Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing plastic articles comprising preheating a metal mold having a mold contour using infrared heating elements formed to match said mold contour to establish a casting temperature, casting plastic material onto the preheated metal mold surface, fusing the plastic using infrared energy, cooling the metal mold using the change of phase or state of a cooling material and removing the cast plastic article from said metal mold.

Abstract: The method and the device serve the tempering preforms of a thermoplastic material. The preforms are modeled subsequent to tempering into a container inside a blow-molding mold by the action of a medium under pressure. During tempering, the preforms are heated by being acted upon by a heat radiation as well as cooled by being blown upon with cooling air, at least in the surface region. For compensation of a change in the surface temperature of the preforms due to operating ambient parameters, a change in the intensity in the subjecting of the preforms to cooling air is conducted. This takes place such that with simultaneous heating and cooling a basically constant surface temperature of the preform is attained. In addition, the intensity of heat radiation can be regulated for adaptation to at least one operating parameter.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method produces an integral three-dimensional object from a multiplicity of cross sectional portions of the object by selectively exposing successive layers of a liquid photoformable composition to actinic radiation. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing the composition so as to present a free surface, and a movable platform disposed within the vessel below the free surface. Part of the composition is transferred above the free surface by lowering and raising a dispenser at predetermined positions located away from the platform. A doctor blade contacts the composition transferred above the free surface, and then moves over the platform to form a substantially uniform layer of the composition.

Abstract: An uncured epoxy adhesive comprising a resin component, a hardener component, and a microencapsulated accelerator component. The microencapsulated accelerator component comprises an infrared absorber, an accelerator and a wall that covers substantially the entire surface of the accelerator. The epoxy adhesive is cured by exposing it to infrared energy. The infrared energy is absorbed by the infrared absorber which disintegrates the wall and allows the accelerator to come into contact with the other adhesive components and initiate the curing polymerization reaction.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for rapid forming of a ceramic green part. It is based upon an effect, that nano-scaled oxide colloid can be gelled by drying. Slurry can be obtained by mixing the oxide colloid with ceramic powder and dissolved agent. After paving a slurry film on a platform, a focused high-energy beam scans over the surface of said slurry film; the irradiated portion will be dried and build a two-dimensional (2-D) pattern. In addition, another slurry film is paved on the finished 2-D pattern layer. The high-energy beam scans once more on slurry film locally; another 2-D pattern is built. This built pattern can be connected with the pattern beneath it. After multiple repetitions of this procedure a three-dimensional (3-D) part can be formed. Because gelling is an irreversible reaction, the gelled portion of slurry won't be dissolved in water. Therefore, the non-gelled slurry can be separated from the gelled ceramic green part by flushing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing plastic articles comprising preheating a metal mold (10) using infrared energy to establish a casting temperature, casting plastic material onto the preheated mold surface, fusing the plastic into a substantially uniform layer using infrared energy, cooling the metal mold using evaporative cooling, and removing the cast plastic article from said metal mold (10).

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, features can be directly imprinted into the surface of a solid substrate. Specifically, a substrate is directly imprinted with a desired pattern by the steps of providing a mold having a molding surface to imprint the pattern, disposing the molding surface adjacent or against the substrate surface to be imprinted, and irradiating the substrate surface with radiation to soften or liquefy the surface. The molding surface is pressed into the softened or liquefied surface to directly imprint the substrate. The substrate can be any one of a wide variety of solid materials such as semiconductors, metals, or polymers. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is silicon, the laser is a UV laser, and the mold is transparent to the UV radiation to permit irradiation of the silicon workpiece through the transparent mold. Using this method, applicants have directly imprinted into silicon large area patterns with sub-10 nanometer resolution in sub-250 nanosecond processing time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel solid dosage unit, preferably in the form of a film or thin troche, containing at least one pharmaceutical agent, and its method of manufacture, which involves introduction of a fluid containing at least one non-volatile material, such as a polymeric film forming substance, a volatile carrier and at least one pharmaceutical agent into a depression or cavity comprising the major element of the packaging film for the finished dosage unit (s), and removing the volatile carrier from the cavity by exposure to radiant energy, whereby the remaining non-volatile residue comprises the desired dosage unit. The packaging film can be subsequently lidded by conventional sealing methods to produce packaged dosage units which are suitable for sublingual and other oral applications.

