Abstract: An optical element includes a first surface, a second surface positioned to face the first surface, and a plurality of reflecting surfaces arrayed in a first region defined by the first surface and the second surface, wherein the reflecting surfaces have a first length in a first direction vertical to the first surface and are arrayed at a pitch in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, light incident on one of the first surface and the second surface is reflected by the reflecting surfaces toward the other surface, and predetermined parameters satisfy predetermined relational formulae representing conditions for ensuring total reflection at the reflecting surfaces and for avoiding total reflection at a light emergent surface.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.

Abstract: A process for producing a panel for acoustic treatment including a resistive porous layer, an alveolar structure, a reflective layer with openings, and a drainage plate having a furrow for delimiting at least one evacuation pipe when the drainage plate is flattened against the free surface of the reflective layer, includes: shaping the reflective layer according to its final geometry, affixing a demolding film on at least one portion of the free surface of the reflective layer, positioning on the demolding film a core whose cross-section is adapted to that of the evacuation pipe so that the core covers the openings of the reflective layer, molding the drainage plate on the demolding film and the core, demolding the drainage plate and removing the core and the demolding film, and making the drainage plate integral with the free surface of the reflective layer.

Abstract: A process of making a multi-layered product (50) made from multiple extruded sheets or webs (51, 52) of material laminated or joined together. In several embodiments, at least one of the webs is made of different materials, such that the extrudate (12, 12a, 12b) has different properties. When introduced into a dimpler (15, 68, 108), the extrudate (12, 12a, 12b) is treated such that a plurality of dimples (26, 28, 72, 74, 112) are created in the web. A pair of outer skins (52, 52A, 72, 92) may be laminated or applied to the dimpled interior layer (24, 51, 70, 90, 100, 110). Each outer skin (52, 52A, 72, 92, 102, 116) may have identical properties or different properties.

Abstract: A fibrous product includes at least one top ply with an embossing pattern forming pillow-like chambers at least partially surrounded by first embossing protuberances; at least one middle ply embossed in register with the at least one top ply so that second embossing protuberances of the at least one middle ply nest into the pillow-like chambers of the at least one top ply; and at least one bottom ply in register with the at least one top ply and the at least one middle ply being bonded to both the at least one top ply and the at least one middle ply at bonding regions. The at least one bottom ply includes non-embossed areas and embossed areas provided with a micro-embossing pattern, whereby the unembossed areas of the bottom ply are in register with the top ply and the middle ply.

Abstract: A method of making an embossed liner panel for use as an interior liner of a cargo carrying vehicle is provided. A reinforced thermoplastic polymer feedstock, an impression mat having a textured surface, and a release film are provided. The materials are stacked such that the film is provided between the feedstock and the mat. The stacked materials are fed into a laminator and a roller therein moves the stacked materials therethrough. The laminator heats and compresses the materials to emboss the textured surface of the mat onto the feedstock to form the embossed liner panel. Thereafter, the mat is released from the feedstock and collected for reuse. The mat is a separate component from the roller of the laminator.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a thermoforming cover of portable electronic apparatus, comprising: a first transparent layer, being made by plastic material; a color layer, being printed on the first transparent layer; an adhesive layer, being covered on the color layer; and a second transparent layer, being made by plastic material, and disposed on the adhesive layer; wherein the first transparent layer can be set as substrate, and the color layer, the adhesive layer and the second transparent layer are disposed on the first transparent layer by step, then a thermoforming cover can be manufactured in a mold through thermoforming process.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing container labels are presented, the container label having a blank name space, the blank name space configured for personalization of a container by writing a user's name or an identification on the blank name space, the method including: designing the container label, the container label having a first surface, where the container label includes a first surface, and where the container label includes graphics and the blank name space void of graphics on the first surface; printing the container label; applying a texture to the blank name space, where the texture provides a writable surface on the first surface; and permanently applying the container label to the container.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inner covering assembly (2) with multiple components for a vehicle, comprising a first component (4) and at least one second component (6), the said method comprising: providing the components (4, 6) of the inner covering assembly; an operation to attach the first component (4) to a member (26) of a forming tool (24) of the inner covering assembly; inserting at least one second component (6) of the inner covering assembly into the forming tool (24); and an operation for securing by adhering the first and second components (4, 6) of the inner covering assembly by activating the forming tool in order to obtain the inner covering assembly (2) having multiple components.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminate made up of at least two films/foils is provided. At least one first film/foil is structured and subsequently laminated to at least one second film/foil. The at least one second film/foil is punched by at least one tool in a single working step and is laminated to the structured first film/foil simultaneously. The films/foils are conveyed, at least part of the time, to the at least one tool. A laminate produced according to such a method and a device for producing a laminate using such a method are also provided. The device is suited for conveying and laminating the at least one first and second films/foils, wherein regions of the films/foils are aligned to be parallel with respect to each other. The device includes at least one tool that can be used to punch-laminate second film/foil onto the first film/foil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aligning a flexible foil sheet having a general first foil sheet length direction to form stacked foil sheet layers on a reel having a reel diameter. The method comprises providing multiple alignment markers in the foil sheet. distanced conform the reel diameter and each having an mark length direction transverse to the first foil sheet length direction, to form protrusions and corresponding recesses on opposite faces of the foil sheet; winding the foil sheet on the reel in the first foil sheet length direction of the foil sheet; and co-aligning the alignment markers to have protrusions of one mark matching with a recess of another mark, so as to block relative movement of the stacked foil sheet layers in the first foil sheet length direction. Preferably, the foil sheet layers are provided with device functionality to form a stacked foil sheet layered device.

