Abstract: A flexible tube 10 of the present invention is disposed downstream of a exhaust path from an engine E, and formed of an outer bellows 3 as an outer tube and an inner bellows 4 as an inner tube; pleats 4c,4c of the inner bellows 4 are smaller in depth and pitch than the pleats 3c of the outer bellows 3, and the buffering space S is provided with a gap t between the pleats bottoms of the outer bellows 3 and the pleats tops of the inner bellows 4, and further, a partition 17 that splits the exhaust path is disposed in the inner bellows 4. For this reason, sound insulation effect is improved, and the lowering of the temperature of the exhaust gas is suppressed, leading to quick temperature rise of the exhaust gas to be fed into the catalytic converter, thereby promoting the activation of the catalysts and improving the capability to purify exhaust gas, and the exhaust efficiency can be improved thereby increasing output performance of the engine.

Abstract: An improved garden hose including an elongated generally cylindrical inner core being made of a first material, the inner core having an integrally formed backbone being made of a second material. The second material has a higher durometer than the first material.

Abstract: A portable fluid transfer apparatus for handling volatile fuels or other chemicals comprises a jug-like container of a convenient volume having a removable cap that can be screwed or clamped onto the neck of the jug and mounted atop the cap is a manually operable rotary vane pump having a first inlet/outlet port disposed within the container when the cap is in place and a second inlet/outlet port external of the jug or container. An elongated, suction/discharge hose having a tether for anchoring the end of the hose in place is affixed to the second inlet/outlet. Manual actuation of the vane pump is then used to transfer a liquid from or into the portable container.

Abstract: A machine for continuous filling containers with liquid products has a rotating carrousel with a tank containing a liquid product to be delivered. The tank is arranged coaxial and integral with the carrousel. A delivering element is alternately fed by the tank to deliver a batched quantity of the liquid product to a container. The delivering element is situated at the edge of the carrousel and includes substantially a piston axially sliding inside a cylinder. The cylinder has a suction aperture, set in communication with a feeding channel, which connects, in suitable step relation, the tank with the delivering element, and a delivery aperture, set in communication with a delivery channel, which connects in suitable step relation, the delivering element to the container. The delivering element shifts the connection of the cylinder to the feeding channel or to the delivery channel, to perform respective delivery or suction steps of the product.

Abstract: A Si-doped gallium arsenide single crystal substrate has a carrier concentration of 0.1×1018 to 5.0×1018/cm3. The substrate is made by Vertical Bridgeman (VB) method or Vertical Gradient Freeze (VGF) method, and a minimum value and a maximum value of the carrier concentration in substrate plane are within a dispersion of 10% or less of an average carrier concentration in substrate plane.

Abstract: Critical current densities of internal tin wire to the range of 3000 A/mm2 at temperature of 4.2 K and in magnetic field 12 T are achieved by controlling the following parameters in a distributed barrier subelement design: wt % Sn in bronze; atomic Nb:Sn; local area ratio; reactable barrier; barrier thickness relative to the filament thickness; additions of a dopant such as Ti or Ta to the Nb3Sn; and the design for restacking and wire reduction to control the maximum filament diameter at the subsequent heat reaction stage.

Abstract: To make a raw alloy, consisting mostly of amorphous structure, highly productively and at a reduced cost for a nanocomposite magnet, a molten alloy represented by Fe100-x-y-zRxQyMz (where R is at least one element selected from Pr, Nd, Dy and Tb; Q is B and/or C; M is at least one element selected from Co, Al, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Ga, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Pt, Au and Pb; and 1 at %?x<6 at %, 15 at %?y?30 at % and 0 at %?z?7 at %) is prepared. This molten alloy is rapidly cooled by a strip casting process in which the alloy is fed onto a chill roller, rotating at a peripheral velocity of 3 m/s to less than 20 m/s, at a feeding rate per unit contact width of 0.2 kg/min/cm to 5.2 kg/min/cm. In this manner, an alloy including at least 60 volume percent of amorphous phase can be obtained.

