Abstract: A novel liquid crystalline charge transport material is provided which simultaneously has advantages of an amorphous material, that is, evenness in a large area, and advantages of a crystalline material having molecular alignment, is excellent in high-quality charge transport capability, film forming properties, various types of durability and the like, and permits the alignment to be regulated by external stimulation. The liquid crystalline charge transport material has smectic liquid crystallinity and an electron mobility of not less than 1×10−5 cm2/v.s.

Abstract: A liquid crystal aligning agent composed of a polymer containing a moiety having two aromatic nuclei and an ethylene carbonyl group therebetween. The liquid crystal aligning agent is converted to a liquid crystal alignment film by irradiation a thin film of the agent with a linearly polarized ray.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide rich gas by catalytic steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock, wherein a first stream of the feedstock is autothermally steam reformed in parallel with a second stream of the feedstock being steam reformed in presense of a steam reforming catalyst in heat conducting relationship with hot effluent from the autothermal steam reforming and with steam reformed hot effluent withdrawn from steam reforming catalyst, and the effluent from the autothermal steam reforming step and the heat exchange steam reforming step are combined after having supplied heat to steam reforming reactions proceeding in the second stream of the feedstock.

Abstract: A conductive composite sintered body exhibiting PTC behavior, including a high electrical resistance matrix and 20 vol %-40 vol % electrically conductive particles dispersed in the matrix to form an electrically conducting three-dimensional network therethrough. The electrically conductive particles are selected from bismuth, gallium, or alloys thereof, and an average distance between the particles, when viewed in an arbitrary cross-section through the sintered body, is no more than 8 times the average particle diameter of the particles. The resistivity of the sintered body is low at temperatures below the melting point of the electrically conductive material and increases substantially at or above the melting point.

Abstract: This invention discloses synergistic blends of phosphates and lactones having a base structure of 3-phenylbenzofuran-2-one with or without other additives as stabilizers for polymers, particularly during melt processing as evidenced by changes in melt flow and in some instances, resistance to yellowing.

Abstract: A method for cutting and edge sealing cells of cellular retroreflective sheeting is disclosed using a specially designed apparatus and tool. Sheeting having a thickness T is heated to a thermoforming temperature to form a heated sheeting. Pressing the unheated tool, the heated sheeting, and a substrate together results in cutting and edge sealing of the heated sheeting. The tool has a radiused ridge for cutting and edge sealing with the shape of the ridge similar to the shape desired for the edge seal. A height H of the ridge is defined relative to the thickness of the sheeting. The fraction of the ridge height to the thickness of the sheeting is less than one and more than 0.2. The tools may be mounted on a perimeter of a wheel for continuously slitting and edge sealing strips of cellular sheeting. The retroreflectivity of the sheeting is maximized by (1) minimizing the width of the sealed edges while (2) maximizing the number of closed cells along the sealed edges that can withstand a water holdout test.

Abstract: The invention is an encapsulated active agent comprising an active agent encapsulated in a crystallizable or thermoplastic polymer wherein the particle size of the encapsulated active agent is 3,000 microns or less wherein the active agent is not significantly extractable from the particles under ambient conditions. In another embodiment the invention is a process for preparing an encapsulated agent which comprises a) contacting an active agent with a crystallizable or thermoplastic polymer wherein the polymer is molten and the active agent in not volatile under the contacting conditions; b) forming particles of about 3000 microns or less; and c) exposing the particles to conditions such that the portion of the particle at and near the surface undergoes rapid solidification. The encapsulated active agents of the invention do not require washing in order for them to be stable in curable compositions. These encapsulated active agents can be designed to release the active agent at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A process for forming microspheres that includes passing a first composition containing polymer and solvent through an orifice and directly into a second composition containing water and a microsphere-stabilizing agent, under at least one of conditions (a) and (b), wherein (a) the first composition flows through a first conduit along a first path and exits the first conduit at the orifice, the second composition flows through a second conduit along a second path in an upstream to downstream direction, the first conduit is connected to the second conduit and terminates at the orifice, the first and second paths being orientated at an angle &thgr; relative to each other, wherein 0°<&thgr;<180°; (b) the first composition being at a first temperature and including a solvent having a boiling point, the second composition being at a second temperature, the boiling point of the solvent being less than the second temperature; and forming a composition including water and microspheres, the microspheres b

