Of Organic Material Patents (Class 264/126)
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Patent number: 5726106Abstract: EMI shielding materials in form of plates, panels, and fabrics and methods for their preparation and for preparing highly filled ferromagnetic fibers therefore are described. In the method the ferromagnetic filler is treated in an ultrasonic dispenser or a ball mill in the presence of a binder polymer and then the fiber is made by wet spinning from a dispersion containing solution or gel of the polymer.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Inventors: Tore Carl Fredrik Klason, Josef Kubat, Anatoliy Tikhonovich Ponomarenko, Aleksei Vladimirovich Buts, Elena Sergeevna Grinenko, Igor Nikolaevich Ponomarev, Vitaliy Georgievich Shevchenko
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Patent number: 5725939Abstract: A synthetic wood meal in which a thermoplastic resin material of 25 to 80 wt % is mixed with a cellulose crushed material of 20 to 75 wt % that lies in the moisture content of within 15 wt % and the mean particle diameter of 20 mesh or less, the mixed material is kneaded so as to be set to gel, and the kneaded material is cooled and pulverized and regulated to a size that lies in a particle diameter of 10 mm or less. Then, the synthetic wood meal as the cellulose crushed material is mixed in at the rate of 20 to 75 wt % to the resin material, the mixed material is kneaded by heating and squeezed by a screw or screws of an extruding die 78 in an extruder.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: EIN Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sadao Nishibori
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Patent number: 5723388Abstract: The present invention provides a prepreg obtained by stretching a material including, as a main component, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin, to a total draw ratio of at least 20, subjecting the resulting stretched polyethylene material to a splitting treatment, and impregnating the resulting material with a thermosetting resin. The split stretched polyethylene material has improved adhesion to the impregnant resin and can be used as a good base material for prepreg.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignees: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd., Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Polymer Processing Research Institute Ltd.Inventors: Seizo Kobayashi, Kazutosi Nomiyama, Yoshimu Iwanami, Sumio Yoshida, Kazuhiko Kurihara, Hiroshi Yazawa
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Patent number: 5721334Abstract: Shaped articles made from molded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with an average molecular weight of between about 1 million and about 10 million and exhibiting a low modulus of elasticity throughout the shaped article or in selected regions of the shaped article are disclosed. These articles are produced by filling a mold with powdered UHMWPE, covering the mold with a piston, raising the temperature of the mold and its contents to between about 140.degree. and about 225.degree. C. while simultaneously applying a pressure of between about 2.5 and about 15 MPa to the mold and its contents, maintaining the pressure and temperature for between about 5 and about 25 minutes, with the time selected dependent upon the thickness of the molded part, then dropping the temperature of the molded part, either completely or in part at a rate between about 4.degree. and about 175.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: NewYork Society for the Ruptured and Crippled Maintaining the Hospital for Special SurgeryInventors: Albert H. Burstein, Stephen Li
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Patent number: 5718968Abstract: An expanded, memory molded, increased density, highly impact-resistant polystyrene construct, and method of making the construct. The construct is formed by molding pre-expanded non-equilibrated polystyrene beads to a first volume, cooling rapidly, and then compression molding to a final, smaller volume. The resultant constructs have increased density, and high impact strength without increase in embrittlement. Also, the construct has "memory" in the sense that it returns substantially to its original shape after impact.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Motherlode, L.L.C.Inventors: Philip W. Cutler, Blue H. E. Goulding
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Patent number: 5718855Abstract: A method of molding an aromatic polyimide resin, comprising compression molding an aromatic polyimide resin composition powder comprising an aromatic polyimide resin and a fluorine resin added thereto, and then sintering the compression molded product in a mixed gas atmosphere of oxygen and inert gas, having the oxygen concentration of 0.1 to 10% at 360.degree. to 480.degree. C., or sintering the compression molded product in an inert gas atmosphere and then heat treating the same in a mixed gas atmosphere of oxygen and inert gas at 360.degree. to 480.degree. C. This method can solve the problems on color shade and strength due to sintering in the case of molding an aromatic polyimide resin having a fluorine resin added thereto, and can provide a polyimide molding having excellent quality.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Kaneka CorporationInventors: Kiyokazu Akahori, Kazunari Iwamoto
