Abstract: A powder supply device (100) for use with powder spreaders, comprising: a fixation base (2), a powder storage unit (3), a powder supply unit (4) and a driving unit (5), wherein the powder supply unit (4) is provided with at least one stirring bar (41) and a powder spreading roller (42); using a design of a stirring bar and the powder spreading roller, powder may be stirred and extruded such that the powder becomes finer, more uniform, and does not cake during powder spreading.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a three-dimensional (3D) pattern using electrojetting, the apparatus including: a syringe tip having one end from which a polymer jet is discharged; a substrate that is disposed in a direction in which the polymer jet is discharged, and that forms an electric field between the substrate and the syringe tip; and a movement unit that moves the syringe tip or the substrate, wherein the polymer jet discharged from the syringe tip is moved relative to an upper side of the substrate and is stacked on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for a production of two-dimensional or three-dimensional fibrous materials of microfibers or nanofibers containing a set of spinning metal nozzles connected to a first potential, a set of electrodes of a collector facing the set of the nozzles, arranged at regular spacing and connected to a second potential, and a collecting plate or a collecting cylinder for collecting microfibers or nanofibers settled between couples of adjacent electrodes of the collector.

Abstract: A layered body comprising: a core region; at least one intermediate layer disposed around the core region; and an outer layer disposed around the at least one intermediate layer, wherein at least one of the at least one intermediate layers comprises a gas, the layered body having at least one dimension, measured across the body and through the core region, of 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separator and a method for manufacturing the separator. The separator includes a first nanofiber layer (20) which has a lattice shape when viewed from a plan view, a second nanofiber layer (30) which is provided on a first surface of the first nanofiber layer (20) and is thinner than the first nanofiber layer, and a third nanofiber layer (40) which is provided on a second surface of the first nanofiber layer and is thinner than the first nanofiber layer. The thickness of the first nanofiber layer ranges from 7 ?m to 30 ?m. The thickness of each of the second and third nanofiber layers ranges from 1 ?m to 5 ?m. The present invention can provide a separator which has high insulation, high dendrite resistance, high ion conductivity and high mechanical strength.

Abstract: Provided are inorganic fibers which can exhibit high biosolubility and have excellent heat resistance as the constituting material for a filter material, a sealing material or the like, while exerting minimized effects on the human body or the living environment even when the fibers have an average diameter of 1 ?m or less. Inorganic fibers including 35 mass % to 88 mass % of Al2O3, 3 mass % to 45 mass % of CaO and 5 mass % to 40 mass % of SiO2, wherein the total content of Al2O3, CaO and SiO2 is 98 mass % or more of the entire fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming three dimensional arrays of aligned nanofibers in an open, loose structure of any desired depth. The arrays are formed according to an electrospinning process utilizing two parallel conducting plates to align the fibers and rotating tracks to distribute the fibers throughout the array. Arrays can be used as formed, for instance in tissue engineering applications as three dimensional scaffolding constructs. As-formed arrays can be combined with other materials to form a composite 3-D structure. For instance, composite polymeric materials can be electrospun to form composite nanofibers within the array. Multiple polymeric materials can be electrospun at different areas of the array to form a composite array including materially different nanofibers throughout the array. The arrays can be loaded with other fibrous or non-fibrous materials to form a composite array. Arrays can also be rolled to form a uniaxial fiber bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic binder product [12, 10] which includes a mixture of a hydraulic binder [38, 202], a polyvinyl alcohol [14, 204] and a gelling agent [54] which reacts with the polyvinyl alcohol and a method [8] of producing same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a film for a film capacitor making it possible to produce a film for a film capacitor which has a thickness of 10 ?m or less and which is excellent in a heat resistance and a voltage resistance at a high thickness accuracy by using a polyetherimide resin and provides as well a film for a film capacitor.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous structure and process for forming it, which is an interconnecting web of polyolefin filaments having filament widths greater than about 1 micrometer which are further interconnected with webs of smaller polyolefin filaments having filament widths less than about 1 micrometer, wherein the smaller polyolefin filaments comprise a majority of all filaments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved processes for making plastic articles, and articles made therefrom. In a broad aspect, the invention is directed to improved processes and articles made therefrom, that include the steps of providing as separate materials a first material that includes a polyolefin, a second material including an admixture of from about 45 to 85 wt. % of the total admixture of at least one particulated mineral filler; and from about 15 to 55 wt. % of the total admixture of at least a second polyolefin having a melt index greater than about 150 g/10 min at 190° C./2.16 kg, as measured per ISO 1133 (condition D); applying a shear force to form a molten blend; shaping the molten blend and solidifying the molten blend.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved processes for making plastic articles, and articles made therefrom. In a broad aspect, the invention is directed to improved processes and articles made therefrom, that include the steps of providing as separate materials a first material that includes a polyolefin, a second material including an admixture of from about 45 to 85 wt. % of the total admixture of at least one particulated mineral filler; and from about 15 to 55 wt. % of the total admixture of at least a second polyolefin having a melt index greater than about 150 g/10 min at 190° C./2.16 kg, as measured per ISO 1133 (condition D); applying a shear force to form a molten blend; shaping the molten blend and solidifying the molten blend.

