Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glass panel and gasket assembly includes providing a glass panel and a mold defining a correspondingly shaped mold cavity to create a gasket for disposition about the periphery of the glass panel, filling the mold with a gasket material, allowing the gasket material to partially cure, removing the gasket from the mold and installing the gasket on the glass panel, allowing the gasket to continue to cool, shrink and cross-link so that the gasket is in tension and therefore intimately and tightly retained about the periphery of the glass. Metal shaping and reinforcing strips may also be molded into the gasket.

Abstract: A curable composition which contains a siloxane polymer, filler and a curing agent which is capable of effecting the cure when heated, wherein the curing agent comprises a 1,1 di(tertiary butylperoxy) 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane in combination with peroxide selected from the group consisting of dicumyl peroxide and 2,5-di(tertiary butylperoxy) hexane. Also disclosed is a method of providing a molding using said curable composition.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.

Abstract: Hoses are often reinforced with fabric to improve their performance characteristics, such as burst strength. For instance, radiator hose used in automotive applications is generally reinforced with continuous yarn. However, it is a labor-intensive process to manufacture such hoses which include fiber reinforcements. A substantial amount of material waste also generally occurs in the manufacture of such fiber-reinforced hose. By utilizing the technique of this invention, hose which has a high level of burst strength can be manufactured without including continuous yarn reinforcement.

Abstract: The invented methods provide a means for reducing or eliminating manual astments that are required during the fabrication (winding) of fiber optic dispensers. This reduction is accomplished through the use of a fiber placement pattern that is permanently generated on the bobbin winding surface. Filaments, such as optical fibers, are precisely guided during the winding of subsequent filament layers by the embedded crossover pattern baselayer. The embedded crossover pattern baselayer is generated by first winding in a given direction a wire of a pre-selected diameter upon the polymer coating on the bobbin surface. The polymer is allowed to cure partially before the wire is unwound and removed. Afterwards a pre-selected optical fiber is wound in the direction opposite that of the wire winding direction thereby creating crossover patterns which are, then, manually adjusted to be in desired locations on the bobbin axis.

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 method includes 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: A catheter and method for manufacturing catheters. The method includes the steps of manufacturing a tubular member sized and dimension for use as a catheter and irradiating the tubular member to impart a desired stiffness to the tubular member. A single coat catheter is constructed from a polymer tubular member irradiated to cross-link polymer molecules within the polymer tubular member, wherein cross-linking the polymer molecules alters properties of the polymer molecules to create a polymer tubular member having improved stiffness characteristics.

Abstract: A composite web structure utilizing a thin first layer of material having a plurality of structural fibers arranged to lie essentially in a unidirectional orientation. A thin second layer of material is positioned adjacent the first layer and includes a plurality of structural fibers. First and second layers are impregnated with a matrix material for binding fibers within the first and second layers and for binding the first and second layers together. The web may be formed into a composite structure such as a honeycomb core for fabrication into a panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a co-molding process for producing co-molded, chemical bonded, canned refractory articles which eliminates the costly and problematic firing or sintering steps and which eliminates the time consuming separate canning and sizing of the refractory articles as required by conventional methods. The co-molding process of the present invention comprises the steps of:(a) mixing a refractory aggregate with a chemical binder to form a pressable refractory composition;(b) placing a metal can into a press cavity die;(c) charging said refractory composition into said metal can and press cavity die;(d) subjecting said refractory composition to high pressures while in said press cavity die to shape and size said refractory article; and(e) drying said refractory article at temperatures sufficient to cure said chemical binder.