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Patent number: 5705538Abstract: A foamed polyvinylchloride (PVC) material is produced by mixing of 100 mass parts of PVC with 0.5-5 mass parts of sodium alkyl sulfonate, molding of the obtained composition and followed by heating for foaming at 190.degree.-300.degree. C. for 3-20 mins. Molding is performed either under 0.5-400 MPa and 20.degree.-170.degree. C., followed by heating to 140.degree.-150.degree. C. in the closed space, or in a free state in the form of 2-16 mm thickness layer. In the latter case the layer before foaming can be subjected to packing.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: PolimerplastInventors: Igor Victorovich Morozov, Lyubov Dmitrievna Strelkova, Yuliya Vladimirovna Razborova, Pyotr Mikhailovich Traskin, German Valeryevich Gordeyev, Valery Innokentyevich Yemelyanov, Valery Iosifovich Kharitonov, Anatoly Fyodorovich Perevalov, Vladimir Yevgenyevich Popov, Vyacheclav Nikolayevich Kovalev
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Patent number: 5702657Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the continuous production of a polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity by rolling an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene film or film like material and then drawing the rolled material, wherein a thermoplastic resin film having incorporated therein at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a coloring agent, a weathering stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a hydrophilicity-imparting agent, an adhesion promoter and a dyeability-imparting agent is laminated to the film material in the rolling step and the resulting polyethylene material is further slit or split as required. This method makes it easy to color the polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity and to impart weather resistance and other desirable properties thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignees: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd., Polymer Processing Research Institute Ltd.Inventors: Sumio Yoshida, Takashi Komazawa, Kazuhiko Kurihara, Hiroshi Yazawa
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Patent number: 5702656Abstract: Processes for fabricating substantially void-free polymeric articles are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer melt is formed followed by extrusion through a die to form a polymeric extrudate. The polymeric extrudate is directly discharged vertically upward into an open-ended mold the open-ended mold having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially vertically. The polymeric article is cooled and removed from the mold. In a further embodiment, a mold is loaded with polymeric particles. The mold is oriented such that its longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. A vacuum is drawn on the loaded mold followed by heating the loaded mold above the melting point of the polymeric particles. After the polymeric particles are melted, the loaded mold is charged with an inert gas to above ambient pressure to collapse any remaining voids. The loaded mold is slowly cooled to form a polymeric article. Oriented polymeric bioabsorbable cannulated surgical articles and a method of making same are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignees: United States Surgical Corporation, Biomet, Inc.Inventors: David Sarver, Keith D'Alessio, Raymond A. D'Alessio
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Patent number: 5696201Abstract: A process which permits the production of mouldings which have little odor and comprise fibrous semifinished products to which heat-curing novolak resins have been added and which are suitable for lining heat-emitting and/or sound-emitting vehicle parts, in which their binders are completely and uniformly crosslinked. The odor emission, in particular the formaldehyde emission, is thus reduced. This process furthermore permits the production of products having an unusually large layer thickness. The homogeneous polymerisation reaction is achieved by the use of a hot fluid in the form of a dry, saturated steam and under elevated pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Matec Holding AGInventors: Carlo Cavalloni, Antonio La Grotteria, Harald Freyer
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Patent number: 5683637Abstract: A foamed article of styrene type resin, in which base resin particles are styrene type resin particles obtainable by a graft polymerization of a cis-rich polybutadiene with a styrene type monomer, a blowing agent contains n-pentane as its main component and the foamed article shows a density of 0.015-0.040 g/cm.sup.3, an average foam diameter of 60-300 micrometers and a closed cell foam rate of not less than 50%.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Sekisui Kaseihin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ikuo Morioka, Hiroyuki Yamagata, Mutsuhiko Shimada
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Patent number: 5679190Abstract: Nonwoven sheet materials, and pressure sensitive adhesive tapes formed from nonwoven sheet materials are provided. The nonwoven sheet materials comprise a randomly interlaced fibrous web of tensilized nonfracturable staple fibers and binder fibers, wherein the fibrous web is pattern embossed, and is interbonded by a chemical bonding agent, physical entanglement, or a combination thereof, and further wherein the nonwoven sheet material is readily finger-tearable in the cross web direction. Methods of making nonwoven sheet materials and adhesive tapes are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: John E. Riedel, Lauren K. Cran