Abstract: A process for the preparation of microcapsules by the condensation of melamine-formaldehyde resins and/or the methyl ethers thereof in water, in which the substantially water-insoluble material forming the core of the capsule is dispersed, in the presence of an anionic protective colloid at pH's of from 3 to 6.5 by the formation of the microcapsules at temperatures of from 20° to 50° C. followed by curing of the shell of the capsules at from >50° to 100° C., in which, prior to curing, from 10 to 200 wt % of urea, whose amino groups are optionally linked to an ethylene or propylene bridge, based on the melamine-formaldehyde resin are added, the microcapsules produced by this process and also the use thereof in a pressure-sensitive recording system.

Abstract: Processes for the batch production of rubber-based compositions capable of being shaped and shaped articles made thereof. They include a step of high intensity mixing cured rubber particles with other selected compounds into a closed mixing chamber provided on a high intensity mixer including a central shaft having mixing blades. Through high speed rotation of the shaft, blade tip speed above about 20 meter/s are obtained to intensively mix and thermokinetically heat the batch of mixable material, whose temperature is continuously monitored. Discharge of the batch from the mixing chamber takes place when the temperature is considered to have reached a reference value ensuring a substantially uniform mix of the rubber material and added compounds, to produce the rubber-based composition.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for producing reactive plastics molded bodies with a high proportion of coarse-grained filler, in which the coarse-grained filler is heated to an elevated temperature before being fed into the mold.

Abstract: A method of curing a polymeric binder onto a powdered metal after such polymer has been coated on the powdered metal but before a part is therefrom molded, thereby forming a polymer matrix-powdered metal composite material. The polymer-coated powdered metal may be cured by retaining the polymer-coated powdered metal in a fluidized bed contained within a fluidized bath (e.g. a fluid bed coater/drier apparatus) even after the coating process has terminated. The temperature of the fluidized bath may then be raised, in turn raising the temperature of the fluidized bed, thereby curing the polymer onto the coated powdered metal in situ. By keeping the polymer-coated power metal in constant motion during the curing process, the polymer-coated powdered metal particles do not agglomerate nor otherwise adhere to other coated powdered metal particles.

Abstract: The process for the manufacture of an additive concentrate which comprises particles of size from 5 microns to 10 mm and a binder including the steps of: (a) mixing the particles and the binder in the dry state; (b) pressing the resulting mixture, optionally with heat sufficient to soften the binder, but insufficient to form significant melting of the particles so as to form a coherent body; and (c) optionally comminuting the resulting body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of wood composite materials. This process comprises combining wood particles with a mixture comprising a solid compound comprising urea and/or melamine, and a polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate), followed by molding or compressing the coated combination of wood particles.

Abstract: A method of making a speaker comprises providing a pair of dies which define between them a cavity. A first portion of the cavity receives a diaphragm of the speaker. A second portion of the cavity adjacent an outer perimeter of the diaphragm receives a fluid thermoplastic elastomer for forming a diaphragm surround. The second portion includes a perimetrally inner first region adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally inner flange for bonding to the diaphragm adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm. The second portion includes a central second region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a connecting arch of the surround. The second portion also includes a perimetrally outer third region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally outer flange for attachment to a diaphragm support. A diaphragm is placed between the dies. The dies are closed.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating closure of integrally molded plastic construction that includes a base wall having a peripheral skirt with internal threads for engaging external threads on the finish of a container. A tamper-indicating band is connected to the lower or free edge of the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced integral bridges. At least one of the bridges has a greater circumferential dimension than other of the bridges. A thin integral membrane is disposed in the band immediately circumferentially adjacent to the one bridge, and extends both axially and circumferentially of the band. A stop flange is positioned on the band for engaging a bead on a container to inhibit removal of the closure, such that the membrane and the other bridges rupture upon removal of the closure but the band remains connected to the closure by the one bridge of enlarged circumferential dimension.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin-walled polymeric tubular member for an intralumenal device, and the member produced thereby. The thin-walled tubular member extruded using the method of the invention is suitable for use a sleeve for a catheter shaft or balloon. The thin-walled tubular member has a single wall thickness of not greater than about 0.003 inch (0.0076 cm). In the method of the invention, the thin-walled tubular member is formed by co-extruding a thin-walled first polymer layer with a removable second polymer layer, and the two layers are separated by dissolution or physical removal of the second layer, to leave the first layer, with the first polymer layer forming the thin-walled tubular member. Because the method of the invention involves co-extruding a removable second polymer layer along with the thin-walled first polymer layer, conventional tooling dimensions in the extruder may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor covering that causes essentially no unpleasant odors and/or health damaging emissions and which furthermore shows no signs of discoloration by aging for a lengthy time period, as well as a method for manufacturing the floor covering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for formation of optical quality plastic sheet in a continuous fashion, wherein the plastic sheet produced is capable of use in a variety of optical and electronic display applications.

