Abstract: A hydrostatic compression method for producing a fancy log with a decorative and complicated external appearance from a primary wood. In the method, a primary wood having a water content adjusted in the range of 10-80 wt % is brought into a softened state, then the softened wood is compressed with hydrostatic pressure by means of liquid as pressurizing medium. Next, the compressed wood is treated with a fixation means to fix the compressed state. The fixation means can be a shaping jig, a mold, heating in a particular temperature range conducted while constraining the volume relation of compressed wood, cooling down below the softening point of the wood while under pressure, compact-packing together with hard particles into a vessel followed by heating, or a primary wood is chemically treated to form a localized wood-plastics composite before applying hydrostatic compression.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A method for blow down hydroforming sheet material includes hydraulically inflating a seal intermediate a pair of wall members and disposed between a platen and a table in circumscribing relationship with a cavity formed in the platen to seal the cavity and injecting gas into the cavity to urge conformance of the sheet material with a mold placed upon the table.

Abstract: A method for forging, or hot working bulk ceramics, including high temperature superconductors and other sensitive materials, under precisely controlled conditions of pressure, temperature, atmospheric composition, and strain rate. A capsule with massive end plates and with an independent gas supply is located in a modified hot isostatic press (HIP), designed to operate at pressures of up to 200 MPa and at temperatures of up to 1000 C. Essentially uniaxial deformation of a pre-compacted disc with forces of up to 500,000 Newtons (50 tons), and over time scales from seconds to hours can be achieved by separately controlling the pressure in the capsule from that of its surroundings. The separate gas supply to the capsule can also maintain a specified gaseous atmosphere around the disc, up to the operating pressure of the equipment. The apparatus can be designed to tolerate oxygen concentrations of up to 20%.

Abstract: A method for forming ceramic tiles by means of a partially isostatic mold, comprising the following stages: loading the ceramic powder to be pressed into the mold cavity; exerting a uniform pressure on the entire surface of the ceramic powder present in the mold cavity; releasing the pressure and partially opening the mold to facilitate powder deaeration; exerting pressure on a first portion of the surface of the powder contained in the mold cavity; exerting pressure on a second portion of the surface of the powder contained in the mold cavity, while simultaneously nullifying the pressure on said first surface portion of the powder contained in the mold cavity; and alternating the exertion of pressure on said first and on said second portion alternately.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming a single-layer, durably wettable polymeric web having a plurality of apertures. This process comprises melting a mixture of at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one migratable surfactant and extruding the mixture to form a single-layer, substantially continuous polymeric film. The film is then apertured using high pressure fluid flows. Aperture formation is conducted when the single-layer polymeric film has a contact angle of at least about 30.degree., to minimize wash-off of the surfactant impregnated in the polymer web. The invention also relates to durably-wettable apertured webs.

Abstract: A blow molded container is provided which includes a neck portion having locking teeth with features which ensure the proper formation of the teeth. Specifically, the container neck portion includes an annular inclined surface extending from both the upper and lower sides of the teeth, while all edges of the teeth are rounded. The annular inclined surfaces and the rounded edges ensure that the teeth are formed with sufficient material to ensure strong, sturdy teeth devoid of weak areas, holes or cracks. A method of forming the container is also provided which includes rounding all edges of the teeth as a parison abuts molds so as to inhibit undesirable stretching of the material forming the teeth. The method may also include forming the annular inclined surfaces to further inhibit undesirable stretching of the material forming the teeth thus ensuring proper formation of the teeth.

Abstract: A consolidation apparatus includes a female mold having a first portion and a second portion, a movable caul plate within the first portion of the female mold, and a pressure bladder disposed between the caul plate and the second portion of the female mold. A pressurization line communicates between the interior of the pressure bladder and a gas source exterior to the female mold, and an evacuation line communicating between the unfilled space between the caul plate and the second portion, and a vacuum source exterior to the female mold. In using the apparatus, a workpiece is loaded into the first portion of the female mold between the caul plate and the first portion. The consolidation apparatus and the workpiece contained therein are heated, a pressure is applied to the pressurization line, and a vacuum is simultaneously applied to the evacuation line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming a single-layer, durably wettable polymeric web having a plurality of apertures. This process comprises melting a mixture of at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one migratable surfactant and extruding the mixture to form a single-layer, substantially continuous polymeric film. The film is then apertured using high pressure fluid flows. Aperture formation is conducted when the single-layer polymeric film has a contact angle of at least about 30.degree., to minimize wash-off of the surfactant impregnated in the polymer web. The invention also relates to durably-wettable apertured webs.