Abstract: Methods for bending preformed thermoplastic extrusions having at least one cavity comprise filling at least one of the extrusion cavities with polymer foam and curing the foam within the filled cavity. An extrusion is heated to allow plastic deformation and then smoothly bent over a mandrill to impart a desired curved shape. Following cooling to below the extrusion's plastic deformation temperature on the mandrill, smoothly curved extrusions are removed for cooling to room temperature. Cured polymer foam within an extrusion cavity resists distortion of the cavity during the bending process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for creating cure gradients in golf balls and golf ball cores by the application of high temperatures from infrared radiation. The hardness gradients are created in the outer skin wherein the outer 0.001 to 0.040 inches of the core has a different hardness than the rest of the core. The same hardness gradients can be applied to the outer skin of any intermediate or cover layers. The skin can either be harder or softer than the rest of the component. The skins can be compounded by materials that will be reactive at temperatures produced by infrared radiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of magnetic tape are disclosed. Magnetic tape may be dispensed from a first reel and taken up from a second reel, with the segment between the first and second reels held in tension while heat is applied. Magnetic tape that has been so treated will deform less during actual use.

Abstract: Three dimensional objects are formed by scanning a liquid thermosensitive resin with a laser beam causing imagewise heating of the resin. Because thermosensitive compositions do not obey the law of linear superposition, the problem of stray exposure is eliminated allowing the thermal polymerization of any point within the volume of the liquid without affecting adjacent points.

Abstract: A method for making an enhanced intrinsic polarizer from a polymeric sheet having an original length and comprising a hydroxylated linear high polymer includes stretching the polymeric sheet to a stretched length of from greater than 5.0 times to about 7.0 times the original length, introducing a suitable dehydration catalyst to the polymeric sheet, and heating the polymeric sheet and the catalyst to effect partial dehydration of the polymeric sheet wherein light absorbing, vinylene block segments are formed.

Abstract: A method for marking a product for detecting unauthorized imitations of the product, in particular of electrical switchgear equipment and the like. A color imprint is applied to an outer or inner surface of a housing of the switchgear or the like. The color imprint contains pigments that can be detected only by special methods, for example infrared examination and the like.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluoropolymer compound plate comprises the steps of: combining a fluoropolymer sheet and a medium plate as a fluoropolymer compound plate; transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a preheat section for being heated uniformly in a lower tension, transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a melting section for heating the fluoropolymer sheet of the fluoropolymer compound plate; transferring the fluoropolymer compound plate to a pressing section by rollers; and compressing and annealing the fluoropolymer compound plate. A device for performing the method comprises a plurality of tension adjusting axial seats; a plurality of roller; a pair of first guide wheels; an upper and a lower layer radiating heater; a third guide wheel set; an upper and a lower layer high temperature radiating heater; a guiding roller; a shaping heater; a plurality of temperature controller roller sets and a product winding wheel.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming an array of caps for attachment to a wafer which includes a plurality of microfabricated devices. The method includes sandwiching a sheet (134) of thermoplastic material between upper and lower molds (102, 104), heating the sheet to a plastic state and molding the sheet into caps. The molds (102, 104) are preferably formed of silicon and infrared radiation is preferably used to heat the sheet (134).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photochromic molded article which comprises the steps of: filling a mold with a photopolymerizable monomer composition containing a photopolymerizable monomer, a photoinitiator and a photochromic compound capable of coloring upon UV irradiation; pre-heating the composition to a temperature which reduces or prevents coloration of the photochromic compound during the subsequent photopolymerization step; and photopolymerizing the composition under irradiation with a light comprising a UV portion and a UV-visible portion.

