Abstract: A simple, convenient, contaminant-resistant padding system for adding protective padding to a wide variety of hospital operating room and non-hospital related equipment is disclosed. The padding system includes an anchor having a first surface configured to be affixed to a mounting surface of an object to be protected and a second surface. The anchor also includes a protruding element formed on the second surface. The protruding element extends outward from the second surface. The system also includes a pad having a deformable recess configured to form-fit over the protruding element to hold the pad in place adjacent the mounting surface of the object to be protected. In various embodiments, the protruding element consists of one of the following shapes: hook-shaped, round, ball, oval, square, or rectangular. The deformable recess in the pad has a complementary shape. In various other embodiments, the pads can be shaped to fit over and protect one or multiple sides of an object to be protected.

Abstract: A cover (30) for covering the interior face of a through-the-wall air-conditioner unit. The cover is constructed from three pieces of sheet material (34, 36, 38) to form a front wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls and provide a continuous perimeter margin having a hem (52) containing an elastic shock cord (50) that elongates to a stretched condition to allow the cover to fit over the air-conditioner unit and exert a holding force for holding the cover in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a circumferential rubber tread of a cap/base construction composed of a cap rubber layer as the tire running surface and an internal base rubber layer underlying said tread cap layer. The said tread cap layer is composed of a primary tread cap portion and one or two lateral tread cap portions of rubber compositions containing precipitated silica and/or rubber reinforcing carbon black reinforcement and wherein the rubber composition of at least one of said lateral tread cap portions contains a dispersion of short carbon fibers. Said primary tread cap portion contains a major portion of the running surface of the tread and is comprised of a silica-rich or carbon black-rich, preferably silica-rich, reinforcement-containing rubber composition, and said lateral tread portion(s) contains a minor portion of the running surface of the tread and is comprised of a silica-rich or carbon black-rich, preferably carbon black-rich, reinforcement-containing rubber composition.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a carcass structure having at least one carcass ply and at least one annular reinforcing structure associated with the carcass ply, a pair of axially opposite side walls on the carcass structure, a belt structure arranged at a radially outer position with respect to the carcass structure and a tread band arranged at a radially outer position with respect to the belt structure, and generally having a first elastomeric material incorporating at least one portion substantially of a second elastomeric material. The tread band has at least one groove defined in the at least one portion substantially of the second elastomeric material wherein the ratio between the modulus of elasticity under compression at 100° C. of the second elastomeric material and the modulus of elasticity under compression at 100° C. of the first elastomeric material is not lower than about 1.30, and wherein the ratio between the IRHD hardness at 100° C.

Abstract: This invention provides a rubber composition for an innerliner capable of establishing an air-retaining property of a tire and a crack resistance under an ultracold temperature condition. More concretely, there is provided a rubber composition for an innerliner, which comprises 1 to 30 parts by mass of a softener having a glass transition temperature of not higher than ?90° C. based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component comprising 0 to 20% by mass of natural rubber and/or synthetic isoprene rubber and 80 to 100% by mass of halogenated butyl rubber.

Abstract: A tire includes a tread portion with two sidewalls integrally connected thereto and each of the sidewalls includes a lip so as to be engaged with a wheel rim. Two reinforcement layers are respectively secured on two respective outsides of the two sidewalls and each reinforcement layer is composed of adhesive, mineral particles and/or metal particles. The reinforcement layer has a smooth outer surface and efficiently prevents being penetrated by foreign objects.

Abstract: A radial tire for airplane comprises a pair of bead cores, a radial carcass, and a belt disposed on an outer periphery of a crown portion of the radial carcass and comprised of plural belt layers each containing organic fiber cords, in which a total strength in a circumferential direction over a full width of the belt Tbelt(N) satisfies Tbelt/WD?1.5×106 when an outer diameter of the tire is D (m) and a width of the tire is W (m), and at least one layer of the belt layers is constituted with an organic fiber cord spirally winding at an angle of approximately 0° with respect an equatorial plane of the tire and satisfying the following equations (I) and (II): ???0.01E+1.2 ??(I) ??0.02 ??(II) (wherein ? is a heat shrinkage stress at 177° C. (cN/dtex) and E is an elastic modulus at 25° C. under a load of 49 N (cN/dtex)).

