Abstract: A method of constructing a blood flow conduit provided with external inflatable balloons and having rigid end portions for facilitating insertion into blood vessels and means for detecting pulsatile flow in the conduit and excessive pressure in the balloons.

Abstract: Manufacture of bundles of at least 1000 semi-permeable hollow fibres for use in filters such as, e.g., blood, plasma and dialysate filters, and in artificial kidneys. One or more hollow filaments are wound onto a reel until the formed package contains the number of filaments required for bundle formation. After which the package is cut into fibre bundles of the desired length. The package is held in one place of the reel and a free end is introduced into a sleeve having a length which is a number of times that of the length of the fibre bundle in the final filter. The sleeve is cut into fibre bundles of the desired length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous absorption body intended for use in disposable products such as diapers, sanitary napkins or wound dressings and also, in addition to such a novel and improved body, a method for its manufacture. The distinguishing feature of the inventive absorption body is that at least one type of absorbing fibers is included therein as well as a binder activated by heat, preferably in the form of bonding fibers; that the absorption fibers are bonded to a coherent body with the aid of the binder; and that its body, due to compression of its bulk volume, will obtain a continuous density gradient throughout said volume which is retained both in a wet and in a dry state.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process of forming composites comprising reinforcing fibers dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer matrix, said process comprising the steps of coating a reinforcing fiber with a curable resin and an initiator for the curing of the resin and for the polymerization of monomer of said polymer; curing said resin to form cured resin coated fiber; coating said resin coated fiber with monomer of said polymer; polymerizing the monomer coating to form a polymer/resin coated fiber; and aligning the polymer/resin coated fiber and molding same into a desired reinforced thermoplastic composite.

Abstract: The purpose of the process and the apparatus of the invention is to face weld extruded thermoplastic moldings the end faces of which lie in a plane and the end face edges of which are juxtaposed in a coplanar fashion. The end faces are pressed against a heatable and coolable plate in which grooves are formed corresponding to the cross-section of the end face. The floor of the grooves is heated up to or above the melting temperature of the plastic. The entry of the grooves is thermally insulated from the floor region and, if necessary, can be cooled. When the end faces are sunk into the grooves, the plastic is melted. The plastic melt, rising in the groove, is cooled until solid in the thermally insulated entry region. Following the welding in the floor region, the floor region is cooled below the melting temperature, and the welded bundle is separated from the plate.

Abstract: A fibrous web comprising fibers which have been differentially cooled to provide a crimped fiber conformation thereto and then thermally relaxed to a sufficient degree to at least partially decrimp the fibers and increase the loft and decrease the density of the web. Also disclosed is a process for forming a web of such type, comprising the steps of forming a web of fibers, bonding the fibers to form a bonded web, differentially cooling the fibers to provide a crimped fiber conformation thereto, and thermally relaxing the fibers to a sufficient degree to at least partially decrimp the fibers and increase the loft and decrease the density of the web, wherein the differential cooling step preferably is carried out prior to bonding of the fibers to form the bonded web and the thermal relaxing step is carried out after bonding of the fibers to form such web.

Abstract: A melt-blown microfiber fabric having improved surface abrasion resistance is disclosed, having a surface veneer of melt-blown fibers with an average fiber diameter of greater than 8 microns and in which 75% of the fibers have a fiber diameter of at least 7 microns and a wet and dry abrasion resistance of greater than 15 cycles to pill.

Abstract: Bodies having hollow sections and made of thermoplastic are tightly connected in the front to a molded body of a thermoplastic weldable thereto. The front end piece of each hollow sectioned body is introduced into a corresponding open recess molded in the molded body and having inside dimensions matching the front section of the hollow sectioned body so that the end piece of the hollow sectioned body rests against the wall of the recess. The front side and the edge are then welded to one another on their entire periphery, preferably by sinking into a groove of a welding tool shaped to correspond to the common edge.

