Abstract: A process for making a transparent film comprising a liquid crystalline polymer, and a transparent film made thereby having high barrier properties. In this process, the LCP is dissolved in an appropriate solvent, then cast into a film at ambient or near-ambient temperatures. The film optionally may be dried at elevated temperatures and/or reduced pressures to remove the solvent. The film is then annealed at a temperature between the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) and the melting point temperature (T.sub.m) of the polymer. The result is a highly transparent film having liquid crystalline morphology and high barrier properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming simulated flowers from cut-out sheets of a confectionery material such as gum paste. A kit for forming the simulated flowers includes one or more template cutters formed in the shapes of the leaves and/or petals of an actual flower, a male mold having an exterior surface cast from the interior of the actual flower, and a flower holder having a surface that generally conforms to the exterior or interior of the flower. The flower holder preferably comprises either a female or male mold or a deformable material having indentations therein. Optional components of the kit include a stamen mold for forming a simulated stamen and a ruffling tool for ruffling the peripheral edges of the simulated flower.

Abstract: A method for preparing mimics of a wide variety of drugs and other biologically active molecules using molecular imprinting techniques, and the mimics produced thereby, is disclosed. Specifically, the mimic is designed by: (i) polymerization of functional monomers around a known drug or biologically active molecule (the template) that exhibits a desired activity; (ii) removal of the template molecule; and then (iii) polymerization of a second class of monomers in the void left by the template, to provide a new organic molecule which exhibits one or more desired properties which are similar to that of the template.

Abstract: A method for producing friction material free of pill having at least 2 mm in shorter diameter comprising mixing dispersion medium and friction base comprising carbon fiber having weighted mean fiber length of at least 0.3 mm, binder and friction modifier to form a dispersion ranging in a solid content concentration of 0.5 to 50% by weight, filtering the dispersion, drying a filter cake and forming the cake.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for molding flowable materials. The mold may be provided with deformable or collapsible mold surfaces and a forming member which is positioned in the mold when producing a shell molded article is also deformable or collapsible. After the molded article is formed the forming member and/or the mold surfaces are deformed or collapsed to facilitate removal of the article from the mold and to avoid "backlocking" of the article in the mold.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing biodegradable films from plant-based raw materials in the form of carbohydrates which method is continuous and carried out in one step. In the process the plant-based raw materials are modified and plastified and the films are prepared without interruption and in one step. The advantages of the invention reside in reduced shear stress of the starch molecules and thus in the improved properties of the films as well as in the cost-efficient, time-, energy- and space-saving manufacture.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent comprising fibrin treatment of restenosis is provided by a two stage molding process.

Abstract: A kit and method for forming a decorative, three-dimensional object in which a die or template initially forms a two-dimensional sheet of material, following which the sheet, which is larger in size than the size of a three-dimensional mold, is placed in the three-dimensional mold. The material thereafter hardens to form a three-dimensional member such as a pastry shell.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of a starch-containing composition to produce a material suitable for the production of moulded articles in which the composition contains in addition to the starch a starch degradation product selected from starch hydrolysis products having DE's of 1 to 40, particularly a maltodextrin, oxidized starches and pyrodextrins.

Abstract: The invention refers to a process of forming shaped articles from starch, which process comprises:(a) heating a composition comprising a pre-processed and essentially destructurized starch/water material, at a water content in the range of from 10 to 20% by weight based on the weight of the composition to a temperature sufficient to essentially destructure the starch.(b) transferring the melt to a mold while maintaining said water content and(c) cooling the melt in the mold to a temperature below its glass transition temperature to form a solid shaped articleand articles made by this process.

Abstract: A new crayon is made by loading a charge of crayon scraps into a non-metallic cylindrical mold that is coated internally with a vegetable oil release agent.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a shaped article from aqueous collagen-containing materials. A dispersion containing collagen and a surfactant is cast upon a mold of thermoplastic material and dried by a ramped drying profile under controlled conditions of relative humidity and temperature. The controlled drying allows for initial renaturation of the collagen dispersion then drying at high humidity to form a product with minimal residual stress.

