Abstract: A process for diffusing and subliming water-soluble and water-insoluble materials into never-dried, shrinkable aromatic polyamide fibers, using steam heated at certain controlled temperatures, within a specially designed treatment chamber and a process and apparatus for treating a tow of shrinkable material.

Abstract: A method for producing a synthetic resin union joint, the method including the steps of forming a union nut having a screw portion and a union sleeve of an elastically softenable material, the union sleeve having a union swivel end and a connecting end, heating a length of the union nut at least equal to a thickness dimension of the flange part but not extending to the screw portion so as to elastically soften the length of the union nut, abutting one end of a truncated cone-shaped expansion guide with an end face of the union swivel end, shifting and enlarging the length of the union nut along the expansion guide so as to pass over the union swivel end and so that the union nut passes over the guide, and returning the length of the union nut to its original configuration due to a restoring force of the elastically softenable material so as to be positioned within the union swivel end and the connecting end.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for adhering aramid polymers by treating them with strong base to create anionic sites on the polymer surface. Subsequent reprotonation adheres contacting aramid surfaces.

Abstract: Medical devices for the sutureless repair of lacerated, severed, or grafted nerves comprising longitudinally-openable, porous, rough-surfaced tubes of a body-absorbable polymer are disclosed. The tubular devices of the invention are prepared by sintering or otherwise bonding together granules or fibers, or melt processing suitable polymers in the form of the desired device.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel bearings and methods for making bearings. The method comprises dimensionally recovering at least one race or rolling or sliding element such that a rolling element is free to roll or slide yet contained within the race.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a unitary membrane-electrode structure by attaching an electrode to a permselective membrane while the latter is in a non-hydrated (and essentially non-dissociated) form. The electrode, in the form of a bonded aggregate of catalytic and polymeric binder particles, is attached to a membrane having less than 0.01 grams of matrix water per gram of dry membrane by the application of heat and pressure. The membrane is then hydrated causing the membrane to swell by a controlled amount and converting it to the dissociated form. A membrane-electrode structure fabricated in this manner is particularly useful in the electrolysis of alkali metal halides because it is characterized by improved cathodic current efficiency and by reduced susceptibility to permeation of gaseous hydrogen.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a distal ballon, and a catheter extending from the proximal end of the balloon, out of the body, forming a conduit for ballon inflation fluid, is sized and adapted, with the balloon deflated to a relatively small size, for introduction of the balloon into the body, and the balloon is adapted to be inflated to a relatively larger size by introduction of inflation fluid into the balloon for outside the body via the conduit. The balloon catheter includes a vent disposed at the distal end of the balloon for selectively venting gas above a predetermined pressure from the interior of the balloon while restricting passage of inflation fluid from the balloon at operating pressure.

Abstract: A process for reducing edge curl in green sheets in which the sheets are first placed in a chamber at about 95% relative humidity for a period of about 2 weeks at room temperature. In this part of the process, the sheets absorb water which causes the internal stresses in the green sheet to relax. Thereafter, the sheets are dried by placing them in a chamber at about 35% relative humidity for a period of about 1 week at room temperature. In this period, the absorbed water evaporates and the green sheets become firm with less edge curl than they exhibited prior to the treatment.

Abstract: A process for preparing shaped articles and shaped hydrogel articles including ophthalmic devices comprises the steps of preparing a polymer or copolymer comprising units derived from an ethylenically-unsaturated monomer bearing at least one trihaloacetoxy-substituent group, thermoforming said polymer by heating in a mold or in sheet-form at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 400.degree. C. for about 5 seconds to 15 minutes, and then cooling said polymer, to provide a shaped article, solvolyzing the resulting shaped article to provide a hydroxy-substituted polymeric shaped article, and optionally hydrating said hydroxy-substituted polymeric shaped article to provide a shaped hydrogel article.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having unique thermal characteristics including the step of cooling the polymer during extended mastication until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: Semipermeable membranes with improved permeation flux are prepared by contacting a glassy polymer in the form of a hollow fiber or film with a solvent in which the polymer swells at conditions which permit the swelling solvent to diffuse into the glassy polymer and then stretching the swollen polymer in an amount sufficient to cause visible stress whitening.

