Abstract: A laminate forming process comprises installing a heater assembly in a processing chamber, the heater assembly having a lower diffusion screen; coupling a vacuum assembly to channels of a platform; continuously conveying layers of titanium and solid adhesive in room temperature onto a workpiece on the platform; heating the processing chamber to a predetermined temperature by the heater assembly through the diffusion screen for evenly applying heat to the layers of titanium and adhesive and the workpiece and melting the layer of adhesive; and activating the vacuum assembly for sucking the layers of titanium and adhesive onto the workpiece through a communication of the channels so as to secure the layers of titanium and adhesive onto the workpiece and smooth the layer of titanium.

Abstract: The device includes a conveyor element for supplying separator strip in a first plane, a device for cutting sections from the separator strip, another conveyor element for preparing the separator strip sections at one folding site and a unit for supplying plates to be jacketed to the folding site in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. Next to the plane in which the separator strip section is prepared at the folding site, there is a negatively pressurized roller as the device for tensioning the separator strip section prepared in the folding site. In the area of the folding site on the side of the plane in which a separator strip section is prepared at the folding site which is opposite the side from which the plate to be jacketed is supplied, there is a pair of folding rollers.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an organic circuit board having embedded passive components, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors, is disclosed. In embedding a resistor or capacitor, a passive unit of a resistive film or a capacitive film is first made on one side of a conductive foil. In forming an inductor, a soft magnetic film is first made on one side of a conductive foil. The foil with the soft magnetic film is then introduced into the multilayer circuit board processing. The electrodes for various passive components or spiral coils for the inductive components and electrical circuit pattern are finally made on the same conductive foil simultaneously. The soft magnetic film deposited on the top of the spiral coil may be made to further improve inductor performance.

Abstract: A method for producing sections in sandwich structures of fiber composites is provided, as well as the structures. The method involves shaping sectional cores around a cut-out, applying bands circumferentially along the perimeter of the cut-out, and covering the sectional cores and to circumferential bands, with layers. The sandwich structure is then impregnated with resin.

Abstract: In one form of the present invention, a system for constructing a laminate (122) is disclosed. The system comprises a ply feeder (101) that sequentially stacks one or more plies (100) to form a ply stack (102). A computer (106) directs a laser (104) to cut each ply (100) to a desired shape after becoming part of the ply stack (102). The ply stack (102) is then placed on a reconfigurable tool (112). An applied pressure compresses the ply stack (102) against the reconfigurable tool (112) while an actuator (124) subsequently reconfigures the reconfigurable tool pins (114) to a predetermined shape. In a more particular embodiment, a composites forming process is used, such as diaphragm forming, to compress the ply stack (102) before the reconfigurable tool pins (114) are reconfigured. In another particular embodiment, the reconfigurable tool pins (114) are first reconfigured then a vacuum diaphragm forming process is utilized to compress the ply stack (102) against the reconfigurable tool (112).

Abstract: Flat strip lamella (10) for reinforcing load-bearing or load transferring building components e.g. concrete, wood, steel, natural stone or masonry. The flat strip lamella (10) has a composite structure consisting of a plurality of parallel aligned, bendable or flexible carrying fibers (26) and a binding matrix (28) joining the carrying fibers to each other and making them shear resistant. The lamella can be attached facewise to the surface of the building component to be reinforced, using adhesive (16). In order to be able to bend the flat strip lamella over corner edges of a building component, the binding matrix (28) consists of a thermoplastic synthetic material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a label cover with joint lines positioned along folding traces of a lateral side of the label is disclosed. A tubular heat contracting film is printed with various patterns and characters, and then the film is folded as a tubular label cover by a folding machine. One opening of the label cover is placed on a guide plate. The orientation between inlet end and the outlet end of the guide plate is adjustable. After the label cover passes through the guide plate, the position of the joint line is converted to the folding trace of the lateral side of the label cover. By the design of the inlet end and the outlet end of the guide plate, the respective angle after being folded is adjusted so that the overlapping portion of the joint line and the folding trace on the label cover is changed as desired. Therefore, the pattern and characters on the label cover are retained as original forms without being destroyed by the joint line.

Abstract: The vehicle seat of the invention includes a cushioning material having a ridge surrounding and defining a seating area on the cushioning material and a skin material covering the cushioning material. The skin material and cushioning material are bonded together only within the seating area. The skin material is a laminate including, in succession, a PVC layer, a knitted fabric and a closed-cell synthetic resin foam. A water proof film may be interposed between the cushioning material and the skin material outside of the seating area.

