Abstract: A compound composite structure is a combination of plastics and other materials forming a structure usable in the fabrication of manufactured products or components. A compound composite structure is composed of a thermoplastic resin material bonded to, by mixture with, a composite reinforcing structure. The composite reinforcing structure consists of fibers imbedded in a thermoplastic resin material. The composite reinforcing structure may be formed by passing extruded plastic resin material through a die which imbeds fibers. The compound composite structure may be formed by mounting a preformed composite reinforcing structure in a molding die and by injecting thermoplastic resin material into the molding die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a non-tensioned multi-conduit line from a plurality of conduits and a central core as the plurality of conduits and central core are pulled longitudinally along the length thereof including the securing of conduits in a non-twisted contacting condition about the central core and oscillating the conduits about the central core prior to securing to alternately rotate the conduits in opposite directions about the central core such that the conduits contact the central core for substantially 360.degree. in each direction without introducing torsional stresses on the conduits prior to the securing thereof to the central core.

Abstract: Nonwoven point-bonded fabrics of improved softness are prepared by simultaneously heating and compressing spaced, discrete areas of a nonwoven thermally bondable fiber web containing an attenuating liquid.

Abstract: Conduits (3a, 3b, 3c) are joined with a one-piece tubular connecting piece (1) by inserting support members (5a, 5b, 5c) through a sealable opening (6) in the connecting piece to support the conduit ends while said ends are secured to the connecting piece to communicate with openings (4a, 4b, 4c) in the connecting piece. After securing the conduit ends to the connecting piece, the support members are withdrawn through the sealable opening and that opening is then sealed. The support members can also act as electrodes for welding the conduit ends to the connecting piece, especially when the conduit ends and connecting piece are formed of thermoplastics. The method has particular, but not exclusive, application to smoothly connecting tubes for conveying blood.

Abstract: A method of sealingly connecting a thermoplastic solar panel structure comprising a multiplicity of elongated thin wall sections defining a multiplicity of parallel passages extending longitudinally between the ends of said panel structure to a thermoplastic manifold tube comprising the steps of mounting an elongated mandrel having a multiplicity of transversely projecting elements corresponding in number and spacing to the panel passages to be communicated with the interior of the manifold tube, positioning a side wall portion of the manifold tube in predetermined spaced relation with the open end of the panel structure so that the projecting elements of the mandrel are generally longitudinally aligned with the open ends of a corresponding member of the passages in the panel structure, heating the spaced panel structure end and the manifold tube side wall portion to soften the thermoplastic material thereof, moving the mandrel within the manifold tube so as to position the projecting elements through the sid

Abstract: A method is provided giving a bundle of glass fiber strands improved integrity. A plurality of glass fiber strands are contacted with a fine, particlized, thermoplastic material in an amount up to about 0.5% by weight of the dried combined plurality of glass fiber strands in a forced gas chamber. The plurality of glass fiber strands containing the thermoplastic material is heated so that the thermoplastic material is softened on the plurality of strands thereby holding the strands together in such a manner that the plurality of strands can be processed without separating, but when the plurality of strands are chopped or woven the strands separate.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a locked material of filaments, which comprises compression molding in a prescribed shape short fibers of three-dimensionally crimped synthetic filaments, applying an adhesive liquid to the shaped article of filaments thus obtained, then lifting the shaped article in a substantially vertical direction and, at the same time, subjecting it to dielectric heating and thereby drying the adhesive adhering to the shaped article.

Abstract: A method for the production of a tubular heat exchanger which comprises introducing the end portions of a plurality of tubes into a corresponding plurality of holes provided in troughs, substantially filling said troughs with a liquid casting resin whereupon the liquid casting resin enters the annular gaps between the holes and the tube end portions due to capillary action, to form, upon solidification of the casting resin, a tube bundle, inserting at least one tube bundle into a housing to form a tubular heat exchanger, the sidewalls of the troughs of the tube bundle forming a gap with the housing, and filling said gap with the casting resin.

Abstract: Assembly apparatus for a wear resistant plastic mining screen, preferably one made out of wires formed by extruding urethane around a rigid steel core, includes a feed roll having spaced grooves for receiving elongated profile wires which define the working surface of the screen. A support rod positioning member is mounted at a welding station to frictionally receive a screen support rod on its top side and then be flipped over to position the support rod above the profile wires which pass transversely under it. A welding bar having heated fin portions on its upper and lower sides is then passed between and in contact with the support rod and the profile wires to slightly melt them. The welding bar is then quickly removed and the support rod is quickly moved downwardly against the profile wires and held until the integral joints formed at each intersection are solidified. Additional support rods are welded to the profile wires at spaced intervals until the desired screen length has been reached.