Abstract: A circularly symmetric reinstatement sheathed optical fibre splice butt joining the ends of two acrylate sheathed glass optical fibres is made by a method that includes the step of immersing the spliced fibres (14) in dichloromethane (64) to cause the acrylate to swell and longitudinally expand to close the gap (42) in the sheathing (41) left by the splicing process. The sheathing is clamped in this position while the solvent evaporates. The residual gap, which is comparable in length with the sheath diameter, is protected by the application of a drop of uncured resin which capillary forces constrain to assume a circularly symmetric form until the resin is cured.

Abstract: A process for diffusing and subliming water-soluble and water-insoluble materials into never-dried, water-swollen aromatic polyamide fibers, using steam heated at certain temperatures.

Abstract: A process for preparing improved pellets of a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer which comprises extruding a methanol or a water-methanol solution including a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a lubricant into a coagulating liquid in the form of a strand and cutting the strand into pellets. According to the process of the present invention, the molding processability can be improved without damaging the properties of the molded articles.

Abstract: A method is shown for forming a spark plug boot having at least one internal shoulder. An outer tube is first formed of an elastomeric material having an internal bore and a selected length. An inner tube, also formed of an elastomeric material, is inserted within the bore of the outer tube. The inner tube has an external diameter selected to allow it to be slideably received within the bore of the outer tube and has a length which is less than the length of the outer tube. The inner and outer tubes thus assembled are then exposed to electromagnetic radiation for a time sufficient to bond the external diameter of the inner tube to the internal bore of the outer tube.

Abstract: A method of preparing a template for a product from a sample of the product. The ultimate template is either larger or smaller in size than the sample. Initially, a mixture of liquid rubber and a curing agent is prepared. The sample is then covered with the mixture and the mixture is permitted to harden to form a temporary mold. The sample is then removed from the mold to form a cavity, and the size of the cavity in the mold is altered to either increase or decrease its dimensions. Finally, a hardenable material, such as an epoxy resin, is poured into the mold to form the template. If an enlarged template is to be formed, the size of the cavity of the mold is increased by immersing the mold in an organic solvent bath. If the size of the mold is to be decreased, an organic solvent is added to the mixture before formation of the mold, and after the mold has been formed, it is heated to shrink the size of the mold.

Abstract: According to the invention, the process consists of using plastics optical fibres obtained by drawing, the introduction of one of the ends of said fibres into recesses formed for this purpose in mechanical connecting parts, raising the temperature of said ends in order to increase their diameter until they fill said recesses and adapt closely to the internal surface shape of these recesses. It makes it possible to join the ends of optical fibres to centering terminations used for the fitting in the connectors and for producing multiplexing connectors.

Abstract: Packaged fibrous and non-fibrous reinforced food casings containing sufficient water that presoaking prior to stuffing can be eliminated. The casings which rely on water as the sole or principal plasticizer do not rely on chemical type plasticizers like glycerin and propylene glycol. The premoisturized, ready-to-stuff casings are preserved with effective amounts of a high pH active antimycotic agent. Drying requirements can be reduced or eliminated.

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: With the fabrication method and apparatus for the performance of such method, a blank containing hollow spaces extending between its lower side and its upper side is arranged in a mold closed at least at five sides and expanded. The blank is arranged in a mold box, whose area in plan view is larger than the plan view area of the blank. The space between the blank and the mold box wall and possibly hollow spaces which are retained in the blank are filled with a granular filler material, for instance sand, which is trickleable at least during the mold release of the expanded blank. In this way there is ensured for a simple and positive mold release and a protection of the mold box. The molded body can have different constructions and serve the most different purposes. The molded body is preferably constructed as a lightweight structural element for construction purposes.

Abstract: Method for increasing the absorbency of cellulosic fibers by a high temperature wet treatment comprising heating the fibers in a water bath at temperatures within the range of about 95.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for periods ranging from about one to sixty minutes. Absorbency of the treated fibers is thus increased by more than 2% of the corresponding untreated fibers as measured by the Syngyna Test Method. By employing such materials in catamenial tampons, sanitary napkins or the like, the amount of absorbent material may be decreased by 10% or more relative to the corresponding, untreated absorbent material, without adversely affecting the absorbent characteristics thereof.

Abstract: A combination ion sensing and reference electrode and a method for producing it. The electrode is formed of bi-lumen plastic tubing using one lumen as sensing chamber and the other as a reference chamber. A portion of the sensing chamber extends distally relative to the reference chamber, and is permeated with an ion selective material by soaking that portion in a solution containing the ion selective material. The method of manufacture is thereby simplified and sealing of the chambers is improved.

