Abstract: An apparatus (200) for smoothing a surface of an object (100). The apparatus includes a chamber (210), a reservoir (324) configured to hold a liquid (322), and a nebulizer assembly (212) configured to generate a mist (104) from the liquid into the chamber. The nebulizer assembly includes a mesh (732), a vibrating element (731), and a wick (736). The object is received in the chamber and the mist is configured to surround the object.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a vapor condensation thermoplastic part finishing technique is provided that smooths and ensures color saturation of thermoplastic parts. The technique uses nonhazardous vapor condensation to rapidly heat a thermoplastic part to a temperature higher than its melting temperature. The part then may be cooled to a temperature lower than its melting temperature (and preferable lower than its glass-transition temperature. In some cases, evaporation may be employed to rapidly cool the part. Condensation and, where applicable evaporation, may be promoted by pressure changes to the nonhazardous vapor (e.g., increasing pressure to above atmospheric pressure and then decreasing pressure back to atmospheric pressure), exposure of the part to a separately-heated cloud of nonhazardous vapor (e.g., moving the part into and then out of the separately-heated cloud or injecting and then stopping injection of separately-heated vapor), or by other techniques.

Abstract: A substrate processing method comprises: a liquid film forming step of forming a liquid film of a rinsing liquid on a pattern forming surface of a substrate formed with a pattern; a liquid pool forming step of forming a liquid pool of an organic solvent by supplying the organic solvent to the liquid film near a center of rotation of the substrate; a replacement step of replacing the rinsing liquid constituting the liquid film with the organic solvent by supplying the organic solvent to the liquid pool while rotating the substrate at a rotational speed higher than in the liquid pool forming step; an application step of applying a filler solution to the pattern forming surface coated with the organic solvent; and a filling step of causing a filler contained in the filler solution and applied to the pattern forming surface to sink and filling concave portions of the pattern with the filler.

Abstract: A device and method for smoothing a surface of an article formed at least partially from plastic, in particular a component of a motor vehicle, is provided. The method includes arranging the article in a vacuum-tight chamber, reducing the pressure in the chamber to a partial vacuum of not more than 50 kPa, in particular not more than 34 kPa, and admitting acetone into the chamber. Some of the acetone is vaporized and the vapor is precipitated on the surface of the article. In one form, the precipitated vapor acts on the article for at least 1 minute. The method further includes opening the chamber, so that at least the ambient pressure prevails in the chamber and removing the article from the chamber.

Abstract: A method for forming a surface-treated, three-dimensional object, comprising: solvent smoothing an exterior surface of a rapid-manufactured, three-dimensional object, and media blasting at least a portion of the solvent-smoothed exterior surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for smoothing the surface of an object built from a polymeric or wax material using a layered manufacturing rapid prototyping technique. After the object is built it is exposed to a vaporized solvent such as in a vaporizer for an exposure time sufficient to reflow the object surface. A solvent is chosen based on its ability to transiently soften the material which forms the object, and thereafter evaporate off the object. The object is removed from the solvent and allowed to dry, producing a smooth finished part.

Abstract: Reflective pellets (16) are formed by extrusion of reflective micro beads (26) in a thermoplastic (20), removal of the surface layer of the pellets so as to expose the reflective beads at the surface of the pellets and applying the reflective pellets to the base line (14) of the striping applied to a paved road.

Abstract: A molded product includes a matrix formed of a polymer material and a plurality of capsules dispersed in the matrix. An unevenness is formed on a surface due to expansion of the capsules. Some of the capsules have expanded without bursting and include an exposed outer shell portion that protrudes from a surface, and/or some of the capsules have burst and include an outer shell protruding portion that protrudes outward from the surface. Finish processing is performed, which eliminates the outer shell protruding portions and/or the exposed outer shell portions from the surface. This results in a molded product in which a color difference due to frequency of contacting an object, etc. is not easily generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.

