Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a molded article during sterilization and under high pressure utilizing a supercritical fluid as a sterilization fluid, whereby the pressurization and depressurization rates are controlled to form molded articles.

Abstract: Silicone moldings are conditioned in a conditioning oven at a pressure less than 150 hPa, and exhaust gas from the oven is scrubbed with cold water from which an organic phase is separated. The cold water is recirculated, and the scrubbed exhaust gas may be recirculated. Emissions of volatiles by this method are sharply reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a molded article which enables dissolution of a desired amount of a subject material in a molten resin without any limitation by the solubility of a high-pressure carbon dioxide in the molten resin and which is therefore suitable for commercial production of molded articles. The present invention pertains to a method for producing a molded article by molding a molten resin, and this method is characterized by including steps of supplying a high-pressure carbon dioxide and a subject material dissolved therein, into the molten resin; kneading the molten resin into which the high-pressure carbon dioxide and the subject material have been supplied; and exhausting the high-pressure carbon dioxide from the kneaded molten resin.

Abstract: A process for converting precursor objects into a unitary ceramic object produces, for example, a ceramic, optical scan mirror that is formed from at least two pieces. An optical section has at least one optical surface and at least one attachment surface, and a support section has at least one attachment surface and preferably has a mounting area. The optical and support sections are formed as separate pieces from a precursor material, such as graphite, such that a selected support section can receive any of a plurality of optical sections having different sizes, shapes, or orientations. To form the mirror, the attachment surfaces are placed adjacent each other, and then the sections are converted simultaneously to a ceramic material, such as silicon carbide, to form a monolithic scan mirror.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method for modifying the surface adhesion characteristics of expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components formed therefrom, whereby the expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components formed therefrom, are contacted with a composition containing at least one oxidizing agent and an activator. The oxidizing agent in the composition is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate that is reactive with the expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components wherein the expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components formed therefrom, are maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. The oxidizing agent of choice is a halogenated bivalent oxygen compound.

Abstract: Isopipes (13) for making a glass or a glass-ceramic using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from a silicon nitride refractory material that is: (a) produced in block form in an atmosphere having a pO2 of less than 0.1 using less than 10 weight percent of one or more sintering aids, (b) machined into an isopipe configuration, and (c) exposed to a partial pressure of oxygen equal to or greater than 0.1 for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to form a SiO2 layer (31) which exhibits substantially only a passive oxidation mechanism. The SiO2 layer (31) serves as a protective barrier for further oxidation of the silicon nitride during use of the isopipe (13). The isopipes (13) exhibit less sag during use than isopipes composed of zircon.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive element, particularly a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, comprises molding an element from a composite material comprising a polymer and an electrically conductive material to produce an element having a polymer-rich skin and removing at least a portion of the polymer-rich skin with a plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a molded article, which can be perform the continuous processes and effectively impregnate a modifying material such as metal complexes in the thermoplastic resin for short period of time. The above object is achieved by providing the method of producing the thermoplastic resin molded article which includes impregnating the high-pressure fluid having a modifying material dissolved therein, in thermoplastic resin, and continuously molding the thermoplastic resin in which the modifying material has been impregnated, into the form of a film.

Abstract: A manufactured item for the building industry is disclosed, made mainly of bottom ash and/or debris coming from incineration processes of municipal solid waste or of waste which may be assimilated thereto and/or of RDF and of one or more binders. Such manufactured item may have the shape of small bricks, bricks, blocks, small blocks, kerbs, interlocking paving blocks, panels, tiles, prefabricated slabs, beams, elements for walls, modular building elements, indoor and outdoor cladding elements, blocks, rocks, supports. Moreover, a process for the manufacture of an item for the building industry is disclosed, from bottom ash and/or debris coming from incineration processes of municipal solid waste or of waste which may be assimilated thereto and/or of FDR wherein the ash and/or debris undergo an oxidation process of the amphoteric metals and mixed with a binder.