Abstract: A method of producing a security element for electronically securing an object, a device for producing the security element and the security element itself form aspects of the present invention. The security element includes a strip element embedded in sheathing. The sheathing has a melting temperature below that of the strip element. The method has associated steps and the device has associated elements for producing the security element from the strip element and sheathing. In each aspect, the ends of the strip element and sheathing are heated and the sheathing ends pulled to seal the strip element in the sheathing.

Abstract: An edge wrap machine for applying decorative laminate to an aircraft interior panel, particularly a stowbin door, lifts the edge to be wrapped with an actuator, wraps the edge automatically by drawing a vacuum between two silicone blankets sandwiching the panel, and lowers the actuator to achieve bonding pressure on the wrapped edge. The machine automates a hand operation that is relatively slow and potentially dangerous to the workers.

Abstract: A method of covering a floral grouping by providing a wrap constructed of a flat sheet of material, the wrap having an opening disposed within the sheet of material, and inserting a portion of the stem end of a floral grouping through the opening in the wrap, and wrapping the wrap about the floral grouping.

Abstract: A blow molded article comprising an inwardly projecting rib and a mold loose piece, the inwardly projecting rib comprising a wall portion formed around an inwardly projecting mold loose piece. In method form, the present invention relates to a blow molded article having at least one inwardly projecting rib, the method comprising the steps of providing a mold having a cavity defined therein by a cavity wall, providing a mold loose piece disposed on the cavity wall, introducing a parison into the cavity, and introducing the mold loose piece into the parison.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive tape for covering longitudinally extended products (C) such as looms of cables, plastic profiled sections or the like, comprising a strip like support (1a, 1b) defined on two sides by two side edges (3a, 3b) and provided on at least one side with a self-adhesive layer (2a, 2b) consisting of a pressure-sensitive mass which has a chemical composition such that a homogenous pressure-sensitive mass is formed in the presence of a light contact pressure (p) exerted on two adhesive layers (2a, 2b) lying on top of each other and by eliminating the contact surfaces to obtain total coalescence of the adhesive layers (2a, 2b).

Abstract: A decorative cover or wrapping formed from a sheet of material having design indicia thereon for wrapping a holiday item such as an easter egg or a holiday ornament, which may include forming indicia and an extension which is integral or non-integral to the sheet of material which is used as at least a portion of the decoration. Methods of decoratively covering easter eggs and holiday ornaments.

Abstract: A laminated stretch cushion strap assembly having a stretchable cover, a stretchable cushion filler and a stretchable bottom or bottom fabric. The cover includes a stretchable top fabric, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric and a stretchable base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on a side opposite that of the top fabric. The stretchable bottom fabric forms with the cover an enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler is adapted to be completely enclosed within the enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler has a first cushion layer, and adhesive for securing during lamination the cover to the stretchable cushion filler, and the cushion filler to the stretchable bottom fabric. The adhesive is a second adhesive web layer positioned between the stretchable base layer and the first cushion layer to secure the cushion filler to the cover, and a third adhesive web layer positioned on the first cushion layer to secure the bottom fabric to the cushion filler.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of adhesive to one side of a running web of tipping paper for use in filter cigarete makers has a single source of adhesive or two or more sources containing identical or different adhesives, and one or more conduits leading from the source(s) to one or more nozzles which applies or apply one or more films of a single adhesive or of different adhesives to selected portions of the one side of the web. The rate of admission of adhesive(s) to the nozzle(s), including interruption and restarting of admission of adhesive(s), is regulated by one or more valves each having a body receiving a rotary valving element provided with one or more peripheral projections and/or recesses serving to regulate the rate of flow of adhesive toward the single nozzle or the respective nozzles. The rotary elements of two or more valves can constitute disc-shaped sections of a single rotor confined in a valve body common to all valves.

Abstract: Structurally strong articles are formed from inherently weak materials, such as expanded polystyrene, coated with one or more layers of a thermoplastic sheet material, such as amorphous polyethylene terephthalate. The inherently weak interior members are either fluid permeable or perforated. These members are sandwiched or encapsulated by heat deformable outer layers. The articles are made by applying a fluid pressure between the stack of interior members and the thermoplastic sheet, with the thermoplastic sheet heated to conform to the interior members. The fluid pressure is maintained until the thermoplastic sheet is cooled so that tension extending in all directions is produced in the sheet. The resulting articles are useful as building elements, signs, motor vehicle panels, pallets, surf boards, and sail boards.