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Patent number: 5665285Abstract: A molded foam article with an integral skin is produced by blow-molding a parison in a cavity of a metal mold to form a hollow member, filling the hollow member with pre-expanded thermoplastic resin besides before cooling and solidification of the hollow member, and heating the pre-expanded beads to cause the beads to expand further and fuse together. A filler for the pre-expanded thermoplastic resin beads is provided with a cutter for making a hole in the hollow member before introducing the resin beads into the hollow member.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignees: Mitsubishi Yuka Badische Co., Ltd., Sanko Sogyo Co., Ltd., Aron Kasei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhide Hattori, Hiroyuki Yamaji, Yoshikazu Hatakeyama, Yoshiyuki Shida, Atsushi Tamura, Takumi Kitaoka, Takashi Kohama
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Patent number: 5663221Abstract: Medium density fiber boards having sufficient physical strength are made from sunflower seed husks by an efficient method. The method of forming the boards involves impregnanting sunflower seed husks with steam, digesting so as to de-fibrate the husks, mixing the de-fibrated sunflower seed husks with a resin, drying the mixture and pressing the dried mixture into a medium density fiber board.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Nidera Sociedad AnonimaInventor: Demetrio Carlos Barcas
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Patent number: 5656176Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a prepacked resin bonded well liner comprised of bonding granular particles to a perforated pipe. The granular particles are coated with a partially polymerized resin that is hard and tacky to the touch. Upon the introduction of heat, the polymerization proceeds, curing the resin into an insoluble and infusible cross-linked state. The contact regions between the adjacent particles bond the packed particles into a porous and permeable matrix.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Gregory D. Scott
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Patent number: 5651931Abstract: A method for making a biocompatible filter whereby a biocompatible powder is sintered to form a disk-shaped filter. The biocompatible powder is first sized to obtain a preselected average particle size. Next, the powder is introduced to a die in which the powder is pressed to a predetermined force to form "cakes." The pressed powder "cakes" are then placed into an oven or furnace, which is heated to a preselected temperature. The powder cakes are held at the elevated temperature to sinter the particles in the powder together. After a preselected amount of time, the now-sintered powder cakes are removed and allowed to cool. This method produces biocompatible filters useful in liquid chromatography and other applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Bailey, Rajkumar Raman, Randall M. German
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Patent number: 5651924Abstract: A method for manufacturing light panels consisting of a plate shaped carrier with light conducting fibers fixed therein according to a given pattern. The method includes the steps of inserting the top end of each fiber from a fiber supply through openings in a mold. The mold is then filled with a castable plastic layer which is allowed to set to form a carrier. The carrier retains the fibers with the top ends of the fibers extending above the carrier. The top ends of the fibers extending above the carrier are melted by heat from a laser to form a melted nob at the top end of each fiber to act as a lense. A cover layer is applied on the carrier to embed the top end of each fiber and to protect the carrier. The carrier can be removed from the mold to allow the mold to be refilled with another castable plastic layer to form a next carrier for repeating the process. Removable plugs may be initially inserted into the openings of the mold to facilitate removal of the carrier at a desired angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Tchai Lights B.V.Inventor: Roger Louis Henri Kilsdonk
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Patent number: 5641442Abstract: An air-permeable and water-permeable rubber includes by weight 100 parts of a rubber, about 30 to 80 parts of a plastic, about 1 to 5 parts of a cross-linking agent, about 1 to 10 parts of a vulcanizing agent, about 1 to 10 parts of a rubber accelerator, 0 to about 100 parts of a filler, and 0 to about 10 parts of an anti-aging agent. Such air-permeable and water-permeable rubber has excellent air-permeability, water-permeability, softness, and elasticity. The present invention also includes a method for producing the above rubber.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1994Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Ruey-Sheng Shih
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Patent number: 5641439Abstract: A method of bonding various materials, such as foam materials, to thermoplastic resins using a silane composition is provided. The thermoplastic resin is doped with a silane by washing the thermoplastic resin in a silane solution and then evaporating the solution from the resin. The silane-doped thermoplastic resin is then melted and formed into a polymeric article. In one embodiment, a polyurethane foam can then be sprayed onto the polymeric article. As the foam forms on the surface of the article, it bonds with silane trapped within the thermoplastic resin. In one embodiment, the polymeric article can be formed through a rotational molding technique. Through the process of the present invention, many useful articles can be formed such as polymeric pallets, water craft devices, thermocoolers and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Inventor: L. Keith Rogerson
