Abstract: A process is provided for making an absorbent material. A web is formed with at least one layer of a mixture of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent material. The moisture content of the web is increased so as to increase the web density. Then, the web is compacted at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and to effect hydrogen bonding within the web.

Abstract: Method of forming a fiber web (210) intended for use in absorbent products, such as sanitary towels, by air-laying fibers. Separate air flows containing fibers are fed to a number n of different mat-forming wheels (160, 170, 180), where n is a whole number which is at least 2. Separate web layers (161, 171, 181) are formed on each mat-forming wheel. The fiber web (210) is formed by virtue of said web layers being combined downstream of the mat-forming wheels to form a common fiber web which is imparted very great manufacturing accuracy by virtue of the manufacturing method. The manufacturing speed and thus the web speed can be very high, and the desired manufacturing accuracy at the web speed concerned is achieved by selecting a sufficiently great number n of mat-forming wheels. The invention also relates to a fiber web manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for scarfing a fibrous web (22) can include a scarfing housing (24) which has been provided with a web entrance portion (26), a web exit portion (28), a discharge conduit (30), and an air flow inlet (32, 54). A rotatable scarfing roll (34) can be located in the scarfing housing (24), and in a particular feature, the discharge conduit (30) can be configured with a distinctive conduit angle (36).

Abstract: A method of preparing fiber preforms disperses fibers and binder on a forming support surface such that the materials are conditioned and then applied to the surface where the composite material solidifies. Reinforcing material, such as fiber, is mixed with binder, such as thermoplastic or thermoset materials, so that the materials adhere. Then, the adhesive mixture is dispersed in a controlled pre-determined weight ratio on the support surface where the mixture sticks to the support surface, cools and solidifies. The deposited mixture can also be shaped further into a final desired shape before complete solidification. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their associated problems. The process does not require a vacuum or plenum system to hold the reinforcing material in place. The preform can be made in any shape, including sections or asymmetric configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing fiber webs by the airlaid process of laying down the fibers and the pulverulent binder in an air stream, which includes a first step of laying a fiber web or fibers up to a basis weight of 10 to 50 g/m2, a subsequent step of laying down fibers and a thermoplastic polymer powder based on polymers of one or more monomers such as a vinyl ester or a (meth)acrylic ester separately or as a mixture in the air stream in an amount of 10 to 300 g/m2 and, if appropriate, repeating this step until the desired basis weight is obtained, and consolidating the fiber material at temperatures of 80° C. to 260° C. and, if appropriate, at a pressure of up to 100 bar.

Abstract: A process for preparing low density detergent agglomerates having a density in a range from about 300 g/l to about 550 g/l is provided. The process involves the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and dry starting detergent material in a first high speed mixer to obtain agglomerates; (b) mixing the agglomerates in a second high speed mixer to obtain built-up agglomerates; and (c) feeding the built-up agglomerates into a fluid bed dryer in which a binder is sprayed via a nozzle having a height of from about 25 cm to about 60 cm from the distributor plate of the fluid bed dryer such that the built-up agglomerate are dried and agglomerated to form the desired low detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent structure that includes hydrophilic fibres and particles of superabsorbent material, comprising forming an air-laid structure from fibres and superabsorbent particles. At least a part of the air-laid structure is moistened to a moisture content in the moistened region of at least 15% calculated on the total weight of the structure within the moistened region, whereafter the structure is dried to a moisture content of at most 12%. The moisture treatment improves the tensile strength of the absorbent structure. Liquid dispersion in the structure is also improved.

Abstract: A plant serves as a mean for production of a fibre web of synthetic fibres, such as plastic fibres and absorbent fibres, such as viscose and cellulose fibres. The plant includes a forming head preliminary to lay a homogeneously and smoothly distributed fibre layer on a net shaped wire. Furthermore the plant includes a hydro-entangling section with liquid nozzles with powerful liquid jets to treat the in the forming head formed fibre layer, which consists of both synthetic—and absorbent fibres. The plant also includes an oven subsequently to thermal bond the synthetic fibres with cross bonds in the affected areas. Finally the dried web is winded up in a roller. By the help of the plant according to the invention, by higher production speed than known previously a fibre web can be produced, which is far cheaper, and which has a better and more homogeneous structure than similar conventional fibre webs.