Abstract: A method of veneering across a elongate corner on an elongate core involving providing a sheet of veneer sized to cover a desired portion of the core including an expanse on each side of the corner with the veneer having a core side for placement against the core and an exposed side opposite the core side. An elongate groove is formed in the core side of the veneer with the groove having a generally triangular cross-section with an open side substantially coplanar with the core side of the veneer and two interior sides extending into the veneer to a point near but not reaching the exposed side of the veneer where the angle between the interior sides being configured to match the angle of the corner. Lastly the veneer is applied to the core with the groove aligned over the corner and veneer on either side of the groove folded down against the core to thereby bring the two interior sides of the groove together.

Abstract: Molding, such as that used in the manufacture of picture frames, is laminated with a covering wrap of foil, paper, plastic, cloth, or wood veneer and is embossed on the same machine shortly thereafter. The covering wrap is adhered by an adhesive and the embossed pattern is formed in part by pressure of a pattern against the substrate and through the covering wrap and partly by forcing of the adhesive used in the laminating process into various raised portions of the pattern, thus supporting and enhancing the embossed profile.

Abstract: A ring shaped medical positioner and method for its manufacture the positioner includes a ring shaped insert wrapped in a surgical vinyl. The vinyl is divided into a first and second pieces, the first piece being formed by forming dyes engaging opposite sides of the vinyl, which is stretched between the dyes and progressively relaxed as the material is drawn into the female forming dye by the male dye and suction. The insert is placed within the formed surgical vinyl. The second piece is a flat disc which is placed over one of the surfaces of the insert and sealed to the edges of the first piece of vinyl to thereby provide a wrinkle free covering which may be easily disinfected for repeated use.

Abstract: A self-inflatable mattress is formed from an open pore foam core and one or more layers of dual melt film. Initially, a layer of dual melt film is placed on top of the open pore foam block such that the side with the lower melting temperature contacts the foam core. A non-stick, heat transferable buffer layer is then placed on top of the film and heat and pressure are applied, preferably through a roller, causing the bottom surface of the film to stick to the top surface of the foam core. The edges of the top sheet are also adhesably attached to the sides of the core using a pair of heated side pressure rollers. Lastly, the cushion is inverted and a second, or bottom, sheet of dual melt film is placed on top of the foam core and attached to the bottom surface and the sides in a similar manner. Finally, a valve, which may be either oral, or one way, is attached to the side of the mattress.

Abstract: A trim panel having an integral handle is made using a subassembly comprising a structural substrate that has a handle hole and a handle frame that spans the handle hole. The subassembly is mounted on a pneumatic buck and a sheet of pliable and stretchable expanded vinyl plastic is then draped over the subassembly to form a decorative cover for the trim panel. The plastic sheet is then vacuum drawn against the top of the subassembly and partially around the handle frame. Draped portions of the plastic sheet between the handle frame and the handle hole, are then cut and trimmed, to complete the wrapping of the handle frame and the edge of the handle hole. The cut ends of the draped portions wrapped around the handle frame are tucked in a longitudinal slot in the underside of the handle frame.

Abstract: A process for making a layered product having a honeycomb core having cells filled with a foam material, the process comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first layer of an uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material on the top side of a central honeycomb core having empty cells, and placing a second layer of an uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material on the bottom side of the central honeycomb core; (b) placing a first layer of an uncured preform material above the first layer of uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material, and placing a second layer of an uncured preform material above the second layer of uncured, heat-expandable, foamable material; (c) placing the charge made by steps (a) and (b) inside a mold and closing the mold; (d) heating the mold to the cure temperature of the heat-expandable, foamable material, and holding the mold at this temperature for sufficient time to expand and cure the heat-expandable, foamable material; (e) reducing the temperature of the mold to the injection temperat

Abstract: A hand tool for applying adhesive strip material to a glass sheet has a manually graspable body with a channel extending through it to receive the strip material. A positioning member adjacent the channel guides the tool along the edge of the glass sheet. The body includes a punch selectively operable to notch the strip material to facilitate corner formation, and a cutter selectively operable to sever the strip when application of the strip to the glass sheet has been completed. Actuators for the punch and for the cutter are accessible on the exterior surface of the hand tool in locations where they can be operated by the user in a number of different holding positions.

