Abstract: An apparatus for engaging a work piece during plating facilitates electrolyte flow during a plating operation. The apparatus helps to control the plating solution fluid dynamics and electric field shape to keep the wafer's local plating environment uniform and bubble free. The apparatus holding the work piece in a manner that facilitates electrolyte circulation patterns in which the electrolyte flows from the center of the work piece plating surface, outward toward the edge of the edge of the work piece. The apparatus holds the work piece near the work piece edges and provides a flow path for electrolyte to flow outward away from the edges of the work piece plating surface. That flow path has a “snorkel” shape in which the outlet is higher than the inlet. In addition, the flow path may have a slot shape that spans much or all of the circumference of holding apparatus. It may be made from a material that resists deformation and corrosion such as certain ceramics.

Abstract: A copper plating bath comprising a reaction condensate of an amine compound and glycidyl ether and/or a quaternary ammonium derivative of this reaction condensate, and a plating method using this copper plating bath are disclosed. A copper plating bath capable of providing highly reliable copper plating on a substrate such as a silicone wafer semiconductor substrate or printed board having minute circuit patterns and small holes such as blind via-holes, through-holes, and the like, and a method of copper plating using the copper plating bath can be provided.

Abstract: A conductive cap for use in an electronic component, has an opening at a bottom portion thereof, and is constructed to be fixed to the upper surface of a substrate of the electronic component at the opening portion of the cap so as to cover at least an electronic component element mounted on the upper surface of the substrate having terminal electrodes provided thereon. The end surface of the opening and the inner and outer surfaces thereof in connection to and in the vicinity of the end surface are provided with an insulating film disposed thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous compositions and methods to produce durable and vitreous colored interference films of nickel zinc oxide electroplating, including white zinc metallic colored electrodepositions for the zinc embodiment; brass, bronze, burgundy, purple, blue, green and black electroplatings covering both high and low bath concentration embodiments. The films are useful for decorative and functional purposes. The distinguishing features of the coating are its vivid colorfulness, its specular reflection and the perception of binocular depth by the observer caused by translucence of the deposited film. The baths can coat a variety of metal substrates, including brass, copper and most ferrous metals. The alkaline plating bath embodiment of this invention permits the coating to be directly electroplated over zinc, as well as aluminum.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising providing a molten salt electrolyte having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell. A plurality of anodes and cathodes having planar surfaces are disposed in a generally vertical orientation in the electrolyte, the anodes and cathodes arranged in alternating or interleaving relationship to provide anode planar surfaces disposed opposite cathode planar surfaces, the anode comprised of carbon. Electric current is passed through anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes depositing aluminum at the cathodes and forming carbon containing gas at the anodes.

Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprising one or more anodes (10), each having a metal-based anode substrate, for instance comprising a metal core (11) covered with an metal layer 12, an oxygen barrier layer (13), one or more intermediate layers (14, 14A, 14B) and an iron layer (15). The anode substrate is covered with an electrochemically active iron oxide-based outside layer (16), in particular a hematite-based layer, which remains dimensionally stable during operation in a cell by maintaining in the electrolyte a sufficient concentration of iron species. The cell operating temperature is sufficiently low so that the required concentration of iron species in the electrolyte (5) is limited by the reduced solubility of iron species in the electrolyte at the operating temperature, which consequently limits the contamination of the product aluminium by iron to an acceptable level.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for decreasing the viscosity of crude oils and residuum utilizing a combination of thermal and acidic treatment. Further, the invention describes a method for making a water-in-oil emulsion, or a solids-stabilized water-in-oil emulsion with a reduced viscosity. The emulsion can be used in enhanced oil recovery methods, including using the emulsion as a drive fluid to displace hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation, and using the emulsion as a barrier fluid for diverting flow of fluids in the formation.

Abstract: A lubricating oil filter has a housing which includes a first shell providing a housing base and a second shell providing a housing lid, wherein a filter media is suspended in a space defined by the shells by being clamped between a shoulder in the housing base and a rib projecting from the housing lid. The filter media may be either a flat filter media or a pleated pack filter media. In a preferred configuration, the housing is rectangular and has an unfiltered oil inlet in the housing lid which is at one end of the housing and a filtered oil outlet which is at the other end of the housing.

