Abstract: A high-hardness and high-strength carbon material is produced by disposing a body of graphite carbon, e.g. precompacted graphite or a mass of powdery graphite carbon, of a predetermined shape and dimension in a collapsible receptacle shaped and dimensioned to tightly retain the body therein, the receptacle being collapsible at least one-dimensionally under external pressure while holding the body against expansion. High pressure is applied to the body while the body is heated to an elevated temperature and for a sufficient period such as to cause a central region of the body to be liquefied and the remainder thereof to be sintered. While under continuous pressure, the body is cooled to give in carbon material.

Abstract: Polycrystalline ceramic scintillators are prepared by a vacuum hot-pressing method. The process includes pressing a multi-component powder at high temperature under vacuum. Following a holding period, the pressure and temperature are increased and maintained for a predetermined length of time. The finished scintillator includes Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3, and one or more of Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3, Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3, Yb.sub.2 O.sub.3, DY.sub.2 O.sub.3, Pr.sub.2 O.sub.3, and Tb.sub.2 O.sub.3 rare earth activator oxides. The finished scintillator may also include at least one of SrO and CaO as afterglow reducers.

Abstract: Polycrystalline ceramic scintillators are prepared by a vacuum hot-pressing method. The process includes pressing a multicomponent powder at high temperature under vacuum. Following a holding period, the pressure and temperature are increased and maintained for a predetermined length of time. The finished scintillator includes Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3, and one or more of Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3, Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3, Yb.sub.2 O.sub.3, Dy.sub.2 O.sub.3, Pr.sub.2 O.sub.3, and Tb.sub.2 O.sub.3 rare earth activator oxides. At least one of the oxides of elements Zr, Th, and Ta is included as a transparency promoting densifying agent. At least one of CaO and SrO may be included as a light output restorer.

Abstract: A process for increasing the percent void of hollow filaments by contacting the filaments with water at a temperature of at least about 92.degree. C. for at least about 3 seconds. It is necessary that the treatment be carried out while the filaments are in an amorphous condition. Preferred filaments are polyesters.

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: Sheets of organic thermoplastic polymeric film are contacted with processing rolls having a microgrooved surface to reduce the air layer therebetween, thereby aiding heat transfer between film and roll and consequently increasing processing speed.

Abstract: Shaped articles composed of polymers formed from residues which are not melt processable characterized in that the shaped article has been formed from a readily processable melt of a copolymer containing said residues together with in-chain temperature labile residues and has been subsequently heated to remove the labile constituents with recombination of the resultant polymeric residues. Preferably the processable melt should be in the form of an anisotropic melt so that the shaped article may be in oriented form prior to removal of the residues. Typically the shaped articles are articles of thin section composed of p-hydroxybenzoic acid residues.

Abstract: Amorphous mixed oxide powder composed of from about 74 weight % to about 76.5 weight % Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 balance SiO.sub.2 is pressed into a compact with a density of at least 1 g/cc, fired in oxygen or vacuum of 0.05 to 1 torr producing a gas-impermeable compact, and sintered in air, argon, helium, nitrogen or mixtures thereof producing an optically translucent theoretically dense body of mullite.

Abstract: A process for producing a sintered silicon carbide composite includes the steps of forming a first dispersion of diamond crystals and carbon black in paraffin, as well as forming a second dispersion of carbon fiber, carbon black and filler in paraffin. The two dispersions are compacted together to form an integral bi-layer composite which is then subjected to a vacuum for a period of time at a temperature sufficient to vaporize essentially all of the paraffin. Silicon is heated to cause liquification and direct infiltration into both layers of the composite after which the composite is sintered under conditions sufficient to produce a .beta.-silicon carbide binder uniting the composite.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting polycrystalline ribbon to macrocrystalline ribbon in which a molten zone is formed in and moved along the polycrystalline ribbon. Macrocrystalline material in ribbon shape is formed as the molten region passes and the molten material resolidifies. The molten zone is formed in the polycrystalline ribbon by impinging energy beams from two energy sources on the two major surfaces of the ribbon. The combined energy from the first and second energy sources is sufficient to melt the ribbon material and to form a molten zone extending through the thickness of the ribbon. The molten zone has an intersection with each of the major surfaces of the ribbon. The two energy sources are adjusted independently to control the area of the intersection of the molten zone with each surface so that the areas are non-identical.