Abstract: A spherical body having a core and a surface layer is manufactured by a method comprising a preforming step in which a pair of sheet blanks (1) are formed into half-shells (11) in a two-part mold (2) having hemispherical concave mold halves by pressing each blank from one side while applying vacuum suction to the other side; a surface layer forming step in which the half-shells are loaded into another two-part mold (12) having pattern-forming projections, the core (19) is placed on one mold half, and the other mold half is joined thereto to close the mold, thereby pressing the core against the inner side of each half-shell, concurrent with which vacuum suction is applied to the outer side; and a molding step in which the surface layer is fused and solidified onto the core within the closed mold.

Abstract: A golf ball is prepared by enclosing a ball body with a pair of resin films and heat pressing the resin films to the ball body in a dimpling mold to thereby form a resin layer around the ball body and impress dimples in the resin layer. There is obtained a golf ball of quality having a thin uniform resin layer on the surface.

Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective marking material is provided, the method has the steps of: (a) providing an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface and comprising a cover layer and a monolayer of retroreflective elements; (b) applying a conformance layer to the bottom surface of the retroreflective sheet; and (c) laminating a configuration member to the conformance layer thereby creating first portions and second portions in the sheet, the first portions being arranged in an upwardly contoured profile and the second portions being arranged in a lower, substantially planar position. A retroreflective article made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A molded thermal insulator body, in particular a thermal insulator plate comprises, for the purposes of a better flexibility, a prepressed base body (1) substantially containing at least one center layer (3), predominantly made of a highly dispersed ceramic material such as silica aerogel (SiO.sub.2), and an upper and a lower support layer (2), predominantly made out of flexible paper, foil, cardboard, or felts of ceramic material, or of a mixture of at least two of the same, preferably of ceramic paper, foil or cardboard, and wherein the base body is enveloped by a shrinkable plastic foil (4).

Abstract: A mold is provided having the shape of the trim panel and having a blade projecting from the mold at the juncture between the first and second regions to be covered by the different sheet materials. A first sheet material is provided and cut to fit the first region and also extend over the blade. This first sheet is draped over the mold and the blade. A second sheet material is bonded to a rigid substrate material, with the rigid substrate material having a flange structure along the edge margin thereof which is adapted to snap-fit over the blade of the mold and thereby hold in place the first sheet material which had previously been draped over the blade. The mold is then closed and a suitable molding material is injected to adhere to the back side of the first sheet material and the substrate layer of the second sheet material to thereby form the rigid trim panel. The mold is opened and the rigid trim panel is removed from the blade.

Abstract: Method of closing tubular bags for fruit and vegetable products.The method comprises:1) closing the bag which has been filled, forming a region with a structure similar to a cord by twisting or other means;2) superimposing a laminar element which can be welded to the bag on the closure region so that the said laminar element is partially wound on the closure region of the bag surrounding it completely, the said laminar element being partially superimposed on itself at the end of the winding;3) intimately welding the superimposed laminar element to the closure region of the mesh bag on which it has been superimposed and onto itself in the overlapping region;4) once welded, cutting the welding region transversely, defining two closure regions at the upper end of one bag and at the lower end of the next bag.

Abstract: Forming a structure of seat back with armrest is effected by pressingly adhering a covering material to a foam padding of a predetermined sheet back shape, through a foaming process and an adhering-type stamping process, using a die element having a protuberant die surface part in both of the foaming and adhering-type stamping processes. The protuberant die surface part includes at least two sloped die surfaces. Hence, in operation, the die element can be smoothly removed from a resulting foam padding in which a recessed portion with at least two sloped walls is formed, at the foaming process. Then, the covering material is bonded evenly in such recessed portion and other surrounding area of padding at the adhering-type stamping process.

Abstract: A sandwich skin construction that is comprised of an internal structure comprising a plurality of cones disposed between two outer skins is disclosed. The interior contains a pressurized gas to give the resulting sandwich skin construction added strength over a similarly constructed non-pressurized structure of the same material with an equivalent mass. Various attributes of the cones can be adjusted, for example, size and angle, to optimize the performance of the sandwich skin construction to a variety of external stresses. Moreover, a method is provided for manufacturing the sandwich skin construction. The structure can be placed in a pressurized environment before attaching the outer skins.