Abstract: A low cost oil, grease removal assembly includes a rotomolded plastic container having an inlet and an outlet; a rotomolded plastic basket support located at the inlet inside the container; a rotomolded plastic outlet baffle located in the container at the outlet; a plurality of container cover sections including a first section to cover the basket support, a second container cover section having an oil, grease removal mechanism downstream of the basket support and upstream of the outlet baffle, and a third container cover section to cover the outlet baffle.

Abstract: Radioactive laundry liquid wastes are supplied in a liquid waste heating vessel. Hydrogen peroxide and an alkali solution are supplied to the liquid waste heating vessel. The pH of the radioactive laundry liquid wastes is adjusted to 7 or higher by the alkali solution. The radioactive laundry liquid wastes are heated to 50° C. or higher by a heating device and introduced to first and second aeration vessels. The temperature is controlled by a device in accordance with the value measured by a thermometer. Ozone is supplied from an ozone generator by way of an ozone gas discharge port to the first aeration vessel. Ozone discharged from the first aeration vessel is introduced from the ozone gas discharge port to the second aeration vessel. Therefore, the amount of ozone dissolved into the radioactive laundry liquid wastes is increased so that the amount of hydroxy radicals formed for decomposing organic substances increases, since the laundry liquid wastes are heated to 50° C.

Abstract: A rotating drum pressure differential filter is provided whereby a layer of filter medium is continuously refreshed by a spray applicator device after the layer is utilized to filter components sample medium and a portion of the layer is subsequently scraped to remove sample medium waste from the layer. Methods of filtration using the device are also provided as are systems employing two or more such filters. A spray applicator device useful for refreshing a filter medium on the outer surface of a rotating drum pressure differential filter is also provided as is a retro fit kit useful in modifying existing rotating drum pressure differential filters to enable the continuous formation of a refreshed filter medium layer. The continuously refreshed filter and filter systems provide a minimized down time of the filter and system operations. Multiple-stage filtration processes are also provided and are particularly in the recovery of enzymes from fermentation broths.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrosprayliquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: A water purifier that assures easier change of a used filter comprises a base, at least one filter replaceably attached to the base and including a first end with a first fluid port and a second end with a second fluid port, a first connector supporting the first end of the filter in a separable manner and including a connector port connected to the first fluid port of the filter, a second connector spaced apart from the first connector to accomodate the filter therebetween and including a bore aligned with the second fluid port of the filter, a spool fitted into the bore of the second connector for movement between an extended position allowing fluid flow and a contracted position preventing fluid flow, and a spool actuator for slidingly moving the spool between the extended position and the contracted position.

Abstract: A filter cartridge configured to provide two or more levels of fluid filtration or conditioning from within a single filter cartridge is disclosed, the filter cartridge including a housing that defines an interior cavity and has an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the cavity, a first outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing, and a second outlet portion for discharging fluid from the housing. The filter cartridge also includes a first stage filter disposed within the interior cavity for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the first stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the first outlet portion by way of a first flow path, and a second stage filter disposed within the interior cavity of the housing for conditioning fluid passing therethrough, the second stage filter in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the second outlet portion by way of a second flow path.

Abstract: A method of removing salt from seawater to produce potable freshwater. Apparatus that may be used with the method includes a large metal cylinder, with open top and bottom ends, anchored to the sea floor offshore. Several pressure hulls may be attached to the side of the cylinder. Within each pressure hull there are several reverse osmosis devices (“RODs”), each containing a membrane that will allow water molecules, but not sodium and chlorine ions, to pass through. Due to the pressure differential, freshwater passes through the membranes by reverse osmosis, and is pumped out of the pressure hulls to a storage facility onshore. After equilibrium is reached, the pumps for the brine can be turned off, as gravity will cause brine to flow down from the pressure hulls through an opening in the bottom of the cylinder. Alternatively, a reverse osmosis system may be supported on an elevated undersea platform.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrosprayliquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: A method is described to decompose perchlorate in a FeCl3/HCl aqueous solution such as would be used to regenerate an anion exchange resin used to remove perchlorate. The solution is mixed with a reducing agent, preferably an organic alcohol and/or ferrous chloride, and can be heated to accelerate the decomposition of perchlorate. Lower temperatures may be employed if a catalyst is added.