Abstract: Process for producing fluorine-containing polymer powder which comprises densifying fluorine-containing polymer raw powder with rolls under conditions for permitting its specific gravity to achieve at least 90% of the true specific gravity, then comminuting the densified material, removing fine particles in the range of 3 to 40% by weight of the whole particle size distribution of the comminuted material by air classification, and further removing by classification coarse particles in the range of 1 to 20% by weight of the whole particle size distribution of the comminuted material. Powder can be used as a powder paint which is excellent in productivity, in powder fluidity, and which does not generate pollution upon heat-fusion.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a nonwoven cellulose fabric is disclosed. The fabric is made from fibers formed by extrusion of a solution of cellulose through a spinning jet. The extruded fiber is attenuated with a high velocity gas flow, and the attenuated fiber is collected on a surface (such as the curved surface of a rotating drum) on which the fiber web is subsequently coagulated. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus permit the manufacture of a nonwoven lyocell fabric web in which fibers are bonded together without the use of a binder.

Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of producing absorbent pads from a flock-air mixture which is fed through a feed conduit to a shaping recess carrier to form the respective absorbent pad, the carrier rotates or circulates in a predetermined direction of operation. For excess air in the region of the flock-laying device is to be sucked away in a simple fashion without adversely affecting the process of shaping the absorbent pad, the feed conduit feeding the flock-air mixture to the carrier is branched into at least first and second conduits, the first conduit carrying a first partial flow of the mixture and the second conduit carrying a second partial flow thereof. The first and second conduits are directed on to the carrier in such a way that the second partial flow meets the carrier substantially downstream of the first partial flow in the direction of operation of the carrier.

Abstract: An air cannon, formed by associating an air amplifier and an outlet cone with one another, receives chopped fibers and forcefully deposits the chopped fibers on a collection surface or web moving beyond an outlet end of the outlet cone. The air amplifier includes insert structure formed of an abrasion resistant material to prevent abrasive wear within the air amplifier caused by the chopped fibers. A binder is applied to the resulting mat of chopped fibers, the binder is activated by the application of energy with the resulting treated mat being compacted, cooled and rolled up to form a chopped strand mat package. For wide mats, one or more banks of air cannons extend across the moving collection web.

Abstract: A method of forming a meltblown web having meltblown fibers and particles is provided. The particles are heated to a temperature approximating that of the meltblown fibers as they are being extruded. As a portion of any heated particle impacts the skin of one or more solidifying meltblown fibers, that portion of any heated particle penetrates into one or more solidifying particles. Although a portion of any particle becomes embedded in and retained by one or more meltblown fibers, such surface penetration is generally slight desirably leaving a substantial amount of surface area of any particle available for interaction with any medium to which a web may be exposed.

Abstract: A reconstituted leather product and process for making. The reconstituted leather product can be finished to have the look and feel of real leather and physical properties equivalent thereto. The process is essentially dry and involves reducing leather materials to fibers, preferably not longer than one inch. The process further involves blending these fibers with synthetic fibers, a resin and optionally other additives, forming the mixture into a mat, curing the mat and pressing the mat into a reconstituted leather product.

Abstract: A method for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying step for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring step directs the particulate material into a delivery gas stream through a delivery conduit and delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing step provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web.

Abstract: A method of producing a mineral fibre element comprising a mineral fibre base layer having a surface coating in the form of a fibrous netting formed of a thermoplastic polymer material wherein such a surface coating is provided on at least a part of the surface of the base layer, wherein the surface coating is formed directly on the surface of the base layer and wherein the surface coating is formed by heating a thermoplastic polymer material so as to melt it and distributing the polymer melt obtained in the form of fibres and/or filaments on the surface of the base layer and cooling it to form a solid layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of fiberboards from coarse wood particles and isocyanate as binder, in which the wood particles are heated under excess water vapor pressure and simultaneously comminuted to fibers which are then delivered with expansion to a drier by means of a blowing pipe, and dried in the drier.

