Abstract: Blanks serving for the production of insulating material and folding packs have to be provided with folding and bending lines. These folding and bending lines in the plastic foam must not break when the blank is folded. This is achieved according to the invention by embossing the folding and bending lines for forming the blank into the "fresh" web of material which for the most part still contains expanding agent. The folding and bending lines formed in this way have surprisingly proved to form durable hinge lines in the plastic foam material and make it possible to fold up the blank for forming a folding carton without it breaking or cracking.

Abstract: An assembly and method for processing extrudate material containing curves or angles into a predetermined overall configuration, including having a die assembly for an extruder which assembly controls the cross-sectional shape or profile of the extrudate and selectively varies the path of the extrudate as it leaves the die assembly. A support member is provided which has a predetermined overall configuration and profile to receive the extrudate and maintain its configuration. A driving apparatus is also provided for continuously driving either the support member or the die assembly relative to the other while the extrudate is being received in the support member, and until the entire predetermined overall configuration has been completed. The path of the extrudate is variably directed by the die assembly as it leaves the extruder in coordination with the relative speeds involved to conform the extrudate configuration to the predetermined overall configuration of the support member.

Abstract: A rigid end socket for flexible tubing is made by folding an axial length portion of a flexible resilient elastomeric tubing around a rigid metal collar having a substantial axial length. The collar is thus embedded in the end of the tubing to provide a rigid end socket that is capable of receiving an end plug or a coupling device. The end plug or coupling device may be tightly seated in the socket by inserting it therein and by using axial pressure to radially expand the body portion within the collar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and/or decurling a strip of photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a plurality of rollers and a drum. A belt is wrapped about the plurality of rollers and are positioned such that the belt forms a receiving pocket for holding and retaining the drum and for rotating the drum about its axis. At least one of the plurality of rollers being connected to a drive mechanism so as to move the belt about the rollers so as to cause the drum to rotate about its axis of rotation. The belt is in direct contact with the outer surface of the drum for a predetermined distance about the circumference of the drum forming a first film path. The first film path has an entrance for receiving film and an exit for allowing film to leave the film path. A heater may be provided which is associated with the heating drum for heating the drum to a predetermined temperature.

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: Tube multi-pack methods of manufacture are disclosed. The tube multi-packs that are produced by the method of the present invention are one-piece tube multi-pack including an elongated thin-walled tubular element made of transparent flexible plastic material with inner and outer peripherally extending walls. At least one thin-walled web section is integrally connected to the inner peripheral extending wall of the tubular element and has greater flexibility than the tubular element in order to adjustably accommodate a plurality of separate discrete products positioned on opposite sides of the at least one integral web section. The at least one integral thin-walled web section may be connected to the inner peripherally extending wall of the tubular element at different relative locations, for example, in a spiral or curvilinear or other shaped path throughout the tubular element.

Abstract: A strip of stretch-wrap material having flat, double thickness hems at opposite margins thereof is disclosed. The hemmed strip is formed on apparatus including a first roller having a width less than the width of stock material fed into the machine, whereby opposite margins of the stock material project beyond opposite ends of the roller, and a second roller for guiding the strip at an acute angle from the first roller for causing the opposite marginal portions to fold. The strip is maintained under tension by a take-up roller or other means, and guide bars are provided for further folding the marginal portions past 90.degree. angles so that they continue to be folded inwardly against the main body of the strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously extruding a product, and forming it into a bend by applying a force to it at a point of application downstream of where its surface becomes solid. The force has a transverse component relative to the die axis, and performs work upon the extruded material, extra to the work that has already been performed to extrude it. Non-contact members of applying the force are described, and various ram-type contacting members are illustrated. Alternative means of operation are described in which the point of application of the force to the extrudate during bending varies relative both to the extrudate and to the die, relative to the extrudate only, and relative to the die only. Means to alter the direction of bending are described, and to diminish the necessary bending force by creating a fluctuating melt pressure within the die.