Abstract: The invention is a new composition and process for lanthanum oxide concentrate that is used to significantly reduce arsenic and/or selenium concentration levels in aqueous solutions. The lanthanum oxide concentrate is a mixture of lanthanum oxide and one or more oxides from the following group: neodymium oxide, cerium oxide, parseodymiun oxide, strontium oxide, calcium oxide and sodium oxide. The process of manufacture comprises the steps of sintering the lanthanum oxide concentrate, then washing the resultant media. The process of use is the contact of the lanthanum oxide concentrate with an aqueous solution containing arsenic and/or selenium whereby the lanthanum oxide concentrate removes at least a portion of the arsenic and/or selenium from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The method of controlling ozone supply to a pool or spa body of liquid, that includes providing an ozone generator; providing a control valve operatively connected to the generator to control induced flow of ozone to a pool or spa body of liquid, the valve being solenoid controlled; providing a control for timing of operation of the valve; and providing for controlled delivery of ozone via the valve to air supply to the pool or spa or a re-circulating liquid supply to the pool or spa. The invention allows newly designed or pre-existing systems to add ozone gas to a water body, under the control of a valve, without losing sealed integrating of the air delivery system to the water body.

Abstract: Water treatment involves delivering an instantaneous electric current to one or more pairs of activated electrodes immersed in the water, each of the pairs of electrodes comprising a sacrificial electrode operating predominantly as an anode and an inert electrode operating predominantly as a cathode. The sacrifical electrode, when as an anode, is able to provide dissolved ions to the water as current passes between the pairs of electrodes, to assist in treating the water. The polarity of the electrodes is periodically reversed to reduce electrode clogging. The amount of charge passed by the instantaneous electric current is indicative of the degree to which the water has been treated, and is used to control the treatment process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for turbulently exposing water flowing through a water system to a plurality of electrodes of an ion generator and having a self-contained tank through which water flows is provided with an inlet pipe that directs water flow between the electrodes. A tank cover serves as a non-electrical conducting head for the plurality of electrodes that extend downwardly from the underside of the cover. The electrodes are functionally configured to maximize water flow between them. Following the flow of water between the electrodes, a double vortex of water flow is created along one wall of the tank. A sight glass allows for visualization of the container contents, and in particular electrode wastage or wear, during operation.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone bundle comprising a plurality of hydrocyclone liners and a plate assembly for use in liquid-liquid separation is disclosed. The hydrocyclone bundle may be used in new or existing separators. The hydrocyclone liners may be oppositely positioned within the hydrocyclone bundle. The plate assembly may collect and distribute overflow and underflow effluents from the hydrocyclone liners.

Abstract: An inlet structure for dissipating the energy of the influent to a feedwell of a clarifier. The inlet structure has a cylindrical wall centered in the clarifier and closed at the bottom. Ports in the wall are each equipped with a baffle that includes a fixed center vane aligned with the port, a pair of hinged gates on the sides of the center vane, and a bottom baffle underlying the port and the center vane and gates. The gates can be adjusted to control the size and velocity of influent streams that are directed in opposite tangential directions from each port into impingement with streams from adjacent ports for dissipation of the influent energy in the feedwell.

Abstract: An etching method, such as for forming a micromechanical device, is disclosed. One embodiment of the method is for releasing a micromechanical structure, comprising, providing a substrate; providing a sacrificial layer directly or indirectly on the substrate; providing one or more micromechanical structural layers on the sacrificial layer; performing a first etch to remove a portion of the sacrificial layer, the first etch comprising providing an etchant gas and energizing the etchant gas so as to allow the etchant gas to physically, or chemically and physically, remove the portion of the sacrificial layer; performing a second etch to remove additional sacrificial material in the sacrificial layer, the second etch comprising providing a gas that chemically but not physically etches the additional sacrificial material.