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Patent number: 5629083Abstract: A process for the production of modified phenol-aldehyde resins includes the use of a modifier selected from melamine, urea, and other suitable nonvolatile organic compounds. The phenolic component of the resins preferably includes a difunctional phenolic compound. The inventive resins resist precuring and are particularly useful in blowline blending procedures.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Masonite CorporationInventor: Zygmunt Teodorczyk
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Patent number: 5628946Abstract: Process for the production of a homogenous polymeric monolith wherein an assembly of oriented thermoplastic polymer fibres is maintained under a contact pressure sufficient to ensure intimate contact at an elevated temperature high enough to melt a proportion of the polymer. The assembly is subsequently compressed at a compaction pressure higher than the contact pressure while still being maintained at the elevated temperature. The resulting polymeric products are useful, for example as orthodontic brackets, bone prostheses and in body armor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: British Technology Group LimitedInventors: Ian M. Ward, Peter J. Hine, Keith Norris
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Patent number: 5618412Abstract: A fixed-bed bioreactor with porous carrier bodies (14) for microorganisms. The carrier bodies are sheet-like structures with a small thickness in comparison with the carrier body surface. The carrier bodies are kept spaced apart by means of spacing bars (28), defining flow paths (36) between the carrier bodies. In a process for producing porous carrier bodies for microorganisms, plastics particles (70) are introduced into a moulding space (52) and bonded together therein by application of heat. With this process, an endless extrudate (46) of carrier body material may be produced, from which the individual carrier bodies may be cut off. Alternatively, the process may be carried out by means of a series of pairs of mould halves passing through a mould filling station and a heat supply station.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Herding GmbH EntstaubungsanlagenInventors: Walter Herding, Peter Vogel, Klaus Rabenstein
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Patent number: 5612125Abstract: The present invention provides a prepreg obtained by stretching a material including, as a main component, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin, to a total draw ratio of at least 20, subjecting the resulting stretched polyethylene material to a splitting treatment, and impregnating the resulting material with a thermosetting resin, and a process for producing said prepreg. The split stretched polyethylene material has improved adhesion to the impregnant resin and can be used as a good base material for prepreg.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignees: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd., Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Polymer Processing Research Institute Ltd.Inventors: Seizo Kobayashi, Kazutosi Nomiyama, Yoshimu Iwanami, Sumio Yoshida, Kazuhiko Kurihara, Hiroshi Yazawa
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Patent number: 5596080Abstract: This invention provides a process for making crosslinked zein, comprising heating zein in the presence of water to a temperature of at least 130.degree. C., with or without pressure, to induce crosslinking.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1994Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Lorenzo F. Pelosi
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Patent number: 5593625Abstract: Fiber-reinforced protein-based biocomposite particulate material containing a legume-based thermosetting resin and cellulosic material, and rigid biocomposite pressure-formed materials produced therefrom, are provided. The particulate material and resultant pressure-formed materials contain the legume-based resin and fibrous cellulosic material in amounts such that the ratio of cellulose solids to resin solids is about 0.8:1.0 to about 1.5:1.0. Particularly preferred pressure-formed materials also include a secondary thermosetting binder, such as an isocyanate.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Phenix Biocomposites, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Riebel, Paul L. Torgusen, Kenneth D. Roos, Donald E. Anderson, Carl Gruber
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Patent number: 5591373Abstract: A mass of ferromagnetic particles moldable into stable, high strength, magnetic cores useful in thermally and chemically hostile environments comprising an iron core and a continuous layer of polyetherimide, polyethersulfone or polyamideimide spray coated onto the surface of each particle. A method of preheating and molding the particles is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1996Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Robert W. Ward, David E. Gay