Abstract: A radial tire for airplane comprises a pair of bead cores, a radial carcass, and a belt disposed on an outer periphery of a crown portion of the radial carcass and comprised of plural belt layers each containing organic fiber cords, in which a total strength in a circumferential direction over a full width of the belt Tbelt(N) satisfies Tbelt/WD?1.5×106 when an outer diameter of the tire is D (m) and a width of the tire is W (m), and at least one layer of the belt layers is constituted with an organic fiber cord extending zigzag in the circumferential direction and satisfying the following equations (I) and (II): ???0.01E+1.2 ??(I) ??0.02??(II) (wherein ? is a heat shrinkage stress at 177° C. (cN/dtex) and E is an elastic modulus at 25° C. under a load of 49 N (cN/dtex)).

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatic rubber tire having a circumferential rubber tread and an underlying (underlying said tread) circumferential belt ply layer comprised of a cord reinforced rubber composition, wherein the axial edges of said circumferential belt ply layer have a protective edge protector in a form of a rubber cap, or boot, of a rubber composition which contains a migration resistant antidegradant.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire which offers extremely excellent durability through inclusion of a belt portion composed of a rubber composition having excellent reinforcing properties, high hardness, low heat build-up properties, excellent deterioration resistance, and excellent adhesiveness to steel cords, wherein the rubber composition contains a natural rubber prepared by graft polymerizing a natural rubber latex with a polar group-containing monomer, and solidifying and drying the resulting product. A pneumatic tire which offers excellent rolling resistance through inclusion of a ply coating rubber, squeegee rubber, or tie rubber composed of a rubber composition containing a modified natural rubber prepared by graft polymerizing a natural rubber latex with a polar group-containing monomer, and solidifying and drying the resulting product.

Abstract: A press assembly includes multiple pressing mechanisms for pressing a composite from multiple non-parallel directions simultaneously.

Abstract: This method is a manufacturing method of a plugged honeycomb structure including porous partition walls which form a plurality of cells divided as channels of a fluid in the form of a honeycomb and a plugging portion formed at one opening end portion of a predetermined cell of a cylindrical honeycomb structure. Openings of all cells of a honeycomb structure are filled with a slurry-like plugging material. Separately, an image of end-surface cells of the honeycomb structure is picked up with a camera. A photo-setting or thermosetting resin film is attached to an end surface of the honeycomb structure in which all of the cells are plugged. After a plugging pattern is printed on the film, the honeycomb structure to which a printed film is attached is irradiated with light or heat by use of a light or heat source. In consequence, only target film portions are allowed to set.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made performing at least the following steps: (a) forming a reflective coating on a flat glass substrate, (b) cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member (e.g., another glass sheet/substrate, or alternatively a thermoplastic member) to the cold-bent glass substrate, the plate or frame member for maintaining the coated glass substrate in a desired bent orientation. In certain example embodiments, the glass substrate supporting the reflective coating may be maintained in desired bent form by using another glass substrate and a glue layer provided between the another glass substrate and the glass substrate supporting the coating. The bent reflector (e.g., mirror) may be used in a solar collector, or in any other suitable application.

Abstract: A method for making curved panels including the steps cutting curved subunits to the appropriate size required to form the curved panel, applying adhesive to and assembling the plurality of curved subunits into a predetermined a unitary curved panel, and clamping the curved panel to a mold conforming in shape to curved panel. The mold and clamping provide for a flush curved surface upon bonding of the adhesive.

Abstract: A method for mounting a film, used to fabricate a mask for use in screening an electronic device, to a common carrier frame. The common carrier frame has an outer edge along an outer periphery and an opening in a central portion of the frame. The method includes applying external pressure to the frame outer edge to compress the frame inward and reduce the opening, securing a film to the frame, the film covering the frame opening, and releasing the pressure on the frame to expand the opening and place the film in tension.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus for rotating in a predetermined direction a core material that is supported by a supporting portion, and for winding around the core material, an elongated material which has flexibility and which is impregnated with an unhardened synthetic resin material, the filament winding apparatus includes a plurality of feeding portions for feeding a plurality of elongated materials, and a plurality of guiding mechanisms which are positioned around the core material so as to correspond to the plurality of elongated materials that are drawn from the plurality of feeding portions, through which the corresponding elongated materials are passed, wherein at least one of the supporting portion and the plurality of guiding mechanisms are movable in a rotation axial direction, from a winding operation range in which the elongated materials can be guided by the guiding mechanisms to winding positions at which the elongated materials are wound around the core material, to an attachable/detachable pos

