Abstract: This invention discloses a continuous production method of water-absorbing composite which comprises a complexation step for producing a particle-substrate composite by dropwisely supplying an aqueous solution of polymerizable monomers consisting mainly of an unsaturated carboxylic acid where 20% or more of the carboxyl groups in the unsaturated acid is neutralized, while allowing polymerization to proceed in the droplets, onto a fibrous substrate fed to the drop point to allow the incompletely polymerized polymer particles to adhere thereon, and by completing the polymerization thereafter; and a surface crosslinking step for reacting the composite with a crosslinking agent, having two or more functional groups capable of reacting with carboxyl group and/or carboxylate group, in the presence of 1 to 100 weight parts of water per 100 weight parts of polymer particles derived from the polymerizable monomer contained in the composite.

Abstract: A condensation reaction curable silsesquioxane resin composition and methods for its preparation and cure are disclosed. By modifying the silsesquioxane resin with a silyl-terminated hydrocarbon, such as a silphenylene, the resulting silsesquioxane resin has improved strength and toughness without significant loss of modulus.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a decorative surface element, which element comprises a base layer, a decor and a wear layer of a UV or electron beam curing lacquer. One or more structured surfaces, forming embossing surfaces of one or more rollers or moulds, are positioned on top of the decorative lacquered surface, possibly after having cured the lacquer to a desired viscosity, and are continuously or discontinuously pressed on to this. The lacquer will be provided with a surface structure which enhances the decorative effect of the decor. The wear layer is then completely cured.

Abstract: Membranes made from amphiphilic copolymers are disclosed. The amphiphilic copolymers can be ABA copolymers, where one of A and B is hydrophilic and the other is hydrophobic. The copolymers may be crosslinked to form more stable structures. Crosslinking can be accomplished using a variety of methods, including end to end polymerization of copolymers having terminal unsaturated groups. Molecules such as membrane proteins can be incorporated into the membrane to allow the transport there through of selected components.

Abstract: A method of producing reformed crosslinked polymer articles provides reformed crosslinked articles free of visible and objectionable folds, seams and interfaces on reformed surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a product is produced by a method including the steps of extruding a silane-grafted polyethylene tube, heating an end of the tube, reforming the end of the tube to produce a radially enlarged sealing surface thereon, cooling the reformed tube, and curing the reformed tube to produce an increase in the degree of crosslinking of the polyethylene material.

Abstract: An osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet comprising a coherent mass of bone-derived particles, the osteoimplant having a void volume not greater than about 32% and a method of making an osteogenic osteoimplant having not greater than about 32% void volume, the method comprising: providing a coherent mass of bone-derived particles; and, mechanically shaping the coherent mass of bone-derived particles to form an osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet.

Abstract: A process for cross-linking/expanding at least one cross-linkable, expandable blank, which is intended to form all or part of an elastomeric safety support for a tire in which:

Abstract: A silicone rubber is produced by curing a silicone rubber composition which includes (A) a curable organopolysiloxane composition and (B) at least one hollow organic resin filler whereby the filler forms cells in an open-cell state. The open-cell state gives the silicone rubber good cushioning property and a low compression set.

Abstract: A method for molding composite structural plastic components is disclosed wherein such components are cast from a polymerizable thermoset or thermoplastic composition in a conventional metalcasting mold. In the instant invention, a low viscosity thermoset or thermoplastic composition having reinforcing fibers distributed therein is poured into conventional metalcasting molds, obviating the need for high heats and pressures associated with injection or compression molding of composite materials as taught in the prior art. In the case of a thermoset resin, the object to be fabricated is fully cured by the action of a catalyst at relatively low exothermic resin temperatures. In the case of a thermoplastic resin, curing is generally achieved independently of high added heat and pressure. If using a thermoplastic such as nylon 6 in the present invention, a preferred method of use involves the addition and combination of fiber reinforcements while the nylon 6 resin is being manufactured.