Abstract: Methods for making, methods for using and articles including cermets, preferably cemented carbides and more preferably tungsten carbide, having at least two regions exhibiting at least one property that differs are discussed. Preferably, the cermets further exhibit a portion that is binder rich and which gradually or smoothly transitions to at least a second region. The multiple-region cermets are particularly useful in compressively loaded application wherein a tensile stress or fatigue limit might otherwise be excessive for monolithic articles. The cermets are manufactured by juxtaposing and densifying at least two powder blends having different properties (e.g., differential carbide grain size, differential carbide chemistry, differential binder content, differential binder chemistry, or any combination of the preceding).

Abstract: A method for consolidating powdered material to near net shape and full density is provided. The method includes the steps of: mixing a particulate material with an organic or inorganic binder to form a mold material; shaping the mold material into a mold having a shape and including an external surface and an interior cavity and being of sufficient solidity to maintain its shape yet being compressible under pressure; filling the interior cavity with a powdered material to be consolidated; heating the mold with the powdered material therein to form a heated filled mold; applying pressure to the external surface of the mold sufficient to compress the mold material and transfer a pressurizing force to the powdered material within the mold cavity so as to consolidate the powder and form an article; and removing the article from the mold. In an alternative method, the mold material is made of a particulate material which is held in the shape of the mold by a vacuum.

Abstract: A transparent mold system (TMS) allows rapid and economical production of thermoset fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) and other thermoset resin parts by heating with visible light energy without using an autoclave, photosensitive resins, or ultraviolet (U.V.) sensitive chemical curing agents. Molding times are accelerated to minutes instead of hours, and the molds are made of transparent plastics materials that can be economically produced by injection, casting, vacuum or pressure forming to replace metal molds and laid-up FRP molds.

Abstract: Cylindrical tubular substrates for an electrophotographic conductor can be made with different lengths from an injection-molded plastic cylindrical mother tube. The length of the mother tube is sufficient for the greatest desired length. The mother tube has a slanting inner surface which facilitates removal of the tube from the molding die, and non-slanting inner end surfaces which can be stepped. The desired length is obtained by cutting the mother tube across one of the steps. The resulting non-slanting inner end surface of the substrate provides a spigot joint for tightly receiving a flange.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for producing high density sintered silicon nitride (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4) having a relative density of at least 98%. In a first step, silicon nitride powder is compacted into a desired shape. It is then pre-sintered in a second step, generally, under normal pressure to obtain a presintered body having a relative density of at least 92%. In a third step, the presintered body is subjected to a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) in an inert gas atmosphere of 1500.degree.-2100.degree. C. and of nitrogen gas partial pressure of at least 500 atm. Since the presintering does not require any capsule, it is possible to produce high density sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 of complex configurations. As a sintering aid, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --MgO system sintering aid is particularly effective. To improve the strength of sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, it is effective to add a heat treatment step after the HIP and maintain the temperature of the sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 above 500.degree. C.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for producing high density sintered silicon nitride(Si.sub.3 N.sub.4) having a relative density of at least 98%. In a first step, silicon nitride powder is compacted into a desired shape. It is then presintered in a second step, generally, under normal pressure to obtain a presintered body having a relative density of at least 92%. In a third step, the presintered body is subjected to a hot isostatic pressing(HIP) in an inert gas atmosphere of 1500-2100.degree. C. and of nitrogen gas partial pressure of at least 500 atm. Since the presintering does not require any capsule, it is possible to produce high density sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 of complex configurations. As a sintering aid, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 -Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -MgO system sintering aid is particularly effective. To improve the strength of sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, it is effective to add a heat treatment step after the HIP and maintain the temperature of the sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 above 500.degree. C. for a while.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of uniform and ultra-thin films of metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, or metal halides, which comprises of allowing to react interfacially, the two immiscible solutions prepared as mentioned hereinbelow.

