Abstract: Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is molten inorganic salt. In addition, the tensile properties of an article of vulcanized rubber can be improved to an unusually effective degree by immersing the already vulcanized article in a solution of a vulcanizing agent to cause the rubber of the article to absorb or imbibe the vulcanizing agent from the solution, and then immersing the rubber and the imbibed vulcanizing agent in a heated liquid bath to increase the degree of vulcanization.

Abstract: Glove or condom formers of Mn+1AXn, wherein M is scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, niobium, hafnium, and tantalum or a mixture thereof, A is aluminium (Al), silicon (Si), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), lead (Pb) or indium (In) or a mixture thereof, X is carbon or nitrogen, and n is 1, 2 or 3, are provided. Methods for producing latex and synthetic polymer gloves and condoms with these formers are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming an elastomeric article includes providing a former, coating the former with a coagulant composition including zinc stearate, dipping the former into a polymer composition including an elastomeric polymer and water, curing the elastomeric polymer at a temperature above the melting point of the zinc stearate, and removing the water from the polymer composition on the former to form the elastomeric article.

Abstract: A hybrid stent is formed which exhibits both high flexibility and high radial strength. The expandable hybrid stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, consists of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal axis and interconnected by one or more links. In one embodiment, a dip-coated covered stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer material. In other embodiments, at least some of the rings and links are formed of a polymer material which provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent. These polymer rings and links are alternated with metallic rings and links in various configurations to attain sufficient column strength along with the requisite flexibility in holding open the target site within the body lumen. Alternatively, a laminated, linkless hybrid stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer tube.

Abstract: A slush molding process in which the moldable thermoplastic composition powder dosed to the mold is prepared by blending ethylene carboxylic acid copolymers or ionomers with ethylene/glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate copolymer and cross-linking promoter at a temperature and for a time that does not cause significant cross-linking prior to dosing to mold, which is held for sufficient time and temperature to cause cross-linking in-situ, and optionally, other additives including release agents.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved process for making elastomeric polyisoprene articles. In particular, the process of the invention is a system which produces synthetic polyisoprene articles exhibiting tensile strength properties similar to that of solvent-based processes using natural rubber latex. The process comprises an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage comprising a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole and a guanidine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator composition comprises zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT) and diphenyl guanidine (DPG), in conjunction with a stabilizer, such as sodium caseinate. The invention also includes an elastomeric polyisoprene product made by the process, such as a surgeon's glove.

Abstract: The invention provides mandrels for producing elastomeric components such as mammary implants. Specifically, the invention provides mandrels that include a mold, a shaft attached to the mold, and a drip retainer attached to the shaft. The drip retainers disclosed herein are configured to catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) that run and/or drip off the mold and shaft, and to retain such fluids when the dipping mandrel is inverted. The invention also provides drip retainers that can catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) when attached to a dipping mandrel, and can retain the fluids upon inversion of the dipping mandrel.

Abstract: Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is molten inorganic salt. In addition, the tensile properties of an article of vulcanized rubber can be improved to an unusually effective degree by immersing the already vulcanized article in a solution of a vulcanizing agent to cause the rubber of the article to absorb or imbibe the vulcanizing agent from the solution, and then immersing the rubber and the imbibed vulcanizing agent in a heated liquid bath to increase the degree of vulcanization.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing hollow ceramics fibers with the pores of the micron-scale hollow structure unidirectionally oriented, the method of manufacturing is characterized in the steps of dispersing organic fibers in a dielectric liquid and applying high voltage to the dielectric liquid containing the dispersed organic fibers to electrostatically align them to produce a fiber accumulation in which the organic fibers are unidirectionally oriented, using the fiber accumulation as a mold and dipping the fiber accumulation in a ceramics base solution, and then removing the mold by treatment with heat or organic solvents.

Abstract: According to the invention a body may be produced in plastic, in particular by means of rotational casting method, by using a suspension or paste with plastic particles, comprising at least partly a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular SEBS, SBS or TPU. Said invention presents the advantage of no danger to health.

Abstract: The invention provides mandrels for producing elastomeric components such as mammary implants. Specifically, the invention provides mandrels that include a mold, a shaft attached to the mold, and a drip retainer attached to the shaft. The drip retainers disclosed herein are configured to catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) that run and/or drip off the mold and shaft, and to retain such fluids when the dipping mandrel is inverted. The invention also provides drip retainers that can catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) when attached to a dipping mandrel, and can retain the fluids upon inversion of the dipping mandrel.