Abstract: Toughened polyoxymethylene-poly(lactic acid) resin compositions comprising polyoxymethylene, poly(lactic acid), and an impact modifier comprising an ethylene copolymer impact modifier made from monomers (a) ethylene; (b) one or more olefins of the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, where R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 2-8 carbon atoms and R2 is an alkyl group with 1-8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, or butyl; and (c) one or more olefins of the formula CH2?C(R3)CO2R4, where R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1-6 carbon atoms, such as methyl, and R4 is glycidyl. The ethylene copolymer impact modifier may further be made from carbon monoxide monomers. The compositions may further comprise one or more ethylene/acrylate and/or ethylene/vinyl ester polymers, ionomers, and cationic grafting agents.

Abstract: A method for processing thermoplastics in a shaping device, whereby before and/or during its passage in the shaping device the thermoplastic is submitted to a static electrical field.

Abstract: An electro spinning process yields uniform, nanometer diameter polymer filaments. A thread-forming polymer is extruded through an anodically biased die orifice and drawn through an anodically biased electrostatic field. A continuous polymer filament is collected on a grounded collector. The polymer filament is linearly oriented and highly uniform in quality. The filament is particularly useful for weaving body armor, for chemical/biological protective clothing, as a biomedical tissue growth support, for fabricating micro sieves and for microelectronics fabrication.

Abstract: An electro spinning process yields uniform, nanometer diameter polymer filaments. A thread-forming polymer is extruded through an anodically biased die orifice and drawn through an anodically biased electrostatic field. A continuous polymer filament is collected on a grounded collector. The polymer filament is linearly oriented and highly uniform in quality. The filament is particularly useful for weaving body armor, for chemical/biological protective clothing, as a biomedical tissue growth support, for fabricating micro sieves and for microelectronics fabrication.

Abstract: A method for processing thermoplastics in a shaping device, whereby before and/or during its passage in the shaping device the thermoplastic is submitted to a static electrical field.

Abstract: A coating process for the fabrication of organic photoreceptors employs an electrically conductive single slot die biased to allow an electric field between the die and the ground plane on the photoreceptor substrate. The homogenous coating dispersion is fed through the die at a predetermined gap and rate to control coating thickness at the same time that an electric field is applied. The formulation, rheology, particle mobility, coating speed, electric field and the like are controlled so that the photogenerator particles migrate to the substrate in the dwell time defined by the coating die region.

Abstract: A capsule is formed from a pre-expanded foam core in a compressed condition with a thermoplastic outer covering completely enveloping the foam core to maintain it in the compressed condition. The outer covering is made of a material capable of softening sufficiently when heated to permit the foam core to expand toward its original expanded uncompressed condition. Preferably, the outer covering adheres to the foam and then is carried by the expanding foam into intimate contact with the inner surface of a hollow structural member so as to form a seal for the hollow structural member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of molding a fiber-reinforced resin laminate which can manufacture a lightweight laminated molding having excellent mechanical characteristics regardless of the shape of a molding, which can readily unite a surface coat material and a molding while the surface coat material is held in good condition, and which can impart excellent appearance to a laminated molding. Also disclosed is a laminated molding manufactured by the method. The method uses a molding material which contains fiber-containing thermoplastic resin pellets which, in turn, contain reinforcing fibers having a length of 2 mm to 100 mm. The reinforcing fibers account for 5% to 70% by weight of the molding material. A molten resin obtained through the plasticization of the molding material is injected into a die, onto which a surface coat material for covering the surface of a molding is previously attached.