Abstract: Laminates particularly useful in vertical blind slat assemblies, and vertical blind slat assemblies utilizing the laminates are disclosed. The laminates comprise strand material which is not free hanging and in which there are substantial spaces between the strands to allow light to pass through the material, and a sheet-like layer to which the strand material is secured so that the strands of the laminate are fixed. The laminates allow the color or other characteristics of a slat member or insert to be seen. The laminates can have differing surface characteristics, (e.g. texture) and strand colors, sizes and patterns. The sheet-like layer can be transparent or translucent. A laminate can be secured directly, for example by adhesive, to a slat member having light-transmitting properties (e.g. opaque or translucent), surface characteristics (e.g. texture) and/or color which affect the overall appearance of the slat.

Abstract: A multiple sensor which can be readily inserted into, and removed from a radial arterial cannula for use in continuous in vivo patent monitoring includes a plurality of individual sensors, each sensor including a sensing element disposed on an optical waveguide, the sensors being bonded together by an adhesive without covering the sensing elements.

Abstract: An improved plastic net product and its method of manufacture. Intersecting strands of plastic are extruded to form a net structure. Each strand is comprised of a plastic core of a first polymer sandwiched between layers of another polymer, all of which are co-extruded.

Abstract: A method of forming a vacuum bonded non-woven batt includes the steps of blending at least first and second staple polymer fiber constituents. One of the fiber constituents has a relatively low predetermined melting temperature and the other a relatively high melting temperature. The intermixture is formed either into a relatively thick single layer web or a relatively thin web which is then formed into a relatively thick multilayer web structure. The web structure is positioned on a rotating, air permeable drum and a vacuum is used to substantially reduce the thickness and increase the density of the web structure. The web structure is heated to a temperature at or above the relatively low melting temperature of the first fiber constituent and below the melting temperature of the second fiber constituent while under vacuum to release the plastic memory of the fibers of the first fiber constituent in their compressed configuration.

Abstract: Electronic components, such as resistors with bodies of different lengths and axially protruding leads, are fed along a feed path and between a pair of rotating members. Each rotating member has fingers that are flexed away from the feed path for reception of the component bodies between cooperating fingers of the rotating members, after which these fingers close onto the bodies to center them on the feed path.An opposed pair of the flexible fingers, one from each rotating member, retain each component in a centered condition along the feed path until corresponding leads of consecutive components are taped together at a subsequent taping station to form a ladder-like belt of components.

Abstract: An air permeable sheet-like structure comprising 20% to 60% by weight of reinforcing fibers having a high modulus of elasticity (as herein defined), and being between about 7 and about 50 millimeters long, and 40% to 80% by weight of wholly or substantially unconsolidated particulate plastics material, and in which the fibrous and plastics components are bonded into an air permeable structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven, textile sponge for use in medical and hygienic applications consisting of at least one outer, thermally consolidated, moisture-repellent fiber layer containing at least 80% synthetic heterofil filaments and at least one layer of absorbent fibers. The sponge is perforated, but does not have any substantial fiber entanglement, and contains no binding agent of any kind. Also disclosed is a method for the manufacture of the sponge, in which the fiber nonwovens are laid one on the other, hydraulically perforated without fiber entanglement, and then thermally consolidated through heterofil filaments.

