Abstract: A spongy material is produced by the steps of suspending a suitable quantity of finely divided particles of a thermoreversible gel in an aqueous solution of glucomannan-rich flour, adding an alkali to the suspension, allowing the suspension to gel, freezing the gelled suspension, thawing and leaching the same with hot water to leave a skeleton of a water-insoluble, thermally irreversible gel matrix. After drying, a spongy material having a relatively uniform cellular texture and a pleasant feel to the skin is obtained.

Abstract: A lightweight ceramic material is provided, useful for example as thermal insulation, kiln furniture or for metallurgical applications.Accordingly, a lightweight fired ceramic material comprises a set porous material in the form of a freeze-gelled ceramic sol composition containing hollow microspheres bonded together in a ceramic matrix.A method of making a lightweight fired ceramic shaped product is also provided in which a freeze-gellable ceramic sol composition is formed containing hollow microspheres, the composition is placed in a tool (21) of high thermal conductivity, the tool is cooled to irreversibly gel the sol composition, the monolith so formed is demoulded and allowed to thaw and is then fired to form a product comprising the microspheres bonded in a ceramic matrix.

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

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

Abstract: A process for injection molding of thermoplastic materials which includes a nozzle body having a bore to provide a flow path for molten thermoplastic. One end of the nozzle body is adapted for connection with a sprue of an associated mold body, and the other is adapted for connection with an end of an associated injection molding machine. The nozzle body has a shut-off valve fluid pin housing adapted for reciprocating movement in the nozzle bore to control the flow of plastic through the nozzle body. The shut-off valve fluid pin housing also includes a body having an adjustable fluid pin with a tip portion and a fluid passage formed in the body and open at the tip portion and the other end of the fluid passage communicating with a source of two pressurized fluids, one in vapor and liquid phase and another in gas.

Abstract: Methods of making a frozen confection with a whistle element encased therein are disclosed. In a first embodiment a one-piece first mold with a central through-passage containing a shoulder is used to make a first frozen part with support sticks therein. A complementarily shaped second mold is used to make a second frozen part with a matching through-passage. A whistle element is inserted into the through-passage of the first part until the element abuts the shoulder and then the second part is inserted, pressure is applied, and the two parts are frozen together. A second embodiment employs a two-piece first mold and alternative ways of securing the whistle element in the finished frozen confection are disclosed. In a third embodiment for soft frozen products such as ice-cream, an ingredient is frozen in a mold and a tubular tool is used to remove some of the frozen ingredient to create a central through-passage with a shoulder into which the whistle element is inserted and retained with a frozen plug.

Abstract: Fine particles of vanadium oxide or compound thereof, respectively represented by the general formulas V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and LiV.sub.3 O.sub.8, are prepared by freeze-drying a wet mixture containing a precursor. Alternatively, such oxide or compound is prepared in fine particle form intimately mixed with fine particles of carbon, also by freeze-drying.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing calendered and/or extruded semifinished products with increased surface tackiness from a mixture of rubber and rubber-like plastic materials employs a shock-cooling step for cooling the hot semifinished products at a maximum shock cooling temperature of 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a monolithic polybenzbisazole article including the steps of:(a) dissolving at least one benzbisazole polymer in a strong acid at an elevated temperature;(b) transferring the resulting solution to a mold;(c) cooling the solution in the mold to a temperature below the gelation temperature of the acid-polymer mixture, thus providing a polymer-acid gel;(d) ageing the gel for about 0.25 to 10 days;(e) replacing the acid in the gel with water;(f) replacing the water in the gel with a lower aliphatic alcohol; and(g) densifying the gel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a novel liquid cast urethane rubber object that exhibits dimensional stability when subjected to temperature fluctuations comprising 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 17.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: Thermoplastic printed wiring board spacers are fabricated by providing a water soluble partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin or fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin or a blend of partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol resin, the ration thereof depending upon (1) the degree of hydrolyzation of the polyvinyl alcohol resins, (2) crystallinity associated with particular polyvinyl alcohol resins, (3) the fabrication temperatures of the printed wiring board to avoid spacer melting and (4) the degree of solubility in water of the spacer. The spacers are fabricated by injection molding the polyvinyl alcohol resins or desired polyvinyl alcohol resin mixture to provide a molded configuration having a runner system with spacers attached to a sub runner system by a very thin gate.

