Erico International Corporation

Denis A Brosnan

Mark V Samas

Richard E Singer

James E Whetsel

David P Kovarik

Michael D Amos

Louis J Colarusso, Jr

A composite suitable for use as dental composite is provided by a glass material having a softening range of at least 10.degree. C. and having a particle size of less than 250 mesh to provide a precursor mix. The precursor mix is mixed with a fugitive pore forming material and a binder to form a pressable mix. The pressable mix is pressed at a pressure in excess of 5,000 pounds per square inch to form a sinterable mix. The sinterable mix is sintered for a period of time sufficient to remove said fugitive pore forming material and to form a sintered mass for crushing to form particles of less than 250 micrometers in size to be incorporated into a dental composite.

Dental composite material and process

An improved thermite reaction containment vessel and method of using the same includes a filter assembly which serves to filter the gases evolving from the thermite reaction and reduce the amount of smoke, fume and the like by-products emitted. In one preferred embodiment the filter assembly comprises a primary filter and a secondary filter. An air gap may be provided between the primary and secondary filter so as to provide additional cooling of the gases before they enter the secondary filter. The invention further provides a remote electrical ignition system which is capable of igniting thermite reaction materials without the use of a starting material. The ignition system may include an ignition fuse having an aluminum core and an outer coating comprising palladium and ruthenium or hot wire.

Exothermic welding apparatus and method

An improved thermite reaction containment vessel and method of using the same includes a crucible in which the exothermic material is contained and which is connected at its lower end via a tap hole to a weld chamber in which the parts to be welded are positioned. On top of the crucible is positioned a baffle assembly which includes a plurality of expansion chambers which allows the escaping gas to expand and be reduced in velocity. As the gases move from one expansion chamber to the next the gases change direction. The expansion, direction change and the large surface area of the baffle assembly allows the gases to slow and cool before being exhausted leaving behind molten metal spatter or flame and greatly reducing the amount of smoke exhausted since particulate matter is accumulated on the baffle interior surface. Several forms of baffle assembly are disclosed using inverted stacked metal cups. The baffle assembly may be used in conjucntion with a filter assembly and remote electrical ignition or without a filter assembly and conventional starting material, with such matrial being ignited through the top of the baffle assembly.

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Solon, OH, United States of America

Denis A Brosnan