Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrophilic polymer microparticle which shows reduced swelling in an aqueous medium and has an excellent dispersibility in an aqueous medium, a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography which can effectively suppress non-specific adsorption of protein and the like, a method for analyzing glycosylated hemoglobin using the filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography, a method for production of a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography that can maintain suppressive effects on swelling, non-specific adsorption and the like for a long period of time, a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography produced by the method for production of a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography, and a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography for glycosylated hemoglobin analysis. The present is a hydrophilic polymer microparticle, which has a DW/DA ratio of 2.

Abstract: A blade for an electrophotographic apparatus is provided which is prevented from turning up, achieves wear resistance, and has excellent cleaning properties. The blade is composed of a support member and a blade member formed of a thermosetting polyurethane elastomer, which are joined together. The blade member has a structure in which a nitrogen concentration continuously increases from the inside of a contact part coming into contact with a counterpart member toward the surface of the contact part.

Abstract: There are described a method for reducing the friction of a medico-technical rubber tube, according to which first a tube is produced of rubber and is then after-treated by annealing and/or washing, as well as an endoscope.

Abstract: A process for stripping spinning solvent from a solution-spun nonwoven web by transporting a nonwoven web comprising solvent-laden polymeric fibers having average fiber diameters of less than about 1 micrometer through a solvent stripping zone wherein a solvent stripping fluid heated to at least about 70° C. impinges on the nonwoven web in order to reduce the solvent concentration of the fibers to less than about 10,000 ppmw.

Abstract: A high strength hydrogel having a constant swelling pressure upon implantation and thereafter is formed by preparing a hydrogel solution and then injecting the solution into a mold and cause to gel. The molded gel is then washed in a saline solution from about one day to twelve weeks, after which the gel is irradiated for sterilization purposes, dehydrated and packaged. The pre-treatment with the use of a physiologic solution results in an implant which exhibits a constant swelling pressure profile after implantation.

Abstract: A method of regulating the composition of the cellulose-containing extrusion solution in the production of cellulosic molded articles, whereby (a) cellulose is mixed with an aqueous amine oxide solution; (b) the mixture is converted to the extrusion solution by evaporation of water in vacuo at an elevated temperature and by input of shearing energy; (c) the extrusion solution is extruded, forming the cellulosic molded article, and is coagulated in a coagulation bath, and (d) the resulting molded article is washed to remove the residual amine oxide, characterized in that in step (a) the cellulose/amine oxide ratio is kept at a predetermined level by preregulation, and the water content of the extrusion solution is kept at a predetermined level by a main regulation after leaving step (b). This method allows accurate regulation of the composition of the solution.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing environmental protection sponge comprises the steps of mixing material which are formed by predetermined ratios so as to form a mixing material; wherein the material contains PVA and starch; agitating and then boiling the mixing material; filling the mixing material into a mold so as to form a sponge; the sponge being taking out from the mold; washing the sponge; dewatering the sponge so as to form as environmental protection sponge; drying the environmental protection sponge; compressing the environmental protection sponge through at least one stage and then the compressed environmental protection sponge being cooled; rolling the environmental protection sponge by turning the environmental protection sponge through at least one roller so that the environmental protection sponge has a uniform structure; cutting and printing patterns on the environmental protection sponge; and packaging the shaped environmental protection sponge.

Abstract: A stress stabilized ferrimagnetic material has a retained stress to provide enhanced initial permeability stability over a range of operating temperatures, such as from ?40° C. to 85° C., as well as pressures. Stress is introduced into the ferrimagnetic material, wherein subsequent processing relieves only a portion of the induced stress, and preferably less than 50% of the induced stress.

Abstract: An exemplary clamping fixture (100) for washing optical members (60) includes a base (10), two clamping elements (20, 30), and a securing member (40). The base defines a plurality of holding grooves (13) configured for holding a first portion (61) of each of the optical members therein. The clamping elements are disposed at two sides (12) of the base. Each of the clamping elements has a plurality of holding slots (22) defined therein. The holding slots are configured for holding a second portion (62) of each of the optical members. The securing member is configured for securing the clamping elements and the optical members together in such a manner that the optical members can be removed from the base.

