Abstract: A biosensor for metal analysis and speciation is disclosed. The biosensor comprises an electron carrier immobilized to a surface of an electrode and a layer of an immobilized enzyme adjacent to the electrode. The immobilized enzyme comprises an enzyme having biological activity inhibited by a metal to be detected by the biosensor.

Abstract: Increased yields of middle distillate products are obtained in a hydrocracking process by the use of a catalyst containing a beta zeolite. In embodiments, the beta zeolite has not been hydrothermally treated or has been hydrothermally treated at a relatively low temperature. In another embodiment, the catalyst contains a relatively low amount of beta zeolite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pyrolysis tube for enhancing the yield of olefins and reducing a coking tendency in steam cracking of hydrocarbons. According to the present invention, the pyrolysis tube is characterized in that a plurality of mixing blades made by twisting two ends of a plate in opposite directions are included therein. The yield of ethylene is thereby improved and the coking tendency is reduced by mixing a fluid flow, improving a heat transfer rate and shortening a residence time of the reactants therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for controlling space velocity in a fluidized catalytic conversion reactor. The catalyst flux rate can be adjusted during the process of the reaction to adjust the space velocity and maintain a fast fluidized flow regime therein. The set parameter in the reactor may be pressure drop which is proportional to catalyst density.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a hydroprocessing catalyst suitable for the conversion of heavy hydrocarbon oils, which comprises 7–20 wt. % of Group VI metal, calculated as trioxide, and about 0.5–6 wt. % of Group VIII metal, calculated as oxide, on a carrier comprising alumina, the catalyst having a surface area of about 100–180 m2/g, a total pore volume of about 0.55 ml/g or more, a % PV(>200 ? d) of at least about 50%, a % PV(>1,000 ? d) of at least about 5%, a % PV(100–1,200 ? d) of at least about 85%, a % PV(>4,000 ? d) of about 0–2%, and a % PV(>10,000 ? d) of about 0–1%. The catalyst of the present invention shows improved metals and asphaltene removal, combined with appropriate sulfur, nitrogen, and Conradson carbon removal. Additionally, the catalyst shows a decrease in sediment formation and an improved conversion in ebullating bed operations. In fixed bed operation, the catalyst produces product with an improved storage stability.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, hollow fibres, for example, made from dense wall Poly methylpentene (PMP) used in tows or formed into a fabric. In one module, one or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibres. Various reactors and processes, for example to treat wastewater, using such modules are described. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods are used to control the thickness of the biofilm.

Abstract: A collapsible water treatment digester includes a flexible bladder, a frame, and a plurality of filter plates. The flexible bladder is movable from a collapsed position wherein the bladder is folded into a substantially flattened state to an expanded position wherein the bladder forms a water treatment chamber. The frame is connected to the bladder so as to support the bladder in the expanded position. The filter plates are disposed within the water treatment chamber of the bladder so as to cause a substantial portion of the solids from a wastewater stream introduced into the water treatment chamber to produce a reconditioned water stream dischargeable from the bladder.

Abstract: The invention features a system for treating liquid including a liquid treatment device comprising adsorbent media for removing a substance from liquid and a pH adjuster device located upstream of the liquid treatment device relative to a direction of flow of the liquid. The pH adjuster device contains particulate or solid state pH adjuster material capable of releasing H or OH groups into the liquid or consuming H or OH groups from the liquid effective to raise or lower the pH of the liquid while it passes through the media. The pH adjuster may include acidifier or basifier material. Also featured is a method of using the device to remove a substance from liquid by adsorption and/or ion exchange.

Abstract: Methods and devices based on capillary monolithic columns, preferably consisting of an underivatized poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) monolith, for separating a mixture of polynucleotides by ion pair-reverse phase-high performance chromatography (IP-RP-HPLC).