Abstract: A cavity plate of an ink jet printer head is adapted to be attached to a piezoelectric element member and has walls prescribing a plurality of ink storing chambers and a plurality of ink discharge holes. A mold for molding the cavity is provided with: a corniform block member including (i) a plurality of corniform convex portions to mold the ink storing chambers, each having an opening portion on a side of an attachment surface of the cavity plate to be attached to the piezoelectric element member, and (ii) a plurality of corniform concave portions to mold partition walls of the cavity plate for partitioning each of the ink storing chambers; and plurality of pin members to mold the ink discharge holes, which are continuous to the ink storing chambers such that the ink discharge holes have straight tubular portions respectively from the ink storing chambers to ink discharge tip portions at an ink discharge surface of the cavity plate on an opposite side of the attachment surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a mold cavity for forming a fastener element having a predetermined shape including an undercut portion. The method includes: (a) providing a mold body having a surface; (b) providing a shaped electrode, the shape of the electrode being selected to enable the predetermined shape of the mold cavity to be described by motions of the electrode; (c) moving the shaped electrode into the surface of the mold body to form an initial opening in the mold body; (d) moving the shaped electrode within the initial opening in a set of motions referenced to multiple axes to enlarge the initial opening and form the predetermined shape of the mold cavity; and (e) removing the shaped electrode from the mold body. Methods of molding fastener elements are also provided.

Abstract: A toroidal core is produced on a rim 1 comprising a central portion connecting two annular lateral anchoring zones. The rim has an air passage orifice which can be selectively closed or opened and connected to a source of pressure, to the atmosphere or to vacuum. A conduit 3 passes through the rim and has a valve 30 which can be selectively closed or opened, the conduit extending to an orifice to which a pipeline can be connected by a suitable flange 13. A stretchable membrane 2 is mounted on the radially outer side of the rim and is fastened to it in air-tight manner on anchoring zones over the entire periphery of said rim so as to define a closed space on the radially outer side of said rim between the rim and the membrane. A fluid 6 fills said closed space to overflowing, said membrane being pressed against a mold 5.

Abstract: A method of making a fender protective structure having a layer of resilient plastic/elastomer alloy having a delayed elastic response, comprising providing a mold, placing elastomer spacers in the mold, adding the plastic and elastomer to the mold under heat and pressure, and opening the mold and removing the spacers to create voids the alloy.

Abstract: A molding method includes joining first and second molds to define a mold cavity; injecting a plastic into the mold cavity; and projecting the eject pin into the mold cavity with the molds joined together, thereby applying pressure to the plastic in the mold cavity.

Abstract: The disclosure disclosed a fabric made of cellulose acetate and/or cellulose triacetate, and optionally fibers of other selected substances, which are calendered at selected temperatures and pressures after having been water-wetted to a selected water content in order to bond the fibers of cellulose acetate and/or triacetate to one another and/or to fibers of the other selected substances. The selected calendering temperatures are from about 130° C. to about 210° C., preferably from about 160° C. to about 190° C.; the selected pressures are from about 500 to about 5000 psi, preferably from about 500 to about 2500 psi and most preferably from about 1000 to about 2500 psi; and selected water content is from about 20% to about 600% of fabric dry weight. The physical properties of the calendered fabric, for example the stiffness or hand resulting from different degrees of bonding can be changed by altering one or more of there parameters, either separately or in combination.