Abstract: Variations in performance of metal clad reinforced resin laminates may be minimized by aging the laminates in a high-temperature, high-humidity atmosphere subsequent to the curing step. The products are useful for the production of printed circuit wiring boards.

Abstract: A diamond body is heated in an environment of vacuum of inert gas containing a small amount of oxygen at a predetermined elevated temperature to allow the carbon atoms of the surface areas to form a layer of graphite on the diamond body. The diamond body is then lapped so that the graphite layer is shaped into the form of a stylus electrode.

Abstract: A method for producing textured thermoplastic film and the textured film produced thereby. A transverse section of a continuous length of preformed thermoplastic film, comprised of two or more components possessing dissimilar softening point temperatures, is heated by a direct contact heating medium. The temperature of the film is thereby raised to or near the softening point of at least one component in the film, yet below the softening point of at least one other component. A partial amount of previously applied orientation is relieved by the softening of at least one component in said film. Correspondingly, a partial amount of the previously applied orientation remains unrelieved due to the presence of at least one unsoftened component in said film. This causes the formation of protuberances in the film which creates a textured look and feel. The resulting textured film, described herein, is suitable for many applications such as decorative coverings, release films, and protective overwrap packaging films.

Abstract: Iron-containing refractory balls, in a retorting process for oil shale, permit effective magnetic separation of the balls from the spent shale. These ceramic balls can be made by a process such as admixing powdered alumina and water to form an extrudable mixture, extruding to form cylinders, reshaping cylinders into balls, overcoating with iron particles, further overcoating with alumina, and firing.

Abstract: Iron-containing refractory balls, in a retorting process for oil shale, permit effective magnetic separation of the balls from the spent shale. These ceramic balls can be made by a process such as admixing powdered alumina and water to form an extrudable mixture, extruding to form cylinders, reshaping cylinders into balls, overcoating with iron particles, further overcoating with alumina, and firing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of pretreating a plurality of high temperature heat set yarn bundles, e.g. polyester, that have different heat histories but are otherwise identical, to enable said yarns to be dyed uniformly. The method comprises measuring the pre-melt crystallization temperature of each polyester yarn bundle and thereafter heat treating each yarn bundle at a uniform temperature that is at least the same as or higher than the highest measured pre-melt crystallization temperature. Also disclosed are a method of uniformly dyeing polyester yarn bundles that are treated in a plurality of high temperature heat setting units and a method of determining the evenness of the internal temperature of high temperature heat setting apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for bonding two pieces of thermoplastic material to one another. The method includes the steps of heating the edges of the plastic materials to be joined to at least their fusing temperatures and then forcing the heated edge portions against one another to thereby form a bonded junction. A bead is formed along at least one edge of the junction of the plastic materials as a result of the pressure of the two plastic materials bearing against one another. The welded junction is heated, optionally at elevated pressure, to at least its fusion temperature and is then rapidly cooled. The resulting weld has a high impact and dielectric strength and has a smooth overall appearance.

Abstract: A polyacetal resin molded article having reduced water contamination is disclosed. The water contamination reduction feature is provided by the inclusion of a substantially water insoluble substance which forms a hydrophobic film on the molded article. It is furthermore required that the water insoluble substance-included polyacetal molded article be heat treated in air or in an inert gas to provide reduced water contamination.

Abstract: A casing of stretched plastic material, whether or not filled with a fluid such as gas or air, is wound with some tension about a smooth heated mandrel. During its curved path of travel said casing is on the one hand subjected to a contact or a radiation heat and on the other hand to a convection heat, said contact radiation heat prevailing during a period of time which is greater than that of the convection heat, thus causing the inner curved portion of the said casing to set during the time that the outer portions of the casing windings have already cooled down, so that smooth curved surfaces are obtained.

