Abstract: A method of conformally coating a capacitor with an epoxy layer of the present invention is used to coat the capacitor using fluidized bed techniques. The method includes the use of a chiller bar which is placed against the cathode surface of a capacitor slug which has been heated to 150.degree. C. The capacitor slug and chiller bar are then dipped into the fluidized bed of epoxy powder. The epoxy powder will melt to the capacitor slug on all surfaces except the surface in contact with the chiller bar. After removing the capacitor slug and chiller bar from the fluidized bed and separating the chiller bar from the capacitor, the capacitor will be coated with a layer of epoxy coating on all surfaces except the cathode surface.

Abstract: Provision of two or more powder coatings different in hue, lightness and/or saturation as base colors makes it possible to mix the base color powder coatings in accordance with a desired color and hence to conduct color matching upon performing powder coating. It is therefore no longer necessary to stock a large number of powder coatings, in other words, it is therefore possible to systematically produce fewer powder coatings in greater quantities. This can achieve rationalization in production, storage, physical distribution, management and the like and also a cost reduction in each of these stages. For example, coatings of desired color tones, especially coatings excellent in artistry can be formed in accordance with a fluidized-bed, electrostatic coating process making use of a powder-fluidizing container by preparing in advance only three primary colors of yellow, red and blue or optionally five primary colors additionally including black color and white color.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in applying particles to an external layer of uncured resin material of a coating of an optical fibre unit with at least one optical fibre, said apparatus including means (50) defining an axially extending through-passage (52) through which, in use, such an optical fibre unit is passed, said passage defining means having an inlet (62) for admitting fluidized particles into said through-passage, and said through-passage being provided with means (64) for generating turbulence in such fluidized particles in said through-passage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite gel comprising an inorganic matrix containing a fibrous inorganic polymer in which an active organic compound is dispersed.The invention also concerns a device comprising the gel and a process for delivering a controlled quantity of active organic compound in an aqueous solution.The invention applies to the prevention of biological growth in aqueous solutions used domestically, agriculturally or industrially, in particular in the solutions used in photographic processing.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic layer on a flexible, two-dimensional substrate is provided. In the steps of the method, a thermoplastic powder is provided having a melt flow index of at least 0.008 grams/10 minutes, the powder is applied to at least one surface of the substrate to form a particle layer, and the coated substrate is subjected to elevated heat and pressure until particle layer is fused into a continuous layer and the continuous layer is bonded to the substrate. The invention also includes a powder for preparing the thermoplastic layer and a method of making the powder.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the outflow of fluid powder from a container can be used for controlling the expulsion of powder out of a powder-spraying apparatus for electrostatic coating. The disadvantages of a mechanical closing device are avoided by introducing closing air into an extraction pipe for extracting fluidized powder out of a container. The closing air is introduced through a pipe which opens into an orifice in the casing of the extraction pipe. The mass flow of fluidized powder can be controlled by an appropriate setting of a pressure in the extraction pipe in relation to the pressure in the fluid bed, that is to say by the introduction of closing air at an appropriate pressure.

Abstract: A novel, high performance yet permeable, tough, fibrous structure, and a process for making the structure are disclosed. The fibrous structure includes a stabilized microstructure of improved uniformity of fiber and particulate distribution. Beneficially, the fibrous structure is of improved structural integrity and stiffness, as a result of being reduced in thickness.The process includes the steps of dry forming a fibrous web including crimped staple composite fibers, thereafter distributing and entrapping the functional particles in the web, and thereafter heating the fibrous web to form a microstructure-stabilized fibrous web. According to the process, the microstructure-stabilized fibrous web is thereafter by an additional heat treating step carried out without application of pressure to the web, heated to a thermoforming temperature, and thereafter the heated web is reduced in thickness and yet microstructural relative geometry is maintained. IR heat may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic dispenser for propelling objects toward a substrate, together with methods of use of the dispenser. The acoustic dispenser uses a source of acoustic vibration and a membrane for the application of acoustic vibration wherein the objects are propelled from the membrane to a substrate. The acoustic dispenser and the methods of the invention can be used with numerous types of objects. In some embodiments, the objects are particles in a dry powder, which can include, for example, a pharmaceutically active ingredient. In other embodiments, the objects are beads, which preferably have an average diameter of about 100 to about 300 microns. Additionally, the acoustic dispenser can be used with more than one type of object, for example, two types of objects such as beads and dry powder.