Abstract: A distal end portion of a probe has a multi-pipe structure, in which an effluent solution from a high speed liquid chromatography passes through an innermost flow passage, a matrix solution through an outer flow passage, and the air through an outermost flow passage. A distal end of the outermost pipe extends 1.2 mm longer than the distal end of the inner duplex tube to form a liquid reservoir. When dropping a liquid droplet from the distal end of the probe, the air is blown out to expel the liquid gathered in the liquid reservoir to be dropped.

Abstract: A tip portion of a probe has a triple tube structure in which a fused silica capillary on the innermost side, a capillary made of FEP outside the fused silica capillary, and a stainless pipe on the outermost side are disposed coaxially. An eluate from a liquid chromatograph flows through the innermost flow passage, a matrix solution flows through the flow passage between the fused silica capillary and the FEP capillary, and a rinsing solution or air flows through the flow passage between the FEP capillary and the pipe.

Abstract: A water purification installation includes a coagulation area, a flocculation area, an area for mixing, in an upflow, the flocculated water with pressurised water which is delivered by a microbubble-generating pressurisation-pressure reduction system, and a flotation area. Suspended matter, which is brought to the surface by the microbubbles, is evacuated from the upper part of the flotation area. Moreover, the lower part of said flotation area includes means of collecting the clarified water. The geometry of the flotation area is such that the ratio between the height (H) of the area located above the clarified water collection means and the length (L) of the area is between 0.3 and 1; and the ratio between the surface (Sa) of the nappe at the outlet of the mixing area and the surface (Sp) of the actual flotation area is between 0.05 and 0.5 and, preferably, between 0.1 and 0.35.

Abstract: A filtration module (10) is provided which includes a manifold (12), a filter cartridge (16) and a bowl (14) which houses the filter cartridge (16). The filter cartridge (16) and bowl (14) are connected to each other by a flange (15) on an end cap (30) of the filter cartridge (16) which fits into collar (34) on the bowl to form a unitary construction. The filter cartridge (16) and bowl (14) are in fluid communication with the manifold (12) in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module (10) and a permeate removed from the module (10).

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracorporeal processing of blood or other body fluid for the treatment of conditions, such as sepsis, autoimmune disease, or toxemia related to kidney failure, liver failure, or drug overdose are provided. In an extracorporeal treatment system, a fraction of a body fluid is passed into a treatment fluid, at least a portion of which is then passed through a sorbent suspension reactor for treatment by a sorbent suspension. The treatment fluid circuit can be maintained at a fixed volume, which enables accurate fluid balance between the patient and the extracorporeal circuit. Some or all of the treatment fluid, optionally also containing nutrients and/or therapeutic agents, is returned to the patient. In a peritoneal dialysis system, dialysate is passed into a patient's peritoneal cavity, recovered from the cavity, passed through a sorbent suspension reactor in accordance with the invention, and returned to the cavity.

Abstract: The filtration device of the present invention relies on materials and methodologies that achieve the formation of a structural matrix that may later accommodate the addition of other adsorbent materials as opposed to merely binding adsorbent materials together through the use of compression and/or binder materials. The filter device of the present invention relies on (i) a unique method of processing to achieve maximum density of materials, (ii) a polymeric material having a distinct morphology and (iii) a very small micron diameter of the polymeric material to create uniformity. For example, in place of compression to increase density, the materials comprising the filtration device of the present invention are instead vibrated into a mold cavity. Thus, the methodology of the current invention optimizes how all of the materials comprising the filtration device fit together without compaction. The material being processed is vibrated as it is gradually poured into the mold.

Abstract: A liquid vortex separator including a vortex tube (16) with an impeller (13) in the feed end to impart a rotational motion to liquid within the tube, a feed cylinder (12) connected to the vortex tube by a reducing cone (14). The separator has a separating cone (17) at the outlet end, an annular collecting ring (18) for heavy solids and a liquid discharge pipe extending axially from the separating cone. A feed tank (31) and circulating stream arrangement ensures operation of the system at varying feed rates. The liquid vortex separator may also be fitted with microwave generators (40), electrodes (51)powered from a DC source or magnets (60) to produce desired effects or chemical reactions in the material being processed through the liquid vortex separator.