Abstract: An improved flow through ion sensing electrode and a method for producing it. The electrode is formed of bilumen plastic tubing using one lumen as the sample path and the other lumen as a sensing chamber. By permeating a portion of the tubing with an ion selective material, an ion selective membrane integral with the chamber wall is produced. A preferred embodiment also incorporates a reference electrode.

Abstract: A process for producing shaped articles having improved surfaces, characterized by subjecting a shaped article of a polymer derived from a monomeric material comprising an acrylate and/or methacrylate to at least one of a hot water treatment, an aqueous alkali solution treatment and an aqueous acid solution treatment. Shaped articles obtained by this process have an advantage that when the surfaces thereof are stained the removal of the stains is quite easy. Moreover, they are hydrophilic and have excellent wettability by water. Therefore, said shaped articles are extremely suitable for use as contact lens.

Abstract: A room temperature shrinkable coating material is molded of a high-molecular material, and impregnated with a volatile swelling agent containing one or more of virtually unvolatile aids having a variety of properties inclusive of rustproofness. The aids remain on the surface, or in the inside, of the coating material from which the swelling agent has volatilized off, thereby affording their own properties to the coating material.

Abstract: Solutions of ultrahigh molecular weight polymers such as polyethylene in a relatively nonvolatile solvent are extruded through an aperture at constant concentration through the aperture and cooled to form a first gel of indefinite length. The first gels are extracted with a volatile solvent to form a second gel and the second gel is dried to form a low porosity xerogel. The first gel, second gel or xerogel, or a combination, are stretched. Among the products obtainable are polyethylene fibers of greater than 30 or even 40 g/denier tenacity and of modulus greater than 1000 or even 1600 or 2000 g/denier.

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: An improved method for producing ion-selective membranes having a desired shape and of a desired plastic, for incorporation in ion-sensing electrodes, and the electrodes incorporating these membranes. This method allows the use of preformed polymeric members having the desired shape to produce ion-selective membranes, allowing simplified production of ion-sensing electrodes, as well as combination ion-sensing and reference electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for applying solvent to an object for the purpose of solvent bonding the object to another object. The present invention is especially useful in connection with narrow diameter hollow cylindrical objects such as tubing. The present invention is especially applicable to high speed and mass production requirements where numerous pieces must be solvent bonded in rapid succession.

Abstract: Method for making an electrode having an axial capillary bore with an intersecting bore. An extensible tube is inserted in the axial bore and a polymerizable mixture is inserted in the intersecting bore and permitted to polymerize against the tube which is stretched to facilitate removal of the tube. The tube is selected to swell under the action of the solvent and the tube is filled with solvent.

Abstract: Laminates of film of a hydrophilic polymer and adhered substrates are softened by applying a nonvolatile aliphatic compound to at least one surface.

Abstract: In order to produce random changes in texture of pile fabrics, continuous multifilament bulked yarn is treated to detexturize spaced portions along its length.

Abstract: A method for making polymer bonded electrode (PBE) structures wherein the particulate and particles of perfluorocarbon copolymer are combined with a solvent for the copolymer at a temperature where significant solvation of the perfluorocarbon does not occur. The resulting blended dispersion is spread to form the PBE, and the solvent removed. The PBE is then fused under heat and pressure for use.

Abstract: Acrylonitrile polymer film is treated with non-volatile water-miscible glycol plasticizer to improve toughness and other film properties. In a unique, continuous, steady state process polyacrylonitrile aquagel strip is treated with plasticizer additive in concentrated aqueous solution. Aquagel strip is passed at substantially constant rate through a solution treatment bath. The aquagel strip, which may contain at least about 40 weight % water uniformly dispersed in the polyacrylonitrile, is contacted with the aqueous solution during a predetermined residence time in the bath. After passing the treated aquagel strip from the bath, excess aqueous additive solution is removed. The plasticizer additive can be metered to the aqueous solution at concentration greater than the aqueous additive solution of the bath at a rate substantially proportionate to desired steady state uptake of additive for the aquagel strip.

Abstract: A novel method for dilating cold shrink articles such as insulating tubing is disclosed. The method makes use of a two phase bath comprising two immiscible liquids in which the lower phase is a swelling agent for the cold shrink material and the upper phase serves as a protective blanket which eliminates the generation of fumes by the swelling agent.

