Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a blow molded plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, including heating the neck of the container and bending the heated neck of the container.

Abstract: There is provided a power transmission belt which comprises a compression layer and an adhesive rubber layer which are adhered to each other by vulcanizing together and which has polyester fiber cords embedded in the adhesive rubber layer, wherein the compression layer and the adhesive rubber layer are formed of vulcanizate of an ethylene-&agr;-olefin-diene rubber compound and wherein the polyester fiber cords are adhesion treated with a resorcin-formalin-rubber latex adhesive composition wherein the rubber latex comprises at least one of chlorosulfonated polyethylene and alkylated chlorosulfonated polyethylene in an amount of 50-100% by weight based on the solid components of the rubber latex and adhered to and embedded in the adhesive rubber layer. A process for the production of such power transmission belt is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method for forming balloons with improved dimensional stability and balloons formed by the same. The method of the present invention provides for a very accurate control of the temperature profile of the balloon material during its making. The attributes of the balloon can be affected by how the balloon is treated during the blowing stage and after the initial blowing, i.e., heat-setting. Using the present method, the balloon will form more uniformly and evenly (e.g., wall thickness and outer diameter of the balloon). The present method significantly increases the dimensional stability of the balloon which provides a balloon that is more predictable, in use. The present heat-set process also provides the means for the working length to be located more accurately on dilation catheters and stent delivery systems.

Abstract: A tie bag having improved tie features is provided by increasing the thickness of the tie features as compared to the bag thickness.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket on a pipe of thermoplastic material is disclosed. In the process, an end section of the pipe is heated in a heating station. Then, the pipe is transferred to a socket-forming station having a socket-forming mandrel. This is followed by the socket-forming mandrel being introduced into the pipe end section, heated to a suitable socket-forming temperature, and the end section being formed into a socket. Prior to the pipe end section being heated in the heating station, a support is introduced into the end section in order to internally support the end section. The support remains in the end section after the socket-forming mandrel is introduced into the pipe and in the process the support is pushed deeper into the pipe.

Abstract: A multi-layered plastic pipe particularly suitable for use as an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine is provided. The present pipe includes a hollow plastic core, at least one spacer member provided on the hollow plastic core and an outer layer integrally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow plastic core excepting the spacer member. The spacer member is preferably formed from a plastic material, and the outer layer is also formed from a plastic material. There is also provided a method for manufacturing a multi-layered plastic pipe using a spacer member to prevent a hollow plastic core placed in a mold cavity from being deformed when a molted plastic material is supplied into the mold cavity under pressure.

Abstract: A process for orienting and drawing multiple-layer thermoplastic materials, in particular of a tubular type, wherein a tube exiting from a heating tunnel is brought up to an orienting temperature of a first material having the highest orienting temperature, while the material of the remaining layers is still in a plastic state. The first material is subjected to a first partial drawing process, while the remaining layers plastically deform to follow its expansion. The temperature of the tube is dropped to the orienting temperature of a second layer and a second layer is drawn, while at the same time continuing to draw the previous layer. Steps of dropping the temperature and drawing the second layer are repeated for the subsequent layers, until the maximum allowable degree of drawing is achieved for each layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a filter element having a filter portion and a flange portion formed along an outer periphery of the filter portion to protrude outwardly. First, a corrugated intermediate product having plural ridges of the filter element is formed by folding. Next, the flange portion is formed integrally with the filter portion by pressing an outer peripheral portion of the intermediate product at a high temperature. While the flange portion is formed, each of sides of the intermediate product extending in parallel with the ridges is restricted to a position corresponding to a shape of the filter element by plural forming jigs. Therefore, sides of the flange portion extending in parallel with the ridges are formed simultaneously when the flange portion is formed and do not need to be trimmed after forming. As a result, a material of the filter element is less wasted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a splittable medical device incorporating two sets of preferential tear lines. The first set of preferential tear lines preferably includes two longitudinally extending skives formed along the exterior surface of the proximal portion of the splittable medical device. The second set of preferential tear lines preferably includes a plurality of grooves formed along a distal portion of the interior portion of the splittable medical device. The skives should be substantially aligned with some of the grooves. This configuration facilitates splitting of the medical device along the skives and along one or more of the grooves to allow a clinician to split the medical device completely into two pieces. This invention includes a special mandrel having a plurality of ribs formed along a distal portion thereof and process that is used to manufacture the splittable medical device.