Abstract: A method of producing a green form for use in manufacturing a composite, ceramic ion transport membrane is provided in which first and second ceramic powder mixtures are used to produce first and second layers of the green form. The first and second ceramic powder mixtures have ceramic particles and a pore former. After formation of each of the first and second layers or after formation of the second layer, heat is applied to burn out the binder and form pores. This heating is completed prior to application of a dense layer to prevent production of defects within the dense layer. The dense layer contains an ion transport material. Defects are also prevented by grading particle size from the first layer to the dense layer. This allows the second intermediate layer to fill in larger pores of the first layer and to present a smooth surface to the dense layer. Additionally, the second ceramic powder mixture contains in part material used in forming the dense layer for thermal expansion compatibility purposes.

Abstract: In connection with wafer planarization, an apparatus for forming a layer of material having a substantially uniform thickness and substantially parallel first and second major surfaces includes a pair of pressing elements and a stop. Each of the pair of pressing elements has a flat pressing surface. The pressing surfaces are opposed to one another and operable to compress a quantity of the material therebetween. The stop is positioned at least partially between the pressing surfaces and has a thickness substantially equal to the desired uniform thickness of the layer. The stop is positioned to establish a spacing between the flat pressing surfaces that is substantially equal to the thickness of the stop and thereby to the desired uniform thickness of the layer when the pressing elements engage the stop.

Abstract: A process for preparing a synthetic, individual latex glove including mixing step the base material of glove comprising PVC resin, or latex, plasticizer, stabilizer and then added with vitamin E. The preparation including dipping of glove mold into the dipping tank, heating, cooling, forming, applying powder or liquid in glove and removing the glove.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition includes a single S-EB-S block copolymer having at least about 15 weight percent of styrene end blocks, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the styrene end blocks is at least about 7,000 Daltons and the weight average molecular weight of ethylene-butylene midblocks is at least about 60,000 Daltons, and a plasticizer in an amount sufficient to provide tactility in products made from the composition. To prepare articles such as medical film protective devices, the elastomeric composition is dissolved in a sufficient amount of a solvent to permit dip forming. A form having the shape of the desired product is dipped into the solution to build up a film of the elastomeric composition on the form. The dip-formed elastomeric films are free of pinholes and resistant to oxidative and ozone attack. The films are particularly suitable for use in products such as examination, surgical, and industrial gloves and condoms.

Abstract: A plastic particle is formed of a plastic material having at least one integral protruding ring disposed on its outer surface. The ring may be continuous or intermittent around a perimeter of the plastic particle. Preferably, the particles have an outer diameter in the range of 0.007 inches to 0.040 inches.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic composition including at least a first component containing Al2O3, MgO and ROa (R is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb and Gd; a is a value stoichiometrically determined in accordance with the valence of R); SiO2 as a second component; and a third component containing a glass composition including two or more components containing at least one selected from the group consisting of SiO2 and B2O3. A dielectric ceramic composition stably has a high strength in a high frequency band such as microwave, millimeter wave, etc., and has a small dielectric constant, a low loss, and a small temperature constant at capacitance.

Abstract: Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is molten inorganic salt. In addition, the tensile properties of an article of vulcanized rubber can be improved to an unusually effective degree by immersing the already vulcanized article in a solution of a vulcanizing agent to cause the rubber of the article to absorb or imbibe the vulcanizing agent from the solution, and then immersing the rubber and the imbibed vulcanizing agent in a heated liquid bath to increase the degree of vulcanization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a solid molded article, in particular a ceramic and/or metallic article made of pulverized particles. The invention also relates to stable dispersions of pulverized particles in an aqueous fluid medium, solid molded articles made of pulverized particles, and sintered ceramic and/or metallic molded articles.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a non-adhesive clean latex product and a method for manufacturing the same. A non-adhesive clean emulsion latex product is manufactured by adding a carboxyl-group blocking agent to a carboxylated latex or by providing a layer treated with the carboxyl-group blocking agent on one or both surfaces of a film of the carboxylated latex. Further, a non-adhesive, easy-to-wear-and-remove emulsion latex product is manufactured by affording a layer treated with a carboxyl group blocking agent on the inside surface of a carboxylated latex film and providing a chlorination treatment on the outside thereof. Furthermore, a sulfur-free, highly durable latex product can be manufactured by adding an aluminate or an aluminumhydroxide gel to the latex. The present invention also provides a non-powdered, clean, on-machine wound fingerstall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing hard capsules is characterized by comprising the steps of dispersing a water-soluble cellulose derivative in hot water and cooling the dispersion to effect dissolution of the water-soluble cellulose derivative in the water, adding and dissolving a gelling agent in the water-soluble cellulose derivative solution to give a capsule-preparing solution, dipping a capsule-forming pin into the capsule-preparing solution at a predetermined temperature, then drawing out the pin and inducing gelation of the capsule-preparing solution adhering to the pin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing plastic parts, in which, with the aid of a heat-exchange medium, a mold is heated to the melting temperature of the plastic. As a result of rotation of a housing that carries the mold, the heat-exchange medium is brought repeatedly to the rear side of the mold and removed again. The heat-exchange medium used according to the invention is a thermally stable oil bath. The thermally stable oil is led through the feed line into the housing and contacts with the whole area of the rear of the mold. An inert gas blankets the oil in the housing. The oil is moved substantially turbulently as a result of the housing being rotated. The plastic powder is then applied to the mold in a manner known per se.