Abstract: An embodiment assembly for the impregnation of a continuous length of fibers comprises a convex surface and a non-convex surface over which the length of fibers is drawn under tension. The pressure of impingement on the surfaces alternately separates and consolidates the fibers in sequence during their impregnation with the resin, to obtain a complete and homogeneous impregnation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a flexible open lattice work web (14) of naturally interconnected wood strands. A log of wood (10) is passed through a pair of rollers (24, 26) to crush the log and form the web (14). One roller (24) is arranged to be reciprocated axially by a coupling to a piston (40) subjected to hydraulic pressure in a cylinder (42), to facilitate forming the web (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting reaction sintered silicon carbide parts to iron and other metal parts of importance is that the connection involves the use of a binder comprising a mixture of silicon and a metal and preferrably it is a eutectic mixture.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminated fabric which includes an inner air-laid, batt-like material comprising randomly arrayed fibers of carbon and a thermoplastic copolyvinyl sich as Vinyon is manufactured by feeding the outer shell layers on opposite sides of the batt through an ultrasonic treatment station where ultrasonic energy is applied to the material. The sonic horn engages one side of the laminate, while a patterned anvil roller from which pins extend radially in a predetermined pattern engages the other side of the material being treated. Accordingly, ultrasonic energy applied by the ultrasonic horn is concentrated at the pins, which fuses the thermoplastic fibers in the batt at the places where the pins engage. Since the shell fabrics are also thermoplastic, the columns formed through the batt due to their engagement by the pins and the ultrasonic energy are also fused to the outer shell fabrics.

Abstract: An improved hose bundle which has a central core, at least one layer of flexible hoses or conduits around the core, and an external sheath, and includes an intermediate sleeve member of predetermined thickness disposed between the core and the first layer of hoses or conduits to provide the hoses or conduits with a substantially cylindrical outer shape without using fillers or leaving spaces between the hoses or conduits.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of random-fiber thermoset composite sheets by employing a latent curing agent thermoset resin formulation or a coreactant thermoset system such that uncured thermoset composite sheets are formed which can be subsequently formed and cured into articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a sheet of material from a fiber textile-like mat is provided, the apparatus comprising a press having a pair of movable endless belts having adjacent runs adapted to receive a mat of fibers of thermoplastic material mixed with other fibers therebetween and having outer returning runs, the press having a compressing unit for compressing the mat between the adjacent runs of the belts to densify the mat, the press having a heating unit for heating the mat between the adjacent runs of the belts, and the press having a cooling unit for cooling the mat between the adjacent runs of the belts after the mat has been heated and densified by the heating unit and the compressing unit, the heating unit that heats the mat also preheating the outer runs of the belts before the mat is received between the adjacent runs of the belts.

Abstract: The present invention is in a web and method for preparation of non-woven fabric which contains polyvinyl alcohol fiber comprising the steps offorming a web containing scarcely soluble polyvinyl alcohol fiber which is soluble or swellable in the presence of water at a temperature of 90.degree. C. or higher in the amount at least 10% by weight,providing water in said web, andpartially thermally bonding the web so that bonded area occupies 5 to 40% of the web area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing scaffolds, especially ladders. In order to provide a construction solely made of an insulant material, the rails (5) and the rungs (1) of a ladder according to the invention are wholly made of reinforced plastic and are joined to each other by means of a polymeric cold junction method. Thereby a hole (18) is provided on the side of the rail (5) and a suitable amount of a mineral or fiber reinforced monomer mixture (2) is added therein, whereafter the rung (1) is positioned thereto and the resultant whole is turned upside down, the monomer mixture being polymerized by means of heat, a catalyst and/or an accelerator. So the monomer mixture flows around the junction of the rung (1) and the rail (5), polymerizing therein and forming a tight joint between the rung and the rail.

Abstract: Disclosed are the processes of how to fabricate the microchannel plate for use in electron image intensifying by using a number of glass pipes, each consisting of glass material containing oxides of alkaline earth metals, i.e., magnesium oxide (MgO) or a mixture of magnesium oxide (MgO) and calcium oxide (CaO).

Abstract: A strong, durable nonwoven fabric comprising polyester and/or polyolefin fibers arranged in a pattern of high density, lightly entangled fiber regions. Distributed throughout the fibers is an adhesive binder material to provide the final fabric with improved strength characteristics.Entangled nonwoven fabrics are dry print bonded to produce nonwoven fabrics having an excellent combination of strength, softness and durability.