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Patent number: 5589112Abstract: An annular culture vessel for growing mammalian cells is constructed in a one piece integral and annular configuration with an open end which is closed by an endcap. The culture vessel is rotatable about a horizontal axis by use of conventional roller systems commonly used in culture laboratories. The end wall of the endcap has tapered access ports to frictionally and sealingly receive the ends of hypodermic syringes. The syringes permit the introduction of fresh nutrient and withdrawal of spent nutrients. The walls are made of conventional polymeric cell culture material and are subjected to neutron bombardment to form minute gas permeable perforations in the walls.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1994Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Glenn F. Spaulding
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Patent number: 5589260Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing plastic products from waste materials by: cutting into pieces a thermoplastic material having a loss factor higher than 0.005 such as to have a high absorbence of radio-frequency radiation, mixing the pieces with at least one other particulate material, depositing the mixture on a supporting surface; applying radio-frequency radiation to the mixture sufficient to soften mainly the outer surfaces of the pieces of thermoplastic material by dielectric heating, while applying pressure to the mixture to bond the mixture together by sintering; and removing the sintered mixture from the supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1994Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Palboard Ltd.Inventors: Guy Ben Zvi, Shlomo Nevo, Michael Berman
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Patent number: 5587121Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the moulding of a part from a gas-pervious raw material compound in a gas-pervious mould (14). The mould is positioned in flow chamber (10) in such a way that the gas flowing through the flow chamber is also caused to flow through the mould. A gas-pervious filling material chamber (16, 18) filled with filling material (26) is positioned in front of and/or behind the mould, which filling chamber brings about a desired, for instance an equally large, pressure drop over the "package" (12) formed by the mould and the filling material chamber along the whole cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. The invention also relates to the product produced by the method.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Inventor: Juha Vesa
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Patent number: 5580501Abstract: An interior trim panel comprises a flexible polyurethane skin layer, an intermediate resilient polyurethane foam layer and a rigid polyurethane foam substrate. The flexible polyurethane skin layer and intermediate resilient polyurethane foam layer are formed as an expanded thermoplastic urethane (TPU) shell in a slush molding process. The rigid polyurethane foam substrate is then foamed in place on the shell in a substrate forming mold. This produces an environmentally friendly, long lasting interior trim panel that can be manufactured economically without any need for plasticizers or adhesive coatings.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventors: Michael J. Gallagher, William Humphrey, Wayne C. Salisbury, David W. Syphers
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Patent number: 5578373Abstract: The present invention provides a split polyethylene stretched material having a tensile strength of at least 0.7 GPa when twisted in the range of 50-500 times/m, which material is produced by subjecting a polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin, i.e. an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene to stretching and then subjecting the stretched polyethylene to splitting, as well as a process for producing said material. The split polyethylene stretched material according to the present invention has a large surface area and accordingly can be easily laminated to other materials, and has a high strength and flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignees: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd., Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., Polymer Processing Research Institute Ltd.Inventors: Seizo Kobayashi, Takashi Mizoe, Yoshimu Iwanami, Osamu Otsu, Shigeki Yokoyama, Kazuhiko Kurihara, Hiroshi Yazawa
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Patent number: 5567746Abstract: Moldable ferromagnetic particles and method of making a magnetizable molding therefrom. The ferromagnetic particles are spray-coated with a slurry comprising insoluble thermoplastic particles suspended in a solution of a soluble polymer to produce a coating on the ferromagnetic particles which comprises a majority of the insoluble thermoplastic particles embedded in a lesser amount of a binder polymer. When compression molded, the insoluble thermoplastic particles form a continuous matrix for the ferromagnetic particles.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: David E. Gay
