Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing inflatable objects, especially tires, consisting of a container that contains sealing agents and has a gas inlet which can be connected to a gas pressure source and an outlet that can be coupled to an object that is to be sealed. The gas inlet and the outlet are connected to each other via the interior of the container. The gas inlet and the outlet are embodied in a discharge unit that is detachably connected to the container and is preferably screwed.

Abstract: A resilient foodstuff bag opener is disclosed, wherein the resilient bag opener is forcibly bent or bowed for easily entering a pliable food stuff bag, and upon relaxation of the bending forces, the bag opener resiliently deforms from its bent configuration to thereby open the food stuff bag in a manner that allows a food stuff residing on a food support surface of the bag opener to flow into the food stuff bag. The food support surface of the bag opener may be also used for processing foods such as cutting, dicing, washing, straining, etc. depending on the embodiment used. An inclined support may be optionally provided for maintaining the bag opener in a “hands-free” inclined position so that a food stuff provided on the food support surface can flow into the food stuff bag without a user having to hold the bag opener.

Abstract: The log positioning and conveying apparatus is used for conveying a log from an upstream end to a downstream end, and for positioning a log according to a predetermined downstream position. The apparatus comprises an open frame and a number of powered conveying rollers arranged therein in a row. These rollers, in addition to being rotatable, are displaceable in two directions relative to the open frame, namely, in a vertical direction for correcting the position of the log vertically relative to the open frame, and in a horizontal direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the conveying apparatus, for correcting the position of the log transversely relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting trees and reducing their stumps is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotating member including an upper disc saw blade and a lower stump grinding drum blade. The disc saw blade severs the tree from its stump, and thereafter the drum blade reduces the height of the stump down to at or near ground level.

Abstract: A magnetic material having a structure of a material having a ferromagnetic phase at ordinary temperature as a core and a material having an antiferromagnetic phase at ordinary temperature surrounding the periphery of the core in the form of a shell, wherein a ratio between a volume of the ferromagnetic phase material and the volume of the antiferromagnetic phase material in the magnetic material is in a range where no exchange biasing field of the magnetic material appears and a rotational hysteresis loss of the magnetic material is made the maximum, a method of producing the same, and a magnetic recording medium using the same.

Abstract: A powder for forming a R—Fe—B bonded magnet, wherein an R compound, such as an R oxide, an R carbide, an R nitride or an R hydride, which is contained in a raw material powder such as a super rapidly cooled powder or a hydrogen treated powder (HDDR powder) and reacts with water vapor to change into R(OH)3, has been converted to a R hydroxide R(OH)3 being stable in the air by subjecting the raw material powder to a heat treatment in an atmosphere of a pressured water vapor. The powder for forming an R—Fe—B bonded magnet is free from the generation of a white powder in the surface of or inside a bonded magnet formed from the powder and accordingly, is free from the occurrence or cracking, chipping, swelling or the like in the bonded magnet caused by volume expansion of a white powder.

Abstract: An amorphous alloy having a composition consisting essentially of about 45 to about 65 atomic % Zr and/or Hf, about 4 to about 7.5 atomic % Ti and/or Nb, about 5 to about 15 atomic % Al and/or Zn, and the balance comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Co, Ni, up to about 10 atomic % Fe, and Y intentionally present in the alloy composition in an amount not exceeding about 0.5 atomic %, such as about 0.2 to about 0.4 atomic % Y, with an alloy bulk oxygen concentration of at least about 1000 ppm on atomic basis.

Abstract: During a solution heat treatment grain recrystallization may occur of a textured article, especially at the surface rim.