Abstract: A self-supporting headliner panel for lining the interior surface of an automotive roof comprises a front sheet, a back sheet and an intermediate corrugated sheet adhered to the front and back sheets. The front sheet and the back sheet each comprise wood fibers and polypropylene. To form the panel, a laminate of the front sheet, the back sheet and the intermediate corrugated sheet is molded in a heated mold which melts polypropylene fibers in the front and back sheet causing the laminate to conform to the shape of the mold and adhering the three sheets together.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a spectacle frame component composed of a fiber-reinforced, synthetic resin includes filling a core of a single tubular braid woven from long reinforcing fibers with an inert filling material, exteriorly impregnating the filled tubular braid with a synthetic resin comprising a bisphenol epoxy comprising first aliphatic amine hardening agent and a second aromatic diamine hardening agent, or a single aliphatic amine hardening agent, shaping and stabilizing a cross-section of the epoxy impregnated tubular braid, and shaping the stabilized cross-section epoxy impregnated tubular braid into a three dimensional form and hardening in the three dimensional form.

Abstract: A method of pultrusion is provided that includes the steps of saturating a bundle of fibers in a curable resin, pulling the saturated fibers (also known as "prepreg") into a flexible mold, manipulating the mold (with the saturated fibers therein) into a given shape or form, allowing the saturated fibers to cure or harden, and then removing the flexible mold by mechanical or chemical means. This novel method permits one to mold prepreg into any given shape prior to hardening, not limited by the shape of a given mold or die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of the eccentricity dimension which measures the eccentricity dimension .alpha. between optical fibers and a coating member of a fiber ribbon made up of optical fibers and a coating member having a rigidity relatively lower than the fibers and covering the outer surface of fibers. When taking up the fiber ribbon at a constant speed, the rotational speed .omega..sub.a of a first rotary drum made to contact one surface of the fiber ribbon and the rotational speed .omega..sub.b of a second rotary drum made to contact the other surface of the fiber ribbon are measured and the radii R of the rotary drums, the overall thickness t of the fiber ribbon, and the rotational speeds .omega..sub.a and .omega..sub.b of the rotary drums are substituted in the following equation to compute the eccentricity dimension .alpha.:.alpha.=(.omega..sub.b -.omega..sub.a) (R+t/2) / (.omega..sub.b +.omega..sub.

Abstract: The strength and workability of a reinforced composite corrugated body are improved. A corrugated body is produced such that corrugate lines provided with vertically spaced ridges and grooves formed alternately in a sheet material are formed in a smooth meandering waveform in a horizontal direction. The corrugate lines are formed by corrugating rollers to have a substantial amplitude ratio H/L higher than or equal to 0.4 but lower than or equal to 1.4, a substantial meandering ratio D/N lower than or equal to 0.35, a substantial meandering overlapping ratio higher than or equal to 0.5 and a width narrowing ratio i in the advancing direction of the corrugate lines lower than or equal to 8% plus a stretch strain ratio of the sheet material. Sectional shapes of crest and bottom portions of the corrugate lines are formed to be curved or chamfered with a small width. A flat liner is adhered to at least one of the opposite faces of the resultant corrugated body.

Abstract: The present invention has several aspects: an extrusion apparatus, a method of making a curved extrusion, and a curved extrusion made by the method. In broadest terms, the apparatus of the present invention comprises: (1) an extruding means, typically an extruder, adapted to produce an extrudate having a cross-section; (2) a plurality of guide members arranged so as to form a curvilinear path through which the extrusion is passed, each of the guide members having an aperture having substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the extrusion, whereby the plurality of guide members are adapted to form the extrusion into a curved shape while maintaining the cross-section of the extrusion; and (3) mechanical means adapted to conduct the extrusion through said plurality of guide members, such as an extrusion puller.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a rolled tab on a roll of plastic film including a trunion roller-type conveyor apparatus and a traction device having a tractional surface wherein a roll of plastic film contacts the traction device such that the leading edge of the roll of plastic film is grabbed and rolled back to form a rolled tab for the roll of film when a roll of plastic film comes in rotational contact with the traction device.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an apex filler including extruding a substantially linear elastomeric strip having a base and a pair of sidewalls converging from the base to an apex. The sidewalls of the elastomeric strip are then engaged with a nip presented by a pair of opposed frusto-conical rollers and a base support. The rollers are rotated to work the elastomeric strip whereby the base of the strip is rotated at a first linear speed, the apex is rotated at a second, greater speed and the sidewalls are rotated at linear speeds substantially proportional to the distance from the base to the apex, thereby forming an apex filler.