Abstract: An air-cast ultra-high strength weathering steel prepared by combining C, Si, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Co, and Fe, wherein the steel has a yield strength of greater than about 230,000 psi, a tensile strength of greater than about 250,000 psi, and an elongation of greater than about 6 percent. In a preferred embodiment, the air-cast ultra-high strength weathering steel includes at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of V, W, N and mixtures thereof In another preferred embodiment C is present in the range of from about 0.16 to 0.23 percent by weight, Si is present in the range of from about 0.2 to 1.5 percent by weight, Cr is present in the range of from about 2 to 5 percent by weight, Cu is present in the range of from about 0.2 to 2 percent by weight, Mo is present in the range of from about 0.8 to 3 percent by weight, Ni is present in the range of from about 7 to 12 percent by weight, Co is present in the range of from about 13 to 17 percent by weight; and Fe is present in a remaining amount.

Abstract: An amorphous alloy having a composition represented by the general formula: XaMbAlc (wherein X represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr and Hf, M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Nb, Cu, Fe, Co, and Mn, and a, b, and c represent such atomic percentages as respectively satisfy 25?a?85, 5?b?70, and 0<c?35) and containing an amorphous phase in the range of 50-100% in a volumetric ratio contains hydrogen incorporated therein. Preferably the hydrogen is present in the amorphous alloy in an amount of 0.005-10% of the amorphous alloy in a weight ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aluminum alloy composition consisting essentially of, on the basis of total weight of the composition, 13 to 28 wt % of silicon, 1.5 to 5 wt % of a metal element selected from iron and manganese, 3 to 10 wt % of zinc, 0.5 to 1 wt % of magnesium, and aluminum as balance. Also disclosed herein is an aluminum alloy product made from said aluminum alloy composition and exhibiting improved mechanical properties at high temperatures, including excellent wear resistance, hardness and thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides high burring, high strength steel sheet excellent in softening resistance of the weld heat affected zone and a method of production of the same, that is, high burring, high strength steel sheet excellent in softening resistance of the weld heat affected zone containing, by wt %, C: 0.01 to 0.1%, Si: 0.01 to 2%, Mn: 0.05 to 3%, P?0.1%, S?0.03%, Al: 0.005 to 1%, N: 0.0005 to 0.005%, and Ti: 0.05 to 0.5% and further containing C, S, N, Ti, Cr, and Mo in ranges satisfying 0%<C?(12/48Ti?12/14N?12/32S)?0.05%, Mo+Cr?0.2%, Cr?0.5%, and Mo?0.5%, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein the microstructure comprises ferrite or ferrite and bainite.

Abstract: A large ingot is produced by casting the zirconium alloy, then the ingot is forged to obtain the semi-finished product wherein the semi-finished product can be a slab for production of a flat product is produced from the large cast ingot in a single forging operation at a temperature at which the zirconium alloy is in a state comprising both the crystalline ? and ? phases of the alloy.

Abstract: Provided are a steel having excellent rolling contact fatigue life and the manufacturing method thereof. The steel consists essentially of 0.7 to 1.1% C, 0.2 to 2.0% Si, 0.4 to 2.5% Mn, 1.6 to 4.0% Cr, 0.1% or more and less than 0.5% Mo, 0.010 to 0.050% Al, bymass, and balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, is treated by quenching and tempering, has residual cementite grain sizes ranging from 0.05 to 1.5 ?m, and has prior-austenite grain sizes of 30 ?m or smaller. When the steel is used to bearing steel, the bearing life extends even under service in more severe environments.

Abstract: A solution treatment is firstly performed for a non-heat-treated Ni based alloy having a composition equivalent to that of Inconel 718 (registered trademark). Subsequently, a primary aging treatment is applied by holding the Ni based alloy at 610° to 660° C. for 5 to 10 hours. After that, a secondary aging treatment is performed by holding the Ni based alloy at 710° to 760° C. for 5 to 10 hours. There are 700 or more precipitates per ?m2, in which each precipitate has a longer diameter of not less than 0.5 nm, in a metal microstructure of the Ni based alloy. Some of the precipitates are large precipitates having average diameters of 25 nm to 1 ?m. There are 10 or more large precipitates per ?m2. A forging die can be produced with the Ni based alloy.