Abstract: A process and retroreflective elements are provided. The process of preparing a retroreflective element includes the steps of (a) combining a bed of optical elements and one or more core elements comprising a thermoplastic material; and (b) agitating the combination of optical elements and core elements for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient temperature to coat the optical elements onto the core elements to form retroreflective elements.

Abstract: A heat-curable, epoxy-free coating composition comprises a dry blend of at least two different binder resins, each binder resin comprising of (a) a carboxyl-terminated polyester resin having an acid value from 20 to 200 mg KOH/g and a glass transition temperature of at least 40.degree. C., and (b) a .beta.-hydroxylalkylamide with at least two .beta.-hydroxylalkylamide groups per molecule; the at least two different binder resins differing in functionality, or in other words in the number of carboxyl and/or .beta.-hydroxylalkylamide groups per binder resin molecule. Along with the binder resins, the coating composition optionally includes further additives that are typical for the processing and use of powder coatings.

Abstract: Anti-static cleanroom products having a coating of conductive polymeric particulates which decreases the surface resistivity of the products. Preferably, the particulates are pyrrole polymers. The anti-static properties are achieved by depositing conductive polymer particles onto the non-conductive substrate surface. The anti-static products include cleanroom wipers, stationery products (notebooks and writing instruments), garments and swabs (polyurethane foam tipped). The cleanroom stationery products include notebooks comprising polyethylene impregnated with silica. The invention also includes anti-static plastic gloves.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus comprising a powder reservoir, a gas flow injection chamber, a diffusion chamber and a coating chamber and method for coating a substrate or target objects. The injection chamber receives powder from the reservoir at a controlled rate. The powder particulates awe entrained by a gas flow within the injection chamber. The diffusion chamber receives the particulates from the injection chamber. The diffusion chamber deaccelerates the particulates and creates a particulate cloud. The coating chamber receives the particulate cloud. A housing encloses the coating chamber. The coating chamber is isolated from the ambient atmosphere. The coating chamber has a cloud inlet and a cloud outlet. The cloud flows through the coating chamber from the inlet to the outlet. One or more deflectors, within the chamber, define a passage and two or more pockets adjoining the substrate or target objects.

Abstract: A mass of ferromagnetic particles encapsulated in a polymeric shell having a plurality of denuded organic lubricant particles adhering to the surface of the shell so as to stand in relief from said surface unimpaired by the polymer or any other binder.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a flexible, thermoplastic, composite filament, containing continuous fibers basically consisting of a flexible sheath made of polyolefinic resin which covers a bundle of fibers impregnated with a polyolefmic resin, wherein the inorganic fibers are treated with a solution containing additives which improve the compatibility between reinforcement and polymeric matrix after transformation into end products.

Abstract: A continuous method for the surface treatment of solid particles comprises feeding a powder mixture which consists of solid particles of a given substance and solid particles of another substance into one of a plurality of impact chambers in communication with one another and equipped with a rotating disc having impact pins and also with an impingement ring, subjecting the mixture to an impact striking action, separating an air stream produced by that action from the powder mixture and discharging it continuously from the impact chamber, repeating the impact action while allowing the powder mixture to reside temporarily in the impact chamber, and then causing the mixture to move, in succession, to the next chamber and so forth.

