Abstract: A system and method for forming an article from thermoplastic material and fiber. The method includes heating thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material for blending with the fiber. The molten thermoplastic material is blended with the fibers to form a molten composite material having a concentration of fiber by weight. The molten composite material may then be extruded through dynamic dies to deliver discrete controlled material that is gravitated onto a lower portion of a mold. The lower portion of the mold may be moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold. The upper portion of the mold may be pressed against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material and closing on the lower portion of the mold to form the article.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an article using a predetermined amount of crumb rubber comprising the steps of selecting an article to be manufactured, determining a maximum amount of recycled rubber which can be used in manufacturing the article selected. A particle size for recycled rubber to be used is determined and a binder for binding the recycled rubber is selected. The amount of binder required to be added is determined. Curing agents to be used in the process are selected and their weight determined. The components are mixed in a mixer and heated to a predetermined temperature. The mixture is removed and a mold is filled with the mixture. The mixture is then molded at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure being at least sufficient to cure the mixture so as to form the article previously selected and then the molded product is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A molding method and an impact resistant automotive part such as a bumper beam resulting from the molding method are obtained wherein a thermoplastic reinforced fiber structure at least partially forms a pair of attachment portions of the part and continuously extends between the attachment portions to link the attachment portions. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of blanks, heating the plurality of blanks, and stacking the plurality of blanks to form a stack of blanks. The stack is then stamped to form the part including the pair of attachment portions spaced a predetermined distance apart. The thermoplastic reinforced fiber structure has tows of fibers wetted by a resin material such as polypropylene. Preferably, the fibers are woven glass fibers.

Abstract: A micro-needle is provided which is particularly useful for the minimally invasive sampling of a biological fluid and/or the minimally invasive delivery of a drug or other formulation across the skin. The micro-needle has a structure having a base at a proximal end and a vertex at a distal end, and an open lumen extending there through and through which fluid may be transferred. The structure defines a structural axis that intersects the lumenal axis defined by the open lumen. The point of intersection between these axes is at a point below the vertex of the micro-needle to provide a sharp apex at the distal end of the micro-needle and defines the general configuration of the distal end of the micro-needle, which may be selected or customized depending on the intended use of the microneedle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a compressible printing layer, comprising a vulcanizing step comprising a first heating process in which one surface of a compressible printing layer including an unvulcanized compressible layer containing microcapsules is heated by bringing the one surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer, and a second heating process in which the other surface of the compressible printing layer is heated by bringing the other surface of the compressible printing layer into contact with the surface of at least one heated metal roll while applying tension to the compressible printing layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound insulating structure cover panel that compliments the sound attenuation material. The method of manufacturing the panel includes the steps of providing a laminated blank having an interior face which will be observable from the passenger compartment. The side opposite the interior face of the blank has a generally non-permeable polymeric layer adjacent to a primary backing and a secondary backing layer overlying the polymeric layer. In the preferred process, the previously described blank is elevated to a desired temperature and positioned in a closed forming mold such that the perimeter of the blank is retained in a fixed position. The forming mold is closed with a controlled pressure that is sufficient to expand the blank, conform it to the mold and render a panel having a desired permeability.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for the production of sheet like material that can be used in applications where polymer based material has to conduct electric current at low impedance, especially for application in electrodes, like the electrodes of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the sheet material being electrically conductive composite material comprising a non conductive polymer binder and electrically conductive compounds. The method according to this invention has as its objective to provide a method for large-scale production of electrical conductive sheet like material in which the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided.

Abstract: A molding method for protective equipment includes seven steps. A first step is to prepare a mold consisting of an upper and a lower mold respectively provided with a mold hole. A second step is to heat the mold to a preset first temperature. A third step is to place a plastic plate and a foam member in the mold. A fourth step is to move the upper mold nearer to the lower mold, and then close up the upper mold on the lower mold in a preset time for the two materials to melt. A fifth step is to heat the mold to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so that the outer surface of the two materials may melt. A sixth step is to cool the mold to a preset temperature to let the two materials cool to form a shape. The seventh step is to open the mold and take out a finished product.