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Patent number: 5563001Abstract: A polymeric coating material is provided for coating powdered materials, and more particularly, for coating powdered metals which are compression molded to form magnetic cores. The preferred polymeric materials are polybenzimidazole, an aromatic polyamide such as polyphthalamide, and appropriate polyimides which, when properly applied to metal particles to form a magnetic core, are characterized as having a sufficiently high heat deflection temperature of at least about 270.degree. C., so as to prevent the degradation of the mechanical and magnetic properties of the magnetic core at exposure at elevated temperatures. Each of these preferred coating materials is characterized by excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and dielectric characteristics within this temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1993Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: David E. Gay
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Patent number: 5554238Abstract: Batt style insulation comprised of cellulosic and thermoplastic material and a method of making such insulation. A blend of cellulosic material and thermoplastic fibrous material, wherein the latter comprises between 3%-15% of the blend by weight, is formed by a method such as air-laying into a low density, high loft mat. The surface of the mat is flame-treated to melt the thermoplastic component on the surface, forming a skin which keeps the cellulosic component intact. The thermoplastic component in the interior of the mat remains unmelted, thereby providing the mat with a spring-back characteristic which allows the mat to retain most of its original shape and loft even after it has been compressed for shipping. A facing sheet can be applied to the surface of the mat, as is done with conventional fiberglass batt-style insulation.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1994Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventor: Brent W. English
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Patent number: 5554330Abstract: A process for preparing shaped articles comprises the steps of:(a) mixing a water curable binder with vegetable particulate material to form a first mixture, the moisture content of said first mixture being insufficient to cure said binder prior to said mixture being placed in a mold;(b) feeding said first mixture to a mold having molding plates, said molding plates and said first mixture defining an interface;(c) providing water to at least a portion of said interface, the amount of water added at said interface, in conjunction with the moisture content of said first mixture, being sufficient to cure said binder; and,(d) subjecting said first mixture to elevated temperatures and pressures.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1995Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Assignees: Isoboard Enterprises Inc., Bison-werke Bahre & greten GmbH & Co KGInventors: Steven J. Flannery, Hans G. Bucking
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Patent number: 5551968Abstract: A low-cost, high performance 1.times.N fiber optic coupler where N>16 is presented. The coupler has a GRIN lens having an first optic fiber aligned with the optical axis of the lens at one end of the lens. The first optic fiber ends in a microlens. At the other end of the GRIN lens a bundle of tapered second optic fibers is centered on the optical axis of the lens. The microlens is formed by fusing two fibers together, stretching the fused region, jerking the fibers apart and then heating a fiber end to form the lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Inventor: Jing-Jong Pan
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Patent number: 5543174Abstract: An iron powder composition comprising an iron powder coated with a substantially uniform coating of a thermoplastic material and admixed with a boron nitride powder and a method of utilizing the mixture to produce a magnetic core component is provided. The iron powder mixture is formulated with up to about 1% by weight of boron nitride which reduces the stripping and sliding die ejection pressures during high temperature molding and also improves the permeability of the magnetic part over an extended frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Hoeganaes CorporationInventor: Howard G. Rutz
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Patent number: 5543098Abstract: An electrically powered transdermal iontophoretic delivery device (10, 20) and a method of making same is provided. The device utilizes electrode assemblies (8, 9) composed of a substantially homogenous blend of a polymeric matrix containing about 5 to 50 vol % of a conductive filler which forms a conductive network through the matrix, and up to about 50 vol % of the agent to be iontophoretically delivered through the skin. In the case of the donor electrode assembly, the agent is typically a drug and preferably a water soluble drug salt. In the case of the counter electrode assembly, the agent is typically an electrolyte salt. The homogenous blend eliminates the need for separate electrode and agent containing layers which require lamination.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Robert M. Myers, Felix A. Landrau
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Patent number: 5538679Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of single-layered or multilayered molded articles from particles of polyisocyanate-polyaddition products by shaping a specified mixtures under heat and pressure. The mixture contains quasi-thermoplastic particles of polyisocyanate-polyaddition products and one or more processing aids.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joachim Wagner, Werner Rasshofer, Eberhard Jurgens, Ulrich Eisele