Abstract: This invention relates to the post-extrusion processing of extruded profiles in an economic manner. The first process step involves heating at least a portion of the extruded profile in a preheated profile heating means to a first temperature at which the essentially linear profile becomes formable or pliable or bendable, yet which still has at least some degree of structural integrity at this point which permits it to be physically manipulated without compressing the profile by the application of external pressure or by the weight of gravity itself. This first temperature is less than a subsequent second temperature, at which the profile becomes melt processable effecting radial expansion under pressure or melt fusion under pressure. At least one end of the profile remains unheated, and preferably, two ends remain unheated.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having an ultra-thin stretch blow molded balloon membrane. The balloon membrane is made from thermoplastic elastomeric and/or semicrystalline materials such as but not limited to polyurethane and polyetheramid.

Abstract: Microcontact printing stamp which achieves both the required dimensional integrity for pattern faithfulness and desired mechanical properties, primarily high elastic modulus. With vinyl addition-type siloxane precursor mixtures, where crosslinking (curing) can take place at either room temperature or higher temperature, a two-step cure produces the desired combination of properties. The article is cured at room temperature for an extended period and then cured at a higher temperature of about 60° C. The resulting stamp has desirable properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoforming a thermoplastic article comprises an extrusion die for extruding a sheet of thermoplastic and a rotating wheel having at least one mold member. The mold member includes a male mold or forming cavity for receiving at least a portion of a substantially non-oriented (i.e., non-tensioned) thermoplastic sheet. The mold member is selectively heated and/or cooled during thermoforming to maintain the sheet in a molten or thermoformable state. The mold member also comprises a stripper plate maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature distribution for inducing a predetermined degree of crystallinity to the sheet. The stripper plate enables the articles to be separated from the mold without distortion. In one embodiment, the thermoformed article has at least two and preferably at least three distinct regions of thermally-induced crystallinity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferring a cup shape to the terminal junction segment of pipes that are bi-axially oriented longitudinally and circumferentially and hence very sensitive to diameter and length reduction through heat. The apparatus includes a furnace which heats the segment to a differentiated temperature, increasing towards the end of the segment such that the inner diameter of the terminal segment progressively drops down to a controlled value as temperature increases (whilst length of the pipe is simultaneously reduced, with a corresponding increase in thickness of the wall of the terminal segment). Preferably then, in an appropriate station, an additional heating is executed to a plastic deformation temperature suited to obtain a correct preliminary dilation of the terminal segment, upon introducing a rigid element which acts as inner contrast, thereby inhibiting any retraction thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A plastic molding for use in an optical device, a method of producing the molding by injection molding, and an apparatus for practicing the method are disclosed. Only a part of a molding expected to sink is surely caused to sink while, e.g., a mirror surface is surely transferred to a desired part of the molding.

