An apparatus for processing an elongated structure includes a mold within which an uncross-linked rubber material is placed, at least one heating unit configured to heat the mold, and a pressure device configured to press the rubber material using the mold heated by the heating unit to promote shaping the rubber material by the mold while proceeding the cross-linking of the rubber material. The heating unit includes a central heating device configured to heat a longitudinal central portion of the mold, multiple cooling devices configured to cool two longitudinal end portions of the mold, multiple intermediate heating devices configured to heat two intermediate portions between the longitudinal central portion and the longitudinal end portions of the mold, heat shield plates disposed between the central heating device and the intermediate heating devices, and heat shield plates disposed between the cooling devices and the intermediate heating devices.

A method for reducing the stickiness on the surface exposed to the air of a sealant layer applied on an inner cavity of a tyre. The method establishes that the surface exposed to the air of the sealant layer is subject to a UV radiation.

A rubber member for laser bonding of the present invention containing a rubber ingredient and silica, wherein the silica has an average particle size of more than 50 nm and 120 nm or less, and the amount of the silica is 10 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber ingredient, the rubber member has a laser light transmittance of 30% or more, provided that the laser light transmittance is a transmittance when the rubber member has a thickness of 2 mm and is irradiated with laser light having a wavelength of 808 nm. The silica preferably includes silica having an average particle size of more than 50 nm and 120 nm or less and silica having an average particle size of 5 nm to 50 nm, and the amount of the silica having an average particle size of more than 50 nm and 120 nm or less is 10 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber ingredient and the amount of the silica having an average particle size of 5 nm to 50 nm is 10 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber ingredient.

A rubber member for laser bonding of the present invention containing a rubber ingredient and silica, wherein the silica has an average particle size of more than 50 nm and 120 nm or less, and the amount of the silica is 10 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber ingredient, the rubber member has a laser light transmittance of 30% or more, provided that the laser light transmittance is a transmittance when the rubber member has a thickness of 2 mm and is irradiated with laser light having a wavelength of 808 nm. The silica preferably includes silica having an average particle size of more than 50 nm and 120 nm or less and silica having an average particle size of 5 nm to 50 nm, and the amount of the silica having an average particle size of more than 50 nm and 120 nm or less is 10 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber ingredient and the amount of the silica having an average particle size of 5 nm to 50 nm is 10 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber ingredient.

Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then partially-cured by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is a molten, nitrite free inorganic salt. The partially-cured rubber is then maintained at a desired curing temperature in a low/no oxygen heating oven to complete curing. Alternatively, upon removal from the molten salt bath, the latex film is quenched.

A method for producing an injection molded and anti-skid mat providing a lower mold half and an enclosing upper mold half, the mold halves defining therebetween an interior cavity which is a negative of the mat to be produced. A cavity defining surface is configured in the bottom mold half with locations for preplacement of a plurality of underside adhering portions. A flowable plasticized/rubberized material is communicated through a channel in at least one of the mold halves in order to fill the interior cavity, the material setting and cooling prior to removing the upper mold half and the formed mat.

An algae-elastomer composite including an elastomer matrix; algae; and a mixing additive sufficient to achieve a desired property. The algae can be present in a milled condition having a particle size value of between about 10 and 120 microns. The algae is mixed with the elastomer matrix in a dry condition having a moisture content of below about 10%. A method of preparing the algae-based elastomer composite is provided that includes the steps of: premixing an elastomer matrix; adding an algae filler; adding a mixing additive that includes a plasticizer; forming an elastomer-algae blend by blending the algae and elastomer to a temperature sufficient to be further mixed, wherein the temperature is about 10 C. higher than the temperature sufficient for the elastomer alone; adding and mixing a curing or vulcanizing agent for the elastomer dispersing the elastomer-algae blend; and heating and curing the elastomer-algae blend into a final form.

A seal for a vacuum lifter and method of manufacture wherein the seal has a continuous unbroken outer fluid resistant skin of elastomer which forms a boundary around a homogeneous cellular structure with no interior seams or joints.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for manufacturing a balloon envelope including a duct for high altitude balloons. In one example, a first sheet of material may be provided. A premade duct may be arranged at least partially on the first sheet of material. The duct may include a first substance on an internal surface. A second sheet of material may be arranged over at least a portion of the duct. A heat sealing device may be applied to the second sheet of material to heat seal the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material. The heat sealing device may be applied over at least a portion of the duct in order to seal external surfaces of the duct to each of the first and second sheets of material and form a balloon gore. The first substance may keep the duct from being sealed to itself.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for manufacturing a balloon envelope including a duct for high altitude balloons. In one example, a first sheet of material may be provided. A premade duct may be arranged at least partially on the first sheet of material. The duct may include a first substance on an internal surface. A second sheet of material may be arranged over at least a portion of the duct. A heat sealing device may be applied to the second sheet of material to heat seal the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material. The heat sealing device may be applied over at least a portion of the duct in order to seal external surfaces of the duct to each of the first and second sheets of material and form a balloon gore. The first substance may keep the duct from being sealed to itself.