Abstract: A method of making a laminate for an absorbent article is provided. The laminate comprises elastic elements disposed at least partially intermediate two substrates. The first substrate has a primary fiber bond pattern formed therein and comprising a plurality of primary fiber bonds. The method comprises forming densified regions in the first substrate. A perimeter of each of the densified regions is larger than a perimeter of each of the primary fiber bonds. The densified regions together form a pattern of densified regions in the first substrate. The method comprises adhesively attaching the elastic elements to the first substrate, joining the second substrate to the first substrate or to some of the elastic elements, and forming a plurality of rugosities in the first substrate by allowing the elastic elements to at least partially contract. The frequency and amplitude ranges of the rugosities result from the pattern of the densified regions.

Abstract: The present application describes an arrangement for applying a label to the periphery of a moving object. The arrangement may include an initial label dispensing an application station, a label tacking station, and a label wrapping station. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an in-mold release (IMR) film is disclosed. A carrier film including a substrate and a resin layer having thereon an embossed pattern, such as wood vein pattern, on a side of the substrate is provided. A composite film is then laminated and pressed onto the carrier film to thereby transferring the embossed pattern to the composite film.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising a polymer sheet having desirable surface properties, and more specifically, the present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising poly(vinyl butyral) having a finished surface of relatively low waviness and high roughness disposed in contact with poly(ethylene terephthalate) and/or other poly(vinyl butyral) type layers.

Abstract: Dielectric composite structures comprising interfaces possessing nanometer scale corrugated interfaces in interconnect stack provide enhances adhesion strength and interfacial fracture toughness. Composite structures further comprising corrugated adhesion promoter layers to further increase intrinsic interfacial adhesion are also described. Methods to form the nanometer scale corrugated interfaces for enabling these structures using self assembling polymer systems and pattern transfer process are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising a polymer sheet having desirable surface properties, and more specifically, the present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising poly(vinyl butyral) having a finished surface of relatively low waviness and high roughness disposed in contact with poly(ethylene terephthalate) and/or other poly(vinyl butyral) type layers.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite trim panel for a vehicle interior begins with a sheet-like appliqué being loaded onto a female negative-vacuum molding tool, wherein the appliqué has a Class A surface facing the female negative-vacuum molding tool and a Class B surface having a heat-activated adhesive. A skin-forming sheet is heated. The skin-forming sheet is negative-vacuum formed into a trim panel skin in the female negative-vacuum molding tool surrounding and atop of the appliqué, wherein the trim panel skin surrounding the appliqué is formed with an in-mold grain. While the trim panel skin remains pliable from the heating and remains in the female negative-vacuum molding tool, a pre-molded rigid substrate is pressed against the trim panel skin to adhere them together.

Abstract: Devices including a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide containing material having a microstructured surface are disclosed herein. Such devices can optionally include a flex circuit attached to the microstructured surface and can be useful, for example, in fluid handling applications.

Abstract: Fabrics made for watersports and outerwear apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that there is at least one metal layer, forming a radiant barrier to reduce heat loss via radiation, and insulating this metal layer from conductive heat loss, and a process for its manufacture.

