Abstract: An electrospinning equipment is provided. The electrospinning equipment includes a power supply, a collector and a material supply electrically connected to the power supply facing the collector and having a spinneret and a guide unit coupled to the spinneret and bent toward the collector, and the spinneret is configured at a central portion of the guide unit.

Abstract: An improved electroblowing process is provided for forming a fibrous web of nanofibers wherein polymer stream is issued from a spinning nozzle in a spinneret with the aid of a forwarding gas stream, passes an electrode and a resulting nanofiber web is collected on a collector. The process includes applying a high voltage to the electrode and grounding the spinneret such that an electric field is generated between the spinneret and the electrode of sufficient strength to impart an electrical charge on the polymer as it issues from the spinning nozzle.

Abstract: A process for electroblowing a multiple layered sheet using multiple spinning beams to produce different component webs wherein the sheet doesn't stick to the forming screen and has improved web stability.

Abstract: An mandrel for extrusion of hollow bodies, such as, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hard, compact, and foamed pipes, includes an inner collar, an outer collar, and a middle collar, each of the collars being radially joined by webs to the particular adjoining collar. Each interior web and exterior web, relative to the middle collar, can form a web pair, the webs of the web pair being arranged to overlap at least partially in the radial direction in a particular embodiment.

Abstract: A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous charged monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that have been bonded to form a coherent and handleable web which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.

Abstract: Stretched articles, such as oriented polymeric films or fibers, having microstructure features on at least one surface thereof, and processes for making such articles, are disclosed. A method of making fibers comprises forming a polymeric film having a body having a first surface and a second surface and having a longitudinal dimension. The film also comprises a plurality of elongate microstructure features disposed on the first surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, wherein the elongate microstructure features are substantially parallel. The method further comprises stretching the polymeric film in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, and fibrillating the stretched polymeric film along the longitudinal dimension of the body to provide one or more fibers, wherein each fiber has at least one microstructure feature thereon.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for topical application of compositions containing a chemical additive onto a paper web. The present invention is also directed to paper products formed from the method. In general, the method includes the steps of extruding a composition containing a chemical additive through a melt blown die and then applying the composition to a moving paper web. In particular, the method provides for the application of tacky compositions to a web through a melt blown die while avoiding die tip clogging. In one embodiment, the chemical composition is extruded into fibers and applied to the paper web. The chemical composition may contain, for instance, various additives, such as a polysiloxane softener and one or more beneficial agents.

Abstract: A method of making a respirator, which method includes placing an electret in a respirator body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The electret is disposed in the respirator body such that air passes through it before being inhaled by a respirator wearer. The electret includes a nonwoven web that has fluorinated polymeric microfibers and that has at least about 25% atomic fluorine as detected by ESCA and a CF3:CF2 ratio of at least about 0.45.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically charged film includes the steps of forming a molten thermoplastic material into a web, electrically charging the web while the web is at a temperature substantially at or above a solidification temperature thereof, cooling the web below the solidification temperature thereof after charging and winding the web into individual rolls immediately following the cooling step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film roll comprising an electrified portion at at least part in the transverse direction of a film that is wound into a roll, in which the difference between the maximum width and the minimum width of the electrified portion is 10 mm or less. In this manner, side slipping can be reliably prevented while securing escapeways for air at the edges, and a film roll having no side slips, wrinkles, deformation, decentering, or the like can be manufactured. The film roll of the present invention can be manufactured by intermittently electrifying the film at a predetermined cycle, the ratio of the time duration of the electrification in the cycle being 10 to 80%. The film roll of the present invention has a high adhesive force and does not suffer from slipping during evacuation in a vacuum evaporator. Thus, the film roll is suitable as a master roll for metallization and can be suitably applied to various uses such as magnetic tapes, packaging materials, capacitors, and the like.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyester sheet by dropping a molten polyester sheet extruded from an orifice-form nozzle on a cooling roll having the grooves of a large number of micro-cracks formed on the surface, closely adhering it to the cooling roll and solidifying it on the cooling roll, wherein the surface temperature (T, ° C.) of the molten polyester sheet 10 mm below the orifice-form nozzle is maintained at a temperature which satisfies the following expression (1): (Tc+20)° C.≦T≦(Tm+40)° C.  (1) wherein Tc and Tm are the falling temperature crystallization temperature (° C.) and melting point (° C.) of the polyester, respectively and T is as defined hereinabove, and the surface temperature of the cooling roll when it contacts the molten polyester sheet is controlled to a range of 5 to 100° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing microporous films. The method utilizes a casting surface and a condensing surface. The condensing surface is spaced from the casting surface to form a gap. The distance between the surfaces forming the gap is relatively small and is preferably less than 3 cm. A material, capable of forming microporous films through thermally induced phase separation processes, is cast onto the casting surface, preferably through conventional extrusion practices. The material contains at least one evaporative component that generally flashes off upon formation of the microporous material and condenses on the condensing surface.