Abstract: Acrylonitrile polymer film is treated with non-volatile water-miscible glycol plasticizer to improve toughness and other film properties. In a unique, continuous, steady state process polyacrylonitrile aquagel strip is treated with plasticizer additive in concentrated aqueous solution. Aquagel strip is passed at substantially constant rate through a solution treatment bath. The aquagel strip, which may contain at least about 40 weight % water uniformly dispersed in the polyacrylonitrile, is contacted with the aqueous solution during a predetermined residence time in the bath. After passing the treated aquagel strip from the bath, excess aqueous additive solution is removed. The plasticizer additive can be metered to the aqueous solution at concentration greater than the aqueous additive solution of the bath at a rate substantially proportionate to desired steady state uptake of additive for the aquagel strip.

Abstract: A method of increasing the wear resistance of a vulcanized elastomeric body having a surface region exposed to load, for instance a tire, cone or V-belt, conveyor belt, hose, resilient element, floor covering or the like, by changing its tensile stress state, wherein the elastomeric body is at least partially treated, including the surface region exposed to load, with a swelling agent constituting a medium which is soluble in the elastomer.

Abstract: A process for producing a molded article of a high polymer of acetylene, which comprises press-forming a gel-like material or swollen material composed of 5 to 95% by weight of a high polymer of acetylene having a cis content of at least 50% and 95 to 5% by weight of an organic solvent at a temperature of not more than 50.degree. C. and a pressure of 10 to 1,000 kg/cm.sup.2 with or without prior treatment with an electron acceptor or donor substance, and when the treatment with the electron acceptor or donor substance is not performed, calendering or monoaxially stretching the resulting molded article, and if a molded article of an especially high electrical conductivity is desired, treating the molded article further with an electron acceptor or donor substance.

Abstract: Removal of haze from plastic articles made of cellulose acetate butyrate, such as light polarizing sunglass lenses made of cellulose acetate butyrate and polyvinyl alcohol, is accomplished by immersing said plastic articles in a substantially water-free bath composition at least 70 weight percent of which comprises an active solvent and a carrier solvent, the former being methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, or any mixture thereof, and the latter being ethylene glycol, glycerol, tricresyl phosphate, butyl phthalate, or any mixture thereof. Preferred values of the relative proportions of the active solvent and the carrier solvent are in the range of 90-5 and 10-95 weight percent, respectively, and more preferably, 80-10 and 20-90 weight percent, respectively.

Abstract: Solvent resistant halogenated aromatic polyester fibers are prepared by first heat treating the fibers at substantially constant length at a temperature of from about 270.degree. to about 295.degree. C. for a period of from about 5 to about 60 minutes, and then further treating the fibers with perchloroethylene which is at a temperature of from about 80.degree. C. up to its boiling point for a period of at least about 15 minutes to produce halogenated aromatic polyester fibers having improved solvent resistance.

Abstract: A method of improving the outer portion of a rotatable textile fiber processing component is provided, the method comprising the steps of making the outer portion substantially of butadiene copolymer rubber, subjecting the outer portion to the action of a halogen to define the desired properties of minimum compression set for the outer portion and a working surface which has a comparatively low coefficient of friction, mounting the component on a rotatable support means of a textile processing equipment, then operating the equipment whereby the outer portion of the component is worked, and applying additional halogen on the outer portion with the component in a stationary position in its working environment in the equipment while supported on the rotatable support means therefor after the outer portion has been worn from the working thereof whereby the outer portion is rejuvenated so that further operation of the equipment can take place with the component again having the desired properties.

Abstract: Improved ethylene polymer fibrils are provided which are characterized in having:(a) a melt temperature of at least about 137.degree. C.,(b) a molecular weight of at least 250,000,(c) at least about 1.2 weight % of polyvinyl alcohol sorbed thereon, and(d) a zero-span breaking length of at least about 25,000.

Abstract: Normally solid copolymers of a fluorinated vinyl monomer and a perfluorinated vinyl compound having a carboxyl and/or sulfonyl group attached directly to the perfluorinated vinyl group or indirectly through an alkyl or ether linkage have been found to be soluble in low molecular weight polymers of perhalogenated alkyl ethers, low molecular weight polymers of perhalogenated alkyls and perfluoro kerosenes, each of said solvent materials having boiling points between about 200.degree. C. and 350.degree. C. The copolymeric material dissolved in accordance with the instant invention can readily be resolidified by solvent removal and hydrolyzed or converted to the salt form to become a cation exchange material having an equivalent weight in the range of 1000 to 1600.