Abstract: A device (24) for aligning with a feeding line (8) of a moving transfer conveyor (3) and for bending a round elongated dough piece (13) randomly placed on the moving transfer conveyor for transfer, comprising a pair of stoppers (26, 26) symmetrically arranged in a funnel-shape above the moving transfer conveyor (3) so that the dough piece (13) can be moved to a central position between the stoppers (26) and (26). The stoppers are rotatable to bend the dough piece (13) and movable to release it on the moving transfer conveyor.

Abstract: A method of forming a heat-recoverable article including the steps of profile extruding polymeric material into a predetermined shape, irradiating the polymeric material and then deforming the polymeric material into a generally planar configuration. Also disclosed is a heat-recoverable article including a generally planar layer of polymeric material which is in the heat unstable condition. Opposed surfaces of the polymeric material have a latent recovery stress, however opposite in sense, so that the article upon recovering towards a predetermined shape, exhibits substantially no residual stress. Further disclosed is a heat-recoverable article made by the method.

Abstract: A flush glass window seal for motor vehicle windows having a substantially rigid, dual durometer thermoplastic elastomer, carrier component and a resilient elastomer, sealing insert which are mechanically locked together. The carrier components are extruded or molded in one piece to conform to the generally U-shaped vehicle opening and the insert is extruded in a generally flat configuration suitable for application of a slip surface thereon, prior to its insertion into the carrier.

Abstract: A method producing deformed pipe liners from continuously extruded thermoplastic material by collapsing and bending deformable portions of the tube toward a back-up portion thereof and without elongation to maintain diameter and wall thickness, and apparatus to carry out said method and characterized by at least one back-up roller and at least one shaping roller folding the deformable portion along a line of symmetry and juxtaposing a fold of the tube to the back-up portion, all at raised temperature followed by reduced temperature on a rail conforming to the deformed tube configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for lining a tubular member with an elastomeric liner having an outside diameter which is initially greater than the inside diameter of the tubular member. A series of downsizing rollers reduce the outside diameter of the liner a preselected amount. A series of shaping rollers form the downsized liner into an ellipse, thereby allowing the downsized liner to be guided around bends and turns into the interior of the tubular member. After insertion, the liner is allowed to expand to substantially its original outside diameter to secure the liner within the tubular member.

Abstract: A thin ribbon of paint film is guided and applied directly to hot thermoplastics extrudate just as it exits the extrusion die by a film curving and guide plate and then by a film application wheel that is adjusted so that the film mates with and is laminated to the extrudate with an adhesive bond between the paint film substrate and the extrudate. This eliminates the need for high gloss, high metallic content thermoplastics for use as extrudate such as currently used for finished automotive side molding and allows reground thermoplastics to be used as the extrudate and finished with a paint film covering. The thermoplastic extrusion molding is then compression formed in a preform operation to establish end corners with selected radii for corner sharpness as well as reshape the part cross section. This is accomplished with a die and end cap construction which can be relatively adjusted to provide effective gas venting around the end of the die cavity on die closure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for embossing a fold line onto a plastic sheet by first heating the plastic above its softening point and then embossing the material by passing it between a knurled flat roller and a cooperating embossing roller having a series of ridges suitable for embossing the fold line.

Abstract: A process for forming a rolled tab on a roll of plastic film including a traction member or device such as an elongated support member adapted to be inserted in a parallel position between roller members of a trunion-type conveyor apparatus, said support member having a tractional surface for grabbing and rolling the leading edge of a roll of plastic film such that a rolled tab for the roll of film is formed when a roll of plastic film comes in rotational contact with the traction member.

Abstract: A dough sheet laminating apparatus is provided to fold a dough sheet and feed it to the following line. The apparatus includes a feeding conveyor that supplies a dough sheet, a swinging mechanism located below the feeding conveyor, and a conveying device to feed the laminated dough sheet to the following line. The swinging mechanism includes a plurality of horizontal rollers that are substantially parallel to each other. The adjacent rollers rotate in opposite directions. When the dough sheet is supplied by the feeding device to the swinging mechanism, the dough sheet is supported on each roller and is fed by the rotation of each roller to the conveying device. When the swinging mechanism is swung, the dough sheet is folded on the conveying device.

Abstract: A method for forming cable which is insulated with a rigid insulating layer into a desired shape, comprising the steps of wrapping the a portion of the cable with a heater tape that houses heater elements, causing the elements to become hot and heat the cable portion so that its insulating layer is heated and loses its molecular memory of its prior configuration, and reconfiguring the cable portion into the desired shape.