Abstract: A bistable microvalve of shape memory material is operatively connected to a microcatheter. The bistable microvalve includes a tip that can be closed off until it is in the desired position. Once it is in position it can opened and closed. The system uses heat and pressure to open and close the microvalve. The shape memory material will change stiffness and shape when heated above a transition temperature. The shape memory material is adapted to move from a first shape to a second shape, either open or closed, where it can perform a desired function.

Abstract: Use of at least partly cross-linked polyolefin plastic, which is oriented biaxially, as material for pressure pipes, is described. The pressure pipe is produced by extrusion with subsequent axial and peripheral orientation of the pipe, the pipe being at least partly cross-linked before the biaxial orientation. Preferably, the pipe is cross-linked to about 20-50% before orientation. By the at least partial cross-linking before orientation, this can be carried out at temperatures above the crystalline melting point of the plastic material.

Abstract: To replenish a powder supply section (40) with a powder material, a powder-material reservoir (30) is mounted in a reservoir placement section (43) located on the upper side of the powder supply section (40). After the completion of a modeling operation on a modeling stage (62) in a modeling mechanism (60), the modeling stage (62) is lowered and a carrier mechanism (65) operates to carry a mesh tray (9) and a three-dimensional (3D) object (91) on the modeling stage (62) to a treatment chamber (72). In the treatment chamber (72), removal of unbound powder adhering to the 3D object (91) and post-processing are performed automatically. Such a configuration allows automatic fabrication of a 3D object of high binding strength without scattering the powder material therearound.

Abstract: A green tire is partially vulcanized as primary vulcanization by a tire vulcanizer. Then the primnarily vulcanized tire is entirely vulcanized as secondary vulcanization by a post-cure inflator. This enables to shorten the cycle time for tire vulcanization by simultaneously applying vulcanization by the tire vulcanizer and the post-cure inflator in parallel to improve the productivity.

Abstract: Use of silicone for the manufacturing of confectionery molds and baking receptacles in general. The silicone may be a heat-curable elastomer of the type intended for applications in contact with foodstuffs, advantageously methyl-vinyl-polysiloxane, and it may be obtained by a process of cross-linking with platinum.

Abstract: A polyimide for optical communications, which is expressed by the formula (1) where R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of CF3, CCl3, unsubstituted aromatic ring group and halogenerated aromatic ring group; R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, F, I, Br, CF3, CCl3, unsubstituted aromatic ring group and halogenated aromatic ring group; and n is an integer from 1 to 39. The polyimides have a superior heat resistance, and can avoid the increase in optical absorption loss due to a refractive index increase and deterioration of adhesive and coating properties due to weak surface tension of a polyimide film. In addition, use of the polyimides as a material for a core layer of optical waveguides can expand the selection range of material for the cladding layer of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A process which allows elastomeric materials of different colors, durometers and/or other material characteristics to chemically bond to one another so as to eliminate any possibility of delamination. Latex-based liquid elastomer solutions having different material characteristics are applied sequentially to a heated mold to form a series of layers making up the article, with rapid partial curing taking place between each application; the partial curing forms a skin coat over each layer which prevents intermixing of the different solutions, but which still permits a chemical bond to form during full curing of the materials. The process applies equally to dip (immersion) molded and flat molded goods. An example of the invention as it relates to flat-molded goods is an athletic shoe sole, and an example as it relates to dip-molded goods is a resilient, one piece watersports boot which can be fitted over a human foot without a zipper.

Abstract: Metal lumps or pebbles are produced by introducing a molten metal stream into a stream of water in a direction which is substantially the same as the direction of the water stream and at a velocity which is substantially the same or slightly less than the velocity of the water stream.

