Abstract: A molding die for efficiently molding a material for a synthetic resin molded foam at a high expansion ratio, a low density, and a high yield with the least occurrence of burrs or flashes. In this molding die, the upper die is mounted on the lower die to form an enclosed cavity therebetween. An opening portion is formed in the upper die, and a cylindrical chamber member with its head closed is air-tightly mounted on the upper die to cover the opening portion. A piston is provided in a chamber in the chamber member such that when a leading end portion of the piston is inserted in the opening portion, a micro-spacing for communicating the cavity to the chamber is formed between the leading end portion of the piston and the opening portion. A piston drive means for vertically moving the piston and for usually setting a leading end surface of the piston at a lower surface of the upper die is provided in the chamber.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing high temperature composite components from a thermosetting polyimide resin system, and more particularly to an in-mold technique for impregnating a reinforcement fiber preform with the polyimide resin system, and thereafter imidizing the polyimide resin system in such a way that exposure to the uncured (nonimidized) polyimide resin system is minimized. The process entails an injection technique that ensures complete impregnation and wetting of the reinforcing fabric, and complete removal of the condensation byproducts formed during imidization. The imidized component is then cured by heating the component to a temperature sufficient to remelt the polyimide resin system, and then applying pressure and additional heat to cause the polyimide resin system to cross-link to produce the desired composite component. The process results in a fiber-reinforced polyimide matrix component characterized by a void content of less than about three percent.

Abstract: A heat-resistant, thermally insulative, ductile port liner for a head of an internal combustion (IC) engine having a tube-shaped structure formed from at least one layer of fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) material. The FRCMC material includes a polymer-derived ceramic resin in its ceramic form and fibers. In a first embodiment of the port liner, the tube-shaped structure has one FRCMC layer forming the sole, solid wall of the structure. Whereas, in a second embodiment, the tube-shaped structure has two FRCMC layers forming inner and outer walls of the structure, respectively, with an intervening space separating the inner and outer walls. The intervening space is sealed at both ends. It can be filled with a thermally insulating material, evacuated and held at substantially a vacuum pressure, or filled with a gas. Once the port liner has been formed, it is preferably cast-in-place when the metal head of the IC engine is formed.

Abstract: A method of sealing electronic parts mounted on the substrates with a resin, by porous plate-printing, by employing a primary porous plate-printing in which sealing portions of an electronic part mounted on a substrate are filled with a sealing resin through resin push-in pores formed in the porous plate in vacuum by reciprocally moving a squeeze, the resin is introduced based on a pressure difference in vacuum of a degree lower than that of the above vacuum state so that the sealing resin infiltrates into every gap under the wires bonding the lead wires of the substrate to the electronic part, and supplementary sealing with the resin is effected by a secondary porous plate-printing. Even those portions in the structure of the electronic part that cannot be easily filled with the sealing resin can be filled with the sealing resin without forming air-containing voids. Besides, such portions can be filled without causing damage to the wires.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus used to prepare a thermoplastic composite from a plurality of plies of thermoplastic resin prepregs. The prepregs are formed into a composite structure under two chambers; a rigid outer chamber (of any convenient size or shape) and a second flexible inner chamber containing a prepreg lay-up. The absolute pressures are reduced concurrently in a stepwise method in both chambers. This concurrent, stepped pressure reduction is accomplished at a rate which prevents the vacuum bag from moving far from the prepregs, and prevents wrinkles from forming in the prepregs. Pinching off the diffusion paths required for the removal of unwanted gases is eliminated. The lay-up is then heated and the absolute pressure in the outer rigid chamber is increased. This pressure constrains the flexible inner chamber during out-gassing of the thermoplastic resin, preventing wrinkles from forming in the prepregs.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material for an electrical double layer capacitor is produced by performing a halogenation treatment step wherein a halogenated dry-distilled charcoal is obtained by bringing a dry-distilled charcoal into contact with a halogen gas; a molding treatment step of adding a binding agent to the halogenated dry-distilled charcoal to form a molded article; and a dehalogenation treatment step wherein a part or all of the halogen in the molded article is eliminated. The carbonaceous material for an electrical double layer capacitor obtained by this method is impregnated with sulfuric acid to form a carbon electrode for an electrical double layer capacitor. This electrode is used to form an electrical double layer capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250.times. magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: A process for effectively bonding arbitrary size or shape substrates. The process incorporates vacuum pull down techniques to ensure uniform surface contact during the bonding process. The essence of the process for bonding substrates, such as glass, plastic, or alloys, etc., which have a moderate melting point with a gradual softening point curve, involves the application of an active vacuum source to evacuate interstices between the substrates while at the same time providing a positive force to hold the parts to be bonded in contact. This enables increasing the temperature of the bonding process to ensure that the softening point has been reached and small void areas are filled and come in contact with the opposing substrate. The process is most effective where at least one of the two plates or substrates contain channels or grooves that can be used to apply vacuum between the plates or substrates during the thermal bonding cycle.