Abstract: A method for the preformation of a cushion for a seat, characterized by feeding an aggregate of three-dimensional curled short-fiber filaments to conveyor means, causing said conveyor carring thereon said aggregate of filament to be advanced under a rotary member provided on the outer surface thereof with a multiplicity of raised needles and kept in rotation and allowing said needles to come into contact with said aggregate of filaments thereby scraping part of the filaments from said aggregate and giving to said aggregate of filaments a prescribed shape.

Abstract: A method of splicing a submersible pump motor lead to a power cable provides a smaller splice. A transition rod is welded between each motor lead conductor and power conductor. The transition rod has a smaller diameter on one end to connect to the diameter of the motor lead. The larger diameter end has a cavity for receiving the power cable conductor. After welding, an insulating layer is molded around each rod. Then, an elastomeric jacket is molded around all three of the rods.

Abstract: An air laid fibrous web product of enhanced absorbency and method of making same having a basis weight of between about 8 to about 50 pounds per ream, and a bulk of at least 0.40 mils per pound per ream, the web product comprising a multiplicity of papermaking fibers distributed randomly in the form of a web, an adhesive material, preferably a latex, essentially permeating said web of randomly distributed fibers and upon curing bonding adjacent fibers, the adhesive material representing between about 15 to about 30% of the basis weight of the web product and between about 0.1 to about 5.0 by weight of a hydrophile, said hydrophile substantially coating the bonded fibers. The hydrophile is applied to the web as an aqueous solution downstream of the bonding station, either in an immersion or spray treating step.

Abstract: In making entangled fibrous products by depositing fibers from streams of hot gas in which they are entrained, dust suppressant incorporated in the product by introducing at least a portion of it into the cooler region surrounding and separating the fiber-entraining streams of hot gas and communicating with the zone wherein the fibers are deposited minimizes smoke evolution as compared to introducing such portion into the hot gas streams.

Abstract: A pneumatic deicer and a method for making such deicer having a plurality of inflatable tubes which are capable of being distended by inflation to break up the accumulation of ice. The tubes are constructed with a nonflowing elastomeric compound leaving a passageway therein after vulcanization of the deicer by external heat.

Abstract: To form a columnar or rod-like or bar-like material, a plurality of canes, for example of glass, plastic, or metal, are assembled in openings, for example in the form of circumferential grooves (3) in a plurality of base bodies (2), spaced along the length of the columnar opening; after assembly, a bonding or curing agent such as an epoxy is located between the canes, and in the grooves of the base bodies, and the assembly is then wrapped with a wrapping, of textile woven or mesh or braid material, which may include metal-mesh, the epoxy then curing and bonding the canes, spaced holding elements, bonding agent and web material into one unitary whole. Branches can be formed by bending off selected ones of the canes, and any termination configuration is obtained by sliding the canes in the openings prior to curing of the bonding agent.

Abstract: There is provided a shoemaking material which comprises a laminate of two webs having different apparent densities. One web has an apparent density lower than 0.4 g/cm.sup.3, and the other web has an apparent density higher than 0.3 g/cm.sup.3, with their difference being greater than 0.1 g/cm.sup.3, preferably greater than 0.3 g/cm.sup.3. The laminate has a weight of 200 to 1500 g/m.sup.2. The shoemaking material of such structure has a soft face layer which provides cushioning properties and a hard core layer which keeps the shape of a shoe. Because of this unique structure, it permits moisture to pass through and dry rapidly. Thus it keeps shoes in good sanitary condition and makes shoes more functional.

Abstract: A batt including a major percent of thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers is stabilized by the inclusion of a minor percent of thermoplastic fibers, which latter fibers are heat fused to one another and to the thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers at fiber intersections to provide a supporting network which inhibits collapse and agglomeration of the thermo-mechanical wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: An apertured non-woven fabric comprising a web of thermoplastic fibers is described. The fabric is formed with a multiplicity of fused patterned regions and adjacent substantially non-fused regions, there being apertures formed within a plurality of the fused patterned regions but not within the adjacent regions. The fabric is produced by heat embossing a non-woven web of thermoplastic fibers at a temperature above the softening point of the fibers whereby the regions of the web compressed by the projections of the embossing means become fused, and immediately thereafter drafting the embossed web so that apertures are formed in the fused patterned regions.