Abstract: A process and a device for the injection molding of plastic objects of thermoplastic, duraplastic, or elastomeric material implements the steps of: a) injecting a sufficient quantity of molten plastic into cavity (2) of a mold (1) along a melt flow path, which extends from a unit (4,5) for plasticizing and injecting the plastic through a plastic injection nozzle (3) into mold (1); b) introducing a pressurized fluid, particularly a pressurized gas, from a wall (7) of cavity (2) through at least one fluid injection element (6), so that a fluid blanket (8) forms between wall (7) of cavity (2) and the plastic introduced into the mold; c) allowing the molded part thus produced to harden; d) relieving the cavity (2) of the pressure of the pressurized fluid; and e) demolding the molded part. It is provided according to the invention that at least one surface projection (9) is provided in the mold (1), on the cavity wall (7), such that its upper plateau (10) runs extensively parallel to the cavity wall (7).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multilayered plastic pipe particularly suitable for use as an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a hollow plastic core, providing at least one spacer member on the hollow plastic core, supplying a molten plastic material into a mold cavity and applying a compression force to the material inside the cavity to form an outer layer integrally on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow plastic core. The spacer member prevents the hollow plastic core in the mold cavity from being deformed when a molten plastic material is supplied into the mold cavity under pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for conferring a cup shape to the terminal junction segment of pipes that are bi-axially oriented longitudinally and circumferentially and hence very sensitive to diameter and length reduction through heat. The apparatus includes a furnace which heats the segment to a differentiated temperature, increasing towards the end of the segment such that the inner diameter of the terminal segment progressively drops down to a controlled value as temperature increases (whilst length is simultaneously reduced, with a corresponding increase in thickness of the wall of the terminal segment). Preferably then, in an appropriate station, an additional heating is executed to a plastic deformation temperature suited to obtain a correct preliminary dilation of the terminal segment upon introducing a rigid element which acts as inner contrast, thereby inhibiting any retraction thereof.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing thermoplastic tubes from hollow thermoplastic sleeves by a variety of different manufacturing processes. The machine used in the method is a single apparatus having an indexing device with a plurality of mandrels for holding hollow thermoplastic sleeves for the purpose of transporting the same around a closed manufacturing path. The method involves advancing sleeves around the closed manufacturing path to form tubes from the sleeves.

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 molding apparatus is provided for molding an elongated shaft member. The elongated shaft member (20) comprises: a main body (21) made from synthetic resin material; a hollow portion (22) formed inside of the main body (21), which extends substantially in a direction of a center axis (O1) of the main body; first and second shaft portions (23) formed at ends of the main body (21) respectively, which are smaller in diameter than the main body (21); and through-holes (24) formed in the first and second shaft portions (23) respectively, which are substantially coaxial with the center axis (O1). The molding apparatus comprises a mold (26, 27), a medium injection device (50) for injecting a hollow-portion forming medium from a medium injection portion (32), and a resin filling device (40) for filling the cavities with molten resin through a resin injection portion (31).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon portion for a balloon catheter for radially expanding a vessel in the body of a mammal, which catheter comprises a tube portion with a passage therethrough and a hollow expandable balloon portion defined by a fluid impervious wall and secured to the tube portion, which balloon portion can be inflated and deflated by means of a fluid passed through the passage, such that:a. the wall of the balloon portion is formed from a flexible substantially fluid impervious material having re-inforcing fibers formed integrally with the wall material; andb. the balloon portion is preformed to the desired radial diameter at its inflated state having smaller diameter end portions and a wider diameter portion intermediate the said ends and has a substantially uniform wall thickness.

Abstract: A method for forming a socket on a pipe of biaxially oriented polyvinyl chloride including: placing a support in an end section of the pipe, heating the pipe in the region of the end section; deforming the pipe to produce a socket in the region of the heated end section, the heated end section being supported internally while the socket is being formed; cooling the pipe in the region of the end section, the end section being supported internally during the cooling operation; and removing the support from the pipe. For the purpose of heating the internally supported end section of the pipe, the end section is first heated until the end section has reached, substantially homogeneously, the glass transition temperature of polyvinyl chloride and is then further heated until the end section has reached, substantially homogeneously, a temperature near, preferably just above, the orientation temperature of polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A headed thermoplastic tube is formed solely from a thermoplastic extruded, stretched, sleeve by positioning the sleeve over a forming mandrel so the sleeve has an exposed portion. While rotating the forming mandrel which holds the sleeve, the inner surface of the exposed portion of the sleeve is heated above the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material to render the inner surface molten while the outer surface provides support for the exposed portion of the sleeve. The heated exposed portion is then shaped into a conical shape, such as by heating the outer surface, the rotation of the mandrel is stopped and pressure applied to the conical shaped exposed portion to form a headed thermoplastic tube. The headed tubes produced have a body portion, shoulder portion and neck portion, without any seams, all of which are formed from the starting thermoplastic extruded, stretched sleeve.

Abstract: A headed thermoplastic tube having a closure member is formed solely from a thermoplastic extruded, stretched sleeve by positioning the sleeve over a forming mandrel with an exposed portion and heating the exposed portion. The heated exposed portion is shaped into a head in a single step by contacting the exposed portion with a closure means which is later retained on the head after initial contact. The internal cavity of the closure means, which may have threads or grooves formed in the internal cavity, is made of an incompatible material to facilitate the forming of a head in said cavity. The closure means may also have tamper evident features.