Abstract: A process for forming detergent bars by injection moulding in which a pressure is applied to a partially structured detergent composition to deliver it to a mould. The detergent composition can be delivered to the mould in a substantially semi-solid state, at a temperature below 70° C. and at a pressure at the point of injection of greater than 20 psi.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the temperature of a mold for injection molding. The temperature of a front surface portion of an upper mold neighbored a gate which is connected to a spool to which the melted resin is injected through a runner, is controlled as 65-75° C. The temperature of a side surface portion of the upper mold between the front surface portion and a parting line, is controlled as 45-55° C. Then, a cavity portion corresponding to the upper mold is formed. The temperature of a core portion which is positioned at a concave portion of a mould product, is controlled as 35-45° C. The generation of a weld line or a chromic aberration can be restrained.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a seal ring having a cut portion at one position on the circumference by injecting a molten molding material from a gate into a cavity of a forming die, the gate is provided at a position apart from the opposite position to the cut portion of the sealing. In the case of a seal ring with a weld portion, the weld portion is set away from the cut portion.

Abstract: A mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

Abstract: Tool having a molding surface is formed from a flowable material (e.g., powder material) wherein the shape of molding surface is formed from a molding process using a master pattern having a surface with a shape substantially the same as the shape of the molding surface to be formed. The tool has at least one thermal control element located within it and spaced from the molding surface where a component used in forming the thermal control element is located within the flowable material prior to solidifying the material. The powder material is preferably a mixture of metals. The thermal control elements include fluid flow paths, heating elements, temperature sensors, and the like.

Abstract: A container (5) such as a bottle made of thermoplastic material and provided with a bottom wall having an inwardly convex curved central portion (3) is disclosed. The container is produced by blow moulding a blank (4) with at least one incipient bottom recess (3) in a finishing mould (15a, 15b, 11) of which the bottom wall (11) has an arched central portion (10) substantially matching the recess in the bottom of the container to be produced. Said container is produced by causing relative rotation of the central portion (10) and the blank (4) when said central portion is positioned in the recess in the bottom of the blank.

Abstract: A process and system for purifying molten metal utilize a filter holder which has a spring-loaded clasp for releasably engaging a filter component. The filter holder is particularly well-suited to engaging and releasing a fabric filter having a frame surrounding its perimeter. The process involves releasing the filter component from the filter holder by inserting the filter component into a tapered recess of a mold composite. Another mold composite is mated over the filter component and forms a molten metal flow path, across which the filter is disposed. Then, a feed stream of molten metal is introduced to the flow path and through the filter. An advantage of the filter holder is that the spring tension within the filter holder can be adjusted to allow secure travel before insertion into the tapered recess and easy release of the filter component after insertion is complete.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reducing system for reducing a fine iron ore is disclosed, in which the structure of the fluidized bed reducing furnace is improved such that the coarse iron ore particles are distributed in the lower portion of the fluidized bed within the furnace and the fine iron ore particles are distributed in the upper portion of the fluidized bed. Thus, the average residence times of the particles in the furnace are adjusted differently for different ore sizes, so that the reducing efficiency can be improved, and that the residence time of the reducing gas in the furnace can be extended, thereby improving the degree of gas utilization.

Abstract: A traveling hearth for producing reduced metal by charging and stacking a raw material containing a metal-containing material and a solid-reducing material on a horizontally moving hearth, arranged for disposing a solid-reducing material layer on the hearth, forming concave portions at the solid-reducing material surface, stacking the raw material on the surface of the solid-reducing material layer, reducing the raw material by at least once heating and melting the material on the hearth to separate metal and gangue and ash ingredients, and discharging metal from the hearth.

Abstract: There is disclosed a quick change plug and socket blow lance for use in steel conversion. To expedite exchange of an exhausted lance body (2) the lance body (2) has a plug (4) formed at an upper end adapted for reception in a socket (3) formed in a head (1). The socket and head are provided with various sealing surfaces whereby coolant water and oxygen for the conversion process can reliably be delivered to passages in the lance body (2). A locking mechanism is provided whereby the plug (4) can quickly be secured into the head socket (3) and separated after use. The locking mechanism consists of a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections (7) formed on a rotatable head ring (5) mounted at the mount of the socket (3). A lance body ring is secured to the lance body immediately below the plug (4) and provides a plurality of circumferentially spaced flange segments (8a) separated by gaps (8) through which the projections can pass as the plug (4) is inserted axially into the socket (3).