Abstract: An implant having an integrally-textured, hemocompatible blood-contacting surface and a method for producing the same is provided. The implantable device can include a device body having a textured surface and a predefined complex shape, such as a bladder or a generally U-shaped conduit. The device body can be composed of a first device material, and the textured surface can be formed of a second device material on the obverse side of the device. The textured surface can have multiple, blood-compatible structures integrally formed thereon. The structures can be fibrils that are suitable for a generally uniform biological layer to be established thereupon.

Abstract: A vacuum heat-insulating panel includes: a porous core material formed from a mixture containing plastic foam powder and a filler in the form of flakes or a porous core material formed from a mixture containing plastic foam powder and thermoplastic resin powder; and a packaging material for packaging the core material, the inside of the package material being kept in a vacuum, the core material holding its shape. Rigid polyurethane foam may be used as the plastic foam. Mica flakes, plastic films each coated with thin metal film, metal foil or the like may be used as the filler. Styrene resin may be used as the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for molding of polyester articles having low acetaldehyde content directly from a melt without intermediate solidification of the molten polyester. A melt to mold process is used wherein an acetaldehyde stripping agent is mixed into a polyester melt before devolatilization in a flash tank. The devolatilized polyester is pumped out of the flash tank and injected into a mold, thus forming a shaped article. The apparatus may include one or more flash tanks in one devolatilization line, or multiple devolatilization lines may be used stemming from one main polymerization reactor. The final shaped article should contain less than 10 ppm of acetaldehyde.

Abstract: In a method for making composite wood products having a market ready finished surface, a mat is formed of wood fibers treated with a binder. The mat is loaded into a press cavity formed between two press platens. The first press platen is a conventional hot press platen free of ports. The conventional platen can be smooth or patterned to emboss the finished surface on the product. The other press platen has steam injection ports. The press cavity is capable of being sealed. The mat is fully consolidated. Heat conducted from the first press platen to a first side of the mat vaporizes moisture in a portion of the thickness of the mat closest to the first side causing the moisture to greatly expand in volume. The expanded volume is vented through an opposite side of the mat to purge trapped air from the mat. The vapor expansion is vented from the mat through the steam injection ports, carrying with it trapped air and moisture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sheet molded part by polymerization of lactams in a sheet mold includes the steps of placing a fiber composite material into a sheet mold having large plane surfaces and fixedly positioning the fiber composite material in the sheet mold. Subsequently, the lactams are introduced into the sheet mold and the lactams are polymerized.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for blowing in inert gas and vacuum foaming of insulting panels: an upper shell and a lower shell defining the outer in-sight surfaces and a foaming cavity of a panel, are positioned between the opposing platens of a press, together with a peripheral frame for retaining the foam; the frame comprises an interior channel connected to the foaming cavity of the panel, respectively to an annular manifold arranged in one of the press platens. At first, air in the foaming cavity is removed by blowing in an inert gas through the interior channel of the foam retaining frame; successively the foaming cavity is connected to a vacuum source and a metered quantity of a polyurethane mixture with a pentane blowing agent is injected, allowing the mixture to flow and foam in the panel under the vacuum effect.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-reinforced composite structures, including centrifuge rotors, by resin transfer molding (RTM) is disclosed. The method involves loading reinforcing fibers into a mold and then injecting resin into the mold to coat the fibers to form the composite structure. Two types of reinforcing fibers are used--fabric preforms at the surfaces of the structure and chopped fibers at the interior of the structure. Also disclosed is a fiber-reinforced composite structure comprising a skin layer of reinforcing fabric, chopped fibers distributed throughout the interior of the structure, and epoxy resin that binds the fabric and chopped fibers together into a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The resin transfer molding method is especially useful for fabricating composite centrifuge rotors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing molded polyester articles. More particularly, the invention concerns an apparatus and method for continuously producing molded polyester articles having low acetaldehyde content from a melt prepared by continuously reacting polyester precursors. The polyester is prepared and formed into useful shaped articles in a single, integrated, continuous melt-to-mold process without an intermediate solidification of the melt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing large composite parts. The method utilizes a fiber metal mesh sheet (40) situated against a composite material(34) during a curing process. The fiber metal mesh sheet (40) provides a porous network for flow of the reaction by-products during a curing and vacuuming process, yet gives adequate structure to prevent both mark-off by vacuum ports (52, 70) and crushing of the porous network as a result of autoclave and vacuum pressure. External vacuum ports (52) are located in a bagging film (50) surrounding the composite material (34). Alternatively, vacuum ports (70) are located below the composite material (34). The use of the external vacuum ports (52), vacuum ports (70) located beneath the composite material (34), or both, shortens by-product flow path and provides adequate vacuum pressure over all areas of the composite material (34) to remove reaction by-products.

