Abstract: An R—Fe—B based thin film magnet including an R—Fe—B based alloy which contains 28 to 45 percent by mass of R element (where R represents at least one type of rare-earth lanthanide elements) and which is physically formed into a film, wherein the R—Fe—B based alloy has a composite texture composed of R2Fe14B crystals having a crystal grain diameter of 0.5 to 30 ?m and R-element-rich grain boundary phases present at boundaries between the crystals. The magnetization characteristics of the thin film magnet are improved. The R—Fe—B based thin film magnet can be prepared by heating to 700° C. to 1,200° C. during physical film formation or/and the following heat treatment, so as to grow crystal grains and form R-element-rich grain boundary phases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing alloy flakes for rare earth sintered magnets, which makes uniform the intervals, size, orientation, and shape of the R-rich region and the dendrites of the 2-14-1 phase, which inhibits formation of chill, and which produces flakes that are pulverized into powder of a uniform particle size in the pulverization step in the production of a rare earth sintered magnet, and that are pulverized into powder compactable into a product with a controlled shrink ratio, and alloy flakes for a rare earth sintered magnet obtained by the method, and a rare earth sintered magnet having excellent magnetic properties.

Abstract: A method of promoting the precipitation of secondary metal carbides in a carbon enriched zone of a carburized steel part with the reduced or eliminated use of cobalt and the resultant product. Copper is added to a steel alloy in combination with carbide forming non-ferrous metals for use in a part subjected to carburizing heat treatment tempering. During tempering the copper establishes heterogeneous nucleation sites to catalyze precipitation of non-ferrous metal carbides on the copper particles and/or on dislocations thereby reducing the need for cobalt additions.

Abstract: A part made of a composite material containing carbon, having an open internal residual porosity is protected against oxidation by performing at least one stage in which an impregnating composition is applied, said impregnating composition containing at least one metal phosphate and titanium diboride. Efficient protection against oxidation is thus obtained at temperatures of more than 1000° C., also in the presence of a carbon oxidation catalyst and in a damp medium.

Abstract: A thin cast strip is formed having at least one microstructure selected from the group consisting of polygonal ferrite, acicular ferrite, Widmanstatten, bainite and martinsite, a surface roughness of less than 1.5 microns Ra and a scale thickness of less than about 10 microns by applying a mixture of water and oil on the work rolls of the hot rolling mill, passing the thin cast strip at a temperature of less than 1100° C. through the hot rolling mill while the mixture of oil and water is applied to the work rolls, and shrouding the thin cast strip from the casting rolls through the hot rolling mill in an atmosphere of less than 5% oxygen to form the thin cast strip.

Abstract: A nickel-base superalloy is characterized by the following chemical composition (details in % by weight): 7.7-8.3 Cr, 5.0-5.25 Co, 2.0-2.1 Mo, 7.8-8.3 W, 5.8-6.1 Ta, 4.9-5.1 Al, 1.3-1.4 Ti, 0.11-0.15 Si, 0.11-0.15 Hf, 200-750 ppm C, 50-400 ppm B, 0.1-5 ppm S, 5-100 ppm Y and/or 5-100 ppm La, remainder Ni and production-related impurities. The alloy is distinguished by very good casting properties, a high resistance to oxidation, and good compatibility with TBC layers applied to its surface.

Abstract: An improved nickel-based superalloy having high corrosion and oxidation resistance and good compatibility with a thermal barrier coating. The enhanced oxidation resistance and compatibility with the thermal barrier coating results from the inclusion of two or more rare earth elements. The superalloy is useful for the fabrication of components for a gas turbine.

Abstract: A high speed tool steel, which is high in impact value and free from variations in tool performance, comprising, by mass %, of: 0.4?C?0.9; Si?1.0; Mn?1.0; 4?Cr?6; 1.6-6 in total of either or both of W and Mo in the form of (½W+Mo) wherein W?3; 0.5-3 in total of either or both of V and Nb in the form of (V+Nb); wherein carbides dispersed in the matrix of the tool steel have an average grain size of ?0.5 ?m and a dispersion density of particles of the carbides is of?80×103 particles/mm2.