Abstract: A peripherally encapsulated product, such as an oven door outer shell, is molded in accordance with this invention by placing a piece of glass between mold clamping portions of relatively movable closed bodies when the latter are in an open position. Preferably both bodies are heated and thermosetting polymeric material (SMC or BMC) is placed upon selected areas of one of the mold bodies within and about an area corresponding to an annular mold cavity and outboard of a peripheral edge of a piece of glass. The glass is clamped between mold clamping portions of the mold bodies which are then progressively closed creating compression forces which extrude the thermosetting polymeric material into the annular cavity and into complete encapsulation of the continuous peripheral edge of the piece of glass. The thermosetting polymeric material is cured, the mold bodies are opened and the product is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for rotational molding uses a mold having first and second mold components defining therebetween a mold cavity. The first mold component includes a mold insert adapted to translate toward the second mold component. A spring-biased latch mechanism restrains the mold insert in the outward disposition, and a touch pad is struck to trigger the latch mechanism and urge the mold inwardly while the mold is rotating. In another aspect, the invention includes a method for rotational molding that employs the rotational mold described above. With the mold insert latched in the outward disposition, the rotational mold charged with thermoplastic material rotated biaxially and heated. After heating, while the mold assembly continues to rotate, the touch pad is struck to release the latch and cause the mold insert to move inwardly. The mold insert includes structural features that are moved more proximate to opposed mold portions.

Abstract: The method of the present invention comprises inserting a moldable slug having a plurality of longitudinally oriented resin impregnated predominantly glass fiber filaments into a bow limb profiling mold. The mold consists of two halves, the first half containing a female cavity and a second half having a matching fitted male section. The cavity receives a pre-determined volume and weight of continuous longitudinal fibrous reinforcement material and plastic resin matrix material. Heat and pressure are applied during initial curing and the uncured end is removed. The slug is then finally cured and the slug is severed to form a right limb portion and a left limb portion.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing element for a vehicle component is provided. The element is formed of a composite material comprising a combination or mixture of mineral fibers, such as glass fibers, and organic fibers, such as polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: A system and method for producing fuel cell separators can produce fuel cell separators with high contact performance. The fuel cell separator production system includes an upper mold which has a pattern corresponding to a pattern of gas passages for one surface of a fuel cell separator, a lower mold which has a pattern corresponding to a pattern of gas passages for other surface of the fuel cell separator, one or more nozzles which spray a gas on the periphery of the fuel cell separator on the lower mold, and a suction device which horizontally advances and retracts in a space between the upper mold and the lower mold and removes the fuel cell separator from the lower mold. The nozzles and the suction device are formed independently from the upper mold and the lower mold.

Abstract: A peripherally encapsulated product, such as an oven door outer shell, is molded in accordance with this invention by placing a piece of glass between mold clamping portions of relatively movable closed bodies when the latter are in an open position. Preferably both bodies are heated and thermosetting polymeric material (SMC or BMC) is placed upon selected areas of one of the mold bodies within and about an area corresponding to an annular mold cavity and outboard of a peripheral edge of a piece of glass. The glass is clamped between mold clamping portions of the mold bodies which are then progressively closed creating compression forces which extrude the thermosetting polymeric material into the annular cavity and into complete encapsulation of the continuous peripheral edge of the piece of glass. The thermosetting polymeric material is cured, the mold bodies are opened and the product is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A golf ball 1 has a core 2 and a cover 3. For molding a core 2, a rubber composition is extruded from a kneading machine, and cut at a predetermined length to obtain a preforming material. The preforming material is placed in a mold and the mold is clamped. An upper portion and lower portion of the mold mate for more than or equal to 15 seconds, and thereafter they are unclamped until a clearance between the upper and lower portions becomes from 3 mm to 8 mm, then, the mold is shut. The shutting time is determined to be from 0.5 second to 5.0 seconds. By this unclamping of the mold, a residual air in a spherical cavity is released, which results in elimination of defective products.

Abstract: Processes for producing durable three-dimensional bowls such as water basins comprising plastics preferably acrylics heavily filled with alumina trihydrate, some embodiments including visible particles such as those sometimes used for simulating nature stone. A preferred process for manufacturing the bowls of such material includes defining a flat rigid blank such as from a larger rectangular bulk sheet in the approximate top outline shape of bowl to be formed, e.g., the blank being oval for an oval bowl and circular for a circular bowl. The blank is provided a smooth side which will be the concave finished and exposed side in use. The blank is heated to a point of softening and of uniform temperature throughout, located within a molding die such as a matched molding die having a female cavity of the desired bowl shape, indexed to the die, but left generally unrestrained so that the heated blank and un-clamped edges thereof are allowed to draw inward to reduce tension loads during forming.

