Abstract: An air bag cover for a vehicle has a main body formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and a skin layer applied over the main body. The skin layer is preferably of an `integral skin` reaction type polyurethane and is applied over the main body. Break lines may be formed in the main body portion of the airbag cover for permitting an inflated air bag to rip the cover for emerging into the vehicle cabin. The polyurethane elastomer of the main body preferably has a Shore A hardness rating of over 80.

Abstract: A method for molding a foamed particle of a polypropylene resin. The polypropylene resin includes a homopolymer and copolymer of polypropylene resin, as well as a mixture of a polypropylene resin and another resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integral skin-foam molded articles obtained by reaction-injection molding a polyurethane foam material comprising a polyol component, an isocyanate component, a catalyst, and a blowing agent. Catalysts may be selected from tin and amine compounds. Water has been successfully used as a blowing agent.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite foamed molded article according to the invention includes the steps of setting a skin material in the vicinity of an upper mold for stamping-mold kept at a temperature of 10 to 50.degree. C.; feeding a molten polypropylene resin composition for a substrate containing a foaming agent kept at a temperature of not lower than a decomposition temperature of the foaming agent and within the range of 180 to 240.degree. C. onto a surface of a lower mold for stamping-mold kept at a temperature of 30 to 80.degree. C.; closing the mold within 10 seconds after feeding of the composition to clamp the molds at a pressure of 20 to 70 kg/cm.sup.2 ; lifting the upper mold before a thickness of each of hardened layers formed on both surfaces of the composition layer reaches 1.0 mm to open the mold at a distance between the upper mold and lower mold of 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to water blown integral skin polyurethane foams made with a particular isocyanate quasi-prepolymer and resin side ingredients to yield a foam having good overall mechanical properties. The isocyanate quasi-prepolymer component of the present invention comprises from 0.5 weight percent to 30.0 weight percent or less uretonimine-carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, from 50 weight percent to 80 weight percent 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and reacted with from 15 weight percent to 40 weight percent of a polyether polyol containing predominately secondary hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight from about 2,000 to 10,000, an average functionality from 1.5 to about 3.2, and a hydroxyl number from about 20 to 60, and optionally with a low molecular weight diol in an amount of from 1.0 weight percent to 10 weight percent, the weight percentages based on the weight of the quasi-prepolymer reactants.

Abstract: A simulated half log having a generally semi-cylindrical foam core and a decorative layer on the curved surface. Complementary nailable splines are inset in the flat surface, permitting adjacent half logs to interlock. One spline, which extends beyond the edge, provides a surface for nailing to a vertical substrate, and is concealed when the next adjacent half log is mounted thereover.

Abstract: A method of the device for producing a hollow columnar piece whereby a blend of essentially thermoplastic particles is melted into a billet, introduced into a mold, looped into layers inside the mold, and transformed into a piece, subsequent to which the piece is solidified by cooling and removed. The billet (3) is rotated around its axis and concentric with its face as it is introduced into a mold (4), the mold accommodates a core (20), space is left between the core and the inner surface (6) of the mold, the billet is laid along the circumference of the space, and the billet continues to be introduced into the space until the mold's inner surface and core are uniformly and continuously wet with constituents of the billet.

Abstract: It was found that a combination of thermoplastic microspheres containing a volatile hydrocarbon and water could be used as effective co-blowing/density reducing agents in low density, integral skin polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A method for molding a foamed particle of a polypropylene resin. The polypropylene resin includes a homopolymer and copolymer of polypropylene resin, as well as a mixture of a polypropylene resin and another resin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a columnar shaped piece formed of a thermoplastic matrix with ancillary pieces of a non-creeping hard material embedded therein and cemented by the plastic matrix. The ancillary pieces are essentially overlapping slabs which are substantially parallel to one another and the axis of the columnar shaped piece. Molten thermoplastic blended with solid slabs is extruded in the form of a billet into one end of an elongate mold and rotated around the inner surface of the mold. The extrusion continues until the inner surface is uniformly covered with constituents of the billet.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a flexible foam, an integral skin foam or a microcellular elastomer by reacting an organic polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive composition comprising at least one isocyanate-reactive compound of molecular weight of 1000 to 10000 and a functionality of 2 to 4 in the presence of a blowing agent, characterised in that the reaction is conducted in the presence of an inert, insoluble, organic liquid which has a boiling point of at least 60.degree. C. at 1 bar. CFC-free foams and elastomers of good quality are obtainable.