Abstract: Spherical particles having a diameter between 0.007″ and 0.040″ are formed from melt extruded thermo-plastic material suitable for casting on a heated mold surface and melting thereon to form a thin layer of material having a nominal thickness of 0.040″ that is cooled and removed from the mold surface as a part having a porosity less than a visually observable threshold. The process includes the steps of providing microspheres formed of blended and melt extruded thermo-plastic, plasticizers and pigment additives that constitute less than 5% by weight of the blend and shaped as a smooth round spherical particle; providing a heated casting surface and distributing a predetermined charge of such microspheres against the heated casting surface; melting the microspheres as a layer of thermoplastic material having a porosity less than 0.003 inches and thereafter cooling and removing the non-porous layer from the casting surface.

Abstract: A process for the face-side, in particular thick, coating of a motor vehicle interior trim part or the like inserts the interior trim part, in uncoated form, in a defined position in a diecasting or injection molding tool. A mold tool with polished surface is laid under pressure and under heat against the face-side surface of the coating. In the mold tool, the resin or the lacquer is applied under pressure and under heat in a single operation onto the interior trim part surface to be coated in the manner of an injection molding or diecasting process despite a shrinkage due to curing. The resin or the lacquer is acted on with a uniform pressure during the entire curing time. The pressure is chosen such that any air present in the liquid resin or lacquer is dissolved.

Abstract: A process for making a low molecular weight cellulose ether has the following steps: a) providing a high molecular weight cellulose ether; b) contacting it with acid to partially depolymerize it to a cellulose ether of a viscosity of about 100 cP or less; c) neutralizing the acid; d) repeating steps a)-c) to produce two or more discrete product batches of low molecular weight cellulose ether and produce at least one discrete product batch which is partially neutralized; and e) blending the two or more discrete product batches to form a combined product batch of low molecular weight cellulose ether of a pH of 4 to 6.8. The process provides a cellulose ether with reduced yellowing and discoloration.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulose ether composition having a low molecular weight cellulose ether of a viscosity of about 200 centipoise or less in a two percent aqueous solution at 20° C. The composition has a sodium chloride content of about 0.3 weight percent or less based upon the weight of the cellulose ether. The composition exhibits significantly reduced haze formation when in capsule form. Also disclosed is a process for making the composition.

Abstract: One may obtain an excellent protective coating for a fabric made of heat-resistant fibers, in particular a fabric made of glass fibers like those used for the manufacture of filters in the metallurgical industry, when use is made, as a starting material, of a composition comprising an organic part made of sugar and a mineral part comprising colloidal silica and wollastonite. This composition allows thermoforming of the fabric and gives to the same a very strong protection and a rigidity. This is particularly interesting when the fabric is used for making a filter like those used during the casting of a liquid metal, especially liquid aluminum.

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

Abstract: A unitary or one-piece, integral soft bodied plastic fishing lure may be multi-layered and have two or more distinct colors. Soft bodied fishing lures may emit salt flavors directly into the adjacent water that dissolves salt grains exposed at the surface of the lures directly to the water. Methods of making the multi-colored and salt emitting lures by dipping mandrels into molten plastic and supplies of salt grains are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic cover for a connector bar that includes providing a mold having a substantially rectangular shaped block, having a first surface and a second surface adjacent the first surface. Both the first and second surfaces each have at least one generally cylindrically shaped projection extending outwardly away from the respective surfaces. To form the plastic cover, the mold is dipped into a polymer solution and is allowed to dwell in the solution for a certain period of time. Next, the plastic cover is cured for a sufficient period of time so that the polymer solution hardens to form the plastic cover. After the cover is formed around the mold, it is removed from within the cover through a slit opening. After the mold is removed from the cover, a connector bar can be inserted through the opening into the cover's cavity.