Abstract: A sintered silicon nitride excellent in high temperature performance is produced by the following method: First, silicon nitride powder and oxide of at least one element selected from elements in the group IIIb of a periodic table are mixed with each other to obtain a mixture. The silicon nitride powder contains silicon oxide in an amount ranging from 0.1% by weight of the silicon nitride powder to a value not more than a content of the silicon oxide. Second, the mixture is compacted to form a compact. Finally, the compact is fired in atmosphere of nitrogen at a pressure ranging from 5 to 200 atmosphere (atm) and a temperature ranging from 1800.degree. to 2000.degree. C. to obtain a sintered silicon nitrite having a bulk density not less than 95% of a theoretical density of the sintered silicon nitride.

Abstract: A coextruded, multilayer polymeric film having a core layer including a surfactant and at least one outer layer is placed on a forming structure. The forming structure moves in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the multilayer film and carries the multilayer film in that direction. A fluid pressure differential is applied across the thickness of the multilayer film along the direction of movement of the forming structure. The fluid pressure differential is sufficiently great to cause the multilayer film to conform with the forming structure forming a formed polymeric web. The formed polymeric web is exposed to a temperature which is sufficiently great enough to allow the surfactant in the core layer to migrate to the outer layer to form a surfactant treated formed polymeric web.

Abstract: A spark plug with integral electrical components for producing a spark with an increased size and a larger resulting flame kernel in an internal combustion engine. One or more coils may be built into the spark plug for creating a magnetic field in the vicinity of the spark. This magnetic field has the effect of bending and rotating the spark in a circular motion. Also, a capacitor may be incorporated into the spark plug to increase the intensity of the spark. A method of producing such a spark plug utilizes a cermet ink applied to the ceramic spark plug insulator before the insulator is completely hardened. The cermet ink may be used to create monolithic spark plug electrodes, integrated coils and integrated capacitors. The method may also be used to crease monolithic electrically conductive paths through any solid dielectric material.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for producing high density sintered silicon nitride(Si.sub.3 N.sub.4) having a relative density of at least 98%. In a first step, silicon nitride powder is compacted into a desired shape. It is then presintered in a second step, generally, under normal pressure to obtain a presintered body having a relative density of at least 92%. In a third step, the presintered body is subjected to a hot isostatic pressing(HIP) in an inert gas atmosphere of 1500-2100.degree. C. and of nitrogen gas partial pressure of at least 500 atm. Since the presintering does not require any capsule, it is possible to produce high density sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 of complex configurations. As a sintering aid, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --MgO system sintering aid is particularly effective. To improve the strength of sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, it is effective to add a heat treatment step after the HIP and maintain the temperature of the sintered Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, above 500.degree. C.

Abstract: A continuous, multi-phase process for microaperturing and microembossing a substantially continuous web of substantially planar polymeric film to conform with the image of multiple forming structures, each having a patterned forming surface with a multiplicity of fine-scale apertures and an opposed surface. Each forming structure is open from the apertures in the forming surface to its opposed surface. The web of film has an indefinite length, a first surface, a second surface and a thickness. The thickness is the distance between the first surface and the second surface. The process includes at least two sequential forming phases, one of which involves aperturing of the web of film to coincide with fine-scale apertures in the first forming structure and another of which involves conformance of the web of film to the profile of the fine-scale apertures in the second forming structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a nozzle employed in continuous casting is provided in which powder refractory materials are pressed with low hydrostatic pressure to produce preforms for an edge portion, an inner hole portion, and a powder line portion, these preforms are combined one after another in a rubber mold employing a mandrel while filling the rubber mold with a powdered refractory material for a body portion of the nozzle, and then a nozzle configuration is formed by pressing the rubber mold with a higher hydrostatic pressure than that used to produce the preforms.

Abstract: A process for producing a polytetrafluoroethylene molded article by isostatic molding is disclosed, the isostatic molding being conducted under a high pressure of from 1,500 to 10,000 kg/cm.sup.2. The resulting molded article is isotropic as regards coefficient of thermal expansion and exhibits improved frictional resistance.

Abstract: A jig for isostatic-pressing a ceramic feed powder to form a planar ceramic green body with a pressure of more than 300 kgf/cm.sup.2. The jig includes a mold in the form of a frame surrounding a cavity open at two sides and being made of a material with a Young's modulus greater than 5.times.10 kgf/cm.sup.2, a pair of pressure-medium diaphragms with each pressure-medium diaphragm arranged opposite one of the open sides of the cavity to seal the open sides of the cavity, and a pair of pressure-transfer plates with each pressure-transfer plate including at least one through hole and being placed on an outer surface of one of the pressure-medium diaphragms.

