Abstract: A method which includes enhancing effects upon treating the surface of a thermoplastic resin article by a surface-activating treatment such as corona discharge and the like or by a primer treatment and, thereby, improving coating performance, printability, adhesiveness and so forth of the thermoplastic resin article. The resin article is subjected to a surface-heating treatment which comprises heating only surface layer of the resin article up to a melting point of the thermoplastic resin or a higher temperature followed by cooling the surface layer, and then, subjected to the surface-activating treatment or primer coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing leather coin pouches. The method provides for wetting a leather assembly comprising a substantially flat, flexible leather cover laminated to a substantially flat, more rigid centerpiece, to soften the leather which facilitates the eventual forming of the leather. The method further comprises creasing the leather in a creasing die. After a preforming step designed to foldedly bias the leather assembly toward forming as desired, the leather assembly is formed into a foldedly raised leather assembly with an overlapping flap spiral closure. Finally, while its formed shape is retained, the leather assembly is dried.

Abstract: A process and device for producing a foamed product or foam made of unmodified starch is provided in which the starch is introduced through a feed opening into a treatment chamber containing a conveying device. The conveying device conveys the starch from the feed opening in an axial direction through the treatment chamber. The conveying device has an increasing effective cross section so that by increasing the volume, or by expansion foaming and/or break down of the starch is achieved. An outlet is provided at the other end of the treatment chamber for extruding the product.

Abstract: A method of forming a pultruded shaped composite material comprising carbon fiber having a diameter not greater than 0.001 inch aligned linearly with a degree of waviness defined by an average amplitude to length (A/L) ratio of less than 0.9 percent in a matrix is formed around the fiber and solidified or cured into a rigid form that will not melt during subsequent processing steps to prevent an increase in waviness during subsequent processing steps. The compressive strength of the composite material approaches the tensile strength of the material. The matrix material consists essentially of a resin present in the range of about 10 to 50 percent by volume of the composite material. The A/L ratio is determined by measuring the distribution of angularity found in the aligned carbon fibers in a selective cross section cut at five degrees to the fiber plane, wherein the standard deviation for a 300 sample angularity measurement is not greater than 0.88 degrees.

Abstract: Viscose filaments, preferably in staple fibre form, which have a decitex of less than 5.0 and a multi-limbed cross-section, the limbs having a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least 2:1. Examples of multi-limbed cross-sectional shapes are Y-, X-, H- and T-shapes. The fibre can be formed into woven, non-woven or knitted fabrics, and is especially useful for absorbent products.

Abstract: High strength spun melt fiber, preparation thereof utilizing threadline oxidative chain scission degradation of hot fiber spun from polymer component(s) having a broad molecular weight distribution in conjunction with a delayed quench step, and corresponding nonwoven material obtained therefrom.

Abstract: A pipe cladding composition which is a phosphate ceramic permeating a non-woven fibrous network. The overall thickness of the sheet is between about 5 and about 20 mils. The phosphate ceramic permeates the fibrous network and extends beyond the fibrous network only up to a maximum thickness of about 3 mils across each side of the sheet. The sheets are prepared using wet reaction mixtures which produce phosphate ceramics. These reaction mixtures are mixed and pressed into the non-woven fibrous network which forms a wet sheet that is then cured to provide the cladding material.

Abstract: Improved polybenzoxazole fibers are made by a process for finishing a spun and drawn dope fiber, which contains polybenzoxazole polymer and polyphosphoric acid, including the steps of:(a) coagulating the dope fiber in an aqueous coagulant;(b) washing the coagulated fiber with an aqueous washing fluid for less than 72 hours under conditions such that the fiber contains no more than 8,000 ppm residual phosphorus (1 ppm=1 part per million, by weight);(c) drying the fiber at a temperature of no more than 300.degree. C. until it retains no more than about 3 weight percent residual moisture; and(d) heat-treating the fiber at a temperature of at least about 300.degree. C. under tension.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accelerating the removal of blowing agent from elongate, flexible polyolefin foam bodies, such as polyethylene foam sheeting, in the absence of substantial tension on the foam body so as to avoid breaks in the foam body. The elongate flexible foam body is introduced into a heating zone and draped over a plurality of substantially parallel bars in an endless path. Tension on the foam body is avoided because the foam loops are free hanging between these parallel bars. An endless drive means transports the parallel bars through the heating zone about the endless path, thereby transporting the foam body through the heating zone for removal of blowing agent. Forced heated air is blown over the exposed surface of the foam body at a pre-determined temperature and for a pre-determined time sufficient to remove a substantial portion of the residual blowing agent and to cause sufficient air to diffuse into the foam body so that there is no substantial reduction in the thickness of the foam.