Abstract: In a method for making a shoe, an insole blank having a peripheral portion is prepared. An outsole which has an adhesive applied to the top thereof is positioned in a mold assembly including at least two opposite side mold parts that have forming patterns for forming the peripheral portion of the insole blank. The insole blank is placed in the mold assembly adjacent to the top of the outsole while the insole blank is being softened by heat to a plastic state. The insole blank is pressed against and is bonded to the outsole, and the peripheral portion of the insole blank is pressed and patterned via the side mold parts. The bonding of the insole blank and the outsole and the patterning of the peripheral portion of the insole blank are carried out simultaneously by closing the mold assembly.

Abstract: A process for production of polyimide powder, which comprises reacting a biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride and an aromatic diamine in an amide-based solvent optionally containing a water-soluble ketone, in the presence of an imidazole at 1-100 equivalent percent based on the carboxylic acid content of the polyimide precursor, separating and collecting the produced polyimide precursor powder from a water-soluble ketone solvent containing 3-30 wt % of an amide-based solvent, and heating the polyimide precursor powder to an imidation rate of 90% or greater, as well as polyimide powder obtained thereby, molded bodies of the polyimide powder, and a process for production of the molded bodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a golf ball subassembly. After forming a partially-cured golf ball subassembly, the partially-cured subassembly is placed in a medium to continue curing until it is a substantially-cured subassembly. The medium in this embodiment is heated air and the subassemblies are moved through the heated air on a spiraled path. Subsequent to substantially curing the subassembly, it can be cooled in a cooling unit with a spiraled path. In one embodiment, the subassembly is a core, in another embodiment the subassembly is a core with a castable material thereabout.

Abstract: A process for production of polyimide powder, which comprises reacting an aromatic diamine with a partial ester of a biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, which is a partial ester of a biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride with a primary alcohol of 1-5 carbon atoms of which at least 30 mole percent is a 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid component, in the presence of the primary alcohol, separating out and collecting the resulting solid polyimide precursor and heating for dehydrating ring closure, polyimide powder obtained thereby, molded bodies of the polyimide powder, and a process for production of the molded bodies.

Abstract: A method of vulcanizing an object formed of unvulcanized rubber, in which the unvulcanized-rubber formed object is vulcanized by pressing and heating by mold means, comprises disposing a fiber sheet member on a surface of the unvulcanized-rubber formed object and vulcanizing the unvulcanized-rubber formed object by the mold means.

Abstract: A moldable pellet used for making high impact, non-abrasive recyclable structural composites consisting of a thermoplastic polymer or polymers, with or without fillers and additives, and a synthetic cellulosic fiber in yarn or tow form such as Rayon or Lyocell. The concentration of cellulose fiber within the pellet may vary from approximately 2-80 percent by weight or higher. This moldable pellet is suitable for molding in current molding applications such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding.

Abstract: A method of making a panel by depositing a first extrudate into a mold cavity and pressing the first extrudate with a mold core to form a skin layer. The skin layer is cooled inside the mold cavity. A core material is loaded in the mold cavity onto the skin layer. A second extrudate is deposited into the mold cavity and onto the core. The second extrudate forms a structure layer. The mold core is pressed against the structure layer so that the structure layer forms around the core. The pressure of the mold core against the structure layer also presses the core into the skin layer. The structure layer and the skin layer cool while the mold core is pressed against the structure layer and the core material and the skin layer to form a panel. The panel is removed from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an one-piece ball formed with vulcanization in which a partial mold has eight grooves in a radius direction of a mating face, and ends of spews generated when the vulcanization is conducted do not connect and unify one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, devices for arraying biomolecules, including cells, methods for arraying biomolecules, assays for monitoring cellular movement, and systems for monitoring cellular movement.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a mold core, a mold cavity and a moveable ring surrounding the mold cavity. A graphite/resin mixture is loaded into the mold cavity, filling a well area defined by the ring. The mold core is then pressed against the mixture in the mold cavity and heat is applied to harden the resin. The mold core is then raised, the ring is lowered, and the finished part is ejected.

