Abstract: A crown installation system for forming a crown in place on a pillar in a manner that avoids the need for heavy and complicated concrete form structures. The crown installation system includes a kit for forming a crown on a pillar, such as a chimney, having a perimeter wall with an outer surface and an upper surface converging at an outer upper perimeter edge. The kit includes a plurality of form members, with each form member being adapted for forming a portion of the outer surface of the crown. Each of the form members has opposite ends and an outer face. A plurality of support members are provided for supporting the form members. Each of the support members has a front surface for pressing against a portion of the outer surface of one of the form members. A tension member is provided for holding the support members in position against the form members such that the form members are restricted from outward movement. The invention also includes a method of utilizing the kit to form a crown on a pillar.

Abstract: A method for forming a spigot on a double-walled pipe and spigots formed by this method are described. The outer wall and an intermediate space of a double-walled pipe is removed from one end of the pipe over the desired chamfer length, and a preformed annular resilient bevel is placed around the remaining inner wall. This method is convenient, requires limited materials and tools, provides easy access to a porous intermediate space for sealing, and does not introduce residual stress to the spigot. Furthermore, the properties of the spigot depend primarily upon the properties of the annular resilient bevel, increasing the probability of achieving a high quality and robust seal.

Abstract: A method of making plastic containers having walls with fluid circulatable channels integrally formed therein comprises the successive steps of injecting a molten thermoplastic material in a mold cavity having a channel configuration to define, in the container being mold, walls with thicker portions defining a rib configuration, injecting a pressurized fluid throughout the rib configuration to displace molten material therein and to form a hollow channel therein, cooling the container being mold removing the molded container from the mold and cutting through the hollow channel at two spaced locations to form inlet and outlet openings to the channel to thereby enable circulation of a fluid through the channel.

Abstract: Polymeric films including a layer of propylene resin having microvoids therein, the microvoids having been formed by stretching a web containing the beta-form of polypropylene, have shown low static cling when being unwound from rolls in labelling operations and also during destacking of pre-formed labels. The invention provides labels formed from such films.

Abstract: Replicas are molded by curing a photo-curable liquid silicone rubber composition to form a transparent mother mold having a cavity corresponding to the outer contour of a master model, casting a photo-curable liquid resin into the mold cavity, and irradiating light to the liquid resin through the mold wall. Replicas can be fabricated by simple steps and within a short time.

Abstract: A method of forming fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite structures having a low volume fraction of fiber reinforcement and carefully controlled thicknesses is provided. The method enables the production of composite structures having a fiber volume fraction of less than about 0.5 through the use of vacuum bag molding, thereby eliminating the need for expensive closed molds, The method also eliminates the occurrence of “racetracking” of uncured resin during the resin infusion process.

Abstract: A plastic pipe has a multiple layer wall construction including major and minor wall portions. The major wall portions are formed with first corrugations and are separated from one another by the minor wall portions which are formed with second corrugations and a bowed wall part which is of the same diameter as the first corrugations. The second corrugations are smaller in diameter than both the first corrugations and the bowed wall pipe. The wall construction is cut at the bowed wall part to produce two pipe sections which couple with one another. One of those pipe sections has an open ended bell converted from the bowed wall pipe and the other pipe section has a male spigot formed by the second corrugations of the wall construction.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing composite structural beams is disclosed. The invention includes novel apparatus for producing a continuous lightweight composite beam by combining solid pultruded cap sections with composite sandwich panels. The invention further provides novel means by which pultruded composite tubular structural elements can be made of composite materials, wherein the tubular elements include solid pultruded corners.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using floor tiling to make edging for counter tops. The first step is to cut a floor tile into a plurality of slats. A jig is provided which has a laterally extending, upwardly open recess comprising a plurality of sides having widths corresponding to the widths of the plurality of slats. The plurality of slats are positioned face down into the plurality of sides thereby forming an upwardly facing trench. The plurality of slats are glued together and then the trench is filled with a mortar thereby forming a flat cementitious rearward face to form an edging piece. The edging piece is removed from the jig and then adhered to the edge of a counter top base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: Replicas are molded by curing a photo-curable liquid silicone rubber composition to form a transparent mother mold having a cavity corresponding to the outer contour of a master model, casting a photo-curable liquid resin into the mold cavity, and irradiating light to the liquid resin through the mold wall. Replicas can be fabricated by simple steps and within a short time.