Abstract: Toughened biaxially oriented polyamide films prepared by dry blending i) a polyamide homopolymer, copolymer, or blends thereof; and ii) a functionalized polyolefin terpolymer comprising maleic anhydride, ethyl acrylate, and an olefin, to thereby form a dry mixture. The dry mixture is melted to form a polymer blend, which is then formed into a polymer film. The edges of the film are pinned to a casting roll, and the film is plasticized in at least one water bath. The polymer film is subsequently biaxially oriented. The result is a toughened biaxially oriented film which is resistant to pinholes, cracks, and other structural defects. Such films are particularly suited for making packaging materials for various food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electret nonwoven filter medium comprising a nonwoven filter web of electrostatically charged fibrillated fibers ultrasonically joined to each other at a plurality of spots distributed across said nonwoven filter web, the total surface occupied by said spots being less than 5% of the surface of said nonwoven filter web and the number of spots per square centimeter being at least 2. The present invention also provides a method of making the electret nonwoven filter medium.

Abstract: An electret is described that includes a plasma surface modified polymeric article having plasma surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline resin laminated film comprising a liquid-crystalline resin layer and a non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer laminated on at least one surface of the liquid-crystalline resin layer, and having an interlayer adhesiveness of at least 30 N/cm; and a liquid-crystalline resin laminated film comprising a liquid-crystalline resin layer and a non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer laminated on at least one surface of the liquid-crystalline resin layer, and satisfying TN≧TL wherein TN and TL indicate the thermal deformation temperature of the non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer and that of the liquid-crystalline resin layer, respectively, measured through thermal mechanical analysis (TMA). These are obtained by forming a non-liquid-crystalline thermoplastic resin layer on at least one surface of a liquid-crystalline resin layer through co-extrusion, followed by stretching the resulting laminated film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered biaxially-oriented film, mainly made of a crystallizeable thermoplastic polyester and economically produceable with a high surface quality, i.e. without pinning bubbles and without electric arcing and film breaks, at production speeds of 340 m/min or higher. According to the invention the multi-layered polyester film has an average specific electrical melt resistance over its total thickness which lies within a range from 1.5×107 to 30×107 &OHgr;×cm. The invention also relates to a method of production of the film.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polypropylene film is described. The n-heptane-insoluble content of the film has a chain isotacticity index, measured by 13-C-NMR spectroscopy, of at least 95%. In particular, the film should have the lowest possible shrinkage (transverse shrinkage and longitudinal shrinkage) at elevated temperatures. In addition, a process for the production of the polypropylene film and its use is described.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically charged film includes the steps of forming a molten thermoplastic material into a web, electrically charging the web while the web is at a temperature substantially at or above a solidification temperature thereof, cooling the web below the solidification temperature thereof after charging and winding the web into individual rolls immediately following the cooling step.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically charged film includes the steps of forming a thermoplastic material into a web, electrically charging the web and winding the web into individual rolls immediately following the charging step.

Abstract: Toughened biaxially oriented polyamide films prepared by dry blending i) a polyamide homopolymer, copolymer, or blends thereof; and ii) a functionalized polyolefin terpolymer comprising maleic anhydride, ethyl acrylate, and an olefin, to thereby form a dry mixture. The dry mixture is melted to form a polymer blend, which is then formed into a polymer film. The edges of the film are pinned to a casting roll, and the film is plasticized in at least one water bath. The polymer film is subsequently biaxially oriented. The result is a toughened biaxially oriented film which is resistant to pinholes, cracks, and other structural defects. Such films are particularly suited for making packaging materials for various food products.