Abstract: A method of making a headliner assembly includes providing a porous member having first and second sides. A negative pressure is developed on the second side of the porous member, and particulate material is selectively deposited proximate the first side of the porous member to form a particulate layer having an outline that corresponds with a desired outline of the headliner assembly. The particulate material is drawn toward the first side of the porous member by the negative pressure developed on the second side of the porous member. The particulate layer is then thermoformed to form the headliner assembly.

Abstract: The invention proposes that a casting mold be provided with a lining for the manufacture of a crystal body. The lining is removed from the casting mold together with the crystal body that has solidified in the lining and the lining serves as a protective cap for the crystal body. Additional functional layers for the protective cap or the scintillator plate can be integrated into the lining.

Abstract: A method for making an absorbent member is disclosed. The method includes introducing fibers into an air stream to form an air-fiber mixture. This air-fiber mixture is then directed to a porous media having a first surface. The air-fiber mixture contacts the first surface and the fibers collect on the first surface and forms a fibrous mat. The air passes through the first surface and can be recovered and recycled, if desired. The air-fiber mixture is then terminated or diverted so that the fibrous mat can be removed from the first surface. The fibrous mat is wetted by water to obtain a desired moisture content. Finally, the wetted fibrous mat is compressed to a predetermined thickness to form an absorbent member, which has unique expansion properties.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of silica particles is mixed with a dialkyldialkoxysilane monomer, e.g., dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDES), typically under basic conditions. Optionally, the monomer, or a portion thereof, is partially reacted prior to mixing, such that it is possible for a polydialkylsiloxane oligomer, e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), to be added either with or instead of the monomer. The addition of the monomer (or oligomer) induces gelation of the silica. The contemplated mechanism is that the silanol groups on the growing polydialkylsiloxane chains are able to condense with silanol groups found on the silica particle surfaces, thereby anchoring the chains to the particles. These chains appear to have the ability to form bridges between particles and/or loops on individual particles. Such bridges appear to initiate formation of a silica particle network, and both the bridges and loops increase the silica particles' hydrophobicity.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical waveguide substrate including a ridge-shaped structural portion containing at least an optical waveguide, which process including the steps of forming an optical waveguide-forming layer on a substrate body to prepare a substrate workpiece, and forming said ridge-shaped structural portion at said substrate workpiece by grinding.

Abstract: Zinc sulfide and an optical component are provided that significantly reduces transmission for visible light and infrared rays of not more than 3 .mu.m in wavelength, having high transmittance for infrared rays in the wavelength range of 8-12 .mu.m, and that shields visible light. The optical component is constituted by a polycrystalline zinc sulfide sintered compact formed by hot compression molding fine zinc sulfide powder of high impurity at the temperature of 900-1000.degree. C. and the pressure of 150-800 kg/cm.sup.2. The light transmittance at the region where the thickness is 2 mm is 0% to 3% at the wavelength range of visible light, 0% to 20% at the wavelength range of 2.5-3 .mu.m, 30% to 75% at the wavelength range of 8-12 .mu.m, and 50% to 90% at the same wavelength range with the formation of antireflection coating film.