Abstract: A manufacturing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of (a) feeding a rubber composition (8) between a heat roller (3) and a belt (7) pressed against the heat roller (3) and pressurizing and crosslinking the rubber composition (8) by means of the heat roller (3) and the belt (7), thereby obtaining a crosslinked sheet material, and (b) cutting the crosslinked sheet material to obtain the rubber thread. A pressure to be applied to the rubber composition (8) at the crosslinking step is 0.03 MPa to 1 MPa. The rubber composition (8) fed at the crosslinking step is previously formed into a sheet by extrusion. Since a dry blend method is employed for the manufacturing method, a great workability can be obtained. The rubber thread obtained by the manufacturing method is easily stretched and is broken with difficulty during the stretch.

Abstract: A method of producing crosslinked reformed products provides such products which are, in one embodiment, produced by the monosil process and suitable for use in potable water applications. In a described embodiment, a method includes the steps of introducing a reduced level of silane in a feed throat of an extruder, extruding a product, reforming the extruded product, and then curing the reformed product for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method for fabricating adherent, patterned carbon nanotube films is provided. According to the invention, a substrate is patterned with a carbide-forming material, a carbon-dissolving material, or a low melting point metal. Carbon nanotubes are then deposited onto the patterned substrate, but have relatively poor adhesion to either the substrate material or the patterned material. The substrate is then annealed, typically in vacuum, at a temperature dependent on the particular patterning material, e.g., a temperature at which carbide formation occurs, at which carbon dissolution occurs, or at which the low melting point metal melts. The annealing thereby provides an adherent nanotube film over the patterned areas, while the nanotubes deposited onto the non-patterned areas are easily removed, e.g., by blowing, rubbing, brushing and/or ultrasonication in a solvent such as methanol.

Abstract: A hydrostatic compression method for producing a fancy log with a decorative and complicated external appearance from a primary wood. In the method, a primary wood having a water content adjusted in the range of 10-80 wt % is brought into a softened state, then the softened wood is compressed with hydrostatic pressure by means of liquid as pressurizing medium. Next, the compressed wood is treated with a fixation means to fix the compressed state. The fixation means can be a shaping jig, a mold, heating in a particular temperature range conducted while constraining the volume relation of compressed wood, cooling down below the softening point of the wood while under pressure, compact-packing together with hard particles into a vessel followed by heating, or a primary wood is chemically treated to form a localized wood-plastics composite before applying hydrostatic compression.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyimide film in which the imidation ratio and/or the amount of volatile constituent are controlled to improve the adhesive strength of the polyimide film. The method may also comprise controlling the highest temperature of heating the prefilm to improve the adhesive strength of the polyimide film.

Abstract: Methods for forming a lined brake shoe having a curved brake lining attached to a table of the lined brake shoe. The curved brake lining is manufactured by molding a flat sheet of brake lining material in a partially polymerized state. This flat sheet is allowed to cool prior to be positioned within a press having warmed dies. The warm dies of the press form the curved brake lining while holding the curved brake lining in its desired shape. The warm dies restart the polymerization process. When further polymerization has been completed the curved lining is removed from the press. One embodiment places the table of the lined brake shoe in the press. Then, by adding a bonding material, the completed lined brake shoe can be manufactured while the polymerization process continues in the press.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing electronic parts comprises the steps of: preparing a mother board; mounting element parts on the mother board; providing a thermosetting resin on a surface of the mother board surface on which the element parts are mounted; semi-curing the thermosetting resin so as to be in a range of a stage B condition of the thermosetting resin; splitting the mother board with the thermosetting resin into individual electronic parts each having a divided mother board, at least one element part and the thermosetting resin thereon; and heating the individual electronic parts so that the thermosetting resin in the stage B condition melts first and is then cured permanently.

