Abstract: Method of manufacturing high strength chemically prestressed concrete molding products with great amount of introduced chemical prestress and smaller loss of the same, a high temperature high pressure underwater curing apparatus concrete molding products excellent in energy efficiency, productivity and safety by re-utilizing curing water, as well as a curing method thereof are provided.

Abstract: To continuously produce a metal laminate having excellent dimensional stability and flatness, there is provided with a method of producing a metal laminate in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer film (5?) capable of forming an optically anisotropic melt phase is heat-treated on a heat treatment roll having unevenness (91) on its surface and subsequently a metal sheet (3) is bonded to at least one side of the film (5?).

Abstract: Heat treatment is performed on preforms placed in an enclosure accompanied by sweeping with an inert gas under reduced pressure, and with a gaseous effluent being exhausted continuously via a first effluent outlet connected to an effluent exhaust circuit. At the end of the heat treatment, the first gaseous effluent outlet is closed so as to isolate the effluent exhaust circuit from the enclosure, sweeping of the enclosure with the inert gas is interrupted, and the heat-treated preforms are left in the enclosure and are subjected to densification by admitting a reagent gas into the enclosure via at least one reagent gas admission duct opening out into the enclosure, with gaseous effluent being exhausted via a second effluent outlet separate from the first, said second outlet being closed during the heat treatment step. Advantageously, metal, in particular sodium, contained in the gaseous effluent exhausted from the enclosure during the heat treatment step is neutralized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method for topically treating and drying fibrous web materials such as nonwoven web materials and nonwoven laminate materials without unduly damaging the materials due to excessive heating during drying.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a pipe end socket (3) made of thermoplastic material with a sealing ring (5) which engages in a form-fitting manner on the inside of the socket in a circumferential bead (4) and which comprises a sealing part (6) and a supporting part (7), with the sealing ring (5) being introduced into a preformed bead region and is then tightly held in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential bead (4) by a final forming of the preformed bead region. In order to provide advantageous process conditions it is proposed that the pipe end socket (3) with the circumferential bead (4) is preformed at a deformation temperature corresponding at least to the softening temperature with an overdimension which allows an insertion of the sealing ring (5), and after the cooling below the softening temperature and after inserting the sealing ring (5) said pipe end socket with the circumferential bead is pressed into the final shape by taking into account a cooling-induced shrinkage.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an electret processed product, comprising the steps of allowing a section nozzle (22) to come into contact with a nonconductive fiber sheet (S) so as to cross in the lateral direction of the sheet while running the sheet, allowing the surface of the sheet on the opposite side of the contact portion to come into contact with or to immerse into a water surface, sucking water from the suction nozzle (22) so that the water can be passed through the sheet in the thickness direction of the sheet to penetrate the water into the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), and drying the nonconductive fiber sheet (S), whereby a high quality and high performance electret processed product can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for mounting a stent onto a balloon on a stent delivery system. A stent is then loaded onto the delivery system and the resulting stent/balloon assembly is positioned in a first section of a mould and a second section of the mould is closed onto the first section and locked in place. Pressure is applied to the delivery system through a luer and the mould is heated. The pressure and heat are discontinued and the mould is cooled; this combination of heat and pressure secures the stent to the balloon. The method may include a cooling cycle to help retain the profile of the final stent delivery assembly.

Abstract: An improved, efficient, and regenerable exhaust emission filter and filter system are provided which incorporate the use of an inorganic, non-woven fiber filter element. The filter is able to capture exhaust pollutants and particulates through the interwoven nature of the filter element and due to area enhancements applied to the filter element including microscopic enhancements. The filter has an improved life and is able to combust a greater percentage of trapped particulates due to the high temperatures the filter element can withstand. The filter element if formed from a non-woven fiber block which is machined or shaped into a filter foundation. The filter element can have a multitude of coatings and catalysts applied and can be wrapped in insulation and a casing. The improved exhaust emission filter is particularly useful for diesel engine exhausts.