Abstract: We have determined that strength characteristics of elastic strand improve when the strand is heated. Thus, the present invention is directed to improving strength characteristics of an elastic strand by heating the strand. The strand may be heated by thermal conduction and/or convection, by irradiative methods using, for example, infrared or microwave radiation, or some combination of these. If the elastic strand is made at a location different from the location where the strand is used as a raw material, the strand may be heated at either location, or both locations. Furthermore, the strand may be heated in-line, i.e. as part of the process that makes the strand or the process that uses the strand as a raw material, or off-line, i.e. in a step separate from either of the aforementioned processes. Finally, in addition to heat treating the strand, the strand's exposure to water or water vapor may be regulated to reduce or eliminate strength degradation.

Abstract: The invention is a method of a sheet (134) of thermoplastic material between upper and lower molds (102, 104), heating the sheet to a plastic state using electromagnetic radiation and molding the sheet. The molds (102, 104) are preferably formed of silicon and infrared radiation is preferably used to heat the sheet (134).

Abstract: A method of treating reaction injection molded polyurethane, polyurethane/urea and polyurea polymers comprising exposing a reaction injection molded polyurethane, polyurethane/urea or polyurea polymer to an amount of infrared energy sufficient to increase the temperature of the polymer to at least 175° C., and then maintaining the temperature of the polymer at or above that temperature, for a time sufficient to increase the Gardner impact property, as measured using ASTMD-3029, when compared to the same polymer which has been heated to the same temperature and maintained thereat for the same time in a convection oven. The invention produces marked improvements in impact, heat sag and heat distortion temperature properties, and thus is particularly suited to rapid preparation of parts using a mass production conveyor and is particularly well-suited to preparation of parts which are to be subjected to later high temperature processes, such as the “E-coat” process.

Abstract: A method of bonding tubular members comprising the steps of, providing a first generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, the first tubular member including a support member encased in a substrate material, the support member having a plurality of filaments providing a second generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, stripping a portion of the substrate material of the first tubular member from the filaments of the support member of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion thereof to create a plurality of exposed filaments, inserting the exposed filaments into the lumen of the second tubular member, positioning the bonding portion of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion of the second tubular member, and heating the bonding portion of the first tubular member and the bonding

Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensional bodies of a large number of mutually connected layers of a particle-shaped material such as a powder, and where the information of the appearance of each layer is achieved from a computer's CAD-unit or similar. An essentially even particle layer (7) of building material is applied on a support base (6) and on a masking device (9) is arranged a masking pattern in accordance with the information from the CAD-unit, which masking device is led over said particle layer and close to it. A radiation producer (8) is arranged or is led over the masking device (9), whereby the particles which are not covered by the masking pattern are exposed for radiation and thereby are attached to each other. The masking pattern is removed from the masking device and new sequences in accordance with the above are carried through until the three-dimensional body (19) is produced.

Abstract: Rubber plugs, which are to be used with medical containers or medical devices, are produced by forming a vulcanizable, mixed rubber compound, vulcanizing a resultant formed rubber compound, treating the rubber plug with steam of high temperature and high pressure, treating the rubber plugs in an aqueous solution which has been adjusted to be acidic, rinsing the rubber plugs with high-quality water, washing the rubber plugs with a shower of dust- and germ-free water, and drying the rubber plugs by at least one of far infrared radiation and high frequency heating. The process makes it possible to reduce the number of insoluble fine particles, which are attracted on a surface of each rubber plug, to an extremely low level and moreover, remove (or deactivate) pyrogen substances on and in the vicinity of the surface of the rubber plug.