Abstract: A process of producing a solid cosmetic includes continuously repeating the steps of feeding a cosmetic base containing a powder and an oil as main ingredients into a heating cylinder from a hopper, causing the cosmetic base to be injected into a mold by forward motion of a screw or plunger, and cooling the thus-injected cosmetic base to solidify in the mold.

Abstract: A process for making a crayon that permanently colors fabric. The process includes combining Carnauba wax, a mixture containing triglycerides, stearic acid, and a coloring agent to form a crayon. The crayon of the present invention forms a bright, permanent mark when contacted with a fabric. The present invention further includes a method for adhering the crayon material to the fabric and permanently fixing the crayon material onto the fabric. The present invention additionally includes a kit that includes a plurality of the crayons of the present invention and an article made of fabric.

Abstract: In a process for extruding or injection moulding starch-containing composition, a substantially transparent product is produced by providing that the starch used contains less than 8% by weight of water, that the water content of the starch in the barrel of the extruder or injection moulding machine is controlled so as to be within the range of from 5 to 20% by weight (based on the weight of the starch) and that water is removed from the composition immediately before the composition leaves the barrel of the extruder or the injection moulding machine so that the water content of the composition passing through the die and/or entering the mould is less than 3% by weight of the starch.

Abstract: Composite laminates are prepared from thin sheets of thermotropic liquid crystal polymer blends. A preferred blend contains 2 thermotropic liquid crystal polymers, i.e., a first liquid crystal polymer in LCP-1, and a second liquid crystal polymer (LCP-2), the second liquid crystal polymer having a higher melting point than the first. The second liquid crystal polymer is molecularly oriented and is preferably at least partially in the form of microscopic fibers in a matrix of the first liquid crystal polymer. The two liquid crystal polymers are phase separated in the solid phase and have overlapping melt processing temperatures.

Abstract: A hollow fiber separatory device or module is produced by injection molding a thermoplastic potting material around thermoplastic hollow fibers. The thermoplastic hollow fibers are enhanced in order to increase the fibers' ability to withstand the high temperatures inherent in injection molding techniques. Also disclosed is a process for preparing two or more hollow fiber modules whereby the fibers are potted in an hourglass configuration.

Abstract: Porous, distensible, gel-like membranes which in tubular form are suitable as implants, e.g., vascular prostheses and a process for the preparation thereof. The membranes are formed by a spraying, phase-inversion technique which employs thermodynamically unstable polymer solutions and is accomplished by separately spraying the unstable solution and a nonsolvent onto a rotating surface. Prostheses from the highly porous tubular membranes have shown a high degree of patency and completeness of the healing process and are useful for direct implantation in the body or for extracorporeal vascular accesses.

Abstract: A shaped part comprises a body of plastic material, more than 50% of the volume of the shaped part consisting of plastic waste particles and particles of impurity distributed therethrough and embedded therein. The plastic waste particles have a flow point or more than 80.degree. C. and a length of less than 6 mm, up to 70% of the volume of the shaped part comprising plastic waste particles having a flow point exceeding the maximum processing temperature of the plastic material of the body. A portion of the plastic waste particles have a wall thickness of more than 0.5 mm and the remaining portion thereof has a wall thickness of less than 0.5 mm. Particles of the plastic material, plastic waste and impurities are mixed, the plastic material particles are plasticized at a processing temperature of 150.degree. C. to 210.degree. C.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention transforms naturally occurring or synthetic waxes into a state characterized by the fact that when the waxes solidify, they do so in forms different from those forms into which they would solidify except for the transformation. The transformation is achieved by subjecting the waxes to force. As examples of apparatuses which can supply the force to effect the transformation, a piston apparatus and an ultrasonic apparatus are disclosed. The triglyceride waxes are one type of wax which may be transformed by the method and apparatus of this invention. Transformed triglyceride waxes form superior shells when the waxes are used in an encapsulation process.