Abstract: Process for a fiber-reinforced ceramic material whose reinforcing fibers are present in the form of at least one of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers, wherein the mass ratio of the fibers in the form of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers is 0-35:25-80:0-45 and at least a part of the reinforcing fibers has at least one protective layer of carbon produced by pyrolysis of resins or pitches, boron compounds or phosphorus compounds or combinations thereof which have been deposited thereon, a process for producing it and its use as material for brake linings

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing distortions in a pattern disposed on a layer of a substrate, defining a recorded pattern, employing a mold having the pattern recorded therein, defining an original pattern. The method includes, defining a region on the layer in which to produce the recorded pattern. Relative extenuative variations between the substrate and the mold are created to ensure that the original pattern defines an area coextensive with the region. Thereafter, the recorded pattern is formed in the region. The relative extenuative variations are created by heating or cooling of the substrate so that the region defines an area that is slightly smaller/larger than the area of the original pattern. Then compression/tensile forces are applied to the mold to provide the recorded pattern with an area coextensive with the area of the region.

Abstract: A method for removing supports from a three-dimensional object formed by solid freeform fabrication. The three-dimensional object and support structure both contain a phase change component in order to achieve the desired phase change characteristics needed for dispensing the material. The method prevents the phase change material within the three-dimensional object from migrating within the object during post processing to remove the support structure.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric which consists of a blend 75% to 95% by weight of polypropylene based fibers and 5 to 25% by weight of polyester based fibers. The polypropylene fibers are extruded from a melt mixture of about 80 to 99% by weight polypropylene and about 1 to 20% by weight of a suitable heat stabilizer. The polyester based fibers are extruded from a melt mixture of 80% to 100% by weight polyester and 0 to 20% by weight of other stabilizers and/or fire retardants. The flame retardant compounds are added to and blended with the polyester melt prior to the extrusion of the polyester based fibers. Most preferably, the extruded polypropylene and polyester based fibers are staple fibers of between about 2 and 12 denier.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for making a membrane electrode assembly comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane having two opposite faces, on each face of which is applied a catalyst layer and a gas distribution layer. The two gas distribution layers in the membrane electrode assembly are formed by hydrophobized carbon substrates which, using appropriate inks containing at least one catalyst, dissolved ionomer and solvent, are each coated with a catalyst layer and are then laid on opposite faces of the polymer electrolyte membrane with the catalyst layers still in the moist state. Afterwards, a firm bond between electrolyte membrane, catalyst layers and carbon substrates is produced by treating the membrane electrode assembly at elevated temperature under pressure.

Abstract: In a method for producing a brake shoe (1), particularly a brake shoe for disk brakes in motor vehicles, by preforming a friction lining (6), arranged on a carrier plate (2), from a friction material fed into a press mould and by press-molding the friction material under pressure and heat to form a friction lining (6), it is provided that grooves (8) are formed in the friction lining (6) which are open at least towards the front face of the friction lining, that the friction lining (6) provided with grooves (8) is exposed to a scorching process, that, subsequent to the scorching process, an elastic filling agent (12) is inserted into the grooves (8), and that, subsequent to the insertion of the filling agent (12), the brake shoe (1) is subjected to a drying process, a hardening process or a cross-linking process depending on the filling agent (12) used.

Abstract: A thread or other element for bonding fibers in a fibrous reinforcement for use in a fiber composite is such that it is at least degraded in the course of the production of said fiber composite.

Abstract: Medical devices having at least a component, such as a catheter balloon, stent cover and vascular graft, formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The device component is formed from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The device component expands compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such medical devices, including the steps of compacting a polyethylene powder and deforming it to impart the oriented structure.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape cassette, a top end portion of a reel urging plate spring for urging a tape reel is subjected to a surface treatment to prevent from a friction. A distance between a couple of flanges of the tape reel is selected to keep a form of the wound magnetic tape, and to prevent the tape running from being disturbed by the increases of a contract resistance of the tape edges to the flanges. Additionally, positioning portions for positioning the magnetic tape cassette relative to a magnetic tape drive device are formed of a differential resin from the resin of the remaining part of the cassette case. Additionally, at least one of both end faces of each guide roller is surface treated so that the end face is not worn through its contact with the cassette half. Further, an information presenting section for displaying variable information is provided at a location other than label areas of the tape cassette.

