Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: The object of the present invention for solving the problems as hitherto described is to provide a method for securing the freedom of excision of the skull during operation while enabling a model that is almost fitted to the excised portion to be obtained, and a model for use in the method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink which solidifies with a cooling rate-dependent shrinkage, comprising the steps of filling molten ink into a mold formed by two mold dies, allowing the ink to cool down and to solidify in the mold, and opening the mold and removing the ink pellet therefrom, wherein in the cooling step, the ink is shock-cooled with a cooling rate that results in a shrinkage sufficient to cause the solidifying ink to separate from at least one of the mold dies.

Abstract: A method of stretch blow molding a plastic parison mounted to a parison engagement assembly into a container including stretching the parison by sliding the stretching rod therethrough and into the parison, connecting the cooling fluid inlet port to the source of cooling fluid to introduce the cooling fluid within the container through the cooling fluid outlet port, and heating the blow mold rod seal assembly to maintain at least a portion of the stretching rod above the preselected level, and to maintain portions of seals above the predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for producing porous structures in which a liquid or pasty mixture of substances is brought at least partially to solidification and subsequently freeze-dried.

Abstract: A method of removing substantially all of the volatile component in a green, volatile-containing ceramic article is disclosed. The method comprises freezing the ceramic article; and then subjecting the frozen article to a vacuum for a sufficient time to freeze-dry the article. Frequently, the article is heated while being freeze-dried. Use of this method efficiently reduces the propensity for any warpage of the article. The article is often formed from a ceramic slurry in a gel-casting process. A method for fabricating a ceramic core used in investment casting is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a foam, the method including contacting a polymer solution with a surface of a mold, the solution containing dissolved therein a biocompatible polymer, the mold containing disposed on at least one surface thereof a three-dimensional negative configuration of a predetermined micropattern to be disposed on and integral with at least one surface of the foam, lyophilizing the solution while in contact with the surface of the mold and removing the lyophilized micropatterned foam from the mold.

Abstract: A thermal insulating device, and process for making it, are presented. The inventive thermal insulating device is formed of a cylindrically shaped shell comprising multiple layers of a continuous spiral wound anisotropic flexible graphite sheet, the layers of spiral wound graphite sheet being separated by and bonded to a cured resin.

Abstract: Method for producing highly porus, self-supporting molded part that has a metallic or nonmetallic solid phase and at least one binder. The porosity is 50-90 vol.

Abstract: A process for producing a work piece includes providing raw material which is cellulose-containing and fibrous, which is not any part of a tree, and which is selected from the group consisting of, crude plant fibers, pure cellulose, waste paper, and waste cardboard; adding water to the raw material; finely chopping the raw material in a machine by continuously grinding the raw material with a total energy expenditure of at least 0.

Abstract: A printer forms three-dimensional objects from a powder by selectively applying a binder liquid to incremental layers of the powder. The binder binds layers of the powder into solid two-dimensional cross sections of the desired object provided from memory. The printer can use dithering and halftoning techniques to shade the object and can also print in color. A filtration system removes airborne powder and recirculates the clean air. The printer also includes additional features to manage excess and airborne powder.

Abstract: A method of making cookware and bakeware having a stick resistant and mar resistant cook surface comprising the steps of providing a cooking utensil having a cook surface, and cryogenically treating the cooking utensil at one or more selected temperatures comprising −100° F. to −300° F. or lower to harden said cook surface. The cooking utensil may have a bare metal cook surface, or it may be coated with a stick resistant coating such as one of a PTFE, metal nitride or sulfide coating or combinations thereof prior to the cryogenic hardening treatment.

Abstract: A method of removing substantially all of the volatile component in a green, volatile-containing ceramic article is disclosed. The method comprises freezing the ceramic article; and then subjecting the frozen article to a vacuum for a sufficient time to freeze-dry the article. Frequently, the article is heated while being freeze-dried. Use of this method efficiently reduces the propensity for any warpage of the article. The article is often formed from a ceramic slurry in a gel-casting process. A method for fabricating a ceramic core used in investment casting is also described.

Abstract: A polysaccharide sponge characterized by having: (i) an average pore size in the range between about 10 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m; (ii) an average distance between the pores being the wall thickness of the pores in the range between about 5 &mgr;m to about 270 &mgr;m; and (iii) an E-modulus of elasticity being a measure of the rigidity of the sponge in the range of about 50 kPa to about 500 kPa.