Abstract: A process for making a crayon that permanently colors fabric. The process includes combining Carnauba wax, a mixture containing triglycerides, stearic acid, and a coloring agent to form a crayon. The crayon of the present invention forms a bright, permanent mark when contacted with a fabric. The present invention further includes a method for adhering the crayon material to the fabric and permanently fixing the crayon material onto the fabric. The present invention additionally includes a kit that includes a plurality of the crayons of the present invention and an article made of fabric.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a candle, wherein the butter oil is added to a solidified oil and mixed therewith to become solidified and form a wax-like state of fat which serves as the material of a candle by means of technical temperature and dissolving degree control; when the mixture is burned, no smoke or toxic particles are produced and an odor is released; the butter oil (a hundred percent pure vegetable oil) includes the following components: coconut oil, palm oil, palm olein and hydrogenate of palm oil, etc.; the as paimitic thereof is 0.1% at most, the melting point is within 35.degree. -37.degree. C.; emulsifier is added therein and the flavor is like butter; the additives are citric acid BHA and BHT .beta.-cartene; the specification of the solidified oil is as follows: A.V. is below 0.5, I.V. is below 2.0, S.V. is 195-198, melting point is 60.degree. C+1.degree. C. and water and impurity are below 0.1%.

Abstract: A revolutionary new semiconductive material having a sharp rise in electrical resistance at a predetermined maximum temperature with substantially no annealing necessary after extrusion to achieve an essentially constant resistance at room temperature. The PTC composition includes a finely divided conductive material, such as carbon black; a suitable semicrystalline polymer having a molecular weight distribution containing a sufficient number of relatively low molecular weight molecules to substantially eliminate annealing; and a suitable polymeric material providing a sufficient number of polar molecules for electrical conductivity. At least 9% by weight of the polymer molecules should be in the molecular weight range of 1,000 to 30,000, and particularly in the 5,000 to 23,000 range and the entire polymeric portion of the composite composition should have a number average molecular weight of 30,000 or less.

Abstract: A process for producing a printed circuit board includes steps, sequentially conducted of dispersing in water or organic solvent:(A) 95 to 20% by weight of a styrene polymer having a syndiotactic structure, (B) 5 to 80% by weight of a fibrous filler having a fiber length of 1 to 50 mm, and (C) 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of at least one of a binder and a binding fiber in proportion to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the components (A) and (B), to make a slurry having a concentration of 0.5 to 100 g/l; separating the solids from the slurry and drying and molding them. Thereafter the solids are either subjected to melting with heating and pressure forming into the molded article, or they are impregnated with a thermoplastic resin which is then cured. Finally, a metal layer is provided on the molded article.

Abstract: Biodegradable free fill expanded polyurethane foam packing materials are formed by pumping liquid starch or sugar, diisocyanate, polyols and a catalyst into a mixing head. The mixture is released from an exit port in the mixing chamber as a sticky material. At predetermied intervals air blasts chop the sticky material mass from the exit port. The material beings expanding as it drops through a curing chamber against upward warm air currents. When the materials expand to full size and dry to a non-tacky surface, the materials are released from the chamber and collected for use as packing materials. The materials have a bionutrient starch or sugar content of about 40% or more, making them readily biodegradable by microbes. The polyurethane components are broken down into very small sizes and convert to urea, making the products highly suitable for disposal in landfills and as soil amendment and fertilizers.