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Patent number: 5537718Abstract: A method for producing a material for a fiber-reinforced composite article is disclosed which comprises preparing an apparatus composed of a belt and at least one fiber-separating and throwing device, setting the belt in motion and the roller in rotation, feeding a mixture of matrix thermoplastic resin fibers (a) and reinforcing fibers (b) to the roller, causing the roller to separate the fibers and throw the separated, fibers, and allowing the thrown fibers to pile up on the moving belt, thereby giving rise to a mat wherein the ratio of the fibers (a) and (b) successively increases or decreases in the direction of thickness of the mat.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & IndustryInventors: Yoshihiro Nagatsuka, Takeshi Kitano
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Patent number: 5503788Abstract: A method is provided for processing a mixture raw automobile shredder residue, and virgin and/or contaminated synthetic plastic material, e.g., raw post consumer plastic waste. By means of this method, automobile shredder residue produced by a conventional automobile shredder is formed into a first stream by being ground in a first granulating zone to a reasonable small granular size using conventional equipment. A second stream comprising virgin and/or contaminated synthetic plastics material is ground in a second granulating zones. The two streams are combined to provide a processable mixture. The processable mixture is introduced into a high intensity, mixer. The processable mixtures transformed into a semi-molten discharge stream by the kinetic energy imparted to the processable mixture by the mixer are simultaneously vented from the mixer. The semi-molten mixture emerging from the mixer is then introduced into an extruder or press where it is formed into a mass of desired shape, and cooled.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Inventors: Jack Lazareck, Martin Walsh
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Patent number: 5500174Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a prepacked resin bonded well liner comprised of bonding granular particles to a perforated pipe. The granular particles are coated with a partially polymerized resin that is hard and tacky to the touch. Upon the introduction of heat, the polymerization proceeds, curing the resin into an insoluble and infusible cross-linked state. The contact regions between the adjacent particles bond the packed particles into a porous and permeable matrix.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1994Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Inventor: Gregory D. Scott
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Patent number: 5500281Abstract: An absorbent, flushable, bio-degradable, and medically-safe nonwoven fabric suitable for use as wraps, wipes, absorbent pads, etc., is composed of from 2% to 10% by weight of untreated, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers that are heat-bonded to a matrix of absorbent fibers. The use of PVA fibers in low amounts provides softness, while sufficient wet strength is provided by heat bonding the PVA fibers completely to the other fibers in a two-stage heating process. The resulting nonwoven fabric has a high wet-to-dry tensile strength ratio, good drape softness, and high fluid absorptive capacity. In a method for producing the nonwoven fabric, the PVA fibers are blended with the absorbent fibers, the blended fibers are carded onto a moving web, sufficient water is added to wet the PVA fibers while maintaining web integrity, then the web is heated in two stages, the first with heating cylinders at 40.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., then the second with heating cylinders of 60.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1994Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Assignee: International Paper CompanyInventors: Ramesh Srinivasan, James Bottomley, W. Andrew Coslett
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Patent number: 5494629Abstract: Porous moldings of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene obtained by injection molding polyethylenes having an intrinsic viscosity of 500 to 5000 ml/g, a mean particle size of 100 to 1500 .mu.m, and a bulk density of at least 0.35 g/cm.sup.3. The polymer is preferably molded in an injection-molding machine at 160.degree. to 260.degree. C. and an injection pressure of 80 to 150 MPa. The ratio between the flow distance of the material in the injection mold and the wall thickness of the molding is a maximum of 7.5.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventors: Sabine Gorden, Hermann van Laak, Holger Schmitz
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Patent number: 5492580Abstract: A method of making a moldable, nonwoven composite material. The method includes blending a mix of first fibers and second thermoplastic fibers. The second fibers have a melting point lower than that of the first fibers and comprise approximately 40-80 percent of the blend. The blend is then processed into a fibrous batt. The batt is then consolidated into a nonwoven structure with the first fibers being thoroughly intermixed with the second fibers. The nonwoven structure is then heated to a temperature below the melting point of the first fibers and above the melting point of the second thermoplastic fibers to substantially liquefy the second fibers and form a thermoplastic resin. The heated nonwoven structure is compressed to flow the liquefied resin to displace air voids in the nonwoven structure and encapsulate the first fibers. Finally, the nonwoven structure is cooled to form a composite material having substantially reduced air voids therein with the first fibers thoroughly encapsulated by the resin.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: Gates Formed-Fibre Products, Inc.Inventor: George A. Frank