Abstract: Toughened thermoplastics are prepared by mechanically dewatering a water-moist elastomer component A containing up to 50% by weight of residual water and mixing the resulting dewatered elastomer component A' with a thermoplastic polymer B in a mixing unit, by a process in which the elastomer component A is fed to a twin-screw extruder which has corotating screws and essentially includes, in the transport direction,one unheated metering section in which the elastomer component A is fed to the extruder by a metering means,at least one unheated squeeze section which serves for dewatering and contains at least one retarding element and in each case at least one associated dewatering orifice,at least one section in which the thermoplastic polymer B is introduced as a melt into the extruder,at least one section provided with mixing, kneading or other plasticating elements or combinations of these elements,at least one devolatilization section which is provided with at least one devolatilization orifice and in which

Abstract: A process for fabricating a foamed plastic product. The process includes a plastic film that is prefoamed in order to introduce lamellar discontinuities such as prefoamed bubbles. The film is pressurized by a gas under a positive pressure causing the gas to diffuse into the film, forming a second film. Further, the second film is inflated in order to form the foamed plastic product. The second film is inflated by heating the second film at a temperature below the melting point of the second film and under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: It is possible to obtain at high yield a carbonaceous material suitable for carbon electrodes of electrical double layer capacitors and having superior capacitance by means of a method comprising a halogenation treatment step wherein a halogenated dry-distilled charcoal is obtained by bringing a dry-distilled charcoal into contact with a halogen gas; and by a dehalogenation treatment step wherein a part or all of the above-mentioned halogen in said halogenated dry-distilled charcoal is eliminated. In addition, it is possible to obtain carbonaceous material for electrical double layer capacitors, which has a large capacitance at rapid discharge and excellent shape, by means of conducting a molding treatment step in which a molded article is made by crushing a dry-distilled charcoal and adding a binding agent; and a carbonization treatment step in which the above-mentioned molded article is heated in an inert gas atmosphere before conducting the halogenation treatment.

Abstract: The well known slip casting process for the production of ceramic green parts, in which hardening is achieved by water removal with porous molds, is characterized by disadvantages in terms of strength, shrinkage during drying and problems with cracking during drying. The present invention avoids these disadvantages and produces ceramic green parts by changing the surface potential of powder particles in the slip instead of by removing water. Further more the coagulation strength is increased by adding polymers or extremely fine divided colloidal particles.

