Abstract: A prepreg curing process for preparing composites having superior surface finish and high fiber consolidation is provided.

Abstract: A prepreg curing process for preparing composites having superior surface finish and high fiber consolidation is provided.

Abstract: An end effector includes a base, a plurality of fingers extending from the base, and a plurality of pads disposed on each of said fingers to support a substrate. The fingers comprise a carbon fiber material and taper from a first diameter and first wall thickness proximate said base to a second diameter smaller than said first diameter and second wall thickness smaller than said first wall thickness distal said base. A method includes adhering a plurality of pads along a plurality of tapered fingers, and adhering proximal ends of the plurality of tapered fingers with corresponding recesses of a base. The assembled pads, tapered fingers and base are placed on a fixture such that top surfaces of the plurality of pads rest on a top surface of the fixture and the assembly is held in place on the fixture until the adhesive has cured at room temperature.

Abstract: A vacuum set-up to pressurize a component part during its production is provided. The set-up includes a base with a contact surface for component part, and a casing that is airtight to contact surface that can be sealed to cover component part to effect pressurization of component part by evacuating an internal space of casing. To also effect a defined pressurization of component part on at least one component part edge in lateral direction, on at least this component part edge together with component part, a pressure strip system that can be mounted in the interior space is provided that is formed by at least two pressure strips extending along the component part edge and over inclined planes, that work together in such a way that pressure exerted on pressure strip system by the evacuation of the interior space, generates pressure acting laterally on component part edge.

Abstract: A hollow composite bicycle component is provided that basically provided with a hollow metallic member, a fiber-reinforced polymer member and a heat-ductile member. The fiber-reinforced polymer member is positioned inside the hollow metallic member. The heat-ductile member is positioned inside the fiber-reinforced polymer member, with the fiber-reinforced polymer member being adhered to an inner surface of the hollow metallic member. The fiber-reinforced polymer member is preferably adhered to the inner surface of the hollow metallic member by disposing the heat-ductile member with the fiber-reinforced polymer member disposed on the heat-ductile member within the hollow metallic member, and then heating heat-ductile member to expand the fiber-reinforced polymer member into contact with the inner surface of the metallic member.

Abstract: A fill pack assembly and method for assembling a fill pack from individual sheets utilizes integrally bonded sheet pairs. Each sheet pair is a pair of two individual adjacent fill sheets which have been bonded together via any suitable bonding method. A plurality of the thus formed sheet pairs can then be attached together to form an entire fill pack or portion of a fill pack. Such fill packs are useful in heat exchange devices such as industrial cooling towers.

Abstract: The invention provides a fan cowl (11) of an aircraft engine made of a composite material having an optimized structure for withstanding the expected loads and for being able to be manufactured as a monolithic ensemble. The structure comprise a skin (13), frames (15) of a closed cross-section arranged in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and longitudinal beams (17, 19) comprising first parts (21) of a closed cross-section to be superimposed to the transverse frames (15) in their crossing zones and second parts (23) of an open cross-section in zones not crossing transverse frames (15) having their webs (41) arranged in a same plane. The invention also refers to a manufacturing method of said fan cowl (11).

Abstract: A method for making a structural element comprising a panel in composite material with fiber reinforcement in an organic matrix obtained by laying up and curing. The panel comprises a side likely to be exposed to contact with hydrocarbons. The required layer structure is obtained by laying up the plies of fibers pre-impregnated with resin having a curing temperature T1. A ply made of a thin film of polymer that can withstand hydrocarbons and the curing temperature T1, referred to as the protective film, is applied on the side exposed to hydrocarbons. The entire layered structure is cured under pressure at the temperature T1.

Abstract: A curved composite structure, comprises at least two curved composite panel segments joined together. Each of the panel segments includes a fluted core sandwiched between first and second facesheets. A layer of adhesive is used to rigidly bond the panel segments together.

Abstract: A beam of fiber-reinforced curable thermosetting composite material is preliminarily assembled in an uncured condition. The beam is placed between two forming tools, namely a lower and an upper tool, shaped in such a way as to give the lower and upper flanges a predetermined shape, at least one of the flanges having a non-rectilinear profile viewed in a longitudinal vertical plane. Two longitudinally elongate rigid inserts are placed between the flanges at the sides of the web and are covered in respective airtight tubular bags. The spaces between the upper tool and the lower tool on the two opposite longitudinal sides are sealed. The open opposite ends of the tubular bags are also sealed in such a manner that the pressure applied in an autoclave during the step of curing causes the tubular bags to swell and presses them against the two opposite faces of the web and against the flanges of the beam. On completion of curing, the upper forming tool is removed and the inserts are extracted sideways.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.