Abstract: An aerobic digester system in a wastewater treatment plant is made more versatile for different conditions by addition of an equalizer basin or in some embodiments, a bypass pipe. If infeed is received from a sequential batch reactor or from a concentrated septage, for example, the equalizer basin can contain one batch, and then deliver the batch out incrementally to a gravity thickener basin. The equalizer basin also enables the gravity thickener of the system to be removed from service when needed, providing increased flexibility for the system. Importantly, the equalizer or bypass enables versatile modes of operation so that a plant designed for a larger, later flow can operate at an initially low flow or at several levels of flow before reaching the largest design flow. This applies to other conditions of variable flow as well such as seasonal.

Abstract: This invention teaches a purification technology to extract an organic solution of paclitaxel by using a “Load and Lock Axial Compression Column” for industrial scale preparative high performance liquid chromatography. The “Load and Lock Axial Compression Column” is one in which a piston is used to pack and unpack the chromatography bed substantially to avoid voids therein, and to maintain bed compression during use. This effectively substantially prevents the formation of voids in the bed. The column can be packed with any packing material, including small particle size (e.g., about 10 ?m) media, and very high plate numbers are generated. The bed length can be adjusted by controlling the amount of packing material used to prepare the column.

Abstract: A liquid chromatograph control apparatus (1) includes a measured value storage (25a) that stores a measured retardation factor (Rf) value of a sample (3), which is obtained when components of the sample are separated on thin layer chromatography using eluent (4) containing a plurality of ingredients at a specified mixture ratio, in association with the specified mixture ratio, a rate-of-change-in-Rf-value storage (25b) that stores a rate of change in the Rf value of the sample (3) with respect to variation in mixture ratio of ingredients of eluent (10), a mixture ratio calculator (22a) that determines a mixture ratio of the eluent (10) at which a specified retardation factor value (RfO) of the sample is obtained, based on the measured Rf value corresponding to the specified mixture ratio stored in the measured value storage (25a) and on the rate of change in the Rf value stored in the rate-of-change-in-Rf-value storage (25b), and a mixture ratio controller (22b) that outputs a control signal to control the mi

Abstract: The invention relates to a particular polymer which is derived from a copolymer polysaccharide formed by a main chain comprising similar or different anhydrohexose units and branches including at least one neutral or anionic anhydropentose and/or anhydrohexose unit. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said polymer in the treatment of aqueous media, in particular the treatment of aqueous effluents containing heavy metals, the treatment of waste water, drinking water and for sludge conditioning. Said derivative polymer comprises one or more units bearing an oxime function at least at position C2.

Abstract: There is described a process for the treatment of water to prevent the survival of unwanted organisms in said water. The process is based on the supply of gas into the water at pressures greater than 1 atmosphere, while ensuring that the mass transport of gas into the water is greater than the mass loss across the air-water (surface) interface, i.e. such that a gas super-saturated condition is established. Further, there is described an apparatus or system for the treatment of a body of water, i.e. to prevent the survival of organisms in said water. A preferable embodiment comprises a compressor which delivers a compressed gas to said water system in an amount sufficient to establish a supersaturated condition in said body of water.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect water in a flow tube, where the flow tube acts as a fluid filled light guide for the ultraviolet radiation and the ultraviolet radiation propagates through the flow tube via total internal reflection.

Abstract: A system meets material collection needs by significantly increasing the flow rate through a header that collects sludge. Telescopic pipes stay in a line adjacent to the bottom of a basin and do not float upwardly into or against equipment in the basin. A bearing is configured in a radial space between the pipes and with a central axial sludge collection opening, and adjacent to the header. The sludge collection opening allows sludge flow into the pipes, the flow having a value not less than a minimum flow. This flow is into system from immediately around the pipes configured in the telescopic relationship.