Abstract: Dispersions of sinterable powder, for example, of metal or high-melting-point non-metal such as silicon, or a ceramic substance such as silicon carbide, silicon nitride or alumina, are hot injection-molded using a dispersion of the sinterable material in a binder which, like the dispersion, is solid at room temperature and fluid at the temperature of molding, forming a molded product of uniform density. The binder employed contains polystyrene, which forms the predominant weight proportion of the binder, and in lower weight proportion, an organic compound, e.g., diphenyl carbonate, which is solid at room temperature, is soluble in the molten polystyrene, and is more soluble than the polystyrene is in a lower aliphatic alcohol or ketone. After molding, the binder is removed in non-solid form as vapor, or by dissolution in a solvent, or by oxidation to volatile materials, to leave a porous structure of uniform density.

Abstract: An elongate member of cellulosic material, such as fiber, having a reduced tendency to fibrillation is produced by a solvent-spinning process which includes the steps of: (i) dissolving cellulose in a solvent miscible with water to produce a dope; (ii) forcing the dope through at least one orifice to produce an elongate form; (iii) passing the elongate form through at least one water-containing bath to remove the solvent and produce the elongate member, and (iv) drying the elongate member to produce a dry elongate member, and is characterized in that the pH of each of the baths through which the elongate form and the elongate member pass during processing between production of the elongate form and the drying of the elongate member is maintained at a figure of 8.5 or less.

Abstract: A process of molding a building panel which includes the steps of combining about 25 pounds of Portland Cement Type I, about 15 pounds of water at around 21.degree. Centigrade, added about 1 ounce of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and silica, respectively, and about 12 ounces of synthetic fibers with about 0.1 ounce of ferro chloride in 40% solution by volume, and pouring the mixture into the lower portion of a mold to about 1/2 its depth and waiting for approximately 4 hours for the mixture to increase by about 100% of its original volume to fill the mold and thereafter stripping the mold from the form and placing it in a heated environment for curing for a period of approximately 24 hours and thereafter removing the panel from the heated environment.

Abstract: A method of producing solid molding products from a slurry which has undergone absorption in wet-limestone gypsum desulfurization of flue gas includes the steps of concentrating the gypsum-containing absorption slurry, mixing and kneading the solid concentrated slurry with flyash and quicklime or slaked lime, molding the mixture into a given shape using a mold and then curing a resulting molding product in a reaction chamber wherein a part of desulfurized gas is passed. The method also includes solidifying a molded product by drying with water-saturated hot air produced with heat recovered from the flue gas and with water added into a heat recovery process.

Abstract: Polyester filaments of high shrinkage and high shrinkage tension may be prepared by heat treatment of undrawn crystalline filaments of low shrinkage and shrinkage tension, and may be used for making polyester yarns of mixed shrinkage and bulky polyester yarns and fabrics therefrom.

Abstract: A conductive polymer composition in which a particulate conductive filler is dispsered in a polymeric component which is a mixture of an essentially amorphous thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin. In preferred compositions, the amorphous thermoplastic resin and the thermosetting resin are substantially mutually soluble. In order to improve the thermal stability of the composition on exposure to successive thermal cycles, it is preferred that the composition be cured by heating the uncured mixture of amorphous thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin, and particulate conductive filler at a rate of at least 15.degree. C./minute to the cure temperature.

