Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bubble-containing ethylene/.alpha.-olefin rubber excellent in kneadability, characterized in that the ethylene/.alpha.-olefin rubber prepared by copolymerization of 50-95 mol % of ethylene, 5-50 mol % of .alpha.-olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms and 0-10 mol % of non-conjugated polyene contains 5-1000 parts by volume, based on 100 parts by volume of said rubber, of bubbles and has a water absorption volume as measured in accordance with ASTM D 1506 of less than 20% by volume of the total bubble volume.

Abstract: A process and plant are disclosed for the manufacture of particulate or liquid elastomeric polymers suitable for the manufacture of a wide variety of commercial elastomers, substantially in the absence of water for purifying and particulating the elastomer.

Abstract: A single wood concrete layer, sound absorption panel is formed as a single wood concrete layer, cast panel body of kaolin mineralized organic fiber chips encased in Portland cement with steel reinforcement. The panels have a noise reduction coefficient of at least about 0.85 for a panel thickness of about 10 cm and a panel density of 86.5 kg/m.sup.2.

Abstract: Green concrete products, such as building products, are placed on pallets. Those pallets are transported to a kiln for curing and from the kiln after cure by an overhead crane. Pallets are lowered into and removed from open top kilns layer by layer being supported by movable support ledges, for example rotatable toggles, at each layer position which permit vertical entry and removal of the pallet layers. Three kiln compartments permit continuous production, one being filled, one being emptied and the third curing a load of pallet layers.

Abstract: A suture strand is subjected to dynamic treatment by passing the suture with multiple turns around at least two godets located within a heating zone provided by an oven. The suture strand can be bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable, and either monofilament or multifilament. A combination of large and small diameter godets in the oven can achieve dynamic relaxation or stretching.

Abstract: Disclosed are a material for extrusion molding comprising a styrene-based polymer having a high degree of syndiotactic configuration, a melt viscosity of 10.sup.3 to less than 10.sup.6 poise measured at 300.degree. C. and a shearing rate of 10/sec, and a crystallinity of 15% or more, a process for preparation of the said material and a process for preparation of a molding product therefrom.The molding product prepared according to the present invention has excellent properties such as heat resistance and chemical resistance.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing plastic such as polyethylene terephthlate in the form of small particles comprises the steps of placing the particles in a liquid bath such as water, agitating the bath using jets of hot gas such as steam while simultaneously raising the temperature of the particles to a level at which the plastic crystallizes to a predetermined level of crystallinity. The particles are thereafter separated from the bath and dried.

Abstract: This invention aims at improvement of heat-treatment technology for manufacture of large amounts of polybenzazole fibers. The fibers are heat treated in a device that provides for a rapid, cocurrent, countercurrent or both cocurrent and countercurrent flow of heat treatment gas.

Abstract: This invention aims at improvement of heat-treatment technology for manufacture of large amounts of polybenzazole fibers. The fibers are heat treated using steam as the heat treatment gas in a device that provides for a rapid, cocurrent, countercurrent or both cocurrent and countercurrent flow of steam.

Abstract: An arrangement for charging a plurality of molds for processing plastic materials with at least two sources of fluid and for temperature regulating the molds. Each mold of the arrangement is provided with a feed inlet conduit to which a three-way valve is connected. The feed inlet conduit is also connected to the two sources of fluid and each mold further includes an outlet conduit with a thermostat valve. A distribution element is connected to the feed inlet conduit and to the two sources of fluid. The three-way valve is connected to least two sources of fluid. This three-way valve has an outlet which is connected to the distribution element. A heating element is connected in each inlet conduit of each mold. A temperature regulator is mounted in each outlet of each mold for each heating element. This temperature regulator is coacts with the thermostat valve which is mounted downstream of each temperature regulator in each outlet conduit of each mold.

Abstract: A process for producing a friction material under low-temperature conditions using, as a reinforcement, one or more fibers selected from a metal fiber, an organic fiber and an inorganic fiber and, as a binder, a compounded pitch that consists of a mesophase pitch and sulfur and/or an aromatic nitro compound. The content of an optically anisotropic phase in the mesophase pitch is at least 80% and the softening point of the mesophase pitch is not higher than 270.degree. C. The friction material produced exhibits consistent friction characteristics over a broad temperature range.