Abstract: A method for making shaped articles at room ambient temperatures without the addition of extraneous heat comprising the sequential steps:(1) forming a plurality of particles comprising a foamed admixture of starch, biodegradable polymer and water;(2) at room ambient temperature, applying to the surface of the particles finely divided drops of unheated water to effect wetting and softening of the outer surfaces of the particles;(3) without the addition of heat, compressing the surfaces of the surface softened particles to effect cohesion between the wetted outer surfaces of the particles, densification of the particles and formation of a shaped article; and(4) without the addition of heat, maintaining the particles under such compression for a time sufficient to render the outer surface of the particles nontacky by adsorption of water into the particles and by evaporation of water from the surface of the particles and(5) forming a protective skin on the outer surface of the compressed, non-tacky particles by h

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manufacturing curved scintillation crystal detector plates uses hot forging of crystal material. Crystal material is brought to a temperature between its plastic temperature and its melting temperature, and it is pressed between a pair of dies having curved pressing surfaces. The heated crystal material may be a freshly-drawn ingot of crystal material, and the method for producing curved plates may include cutting the hot-forged ingot into individual plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing material to be briquetted from sticking to a roll surface of a briquetting roll press. To be more specific, a sticking of the material to be briquetted to and a sintering of the material on the roll surface are to be prevented. To this end, a lubricant emulsion which is atomized with a gas is sprayed onto the roll surface.

Abstract: A solar-cell watch dial to be disposed on or above a solar cell housed in a watch, the solar-cell watch dial including an alumina of the formula Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 whose purity is at least 99.90% and exhibiting a light transmission ranging from 40 to 60%. The invention also includes a process for producing a solar-cell watch dial, which includes the steps of: mixing together an alumina of the formula Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 whose purity is at least 99.90%, an organic binder and water to thereby obtain an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 mixture (A); drying and granulating the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 mixture to thereby obtain a granular material (B); molding the granular material into a plate dial precursor (C); firing the dial precursor at 700 to 1500.degree. C. in atmospheric environment to thereby obtain a preliminary firing product (D); and firing the preliminary firing product at 1500 to 1800.degree. C. under a pressure of 1.times.10.sup.-2 to 1.times.10.sup.-5 torr for 1 to 10 hr to thereby obtain a solar-cell watch dial (E).

Abstract: A method of forming an optical component wherein imperfections in molding the optical component, such as a lens, are removed by: heating an optical material to its plastic state; forming the optical material into the desired shape by employing a mold apparatus and applying a molding pressure; releasing all pressure from the shaped optical material by separating sections of the mold in order to relieve internal stress in the optical material while the optical material is at its plastic state temperature; slowly and controllably reducing the temperature of the optical material.

Abstract: A method for forming shaped products by mixing a formaldehyde-free aqueous binder comprising A) a free-radically polymerized polymer containing from 5 to 100% by weight of units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated acid anhydride or from an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid whose carboxyl group can form an anhydride group, and B) an alkanolamine having at least two hydroxyl groups, with fibers or chips to form a shaped article, wherein said binder has a property of drying at 50.degree. C. in 72 hours to a film from 0.3 to 1 mm in thickness and, following a subsequent 15 minute cure at 130.degree. C. in air, has a gel content of above 50% by weight, wherein the binder includes less than 0.1% by weight, based on A)+B), of a phosphorus-containing reaction accelerant with fibers or chips.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a cushion structure having excellent quality in a short time by the final heat-molding of a fiber aggregate containing binder fibers by compression molding a fiber aggregate in multiple stages leaving the thermal shrinkage margin, passing hot gas through a by-pass channel on the side wall part of the molded article to eliminate the problem of insufficient heating of the side face of the molded article and detecting the completion of the filling of the fiber aggregate into the mold cavity by the pressure variation in the mold cavity.

Abstract: A technique for forming self-supporting structures with thermoplastic material incorporates a plasma-heated spray of thermoplastic material with glass fiber reinforcement, such as glass fibers. The material is sprayed into a mold which is shaped to create the desired form and configuration of the self-supporting structure. A mixture of thermoplastic powder and reinforcing fibers is carried by a stream of inert gas through a plasma region. The thermoplastic material is melted as it passes through the plasma region and the resulting plasma is sprayed against the surface of a form mold. The thickness of the resulting structure can be varied from region to region by changing the speed of movement of a spray nozzle relative to the form, using a plurality of spray nozzles that can be selectively activated and deactivated, or by providing a plurality of coats of sprayed thermoplastic material, one after another.