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique heat transfer material for use in transferring a discontinuous coating onto a substrate, such as an article of clothing. The heat transfer material of the present invention may be used cold peel transfer processes, resulting in an image-bearing coating having superior crack resistance, washability, and breathability compared to conventional image-bearing coatings. Additionally, the materials may be used on dark colored fabrics without washed-out appearance typically associated with printing on darker fabrics. The heat transfer material of the present invention produces superior results due to the use of discontinuous coatings.

Abstract: An adhesion tape can be used for transferring an adhesive material onto the underside of a chip for further mounting of the chip onto a substrate. In order to provide effective compensation of the curvature of the wafers and of the dies without adversely affecting the mounting process in this case, an adhesion tape having an at least two-layered adhesive layer is provided. The adhesive layer comprises a first and a second adhesive layer. Both adhesive layers can be cured selectively with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method of removing a label from an elongate backing web includes the steps of feeding the backing web in a first feed direction, with the label releasably adhered to the backing web, to feed the label past a label removing device whilst the label removing device is in an inoperative condition, reversing the feed direction of the backing web to feed the backing web in a second direction whilst the label removing device is in an operative condition to feed the label back past the operative label removing device, thus to cause the label to be removed from the backing web.

Abstract: This is a method to create 3-dimensional images from a 2-dimensional image. This Method utilizes various pieces of paper produced within the process and a method of attachment all together with layering and spacing in 3-dimensions to create a final piece of artwork which is 3-dimensional. Among other uses the end product of this method can be used as a free standing work of art which can be matted and framed and placed either hanging or attached to a wall or other surface or placed on an easel or other tripod mechanism for free standing on a table or floor or other surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for welding together plastic parts with the aid of laser radiation having a wavelength outside the visible range. According to the inventive method, the joining zone of one of the plastic parts that are to be joined together is provided with a substantially colorless material that is transparent in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum while absorbing the laser radiation. The inventive method is characterized in that at least one non-ionic, laser radiation-resistant compound that has a minimum thermal resistance of 300° C. and is selected among the group comprising the polycyclic organic compounds, doped tin oxides, and hexaborides MB6 of lanthanide metals and alkaline earth metals M is used as the laser radiation-absorbent material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an integral article comprising a fiber-reinforced composite material. An inner tool body (12) of a cellular plastic material is provided, onto which an airtight sheet (14) of a flexible material is applied so as to fully encompass and seal the tool body (12). A plurality of layers (16) of fiber-reinforced composite material are then applied onto the outer surface of the airtight sheet (14), and an airtight vacuum bag (18) is in turn applied onto the outer layer of the composite material (16). The vacuum bag (18) is evacuated and the layers (16) of composite material compressed. The composite material is heat treated so as to cure the same. The vacuum bag (18) is then removed from the thus formed article. To form a hollow integral tank, the formed article is provided with a hole (22), and a solvent is poured therein to dissolve the cellular plastic material.

Abstract: A method for attaching a weather strip for a motor vehicle, which is capable of securely attaching a base portion of the weather strip to a predetermined position of a flange. The base portion including a bottom wall and an outer side wall and having a generally L-shaped cross-section is curved in a holding section of an attaching device on the side of an end of the flange to enlarge an angle between a bottom wall and an outer side wall of the base portion, and in a pressing section of the attaching device, the bottom wall is pressed against an end of the flange, and a double-sided adhesive tape bonded to the outer side wall is pressed against an exterior face of the flange, whereby the weather strip is attached to the flange.

Abstract: A method utilizing elevated temperature and applied pressure to form a layered, composite-material structural panel including (a) establishing a layer-stack assembly in the form of a pre-consolidation expanse having everywhere an independent, location-specific, pre-consolidation local thickness T, and including at least a pair of confronting, different-thermoformable-material layers, (b) heating the assembly to a thermoform temperature, (c) compressing the heated assembly to create a thermal bond between the two layers, and to consolidate the assembly into a post-consolidation expanse having everywhere an independent, location-specific, post-consolidation, local thickness t which is less than the respective, associated, pre-consolidation local thickness T, and (d) cooling the consolidated assembly to a sub-thermoform temperature to stabilize it in its consolidated condition.