Abstract: A motor vehicle dashboard including a body made of injection-molded plastic form, and at least one air duct integrally molded with the dashboard body. The air duct is produced by means of an at least partially absorbable removable insert, particularly an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for molding, in which a molten thermoplastic resin is firmly fitted onto a molding surface of a mold under a pressure lower than or equal to 100 kg/cm.sup.2 and is cured to obtain a molded product. The molding apparatus has a mold main body, and a mold body on which the molding surface is defined. The mold body is supported relative to the mold main body with maintaining a space on the back side of the molding surface in a heat insulative manner by a supporting member which includes at least a heat insulative supporting member having a thermal conductivity of 0.001 to 1 Kcal/mh.degree. C. and a longitudinal elastic modulus of 0.01 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2. In the space, a heating fluid for heating the molding surface from the back side to a temperature higher than or equal to Vicat softening temperature (T).degree. C.

Abstract: It has been found that non-chlorinated pentafluoropropane blowing agents may be used alone or in combination with water in flexible integral skin foams. For example, foams prepared using 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFA-245fa) alone or in combination with water exhibit physical characteristics such as resistance to abrasion and cracking on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foams. The foams of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications including, for example, shoe soles.

Abstract: With an auxiliary electrode having a shape corresponding to the end of a workpiece attached to an upper electrode of a high frequency heater for high-frequency heating the end of the workpiece extruded, the workpiece is high-frequency heated intensively and uniformly between the auxiliary electrode and the lower electrode. After heating, the end of the workpiece is molded into a predetermined shape by a couple of stamping molds.

Abstract: A method for masking components of a hot water tank from insulation wherein a carrier sheet containing a pair of inflatable rings is insertable into the space between the inner tank and outer shell of the hot water tank. The inflatable rings surround electrical components on the inner tank to prevent insulation injected into the space from covering the electrical components. Inflatable bags are insertable into threaded bores on fittings connected to the inner tank to prevent the insulation from covering the threaded bores, and to prevent insulation from escaping to the outside of the outer shell.

Abstract: Open cell foamed articles including silane-grafted single-site inititiated polyolefin resins are described. The single-site initiated olefin polymer resin can be a polyethylene, a copolymer of ethylene, a C3-C20 alpha-olefin, or a copolymer of ethylene, a C3-C20 alpha-olefin and a C4-C20 diene. The open cell foamed articles have good cushioning properties and can be non-allergenic.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced article includes an expanded core layer having opposing first and second surfaces with a thickness defined therebetween. The expanded core layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic material and fibers with average length of not less than about 1 mm, with at least a portion of the fibers being coated with the thermoplastic material. The fibers collectively define a network structure in which the fibers are interconnected with each other and fixed relative to each other via the thermoplastic material so that the coated fibers define interstitial voids therebetween. The article further includes first and second skin layers, the first skin layer having a surface integrally connected to the first surface of the expanded core layer and the second skin layer having a surface integrally connected to the second surface of the expanded core layer.

Abstract: A method for the thermal treatment of an electroconductive polymeric pyrogen in which two parallel conductors are incorporated and electroconductive carbon black is dispersed in an insulating polymer, comprising the step of heating the pyrogen in an oven simultaneously while applying an electric field to the pyrogen through a lid line connected from the two conductors to an external power source, by which a desired final resistance can be obtained in a far shorter time while preventing the polymer from being degraded.

Abstract: An amphiphilic block copolymer including a hydrophilic internal segment and polymeric articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A plate fiber with high odor and toxin removing and water absorbing capacity and its manufacturing processes includes a catalyzer I such as hydrochloric acid, a catalyzer II such as formalin, a vegetable starch, PVA, and active carbon. The materials are orderly processed through mixing, stirring and being coated on a plate fiber. Then the plate fiber passes through a foaming step, an acid removing step, a cooling step, a washing and compressing step, a drying step, becoming a plate filter washable and able to remove odor and toxin sufficiently and absorb water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for masking components of a hot water tank from insulation wherein a carrier sheet containing a pair of inflatable rings is insertable into the space between the inner tank and outer shell of the hot water tank. The inflatable rings surround electrical components on the inner tank to prevent insulation injected into the space from covering the electrical components. Inflatable bags are insertable into threaded bores on fittings connected to the inner tank to prevent the insulation from covering the threaded bores, and to prevent insulation from escaping to the outside of the outer shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing and positioning the head, shoulder, and torso region of the human anatomy when in the prone position for radiographic examination or treatment. The device consists of a base board, a face support, a pair head side walls, a pair of shoulder walls, and a pair of body side walls. A foam mixture is applied to the upper surface of the base and the entire device is placed into a large flexible container or bag. A patient's head, shoulder and torso region are placed on the device in a prone position. The patient remains in a fixed position while the foam mixture expands around the patient's body and the apparatus. After a brief period of time, the foam sets or hardens and a mold or template is formed. This mold serves to immobilize the head, shoulder and torso region of the body when in a prone position during radiographic examinations and treatment as well as other procedures.

