Abstract: A process and article for a retroreflective polymeric coated flexible fabric material having a retroreflective layer and a polymeric compatibilizing layer welded to a polymeric coated outer surface of a flexible fabric material. The compatibilizing layer provides an intermediate layer between the retroreflective layer and the flexible fabric material creating suitable bond strength between dissimilar polymers.

Abstract: Coiled medical plastic tubing is set in the coil shape by exposing it to a radio-frequency field while it is subjected to slight radially inward pressure. The amount of pressure and the power of the RF field are so adjusted as to cause the rungs of the coil to lightly stick together without deforming or weakening the coil itself.

Abstract: A method of preparing filled plastic containers by preparing a formed plastic precursor by thermoforming, pressure molding, or tabletting in a precursor preparation station, heating the plastic precursor in a heating station to a compression molding temperature, preparing a plastic preform by compression molding the heat plastic precursor in a preform production station, blow molding the preform into the configuration of a final container in a blow molding station, and filling the blow molded container in a filling station, wherein the preform preparation, blow molding and filling are performed sequentially in physically proximate operations.

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: The method and apparatus for making a preform which is a rigid shaped item formed of glass fibers rigidly joined to each other where adjacent fibers touch. The interstices between the fibers are unfilled for the use of matrix resin to subsequently form a molded article. The preform is formed by shaping fibers into the preform shape, applying a binder to the fibers so that they are coated at the locations where they touch. The binder is sensitive or responds to the application of electromagnetic energy. In completing the preform after the application of the binder, the preform is subjected to electromagnetic energy so that the binder hardens to form a rigid preform. In one species form, the electromagnetic energy is applied in the form of microwave energy. The application of electromagnetic energy causes a reaction in the binder without requiring heating of the glass fibers so that the preforms can be rigidified rapidly and efficiently.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A,B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A,B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A,B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A,B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A,B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making insignias with a raised design is capable of providing more aesthetic appearance to the insignias thus made. A base material consisting of a base sheet and a surface sheet overlaying the base sheet is prepared for making into an insignia. The base material is coating with a surface coating of decorative material. A bottom mold and an upper mold are used to press the base material to form raised design of patterns. The bottom and upper molds are coupled to a composite heating device including high-frequency induction and electric heating means for applying both high-frequency induction heat and electric heat to the base material while the upper molding is being pressed against the bottom mold. The upper mold is formed with a plurality of edge-defining blades for cutting an edge for the insignia, a plurality of pattern-defining blades for forming a pre-designed pattern on the insignia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for liquid thermoset resin or polymer molding using electromagnetic waves (particularly radiofrequency waves or microwaves), is described. The method and apparatus uses a metal mold (10, 212) with a cavity (401) for the molding as well as for confinement of the electromagnetic waves. Multiple low loss ports (A, B, C, D, E, p1, p2, p3) are provided for introducing the microwaves into the cavity.

Abstract: A method of forming a fine ceramics structure having columns with a fine pattern of width and a high aspect ratio includes steps of charging a plastic mold with a ceramics slurry, solidifying the ceramics slurry, and thereafter removing the plastic mold. The plastic mold is removed by heating the plastic mold in a vacuum, employing laser ablation, employing plasma etching, or employing a solvent of low viscosity dissolving plastic mold. Especially, the plastic mold is made of acrylic, the ceramics structure is made of lead zirconate titanate, and the mold is removed by plasma etching in a gas environment of oxygen and freon. The resulting fine pattern ceramics structure may have columns with an aspect ratio of at least 10, and particularly a height of 100 .mu.m and a diameter of 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapidly drying and compacting wet fiber mats are disclosed. Rapid drying is produced by heating the wet fiber mats with a combination of radiowave energy and conductive heating. As the fiber mats are heated, three-dimensional compacting forces are applied by pressing the fiber mats between a flat surface press and a porous support on which is mounted a resilient mold insert. At high radio frequencies in the microwave range, power is transmitted from a multimode cavity through the porous support and resilient mold insert to the fiber mat. At low radio frequencies, differential radio-frequency voltages are applied directly to metal press plates which contain and compact the fiber mat. Methods and apparatus can be adapted to conveyorized or multi-opening press operations. Objects suitable for use with the invention are most commonly characterized by having a flat face surface on one side and webs or other features which may extend normal or generally normal to the flat surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing plastic products from waste materials by: cutting into pieces a thermoplastic material having a loss factor higher than 0.005 such as to have a high absorbence of radio-frequency radiation, mixing the pieces with at least one other particulate material, depositing the mixture on a supporting surface; applying radio-frequency radiation to the mixture sufficient to soften mainly the outer surfaces of the pieces of thermoplastic material by dielectric heating, while applying pressure to the mixture to bond the mixture together by sintering; and removing the sintered mixture from the supporting surface.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for application in powder coating processes are produced by melt atomisation of thermosettable mixtures. The product is characterised by improved particle size distribution and by a generally rounded particle shape.