Abstract: A process for preparing thermoinsulating and/or structural double-walled molded bodies, which includes the following steps:(a) heating two sheets made of thermoplastic polymer to a temperature equal or slightly higher than their softening point;(b) inserting between the two sheets a pre-mold made of an expanded polymeric material;(c) thermoforming in a mold the two sheets on the pre-mold;(d) soldering together the two sheets on their rims by means of a pressure applied on them by the mold.

Abstract: A method for removal of asbestos floor tile comprising the following steps: lowering the temperature of a selected tile section and the adhesive material between said tile(s) and the juxtaposed subflooring; maintaining the temperature reducing agent for a period of time sufficient to cause said adhesive material/layer to substantially lose its bonding properties; removing the de-bonded asbestos tile from the subflooring and disposing according to Governmental regulations.A manually transportable housing dimensioned for receiving therewithin a quantity or block of dry ice. Said housing having a bottom section defining an opening for being aligned with a selected asbestos floor tile(s). Blower means mounted to said housing for directing an air stream over said dry ice and downwardly through said opening unto said tile(s).

Abstract: A method of fabricating micron-range holes in elastic barrier materials which involves securing an elastic barrier material to a restraining ring and removing a limited portion of the elastic barrier material so as to form a hole having a diameter of less than 0.5 to 10 .mu.m. The portion of the elastic barrier material which is removed may be removed by a drilling, punching or clipping process.

Abstract: Scrap rubber chunks from used tires are processed and the monomeric chemicals from which the tire rubber was synthesized are recovered. Rubber chunks reduced to a finely divided size are exposed to gaseous ozone to break down the cross-linked structure of the rubber. Subsequent thermal depolymerization occurs in a reactor chamber. Finely divided silica is introduced within the reactor to prevent agglomeration of rubber particles and to enhance the maintenance of a uniform reactor temperature. Reduced pressure within the reactor permits rapid removal of monomer vapors. Once the monomer vapors are separated, silica and carbon residues are recovered separately for either recycle or disposal.

Abstract: A method for making a biosoluble collagen or gelatin ophthalmic shield, which optionally contains a pharmaceutically active agent, by casting collagen or gelatin in a mold; chilling the mold with the collagen or gelatin shield until the shield is strong enough to allow the mold to be opened without deforming the shield in one half of the mold; drying the collagen or gelatin shield while it is still in the mold; and then cross-linking the collagen or gelatin shield to achieve the desired solubility. The resulting shield can be worn comfortably in the eye and leaves no observable material after complete dissolution and drug release.

Abstract: A high energy density capacitor incorporating a variety of carbon foam electrodes is described. The foams, derived from the pyrolysis of resorcinol-formaldehyde and related polymers, are high density (0.1 g/cc-1.0 g/cc) electrically conductive and have high surface areas (400 m.sup.2 /g-1000 m.sup.2 /g). Capacitances on the order of several tens of farad per gram of electrode are achieved.

Abstract: Polymer blends of non-crystalline mesomorphous polypropylene and a polymer compatible with such polypropylene and the method of making such polymer blends are provided. Such compatible polymer blends exhibit substantial maintenance of structural integrity after exposure to gamma irradiation and provide heat sealing properties, puncture resistance, and tear strength. Films, fibers, and other articles made from such blends may be used in various applications, including medical articles such as medical packaging films, ostomy pouches, and transdermal delivery patches, which may require sterilized storage prior to usage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for lining a host pipe with an elastomeric liner having an outside diameter which is initially greater than the inside diameter of the host pipe. A length of the liner is reduced to a downsized outside diameter and the downsized liner is cryogenically cooled to a supercooled state to maintain the downsized dimensions of the liner while increasing the tensile strength to facilitate insertion of the liner into the host pipe.