Abstract: A slurry containing a precursor fiber convertible to carbon fiber and/or a carbon fiber and, based on 100 parts by weight of the fiber, 10 to 300 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin, e.g. phenol resin, is processed into a random web. This web may contain a pitch or an organic granular material. The web is hot-pressed between a pair of belts while curing of the resin is inhibited to prepare a prepreg sheet. This sheet is disposed, leaving a clearance, in a mold having ribs on a molding surface and heated over the melting point of the resin for expansion and complete cure to provide a porous composite sheet equipped with grooves. This porous composite sheet is carbonized or graphitized to produce a porous carbonaceous material for use as a fuel cell electrode material and so on. This porous carbonaceous material has high homogeneity, gas permeability, electrical conductivity, heat conductivity and mechanical strength.

Abstract: A bumper construction for vehicles constructed of a single strip of metal roll-formed into a completely enclosed tubular member in which a foamed-in-place material is located in and completely fills only a central section of the tubular member a relatively short distance on each side of the central axis of the vehicle. An apparatus is provided for manufacturing roll-formed bumpers partially filled with a foam-in-place material, the bumpers including material defining a continuous closed section defining an open interior and opposing open ends. The apparatus includes a turntable with a plurality of holders including arms shaped to extend partially into the bumpers, and a plug on the end of each arm configured to block off the open interior of the bumper. The holders are pivotally mounted on the turntable so that a bumper can be slipped onto a selected holder, pivoted to an upright position, and then rotated by the turntable under an injector for dispensing foamable reaction injectable urethane (RIM) material.

Abstract: A two-stage co-cure method for fabricating a composite article having a box-beam cross-sectional configuration wherein an outer shell portion of the composite article is fabricated and configured in the first stage to function as the tooling for completing the fabrication of composite article in the second stage.

Abstract: Compounds containing ester groups and tertiary amino groups and optionally hydroxyl groups are made by reacting optionally hydroxyfunctional acetoacetic acid esters of monofunctional or polyfunctional alcohols (particularly polyfunctional polyether polyols) with primary/tertiary polyamines (particularly diamines). These compounds are useful as optionally incorporable catalysts for the isocyanate addition reaction in the production of polyurethane foams by the isocyanate polyaddition process.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing articles made of polyurethane that includes a mold assembly in communication with a mix chamber. The mix chamber is positioned below the mold assembly. The mix chamber includes a propeller for mixing the liquid polyurethane chemicals. The mix chamber further includes a pneumatically actuated bladder that causes the mixed chemicals to move from the mix chamber to the mold assembly. The chemicals expand to take on the shape of the mold. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) selecting polyurethane chemicals having certain specific weights; (b) placing said chemicals in a mix chamber wherein chemicals stratify according to their specific weights to prevent detrimental reaction among the chemicals until final mixing; and (c) allowing the chemicals to expand to form an article.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing and positioning the lower or inferior portion of the human for radiographic examination or treatment. The device consists of a framework made from a base board, a plurality of siderails, a foot board and a pair of leg support blocks. A foam mixture is applied to the upper surface of the baseboard and to the leg support blocks and the entire device is placed into a large flexible container or bag. A patient's inferior or lower body portion is placed on the device in a supine position with a leg support block supporting at least one of the legs. The patient remains in a fixed position while the foam mixture expands around the patient's body and the apparatus framework. After a brief period of time, the foam sets or hardens and a mold or template is formed. This mold serves to immobilize the lower portion of the body during radiographic examinations and treatment as well as other procedures.

Abstract: A foam molding apparatus with improved seal for sealing the mold lid to the bowl. The bowl and lid include inclined sealing surfaces surrounding the mold cavity with the bowl sealing surfaces being concave and the lid sealing surface being convex. Both the bowl and lid are resiliently supported on frames so that the lid can self align upon the bowl as the convex lid sealing surface engages the concave bowl sealing surface. Adjusting screws are carried by the lid carrier frame and engage the lid to apply pressure to the lid forcing the lid against the bowl sealing surface with the bowl being resiliently carried on a supporting frame allowing the bowl to float relative to the frame to achieve an even pressure distribution about the mold cavity at the sealing surfaces. The lid and bowl are both formed with fluid passages to enable hot water to be circulated through the mold maintaining the mold at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Custom-profiled seating for a wheel chair or other body support seating systems includes seat and backrest members having outer covers in which a liner bag is removably accommodated and into which expandable, curable foam-in-place material is introduced to conform to that portion of a person's body which is to engage seat or backrest to attain a custom fit. The seat and backrest members are provided with access openings sufficiently large to enable the liner and resultant foam cushion member within the liner to be removed from the cavity for reshaping or replacement.

