Abstract: In a process for upgrading cleaned used plastic material to be reclaimed, all steps are performed in a continuous way so as to extrude continuously the plastic material to provide elongated strands thereof, cutting the strands continuously as they are supplied by extrusion to convert them into pellets. Then, the pellets are fed without any intermediate storage to a continuous crystallizer in a stream of hot gas to heat the pellets to crystallizing temperature.

Abstract: A film made of a vinylidene-trifluoroethylene or tetrafluoroethylene copolymer is uniaxially drawn to fabricate a uniaxially drawn film. Then, the uniaxially drawn film is thermally treated at a temperature within a temperature range of the Curie temperature through the melting point of the vinylidene-trifluoroethylene or tetrafluoroethylene copolymer for five hours or over, to diffuse the molecular chains of the uniaxially drawn film along the orientation direction and thus, to remove the intertwining between the molecular chains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser ablation method for patterning thin film layers for thick dielectric electroluminescent displays without substantial ablation of or damage to any other layers. Typically, the thin film layers are phosphor layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container for containing an oxygen sensitive product from a heated plastic by blow molding the plastic with a compressed gas that is inert to the oxygen sensitive product. The heated plastic may contain an oxygen barrier layer or an oxygen scavenging component. The gas is also inert to the oxygen scavenging component, if it is present. An exemplary compressed gas is nitrogen gas. The blow molding may be extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding or stretch blow molding. The plastic may be, for example, a polyolefin, a nylon, or a polyester.

Abstract: A system for storage and retrieval of elemental hydrogen on a silicon substrate. The hydrogen storage members have at least one surface to which elemental hydrogen either readily bonds or into which the elemental hydrogen is readily adsorbed, and from which desorption of the elemental hydrogen may be controlled. The silicon may be monocrystalline or polycrystalline and may be formed as sliced wafers, as very fine extruded columns, or may be derived from waste in the manufacture of integrated circuits. The silicon surfaces may be treated in a variety of ways to increase porosity and surface area, and thus to increase storage efficiency for elemental hydrogen. The system is useful in supplying fuel to a fuel cell system for generating electric power, as well as for cooperating with a control system to form a stand-alone Auxiliary Power Unit.

Abstract: A cost effective manufacturing process encapsulates a light emitting polymer (LEP) device between two flexible sheet materials, where one sheet may act as the substrate for the LEP device and the other sheet may act as a cover for the LEP device, and at least one of the sheets is transparent. Both encapsulating sheets and, as required, an adhesive system binding the sheets together provide sufficient environmental barriers with low moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) and oxygen transmission rates (OTR). The encapsulating sheets may, for example, be laminated together, sandwiching the LEP device in a vacuum, or oxygen/moisture free, and inert gas environment. Prior to encapsulation the LEP device may be heated and placed in a vacuum to remove moisture, air and residual solvents.

Abstract: An improved method for embossing expanded graphite sheet material including removing at least a portion of the gas from within the material by exposing the material to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and then embossing the material.

Abstract: A method for performing radiation-inducted graft polymerization on substrates in the form of webs of woven or non-woven fabric, which includes the steps of exposing a substrate woven or non-woven fabric composed of polymer fiber to electron beams in a nitrogen atmosphere, contacting the irradiated substrate with a specified amount of monomer in a nitrogen atmosphere, and subjecting the monomer and the substrate in mutual contact to graft polymerization in a nitrogen atmosphere, characterized in that the first through third steps are performed in succession.

Abstract: A process of making a microcontact printing stamp useful in the microcontact printing of a microcircuit. In this process an elastomeric microcontact printing stamp is formed by curing a degassed liquid elastomeric monomer or oligomer, optionally saturated with helium, a mixture of helium and an inert gas or a mixture of hydrogen and an inert gas, in a mold in which a photoresist master, defining a microcircuit in negative relief, is predisposed above a backplane.