Abstract: A method and an installation for producing a film made of a thermoplastic material, wherein the plastic material emerges from a blow head of an extruder while forming a film bubble. The film bubble is sized to a predetermined diameter by the action of a sizing device and is subsequently laid flat by a flattening device and is rolled up. To prevent damage to the surface of the film bubble, there is an electrostatic charge to the plastic material forming the film bubble prior to entry into the sizing device. The film bubble is conducted through a sizing device, which is electrostatically charged in the same way, to provide a contact-free sizing of the film bubble.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyester sheet by dropping a molten polyester sheet extruded from an orifice-form nozzle on a cooling roll having the grooves of a large number of micro-cracks formed on the surface, closely adhering it to the cooling roll and solidifying it on the cooling roll, wherein

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing microporous films. The method utilizes a casting surface and a condensing surface. The condensing surface is spaced from the casting surface to form a gap. The distance between the surfaces forming the gap is relatively small and is preferably less than 3 cm. A material, capable of forming microporous films through thermally induced phase separation processes, is cast onto the casting surface, preferably through conventional extrusion practices. The material contains at least one evaporative component that generally flashes off upon formation of the microporous material and condenses on the condensing surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a filter media for a high efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filter including a multiplicity of adjacent electrostatically charged piles of nonwoven fabric. The invention further includes a method of making a HEPA filter.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an improved electrostatic filter medium comprising a web of electret fibers which have been treated with fluorine-containing plasmas at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried. The present invention is further drawn to a method of producing non-woven webs which have been treated with a fluorine-containing plasma at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing a biaxially stretched polyester film with regulating casting conditions of a polyester film at a high speed so as not to induce surface defects caused by entrapping air microbubbles between a cooling drum and a molten resin sheet, and regulating longitudinal stretching conditions and lateral stretching conditions. The biaxially stretched polyester film is excellent in small thickness variation, resistance to cleavage and improvement in bowing phenomenon, and is particularly suitable for the support of a photographic film.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyester composition, comprising polyester and a metal salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, whereby a metal salt and polyester are fed together into a vented extruder as a raw material. The raw material has a specific resistance of not less than 1×107 &OHgr;·cm upon melting and a metal atom concentration of 0.5 to 1,000 ppm based on the polyester composition. This process is industrially useful for producing a polyester composition which can be used to form sheets using an electrostatic pining method.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin film includes at least a thermoplastic resin A having a glass transition temperature of equal to or higher than 150° C., and this film has a thickness equal to or more than 30 &mgr;m, a retardation less than or equal to 20 nm, an enthalpy relaxation temperature from 140° C. to 200° C. and an enthalpy relaxation magnitude from 0.01 to 2.0 kJ/mol. This film has good surface flatness, low retardation and satisfactory thermal dimensional stability, and can be advantageously used as a substrate of liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: Self-tuning materials which can efficiently emit or receive radio waves in spite of being simple in their construction and small in their dimension, and are applied to patch antenna, wave directors or the like. Metallic chips containing two or more kinds of ingredients which are distributed in a layered, net-like or needle-shaped configuration, and an organic or inorganic bonding material which is small in dissipation of electric power under radio waves of high frequencies are mixed with each other, and are pressurized under a high pressure while being highly electrified in the direction perpendicular to the pressurizing direction to mold the metallic chips and the bonding material in a plate-shaped configuration while being heated.

Abstract: A method of removing particulate solid or liquid aerosol from a gas, which method comprises the step of: passing a particulate solid or liquid aerosol containing gas through an electret filter that comprises a polymer and a performance enhancing additive, wherein the electret filter has a thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC) spectrum exhibiting a peak having a width at half height of less than about 30° C., as measured by TSDC test procedure 3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a polyester film containing a incompatible polymer, comprising: using a vented twin-screw extruder having a material feed port and vents in the cylinder, and melt-extruding a substantially undried polyester together with a polymer incompatible with said polyester, which melt-extruding is conducted under the condition that the content of said incompatible polymer is not less than 1 wt % based on the total output based on unit time (kg/hr), and the total output Q, extruder screw speed N (rpm) and cylinder bore D (mm) satisfy the following formula 2.6×10−6×D2.8≦Q/N≦15.8×10−6×D2.8.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing thermoplastic resin film which allows a biaxially oriented polyester film to be formed at a high speed of 400 m/min or more. In the method, a molten thermoplastic resin film is brought into contact with a cooling medium, to be cooled and solidified, for producing a cast film. The method is characterized by keeping the surface temperature of the cooling medium in the region immediately before the melt reaching position at not lower than the glass transition temperature and not higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin. The apparatus is characterized by a cooling medium having a heater and a cooler to ensure that the surface temperature of the cooling medium in the region immediately before the melt reaching position is kept at the requisite temperature, and by a surface temperature of the cooling drum in the region immediately before the film leaving position being maintained lower than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A polyurethane material is injected into a mold cavity having a reduced pressure to form e.g. the surface portion of a polyurethane covering for a steering wheel. A polyurethane material for forming a substantial inner portion thereof and free of any coloring matter is, then, injected into the cavity. Then, a polyurethane material containing coloring matter is injected into the cavity to form the remaining inner portion of the covering.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three-dimensional fibrillar matrices useful as, among other things, structural prosthetics and scaffolds for cells. The porous fibrillar matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, implants as tendon and facia prosthetics, and product packaging.