Abstract: Material having improved characteristics for filling endodontically prepared root canals is obtained by heat treating gutta percha based material at a temperature in the range of 210.degree. F. to 310.degree. F. for a period of two to twenty-four hours, the time being decreased as the temperature is increased.

Abstract: A method of autoclaving porous piece-goods, by steam under pressure, wherein the autoclaving operation includes sequential phases of heating with steam, holding, and then relaxing the pressure and temperature, wherein the holding phase includes a drying process. In order to obtain as dry a product as possible with the smallest possible energy input, it is provided that a drying process is carried out within the holding phase in which the autoclave is heated more than to compensate for heat losses and to a temperature above the temperature of vaporization of the water so that the material is dried by controlled discharge of steam from the interior of the autoclave. The steam discharged from one or more autoclaves during the drying process is used to heat up at least partially an autoclave to be heated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture. Hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture include materials prepared by manipulating under pressure powdered hydraulic cement compositions using known or novel powder packing, casting, or expanding techniques, such that air within the powdered hydraulic cement is successfully removed while the cement is formed into a self-supporting near net final position. Thereafter, the formed hydraulic cement article is hydrated without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: An intelligent control system for directing a process for curing parts made of fiber-reinforced composite material in an autoclave. The system uses data gathered during the curing processing to calculate repetitively the temperature of the autoclave required to establish and maintain a predetermined cure temperature. The system accounts for heat generated by the exothermal reaction of the resin during polymerization. The control recalculates an optimal autoclave temperature at periodic intervals during the cure cycle on the basis of temperature data from the part being cured and temperature within the autoclave. The optimal autoclave temperature is determined from calculated values representing resin heat, maximum offset, lag time and degree of cure of the resin.

Abstract: A process for making a PPD-T fiber having an elongation to break of greater than 7%.

Abstract: A single wood concrete layer, sound absorption panel is formed as a single wood concrete layer, cast panel body of kaolin mineralized organic fiber chips encased in Portland cement with steel reinforcement. The panels have a noise reduction coefficient of at least about 0.85 for a panel thickness of about 10 cm and a panel density of 86.5 kg/m.sup.2.

Abstract: Green concrete products, such as building products, are placed on pallets. Those pallets are transported to a kiln for curing and from the kiln after cure by an overhead crane. Pallets are lowered into and removed from open top kilns layer by layer being supported by movable support ledges, for example rotatable toggles, at each layer position which permit vertical entry and removal of the pallet layers. Three kiln compartments permit continuous production, one being filled, one being emptied and the third curing a load of pallet layers.

Abstract: Polybenzazole polymer dopes are spun into fibers at high speed by passing through a spinneret with proper selection of hole geometry, followed by spin-drawing to a spin-draw ratio of at least 20, washing, taking up and drying. The take up speed is at least about 150 meters per minute, and the fibers are spun in at least 10 km lengths without a break.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for molding an agglomerated preform of a fiber-reinforced composite material comprising a resin material as a matrix and reinforcing fibers dispersed therein, into a desired shape. In the molding method, the preform is heated from the interior thereof, whereby the temperature of the entire preform can be raised efficiently and uniformly. If an optional number of holes are formed in the agglomerated preform, rod-like heaters for heating or gas nozzles for the release of heated gas can be inserted into the preform easily through such holes, whereby uniform heating can be effected. Further, by incorporating an appropriate amount of a dielectric loss improver into the preform and thereafter subjecting the preform to high-frequency heating or microwave heating, the preform can be heated efficiently and uniformly in a short time.

Abstract: A reduced coefficient of thermal expansion and an increased resistance to thermal shock in cordierite-containing ceramic articles is achieved by contacting such articles with water either in a liquid or gaseous state. It is particularly desirable for such treatment to reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion of the article by at least 1.times.10.sup.-7 .degree. C..sup.-1, measured between 25.degree. and 800.degree. C., during the contacting. This treatment can be used in conjunction with extruded honeycomb structures conventionally used as diesel particle filters and supports for catalysts which treat automotive exhaust gases.