Abstract: In the continuous production of polyurethane block foam, in particular from fast-reacting reaction mixtures which expand with rise time of less than 1.5 minutes, to achieve a good foam quality and a rectangular cross-section a centrally disposed mixer (44) is used, disposed downstream of which is a rubber-elastic plate (22), which is located in the feeding table (21) and in turn has a centrally disposed prop (33), associated with which, at right angles to the production direction and mounted laterally and symmetrically relative to said prop, are at least two adjustable props (32).

Abstract: A method forms a helmet liner which during its formation is fitted to the head of the user, by forming an inflatable liner element of extensible sheet material approximately conforming to the shape of the interior surface of a helmet shell, providing the element with respective foam filling and vent passages, the vent passages serving to expel air from the liner as foam filling proceeds, mounting the liner element in the helmet on the head of the user, supplying foam to the foam filling passages to inflate the liner element, expel air therefrom and conform the element at an outer surface to the shape of the interior surface of the helmet shell and at an inner surface to the shape of the head of the user, allowing time for curing of the foam admitted to the liner element, and severing parts of the vent and foam filling passages projecting from the liner. The liner element can embrace a forehead portion only of the head of the user or a further element which embraces a rear part of the head can be added.

Abstract: A method of creating large hollow spheres and other shapes and structures produced according to such method, such method including suspending in a zero gravity environment a molten material mixed with a blowing agent which is caused to foam, expanding into a mass wherein the exterior sphere wall is solidified and the interior is hollowed out.

Abstract: In an advantageous process for the production of mouldings from expandable graphite, a liquid is first added to the expandable graphite and the resulting moist preparation form of the expandable graphite is heated in moulds to temperatures above 180.degree. C.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a complex moulded structure, constituted by a foam core (16) made from plastic and on its periphery by two, respectively upper (11, 12) and lower (6, 8, 9), half-shells, includes the following steps:depositing in a mould (1, 2) a first element (6, 7, 8, 9) intended to form the lower half-shell,depositing on this first element (6, 8, 9) a deformable tubular element (13, 14, 17);depositing on top of this deformable tubular element (14) a second element (11, 12) intended to form the upper half-shell,closing the mould,injecting into the deformable tubular element (13, 14, 17) reactants intended to react in order to form a foam which expands in situ until pressing the element (11, 12) against the walls (3, 4, 10) of the mould,cooling the contents of the mould,and finally opening the mould in order to withdraw the complex moulded structure thus obtained, characterized in that at least the upper portion of the deformable tubular element (14) is rigid.

Abstract: A ski and a process of forming a ski, including injecting foam within a tubular compartment constituted by a deformable and stretchable membrane made of polyurethane or copolyamide or ABS. During expansion the foam deforms the membrane and presses the elements against the peripheral walls of the ski maintained in the mold.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow structure in a female mold includes the step of assembling a vacuum bag and an uncured composite layer assembly comprising a fiber reinforced resin in a female mold, so that the composite layer assembly extends along the inner surfaces of the mold, and so that the vacuum bag is received inside the composite layer assembly in the mold. The method further includes the step of evacuating the area between the vacuum bag and the composite layer assembly, so that the vacuum bag applies outward pressure to the composite layer assembly in order to urge the composite layer assembly outwardly against the inner surface of the mold. The method still further includes the steps of curing the composite layer assembly while maintaining a vacuum on the area between the composite layer assembly and the vacuum bag, and thereafter releasing the vacuum and removing the cured composite layer assembly from the mold.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is for foam insulating a water heater where the water heater has an outer shell and an inner tank with tank fittings, the outer shell having tank fitting openings and the inner tank and outer shell being separated by an insulation space. The method comprises locating foam flow barriers between the inner tank and the outer shell around the periphery of each of the tank fitting openings and then spraying foam forming material into the insulation space with the foam barriers preventing the foam from escaping outwardly through the tank fitting openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composite molded structure including the steps of: depositing first and second members in a mold; inserting at least one flexible plastic membrane between the first and second members so as to form a sheath when the mold is closed; closing the mold; injecting into the sheath reactants intended to react to form a foam which expands in situ and stretches the sheath until it forces the members flat against the walls of the mold; cooling the contents of the mold; and opening the mold to withdraw the composite molded structure.