Abstract: A material web impregnated with a settable synthetic resin travels in vertical direction, from the bottom towards the top, through a first heat treatment zone where the solvent of the synthetic resin or plastic is evaporated and there occurs a chemical reaction. The tacky material web departing from the first heat or thermal treatment zone then passes through a cooling zone where it is cooled by means of a cooling medium to such a degree that it does not stick to the deflection or diverting rolls over which the material web subsequently is guided. After deflection of the material web the latter is moved in vertical direction downwardly through a second heat treatment zone where the chemical reaction proceeds. Prior to winding-up of the material web the latter is further cooled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing a colored band in an extruded thermoplastic sheet. In the process, a probe is inserted in a sheet extrusion die manifold and a colored melt is injected into the polymer melt such that a sheet with an encapsulated colored band is obtained.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for heat treatment of fibrous mats, especially mats formed of mineral fibers such as glass and carrying a heat hardenable binder material, such as a thermosetting resin. The method disclosed provides for continuous feed of the mat through a curing or treating oven having a plurality of heat treatment zones. In one form of the method, the heat treatment in at least one zone is effected by circulation of a heated gas, such as air, through the mat in said zone, and the mat is also subjected to heat treatment in a localized area lying within said zone by passage of a second heated gas through the mat, the second heated gas having a pressure higher than that in the surrounding portions of said zone.

Abstract: The tensile strength of shaped articles made from arylene sulfide/sulfone polymers is increased by treating the article with an organic liquid at an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, the organic liquid comprises at least one of selected hydrocarbons, alcohols, and esters.

Abstract: A destructible marking film having a thickness of about 30 to about 60 microns and a destructibility of not more than 60 kg.cm/mm, said film being composed of a resin composition consisting essentially of (A) 100 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride resin having a degree of polymerization of about 600 to about 2000 and containing 0 to about 5% by weight of a comonomer unit, (B) about 5 to about 20 parts by weight of an alkyl methacrylate resin, (C) about 5 to about 30 parts by weight of a liquid plasticizer, (D) about 10 to about 150 parts by weight of a pigment, and (E) 0 to about 10 parts by weight of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of lubricants and stabilizers. The film can be prepared by shaping the above-defined resin composition by calendering.

Abstract: A polymer blend which is capable of exhibiting an anisotropic melt phase and which is capable of forming shaped articles which exhibit satisfactory mechanical properties is provided. The polymer blend comprises approximately 5 to approximately 95 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of the blend, of a first melt processable wholly aromatic polyester which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase apart from the blend and which comprises not less than approximately 10 mole percent of recurring units which include a naphthalene moiety, and approximately 5 to approximately 95 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of the blend, of a second melt processable wholly aromatic polyester which is capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase apart from the blend (as defined).

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate having an acetaldehyde content of less than 2.5 ppm and suitable for packing of food and beverages intended for human consumption is produced by heating polyethylene terephthalate having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.5--0.85 at a temperature of 180.degree.-230.degree. C., preferably 200.degree.-220.degree. C., for about 4 to 12 hours. The polyethylene terephthalate must not include more than 25 ppm of ester interchange catalyst or 20 ppm of phosphorous during this heating.

Abstract: A process for reducing micro-voids in cross-linked cable insulation without reducing the voltage breakdown strength thereof in which process the insulation, after cross-linking, is heated at a temperature in the range from about 120.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. and under a pressure less than 10 mm. Hg for a period from about 8 hours to 48 hours. Also, a cable having such insulation which has micro-voids less than about 10.sup.2 per mm.sup.3 and a perforation gradient greater than the perforation gradient of a cable which has not been so treated.

Abstract: In a biaxial blown tube synthetic resin film making apparatus, the extruder die, mandrel, the reheat ovens, and a hot air ring are caused to rotate and oscillate about a stalk moving coaxially therethrough to provide an improved flatter and more uniform film.

Abstract: Heat treatment of shaped articles, larger than films or fibers, formed from anisotropic-melt-forming polymers provides an increase of at least 25% in energy to break in flexure. In at least one direction of measurement the heat treated articles are characterized by a flexural break strength of at least 10,000 psi, maximum strain to break in flexure of at least 2% and a flexural modulus of at least 500,000 psi. In many instances the heat treated articles can be further characterized by a notched Izod impact strength of at least 2 foot-pounds per inch.Since the heat-treated shaped articles have high levels of strength, stiffness and toughness, they are useful as replacements for some metals, e.g., brass.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin and flexible ribbon of dielectric material comprisesheating a raw material mainly consisting of dielectric material which can form a crystalline structure in a solid state and of a glass former which is included by 0 to 50 atomic percentages at a temperature above a melting point of the raw material to form a one phase melt;ejecting the melt thus formed through a nozzle against a cooling surface of a rotating disc, drum or belt, the ejection being carried out under a pressure of 0.01 to 1.5 atm. to form a continuous jet flow of the melt; andcooling instantaneously and rapidly the jet flow of the melt while it is in contact with the cooling surface at a cooling rate of 1,000 to 1,000,000.degree. C./sec so as to form a thin and flexible ribbon of the dielectric material which contains the amorphous state more than 50% in an area ratio. The dielectric constant and breakdown voltage of the ribbon thus formed are very high.