Abstract: A method for making a heater is provided. A carbon nanotube structure is made, and a first electrode and a second electrode are provided. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing monolithic molded elements e.g. as sorbents for chromatographic columns or capillary vessels. The aim of the invention is for said molded elements to be able to remain directly in the gel mold thereof following the production process. Said aim is achieved by the inventive method, according to which the surface of the gel mold is activated by etching, increasing the surface, or chemically modifying the surface before the gelling mold is filled with the monomer sol.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for vapor smoothing a rapid manufactured three-dimensional object. A cabinet housing has a sealable interior. A heated vapor chamber in the interior of the cabinet housing contains solvent that is vaporizable to fill the vapor chamber with vapor for smoothing the object when the object is placed in the vapor chamber. A drying chamber is also provided in the interior of the cabinet housing that is separate from the vapor chamber for drying the object when the object is moved from the vapor chamber to the drying chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for mass production manufacturing of micro-mirrored balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches, etc. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. The mass production process utilizes laminate sheets containing reflective material, assembly rollers, and extrusion and die rollers. The micro-mirrored balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10?6 m) to 1 mm (10?3 m), and in one form are transparent in at least one hemisphere with a reflecting mid-plane mirror. In other forms the micro-balls vary in geometry from cylinders to oblate ellipsoids to disks. The term “elements” is used to encompass all these shapes, which have one thing in common—a flat specularly reflecting mirrored surface. These elements can track the light source, and aim and focus the reflected light.

Abstract: A stress stabilized ferrimagnetic material has a retained stress to provide enhanced initial permeability stability over a range of operating temperatures, such as from ?40° C. to 85° C., as well as pressures. Stress is introduced into the ferrimagnetic material, wherein subsequent processing relieves only a portion of the induced stress, and preferably less than 50% of the induced stress.

Abstract: A process for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics during the manufacture of a plastic shell, especially a bearing shell for a ball-and-socket joint, wherein liquefied plastic is introduced between an inner mold (3) and an outer mold (2) in order to be cured therein, wherein the plastic is partially fixed on the outer mold (2) during the curing. This process can be preferably used in a device for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics, which has a casting mold, which accommodates at least one outer mold (2) and an inner mold (3) inserted into same, wherein the liquefied plastic (1) to be molded can be introduced between the mold parts (2, 3), wherein means for fixing the liquid plastic (1) are formed on the outer mold (2).

Abstract: Segregating membrane supporting material is a three-dimensional assembly of fibers thermo-compressed into non-woven fabric, and the non-woven fabric fibers are joined together in sheet form. This segregating membrane supporting material is non-woven fabric, including at least 10 weight % polyacrylonitrile-based synthetic fibers, which is thermo-compressed to give an overall bulk density 40% to 75% of the density of the fibers which make up the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A plastic substrate is processed by a functional water obtained by electrolysis of water or functional water containing active oxygen or active hydrogen for a predetermined time period to selectively remove an alkali and/or halogen component in a surface layer of the plastic substrate to stabilize or remove oligomer in a resin matrix, whereby deterioration of resin and deterioration of properties of a recording medium caused by a remaining unreacted catalyst used for processing the plastic substrate surface or the like can be prevented and the adhesion strength and the durability of a recoding coating to be formed on the substrate are improved.

Abstract: A decorative aggregate-containing cementitious slurry having decorative aggregate and cementitious matrix composition forms a monolithic structure when effectively applied to a freshly poured cementitious base and simultaneously cured therewith. The slurry and the base are cured for a time sufficient for producing the monolithic structure with a decorative aggregate-containing cementitious surface. The slurry produces a decorative aggregate-containing cementitious layer having a cured thickness effective for permanently securing the decorative aggregate therein with a portion of the decorative aggregate exposed. Various decorative surfaces are produced without requiring expensive hand broadcasting of the decorative aggregate, and without expensive surface grinding. Dry components of the slurry are decorative aggregate and decorative cementitious matrix blend.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing non-slip floor coverings made of mineral materials, such as, for example, natural stone, fine stoneware, artificial stone or ceramics. This method is carried out in a two-stage process, there being produced on the surface of the floor coverings or slabs, in a first process stage by means of pulsed laser bombardment, statistically distributed microcraters invisible to the human eye. The surface of the floor coverings or slabs obtained in this way is then, according to the invention, subjected to hydromechanical aftertreatment.

Abstract: A mold assembly (100) formed of a pair of molds (102, 104) and a pair of release plates (118, 120). The molds (102, 104) have holes (126) which extend from outer surfaces into the mold cavities (106). The release plates (118, 120) have pins (122, 124) which pass into the holes (126, 128). When molding is finished, the molds (102, 104) are moved toward the release plates (118, 120). The pins (122, 124) contact the molded article(s) (134) and hold them in position as the molds (102, 104) are withdrawn.