Abstract: A wood-plastic composite material is produced in a twin screw extruder with parallel intermeshing segmented screws. The screw segments are positioned on two spline shafts and perform the various required functions of mixing, deaerating and removal of moisture followed by extrusion. A polymer is fed to the main throat of the extruder where the plastic is conveyed along a barrel formed by the case of the extruder. Cellulosic fiber is positively fed into the extruder approximately one-quarter of the way down the extruder barrel by a twin screw side stuffer. A vent is provided for entrained air in the cellulosic material to escape. The molten mixture of polymer and cellulosic material is then conveyed to a devolatilization area having a first atmosphere devolatilization area and a second vacuum devolatilization area separated by a melt seal.

Abstract: Methods for the continuous production of compressed board from lignocellulosic fibrous material are disclosed. The methods include providing the lignocellulosic fibrous material in the form of particles or fibers, drying, gluing and forming the lignocellulosic fibrous material into the form of a mat, and compressing the mat in the presence of steam in a single step which includes applying a compression roller to the mat and applying steam through the compression roller.

Abstract: A system for placing a vacuum on a container for a cement or molding mixture includes a container for holding the cement which has an opening for adding or removing cement. A flexible polymer film cover is sized to cover at least the open portion of the container and has a vacuum hose coupling attached thereto which connects to a vacuum hose connected to a vacuum pump for drawing a vacuum between the cover and the container. Attaching means, such as a clamping bracket, are provided for removably attaching the flexible polymer cover to the container. A vapor trap is attached in the vacuum line for capturing vapor removed by the vacuum applied to the container. A mold may have a hollow mold core member placed in the center of the mold which has a plurality of apertures therein and which has the uncured cement placed therearound for producing the vacuum in the center of the molded part during the curing of the concrete.

Abstract: A process for the devolatilization of a thermoplastic polymer containing gaseous impurities in an apparatus having a melting zone, a mixing zone, and a reduced pressure zone, comprising:(a) (i) adding a granular blowing agent directly or via a masterbatch to the polymer prior to the introduction of the polymer into the melting zone, said blowing agent being added in an amount of about 1 to about 4 percent by weight based on the weight of the polymer or (ii) adding a gaseous blowing agent to the mixing zone;(b) melting the polymer in the melting zone;(c) mixing the molten polymer and blowing agent in the mixing zone under sufficient pressure to maintain the blowing agent in the mixture;(d) at a temperature sufficient for decomposition or expansion, (i) decomposing the granular blowing agent in the mixing zone and/or in the reduced pressure zone or (ii) expanding the gaseous blowing agent in the reduced pressure zone wherein the blowing agent in its decomposed or expanded state develops froth cells in the molte

Abstract: A melt extrusion processing method of a thermoplastic resin, wherein a thermoplastic resin having a flow temperature of 200.degree. C. or higher is subjected to extrusion processing using a melt kneading type extruder in which a vent port is provided at a downstream position by length L from the most upper stream portion of a melt kneading type extruder screw and L/D is from 4 to 18 (wherein D indicates the screw diameter and D and L are in the same scale unit), while continuously sucking from the said vent port at a reduced pressure of lower then 660 mmHg.The invention provides a method which causes little resin degradation in an extruder to give an extruded article containing small amounts of discolored and degraded materials even when the processing is conducted for a relatively long time.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing of slabs of granulated stone material and/or sands bound with a resin which can be hardened, and preferably hot with the aid of a catalyst. The mixture of granulated material and/or sand and resin is deposited as a layer of uniform thickness and a predetermined outline onto a support protected by a first sheet of material, and the upper surface of the layer and its sides between the lower surface and its upper surface, is also protected with a similar second sheet of material. Then, the protected layer is subjected to vibratory compaction under vacuum and to a hot hardening process in the presence of the catalyst. The two protective sheets are made of resilient material, particularly of natural or synthetic rubber, such as neoprene, and after hardening of the sheets, the sheets are removed, by pulling them from the covered and protected surfaces of the resulting slab.