Abstract: A method of forming a monolithic, fired ceramic gas diffuser for injecting gas into a molten metal bath includes the steps of: preparing first and second batch materials, depositing the batch materials into a mold to form different portions of the diffuser, and firing the casting to obtain the monolithic diffuser. Various embodiments of the method include vibrating the mold at least while the second batch material is deposited therein, partially freezing a first portion of the casting, and freezing the entire casting prior to firing.

Abstract: This invention provides preforms of continuous glass fiber strands for use as the sound absorbing material in an engine exhaust muffler. Preferably, the material is made of glass fibers of E glass compositions. With this invention, the strands are fluffed up, not directly in the muffler, but in a cavity that is made of a perforated shell matching the muffler shape. During this operation, a powder binder also is blown in with the fibers. This blowing operation is completed by forcing hot air through the preform which melts or cures the binder and allows it to bond the fibers together.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making novel porous and solid polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels. These hydrogels are particularly suited for use in the replacement and augmentation of soft tissue or non-load bearing bone of the face, head and cranium.

Abstract: Methods of making a graphite material are provided. A flexible graphite is ground into a powder. The graphite powder is mixed with a resin and the mixture is hot pressed. A second method of making a graphite material is provided where the graphite is ground into a powder; the graphite powder is soaked in a cryogenic liquid; the soaked graphite powder is then expanded; the expanded soaked graphite powder is mixed with a graphite powder; and the graphite powder mixed with a resin are hot pressed. According to a third method, the flexible graphite is ground into a powder; the graphite powder is soaked into a cryogenic liquid, the soaked graphite powder is expanded; and the expanded soaked graphic powder is ground into a fine powder. The resulting graphite powder is mixed with a resin. The graphite powder mixed with the resin is hot pressed. According to a fourth method, graphite flakes are soaked into an acid; the soaked graphite flakes are expanded; and the expanded soaked graphite flakes are precompacted.

Abstract: A monolithic, fired ceramic gas diffuser for injecting gas into a molten metal bath, including a first portion, a second portion integrated with the first portion, and a bore passing through the first portion and communicating with the second portion for supplying gas to the second portion, wherein at least the second portion has a network of interconnected pores that provides preferential gas flow from the bore through the second portion to inject gas into the molten metal bath.

Abstract: Methods of making a graphite material are provided. A flexible graphite is ground into a powder. The graphite powder is mixed with a resin and the mixture is hot pressed. A second method of making a graphite material is provided where the graphite is ground into a powder; the graphite powder is soaked in a cryogenic liquid; the soaked graphite powder is then expanded; the expanded soaked graphite powder is mixed with a graphite powder; and the graphite powder mixed with a resin are hot pressed. According to a third method, the flexible graphite is ground into a powder; the graphite powder is soaked into a cryogenic liquid, the soaked graphite powder is expanded; and the expanded soaked graphic powder is ground into a fine powder. The resulting graphite powder is mixed with a resin. The graphite powder mixed with the resin is hot pressed. According to a fourth method, graphite flakes are soaked into an acid; the soaked graphite flakes are expanded; and the expanded soaked graphite flakes are precompacted.

Abstract: A method of molding, from porous material, a low-density product having an impermeable surface. A mold is provided which has a cavity, the outline of which defines the outline of the product. The starting material is a flat sheet of plastic foam. The first step of the process, in some cases, is a pre-heating procedure, which softens the material. Then, from this sheet there is stamped a blank having substantially the outline of the desired product, which is then inserted into the mold cavity. The mold is then heated with the blank therein to form the blank permanently into the desired product, after which the mold is quenched in cold water with the product still inside. The product is subsequently removed from the mold and frozen. The result of this molding method is a low-density product having an impermeable surface integral with the foam interior which is suitable for receiving various types of brightly colored finished.

Abstract: A device useful for localized delivery of a therapeutic material is provided. The device includes a structure including a porous material; and a water-insoluble salt of a therapeutic material dispersed in the porous material. The water-insoluble salt is formed by contacting an aqueous solution of a therapeutic salt with a heavy metal water-soluble salt dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the porous material. The porous material can be made of a polymer other than fibrin with fibrin incorporated into the pores, which can be the only layer of polymeric material on the medical device (e.g., stent). A new method for preparing a porous polymer material on a medical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moulding ice statues using a mould formed of a liquid impervious flexible material which defines a mould cavity having the shape of the statue to be formed and a pair of extending wall portions which are held in a juxtaposed attitude during the freezing process. For demoulding, the wall portions are moved apart to increase the cross-sectional size of the mould to allow it to be released from the statue formed.