Abstract: In a fabrication zone where a silicon ribbon 12 is manufactured from molten silicon under an inactive gaseous atmosphere, a fabrication belt conveyer (fabrication bed) 5 composed of a feeding substrate 11 is arranged. The substrate is supplied with molten silicon 2 from a crucible furnace through a rotating roller 3 which adjusts the molten silicon into a state suitable for fabrication. The substrate 11 is provided with a plurality of gas ejecting pores and gas evacuating pores for ejecting and evacuating a gas with respect to a silicon ribbon 4 being fabricated from the molten silicon 2 from below the silicon ribbon.

Abstract: A pasty molding material is divided by a process wherein, for the division, the pasty molding material is brought into contact with at least on stream containing at least one fluid medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polycrystalline silicon substrate having a region wherein concentrations of impurities contained therein satisfy the following relations: [Oi]?2E17 [atoms/cm3] (under condition 1a and [C]?1E17 [atoms/cm3] (Condition 2)) where [Oi] is the interstitial oxygen concentration determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and [C] is the total carbon concentration determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry. This polycrystalline silicon substrate has high strength adequate for a thinner substrate, while having good quality and high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Such a polycrystalline silicon substrate enables to produce a resource-saving, highly efficient polycrystalline silicon solar cell at low cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a molded article during sterilization and under high pressure utilizing a supercritical fluid as a sterilization fluid, whereby the pressurization and depressurization rates are controlled to form molded articles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smoothening rough edges of lithographic patterns on semiconductor wafers and thus improving quality of the elements that constitute the target pattern by softening the surface layer of the rough edges to the extent at which smoothening may occur under the effect of forces of surface tension. The pattern is treated under normal pressure in the atmosphere of a phase of the aforementioned organic substance selected from vapor of an organic vapor or mist of organic substance in nitrogen or another gas. Two modes are possible: 1) direct diffusion of organic molecules into the surface layer of the pattern material; or 2) condensation onto the pattern surface with the formation of an extremely thin organic film, which also leads to diffusion of the organic molecules into the pattern material.

Abstract: A method for forming an electroless plating film on surfaces of various types of polymer members is provided, the electroless plating film being formed economically with high adhesion strength. The method for forming the plating film on the polymer member comprises preparing a polymer member including a metal substance, in an internal portion of the polymer member, which serves as plating catalyst cores, the polymer member having a surface on which the plating film is to be formed and which is inactive to the electroless plating solution at an atmospheric pressure; and forming the plating film on the surface of the polymer member by bringing the polymer member in contact with the electroless plating solution to which the pressurized carbon dioxide has been added.

Abstract: Broadly, the invention provides for apparatus to form and gas-cure composite and or aggregate materials while controlling the flow of compound at a desired concentration and pressure.

Abstract: A method for forming a surface-treated, three-dimensional object, comprising: solvent smoothing an exterior surface of a rapid-manufactured, three-dimensional object, and media blasting at least a portion of the solvent-smoothed exterior surface.

Abstract: A porous ceramic body having increased strength is formed by exposing a porous ceramic body to a source of boron and heating the porous body to a sufficient temperature in an oxygen containing atmosphere to form the porous ceramic body. The porous ceramic body has a boron containing oxide glassy phase on at least a portion of the ceramic grains of the porous ceramic body.

Abstract: A porous ceramic body having increased strength is formed by exposing a porous ceramic body to a source of boron and heating the porous body to a sufficient temperature in an oxygen containing atmosphere to form the porous ceramic body. The porous ceramic body has a boron containing oxide glassy phase on at least a portion of the ceramic grains of the porous ceramic body.