Abstract: An electroconductive resin composition, which comprises a thermosetting resin as a matrix and 40 to 90% by weight, on the basis of the composition, of carbon fibers and graphite as fillers, has a high electroconductivity and is suitable for use as a molding material for fuel cell separators. By using a molding material comprising phenol resin as a matrix and at least one kind of carbon fibers and graphite being coated by an electroconductive metal and molding fuel cell separators from the molding material, followed by post-curing at 130 to 300° C., fuel cell separators with a stable power generation capacity can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for production of a monolithic article from a web of fibres of oriented polypropylene polymer, comprising the steps of subjecting the web to elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the polymer and compact it, and then cooling the compacted web, wherein an accelerated rate of cooling is employed down to 100° C. The process is of particular benefit when the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the fibres is 250,000 or below. The resultant articles have good stiffness and strength, yet with reasonable ductility. Similar articles cooled slowly are brittle.

Abstract: A method for imparting an electrostatic charge to a nonwoven fibrous web 20. The fibrous web 20 is contacted with a liquid solution that includes water and a non-aqueous water soluble component, followed by drying 31. The resulting dried product is an electret article 43 that could be used as an air filter in, for example, a respirator 50.

Abstract: An oriented film with a high degree of orientation may be manufactured even a width of master roll film is wider width, by a manufacturing method for an oriented film, comprising steps of stretching an un-oriented polyvinyl alcohol derived film in dry and in longitudinal uniaxial direction by applying tension produced by peripheral velocity difference between rolls, wherein a value of L/W is not more than 0.6 when a distance between rolls defined as L and a width of the un-oriented polyvinyl alcohol derived film is defined as W; and further heating at 60 to 160° C. after the stretching step.

Abstract: Insulation materials suited to high temperature applications, such as the insulation of furnaces, are formed from a mixture of pitch carbon fibers, such as isotropic pitch carbon fibers, and a binder comprising a solution of sugar in water. The sugar solution is preferably at a concentration of from 20-60% sucrose to yield a low density material having high flexural strength and low thermal conductivity when carbonized to a temperature of about 1800° C.

Abstract: A method for cuffing suture, including: feeding the suture to a drawing axis for drawing and cutting thereof; heating the suture to stiffen a small length; gripping the suture and alternately drawing it along the drawing axis by first and second grippers; cutting the suture to provide uniform lengths; and providing a predetermined length of suture travel between the heating step and the cutting step, which is a discrete number, two or more, times the uniform length of suture being cut by the apparatus, to provide a discrete number, two or more, of apparatus cutting cycles between heating of the suture and cutting of the suture, whereby after heating of a small length of suture, the suture is cooled to allow setting and hardening of the suture material prior to cutting.

Abstract: A cost effective manufacturing process encapsulates a light emitting polymer (LEP) device between two flexible sheet materials, where one sheet may act as the substrate for the LEP device and the other sheet may act as a cover for the LEP device, and at least one of the sheets is transparent. Both encapsulating sheets and, as required, an adhesive system binding the sheets together provide sufficient environmental barriers with low moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) and oxygen transmission rates (OTR). The encapsulating sheets may, for example, be laminated together, sandwiching the LEP device in a vacuum, or oxygen/moisture free, and inert gas environment. Prior to encapsulation the LEP device may be heated and placed in a vacuum to remove moisture, air and residual solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin-walled component with a fine cement paste matrix and at least one steel wool mat that is pressed together and embedded in the fine cement paste matrix. The invention also relates to a method for producing a thin-walled component, whereby at least one steel wool mat is pressed together in a perpendicular position with respect to the main extension thereof, injected with a fine cement suspension, surrounded and the suspension is hardened.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tiles for use in a raised floor system is disclosed. The tiles comprise an outer shell and an inner core material. The method includes constructing the shells at a manufacturing facility, transporting the shells to a remote location associated with a job site, and filling the shells with a fill material at the remote location. A method is also disclosed for providing a rack to hold the tiles during the manufacturing process, stacking shells in a vertical orientation on the rack, and filling the shells with a core material while on the rack.