Abstract: The specification discloses an air-to-air, polymeric heat exchanger having a housing and a core removably mounted within the housing. The housing includes four generally identical duct units, which are secured to one another, and a top and a bottom, which are secured to the duct units. The core includes a pair of end walls and a plurality of tubes extending between, and opening through, the end walls. Each end wall includes a plurality of tubular projections or pockets extending from the end wall in a common direction. Opposite ends of the tubes are secured within the tubular pockets in the opposite end walls. A method of constructing the core includes the step of severing the tubular projections after the tube are positioned therein to expose the tube interiors through the end walls. Preferably, the tubular projections are severed using a hot wire to also fuse the tubes within the end walls.

Abstract: A two-ply nonwoven fabric laminate comprises a first-ply of synthetic fibrous nonwoven material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a thickness, and having a basis weight of from about 10 g/m.sup.2 to about 50 g/m.sup.2 ; and a second ply of fibrous nonwoven material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a thickness, and having a basis weight of from about 10 g/m.sup.2 to about 50 g/m.sup.2. The inner surfaces of the first and second plies are adhered at their interface by a flexible, soft latex binder. The binder is adhered to substantially all fibers exposed on the inner surfaces of the first and second plies. The binder is present in the first ply from its inner surface to a depth of from about 20% to about 80% of its thickness, and is present in the second ply from its inner surface to a depth of from about 20% to about 80% of its thickness.

Abstract: A process is provided for making strong, permeable nonwoven fabrics having an abrasion-resistant burnished surface. The process involves providing a lightly consolidated or weakly bonded web of thermoplastic synthetic organic fibers, needle punching the web, heating a surface of the needled web, and burnishing the heated surface with a rotating, smooth-surfaced metal roll, which preferably simultaneously cools the web surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven sheet consisting of undrawn polyethylene terephthalate filaments of which an outer layer portion of a filament section has a higher orientation and higher crystallization than a center of the filament section, and nonwoven sheets produced by using the above-mentioned nonwoven sheet as an intermediate goods.The above-mentioned undrawn polyethylene terephthalate filament are those in which the filaments have an elongation at breakage of at least 100%, a shrinkage in boiling water of at least 15%, the filament section is a circular section having a radius R, and the average refractive index n.parallel.(0) of the central portion of the filament section and the average refractive index n.parallel.(0.8) of the portion apart by 0.8 R from the center satisfy the following requirements:n.parallel.(0).ltoreq.1.640 and [n.parallel.(0.8)-n.parallel.(0)].gtoreq.6.times.10.sup.-3.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for production of novel fused fabrics by treating a feed fabric comprising a substantial portion of thermoplastic fibers with wetting agent then subjecting the wetted fabric to conditions of temperature and pressure suitable to cause fusing together of at least some fibers of the fabric.

Abstract: This invention is directed to means for expediting the fabrication of selectively-manifolded honeycomb structures for use as fluid filter elements. The method comprises the use of flexible masks which are properly aligned to the end faces of a honeycomb structure utilizing vibratory motion in conjunction with a locating wire. By varying the configuration of the masks, it is possible to fabricate a fluid filter element having a center zone which is selectively manifolded and an outer portion wherein at least the ends of the honeycomb structure cells are completely filled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assembling innerspring constructions from rows of pocketed coil springs. The apparatus includes a surface for supporting the rows and a pressure plate which compresses them slightly while holding them in straight lines. After each row is positioned between the surface and the plate, a hot melt applicator is passed thereby and deposits a selected amount of bonding material to the fabric encasing each coil spring. New rows are pushed into contact with the treated rows and each displaces them by about one coil spring diameter. A plurality of rows are maintained under compression at all times to insure they remain in alignment with adequate frictional contact therebetween. A bar having markings corresponding to each pocketed coil spring within a row is mounted to the apparatus. A beam switch or the like is provided for detecting these markings and actuating the applicator at a selected time as it passes each spring.