Abstract: A process for the co-extrusion of an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer, each layer including a thermoplastic resin, around a conductive medium in three extruders, one extruder for each layer, connected by a triple crosshead, each of said extruders having an extrusion zone comprising a die plate and, downstream of the die plate, a die, and, downstream of the extrusion zone, a common crosslinking zone, comprising passing the thermoplastic resins through the extrusion zones, under extrusion conditions including an extrusion temperature in the range of at least 150 degrees C. to below the decomposition temperature of the organic peroxide referred to hereinafter, and passing the extrudate into the crosslinking zone, under crosslinking conditions, the improvement comprising introducing an organic peroxide having a half life of one minute at a temperature of about 150 to about 200 degrees C.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling porous materials whereby first gases are passed through a porous material, such as polyurethane foam, in a first zone at a predetermined flow rate to cool the porous material and to remove volatiles therefrom in a first gas mixture which exits the porous material at a predetermined temperature. The first gas mixture is combined with second gases having a temperature which is lower than that of the first gas mixture to form a second gas mixture having a temperature which is sufficiently low to condense or sublime one or more of the volatiles. Thereafter, the second gas mixture is passed through the porous material to filter the condensed or sublimed volatiles thereon and to further cool the porous material. The flow rate of the heated gases is controlled to provide a controlled uniform cooling of the porous material, and additional filters may be utilized to remove particulate matter from either of the heated gases or the cold gases, or both.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of making simple or complex extruded gel profiles and the created article. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method involves the extrusion of a silicone gel composition through a die into a heated fluid to complete the cure of the gel as well as to produce the desired gel profile shape. Shapes such as stars, trapezoids, cusped squares, cusped triangle, triangles and the like can be fabricated according to the method.

Abstract: A lightweight thermally responsive mold for use with a resin transfer molding process is provided. The mold includes first and second support frames including a plurality of upstanding intersecting support ribs. First and second substrates are supported by the first and second support frames, respectively, for carrying heating tubes therein. First and second hard shells are supported by the first and second substrates, respectively. The shells cooperate to form a mold cavity therebetween. Each shell is less than approximately 10 mm thick in order to provide a low thermal mass and high thermal responsiveness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making medical devices, especially stents, catheters, cannulas, plugs and constrictors, by treatment of ionically crosslinkable polymer compositions with crosslinking ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a composite tubular article consisting of a vulcanized elastomer containing carboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid anhydride functional groups, which is used in combination with a thermoplastic elastomer containing polyamide blocks. The composite tubular article is prepared such that it consists of an inner layer of thermoplastic elastomer containing polyamide blocks sheathed by extrusion at an appropriate temperature with an elastomeric composition comprising a synthetic or natural elastomer containing carboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid anhydride functional groups, a crosslinking system and optionally various adjuvants and fillers. Optionally, an innermost layer consisting of a thermoplastic with good liquid-barrier properties is present. The composite tubular article obtained is vulcanized, preferably at a temperature of between -5.degree. C. and +30.degree. C. in relation to the Vicat point of the said thermoplastic elastomer containing polyamide blocks.

Abstract: A method of forming a disk brake pad having a friction member composed of a bonding layer having a low porosity and a matrix layer having a high porosity and laminated on the bonding layer. The method does not require a pre-forming step. A material formed by pelletizing a mixture of components for the friction member and a non-pelletized material are fed one after the other into a cavity defined by a mold and a back plate. Also, since the pelletized material is compacted beforehand, the bonding layer formed from the pelletized material exhibits a sufficiently low porosity, so that the bonding layer can prevent moisture from infiltrating therethrough. Thus, the back plate is less likely to develop rust. Also, the bonding strength between the back plate and the bonding layer is improved. Further, since pelletized material forming the bonding layer penetrates into the matrix layer in a complicated manner, the bond strength between the bonding layer and the matrix is also improved.

Abstract: A fusing member and a method for preparing such a fusing member are disclosed. The method has the steps of conversion coating a support member; applying a base cushion of thermally insulating silicone elastomer over the conversion coating; vulcanizing the base cushion; and baking the support member and the base cushion for at least 30 minutes at a temperature in excess of the temperature necessary to vulcanize the base cushion in less than 10 minutes.

Abstract: A mold process for producing a finished solid surfaced countertop in which a mold of the product to be produced is placed in a substantially horizontal manner. A series of barriers are constructed atop a flat polished surface of the mold and creates a negative shape of the countertop product to be produced. A release wax surface is applied over the exposed edges of the mold and is followed by the spraying a predetermined layer of a high-quality resin surface coating. The coating is allowed to gel to a point at which a plasticized substrate material is poured into the mold and over the resin surface coating. A catalyst is added to the substrate material prior to pouring and elevates the temperature of the substrate and the surface coating during the hardening and curing process. The surface coating bonds to the substrate and cures without the development of pinholes or other imperfections in the surface coating.