Abstract: A melt-infiltrated, fiber-reinforced composite ceramic containing high-temperature-resistant fibers, in particular fibers based on Si/C/B/N, which are reaction-bonded to a matrix based on Si and also a process for producing such a composite ceramic are described. The silicon melt which is used for the melt infiltration contains additions of iron, chromium, titanium, molybdenum, nickel or aluminum, with particular preference being given to a silicon melt containing from about 5 to 50% by weight of iron and from about 1 to 10% by weight of chromium. This gives a simplified production process compared with conventional silicon melt infiltration and improved properties of the composite ceramic (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer ceramic composite materials with a virtually zero shrinkage compared to the original model after concluding partial pyrolysis and with a comparable thermal expansion behavior (preferably in an application range of 400° C. or less) to metal construction materials, in particular gray cast iron or steel, which are obtainable by methods described below; corresponding composite constructions and molded parts; and methods for producing and using these materials, composite constructions and molded parts. The polymer ceramic composite materials can for instance be used instead of or in contact with steel or gray cast iron temperature-proof molded parts, predominantly in mechanical engineering, without postmachining after the creative forming.

Abstract: A radial force variation of a tire is corrected irrespectively of the kind of the organic fiber cord used, wherein a radial force variation (RFV) is measured at room temperature to specify a tire position indicating a minimum value of RFV, and an inner face of a tread portion is pushed and enlarged outward in a radial direction of the tire by a pushing means at a RFV bottom region sandwiching the position of the minimum RFV value from both sides thereof in a circumferential direction of the tread portion, and such a push enlarged state is kept for a given time.

Abstract: Medical devices such as catheter balloons, stent covers and vascular grafts formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The devices are formed from polyethylene that has been processed so that it is microporous and has an oriented node and fibril structure. The balloons expand compliantly at low strains and are substantially less compliant at higher strains. The invention also comprises methods for making such balloons, including the steps of compacting a polyethylene powder and deforming it to impart the oriented structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing NMMO-water mixture which collects in the interior of a tubular film which is produced by the NMMO process comprises a spinning vat and a wash vat. Between the two vats is situated a conveyor belt which circulates endlessly over two rollers. The conveyor belt is directed upward at an incline from the spinning vat to the wash vat. The tubular film, in the interior of the spinning vat, is passed vertically downward, then reversed and conducted vertically out of the spinning vat and passes over the inclined conveyor belt into the wash vat. Above the conveyor belt is situated a spray device having spraying nozzles from which wash liquid at a temperature between 60 and 80° C. is sprayed onto the tubular film which is transported via the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: A method for removing supports from a three-dimensional objected formed by selective deposition modeling. The three-dimensional object is formed from a curable phase change material and the supports are formed from a non-curable phase change material. The curable phase change material contains between about 5% to about 25% of a non-reactive wax in order to achieve the desired phase change characteristics of the material. When removing the supports with heat, discoloration undesirably occurs in the three-dimensional object as the non-reactive wax migrates within the object. The method prevents wax migration by cooling the object slowly past the freezing point of the build material such that a temperature differential no greater than about 5° C. is present within the object. With the preferred build material having a freezing point of about 49.5° C., this is achieved by lowering the temperature between about 62° C. to about 52° C.