Abstract: A process for forming a product having multiple and well defined color patterns. In a first embodiment, the rotomolding process comprises a first step of using a first powder having a first color and a second powder having a second color which is different than the color of the first powder. The rotomolding process comprises a second step of placing the first and second color powders into a pre-determined pattern within a hollow cavity mold. The rotomolding process comprises a third step of placing the closed hollow cavity mold into the oven. The rotomolding process comprises a fourth step of heating the hollow cavity mold with no rotation for a first period defined by the heating time necessary for a layer of individual colors to melt in the desired pattern upon the inside surface of the hollow cavity mold.

Abstract: A plunger tool for producing a special prophylactic is disclosed. The special features of the plunger tool reside in the special curvatures in its shaped section. The shaped section of the plunger tool exhibits an extreme narrowing, at the deepest point of which there may be at least one annular groove. Unlike prior art transitions, the transition from the large diameter to the reservoir section is not steep and straight but takes the form of an S-shaped curve. An exact contour of the annular grooves on the surface of the plunger tool is essential for their production and can be done only by the use of a precision diamond abrasive point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for manufacturing shafts from composite materials, particularly shafts for golf clubs. An elongate mandrel, having a passage therein and having a plurality of holes between the passage and an outer surface of the mandrel, includes a flexible bladder, preferably latex, dipped and cured directly on the outer surface of the mandrel. A set of plies of pre-preg composite sheet is wrapped around the mandrel in a predetermined manner. The wrapped mandrel is placed in a mold, the bladder is inflated to a predetermined pressure. The pressurized wrapped mandrel is then heated for a predetermined period of time to cure the composite material to form a shaft, preferably for a golf club. While the shaft is cured in the mold, gas of a predetermined pressure is introduced through the passage in the mandrel to inflate the bladder and force the composite sheet against the walls of the mold.

Abstract: A process and a device for producing a thin-walled prophylactic, which is manufactured in a plurality of immersion stages, is disclosed. The device includes an endless conveyer belt on which an elongated cylindrical immersion tool is mounted. The process substantially consists of three immersion stages and three different immersion tubs, whereby the depths of immersion of the immersion tools substantially deviate from each other. After each immersion stage, a predetermined heat treatment of the elastic material applied to the immersion tool is carried out.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and a vacuum is applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to draw lipstick wax material therefrom and into the interior of the spindle. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous polyurethane dispersions prepared from polyester polyols having 0.95 to 1.5 equivalents of carboxylic functionality thereon per equivalent of polyol, the dispersions also containing a nonionic surfactant component wherein the ratio by weight of said carboxylic functionality to said nonionic surfactant component is 1:2.5 to 1:0.5. The dispersions are particularly adapted to the formation of thin wall articles exhibiting greatly improved properties.

Abstract: Spherical particles having a diameter between 0.007" and 0.040" are formed from melt extruded thermoplastic material formed of blended and melt extruded thermoplastic and pigment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-walled polyurethane article includes dipping a shaped former into a coagulant solution and subsequently dipping the shaped former into an aqueous-phase polyurethane/plasticizer dispersion wherein the unplasticized polyurethane has a mean particle size of between about 0.5 .mu.m and 1.0 .mu.m and wherein the plasticizer causes the polyurethane particles to swell until they have a mean particle size of between about 1.5 .mu.m and 3.0 .mu.m. Articles so produced have a thickness of between 0.03 mm to 1.0 mm, a tensile strength of between 17 MPa and 60 Mpa and an elongation at break of greater than 650%.

Abstract: A powdered slush molding device has debris capturing devices in its reservoir. A resin material is passed back and forth through openings between the reservoir and the mold by rotating the apparatus back and forth until a film of desired thickness is formed on the mold. The capturing devices capture the debris formed during a molding process. Unwanted debris are then removed from the capturing devices either while the capturing devices remain within the reservoir or by removing them and removing the debris outside the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for forming a glove in an elastomer deposition process employs a folded glove form. The form has a hand forming portion having palm and finger forming portions. The finger forming portions terminate in distal tips and the cuff forming portion terminates in a terminal end for forming the cuff opening. The form is folded so that finger forming portion distal tips and the cuff forming portion terminal end lie in separate planes and in facing relationship to one another. To form the glove, the form is vertically oriented and dipped into a bath of elastomer with both the cuff forming portion terminal end and the finger portion distal tips facing upwards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding the fibers of, and forming a fiber reinforced plastic structure. A fiber reinforced plastic preform is created by depositing a mixture of reinforcing fibers, binding fibers and resin matrix fibers on a screen having a preselected geometry. The fiber reinforced plastic preform is exposed to high temperature fluid causing the binding fibers to melt and, thereafter, to cool air to temporarily bind the preform in a tackified state. The tackified preform is exposed to a higher temperature fluid causing the resin matrix fibers to melt and, thereafter, to cool air to solidify and thus bind and lock the reinforcing fibers of the tackified preform in place to create a homogeneous fiber reinforced plastic structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and gas pressure applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to blow off excess lipstick wax material therefrom. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.