Abstract: This invention relates to solvents which may be used to extract polymers that are made of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastic encapsulated plastic structural member includes the steps of forming a mold having first and second mold parts which form an enclosed mold defining a cavity therein having a configuration the same as the configuration of this structural member to be formed. A core of wooden material having holes on each of two opposed surfaces is formed and positioned in the cavity so that pins on the mold parts engage the holes. A foamable plastic material and nitrogen is injected under low pressure into the cavity to cause the plastic material to foam up and fill the space between the core and the cavity all around the core. The plastic material is then allowed to harden to form a plastic layer around the core. The mold parts are then removed. The holes may be closed with the plug of additional plastic material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a light guide plate (41, 51, 61) includes the steps of providing a mold (20), melting resin material and mixing an inert gas into the molten resin material, injecting the mixture of the molten resin material and the inert gas into a cavity (26) of the mold, cooling the mold under a constant pressure, and demolding and taking the light guide plate out from the mold. The inert gas decreases the viscosity of the molten resin material, so that the light guide plate is formed with high uniformity. In addition, because the molten resin material is mixed with the inert gas, the formed light guide plate is lighter in weight. Moreover, no printing process is required. This means that the time needed for production is shortened, and the costs of producing the light guide plate is reduced.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic scintillator is disclosed. A plurality of nano-sized particles and one or more dopants can be combined with a plastic material for the formation of a plastic scintillator thereof. The nano-sized particles, the dopant and the plastic material can be combined within the dry inert atmosphere of an extruder to produce a reaction that results in the formation of a plastic scintillator thereof and the deposition of energy within the plastic scintillator, such that the plastic scintillator produces light signifying the detection of a radiative element. The nano-sized particles can be treated with an inert gas prior to processing the nano-sized particles, the dopant and the plastic material utilizing the extruder. The plastic scintillator can be a neutron-sensitive scintillator, x-ray sensitive scintillator and/or a scintillator for the detection of minimum ionizing particles.

Abstract: The present invention uses supercritical and near supercritical fluid technology for the processing of polymer-containing formulations without induced foaming, giving benefits of either reduced melt viscosity and/or lower melt temperatures. Its application is particlarly beneficial to difficult to process materials, including unplasticised PVC, polycarbonate, PTFE, UHMWPE and polymers containing high loadings of fillers of organic origin. Shear and thermally sensitive materials can also be processed using this method with less risk of degradation, due to the lower shear input and reduced processing temperatures necessary. The production of foamed ceramic materials and metallic components by such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to obtain a high-accuracy foamed product with high productivity. To achieve this object, a method of storing a material into which a gas saturates, before the material is foamed in a metal foam, while maintaining the gas saturated state is disclosed. This method stores a material into which a gas saturates at a predetermined ambient pressure and predetermined ambient temperature, thereby preventing escape of the gas from the material into which the gas saturates.

Abstract: Cellulose triacetate film is produced by a solution casting process. Dope, which includes cellulose triacetate and mixed solvent with methyl acetate, is cast on a rotary drum in a form of bead by use of a flow casting die, to form gel film. When a self-supporting characteristic of the gel film becomes higher than one limit value, the gel film is stripped from the rotary drum by use of a stripping roller, to obtain the cellulose triacetate film. During the casting step, a surface of the rotary drum is cooled at −10° C. or lower.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a non-woven mat of nanofibers by using a pressurized gas stream includes paralell, spaced apart, first, second, and third members, each having a supply end and an opposing exit end. The second member is located apart from and adjacent to the first member. The exit end of the second member extends beyond the exit end of the first member. The first and second members define a first supply slit. The third member is located apart from and adjacent to the first member on the opposite side of the first member from the second member. The first and third members define a first gas slit, and the exit ends of the first, second and third members define a gas jet space. A method for forming a non-woven mat of nanofibers utilizes this nozzle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a PU (polyurethane) polishing pad is provided. Resins containing active hydrogen functional groups such as polyol resins, polyamine resins, and polythiol resins, and polyisocyanate resins containing —NCO functional groups are mixed to form a foamed PU polishing pad with excellent polishing properties by reaction injection-molding under high pressure, low temperature and auxiliary gas-adding. The PU polishing pad in accompany with an abrasive slurry can be widely used to polish high-level products such as wafers and optical glass.

Abstract: Solid rollers of a urethane material are formed in closed mold formed by a tube and two end plugs spaced by a shaft, the latter becoming the shaft for the roller. The closed mold avoids rough grinding to a cylindrical shape, as well as avoiding the resulting waste of material and introduction of defects that arise from rough grinding. The formation of bubbles during injection of the urethane material is avoided by filling the closed mold with carbon dioxide gas prior to injection. The formation of gate marks in the urethane material is avoided by repositioning the end caps after injection to separate the injection gate from the cylindrical cavity. The need to trim the ends of the roller is avoided by providing an annular cavity between the top end cap and the tube that receives excess urethane material to be drawn into the cylindrical cavity as the urethane shrinks during curing.