Abstract: A thin piece of clear plastic an eighth inch thick by nine inches high and eighteen inches wide with rounded off edges to hold music or documents.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, a block unit includes a center block and side blocks separated by a communication groove. Aspect ratios of the center block and the side blocks are approximately the same. The center block and the side blocks are arranged such that a longitudinal direction of a rectangle relating to the aspect ratio of the center block and longitudinal directions of rectangles relating to the aspect ratios of the side blocks are approximately orthogonal to each other. Size ratios of a short side of the rectangle relating to the aspect ratio of the center block and the long sides of the rectangles relating to the aspect ratios of the side blocks are in a range equal to or more than 0.90 to equal to or less than 1.10.

Abstract: A toric air bag for a safety tire capable of sufficiently and equally contacting with a full inner face of a tire in the expansion-deformation of the toric air bag by a drop of an internal pressure in the tire, wherein at least an expansion-deforming portion of the toric air bag having a hollow torus shape as a whole is constructed with a tension support member, and to the expansion-deforming portion is given a property indicating a characteristic of extension ratio-tensile force that tensile force per unit width is substantially and gradually increased with the increase of elongation through the expansion-deformation.

Abstract: Provided are a reinforcement material, not causing undesired stress and having excellent shape stability characteristics, a rubber product using the material and a method for producing the product, and a pneumatic tire using the material and a method for producing the tire. The reinforcement material for rubber has a flat coil shape where, when the material is in a single free state, loop portions are partly superposed on each other in sequence, and is embedded in a rubber product such as a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A new method for applying metal foil to tires includes applying a metallic foil to one of the sidewalls before the tire is completely cured. The metallic foil may be applied directly to the sidewall of a green tire, and then cured simultaneously with the tire. The metallic foil may further have a carrier. The carrier may be removed after a curing cycle, or it may become part of the tire. The metallic foil may also be attached to a precured piece of rubber before being attached to the green tire.

Abstract: A device and a method for applying tape to one or more sheets of material in a moving line-up. The device can include a tape applicator, a sensor, a tape cutter, a tape gripper, an engagement-initiation press, and a hold-down portion. During intermittent operation, the tape applicator is moved away from the sheets of material causing an unattached tape portion to extend from the tape applicator to a final connection point on the sheets of material. The tape cutter and the tape gripper are configured to cut and grip the unattached tape portion. As tape application is restarted, the engagement-initiation press is lowered to hold the end of the tape in place. The hold-down portion prevents the sheets of material from shifting out of alignment as tape is applied by the tape applicator. The sensor can be used, for example, to detect gaps between the sheets of material.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel method for flashing a door, window, ductwork or other rough opening in a building surface. The method involves the use of a tape strip having a continuous, non-perforated, machine-direction-splittable plastic release sheet liner which is selectively removed in controlled portions without the need for cutting strings. Anisotropic tear-resistance properties of the release liner facilitate a careful, controlled, and progressive installation of the tape strip while avoiding unwanted transverse tearing that could block or foul the adhesive.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a ceramic matrix composite by slurry infiltration. The methods involve placing a desized ceramic cloth lay-up into a non-ceramic cloth bag, sealing the bag to form a bagged ceramic preform, infiltrating the bagged ceramic preform with a ceramic-containing slurry, and sintering the preform to convert the slurry to a ceramic while decomposing the non-ceramic bag. The methods of the present invention maximize slurry infiltration of the ceramic cloth tow bundle while minimizing damage to the ceramic cloth.

Abstract: A glazing panel is fitted in a frame by placing the glazing panel in register with the frame with soft state bonding material interposed. An energy field is then set up to act upon the bonding material the energy field acting to promote curing of the bonding material. Preferably a microwave energy field is set up and the energy is applied for a predetermined period, typically less than 60 seconds.

Abstract: An unvulcanized rubber strip (3) is supplied to an outer peripheral surface of a rotating cylindrical body (4) from a sending-out roller (16) which laterally moves in an axial direction of the cylindrical body (4), thereby spirally winding the rubber strip (3) to form a winding body (5). In a tilting reference plane (29) defined as a plane which is in parallel to a plane (4S) passing through an axis (4i) of the cylindrical body (4) and which passes through an axis (16i) of the sending-out roller (16), the sending-out roller (16) is held such that the sending-out roller (16) can tilt positively and negatively within an inclination angle (?) of 0 to 45° with respect to a tilting reference line (N) which is parallel to the axis (4i) of the cylindrical body (4). The sending-out roller (16) is laterally moved while changing the inclination angle (?).