Abstract: A male urinary catheter and method of making same. The catheter employs a condom like sheath of silicone rubber which sealingly engages the penis of the patient. A catheter stem at the distal end of the sheath couples to a urine collection system. The sheath is sealed to the penis by an adhesive which is applied to the outer surface of the sheath at the time of manufacture. A surface preparation layer is applied over the adhesive. The sheath is rolled up from the proximal end. The sheath is unrolled to apply it to the patient. During the unrolling process, the adhesive layer is removed from the outer surface and deposited on the inner surface of the sheath.

Abstract: A method of molding a shaped article includes the steps of providing a molding tool having an exposed surface for receiving a plastic powder resin to be melted thereagainst and an insulated surface; providing an insulating panel with insulated laminated alternating layers of fiberglass and silicone rubber and an inner core filled with silicone rubber and a plurality of hollow glass beads to prevent melting of plastic powder resin on the insulated surface; applying a plastic powder resin on the exposed mold surface and melting it thereon while exposing the insulating panel to the plastic powder resin remaining in powder form thereon for reclaiming and thereafter setting said melted plastic into a plastic article by cooling the plastic article and removing it from the molding tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing pharmaceutical capsules use an aqueous solution of a thermogelling cellulose ether composition and use capsule body pins and capsule cap pins as molds. The method involves heating the pins, dipping the pins into the solution to cause the solution to gelatinize on the surface of the pins, removing the pins and drying the gelatinized solution on the surface of the pins to form capsule bodies and capsule caps. Pins are heated pre-dip and post-dip to facilitate gelating. Counterflow air is applied to provide drying from the inside. Capsule parts are removed by gripping. Capsule parts may have a thick wall and a stiffening ring.

Abstract: An enhancement composition and a method for its use in a molding process. The enhancement composition is applied to the interior surfaces of the mold cavity used in a molding process such as blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming or rotational molding. The enhancement composition is applied prior to closing of the mold and molding of the plastic article. The enhancement composition comprises a liquid carrier containing up to about 50 weight percent of enhancement solids which comprise a mixture of an enhancement solid such as particles of varied thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, metal flakes, glass beads, carbon, graphite, etc., and a binder solid which can be a hydrocarbon resin, wax, rosin or terpene base resin. The invention provides for almost unlimited modification of the surfaces of molded plastic products, offering the plastics fabricator the ability to mold products having very specialized surface properties with a low cost structural polymer, e.g.

Abstract: Laminar articles are manufactured by slush molding polyolefin compositions in powder form composed of:A) 10-40 parts by weight of a propylene homopolymer or copolymer;B) 0-20 parts by weight of a copolymer fraction containing ethylene, propylene and/or a CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHR .alpha.-olefin, the copolymer fraction being insoluble in xylene at ambient temperature and having an ethylene content equal to or greater than 80% by weight;C) 50-80 parts by weight of a copolymer fraction containing ethylene, propylene and/or a CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHR .alpha.-olefin, the copolymer fraction being soluble in xylene at ambient temperature and having an intrinsic viscosity in tetrahydronaphthalene at 135 C ranging from 1 to 1.4 dl/g.

Abstract: A method of forming intra-aortic balloons includes forming a balloon blank having a sleeve section at its proximal end. To reduce the diameter of the sleeve section of the balloon, the sleeve section is stretched longitudinally by gripping a first portion of the balloon blank at the distal end of the sleeve section, gripping a second portion of the balloon blank at the opposite end of the sleeve section and moving at least one of the gripped portions away from the other so as to reduce the diameter of the sleeve section. A heating element is positioned within the sleeve section to relieve the stress in the sleeve after stretching, by heating the sleeve section. The sleeve section is then cooled in order to preserve the sleeve section in its reduced diameter state thereby forming an intra-aortic balloon having a balloon blank with a reduced diameter sleeve section.

Abstract: An artificial bait which can provide a great effect to attract fish by means of light emission or reflection from air bubbles contained in the artificial bait. A large number of air bubbles are enclosed within a artificial bait main body formed of elastic material having flexibility and light transmissible property wherein the air bubbles may be deformed to enhance the attractiveness of the bait.