Abstract: A method of producing a molded foam article having an integral skin and a backing layer of foam comprising mixing particles of two polyvinyl compounds one of the compounds having a molecular weight less than that of the other compound and a higher solvating plasticizer than that of the other compound and casting the mixture against a heated mold surface and melting the one compound to flood the interstices of the particles of the other compound and float to the surface of the heated mold to form a skin and wherein the other compound includes foaming constituents to simultaneously form a layer of foam material behind the skin.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy absorbing, water blown, rigid polyurethane foams. The foams of the present invention are low density, predominantly open-celled foams which exhibit a relatively constant consistency of compressive strength over deflection. Such foams are suitable as light weight alternatives in traditional energy absorbing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integral skin foams prepared without using halogenated hydrocarbons as blowing agents. The foams of the present invention are prepared using water and volatile silicone fluids as co-blowing agents. Useful silicone agents have boiling points at on below 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A molded polyurethane foam system utilizing hydrofluorocarbons and alkane hydrocarbons as the blowing agent. The molded polyurethane foam products of the invention have a high-density integral skin and a low-density core. The blowing agent can be the HFC, tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) chemical alone or a mixture of tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) with one or more of the following: alkanes (such as 2-methylbutane, pentane and heptane) and other inert volatile organic compounds with boiling points in the 15.degree.-100.degree. C. range (such as pentene and acetone).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of cellular plastics, preferably hard structural polyurethane foams, by the polyisocyanate polyaddition process involves reactinga) an organic and/or modified organic polyisocyanate withb) at least one high-molecular-weight compound containing at least two reactive hydrogen atoms and, if desired,c) a low-molecular-weight chain extender and/or cross-linking agent,in the presence ofd) a blowing agent from the group comprising tertiary alcohols (di), preferably tertiary butanol, or a mixture of at least one tertiary alcohol (di) and water (dii),e) a catalyst and, if desired,f) assistants and/or additives.

Abstract: There are disclosed opaque, biaxially oriented polymeric film structures each comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material, e.g., polypropylene, within which is located a stratum of voids, and positioned within each of at least a substantial number of the voids is at least one spherical void-initiating solid particle (i.e., a cavitating agent) of cross-linked polystyrene (CLPS) which is phase-distinct and incompatable with the matrix material, the volume of the particle being substantially less than the volume of the void, with one generally cross-sectional dimension of the particle at least approximating a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the void.Also disclosed is a method of preparing the foregoing film structure by extruding into a film a combination of the matrix material and CLPS particles dispersed therein, and biaxially orienting the film either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate composite structures having integral crystalline skins on a foam of polyethylene terephthalate are described. The structures exhibit enhanced physical properties compared to polyethylene terephthalate foams. The structures are produced by a method that crystallizes a portion of the polyethylene terephthalate before foaming the uncrystallized portions of the structure.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: A hollow fiber of amorphous, hydroxy-ethylated poly-(2,6-dimethyl-p-oxyphenylene) (PPO-OH) with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 180.degree. to 200.degree. C. is disclosed, which is formed by a high-density, microporous layer on a macroporous backing, and having an outer diameter comprised within the range of from 450 to 550 .mu.m and an inner diameter comprised within the range of from 250 to 400 .mu.m.The process for preparing the hollow fibre and the use of said fibre in the processes of separation of gas mixtures are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A ultra-thin dense skin gas-controlling membrane that is impermeable to liquids, bacteria, and viruses, yet is permeable to small molecular weight gases, such as O.sub.2, CO.sub.2, NH.sub.3, N.sub.2, and water vapor, and a method for making the membrane. The membrane possesses specific gas transfer characteristic making it suitable for use in the culturing of biological materials. The membrane is incorporated into cell culture apparatus, such as roller bottle caps, for the benefit of optimally maintaining O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 levels in the tissue culture container during all phases of cell growth. The membrane also acts as an absolute barrier to microbial contamination of the culture media within the culture container.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy absorbing, water blown, rigid polyurethane foams. The foams of the present invention are low density, predominantly open celled foams which exhibit a relatively constant consistency of compressive strength over deflection. Such foams are suitable as light weight alternatives in traditional energy absorbing applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integral skin foam prepared by reacting a specific isocyanate, a specific isocyanate reactive component and water as the only blowing agent.