Abstract: Prophylactic devices are made in an inert atmosphere by cooling mandrels on which the devices are to be deposited, dipping the mandrels into a polymeric material in a solvent/carrier and a mold release agent, rotating the mandrels during and after the dipping, and evaporating the solvent after dipping. The apparatus includes an air lock between a section in which these functions are performed and a section located in an air atmosphere for removing the devices from the mandrels, followed by cleaning the mandrels for use in a subsequent production run for making devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a three-dimensional body, the construction of which is realised in layers by a purposeful application of material. According to the invention, two different materials are applied to each layer. One is purposeful applied in line along the outer edge of the three-dimensional object in the corresponding section plane, the remaining surfaces being filled with the second material.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide an interior or exterior finishing material, which is made of a clayey material as a main ingredient and is superior in water resistance and refractoriness, without consuming a large amount of energy as required in the sintering method. In a manufacture method of an article similar to an unglazed ceramic plate according to the invention, a mixture of a clayey main ingredient, a resin liquid as an agent for developing strength earlier, and a disperse solution of aluminum silicate as a weight reducing agent are used as molding materials, and the mixture is molded, dried and then heated for hardening, thereby producing a light-weight molded article that is superior in water resistance and refractoriness and is free from a whitening phenomenon. The mixture may contain a pentaerythritol aqueous solution as an agent for improving fluidity in a mixing step.

Abstract: A method of fireproofing a component of thermoplastic material belonging to an installation for distributing a flammable liquid such as a fuel, the method consisting in coating the outside of the component in a compound based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is grafted so as to be cross-linked.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon portion for a balloon catheter for radially expanding a vessel in the body of a mammal, which catheter comprises a tube portion with a passage therethrough and a hollow expandable balloon portion defined by a fluid impervious wall and secured to the tube portion, which balloon portion can be inflated and deflated by means of a fluid passed through the passage, such that:a. the wall of the balloon portion is formed from a flexible substantially fluid impervious material having re-inforcing fibers formed integrally with the wall material; andb. the balloon portion is preformed to the desired radial diameter at its inflated state having smaller diameter end portions and a wider diameter portion intermediate the said ends and has a substantially uniform wall thickness.

Abstract: A method for producing composite, structural plastic prototype parts, having visual and structural characteristics equivalent to those of an actual part to be commercially produced using existing soft tools, including wax, plaster, plastic, spray-metal, and rubber molds ordinarily used for visualization model making, developed using the latest rapid prototyping techniques. Short length fibers reinforcing low viscosity thermoset resins, and in particular resole phenolics, provides a pourable low bulk density polymer compound with minimal externally applied thermal requirements during molding and post cure when required.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing and curing in-line a sheet of ethylene-propylene diene monomer to form an EPDM roofing membrane. The method includes the steps of forming a continuous sheet material of ethylene-propylene diene monomer and then continuously heating and pressing the sheet material to partially cure the sheet material and remove any voids within the sheet material. The partially cured sheet material is then continuously fed through a curing oven to fully cure the sheet material to form EPDM roofing membrane.

Abstract: A method for molding a rubber compound concurrently with vulcanizing thereof utilizing the technique of high or very high frequency dielectric heating. An apparatus for molding the rubber compound concurrently with vulcanizing thereof is composed of a high voltage power source, a vacuum tube where electric waves are generated, a pair of electrode plates, and a mold having, sulfur corrosion resistance. The power source, vacuum tube and electrodes plates are electrically interconnected. The mold is attached to the electrode plates and holds the rubber compound. The rubber compound is formed of a rubber material and other constituents to raise the value of dielectric loss factor of the rubber to more than 0.20. The waves generated are determined in the HF (high-frequency) or VHF (very high-frequency) band range for effectively carrying out dielectric heating.

Abstract: A process for preparing high strength carbon fiber from PAN-fiber wherein the time of the oxidation step is reduced from 30-90 minutes to about 8-15 minutes and product prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A method for filling a hole in a printed wiring board (PWB) and the resultant PWB. During an intermediate stage in fabrication, a PWB comprises a lamination of dielectric sheets with metalizations on various layers and a plated through hole (PTH). A photoimageable material is formed on a surface of the laminate and covers the PTH. The photoimageable material in a region covering the PTH is partially cured by exposure to light. The remainder of the photoimageable material is developed away. Then, the partially cured photoimageable material in the region of the PTH is pressed into the PTH to form a plug. By application of heat during or after the forcing step, the plug is further cured to a hard condition. For some applications, the plug is mechanically abraded to be flush with one or both surfaces of the laminate.