Abstract: A reduced coefficient of thermal expansion and an increased resistance to thermal shock in cordierite-containing ceramic articles is achieved by contacting such articles with water either in a liquid or gaseous state. It is particularly desirable for such treatment to reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion of the article by at least 1.times.10.sup.-7 .degree. C..sup.-1, measured between 25.degree. and 800.degree. C., during the contacting. This treatment can be used in conjunction with extruded honeycomb structures conventionally used as diesel particle filters and supports for catalysts which treat automotive exhaust gases.

Abstract: Improved polybenzoxazole fibers are made by a process for finishing a spun and drawn dope fiber, which contains polybenzoxazole polymer and a solvent acid, including the steps of: (a) coagulating the dope fiber in an aqueous coagulant: (b) washing the coagulated fiber with an aqueous washing fluid for less than 72 hours under conditions such that the fiber contains no more than 8,000 ppm residual solvent acid (1 ppm=1 part per million, by weight); (c) drying the fiber at a temperature of no more than 300.degree. C. until it retains no more than about 2 weight percent residual moisture; and (d) heat-treating the fiber at a temperature of at least about 300.degree. C. under tension.

Abstract: A film molding apparatus and molding method wherein a gel state film is immersed in a vessel of a film supply unit. The film contains at least 50 weight % swelling agent relative to a polymer constituting the film. The vessel is filled with soaking liquid which acts so as not to destroy a swelling condition of the film caused by the swelling agent. Specifically, the molding method includes the steps of providing the above-noted film, heating a mold press die used for molding the film, press-molding the film in the press die and substantially drying the film by evaporating the swelling agent.

Abstract: Styrene-based polymer moldings with a crystallinity of at least 20% obtained by subjecting moldings of crystalline styrene-based polymers having mainly syndiotactic configuration to heat treatment at a temperature of 120.degree. to 270.degree. C. These moldings are excellent in physical properties such as heat resistance and chemical resistance, and thus are expected to find various applications, for example, in general construction materials, electric or electronic devices, and car parts.

Abstract: Air-jet texturing with drawing, especially cold-drawing, or hot-drawing or other heat-treatments of spin-oriented crystalline polyester filaments, and particularly polyester feed yarns, that have been prepared by spinning at speeds of, e.g., 4 km/min, and have low shrinkage and no natural draw ratio in the conventional sense, provides useful technique for obtaining uniform drawn filaments of desired denier and thereby provides improved flexibility to obtain air-jet textured filaments and yarns of various denier. The resulting yarns have useful properties that are improved in certain respects.

Abstract: A process for treating a flexible electrostatographic imaging web including providing a flexible base layer and a layer including a thermoplastic polymer matrix comprising forming at least a segment of the web into an arc having a radius of curvature between about 10 millimeters and about 25 millimeters measured along the inwardly facing exposed surface of the base layer, the arc having an imaginary axis which traverses the width of the web, heating at least the polymer matrix in the segment to at least the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix, and cooling the imaging member to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix while maintaining the segment of the web in the shape of the arc.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a retardation film having a suitable retardation using a film casting method but without requiring any special heat-treating process. The post-drying process in the film casting method is divided into three or more chambers, and the tension applied to the film is controlled under the condition that the tension does not exceed a yield value determined based on the amount of solvent content and the temperature of the film in each of the chambers, so that stretch of the film is carried out under the above condition and, if necessary, under the condition that the solvent content is not more than 10%.

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

Abstract: A method for providing an inlay on a substrate includes providing a recess in the substrate, preheating the substrate to a temperature of approximately 150.degree. F., mixing an epoxy resin with an epoxy hardener, and placing the mixture into the recess so that the mixture hardens in the recess and the heat stored in the substrate reduces the viscosity of the mixture, to aid in the removal of bubbles.

Abstract: A yarn component containing at least one filament is prepared by:selecting at least one partially oriented, undrawn synthetic filament having a birefringence of at least 20.times.10.sup.-3 and an elongation at break of 70-200%, andsubjecting the thus-selected filament or filaments to a heat treatment at 100.degree.-180.degree. C. under tension. The resulting yarn component has a degree of elasticity under a load of 5 cN/tex of less than 50%, which causes the yarn to be especially well suited for use in formable sheet structures.