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 a device are disclosed wherein a shrinkable polymer material is formed in situ in a mold without defects and with no internal stresses. A monomer or polymer solution is injected into the mold and solidified sequentially through the mold by exposure to an agent such as ultraviolet radiation, with simultaneous addition of monomer or polymer solution into the area of the mold not yet exposed to the solidifying agent. By controlling the rate at which the solidifying agent is moved across the mold and the monomer or polymer solution is injected into the mold, the resulting product completely fills the mold and is stressfree.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of mixing the sand and the decomposable binder to form a dough-like consistency, forming the dough-like mixture into a sheet. Cutting the sheet into silhouette shapes and then drying the shapes to form a rigid article suitable for a variety of purposes. The preferred article is coated with a decomposable waterproof sealant. Method of forming planar frangible targets as well as formed three-dimensionsl tableware and food containers are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding pieces of soap or other soft and pasty substances having at least a central rotor (2) capable of a reciprocating rotating motion supporting two half-molds (4, 4') placed at 90.degree. and at least two lateral rotors (1, 1') capable of a reciprocating rotating translating motion, each supporting a half-mold (3, 3'), the three rotors (1, 1', 2) having their axis of rotation parallel to the feeder and discharge conveyor belts (6, 6', 7, 7', 8). Between each lateral rotor (1, 1') and the central rotor (2) an elevator/lifting device (5, 5') or other apparatus lifts/raises the pieces (19, 19') to be shaped from the feeder belt (7, 7') and brings them to the molding area, each lateral rotor (1, 1') capable of a rotating translating motion, translating in a radial direction towards the central rotor (2) molds the piece and then moves away with the molded piece (10, 10') and while rotating deposits it on the discharge conveyor belt (6, 6') of the molded pieces.

Abstract: A method of forming a plastic sealing plate for a compressor valve. A center gated mold is employed in conjunction with a heated barrel which encloses a reciprocating screw for feeding plastic through an injector into the mold. Polyetheretherketone polymer pellets are heated to about 150.degree. C. to remove moisture after which they are fed into and through the heated barrel, the heated barrel being elevated to a temperature in the range of 350.degree.-380.degree. C. for melting the pellets. The mold is heated to a temperature in the range of 150.degree.-180.degree. C. The melted polymer is then injected into the mold by the reciprocating screw to obtain proper mixing and pressurizing, after which the mold is heated to a temperature of about 300.degree. C. to anneal the plastic in the mold and to expand the polymer to fill the entire mold and relieve stress in the material.

Abstract: 50 to 95 parts by weight starch and 5 to 50 parts by weight polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of saponification between 87 and 100% are thoroughly mixed and furthermore the moisture content of the mixture is regulated between 10 and 25 weight %. Subsequently the mixture obtained is subjected to a thermo-mechanical treatment at a temperature situated between 110.degree. and 180.degree. C. During the extrusion the mixture is subjected to shearing forces so that the product obtained when it is dispersed in cold water and subsequently is centrifuged, divides into a watery phase and a coacervate phase without a sediment of undissolved polyvinyl alcohol being formed.

Abstract: A process for producing a thin film of unoriented cellulose ester held under uniform tension, the process including the steps of: casting a solution of cellulose ester in an organic solvent over a smooth glass plate and thereafter removing the solvent to form a thin film of a uniform thickness on the glass plate; permitting the thin film to separate from the glass plate by immersing the same into water; and recovering the thin film from the water and setting the wet film on a supporting mount, followed by drying the same.