Abstract: An accelerated B-Stage curing process for thermosetting resins and an FBGA assembly process utilizing the accelerated B-Stage curing process in the manufacture of semiconductor devices are disclosed. In an accelerated B-Stage curing process for thermosetting resins, the thermosetting resin is subjected to a heat treatment procedure which is characterized by a predefined treatment temperature and a predefined treatment time, the treatment time comprising a treatment ramp-up time for ramping up resin temperature from current temperature to treatment temperature and a treatment dwell time for holding treatment temperature, the treatment temperature being in the range of over 130 to 190° C., preferably in the range of 150 to 170° C., most preferred in the range of 155 to 165° C. Experience shows that it is beneficial to select the treatment ramp-up time from the range of 1 to 20 min, preferably from the range of 5 to 15 min and most preferred from the range of 6 to 10 min.

Abstract: A method for bonding at least two parts, at least one part comprising silicon carbide, the method comprising forming a layer of silica on the silicon carbide surface,and applying to it a bonding solution that includes hydroxide ions. Once this is done, the part that is to be bonded to the silicon carbide is moved into contact with the solution coated silica surface.

Abstract: A more roll-stable double-sided adhesive tape assembly that comprises a double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive (“PSA”) on each side thereof and one or more release liners, including such release liners that are more easily and efficiently removeable in order to apply the adhesive tape.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a workpiece during a manufacturing process includes a base and a rod received by and moveable relative to the base. The rod includes a proximal end presenting a bonding surface. Adhesive establishes an adhesive bond extending between and bonding to the bonding surface and the workpiece. The bonding surface is moveable with the rod relative to the base in an adhesive bond destroying motion. A method of holding the workpiece on the fixture includes the step of adjoining the adhesive to the bonding surface and to the workpiece to create the adhesive bond between the bonding surface and the workpiece during the manufacturing process. The method also includes the step of displacing the bonding surface relative to the base and relative to the workpiece to destroy the adhesive bond between the bonding surface and the workpiece after the manufacturing process has been performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for processing an item by distributing a liquid onto a surface of the item. The apparatus includes a conveyor which defines an undulating path which varies in vertical position relative to the direction of movement of the item conveyable along the path. Thus, the path has at least one apex at a location of the path higher than other locations in the direction of movement along the path. A sprayer is operable to spray the liquid onto the surface of the item at a location that is substantially aligned to the apex of the path.

Abstract: An agitated wet process machine comprises a delivery system and many jets. The delivery system comprises a delivery belt and many rollers, wherein the rollers on the upper side or the lower side of the delivery belt are used to deliver workpieces. Many blades are added on each of the rollers to agitate a chemical solution. The jets above and below the delivery belt are used to spray or supply the chemical solution to the workpieces.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid plasma reactor. The hybrid plasma reactor includes an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) source unit and a bias RF (Radio Frequency) power supply unit. The ICP source unit includes a chamber, an antenna coil unit, and a source power supply unit. The chamber includes a chamber body whose top is opened and a dielectric window covering the opened top of the chamber body. The antenna coil unit is disposed outside of the dielectric window. The source power supply unit supplies a source power to the antenna coil unit. The bias RF power supply unit supplies a bias RF power to a cathode. The cathode is installed within the chamber and mounts a target wafer on its top.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus which enables an insulating film on a grounding electrode to be removed. A plasma processing apparatus has a substrate processing chamber having therein a processing space in which plasma processing is carried out on a substrate, an RF electrode that applies radio frequency electrical power into the processing space, a DC electrode that applies a DC voltage into the processing space, and a grounding electrode that is exposed to the processing space. The grounding electrode and the RF electrode are adjacent to one another with an insulating portion therebetween, and a distance between the grounding electrode and the RF electrode is set in a range of 0 to 10 mm.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement (10) includes a body (12) having a first support element (14) being adapted to support a supply of adhesive sealing tape (16) and a second support element (18) being adapted to support a supply of an intermediate strip (20). During use, the intermediate strip (20) is fed for adhesion to the sealing tape (16) whereafter the sealing tape is attached to an object such as a container, so that the intermediate strip is sealed between the sealing tape and the container. The sealing tape has a transparent part (24) so that the intermediate strip is at least partially visible through the sealing tape.