Abstract: A multi-ply non-woven sheet material and pressure-sensitive adhesive tape made therefrom are disclosed. The sheet material comprises a first layer of randomly interlaced fibers bonded to each other by a rewettable binder and at least one additional layer of randomly interlaced fibers bonded to each other and to the first layer by a rewettable binder. The fibers of the additional layer are laid directly on the first layer prior to application of the binder to the additional layer whereby the binder bonds the fibers of the additional layer to each other and to the first layer.

Abstract: A nib-type writing pen is formed by compressing a plurality of fibers into a bundle, extruding a plastic sheath around the fiber bundle, cutting the sheathed fiber bundle to a suitable length and injecting a urethane prepolymer into one or both ends of the cut and sheathed fiber bundle.

Abstract: A selfbonded nonwoven fabric comprising at least 70 weight percent of sheath/core heterofilaments having a core of isotactic polypropylene in which the sheaths are high density polyethylene in an amount of 5 to 30 weight percent of the heterofilaments, and method of preparation. The fabrics have outstanding strength, fatigue resistance, and tear resistance and are eminently suitable for civil engineering applications such as unpaved road underlay material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved separatory devices employing polyurethane forming compositions, such as hollow fiber separatory devices intended to be used in biomedical applications. The separatory device employs at least one separatory membrane, suitable for the intended end use application, which is secured, potted or sealed in a housing using a cured polyurethane composition. The improvement comprises utilizing as the potting agent a polyurethane composition comprising the reaction product of an NCO-terminated prepolymer and a hydroxy terminated lactone derived polyester. The lactone polyester comprises the reaction product of a lactone such as caprolactone, and a polyol such as 1,6-hexane diol. The lactone derived polyester imparts to the polyurethane-forming composition a desirable balance of properties, including low mix viscosity, high reactivity, i.e., low gel and demold times, and acceptable hardness values, when used as a potting agent in biomedical separatory devices.

Abstract: Tobacco smoke filters comprising a rod of tobacco smoke filtering material, such as cellulose acetate tow including a thread incorporated therein or a tape wrapped therearound, the thread or tape carrying a smoke-modifying agent, such as a flavoring material and methods and apparatus for forming such filters.

Abstract: Process for forming seams in textile structures free of individually high frequency heat sealable components. Textile structure is subjected to a high frequency current to produce seams. Structure contains first fiber component that does not become thermoplastic within the field, but becomes heated. A second fiber component becomes thermoplastic from heat generated in the first component. First component may be polyacrylonitrile; second may be polyester, texturized polyester silk or polypropylene. A third component may be added for reinforcement and fluffiness.

Abstract: Lengths of tubing, especially that type of tubing suitable for use in medical equipment and devices, are weakly bound into a coil shape in order to facilitate handling and storage thereof while at the same time placing the tubing into a form that will make the full length thereof readily available by merely applying a slight pulling force to the ends of the coiled tubing. The solvent is applied in a very narrow uninterrupted stream, which stream tracks along one or more locations on a length of tubing that has been wound around a mandrel, which stream is dispensed by a mechanism that simultaneously carries out such tracking in a manner that is synchronized automatically with the dispensing of the stream and without the need for separate control mechanisms with the result that the tracking and dispensing are carried out at substantially the same ratio, with the same general consistency or inconsistency of travel, to the extent that the amount of solvent dispensed per turn of the coil is inherently uniform.

Abstract: An integrated string primarily for use in connection with athletic rackets, such as tennis, badminton, squash and the like, but also usable for fishing line, musical strings, etc., said string in one embodiment comprising a thermoplastic core having a thermoplastic sheath covering same and integrated thereto, said core material and said sheath comprising strands therein having substantially different melting points, and in a second embodiment said string consisting of a braided sheath, with no inner core, said sheath comprising thermoplastic strands having substantially different melting points.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of fibre, particularly for making rods of bonded, fibrillated polyolefin fibre which can be used for example as or in tobacco smoke filters. The fibres may be crimped or straight and are bonded with a polymeric or copolymeric bonding agent which is applied to the fibres without the application of heat, the bonding agent being in the form of a cold setting emulsion, applied for example by means of a shear cone rotating at high speed or by brush means, the treated fibres then being formed to shape and allowed to cure in normal conditions and in the absence of heating.