Abstract: A steel strip can be produced which in spite of its high manganese content has good deformation behaviour in that, according to the invention, from a steel which comprises more than 12 to 30 weight % of manganese, a roughed strip (V) is cast close to the final dimensions in a double-roller casting machine (2), said roughed strip comprising a thickness of up to 6 mm. Following casting, this roughed strip is further processed to form a continuous hot strip by preferably being rolled in a single hot roll pass.

Abstract: A steel part having a long rolling contact fatigue life and capable of further increasing the life of a bearing under severer using condition than usual conditions. The steel part includes steel having a composition containing 0.7% by mass to 1.1% by mass of C, 0.5% by mass to 2.0% by mass of Si, 0.4% by mass to 2.5% by mass of Mn, 1.6% by mass to 5.0% by mass of Cr, 0.1% by mass to less than 0.5% by mass of Mo, 0.010% by mass to 0.050% by mass of Al, less than 0.0015% by mass of Sb as an impurity, and the balance composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, the steel being hardened and tempered. In the steel structure of a portion from the surface to a depth of 5 mm, residual cementite has a grain diameter of 0.05 to 1.5 ?m, prior austenite has a grain diameter of 30 ?m or less, and the ratio by volume of the residual austenite is less than 25%.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a column of center blocks (18) partitioned, on a tread center region, by circumferential thin grooves (14) formed along a tire circumferential direction and crosswise thin grooves (15) formed along a tire width direction, and columns of shoulder blocks (19) partitioned by the circumferential thin grooves (14) and main rag grooves (16) on shoulder portions.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes, on a tread 10, a plurality of block rows 11 and 12 defined by circumferential main grooves 14 extended in a tire circumferential direction and by lateral grooves 16 intersecting the circumferential main grooves. Each tread-end-region block 11 has two zigzag sipes 11a, and each tread-center-region block 12 has one zigzag sipe 12a. Here, a total length of each sipe owned by one block on a tread surface, the number of sipes, and a sipe rigidity index (F) are larger in the tread-end-region block 11 than in the tread-center-region block 12.

Abstract: Self-tightening snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred self-tightening snow chain includes a traction cable and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; a lever interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive a cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. A preferred tensioning device includes a cord sub-unit having two knobs, one on each end, and a grommet encircling the cord. A method of assembling the tensioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire/wheel assembly and a run-flat core, which enable reduction of a cavity resonance generated in a case where the run-flat core is inserted into a cavity formed between the pneumatic tire and a rim of a wheel. In the tire/wheel assembly of the present invention, the run-flat core is inserted into a cavity formed between the pneumatic tire and the rim of the wheel, the run-flat core includes a pair of elastic rings which are disposed on the rim respectively along bead portions of the pneumatic tire, and a circular shell which stretches between the elastic rings and extends in the tire circumferential direction. A sound absorbing member is provided to the circular shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a pair of spaced apart bead components, a connecting carcass between said bead components, and a rubber chafer positioned around at least a portion of each of said bead components and intended for contacting a rigid rim of a wheel, wherein said chafer comprises a self lubricating rubber composition, the self lubricating rubber composition comprising at least one rubber and from 1 to 50 phr of at least one additive selected from alcohols of formula I, esters of formula II, or amides of formula III wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from C12-C36 alkyl, C12-C36 alkenyl, or C12-C36 alkadienyl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a pair of spaced apart bead components, a connecting carcass between said bead components, and a rubber chafer positioned around at least a portion of each of said bead components and intended for contacting a rigid rim of a wheel, wherein said chafer comprises a self lubricating rubber composition, the self lubricating rubber composition comprising at least one rubber and from 1 to 50 phr of at least one additive selected from alcohols of formula I, esters of formula II, or amides of formula III wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from C12-C36 alkyl, C12-C36 alkenyl, or C12-C36 alkadienyl.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a radial tire for a construction vehicle, wherein when a cylindrical band is formed by using one layer of carcass layer formed of steel cords in a band making step, a shape retaining layer formed of at least one layer of organic fiber cords is wrapped on the outer peripheral surface of the carcass layer so that the organic fiber cords cross the steel cords of the carcass layer. The radial tire having excellent uniformity without any uneven widening between the steel cords can be provided without using a shape retaining auxiliary apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic bias tire capable of preventing a separation failure between carcass plies in the bending deformation of a tire side portion under an action of a high load. In a heavy duty pneumatic bias tire having a ply rating of not less than 58 and an aspect ratio of not more than 80%, a rubber volume as the product of a distance between ply cords in the carcass ply and a distance between ply cords of mutually adjoining carcass plies with respect to three or more inside carcass plies of an innermost carcass ply group in at least a portion corresponding to a position of a maximum tire width is 500-1350 mm3.