Abstract: A method for bending a component made of a thermoplastic material. The component involved is in particular a sleeve-shaped component for a personal care appliance such as a dental care apparatus or the like. For the component to be bent it is heated up to the plastic's softening point. The component is brought into engagement with a forming rail and, during a relative movement of the component and the forming rail, is bent against the forming rail by means of a bending tool. As this occurs, the engagement surface between the component and the forming rail varies continuously.

Abstract: Cosmetic/pharmaceutical/hygienic compositions (e.g., lipcolors) are formulated as homogeneous and stable, supple dough extrudates, said supple dough extrudates having at least one thermally-unmodified but normally heat-sensitive compound (for example a volatile compound and/or a compound having a low flash point) and at least one elevated melting temperature T compound (for example a wax) homogeneously distributed therethrough.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus in which decorative ribbons of varying thickness, width, and material can be automatically curled. The apparatus serves to impart a tendency to curl the strand in a helical formation by drawing the ribbon in a helical path around a curling tube. The tube is divided into two parts, so that the first part heats the ribbon while in a helical configuration and the second part cools the ribbon while still in the helical configuration, thereby setting into the ribbon material a tendency to curl. The helical path on the tube is defined between convolutions of a helically-wound fin on the exterior of the tube. The tube is hollow and has apertures opening into the helical path, so that temperature-controlled air may be blown into the two parts of the path through the hollow interior of the tube.

Abstract: A method of producing a tubular container which can efficiently and integrally produce a thinly walled neck section on the tubular container without altering the appearance and profile of the container. The method of producing a tubular container comprises the first step of arranging a thinly walled tube to a tube holder, the second step of softening the inside of the front end of the thinly walled tube, the third step of shrinking the front end of the thinly walled tube, and the fourth step of forming a neck section and a shoulder section to the front end of the thinly walled tube by means of a male mold. After heating the thinly walled tube with hot air, the air is drawn and removed, and the outer wall surface is cooled so as to make the subsequent steps to be conducted smoothly and efficiently. Since hot air is drawn after heating the outer wall surface, a thinly walled tapered shoulder section can be produced without altering the appearance and profile of the tubular container.

Abstract: Methods for pre-shaping paint film laminates and co-molding processes using such laminates are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of providing (e.g., forming or procuring) a plastic paint film laminate, softening the paint film laminate with heat such that one or more localized portions of the member absorb more heat than the remainder, and deforming the plastic film member to form a pre-shaped article. The formation of different heat absorption areas on the paint film laminate is referred to as the provision of heat sink areas. These heat sink areas can be provided for example by surface coating of heat retention means such as black paint or ink pigments on localized areas of the surface of the laminate followed by uniform heating of the laminate in an oven or the like or the sheet can be heated in localized areas to a greater extent (i.e. time and/or temperature) than in remainder portions by the means of heat guns or the like.

Abstract: Oil resistant adhesive compositions and nonwoven articles comprising an adhesive prepared from polymeric dimer fatty acid polyamide resins which are especially suited for use in the elastic attachment of disposable nonwoven products and particularly for leg or waist bond closures for disposable products such as diapers are disclosed.

Abstract: An oriented splittable film which contains nylon and meta-xylylene adipamide at a weight ratio of 40-85:15-60 and which was oriented with a magnification above 2.8 times in both directions of MD and TD. Examples of nylon include nylon 66, nylon 6-66 copolymer and so on. Under this manufacturing method for an oriented splittable film, when a raw film is heated in a biaxially orienting process, such as the tubular method, the heating temperature at the side part of the film, in the direction of film width,,when folding the bubbles, is controlled along the circumference direction of the bubbles so that it is lower than the heating temperature of the part of the film which is used later as a product.