Abstract: A method of making a sponge device is provided. This method includes introducing a curable liquid sponge forming material into a form, placing a handle into the material before it is fully cured, heating the form to cure the material, removing the cured material from the form, and rinsing the cured material. Another aspect of the present invention is the assembly for making this sponge device. This assembly includes a runner for joining a plurality of handles, plates that are spring-biased together to support the handles, a chase formed of heat conductive metal having a shelf where the plates can be set, and a silicone form having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving the sponge forming material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polybenzazaole (PBZ) fibers and processes for the preparation of such fibers. The invention further relates to yarns, fabrics, and articles incorporating fibers of this invention, and processes for making such yarns, fabrics, and articles.

Abstract: Moldings of fluoro rubbers produced by crosslinking a tetrafluoroethylene/propylene copolymer or a tetrafluoroethylene/propylene/vinylidene fluoride copolymer, which have metal contents of 1.5% by mass or below in terms of metal elements and are suitable for use applications necessitating clean environment, for example, manufacturing or carrier equipment for semiconductors, manufacturing equipment, carriers, or storage containers for food, or medical supplies.

Abstract: The first film of the present invention is a film produced by solidifying a polybenzazole precursor that has been oriented in a given direction by the application of a magnetic or electric field. The second film of the present invention is a film produced by solidifying a polybenzazole that has been oriented in a given direction by the application of a magnetic or electric field. The first and second films have a strong anisotropy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for baking a food product utilizing a confectionery mould made from silicone. The confectionery mould is obtained by mixing and reacting a crosslinkable silicone, especially methyl-vinyl siloxane (VMQ), and a peroxide as a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulosic formed materials having high water retention capacity according to the dry-wet extrusion process by producing a solution of 5 to 20 wt.-% of cellulose in a hydrous tertiary amine oxide, extruding the solution, stretching the extrudate in a non-precipitating medium, and precipitating the formed materials in an aqueous or alcoholic precipitating bath, characterized by extruding a solution including 0.01 to 250 wt.-%, relative to cellulose, of at least one superabsorbent polymer having a grain size of ?100 ?m. The fibers, films, and composite materials being formed are remarkable for their high water retention capacity and are suitable in the production of hygiene products, baby or disposable diapers, sanitary towels, tampons, incontinence articles, absorbent patches, wound dressings, strappings, bandages, absorbent cloths, moisture-absorbing clothing, bed mattings, filter materials or filters, packaging materials, or cable sheathings.

Abstract: A plastic substrate is processed by a functional water obtained by electrolysis of water or functional water containing active oxygen or active hydrogen for a predetermined time period to selectively remove an alkali and/or halogen component in a surface layer of the plastic substrate to stabilize or remove oligomer in a resin matrix, whereby deterioration of resin and deterioration of properties of a recording medium caused by a remaining unreacted catalyst used for processing the plastic substrate surface or the like can be prevented and the adhesion strength and the durability of a recoding coating to be formed on the substrate are improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recycled ABS resin. The recycled ABS resin is obtained by recycling an ABS resin formed into parts by injection molding of a virgin material thereof and used mainly in electric and electronic equipments.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure. The method comprises the steps of applying a coating of a liquid photosensitive resin to a foraminous element and juxtaposing thereto a first mask comprising both opaque and transparent regions. The photosensitive resin is exposed to light having an activating wavelength to induce partial curing of the photosensitive resin in those regions which are in register with the transparent regions of the first mask. After removal of uncured resin, the process is repeated with a second mask. After removal again of uncured resin, the foraminous element and partially cured resin is immersed in an oxygen-free environment and exposed to light having an activating wavelength to filly cure the partially cured resin to form an apertured forming structure having a plurality of protrusions thereon.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a method for producing water-insoluble polysaccharides. A method for making the water-insoluble bio-compatible gel includes activating the hydroxyl-containing polysaccharides with the activating agent to form activated polysaccharides, and cross-linking the activated polysaccharides, under moderate conditions producing different shapes of the water-insoluble bio-compatible gel. The water-insoluble bio-compatible gels, films, porosities, powders, sheets, fibers and spheres of this invention may be applied to various medical and cosmetic uses.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulosic formed materials having high water retention capacity according to the dry-wet extrusion process by producing a solution of 5 to 20 wt.-% of cellulose in a hydrous tertiary amine oxide, extruding the solution, stretching the extrudate in a non-precipitating medium, and precipitating the formed materials in an aqueous or alcoholic precipitating bath, characterized by extruding a solution including 0.01 to 250 wt.-%, relative to cellulose, of at least one superabsorbent polymer having a grain size of ≦100 &mgr;m. The fibers, films, and composite materials being formed are remarkable for their high water retention capacity and are suitable in the production of hygiene products, baby or disposable diapers, sanitary towels, tampons, incontinence articles, absorbent patches, wound dressings, strappings, bandages, absorbent cloths, moisture-absorbing clothing, bed mattings, filter materials or filters, packaging materials, or cable sheathings.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laminated product forming apparatus and method for forming a three-dimensional laminated product from a photo-curable liquid by progressively superposing solid laminae one on top of another by photo-curing a surface layer of the photo-curable liquid and converting it to a solid lamina. A product table is provided on which a three-dimensional solid product is built up in progressive steps and which is incrementally advanced into the photo-curable liquid by a specified depth each step. A liquid surface leveling device works as a capillary to draw up a photo-curable liquid by capillary action while it is in contact with the surface of the photo-curable liquid contained in the container.