Abstract: The invention is a sol-gel extrusion process which allows fabrication of both thick and thin wall tubes. For example, the process is capable of preparing silica overcladding tubes in a manner easier than sol-gel casting processes, and also capable of preparing relatively thin substrate tubes, which are difficult to cast. According to the invention, a silica dispersion containing a stabilizing agent is provided, a gelling agent is added to the dispersion to induce gellation, and the resultant gel is extruded into a silica body, in the substantial absence of polymeric material from the gel. Substantially avoiding the inclusion of such polymeric material in overcladding and substrate tubes offers significant commercial advantages by reducing the time and energy required to remove organic materials from the tube bodies, by reducing environmental impact, and by reducing the amount of impurities introduced in the tubes.

Abstract: An erosion-resistant, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide window and method of making the same are disclosed. The method includes the step of immersing a chemically vapor-deposited or a hot isostatic pressed, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide body into a liquid comprising gallium, the liquid having a temperature of about 600.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C., for at least about thirty minutes to form a gallium-doped body. The gallium-doped, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide body according to the invention is one capable of transmitting light having a wavelength in the range of about 300 nanometers to about 15,000 nanometers. Furthermore, the gallium-doped, chemically vapor-deposited zinc sulfide window according to the invention is capable of transmitting light, having a wavelength in the range of about 380 nanometers to about 700 nanometers have been exposed to rain erosion for 20 minutes at 470 miles per hour with a 90.degree.

Abstract: Articles having at least one precision replicated surface are formed by chemical vapor deposition on a substrate surface which has been precision shaped and finished as the converse of the desired precision surface of the article. The substrate surface is provided with a thin release coating which adheres to the substrate when the article is removed thereby allowing the substrate to be reused. The method is particularly advantageous for forming the interior surfaces of domes and asymmetrical optical surfaces of zinc sulfide.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cushion structure by loosening fiber aggregate comprising crimped staple fibers and binder fibers, having a melting points below that of the matrix fibers and dispersed therein, filling the loosened aggregate into gas-permeable mold cavity accompanied with a pressurized air system, and thermoforming the same by heating followed by cooling, wherein the matrix fibers are non-elastomeric, crimped polyester staple fibers and the binder fibers are conjugated staple fibers, comprising a thermoplastic elastomer having a melting point at least 40.degree. C. below that of the matrix fibers and non-elastomeric polyester, the thermoplastic elastomer occupying at least one half of the surface area of the conjugated fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a cushion member from a fiber mixture by a filling process comprising filling a fiber mixture composed of synthetic matrix fibers and binder fibers dispersed therein into a mold cavity of an air-permeable mold by a transportation air stream and a heat-treatment process comprising making a molding air stream for heating and/or cooling the fiber mixture filled in the mold cavity to pass through the fiber mixture, wherein a contact surface of the mold with the fiber mixture is divided into a plurality of contact sections, and a flow rate and/or pressure of an air stream passing through each of the contact sections are regulated to a predetermined condition so that the air stream in the mold cavity is differently controlled in the filling process and the heat-treatment process.

Abstract: An improvement in the preparation of fiber preforms in which binder and fibers are dispersed to contact on vacuum-supplied screens is disclosed, comprising particularly (a) selecting a particulate binder material which is solid at 25.degree. C; (b) heating the binder material, during initial contact with the fibers, to a viscosity and for a time which is the same as or proportional to 1,000 centipoise for one second; and (c) dispersing the binder material and the fibers such that the preform exhibits a variation in the ratio of fibers and binder which correlates to a coefficient of variation which is less than or equal to about 5 percent. The resulting preform shows superior compaction and uniformity of constitution even when it is prepared in sections or in asymmetric configurations.