Abstract: Rigid substrates containing an adhesive composition on at least one surface are prepared by an injection molding operation. The degree of bonding between the adhesive layer and the substrate is greater than can be achieved using conventional methods for coating substrates with adhesive compositions.

Abstract: A mandrel of a high frequency heating type, comprising a conductive layer comprising a metal member having an aspect ratio of at least 100, in a proportion of at least 60% by volume, and a surface layer formed thereon which is made from an organic polymer, and a method for producing a rubber hose using the mandrel. Inasmuch as the inventive mandrel enables heating the curable rubber extruded on the mandrel, from the inner surface side thereof, the curing time of the rubber can be drastically reduced. Moreover, since the surface layer of the mandrel is composed of an organic polymer, the mandrel can be easily pulled out from the cured rubber layer. The production method of the present invention is free of the difficulty in heating the inside of the rubber layer. The concurrent application of external heating has accomplished continuous production of rubber hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a composite article in a resin transfer molding system. The process includes the steps of providing a fiber preform in a mold, injecting a matrix resin into the mold, allowing the matrix resin to impregnate the fiber preform, and heating the resin impregnated preform to at least about 200.degree. F. for sufficient time to produce at least a partially cured solid article. The matrix resin comprises 1) a liquid epoxy resin component selected from the group of a phenolic novolac epoxy resin,, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin and mixtures thereof; 2) an epoxy diluent; and 3) at least one latent curing agent that cures only when subjected a temperature of at least about 200.degree. F. The partially cured solid article may be subjected to post-curing operations to produce a final composite article. The present invention also relates to a process for forming a composite article in a vacuum assisted resin transfer mold system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite insulator which includes an FRP core rod covered by a sheath and provided with a plurality of sheds which are made of an electrically insulating polymeric material. The sheds are set on a support member arranged on a downstream side of an extruder. The extruder is fed with a core rod and extrudes a polymeric material to form a sheath on the core rod. The core rod with the sheath is moved toward the downstream side through an opening in the support member. The sheds are sequentially moved along the support member toward the downstream side and transferred onto predetermined locations on the sheath that have passed through the opening and have reached the downstream side. An assembly is thus formed which includes the core rod, sheath formed on the core rod, and sheds transferred onto the sheath. The assembly is then heated to vulcanize the sheath and adhere it to the core rod and the sheds.

Abstract: A crosslinkable polylactone-based composition comprising formulating 100 parts by weight of a polylactone (A) whose number average molecular weight is in the range of 10,000 to 300,000 and 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a crosslinkable monomer (B) which can confine the molecular chain of the polylactone (A) by irradiating active energy radiation or by heating, a production method of a polylactone-based crosslinked molded article prepared by irradiating active energy radiation or by heating after melting and molding the above-mentioned crosslinkable polylactone-based composition at the temperature where crosslinking does not occur, and a polylactone-based crosslinked molded article obtained by the above method are offered. A cured polylactone-based molded article having similar properties is also obtained from the curable polylactone-based composition composed of a polylactone or polylactone composition (X) comprising a prescribed polylactone (C) and polyvalent alcohol (D), and a prescribed curing agent (Y).

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fluorescence based sensor for measuring the concentration of a gas (e.g., CO.sub.2 or ammonia) in a medium such as blood which has improved drift stability. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors of the present invention comprise microcompartments of an aqueous phase having a pH sensitive sensing component within a hydrophobic barrier phase. The sensors of the present invention are substantially free of partitioning species other than the analyte of interest which can migrate from one phase to the other in response to a change in pH in the aqueous phase and which substantially affect the concentration dependent signal. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors of the present invention are constructed so as to retard the migration of partitioning species, thus reducing the initial rate of drift.