Abstract: A composite laminate having improved impact strength, which comprises: a multilayer carbon fiber fabric, wherein said carbon fiber fabric may be a bidirectional weave or a unidirectional weave; a multilayer nonwoven mat, wherein said nonwoven mat is made of para-aramid; and cured epoxy resin, wherein said cured epoxy resin is made of the epoxy resin system designed for impregnation that immersed in the carbon fiber fabric layer and at least one layer of the nonwoven mat is sandwiched between two layers of carbon fiber fabric layer and both outer surface layers of the composite laminate are carbon fiber fabric layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining cured stringers to at least one structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft, including placing the stringers onto the at least one structural component, depositing and pressing respective vacuum film strips such that each strip is attached to a pair of stringers and present between the pair of stringers with the use of vacuum sealing means in such a manner that a continuous vacuum arrangement, comprising the covering vacuum films and the vacuum film strips, is formed, and pressurized joining of the stringers to the at least one structural component by means of the continuous vacuum arrangement formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a display unit which can realize reduction in thickness and weight of the display unit by omitting a void between a touch panel and a display panel, and its manufacturing method. Whole faces of the touch panel and the display panel are directly bonded together with an adhesive layer in between. The display panel has a structure wherein a driving substrate in which organic light emitting devices are formed and a sealing substrate are bonded together with an adhesive layer in between. The touch panel has a structure wherein a lower plastic film in which a transparent electrode is formed and a touch-side plastic film in which a transparent electrode is formed are layered so that the transparent electrodes are placed opposite. The display panel is constructed with only the driving substrate, and the organic light emitting devices are sealed by the touch panel instead of the sealing substrate. Therefore, thickness and weight of the display unit can be further reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle glazing, method for the production of the vehicle glazing and the use of the vehicle glazing are described. The vehicle glazing comprises at least one transparent pane one transparent body, and at least one transparent polymer layer interposed between them.

Abstract: The present application is directed to textured surfaces and methods for forming textured surfaces. The textured surfaces of the present application comprise a conformable film, which conforms to a texture pattern. In certain embodiments, the texture pattern comprises inks having a desired thickness. The methods of the present application may be used to form textured surfaces for a variety of applications, including, for example, aircraft having at least one interior panel with a textured surface.

Abstract: A joint system includes: a transfer-in/out station capable of holding a plurality of substrates or a plurality of superposed substrates, and transferring-in/out the substrates or superposed substrates to/from a processing station; and the processing station performing predetermined processing on the substrates and joining the substrates together. The processing station includes: a surface activation apparatus activating a front surface of the substrate; a surface hydrophilizing apparatus hydrophilizing and cleaning the front surface of the substrate; a joint apparatus joining the substrates together; and a transfer region for transferring the substrate or superposed substrate to the surface activation apparatus, the surface hydrophilizing apparatus, and the joint apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim element has at least one substrate layer covered with a skin having an outer surface containing a plurality of asperities, regularly distributed on the outer surface. The outer surface of the skin defines an outer surface of the trim element that is visible within the vehicle interior. The trim element may be processed by applying a heat source on part of the outer surface forming a decorative area, the application of the heat source being arranged to at least reduce the height of the asperities in the decorative areas such that the decorative area has a different appearance from the rest of the outer surface.

Abstract: Balloon catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated shaft including a biaxially oriented nonporous thermoplastic polymer tubular member having a Shore durometer hardness of less than about 75D with an inflation lumen defined therein. The balloon catheter also comprises a balloon sealing secured proximate the distal end of the shaft and having an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.

Abstract: A method of forming a bonded structure (10), such as for use in an automobile structure, comprises providing a first substrate (14) and a second substrate (16), and adding an adhesive region between the substrates, wherein the adhesive region has a first adhesive portion (18) and a second adhesive portion (12), and curing the first adhesive portion more quickly than the second adhesive portion, the method including positioning the substrates relative to one another and injecting the adhesive between said substrates to form an adhesive region while holding the substrates relative to one another.

Abstract: Provided is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground and a support, where the substrate is ground to a very small thickness and can then be separated from the support without damaging the substrate. One embodiment of the present invention is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground, a joining layer in contact with the substrate to be ground, a photothermal conversion layer comprising a light absorbing agent and a heat decomposable resin, and a light transmitting support. After grinding the substrate surface which is opposite that in contact with the joining layer, the laminated body is irradiated through the light transmitting layer and the photothermal conversion layer decomposes to separate the substrate and the light transmitting support.