Abstract: An improved method and means for eliminating scratches and other mechanical surface damage from polycarbonate compact disc plastic surfaces. The method consists in applying a liquid of suitable composition to the surface of a compact disc or plastic object, allowing an average of 10 seconds or less for the solvent to soften the plastic substrate, and removing the liquid by draining and evaporation. No abrasive, filler or polishing compounds are required. Suitable liquids include those comprising a solvent for the plastic and a non-solvent diluent and a small quantity of surfactant.

Abstract: Glass surfaces are produced having a highly polished surface by polishing with a glass polishing liquid having a pH approximating the pH of the glass being polished. The method provides highly polished, smooth, highly accurate glass surfaces suitable for use optical filters and solid camera devices and solid image sensors. Phosphate and fluorophosphate glass filters and the like so formed have hair-like surface flaws, if any, of a width of 7 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A method for molding high precision components is provided that allows inexpensive, rapid fabrication of components using a process involving a silicon substrate, in which the mold pattern is created using multiple mask layers, a deep reactive ion etch process and photolithographic patterning techniques.

Abstract: An improved method and means for eliminating scratches and other mechanical surface damage from plastic surfaces. The method consists in applying a liquid of suitable composition to the surface of a plastic object, allowing in a short period of time for the solvent to soften the plastic substrate, and removing the liquid by draining and evaporation. No abrasive, filler or polishing compunds are required. Suitable liquids include those comprising a solvent for the plastic and a non-solvent diluent and a small quantity of surfactant.

Abstract: A dyed braided suture is formed by dry blending a colorant and a thermoplastic resin; extruding the blend by melt spinning to form filaments; drawing the filaments, braiding the drawn filaments and converting the braided filaments to a suture.

Abstract: An abrasive wheel made of an abrasive which is chemically reactive with a ceramic workpiece and a binder mixed with the abrasive is held against the ceramic workpiece at a temperature ranging from 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. preferably 100.degree. C. to 180.degree. C., under at least an atmospheric pressure in a moistening atmosphere within a pressure vessel. The abrasive wheel is rotated in abrading contact with the ceramic workpiece. A surface layer of the ceramic workpiece which is held against the abrasive wheel is mechanically abraded and also subjected to a tribochemical reaction with the abrasive wheel, so that the surface layer of the ceramic workpiece can smoothly and neatly be removed from the ceramic workpiece. The ceramic workpiece thus ground is finished highly accurately and efficiently.

Abstract: The invention relates to strings for stringed musical instruments, fishing equipment, and sports racquets which are exposed to a suitable solvent or suitable elasticizer compatible with the materials contained in the fibers, bonding resins, or coating resins in the strings, such that partial dissolution of the material in the suitable solvent occurs or absorption of the suitable elasticizer occurs so as to increase the elasticity, increase the flexibility, increase the ductility, or increase the resiliency of the strings.

Abstract: A process for treating a liquid crystal polymer film which includes the steps of: heating a film obtained by extrusion molding of a liquid crystal polymer, while contacting at least one surface of the film with a supporting body, to melt the polymer; cooling the melted polymer to form a solidified polymer layer; and separating the solidified polymer layer from the supporting body. The process readily provides liquid crystal polymer films having excellent resistance to intra-layer delamination and high tensile strength and elongation, as well as excellent resistance to abrasion, dimensional stability when heated, and resistance to folding.

Abstract: A polymeric article and method for making a polymeric article, such as a catheter, are disclosed wherein the article is contacted with a swelling agent, such as a solvent, and a plasticizer to make the polymeric material softer and/or more pliable or flexible. The contacting may be carried our sequentially or simultaneously, using a solution containing a plasticizer and a solvent.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium polyarylamides are provided that are useful in articles of manufacture that require minimal ionic impurities. The polyarylamides are produced by reacting certain polyamides together with quaternary ammonium bases of the formula R.sup.4.sub.4 N.sup.+ X.sup.-, wherein each R.sup.4 is independently selected from hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that at least one of the R.sup.4 groups contains at least one beta hydrogen atom. There is also provided the process for producing the polyarylamides, the process for making articles of manufacture from the polyarylamides, and a process for modifying the surfaces of such polyamides.

Abstract: Polishing compositions and methods are described for removing scratches and other imperfections from a variety of plastic surfaces in order to improve the clarity and optical quality. Such polishing compositions include a blend of suspension agents, at least one suspension agent having thixotropic qualities and at least one suspension agent having constant viscosity; solid abrasive material; water; and a lubricant. The compositions also preferably include a surfactant. The polishing compositions are applied by means of pads made from a variety of materials, including open-cell polyurethane or polyester, fleece wool, cotton, or other synthetic materials. The compositions are applied by hand or by means of a hand-held rotary, orbital, or oscillating machines, with fixed or variable speeds, and are also compatible with existing scratch removal machines, such as robotic machines.