Abstract: A pipe replacement apparatus includes a housing having upper and lower walls that are sealed together about a pipe section to be replaced; on the interior surfaces of the walls, tracks are provided for clamps with engage the original pipe and also carry the replacement section; cutting devices are provided operable through one of the walls to sever the original pipe and the clamps are gear driven to be shiftable to move the cut portion out of line and move the replacement section into line; sealing collars are carried on the replacement pipe portion and manipulated to engage the pipe portions to be sealed thereto.

Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic pipes made by spiral winding a hollow profile with mainly rectangular cross section.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing sealing tool comprising a socket (3) and a head (4) at one end and the other end of a linear element (2) respectively and a protrusion (11) for locking the head (4) in a head-insertion hole (10) of the socket (3), which comprises the steps in the mentioned sequence of fixing a core ball (13) and either the socket (3) or the head (4) to the linear element (2), cutting the linear element (2) at a point close to the core ball (13), pulling the linear element (2) to bring the core ball (13) to be set in a cavity (27) and filing a synthetic resin in the cavity (27) in a manner such that the core ball (13) and the socket (3) engageable with the head (4) are integrally formed.

Abstract: A method of forming a tension resistant O-ring is formed by extruding a length of precured elastomer with a coextensive central aperture; longitudinally dividing the elastomer; winding a strand of nonelastic synthetic material to form an endless ring having a predetermined toric axis diameter and a toric diameter less than the diameter of the elastomer aperture; assembling the endless ring and elastomer halves in a rubber mold; and, heating the mold to cure the elastomer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing EVA outsoles includes step 1 to mix EVA and foaming agent to become a mixture; step 2 to press the mixture to be a plate; step 3 to cut the plate into strips; step 4 to overlap the strips to a desired weight; step 5 to heat the overlapped strips in step 4 in a mold to form an outsole, and step 6 to trim the outsoles.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a carbon fiber composite material in which a series of carbon fibers are woven together and treated with a resin to form a sample or weave. The carbon fiber sample is then vacuumed, compressed and is cured to form a solid plank or board that is then cut, sanded and polished to form a finished product.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously producing composite structural beams is disclosed. The process includes a first step of forming a tubular element from fibers of composite material, a second step of separating the tubular element into longitudinally extensive, circumferentially separated, corner caps, a third step of securing sandwich panels between adjacent corner caps to form a tubular beam, a fourth step of shaping the tubular beam, and a fifth step of curing the shaped tubular beam. Also disclosed is an exemplary beam constructed in accordance with the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of forming a side wall of a cupped cake cup at high speed, including paying off a paper sheet through a plurality of paying off rolls; cutting a blank off the paper sheet with a paper cutter disposed at least one of normal and oblique to a direction in which the paper sheet is fed; immediately before or after the cutting, applying a sealing agent; supplying the blank to a specified roll gap formed between a forming cone roll and a holding cone roll capable of rotating in opposite directions; performing shaping, cutting and sealing works on the blank during one rotation of the forming and holding cone rolls, wherein the blank is made into the side wall of the cupped cake cup; separating the side wall of the cup from the forming cone roll; and guiding the side wall of the cupped cake cup in the axial direction of the forming cone roll.