Abstract: A method for joining components through mechanical adhesion comprising the following stages is disclosed: a) curing a resin laminate (1) on a surface (10) of a first component (11) imprinting a texture portion (30) upon the resin laminate (1); b) positioning an adhesive material laminate (2) on the texture portion (30); c) positioning a second component (12) on the adhesive material laminate (2); and d) curing the adhesive material laminate (2) and penetration of the adhesive material laminate (2) into the texture portion (30). Also described is a mechanical adhesion joint (20) for joining components, comprising an anchorage (40) formed by a texture portion (30) disposed on a first component (11) and permeated by an adhesive material laminate (2) contained in a second component (12), the texture portion (30) comprising a locking profile (31).

Abstract: A sheet insulator is attached to an item of wearing apparel to provide thermal insulation. The sheet insulator has a fiber reinforced aerogel composite encapsulated within a plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting is secured to the aerogel composite, surface to surface. The plastic sheeting and the aerogel composite have surface upsets such as elongated depressions or burrows positioned and oriented at a flexing position of the wearing apparel so that the sheet insulator is able to flex with the apparel enabling a more natural movement of the apparel.

Abstract: An array of aerodynamic riblets is formed with a surface layer for adhering to an aerodynamic surface and a plurality of riblet tips having a parabolic cross section extending from the surface layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an achromatic security element for value documents, such as banknotes, cards, ID documents and the like comprising a thermoplastic or a radiation-curable polymer layer, characterised in that the layer is embossed with diffusely reflecting microstructures having sizes in the order of 1-100 ?m, a method for producing such security elements, value documents comprising said security elements and a currency system comprising said security elements.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for method for producing a microfluidic device includes forming a target structural pattern on a substrate, the substrate having a polymeric substrate material with a solubility parameter. The method also includes selecting a bonding solvent based on a difference between the solubility parameter of the polymeric substrate material and a solubility parameter of the bonding solvent. The method further includes bonding the substrate having the target structural pattern with a cover using the selected bonding solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite microneedles arrays including microneedles and a film overlaying the microneedles. The film includes a plurality of nano-sized structures fabricated thereon. Devices may be utilized for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Devices may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the plasma membrane of a cell and/or with an extracellular matrix component.

Abstract: The method includes: preparing a first substrate including first wirings; preparing a mold having a stamping surface that includes convex portions formed depending on wiring patterns of a second substrate to be laminated on the first substrate and projections formed depending on via patterns; pressing, while heating, the mold against the second insulating sheet so that end portions of the projections are exposed at the other main surface side of the second insulating sheet; laminating, while heating, the second insulating sheet on a first insulating sheet so that the exposed end portions contact the first wirings; releasing, the mold from the second insulating sheet; and filling a conductive material in groove portions and holes formed in the second insulating sheet.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a decorative board, which board includes at least one thermosetting resin impregnated paper layer. A decor paper in the form of a web or a sheet, provided with a plurality of decor sections, each decor section being intended to constitute a décor of a decorative panel, is placed as a surface layer on a base layer and bonded thereto by pressing under elevated pressure. A plurality of press plates or press foils, each press plate or press foil being provided with a surface structure intended to match at least one decor section of the decor paper, are accurately positioned on top of the thermosetting impregnated paper layer before the pressing and is after the pressing separated from the laminate achieved. The laminate will hereby be provided with a décor surface with a matching surface structure which is in register with the décor of the decor paper.

Abstract: Provided is a high-reliability, compact, and low-cost optical sensor device. The optical sensor device includes a glass lid substrate (2), a glass substrate (9) with a cavity having divided and exposed through-hole electrodes (5) on the periphery thereof, and an optical sensor element (3) mounted on the glass lid substrate, and has a structure in which the glass lid substrate and the glass substrate with a cavity are bonded together. By hermetically sealing with the glass substrates, high reliability is secured. By using the divided through-hole electrodes, the package size is reduced and the number of devices which can be produced in a batch in the manufacture increases, which enables cost reduction.

Abstract: A plastic shell with ink-free pattern and its manufacturing method thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes a step of providing a multilayered film with ink-free pattern, a step of adhering a protective layer of the multilayered film on a surface of a plastic shell body, and a step of performing a laser engraving procedure to present a relief pattern on a surface of the protective layer.