Abstract: A method of forming in a mould an article using a thermoplastic sandwich material, which material has a core of a thermoplastic foam and one or two, optionally fiber-reinforced, covering layers of a thermoplastic resin, the method having the steps of providing in the mould a foamable thermoplastic synthetic material and said one or two fiber-reinforced covering layers, supplying a liquid to the mould at an elevated pressure and temperature, whereby the temperature of the thermoplastic synthetic material is raised to a temperature above the temperature at which the material foams, followed by lowering the pressure of the liquid and removing the liquid from the mould with foaming of the thermoplastic synthetic material.

Abstract: Dilatation balloons are fabricated of a material such as a nylon or a polyamide material, and they have an inflated, non-distended working profile as well as a stretched inflated profile which is achieved by applying pressure through a dilatation catheter or the like that is in excess of that needed to achieve the inflated, non-distended profile and which is adequate to effect dilatation or the like up to a maximum pre-bursting pressure application. The maximum pre-bursting size of the balloon can be tailored depending upon the needs of the particular balloon within a wide range of possible maximum pre-bursting sizes.

Abstract: According to one example of embodiment of the invention a ceramic pre-moulding 81 of stable form is pressed from ceramic composition in powder form in a first isostatic pressing action, at least a part of its surface being formed in contact with rigid shaping surfaces 42. The pre-moulding 81 thus obtained is then--possibly after glazing-subjected to a higher pressure, in a further pressing operation on all sides and then fired in a ONCE-ONLY quick-firing method.

Abstract: A method of forming an extrusion die fabricated from sinterable ceramic or metal powders, for use in forming honeycomb monolith structures including machining of the die in the green state or after partial densification. Alternatively, all or part of the machining can be performed after full densification or sintering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to manufacture a composite ceramic material having a high strength combined with bioactive properties, when the material is used as a dental or orthopedic implant, which includes preparing a powder mixture, mainly comprising partly a first powder, which in its used chemical state will constitute a bioinert matrix in the finished material , and partly a second powder, mainly comprising a calcium phosphate-based material. The invention is characterized in that said first powder comprises at least one of the oxides belonging to the group consisting of titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2), zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.2) and aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A method of making a dilatation balloon with a high percentage of the maximum tensile strength of the balloon material from a thin wall parison of a biaxially orientable polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A reverse temperature gradient (decreasing going from the inner to outer diameters) is applied across the sidewall of the parison by flowing a heated fluid through the parison and then sealing one end of the parison and expanding with a heated expansion fluid. Decreases in wall thickness and/or increases in burst strength across the wall can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for hooping and maintaining in compression a core by a sheath, with the sheath being made of a composite material and having an internal cross section which is less than an external cross section of the core. The core and the sheath are aligned by centering them with respect to each other, and a prior tensile force is exerted over the core to provide a suitable sealing between the portion in contact of each of the ends of the core and of the sheath. A pressurized fluid is injected into the sheath in a direction of the core, to increase the cross section of the sheath by expanding the sheath in a circumferential direction. The core is thereby gradually inserted into the sheath. When the insertion is complete, fluid injection is ceased and an expendable portion of the sheath is cut off.