Abstract: Liquid radiation-curable formulation, in particular for stereolithography, based on at least one compound that contains radically polymerizable groups, and at least one photoinitiator suitable for the polymerization, which formulation additionally contains a polyoxyalkylene-polysiloxane block copolymer that is selected from copolymers of the chemical formulae ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl group;R.sup.2 is a methyl or phenyl group;[T] is a polysiloxane group [PS] terminated as described in the specification in more detail;[PS] is the group of formula ##STR2## and [Alk] is an alkylene group of 3 to 10 carbon atoms, as well as novel block copolymers of formulae (I) and (II). The cured formulations have, inter alia, superior impact strength.

Abstract: A post mold curing apparatus for use in association with a molding line system for providing plastic encapsulated semiconductor chips mounted on leadframes is disclosed which includes a leadframe carrier having a rotary, substantially cylindrical shaped assembly for containing and moving a plurality of semiconductor chips and their associated leadframe strips into both an elevated temperature post mold curing region and into a lower temperature cool-down region. Each of the leadframe strips with their associated semiconductor chips are sequentially inserted into cavity regions located in the cylindrical assembly to assist in moving each of the plurality of leadframe strips through the elevated temperature post mold curing region, and subsequently, each of the leadframe strips with their associated semiconductor chips are removed from the cavity regions after passing through the lower temperature cool-down region.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: Novel one and two-part silicone dispersions are described which are suitable for applying a durable textured silicone surface on both silicone and non-silicone gloves. The non-blocking surface is obtained by dip-coating a final layer of dispersion over an article wherein the dispersion used for the final layer comprises a unique hydrophilic silica filler having a specific surface area of about 75-200 M.sup.2 per gram, at least one crosslinkable polysiloxane and a crosslinking agent. The silica particles, securely imbedded within the final layer of silicone with portions thereof extending outwardly beyond the new outer silicone surface of the gloves, present a non-blocking, non-allergenic textured surface.

Abstract: A method utilizing melt processing for making a unified, composite tape structure that includes two outer pressure-sensitive adhesive layers and a backing wherein at least one of the two outer adhesive layers is not mutually coextensive.

Abstract: A water-absorbent water-insoluble fibre or film is produced by extruding an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer into a gaseous medium to form fibre or film. The extruded fibre or film is collected at a moisture content of 8 to 25% based on the dry weight of the fibre or film and is further dried at a temperature no greater than 100.degree. C. before crosslinking the fibre or film at a temperature in the range 125.degree. to 250.degree. C. to a degree sufficient that the crosslinked fibre or film is water-insoluble. The fibre or film entering the crosslinking step has a moisture content which is reduced, preferably by at least 5%, and which is in the range 0 to 10%. Heat-crosslinked fibre is preferably treated with moist air after crosslinking to raise the moisture content of the fibre to at least 10%, particularly if the fibre is for textile processing. Water-absorbent water-insoluble coatings can be produced by a similar process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid rubber adaptor for converting an existing sheet metal highway barrier. The method includes the steps of: mixing and knead melting a mixture of: 80 to 90 percent by weight particles of recycled waste rubber; 10 to 20 percent by weight virgin rubber; and an accelerator composition; forming the mixture to a selected adaptor configuration thus defining an adaptor; curing the mixture within a chamber at a temperature of 350.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for a period of time from 3 to 5 hours; and removing the cured barrier from the chamber.

Abstract: A technique for extrusion of plastic including a first step of extruding which includes extruding at least one layer of a thermally cross-linkable material in an extrusion apparatus (20) having at least one die wall (22); a second step of extruding, performed simultaneously with the first step of extruding, and which includes extruding at least one layer of thermoplastic material in the extrusion apparatus between the thermally cross-linkable material and the at least one die wall (22) and heating the thermally-cross-linkable material, thereby to provide at least a predetermined minimum rate of cross-linking thereof during the steps of extrusion of the plastic.