Abstract: A method of attaching a composite member to a structure. The method including forming a laminate of fabric impregnated with resin; applying heat at a first temperature to the impregnated laminate; applying vacuum at a first pressure to the impregnated laminate to degas the resin and form a degassed, impregnated laminate; positioning the degassed, impregnated laminate on a structure; and curing the degassed, impregnated laminate on the substrate by applying heat at a second temperature and by applying vacuum at a second pressure.

Abstract: A heat transfer sheet affixing method where a focus ring is pressed by a pressing part to a heat transfer sheet placed on a heat transfer sheet mounting part of a plasma processing apparatus to affix the heat transfer sheet to the focus ring. The method includes reducing a pressure to place the heat transfer sheet in a reduced-pressure atmosphere, heating the heat transfer sheet, and pressing the focus ring by the pressing part to the heat transfer sheet. The reducing, the heating, and the pressing are performed concurrently at least for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a droplet ejection head, a structure of a substrate having an energy-generating element that imparts energy to a liquid to eject a liquid droplet from an ejection orifice and an orifice plate having the ejection orifice formed therein are laminated through a flow channel member for forming a pattern of a liquid flow channel that is a region in which the liquid flows. At least one of a plate before being laminated and the flow channel member before being laminated has a void of at least one of a through-hole other than the ejection orifice and a recess in the face to be laminated.

Abstract: A method of applying a strip of tape includes directing air pressure at a raised section of a conductor.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) apparatus includes a stage configured to support an acceptor substrate and a supporting portion configured to support a donor film and to move the donor film up and down relative to the stage so as to adjust a distance between the acceptor substrate and the donor film. The donor film includes a thin film to be disposed on the acceptor substrate. The stage includes a discharging outlet through which gas between the acceptor substrate and the donor film is discharged to the outside. The LITI apparatus may be used to laminate a film on an acceptor substrate including an organic light emitting display device.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating an integrated fiber-reinforced cured resin-composite panel structure include forming a panel preform assembly by (i) positioning pre-cured fiber-reinforced resin-composite tubular stiffeners onto an uncured base skin, and (ii) applying uncured fiber-reinforced resin-composite overlapping layers onto the pre-cured stiffeners so that at least lateral edges of the overlapping layers are laminated to a corresponding region of the base sheet; and thereafter curing the fiber-reinforced resin-composite base skin and overlapping layers to thereby form an integrated composite panel structure.

Abstract: A polymeric film or sheet comprising an ionomeric composition comprising ionomeric copolymer of an alpha olefin and about 1 to about 30 wt % of alpha,beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons, based on the total weight of the ionomeric copolymer, wherein the carboxylic acid is neutralized to a level of 1 to 100 mol %, with one or more metal ions, based on the total number of moles of carboxylate groups in the ionomeric copolymer, and wherein the ionomeric copolymer has a Melt Index of about 20 to about 300 g/10 min. The ionomeric composition preferably comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of silane coupling agent, organic peroxide, and combinations thereof. In addition, an article comprising an interlayer formed of the polymeric film or sheet and an additional layer selected from the group consisting of glass, other polymeric interlayer sheets, polymeric film layers, and metal films or sheets. Examples of articles include safety windows and solar cells.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of promoting adhesion on a composite surface. The method comprises providing a composite structure having at least one composite surface to be bonded. The method further comprises preparing the at least one composite surface. The method further comprises providing a chemical derivatization compound containing active functional groups that promote adhesion. The method further comprises depositing the chemical derivatization compound on the prepared composite surface to form a functional group-adhesive promoter derivatized layer. The method further comprises applying an adhesive layer to the derivatized layer. The method further comprises heat curing the adhesive layer to result in a bond with another structure made of a composite, a metal, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An adhesive layer-equipped transparent plate 1 comprising a transparent plate 10 and an adhesive layer 14 formed on one surface of the transparent plate 10, wherein the adhesive layer 14 has a layer portion 18 spreading over the surface of the transparent plate 10 and the seal portion 20 surrounding the periphery of the layer portion 18; and the layer portion 18 is made of a cured product of a layer portion-forming curable resin composition comprising a curable compound (II) containing a specific urethane acrylate oligomer (A), a monomer (B) and a monomer (C), and a non-curable oligomer (III) which does not undergo a curing reaction with the curable compound (II) at the time of curing and which has a hydroxy group.