Abstract: A hot pressed, biaxially oriented, alumina fiber reinforced, ceramic composite having alternate layers of parallel running alumina fibers within a glass matrix such that the fibers of one layer are positioned at right angles to the fibers of any adjoining layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising, an absorbent pad having a mass of hydrophilic fibers and a matrix of a comminuted hydrophobic material dispersed in the interfiber spaces defined by the fibers throughout at least a portion of the pad.

Abstract: A hot-melt adhesive line and an article of manufacture including the same are made up of one or more bundles of fibrous strands (49% by weight) and hot-melt adhesive to effect interfibrous adhesion after heated dispersion throughout the fibers of the strands. The line has an extruded outer layer of compacted adhesive to enclose the strands of the bundle and to adhere by uniform spreading of the entire strand onto a container surface. Typically, 1000 strands of man-made material are included in a hot-melt adhesive line that is 0.024 inch in diameter. Adjoined, side-by-side strands provide tape one-half inch in width.

Abstract: A reinforcement seal and tear tape or line is produced by a method wherein selected fibrous yarn is passed into a bath of hot-melt adhesive maintained at a desired temperature. The yarn is spread laterally and tensioned within the bath to cause the adhesive to penetrate and surround the fibrous yarn. The adhesive adhered to the yarn is extruded within the bath to controllably reduce the amount and cross-sectional shape of the adhesive coating on the yarn by contact with rollers, one of which is submerged in the adhesive bath or a die partly submerged in the adhesive bath. The yarn with an extruded adhesive coating thereon is then cooled by passing through a refrigerated cooling chamber after which the adhesive coating is formed into a desired shape by contact with a chilled-forming surface of superimposed rollers. Reels are then used to coil the coated yarn into spools.

Abstract: The method consists in realizing densified layers of fibers, in forming a stack with said layers of fibers provided with holes and so arranged that the fibers of the layers extend within the stack in at least two directions designated as first and second directions which define the plane of the layers and that the holes form passages within the stack in a third direction, in implanting in said passages fibers which extend in the third direction, and in increasing the density of the assembly, for example by filling the gaps of the structure with a resin or a carbon matrix.

Abstract: An improved method for the fabrication of a reinforced composite. The method includes assembling rigid rods into a geometric structure such that all interstitial voids are interconnected, infiltrating the geometric structure with particles, impregnating the infiltrated geometric structure with an appropriate liquid matrix binder or precursor, and treating the impregnated geometric structure such that the binder solidifies to form the reinforced composite.

Abstract: A supply of hollow plastic tubing is obtained from an extrusion and sizing apparatus, or from a supply of hollow tubing on a reel. The hollow tubing is provided at a predetermined speed to a tensioning device which imparts a tension in the hollow tubing and delivers it to a feeding point at one edge of the periphery of a rotating drum. The continuous hollow tubing is wound around the periphery of the drum at the one edge and it is forced axially on the periphery by a helical shoe overlying the periphery at the one edge. A bank of quartz lamps heats one side of the hollow plastic tubing just prior to reaching the feeding point, and another bank of quartz lamps heats the opposite side of the hollow plastic tubing at the one edge of the drum just after the tubing passes the shoe. The two heated surfaces are pressed together by the axial force exerted by the shoe, and are fused in side by side relation to form a cylinder having a wall consisting of spiral turns of the plastic tubing fused together.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conditioning the surface of the strings of a racquet such as used in tennis and other racquet sports. The method comprises a first step of applying a first primer coat of adhesive to the strings in the central portion of the racquet by spraying it through a template. The first coat of adhesive is applied to both sides of the strings and after drying a second coat is applied thereto. A granular substance, such as white quartz fractured to the size of 1/50th of an inch having a general cubical-shape, is sprinkled over the second coat of adhesive while damp. After the abrasive settles in and dries, a final sealing layer of adhesive is sprayed over the quartz crystals and second coat. This process both coats and locks the strings together at the intersections to lengthen strike-life and also forms a rough frictional surface on the strings to provide better ball control and create a better spin on the ball when hit.

Abstract: Reconsolidated wood product and process and apparatus for forming the product, the product being formed from webs of splintered natural wood broken down by crushing or like processes, the webs being consolidated by compression and bonded with an adhesive.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the simultaneous preparation of several hollow fiber devices especially useful for fluid fractionation operations, wherein at least one hollow fiber is wound around means, at least three in number, located in different planes thereby obtaining with this fiber an envelope having a polygonal section, which can be cut in at least two places as it is formed, so as to obtain at least two distinct groups of hollow fiber lengths. Various specific embodiments are described.