Abstract: A candle composition consisting essentially of about 10 to 90 volume percent of a first paraffin wax with a melting point of 120.degree. to 125.degree. F. and having a maximum of 2 percent oil, about 10 to 90 volume percent of the second paraffin wax with a melting point of 125.degree. to 130.degree. F. and having a maximum of 0.2 percent oil, and about 0.1 volume percent of stretchability enhancer and a method of forming a candle therefrom. A method of forming a candle comprising submerging a plurality of wax pieces consisting essentially of about 10 to 90 volume % paraffin wax with a melting point of 120.degree. F. and having a maximum of 2.0% oil, about 10 to 90 volume % paraffin wax with a melting point of 125.degree. to 130.degree. F. and having a maximum of 0.2% oil and about 0.1 to 1.0 volume % of a stretchability enhancer in water having a temperature between about 100.degree. and 120.degree. F.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sustained release formulation utilizing collagen and/or gelatin as a carrier, which comprises the steps:(i) preparing a uniform and high concentrated mixture with respect to the collagen and/or gelatin by blending an active ingredient, said collagen and/or gelatin, and water or an admixture consisting of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent under one of the conditions selected from:(A) the pH of the mixture is kept below 5 and the salt concentration of the mixture is retained below fiber-forming concentration;(B) chemically modified collagen and/or gelatin is employed; and(C) glucose is added to the mixture;(ii) molding the resultant mixture; and(iii) gradually eliminating the solvent from the molded product.

Abstract: In order to compound organic materials which are crystalline under standard conditions, these materials, in the pulverulent and/or molten state, are processed in a self-purging, twin-screw extruder in which the screws rotate in the same direction, ejected through one or more narrow passages into a low pressure zone, cooled and comminuted to give particles. In order to improve the pourability and shelf life, the materials are completely crystallized by the time they reach the end of the screws, and are heated during discharge through the narrow passage, in order to form a melt film. Dust-free granules havig a smooth surface can be produced in this manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anhydrous crystals of maltitol and the whole crystalline hydrogenated starch hydrolysate mixture solid containing the crystals, and processes for the production and use thereof.

Abstract: A two-step process for producing microspherical pitch or green coke particles having an average diameter of 30-200 .mu.m from finely divided petroleum or coal pitch having a softening point of 60.degree.-220.degree. C. and a fixed carbon content of 40-75 wt %. In the first step the material pitch is fluidized in the stream of a gas substantially inert to the pitch at a temperature of 100.degree.-800.degree. C., the mixed stream is rapidly cooled to 30.degree.-400.degree. C., and microspherical pitch particles are recovered with or without separate recovery of an oily product. In the second step the pitch spheres are further subjected to thermal cracking and polycondensation by use of a fluidized bed at a temperature of 350.degree.-520.degree. C. for a retention time of 1 min. to 3 hours, and microspherical green coke particles and a light cracked oil are recovered. In both steps a pressure between the ordinary level and 10 kg/cm.sup.2 is used.

Abstract: A solid stick composition, in a container, is moved through a protective tunnel wherein the stick is cooled to effect solidification, remelted to fill any void in the stick, cooled to solidify, and polished, by heating and cooling, with filtered air flowing through the tunnel to remove heat therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing compression molded coal to be used for the block charging for the coke oven operation wherein the raw material coal are initially compression molded, a part of said already compression molded coal is caused to remain in the molding box while the subsequent raw material coal is charged to be compression molded, and said compression molded coal is combined so that the compression molded coal may be produced continuously. At the compression molding, the already compression molded coal may overcome the compression force applied to the subsequent compression molded coal due to its friction generated between the molded coals and the molding box. Further application of pressure to the pressing plate after the molding operation will cause the compression molded coal to be pushed out of the molding box.

Abstract: A halogenated hydantoin product and method of producing same for use as e.g. a bleaching agent or disinfectant comprising a halogenated hydantoin of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is methyl or ethyl and X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 which may be the same or different is chlorine or bromine, either as the sole constituent or in admixture with halogenated dimethylhydantoins. The products are substantially dust-free, free-flowing and upon compaction form a solid product of high physical integrity.

Abstract: It has been discovered that cellulose acetate membranes, fabricated using nonaqueous solvent systems, can be used for the separation of polar solvents, especially ketone dewaxing solvents from dewaxed oil. The cellulose acetate membranes so prepared are of a reduced acetyl content and exhibit very good resistance to ketone solvents. The specific fabrication procedure avoids exposing the cellulose acetate to even transient mixtures of ketone and alcohol or ketone and water. Although the cellulose acetate polymer is insoluble in pure water, alcohol, or ketone it is soluble in mixtures of ketone-alcohol and ketone-water.The resulting membrane is an effective means for separating ketone dewaxing solvent from dewaxed oil.