Abstract: An infinite heat sealing assembly preferably for heat sealing a thermoplastic heat-shrinkable plastic film, has a heat sealing assembly for cutting and sealing a seam in a film or layers of film without regard to the length of the seam. The heat sealing assembly includes a heated blade and a plurality of belt conveyors for conveying the film with a desired tracking through the assembly. An adjustable angle blade and slotted film support ramp result in improved sealing of heavier gauge films by increasing the dwell time of the film on the heated blade.

Abstract: A full color transplanting process for providing a full color picture, drawing or printing permanently and evenly on an undulate surface of an object, including any irregular, uneven and undulate surface thereon. The process includes the following steps. Print a clear and flexible transplanting membrane with a predetermined picture, drawing or printing thereon, wherein the transplanting membrane has a surface area at least equal to a total surface area of a predetermined printing surface of an object. Clean the printing surface of the object thoroughly to clear all removable dirt and particles thereon. Pre-heat the object to a predetermined temperature between 150.degree. F. and 300.degree. F. Rub the printing surface of the object until the entire printing surface is provided with static electricity.

Abstract: A method of making a seat (10) includes preassembling the seat by positioning a seat cover (26) over a contoured foam substrate (18) with a layer of heat activated adhesive (24) between the seat cover and the foam substrate. Securing the seat preassembly (10') in a fixture (106) and introducing heating fluid into the fixture to pressurize a flexible bladder (156) against the seat. The pressurized bladder urges the seat cover against the contoured foam substrate and heats the adhesive layer. Next, cooling fluid is introduced into the fixture to pressurize the flexible bladder against the seat, and the pressurized bladder urges the seat cover against the contoured foam substrate and cools the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method and system whereby an abrasive ring having an axis and a given number of abrasive sheet elements projecting with respect to the axis is formed by forming an orderly first pack of abrasive sheet elements having a first number of elements smaller than the given number of the ring; forming at least a second pack of elements having a second number of elements at most equal to the difference between the given number and the first number; curving the first pack to form a base ring; circumferentially compacting the elements in the base ring to form at least one gap; and inserting at least a second pack of elements inside the gap.

Abstract: A method for making a corrugated fiber reinforced preform for a corrugated channel is disclosed which involves the sequential application of fiber plies to a shaping tool, each of the plies individually formed to the contours of the shaping tool, using a corrugating tools, restraining means used to maintain the plies in conformance with the tool. The plies are then subjected to debulking and heated to stabilize the fiber plies in their shaped condition, with additional plies applied thereover using the same steps of application, forming, restraining and stabilizing to produce a thick debulked fiber preform which avoids wrinkling of the fibers at the radius between the web and side portions of the corrugated channel.

Abstract: A fibrous product is produced by providing a collection of fibrous material, and encapsulating the fibrous material by covering the fibrous material with a film to form an encapsulated blanket of the fibrous material. The encapsulated blanket is then needled to cause entanglement of the fibrous material, thereby producing a needled, encapsulated fibrous product.

Abstract: A door panel includes a support having a formed area with opposing spaced apart structures and an elongated reinforcement spanning between the opposing spaced apart structures and spaced from the formed area. A flexible cover is positioned on the support including a main panel section covering the support and covering the formed area, and a second panel section wrapped around the reinforcement for covering the reinforcement to form a handle on the door panel. As molded, the flexible cover includes inner, middle, and outer panel sections that are spaced apart to facilitate molding. The outer panel section is convexly shaped and can be inverted so that it abuts the middle panel section. The door panel is constructed by positioning the flexible cover on the support, and flexing the outer panel section inwardly so that a handle-covering portion of the flexible cover completely surrounds the reinforcement.

Abstract: There is provided architectural molding apparatus including a supporting frame assembly and a paper roll assembly which delivers a continuous paper web via tension and drive rollers to an adhesive applicator where hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive is deposited on the web. The glue coated paper web passes over roller to a profiled polystyrene core at a set-up roller assembly. The core is delivered by a core feed assembly which is adapted to receive lengths of the core in abutting relation. The set-up roller assembly receives the core and urges the paper web glue side first into the core to form the molding assembly which passes to a laminating roller assembly adapted to urge the glue covered web into intimate contact with the profile face of the core. The molding assembly then passes to a series of rollers adapted to progressively fold and roll the web to completely wrap the core.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity including forming a molded cast into which an amputated extremity conforms, the molded cast having a closed distal end for positioning adjacent one end of the amputated extremity and an open proximal end for surrounding the amputated extremity, forming a vacuum assembly by connecting an attachment device for receiving a vacuum tube to the distal end of the mold cast and attaching a first end of the vacuum tube to the attachment device. Subsequently, wrapping a formable plastic layer around a portion of the vacuum tube, the attachment device and at least the distal end of the molded socket. The plastic layer is sealed around the vacuum tube and at least the distal end of the molded cast such that trapped air between the plastic layer and the vacuum assembly can be drawn through the vacuum tube, thus conforming the formal plastic layer to at least the distal end of mold cast and the attachment device.