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 to 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: Methods of making and the resultant micro-spotting plates having a plurality of feed holes, a plurality of dispensing nozzles, an open cavity in communication with the dispensing nozzles and a plurality of channels. The channels connect the feed holes to the dispensing nozzles for transferring a fluid from the feed holes to the dispensing nozzles under a capillary force. A channel may connect a single feed hole retaining a liquid to a dispensing nozzle for dispensing such liquid, or a channel may connect two or more feed holes to a dispensing nozzle for enabling mixing of fluids from the feed holes within the channel prior to dispensing such mixture. The micro-spotting plates allow the continuous self-feeding flow of fluids by capillary forces through its hydrophilic layers for enabling the controlled dispensing of a multi-array of drops of fluids onto a substrate, preferably a test slide, for later use.

Abstract: An opening-sealing apparatus for a honeycomb molded body comprising: a paste filling device equipped with a paste filling unit having an opening-sealing mask in which a number of openings are formed at predetermined positions and a paste supplying unit; an image pickup device for picking up an image of the end face of the honeycomb molded body; and an image analyzing device for analyzing the image obtained by the image pickup device, wherein the image analyzing device analyzes the positions of the cells based upon the image of the end face picked up by the image pickup device; the opening-sealing mask is made in contact with the end face of the honeycomb molded body in such a manner that the positional error between the openings of the opening-sealing mask and the cells of the honeycomb molded body is reduced to a minimal level; and the plug material paste, which has been supplied from the paste supplying unit to the paste filling unit, is injected through the opening-sealing mask and filled in the end portio

Abstract: A method of covering a contoured automotive component such as a shift knob with leather such that the leather is pieced and has the appearance of being stitched together along at least one seam. The cut pieces are thinned, adhesively hemmed, thinned again and provided with false stitching. Thereafter, the hemmed, thinned and stitched pieces are coated with adhesive and applied to the surface of the shift knob in complemental, edge-matching fashion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical element in which a display quality of a projection image is improved is provided. The method is for manufacturing an optical element having a polarization plate of which one side a transmissive member is bonded. The method includes preparing a light source, a polarization plate, a transmissive member, a certificating polarization plate and a spectrophotometer; arranging the polarization plate, the transmissive member, and the certificating polarization plate between the light source and the spectrophotometer; measuring a light transmittance spectrum of a predetermined wavelength at each rotational position of the transmissive member; determining the rotational position of the transmissive member that yields a smallest value for a difference between a maximum value and a minim value of the light transmittance spectrum; and bonding the transmissive meatier to the polarization plate at the determined rotational position.

Abstract: A cushion assembly (10) and a method (30) for making the cushion assembly (10) is disclosed and includes molding pliable core material (43) and skin material (49) within a mold (36), thereby forming the cushion assembly (10) having very desirable wear and other characteristics. In an alternate, although non-limiting methodology (300), the core material, such as material (43), is formed into a desired shape and overall geometric configuration by any desired forming methodology (e.g., by cutting with a hot knife) and then coated with skin material, such as skin material (49), by substantially any desired coating methodology (e.g., by spraying).

Abstract: An insulating label stock including a thermal insulating layer, which may be a fiberfill batt, is provided. The batt is laminated to at least one layer of film, paper, or fabric. Also provided is a method of making insulating label stock. The insulating label stock may be wrapped around a container, such as a can, bottle, or pouch. Further, the insulating label stock may be coated with a coating material so that it is printable, thus imparting both insulating properties and print capability to a container.

Abstract: To improve a conventional device for processing blanks made of cardboard so that they have processing lines running not only in the longitudinal and transverse directions, there is provided a processing head that is movable at a distance above the cardboard blank, which can be caused to travel to any point within the outline of the cardboard blank, and that carries a processing tool that can be activated and deactivated, and that can be caused to travel by an EDP system after activation, to any point on the diagonal processing line.