Abstract: Small particles of polymeric material are produced by expansion of a mixture of monomers and a propellant. The size and shape of the particles can be precisely tailored by materials selection and expansion conditions. Particles of 10 nanometers to 100 microns can be produced. If monomers exhibiting solid state reactivity are utilized, the particles thus formed can be polymerized at any time after formation. The particles produced by this method can be molecularly imprinted by incorporating a template into the particle prior to fully curing the particle, in a manner which allows selective extraction of the template from the cured particle after formation without deformation of the imprint site. A two step polymerization process allows the particles to be deposited on and adhered to a wide variety of substrates without additional agents.

Abstract: A process and a device for shaping and processing pipes. The device contains a carriage assembly and a plurality of bending units. The process includes the steps of moving a plurality of bending units freely along the pipes and performing a plurality of simultaneous bending operations using the adjustable bending units on the pipes. This process can also include the steps of engaging two end sections of the pipes using one of the plurality of bending units and applying at least one additional bending unit to the pipe corresponding to a number of further bending operations planned. With the device, there can also be a plurality of tracks to guide the carriage assembly. In addition the bending units can also comprise robots for shaping the pipes. These pipes can be heated before, during or after they are bent.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a molded crystalline resin article which enables a higher crystallization degree and to mass-produce the molded crystalline resin articles. The method comprises molding a molded resin article from a thermoplastic resin containing a crystalline resin followed by performing a heating process to obtain a molded crystalline resin article having a surface layer whose crystallization index is 0.9 or higher when determined by IR spectrometry. It is preferable that the temperature of the heating process is within the range of 20° C. lower than the crystallization temperature of the molded resin article to 30° C. higher than the crystalline temperature, and that the crystalline resin is a polypropylene resin.

Abstract: A mold assembly (100) formed of a pair of molds (102, 104) and a pair of release plates (118, 120). The molds (102, 104) have holes (126) which extend from outer surfaces into the mold cavities (106). The release plates (118, 120) have pins (122, 124) which pass into the holes (126, 128). When molding is finished, the molds (102, 104) are moved toward the release plates (118, 120). The pins (122, 124) contact the molded article(s) (134) and hold them in position as the molds (102, 104) are withdrawn.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the melt extrusion of a molten thermoplastic polymer, e.g., as fibers and nonwoven webs, which apparatus and method utilize ultrasonic energy to assist in the melt-extrusion process. The apparatus includes a die housing which defines a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the molten thermoplastic polymer. The die housing includes a chamber adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer, an inlet orifice adapted to supply the chamber with the molten thermoplastic polymer, and an extrusion orifice adapted to receive the molten thermoplastic polymer from the chamber and extrude the polymer. The means for applying ultrasonic energy is located within the chamber. The method involves supplying a molten thermoplastic polymer and extruding the molten thermoplastic polymer through an extrusion orifice in the foregoing apparatus to form a threadline.

Abstract: An alkali metal-containing niobate-based piezoelectric material composition comprises a solid solution represented by a composition formula (ANbO3) (A: alkali metal), and at least one additive selected from Cu, Li and Ta.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a plastic optical fiber by heating and drawing either one end portion of a transparent plastic rod, a plastic optical fiber having a cross sectional form approximately similar to the cross sectional form of the transparent plastic rod, the transparent plastic rod is heated by exposing near infrared ray which is radiated from a near infrared ray source. This can prevent the plastic optical fiber from causing to blow many bubbles on the surface and heat degradation to allow the plastic optical fiber to be obtained with a high quality.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided for preparing a substrate for adhering a material onto the surface of the substrate. The surface of the substrate to be prepared is exposed to electromagnetic radiation comprising ultra-violet radiation, whereby the substrate surface is decontaminated and/or modified by exposure to the ultra-violet radiation. Also disclosed is the use of an electro-ionization device, such as a Corona discharge device, and/or an infra-red radiation source in conjunction with electromagnetic radiation to modify the surface of the substrate to be prepared. Additionally, the use of gaseous components to modify the chemical functionalities on the substrate's surface is described. The invention has diverse applications, including, shoe fabrication, aircraft and space vehicle manufacture, automobile manufacturing and deposition of biochemical samples onto microarray well-plates.