Abstract: In the manufacture of molded or laminated articles from composite materials such as fiber-reinforced and carbon or metal-loaded resins, the vacuum plastic bag or other air-tight barrier commonly used during the pressing, heating and curing phases is eliminated. Instead the various process cycles are conducted in one or more fluid-tight pressurizable chamber under various types of atmospheres to eliminate air pockets, vaporize and evacuate moisture and residual solvents, and suppress surface bubbling and frothing of pressed out fluids.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards several methods for forming liquid filled centers from thermoplastic materials, including methods for sealing the liquid filled centers subsequent to filling with liquid. The methods exploit the beneficial processing characteristics of thermoplastic materials so as to provide efficient methods for producing liquid filled center cores.

Abstract: Sandwich fiberglass laminate components and a process for fabricating same for boats and the like. The process employs a unique vacuum manifold (12) incorporated into the mold to an inner layer (3) of the component. Also, recesses in the mold are covered with pre-made inserts (22) molded into the layer to form hollow boxes (4, 5) for instruments, consoles and beams. The hollow boxes may be reinforced with metal inserts (20) for attaching support beams. Atmospheric feed holes (21) are drilled into the hollow boxes to prevent collapse of the boxes during the molding process and to yield a better mold. After the molding process the periphery of the component may be trimmed to form an integral edge (7) of the component. This process results in a sandwich fiberglass boat hull or other component having finished inner (3) and outer (2) layers with hollow boxes for instruments, consoles and support beams which are integral with at least one layer of the component and edges without layer separation.

Abstract: A single head forms an outside layer material supply passage connected through to an annular slit at joined portion, a reinforcing material supply passage and an inside layer material supply passage. An outside rubber layer is supplied to the outside material supply passage. A reinforcing cloth is supplied to the reinforcing material supply passage, and an inside rubber is supplied to the inside layer material supply passage respectively. A vacuum is formed up to the pressure of the joined portion by reducing under a vacuum the inside of the reinforcing cloth supply passage, thereby removing water or gas such as air attaching to both surfaces of the reinforcing cloth and increasing the adhesion of the outside rubber layer and the inside rubber layer with the reinforcing cloth being half there between.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing web-shaped plastic foil (19) is described, in which granulate or pulverulent polymer and particulate finer are intermingled, whereafter the mixture is extruded through a die aperture (18) for forming the finished plastic foil. In order to facilitate the intermingling of the above-disclosed starting materials, the granulate or pulverulent polymer is plasticized and de-aired prior to the admixture of the particulate filler.

Abstract: Toughened thermoplastics are prepared by mechanically dewatering a water-moist elastomer component A containing up to 60% by weight of residual water and mixing the resulting dewatered elastomer component A' with a thermoplastic polymer B in an extruder, by a process in which the elastomer component A is fed to a twin-screw extruder which has corotating, in each case double-flight, screws and essentially includes, in the transport direction,a metering section in which the elastomer component A is fed to the extruder by a metering means,at least one squeeze section which serves for dewatering and contains at least one retarding element and in each case at least one associated dewatering orifice,at least one section provided with a conveying screw or at least one section provided with mixing, kneading or other plasticating elements or combinations of these elements,at least one section in which the thermoplastic polymer B is introduced as a melt into the extruder,at least one section provided with mixing, knead

Abstract: Improved anisotropic fluid separation membranes are prepared from blends of polymers with surface energy differences. The membranes are formulated by processes wherein low surface energy polymer with desirable fluid separation and permeation characteristics is preferentially concentrated in the surface discriminating layer of the membrane.

Abstract: A liquid silicone rubber base including (A) an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) a reinforcing silica filler, (C) a mixing assistant in the form of a silanol-containing compound, (E) an organohydrogen polysiloxane, (f) a platinum catalyst and optionally, (D) a wetting auxiliary catalyst is prepared by previously mixing 10-120 parts of component (A) with 1-35 parts of component (C) and 0-35 parts of component (D) to form a premix liquid, mixing the premix liquid with 100 parts of component (B) to form a premix power, and kneading the premix powder with the remainder of component (A). By adding a curing agent of organohydrogenpolysiloxane/platinum catalyst to the liquid silicone rubber base, there is obtained a liquid silicone rubber composition having improved fatigue endurance.

