquid-carrying cells are disposed on the press surface for carrying the electrically-conductive liquid, the cells being in liquid communication with each other in both the printing direction and in the transverse direction. A method of making such a press includes the steps of providing a press surface and engraving the press surface with the plurality of liquid-carrying cells which are in liquid communication with each other in both the printing direction and in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An electrically-conductive liquid for directly printing an electrical circuit component onto a substrate includes between substantially 25 percent and substantially 85 percent by weight of a solvent or water. Between substantially 10 percent and substantially 40 percent by weight of solids are provided, the solids including (i) substantially 5 percent to substantially 30 percent of polymer resin, and (ii) substantially 3 percent to substantially 15 percent by weight of a conductive powder. Between substantially 1 percent and substantially 7 percent by weight of plasticizers are also included. A method of making such an ink includes the steps of premixing the above-referenced solids and the above-referenced plasticizers, and then mixing the premix with the above-referenced solvent or water.

Abstract: A plurality of like, thermoformable plastic laminate articles and a method of making same in which a substantially flexible plastic sheet is bonded to a substantially rigid thermoformable plastic core. The sheet has markings disposed on one face thereof, and the markings are disposed at the same predetermined location with respect to the core for all of the plurality of articles.