Abstract: Amorphous fibers or fibrids of poly [4,4'-(2,2'-dicarboxy) biphenyleneterephthalamide] are strengthened and heat stabilized by a relaxed heat-treatment. The fiber or fibrids are heated at temperatures in the range of 310.degree. C. to 365.degree. C. and preferably at temperatures above 325.degree. C. but below decomposition temperatures. The heating is conducted for at least 2 minutes, preferably from 5 to 15 minutes. Increases in tenacity of at least 25%, preferably at least 50% or more are attained. The fiber or fibrids are treated while free of ternsion as they would be in a loose batt, woven or knitted fibric or paper.

Abstract: An optical compensator plate is prepared by applying heat and pressure to an ionomer resin in an autoclave to form a resin film having a birefringence, annealing the resin film at a temperature range not less than the softening temperature and not higher than the melting point of the resin, e.g. 60.degree.-100.degree. C. for at least about 30 minutes.

Abstract: The color of a polymer, particularly polytetrahydrofuran, is improved by subjecting the polymer to microwave energy of such magnitude and frequency so as to cause a decrease in the APHA color number.

Abstract: Drawing, especially cold-drawing, or hot-drawing or other heat-treatments of spin-oriented crystalline polyester filaments, and particularly polyester feed yarns, that have been prepared by spinning at speeds of, e.g., 4 km/min, and have low shrinkage and no natural draw ratio in the conventional sense, provides useful technique for obtaining uniform drawn filaments of desired denier and thereby provides improved flexibility to obtain filaments and yarns of various sub-deniers.

Abstract: A process for improving the strength of fibers from anisotropic-melt-forming polyesters involves polymerization of the polyester precursors in the presence of defined amounts of lithium chloride or acetate followed by melt-spinning the polyester into fiber and subjecting the fiber to a specified heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a crimped polyester yarn obtained from a polyester partially-oriented yarn comprising fabricating a partially-oriented polyester yarn by a high-speed process, cooling the partially-oriented polyester yarn, cold drawing the cooled yarn, and subjecting the cold drawn polyester yarn to a thermal treatment under tensionless conditions or under controlled overfeed conditions.

Abstract: A method for processing exposed holograms to enhance their thermal stability and enable them to withstand a windshield lamination process is disclosed. The secondary processing procedure entails an optional step of applying a moisture barrier to the hologram, followed by heat stabilizing the hologram and storing it in a relatively low humidity environment. Specifically, the exposed holographic material is heated to a peak temperature of about 135.degree. C. and thereafter cooled to provide a thermally stabilized holographic material that maintains its holographic qualities over a relatively broad range of temperatures.

Abstract: A phosphorescent fiber reinforced plastic article comprising a fabric carrying a phosphorescent material encapsulated on a surface of a cured fiber reinforced plastic material made by a variety of processes including, but not limited to, pultrusion, compression molding, filament winding, contact molding, resin transfer molding, a continuous panel process, or structural reaction injection molding.

Abstract: A method for making a medical instrument from vinyl chloride resin. The method comprises forming two vinyl chloride members and adhering the vinyl chloride resin members together. The adhering of the vinyl chloride members together comprises applying to one or both surfaces of portions of the vinyl chloride resin members to be adhered together a liquid lubricant, which is compatible with vinyl chloride resin and which dissolves vinyl chloride resins and then joining the portions to be adhered together in close adhesion with each other. This method produces vinyl chloride resin medical instruments in a safer fashion than those produced by using an organic solvent.

Abstract: A generally hydrophobic polyester article is provided with a generally hydrophilic surface by contacting said general hydrophobic polyester with a copolymeric material while said polyester is at a temperature above its melting point. The copolymeric composition comprises a generally hydrophobic moiety and a generally hydrophilic moiety. Also disclosed is a method for imparting the hydrophilic surface to a generally hydrophobic polyester which method comprises contacting a generally hydrophobic polyester with a copolymeric material while said generally hydrophobic polyester is at a temperature above its melting point. In one preferred embodiment the generally hydrophobic polyester is contacted with said copolymeric composition immediately after said polyester has been extruded and while said polyester is undergoing die swell.

Abstract: A crystalline orthodontic bracket which has been subjected to a machining operation having improved fracture toughness and a heat treatment method for obtaining such improved fracture toughness. The method includes the steps of placing the machined orthodontic bracket in an oven and heating the bracket at an elevated temperature above normal annealing temperatures and slightly below the melting point of the brackets which is capable of healing surface microcracks. The bracket is maintained at this temperature for a predetermined period of time so as to heal microcracks on the surface. The bracket is then removed and allowed to cool to room temperature.