Abstract: Improved polybenzoxazole fibers are made by a process for finishing a spun and drawn dope fiber, which contains polybenzoxazole polymer and a solvent acid, including the steps of: (a) coagulating the dope fiber in an aqueous coagulant: (b) washing the coagulated fiber with an aqueous washing fluid for less than 72 hours under conditions such that the fiber contains no more than 8,000 ppm residual solvent acid (1 ppm=1 part per million, by weight); (c) drying the fiber at a temperature of no more than 300.degree. C. until it retains no more than about 2 weight percent residual moisture; and (d) heat-treating the fiber at a temperature of at least about 300.degree. C. under tension.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a open-back type working glove. A fiber-made glove is fitted on a dipping hand block, and same is dipped in a stock solution of a rubber latex composition. After the glove and hand block is removed from the stock solution, the solution deposited on the glove in an open-back fashion is heated so as to allow it to be semi-vulcanized. Then, the glove is removed from the dipping hand block and is immersed in water or warm water to allow the rubber coat in semi-vulcanized condition to swell and soften. Finally, the glove is fitted on a setting hand block having a thumb portion projecting considerably beyond the palm portion, with other four finger portions curved toward the palm portion, and the rubber coat is heated for final vulcanization.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a retardation film having a suitable retardation using a film casting method but without requiring any special heat-treating process. The post-drying process in the film casting method is divided into three or more chambers, and the tension applied to the film is controlled under the condition that the tension does not exceed a yield value determined based on the amount of solvent content and the temperature of the film in each of the chambers, so that stretch of the film is carried out under the above condition and, if necessary, under the condition that the solvent content is not more than 10%.

Abstract: A process for producing a foamed polymer comprises the steps of: mixing, in a dissolver, a mixture constituted by at least one isocyanate and a first unsaturated anhydride, which is charged to the dissolver in the liquid state and at a relatively high temperature; progressively cooling said mixture, with continued stirring, until a temperature not higher than 22.degree. C. is reached; adding to the mixture, with the latter being still kept with continuous stirring, a second unsaturated anhydride, at least one foaming agent, a vinylidene compound, poly(vinyl chloride) and a heat stabilizer; maintaining the mixture with continuous stirring, at said temperature, until a paste is obtained which is poured, after being preliminarily filtered, into a mould or container; curing said paste by charging the container to an oven at atmospheric pressure, and at a temperature not higher than 80.degree. C.; completing the curing of the paste-like mixture under pressure, by increasing temperature up to 180.degree. C.

Abstract: Thread--wound golf balls are prepared by winding a rubber thread around a frozen core to form a core ball, immediately thereafter microwave heating the core ball to thaw the core, and forming a cover over the core ball. Microwave heating causes the frozen core to be briefly thawed without heating the thread rubber layer and without moisture condensation on the core ball surface, reducing the time taken for the core thawing step and eliminating the need for a drying step.

Abstract: Compound concrete composition for the manufacture of moulds, comprising: (1) a binder which comprises an alkaline-earth mineral substance, a constituent made up of fine particles of a compound other than an oxide, 90% of which have a particle size of between 1 and 150 .mu.m with a median diameter of between 3 and 20 .mu.m, these fine particles comprising particles of a substance which has a thermal conductivity higher than approximately 30 W/mK, chosen from silicon carbides, silicon carbonitrides, silicon nitrides, boron carbides, titanium carbides and tungsten carbides and a constituent made up of ultrafine particles at least 70% of which have a particle size smaller than 1 .mu.m with a median diameter of between 0.3 and 0.8 .mu.m, (2) water optionally with the addition of a dispersant, and (3) fillers comprising metal granulates and metal fibres, wherein the water/binder ratio is lower than 0.20 and the concrete composition has a thermal conductivity at 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable plastics section, for example a window section, formed from a plastics extrudate and being provided thereon with an extruded layer, for example a sealing or damping device or a protective strip, is manufactured by extruding the section, calibrating it, and cooling it to ensure its dimensional stability, heating part of the surface of the section, to which the layer is to be applied, extruding the layer onto the heated part of the surface of the section so that the extruded layer is bonded thereto and using a take-up device to grip the finished section to remove it.