Abstract: Articles made of shape memory alloys having improved fatigue performance and to methods of treating articles formed from shape memory alloy materials by pre-straining the articles (or desired portions of the articles) in a controlled manner so that the resultant articles exhibit improved fatigue performance. The shape memory articles are preferably medical devices, more preferably implantable medical devices. They are most preferably devices of nitinol shape memory alloy, most particularly that is superelastic at normal body temperature. The pre-straining method of the present invention as performed on such articles includes the controlled introduction of non-recoverable tensile strains greater than about 0.20% at the surface of a desired portion of a shape memory alloy article. Controlled pre-straining operations are performed on the shape-set nitinol metal to achieve nonrecoverable tensile strain greater than about 0.20% at or near the surface of selected regions in the nitinol metal article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to treat steels, preferably carbon steel to reduce the tendency of the steel to form coke when in contact with hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures. The steel may be first reduced then treated with a mixture of compounds which further modify the reduced surface and finally the treated steel surface is cured. The treated steel has a reduced propensity to form coke when in contact with hydrocarbons particularly at higher temperatures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of processing nickel-titanium alloys including from greater than 50 up to 55 atomic percent nickel to provide a desired austenite transformation temperature and/or austenite transformation temperature range. In one embodiment, the method comprises selecting a desired austenite transformation temperature, and thermally processing the nickel-titanium alloy to adjust an amount of nickel in solid solution in a TiNi phase of the alloy such that a stable austenite transformation temperature is reached, wherein the stable austenite transformation temperature is essentially equal to the desired austenite transformation temperature.

Abstract: The yield strength of UNS C17460 BeCu alloy can be significantly enhanced without compromising electrical conductivity or bend formability by age hardening the alloy during manufacture using two separate heat treatment steps and cold rolling the alloy for enhancing age hardening response between these two heat treatment steps rather than before age hardening begins as in current technology.

Abstract: Rocket propulsion or rapid response gas generation systems and methods are disclosed in which a novel one component, single tank storable, low toxicity, low detonation sensitivity liquid monopropellant containing a mixture of aqueous 70% hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and water is catalytically decomposed with an iridium based catalyst. The resulting rapidly formed gaseous decomposition products consisting substantially of carbon dioxide and water vapor are used for rocket propulsion, satellite propulsion, divert attitude control systems for interceptor missiles, and other power control systems where a re-start capability is desired.

Abstract: A gas generating composition includes ammonium nitrate as an oxidizing agent, microcrystalline carbon powder as a reducing agent, and a stabilizer for preventing decomposition of ammonium nitrate. The amounts of the ammonium nitrate, the carbon powder, and the stabilizer are 89 to 99 wt %, 1 to 6 wt %, and 0.2 to 6 wt %, respectively, with respect to the total amount of ammonium nitrate, microcrystalline carbon and stabilizer. The amount of microcrystalline carbon is preferably 1.5 to 6 wt % with respect to the amount of ammonium nitrate, and the amount of the stabilizer is preferably 10 to 200 wt % with respect to the amount of microcrystalline carbon powder. The stability of present composition is improved, especially, at high temperatures. The composition has an appropriate burn rate, produces substantially no carbon dioxide, and has a proper sensitivity. The present composition is easy to handle and is inexpensive.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions which include about 45 to about 90 weight percent of a fuel material of cobalt III nitrate complex with ammonia or water ligands, and about 10 to about 55 weight percent of a combination of a combination of a burn rate catalyst of copper bis ethylenediamine dinitrate and an oxidizer of basic copper nitrate are provided to result in relatively high gas outputs and burn rates. The compositions desirably include the cobalt III nitrate complex in a greater relative amount than either the copper complex of ethylenediamine dinitrate or the basic copper nitrate; the copper complex of ethylenediamine dinitrate is present in a relative amount of at least about 2 weight percent and the basic copper nitrate is present in a relative amount of at least 1.5 times the relative amount of the copper complex of ethylenediamine dinitrate. Also provided are corresponding or associated gas generating devices and inflatable vehicle occupant safety restraint systems.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is obtained in which an amount of a combustion residue based on a unit amount of a gas generated is reduced.

Abstract: An insensitive, yet fully energetic high explosive molding powder using sonochemically aminated 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) as an energetic binder, i.e., adhesive, is provided. The sonochemically aminated TATB is used at a relatively low weight % level (less than 15% by weight) in comparison to conventional crystalline TATB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing perforated propellant in the geometric form of block, stick, slab, cylindrical or tubular propellant (2) with high charge density and high progressivity. The propellant as claimed in the present invention is characterised by a large number of perforations, densely and evenly distributed over the entire propellant segments, made by perforation members (6) that are pressed down into the propellant. The perforations are thereby made in a plurality of steps with a predetermined step feed between each perforation operation. The device as claimed in the present invention also comprises a mobile pin die (5) away from but facing the feed path (1) for the propellant (2), and containing at least one row of pins for perforation of the propellant whereby each such row of pins comprises the number of pins (6) required to cover the complete width of the propellant segment across its direction of advance.