Abstract: A thermoformable mat, e.g., a mat of resinated fiberglass, is compressed and shaped into a contoured object, e.g., a shell for an automobile headliner, by this process. The mat is compressed between two dies that have been preheated. At least one of the dies is perforated. Superheated steam (e.g., at 80 psig and 600.degree. F.) is ejected from the perforations into the mat, thereby quickly raising the mat temperature to its thermoforming point. After the mat is set into the contoured shape, the dies are reopened and the formed mat is removed. If the mat that is used contains a thermoplastic adhesive, the mat is cooled to below the adhesive's melt print before the dies are opened. This can be done by applying a vacuum to the perforated die and pulling ambient air through the mat.

Abstract: A process for providing a resilient mat having a plurality of adjacent interconnected liquid-filled compartments with walls made of an elastomeric material and which is stable over a long time period, wherein the mat is heated to a temperature above 50.degree. C. until the liquid in the compartments has a pressure below 50% of it's initial pressure.

Abstract: A surface of a fresh concrete body is dried by first covering the surface to be dried with a layer of bibulous granules having a great internal surface area for a time sufficient to draw generally all of the water out of the body via the surface and then preventing water from entering the layer from its side turned away from the body. The granules are finely divided hygroscopic particles, with an internal surface area of at least 200 m.sup.2 /g, preferably at least 800 m.sup.2 /g. The hydrophilic particles take up the moisture from the concrete and hold it in the layer of particles lying on the surface. This reduces the partial vapor pressure on the surface of the concrete body which effectively draws further liquid out of the concrete. The particles are a mixture of a cross-linked polymer that only swells in water and silica. The particles are carried in a coherent mat and are applied as a layer to the surface by laying the mat thereon.

Abstract: An acrylonitrile polymer film is disclosed which film comprising a polymer containing higher than 80% by weight of acrylonitrile units, having higher than 300,000 of weight average molecular weight, and having molar fraction Ne for the segment of polymerization initiator bonded to the terminal of the polymer satisfying the following equation:Mw.times.Ne.ltoreq.

Abstract: A liquid purification arrangement comprising a housing having an ambient inlet and lineally extending exhaust passage between the housing wall and a drain pan, the housing having a liquid inlet and outlet for a liquid system disposed within the housing which system includes a pump to move the liquid in the system, a blower, an orificed, looped liquid circuit and filtering arrangement, a moveable frame support, a disinfection/rejuvenation receptacle, an ultra-violet and distillation microbial reduction arrangement, a heating and cooling storage arrangement with a collapsible-expansible storage bag and switch arrangement therefor, and a check and alternating valve arrangement.

Abstract: A process for fast and uniform hydration of uncured concrete products includes supplying pressurized and superheated water to a manifold supporting a plurality of small diameter orifice nozzles housed inside a curing room which also houses the products during curing. The superheated water is ejected by the nozzles in very fine particulate form, creating a mist or suspension of water particles that surrounds the products and creates the desired high humidity, moderately high temperature environment for promoting hydration. The water preferably is softened before it is pressurized and supplied to the nozzles. Under favorable conditions, the hydration reaction supplies sufficient heat to maintain a desired temperature within the curing room. The water is heated before it is supplied to the nozzles after pressurization.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyester continuous filamentary material by (a) extruding the polyester material while molten to form filaments, (b) solidifying the molten filaments by cooling them to a temperature at or below their glass transition point, (c) drawing the solidified filaments within a hot drawing zone, (d) subjecting the drawn filaments to a finishing treatment, (e) advancing the finished filaments around first and second godet rollers and, while the filaments are disposed between the first and second godet rollers, subjecting the filaments to heat treatment by advancing the filaments through a heat treatment zone without contacting the filaments with a solid hot surface, the filaments being advanced through the heat treatment zone under a given tension T, and (f) winding the filaments at a speed of at least 4,500 m/min under a given tension t. the respective tensions T and t lie within the ranges0.5 t.ltoreq.T.ltoreq.0.5-0.5 t (I)0.05.ltoreq.t.ltoreq.0.