Abstract: Three methods of constructing tires having functionally graded belts are provided. According to one method a bandage is used to hold neighboring belt segments in position so they may be simultaneously applied to a carcass. According to a second method, longitudinal incisions are applied to a belt ply to achieve the desired belt stiffness. According to a third method clamps are applied to a belt ply to reorient the belt cords.

Abstract: A method of marking a belt comprising the steps of selecting a first thermoplastic layer that is optically distinguishable from a belt body, joining the first thermoplastic layer to the belt body, joining a second thermoplastic material layer to the first thermoplastic layer, etching the first thermoplastic layer in order to contrast the first thermoplastic layer with the belt body, and etching the second thermoplastic layer in order to contrast the second thermoplastic layer with the first thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and a method for assembly of electrochemical cells. The stacking apparatus includes at least one stacking head having an adjustable holding member adapted to hold an electrochemical laminate of a pre-determined length and means for adjusting the shape of the electrochemical laminate of the pre-determined length during stacking of a plurality of electrochemical laminates. The electrochemical laminates are assembled in a way that prevents air entrapment between the electrochemical laminates.

Abstract: In a method of processing woven/knitted fabric composed of thermal fusion bonding yarns, woven fabric, knitted fabric, or a braid, which is obtained by weaving or knitting thermal fusion bonding textile yarns such as thermal fusion bonding polyester and the like, is molded by being subjected to heat-processing. The molded product can be remolded by being subjected to heat-processing again. The woven fabric or the knitted fabric is a flat sheet or a three-dimensional woven/knitted fabric. It is also possible to partly overlapping the woven fabric or the knitted fabric on ordinary woven fabric or ordinary knitted fabric and to heat-molding them integrally with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric comprising dispersed fine fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 ?m or less and a fiber length of 3 mm or less, wherein an adhesion rate of substances adhered to the nonwoven fabric is 0.5 mass % or less. Further, a process and an apparatus for manufacturing the fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric, as well as a sheet material comprising the fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine cell for the forming and joining of a first sheet material to a second sheet material includes an upper gate and a lower nest. The lower nest includes a vacuum pad having a recessed channel defined therein. A vacuum system is fluidly connected to the recessed channel to hold the first sheet material to the lower nest during the joining of the first and second sheet materials. The machine cell further includes an arrangement for aligning the first sheet material to the second sheet material.

Abstract: Provided are a laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) apparatus, a laminator, and an LITI method using the apparatus. The LITI apparatus includes a chuck having at least one first lower ventilation hole for attracting a lower substrate toward the chuck. A cap is disposed on the chuck. The cap fixes an upper substrate and includes at least one first upper ventilation hole for pressurizing the upper substrate so that the upper substrate is closely adhered to the lower substrate. A laser irradiation system for irradiating a laser beam is disposed over the upper substrate adhered to the lower substrate. In this construction, the upper substrate can be laminated on the lower substrate.

Abstract: On demand apparatus for use in a printer, printer module, stand-alone media converter, or other media processor comprises a print device and a converting system. The print device receives a series of labels, tickets, tags, cards or other media samples and responds to a set of form and content print instructions which direct the print device regarding what and where to print on selected media samples. The converting system includes an applicator which receives the series of media samples from the print device and a series of value-adding elements. The applicator responds to a set of application instructions which direct the applicator to apply a value-adding element to selected media samples. A corresponding method is disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a reaction chamber for simultaneously processing a plurality of process substrates, a boat for loading the process substrates into the reaction chamber, and a stocker for storing a multiple number of dummy substrates, at least a portion of the dummy substrates being loaded into the reaction chamber together with the process substrates through the use of the boat. A substrate cleaning process is carried out by loading dummy substrates to be cleaned into the reaction chamber through the use of the boat and introducing a cleaning gas into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor substrate processing apparatus comprising: a processing bath which etches a semiconductor substrate by dipping the semiconductor substrate into a processing solution; an outer bath which is positioned outside said processing bath and receives the processing solution overflowing from said processing bath; a circulation channel which resupplies the processing solution discharged from said outer bath to said processing bath; a heater which adjusts a temperature of the processing solution flowing through said circulation channel; a filter which removes foreign matter in the processing solution flowing through said circulation channel; and a controller which measures, after the semiconductor substrate is loaded into said processing bath, one of the temperature of the processing solution in said processing bath and a time during which the temperature of the processing solution restores a predetermined temperature, calculates a processing time dur