Abstract: A method for treating gelatin capsules so that the end product resulting therefrom may be insertable through a body orifice for application of a measured dose of medicinal material to an area to be treated is disclosed. The method provides for the relative hardening and softening of respective portions of the capsule so as to allow the capsule to perform the desired function. Means are provided with the capsule to permit rupturing of the end of the capsule to allow the medicinal material to be discharged therefrom upon the application of pressure at the other end of the capsule.

Abstract: A method of preparing shaped polypyrrolidone articles having a high degree of tensile strength comprising forming said articles from solutions of polypyrrolidone in hydrous formic acid and drawing said articles while impregnated with said hydrous formic acid. The invention also includes the step of enhancing the tenacity of shaped polypyrrolidone articles by impregnation thereof with hydrous formic acid and drawing said impregnated articles.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of rubber hydrochloride sheet is described in which a rubber sheet is advanced through a reaction zone essentially in one direction while totally immersed in a solution of hydrogen chloride in an organic solvent capable of swelling the rubber, flotation of the rubber sheet in the reaction solution being prevented, and the slack in the sheet caused by the initial swelling thereof being taken up to keep the sheet in substantially fully extended form to prevent it from contacting itself while in tacky condition, washing the sheet with an organic solvent or mixture thereof capable of removing the entrained, unreacted hydrogen chloride and other contaminants, drying the sheet in air at about 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., and calendering the still warm sheet to a finished rubber hydrochloride sheet of uniform thickness; the preferred solvent for both the hydrochlorination and washing operations being ethyl acetate.

Abstract: Surface-modified cellulose acetate filaments having a microporous structure located in the peripheral surface layer thereof are prepared by bringing non-modified cellulose acetate filaments which have an average degree of acetylation of 50 to 62% into contact with an organic solvent which is capable of dissolving or swelling the non-modified filaments and by rapidly evaporating the solvent from the filaments. The microporous structure causes the surface-modified filaments to exhibit a desirable silklike touch and an increased intensity in dye exhaustion of from 1.1 to 2.0 times that of the non-modified filaments.

Abstract: A method of clearing a polysaccharide ester membrane employing a clearing solvent comprising a first moiety selected from a group consisting of alcohols, ketones, ethers, esters, and mixtures thereof and a second moiety comprising a solvent selected from a group consisting of 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethyl acetate, methyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetoacetate, acetol, and mixtures thereof, the first moiety having a boiling point lower than the second moiety.The solvents employed as the second moiety of the instant invention's clearing solvent are much less toxic than solvents employed as the second moiety of prior art clearing solvents.

Abstract: Fibrillatable multicomponent fibers of the matrix segment type and a process for production of fiber structures by splitting shrinkable, basically unset, multi-component fibers consisting of at least two incompatible components which in the fiber cross section are arranged in the form of a matrix and several segments, the latter accounting for about 20% to 80% of the total cross section. After having been processed into fiber structures such as staple fibers, yarns or fabrics, the multicomponent fibers are treated with a liquid or gaseous organic solvent, particularly chlorinated lower alkanes, to partially or completely split the segment filaments from the matrix component. Useful solvents are those which will reduce the zero-shrinkage temperature of the matrix or the segment polymer by at least 160.degree. C. and in which the polymer components constituting the fiber show different shrinkage behaviour. Splitting may be further enhanced by the application of mechanical agitation, e.g. by ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the production of crystal-containing gels and papers, films, fibers, boards, and coatings made therefrom. The process for making the gels comprises three general steps: first, a fully or predominantly crystalline body is formed containing crystals consisting essentially of a lithium and/or sodium water-swelling mica selected from the group of fluorhectorite, hydroxyl hectorite, boron fluorphlogopite, hydroxyl boron phlogopite, and solid solutions among those and between those and other structurally-compatible species selected from the group of talc, fluortalc, polylithionite, fluorpolylithionite, phlogopite and fluorphlogopite; second, that body is contacted with a polar liquid, desirably water, to cause swelling and disintegration of the body accompanied with the formation of a gel; and, third, the solid:liquid ratio of the gel is adjusted to a desired value depending upon the application therefor.