Abstract: Producing gas-generating mixtures and gas-generating mixtures produced thereby.

Abstract: A wallet equipped with a timepiece and a money clip. The wallet comprises first and second exterior covers that define oppositely-facing first and second exterior surfaces, respectively. At least one pocket is defined within an interior of the wallet and sized for storing credit cards. The timepiece is a watch attached to the first exterior surface, and the money clip is attached to the second exterior surface so as to be oppositely disposed from the watch. The money clip has a portion roughly parallel to the plane of the second exterior surface and biased in a direction toward the second exterior surface.

Abstract: Tire tread including a pattern formed by at two ridges of mean width L, which include a plurality of incisions whose traces on the contact surface extend between two points of intersection A and B, the segment AB making an angle with the transverse direction of the tread at most equal to 40°, the tread wherein each incision, of mean width E, includes a succession of incision portions, some of said incision portions having, on any surface parallel to the contact surface in the new condition and located between said surface in the new condition and ⅔ of the maximum depth of the incision, traces that make an average angle &bgr; at most equal to 15° with the longitudinal direction of the tread, said portions having a total length Lt which is at least equal to one-fifth of the ridge width; and in that the incision portions whose traces make an average angle &bgr; are provided on their opposite walls with relief elements of amplitude K designed to cooperate with one another to block relative movement

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a self-contained air pump mechanism that maintains tire pressure at a desired level. The pump mechanism includes a piston and cylinder assembly that rotate with the tire. A linkage assembly drives the piston within the cylinder as the wheel end assembly rotates to pump air into the tire via a valve. The linkage assembly includes a first link fixed to a non-rotating wheel end component and a second link that rotates relative to the first link and which is coupled to drive the piston within the cylinder. The tire valve is in fluid communication with the cylinder and automatically opens when air pressure in the tire falls below a predetermined level and automatically closes when the air pressure achieves the predetermined level. An atmospheric valve is in fluid communication with the cylinder, and automatically opens to recharge the cylinder once the initial pressure charge has been delivered to the tire.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns nonwoven fabrics containing filaments of at least two different cross sections. The subject invention further pertains to methods used to produce these fabrics. In an embodiment specifically exemplified herein, the nonwoven fabric of the subject invention is made of nylon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for welding of parts are described. In one embodiment, a method for ultrasonic welding of parts by means of an ultrasonic welding device including at least a generator, a converter, and a sonotrode based on a set curve of a time-dependent welding parameter appropriate to a welding connection meeting set requirements, where the welding duration corresponding to the set curve runs between a starting time t0 and an end time te, wherein during welding of the parts an actual curve of the time-dependent welding parameter is measured, where in the period between t0 and te the actual curve is compared with the set curve and, depending on the existing difference, at least one process parameter affecting welding is altered such that an equalization of set curve and actual curve occurs during further welding.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for mechanically bonding and cutting an article during assembly thereof at least a portion of the article is transported through a nip defined by first and second members. A bonding segment is disposed on one of the first and second members and a cutting segment separate from the bonding segment is also disposed on one of the first and second members. The apparatus is operable so that a portion of the article is mechanically bonded as the article passes through the nip and a portion of the article separate from the bonded portion is cut as the article passes through the nip.

Abstract: A tire building drum has a center section (720) and two end sections (722,724). Each end section i s provided with an expandable bead lock assembly (726) . T he c enter s ection i s preferably expandable. The expandable bead lock assembly comprises a carrier ring (CR) and a plurality of elongate links (K) extending between the carrier ring (CR) and a plurality of radially-expandable segments (S). When the carrier ring moves inward (towards the center section), the radially-expandable segments (S) move radially outward, urging a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced-apart finger segments (F) outward from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and at least one position therebetween. In an embodiment of the invention, the bead lock assembly comprises a cylinder and two pistons (P1, P2) disposed within the cylinder. The pistons are free to move axially within the cylinder, in response to pneumatic pressure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing bipolar graphite articles (110). First and second components (112, 114) are formed from flexible graphite material. The first component (112) may have a protrusion (122) formed thereon, and the second component (114) may have a recess (128) formed therein which is complementary to the protrusion (122) of the first component (112). The first and second components (112, 114) are assembled so that the protrusion (122) of the first component (112 ) is received in the recess (128) of the second component (114). Preferably, the components are made from uncured resin impregnated graphite material. The assembled components are then pressed together and heated to cure the resin so as to bond the components together. Alternatively the second component (114), or both the components, may have flat surfaces which engage the other component.