Abstract: A wedging apparatus including an outer polygonal surface configured to secure a screen to a shaker, the outer polygonal surface having a bottom surface, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and at least one end surface joining the top surface and the bottom surface, and an inner core defined by the outer polygonal surface, wherein the inner core defines a cavity is disclosed. A method of forming an apparatus for securing a screen to a shaker is disclosed, the method including forming a mold of a wedging apparatus configured to secure a screen to a shaker, wherein a shape of the mod is an inverse of an outer polygonal surface having a bottom surface, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and at least one end surface joining the top surface and the bottom surface, and an inner core defined by the outer polygonal surface, wherein the inner core defines a cavity, injecting a liquid resin into the mold, allowing the liquid resin to solidify, and removing the wedging apparatus from the mold.

Abstract: Rolls having a polyurethane elastomer formed from a polyurethane mixture, wherein the polyurethane mixture comprises polydiene, tri-functional polyol curative, an additional graft polymer curative having a molecular weight of at least about 800 and comprising diol, polyol, diamine, polyamine or a combination thereof, conductive modifier, antioxidant, and hydrolytic stabilizer. Methods of forming such rolls include casting the polyurethane mixture, followed by curing, then demolding, grinding to desired dimensions and baking such that the outer layer of the cured roll is oxidized.

Abstract: Molds that have coated mold surfaces, as well as methods and components associated with such molds, are provided. The mold surface coatings may be formed of a polymeric material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and may be very thin (e.g., 50 microns or less). The coatings may facilitate the release of articles formed in the mold and may also reduce, or eliminate, the build up of contaminants on mold surfaces during processing which, thus, increases mold lifetime. The coatings may be formed in a chemical vapor deposition process with process conditions selected to enable formation of uniform, conformal coatings, even on mold features having small dimensions and/or high aspect ratios. The coatings are particularly well suited to be used in connection with rubber tires molds, though also can be used in other types of molds and articles.

Abstract: A ceramic brake lining which is reinforced with carbon fibers and has a matrix which consists essentially of silicon carbide together with silicon and/or carbon, wherein the reinforcing fibers used are long fibers having a mean length of at least 10 mm which are aligned in the plane parallel to the friction surface, a process for its production and its use in combination with brake discs made of C/SiC or CFC or as lining in friction clutches.

Abstract: A solution casting process for producing cellulose triacetate (TAC) film is provided. Bead of dope, which includes cellulose triacetate and solvent, is cast on to a rotating supporting drum, to form self-supporting cast film. The self-supporting cast film is stripped from the supporting drum. The self-supporting cast film is dried while the self-supporting cast film being stripped is fed by feed rollers, to form the cellulose triacetate film. A surface temperature of the feed rollers is set equal to or lower than 0° C. The self-supporting cast film upon being stripped has modulus of longitudinal elasticity equal to or more than 450,000 Pa.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making microfilters by subtractive techniques which remove a component or part of a filter material to form pores in the filter material and additive techniques which deposit a filter material onto a porous underlying substrate. All the methods employ a supercritical fluid or mixture which have very high solvency properties and low viscosity and CO2 is the preferred supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A process for producing tablets comprising one or more active substances, in which pulverulent to granular starting components are shaped and then solidified, wherein the solidification takes place by reacting a component A and a component B with one another, components A and B being mixed with the starting components, applied to them or added after shaping.

Abstract: A multilayer plastic substrate. The substrate comprises a plurality of thin film layers of at least one polymer, the plurality of thin film layers being adjacent to one another and having sufficient strength to be self-supporting, wherein the multilayer plastic substrate has an average visible light transmittance of greater than about 80%.

Abstract: A method of producing dry processed fiberboards from resin-bonded waste composite wood products, wherein said wood products are chemically treated in a pre-heater unit of a refiner system under super-atmospheric pressure in the presence of steam to disrupt adhesive polymer bonds, formed into fibers in a subsequent disc refiner unit of the refiner system and further processed by a dry process to form fiberboards.