Abstract: A powder coating system for difficult to handle powders includes a powder hopper containing fluidized powder particles, a pump body connected to the hopper and having an inlet in communication with the hopper, an ejector nozzle mounted to the pump body and aimed at an outlet thereof, a second nozzle mounted to the pump body and aimed at the inlet thereof and a powder application device for receiving powder particles from the outlet of the pump body and spraying them onto an article to be coated. The ejector nozzle sprays pressurized air toward the outlet to transport powder particles along a flow path which extends from the powder hopper into the pump body via the inlet and then out of the pump body via the outlet. The second nozzle sprays air pulses at the inlet in a direction opposite the particle flow along the flow path caused by the ejector nozzle. This spray from the second nozzle creates microvibrations in the inlet of the pump body to eliminate powder particle adherence and cohesion thereat.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing an isomerization catalyst by contacting an alkali metal with catalyst support particles in a fluidized bed. After the alkali metal is uniformly dispersed on the support particles, oxygen is added to the fluidizing gas to oxidize a portion of the alkali metal.

Abstract: A process for preparing uni-tape prepreg from polymer powder coated filamentary towpregs is provided. A plurality of polymer powder coated filamentary towpregs are provided. The towpregs are collimated so that each towpreg is parallel. A material is applied to each side of the towpreg to form a sandwich. The sandwich is heated to a temperature wherein the polymer flows and intimately contacts the filaments and pressure is repeatedly applied perpendicularly to the sandwich with a longitudinal oscillating action wherein the filaments move apart and the polymer wets the filaments forming a uni-tape prepreg. The uni-tape prepreg is subsequently cooled.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite, continuous-fiber-containing filament which entails:a) unwinding a continuous fiber bundle from a bobbin,b) loosening the fiber bundle, in order to separate the bundle substantially into individual fibers,c) impregnating the individual fibers with a thermoplastic polymer powder, andd) recompacting the fiber bundle and providing a flexible sheltering sheath around the bundle, whereby the fiber bundle is caused to have a substantially elliptical cross-section.

Abstract: A novel method of applying paints and other coatings is disclosed which can be carried out by forcibly inserting a cloud of coating particles carried by at least one inert gas into a laser beam attenuated by defocusing. At least one of the inert gases serves as a shield against combustion and can be directed downwardly in addition to a sideway spreading and spraying action. The pressure of the inert gas pushes the particles down onto the substrate. As soon as the particles are energized by the laser beam, they melt and begin to flow while at that exact instant, the coating particles come into contact with the substrate to avoid any possible dissipation of the laser energy. The coating material compositions can be altered by increasing the melting time of the particles even though a short melting time is preferred for achieving a fast coating process.

Abstract: Layered carbon-carbon composites having improved interlaminar tensile strength are disclosed together with a process for making such composites. A metal catalyst is first deposited on a panel comprising a plurality of layers of carbon fiber cloth. The panel is then exposed to a gaseous hydrocarbon in an inert atmosphere at elevated temperature in order to promote the growth of graphite whiskers between the carbon cloth layers.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing an isomerization catalyst by contacting an alkali metal with catalyst support particles in a fluidized bed. After the alkali metal is uniformly dispersed on the support particles, oxygen is added to the fluidizing gas to oxidize a portion of the alkali metal.

Abstract: A method of making a high efficiency, low pressure drop, adsorptive, non-woven filter composite is disclosed, comprising a high surface area chemically impregnated adsorbent, and a non-woven carrier material; and a method for forming said composite comprising dry application of the chemically impregnated adsorbent to the non-woven carrier material which is then heated and calendared with or without a cover sheet.

Abstract: Moldable ferromagnetic particles and method of making a magnetizable molding therefrom. The ferromagnetic particles are spray-coated with a slurry comprising insoluble thermoplastic particles suspended in a solution of a soluble polymer to produce a coating on the ferromagnetic particles which comprises a majority of the insoluble thermoplastic particles embedded in a lesser amount of a binder polymer. When compression molded, the insoluble thermoplastic particles form a continuous matrix for the ferromagnetic particles.