Abstract: A release liner includes a surface with an arrangement of structures thereon, wherein the structures extend upward from a plane of the surface, and wherein the structures have at least one sidewall that makes an angle with respect to the plane of the surface of greater than 0° and less than 90° selected to enhance adhesion to a tape.

Abstract: A photo-adhesive is locally printed onto a sheet for labels every after a predetermined interval, and is irradiated with light in a state of being shut off from the air so as to be imparted with stickiness; the photo-adhesive is printed in a state of not imparted with stickiness, and the adhered portions are locally formed every after a predetermined interval in a direction in which the sheet is fed; when irradiated with light in the air, however, the photo-adhesive does not produce so large adhesion and must, hence, be hermetically sealed; accordingly, the adhesive is hermetically sealed with a release sheet, and is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to produce stickiness; the sheet for labels or the release sheet is cut after every pattern of label that is printed; therefore, the sheet is not loosened, not wrinkled or forcibly oriented; the sheet and tack-labels are thus favorably produced.

Abstract: A method is described herein for making a multiwell plate that is used for assaying samples and is made from a plastic upper plate which forms the sidewalls of one or more wells and a glass lower plate which forms the bottom walls of the wells. The plastic upper plate and glass lower plate are attached and bound to one another by an enhanced adhesive. The enhanced adhesive includes an adhesive mixed with an additive that interacts with the adhesive, the plastic upper plate and the glass bottom plate in a manner that strengthens a bond between the plastic upper plate and the glass lower plate.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display of the type wherein a dispersion liquid for migration and a plurality of charged particles are sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate is produced through a process comprising: a latent image forming step of forming an electrostatic latent image on an adsorption member; a developing step of causing the adsorption member to contact the dispersion liquid in which the charged particles are dispersed, thereby to attach the charged particles together with the dispersion liquid onto a surface of the adsorption member on which the latent image is formed; a transfer step of transferring the charged particles from the surface of the adsorption member to the second substrate together with the dispersion liquid; and a sealing step of bonding the first substrate to the second substrate to seal the charged particles and the dispersion liquid, therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for improving the adhesion properties and switching performance of an electrophoretic display. The methods and compositions comprise the use of a high dielectric polymer or oligomer and optionally a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Method for the production of components for electronic apparatuses from a sheet-like substrate material, which has through-holes and indentations on at least one surface, an intermediate layer on at least one surface of the substrate material, and a metal foil adhering to said layer, comprising the steps (a) coating of a sheet-like substrate with a composition forming the intermediate layer, (b) application of the metal foil to the coating and (c) bonding of the parts by pressure and heating. The method is characterized by the use of a liquid, solvent-containing and heat-curable two-component system comprising at least one curing agent and at least one curable compound, which system is applied as the layer to at least one surface of a substrate material and then dried. A metal foil is then laminated with the resulting solid and dry layer under pressure and at elevated temperature and the layer is cured. Particularly preferably, circuit boards are produced by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of adhesion inhibiting generation of bubbles is provided. Heating, evacuation and centrifugal degassing are performed on an adhesive 37 disposed in an adhesive container 30 to semi-harden the adhesive 37, then a semi-hardened adhesive is discharged as disposed in the adhesive container 30 to mount a chip. Removal of bubbles is efficiently performed since semi-hardening and degassing are simultaneously performed. Further, no defective product is produced even if a working process is stopped since no process for semi-hardening a discharged adhesive exists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silane adducts having a relatively higher adhesive strength as expressed formula X3SiR1, and manufacturing method thereof. wherein X is a hydrogenated form selected from one of epoxy compounds, amino compounds and bisphenolic, and R1 is selected from one of glycidyloxypropyl group, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl group, 3-acryloxypropyl group, 3-methacryloxypropyl group, amino-propyl group, 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyl group, N-methylaminopropyl group, N-phenylaminopropyl group, N, N-dimethyl-3-aminopropyl group, mercapto-propyl group, cyano-propyl group, and isocyanato-propyl group.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus processes a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer by supplying a processing liquid. The substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holder (1) for holding and rotating a substrate (W), a lower surface processing unit (2) for processing a lower surface of the substrate (W) by supplying a processing liquid to the lower surface of the substrate (W), and an outer circumferential edge processing unit (3) for processing an outer circumferential edge of the substrate (W) by supplying the processing liquid to the outer circumferential edge of the substrate (W). The substrate processing apparatus further includes a gas supply unit (5) for supplying a gas to an upper surface of the substrate (W).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for polishing objects, such as semiconductor wafers, utilizes one or more pivotable load-and-unload cups to transfer the objects to and/or from one or more object carriers to polish the objects. Each pivotable load-and-unload cup may be configured to transfer the objects to and/or from a single object carrier. Alternatively, each pivotable load-and-unload cup may be configured to transfer the objects to and/or from two object carriers. The pivotable load-and-unload cups may be configured to be pivoted about one or more pivoting points over at least one polishing surface, such as a polishing pad surface.