Abstract: A hollow filament separatory module utilizing an annulus of semi-permeable hollow filaments with open ends encased in a potting compound and a collection chamber communicating with said open ends adjacent the potting compound with access surface means formed in the potting compound wherein the open ends appear, said filaments having ends thereof encapsulated by the introduction of potting medium into the interfilament interstices under the urging of vibratory energy and thereafter creating said open ends by cutting of ends and potting medium at a time in the curring cycle of the potting compound prior to its final cure.

Abstract: A non-woven product of (1) a fleece layer with (2) sticking yarns arranged longitudinally in parallel at definite pitches and (3) a number of lines formed with short fibers of the fleece layer joined with filaments of an adhesive polymer adhering crosswise to the sticking yarns at parts where said filaments have been allocated on the surface of said fleece layer, is prepared by placing the fleece layer upon a warp layer composed of a number of yarns arranged flat in parallel at definite pitches into a definite width whose arrangement is fixed by laterally adhering a number of filaments of the adhesive polymer to said yarns and making the warp layer adhere to the fleece layer.

Abstract: An improved semi-continuous method for making one-piece, integral hollow fiber artificial kidneys and other apparatus of the hollow fiber separatory type.

Abstract: A high yield technique for converting normally-unusable round logs of balsa or other species of wood whose diameter is less than about 4 inches into large rectangular panels. The raw logs are first peeled to expose the wood and are then cut into round pieces of a desired length. The pieces, after being kiln dried, are assembled into a block, the pieces being coated with a curable adhesive and being subjected to compression in orthogonal directions until the adhesive is cured and the pieces interlaminated to provide an integrated stock block. The stock block is then divided into panels of the desired thickness and grain direction.

Abstract: A fine textured, high density, three directional, carbon-carbon fiber composite material with an axially to laterally oriented fiber ratio of 1.5 to 1 or higher and a density of 185 g/cm.sup.3 or higher.

Abstract: The invention is a multiorifice structure and method of manufacuture. The structure comprises a plurality of triangularly shaped orifices angularly disposed with respect to a common axis. The structure is formed by fusing together concentric alternating layers of cylindrical members and parallel rods angularly disposed with respect to the axis of the cylindrical members. The fused structure is sliced generally normal to its axis to produce a plurality of multiorifice wafers or discs. The interstices between the rods and the cylindrical members form a plurality of small triangularly shaped orifices particularly well suited to use as an atomizer for an internal combustion engine fuel injector valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining together edge surfaces of polytetrafluoroethylene material by a butt joint in which clamps along the abutting surfaces press together the abutting surfaces, heating means spaced from and out of direct contact with a strip between the clamps heats the strip by radiation or convection, and a cooling arrangement is provided via the clamps to remove heat from the clamping zone. A thin foil of a fluorine-containing thermoplastic inserted between the abutting surfaces facilitates joining of the surfaces.

Abstract: A splice for an optical ribbon utilizes the elongated strain relief members in the ribbon as guide members to form a space in which the optical channels of the two ribbons are axially aligned to optically connect them. The splice and corresponding splicing method are particularly useful to gang splice two optical ribbons.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a continuous preform for an optical fibre of the type produced from glass or silica tubes or rods, the method including arranging the tubes or rods end to end in a rectilinear array, placing glass or silica sleeving tubes over the joints between the rods or tubes, and fusion sealing the joints between the rods or tubes.

Abstract: Fabrics having strength despite low bulk density and comprising at least one reinforcing layer of textile-length fibers, at least one layer of short bulk fibers and a bonding agent distributed throughout said fabric layers. Also a process for producing a fabric having a layer of such bulk fibers disposed between two of such reinforcing layers and a process for producing a fabric having a surface layer of such bulk fibers wherein a multi-layered structure containing an interior layer of such short bulk fibers is split along a continuum of lowered bonding agent concentrations at locations predetermined by controlled heating of the structure.

Abstract: Improved tube bundle-type heat exchanger comprising at least one tube base cast from a plastic material, such as poly laurin lactam, with a tube bundle cast in the tube base. Several optional features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A soft non marring carpet type support for articles while being heated into a softened condition consisting of either an intermittent or a continuous line of fine fiberglass fibers to accommodate either a flat or uneven surface in contact with the flexible tips, the support being so gentle and so distributed so as not to leave any impression on the articles softened surface. The support transmits a minimum of heat or cold by conduction, is transparent to infrared radiation across its thickness and also at the same time transmits infrared radiation through the length of its opticle fibers.