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus for plasma cleaning includes a hollow dielectric member having a first opening disposed at a first end of the hollow dielectric member and an electrode coupled to a central portion of an outer surface of the hollow dielectric member. A conductive member is coupled to the outer surface of the hollow dielectric member proximate the first end of the hollow dielectric member.

Abstract: A capacitive coupling plasma processing apparatus includes a process chamber configured to have a vacuum atmosphere, and a process gas supply section configured to supply a process gas into the chamber. In the chamber, a first electrode serving as a cathode electrode, and a second electrode grounded to serve as an anode electrode are disposed opposite each other. An RF power supply is disposed to supply an RF power to the first electrode to form an RF electric field within a plasma generation region between the first and second electrodes, so as to turn the process gas into plasma. The target substrate is supported by a support member between the first and second electrodes such that a process target surface thereof faces the second electrode. The second electrode includes a conductive counter surface facing the first electrode and exposed to the plasma generation region.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a spinning apparatus includes a spin table on which an object to be etched is placed, a rotation unit rotating the spin table, and a nozzle unit including a center nozzle, disposed on the central portion of the spin table, and at least one side nozzle, disposed on an edge of the spin table. Etching uniformity is improved over the conventional art because an etching chemical is distributed more evenly by the nozzle unit as the object to be etched is rotated. An embodiment may also include an exhaust to remove excess etching chemical.

Abstract: A method is described for transferring a disc-shaped workpiece from a workpiece carrier, on which the workpiece is fastened along its first main surface by means of a first double-sided adhesive foil, onto a carrier foil, wherein the first double-sided adhesive foil is connected by a first adhesive layer to the workpiece carrier and by a second adhesive layer to the workpiece, with the following process steps: weakening the second adhesive layer through decomposition of its adhesive material down to a reduced adhesive force which is substantially smaller than the adhesive force of the first adhesive layer, fastening the workpiece carrier to a first retaining device, fastening the workpiece with its second main surface to a second retaining device by means of a second double-sided adhesive foil, such that the second double-sided adhesive foil is connected by a third adhesive layer to the second retaining device and by a fourth adhesive layer to the workpiece, and the adhesive forces of the third and the fourth

Abstract: An evaporation apparatus 10 is shown in the form of an inflatable elongate plastic tube 12 that is fitted with fluid control means in the form of an inlet gas fan 14 and a gas outlet hole 16. The capacity of the inlet gas fan 14 and the size of the outlet hole 16 are matched so that the degree of inflation of the tube 12 can be maintained. In use the inflated tube 12 is partially filled with a volume of liquid 18 in a pool at a base thereof to be heated and evaporated by solar radiation and carried out of the tube 12 by a flow of gas therethrough. The pool of liquid 18 may include solid matter 19, or even contain substances such as dissolved solids or salts. Over time a significant quantity of this material can become deposited in the tube 12, and can be reclaimed.

Abstract: A window covering has a headrail, a plurality of lift cords extending from the headrail and a plurality of shade elements positioned sequentially below the headrail. Each shade element has two longitudinal edges which are substantially parallel to one another. A flap made of mesh fabric, a non-woven fabric or a film through which light may pass is attached to one or both longitudinal edges of the shade elements. The shade elements are positioned so that when the shade elements are in a closed position the lower edge of one shade element abuts the upper edge of an adjacent shade element and when the shade elements are in an open position, the lower edge of the at least one shade element is spaced apart from the upper edge of an adjacent shade element. The flap may or may not fully cover the gap between adjacent shade elements. A first cord is attached to one longitudinal edge of each shade element and a second cord is attached to the other longitudinal edge of each shade element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a window blind system, comprising a shading arrangement and an alternating hanging device vertically extended downwardly to support a plurality of slats in position, wherein a predetermined portion of the slats are both supported by the first shading arrangement and the alternating hanging device, so that by operating the alternating hanging device, the predetermined portion of the slats supported by the alternating hanging device are capable of being displaced with respect to the remaining slats thus creating a varying shading effect.