Abstract: A synchronizer ring of the transmission of an automobile comprising an inner ring made of the powder of sintered ferroalloy, and an outer ring made of the brass-sintered alloy, the inner ring and the outer ring are integrally united by the brazing. The synchronizer ring is manufactured by method comprising step for pressurizing the powder of the sintered ferroalloy with the pressure 6˜7 ton/cm2 and forming the body of the outer ring under the reducing atmosphere at the temperature of 1,140±20° C., step for forming the inner ring with the brass-sintered alloy and plating the outer ring with nickel, step for spreading the brazing powder on the surface of the inner ring; and step for brazing the inner ring and the outer ring and integrally uniting each other under the reducing atmosphere at the temperature of 900˜920° C. for 20˜40 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing sinterable metallic shaped parts from a metal powder, which is mixed with an auxiliary compacting agent containing at least in part components from the polyalkylene glycol family, is filled into a compacting mold and, following the compacting under pressure, is ejected from the mold as compacted shaped part.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alloy steel of high corrosion resistance to hot molten salts containing chlorides and/or alkali oxides. The alloy steel is manufactured from a composition comprising 20-40 weight % of Ni, 0-8 weight % of Cr, 0.05 weight % or less of C, 0.5 weight % or less of Si, 1.0 weight % or less of Mn, 0.05 weight % or less of S, and the balance of Fe to total weight. With a low Cr content, the alloy steel is superb in the corrosion resistance to chloride and/or alkali oxide-containing molten salts, including LiCl—Li2O. Also, the alloy steel shows stable corrosion resistance to molten salts even at high temperature as well as low temperature in addition to being superior to workability. Thus, the alloy steel can be processed into plates, bars or pipes which are used for structural materials and structural components for treating molten salts.

Abstract: A case hardening steel with a minimum of grain boundary oxidation, suitable for use in the manufacture of mechanical elements with high demands on fatigue resistance and wear resistance, comprising, in % by weight: C 0.12-0.25 Si ≦0.30 Mn 0.30-0.80 Cr 0.30-0.80 Ni 0.20-0.80 Mo 0.10-0.50 Ti 0.020-0.080 Al 0.005-0.10 B 0.001-0.006 remainder Fe+normal impurities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing water containing pathogen protozoa having shells in a simple manner without negative influencing the environment is disclosed. Ultrasonic waves are applied to drinking water to form fine cavitation bubbles which are used to destroy the shells of pathogenic protozoa. The residual chlorine in the drinking water along with an oxidizing action and effect of the ultrasonic wave, permit not only sterilization but also deodorization and decolorization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-free alcohol disinfectant capable of destroying spores. Preferably, the disinfectant also contains an additional chemical sterilization agent, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, in very low concentrations within the range of between 0.5 and 3.0 percent of the weight of the alcohol solution. The disinfectant is usable in industrial contexts for bacteriological cleaning of surfaces, for example, inner walls in pipelines, conduits, reaction vessels, and other process equipment, without corroding or chemically attacking the material in such surfaces.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the interior and the exterior of a lumen device in a multi-chambered compartment with an interface with an adjustable opening in the interface. The lumen is placed partly in the first chamber and partly in the second chamber across the interface, sterilant is introduced into the multi-chambered compartment, and a flow is created between the two chambers through the lumen. The adjustable interface may be equipped with expandable material, compressible material, or inflatable material. Hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid are suitable sterilants.

Abstract: Improvements to integrated blood pump/oxygenator having a rotating hollow fiber bundle assembly that both oxygenates and pumps blood are provided. A plurality of vanes arranged along a central shaft of the device increase pressure near the center of the fiber bundle to prevent microbubble generation and blood trauma. Shearing loads imposed on the fiber elements of the fiber bundle are reduced by the addition of a reinforcement structure, while the gas flow path is configured to minimize flooding and loss of oxygenation efficiency due to occasional rupture of fiber elements. Blood trauma may be further reduced by contouring the vanes and other components of the device.