Abstract: A lightweight expandable baffle for sealing a cavity of a vehicle body at a predetermined cross section of the cavity defined by cavity walls includes a rigid support plate having an outer periphery with a shape generally corresponding to but smaller than the shape of the cross section of the cavity, a heat expandable sealing material mounted only to the outer periphery of the rigid support plate and having an activation temperature range at which the material expands, the support plate being formed of a material having a higher melting point than the activation temperature range, and the sealing material, when activated, expands radially from the rigid support plate to fill the cross-sectional cavity between the rigid support plate and the cavity wall.

Abstract: An interior trim component such as a vehicle dashboard includes a substantially rigid and form-stable substrate of polypropylene and natural fibers, a supporting halo skeleton and other frame components heat fused onto the backside of the substrate, and a polyolefin foam layer as well as a decorative polyolefin cover film laminated onto the front side of the substrate. The foam layer has an increased thickness and a decreased foam density at sharply contoured or curved areas of the trim component, in comparison to the flat surfacial areas. As a result, the trim component has a desirable soft-touch characteristic and impact absorbing properties at all areas including protruding curves and edges. A method for forming such a trim component involves steps of pre-molding the foam layer and cover film by vacuum thermoforming, pre-molding the substrate by vacuum thermoforming, and then heat laminating the pre-heated, pre-molded substrate onto the pre-molded foam layer and cover film.

Abstract: A structural corner reinforcement for strengthening frames includes at least a first segment and a second segment of frame bar, each formed into a desired profile and each having a hollow interior portion, a reinforcing channel having a first leg and a second leg arranged at an angle to the first leg, with ends of the channel securing first and second extensions to extend the first and second legs, respectively, at least one of (i) a portion of the first extension of the reinforcing channel being inserted through a first end of the first segment of the frame bar into and substantially spaced from surfaces of the hollow interior portion of the first segment and (ii) a portion of the second extension of the reinforcing channel being inserted through a first end of the second segment of the frame bar into and substantially spaced from surfaces of the hollow interior portion of the second segment, and a rigid reinforcing and structural material, formed from a foamed chemical, inside at least one of (i) the hollow

Abstract: An integral elastic support structure (1) comprising a filler (3) in elastically yielding material covered by a covering layer (4) in flexible laminar material. The filler (3) has in its inside at least one ornamental element (5) and the covering layer (4) has at least one optically transparent zone (7) through which the cited ornamental element is visible. The covering layer (4) may be formed by a sheet of uniformly transparent synthetic material which is opacified in the zone which is complementary to the optically transparent zone. A method for the manufacture of the cited elastic support provides for the insertion in the filler (3) of at least one ornamental element (5) and the provision on the covering layer (4) of at least one optically transparent zone (7) through which the ornamental element (5) is visible. The integral elastic element obtained in this manner is comfortable, allows to verify the presence of the filler layer in gel, has ornamental elements which are not subjected to damage or wear.

Abstract: A head rest assembly is fabricated using a blow molding process. A skin surrounds a foam cushion and an insert is secured to the skin. The insert and the skin may be flush with each other. The skin includes a channel designed to receive the peripheral edge of the insert therein. The recess undercuts the opening periphery of the skin by 285.degree.. The insert is adhered to the skin either after the molding of the skin or, in the alternative, during the molding of the skin.