Abstract: A method for removing voids in a ceramic substrate includes steps of preparing a ceramic substrate and defining holes of different dimensions in the ceramic substrate, sputtering a titanium/copper film onto opposite sides of the ceramic substrate, chemical copper plating, forming a dry film onto the ceramic substrate, forming an image, plating copper leads, plating nickel and gold, removing the dry film, and etching titanium/copper.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system to facilitate using selective etching to form optical components on a circuit device. The system operates by receiving a substrate composed of a first material including a buffer layer composed of a second material. The system forms a sacrificial layer composed of a third material on the buffer layer. Next, the system forms an optical fiber core composed of a fourth material on the sacrificial layer. After the optical fiber core has been formed, the system performs an etching operation using a selective etchant to remove the sacrificial layer. The system also applies a cladding layer to the optical fiber core.

Abstract: An oxide etching recipe including a heavy hydrogen-free fluorocarbon having F/C ratios less than 2, preferably C4F6, an oxygen-containing gas such as O2 or CO, a lighter fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon, and a noble diluent gas such as Ar or Xe. The amounts of the first three gases are chosen such that the ratio (F—H)/(C—O) is at least 1.5 and no more than 2. Alternatively, the gas mixture may include the heavy fluorocarbon, carbon tetrafluoride, and the diluent with the ratio of the first two chosen such the ratio F/C is between 1.5 and 2.

Abstract: A method for correcting characteristics of an attenuated phase-shift mask having an attenuated layer including (a) storing a data in a memory, which shows a correlation between characteristics and process conditions, (b) measuring the characteristics of the attenuated phase-shift mask, (c) calculating a appropriate process condition from the result of the step (b) and the data stored in the memory; and (d) soaking the attenuated phase-shift mask into a liquid solution for a certain time-that is calculated in the step (c) to change thickness and composition of the attenuated layer.

Abstract: A Ni type ferrite material of a low magnetic loss. The Ni type ferrite material is formed by adding MnO2 in an amount of 0.1 to 10 mol % to a ferrite material of a composition containing Fe2O3 in 40 to 50 mol %, ZnO in 20 to 33 mol %, CuO in 2 to 10 mol %, and NiO in the remainder. Such Ni type ferrite material is adapted for use in a coil component as a core material because of a smaller magnetic loss in comparison with a prior material, and has a high electric resistance to allow direct coil winding on the core, thereby realizing reduction in both size and weight of the coil component.

Abstract: A refrigerant composition that can be a substitute for chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22) comprises: (a) a first constituent of difluoromethane, (b) a second constituent of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, (c) a third constituent of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane and (d) a fourth constituent selected from the group consisting of isobutane, 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluropropane and butane; or comprises: (a) a first constituent of difluoromethane, (b) a second constituent of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, (c) a third constituent of 1,1,-difluoroethane, and (d) a fourth constituent selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluropropane and butane.

Abstract: A liquid deicer composition suitable for use as a deicer or as a pre-coat for solid deicers is disclosed. The composition typically includes molasses solids, magnesium chloride, and a corrosion inhibitor. In one implementation the liquid deicer composition includes molasses solids; magnesium chloride, and a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: An abrasive free formulation for chemical mechanical polishing and method for using the formulation for polishing copper and related materials. The abrasive free formulation has a high removal rate on copper and a low removal rate on barrier material. The abrasive free formulation comprises at least an oxidizing agent and an activating agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal compound having at least one polymerizable group, a photoreactive chiral compound, and a polymerization initiator, wherein a number average molecular weight of the photoreactive chiral compound is from 1,000 to 30,000. The present invention further provides a selectively reflective film including the liquid crystal composition as well as a liquid crystal color filter including the selectively reflective film.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optically active polyester comprising at least constituent units represented by the general formula (I) and the general formula (II): wherein Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represents a bivalent aromatic group or a bivalent heteroaromatic group, and X1 and X2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an electron-withdrawing group, wherein A represents a bivalent substituent.

Abstract: Conductive polymer blends of linear alternating polymer of carbon monoxide and at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon with conductive polymer are disclosed as is a method of preparation thereof. The blends display excellent conductivity even at substantially lower loading of conductive additive.