Abstract: A composite structure, and method of manufacturing it, having a specified width, length, and height defining a top and bottom the composite structure. The composite structure includes a three dimensional structural core constructed of a polymer with a first series of a geometric pattern repeated along its length. The structural core also has a second series of the geometric pattern repeated along the width thereof. The geometric patter may be a sinusoidal curve or a substantially pyramidal shape. The composite structure also includes a first reinforcement layer made of a polymer positioned above the structural core and bonded thereto. It also includes a second reinforcement layer made of a polymer that is positioned below the structural core and bonded thereto. The composite structure may also include a decorative layer above the first reinforcement layer, an acoustical batting layer positioned between the first reinforcement layer and the structural core, and may include fire retardant chemicals.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a co-molded sole for footwear, such as athletic shoes. Embodiments also provide a mold for manufacturing the co-molded sole. In various embodiments, the co-molded sole may include an outsole and a midsole. The outsole may be composed of an outsole material, and the midsole may be composed of a midsole material. The outsole and midsole may be co-molded together to form a unitary piece by the mold. The mold may include a lower plate, a middle plate, and an upper plate.

Abstract: The steps of a method for fabricating a proximity sensing module that is adapted to be attached to a mobile device, include: (a) patterning an upper conductive film to form a patterned conductive film which includes an upper connective pad that is adapted to be electrically connected to a respective contact on a circuit board of the mobile device, and an induced circuit pattern that is electrically connected to the upper connective pad; (b) adhering an adhesive sheet to the patterned conductive film; and (c) forming a through hole in the adhesive sheet such that the upper connective pad is exposed from the through hole.

Abstract: Into a plastic card (1) of polycarbonate layers (10; 11; 12) there is laminated a security thread (3) by applying pressure and temperature, the security thread itself having a carrier foil (5) of polycarbonate and a coating (6) that is borne by the carrier foil and conveys holographic information. The connection of the polycarbonate carrier foil (5) of the security thread with the polycarbonate layer (10; 11; 12) of the data carrier adjoining said carrier foil takes place without using an adhesive or primer.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a cell-like honeycomb structure, formed from a plurality of thermoplastic sheets attached to each other, wherein contoured areas are provided in each sheet, and each free sheet is attached to an adjacent sheet of an intermediate block formed by the different sheets previously attached therebetween, welding at least some of the flat areas contacting this free sheet and this adjacent sheet with a laser source along a continuous line parallel to the contour axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed by which patterns of various materials can be formed on flexible substrates by a continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing process. The patterns may include metallic, transparent conductive, or non-metallic elements with lateral dimensions including in the range from below 100 nanometers to millimeters and with thickness dimensions including the range from tens of Angstroms to greater than 10,000 Angstroms. The substrate may be any material capable of sufficient flexibility for compatibility with roll-based processing equipment, including polymeric films, metallic foils, and thin glass, with polymeric films representing a particularly broad field of application. Methods may include the continuous roll-to-roll formation of a temporary polymeric structure with selected areas open to the underlying substrate, the continuous addition or subtraction of constituent materials, and the continuous removal, where necessary, of the polymeric structure and any excess material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoforming method and a plate assembly thereof. The thermoforming method applicable for manufacturing a plate assembly having a first plate and a second plate comprises the steps of disposing the second plate on a lamination surface of the first plate; putting the first plate and the second plate into a first mold and a second mold respectively; heating and pressing the first mold and the second mold to deform any one of the lamination surfaces of the first plate and the second plate in order to laminate the first plate and the second plate; and opening the first mold and the second mold to remove the plate assembly. The first plate can be a light guide plate, and the second plate can be a reflector.

Abstract: Building panels with a thin and embossed surface layer and a sub layer between a surface layer and a core.

Abstract: Laminates and methods of making them are generally provided. The methods of making a laminate for use as a clothing tag can include laminating a first fibrous web to a second fibrous web. Both the first and second fibrous webs can include cellulosic fibers and a binder composition present in the respective fibrous web from about 10% by weight to about 100% by weight of the dry weight of the fibrous web. Both the first and second binder composition can include a curable latex polymer and a crosslinker. The second fibrous web can be creped and can have a thickness less than 10 mils. The laminate can be aged for at least about 1 hour at an aging temperature of greater than about 150° F. The resulting laminated and their use in clothing are also provided.