Abstract: A core panel or box of rigid plastics microporous foam is provided with parallel spaced passages or grooves and is placed within an envelope or bag of flexible multi-layer barrier film impervious to the passage of gas. The bag includes an integral evacuation tubular portion which is releasably coupled to an evacuation nozzle connected by a manifold with solenoid valves to a vacuum pump. After air is substantially evacuated from the foam core and the bag to collapse the bag against the foam core and into the grooves, a vacuum sensor operates a computer which controls the valves for checking the vacuum level within the bag and for optionally admitting an additive gas. Closely spaced grooves within opposite sides of the foam panel provide for bending the evacuated panel.

Abstract: A system for repairing damaged glass including a vacuum powered anchor for securing the damage repair system to a surface of a damaged piece of glass proximate to a flaw in the glass surface. Included is an evacuating enclosure coupled to the anchor, the couplement providing a means by which the enclosure is fixable relative to the anchor. A common vacuum source is selectively communicatable with the anchor and the enclosure so that vacuum pressure may be selectively applied in any combination to the anchor and the enclosure. A resin applicator is also included for depositing resin into the flaw. Also included is a repair device for a cracked piece of glass. The repair device includes at least one anchor for securing the device to a surface of the flawed piece of glass opposite the crack opening.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for producing a synthetic resin foam part has a mold assembly (1) comprising a lower mold (2), an upper mold (3) removably attached to the lower mold to define a closed space, and an insert (4) removably disposed in the closed space. The insert has a partition (6) which is faced to the upper mold through a gap (11). The partition defines a chamber (7) between the insert and the upper mold. The closed space excluding the chamber constitutes a cavity (8) into which a molding compound is introduced. A pressure regulator means (21) is provided for exhausting air from the chamber (7) to keep the chamber in a subatmospheric pressure whereby air in the cavity (8) is also exhausted through the gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement of the known process for spinning poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) via an air gap spinning process. It comprises mixing poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) with concentrated sulphuric acid by a freezing process, heating the solid mixture, and passing the resulting solution to the spinning orifices under pressure. It involves the use of a mixing kneader to convert the solid mixture into a spinning solution.

Abstract: In a process for recycling of gas-containing synthetic plastics material, this material at first is comminuted, molten, degased and filtered. The degased synthetic plastics material is supplied in the same plant before its solidification for gas introduction, and in order to homogenize the gas content, the gas amount introduced into the synthetic plastics material per time unit is controlled in dependence from the synthetic plastics material amount supplied per time unit to the gas introduction, and preferably the pressure of the synthetic plastics material to which gas is to be added, is kept almost constant. The apparatus suitable for performing this process comprises an extruder (12,13) for plasticizing and degasing the synthetic plastics material, the outlet (15) thereof is connected by means of at least one line (16) to a mixer (25), to which also a device (29) for supplying gas is connected.

Abstract: A centrifuge (18) is used to introduce a fluid, particularly a viscous fluid such as an encapsulating resin, into a cavity in a container (10), particularly a small cavity such as the inside of an electronic component housing. Measured quantities of the fluid are placed in dispensing vessels (28) in the centrifuge opposite the containers to be filled. The dispensing vessels have openings (36) through which the fluid can flow when centrifugal force is applied. On the application of this force, all the fluid flows out of the vessels into the containers.

Abstract: A method of molding a golf ball including the steps of;standing support pins in a cavity of a golf ball molding die composed of lower and upper dies having a mating surface,supporting a core of the golf ball by the support pins such that the core is positioned at the center of the cavity,reducing the pressure in the cavity to a degree of 400 to 1.times.10.sup.-3 Torr by a vacuum pump operably coupled to a vent pin clearance formed between a vent pin and the inner wall of a vent pin hole in which the vent pin is inserted and a support pin clearance formed between the support pin and the inner wall of a support pin hole in which the support pin is inserted, the vent pin clearance and the support pin clearance being formed in the range of from 5 .mu.m to 25 .mu.m at the top portions of the vent pin hole and the support pin hole, andinjection molding a golf ball-forming material to fill the space and curing the material.