Abstract: A high strength hydrogel having a constant swelling pressure upon implantation and thereafter is formed by preparing a hydrogel solution and then injecting the solution into a mold and cause to gel. The molded gel is then washed in a saline solution from about one day to twelve weeks, after which the gel is irradiated for sterilization purposes, dehydrated and packaged. The pre-treatment with the use of a physiologic solution results in an implant which exhibits a constant swelling pressure profile after implantation.

Abstract: A method for creating a patterned concrete surface with the aid of a concrete surface retarding agent. According to the invention, printing technique or an output technique is used to transfer the surface retarding agent forming the desired pattern to the surface coming into direct contact with the concrete to be cast. The printing or output technique can also be used to transfer a release agent or other substance affecting the surface of the concrete to the surface coming into contact with the concrete to be cast, in the same or in a separate transfer stage.

Abstract: A measured amount of a material that is crosslinkable by impingement of a suitable form of energy, especially UV light, is introduced into a two-part mould of which cavity determines the shape of a moulding to be produced. The two mould halves are held a small distance from one another so that a thin annular gap is formed between them, which gap is in communication with the mould cavity and through which gap excess material can escape. The crosslinking is triggered by impingement of the selected form of energy, the impingement being spatially restricted to the cavity by suitable masking so that material disposed outside the mould cavity is not crosslinked. In that manner mouldings are obtained that do not require subsequent mechanical processing, and the mould is reusable. The process is especially, but not, however, exclusively, suitable for the manufacture of contact lenses.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tiles for use in a raised floor system is disclosed. The tiles comprise an outer shell and an inner core material. The method includes constructing the shells at a manufacturing facility, transporting the shells to a remote location associated with a job site, and filling the shells with a fill material at the remote location. A method is also disclosed for providing a rack to hold the tiles during the manufacturing process, stacking shells in a vertical orientation on the rack, and filling the shells with a core material while on the rack.