Abstract: A method of plating a circuit pattern on a substrate to produce a circuitized substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board) in which a dual step metallurgy application process is used in combination with a dual step photo-resist removal process. Thru-holes are also possible, albeit not required.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A method of producing a reflector sheet, which method comprises treating an Al alloy sheet to increase the total reflectance of a surface of the sheet for use as a lighting reflector by bringing the sheet into contact with an acid or alkaline fluid that dissolves aluminium metal, said fluid having a viscosity of less than 0.01 Pa·s, under conditions to remove from 10 nm to 2000 nm of metal from the surface, and cutting or forming the treated Al alloy sheet into the shape of a reflector sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an ink jet printhead includes the steps of providing a substrate (16). An array of nozzle assemblies (10) is created on the substrate with a nozzle chamber (34) in communication with a nozzle opening (24) of a nozzle (22) of each nozzle assembly (24). The nozzle (22) of each assembly (10) is displaceable relative to the substrate (16) for effecting ink ejection on demand and the nozzle assembly (1) includes an actuator unit (28) connected to the nozzle (22) and arranged externally of the chamber (34) for controlling displacement of the nozzle (22).

Abstract: The surface of a device that is surgically implantable in living bone is prepared. The device is made of titanium with a native oxide layer on the surface. The method of preparation comprises the steps of removing the native oxide layer from the surface of the device and performing further treatment of the surface substantially in the absence of unreacted oxygen.

Abstract: Solid composition has an organic spill absorbing material in which is absorbed certain of a liquid organic compound or composition. The organic spill absorbing material can be water insoluble, particulate polymer particles that imbibe liquid organic materials. A halogenated organic can provide the liquid organic compound or composition. The halogenated organic can be a halogenated hydrocarbon. A fire can be fought by transmitting the solid composition containing a suitable flame retardant to the base of the fire under conditions such that the absorbed liquid in liquid or vapor form is released; and a living target can be stupefied by transmitting the solid composition containing a suitable stupefying agent under conditions such that vapors of the stupefying agent are released and stupefy the target.

Abstract: A ferrite magnet having a basic composition represented by the following general formula: (A1?xRx)O.n[(Fe1?yMy)2O3] by atomic ratio, wherein A is Sr and/or Ba, R is at least one of rare earth elements including Y, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Ni and Zn, and x, y and n are numbers meeting the conditions of 0.01?x?0.4, [x/(2.6n)]?y?[x/(1.6n)], and 5?n?6, and substantially having a magnetoplumbite-type crystal structure, is obtained by uniformly mixing a compound of Sr and/or Ba with an iron compound; calcining the resultant uniform mixture; adding a compound of the R element and/or the M element to the resultant calcined powder at a pulverization step thereof; and sintering the resultant mixture. The compound of the R element and/or the M element may be added at a percentage of more than 0 atomic % and 80 atomic % or less, on an element basis, at a mixing step before calcination.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising pentafluoropropane, a second component selected from the group consisting of decafluoropropane, perfluorobutyl methyl ether and combinations of these, and a third component selected from the group consisting of methanol, 1,2-trans-dichloroethylene and combinations of these. The present invention further provides for refrigerants, blowing agents, foam compositions, polyol premixes, closed-cell foams, sprayable compositions, and the like, comprising the present compositions.