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Patent number: 5484620Abstract: With the method of processing liquids, fine to very fine organic and/or inorganic granular particles are used, whereby pursuant to the invention the particles are mixed and compressed together in a first step to form an agglomerate that is heated at least to a temperature that is near the melting point thereof. The particles are thereby fixed in place by being subjected to a process similar to sintering for a suitable length of time, whereupon the resulting agglomerate is screened, or reduced in size in a grinder, to a granular size that is suitable for an intended use. This enables stabilizing and filtering aids to be produced with predetermined or predictable physical or chemical properties that are suitable for specific processes.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Schenk-Filterbau Gesellschaft mit beschrankter HaftungInventors: Dietmar Oechsle, Wolfgang Baur, Ludger Gottkehaskamp
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Patent number: 5482451Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of optical ferrules containing cylindrical members is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes guide means receiving the cylindrical member, a sleeve receiving a piston therethrough, and a pin extending into the sleeve. The apparatus also includes biasing means to position the piston, fill gates to dispense polymer into a defined cavity, and containment means which secure the apparatus components together. Injection molded optical fiber ferrules made according to the apparatus and process disclosed exhibit superior properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de NemoursInventors: Melvin H. Johnson, Frank M. Willis
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Patent number: 5482761Abstract: A thin, layered, absorbent structure comprises first and second layers of fibrous material and an intermediate layer comprising particles of a hydrogelling, absorbent material and particles of a thermoplastic, polymeric, organic material, the first and second fibrous layers extend beyond the intermediate layer laterally to form longitudinal edge portions.The two fibrous layers are bound together with the intermediate layer between them by the melting of the particles of thermoplastic, polymeric, organic material and by means of a continuous line of adhesive extending longitudinally on each longitudinal edge portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1995Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Gianfranco Palumbo, Giovanni Carlucci
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Patent number: 5476618Abstract: A resin laminate of the invention includes a sheet laminate including a skin, which is securely joined with a foamed bead base by heating. The resin laminate is manufactured according to the following steps. The foamed bead base and the sheet laminate consisting of the skin, a foam layer, and a thermoplastic resin film are prepared separately. The thermoplastic resin film is made of a resin material which thermally adheres to both the foam layer and the foamed bead base and has a softening temperature lower than those of the foam layer and the foamed bead base. The thermoplastic resin film is softened by heating the sheet laminate, which is then softened by heating the sheet laminate, which is then pressed against and bonded to the foamed bead base by vacuum molding or press forming. The thermoplastic resin film thermally adheres to both the foam .layer of the sheet laminate and the foamed bead base, thus joining the sheet laminate with the foamed bead base.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1993Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keizou Ito, Takashi Kato, Syoji Sakaida, Hikaru Ando
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Patent number: 5476711Abstract: A fiber blending system includes an apparatus and method of forming a mat of cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers, as well as a mat thereby formed. The method includes the steps of fiberizing cellulosic material into cellulosic fibers in a fiberizer, volumetrically metering a metered amount of synthetic fibers, and injecting the metered amount of synthetic fibers into the cellulosic fibers. The cellulosic fibers are blended with the metered amount of synthetic fibers in a blending chamber to form a fiber blend. The fiber blend is dispersed through a fiber disperser having apertures of a preselected size and shape to provide a dispersed fiber blend. A third type of fiber may also be mixed with the dispersed fiber blend. The dispersed fiber blend is collected as a mat on a fiber collector to provide a mat of blended cellulosic and synthetic fibers. The mat may be thermobonded by a thermobonder and sandwiched between a facing sheet and a backing sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Carl Hebbard, Lee E. Perdelwitz, Jr., Paul G. Gaddis