Abstract: Processes for using a thin film ultrafiltration membrane for the separation of low molecular weight solutes such as the separation of glucose from sucrose and higher molecular weight sugars and the separation of amino acids from oligopeptides and polypeptides. The membrane possesses desirable properties or characteristics, and may be prepared by casting a solution of a polyelectrolyte complex on a microporous support to form a thin film of polyelectrolyte complex on the surface of the support. The thickness of the membrane will range from about 600 to 3,000 A.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy absorbing, water blown, rigid polyurethane foams. The foams of the present invention are low density, predominantly open celled foams which exhibit a relatively constant consistency of compressive strength over deflection. Such foams are suitable as light weight alternatives in traditional energy absorbing applications.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a urethane foam article having a high density outer surface layer, of the type wherein a plastic liquid containing isocyanates, polyols, a catalyst, a blowing agent, an assistant and other additives is poured into a mold through a one-shot molding process, a certain type of catalyst is added for causing the isocyanates and the blowing agent to create a difference in gas evolving reaction between an inner part and an outer part of the plastic liquid in the mold so as to form a high density layer on the outer surface of a urethane foam article.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a urethane foam article having a high density outer surface layer, of the type wherein a plastic liquid containing isocyanates, polyols, a catalyst, a blowing agent, an assistant and other additives is poured into a mold through a one-shot molding process, while maintaining the mold at a temperature in the range of from 15.degree. to 40.degree. C., a temperature sensitive catalyst is added for causing the isocyanates and the blowing agent to create a difference in chemical reaction between an outer portion of the plastic liquid contacting the mold surface and an inner portion of the plastic liquid held out of contact with the mold surface, thereby retarding the foaming of the outer portion than that of the outer portion.

Abstract: There are disclosed opaque, biaxially oriented polymeric film structures each comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material, e.g., polypropylene, within which is located a stratum of voids, and positioned within each of at least a substantial number of the voids is at least one spherical void-initiating solid particle (i.e., a cavitating agent) of cross-linked polystyrene (CLPS) which is phase-distinct and incompatible with the matrix material, the volume of the particle being substantially less than the volume of the void, with one generally cross-sectional dimension of the particle at least approximating a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the void.Also disclosed is a method of preparing the foregoing film structure by extruding into a film a combination of the matrix material and CLPS particles dispersed therein, and biaxially orienting the film either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: The extrusion head has a head body which accommodates a male element and defines, in co-operation with the male element, a passage for material to be extruded. The passage extends around the male element and leads outward through an extrusion hole which is located proximate to an end of the head. A cooling element is applied at the extrusion hole and a hole is defined therein for the passage of the extruded material. The latter hole has a configuration which corresponds to the profile of the extruded element to be obtained, in order to achieve the rapid cooling of the extruded element exiting from the extrusion hole.

Abstract: Foam molding is carried out with a melt blend of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene copolymer elastomer, and glass fibers in the presence of blowing agent and with a cold mold, so that the resultant foamed article has an amorphous-rich PET surface and a crystalline PET core.

Abstract: A composite style wheel, and method and apparatus for making the same, including a metal wheel mounting disc and a rim secured thereto adapted to receive a tire thereon, and a composite plastic ornamental overlay covering at least part of the outboard face of the disc and/or rim. The overlay includes a molded in-situ body of relatively high density resilient urethane plastic material permanently affixed to the disc and/or rim and a plastic insert having a weight-to-volume ratio much less than that of the body plastic material. At least the major portion of the insert is disposed radially outwardly from the overlay, aperture wheel mounting and the overlay body plastic material covers the insert so as to completely embed the same in the composite overlay to thereby hide the insert from view and assist in securement thereof to the wheel. The overlay body is cast and cured against the wheel metal with the insert pre-secured thereto.