Abstract: A plastic optical element producing method produces a plastic optical element by an ejection molding, and includes the step of cooling an optical surface of the plastic optical element with priority in a state where a temperature of the plastic optical element is within a predetermined temperature range which is less than or equal to a glass transition temperature of the resin material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using spinel pigments to increase the infrared heat-up rates of thermoplastic resins and specifically polyester bottle resins. In particular, the method comprises adding spinel pigments to polymerized resins to increase the reheat rates of the resulting polyester pre-forms. When uniformly distributed, these spinel pigments absorb applied energy and thereupon transfer the energy to the polyester.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditioning stage. A group of the thermoplastic sheets are selected from the plurality of thermoplastic sheets and rapidly heated to a second temperature in a final heat stage. The group of thermoplastic sheets are then processed in a forming stage to form the low permeation plastic container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using spinel pigments to increase the infrared heat-up rates of thermoplastic resins and specifically polyester bottle resins. In particular, the method comprises adding spinel pigments to polymerized resins to increase the reheat rates of the resulting polyester pre-forms. When uniformly distributed, these spinel pigments absorb applied energy and thereupon transfer the energy to the polyester.

Abstract: Methods of thermal annealing of plastic pieces immediately after hot melt forming are disclosed to accelerate the time required to achieve dimensional stability. The present methods include the essential steps of: (A) forming molten plastic into molded plastic pieces and rapidly cooling to below the melting point of the plastic in a mold to form shaped cooled plastic pieces; (B) immediately thereafter, heating the plastic pieces to a temperature of about 150° to 170° F. (65.5° to 80° C.) to form heated plastic pieces; and, thereafter, (C) cooling the heated plastic pieces to room temperature to form thermally annealed plastic pieces. Tn its product aspect, the present invention resides in physically aged thermoplastic pieces having reduced rates of age shrinkage.

Abstract: A method for re-using unneeded expanded styrene and an apparatus for preparing comminuted expanded styrene that can be used as a starting material for injection molding. The expanded styrene is rendered re-usable through a first step of comminuting expanded styrene, a second step of illuminating far-infra-red light to the expanded styrene comminuted by the first step to reduce its volume, a third step of further comminuting expanded styrene, reduced in volume by the second step, to prepare a granulated material, and a fourth step of injection-molding the granulated material from the third step to prepare a regenerated article.

Abstract: A process and device for resurfacing damaged compact discs by melting a thin layer of the optical surface of said compact disc so that it reflows and fills any scratches or other imperfections. The result is a smooth and optically transparent surface equivalent to the condition of a new compact disc.

Abstract: A method for re-using unneeded expanded styrene and an apparatus for preparing comminuted expanded styrene that can be used as a starting material for injection molding. The expanded styrene is rendered re-usable through a first step of comminuting expanded styrene, a second step of illuminating far-infra-red light to the expanded styrene comminuted by the first step to reduce its volume, a third step of further comminuting expanded styrene, reduced in volume by the second step, to prepare a granulated material, and a fourth step of injection-molding the granulated material from the third step to prepare a regenerated article.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional reinforcement shape. The process comprises the steps of (1) operating a multiple-channel material deposition device for dispensing a liquid adhesive composition and selected reinforcement materials at predetermined proportions onto a work surface; (2) during the material deposition process, moving the deposition device and the work surface relative to each other in an X-Y plane defined by first and second directions and in a Z direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane so that the materials are deposited to form a first layer of the shape; (3) repeating these steps to deposit multiple layers for forming a three-dimensional preform shape; and (4) periodically hardening the adhesive to rigidize individual layers of the preform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for generating a marking on an effect coating or molding compound comprising cholesteric liquid-crystalline main-chain or side-group polymers or comprising a combination of main-chain and side-group polymers, which comprises inducing a color change at the irradiated sites of the effect coating or molding compound by laser irradiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the durability of lubricating layers on the surfaces of disks. The lubricating layers on the disks are exposed to ultraviolet and infrared radiation of sufficient duration and energy to reduce the total thickness of the layer but retain at least about 40% of the thickness of the remaining layer in bonded form. The useable lifetime of the lubricating surface is prolonged by treatment of the lubricating layer in this manner.