Abstract: A yarn component containing at least one filament is prepared by:selecting at least one partially oriented, undrawn synthetic filament having a birefringence of at least 20.times.10.sup.-3 and an elongation at break of 70-200%, andsubjecting the thus-selected filament or filaments to a heat treatment at 100.degree.-180.degree. C. under tension. The resulting yarn component has a degree of elasticity under a load of 5 cN/tex of less than 50%, which causes the yarn to be especially well suited for use in formable sheet structures.

Abstract: A method for the production of fiber reinforced palstic composites, in which a continuously moving array of fibers is impregnated with resin and fast cured as it passes through a shadow boundary created by a source of radiant energy such as ultraviolet light. The method is useful for the production of axial composites such as tubes, pipes, conduits, ducts and the like, which may be created without mandrels by passing the array of fibers through closed dies. The method is also useful with open or rolling dies to create nonaxial composites such as wall panels, guard rails, vehicle body parts, and the like.

Abstract: For forming a resin-impregnated, fiber reinforced composite material sheet having laminated meshes of fibers into a U-shaped cross section, the sheet is placed onto a stationary forming die and an auxiliary forming die with the fibers of the sheet forming angles of approximately 45.degree. relative to opposite edges of an upper reference forming surface of the stationary die. Then, the sheet is pressed from above by a pneumatically expandable, elastic depressing die, whereby the auxiliary forming die is lowered against a resilient force relative to the stationary forming die. As the sheet is pressed further downwardly by the depressing die, the parts of the sheet which are to form flanges of the product are firmly held between the depressing die and the auxiliary forming die and bent downwards while the parts are subjected to extending forces in directions to prevent creases and lines from being formed by means of auxiliary forming ridges on the auxiliary forming die.

Abstract: A process for continuously and progressively forming components from fiber-containing composite material workpieces having a deformable matrix introduces transverse bends into a workpiece that moves through the apparatus in a longitudinal or travel direction. Transverse bending of the composite material is accomplished in a kinematically admissible manner to avoid misalignment or failure of the composite material. A net bending deformation is introduced at a free transverse edge as the composite workpiece moves in a longitudinal direction, by pairs of compound roller elements between which the workpiece passes as it moves through the apparatus. The net deformation introduced at the free transverse edge is moved and distributed through the composite material workpiece during successive passes through the forming machinery, to form the final shaped component.

Abstract: A twisted FRP structure having sufficient strength and flexibility is produced by providing a rod member disposed centrally and twist a plurality of side strands twisted around the rod member in the same direction at a predetermined pitch. At least the side strand includes a composite strand having an FRP element from by impregnating fibers with an uncured thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic coating on such FRP element, the thermosetting resin being cured after the side strands are twisted around the rod member. The twisting pitch is not less than 25 times the outside diameter of the FRP element in the side strand.

Abstract: A method is described for bending an extrudate exiting an opening in an die assembly without substantially changing the cross sectional shape of the extrudate. The method includes the step of channeling the flow of extrudate from an extruder through a flow channel and the opening in the die. The opening in the die is rotated with respect to the feed opening to vary the length of the flow channel and pathways along which extrudate flows thereby variably directing flow of the extrudate as the extrudate exits the opening in the die.

Abstract: A die assembly for configuring extrudate flow is provided. The die assembly includes a die head having a feed member passage, first and second die head passages, and first and second die surfaces respectively associated with the first and second die head passages. The die head passages are located intermediate the corresponding die surfaces and the feed member passage. A feed member is supported in the feed member passage of the die head and has a feed passage and a feed opening for supplying extrudate to the die head. The feed member is supported for relative movement within the die head whereby the feed opening may be moved to communicate with either the first die head passage or the second die head passage. The central axis feed of the feed opening is moveable with respect to the central axis of the first or second die head passage to correspondingly configure extrudate exiting the respective die head passage when the feed opening is in communication with this die head passage.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multi-dimensionally curved guide rails having tubular cross-sections for passenger and material transportation systems, in which a hose-like plastic tube of any tubular cross-section is bent according to requirements and subsequently filled with a filling compound to stabilize the shape.