Abstract: A method for improving the internal surface of a gas-barrier, when required heat-shrinkable, multi-layer plastics film laminate in the form of a seamless tube having the innermost layer of olefin resin, the method including applying corona discharge employing at least two pairs of electrodes to the innermost layer from the outside of the tube having a gas sealed therein and pressed to a flat state avoiding the contact of opposed surface areas of innermost olefin resin layer with each other, the two pairs of electrodes being arranged such that one electrode of each pair is in contact with the outermost layer of the tube and the other of the same pair out of contact therewith while one electrode of one pair is kept in contact with the outermost layer of the tube with which one electrode of another pair is kept out of contact on the same side of the tube, so that the wetting tension of the innermost layer surface is increased to at least 35 dyne/cm by the corona discharge treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a coreless paper roll having a specifically shaped central aperture. A probe is inserted into the central aperture of the roll after the winding mandrel has been removed from the roll to change the configuration of the central aperture over at least a portion of the length thereof.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for impregnating a stack of low permeability core samples with epoxy resin, preferably containing fluorescent dye. The system is particularly suited for preparing core samples from tight gas sands for thin section analysis. The system creates channels through which the epoxy can flow, thereby avoiding the problems of prior methods where uppermost samples in a stack prohibit epoxy flow from reaching lowermost samples in the stack. In the practice of this invention, the core samples are alternately layered with a highly permeable material such as a synthetic material comprised of silica sand bonded with aluminum silica glass. The resulting stack is encapsulated in heat shrink tubing with coarse sand positioned between the outer walls of the stack and the inner walls of the tubing. After the tubing is heat shrunk around the stack, the stack is placed in an overburden coreholder for introduction of epoxy into the core samples under increasing pressure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing an elongated body changing in elastic modulus longitudinally thereof with use of polymers without resulting in variations in the outside and inside diameters of the body even when the polymers are different in extrusion characteristics or swelling characteristics. The apparatus may include a feeder 1 for extruding a first polymer in a molten state and a feeder 2 for extruding a second polymer, which is different from the first polymer in elastic modulus and similarly in a molten state. The feeders alternately discharge the respective polymers, which are continuously fed to a long-land die 5 along with a lubricant supplied from a lubricant applicator 4. The polymers are formed into the desired shape and cooled in the die 5, and thereafter extruded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ferrite crystals such as single crystal bodies and polycrystal bodies with garnet structure is disclosed, which includes the steps of effecting a composition controlling for raw powders, forming raw powders, sintering formed bodies and effecting hot isostatic press treatment for sintered bodies. Also, a method of producing ferrite powders preferably used for the ferrite crystal manufacturing method mentioned above.The thus obtained ferrite crystal bodies with garnet structure show good magnetooptical properties such as light transmissivity, Faraday rotation angle and Verdet constant, and are preferably used for magnetooptical elements such as optical isolators and optical magnetic field sensors etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the preparation of a high-permittivity material. The process comprises pre-calcining a ceramic material under a predetermined pressure to obtain a sintered body, and then subjecting the sintered body to a hot isostatic pressing treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere. The high-permittivity material is low in void content, is very small in dispersion of its dielectric constant and hence has excellent dielectric properties.

Abstract: A method for isostatic pressing of formed powder, porous powder compact, and composite intermediates and the intermediate and final products produced thereby. The method includes the steps of:(A) coating the exposed surface of the formed powder, porous powder compact, or composite intermediate with a flowable film-forming material capable of forming a solid continuous impervious flexible film; then(B) solidifying the coating of step (A) on the surface of the intermediate to form a coated intermediate; and(C) subjecting the coated intermediate of step (B) to a uniformly applied pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure to produce a flexible coating formed directly on the parts to be isopressed, permitting small parts or parts with complex shapes to be coated individually or in bulk.

Abstract: A method for producing a transparent polycrystalline magnesia-alumina spinel body having high ultraviolet transmissivity and high strength and hardness characteristics is provided. A closed porosity body is formed from a spinel powder preferably having at least minimum purity characteristics. The closed porosity body can be formed by techniques including hot pressing and pressureless sintering. The closed porosity body is subjected to a hot isostatic pressure treatment to reduce residual porosity. The resulting body has high transmissivity of electro-magnetic radiation in the range between about 0.2 microns and about 6 microns and is resistant to abrasion or erosion, has high strength, and does not substantially deteriorate after exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A low fluid pressure dual-sided fiber entangling method and apparatus for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric. A fibrous starting material whose individual fibers are capable of movement relatively to one another under the influence of applied fluid forces is subjected to coacting opposed fluid streams while being confined between a flexible screen belt and a rigid perforated hollow drum. The fibers of the starting material are entagled under the effect of fluid forces applied in opposition, forming a reticular network which defines a pattern of blind holes, each hole extending transversely to the fabric plane and containing a protuberant fiber packing at a closed end thereof.

Abstract: Dilatation balloons are fabricated of a biaxially orientable material such as a nylon or a polyamide material, and they have an inflated, non-distended working profile as well as a stretched inflated profile which is achieved by applying pressure through a dilatation catheter or the like that is in excess of that needed to achieve the inflated, non-distended profile and which is adequate to effect dilatation or the like up to a maximum pre-bursting pressure application. The maximum pre-bursting size of the balloon can be tailored depending upon the needs of the particular balloon within a wide range of possible maximum pre-bursting sizes.