Abstract: Method of, and apparatus for, treating concrete blocks (10) in order to carry out an artificial aging process. For the mechanical treatment of the concrete blocks (10), the latter are positioned in a desired formation on a table top (14). Treatment bodies (17) are moved over the top side of the concrete blocks (10) with the table top (14) inclined. In this case, the concrete blocks (10) are arranged obliquely relative to one another, with the result that projecting edges and corners are partially removed.

Abstract: An art is provided to realize a current emitting device capable of emitting current of higher density under the same or lower onset emission voltage. The current emitting device is preferably an array of carbon nanotubes or a film including carbon nanotubes. The art is based on oxidizing a current emitting device composed of material including carbon, until the current emitting device has at least part thereof changed in shape. The current emitting device thus processed works better with a display, or becomes capable of emitting current of higher density under the same or lower onset emission voltage. As far as experiments showed, the emitted current density achieved by the art can be eight times the amount emitted by an array of nanotubes having not been processed according to the art, and the onset emission voltage can be lowered by the art from 0.8 V/&mgr;m to 0.5 V/&mgr;m.

Abstract: A method of treating a flexible multi-layer member exhibiting a glass transition temperature and including a surface layer, the method composed of: moving the member through a member path including: a contact zone defined by contact of the member with an arcuate surface including a curved contact zone region; a pre-contact member path before the contact zone; and a post-contact member path after the contact zone; heating sequentially each portion of the surface layer such that each of the heated surface layer portions has a temperature above the glass transition temperature while in the curved contact zone region; and cooling sequentially each of the heated surface layer portions while in the contact zone such that the temperature of each of the heated surface layer portions falls to below the glass transition temperature prior to each of the heated surface layer portions exiting the curved contact zone region, thereby defining a cooling region, wherein the heating is accomplished in a heating region encompas

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a spread fiber bundle using a fiber-spreading device composed of a group of rollers and a base body reciprocated to be repetitively brought into contact with and kept away from a running fiber bundle, and a method for producing a prepreg. Fiber bundle can be stably and efficiently spread even in the case where the fiber bundle to be spread are filaments having a high elastic modulus such as carbon filaments or where the carbon fiber bundle conveying speed is higher.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer comprising a delayed absorption superabsorbent polymer having a free water absorbency property of absorbing less than about 3 grams of aqueous saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer in about 6 seconds, for a full particle size distribution of superabsorbent polymer ranging from about 40 micrometers to about 890 micrometers.

Abstract: A system and method for treating pipes according to which the flexibility of the pipe is increased or maintained, or at least any decreases in the flexibility of the pipe is minimized, in relatively low temperature environments.

Abstract: Process for the production of plastic blister packs, the top portion of which (PVAL) is subjected to thermal treatment in a furnace, and the apparatus for producing it is of the horizontal type.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape cassette, a top end portion of a reel urging plate spring for urging a tape reel is subjected to a surface treatment to prevent from a friction. A distance between a couple of flanges of the tape reel is selected to keep a form of the wound magnetic tape, and to prevent the tape running from being disturbed by the increases of a contract resistance of the tape edges to the flanges. Additionally, positioning portions for positioning the magnetic tape cassette relative to a magnetic tape drive device are formed of a differential resin from the resin of the remaining part of the cassette case. Additionally, at least one of both end faces of each guide roller is surface treated so that the end face is not worn through its contact with the cassette half. Further, an information presenting section for displaying variable information is provided at a location other than label areas of the tape cassette.

Abstract: Polymer composites are comprised of a polymer matrix incorporating heat shrinkable fibres disposed within the matrix to render the composite self-thermally forming. The composite may be an elongate article or a sheet or plate. Application of heat, e.g. —localised heating, causing shrinkage of the fibres with self-thermal forming of the composite.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for improving a concentricity of a pneumatic vehicle tire having a bead. The process includes subjecting at least a portion of the bead, after vulcanization, to a plastic deformation post-treatment. The post-treatment improves the concentricity of the tire. The apparatus includes a drum having a surface which engages a radially inner bead seat surface of the tire. The drum includes at least one of an internal heating mechanism and an internal cooling mechanism. The drum is adapted to plastically deform at least a portion of the bead of the tire so as to affect at least one of a first, a second, and a third harmonic. The plastic deformation improves the concentricity of the tire.