Abstract: A structure of controlled water resistance comprises a core of material having mechanical strength when dry but not when water-wet and a coating comprising biodegradable water resistant polymer. The polymer is preferably applied to the core by electrostatic coating of dry fine particles as laid down in microorganism cells or as clusters of such particles. The structure is useful in the form of disposable biodisintegrable articles.

Abstract: Preparation of an encapsulated slow-release particulate fertilizer. A particulate fertilizer starting material is pretreated for increasing its capacity of holding powderous material by adhesion. The resulting first intermediary product is coated with a powderous waterproofing material which fuses below the phase transition temperature of the fertilizer. A second intermediary product obtained in this way is heated to a temperature below the phase transition temperature to fuse the waterproofing material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stranding tape-shaped optical fibers of the present invention strands a plurality of tape-shaped optical fibers each of which is constituted by a plurality of optical fibers arranged into a tape-shaped unit, wherein powder is applied onto at least one surface of each of said tape-shaped optical fibers in pathlines between supplying devices for supplying said tape-shaped optical fibers and a stranding die of said tape-shaped optical fibers.

Abstract: A continuous method for the surface treatment of solid particles comprises feeding a powder mixture which consists of solid particles of a given substance and solid particles of another substance into one of a plurality of impact chambers in communication with one another and equipped with a rotating disc having impact pins and also with an impingement ring, subjecting the mixture to an impact striking action, separating an air stream produced by that action from the powder mixture and discharging it continuously from the impact chamber, repeating the impact action while allowing the powder mixture to reside temporarily in the impact chamber, and then causing the mixture to move, in succession, to the next chamber and so forth.

Abstract: A shield, such as an upstanding cylindrical partition, is mounted adjacent to an air source, such as an air distribution plate/screen of a Wurster system processor, whereby the open upper end of the partition is generally horizontally registered with and disposed about the upper extremity of an associated spray nozzle. The open lower end of the inner cylindrical partition is generally sealed relative to the air distribution plate/screen and operative to receive air upwardly therethrough for subsequent passing through the inner partition about the spray nozzle. The upper end of the inner tubular partition shields the initial spray pattern discharged from the spray nozzle and prevents the premature entrance of particles moving into the spray nozzle area.

Abstract: A fluororubber-containing powder coating composition comprising a fluororubber, an adhesion-preventing material and optionally a cross-linking agent, which composition has an particle size of 10 to 2,000 .mu.m and an apparent density of at least 0.2 g/cc, which provides a homogeneous smooth coated film having no or only a small amount of bubbles.

Abstract: A carrier matrix of polyvinyl alcohol-coated glass is dissolvably impregnated with reagent. The matrix is manufactured by slurrying glass fibers in an excess of water and polyvinyl alcohol and forming a layer, which is then dried and impregnated with reagent.

Abstract: A ferrous strip is galvanized by establishing an electrostatic potential on the strip which is then submerged on a fluidized bed of powdered galvanizing material and then allowing the adhered galvanized powder to be carried by the strip to a reflow station. The reflow station heats the strip and galvanizing material to liquidity the galvanizing material and establish the necessary alloy interface on the ferrous strip. Thereafter, the strip passes to a cooling zone wherein the reflowed galvanizing material is solidified before contacting a roller to use to direct the strip to the exit of the galvanizing apparatus. The atmosphere within the galvanizing apparatus is remained inert through the use of nitrogen which is also used as the fluid medium for the suspension of the galvanizing powder in the fluidized bed.

Abstract: Process for making a tow pre-preg (or tow-preg) comprising long continuous fibers coated with a thermoplastic polymer. A spread tow of long continuous fibers, preferably carbon or glass, is grounded and coated with electrostatically charged particles. The fiber diameter is about 5-50 microns and the mean particle diameter is about 0.1-40 microns. A particle laden air stream is formed by aspirating fluidized polymer particles into a flowing air stream whose velocity exceeds the settling velocity of the particles. The particles in the flowing air stream are continuously electrostatically charged by means of an applied voltage of at least about 20 kV. The flowing air stream with electrostatically charged particles suspended therein is then contacted with the continuously moving grounded spread fiber tow. The particle laden air stream is flowing downwardly and the fiber tow moving horizontally at the time of contact.