Abstract: The rotary tablet press comprises a housing, in which a compression unit (14) is detachably mounted. The compression unit (14) comprises a die table (15) with punches (17, 18), a feeding device for the supply of material to be compressed into the dies (16), and a tablet discharge device for removal of compressed material in the form of tablets. The compression unit (14) encloses each die opening and its corresponding first punch end (21, 22) in a chamber, the feeding device and the tablet discharge device are enclosed, the feeding device communicates with an inlet for detachable connection with an external supply channel, and the tablet discharge device communicates with an outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of a moulded detail in a gas assisted moulding process, wherein molten polymer (23) is injected into the mould cavity (21) of a moulding tool, pressurized fluid (25) is supplied to the mould cavity through at least a first opening (22) to form a cavity (26) in the polymer and force the polymer towards the inner walls of the mould cavity, pressurized fluid (27) is thereafter supplied to the mould cavity through at least a second opening (24) localized remotely front said first opening to form a passage (28) through the polymer to said cavity, the polymer is cooled, pressurized fluid is removed and the mould cavity is opened to remove the moulded detail.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer materials containing tetrafluoroethylene monomers, such as PTFE, are significantly swollen by supercritical carbon dioxide at high temperatures and pressures. The swollen fluoropolymer is processable by molding, extrusion, and other techniques. In addition, the fluoropolymer may be sintered at significantly lower temperatures compared to a nonswollen fluoropolymer material. The melting temperature of fluorinated polymers containing tetrafluoroethylene and triflouroethylene monomers which are swollen with supercritical carbon dioxide is significantly reduced, thereby permitting manufacturing operations such as extruding and molding to be performed at lower temperatures and with reduced risk of decomposition.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a plastic optical component from a plastic material using an injection molding machine. This method removes foreign matter from a molten plastic material having dissolved therein 0.1 mass % or more of carbon dioxide through a filter arranged midway through a passage for the molten plastic material provided in the injection molding machine and injects the molten plastic material into a molding die preliminarily pressurized with a pressurization gas to prevent foaming of the molten plastic material. Even when a high filtration precision filter is provided in the injection molding machine, the filtration pressure loss is low and there is no breakage of a filter. It is also possible to significantly reduce the fraction defective of plastic optical components due to contamination by foreign matter or clouding resulting from foaming of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern in a film carried on a substrate includes depositing a layer of alkyl silane on a surface of a mold having a pattern, bringing the mold in contact with the film on the substrate and pressing the mold into the film so as to emboss the pattern on the mold in the film, wherein the film comprises a thermoplastic polymer, and removing the mold from the film.

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: Powder of a polymer active material 1 exhibiting an electro-chemical oxidation-reduction reaction is mixed with powder of a conductivity assisting agent 2 to obtain a mixture. The mixture is molded by a thermal press into a unitary block. Thus, a cell electrode having a large film thickness is produced without causing cracks or breakage. The electrode having a large film thickness improves the energy density of the polymer secondary cell.

Abstract: In a method for the internal cooling of a rotating object (4), liquid gas from at least one inlet channel (61) in a fixed object (5) is pressed into a ring-shaped groove (62) located between the fixed object (5) and the rotating object (4). From the ring-shaped groove (62) the liquid gas is pressed into at least one channel (63, 64.1, 64.2) in the rotating object (4) and brought to a part to be cooled (15). The liquid gas, upon contact with the part, evaporates and expands while absorbing heat, thereby cooling the part. The area surrounding the part to be cooled (15) may be designed as an expansion chamber (65). The method can be used to cool molded parts in injection molding machines with rotating molds (1), thereby achieving shorter cycle times.

Abstract: A curing apparatus wherein rapid curing is provided by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. An air-tight chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus provides an automated system for curing the polymerizable material under light and pressure in the same unit. A purge cycle may be included to minimize or eliminate bubbles and provide an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for manufacturing an integral one piece catheter having a tube and a hub. The method comprises feeding molten material into a mold having a mold cavity. A fluid such as a gas is injected into an inlet of the mold. This causes the cavity to eject the molten central region of the polymer through an exit channel. In one embodiment, a gas is injected into the hub portion of the cavity. In another embodiment, a gas is injected into the catheter portion of the mold. The invention also involves forming a first portion of an intravascular device using a first material in a first mold. Thereafter the first portion of the intravascular device is inserted into a second mold to form a second portion using a second material. Gas is then introduced to form a hollow channel in the second portion.