Abstract: Zinc oxide varistors are thermally treated, after sintering, at temperatures between 400.degree. C. and 800.degree. C. in air for a period of one to ten hours. The thermal treatment apparently removes residual strains resulting from the sintering process and substantially reduces voltage drift.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a healed stucco having lowered water demand without loss of normal strength development potential which comprises, while blending a small amount of water with the calcined gypsum, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously grinding the calcined gypsum so as to increase the surface area of the calcined gypsum particles while incorporating about 1-10% by weight of the calcined gypsum of free water.

Abstract: A paper based frictional material is formed by forming a paper material of a desired size from a mixture comprising wood pulp, a lubricant and an organic fiber; soaking said paper material in a binder agent, and then drying the soaked material; and heating said dried paper product to carbonize the same under conditions in which oxygen is substantially eliminated from contact with said paper material so that a material is obtained whose frictional characteristics are such that the material is useful as a clutch facing in automatic transmissions.

Abstract: The heat deflection temperature of amorphous thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate is increased by removing absorbed and/or adsorbed water therefrom, as by heating in an oven, or by desiccation. Following drying, the material is kept in a desiccated storage vessel until time of use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for continuously manufacturing a cable of the type having a central conductor around which are concentrically arranged successive outer layers; electrostatic shielding, insulation and jacket layers. The method and apparatus includes unique means for vulcanizing the insulation layer and for subsequent cooling.

Abstract: A process for preparing permeable membranes which comprises mixing in the molten state two different kinds of thermoplastic synthetic resins which are partly compatible with each other, shaping the molten mixture into a sheet- or film-like melt, passing the film- or sheet-like melt through a heated zone, cooling and solidifying it, the time from the shaping of the molten mixture into the film- or sheet-like melt to its cooling and solidification (melt maintenance time) being adjusted to 10 to 600 seconds, treating the resulting film or sheet with a solvent which is a good solvent for one of the component resins but is a poor solvent for the other to dissolve and remove the soluble resin, and drying the product. In place of the resin to be removed by the solvent, rubbers or oligomers having partial compatibility with the resin which remains undissolved can be used.

Abstract: Highly densified, polycrystalline photoconductors can be produced by hot-pressing various materials, such as powdered lead monoxide. The powdered material is subjected to a temperature and pressure for a length of time sufficient to form a photoconductive element having a density of at least 85% and up to and including the theoretical density of the material. Such formed photoconductive element or material can be utilized in electro-photographic applications and, with the exception of such material in its single crystal form, will exhibit increased absorption of activating radiation, increased signal-to-noise ratios, and improved spatial frequency response in comparison with presently known photoconductive elements or materials.

Abstract: The walls which form a packing container are made from an extruded polystyrene foam plastic material which is stiffened along variously positioned rectilinear zones in the surface by effecting an increase in thickness of the plastic along those zones. The foamed plastic material is initially of uniform thickness during formation of the container but those zones of the walls which are to be thickened have a higher cell density factor than the remaining portions of the walls and hence a higher latent expansion capacity which, after the container has been formed, is released by heating to such an extent that the cell walls soften and are expanded by the increased gas pressure within them. The foamed plastic packing material is formed by extrusion through a die and is of uniform thickness. The desired zones of higher density are established in the material by subjecting those zones to a cooling operation.