Abstract: A method of using a assembly facilitator for a pulp-molded shell with polymer liner containing systems to precisely create a integral pulp molded shell is disclosed along with the assembly facilitator itself

Abstract: A multilayer interlayer polymer film and a high clarity safety glass laminate made using the same include: (1) a core layer comprising one of an ionomer polymer material and a thermoplastic polyurethane polymer material; (2) at least one intermediate layer laminated to the core layer and comprising the other of the ionomer polymer material and the thermoplastic polyurethane polymer material; and (3) at least one skin layer laminated to the at least one intermediate layer and comprising a non-ionomer polyolefin polymer material. The multilayer interlayer polymer film provides the high clarity safety glass laminate with enhanced performance with respect to optical properties and manufacturability. In an alternative embodiment the at least one skin layer may be omitted when the intermediate layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material with adequate adhesion to glass.

Abstract: A method of vacuum-assisted RTM includes disposing a resin distribution medium on one surface of a reinforcing-fiber substrate, covering the whole with a bag material, reducing the pressure inside the bag material, and injecting a resin into the resin distribution medium to distribute the resin substantially in in-plane directions and then impregnate the resin into the reinforcing-fiber substrate in the thickness direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum heat insulating material. Also disclosed is a heat insulating box using the vacuum heat insulating material. The vacuum heat insulating material includes a core member and envelope members having gas-barrier properties and including heat-seal layers. The envelope members are opposed to each other in such a manner that the core member is disposed between the heat-seal layers. The envelope members are entirely heated to a temperature at which the heat-seal layers are melted, and the heat-seal layers are heat sealed to each other by applying uniform pressure to the entire envelope members from outside to inside the envelope members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing a fiber composite solid member having a locally deteriorated surface area, such as having cracks or creases. The solid member may e.g. be a mold for the manufacturing of wind turbine blades or such blades. The method comprises machining a surface section comprising the locally deteriorated surface area in order to obtain a recess having a predefined depth and circumferential shape, placing a repair patch having a predefined thickness and circumferential shape matching the recess in the recess, and fastening the repair patch to the solid member by use of a binder material. At least some of the elastic and thermal properties of the repair patch and the binder material are so that after fastening, the repair patch and the binder material in combination have elastic and thermal properties which are substantially the same as the corresponding properties of the surface section before machining.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing a bonded component with fiber-reinforced plastics having at least one base molding tool and at least one molding tool. The bonded component is arranged between the base molding tool and the molding tool. The bonded component has a base laminate and a reinforcement laminate. The molding tool is covered with an aeration material and a vacuum envelope. The vacuum envelope is sealed with respect to the base molding tool. At least one filler element is fitted to each of the two end faces of the base laminate in a gap-free manner. With the filler elements, as well as optionally provided sealing elements, undesirable cavities within the device, as a result of thermal expansion effects of the upper molding tool, as well as any deviations of location and/or size of the base laminate, the reinforcement laminate, and also the molding tool, are significantly reduced.

Abstract: Discrete or continuous products are disclosed including formation of laminates containing an additive matter. Such additive matters comprise gels, superabsorbent polymers, particulate additives and the like. Pulp-free absorbent cores for use in disposable products such as diapers and sanitary napkins can be formed by the methods and apparatus of the present invention. Additive matter is carried between two layers in void spaces in a scrim layer to form a laminate.

Abstract: A release layer is adequately protected by a protective layer when a laminate is subjected to a desired treatment. A method for forming a laminate 10 includes a protective layer forming step of forming a protective layer 15 for covering a face that is a surface of a release layer 14 and which is not adhered to a support plate 12 and not superimposed at least on an adhesive layer 13; and a protective layer removal step of removing a portion of the protective layer 15, which is exposed at the time of forming the laminate 10.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production, forming bonding, joining and repair systems composite and metal components utilizing at least one pressure chamber having a displaceable abutment face, wherein fluid is circulated at an elevated temperature and pressure through the pressure chamber.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to joined fiber reinforced composite structures with continuity of fiber reinforcement across adhesive-to-substrate boundaries. Use of a thermal gradient to control the extent of infusion of resin blocking substances into fiber reinforced material, and subsequent resin infusion and resin blocking substance removal, during manufacture of components to be subsequently bonded, provides partially exposed reinforcing fibers which serve to reinforce a subsequently formed joint or boundary.