Abstract: The specification describes and claims a method of making silicone foam compositions comprising the steps of introducing into a moulding cavity a quantity of foamable silicone compositions which is curable at room, or slightly elevated, temperature and bring about curing in the cavity to produce a cured silicone foam. The moulding cavity is closed prior to foaming thereby restricting expansion of the foam. The volume of the closed moulding cavity is a minimum 10% less than that which would be occupied by the composition if it foamed and cured at room temperature without restriction. Lower density foams formed by the above procedure may be converted into rigid elastomeric low density materials by a heat or microwave post cure. For a given composition and foam density the fire resistance of a foam produced by a method according to the invention is greater than a foam which is allowed to foam freely.

Abstract: The extrusion head has a body which accommodates a male element and which defines, in co-operation with the male element, a passage for the material to be extruded. The passage extends around the male element and leads outward through an extrusion hole located proximate to an end of the head. The end of the male element which is orientated in the direction of flow of the material has at least one channel through which material is delivered inside the flow of material which flows out of the extrustion hole.

Abstract: Foam thermoplastic injection molding apparatus and method produces structurally superior foam injection molded products. The process includes plasticating solid polymer to a polymer melt; accumulating the melt in an accumulator having a telescoping inlet, which allows the first melt which enters to be the first to leave the accumulator; combining a preselected amount of melt with a preselected amount of gas in bubble form to form homogenized polymer foam; shearing the homogenized polymer foam to reduce the size of gas bubbles; and injecting the polymer foam through a special gate assembly into a mold. The gate assembly has a removable nose which remains with the mold, allowing the foam to expand within the mold but not allowing the foam to escape the mold. The process and apparatus allow low molded-in stress products to be produced, and can process recyclable thermoplastics, either single materials or mixtures. Thus, no segregation of materials is required.

Abstract: A thermoformable, rigid or semi-rigid polypropylene foam sheet having a smooth surface and a uniform cell structure and a density of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3 is prepared by extruding a mixture of a nucleating agent, a physical blowing agent and a polypropylene resin having a high melt strength and high melt elasticity.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyurethane integral skin foam with low ozone depletion potential, which comprises mixing 100 pph of a polyether polyol, 5-50 pph of a chain extender, 0.1-2.0 pph of a surfactant, 0.01-0.20 pph of an amine and 0.01-0.20 pph of an organotin catalyst, 0-3.0 pph of a nucleating agent and 1.0-30 pph of a blowing agent comprising 50 to 100 weight percent of HCFC-123 and 50 to 0 weight percent of HCFC-141b to form a polyol mixture; blending said polyol mixture with isocyanate having an ISO index=0.95 to 1.10 and reacting said blend at a temperature from 0.degree.-70.degree. C. in a mold at a temperature of from 10.degree. to 90.degree. C. for a molding time of 1 to 9 minutes to form a polyurethane integral skin foam, and the product of said process.

Abstract: A ceramic filter having good permeability and a superior durability, and a process for manufacturing the same. This filter comprises a porous support made of a ceramic, a fine intermediate layer formed on one surface of said support and comprised of at least one kind of particles selected from particles of SnO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2 or CeO.sub.2 and having a particle diameter of not more than 500 .ANG., and a thin film formed on the surface of said fine intermediate layer and comprised of at least one particles selected from particles of SnO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2 or CeO.sub.2 and having a particle diameter of not more than 300 .ANG. and smaller than the particle diameter of the particles that constitute said fine intermediate layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite molded article where a polymer film of superior weather resistance, adhesion and surface smoothness is made into an integral composite body on the surface of polynorbornene base material by utilizing reaction injection molding in combination with an in-mold coating process. By means of this invention, it is possible to manufacture three dimensional composite molded articles, composite molded articles of complex shapes and deep-drawn composite molded articles. The composite molded articles of this invention can be used for a variety of purposes, such as automobile parts, electrical parts, construction, etc.

Abstract: Thin film composite ultrafiltration membrane which possesses desirable properties or characteristics may be prepared by casting a solution of a polyelectrolyte complex on a microporous support to form a thin film of the polyelectrolyte complex on the surface of the supports. The thickness of the polyelectrolyte complex membrane will range from about 600 to about 3,000 .ANG.. This membrane may then be used for the separation of low molecular weight solutes such as, for example, the separation of glucose from sucrose and higher molecular weight sugars.