Abstract: A process comprising: depositing a liquid bonding layer comprising an ionomer and a solvent over a carrier film; placing a decal substrate over the liquid bonding layer and drying the liquid bonding layer to provide a solid bonding layer comprising the ionomer, and the solid bonding layer bonding the decal substrate and carrier film together.

Abstract: An assembly method for display panel comprises the following steps. First, a first substrate and a second substrate are placed inside a chamber, wherein the first substrate comprises a sealant disposed thereon, and the chamber has a first pressure. Next, the pressure inside the chamber is adjusted to a second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure. After that, the first substrate is aligned with the second substrate, and the second substrate is placed on the sealant, to form a closed space between the first substrate and the second substrate. The pressure inside the closed space is the second pressure. Thereafter, the chamber is pumped from the second pressure to a third pressure, to bond the first substrate and the second substrate together by the pressure difference between the third pressure of the chamber and the second pressure of the closed space. Finally, the sealant is cured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching an ornamental overlay to a vehicle wheel by injecting adhesive foam through an aperture of the wheel and into a cavity formed between the wheel and the overlay. A first nest engages the outboard side of the wheel/overlay assembly to seal the inner periphery of the overlay, the valve stem opening of the overlay, the lug bolt receiving holes of the wheel, the pilot aperture of the wheel, and/or the valve stem opening of the wheel. A secondary nest engages the inboard side of the wheel/overlay assembly to seal the wheel apertures and a plurality of turbine openings in the overlay. A nozzle disposed within the secondary nest is adapted to inject the adhesive foam into the cavity through either a gap between the periphery of a wheel aperture and the periphery of a corresponding turbine opening in the overlay, through a straight or angled hole within a spoke, or through a groove within a spoke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for producing container blanks (2) from a material web (3), which container blanks in the filled state form container of a collapsible type, said device comprising at least one sealing tool (7) with an extended rib (9), the sealing tool (7) being movable to bring the rib (9) into engagement with the material web (3) for joining opposite wall portions of the material web (3). The device is characterised by a compensating means (14) for ensuring abutment of the rib (9) along its entire length against the material web (3). The invention also relates to a method and a machine for producing container blanks.

Abstract: An adhesive impregnated carrier comprising a carrier impregnated with uncured adhesive resin is provided. The carrier material and overall impregnated carrier can be any desired thickness, as further described herein. Also provided is a method of bonding materials together comprising: positioning an uncured adhesive impregnated carrier between materials to be bonded; and curing the adhesive impregnated carrier, wherein the materials are bonded.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a layered plastic netting. The netting can include a first outer layer comprised of a first polymeric material, an inner layer comprised of a second polymeric material, and a second outer layer generally opposed to the first outer layer and comprised of a third polymeric material. The first polymeric material can be comprised of first relatively low melt temperature (LMP) polymeric material. The second polymeric material can be comprised of a relatively high melt temperature (HMP) polymeric material. The third polymeric material can be comprised of a second relatively LMP polymeric material differing from the first relatively LMP polymeric material.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a setting unit for setting substrate processing conditions for a substrate in a substrate processing unit for performing a process on the substrate; a detection unit for detecting an abnormality of the substrate processing unit while the substrate processing unit performs the process on the substrate under the substrate processing conditions; a stopping unit for stopping the process on the substrate of the substrate processing unit if the abnormality is detected; and a modifying unit for modifying the substrate processing conditions for a substrate on which the process is stopped to be performed by the stopping unit. Further, a method for modifying substrate processing conditions includes the steps of setting processing conditions; detecting an abnormality of the substrate processing unit; stopping the process if the abnormality is detected; and modifying the processing conditions for a substrate on which the process is stopped.

Abstract: Wafer-holding structures formed from thermosetting resins are disclosed for use in semiconductor processing including, for example, SIMOX wafer processing. At least a portion of the distal portion of the holder comprises graphite, thereby reducing wafer rotation during implantation while maintaining the desired overall thermal signature provided by the thermosetting resin. In one embodiment a pin is disclosed that is adapted to receive a wafer edge, and is coupled with a wafer holder assembly. The pin can be filled with a conductive material to provide an electrical pathway between the wafer and the wafer holder assembly, which can be coupled to a ground. This arrangement provides a conductive path for inhibiting electrical discharges from the wafer during the ion implantation process. The pin exhibits thermal isolation characteristics and sufficient hardness so as to not effect localized thermal dissipation of the wafer, yet is sufficiently soft so as to not mark or otherwise damage the wafer.