Abstract: Connecting pieces for carbon material electrodes include carbon fibers. The fibers are oxidatively activated carbon fibers which additionally have a carbonized coating. The carbonized coating is a carbonization product of a coating material selected from wax, pitch, natural resins, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure, the method comprising the steps of forming staggered cells through the entire thickness of a fiber fabric, causing loosely held pegs to penetrate into respective ones of the cells, each peg having a cross-section of size smaller than that of the corresponding cell and being made of a material that is suitable for expanding; expanding the pegs so that they fill the cells and exert pressure on the inside faces of the cells; and shrinking the pegs and then withdrawing them.

Abstract: An art is provided to realize a current emitting device capable of emitting current of higher density under the same or lower onset emission voltage. The current emitting device is preferably an array of carbon nanotubes or a film including carbon nanotubes. The art is based on oxidizing a current emitting device composed of material including carbon, until the current emitting device has at least part thereof changed in shape. The current emitting device thus processed works better with a display, or becomes capable of emitting current of higher density under the same or lower onset emission voltage. As far as experiments showed, the emitted current density achieved by the art can be eight times the amount emitted by an array of nanotubes having not been processed according to the art, and the onset emission voltage can be lowered by the art from 0.8 V/&mgr;m to 0.5 V/&mgr;m.

Abstract: Method of forming a (CFX)n containing adsorbent composition by combining a fine particle (CFX)n starting material with a non-fluorinated carbonaceous material prior to the formation of a solid body and intermediate materials employed in conducting the method.

Abstract: Containers which are ready to be filled or a package material having a plastic surface can be sterilized by hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase being supplied to the previously heated plastic surface, the entire sterilization procedure being performed with the hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase.

Abstract: A method of exposing a composite organic/inorganic master to alkylchlorosilanes in the vapor phase. Chlorosilanes participate in facile reactions with hydroxyl groups existing on the surface of inorganic oxides (such as glass or the native oxides on silicon, aluminum, tin, etc.); or those in organics-containing phenolic or alcoholic groups, such as photoresists. The alkyl group on the silane can be chosen from a large selection of aliphatic or aromatic organic groups that have substituents with varying polarity and reactivity.

Abstract: A method for making ferrite powder may include providing ferrite feed materials in a form of particles having different sizes and irregular shapes, and exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma to provide a more spherical shape to irregularly shaped particles to thereby make the ferrite powder. An apparatus for making ferrite powder may include a feeder for ferrite feed materials and a plasma generator for exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma.

Abstract: For the complete removal of organic constituents of green members or traditional decarbonized ceramic articles, these are treated with ozone. The treatment, which can be implemented at room temperature, leads to the complete decarbonization of the ceramic article.

Abstract: A device and method for forming tableware from biodegradable vegetable fibers includes a device for punching a sheet of vegetable fibers into a preset shape and forming final products from the vegetable fibers. The device and method include a humidifier for humidifying the vegetable fibers, a bender for bend-drawing the vegetable fiber into an intermediate article, a warm-air dryer for keeping and drying the intermediate article, a cool-air dryer for further drying and cooling the intermediate article into a finished article.

Abstract: A method including synthesizing polymeric precursors via organic acid modification; fabricating a fibrous material of the polymeric precursors; and fabricating a body of the fibrous material. One body has dimensions suitable as an electrode component of an electrical storage device.

Abstract: A ceramic composite containing alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina and an oxygen-ion conductor is fabricated by converting &agr;-alumina to alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina. A ceramic composite with continuous phases of &agr;-alumina and the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic, such as zirconia, is exposed to a vapor containing an alkali-metal oxide, such as an oxide of sodium or potassium. Alkali metal ions diffuse through alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina converted from &agr;-alumina and oxygen ions diffuse through the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic to a reaction front where &agr;-alumina is converted to alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina. A stabilizer for alkali-metal-&bgr;″-alumina is preferably introduced into the &agr;-alumina/oxygen-ion conductor composite or introduced into the vapor used to convert the &agr;-alumina to an alkali-metal-&bgr;″-alumina.