Abstract: The process for fabricating an orthotic joint of the present invention involves creating a casting mold of the anatomical joint for which the brace is being fitted. Then layers of nylon and cross-link carbon composite grade and the PVA bag are placed over the mold as is done in typical laminating processees for such braces. Then, a series of reinforcing strips of nylon and composite are attached to the layup in the same location where the sidebars would normally be located. The bottom layer which is typically a layer of nylon stockinette is the longest of the layers and the nylon strips are alternated with the composite strips with each successive strip being shorter than the strip immediately below it. A dummy disk is then provided at the joint. A second set of strips is then positioned where the upper sidebar would be located. Additional laminating substrate materials of nylon and cross-link carbon composite braid and a PVA bag are then placed over the structure.

Abstract: Fully dense composite accurate tooling is manufactured by casting but without the requirement of subsequent machining. The tooling so provided by the invention comprises injection mold halves for mating engagement to form a mold for injecting multiple near net shapes using either thermoset or thermoplastic materials. A known vacuum casting technique used for producing parts has been modified to make tooling according to the invention. A master pattern of the near net shape or a model of the actual core and cavity of the desired mold is used to create a silicone rubber mold (SRM). Once the SRM is completed, the 3-part material (catalyst, resin and composite) is weighed to the required volume to cast into the SRM, then placed (along with the SRM) into the vacuum casting system which reaches a level of 28 inches Hg of vacuum. The 3-part composite material is thoroughly mixed for approximately 20 minutes in about 28 inches Hg of vacuum.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resilient sealing insert with a belt-line extension for a door and window flush glass channel seal is described. The generally U-shaped channel insert includes a base, a first leg and a second leg which is attached to the base along a tearable line of weakness. The legs are separated from the insert into a window run channel portion and an integral belt-line extension.

Abstract: The cavity of a mold for making a plastics material part is lined using at least two, preferably decorative, pieces of film. The pieces of film are shaped and cut out so as to be accurately juxtaposed in the film cavity. Molten plastics material is introduced into the mold cavity in register with each piece of film in controlled manner so that the front of plastics material flowing within the mold cavity for the purpose of filling it advances within the mold so as to stretch each piece of film in centrifugal manner so that the film is neither displaced nor folded. The fronts of plastics material advancing over each piece of film meet either in locations of the mold where there is no film or else in register with the facing edges of two pieces of films, where appropriate, so that the entire surface of each piece of film is covered in a layer of plastics material. If necessary an additional quantity of molten plastics material is then introduced into the mold cavity so as to fill it completely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a joint in an elongate article formed from a thermoplastic material, for example an escalator handrail or a conveyor belt, which also includes a plurality of reinforcing cables and a slider fabric. End parts of the article are held in a mold and heated to remelt the material. Portions adjacent the end parts are chilled, at ends of the mold, to prevent remelting. The molten end parts then fuse, and the molten joint is then cooled to resolidify the material and form the joint. With reinforcing cables being present, these can be cut into an interlace pattern, which advantageously is provided in just a layer of the article rather than extending through the full depth of the article. A top layer can then be replaced by a separate top cap of the material of the body of the article. Where a slider is present, to provide an effective interlacing effect, a bottom layer or portion of a handrail is cut at an inclined angle, to form an inclined joint in the slider.

Abstract: A mineral fiber plate product is produced by producing a first non-woven mineral fiber web containing mineral fibers predominantly arranged in a first longitudinal direction and segments of the first mineral fiber web are arranged in a partly mutually overlapping relationship for producing a second non-woven mineral fiber web, which contains mineral fibers generally transversally relative to one another. The second mineral fiber web is folded transversely for producing a third non-woven mineral fiber web. The third non-woven mineral fiber web is cured for producing a cured non-woven mineral fiber web from which a mineral fiber plate, or alternatively, a tubular insulating element is cut. In packaging, the volume of the mineral fiber plate may be reduced to 40%-60%.