Abstract: The invention aims at solving the problems of throughput deterioration, reproducibility deterioration and plasma discharge instability when performing continuous discharge during multiple steps of plasma etching. According to the present invention, the gas supply unit is operated while determining the timing for switching conditions of a plurality of plasma etching steps, and the gas flow rate and gas pressure are controlled so that the pressure of processing gas supplied from the gas supply unit to the processing chamber does not fall below a predetermined pressure immediately subsequent to switching steps.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present invention fills these needs by providing an improved chamber cleaning mechanism. The present invention can also be used to provide additional knobs to tune the etch processes. In one embodiment, a plasma processing chamber configured to generate a plasma includes a bottom electrode assembly with an bottom electrode, wherein the bottom electrode is configured to receive a substrate. The plasma processing chamber includes a top electrode assembly with a top electrode and an inductive coil surrounding the top electrode. The inductive coil is configured to convert a gas into a plasma within a region defined within the chamber, wherein the region is outside an area defined above a top surface of the bottom electrode.

Abstract: A pedestal is provided for supporting wafer boats in a process chamber during semiconductor fabrication. The pedestal contains hollow spaces, such as within porous insulating plugs, and gases inside the pedestal may expand during semiconductor processing. The pedestal has an opening for exhausting gases out of its interior and into the process chamber. The opening is provided with a filter, in the form of a sintered ceramic or glass disc sealed within a tube covering the opening, to prevent the passage of particles which may be present inside the pedestal. By filtering the particles, the filter removes a source of contamination, thereby allowing for high quality process results on wafers processed in the process chamber.

Abstract: A bonded body consisting of a ceramic member and a metal composite member of which bonding layer is less likely to be eroded by plasma is provided. The bonded body comprises the ceramic member that has two opposing main surfaces with a first metal layer provided on one of the main surfaces, the metal composite member that has two opposing main surfaces with a second metal layer provided on one of the main surfaces, and a brazing material layer that joins the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the brazing material layer has an outer circumferential surface that has a depression formed therein at middle position in the direction of thickness thereof, with the depression having width at least one third the thickness of the brazing material layer.

Abstract: Apparatus designed for laying a strip on a rotating receiving surface S, comprising a laying head (100) moving along axes XX? parallel to the axis of rotation of the surface (S) and YY? parallel to a radial direction passing through the point of contact Q between the strip application means (112) and the receiving surface (S), and capable of moving in rotation about an axis AA? substantially perpendicular to the above axes and passing through the point Q. The laying head comprises a device allowing estimation of the value of the angle ? formed by the tangent TT? to the transverse profile of the surface S and the axis XX?. The movements of the laying head are determined by the value of the angle ? in such a way as to displace the latter in a direction parallel to TT? following the transverse profile of the receiving surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a bracket for use within a rolling shutter assembly having a rolling shutter coiled around a shutter support. The bracket includes a main body having a pivot member configured to pivotally secure within the shutter assembly, wherein the main body is configured to pivot about the pivot member. A support attachment member is configured to secure to the shutter support, wherein the support attachment member is separate and distinct from the pivot member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-way elevating curtain structure, which uses a fixed curtain rod with several pull strings to assemble the cord fabric. A control structure is used to elevate the curtains up and down. The control structure includes a first/second roll-up cord shaft, which is placed on the fixed curtain rod to help the first/second controlling components on both sides of the fixed curtain rod operate the first/second roll-up cord shaft independently. The curtain is made to elevate more smoothly.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a door panel and a window assembly. The window assembly includes a first frame operably coupled to a second frame. A movable panel is operably coupled and selectively movable in a channel defined by a leg and a wall of the first frame and a leg of the second frame. A fixed panel and a window screen can also be operably coupled between the first frame and the second frame. At least one of the frames can have a drainage opening to prevent the build up of moisture within the assembly.