Abstract: A plasma etching device using radio frequency electromagnetic energy to produce the plasma comprises a plasma reaction cavity and a rotary access device; the plasma reaction cavity has a substrate reaction disc and a radio frequency parallel electrode board therein; the substrate reaction disc is circular in shape; the rotary access device is adjacent to the plasma reaction cavity for placing a substrate that requires processing into the plasma reaction connect chamber; the substrate is placed into or removed from the narrow and small sealed connect chamber in the plasma reaction cavity by the rotary access device.

Abstract: A flow of a remotely-generated plasma to a processing chamber by-passes a blocker plate and thereby avoids unwanted recombination of active species. By-passing the blocker plate according to embodiments of the present invention avoids the high pressures arising upstream of the blocker plate, inhibiting ion recombination and elevating the concentration of reactive ions available in the processing chamber for cleaning and other reactions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flowed ions may be distributed beyond the edge of an underlying blocker plate through channels of a separate by-pass plate positioned between the gas box and the blocker plate. In accordance with an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the flow of remotely generated active ion species may be distributed beyond the edge of an underlying blocker plate through channels of the gas box itself.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma generation device for non-destructively decontaminating sensitive surfaces, such as living tissue, electronic equipment and other surfaces that cannot tolerate high temperatures or aggressive chemicals, using the free radicals and excited states of gas produced in an atmospheric-pressure air plasma. The plasma is preferably generated by a stable, self-igniting discharge in a resonant waveguide system, driven by a magnetron or other high power microwave source, operating in a pulsed mode.

Abstract: A laminated film of a propylene resin layer and an ethylene resin layer is provided, which does not require solvent removal and recovery devices, etc., is low in influences against working environments and a danger of occurrence of fire, and has a high interlaminar adhesive force. That is, the invention relates to a laminated film prepared by melt extrusion laminating, without via an anchor coating agent, an ethylene based resin mainly comprising a linear ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer having: a density of from 0.870 to 0.910 g/cm3; and an MFR of from 1 to 100 g/10 min., the copolymer being obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and an &agr;-olefin having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, on the surface of a propylene based resin film formed from a crystalline propylene based random copolymer resin having a melting peak temperature of not higher than 140° C., as prepared using a metallocene catalyst.

Abstract: A portable tool is disclosed that is useful for working architectural elements such as masticized tape. The tool features a tool body that forms a regular polygon having at least 6 planar surfaces. The planar surfaces of the tool body promote handling of the tool and are useful for directing and manipulating the work of the tool. The planar surfaces may also comprise protrusions, depressions, or other markings in aid of directing the work of the tool. The tool also comprises a head apparatus for applying and dispensing masticized tape. The tool body may comprise a container for storing and dispensing mastic. The tool further comprises a tapered universal fill nozzle having a plurality of diameters that will accommodate remote charging of the tool from mechanisms provided by a variety of manufacturers. Although the body of the tool is usually made of corrosion resistant metal, it may also be made of a polymer, a carbon composite, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A hand held tool for loosening or breaking the beads of tubeless pneumatic tires from wheel rims. When removing a tire from a wheel rim, lateral displacement of the tire bead from the indented rim is required. This lateral displacement of the bead of the tire is known as “breaking the bead”. The present device is a wedge-shaped bead breaking device to be inserted between a tire and wheel rim to break the bead of the tire. The device is molded plastic with a rugged handle joined to a broad wedge-shaped member. The wedge is molded with three or more parallel reinforcing runners with interspacing grooves between. The runners increase the strength of the wedge and reduce friction upon insertion of wedge between wheel rim and tire. The grooves provide an outlet channel for air escaping the tire and reduce the amount of plastic needed for molding the device.