Abstract: The invention is a composition of matter used in the making of raised characters for use in signs, and a method of manufacturing raised characters made from the composition. The matter is a polymerizable composition comprising a silicone rubber compound, and about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a silica filler based on the weight of the polymerizable composition. Moreover, the composition of matter is a curable composition comprising a vinyl resin selected from a vinyl plastisol or vinyl organosol, and about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a silica filler based on the weight of curable composition. The invention also includes a method of manufacturing raised characters for use in signs comprising machining the characters from a partially cured polymerizable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel apparatus and a novel method for manufacturing an endless rubber track for large vehicles such as tractors or earth-moving machines. A plurality of sprocket-engaging core bar inserts are disposed in the inner portion or inner diameter of the endless rubber track to engage the power drive mechanism of the vehicle. Rubber tread is disposed on the outer portion or external diameter of the rubber track. Although the rubber track is made in segments, it is completely vulcanized, and does not have discontinuous, unvulcanized regions between vulcanized segments. Rubber track is formed using at least two different mold assemblies. In the first mold assembly, the interior and exterior portions of the rubber track are molded onto a green belt to form a first segment, and a central portion of the segment is vulcanized.

Abstract: An extrusion molded article is extrusion molded through an extrusion opening of a die. Then, in a vulcanizing bath, the cross-sectional configuration of the extrusion molded article is modified by utilizing shaping means during the process from the start of vulcanization of the extrusion molded article to a semi-vulcanization thereof, and subsequently, vulcanization of the extrusion molded article is completed. In this way, a long elastic member having required elasticity and having a cross-sectional configuration changed to a required one can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: An illuminated plastic lighting of alphanumeric symbols, such as letters, numbers or words, in soft feel buttons is provided, wherein a translucent rigid base portion is covered with a soft opaque plastic. The opaque plastic has the same thickness as a raised protrusion bearing the desired alphanumeric symbol. The opaque plastic coating is applied in a fluid condition to the top level of the alphanumeric symbol, for revealing the alphanumeric symbol through a recess in the opaque elastomeric coating material. A light source is placed at the bottom of the translucent base portion. The soft feel button is specially useful for making lighted buttons and more particularly, for soft feel buttons for automobile dashboards and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible tubular conduit with a jacket or tube made of crosslinked polyethylene, specially crosslinked polyethylene, and a method for manufacturing the conduit. A jacket or tube is made from polyethylene crosslinked by hydrolysis.

Abstract: The invention is a composition of matter used in the making of raised characters for use in signs, and a method of manufacturing raised characters made from the composition. The matter is a polymerizable composition comprising a silicone rubber compound, and about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a silica filler based on the weight of the polymerizable composition. Moreover, the composition of matter is a curable composition comprising a vinyl resin selected from a vinyl plastisol or vinyl organosol, and about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a silica filler based on the weight of curable composition. The composition of matter may be a silicone rubber compound. The invention also includes a method of manufacturing raised characters for use in signs comprising machining the characters from a partially cured polymerizable material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is fabricated from a light curable liquid resin by repeating the following process to superimpose a plurality of cured resin layers. The process utilizes a vessel containing a volume of the liquid resin and a vertically movable platform. In the process, the platform is immersed in the liquid resin in the vessel to dispose an overlay surface of an immediately previously cured layer sufficiently below the liquid level of the liquid resin. The platform is then raised such that the overlay surface is slightly higher than the liquid level of the liquid resin in the vessel, while keeping the liquid resin on the overlay surface connected with the surrounding liquid resin in the vessel by the effect of surface tension acting on the liquid resin. An excess amount of the liquid resin on the overlay surface is removed to form a liquid resin layer having a desired thickness.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material, mainly to be used for splints and supports in orthopaedical, surgical and veterinary practice, is proposed for the fixation of body parts, the material including a copolymer of .epsilon.-caprolactone, polyurethane, and ethylene-butylene-styrene mixed with triallylcyanurate and oleic acid-imide, the copolymer mixture being gamma irradiated after processing, such that a degree of cross-linking of the molecules and a partially crystalline configuration results in a molded material with reproducible flexibility, elasticity and reciprocal stretch properties.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a novel liquid cast urethane rubber object that exhibits dimensional stability when subjected to temperature fluctuations including the steps of casting a liquid urethane polymer with curing agent in a heated mold and then subjecting the cast polyurethane part to compression in a second mold while heating (typically above 170.degree. F. and preferably 212.degree. F.) followed by cooling (typically below 40.degree. F. and preferably 32.degree. F.), thus inducing a low temperature set in the final cured product. Such a method is useful to mold a polyurethane object (e.g., a wear ring for marine jet pumps and the like) to exacting tolerances without machining.