Abstract: A retractable rigid dome for protecting a feature, such as a docking mechanism, a hatch or other equipment on an exterior surface of a space vehicle, includes a plurality of rigid arcuate segments, each having opposite ends respectively pinioned at opposite sides of the feature at about the surface of the vehicle for rotational movement about an axis of rotation extending through the opposite ends thereof and through an arcuate path of rotation extending over the feature. The radial sizes of the segments are staggered such that, in a fully deployed position of the dome, in which adjacent segments are rotated apart from each other at a maximum relative angle therebetween, the segments combine to form an arcuate shield over the feature, and in a retracted position of the dome, in which adjacent segments are rotated together at a common angle relative to the surface of the vehicle, the segments are nested in radial alignment with each other.

Abstract: A shade used to cover a window opening or the like is made of opaque material with fastening means adhered to the back of the material. The shade can be hung on the window using a hook and loop type fastener or a double-sided removable adhesive that is mounted on the window frame or the wall surrounding the window.

Abstract: A method for bleaching wood fibers with a mixture of sodium borohydride and sodium bisulfite followed by peroxide bleaching in the same vessel.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful process for peroxide bleaching of mechanical or high yield pulp, the process comprising adding to a pulp slurry at least one stabilizer for stabilizing low valency states of transition metal ions in the slurry; subsequently adding caustic soda to said slurry simultaneously with or subsequent to adding said at least one stabilizer; adding hydrogen peroxide to the slurry at a preselected point; and subjecting the slurry to preselected conditions to complete the bleaching process.

Abstract: A method of embossing an absorbent web with a machine direction undulatory structure is described. The web has a plurality of ridges extending in its machine direction occurring at a frequency, F, across the web and the method includes providing the web to an embossing station where the web is embossed between a first and second embossing roll, each of which rolls may be provided with a plurality of embossing elements configured to define a plurality of embossing nips. At least a portion of the embossing nips are substantially oriented in a cross-machine direction with respect to the web and have a cross direction length, L. The product F×L is from about 0.1 to about 5.

Abstract: An absorbent composite that includes a fibrous matrix having absorbent material dispersed in bands along the composite's length is disclosed. The bands define liquid distribution zones. On liquid contact, absorbent material swelling occurs and produces a wetted composite having flutes that include swollen absorbent material separated by distribution zones, regions of the composite that are substantially free of absorbent material. Absorbent articles that include the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an endless non-woven tissue making fabric having a three-dimensional texture suitable for use as a fabric for producing three-dimensional fibrous webs. The endless non-woven tissue making fabric comprises a plurality of substantially parallel adjoining sections of non-woven material. Each section of non-woven material has a width substantially less than the width of the non-woven tissue making fabric. Each section of non-woven material may be joined to at least one other adjoining section of non-woven material. The non-woven tissue making fabric has a machine direction, a cross-machine direction, a tissue contacting surface and a tissue machine contacting surface. The tissue contacting surface comprises solid matter at a plurality of heights such that the tissue contacting surface of the non-woven tissue making fabric has an Overall Surface Depth of at least 0.2 mm in regions of solid matter on the tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: A method of improving the removal of an investment casting shell surrounding a metallic article. The shell is made from the deposit of layers refractory slurry and stucco onto a pattern. The shell contains, after firing, an amount of an alkali metal oxide or an alkaline earth metal oxide sufficient to reduce the strength of the shell. By this invention, after firing of the shell and pouring of the molten metallic part into the shell, the shell is hydrated to further reduce the strength of the shell, to facilitate its removal from the metallic part.

Abstract: A technique for pressurized or differential pressure casting according to the present disclosure provides a riser tube filter formed of ceramic foam having a specific gravity lower than the molten metal to be cast. A riser tube filter according to the present invention may float in and/or on the molten metal within the riser tube and smooth the flow of molten metal within the riser tube simultaneously filtering the metal. As the molten metal is depressurized, a riser tube filter according to the present disclosure will travel back down the riser tube engaging the walls of the riser tube and minimizing the surface of molten metal in contact with the air or other gas. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.