Abstract: A cryogenic stretch blow molding apparatus including a stretching rod mounted to a blow mold rod seal assembly for sliding movement therethrough, into and longitudinally stretching a plastic parison, the stretching rod including a cooling fluid tube defining a cooling fluid inlet port for connection to a source of a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid outlet port to introduce the cooling fluid within the container, and a heater disposed in a cavity defined in the blow mold rod seal assembly for heating the blow mold rod seal assembly so that at least a portion of the stretching rod is maintained at a temperature above a preselected level to prevent accumulation thereon of ice sublimated from water vapor present in the blow air and portions of seals of the blow mold rod seal assembly are maintained at a temperature above a predetermined level to prevent seal failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing alveolar cellulosic products (sponges, sponge-cloths, etc.) from a cellulosic raw material, the process comprising:at least partially dissolving a cellulosic raw material in an intrinsic solvent for cellulose;incorporating an effective quantity of at least one pore-forming agent into the resulting mixture, with mixing; said pore-forming agent(s), being compatible with the cellulosic mixture, being capable of generating macro- and micro-pores when it/they is/are actuated;gelling the homogeneous dough thus obtained;treating said gelled dough under conditions in which the cellulose precipitates out and the pore-forming agent(s) present are actuated.The process is an advantageous alternative to the viscose process which is a polluting process. The properties of the products obtained are completely similar to those of products obtained using the viscose process. The (novel) products form part of the invention.

Abstract: Molding compositions for shaping parts from stainless steel powders are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of forming a mixture comprising stainless steel powder, a gel-forming material having a gel strength, measured at a temperature between 0.degree. C. and about 30.degree. C. and a gel comprising about 1.5 wt % of the gel-forming material and water, of at least about 200 g/cm2, and water, and molding the mixture at a temperature sufficient to produce a self-supporting article comprising the powder and gel. The preferred gel-forming material is an agaroid and the preferred molding process is injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object self-supporting, highly porous molded parts produced by the methods of powder metallurgy from solids, processes for their production, and the use of the molded parts obtained in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Tubular bundles are potted in a housing, such as in an oxygenator or a pheresis unit. Spacer material is placed into the housing to cover the first ends of the tubular elements. A layer of potting material is placed into the housing covering the spacer material, and then solidified in place to seal between each of the tubular elements and the housing. The spacer material is then removed from the housing to expose the first ends of the tubular elements. In the oxygenator, at least some of the tubes are gas exchange tubes having an interior lumen and a tube wall which is permeable for oxygen and carbon dioxide flow through the tube wall. The potting separates the housing into manifold chambers communicating with the interior of the tubes and a blood flow chamber sealed from the manifold chambers. Blood flows over the exterior surface of the tubes. Other tubes may be heat transfer tubes, such as for carrying a heat transfer fluid to control the temperature of the blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for producing mouldings, especially contact lenses, which comprises the following steps: a) preparing a substantially aqueous solution of a water-soluble prepolymer that contains crosslinkable groups; b) converting the resulting solution into the solid state; c) introducing the resulting solid-state solution into a mould; d) converting the solid-state solution into the liquid state in the mould; e) where applicable closing the mould; f) initiating the crosslinking; g) where applicable opening the mould, so that the moulding can be removed from the mould.

Abstract: The manufacture of a fibrous structure (1) for a composite material part. At least one portion (3) of the fibrous structure (1) is obtained by at least partial machining of a fibrous blank stiffened by freezing a liquid impregnating the blank.

Abstract: An injection-molded product is obtained by injection molding a thermoplastic resin material. The thermoplastic resin material comprises a polyglycolic acid homopolymer or copolymer having a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## in a proportion not lower than 70 wt. % and a repeating unit derived from at least one cyclic comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxalate and lactide in a proportion not higher than 30 wt. %, and having the following physical properties: (a) a melt viscosity, n*, measured at a temperature of the melting point, Tm, of the polyglycolic acid homopolymer or copolymer +20.degree. C. and a shear rate of 1,000/sec, of 30-10,000 Pa.multidot.s; (b) a melting point, Tm, of at least 150.degree. C.; (c) a melt enthalpy, .DELTA.Hm, of at least 20 J/g; and (d) a density of at least 1.50 g/cm.sup.3 as measured in an unoriented, crystallized form. The injection-molded product has Izod impact strength, unnotched, 25.degree. C., of at least 20 kJ/m.sup.