Abstract: Method of fabricating free-standing diamond films by depositing and adhering polycrystalline diamond by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (1-100 Torr, filament temperature equal to or greater than 1900.degree. C., substrate temperature of 650.degree.-950.degree. C.) onto a substrate meltable at a temperature slightly in excess of the deposition temperature; and (b) prior to cooling said polycrystalline diamond particles, increasing (50.degree.-300.degree. C.) the substrate temperature to melt at least a portion thereof while permitting such melt to emigrate from the diamond films.

Abstract: Amorphous fibers or fibrids of poly [4,4'-(2,2'-dicarboxy) biphenyleneterephthalamide] are strengthened and heat stabilized by a relaxed heat-treatment. The fiber or fibrids are heated at temperatures in the range of 310.degree. C. to 365.degree. C. and preferably at temperatures above 325.degree. C. but below decomposition temperatures. The heating is conducted for at least 2 minutes, preferably from 5 to 15 minutes. Increases in tenacity of at least 25%, preferably at least 50% or more are attained. The fiber or fibrids are treated while free of ternsion as they would be in a loose batt, woven or knitted fibric or paper.

Abstract: The color of a polymer, particularly polytetrahydrofuran, is improved by subjecting the polymer to microwave energy of such magnitude and frequency so as to cause a decrease in the APHA color number.

Abstract: A process for improving the strength of fibers from anisotropic-melt-forming polyesters involves polymerization of the polyester precursors in the presence of defined amounts of lithium chloride or acetate followed by melt-spinning the polyester into fiber and subjecting the fiber to a specified heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a crimped polyester yarn obtained from a polyester partially-oriented yarn comprising fabricating a partially-oriented polyester yarn by a high-speed process, cooling the partially-oriented polyester yarn, cold drawing the cooled yarn, and subjecting the cold drawn polyester yarn to a thermal treatment under tensionless conditions or under controlled overfeed conditions.

Abstract: The invention is a method of producing a polyester filament which has a superior combination of tensile, dyeability and shrinkage properties. The method comprises forming a polyester copolymer from a mixture consisting essentially of terephthalic acid (TA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), ethylene glycol, adipic acid, and pentaerythritol wherein the adipic acid is added in an amount of between 1.3 and 3.2 weight percent of the terephthalic acid and pentaerythritol is added in the amount from 175 to 700 ppm by weight of terephthatlic acid; forming the filament from the copolymer, drawing the copolymer filament, and heat-setting the drawn filament. The invention also comprises the enhanced fiber formed by the process having an atmospheric dyeability greater than that of an unenhanced PET produced under identical conditions except for the addition of the adipic acid and pentaerythritol, a modulus of greater than 3.0 g/denier, a tenacity from about 5 to 7 g/denier and a hot air shrinkage of less than 10%.

Abstract: A generally hydrophobic polyester article is provided with a generally hydrophilic surface by contacting said general hydrophobic polyester with a copolymeric material while said polyester is at a temperature above its melting point. The copolymeric composition comprises a generally hydrophobic moiety and a generally hydrophilic moiety. Also disclosed is a method for imparting the hydrophilic surface to a generally hydrophobic polyester which method comprises contacting a generally hydrophobic polyester with a copolymeric material while said generally hydrophobic polyester is at a temperature above its melting point. In one preferred embodiment the generally hydrophobic polyester is contacted with said copolymeric composition immediately after said polyester has been extruded and while said polyester is undergoing die swell.

Abstract: A process for providing a resilient mat having a plurality of adjacent interconnected liquid-filled compartments with walls made of an elastomeric material and which is stable over a long time period, wherein the mat is heated to a temperature above 50.degree. C. until the liquid in the compartments has a pressure below 50% of it's initial pressure.