Abstract: An improved vehicle headrest includes a bead between a plastic sleeve and a cloth facing. The cloth is bonded to the plastic sleeve such that an exposed face of the cloth is quickly and reliably connected to the plastic sleeve. The plastic sleeve is then filled with a foam and a positioning post. The inventive headrest is formed by initially placing the cloth material on positioning structure in an anvil. The plastic sleeve has been previously rotationally molded, and is slid onto the anvil and over the cloth material. A dielectric bar is then brought into contact with the plastic sleeve, and a bead is formed. As the bead is formed, a cutting blade cuts the plastic material inwardly of the bead. The cut portion of the sleeve is removed exposing the cloth material. A "RF" compatible barrier layer is formed on a rear face of the cloth material and prevents foam from reaching the exposed forward face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a polyester film having a heat activated adhesive on one surface onto a porous polystyrene base to form the core of a spa cover or the like. The apparatus includes a table onto which a base is placed and a clamping structure for holding the film, the table communicating with a source of sub-atmospheric pressure. The clamping structure includes a pair of frames, one of which is pivotable relative to the other to open and receive the film therebetween to close upon and clamp the film. A lifting mechanism may lift both frames with the film clamp between the frames. The table is moveable into an oven having heating elements positioned at a location above the table and the clamping frames are lifted to bring the film in close proximity to the heating elements.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing a enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.

Abstract: Improved insulating modular panels are manufactured to incorporate into each insulating modular panel at least one vacuum insulation panel. Vacuum insulation panels are conveyed seriatim toward a pultrusion die which ultimately produces the insulating modular panels as a continuous block. Joint spacings or gaps between adjacent vacuum insulation panels and sides of the vacuum panels are filled with foam or preformed filler material to form a substantially continuous inner core which has substantially continuous side edges. Reinforcement material is applied to the inner core. The reinforcement material can be impregnated with resin prior to its application to the inner core or resin may be injected into the pultrusion die. In either event, a continuous elongated block of insulating modular panels emerges from the pultrusion die. The continuous elongated block is severed at joint spacings or gaps between adjacent vacuum insulation panels to form insulating modular panels of desired sizes from the block.

Abstract: A process for bundling and/or fixing of articles using an extensible plastic tape having a Young modulus of at least approximately 170 bars but less than 7,000 bars and an extensibility in longitudinal direction of at least approximately 150%, with a recovery of less than 50 percent after extension, at least portions of the length of the plastic tape being free of pressure sensitive adhesive. In the process a) the plastic tape is permanently stretched, the permanently stretched tape is arranged around the articles to be bundled and/or fixated, and the ends of the tape are bound together; or b) the plastic tape is permanently stretched, one of its ends is then fixed, and thereafter the permanently stretched plastic tape is arranged around the articles to be bundled and/or fixated, and the other of its ends is fixed; and/or c) one of the ends of the plastic tape is fixed, the plastic tape is permanently stretched and arranged around the articles to be bundled and/or fixated, and the other of its ends is fixed.

Abstract: A laminate such as a PCB material is formed by stacking resin impregnated prepreg sheets (10) between copper foils (12), applying heat and pressure around the periphery of the stack to form an edge-sealed unit, and subjecting a number of such units to a lay-up process in a separate clean area into which they are introduced via surface-cleaning means.

Abstract: Encapsulated glass fiber insulation is made by forming a covering material over the top surface of a mineral fiber core, with the formed covering material extending adjacent the side surfaces. The covering material is greater in width than the sum of the widths of the top and two side surfaces, so that the edges of the formed covering material extend beyond the mineral fiber core. A vacuum is applied below the mineral fiber core to draw the formed covering material extending beyond the side surfaces under the core.