Abstract: A method for heating and press-forming a plied material sheet prepared by impregnating a thermosetting resin into sheets of parallely disposed plastic fiber or into sheets of woven fabric of plastic fiber. The material sheet is formed into an operation which repeats the steps of heating and press-forming such material sheet within a shaping mold on a heating and press-forming apparatus for a predetermined time period and then releasing the pressure for a predetermined time period while step-feeding the material sheet over a predetermined distance for a time period less than the time period of such released pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming twin-wall polycarbonate sheets into desired arcuate forms to be used, for example, as awnings. The method is distinguished from known forming techniques which are generally not effective in forming the polycarbonate sheets hereinafter described.The method generally includes preheating a portion of the polycarbonate sheet within a heating chamber, engaging the sheet with the mould which is pivotally mounted to the frame of an apparatus within the heating chamber, frictionally restraining the movement of the sheet with respect to the frame at a position spaced from the mould, and outside the heating chamber, and pivoting the mould so as to form the sheet.The present invention generally overcomes the difficulties in forming twin-walled polycarbonate sheets thereby allowing this material to be used in place of other conventional awning materials such as fibreglass and corrugated iron.

Abstract: When a film consisting of high density polyethylene and about three percent polystyrene is run on an interfolding machine to produce interfolded sheets of the film for use as deli wrap, the film is completely and consistently cut in the machine into sheets that are entirely separated from adjacent sheets. In comparison, sheets made from film consisting of 100 percent high density polyethylene are not consistently completely separated from adjacent sheets.

Abstract: The problem which has existed heretofore, of maintaining the protection of optical fibers under all circumstances from axial traction loads in cables used for the transmission of data by means of a number of signal transmitting optical fibers by means of electromagnetic radiations of wavelengths under 1 mm, essentially in the longitudinal sense of the fibers and the related problem of being able to exclude completely, even under extreme working conditions, the danger of rupture of the optical fibers during thermal expansion and very strong bending of the cable have been solved by guidance means (7, 9, 10 for the guidance of the fibers (8) on paths (12) located on the inside of at least one cylinder-jacket-shaped shell (13) and assuming an essentially wave-shaped course with excursions (13) in relation to imaginary median lines (11) attributed to each and situated inside the cylinder-jacket-shaped shell (13) in a position which is essentially parallel to the cylinder axis (53) of said shell and which are freel

Abstract: The method ensures that the core of thermoplastic material of the product is completely enveloped by a continuous covering formed by at least one sheet of a flexible material. Equipment for carrying out the method comprises an extruder 7 for delivering the thermoplastic material in a pasty state and in the form of a rod 16-18 having a regular section, means 20 for unrolling under this rod a sheet 19 of a flexible material, means 34 and 41 for completely enveloping said rod with said flexible material, and means for pulling on said sheet of flexible material and conveying the rod to calendering rolls 43 and 44, and means 46 for forming and means 47 for cutting to the desired length said rod which is thus completely enveloped by said sheet of flexible material. This equipment is applicable to the manufacture of shapes and plates for in particular the packaging and transportation of products.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification module has an enclosed cylindrical housing in which at least twelve purification elements are mounted in a uniform, spaced parallel fashion. Each element consists of a long flat member having a thermoplastic sheet backing formed into a slightly curved cross section and having a semi-permeable membrane disposed thereon. The backing has three-dimensional porosity for purified water such that water passing through the membrane portion of the element travels along the backing member to an end. The ends of the module are mounted in a collection manifold which is sealed off from the remainder of the housing interior. A method of manufacturing the elements continuously is also provided wherein a continuous length of flexible backing material is fed sequentially through a heater, a forming die to impart a curved cross-section to the backing material, an extruder wherein membrane forming fluid is extruded around the periphery of the backing, a chill bath and a heating bath.

Abstract: An embossing machine wherein two driven embossing rolls are provided with ripheral knobs and depressions. The knobs of one roll extend with clearance into the depressions of the other roll and vice versa during travel of the knobs and depressions through the nip of the rolls. The clearances between the top lands of knobs and adjacent portions of internal surfaces bounding the respective depressions are smaller than the clearances between the flanks of the knobs and the adjacent portions of the respective internal surfaces. This ensures that a carpet of loose fibrous material which is fed into the nip is converted into embossed textile material having a first layer of compacted portions which are formed adjacent the top lands of knobs on one of the rolls, a second layer of compacted portions which are formed adjacent the top lands of knobs on the other roll, and fluffy intermediate portions which connect the compacted portions forming one of the layers with compacted portions of the other layer.