Abstract: Ceramic sintered bodies having a different thickness along a predetermined axial direction are manufactured in the following manner. At first, a ceramic formed body to be sintered having different thickness along the predetermined axial direction is accommodated in a hot press apparatus. An upper forming mold and a lower forming mold each having a forming surface corresponding to an upper surface and a lower surface of the ceramic formed body to be sintered are set. A pressure along the predetermined axial direction is applied to the ceramic formed body to be sintered via the upper forming mold and the lower forming mold while heating the ceramic formed body to be sintered to perform a hot press sintering thereof. A thickness of a ceramic sintered body is controlled in such a manner that a maximum thickness in the predetermined direction is not more than two times a minimum thickness in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A low compression, resilient golf ball having a center and a cover, wherein at least a portion of the ball is formed from the conversion reaction of an amount of polybutadiene, a free radical source, and a cis-to-trans catalyst including at least one inorganic sulfide at a sufficient temperature to form a polybutadiene reaction product which includes an amount of trans-polybutadiene greater than the amount of trans-polybutadiene present before the conversion reaction and a cis-to-trans catalyst including at least one inorganic sulfide. The reaction product preferably has a first dynamic stiffness measured at −50° C. that is less than about 130 percent of a second dynamic stiffness measured at 0° C. A multi-layer golf ball having a center, at least one intermediate layer disposed concentrically about the center, and a cover, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the center, intermediate layer, or both, are made from the reaction product.

Abstract: A film and heated plastic blank are sized to fit over a mold cavity and a combination of said film and blank formed. The combination is positioned over the mold cavity and formed in said mold cavity into the shape of said mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device with which it is possible to arrange complicated shapes with considerable differences in height in wood fiber board, and in particular but not exclusively so called MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). The deformation of the wood fiber board which can be achieved with the invention is known in the art as extusion, wherein a considerable plastic deformation takes place accompanied by flow and stretch of the material.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an integrated process for the manufacture of polymer and/or composite products, comprising the integration of processing operations to achieve a plurality of material conversion steps, such as impregnation, consolidation and bonding, within one single controlled fabrication cycle. The process includes an in-situ final preparation of at least one composite preform at the location of the moulding operation and an integrated moulding operation comprising a step of providing an additional matrix-functioning material into the mould to at least partially enclose the composite preform, the operation of providing the additional matrix-functioning material providing the pressure for an in-situ final consolidation of the composite product.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for use in curing composite materials includes a model for a workpiece being cured. The model calculates current internal states of the workpiece and predicts, based upon past and current states of the workpiece, future states of the cure process. These future states are represented as virtual inputs to the controller, which controls operation of the cure process based upon both real and virtual inputs. Cure rates are affected by both external temperatures and internal heat generated by the curing process itself. The internally generated heat is considered by the model when calculating current states and predicting future states. By projecting the cure state into the future, problems caused by high cure rates can be avoided. In addition, pressure can be optimally controlled in response to estimated internal material state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a solid core component that includes a relatively hard central portion and a relatively soft skin portion surrounding the central portion. Various preferred embodiment golf balls are disclosed utilizing this core configuration. A golf ball comprising the noted core component having a wound layer disposed about the core skin portion is described. Another preferred embodiment relates to the use of the noted core component having a multi-layer cover assembly surrounding the core. Various methods for producing such golf ball core components are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective flooring tile, and method of manufacturing the same, having a durable and water resistant prefabricated top layer which is made of rubber material. The top layer has a top surface and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface having voids which extend from bottom surface toward the top surface. A resilient bottom layer extends from the top surface and is made of granulated rubber. The bottom layer has a prepolymer material provided between the granulated rubber which bonds the granulated rubber together. The prepolymer material flows from the bottom layer into the voids of the top layer during the manufacture of the protective flooring tile to bond the top layer to the bottom layer.