Abstract: A process for cooling a heated polymer film by applying to both surfaces of the heated film, a cooling liquid adapted for wetting contact with the film surfaces. The viscosity of the layers of liquid adhering to the film surfaces is significantly reduced to facilitate removal of such liquid layers. The viscosity can be reduced by significantly raising the temperature of the adhering liquid layers after the film has been sufficiently cooled or by changing the adhering liquid to a different liquid of lower viscosity. Preferably, the liquid layers are removed for the film surfaces by conveying the liquid carrying film upwardly to cause the liquid layers to each form into a generally triangular shape with the vertex extending upwardly and blowing air stream downwardly against each such vertex.

Abstract: A method for recording and erasing a visible image on a card having a recording area with a smooth surface of a synthetic resin, which includes a step of subjecting the smooth surface in the recording area to frosting treatment at a temperature within a range of from the glass transition temperature to the melting point of the synthetic resin, to form a frosted surface having a strain, and step of defrosting the frosted surface by heating it at a temperature higher than the temperature for the frosting treatment, to return it to a smooth surface, whereby a visible image is formed in the recording area by the contrast between the frosted surface and the smooth surface.

Abstract: For continuous production of a resin film having a plain surface, a resin solution cast in film form over an endless belt is pre-hardened by a gas stream supplied for flow in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the endless belt, and then a jet of gas is blown in the direction of movement of the endless belt whereby the resin is hardened. In the process for resin film production wherein the resin film is cast over the endless belt and then pre-hardened by a parallel gas stream, the cast film being then hardened by a jet of gas, the installation for production is divided by partitions so as to enable various stages to be operated independently.

Abstract: A bag assembly for storing fluids including first and second placket members sized and shaped to provide a portion of enclosing walls of at least two bag members having at least one fluid inlet and outlet passage and a communicating passage therebetween with a common seam along the surrounding edges.

Abstract: Zeolite particles retaining antibacterial metal ion, such as Ag, Cu or Zn ion, at ion-exchangeable sites of the zeolite are included in a low-melting component of conjugated fibers which comprise a low-melting component and a high-melting component. Upon heating, the low-melting component spreads to cause more zeolite particles to be exposed, which yields higher antibacterial activity in a fiber article produced from the conjugated fibers.

Abstract: A process of assembling a ski and a ski structure assembled according to the process. The ski includes a plurality of subassemblies which are attached by applying a thermoplastic material to each of the subassemblies; placing the thermoplastic surfaces of adjacent subassemblies together; heating the thermoplastic junction or junctions; and cooling the thermoplastic junction or junctions to thereby effect a weld. The process of assembling the ski permits the shape of the ski to be modified or at least one of the subassemblies to be removed and replaced by subsequent heating of at least the thermoplastic junctions. The use of glue to attach the subassemblies together is avoided to obtain the reversibility of the assembly of the subassemblies.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer foam which takes on a deformed shape and an as-molded shaped, said deformed shape being produced when the polymer foam is compressed at a temperature higher than the glass transition point (Tg) of the polymer and then kept compressed at a temperature lower than the Tg until compression sets, said as-molded shape being produced when the compressed polymer foam is heated again to a temperature higher than the Tg until it recovers its original shape.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing a partially-dissolvable and splittable conjugated microfiber with a cross-section having a matrix comprising orange-wedge shaped islands slightly connected with each other at the tips of the islands at a common matrix center. The conjugated fibers can be made into filaments and staple fibers. Filaments are spun, taken-up and then textured by means of a belt nip twister. The resulting texture yarns may then be partially dissolved, following weaving, to split. Staple fiber is processed into a non-woven fabric or, by spinning, to spun yarn and then by weaving thereof. The staple fibers can be made into fabrics such as suede fabrics, water-resistant and humidity-permeable high density fabrics, and peachskin fabrics.

Abstract: A process for producing aromatic polyester fibers having a high strength and resistances to fibrillation, buckling, abrasion and fatigue. The process comprises spinning aromatic polyesters capable of forming anisotropic melts and heat treating the as-spun fibers, the heat treatment being characterized by a combination of a first heat treatment in an inert atmosphere and a successive heat treatment in an active atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed are oriented polyethylene films having specific elongation and strength, which are excellent in linear tearability and clear tearability, suitably used for packaging and produced by longitudinally stretching a polyethylene resin sheet in which the degree of crosslinking inwardly decreases across the thickness thereof at a draw ratio of at least 5 times at a temperature of not higher than the melting point of a polyethylene resin forming the polyethylene resin sheet, and laterally stretching said sheet 4 to 8 times at a temperature ranging from above the melting point of the polyethylene resin up to 10.degree. C. higher than the melting point thereof.