Abstract: A tube which is normally in a collapsed position and which has an inner layer, suitably of felt. The free end of the tube is pulled apart and a pool of resin is located within the tube. Opposed driven rollers then pull the free end of the tube to assist in the dispersion of the resin in the felt. To assist in the resin impregnating the felt a vacuum is applied to urge the felt on either side of the collapsed tube so that the sides are more towards each other in the region of the pool of resin. In order for the vacuum to be able to be applied in the region of the pool of resin the vacuum is applied to the trailing end of the tube and an insert comprising a strip of material that is less prone to collapse than the felt of the tube is located along the inside of the felt.

Abstract: The residual level of monomer in a polymer may be reduced by passing a melt of the polymer through a devolatilizer column which contains an array of two or more trays having voids comprising from 15 to 50% of the surface of the tray which are offset so the voids in the upper tray are spaced over the solid areas of the tray below.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for producing a molded form having a thin thickness portion through injection molding, comprising: a metal mold; a cavity formed in the metal mold for molding the molded form; a degassing hole formed in a portion of the metal mold corresponding to the thin thickness portion of the molded form; a degassing pin inserted in the degassing hole and fixed thereat, the degassing pin being longitudinally divided into at least two divisional parts; whereby gas in the cavity is forcedly exhausted not only through a first air gap between an inner surface of the degassing hole and an outside surface of the degassing pin but also through a second air gap in an abutment portion between the divisional parts of the degassing pin.

Abstract: A composite article is prepared by positioning composite material precursor between a layup tool and a sculpted block of an open-celled foam material. The block has a first face sculpted to define a first face of the composite article. A pressure is applied between the layup tool and the block, and thence to the composite material precursor. Simultaneously with the pressure application, the assembly is heated to compact and cure the composite material. The open-celled foam block acts both as a breather material to allow gas to escape from the compacting composite material and a bleeder material to receive resin that is forced out of the composite material under pressure.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for molding expandable polystyrene ("EPS") beads. The process comprises the steps of: (a) introducing the beads into the mold cavity; (b) isolating the mold cavity from the ambient environment; (c) purging the mold cavity of any ambient air and moisture; (d) pulsing steam into the mold cavity among the beads to melt and fuse the beads; (e) pulsing cooling mist into the mold cavity and directly among the melted and fused beads; and (f) removing the melted and fused beads from the mold cavity. The invention also comprises an apparatus for accomplishing this process and a computer program for controlling and directing the apparatus to perform the process.

Abstract: The composite vane is molded by injecting resin into a preform of layers of reinforcing fibers according to the RTM method. The skins of its main vane section as well as of its root and tip via which it is connected to the flow-straightener central body and to part of the duct are laminated with a pile of at least three layers of reinforcing fibers, and complementary piles at the root and tip exhibit at least one fastening tab. The central body is made of metal or composite and the composite vanes are interchangeable, or the vanes and the central body are injection-molded as a single piece using the RTM method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lead having an electrode includes the steps of introducing a substrate into a mold, creating a negative pressure in the mold, injecting a slurry comprising a binder and a conductive particulate material into the mold cavity during the step of creating negative pressure in the mold cavity, heating the mold having the substrate and the particulate material in an oven to cojoin the particulates and thereby form an electrode, removing the mold from the oven, removing the electrode from the mold, and assembling the electrode into a lead. The produced lead may be used as a steroid eluting pacing cardiac lead.

Abstract: Toughened thermoplastics are prepared by mechanically dewatering a water-moist elastomer component A containing up to 50% by weight of residual water and mixing the resulting dewatered elastomer component A' with a thermoplastic polymer B in a mixing unit, by a process in which the elastomer component A is fed to a twin-screw extruder which has corotating, in each case triple-flight, screws and essentially includes, in the transport direction,one unheated metering section in which the elastomer component A is fed to the extruder by a metering means,at least one squeeze section which serves for dewatering and contains at least one retarding element and in each case at least one associated dewatering orifice,at least one section in which the thermoplastic polymer B is introduced as a melt into the extruder,at least one section provided with mixing, kneading or other plasticating elements or combinations of these elements,at least one devolatilization section which is provided with at least one devolatilization