Abstract: To form a candle blank, a volume of hot liquid candle wax is injected into a generally cylindrical chamber having a length and a diameter. The hot liquid candle wax is then cooled and the length of the generally cylindrical chamber is reduced as the wax cools, so that the volume of the chamber remains substantially that of the volume of the shrinking wax. By operating in this manner, there is no room for a void to form. An apparatus to carry out the process comprises a block, a piston, a gate, a means to inject the wax, and a means to move the piston so that it follows the shrinkage of the wax as it solidifies. The block defines a generally cylindrical mold chamber for the candle blank. The mold chamber has a generally vertically positioned longitudinal axis, an upper end, and a lower end. The piston is positioned in the chamber to slide from the upper end to the lower end of the chamber. The gate is positioned at a lower end of the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a preform component for a golf club head composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material is disclosed herein. The preform component is preferably a face component, a crown component or a sole component, composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material. The apparatus preferably has a plunger head attached to a pneumatic cylinder for compressing the plies of pre-preg sheets within a mold cavity configured to define a preform component.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming an array of caps for attachment to a wafer which includes a plurality of microfabricated devices. The method includes sandwiching a sheet (134) of thermoplastic material between upper and lower molds (102, 104), heating the sheet to a plastic state and molding the sheet into caps. The molds (102, 104) are preferably formed of silicon and infrared radiation is preferably used to heat the sheet (134).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for making an article such as the body of a needleless injector capsule, from a formable material, such as glass, the article having a cavity communicating with the exterior via an orifice. A blank having an open end is mounted on a first forming tool, and the open end is engaged by a second forming tool while an end region of the blank adjacent the open end is in a condition to permit it to be formed. One of the tools has a pin extending therefrom, and when the tools are brought together to form the end region into the desired shape the pin defines the orifice.

Abstract: A process for production of polyimide powder, which comprises reacting an aromatic diamine with a partial ester of a biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, which is a partial ester of a biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride with a primary alcohol of 1-5 carbon atoms of which at least 30 mole percent is a 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid component, in the presence of the primary alcohol, separating out and collecting the resulting solid polyimide precursor and heating for dehydrating ring closure, polyimide powder obtained thereby, molded bodies of the polyimide powder, and a process for production of the molded bodies.

Abstract: A process for production of polyimide powder, which comprises reacting a biphenyltetracarboxlic dianhydride and an aromatic diamine in an amide-based solvent optionally containing a water-soluble ketone, in the presence of an imidazole at 1-100 equivalent percent based on the carboxylic acid content of the polyimide precursor, separating and collecting the produced polyimide precursor powder from a water-soluble ketone solvent containing 3-30 wt % of an amide-based solvent, and heating the polyimide precursor powder to an imidation rate of 90% or greater, as well as polyimide powder obtained thereby, molded bodies of the polyimide powder, and a process for production of the molded bodies.

Abstract: A molding method and apparatus capable of reliably removing a molded product without deformation even if the product has a shape difficult to be removed, such as a shape having a plurality of vertical portions. The method of molding a product by using a film sheet, includes the steps of: adapting to operate a pair of film pushing rings disposed facing upper and lower metal molds of a molding apparatus for thermally molding a product by using a film sheet, independently from the upper and lower metal molds; attracting and attaching a molded product to one of the upper and lower metal molds; fixing the ring on the side of the one metal mold; attracting and attaching a pickup jig to the molded product in tight contact therewith, the pickup jig having a surface shape matching the surface shape of the molded product; releasing the attraction and attachment by the one metal mold and moving the pickup jig to displace the molded product from the one metal mold; and moving the fixed ring to an original position.

Abstract: Brassiere underwires are made in a three step process in which, initially, pairs of injection molded polyamide tips are formed on a continuous flexible strand of carbon fiber or aramid fiber material which can be baked to impart stiffness thereto. In a second step, the strand is cut between the tips to form lengths having the tips at extremities thereof. The lengths are then shaped in a half barrel or plate mold and baked to harden the materials.

Abstract: A method of inflation able to prevent peeling of an inner layer in a process of molding accompanied with inflation and deformation, in particular, a method of molding a hollow composite by giving deformation toward an inner surface of at least one composite member so as to cause it to laminate with another composite member, comprising giving the deformation and performing the molding by a pressurizing and heating medium.