Abstract: A constructional panel 1 has a facing 3 which is brick or stone-like with mortar joints 4 therebetween and a backing 2 of cementitious material. The panel is cast using a mould mat 20 and a mask 30. The mat 20 is formed from a built panel and the mask 30 is formed from the 20. The mask 30 is used to provide realistic mortar joints between the facing elements 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filtration media having both hydrophobic (water-repellent) properties. The filtration media are produced using a fluorothermoplastic material, such as a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, and hexafluoropropylene. The invention also relates to methods of preparing such filtration media using casting solution phase inversion.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing NMMO-water mixture which collects in the interior of a tubular film which is produced by the NMMO process comprises a spinning vat and a wash vat. Between the two vats is situated a conveyor belt which circulates endlessly over two rollers. The conveyor belt is directed upward at an incline from the spinning vat to the wash vat. The tubular film, in the interior of the spinning vat, is passed vertically downward, then reversed and conducted vertically out of the spinning vat and passes over the inclined conveyor belt into the wash vat. Above the conveyor belt is situated a spray device having spraying nozzles from which wash liquid at a temperature between 60 and 80° C. is sprayed onto the tubular film which is transported via the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for fabricating Si/SiC parts for use in the microelectronics manufacturing industry. The method includes providing a SiC powder. The method also includes providing a polymer binder and mixing the SiC powder and the polymer binder to form a part using an SLS process.

Abstract: This disclosure covers methods of use and manufacture, and apparatuses for dispensing, and compositions of durable, water-dispersible or water-soluble polymer foams.

Abstract: Process for producing formed cellulosic articles, such as fibers, filaments, sheetings, membranes or tubes, comprising a) extruding a solution of cellulose in an aqueous amine oxide, particularly N-methylmorpholine N-oxide, through an extrusion die via an air gap and coagulating the formed article in an aqueous precipitation bath containing amine oxide, and b) passing the formed article through at least one washing stage for removing residual amine oxide from the article, characterized in that the liquor of the precipitation bath in the precipitation stage and/or the washing liquor of the washing stage(s) is treated with ultra-violet radiation. In this manner the formation and growth of coatings, films and slime deposits caused by microorganisms is avoided on parts of the plant which come into contact with said liquors containing the amine oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a porous material having interconnected pores. One or more kinds of bioresorbable polymers and a low molecular weight oligomer are dissolved in an organic solvent to form a bioresorbable polymer solution. The bioresorbable polymer solution is then exposed to a coagulant to form a porous material. The low molecular weight oligomer is soluble in the coagulant, and the bioresorbable polymer is insoluble in the coagulant.

Abstract: A method for producing a ultrafine fiber includes spinning an island polymer and a sea polymer to a ultrafine fiber. The island polymer is an olefin polymer and the sea polymer has a different dissolving property from that of the island polymer. A method for producing a ultrafine fiber substrate, which includes obtaining a substrate from the ultrafine fiber from the above-mentioned method, dissolving and removing the sea polymer in the substrate to obtain the ultrafine fiber substrate.

Abstract: Process for producing fibres, film, casings and other products from modified soluble cellulose wherein the initial cellulose is hydrothermally treated at a temperature in the 100-200° C. range, under a pressure in the range from about 0.1 to 1.5 Mpa in a water/cellulose ration on a weight basis of at least 1:1 in the presence of a complex activator composed of Lewis acids and/or bases and/or their salts in an amount of at least 0.0001% by weight calculated on cellulose. The obtained modified cellulose pulp after, a possible purification, is in a dry or never dried condition, dissolved in an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxides. The dissolving is carried out at a temperature not lower than 0° C. for 1-120 minutes to obtain a homogenous spinning solution with the cellulose concentration at least 1% by weight. The alkaline cellulose solution is filtered, deaerated and coagulated by contacting it with water or aqueous acidic solutions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing proteinaceous shaped articles from globular proteins according to the NMMO method, and to proteinaceous shaped articles themselves that are made from globular proteins according to the NMMO method. According to the invention, a suspension consisting of aqueous NMMO and of these precrosslinked proteins is transferred into a spinning solution, whereby the suspension contains a polysaccharide and/or a polysaccharide is added to the extrusion solution. The spinning solution is extruded into a precipitation bath through a form tool and through an air gap. Afterwards, the shaped article is washed with an aqueous liquid without the use of solvents and is subsequently hardened using known crosslinking reactions. The produced solutions are processed for a diverse product-oriented processing, preferably on the basis of known wet and dry/wet spinning techniques, optionally in conjunction with multi-constituent spinning techniques.