Abstract: Composite polymeric articles, which may be in layer or film form, comprise a larger portion of a polymer which is water soluble at 20.degree. C. against a smaller proportion of a polymer which is substantially water-insoluble at that temperature. For example, a layer product may have a thin layer (e.g. less than 5 microns) of insoluble polymer superimposed on a thicker layer (e.g. at least 20 microns) of soluble polymer. Both polymers are conveniently polyvinyl alcohol, which is non-toxic and useful in a number of domestic applications, e.g. as a diaper backing sheet. The insoluble portion gives water resistance but negligible mechanical strength; the soluble part gives the mechanical strength. On dissolution of the soluble portion, the insoluble portion disintegrates mechanically. Articles may be made by co-extrusion or by molding.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: The relationship between the average degree of roughness of the faces of rough appearance, expressed in microns, and the percentage by weight of units derived from vinyl acetate in the copolymer of which the film consists is greater than 0.019.The film is extruded in the form of an extruded sleeve which is cooled in the die by a circulation of a coolant fluid whose temperature T satisfies the relationship: ##EQU1## in which Tc is the temperature at which the Napierian logarithm of the relationship between the length at break and the initial length of a test specimen of the copolymer has a value of 87% of its value at 180.degree.Tm is the mean temperature of the copolymer as it leaves the diea is equal to 0.24G is given by the relationship .rho..times.Cp.times.V.times.H.sup.2 /.lambda..times.Lin which.rho. is the density of the copolymerCp is the specific heat of the copolymerV is the mean flow velocity of the copolymer through the extrusion dieH is the height of the gap between the core and the extrusion die.

Abstract: A temperature regulating system for a cyclic processor that consists of a mould having at least one internal passageway for receiving temperature regulating fluid, preferably coolant water. Continuous fluid flow will overcool the mould. Therefore, the system normally is set to provide flow only for a part of the cycle, the proportion depending on mould temperature or the fluid exhaust temperature from a previous cycle, preferably the immediately preceding cycle and with an averaged temperature over the cycle. The system also includes a processor fitted with the system, and a method of controlling the temperature of a fluid cooled processor.

Abstract: Method of making multilayer preforms which resist delamination and in a reduced cycle time. A first array of preforms are molded onto a first array of cores in an associated array of mold cavities, the cores and preforms are removed from the mold cavities as soon as possible without significant physical preform deformation, and the preforms are then cooled on the cores while a second array of cores is positioned in the mold cavities. Cooling on the cores prevents delamination of the preform layers and reduces the in-mold cooling time. Providing multiple sets of cores on a rotating turret further reduces the cycle time compared to the prior art use of robotic cooling tubes.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of cooling. The method comprises the steps of positioning material in a liquid state within a chamber. Then, there is the step of providing pressurized fluid about the chamber to form a thermal gradient across the chamber to directionally cool the material within. Preferably, the positioning step includes the step of positioning a mold with a mold chamber having material in a liquid state in the mold chamber, within an interior of a pressure vessel. Preferably, the providing step includes the step of introducing fluid, such as gas, into the pressure vessel such that the fluid that initially enters the pressure vessel is heated to a greater temperature than fluid subsequently introduced into the pressure vessel due to the fluid absorbing heat from the interior of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacturing of plastic pipes has half shells of which two at a time combine as a pair to form a mold. It is provided with a temperature-regulating bell. Supply lines are formed as flexible supply hoses of temperature-resistant plastic material. A line conduit accommodating them is provided with a protecting tube, which accommodates the supply hoses and which is provided with a heat insulation towards an injection head.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for gauging and controlling extruded profiled elements, particularly extruded profiled elements made of synthetic material. The apparatus includes at least one control and correction gauge arrangeable downstream of an extrusion die along the extrusion direction and in which there is a passage shaped so as to match the profile of the extruded profiled element. The passage can be crossed by the extruded profiled element, and there are holes and/or channels for heating and cooling preset regions of the profiled element to correct the profile and/or the internal tensions of the profiled element.

Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system, made of flee-formed prongs joined to an embossed or raised substrate. The prongs taper and are nonperpendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. Each prong has an engaging means projecting laterally from the periphery of the prong. The free formed prongs are manufactured by the process of depositing liquid material onto the embossed or raised portion of a moving substrate, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the embossed or raised substrate and severing the stretched material to form the distal end and engaging means of the prong. The advantageous usage of the fastening system in an article of manufacture, such as a disposable absorbent garment, specifically a diaper, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heated film die for the fabrication of plastic containers such as bags, envelopes, balloons, bladders, etc.. The die is an integrated sectionalized structure having independent, adjacent, electrically heated, temperature regulated, die sections which are maintained at different temperatures, for performing, simultaneously, two or more of operations such as, cutting, staking and forming, in plastic container fabrication. A lower temperature heat sink between adjacent die sections provides thermal isolation between the die sections.

Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system, made of free formed prongs joined to a substrate. The prongs taper and are nonperpendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. Each prong has in engaging means projecting laterally from the periphery of the prong. The free formed prongs are manufactured by the process of depositing liquid material onto a moving substrate, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate and severing the stretched material to form the distal end and engaging means of the prong. The advantageous usage of the fastening system in an article of manufacture, such as a disposable absorbent garment, specifically a diaper, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the film correction of the thickness profile of a blown portion in the production of bubble film in which the flow of cooling air is varied in individual peripheral regions of the film bubble. According to the invention, at least part of the cooling air is taken via an exit slot which is divided into individual separately fed segments in the peripheral direction of the film bubble and the supply of additional cooling air via the exit slot is, for example, controlled per segment using radial blowers. In this manner it is possible accurately to regulate the cooling action and thus the film thickness in the individual peripheral regions of the film bubble.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing molded plastic products wherein the process includes:(a) subjecting a mold to a mold preconditioning stage by heating it to a temperature which is conducive for molding a deformable plastic material therein,(b) introducing a deformable plastic material into or over a cavity defined within the preconditioned mold,(c) molding the deformable plastic material,(d) heat-treating the molded plastic material by subjecting it to a treating temperature (T.sub.O) which is at least equal to about 1.0 times the value of the material's glass transition temperature (T.sub.g), when T.sub.g is expressed in degrees Kelvin,(e) subjecting the mold and the heat-treated material to a rheological transformation process preconditioning stage by adjusting the temperature to one which is conducive for a rheological transformation process,(f) subjecting the preconditioned material to a rheological transformation process, and(f) removing the molded product from the mold.

Abstract: In a method of and an apparatus for manufacturing a tubular thermoplastic resin film having a rough inner surface, the temperature of a mandrel located near a discharge port of a resin passage is set lower than the temperature of a die ring over a limited range in the circumferential direction of the discharge port. A cooling device is provided in the mandrel for cooling the portion of the mandrel located near the discharge port of the resin passage to a temperature lower than the temperature of the portion of the die ring located near the discharge port. The cooling device cools limited areas on the surface of the mandrel. These limited areas are spaced around the circumferential of the discharge port of the resin passage.

Abstract: A biaxial stretch oriented and heat-set film made of thermoplastic is described. The film has, on at least one of its surfaces, a surface roughness (R.sub.a) of greater than 0.003 .mu.m. The surface roughness is the result of an integral texturing of the polymeric film surface. The polymer in the textured area shows essentially the same morphological state as the polymer in the interior of the film itself.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing thermoplastic resin molded optical members comprising a thermoplastic resin material into a mold, defoaming thermoplastic resin material in vacuo at a specific temperature for causing the loaded thermoplastic resin material to melt and to flow, and producing a molded optical member by gradually cooling off the mold in the upward direction from the bottom side while pressurizing the interior of the mold with an inert gas. The inner surface of the mold is preferably preliminarily coated with a release material such as fluoroplastic containing either fluorinated alicyclic group or a fluorinated heterocyclic group in the main chain.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for thermoforming a thermoformable sheet material into a predetermined thermoformed shape. A graphic display is provided upon one side of the thermoformable sheet material, and the apparatus includes first and second die members between which the thermoformable sheet material is secured. A forming cavity is defined within the first die member for accommodating a portion of the thermoformable sheet material when the thermoformable sheet material portion is forced into the forming cavity, and the second die member is provided with a heating plate for heating the thermoformable sheet material to a predetermined temperature in preparation for the thermoforming formation of the thermoformable sheet material into the thermoformed shape within the forming cavity of the first die member.