Abstract: A fenestration unit and screening assembly are provided. The fenestration unit may be a window assembly for supporting a variety of windows such as a single-hung, a double hung or a bi-pass window. The window assembly may include a window screen assembly either manufactured with the window or as an after-market product. The screen assembly may include a spring-loaded screen roller for winding and unwinding a screen about the roller. The upper and lower windows may pivot into a residence when opened a certain amount. The windows may pivot about the same axis that the screen roller rotates, which minimizes the change in position and tension of the screen while the windows are tilted. A seal may be provided to seal space between windows when the windows are in any position. Also, a screen engaging member may be provided to inhibit undesirable unwinding of the screen from the roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support system which is used to place a support onto a wall, for example, a building wall (2) comprising at least one elongate, support, base element (3) which can be secured to the wall (2), whereon additional functional elements (4,7,23) can be fixed. The aim of the invention is to produce such a system which is particularly variable, can be produced in a simple manner and which is stable. Said aim is achieved by virtue of the fact that the base element (3) is produced as an elongate hollow body and comprises, on a front side (9) oriented away from the wall (2), at least three rows of securing openings (11) which are used to secure the functional elements (4, 7, 23) and which extend, respectively, in the longitudinal direction of the base element (3) and the rows of securing openings (11) are arranged in an offset manner about an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the base element (3).

Abstract: A screen assembly is disposed in a frame opening of a building. The screen assembly includes a first rail bounding one side of the frame opening and a second rail spaced from and fixed relative to the first rail bounding an opposite side of the frame opening. A first guide is adjustably coupled to the first rail and a second guide extends from the second rail. The screen assembly includes a screen apparatus having a screen and a slide component coupled to the screen. The slide component slides along the first and second guides for extending the screen across the frame opening. The location of the first guide may be adjusted relative to the first rail to align the first and second guides thereby allowing the slide component to freely slide along the guides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a mixture containing cellulose, comprising at least one step of adding at least one agent capable of reducing carbonyl groups. The invention further relates to a specialty cellulose pulp, obtained by a method comprising treatment. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the specialty cellulose pulp according to the invention or the specialty cellulose pulp obtained by a method according to the invention for the production of cellulose derivatives or materials containing cellulose molecules, including but not limited to, cellulose ethers or cellulose esters. Cellulose derivatives obtained from the specialty cellulose pulp according to the invention display increased viscosity and/or improved brightness over cellulose derivatives obtained from specialty cellulose pulp not subjected to the inventive treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to natural cellulosic fiber bundles from natural cellulose sources preferably having a length, width, strength, elongation, or other properties desirable for textiles, composites, nonwoven mats, and other applications. For example, the fiber bundles may have a length that is greater than that of individual cells and a fineness of at least about 1 denier and no greater than about 300 denier. The present invention is also directed to textiles, composites, nonwoven mats, and other applications that comprise the fiber bundles. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method for extracting such natural cellulosic fiber bundles from a cellulose source, the method comprising performing an alkali treatment, an enzyme treatment, or both to separate the fiber bundles from connecting material in the cellulose source.

Abstract: The present invention aims at preventing sanitary tissue paper from being torn when it is removed. The purpose is accomplished by sanitary tissue paper of single-ply or double-plies, characterized in that said paper has a lateral tensile strength on a dry condition of 32 N/m or more, a longitudinal tensile strength on a wet condition 32 N/m or more, and a longitudinal tensile strength on a dry condition which is 2.5 to 3.5 times higher than the lateral tensile strength on a dry condition.

Abstract: An anti-blocking composition including about 75% to about 99% weight percent a metal salt of stearate and about 1% to about 25% weight percent stearic acid is provided. In addition, an anti-blocking composition including about 90% to about 99.5% a metal salt of stearate and about 0.5% to about 10% fiber is provided. The anti-blocking compositions may be formed into blocks and applied to a web of paper to reduce adherent properties of the paper. Further, a method of improving the handling properties of paper cut from a web is provided. The method includes the steps of coating a surface of a web of paper with an effective amount of a coating composition of the present disclosure, and cutting the web into sheets of paper.

Abstract: A method for forming a core includes the step of providing a corebox defining in a closed configuration thereof a closed internal core-forming cavity and providing at least one external opening through the corebox into said cavity in the closed configuration (902). A core release substance is applied through the opening directly onto at least one surface of the closed core-forming cavity with the corebox in the closed configuration (904). A forming material is added to the cavity (906) followed by an addition of a core bonding agent (908). A core that has formed in said closed core-forming cavity is allowed to dry and removed from the cavity (910).