Abstract: An improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete and method of making the improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete is disclosed. Small particulate is sprayed over the upper surface of the concrete. The particulate may be sprayed using a material sprayer. The particulate may be uniformly sprayed to distances exceeding twenty feet. The particulate is mixed into a cement paste derived from the concrete mixture using floats. A surface retarder is then applied to cover the concrete surface. Subsequently, any surface film is washed from the surface of the concrete and the concrete is cured. The result is a surface seeded particulate with an exposed surface that is flat and is suitable for high traffic areas. The resultant surface may resemble stone, granite or marble.

Abstract: A plastic substrate is processed by a functional water obtained by electrolysis of water or functional water containing active oxygen or active hydrogen for a predetermined time period to selectively remove an alkali and/or halogen component in a surface layer of the plastic substrate to stabilize or remove oligomer in a resin matrix, whereby deterioration of resin and deterioration of properties of a recording medium caused by a remaining unreacted catalyst used for processing the plastic substrate surface or the like can be prevented and the adhesion strength and the durability of a recoding coating to be formed on the substrate are improved.

Abstract: A method for debindering of powder molded body, including dipping, in an extracting solution an aqueous surfactant solution, a ceramic powder or metal powder molded body containing a binder with at least two kinds of binder components, to selectively extract and remove at least one kind of binder component from the molded body, and then removing the binder components remaining in the molded body after extraction. This debindering method permits rapid debindering while preventing the generation of defects such as cracks and the like, is highly safe to human health and environment, and requires a low facility cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cellulosic fibers from solutions of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide whereby the extruded fibers are led through a precipitating bath and cut and the cut fibers are passed through a series of water baths in the form of a fleece and then dried, whereby the wash baths are connected to each other and fresh washing liquor is applied to the last wash bath and led in countercurrent with the transportation direction of the fibre fleece to the first wash bath. The process in accordance with the invention is characterised in that the pH value of each of these wash baths is maintained higher than 8.5.

Abstract: A method for forming monodispersed magnetic nanoparticles of manganese zinc ferrite is provided which includes reversed micelle synthesis. The method includes preparing a micelle solution of zinc, manganese and iron salts, a surfactant and a hydrocarbon and mixing a second micelle solution of ammonium hydroxide, a surfactant and a hydrocarbon with the first solution to precipitate a ferrite precursor precipitate. The ferrite precursor precipitate is recovered, washed and annealed to produce nanoparticles of manganese zinc ferrite having a spinel crystal structure. Advantageously, the resulting nanoparticles of manganese zinc ferrite have a length no greater than 50 nm in any of the three spatial dimensions and the particle size distribution has a standard deviation of greater than 12% of the mean value.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic resin micro-porous film wherein a thermoplastic resin and a solvent (A) are melted and kneaded together to prepare a solution, the solution is extruded and cooled to prepare a formed product in a gel state, and the residual solvent (A) is removed from the formed product, characterized in that in the step of removing the solvent (A) use is made of a non-aqueous solvent (B) which is compatible with the solvent (A) and not compatible with the thermoplastic resin, and has a boiling point of 100° or higher and a flashing point of 0° or higher. The use of the non-aqueous solvent (B) provides a production method which allows the removal of a solvent with good efficiency and also with the reduction of a fear of environmental pollution and catching fire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing extruded, cellulosic continuous shaped bodies from an extrusion solution containing cellulose, water and tertiary amino-oxide. In order to improve the textile properties of the extruded continuous shaped bodies with regard to the prior art, the invention provides that the continuous shaped body (5) is conveyed, with essentially no tensile stress, on a conveying device (11) between an extrusion nozzle opening and a take-off unit (24). To this end, the speed of conveyance of the interconnected conveying device (11) is preferably less than the extrusion rate and less than the take-off rate of the take-off unit (24). By employing these measures, the textile properties such as loop strength and tendency to fibrillate can be considerably improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a porous bioresorbable material having interconnected pores. A bioresorbable polymer and a low molecular weight oligomer are dissolved in an organic solvent to form a bioresorbable polymer solution. The bioresorbable polymer has a molecular weight greater than 20,000 and the oligomer has a molecular weight of 200 to 4000. The bioresorbable polymer solution is then contacted with a coagulant to form a porous bioresorbable material.