Abstract: An injection-molding device including an injection machine, a mold unit connected to the injection machine having separable molds defining a cavity for forming a molded product, and chucks next to the mold unit for removing a molded product from the mold. The molded product is initially coolied in the mold cavity then again cooled after removal from the mold unit. Plural chucks are advanced into and retreated from a region defined by the open molds, the chucks being a pair of blocks grasping the surface of the molded product, each block having a circulating path through which a heating medium is passed to cool the grasping surface. The injection-molding apparatus produces articles having high dimensional accuracy, for example, electronic parts such as a magnet roll or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite foam comprising from 10 to 90% by volume of SiO.sub.2 aerogel particles and from 90 to 10% by volume of a foam, preferably a polyurethane and/or polyolefin foam, a process for its preparation and its use.

Abstract: A collagen containing substrate comprising cattle basal membrane is conditioned by incubating the membranes in a mixture of pepsin, hyaluronidase and acetic acid and separating the collagen from the mixture. The mixture can include pepsin, hyaluronidase and a 0.5M solution of acetic acid in 1:1:10 proportions. The incubation is conducted for about 10 hours at about 45.degree. C. After incubation, collagen is separated from the mixture by centrifuging at a speed of 5000 to 30000 rpms for about 30 minutes. The collagen is mixed with polymerizable monomer and polymerized to form a gel that can be ground to form an intraocular or contact lens.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for the production of melt-spun monofilaments having a diameter of 60 .mu.m to 2500 .mu.m from fiber-forming polymers, wherein the polymer melt is spun into air from a spinning head, laterally quenched in a spinning cabinet with a defined air velocity profile and then cooled in a liquid bath.

Abstract: A riser tube for transfer of molten metal therethrough, including a porous ceramic substrate having a hollow cylindrical structure and ceramic impregnant material penetrating into pores of the substrate and plugging at least a portion of the surface pores thereof, to improve gas impermeability of the substrate. According to the present invention, the porous ceramic substrate is immersed in impregnation media containing ceramic particles, the impregnation media is subjected to an elevated pressure such that the media penetrates the pores of the substrate, and the impregnated substrate is then fired, whereby the ceramic particles form a ceramic impregnant material that plugs at least a portion of the surface pores of the substrate.

Abstract: A new method of forming products out of vehicle tires for utilizing used vehicle tires in forming useful products. The inventive device includes the following steps: provide a supply of used vehicle tires. Freeze the tires. Remove steel belts from the tires. Shred the tires into a mixture. Add about twenty percent of new rubber to the mixture. Heat the mixture into a slurry form. Pour the slurry into a mold. Allow the slurry to dry within the mold into a form. Remove the form.

Abstract: A method of microdissection which involves: forming an image field of cells of the tissue sample utilizing a microscope, identifying at least one zone of cells of interest from the image field of cells which at least one zone of cells of interest includes different types of cells than adjacent zones of cells, and extracting the at least one zone of cells of interest from the tissue sample. The extraction is achieved by contacting the tissue sample with a transfer surface that can be selectively activated so that regions thereof adhere to the zone of cells of interest to be extracted. The transfer surface includes an activatable adhesive layer which provides chemical or electrostatic adherence to the selected regions of the tissue sample. After the transfer surface is activated the transfer surface and tissue sample are separated. During separation the zone of cells of interest remains adhered to the transfer surface and is thus separated from the tissue sample.

Abstract: A method of enhancing water resistance of composites uses a water repellant material which may be applied toward and other fibrous vegetable materials. The method begins with a saturated vegetable or animal fat triglyceride having a low iodine value. The triglyceride is rendered in a form which may be a fine powder, an emulsion, or a dispersion in a liquid. The sprayable triglyceride and a bonding agent are applied to the fibrous materials, preparatory to a press binding. There, the sprayed material is subjected to a hot press cycle in order to form a bonded fibrous composition. The low Iodine Value triglyceride may be selected from a group including hydrogenated vegetable oil, palm oil, stearine, winterized low IV fractions, soy stearine, animal fat, hydrogenated animal fat, and fractionated fats or blends of these materials.

Abstract: The stoichiometry and/or crystal structure of vanadium oxide particles are altered by heating initial particles of vanadium oxide under mild conditions. The temperature is generally at least about 300.degree. C. less than the melting point of both the initial vanadium oxide particle and the product vanadium oxide particles. Preferred initial particles are vanadium oxide nanoparticles. The heating can be performed under an oxidizing atmosphere or an inert atmosphere, depending on the particular initial particles and the desired product particles.