Abstract: A process that involves the in-line polymerization of olefinic monomer(s) and catalyst systems comprising a transition metal species that mediates the polymerization of the monomer(s) is disclosed. This process provides the immediate use of the resultant polymer without extensive further processing.

Abstract: An electrically conductive rubber roller for electrophotography which does not exhibit touch memory or bleed out of remnant siloxanes, even after 18 days of storage without use, and, in a preferred form, exhibits little change in electric resistance with changes in environment. This roller is made by making a rubber molding material composition containing a raw polysiloxane rubber which does not contain more than 5,000 ppm of low molecular weight polysiloxanes, cyclic siloxanes and non-functional silicone oils (remnant siloxanes); molding this composition into a roller; at least primarily crosslinking the rubber in the roller; and then subjecting the crosslinked rubber roller to heating under a vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a roller bearing comprising a cage made from a thermoplastic polymer-containing material. By cross-linking the polymeric material its properties, such as form retention and compatibility with lubricants, are improved. A roller bearing provided with a cage made from suitably cross-linked thermoplastic polymer-containing material can be used even at temperatures above the melting point of the polymer. According to the invention a roller bearing is manufactured by forming a cage from thermoplastic polymer-containing material, providing it with rotating bodies and only then cross-linking the material. This avoids damage to an otherwise already rigid cage during the insertion of the rotating bodies.

Abstract: A process is described for making a gypsum board having improved water resistance. The resulting gypsum board products are also described. The process comprises adding an aqueous siloxane emulsion to an aqueous slurry of a calcium sulfate material and host particles, where the siloxane emulsion is stable under the condition in which the slurry is maintained. The process further includes passing said siloxane containing slurry onto a flat porous forming surface to form a filter cake; removing a substantial portion of the water from the filter cake through the porous surface; pressing the filter cake to form a board and remove additional water; and drying the board to remove the remaining free water and to cause the core of the board to reach a temperature sufficient to cure the siloxane.

Abstract: A method of casting-masking-molding a thermoplastic resin product, includes the steps of placing a molding sheet 1 on an upper surface of a heated table plate 4, the molding sheet including a molding die 2, and a mask 3 including a plurality of mask constituting pieces 3a, 3b, 3c, ...

Abstract: A plastic mold is produced by first repeating the process of forming a layer of a photocurable resin composition of a specified kind and exposing it to actinic radiation to at least partially photocure it to produce a photocured layered structure having a glass transition temperature of 70.degree.-120.degree. C. This structure is then subjected to a post-cure process at a temperature high than the glass transition temperature by 30.degree.-100.degree. C. Plastic molds made by this method have superior heat distortion temperature and tensile elastic modulus.

Abstract: A process for preparing high strength carbon fiber from PAN-fiber wherein the time of the oxidation step is reduced from 30-90 minutes to about 8-15 minutes and product prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for in-situ green sheet slitting. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus and method that uses a modified green sheet slitting machine so that it can provide an in-situ slitting of green sheets that result in a plurality of separate green sheets rolls or strips.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sealing ring. A support ring is provided, and at least one pasty, magnetizable material is applied onto a side of said support ring. The material is then hardened. First and second elastomeric sealing elements are vulcanized to the support ring, such that the ring is covered by the elastomeric material of said first sealing element. The magnetizable material is then magnetized. The magnetizable material may be a paste with at least two homogeneously distributed magnetic materials. At least two magnetic materials may be applied in succession onto said support ring; in that method, the second magnetic material is not applied until after a step of hardening the first magnetic material. After said step of hardening, the support ring may be deformed and punched out.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stereolithographically produced prototype for experimental stress analysis. The method includes creating a 3-D solid model prototype through a stereolithographic process. The prototype is cleaned in an alcohol bath and cured by exposing the prototype to a bath of ultraviolet light. Further, curing of the prototype is accomplished by placing the prototype in a thermal oven at an elevated temperature for a period of time. Upon removal and after cooling of the prototype, the prototype can be tested using several different experimental stress analysis procedures.