Abstract: Described are a process for producing elastane yarn having a linear density of at least 2500 dtex by the wet spinning process and the thereby producible coarse linear density elastane yarn having a wide cross section and a low residual solvent content. The process comprises the steps of spinning an up to 35% strength by weight stable-viscosity elastane solution into a coagulation bath, washing and optionally drawing, drying by contact heating, setting, spin finishing and winding the yarn, the filaments leaving the coagulation bath passing around a diverting roller disposed just above the coagulation bath liquid, the as-spun filament linear density amounting to not more than 1% of the value of the final linear density, the jet stretch ratio being within the range from 0.5 to 50, the contact heating temperature being at least 220° C. and the contact time of the elastane yarn being at least 2 seconds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing non-slip floor coverings made of mineral materials, such as, for example, natural stone, fine stoneware, artificial stone or ceramics. This method is carried out in a two-stage process, there being produced on the surface of the floor coverings or slabs, in a first process stage by means of pulsed laser bombardment, statistically distributed microcraters invisible to the human eye. The surface of the floor coverings or slabs obtained in this way is then, according to the invention, subjected to hydromechanical aftertreatment.

Abstract: A meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide containing, as principal repeating units, meta-phenylenediamineisophthalamide units is dissolved in an amide compound solvent; the resultant polymer solution is subjected to a wet-spinning procedure wherein the polymer solution is extruded in the form of filamentary streams into a coagulation bath containing an amide compound-containing solvent and water but substantially not containing salts, through spinning orifices of a spinneret, to coagulate the extruded filamentary polymer solution streams in the coagulation bath; the coagulated porous undrawn filaments are subjected to a drawing procedure wherein the porous undrawn filaments are drawn in a plasticizing drawing bath containing an aqueous solution of an amide compound solvent; the resultant drawn filaments are washed with water, and then heat-treated (for example, further drawn at a draw ratio of 0.7 to 4.0 while being heated at a temperature of 250 to 400° C.

Abstract: To produce meta aramid filaments having a good quality from a polymer solution of a meta aramid produced by a solution polymerization method, with high efficiency, (1) a meta aramid is prepared by polymerization-reacting a aromatic meta-diamine with a aromatic meta-dicarboxylic acid chloride in a polar organic solvent; (2) hydrogen chloride contained in the resultant polymer solution is neutralized with a neutralizing agent containing an alkali metal hydroxide which can react with hydrogen chloride to produce a salt thereof insoluble in the polymerization solvent; (3) the salt deposited from the polymer solution is removed by filtration; (4) the resultant polymer solution is mixed with water and a polar organic amide solvent to prepare a spinning solution; (5) the resultant meta aramid spinning solution is directly extruded in the form of filamentary streams into an aqueous coagulation liquid, to coagulate the extruded filamentary streams of the polymer solution into the form of filaments; (6) the coagulated

Abstract: A high strength hydrogel having a constant swelling pressure upon implantation and thereafter is formed by preparing a hydrogel solution and then injecting the solution into a mold and cause to gel. The molded gel is then washed in a saline solution from about one day to twelve weeks, after which the gel is irradiated for sterilization purposes, dehydrated and packaged. The pre-treatment with the use of a physiologic solution results in an implant which exhibits a constant swelling pressure profile after implantation.

Abstract: A release composition for facilitating removal of shaped articles from a shaping surface. In one embodiment the release composition includes a water-soluble, no-cure dimethicone copolyol. The dimethicone copolyol may include polyoxyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene side chains. The composition is coated on a mold or mandrel surface and or the article and the article and surface is heated to shape the article. The composition prevents the article from adhering to the surface during heating, and thus prevents damage to the when the article is removed from the surface. Because the composition is water-soluble, it is easily washed from the article with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing plastic film having a predefinable outline and/or even or uneven thickness, by machining preformed plastic film for separation and/or ablation. The method is used especially for producing flexible flaps for artificial heart valves. To produce a film having local variations in thickness and smooth edges where the piece of film has been cut, the invention provides for the plastic film to be separated and/or for specific areas to be ablated to the desired thickness by means of a laser beam.