Abstract: A method of heat-setting garments by boarding the garment and subjecting it to preselected temperatures that are different for different parts of the garment and an apparatus for carrying out this method are provided.

Abstract: A calendering apparatus and method for heatsetting a traveling multi-filament tow basically utilizes plural heated rolls about which the tow travels in a sinuous path to be conductively heated by the rolls and, at each roll, a plurality of infrared lamps in an arcuate arrangement facing the portion of the respective roll in contact with the tow simultaneously applies infrared radiation to the opposite side of the tow. In one embodiment, this arrangement of infrared lamps is retrofitted to a conventional calendering apparatus. An alternative embodiment provides for reducing or eliminating the number of calender rolls followed by a series of infrared heating tunnels collectively effective to accomplish heatsetting of the tow. The speed and/or throughput rate of each calendering apparatus and method is effectively twice that of conventional equipment of similar size.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluororesin-coating process, which comprises the steps of inserting a base having powder of the fluororesin on its surface in the interior of a cylindrical face transfer member, and heating both base and face transfer member by means of an infrared heater from the outside of the face transfer member, thereby heating them in a state that the fluororesin powder layer is pressed by the face transfer member making good use of a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the base and the face transfer member to form a fluororesin layer.

Abstract: A plastic sheet capable of being shaped by a cold room temperature tool, said sheet being a semi-rigid thermoformable plastic foam doped with carbon black having a concentration within a range of 0.0000081 to 0.0081% by weight of the foam. And a method of forming a product from such sheet by heating it to its thermoforming temperature range by infrared (IR) heat and placing and compressing the sheet between mold parts of a cold tool, the IR heat preferably being generated by quartz lamp electric heaters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for heating polymer material, including irradiation of said polymer material with infrared radiation. In accordance with the process according to the invention the infrared radiation has wave lengths which substantially are not equal to the absorption peaks of the polymer material in respect of infrared radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for manufacturing a fiber product. The method and the process are characterized in that a first male mold (6) is immersed in stock in a molding tank (2a). By means of a vacuum, fibers are induced to form a fiber layer of predetermined thickness on the male mold (6). The male mold (6) is thereafter removed from the molding tank (2a) and a female mold (8) is brought under force against the male mold (6) in order to express the stock water, following which the fiber product (P) is transferred to the female mold (8). A second male mold (10) is brought under force against the female mold (8) so that the fiber is subjected to pressing in order to increase the dry solids content of the fiber product and give this a predetermined external structure, following which the fiber product (P) is released and subjected to final drying under the effect of microwave or IR radiation.

Abstract: A machine for heat staking utilizes an infrared heat lamp to direct radiant energy onto a plastic stud to heat and soften the plastic material prior to the staking punch impacting the stud. In a first embodiment of the invention, the lamp is mounted directly above and in coaxial alignment with the staking punch such that the lamp points downward toward the plastic stud. An annular reflector is positioned in a radially surrounding relationship to the stud such that all of the radiant energy emitted by the lamp strikes the reflector and is redirected radially inward onto the stud. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, an infrared lamp is mounted on a non-moving portion of the staking press machinery and one or more fiber-optic cables extend from the lamp to the vicinity of the stud. The fiber-optic cables gather substantially all of the radiant energy produced by the lamp and direct it onto the stud.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the durability of lubricating layers on the surfaces of disks. The lubricating layers on the disks are exposed to ultraviolet and infrared radiation of sufficient duration and energy to reduce the total thickness of the layer but retain at least about 40% of the thickness of the remaining layer in bonded form. The useable lifetime of the lubricating surface is prolonged by treatment of the lubricating layer in this manner.