Abstract: Fibers spun from polybenzazole dopes can quickly be washed to remove polyphosphoric acid by a combination of initially washing with an acidic liquid and second washing with a hot leaching fluid at at least about 60. The process can reach acceptable residual phosphorous levels (1500-2000 ppm) in as little as about 2 or 3 minutes.

Abstract: Polishing compositions and methods are provided for removing scratches and other imperfections from a variety of plastic surfaces in order to improve clarity and optical quality. Such polishing compositions include a solid polishing material, water, and an organic solvent containing undecane or any equivalent solvent. They can also include a stabilizing agent such as carnauba wax to keep the other ingredients suspended or otherwise mixed together. The polishing compositions are applied using buffing pads made from a variety of materials, including open-cell polyurethane, fleece wool, cotton, or synthetic materials. The compositions are applied by hand or using a hand-held rotary, orbital, or oscillating buffing machine, and are also compatible with existing scratch removal machines, such as robotic machines used to restore airplane windows.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.

Abstract: A roller vacuum apparatus removes cement slurry from a freshly laid exposed aggregate surface. In one embodiment, the exposed aggregate surface is applied to a cement substrate which is worked to compact the aggregate and draw the portland cement in the mixture to the surface of the coating. Subsequently, the surface coating is washed to remove excess portland cement. The roller vacuum removes the cement slurry without disturbing the freshly laid exposed aggregate surface by wicking the slurry into a transfer medium of the vacuum roller. A vacuum is applied to the transfer medium to remove the cement slurry from the roller.

Abstract: The treatment of an uncured or partially cured rubber surface with a solvent mixture of n-heptane and specified hydrocarbon(s). The treatment is to add building tack. Cured adhesion can also be enhanced. An appropriate solvent mixture is provided. An article can be produced thereby as a cured assembly of rubber components.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an easily-slidable polyarylene thioether film comprising a film containing, as the basic resin, a polyarylene thioether mainly composed of repeating unit of ##STR1## and not containing substantial amount of powder lubricant, having at least one side surface of the arithmetic average surface roughness within the range of 2 to 200 nm and a high strength, and a process to produce the same.

Abstract: A generally hydrophobic polyolefin article is provided with a modified surface by contacting said generally hydrophobic polyolefin with a copolymeric material while said polyolefin is at a temperature above its glass transition temperature. The copolymeric composition includes a generally hydrophobic moiety and a modifying moiety. Also disclosed is a method for imparting the modified surface to a generally hydrophobic polyolefin which method involves contacting a generally hydrophobic polyolefin with a copolymeric material while said generally hydrophobic polyolefin is at a temperature above its glass transition temperature. In one preferred embodiment, the generally hydrophobic polyolefin is contacted with said copolymeric composition immediately after said polyolefin has been extruded and while said polyolefin is undergoing die swell.

Abstract: Styrene-based polymer moldings and a process for efficient production thereof are disclosed. The styrene-based polymer moldings are obtained by subjecting moldings of styrene-based polymers with mainly syndiotactic configuration and a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 to solvent treatment, such as, by dipping in a solvent or exposing to a solvent vapor. The styrene-based moldings are excellent in gas permeability and heat resistance, and thus are useful as gas permeable membranes, vegetable wrapping films or moldings required to have good heat resistance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing heat-activatable articles from a synthetic thermoplastic material on which a shape memory is impressed by introducing molecular orientations and molecular structures. These articles, after the impressing of the shape memory, are subsequently subject to a further change in shape, at least in sub-regions thereof. The shape memory is influenced by this further change in shape.

Abstract: A process for producing an easily-slidable polyarylene thioether film having an arithmetic average surface roughness, Ra, in a range of 2-200 nm and a dynamic friction coefficient, .mu.k, within a range of 0.1-0.6 at least on one surface of the film, which comprises:a) contacting at least one surface of an amorphous film, containing the polyarylene thioether, consisting essentially of repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## with at least one organic solvent having a solubility parameter within a range of 8.5-11.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesion promoting composition and method for its use for promoting adhesion of printed circuits on thermoplastic substrates. The composition includes isopropanol with either methylene chloride or resorcinol. An added ingredient includes polycyclohexanone. The preferred substrate is polyarylsulfone.