Abstract: A new process for producing a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded product with a high mechanical strength and no heat substantial deterioration of the resin, by an efficient heating without applying shear stress to the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin base material and a molded product, for example, a tiptoe core for a safety shoe produced by said process are provided. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin base material P1 in a string form or a tape form is scattered and accumulated in a vessel such as tube 11, and a heating gas passed to the accumulated base material to melt heat, and preferably press by a plunger 15, the base material P1, whereby a molten mass P2 is formed, and then the molten mass P2 is dislocated to a mold to be press-mold. Said base material preferably satisfies the following formula: {fraction (1/100)}≦&rgr;1/&rgr;0≦½, wherein &rgr;0 means a density where said base material is scattered and accumulated and &rgr;0 means a true density of said base material.

Abstract: A process for making a fiber composite involving: (a) providing a natural fiber; (b) providing a matrix material produced by a radical polymerization reaction of: (i) a monomer selected from the group consisting of ring opening products of epoxidized fatty compounds with olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids, and (ii) a comonomer selected from the group consisting of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids; (c) providing a radical initiator; and (d) conducting the radical polymerization reaction of (i) and (ii) in the presence of the natural fiber so that the matrix material envelops the natural fiber, thus producing the fiber composite.

Abstract: Heat treatment is performed on preforms placed in an enclosure accompanied by sweeping with an inert gas under reduced pressure, and with a gaseous effluent being exhausted continuously via a first effluent outlet connected to an effluent exhaust circuit. At the end of the heat treatment, the first gaseous effluent outlet is closed so as to isolate the effluent exhaust circuit from the enclosure, sweeping of the enclosure with the inert gas is interrupted, and the heat-treated preforms are left in the enclosure and are subjected to densification by admitting a reagent gas into the enclosure via at least one reagent gas admission duct opening out into the enclosure, with gaseous effluent being exhausted via a second effluent outlet separate from the first, said second outlet being closed during the heat treatment step. Advantageously, metal, in particular sodium, contained in the gaseous effluent exhausted from the enclosure during the heat treatment step is neutralized.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method including the steps of providing at least one layer of unlaminated elastin or unlaminated elastin-based materials or unlaminated tropoelastin materials. Then, the unlaminated elastin or unlaminated elastin-based materials or unlaminated tropoelastin materials is subjected to heating and pressing steps. The pressing step of the present invention is preferably conducted in the presence of steam. The laminated elastin or laminated elastin-based materials or laminated tropoelastin materials preferably comprises a multi-layer composite material. Typically, the step of adhering with an adhesive material the laminated elastin or laminated elastin-based materials or laminated tropoelastin materials is employed in order to achieve a water-tight engagement with the tissue substrate. A biogradable cyanacrylate glue is generally used in order to achieve quick and easy way to secure the patch in place and provide watertight fusion instantly.

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the steps of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed contained by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin in transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.

Abstract: According to a known method for producing a component by means of a powdery starting material, powder is mixed with auxiliaries comprising binding agents, whereby a free-flowing mass is produced. A green body is produced from the mass by means of powder injection moulding. A portion of the auxiliaries is extracted by heating the green body in a container and exposing said body to a stream of solvents. The green body is sintered, whereby the component is produced. The aim of the invention is to enable fast and gentle extraction for releasing green bodies which are produced by means of powder injection moulding. According to the invention, the extraction comprises a heating-up phase during which the temperature of the green body is permanently or gradually increased and the green body is overflown by solvent in the form of a compressed, supercritical treatment gas.

Abstract: A process for providing an improved imaging member belt having a welded seam which exhibits greater resistance to dynamic fatigue induced seam cracking and delamination. An apparatus for achieving stress relaxation and eliminating protrusions in the seam region is also disclosed.