Abstract: Methods for oxidizing organic compounds using hydroxyl radicals formed through redox cycling chelator-mediated Fenton chemistry are disclosed. The methods include generating a reactive oxygen species by contacting a redox cycling chelator with an oxygen containing oxidant and a transition metal species. By contacting the resulting reactive oxygen species with an organic compound, the organic compound is oxidized. The preferred transition metal species is a cationic transition metal, such as iron or copper. The disclosed methods may be used to degrade organic waste compounds and dyes, activate lignocellulosic materials for bonding and produce adhesive formulations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding balloon catheters is disclosed. The balloon may be molded by providing a polymeric tube within a mold having an interior cavity in the shape of the desired balloon. Microwave energy, which may be generated by a gyrotron, may then be directed toward the mold, to heat the polymeric material without heating the mold. Once heated, pressurized fluid may be injected into the tube to blow the polymeric material against the interior cavity whereupon the material can cool to form the balloon or can be further heatset by additional microwave energy and be cooled to form the balloon. In accordance with one embodiment, microwave energy can also be used without a mold to form a medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding balloon catheters is disclosed. The balloon may be molded by providing a polymeric tube within a mold having an interior cavity in the shape of the desired balloon. Microwave energy, which may be generated by a gyrotron, may then be directed toward the mold, to heat the polymeric material without heating the mold. Once heated, pressurized fluid may be injected into the tube to blow the polymeric material against the interior cavity whereupon the material can cool to form the balloon or can be further heatset by additional microwave energy and be cooled to form the balloon. In accordance with one embodiment, microwave energy can also be used without a mold to form a medical device. A polymer extrusion apparatus is disclosed utilizing a microwave energy for heating polymer feedstock material within the extruder tip and die unit just prior to formation of the extrudate product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a naturally-degraded disposabtle dish comprising: a first step for stirring 17.4 wt % of rice straw power, 4.3 wt % of rice bran powder, 61 wt % of coating agent and 17.3 wt % of corn starch to be uniformly mixed; a second step for forming a dish by compressing the mixture; and a third step for sterilizing the dish with an ozone gas. Also, the present invention discloses an apparatus for manufacturing a naturally-degraded disposable dish comprising: an upper mold having a die where electric heating lines are filled; a lower mold having a space unit for receiving the upper mold and a die where electric heating lines are filled; a controller for adjusting a temperature of the upper/lower molds by controlling electric power transmitted to the electric heating lines; and a transfer means for automatically extracting a formation object from the upper/lower molds, and automatically stacking the formation object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shape forming of degradable polymers under the protection of an inactive gas is disclosed to use an injection-molding machine to mold a degradable polymer into final products, and to use an inactive gas to form an air shield that isolates the supplied degradable polymer from air during injection molding.

Abstract: A process is disclosed to eliminate or diminish oxygen inhibition of the curing of coating resins in the composite industry. A free radical curable coating is applied to a mold surface and an inert gas is used to protect the coatings from oxygen in the air during the cure. The inert gases can be, but are not limited to, nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas. The inert gas or mold or both can be heated to a temperature above room temperature.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses made from polymerizable materials by providing supercritical fluids to the lenses.

Abstract: The invention provides micro- and nano-porous materials made from crosslinked polymers crystallized from supercritical fluids. The resulting products show an open cell porous network, and can be used for a variety of applications in medical fields, textiles, separation science and others. The invention also provides methods for obtaining such products.

Abstract: A highly pure, replaceable wear insert and a process for manufacturing the same use a group of materials which is suitable for meeting the requirements of high temperature semiconductor technology processes and is chosen at the same time for producing thin layers or components therefrom. The materials are compacted and purified at high temperatures in compression molds and the products so produced are put to their intended use. The substantially thin-walled and crucible-shaped, always highly pure components, which are predominantly made of expanded graphite, are employed as a wear insert for protecting graphitic support crucibles from reactive attack by quartz glass crucibles in semiconductor technology processes at temperatures above 500° C.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a non-woven mat of nanofibers by using a pressurized gas stream comprises a first member having a supply end defined by one side across the width of said first member and an opposing exit end defined by one side across the width of said first member; a second member having a supply end defined by one side across the width of said second member and an opposing exit end defined by one side across the width of said second member, the second member being located apart from and adjacent to said first member, the length of said second member extending along the length of said first member, said exit end of said second member extending beyond said exit end of said first member, wherein said first and second members define a first supply slit; and a third member having a supply end defined by one side across the width of said third member and an opposing exit end defined by one side across the width of said third member, said third member being located apart from and adjacent to said first me

Abstract: A flat semi-finished product includes a filled fluoroplastics substrate in the form of a sheet, which is coated at least partially on at least one surface with a soft, thin coating of fluoroplastics. The substrate material of the sheet has a Shore-D hardness of at least 65 and the average layer thickness of the thin sheet coating is at most 20 &mgr;m. A component, in particular a flat gasket, is made from the semi-finished product. A process for the production thereof is also provided.