Abstract: A process of having a microporous multiply sheet product which is capable of becoming non-porous at a predetermined elevated transformation temperature is formed by first forming a non-porous, multiply initial sheet product having at least one first ply and at least one second ply, each with its own viscosity profile. The initial sheet product is then stretched and annealed to impart porosity to the sheet product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a microporous membrane from an unsulfonated poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer by forming a mixture of an unsulfonated poly(etheretherketone)-type polymer, a low melting point crystallizable polymer, and a plasticizer, heating the resulting mixture, extruding or casting the mixture into a membrane, quenching or coagulating the membrane, and leaching the membrane, while optionally drawing the membrane before, during, after leaching, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to hollow elongate articles such as tubing and fibers formed from non-crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol. The articles are prepared by extruding a solution of polyvinyl alcohol in the shape of the desired article into a coagulating bath concurrently with a stream of a non-solvent for the polymer. The stream occupies the area corresponding to the interior cavity of the article and prevents collapse of the cavity until the article has solidified in the coagulation bath.

Abstract: A method for repairing a hot-blast, long-time cupola furnace by removing residual slag and relining the cupola furnace including feeding liquid nitrogen to the cupola furnace immediately at the end of a smelting operation and simultaneously with the feeding of the liquid nitrogen, removing residual slag from the furnace. The furnace is cooled with liquid nitrogen until the furnace reaches a temperature of less than or equal to 40.degree. C. after which the furnace is relined with fresh refractory tamping compound.

Abstract: A collagen-hydrogel for promoting epithelial cell growth and regeneration of the stroma is shown. Also shown is an optical lens for the eye, fabricated from the collagen-hydrogel, which, when affixed to Bowman's membrane, promotes and supports epithelial cell growth, enables corneal epithelium of the cornea of an eye, during the healing process, to attach to and cover the anterior surface of the lens implanting the same and to regenerate the stroma which grows over the edge of and attaches to the optical lens. Laid down in the layers of the regenerated stroma are new keratocytes and collagen fibial produced from keratocytes. The collagen-hydrogel is a hydrogel polymer formed by the free radical polymerization of a hydrophilic monomer solution gelled and crosslinked in the presence of an aqueous stock solution of collagen to form a three dimensional polymeric meshwork for anchoring collagen. The collagen-hydrogel material has a ratio by weight of collagen-to-hydrogel in the range of about 0.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling an extruded blown film in which the interior surface of the thin film bubble is contacted with a gas which does not contain water vapor to thereby cool the extruded film. The apparatus and method may employ an enclosed circulation system to provide for the reuse of the gas through cooling with a liquid coolant such as liquid cryogen.

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

Abstract: A novel process for fabricating a multi-colored foamed speckled thermoplastic sheet is disclosed, wherein differently colored preformed thermoplastic sheets are separately comminuted into particles by grinding the sheets at the temperature about equal to the glass-transition temperatures of the sheets. The ground fine particles of different colors are mixed in an appropriate ratio and are then calendered to form sheets. This process is economical and convenient for mass production.

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

Abstract: A method of improving the efficient depletion of the siloxane oligomer present in organopolysiloxane moldings by using supercritical carbon dioxide gas, so that this reduction in siloxane oligomer content is accomplished without cracking of the moldings by regulating the pressure reduction to less than 40 Kg/cm.sup.2 per 1 hour during the release to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Ultra-fine polymeric fibers are produced from various polymeric materials by mixing with thermoplastic poly(vinyl alcohol) and extruding the mixture through a die followed by further orientation. The poly(vinyl alcohol) is extracted to yield liberated ultra-fine polymeric fibers. The polymer utilized can include post-consumer polymer waste.

Abstract: Pulps and short fibers containing polybenzoxazole and/or polybenzothiazole or copolymers thereof can be synthesized by freezing the wet fiber straight from the coagulation bath without drying, and chopping or grinding the frozen fiber to the desired size and degree of fibrillation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wound dressing having microscopic web-like interconnections and a porous structure of continuous pores throughout the wound dressing. In the first embodiment of the method, the dressing is produced by the steps of heating while simultaneously stirring a biocompatible material and solvent to form a homogenous solution; cooling while simultaneously stirring the homogenous solution to form a gel made of a dispersion of gel particles of the biocompatible material and freeze-drying the gel. In a second embodiment of the method, the wound dressing is produced by heating while simultaneously stirring a biocompatible material and the solvent to form a homogenous solution, cooling while simultaneously stirring the homogenous solution to form a gel made of a dispersion of gel particles of the biocompatible material; warming while simultaneously stirring the gel, allowing the warm gel to cool to form a soft gel and freeze-drying the soft gel.