Abstract: A decorative cover positionable about a flower pot is formed of a polymeric material or a laminated polymeric material. The decorative cover has a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof while exhibiting improved durability and decreased sensitivity to water, humidity and pressure when compared to a decorative cover formed of paper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating and apparatus of a flat plate display that is able to separate a substrate and an imprinting mold from each other with a relatively small force. The fabricating apparatus of a flat plate display includes an imprinting mold which is boned with a substrate to form a thin film pattern on the substrate, the imprinting mold comprising projections and grooves; and a movable separation part configured to rotatably move from a one side toward the other side of the imprinting mold to vacuum-absorb the imprinting mold.

Abstract: An article including at least one first layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces is a structured surface; and a cap layer in contact with a structured surface of the first layer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus produce a three-dimensional decoration piece that does not damage the tacky bonding or adhesion strength of the lower layer material of the decoration piece. The method includes putting an upper layer material on a first table operating as cathode; lowering an upper mold operating as anode onto the first table, emitting a high frequency wave for induction heating; stopping the high frequency induction heating; moving a second table carrying a lower layer material having a tacky bonding property to below the upper mold; and lowering said upper mold onto the second table. In the apparatus, the second table or the lower mold is provided on the top surface thereof with recessed sections that are transversally and inwardly separated from a position where an edge of the first machining means contacts, by 0.2 mm to 1 mm; and a cushion member being arranged in the respective recessed sections.

Abstract: An integrated laminate structure adapted for application in the context of solar technology, wafer technology, cooling channels, greenhouse illumination, window illumination, street lighting, traffic lighting, traffic reflectors or security films, includes a first carrier element such as a piece of plastic or glass, optionally having optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, a second carrier element provided with at least one surface relief pattern including a number of surface relief forms and having at least one predetermined optical function relative to incident light, the second carrier element optionally including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, the first and second carrier elements being laminated together such that the at least one surface relief pattern has been embedded within the established laminate structure and a number of related cavities have been formed at the interface of the first and second c

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas-permeable film that has increased gas permeability and can be used as a packaging film suitable for a wide range of applications, in particular for packaging a wide variety of articles. Said gas-permeable film 1 has gas-permeable sections provided on a base plastic film of a prescribed thickness. Each gas-permeable section 3L is a recession 3 that is recessed and distended a prescribed amount from one surface of the base plastic film 2 towards the other surface such that the bottom of said recession protrudes outwards from said other surface. Each recession 3 is formed such that the thickness thereof decreases gradually from the top opening towards the aforementioned bottom, with the bottom being the thinnest part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet, a back sheet and a plurality of side strips secured between the front sheet and the back sheet for forming a closed support structure. An internal support can be provided in an internal cavity of the support structure for enhancing the rigidity of the support structure. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided.

Abstract: A decorative member includes a transparent layer, a first decorated layer, and a second decorated layer. The first decorated layer is disposed on the transparent layer's rear surface. The second decorated layer is disposed on the transparent layer's rear surface. The transparent layer's rear surface has an irregular configuration that includes indented portions and indent-free portions. The indented portions dent toward the transparent layer's front surface. The indent-free portions protrude toward the transparent layer's rear surface. The first decorated layer is disposed directly on the rear surface of the transparent layer partially. The second decorated layer is made of a film that includes resin, and is laminated on the first decorated layer and on the transparent layer's rear surface entirely.

Abstract: An article of footwear or other product may include a material element having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and at least one strand. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. The strand is located between the first layer and the second layer, and the strand lies substantially parallel to the second layer for a distance of at least five centimeters. In this configuration, the thermoplastic polymer material may join the first layer and the third layer to the second layer. The thermoplastic polymer material may also join the strand to the second layer.

Abstract: An integrated laminate structure (702a, 702b, 801) adapted for application in the context of solar technology, includes a first carrier element (704, 804), such as a piece of plastic or glass, optionally including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, a second carrier element (702, 802) provided with at least one surface relief pattern (802a) including a number of surface relief forms (708) and having at least one predetermined optical function relative to incident light, the second carrier element including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, the first and second carrier elements being laminated together such that the at least one surface relief pattern has been embedded within the established laminate structure and a number of related cavities (709) have been formed at the interface of the first and second carrier elements. An applicable method of manufacture is presented.