Abstract: A bowling pin of synthetic material, and a method of producing the same, are provided. The pin has a core that is provided with pockets or cells, and also has a sheathing of solid wall construction. To achieve a particularly compact and thick outer shell, the core is also provided with an outer layer of solid wall construction that is disposed between the inner body of the core and the sheathing, and is fused with the sheathing. To provide the core with such an outer wall, the mold that receives the material that contains an expansion agent is cooled on the outside to such an extent that the expansion agent cannot become effective in the outer area.

Abstract: A process is provided for modifying a ceramic ultrafiltration membrane system consisting of a sub-microporous top layer and a microporous inorganic carrier whereby said top layer after modification has reduced pore size and/or is made catalytically active.

Abstract: A method of creating hollow spheres and spheres produced according to such method, such method including suspending in a zero gravity environment a molten resin material mixed with a blowing agent which is caused to foam expanding into a spherical mass wherein the insides are hollowed out and the exterior sphere wall is solidified and the further process of creating adjoining spheres.

Abstract: An injection molding method for forming molded products of foamed plastics, in which molten resin mixed with foaming agent which begins foaming after being kept at a required temperature for a required time is injected into a metal mold wherein the foaming agent mixed together with the molten resin is solidified in a body in the metal mold under such conditions that the portion of the foaming agent molten resin mixture which is in contact with the inner surface of the metal mold is accordingly cooled rapidly such as to substantially prevent foaming thereof, so that the appearance of the molded product is finished neatly, while the foaming agent/molten resin mixture in the inner part of the mold is cooled gradually so that the temperature thereof is not rapidly decreased, under conditions wherein the foaming agent begins foaming and the inner portion of the molten resin is therefore expanded from inside owing to the foaming pressure, which expansion substantially prevents the occurrence of depressions in the s

Abstract: A process for eliminating the static charge from expandable polystyrene beads during a molding cycle. Pre-expanded polystyrene beads are injected into a mold cavity by using an air stream created by a venturi-type fill gun. To prevent the beads from carrying static while being injected into the mold, the air is ionized by exposure to high energy nuclear particles prior to contact with the polystyrene beads.

Abstract: A method of producing platens for typewriters and similar office equipment. Conventional platens often include a large number of individual parts and are relatively expensive because of their high assembly and finishing costs. According to the invention, an impact-resistant polyolefin with the addition of a delayed-reacting foaming agent is employed in an injection molding process in such a fashion that, by means of differential cooling of the mold, the material on the platen surface and in areas of other functional elements such as line-advance wheel/notched wheel combinations hardens, while the core of the platen remains a foam. The process allows platens with other functional elements molded to them to be manufactured from a single material in a single operation and without any additional work, despite different demands made on the print backing and the other functional elements.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing expandable polystyrene pellets having a bulk density of about 36 lbs/cubic foot which upon expansion results in expanded articles having a bulk density of about 0.8 lbs/cubic foot and having substantiallly uniform cell formation is an interior portion thereof.

Abstract: A method of constructing large human-like costume heads such as caricatures of famous people which includes the steps of sculpting a large block of foam into the rough form of a head to form a sculpted human-like head with a facial portion. The outer portion of the foam block is painted using a desired color scheme. A very thin layer of rubber-like material is applied to the foam block outer surface which seals the foam block but which is sufficiently thin to allow deflection of the foam when squeezed and to provide a texture to the foam that can be felt and which resembles a skin like feeling.

Abstract: A process in which a blowing agent dispersion is used for producing poly(vinyl chloride) that is particularly well suited for use in insulation covers and the insulation covers made from the resultant poly(vinyl chloride).

Abstract: Disclosed are semipermeable fluid separation membranes prepared from polyaromatic polymers including aromatic repeat units of which at least five mole percent are substituted by moieties having ethylenically unsaturated carbon bonds wherein the polymer is crosslinked through carbon bonds between the ethylenically unsaturated moieties. The invented membranes have enhanced durability yet retain very high fluid, especially gas, permeability.