Abstract: Apparatus for decorating objects including a heating device for heating an object wrapped in a transferring support bearing a sublimable image and a conveying device for conveying the object into, and removing the object from, the heating device, the conveying device being mainly movable in a substantially vertical direction. The conveying device is provided with a supporting element such as to convey one object at a time to the heating device via inlet and outlet openings on the same side of the heating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for at least partially reworking or replacing a reinforcement element of a fibre composite structure. In a first method step, at least one fibre layer is arranged on a surface section of the reinforcement element and/or at least one replacement section of the reinforcement element of the same material and same layer structure is arranged on a surface reinforcement section of the fibre composite structure. In a second method step, at least a pressure mat adjusted to the contour of the reinforcement element is disposed above the at least one fibre layer and/or the at least one replacement section of the reinforcement element, wherein the at least one pressure mat is supported and fixed in a nominal position by a fixing frame adjusted to the contour of the reinforcement element. In a third method step, the at least one pressure mat is then acted upon by a pressure medium in order to press the same against the reinforcement element and the fixing frame.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method that is able to manufacture a design member superior in a design property. In a manufacturing method of a design member for transferring a decorative layer onto a design surface of a base body, the manufacturing method provides a recessed parting groove that is formed in at least a part of a border between a general surface and the design surface, arranges the base body in a chamber having a gas pressure adjusting device, places a transfer film on the design surface of the base body, and, with changing a gas pressure in the chamber by the gas pressure adjusting device to crimp the transfer film onto the design surface, presses the transfer film against the design surface under a heated state by a three-dimensional transferring tool made of an elastic body.

Abstract: A production method of three-dimensional pattern is disclosed. First, an adhesive layer is applied on a three-dimensional workpiece. Next, a film is vacuum adsorbed on the adhesive layer so that the film is impressed onto the adhesive layer to form the three-dimensional pattern on the adhesive layer. Finally, the adhesive layer is cured by implementing a plurality of heat treatments thereon. A workpiece of three-dimensional pattern and a production device of three-dimensional pattern are also disclosed.

Abstract: A latent solvent-based microfluidic apparatus and method involves laminate bonding of two non-elastomeric, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) components having opposing surfaces to be bonded, wherein in a contacted state there is at least one interstitial space between the contacted surfaces, applying an organic latent solvent to at least one of the opposing surfaces, wherein the latent solvent is in an inactive state, contacting the two opposing surfaces together, actively removing the latent solvent from the at least one interstitial space; and adjusting a latent solvency parameter to activate the latent solvent, wherein the opposing contacted surfaces become bonded.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] When a wood raw material is heat-pressed in order to produce a woody material or woody board, steam is generated in an interior of the wood raw material. The heat-pressed wood raw material is then decompressed with the steam staying in the interior of the wood raw material. This causes a puncture or a rupture of the woody material. The puncture occurs in the last phase of the production process, thus spoiling the entire production process. In order to avoid the puncture, the wood raw material needs to be dried completely. This requires a large amount of energy.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric microfluidic structure in which two or more components (layers) of the microfluidic structure are fixedly bonded or laminated with a weak solvent bonding agent, particularly acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. In an aspect, acetonitrile can be used as a weak solvent bonding agent to enclose a microstructure fabricated in or on a non-elastomeric polymer such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic or other linear polymer to form a three-dimensional microfluidic network. The method involves the steps of wetting at least one of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric substrate components with the weak solvent bonding agent in a given, lower temperature range, adjacently contacting the opposing surfaces, and thermally activating the bonding agent at a higher temperature than the lower temperature range for a given period of time. The contacted polymeric substrates may also be aligned prior to thermal activation and compressed during thermal activation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor 1 comprises a first step of forming a cavity layer 21 by nanoimprinting on a handle substrate; a second step of forming a first mirror layer 22 on the cavity layer 21 after the first step; a third step of joining a light-transmitting substrate 3 onto the first mirror layer 22 after the second step; a fourth step of removing the handle substrate from the cavity layer 21 after the third step; a fifth step of forming a second mirror layer 23 on the cavity layer 21 without the handle substrate after the fourth step; and a sixth step of joining the light detection substrate 4 onto the second mirror layer 23 after the fifth step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foamed member capable of inhibiting or preventing foam breakage at the time when the foam member is peeled from a carrier tape, even when the foamed member has a high expansion ratio. The foamed member has a thermoplastic resin foam layer containing a thermoplastic resin foam formed through a step of impregnating a high-pressure inert gas into a thermoplastic resin and subsequently reducing pressure, and at least one of a thermoplastic polyester-based resin layer and a thermoplastic elastomer resin layer disposed on at least one side of the thermoplastic resin foam layer.