Abstract: A composite yet monolithic free abrasive grinding lap includes a sintered porous matrix of ceramic or metal material and a quantity of silicon filler material, substantially completely filling the pores of the sintered porous matrix preform at least throughout an effective region of the lap that is to come in contact with a workpiece to be acted upon by the lap. The lap may further have a multitude of abrasive particles embedded in the filler material at the effective region. The lap is made by first slip-casting a preform, then freezing and freeze-drying the same, followed by lightly sintering the dry preform into a porous matrix preform, bringing the temperature of the preform to above the melting point of the silicon filling material, and filling the pores with the filling material in its molten state.

Abstract: A tubular plastic liner having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of a pipeline is cooled to reduce its outside diameter below the inside diameter of the pipeline, which is also cooled, and is then pulled into the pipeline. After the pulling operation is completed the liner and pipeline are allowed to return to normal temperature, whereupon the liner expands to conform to the inside diameter of the pipeline.

Abstract: A process for making fibers of para-aramid and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) comprising agitating a mixture of solvent acid, para-aramid, and PVP, heating the mixture to form a solution, extruding the solution, drawing the extruded solution, passing the stretched solution through an aqueous coagulating bath to form filaments and washing the filaments.

Abstract: The process for production of polyacrylonitrile hollow threads with a stable, asymmetric pore structure by a dry-wet-spinning process with glycerine-based core liquids, definite draw and after treatment conditions and a treatment with alcohols and drying.

Abstract: A novel method of making a ceramic core for use in casting a metal component includes freezing a ceramic slurry comprising a ceramic powder filler, a freezable liquid and a gelling agent in a mold to form a frozen core shaped body. The frozen core shaped body is removed from the mold and thawed to room temperature. A high viscosity gel is provided in the core shaped body at room temperature that is strong enough to retain the core shape until the body can be fired to form a porous, sintered ceramic core. The gel present at room temperature may be formed as the ceramic slurry is cooled in the mold cavity to form the frozen article shaped body and/or as the frozen core shaped body is thawed to room temperature.

Abstract: Refractory articles are prepared by a freezecast process where a ceramic fiber mat is saturated with a colloidal silica aqueous suspension, frozen and then heated to produce a preform. The preform is then saturated with a colloidal silica aqueous suspension, frozen, and then heated to produce a refractory article having silica particles substantially uniformly distributed throughout. The density of the refractory article can be increased by compression of the saturated mat prior to freezing.

Abstract: A new process for producing a reproduction of a painting or the like wherein the reproduction has a relief surface which imitates the relief surface of the painting or the like. Heat and pressure are applied simultaneously to an assembly consisting of a mold of the painting, a colored sheet for coloring the reproduction and a substrate to retain the reproduction. Subsequent to this step, shock cooling is applied. The reproduction thus produced does not suffer from the rebound effect of the prior art and good color integrity is maintained.

Abstract: A process for preparing a crack-free, dried collagen sponge having a shrinkage factor of up to 14%, including the steps of impregnating crosslinked collagen sponge with an aqueous solution of a hydrophilic organic solvent, freezing the sponge at a temperature of -80.degree. C. or lower, and vacuum-drying the sponge.

Abstract: A method of making a collagen-hydrogel is shown. The method comprises the steps of forming a radical free polymer of a hydrophilic monomer; mixing the hydrophilic monomer with a stock solution of collagen in the presence of a weak solution of ammonium persulfate and sodium metabisuleate forming a clear viscous monomer solution; and heating said viscous monomer solution in the presence of a crosslinking agent to polymerize the same into a three dimensional polymeric meshwork having collagen from the stock solution of collagen interdispersed within the three dimensional polymeric meshwork.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining a host pipe with an elastomeric liner having an outside diameter which is initially greater than the inside diameter of the host pipe. A length of the liner is reduced to a downsized outside diameter and the downsized liner is cryogenically cooled to a supercooled state to maintain the downsized dimensions of the liner while increasing the tensile strength to facilitate insertion of the liner into the host pipe.