Abstract: In an electric double-layer capacitor, a solution of a quaternary ammonium borofluoride compound in propylene carbonate is used as an electrolyte. The electrode includes alkali-activated carbon made using meso-phase pitch as a starting material, and a conductive filler having a rest potential smaller than that of the alkali-activated carbon in the electrolyte. The amount Fc of conductive filler incorporated in the electrode is set in a range of 10% by weight≦Fc≦40% by weight. Such electric double-layer capacitor has a large electrostatic capacity and excellent durability.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermosetting electroconductive paste for forming electroconductive bumps at predetermined locations on at least one circuit layer that is laminated to an insulating layer. Upon lamination the electroconductive bumps penetrate the insulating layer forming an electrical connection to a second circuit layer. The paste comprises, based on total composition, 80 to 90 wt % electroconductive powders comprising at least a first and second electroconductive metal powder of which packing densities are in the range of 20% or less of the average density (sp. gr.) of metal for the first powder and 20 to 40% of the average density (sp. gr.) of metal for the second powder; and 10 to 20 wt % epoxy resin, curing agent, and solvent.

Abstract: A production process of an optical disk, wherein when a layer of an ultra violet rays curing resin which constitutes a portion of the optical disk is formed, a comi-transparent film of a metal is formed an a molded substrate on which a pattern was transcribed and this molded substrate is used as a semi-transparent stamper, and the production of an optical disk with two layers at one side is made easy thereby.

Abstract: A measured amount of a material that is crosslinkable by impingement of a suitable form of energy, especially UV light, is introduced into a two-part mould of which cavity determines the shape of a moulding to be produced. The two mould halves are held a small distance from one another so that a thin annular gap is formed between them, which gap is in communication with the mould cavity and through which gap excess material can escape. The crosslinking is triggered by impingement of the selected form of energy, the impingement being spatially restricted to the cavity by suitable masking so that material disposed outside the mould cavity is not crosslinked. In that manner mouldings are obtained that do not require subsequent mechanical processing, and the mould is reusable. The process is especially, but not, however, exclusively, suitable for the manufacture of contact lenses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of essentially continuous fine threads made of meltable polymers. The polymer melt is spun from at least one spin hole (5) and the spun thread is attenuated using gas flows which are accelerated to achieve high speeds by means of a Laval nozzle (6). As a result of the specific geometry of the melt hole (4) and the position thereof in respect to the Laval nozzle (6), the temperature of the polymer melt, the throughout per spin hole and the pressures determining the velocity of the gas flow upstream and downstream from the Laval nozzle (6) are controlled in such a way that the thread reaches an internal hydrostatic pressure before solidifying, whereby said thread bursts into a plurality of fine threads.

Abstract: Using a new molded foaming apparatus wherein chambers 13 and 14, independent from a cavity 4, are formed at the rear sides of a set of dies 2 and 3 for molding a molded foam product, so as to supply such utility fluid as air and steam to the cavity 4 through first openings 30 independently from the chambers 13 and 14, various problems created when forming vent holes are fundamentally solved, and at the same time dispersion of filling density to be caused by not forming vent holes is prevented by supplying the material beads to the cavity 4 while maintaining the pressure in the cavity 4 at a predetermined minus pressure with respect to the pressure in the material tank using the first openings 30.

Abstract: Sterically hindered phenol antioxidant additive granules are formed from a paste comprising an organic processing agent comprising a friability reduction agent. The friability reduction agent preferably is an alcohol, more preferably an alkanol having up to about 8 carbon atoms, most preferably methanol, ethanol, and/or isopranol. After drying, the granules consist essentially of the sterically hindered phenol antioxidant additive system. The granules have a balanced hardness that provides sufficient abrasion resistance while permitting ready dispersion into a polymer host.

Abstract: Method for forming large-dimension ceramic tiles comprising the following operative stages: feeding a determined quantity of powders into the mould cavity of a first pressing station; pressing said quantity of powders to obtain a slab of congruent material the thickness of which is reduced by a quantity between 20 and 40%; feeding said slab to at least one decorating station which deposits in a controlled manner at least a second layer of powders; feeding said decorated slab to a second pressing station; pressing the decorated slab.