Abstract: An acrylonitrile polymer film is disclosed which film comprising a polymer containing higher than 80% by weight of acrylonitrile units, having higher than 300,000 of weight average molecular weight, and having molar fraction Ne for the segment of polymerization initiator bonded to the terminal of the polymer satisfying the following equation:Mw.times.Ne.ltoreq.

Abstract: A liquid purification arrangement comprising a housing having an ambient inlet and lineally extending exhaust passage between the housing wall and a drain pan, the housing having a liquid inlet and outlet for a liquid system disposed within the housing which system includes a pump to move the liquid in the system, a blower, an orificed, looped liquid circuit and filtering arrangement, a moveable frame support, a disinfection/rejuvenation receptacle, an ultra-violet and distillation microbial reduction arrangement, a heating and cooling storage arrangement with a collapsible-expansible storage bag and switch arrangement therefor, and a check and alternating valve arrangement.

Abstract: A process for fast and uniform hydration of uncured concrete products includes supplying pressurized and superheated water to a manifold supporting a plurality of small diameter orifice nozzles housed inside a curing room which also houses the products during curing. The superheated water is ejected by the nozzles in very fine particulate form, creating a mist or suspension of water particles that surrounds the products and creates the desired high humidity, moderately high temperature environment for promoting hydration. The water preferably is softened before it is pressurized and supplied to the nozzles. Under favorable conditions, the hydration reaction supplies sufficient heat to maintain a desired temperature within the curing room. The water is heated before it is supplied to the nozzles after pressurization.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyester continuous filamentary material by (a) extruding the polyester material while molten to form filaments, (b) solidifying the molten filaments by cooling them to a temperature at or below their glass transition point, (c) drawing the solidified filaments within a hot drawing zone, (d) subjecting the drawn filaments to a finishing treatment, (e) advancing the finished filaments around first and second godet rollers and, while the filaments are disposed between the first and second godet rollers, subjecting the filaments to heat treatment by advancing the filaments through a heat treatment zone without contacting the filaments with a solid hot surface, the filaments being advanced through the heat treatment zone under a given tension T, and (f) winding the filaments at a speed of at least 4,500 m/min under a given tension t. the respective tensions T and t lie within the ranges0.5 t.ltoreq.T.ltoreq.0.5-0.5 t (I)0.05.ltoreq.t.ltoreq.0.

Abstract: A process for cooling a heated polymer film by applying to both surfaces of the heated film, a cooling liquid adapted for wetting contact with the film surfaces. The viscosity of the layers of liquid adhering to the film surfaces is significantly reduced to facilitate removal of such liquid layers. The viscosity can be reduced by significantly raising the temperature of the adhering liquid layers after the film has been sufficiently cooled or by changing the adhering liquid to a different liquid of lower viscosity. Preferably, the liquid layers are removed for the film surfaces by conveying the liquid carrying film upwardly to cause the liquid layers to each form into a generally triangular shape with the vertex extending upwardly and blowing air stream downwardly against each such vertex.

Abstract: A process for improving the properties of fibers of a copolymer of ethylene terephthalate/hexahydroterephthlate units with a high proportion of hexahydroterephthalate units by a 2-stage drawing, crimping, relaxing process to provide stretchy filaments of high elongation accompanied by low shrinkage.

Abstract: Polyimide which is obtained by polymerization and consists essentially of recurring structural units of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X is a single bond or a hexafluoroisopropylidene group, is processed to a form of pellet, followed by heat-treating to obtain crystallinity of 5% or more, and fed to an extruder to obtain articles.

Abstract: A bag assembly for storing fluids including first and second placket members sized and shaped to provide a portion of enclosing walls of at least two bag members having at least one fluid inlet and outlet passage and a communicating passage therebetween with a common seam along the surrounding edges.

Abstract: Zeolite particles retaining antibacterial metal ion, such as Ag, Cu or Zn ion, at ion-exchangeable sites of the zeolite are included in a low-melting component of conjugated fibers which comprise a low-melting component and a high-melting component. Upon heating, the low-melting component spreads to cause more zeolite particles to be exposed, which yields higher antibacterial activity in a fiber article produced from the conjugated fibers.