Abstract: A method of forming composite sine wave spars from composite material. In accordance with the method, the sine wave spar is formed of web plies, filler plies, separator plies and cap plies. The edges of the web plies are cut to form a plurality of teeth having different geometric configurations. The web plies are first formed to the sine wave contours of a tool having the desired final part geometry. The teeth of the web plies are then folded over the edges of the tool to form a portion of the flanges of upper and lower U-shaped channels. The portions of the flanges of the U-shaped channels not covered by the teeth are formed using filler plies that intermesh with the teeth to form a layer of the flanges of the respective upper or lower U-shaped channel. The flanges are reinforced through the use of separator plies that are placed between the filler plies. The formed upper and lower U-shaped channels are joined together so that their respective flanges are located in line with each other.

Abstract: Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.

Abstract: A thermally conductive film that includes a film of polymeric matrix material having a thickness t defined between a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of fibers, having a greater thermal conductivity than the polymeric matrix material, is disposed in the film and extends between the top surface and the bottom surface. Each of the fibers are oriented in the film to form a fiber-to-film surface angle .theta. relative to the top and bottom surfaces that is greater than about 45.degree. but is less than arctan t/d, where t is the thickness of the film and d is the diameter of the fibers in the direction of the angle .theta.. A shear/extruder apparatus is used to form the thermally conductive film from a sheet of composite prepreg material. An upper die block and a lower die block separated by a predetermined distance form an extrusion slot therebetween.

Abstract: A method of forming composite sine wave spars from composite material. In accordance with the method, the sine wave spar is formed of web plies, filler plies, separator plies and cap plies. The edges of the web plies are cut to form a plurality of teeth having different geometric configurations. The web plies are first formed to the sine wave contours of a tool having the desired final part geometry. The teeth of the web plies are then folded over the edges of the tool to form a portion of the flanges of upper and lower U-shaped channels. The portions of the flanges of the U-shaped channels not covered by the teeth are formed using filler plies that intermesh with the teeth to form a layer of the flanges of the respective upper or lower U-shaped channel. The flanges are reinforced through the use of separator plies that are placed between the filler plies. The formed upper and lower U-shaped channels are joined together so that their respective flanges are located in line with each other.

Abstract: A method of making composite strips of millwork components, including the steps of providing a plurality of elongate strips of wood and a support sheet, adhering the strips of wood together in parallel with each other and to the support sheet to form an elongate composite sheet, and machining the composite sheet to a desired contour to form a molding strip. The method may also include the step of removing the support sheet after the machining step by machine, or by peeling, or otherwise as desired. Typically the strips of wood are of differing widths and heights. A composite molding strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for the assembly of a multiply shaped fiber preform, the apparatus using a shaping tool having the shape of the desired part, and one or more secondary location tools, can be positioned on the shaping tool, so as to simulate a flat shape. The location tools include a number of upwardly extending location pins, such that a number of plies can be assembled in a vertical stack using the pins to assure ply to ply accuracy and orientation. After assembly, the plies are engaged in a localized portion of the assembly so as to hold the plies in register, with the secondary tools then removed and the plies then formed to shape over the tool surfaces. Utilizing the apparatus and method of the invention maintains multiple plies in register during the assembly and forming process to assure part reproducibility, in an automated process.