Abstract: A method for producing a rubber mixture. In a first stage, in a ram kneader, a master batch is produced, and in a second stage, in a batch-type process, a final mixture is produced in a ram-less kneader, without the need for intermediate storage. To improve the cooling in the ram-less kneader, the interior of this kneader is supplied with air that has such a degree of dryness that a condensation deposit is precluded. To achieve this, an essentially air tight channel is provided between the two kneaders, with a place being provided in the channel for the bottom closure of the ram kneader in a swung-out position of this closure.

Abstract: To remove a thick insulating coating from a steel pipeline, with high efficiency and speed, multiple cooling and scraping steps are performed sequentially. In a first cooling step, a low temperature coolant is sprayed onto the coating for a time sufficient to cool only a portion of the coating to a temperature below the embrittlement temperature thereof. After scraping away the embrittled outer layers of the coating, subsequent cooling and scraping steps are performed until all of the coating has been embrittled and removed. It has been found that the time required for removing the coating by use of such multiple spraying and scraping steps is substantially less than that where the coating is to be embrittled in a single step.

Abstract: A process for producing and processing multicomponent mixtures on the basis of reaction plastics provides that the liquid mixture is cooled off to a temperature that allows virtually dry further processing. This is done in that the cooled reaction plastic mixture is shaped as a solid piece from which material is rubbed off while it is applied onto a surface to be coated. The rubbed off material melts on the surface to be coated and hardens within a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention is a crystalline fiber comprising syndiotactic polystyrene, or a mixture. Preferably the fiber is a high strength fiber isotactic polystyrene and syndiotactic polystyrene wherein the fiber is monoaxially oriented, has a tensile strength of about 10,000 psi or greater, and a modulus of about 1,000,000 psi or greater.In another aspect the invention is a process for the preparation of fibers of syndiotactic polystyrene, or a mixture of isotactic polystyrene and syndiotactic polystyrene which comprises:A. contacting syndiotactic polystyrene, or a mixture of isotactic polystyrene and syndiotactic polystyrene with a solvent for the polystyrene at elevated temperatures under conditions such that a homogenous solution is formed which has sufficient viscosity to be extruded;B. extruding the solution through an orifice to form a fiber at elevated temperatures;C. quenching the fiber by passing the fiber through one or more zones under conditions such that the fiber solidifies;D.

Abstract: A method of making a phantom for NMR diagnosis contains the steps of placing at least one small container having at least a portion of its wall made of a thin film of a plastic material in a large container made of a plastic material, charging a first aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol into the small container, charging a second aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol into a space defined by the outer wall of the small container and the inner wall of the large container, freezing the first and second aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol to obtain frozen masses, and then thawing the frozen masses. A composition of the first aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol is different from a composition of the second aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing an open pore foam body with three dimensional ceramic network, in particular as a filter for the treatment of hot gases or as a catalyst substrate, has as its starting material a block of open pore plastic foam. This is impregnated at least once with a ceramic suspension, freed of excess ceramic suspension and heated to a temperature below the melting point of the plastic, then finally burnt off at a temperature at which the ceramic sinters together. The plastic foam block of the prescribed outer dimensions is cooled down and machined to produce a Z-flow filter with high precision longitudinal channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stripping, from the surface of a support, a layer of paint which has been formed and hardened thereon, characterized by the requirement of a phase of pre-treating said support before the formation on the latter of the layer of paint to be stripped, said treatment consisting in applying on the support a covering product, selected among the following products: a pre-treatment vinyl resin paint, a polyurethane resin paint. It is also an object of the invention to provide products and compositions to be used in said process.

Abstract: A method of preparing a microporous membrane from unsulfonated poly(etheretherketone)-type polymers.