Abstract: A method of preventing the spontaneous discharge of charged dielectric objects such that the surface of the objects are polished smooth to remove down to microscopic surface faults thereon. A maximum charge is storable therein having only loss by corona leakage from edges of the object. This method allows for a controlled discharge to create Lichtenberg figures therein. Artistic objects are also made by a method of coloration of the figure in the objects.

Abstract: In a process for the production of smooth surfaced parts, a paste material, which includes paste or granule pieces which are coated with added pigment and then pressed back together, is applied, in the form of an extrusion or a coating, to a substrate. The extrusion or coating is subjected to a first, incomplete hardening, after which it is no longer flows freely under its own weight. The surface layer, containing added pigment, is then removed from a surface to be used. This surface is subsequently smoothed, and the hardening of the coating to form a hard material is completed. The smoothing and the completion of the hardening can occur in the same processing step as a shaping for the formation of separable shaped parts. The substrate can be inseparable from the hardened coating. The surface layer, containing added pigment, can be removed by mechanical means, solvents or abrasion by a suspension in liquid or air, if appropriate in the presence of ultrasound.

Abstract: A method of producing abrasive fibers is disclosed, which comprises providing a conjugate fiber comprising at least one abrasive layer containing abrasive particles and at least one coating layer substantially covering the abrasive layer, and removing at least a part of the coating layer from the conjugate fiber with a solvent or a decomposer to expose at least a part of the abrasive layer from the coating layer.

Abstract: An optically virtually isotropic plastic film, in particular for use in liquid crystal displays, can be produced by a method in which first an optically uniaxial birefringent plastic film is produced by casting or extrusion, and then irreversible molecular reorientation is produced in layers of the film close to the surface by heating or by immersion in a solvent or swelling agent. This reoriented structure is retained after cooling or drying of the film, and results in the birefringence (anisotropy) initially present being eliminated or compensated.

Abstract: A method of forming a soft, deformable tip at the distal end of an elongated, flexible catheter made from a thermoplastic or elastomeric material in which the tip portion is first heated to soften the plastic and, subsequently, a specially prepared forming tool is inserted into the lumen of the catheter at the distal end and advanced to the point where an annular protuberance of a predetermined outside diameter is forced into the lumen so as to stretch and shape the plastic to conform to the forming tool. The distal end is then cooled and the forming tool removed, leaving a soft, collapsible segment integrally formed at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Surface finish blemishes in "color coded" surface grained parts injection molded from colored plastic can be removed by spraying the blemished surface area of the part with a sprayable mixture comprised of (a) a substantially non-yellowing, solvent-soluble generally transparent, binder resin in the amount of about 2-10%, (b) a finely divided flatting pigment which is generally transparent when suspended in said resin, the amount of said pigment being about 0.4-1%, and (c) about 90-95% of a volatile solvent medium effective to dissolve said resin without destroying the surface grain of the part when sprayed thereon, thereby to cover the blemished area with at least one coating of a transparent, matt-surfaced solid film of flatting pigment dispersed in said resin which coating blends substantially completely uniformly with the original matt finish of said part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating a thermoplastic substrate for improving the surface thereof without significant loss of physical properties. Such method comprises:(a) determining the solubility parameter, .delta..sub.T, of said thermoplastic substrate and the surface energy, .gamma..sub.T, of said thermoplastic substrate;(b) determining a set of destructive solvents which are detrimental to a physical property of said thermoplastic substrate;(c) determining a set of non-destructive solvents which are not detrimental to the physical properties of said thermoplastic substrate;(d) determining the solubility parameters for said set of destructive solvent, .delta..sub.D, and for said set of non-destructive solvent, .delta..sub.N ; and the surface tension for said set of destructive solvent, .gamma..sub.D, and for said non-destructive solvent, .gamma..sub.N ;(e) selecting a subset of said destructive solvents which possess solubility parameters, .delta..sub.

Abstract: A hot roll, for use in a xerographic hot roll fuser, is made by coating a hollow aluminum cylinder with an elastomer, as by the use of an injection molding machine. After molding, the external surface of the elastomer cylinder is ground slightly to improve its concentricity. Thereafter, this ground external surface is subjected to the chemical influence of an acid. After a predetermined time period, the acid treatment is terminated and the roll is washed in water. The resulting hot roll, whose external surface has been chemically modified, possesses improved dry-release properties.