Abstract: A multi-ply paper web comprises a base ply of a post-manufactured sheet such as reused old newsprint or reused office waste. An upper and/or lower ply bonded to the base ply covers any printing or contamination of the base ply, thus allowing the resulting web to be reprinted or used for writing or packaging grades. The base ply is not repulped, reducing water and energy usage in the manufacturing process. The upper and lower plies may be wet formed or dry formed. Dry-formed upper and/or lower plies result in a paper product utilizing little or no water in the manufacturing process, and no aqueous effluent. The post-manufactured base ply provides the strength ply. Multiple layers in the base ply or, alternatively, a contrast-reducing process on printed surfaces of the base ply, reduce show through of the final web.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for the discontinuous manufacture of shaped composite articles and an appropriate process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inlet and outlet plenum apparatus for improving the forming of fibrous pads for absorbent products and providing improved density control. Fibers entrained in a high speed air flow coming from a fiberizer or other fiber source enter an inlet plenum which reduces velocity by increasing the area of the inlet plenum in a linear manner thereby decreasing turbulence and improving the density distribution of the fiber deposited onto the foraminous surface of a pad-former screen. The outlet plenum allows for a controlled velocity increase which reduces under-screen turbulence and further improves fiber distribution and density control.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for producing a composite material (108) from particles (102) and binder (104), is described. The system includes a feed zone (12), a unilayering zone (14), a mat reforming zone (16) and a compaction zone (18) all closely coupled to reduce time and allow the use of fast setting binders. A preformed feed mat (100) is fed into the spike wheels (22 and 24) of the feed zone. The spike wheels extract particles from the premat and impinge the particles onto an oscillating shield (26) in the layering zone. The oscillating shield moves across the thickness of the mat-forming zone depositing the particles uniformly on the trailing edge of the reformed mat (106) at the top (48A) of the tunnel conveyor (48) of the mat reforming zone. As the particles move past the lower end (26B) of the shield a binder is added to the particles. Overlays or release films (50) are introduced at the top of both sides of the tunnel conveyor so as to engage the surfaces of the reformed mat.

Abstract: Fused silica boules (19) having improved off-axis homogeneity are produced by controlling the air flow around the boule (19) during its formation. The boule is formed in a containment vessel (13) which collects soot from a plurality of burners (14). The containment vessel (13) rotates and oscillates relative to the burners (14) as the boule (19) is formed. Surrounding the containment vessel (13) is an air flow wall (130) which oscillates with the containment vessel (13). The air flow wall (130) is spaced from the containment vessel (13) by a gap (175) through which air flows during boule formation. The dimensions of this gap (175) remain constant as the boule is formed. Surrounding the air flow wall (130) is a stationary wall (160). The stationary wall (160) is spaced from the air flow wall (130) by a gap (165) whose dimensions change as the boule is formed. A motion accommodating seal (155) blocks air flow in this gap (165).

Abstract: The invention provides an alternative to conventional sol-gel methods that utilize undesirably high amounts of a stabilizing agent such as TMAH and a gelling agent such as methyl formate. The method involves the steps of (a) providing a colloidal silica dispersion containing a stabilizing/gelling agent, where only a portion of the molecules of the agent ionize, and (b) subsequently adding to the silica dispersion a pH-reducing additive. The stabilizing/gelling agent has a dual function. The agent, e.g., an amine, initially acts as a stabilizer in the silica dispersion in that a portion of its molecules ionize, while an appreciable amount of the agent remains non-ionized. The agent later transforms in situ to a gelling agent upon addition of a pH-reducing additive. Specifically, as the pH-reducing additive lowers the pH to values at or around the pK.sub.

Abstract: A large, monolithic sapphire structure for use in mid-IR military applications, such as, for example, a window or screen for radar detection equipment. The structure is made by bonding together two or more smaller sapphire panes by a method including the steps of coating a surface of each of the panes with a magnesia vapor and contacting the magnesia-coated surfaces with each other in the presence of a hydrogen-containing gas at a temperature (e.g., about 1500.degree. C. and 2000.degree. C.) and for a time period (e.g., about 45 minutes to about ten hours) sufficient to form a continuous magnesia-alumina spinel interlayer bond between the panes.