Abstract: An elongated siding panel and a longitudinally extending panel attachment and support strip have overlapping edge portions with longitudinally spaced slots receiving corresponding hook-shaped tabs to form loose positive connections. The slots have a length longer than the tabs to provide for limited longitudinal movement of the panel relative to the support strip. The panel and strip are preferably formed from an extruded flat strip of semi-rigid plastics material, and the continuously formed panel and support strip are progressively notched and punched at longitudinally spaced intervals to form the slots and tabs and expansion slots. The notched and punched support strip is progressively severed from the panel, twisted on a longitudinal axis, and the tabs are progressively inserted into the slots for hooking the overlapping edge portion of the panel.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and the passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering concrete returned to the plant by delivery truck empties the delivery trucks into hoppers that dispense the so delivered left over concrete into molds designed to produce blocks of concrete suitable for regrinding into aggregate. The molded blocks are held in the molds for sufficient time to set the concrete for grinding before the blocks are separated from the molds. The molded blocks are then delivered to a grinding station where they are ground into aggregate of selected size for return to the concrete mixing operation. Any water that separates during the molding operation is subject to a settling operation to settle fine particles and the decanted water is then stored in a suitable reservoir for reuse, for example, in washing out the trucks.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a receptacle with a closure cap which is molded simultaneously with the receptacle body by using blow mold machine. A synthetic resin material is introduced into a pair of mold halves and a fluid such as air is injected into the tube to expand the tube against the walls of the mold thereby shaping the receptacle body. The synthetic resin receptacle of this invention comprises a tubular receptacle body 1, a small tube 2 at one end of the tubular receptacle body for filling, a closure cap fitting portion 3 formed at the top end of the vessel body, a diametrically small cut-out portion 5 joining the top end of said closure cap fitting portion and having a small bore, a cap body 4 having reversed-C like shape in a hollow configuration and joining the cut-out portion 5. A projection 7 provided in the center portion of the vertical inner surface of said closure cap body plugs the small bore.

Abstract: A concrete building block or panel contains at least one tightly wound bundle of used tire casing tread sections that have been separated from the two end wall sections and which have been joined together and wound into a tight spiral bundle. In one form of the invention, the side wall sections are stacked in axial alignment and a tread bundle is inserted into the stack before being mounted in the block or panel.

Abstract: A method of making ornamented elongate members, for example for picture frames, uses the steps of extruding a first material and cooling it so that it is substantially solid, extruding a second material along a surface of the first material, which is arranged to undergo a change enabling a firm bond to be formed between the materials, shaping the second material to produce surface ornamentation and cooling the first and second materials. This provides an inexpensive and quick way of producing ornamented members.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix are disclosed. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. The compositions are formed into sheets by first extruding them into a sheet and then calendering the sheet using a set of rollers. The calendered sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet. The drying is performed by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The hydraulically settable sheets so formed may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure seal for containers such as syringes or syringes with an attached needle. The seal includes a plurality of slits therein which inhibit removal of the seal from the container once the seal has been placed on the container. The method includes deformation of a portion of the slitted area of the seal in order to strengthen the seal in the area of the slits so as to improve removeability of the seal from its release liner prior to attachment thereof to the container, without inadvertent or premature destruction of the seal.

Abstract: An enclosure for electronic modules, comprising walls made of composite material including conductive fibers for shielding the enclosure interior from electromagnetic radiation, and means for securely mounting at least one module inside the enclosure with a fastener means, the mounting means comprising composite material.

Abstract: A process for producing a container and closure assembly includes molding a preliminary container including a closed bottom portion, a body portion and a shoulder and neck portion. The shoulder and neck portion is separated from the body portion. An open ended second container is formed from the body portion, the second container having a rim at its open end and an encircling wall. The open end of the second container is then closed with a closure comprised of a cap and a cap liner. The cap liner has a weakened portion adapted to be broken by the cap. The cap or the cap liner are formed from the shoulder and neck portion of the preliminary container.

Abstract: A conductor foil laminated on a carrier tape via a sticking layer is stamped out so as to form cut lines on boundaries among a wiring pattern part, a first conductor remainder part forming an outer region enclosing the wiring pattern part, and a second conductor remainder part other than the wiring pattern part and the first conductor remainder part. Next, out of the conductor foil, only the first conductor remainder part is peeled from the carrier tape, and then a first insulating tape with an adhesive layer which is in a solid state at an ordinary temperature is laminated on the carrier tape. Only a region of the adhesive layer with which the wiring pattern part is covered is heated with compression by a lower hot plate so that the wiring pattern part is adhered to the insulating tape. Then, the carrier tape is peeled from the insulating tape so as to be separated therefrom at a steep angle and the second conductor remainder part at a non-adhesion state is removed.