Abstract: A process for aligning a layer of a liquid-crystalline, polymeric material in which a gas or liquid stream is passed over the liquid-crystalline, polymeric material, preferably for aligning main-chain polymers which have a nematic phase by passing a hot stream of air onto the material. Electrooptical displays which contain an alignment layer of this type have high contrast. The alignment layers have advantages over conventional rubbed alignment layers since, for example, no electrostatic charging takes place.

Abstract: An improved method for the fabrication of lightweight ceramic matrix composite panels, utilizing pressure forming with floating tooling to shape integral stiffeners such as raised integral surface channels on panel surfaces. The consolidation of green composite material against refractory floating tools by hot hydrostatic or isostatic (gas) pressing, followed by removal of the tooling, yields a strong, rigid, yet lightweight ceramic structure.

Abstract: A process of expanding plastics film is disclosed, together with an apparatus for performing that process, in which expansion of the plastics film is performed under the control of a liquid providing a stable hydraulic mass, by the downward extrusion and drawing of the plastics film, and the final expansion thereof, exclusively under the influence of the static and dynamic pressure of a hydraulic mass, at a position spaced downwardly of the extrusion head, the hydraulic mass being one that remains in a liquid phase at all temperatures encountered during the step of lateral stretching of the plastics film, to the exclusion of vaporization of the hydraulic mass.

Abstract: A method to form a superconducting wire or ribbon contains the steps: (1) forming ceramic powder, (2) forming pellets from the powder, (3) inserting the pellets in a metal sheath, (4) reducing the cross-section of the sheathed pellets to form a composite, (5) sealing the composite in a deformable container, (6) hot isostatically pressing the composite at a temperature over 600.degree. C., where the temperature is close to or just above the melting point of the core, and (7) annealing the pressed composite in a source of oxygen at a temperature from 770.degree. C. to 870.degree. C. for at least 40 hours.

Abstract: An apparatus for reversing a tubular bag for internally lining a utility pipe installed underground, which includes a container for defining a closed space and containing a liquid body, constructed such that an amount of a liquid body therein has first and second level surfaces, the first partially defining the closed space and the second being exposed to atmospheric air; a compressor to supply compressed air to the closed space; and the tubular bag to be reversed. The tubular bag is primarily arranged in a manner such that it penetrates through the liquid body passing the first and second level surfaces and also penetrates through the closed space, with one end portion of the bag placed in atmospheric air and the other end portion thereof reversed and fixed, and some of the reversed portion partially defining the closed space so that when the pressure in the closed space is increased that portion of the tubular bag which is defining the closed space is forced to inflate and be reversed further.

Abstract: A method for repairing a hot-blast, long-time cupola furnace by removing residual slag and relining the cupola furnace including feeding liquid nitrogen to the cupola furnace immediately at the end of a smelting operation and simultaneously with the feeding of the liquid nitrogen, removing residual slag from the furnace. The furnace is cooled with liquid nitrogen until the furnace reaches a temperature of less than or equal to 40.degree. C. after which the furnace is relined with fresh refractory tamping compound.

Abstract: A method for forming elongated articles including metallic oxide superconductor material by hydrostatic extrusion at temperatures less than about 800.degree. C., and even at temperatures less than about 450.degree. C. The method includes providing superconductive core material that is substantially free of carbon or organic additives and that has an equivalent density at least about 55% of full density, and enclosing the densified material in a metal container, to become a cladding, prior to extrusion. In a preferred embodiment, the cladding material is a dispersion hardened metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing a cladded optical fiber. The cladding and core are halide materials. An interface for inhibiting radiation scatter is provided at the boundary between the halide cladding and the halide core. The process steps include extruding a first halide or halide core from a first chamber, and extruding a second halide or halide cladding from a second chamber into contact with the halide core. The halide cladding is joined to the halide core at the boundary.

Abstract: In a tube eversion apparatus a first chamber in which the eversion pressure in developed is controllably sealed by a sphincter-type valve, the valve being in turn actuated by pressure developed in a preferably separately controllable and adjustable second chamber, another chamber preferably being provided above the sphincter-type valve for containing a supply of liquid and limiting turbulence from any escape of fluid past the sphincter-type valve, the other chamber also providing apparatus for supplying heated fluid to a lay-flat hose adapted to be pulled through the sphincter-type valve by the tube being .?.exerted.!. .Iadd.everted.Iaddend.. Use of the improved apparatus involves appropriate modifications of the usual eversion process involving applying and controlling the everting pressure and the pressure exerted against the sphincter-type valve by the fluid in the second chamber.