Abstract: A fusing member and a method for preparing such a fusing member are disclosed. The method has the steps of conversion coating a support member; applying a base cushion of thermally insulating silicone elastomer over the conversion coating; vulcanizing the base cushion; and baking the support member and the base cushion at a temperature in excess of the temperature necessary to vulcanize the base cushion in less than 5 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-rusting unitary co-extruded article, which may be used for a variety of purposes, including a seal. The co-extruded article includes at least two dissimilar discrete parts such as a rubber component, referred to herein as the "rubber extrudate," and a thermoplastic component, referred to herein as the "plastic extrudate." A particular advantage of the invention is that the rubber extrudate and thermoplastic extrudate are cohesively joined at their interface. By cohesively joined, it is meant that the two extrudates stick together tightly without the necessity of a separate adhesive. Where hardness is desired of the thermoplastic extrudate, ethylene vinyl acetate is generally preferred. Where a seal is desired, the rubber extrudate includes ethylene propylene diene rubber, which provides a suitable seal. The invention also relates to a method for making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in connection with a process for insulating or sheathing conductors or the like, wherein plastic material is extruded into at least one layer on the surface of the conductor (1), and the conductor coated with the plastic material (2, 3, 4) is cooled in a predetermined manner. To avoid problems caused by the shrinking of the plastic material, after the cooling of the conductor (1) and the plastic material in vicinity to it to a predetermined level in the insulating or sheathing process, the surface layer of the plastic material and the plastic material portions in vicinity to it are reheated to a predetermined temperature in a pressurized space filled with a medium.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing SiC-based ceramic precursors by curing a polycarbosilane shaped body while it is in contact with vapor of at least one hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydrocarbons and unsaturated hydrocarbons of ethylene series and acetylene series. This process can cure polycarbosilane shaped bodies without introducing oxygen thereinto and requires no special apparatuses. The obtained precursor is suited for synthesizing SiC-based ceramics efficiently without deteriorating characteristics thereof, particularly excellent in high-temperature strength.

Abstract: A pultrusion processing method for long fiber-reinforced nylon which combines the nylon anionic ring-opening polymerization technology and the pultrusion processing method to manufacture long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic nylon composites. The method comprises the steps of forming an active caprolactam sodium salt catalyst composition by reacting melt nylon 6 monomer raw material, i.e., caprolactum, with sodium hydride, forming co-catalyst composition by melting caprolactam and a polymeric co-catalyst, then mixing the active caprolactum sodium salt catalyst composition and the co-catalyst composition in a continuous mixing device to obtain a reaction mixture with low viscosity. The mixture is then charged into a closed impregnating tank to impregnate preheated and dried reinforced fiber, which is immediately pulled into a hot mold for composite molding processing to form a finished product of long fiber-reinforced nylon composites.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method and apparatus for casting stress-free thermosetting resin materials. A process for forming a thermosetting product which comprises: (a) pouring a thermosetting polymer, with initiator, and catalyst, into a cavity of a mold which has a polymer coating or film on the interior surface thereof; (b) permitting the polymer to cure to a point where the cured material is reasonably dimensionally stable; (c) removing the partially cured polymeric material from the mold and placing the material in an oven; and (d) fully curing the polymeric material in the oven.

Abstract: In a method for molding a sheet which includes thermosetting resin materials reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber, the sheet includes a covering film always existing in a side which is not in contact with a mold face and, when the sheet and covering film are shaped along a mold face and the sheet is thermally cured, apparatus for dealing with an accidental breakage of the covering film is arranged on the side of the sheet which is covered by said covering film.