Abstract: A die assembly is described for causing extrudate to bend without substantially changing the cross sectional shape of the extrudate. The assembly includes a die mounted in spaced relation from a feed channel through which extrudate passes from the extruder including a first part which has a flow channel which has at least one pair of sidewalls which converge from the die in the direction of the extruder. A second part of the assembly has a feed opening for directing extrudate into the flow channel. It provides for varying the length of the pathways which extrudate flows through the flow channel to a pair of opposing sides of the die to cause bending of the extrudate in the direction of the longest pathway as the extrudate exits the die.

Abstract: A flat stock strip of thermoplastic material is passed through a heating station in contact with the edges of longitudinally oriented heated knife blades to heat soften the stock strip along narrow longitudinal lines to define localized fold lines for the stock strip. The strip is fed sequentially through a prebending device and a chilled forming die to set the reformed strip at the fold lines. Preferably the knife blades and any strip contact surfaces of the prebending device and the chilled forming die are PTFE covered to eliminate scratching of the thermoplastic stock strip material during heating, reforming and cooling.

Abstract: In a known process of making biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate photographic film, a certain amount of curl in the longitudinal direction can be imparted to the film by carrying out the longitudinal stretching step of that process while the film is asymmetrically heated across its thickness to a temperature gradient Delta T across the film of at least 10.degree. C. while the longitudinal stretching tension applied to the film is less than 10 N/sq.mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously pultruding non-linear reinforced thermoplastic composite articles are provided. A fiber reinforcing material impregnated with a thermoplastic material is pulled through a heated forming die whereby a deformable composite is produced. The defomable composite is moved transversely to the direction in which it passes through the heated forming die while being cooled to produce one or more angular bends therein.

Abstract: Polymerized foam material in flat billet form is enclosed in a heat-retaining envelope and heated to forming temperature then promptly loaded into an innovative unheated forming press and accurately formed before cooling below forming temperature. The heat-retaining envelope has an expansive skin on one side and a contractive skin on the other side to facilitate bending without wrinkling or other distortion. The forming press utilizes a rigid male form punch and a spring-tensioned elastic belt, supported on a pair of variably-spaced rollers, initially presenting a flat compliant surface upon which the heated workpiece is placed. Pressure from the form punch progressively deflects the workpiece and the belt, which becomes a compliant mold member conforming itself and the workpiece progressively around the form punch to yield an article of required carved shape, free of wrinkles or tool creep distortions.

Abstract: A multi-chambered conduit insert includes at least two spaced-apart longitudinally extending substantially parallel first and second chambers. The cross-sectional configuration of each of the chambers is defined by generally parallel inner and outer side walls joined at one edge thereof by a base wall and joined in an opposite edge thereof by a top wall. A hinge portion connects adjacent edges of the inner walls and the base walls of the chambers together. Opposite ends of the inner walls are spaced farther apart than the adjacent ends of the inner walls in order to expose the exterior surfaces of the inner walls to a cooling medium during the manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the hinge portion can function as a living hinge.

Abstract: A process for preparing ceramic moldings containing no organic matter with retention of their original shapes which comprises mixing 100 parts by weight of ceramic powders and/or fibers, 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of papermaking organic fibers and/or wet-end additives and 3 to 200 parts by weight of mountain leather, molding the resulting mixture to obtain an unburned molding having enough mechanical strength to withstand molding processings and, subjecting the unburned molding to burning treatment.

Abstract: A method for making light, thin, thermoplastic slats for use in decorative window blinds of the Venetian or vertical rotatable slat types. Strips are prepared of flexible and resilient planar thermoplastic material of not more than 1/16 inch thickness with selected light transmitting qualities. The strips are then deformed into a permanent V-shaped cross-sectional configuration which is stiff and will not sag when supported by spaced blind slat supporting means. The deformation step is accomplished by bending the strips without the application of heat over a forming surface of not more than 1/4 inch radius to exceed the elastic limit of the strip material over the radius.

Abstract: A long flexible metal clad laminate, which has a thin aromatic polyimide film formed on a long metal foil, is caused to slide under tension, along its length, on curved surfaces of four bars arranged at specific positions, so that its curls are corrected and its dimensional stability is improved.