Abstract: Rigidifiable composites are formed by stitching a reinforced B-stage resin sheet stock to form a three-dimensional preform. The preform is subsequently rigidified by initiating final cure of the resin. Molded articles, inflatable and other structures, such as, tank, tunnel and sewer liners are some of the typical structures which can be formed by the methods of the invention. Control of thread count, thread tension and thread spacing can be used to consolidate multi-ply or layered preforms, which, upon cure, can have up to 90% of the load carrying capacity of compression molded fiber reinforced articles.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to related methods of producing a three-dimensional object by dispensing sheets of a material, capable of physical transformation upon exposure to synergistic stimulation, onto a substantially flat working surface of a previous cross-section. In one preferred embodiment, sheets of a photoresist are employed which change solubility upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. In other preferred embodiments, non-photoreactive sheets are employed, which ablate upon exposure to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A flangeless pipe joint including lined pipes with the end section of the outer pipe spaced radially outwardly from the liner and insulating material filling the space between the end sections of pipe and liners. The ends of the liners are sealed to each other and the outer pipe ends are joined by an outer sleeve.

Abstract: A multi-vane structure for incorporation in an aircraft gas turbine engine has vanes of complex geometry made of braided fibers which are continuous about the cavities defined by the vanes. These complex geometry parts are prepared by providing a plurality of removable mandrels, stacking the mandrels along a horizontal axis in a cavity end to cavity end configuration, braiding about the mandrels, cutting the mandrels adjacent the cavity end faces, side stacking the mandrels so the faces are placed in a parallel orientation and molding. Utilizing braided fibers instead of hand lay-up woven fibers eliminates seams and produces cavities having continuous fibers about the periphery thereof which substantially increases the strength and dimensional reproducibly of the part.

Abstract: A process for forming extruded multi-strand products. The process providing a braiding extruder which includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, a rotatable member driving system, and an orifice blocking arrangement. The rotatable members each include a pair of orifices for extruding a strands of extrusible material therethrough. The orifices are fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized extrusible material. The process includes (i) blocking unblocked orifices, (ii) preventing the extrusion of extrusible material from each blocked orifice, (iii) unblocking blocked orifices, (iv) extruding a strand of extrusible material from each unblocked orifice, and (v) alternately rotating the adjacent rotatable members in opposite directions. The process automatically forms a visually attractive product which reaps the benefits of the "hand made" appeal normally associated with braiding.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing containers from sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. Hydraulically settable sheets are formed from the mixture by extrusion, then calendering the sheets using a set of rollers and then drying the sheets in an accelerated manner to substantially harden the sheets. The resulting hydraulically settable sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. The sheets can be laminated, corrugated, coated, printed on, scored, perforated, cut, folded, rolled, spiral wound, molded, assembled and seamed to mass produce articles of manufacture from the sheets such as food and beverage containers.

Abstract: Hydraulically settable mixtures and methods for extruding such mixtures into a variety of objects which are form-stable in the green state. High green strength is achieved by increasing the yield stress of the mixture while maintaining adequate extrudability. Optimizing the particle packing density while including a deficiency of water yields a hydraulically settable mixture which will flow under pressures typically associated with the extrusion of clay or plastic. In addition, a rheology-modifying agent can be added to increase the yield stress of the mixture while not significantly increasing the viscosity. The desired strength properties and other performance criteria of the final hardened extruded product are controlled by adding aggregates, fibers, a hydraulically settable binder, water, and other admixtures.

Abstract: An optical system to be incorporated in endoscopic instrumentation is provided. The optical system includes objective lens, relay lens and eye lens assemblies. The relay lens assembly includes at least one relay lens module for transferring an image between successive image planes. The relay lens module consists of two identical optical components in symmetrical arrangement relative to a center plane of symmetry. Each optical component includes a single curved lens and a doublet lens. In a preferred embodiment, the single and doublet lenses are thin lenses and are fabricated from polymeric materials. An illumination system is also provided and preferably includes a plurality of small diameter polymeric fibers in cooperation with a heat absorbing filter means.