Abstract: A method for increasing the depth of a tack-spun thermoplastic pile on a backing layer comprises space heating the pile side of the product for a time and temperature less than that at which the pile collapses, said temperature being between the glass rubber transition temperature but above ambient and the temperature at which the pile collapses, using a heat source not in contact with the pile, and subsequently cooling the pile to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for surface treating a support for a photographic light-sensitive material, said support having a polyolefinic surface, which comprises flame treating said surface using a flame supported by a combustion gas consisting of a paraffinic or an olefinic hydrocarbon gas and oxygen gas, said combustion gas having the composition within the area ABCDE of FIG. 2, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for heat-treating carbonaceous products such as electrodes used in the manufacture of aluminum in which the products are heated to raise the core temperature to within 120.degree. to 170.degree. C., heating the products to raise the core temperature to 450.degree. C. within ten hours and without allowing the surface temperature to exceed 700.degree. C., and then continuing to heat the products to the final calcination temperature.

Abstract: Fibers with enhanced tenacity are prepared by heat treating oriented fibers from anisotropic-melt-forming linear aromatic and cycloaliphatic polymers, especially polyesters (including copolyesters), while said fibers are essentially relaxed, at temperatures near the flow temperature but sufficiently below to prevent substantial interfilament fusion, for a period of from five seconds to several hours until the fiber tenacity is increased by at least 50% and to at least 10 grams per denier.

Abstract: In the casting of cosmetics, such as lipstick material into open-topped molds which may, be associated with or placed within inverted containers, the molds are, after casting, passed beneath downwardly directed jets of heated air which impinge on the surface of the cosmetic material to counteract piping and they may also be passed beneath downwardly directed jets of cooled air to hasten setting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a metal oxide varistor body. Conventional manufacturing techniques through sintering are utilized on any metal oxide varistor formulation which includes bismuth oxide. Following sintering, the devices are heat treated at a temperature between 750.degree. C. and 1200.degree. C. for a time in excess of about 10 hours. The heat treatment increases the alpha of the devices and substantially lowers the leakage current.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of converting a flat composite strip to a round rod by changing the configuration of the strip composite to the round rod solely by the application of heat.

Abstract: A resilient drawn polyester textile fiber comprised of at least 50 mol percent of poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) with a bending recovery of at least 55 percent and a toughness of at least 0.75 grams/denier is provided. This fiber, which preferably consists essentially of 100 mol percent poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) and has an initial modulus of less than 350 k.g./mm.sup.2 and a tensile factor of at least about 21, is especially useful in pile fabrics.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a plastic tube having a cup-shaped bulb at one end and which is oval in cross section. The walls of the bulb are thicker than the remainder of the tube and a hub is molded about the bulb both interiorly and exteriorly thereof. The bulb is formed by placing the tube on a mandrel, which extends from a mandrel carrier, and thereafter placing the carrier on a base so that the upper end of the tube and mandrel extend through a slot and into a heating cavity defined by a housing. The upper end of the tube is subjected to radiant heat on opposite sides thereof to heat the circumference of the tube unevenly to form and define the cup-shaped bulb. The upper end of the tube is heated to a temperature close to its melting point.

Abstract: The solvent barrier property of pigmented, solid polymeric articles is improved by pretreating the pigment particles prior to incorporation into the solid polymeric material so as to remove trapped gas from the surface and interstices of the pigment particles. Specific techniques for accomplishing this result include heating the pigment particles to a temperature above about 50.degree. C., but below the calcination temperature, scrubbing the pigment particles with an inert gas and subjecting the pigment particles to a vacuum.

Abstract: A method for the production of biaxially molecularly oriented polymeric film, wherein the flatness of the film is improved by subjecting the film preferably immediately after its heat-setting to a longitudinal tension that is at least three times higher than the normal film transport tension in the production process. Preferably, said higher longitudinal tension is at least 100 kp/sq.cm. The film may be subjected also between its longitudinal stretching and its heat-setting to said at least three times higher longitudinal tension. The temperature of the film during said treatment at increased longitudinal tension is between room temperature and the second order transition temperature of the film.

Abstract: The method disclosed consists of applying a plain tubular blank in polytetrafluorethylene to a cylindrical mandrel of a diameter providing for a clearance between said blank and mandrel corresponding to the depth of the corrugations to be formed. The blank is retained at its ends concentrically with the mandrel. A wire is then wound in a helical path around the blank under a tension ensuring the forming of helical corrugations, the blank being additionally retained at its outside surface within a zone preceding the zone wherein the corrugations are being formed. On forming the corrugations all the way along the surface of the blank, the product is heat treated at a temperature between 250 and 300.degree. C.