Abstract: A process for forming a cured article of consistent shape from a hydrolyzable siloxane composition without the problem of non-uniformity that results from significant die swell upon extrusion and from shrinkage upon curing. The present process comprises extruding a non-self-supporting composition maintained at a temperature greater than 5.degree. C. The composition comprises a polydiorganosiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrolyzable groups per molecule, a hydrolyzable silicon crosslinker, a filler, and optionally a curing catalyst. The composition is extruded at a constant rate through a shaping die to form a shaped extrusion having a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform throughout the length of the shaped extrusion. The shaped extrusion is fed in a continuous flow into an aqueous curing bath which is maintained at a temperature of at least 20.degree. C. and which has a density substantially the same as or slightly greater than the density of the shaped extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of producing a reinforced extrusion product, the product of the method, and the apparatus for making a reinforced extrusion product. The method of producing an extruded composite of the present invention, comprises the general steps of: (a) extruding a longitudinally oriented composite precursor comprising: (1) at least one thermoplastic polymeric material and (2) a core mixture of at least one thermosetting resin and at least one filler material; whereby the thermoplastic polymeric material(s) is/are extruded so as to substantially enclose a space, and whereby the core mixture is disposed in the space; and (b) maintaining the composite precursor under conditions whereby the thermoplastic polymeric material(s) become(s) cooled and the thermosetting resin(s) become(s) cured so as to form the extruded composite of the present invention. The present invention also includes an extruded composite made in accordance with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An improved liquid matrix system for producing fibre-reinforced plastic components is disclosed. The system comprises (i) a liquid diglycidyl ether of a halogenated bisphenol or a mixture of liquid polyglycidyl ether bisphenols at least one of which being a polyglycidyl ether halogenated bisphenol; and (ii) a curing agent that is a sterically hindered aromatic diamine containing two primary amino groups attached to the carbon atoms in the aromatic nucleus, said carbon atoms not adjacent to each other, and at least one C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl or thioalkyl substituent; the improvement comprising adding to said system a curing accelerator composition containing a mixture of a boron halide and an imidazole unsubstituted or substituted with at least one C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl or C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl.

Abstract: A continuous process for extrusion of thermoplastic resin of sheets, films, etc., is characterized by introducing devolatilized polymer melt into at least two branch streams, at least one of which is fed to an extrusion device and at least one of the remaining stream is connected to a pressure-adjusting device so as to obtain high quality extrusion products.

Abstract: A sail batten formed of a fiber reinforced composite material extended longitudinally and varying in transverse cross sectional from an ellipse at one end to a flattened ellipse at the other end. A two step processing for fabrications the batten commences with fabrication of a tube of substantially constant cross section in the thermoplastic condition as a first step. The second step processing heats the tube to a malleable condition and squishes one end of the tube to form a tapered structure with one cross sectional dimension decreased to reduce stiffness in that dimension.

Abstract: A trimodal method of curing dental composite restorative materials involves the use of visible light illumination for the initial curing of the composite resin and a combination of dry heat and vacuum for the complete cure of the composite restorative materials. More specifically, the method for preparing dental restorative materials includes the steps of forming a dental restoration from a composite resin of a type conventionally employed in the dental profession, in which the composite resin includes a photosensitizing system for initiating polymerization of the composite resin upon exposure to visible light, an initiator for initiating polymerization upon application of heat and at least one filler; exposing the thus prepared restoration to a source of visible light to at least partially cure said composite resin and then subjecting the thus prepared restoration to a combination of heat and vacuum to complete polymerization of said complete resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector housing and a method of manufacturing the waterproof connector housing. The waterproof connector housing according to the present invention includes: an engagement frame for receiving a mating connector at a front portion thereof; a ring-like primer layer formed on a wall of at least an engagement face of the engagement frame; and addition-reaction fluid silicone rubber formed on the ring-like primer layer, wherein the addition-reaction fluid silicone rubber is combined with the primer layer by vulcanizing the fluid silicone rubber such that a ring-like packing is integrally formed with the connector housing.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an aromatic polyimide film includes the steps of casting a polyamide acid solution containing an imidization agent on a support in the form of a film, heating the filmy cast solution on the support at a temperature of 80.degree. to 200.degree. C. to obtain a self-supportable film; peeling the self-supportable film from the support; and further heating the film at a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. The polyamide acid solution includes a polyamide acid obtained by polymerization reaction of 3,4,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride and p-phenylenediamine in a mixture of a polar organic solvent and a small amount of an imidization agent selected from imidazole, a substituted imidazole, benzimidazole, a substituted benzimidazole, isoquinoline, and a substituted pyridine.