Abstract: A process for continuously forming a product having elongated members at least about one foot long which are oriented, compressed and bonded is provided, the process comprising depositing elongated members on a moving carrier with an orientation that is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of said carrier, said members being deposited on said carrier over a length of carrier that is at least as long as about one and one-half times the length of the elongated members and is at least as long as about 30 times the final thickness of the compressed, composite product.

Abstract: A tape laying machine is disclosed carrying a tape laminator unit which forms in situ from individual strips of composite material.The strips are first spaced apart on a carrier sheet and next compressed to a relatively thin widened state where the widened strips are contiguous to one another, forming a unitary wide composite tape.The tape is conveyed to a tape laydown station where it is transferred from the carrier sheet and deposited on a work surface.

Abstract: A process for the production of padding for clothing or furnishing is discussed. The process involves the use of synthetic or other fibres, and padding formed by the process comprises a mixture of fibres, preferably polyester or other, with silicone treated fibres of various nature and origin, from which, by means of carding machines, a layer or web is produced. This layer or web is treated on one face, with a mixture of sticky plastic adhesives and subsequently is passed through a calender having two or more suitably heated cylinders which reduces the thickness of the layer itself.At the output of the cylinders of the calender the web remains, for a short time, adhering with its sticky surface to the corresponding cylinder, which causes a slight expansion to take place resulting in the formation of air pockets in the web.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for forming soft, bulky absorbent webs including thermoplastic fibers. The web is bonded under conditions that heat the thermoplastic fibers to produce web bonding while avoiding direct contact with the heat source. The apparatus includes a pair of foraminous belts or wires between which the web or webs to be bonded are enclosed. The construction of the foraminous wires and belts is selected to produce the desired degree of bonding and yet maintain separation between the subsequently applied heat source and the web or webs. The combination of the web and belts or wires is then directed under tension to a heat source which may be, for example, a series of heated cans, and the opposite sides of the combination are alternately contacted by the surfaces. After heating, the web is allowed to cool and retains its bonded configuration determined by the structure of the wires or belts and the content of the web.

Abstract: Method of making glass fiber mat of improved tensile strength by forming the mat from a plurality of glass fibers and a binder composition therefor which consists essentially of a urea-formaldehyde resin and alkoxylated alkyl amine surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic mandrel in which at least two sections of a thermoplastic rod, comprising a thermoplastic material which has been compounded with a finely divided metal or a metallic oxide filler, is subjected to a high voltage electrical induction field in a mold, causing fusion of the rod ends. Prior to the fusion, the ends of the thermoplastic rod are cut in a wedge shape, and in the preferred method, the wedge shaped ends meet at an angle of 90.degree. and are pressed together in the mold. The heat resulting from energizing the metal filler in said thermoplastic rods by induction, causes simultaneous melting of both thermoplastic rod ends and subsequent fusion of said rod ends. The thermoplastic mandrel made according to this method has a bond at the splicing point which is smooth, flash free, fused, solid and seamless, said mandrel being free of warping, shrinking and deformation.

Abstract: A superthin absorbent disposable product is provided having an absorbing layer containing superabsorbent and a wicking layer. The product is suitable for use in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinent pads, wipes and the like.

Abstract: Each of the multifibers which are stacked in parallel and compressed together to form a boule during the process of manufacturing microchannel plates is hexagonal in cross-section, and single fibers having thicker channel walls are placed at corners of the hexagon in order to prevent damages to corner fibers which are exposed to the strongest external forces.