Abstract: A cutting device (10) for cutting a material (12) and providing a cut portion of the material (12). The device comprises a heating assembly comprising an electrical induction arrangement (32) for heating the cut portion of the material by induction heating.

Abstract: A device for contact by adhesion to a glass or semiconductor plate (wafer) surface or the like is disclosed. The device includes a base including a flexible material equipped with an adhesive contact surface intended to be attached to said plate surface by adhesion, and means for differentiating the separation resistance between said adhesive contact surface made of the flexible material and the surface of the plate, in a direction perpendicular to the adhesive contact surface and in a direction parallel to said adhesive contact surface.

Abstract: A tape dispenser including a cutting mechanism is disclosed that allows for improved access to the mandrel during reloading. The tape dispenser comprises a base, a cover, and a mandrel disposed within the base and cover. The cover is capable of securely engaging with the base. The base, the cover, and the mandrel are connected along a pivot point. The cover actuates the mandrel to an open, loading position.

Abstract: A device is described for clamping parts in a centered position which are to be machined, including a device for centring the part on a worktable including at least three centering elements with a regular angular spacing. Each centering element is displaceable along a predetermined radial direction (Y), and there are actuating devices associated with each respective centering element for operational actuation thereof in the translational movement along the corresponding radial direction (Y).

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, computer readable mediums and propagated signals are provided for controlling the position, orientation, movement, configuration and/or operation of one or more window coverings, doors, vanes, filters or other apparatus. In one embodiment, a system is provided for controlling at least one of the position and orientation of a blind. The system includes a controller for operating a blind, at least one detector operably connected to the controller for simultaneously detecting position and orientation of at least one element of the blind, and at least one output device operably connected to the controller for controlling at least one of the orientation and position of the blind. The embodiments may also include or utilize at least one of a receiver program module, a device controller module, a timer program module and a system controller module which are utilized by a controller to control the operation of the blind.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shade system for a motor vehicle roof, with at least one first (12) and one second shade arrangement (10) which are arranged offset to one another in the lengthwise direction of the roof and each have a take-up shaft (14, 16), a length of shade (18, 20) which proceeding from its one end can be taken up thereon, and a pull (22, 24) which acts on the free end of the length of shade, and at least one compressively stiff drive cable (26, 28) which is driven by a drive (30, 32) and which is securely coupled at a first location (34, 36) to the pull (24) of the first shade arrangement (12).

Abstract: Provided herein is a door for a mobile housing including a frame having an area of enclosure, with a plate disposed on the frame within the area of enclosure. Further provided is a stationary pane disposed on the frame within a portion of the area of enclosure. A movable pane is slidably disposed on the frame within a portion of the area of enclosure, having an open and a closed position. The movable pane is fitably received by the plate when in the closed position. The movable pane provides a handle access area within the area of enclosure that is operable in either the open or the closed positions of the movable pane.

Abstract: A track-guided flexible closure of the sort commonly referred to as a roll-down shutter has a plurality of longitudinally interconnected elongated slats extending between two parallel tracks. The closure may be connected to the tracks by metal retaining members slidable within the associated track. In an improved closure each track is a composite track made up of an external metal track member and a separate polymeric track liner within each metal track member. Each liner acts to prohibit contact between the respective metal track member and any of the retaining members over most of the total length of the track.

Abstract: A woven shutter slat is made from foamed PVC at a selected width and woven by a plurality of longitudinal and latitudinal materials in a stagger manner. The slat is coated with a layer of ink on the peripheral surface. The ink layer is embossed to form desired colors and patterns, and generate a glossy appearance, thereby to provide colorful and three-dimensional visual effect.

Abstract: A slat for a Venetian blind includes a primary bamboo plate formed with two cord holes, a plurality of secondary bamboo plates mounted on two opposite sides of the primary bamboo plate, and a plurality of binding threads reeved around the primary bamboo plate and the secondary bamboo plates. Thus, each of the cord holes is entirely formed in the inside of the primary bamboo plate, so that each of the cord holes of the primary bamboo plate has a smooth peripheral wall to decrease the friction between the lift cord and each of the cord holes of the primary bamboo plate, to prevent the lift cord from being worn out or broken due to the friction, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the lift cord.