Abstract: A nontoxic deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a surfactant, an antioxidant, and water. The fluid has an LD50 greater than about 10,000 mg/L. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a vinylpyrrolidone polymer having a molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 700,000, and water. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a nonionic surfactant selected from the polyoxyalkylene ethers, an antioxidant, and water. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a surfactant, a food grade material that functions as an antioxidant, and water. A further deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a material that functions as both a buffer and a freezing point depressant, and water.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion containing a silicon-aluminum mixed oxide powder, the powder containing 0.1 to 99.9 wt. % Al2O3 and Si—O—Al-bonds. The dispersion can be produced using dispersing and/or grinding devices which a achieve an energy input of at least 200 KJ/m3. The dispersion can be used for the chemical-mechanical polishing of semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to certain fluorinated surfactants, and use thereof in acid etch solutions, such as in aqueous buffered acid etch solutions. The etch solutions are used with a wide variety of substrates, for example, in the etching of silicon oxide-containing substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a gelling agent composed of a functional amino acid compound having a tetrathiafulvalenyl group, and a production method of a gelling agent, comprising reacting a tetrathiafulvalene derivative with an amino acid derivative in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine to obtain a functional amino acid compound having a tetrathiafulvalenyl group.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystalline compound capable of exhibiting a biaxial liquid crystal phase, provide a trifunctional or greater functional polymerizable liquid crystalline compound having polymerizable groups, and also to provide a liquid crystalline composition and a retardation film which are using the liquid crystalline compound, a compound and a liquid crystalline compound each are represented by formula (I) defined in the specification; a liquid crystalline composition contains the compound; and a retardation film has an optically anisotropic layer formed from the compound.

Abstract: A fluorescent material of terbium aluminum garnet has a formula (Tb3-x-yCexRey) (Al5-zO12Mez), wherein 0<x?0.8, 0<y?2.0, 0<z?1.0, wherein Re is at least one of gadolinium (Gd), rubidium (Rb), thulium (Tm), praseodymium (Pr), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), ytterbium (Yb), lutetium (Lu), strontium (Sr), yttrium (Y), vanadium (V), and chromium (Cr), and wherein Me is silicone that is added or substituted. A blue light-emitting diode may be used as an exciting light source for exciting the fluorescent material to generate an excited light. The excited light and the exciting light are mixed to generate a pure white light. The fluorescent material may be produced by a solid reaction method, a combustion method, or a synchronous precipitation method.

Abstract: The dielectric-forming composition according to the invention is characterized by consisting of: composite particles for dielectrics in which part or all of the surfaces of inorganic particles with permittivity of 30 or greater are coated with a conductive metal or a compound thereof, or a conductive organic compound or a conductive inorganic material; and (B) a resin component constituted of at least one of a polymerizable compound and a polymer. In addition, another dielectric-forming composition according to the invention is characterized by containing: ultrafine particle-resin composite particles composed of (J) inorganic ultrafine particles with the average particle size of 0.

Abstract: A multiphase composite material having utility as an electrochemical electrode or catalyst includes a first active phase which is an amorphous, electrochemically active material; and a second, stabilizer phase which includes one or more of: metals, carbon, ceramics, and intermetallic compounds. The stabilizer phase is configured as a plurality of spaced apart regions having the active phase disposed therebetween. The active phase may comprise one or more of: Sn, Sb, Bi, Pb, Ag, In, Si, Ge, and Al. The stabilizer phase may include one or more of: Fe, Zr, Ti, and C. Also disclosed are electrodes and batteries which include the material as well as methods for manufacturing the material by using a mechanical alloying process.

Abstract: The invention provides an adduct comprising a carbon nanotube and a transitional metal coordination complex, wherein the metal of the complex is attached by a covalent linkage to at least one oxygen moiety on the nanotube.

Abstract: A conductor composition comprising an electrically conductive powder, an organic solvent soluble, polyimide resin and solvent wherein the ratio of conductive powder to organic resin is from 80:20 to 99:1 and wherein polyimide resin comprises chemical units selected from and mixtures of these units and wherein in unit (2) the range of the mole ratio m to n is from 90:10 to 10:90 and A represents diamine compounds which bond the structures of unit (2) into units of the resin.

