Mailbag.

Dear editor:

I have recently read with interest an article titled "Tech Service: A Processing Guide to Silicone Rubber Extrusions," by Theodore C. Taylor, published in Rubber World; August, September, October 1998.

It was gratifying to learn that knowledge and technology available, and being employed as far back as 1966, is still usable by the silicone rubber fabrication community. I originally authored that same article in a March 1966 publication of Insulation magazine, published by and copyrighted by Lake Publishing Corporation, Libertyville, IL, and subsequently reprinted by the General Electric Company.

I am currently retired from G.E. Silicones having served 28 years in the technical ranks, and in several management positions such as Technical Marketing, Marketing Development, Application Development, and Product Management. Prior to that I supervised silicone compounding and extrusion for the wire and cable insulation at Prestolite Wire for six years. Most recently, 1990-1995, I was vice president marketing and sales for Chase Walton Elastomers in Hudson, MA.

The above combined G.E. and Prestolite experiences were the backbone of my knowledge that enabled me to write the original article in 1966. I am currently self employed as a marketing consultant for the silicone industry. A second or re-publication would have been a definite advantage for me to increase my visibility and enhance my ability to further my retirement career.

I can assure you that had I been the author of a sequel to my 1966 publication, I would have drawn on my experience and knowledge post 1966 to author something new, rather than use a copy machine to plagiarize a 1966 copyright as done by Mr. Taylor.

Respectfully yours, Walter H. Filbert 

Dear editor:

I have read and fully understand the stated concerns in both yours and Mr. Filbert's letters. The following are my sentiments:

The information utilized in both articles is common knowledge, which had been and continues to be circulated into the fields by General Electric and Dow Corning Silicones as early as 1954.

This very information, which has been handed to customers, potential customers and field sales representatives, was compiled by individuals at G.E. Silicones (Maynard Noble, Richard Savage, Meryl Doud, William Bobear, Harold Baum and Albert Service) prior to both Walt Filbert and Ted Taylor arriving at G.E. Silicones.

In mid-1998, I was contacted by Rubber World seeking information for a publication on silicone rubber fabrication. I stated that there was an article which had previously been submitted to a wire insulation periodical, which I did not author, but had played a big part in developing. My comment was, "I'll dust it off and bring it into the nineties, for Rubber World to review." The article was accepted.

Prior to any submittals to Rubber World, I had tried to reach Mr. Filbert on four (4) different occasions. Finally, on the fifth attempt, Walt and I did have a conversation. I explained exactly what I was preparing and Walt expressed no objections.

Respectfully, Theodore C. Taylor SSP Companies