Abstract: A sliding screen frame for a closure assembly having an opening and an existing track for mounting a screen, said screen frame comprising framing sections having an outer side edge and an inner side edge, and a screen housing from which a screen is payed out and accumulated, said framing sections being adapted proximate the outer side edge to interfit with the existing track of the closure assembly to enable the sliding screen frame to slide across the opening of the closure assembly and the frame sections also being adapted proximate the inner side edge thereof to support and guide the free end of the screen between a fully payed out and a fully accumulated position, further comprising a mitreless corner connector having a generally “L” shaped member including two perpendicular legs extending from a central box shaped part, said connector for connecting adjacent framing sections without the need for mitre cuts thereof and said box shaped part for butting with the adjacent framing sections when jo

Abstract: A soft furnishing assembly and method for its construction. The assembly comprises an intermediate portion having opposed ends and at least one end portion connected to an end of the intermediate portion. The end portion is connected by a frangible portion wherein the end portion is movable between a first position in which the soft furnishing assembly is substantially flat and a second position in which the end portion angularly abuts an adjacent end of the intermediate portion and the frangible portion is broken.

Abstract: A window covering having a plurality of panels comprising a head rail and a plurality of panels suspended from the head rail by a securement member and an opening member is provided. Each of the plurality of panels is collapsible and includes a pair of opposed longitudinal regions. A bottom rail may also be provided and suspended from the head rail such that the plurality of panels are located between the head rail and the bottom rail.

Abstract: A window system includes an out-swinging window having an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The viewable portions of the interior surface are made of a first material. The window system also includes a jamb. The out-swinging window is pivotally attached to the jamb. A screen assembly is removably mountable to the jamb on the interior surface of the out-swinging window. The screen assembly further includes a frame portion with a viewable portion made of the first material. In some embodiments, the window system further includes a finish strip positionable between the screen of the screen assembly and the frame of the screen assembly and a set of instructions regarding the window system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the dosage of a binding agent. The invention relates to the manufacture of core board in particular, wherein fibres are bound together by supplying a slurry containing a binding agent, such as starch to the suspension, which has been fed onto the wire, or to the web being formed. According to the invention, the binding agent slurry is fed from feeding units installed above the wire (1), such as jet pipes (10), which are arranged sequentially at different points in the direction of travel of the wire. The jet pipes (10) can be separately adjustable, and they can be used to feed the binding agent throughout the couching of fibres onto the wire to provide an even distribution of binding agent in the direction of thickness.

Abstract: Composite panels and pulp, and paper products of the pulp, are produced from Arundo donax. In the fabrication of the composite panels, Arundo donax is comminuted to a suitable size, combined with a binder, and consolidated into panels that meet standards for construction and/or furniture grade panels. The Arundo donax particulates may be combined with wood particulates to produce a mixed furnish that can be used in the preparation of composite panels. Comminuted Arundo donax is treated, in conventional pulping processes, to produce a high tensile strength pulp that can be used in the production of paper. The pulp has a lighter color than wood pulp, and thereby uses less bleaching chemicals to achieve a desired whiteness. The pulp can be combined with wood pulp to produce a variety of products.

Abstract: A method for casting an article composed of a foamed metal includes positioning a die with a die cavity above a bath of a molten metal and pressurizing the bath to cause the molten metal to fill the die cavity. A gas is then bubbled through the molten metal to form a foam. The foam is formed in the die cavity. Once the foam in the die cavity is solidified, the pressure in the bath is released and the formed article is removed. An apparatus for the method includes a die positioned above the bath, the die having a die cavity in fluid communication with the bath. The bath is provided with a pressurizing means and a venting means as well as a gas supply port for forming the foam.