Abstract: A unidirectional tape comprising carbon fibers and a fugitive binder is provided, as well as methods for forming the tape and composite parts using the unidirectional tape in a resin-transfer molding (RTM) process. A fugitive binder adheres fibers of the tape. The tape is laid in an RTM mold, and the mold is sealed or vacuum bagged, then heated. Hot nitrogen gas is pumped through the mold cavity, heating the carbon fibers to completely pyrolyze the binder. No residue from the binder remains, as the nitrogen carries gaseous products from the pyrolysis out of the mold. The mold is cooled to a temperature suitable for resin injection, and resin is injected into the mold cavity, wetting the fibers of the tape and completely filling the cavities of the mold. The mold is heated to cause curing of the resin, then cooled and disassembled for removal of the completed composite component.

Abstract: A method for performing radiation-inducted graft polymerization on substrates in the form of webs of woven or non-woven fabric, which includes the steps of exposing a substrate woven or non-woven fabric composed of polymer fiber to electron beams in a nitrogen atmosphere, contacting the irradiated substrate with a specified amount of monomer in a nitrogen atmosphere, and subjecting the monomer and the substrate in mutual contact to graft polymerization in a nitrogen atmosphere, characterized in that the first through third steps are performed in succession.

Abstract: Commercially available polyester-based resin that has been stored in ambient air is dried in an oxygen-depleted atmosphere, then heated to a temperature above the melting point and injected into a preform mold. Heating and injection molding of the resin is preferably conducted in an atmosphere substantially devoid of oxygen. Preforms made using the method exhibit reduced acetaldehyde levels compared to conventional methods.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing an electro-optic polymer waveguide device including the step of electrode poling an electro-optic polymer material of the device in an oxygen-free environment. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode poling is performed at a temperature close to a glass transition temperature of the electro-optic polymer material.

Abstract: A method and mold (10) for manufacturing a vehicle component such as a bumper beam (52) or body panel (62). The component is manufactured by: 1) injecting molten material into a parison cavity of a mold (10) to form a parison (40), wherein the mold has at least two sections (14, 18) that are moveable between a first position defining the parison cavity and an expanded second position defining predetermined blow cavities; 2) retracting the at least two sections (14, 18) to the expanded second position, and 3) injecting a gas into the parison (40) to expand the parison (40) to form blown part (44).

Abstract: The present invention is a hollow article with an integral impact absorbing rib and the method of manufacturing the same. The apparatus is a hollow article made of thermoplastic resin and integrally formed by blow molding, comprising a first wall and a second wall confronting across a spacing. There is an integral rib between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the integral rib comprises a flat rib between the walls and one or more hollow ribs adjacent to each of two side ends of the flat rib. The impact absorbing rib is disposed at intervals and in an impact action direction. The rib is uniform in shape, dimensions and wall width, and free from reduction of wall width of the inner rib, yet possessing proper structural support and mechanical strength, and excellent in impact absorbing performance.

Abstract: Solvent-free noncrystalline bioactive substances are prepared from the corresponding crystalline bioactive substances in an extruder by melting the substances in the extruder under reduced pressure and in the absence of auxiliaries, cooling and comminuting.

Abstract: A preform is made by bundling up fibers, and then, immersed into a ceramic slurry to form a fiber compact. Then, a tansformable ceramic material is infiltrated into voids of the fiber compact to fabricate a ceramic based fiber-reinforced composite material.

Abstract: A process for making spherically-shaped sterol preparations involving: (a) providing a liquid sterol preparation; (b) forming the liquid sterol preparation into liquid sterol droplets; and (c) solidifying the liquid sterol droplets to form the spherically-shaped sterol preparations.

Abstract: A surface reforming method for a plastic molded product of this invention is characterized by comprising a step (a) for immersing a plastic molded product into supercritical carbon dioxide or subcritical carbon dioxide under a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of said plastic, and a step (b) for vaporizing carbon dioxide adhered to the surface of the plastic molded product under a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of said plastic. A plastic molded product may be composed of a polymer having a polar group.