Abstract: A method for making foam-filled parts having fiber-reinforced skins or surfaces is disclosed. Mold halves of pressure-resisting thermally insulative material are covered with a release material, which is then covered with the fiber skins. The fiber skins are coated with heat-curable resin, and the mold halves are then clamped together to form a cavity. A catalyzed foam-forming mixture is poured into the cavity. The mixture foams and expands to the full volume of the cavity, and while it hardens generates heat sufficient to cure the resin.

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: A seat avoiding crumples of a surface material covering a cushioning body thereof, giving a comfortable soft feeling for a person who sits thereon and having such a hardness that a weight of the person can be supported. A seat (1) comprising a surface material (2) and a cushioning body having a shape corresponding to an outline of the seat. The cushioning body composing of a first cushioning body (6) integrated in one with at least a part of the surface material and a second cushioning body (10) underlying the first cushioning body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing various supports in cushions suitable for chairs sofas, and pillows. The method comprises piercing a previously manufactured cushion (86) with injecting needles (84) to inject a firming solution into the cushion (86) to provide the internal lumbar support (88). The needles (84) can be placed at a variety of different heights to product various effects. Also disclosed are a number of products that can be produced using the method, with explanations as to how the method can be adapted to produce each variation.

Abstract: A method for the assembly of doors having a pair of skins and a core of synthetic resin forms a first door element including forming a first skin and a peripheral wall to provide an upwardly opening cavity into which a foamable synthetic resin formulation is introduced. A second skin is then assembled over the cavity, and the resultant door assembly is passed through an elongated heating zone while controlling the thickness dimension of the door assembly to expand and cure the resin formulation in the cavity into a cellular resin insulating core and to bond the skins and core. The several steps are conducted seriatim at stations along a conveyor assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing a bicycle saddle includes the steps of:(a) forming a rigid saddle base having therein a hole;(b) positioning the saddle base on a projecting mold part of a male mold, wherein the projecting mold part has a surface contoured to complement a concave inner surface of the saddle base, and the surface is formed with an indentation;(c) placing a foam material in a female mold;(d) causing the projecting mold part to project into and close a mold cavity of the female mold; and(e) forming a saddle cushion around the saddle base by causing the foam material to expand and fill a space around the projecting mold part and then fill the indentation in the projecting mold part through the hole in the saddle base.

Abstract: A baluster or spindle is formed by a casting method, and has a rigid, dense, hollow outer shell forming a decoratively shaped body portion having closed, planar opposed ends. A conduit extends completely through the baluster, providing attachment means to a railing system. The hollow interior of the baluster is injected with a high density polyurethane foam to increase its weight, density, and resistance to breakage. The method of forming a baluster or spindle includes the combined method steps of placement of a mesh sheet adjacent each end of the mold, and then subsequent agitation of the mold. Agitation includes simultaneous spinning and rocking of the mold about its longitudinal axis. The mesh sheet retains the casting material against the end surfaces of the mold, and is completely encapsulated by the casting material such that the mesh sheet is not visible on the surface of the finished product.

Abstract: A method of forming an aircraft landing gear strut fairing/debris protector and such a fairing/debris protector are provided. The fairing/debris protector comprises first and second fiber reinforced plastics skin elements (21, 23) with a foamed core (27) between them. The method includes the steps of providing a tool having a tool surface (15, 20) to form each said skin element, forming a lay-up (21, 23) on each said tool surface of fibrous reinforcing material and plastics matrix material and allowing the matrix material at least partly to harden, positioning the tools (8, 13) such that the two skins (21, 23) are supported in their final relationship to each other and introducing a foaming resin (27) between the skins to form a foam core.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shoe sole includes step (1): preparing an inside part which has two passages defined therethrough, step (2): placing the inside part into a mold, step (3): injecting foam material into the mold to let the foam material fill in the two passages and heating the foam material so as to form abonded combination, and step (4): removing the bonded combination from the mold and drying the combination.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the fabrication of semi-flexible artificial rock sheathing; a one-coat silicone elastomer is brushed or sprayed upon the surface of a substantially flat natural rock formation to form a mold that is adhered to a wood-framed fiberglass cradle that hold the shape of the mold; when removed from the rock formation, the mold is sprayed with a thermoplastic elastomer to form a semi-flexible rock sheathing having the same characteristics as the natural rock surface from which the mold was formed; after the materials are fully cured, the sheathing sheet may be separated from the mold and used for the fabrication of rock, rock structures, by attaching sheathing sheets to the exterior of a framework, followed by cutting and forming different shapes.