Abstract: A method for extruding and/or refining soap, which comprises supplying soap to one end of a helix disposed in a casing and rotating the helix to move the soap lengthwise along the casing and out of the casing. The helix rotates at a speed between 20 and 50 rpm. The length of the helix is 5 to 15 times its diameter. The winding angle of the helix is between 15.degree. and 25.degree.. The helix has a diameter of about 150 mm and a helix depth between 30 and 35 mm.

Abstract: A process of moulding a product (and a product thus formed) wherein particulate ligno-cellulose such as shredded paper, flour, Portland cement, a small amount of caustic soda, and water are mixed together, placed in a mould, and subjected to both pressure and heat until set, and the moulded product is then removed from the mould.

Abstract: Paraffin wax is continuously extruded through an extrusion die into a sag-free ribbon of good surface characteristics by extruding the wax at a temperature within the range of about 2.degree. C. below and about 10.degree. C. above the solid state transition temperature of the wax.

Abstract: A safety shield for containing and deflecting a fluid leaking from a flanged pipe coupling in the form of an arcuate strip of transparent fluoropolymer. The strip has a flange along each circumferential edge which is integral with the strip and extends radially inwardly thereof. The strip is of sufficient length to encase the circumference of the pipe coupling flange to which it is applied with the opposing ends overlapping and fastened together. The flanges closely engage the radial surfaces of the coupling flanges. The safety shield is obtained by heat-shrinking a heat-shrinkable tube of fluoropolymer while restricting radial shrinkage thereof except the marginal edge portions which become the flanges.

Abstract: Tetrafluoroethylene polymer tubes suitable for the preparation of lined pipe are prepared by ram extrusion wherein the tube is extruded above the sinter temperature and cooled below its crystalline melting point while radially unsupported to provide a tube of improved dimensional stability under thermal cycling.

Abstract: The organic substance present in the form of a melt is cooled below its solidification point in a twin-screw extruder so that it crystallizes out. The crystallized material is then extruded through a breaker plate at the end of the screw extruder and further cooled. It is essential that the temperature prevailing in the screw extruder, its rotational speed and the temperature of the breaker plate should be adjusted such that from 70% to 99.5% and preferably from 95 to 99.5% of the material has solidified by the time it reaches the end of the screw, the non-crystallized liquid residue only crystallizing out during the subsequent cooling operation. Accordingly, a small residue of melt is present during extrusion through the breaker plate. In addition, extrusion is facilitated if the breaker plate is kept at a temperature in the vicinity of the melting point of the material in question.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration block for liquid alloys and metals, with a mechanical and physical-chemical effect.Consolidating, for example by sintering, elements of an active mineral compound based on fluorides, results in a porous structure with a high degree of permeability, which acts both by a mechanical filtration effect and by a washing action in respect of the metal under the action of the active mineral compound which acts as a flux and provides for trapping inclusions.Use for the final purification of aluminium, aluminium-base alloys, magnesium and magnesium-base alloys.

Abstract: The invention makes available a cosmetic product in the form of a solid body, preferably a stick, which can be used as a cream by reason of its composition. The product is produced from a mixture of fatty substances, emulsifiers and water-soluble binders to which so much water is added that a mass of a mouldable consistency is obtained. By way of cold deformation, moulded pieces, preferably in stick form, are made therefrom and from these the water is subsequently extracted so that a solid structure is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for fabricating sheets of thermoplastic or thermosetting material whereby said material in a non-hardened condition is fed into the space between the vertical parts of two endless belts which material according to the invention is supplied onto the returning parts of the belts in the form of webs or by spraying while preferably material is supplied as well from above within the gap between the layers facing each other.