Abstract: Hollow filaments, which are suitable for use in separating one or more components from a fluid mixture by selective permeation, are embedded, or potted, in a curable resinous mass, and the resinous mass is severed to expose fluid communication openings of the hollow filaments. In accordance with the invention the curable resinous mass is sufficiently partially-cured to provide a solid mass which can be severed but does not tend to smear when severed so as to obstruct fluid communication openings of the hollow filaments; however, the partial curing is insufficient to render the severings of the resinous mass unduly difficult. The resinous mass is then severed, e.g., by cutting, to provide the fluid communication openings in the hollow filaments embedded in the resinous mass.

Abstract: An amine-modified lignosulfonate is formed from a water-soluble basic amine and a water-soluble lignosulfonate salt. The amine-modified lignosulfonate is incorporated into a phenol-formaldehyde resole resin to provide a binder particularly suitable for mineral fiber insulation mats.

Abstract: Tobacco filters having uniform hardness and small pressure drop which give uniform flow of smoke can be obtained by forming bundles of fibers consisting of 20-100% by weight of composite fibers based upon the total amount of mixed fibers of said composite fibers and 80-0% of other fibers, subjecting said composite fibers to heat treatment at a temperature lower than the melting point of the first component and higher than the melting point of the second component and stabilizing said fiber bundles by the self adhesion of the second component, said composite fibers having side-by-side or sheath and core arrangement of the first component consisting mainly of crystalline polypropylene or propylene copolymer mainly of propylene and the second component consisting of (1) an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 0.

Abstract: A cushioning material composed of a drafted three-diamentionally crimped filament mass of a synthetic fiber by bonding contact points between each of the filament with an adhesive, wherein the filament crimped in various shapes formed by partially expanding and compressing the filament crimps at required specific portions in the cushioning material with directionality in required specific directions are distributed with partially increased density in the degree of entanglement.

Abstract: A glass-fiber filter tube and process of preparing the filter tube, which filter tube comprises a plurality of randomly disposed, fine glass fibers bonded, at the junction of the fibers, with a fused thermoplastic fluorocarbon resin, which filter tube may also include a reinforcing support scrim sheet incorporated integrally therein.

Abstract: A multiorifice structure and a method of making the multiorifice structure is disclosed herein. The structure is made by fusing a plurality of parallel rods stacked in a regular geometric pattern. The interstices between the fused rods form a plurality of small orifices of a noncircular configuration which are ideally suited for atomizing a pressurized fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the multiorifice structure is a fuel atomizer for atomizing the fuel ejected from an automotive type fuel injection valve.

Abstract: A distributor for optical signals characterized by a waveguide structure disposed on the substrate. The waveguide structure has an input and a plurality of output ends with a tree-like branching structure having at least one branching point with two curved branching sections extending therefrom. Each of the curved branching sections has a radius of curvature great enough so that the guiding of optical signals in the branching section is not impaired.

Abstract: Fibrous web structures in which the individual fibers are uniformly felted in random orientation are produced by projecting a stream of solids suspended in air toward a moving porous collection surface. The fibers are maintained in a controlled condition uniformly dispersed in air during transit from the nozzle to the porous collecting surface and before the stream of air has spread to the point of disrupting the uniform fiber dispersion, the fibers are felted and collected on the porous support while air is continuously passed through the support to insure no gravity free fall of fibers. Liquid or dry adhesive binders may be incorporated into the structure at any convenient stage of the process but preferably before the web structure is formed on the moving support.

Abstract: A suede-like sheet material characterized by being formed of a base cloth and ultrafine fibers of a denier less than 0.5 per filament, said ultrafine fibers being entangled with each other and covering at least one surface of the base cloth, wherein a portion of said ultrafine fibers is stuffed into the gaps in the network of the base cloth, at least a portion of said ultrafine fibers being entangled with the component fibers of the base cloth, and said base cloth and ultrafine fibers being substantially integrated with each other.

Abstract: A sheath for a storage battery electrode comprises a braid or weave of inorganic fiber threads and a plurality of axial threads extending along the axial length of the sheath and forming crossing points with the inorganic threads. The axial threads comprise a mixture of at least two thermoplastic materials having different softening temperatures. Fabrication of the sheath involves tensioning the sheath and heating it to a temperature sufficient to soften the thermoplastic fiber having the lower softening temperature to bond the latter to the inorganic fibers at the crossing points. The heating is sufficient to weaken the thermoplastic fibers having the higher softening temperature to enable the latter to be only slightly elongated under tension, to enable internal stresses of the axial threads to be substantially equalized.