Abstract: A conductive paste used for forming conductive sinters includes a mixture of a copper powder coated with a metal oxide and a metal oxide powder, and an organic vehicle. The content of the metal oxide used for coating the copper powder is in the range of about 0.05% by weight to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the copper powder coated with the metal oxide and the metal oxide powder, and in addition, the total content of the metal oxide used for coating the copper powder and the metal oxide powder is in the range of about 1% by weight to about 12% by weight of the total weight of the copper powder coated with the metal oxide and the metal oxide powder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insulated conductive ball for anisotropic conductive connection, a method of preparing the same and a product using the same. The insulated conductive ball includes a conductive ball, and an insulating resin layer coated on a surface of the conductive ball, in which the insulating resin layer is formed of water-soluble resin beads of core/shell structure. Therefore, the conductive ball of the current invention can exhibit superior current feed and insulation characteristics, compared to those of conventional insulated conductive balls for anisotropic conductive connection coated with thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antistatic agent of the formula (I) R—SO3NR?R?R??R?? ??(I) wherein R represents a perfluorinated cyclic or linear, branched or unbranched carbon chain having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, R? represents a cyclic or linear, branched or unbranched carbon chain having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, which is unsubstituted or substituted with halogen, hydroxy, cycloalkyl or alkyl, and R?, R??, R?? independently represent a cyclic or linear, branched or unbranched carbon chain having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, which is unsubstituted or substituted with halogen, hydroxy, cycloalkyl or alkyl, with the proviso that at least one of the radicals R?, R?, R?? and R?? must not represent ethyl. The antistatic agent of the present invention may be incorporated in plastic molding materials to provide antistatic properties thereto.

Abstract: A compound constructed by N (N is an integer of 2 or more) kinds of phases containing at least one kind of elements selected from a group consisting of Co, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Si, Pb, Bi and Al. At least one kind to (N?1) kinds among the N kinds of phases are continuous phases, and the other phases are discontinuous phases.

Abstract: A process is described for encapsulating a solution of color reactants of color-reaction systems present in an aqueous emulsion accomplished by means of conventional microencapsulation processes, in which the color reactant is first dissolved in a solvent and a non-dissolver, which may insignificantly dissolve the color reactant, is mixed into the resulting solution in an amount that establishes a supersaturated solution while mixing at high speed, the supersaturated solution is emulsified immediately in the aqueous phase while mixing at high speed, and immediately thereupon the encapsulation is performed. A vegetable oil C1–C8 alkyl ester is used as the solvent. This process has economic and technological advantages. For example, it can be used to produce microcapsules that have an advantageous narrow monomodal particle distribution, which results in improved writing performance.

Abstract: A method for preparing powder granules by a liquid condensation process comprising preparing a slurry by mixing powders, a binding agent and a binding agent soluble solvent, dropping the slurry to a binding agent insoluble solvent to fix the binding agent so that the binding agent can not be released to a surface of a droplet of the slurry, coagulating the droplet by solvent exchange between the soluble solvent inside the droplet and the insoluble solvent at the surface of the droplets, and separating the coagulated droplet from the insoluble solvent, drying it and completely removing a residual solvent.

Abstract: Filament is loaded into an extrusion apparatus, such as a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine, by inserting a cassette containing filament into the apparatus. A filament strand from the cassette is then advanced into the machine, such as by operating a thumb wheel or a follower wheel on the cassette. The filament loading method of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a foam-molded article by molding between molds a parison with a foam layer formed by extruding an expandable molten resin composition, obtained by melt-kneading a polyethylene resin and a physical foaming agent, to an area of low pressure from a die, wherein the polyethylene resin is selected from those having a melt flow rate of 0.1 to 25 g/10 minutes and a melt tension of not less than 1.5 cN, and wherein the apparent density of the foam layer in the foam-molded article is about 0.04 to 0.3 g/cm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for producing foamed material, especially poly(meth)acrylimide foams, which are foamed from polymer plates produced according to the casting method. The two-step method consists of a pre-heating step and at least one foaming step. The product obtained has a significantly smaller compressive strain, measured according to DIN 53425(ASMD 621), than prior art products.