Abstract: A process for production of polyimide molded bodies which comprises a step in which a polyimide resin powder obtained by polymerization and imidation of p-phenylenediamine with 3,3,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, its ester or its dianhydride and 2,3,3′, 4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, its ester or its dianhydride is molded at a pressure of approximately 800-5,000 kgf/cm2, a step in which the pressurized body is subjected to calcination at about 450-550° C. under low pressure, a step in which the calcined molded body is vacuum encapsulated into a metal capsule, and a step in which the encapsulated molded body is isotropically subjected to hot compression at approximately 460-550° C. in an inert gas atmosphere such as argon. The polyimide molded bodies obtained thereby have a density in the range of 1.44-1.38 g/cm3.

Abstract: A molding die has a shell having a penetration hole, a lower pattern installed in the lower opening of the shell, and an upper pattern slidably disposed from the upper opening of the shell. The shell includes an outer shell and an inner shell disposed inside of the outer shell. The inner shell is includes plural split shells. The inner shell can be separated from the outer shell. The inner shell, lower pattern, and upper pattern form a cavity. As a result, if the molded product sticks to the inner circumference of the shell, the molded product can be easily taken out of the molding die by disassembling the shell. Further, a molded product having an excellent dimensional precision can be manufactured.

Abstract: A screening screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including an apertured plate, and a subassembly of an undulating support screen and fine screening screen and finer screening screen bonded to each other by a fused plastic grid and bonded to the apertured plate. A method of fabricating a screening screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including the steps of providing a support screen, superimposing a plastic grid onto the support screen, superimposing a finer screening screen onto the fine screening screen, applying heat and pressure to the superimposed screens to fuse the plastic grid and thereby form a flat bonded laminate subassembly by causing the fused plastic grid to permeate the fine screen and the finer screen and the support screen, forming the bonded laminate subassembly into an undulating shape, providing an apertured plate, and bonding the undulating bonded subassembly to the apertured plate.

Abstract: Ceramic sintered bodies having a different thickness along a predetermined axial direction are manufactured in the following manner. At first, a ceramic formed body to be sintered having different thickness along the predetermined axial direction is accommodated in a hot press apparatus. An upper forming mold and a lower forming mold each having a forming surface corresponding to an upper surface and a lower surface of the ceramic formed body to be sintered are set. A pressure along the predetermined axial direction is applied to the ceramic formed body to be sintered via the upper forming mold and the lower forming mold while heating the ceramic formed body to be sintered to perform a hot press sintering thereof. A thickness of a ceramic sintered body in such a manner that a maximum thickness in the predetermined direction is not two times larger or more than a minimum thickness in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A process of forming a thermal insulation layer (34) includes advancing a multifilament strand of continuous filaments (12) through a nozzle (10) to separate the filaments (16) from each other to form a continuous-filament wool (14), applying a binder to the filaments, placing a charge comprising the wool in a mold (32), and molding the charge to form an insulation layer (34). In a preferred embodiment, the charge (30) further comprises a container, such as a bag (24) formed from a poylmer film. The filaments are preferably prepared from a high-strength, high-temperature resistant glass material. The molded wool is advantageously used to manufacture products, such as catalytic converters (46) wherein the wool is used to thermally insulate the catalytic core element (48).

Abstract: Ceramic sintered bodies having a different thickness along a predetermined axial direction are manufactured in the following manner. At first, a ceramic formed body to be sintered having different thickness along the predetermined axial direction is accommodated in a hot press apparatus. An upper forming mold and a lower forming mold each having a forming surface corresponding to an upper surface and a lower surface of the ceramic formed body to be sintered are set. A pressure along the predetermined axial direction is applied to the ceramic formed body to be sintered via the upper forming mold and the lower forming mold while heating the ceramic formed body to be sintered to perform a hot press sintering thereof. A thickness of a ceramic sintered body in such a manner that a maximum thickness in the predetermined direction is not two times larger or more than a minimum thickness in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: Activity or craft apparatus and method for simply, inexpensively, and generally instantaneously creating a thin lithophane-like pictorial work that provides a picture or image when light passes through the work from the rear. The work is formed by compressing a formable translucent material. The illustrated apparatus includes a contoured forming surface that is a reverse image of the contoured recessed picture-providing front surface of a desired lithophane-type pictorial work. The translucent material is compressed against the forming surface to form the material into a thin panel that has, at the interface with the forming surface, the contoured recessed picture-producing front surface. In one form the forming surface is mounted on a stamp. The stamp may be hand held or maybe mounted on a press or the like. Thickness limiting stops may be provided to control and limit the final thickness of the compressed finished work.