Abstract: A ceramic powder having a uniform particle diameter of 50 .mu.m or smaller is used as a dental ceramic powder to produce a high-precision and compact artificial tooth. The ceramic powder fired assures a non-porous and compact structure of the artificial tooth. In a manufacturing method for the artificial tooth, the cream of ceramic powder is poured into a core, the core with the ceramic cream loaded is frozen to shape, thawed, dried and then fired in a furnace. To assure even more compact structure, the cream is compacted and hardened prior to freezing. Pressure is efficiently applied in the compaction and hardening process.

Abstract: In a process for producing substantially homogeneous mixtures of reactive substances the substances are brought into a cold zone separately from one another and cooled until they exist in a solid and unreactive state, and then introduced into a mixing zone in a finely dispersed state and mixed together there, the temperature in the mixing zone being held below the softening temperature of the mixing obtained therein.

Abstract: A process for placing a color graphic image in an ice structure requires a substrate of material which is suitable for use in a four-color (CMYK) printing method, which generally retains its shape upon exposure to water or aqueous solution, and which is air permeable. A decal is produced by printing the image on the substrate using the four-color printing method. The decal is placed onto a surface of the ice structure and coated with water which, once frozen, embeds the decal and image thereon within the ice structure. The substrate should become transparent or dissolve after being embedded in the ice structure. The process is suitable for ice hockey rinks, curling rinks, decorative ice sculptures, and the like.

Abstract: A collagen containing substrate comprising cattle basal membrane is conditioned by incubating the membranes in a mixture of pepsin, hyaluronidase and acetic acid and separating the collagen from the mixture. The mixture can include pepsin, hyaluronidase and a 0.5 M solution of acetic acid in 1:1:10 proportions. The incubation is conducted for about 10 hours at about 45.degree. C. After incubation, collagen is separated from the mixture by centrifuging at a speed of 5000 to 30000 rpms for about 30 minutes. The collagen is mixed with polymerizable monomer and polymerized to form a gel that can be ground to form an intraocular or contact lens.

Abstract: A process of molding inorganic materials into desired shapes comprises mixing the material with a dispersant, milling, molding the mixture, drying the mixture and sintering.

Abstract: Method of making porous, fibrillose bodies from fibrils bonded together into a self-supporting structure. A mixture of fibrils and a viscous, non-newtonian, liquid vehicle including an organic hydrosorbent and water is (1) injected into a mold, (2) frozen in the mold to form a frozen precursor of the article, (3) ejected from the mold while still frozen, (4) freeze-dried, and (5) finally heated to remove the hydrosorbent and bond the particles together. The process is particularly effective for making fibrillose preforms for infiltrating with metal in the manufacture of metal matrix composites.

Abstract: A method of degating molded parts including the steps of providing a water soluble molding material, molding a configuration from the molding material including parts secured to a runner system by gates of the molding material having a cross-section substantially thinner than any cross-section of the molded configuration, cooling the surfaces of the configuration to a temperature and for a time until only the gates becomes brittle, preferably by spraying liquid nitrogen over the surface of the configuration and applying an impact to the configuration to cause the configuration to sever at the gates, preferably by tumbling the cooled configuration, whereby the severed parts are separated from the runner system.

Abstract: The process relates to the production of a green from slurry by solidification after injection into a mold having a temperature of less than 0.degree. C. The mold and moveable parts of a jack ensure closure thereof and are housed within a gas-tight vessel. A distributor for dry gas with a dew point lower than the temperature of the mold emits a gas current through apertures. The green is conducted outside the vessel through an aperture which is opened in a continuous or discontinuous manner. The process is applicable to the production of sintered metallic or ceramic parts with high density and high performance mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a microporous membrane from an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer by forming a mixture of an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer, an amorphous polymer, and optionally a plasticizer, heating the resulting mixture, extruding or optionally casting the mixture into a membrane, controlled cooling (quenching) or coagulating the membrane, and leaching the membrane, while optionally drawing the membrane before, during, and/or after leaching.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ultrasonic coupler to a specified configuration such that the ultrasonic coupler is fabricated by freezing and defrosting an aqueous solution containing a polymer. A surface of the fabricated ultrasonic coupler is made to be smooth. The ultrasonic coupler is fabricated using an ultrasonic coupler fabricating die including members each made of silicone rubber which varies in compliance with the expansion and the contraction of the aqueous solution. To fabricate the ultrasonic coupler, the aqueous solution containing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is poured into the die. Then, the die is subjected to the process of cooling to below the freezing point and the process of recovery to room temperature so as to progress a bridging of the PVA, thereby progressing a gelling of the aqueous solution.