Abstract: A slat is disclosed that includes a digitally printed pattern upon a surface of the slat. The slat may also include a translucent cap over the pattern where the translucent cap provides the appearance of depth to the digitally printed pattern. Additionally, a method of forming a surface finish is disclosed including digitally printing a pattern on a slat. Another method is disclosed for forming a surface finish that include providing a slat and providing a print head. The method also includes, moving the slat or the print head relative to each other, and digitally printing a pattern on said slat.

Abstract: The method and an arrangement are for dewatering and washing lime slurry before the dewatered lime mud is passed to a lime mud kiln. The lime slurry is dewatered in a pressurized lime mud filter of disc or drum type. The pressurized lime mud filter is pressurized through a compressor drawing on its suction side (s) gas phase from the filtrate tank and pressurizing on the pressurized side (p) of the compressor the pressure vessel on the lime mud side of the filter. A certain pre-determined amount of gas phase in the gas circulation system is vented and an equivalent pre-determined amount of fresh air is added to the recycled gas phase with the aim of maintaining the partial pressure of oxygen gas above a certain minimum level.

Abstract: The amount of sludges produced in a pulp and/or paper mill is reduced. The sludge produced in a pulp and/or paper mill as a result of waste water treatment is conveyed to solid fuel and the produced fuel-sludge mixture is burned in a power boiler. The solid fuel is heated before sludge is mixed therein.

Abstract: A machine for creping sheet material such as paper, textiles, metal foils, or plastic, comprises a driving drum, and a pressing plate for pressing a length of sheet material against the drum to drive the material lengthwise in the machine direction, and a retarding member arranged to contact the lengthwise-driven sheet material to cause it to crepe. The pressing plate has a plurality of pressure application points or areas distributed across the width of the sheet material on the drum, the pressure application points or areas being associated with pneumatic cylinders for applying different pressures to different parts of the material across its width according to a given pressure profile. The pneumatic cylinders can be arranged in groups to provide an adjustable pressure profile across the material wherein the pressures applied at the opposite edges of the material and at intermediate parts of the material are adjustable independently of one another.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions comprising a mixture of: A) from 0.05% by weight to 10% by weight of salts of perfluoropolyether di-carboxylic derivatives having formula: T-O—Rf-T??(IA) wherein T=—CF2—COOZ or —CF2CF2—COOZ wherein Z=Na, K, NH4, R1(R2)(R3)N wherein R1=R2=alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, R3=H, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, Rf is a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain having number average molecular weight between 500 and 10,000. B) from 0.01% to 5% by weight of water-dispersible or water-soluble cationic polymers, having a charge density, defined as number of equivalents per weight unit of dry polymer, higher than 1 meq/g of dry polymer.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a cast-coated paper having good sheet gloss, printability and productivity and a process for preparing it. Herein disclosed is a cast-coated paper obtained by applying a cast coating layer comprising a pigment and an adhesive on a base paper, and pressing and drying the cast coating layer in the wet state against a heated mirror finishing surface to finish it, characterized in that the cast coating layer contains 50 parts by weight or more of a kaolin having a particle size distribution containing 65% by volume or more of particles in the range of 0.4-4.2 ?m per 100 parts by weight of inorganic pigments and further contains a plastic pigment; as well as a process for preparing it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-density neutral paper offering excellent opacity, opacity after printing and other advantageous printability properties despite high bulk, by containing, as a filler, precipitated calcium carbonate-silica composite having an average particle size of 30 ?m or less and produced by neutralizing a mixture of precipitated calcium carbonate and alkaline silicate to pH 7 to 9, wherein the ratio of precipitated calcium carbonate to silica (precipitated calcium carbonate/silica) is 30/70 to 70/30 in solid content by weight and the surface of precipitated calcium carbonate particles is covered with silica. In particular, the present invention provides a low-density printing paper, or an electrophotographic transfer paper offering excellent stiffness and copier suitability, by means of adjusting the filler content in paper to a range of 1 to 25 solid content percent by weight, or provides a neutral newsprinting paper by means of adjusting the filler content in paper to a range of 0.