Abstract: Process for making a tow pre-preg comprising long continuous fibers coated with a thermoplastic polymer. A continuously moving spread tow of long continuous fibers, preferably carbon or glass, is humidified in an atmosphere of essentially 100% relative humidity and coated with particles of a thermoplastic polymer. A polymer particle-laden air stream contacts the moistened continuously moving tow, depositing polymer particles on the fibers. The fiber diameter is about 5-50 microns and the mean particle diameter is about 0.1-40 microns. The fibers with thermoplastic particles clinging thereto are continuously heated to a temperature sufficient to cause fusion of the thermoplastic polymer. This results in long continuous fibers coated with the thermoplastic polymer. The resulting tow-preg, or tow of coated fibers, is useful in the preparation of structural composites in which the fibers service reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for depositing a latex coating on an article made of elastomer,wherein a continuous layer of a hydrophilic inorganic pulverulent material is deposited at the surface of the elastomer and the said article is immersed in an aqueous latex suspension.The invention also relates to a composite article based on silicone elastomer comprising a latex coating, said composite article including a film made up of a hydrophilic inorganic pulverulent material at the interface between the silicone elastomer and the latex.

Abstract: Long thermal paths and the resulting slow response times in sealed and electrically insulated thermal sensors may be substantially reduced by insulating and sealing the sensor (26) by a method which includes the steps of providing (30) an electrostatic fluidized bed of electrically insulating resin; locating (34) the sensor (26) at the bed; coating (36) the sensor (26); removing (38) the sensor from proximity to the bed; and curing (40) to the resin to form a uniform, thin coating encapsulating the sensor (26).

Abstract: An improved flexible towpreg article and a method of production therefor. The improved flexible towpreg article comprises a prepreg which comprises reinforcing filaments and matrix forming material comprising recycled plastics; the reinforcing filaments being substantially wetout by the matrix forming material such that the towpreg plies have a low void content compared to the multiply towpreg.

Abstract: A process for coating powders with ultrafine particles of silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride or alloys thereof, entailing:a) introducing a reactant gas into a bed of core powders, thereby uniformly suspending the core powders in the reactant gas,b) entraining the uniformly suspended core powders into a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor,c) selectively forming ultrafine particles of silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride or alloys thereof in the gas phase by homogeneous deposition of the reactant gas, while minimizing core powder growth by CVD at surfaces of suspended core powders, andd) coating the core powders with the ultrafine particles of silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride or alloys thereof, by introducing hot inert gas into the uniformly suspended core powders in the reactant gas.

Abstract: An electrostatic powder coating apparatus comprising a powder reservoir, a gas flow injection chamber, a diffusion chamber and a coating chamber and method for coating a substrate or target objects. The injection chamber receives powder from the reservoir at a controlled rate. The powder particulates are entrained by a gas flow within the injection chamber. The diffusion chamber receives the particulates from the injection chamber. The diffusion chamber deaccelerates the particulates and creates a particulate cloud. The coating chamber receives the particulate cloud. A housing encloses the coating chamber. The coating chamber is isolated from the ambient atmosphere. The coating chamber has a cloud inlet and a cloud outlet. The cloud flows through the coating chamber from the inlet to the outlet. One or more deflectors, within the chamber, define a passage and two or more pockets adjoining the substrate or target objects.

Abstract: A method of forming a partial protective coating on phosphor particles to improve initial power output and maintenance of fluorescent lamps made with the phosphor. The phosphor particles are fluidized in a bed and at least partially enveloped by a coating precursor material. Residence time of the phosphor particles in the fluidized bed is short so that the phosphor particles are only partially coated with the coating precursor material. The coating precursor material is reacted to form a protective coating over at least a portion of the surface of the phosphor particles. The partially-coated phosphor particles are then annealed to cause the protective coating to selectively cover at least a portion of certain sites on the surface of the phosphor particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating surfaces of workpieces employs an electrostatic fluidized bed unit for producing a cloud of charged particles, for deposition upon the workpiece, and a second fluidized bed for agitating the particulate material and for facilitating feeding thereof to the electrostatic coating bed, the second bed being disposed beneath the first bed, and being in powder flow communication with it.