Abstract: A water soluble dicarboxylic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof acts as a mold release agent for salt pellets when a salt-contacting surface of a roll-type briquetting press is coated with from about 0.02 to about 5 mg/cm.sup.2 of a powder of the acid or alkali metal salt just prior to a charge of salt. The coating is achieved by spraying an air stream entraining the powder onto the press rolls or by spraying a solution of the release agent onto the rolls and evaporating the solvent to leave the powder on the rolls. The acid has from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; adipic acid being preferred. Salt pellets having a layer of the powder on their surface may be used in water softening systems wherein the pellets sit in a brine reservoir and supply salt for the recharging of an ion exchange resin. There is no formation of an unsightly scum on the surface of the brine and on the sides of the reservoir.

Abstract: A multiply paper web comprises a base ply of a post-manufactured sheet such as reused old newsprint or reused office waste. An upper and/or lower ply is bonded to the base ply to cover any printing or contamination of the base ply, thus allowing the resulting web to be reprinted or used for writing or packaging grades. The base ply is not repulped, reducing water and energy usage in the manufacturing process. The upper and lower plies may be wet formed or dry formed. Dry formed upper and/or lower plies result in a paper product utilizing little or no water in the manufacturing process, and no aqueous effluent. The post-manufactured base ply provides the strength ply.

Abstract: In a process of making gas laid products by entraining particles at least partially coated with a binder in a gaseous stream, passing the stream through a forming chamber and through a permeable collecting surface where the particles build up to form a product like fiber glass insulation, this invention prevents particles from contacting and building up on the walls of the forming chamber and causing wet spots in the finished product by maintaining a high velocity, high pressure layer of gas close to the exposed surface of the walls of the chamber and moving in the general direction of the gaseous stream. This is accomplished by apparatus including a plurality of plenum boxes forming the walls of the forming chamber with the surface exposed to the gaseous stream having gas directing openings therein. Also, an improved method of applying the binder to the particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of directing extruded synthetic fibers toward at least one surface of a mineral fiber insulation batt, and corresponding apparatus and resulting product. In certain embodiments, a row of extrusion heads is provided for directing extruded synthetic fibers (e.g. fibers including ethyl vinyl acetate or EVA) toward a surface(s) of the batt(s) to be impregnated with same. optionally, extrusion heads may be provided all around the batts so as to impregnate substantially all surfaces thereof with the extruded synthetic fibers. As the fibers exit the heads, they are hit with pressurized heated air streams which cause them to go into an insipid spin which increases directional tensile strength of the resulting batt in all directions. In certain embodiments, every other batt of a plurality of batts passes over an elongated member which extends over top of the conveyor in order to more efficiently impregnate edge surfaces of the batts.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated pack of organic and mineral fibers includes centrifuging mineral fibers from molten mineral material using a mineral fiber spinner, directing the mineral fibers into a downwardly moving veil, generating an array of aligned organic fibers from a die and directing the organic fibers into contact with the mineral fibers to integrate the organic fibers with the mineral fibers, and collecting the integrated mineral fibers and organic fibers as a fibrous pack.

Abstract: A ceramic welding process for forming a coherent refractory mass on a surface of a refractory which is hot and which is comprised of at least one silicon compound includes providing a mixture composed of combustible particles including silicon particles, refractory particles which are silicon carbide particles and which constitute a major portion by weight of the mixture, and particles of one of (a) another substance selected from the group consisting of CaO, MgO, FeO, and mixtures thereof or (b) particles of a nonmetallic precursor of the another substance, which another substance causes incorporation of silica, formed by combustion of the silicon particles, into a crystalline lattice of a compound formed between the silica and the another substance within the coherent refractory mass being formed; and projecting the mixture against the surface of the refractory, simultaneously with substantially pure oxygen, so that the combustible particles react in an exothermic manner by combusting with the projected oxy