Abstract: An improved structural reinforcement system for ceramic composite parts fabricated with polymeric ceramic precursor resins includes a mechanically interlocked mat of carbon or graphite filaments with a semi-random orientation. The carbon or graphite mat has a density of at least about 15% filaments by volume. Using graphite mat yields finished ceramic components that exhibit substantial ductility without the use of interfacial coatings, as well as good structural strength and even distribution of thermal energy.

Abstract: A method for utilizing ultra-thin catalytic monoliths, internal molding and high concentrations of reactive catalytic species to exploit the unique high surface area of Aerogels in order to achieve catalytic selectivity of the desired gas phase heterogeneous reaction.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates to a method of applying a corrosion-resistant coating on an article and is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with a method of applying a corrosion-resistant coating on an Nd—Fe—B magnet. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of applying a coherent coating on the surfaces of the particles of a powder. Such powder may be one which is susceptible to oxidative corrosion and/or one which is used to form a magnet (e.g Nd—Fe—B powder).

Abstract: A method of removing an organic binder from a green ceramic form in which a green ceramic form is subjected to a flowing carbon dioxide containing atmosphere having a sufficiently low oxygen content to allow about 60% or more of the organic binder to be oxidized by carbon dioxide. The green ceramic form is heated to the oxidation temperature at a rate greater than about 0.1° C. and is maintained under oxidizing temperature conditions until at least about 90% of the organic binder oxidizes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aerated autoclaved concrete material. A quick-stiffening mixture is prepared by combining a silica containing material, quicklime, a rising agent, gypsum, cement and water. The mixture is deposited into a mold and is allowed to form a stiffened body. The stiffened body is removed from the mold and placed in an autoclave station in which it is steam cured at elevated temperature and pressure. The quicklime which is used to form the quick-stiffening mixture is modified with a chemical modifier to provide a desired degree of chemical reactivity in the quick-stiffening mixture.

Abstract: This invention is related to a method for encapsulating bond regions in electronic components comprising, for example, metallic bond regions, the method comprising the steps of exposing an electronic component having at least one bond region through a primary gas atmosphere comprising unstable or excited gaseous species, the gaseous species being substantially devoid of any electrical charges, the primary gas atmosphere having a pressure ranging from about 0.5×105 Pa to about 3.0×105 Pa, thereby forming a treated, non-encapulated electronic component, then encapsulating the electronic component.

Abstract: A deodorant material which comprises, as a carrier, granular or fibrous active carbon treated by either oxidizing treatment or acid-attaching treatment, or polystyrene sulfonic acid, and a cupric ion supported on the carrier.

Abstract: A ceramic composite particle having an average particle size of 0.1-120 &mgr;m, which comprises uniformly dispersed fine ceramic particle phases and a binder phase. The fine ceramic particle phases, each having a particle size of 1 nm to 1 &mgr;m and comprising a ceramic primary particle, are bound together through the binder phase which is formed by a reaction between a sintering aid and a ceramic particle. The ceramic composite particle may be produced by heat-treating a homogeneous mixture of the ceramic particle and the sintering aid until the binder phase appears. The ceramic composite particle has a good moldability and provides a highly densified sintered body with a high strength.

Abstract: A t′-phase zirconia shapes with superior properties are made by forming a zirconia powder containing a rare-earth-oxide dopant into sintered bodies. The sintered bodies are heat treated in an oxygen atmosphere at a temperature high enough to form a cubic phase. The heated body is then cooled rapidly to form a t′-phase. The t′-phase is characterized with a large grain size, is resistant to transformation, low temperature degradation, and has excellent toughness, and creep resistance. Rare earth-oxide dopants include yttria, scandia, erbia, and ceria. For yttria doped materials, the sintered body is doped with between 2.5 and 5 mole percent yttria.

Abstract: A method for molding high precision components is provided that allows inexpensive, rapid fabrication of components using a process involving a silicon substrate, in which the mold pattern is created using multiple mask layers, a deep reactive ion etch process and photolithographic patterning techniques.