Abstract: A method of fluidizing, conveying and/or atomizing powdery or liquid coating material in surface coating, particularly in electrostatic surface coating. An inert gas under high pressure is reduced to a lower, operating pressure, whereby it cools to a temperature below the ambient temperature, and is employed as compressed gas for fluidizing, conveying and/or atomizing coating material.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of producing a high density fiber reinforced composite material operate for lowering the porosity of a porous fiber reinforced composite material. A large number of particles arranged in a reaction tube are pushed up by the pressure of gases flowing from a gas inlet port toward a gas outlet port to enter floating states and to collide with the porous fiber reinforced composite material which is fixed in the reaction tube. In this state, matricies are formed in pores of the porous fiber reinforced composite material through chemical vapor infiltration. The large number of floating particles prevent an adhesion between the surface of the porous fiber reinforced composite material and blocking with soot, while preventing the pores from blocking with soot.

Abstract: One-piece electrochemical cell cover with improved seal area in the fill port. The fill port comprises a countersunk area and an integral boss formed directly underneath the countersunk area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spraying a solid particulate powder onto the interior surface of tubular articles by intermittently pumping the powder from a fluidized bed of powder through a powder supply line containing an intermittently operated venturi pump and air amplifier, as well as a pair of constantly operated air diffusers and an electrostatic charging apparatus. A powder collection shroud adjacent at least one open end of the tubular article has a carefully regulated vacuum applied thereto in order to collect oversprayed powders.

Abstract: A process is described for coating a substrate surface in a heated fluidized bed reactor which comprises flowing one or more coating source materials in a condensed state into a fluidized bed reactor which is maintained at a temperature which is higher than the decomposition and/or reaction temperature of the one or more coating source materials but lower than the vaporization temperature of the coating composition formed in the reactor, whereby the coating composition formed by such decomposition and/or reaction will form a coating film on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A patterned decorative material is prepared by a method which comprises applying a thermosetting powder coating material to a base plate; melting of the thermosetting powder coating material by heating; simultaneously embossing the coating layer and the base plate while the melted thermosetting powder coating material has a gel fraction formed by a hardening reaction of 0 to 75 weight percent; and further heating to form a hardened coating on the base plate. The patterned decorative material is excellent in appearance, corrosion resistance, weathering resistance and abrasion resistance and is free from the defects of conventional steel plates coated with polyvinyl chloride and the like, such as formation of craze and loss of luster.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating (atomizing) head is cleaned by ejecting an ejected steam stream to the electrostatic coating head to remove solidified mass of a coating solution deposited thereon.Ejecting is made via steam stream supply ports to forward and rear surfaces of the coating head without interrupting high voltage applied for coating or even during the coating operation. The method is suitable for aqueous coating solution.

Abstract: Provided are novel thermosetting coating compositions comprised of a an epoxy containing acrylic copolymer and 1,3- and/or 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid as crosslinking agents. Also provided are shaped or formed articles coated with the cured compositions. The compositions of the invention were found to provide coatings with markedly superior hardness.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly coating one or more fibers (10) with particles of a material is described. The method uses a vibrator preferably an acoustic speaker (17b) in a housing (17c) to fluidize the particles (P.sub.1) in a chamber (17 or 30) to deposit them on spread fibers (10b). The fibers can be in the form of a tow of fibers. After the articles are coated on the fibers, the particles can be bonded to the fiber such as by using a heater (19). The resulting product has a uniform deposit of the particles and in the case of the tow of fibers can serve as a prepreg for laminate structures to be produced from the coated tow of fibers.