Abstract: An improved absorbance or detection cell for a microfluid device, and in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the absorbance cell comprises a bottom plate having a channel bearing surface in which a channel having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet is defined, a top plate having a channel facing surface bound to the channel bearing surface of the bottom plate and first and second reflecting elements formed on opposed sides of the channel to form a waveguide through which the channel extends such that radiation propagating along the waveguide makes multiple passes across the channel, the waveguide having a radiation input end and a radiation output end.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a rapid, field-portable, modular, versatile and highly reliable assay device for substances, particularly drugs of abuse, which provides a positive signal in the presence of a specific substance for which the device has been specifically adapted to test. The subject invention also concerns methods for making and using the assay device. The device is easily and reliably manufactured by laminating a series of manufactured layers to each other to form an upper card assembly and a lower card assembly. The upper card assembly is bonded to the upper side of a layer which has an immobilized reagent specific for a test substance bound thereto, and the lower card assembly is bonded to the lower side of the layer having the immobilized reagent. The device can be manufactured and distributed in a unitary, ready-to-use form.

Abstract: Solid phase combinatorial synthesis is carried out in a multi-reactor synthesizer comprising an array of separate reactor cells (1-9) containing a solid reaction support medium (26). Subsets of the reactor cells (1-9) are interconnected with one another in a desired pattern, and, in a first reaction step, reagents (A, B, C) are circulated through the subsets. After the first reaction step is completed, the reactor cells (1-9) are rearranged into a new configuration of the subsets, and the same, or other, reagents (A, B, C) are circulated through the new subsets. The process can be repeated to produce large numbers of compounds differing from one another.

Abstract: A gas-solid fluidized bed is formed within a contacting element having pairs of planar portions arranged in intersecting planes, each planar portion being formed by one or more webs and one or more open slots adjacent each web, the webs and slots being arranged such that a web in one of the planar portions intersects a slot in the paired planar portion. The fluidized bed can be catalyst particles fluidized by a gas stream, such as in a catalyst stripper and/or regenerator in an FCC system.

Abstract: An oxidation exhaust trap for filtering a particulate product of a first gas contacted with a gaseous oxidizing agent. The oxidation exhaust trap has a vessel having an interior cavity. The vessel further having a first inlet in communication with the interior cavity for introduction of the first gas into the interior cavity and a second inlet in communication with the interior cavity for introduction of the gaseous oxidizing agent into the interior cavity, the gaseous oxidizing agent mixing with the first gas thereby causing oxidation of the first gas for producing the particulate product suspended in a gaseous product. Lastly, the vessel has an outlet in communication with the interior cavity. A filter is disposed in the interior cavity for filtering the particulate product from the gaseous product which is exhausted through the outlet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first gas is silane and the gaseous oxidizing agent is air.

Abstract: A multilayer intumescent mat or sheet is useful for mounting a pollution control device or as a firestop. In one aspect, the multilayer intumescent sheet of the invention comprises a non-moldable flexible non-intumescent layer and a non-moldable flexible intumescent layer comprising an intumescent material wherein the layers form a single sheet without the use of auxiliary bonding means. The mat desirably includes a significant proportion of inorganic fiber containing shot, and small proportions of shot-free inorganic fiber and intumescent material. In another aspect, the multilayer intumescent sheet of the invention comprises a first non-moldable intumescent layer comprising a first intumescent material and a second non-moldable intumescent layer comprising a second intumescent material, the first and second intumescent materials being different, wherein the layers form a single sheet without the use of auxiliary bonding means.

Abstract: Device for exciting a gas comprising a hollow structure forming a waveguide, made of an electrically conductive material, connected to a microwave generator and including a passage for a hollow dielectric tube adapted for flow of the gas to be excited, the hollow structure further including a wave-concentrating region designed to concentrate microwave radiation produced by the generator onto the tube, during operation of the device, for the purpose of producing a surface wave plasma in the gas, at least one electromagnetic screening sleeve made of a conductive material, fastened to the hollow structure and extending along the extension of the passage so as to surround the hollow tube.