Abstract: To stabilize a friction coefficient of a dust seal member or brake-gap adjustment seal member to a piston in a disc brake regardless of temperature change. At least an inner circumferential surfaces of a dust seal member and a brake-gap adjustment seal member, attached to a brake caliper, are coated with a friction reducing agent.

Abstract: A method for cuffing suture, including: feeding the suture to a drawing axis for drawing and cutting thereof; heating the suture to stiffen a small length; gripping the suture and alternately drawing it along the drawing axis by first and second grippers; cutting the suture to provide uniform lengths; and providing a predetermined length of suture travel between the heating step and the cutting step, which is a discrete number, two or more, times the uniform length of suture being cut by the apparatus, to provide a discrete number, two or more, of apparatus cutting cycles between heating of the suture and cutting of the suture, whereby after heating of a small length of suture, the suture is cooled to allow setting and hardening of the suture material prior to cutting.

Abstract: Methods for improved electronic substrate via and thru-hole filling, particularly through the use of drilled stand-offs formed by control-depth drilling oversized non-thru-holes and the use of inserted support pillars to prevent sagging of the substrate during filling. In particular, through the use of: (1) a via fill stand off adapted for use with a substrate comprising at least two via holes to be filled, each of the via holes having a diameter of X mils, the standoff comprising at least one recess formed by control-depth drilling of holes having a diameter at least 12X mils; and (2) a via fill standoff adapted for use with a substrate comprising at least one via hole to be filled, the standoff comprising: at least one recess; and at least one support pillar positioned within the recess wherein the support pillar is not an integral part of the standoff.

Abstract: An improvement in a process of making honeycomb articles, which process utilizes a co-rotating, intermeshing twin screw extrusion apparatus to mix, screen, and extrude a batch of ceramic materials through a die, the improvement which comprises the steps of separating the mixing and screening phase from the extrusion phase, by passing the batch through a first co-rotating, intermeshing twin screw extruder or a mixer extruder to mix and screen the batch, and then directly passing the mixed and screened batch through a second co-rotating, intermeshing twin screw extruder or a pumping extruder to extrude said batch through a die assembly to produce a honeycomb article.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for making a polymeric article mold, a method for making a polymeric article with that mold, and improved surface topography features for a polymeric article. A prototype article is formed and then coated with a thin conductive layer. The coated prototype article is then electroformed until nickel plated to a sufficient depth to define a nickel plating tool. After the prototype article has been removed from the mold face of the nickel tool, the tool can be used as a mold for forming finished polymeric articles which replicate the original prototype article. The use of fine topography features such as a dense upstanding stem array on the surface of the prototype article facilitates accurate and complete electroforming by increased surface area presentation. The disclosure also presents improvements to microreplicated surface structures such as stem arrays.

Abstract: A straightening apparatus for straightening carpet prior to laying the carpet on a floor surface. The apparatus includes an entry conveyor from which carpet is unrolled and fed into a heating section. In the heating section, the carpet is heated sufficient to soften backing material on the carpet. The heated carpet is then fed into a heated straightening section where longitudinal forces are applied while the backing is still soft so that a pattern in the carpet is straightened and held in the straightened position until the carpet has cooled somewhat. The apparatus further includes a cooling section for cooling of the carpet, after which the carpet is rolled back up on an exit conveyor.

Abstract: A molding method for a seamless crawler is provided in which the number of production steps is few, embedding of spiral reinforcement cords and a circumferentially uniform strength property are made possible, high-speed traveling can be accommodated, and a uniform, reliable pressure for an outer mold is enabled. The crawler molding method is structured such that a crawler 10 is integrally molded and vulcanized between an endless ring-shaped outer mold 12 and an inner mold 22. After structural components of the crawler 10 are molded at an outer periphery of the inner mold 22 which is dividable in an axial direction, the outer mold 12 which is divided in a circumferential direction and is slidable in a radial direction is disposed at an outer side an the structural components of the crawler 10. The outer mold 12 is contracted in the radial direction by pressure applied thereto. Accordingly, the structural components of the crawler 10 are vulcanized.