Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing a display device includes forming a discontinuous organic layer on at least one of a cover substrate and an insulating substrate provided with a display device element, arranging the insulating substrate and the cover substrate with facing each other for the organic layer to be interposed therebetween, and assembling the cover substrate and the insulating substrate by pressing the substrates together.

Abstract: A mandrel for composite fabrication includes an open cell foam carrier and at least one vacuum bag enclosing the open cell foam carrier.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate aesthetically pleasing decorative architectural resin panels having a thin or brittle veneer layer, such as thinly sliced natural wood or stone. In particular, at least one implementation includes a flat or curved decorative resin panel made with a natural wood veneer layer whose structural integrity has been maintained despite being subject to various heats and pressures. The resulting resin panel is at least partially translucent, and allows for a unique display both of the resin sheets used to form the panel and of the thin wood materials encapsulated therein. Additional implementations relate to the use of other brittle veneer layers, such as translucent stone, translucent metals, or the like, which also provide unique, decorative architectural, aesthetic features.

Abstract: A method of using a hot isostatic press to make an article of armor is disclosed. A plurality of fiber layers interposed with a plurality of resin layers is laid in the hot isostatic press as a layered combination. An omnidirectional pressure is applied to the layered combination, and the combination is degassed as the pressure is applied.

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: Systems and methods for the reduction of volatile component content from shaped prepregs and prepreg layups and the layups and composites formed therefrom are disclosed. One or more shaped prepregs or prepreg layups are placed within an enclosure and a flow of a non-condensing gas is introduced adjacent at least one surface of the shaped prepregs or prepreg layups, accelerating the rate and/or the completeness of removal of volatile components from the shaped prepregs or prepreg layups. The shaped prepregs or prepreg layups may be further subjected to heat, vacuum, and external pressure to facilitate removal of the volatile components. Shaped prepregs and prepreg layups with volatiles reduced in this manner may be further consolidated with heat, external pressure and/or vacuum. Beneficially, reduced matrix bleed and reduced fiber movement may be achieved during processing, reducing manufacturing time and improving part quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the fabrication of prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and prepreg layups prior to and/or during at least a portion of consolidation and cure process to form composite structures are disclosed. In certain embodiments, perforations of selected configurations may be introduced into the prepregs prior to, during, and after layup. The perforations provide routes for gases trapped within and between the perforated prepregs and prepreg lay-ups to escape during consolidation and cure process, reducing the residual porosity within the resulting composite. For example, composites having residual porosities less than 10 vol. %, on the basis of the volume of the composite, may be achieved in this manner.

Abstract: A method and a product of one-time enveloping silicone gel with plastic films. The surfaces of two films to be in contact with the silicone gel are treated by a plasma casing process (crosslinking by activated species of inert gases) or an electron beam process in advance so as to improve the wetting capability thereof. Thereby the films and the silicone gel are able to tightly combine together without the fear of separation. The operation is carried out under a vacuum environment so that no bubble will be generated therein and the leakage of the silicone gel on welding portions will be prevented.

Abstract: A flexible compaction sheet is used to compact uncured composite plies onto the surface of a ply layup. The compaction sheet includes a peripheral seal that seals the perimeter of the sheet to the surface of the part layup and forms a vacuum chamber over the plies which is evacuated through the sheet to apply compaction pressure to the plies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of vacuum bagging parts being adhered with an epoxy. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) beads are disposed into a cavity defined by the parts to be adhered. These beads will flow to all of the areas of the parts and will not stick to the adhesive. Next, a bagging material is placed over the parts and beads and vacuum is created underneath the material. This administers pressure to the bag which transfers the pressure to the beads and then the parts to ensure proper curing.

Abstract: A vacuum infusion laminate adhesive that holds the laminate layers together as the catalyzed resin is sucked into a laminate structure. The adhesive includes properties that cross-link with polyester present in the laminate structure as it cures. Generally, the laminate layers include the assembly of polyester or vinyl ester resins that are reinforced with fiberglass.

Abstract: A tool for laminating a metal foil and polymer film to form a laminate structure is disclosed. A method of using the tool to form a laminate structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ballistic panel for use in ballistic apparel having a plurality of layers of ballistic material and a vacuum sealed covering layer surrounding the plurality of layers of ballistic material.

Abstract: Described is a method and a device for applying a coating film (63) on a face (108) of an optical element (100), including placing the coating on the face of the lens with an adhesive interface (46) placed between the coating and the lens, and inflating a membrane (62) towards the lens in order to press the coating against the lens. Provision is made to adjust the position of the lens relative to the membrane, the adjustment being distinct from the inflation of the membrane.

Abstract: An adhesive injection process for a Pi-joint assembly comprises the steps of: machining at least two ports into a female part of a Pi-joint assembly; inserting a filler into a gap between a male part and the female part; applying a sealant above the filler; creating a vacuum with a vacuum pump at one port; injecting an adhesive through another port; and drawing the adhesive towards the vacuum pump until the gap under the filler is completely filled with the adhesive. The adhesive injection process incorporates lean technologies that enable increased productivity during the assembly of a Pi-joint design using adhesive bonding. The adhesive injection process is suitable for, but not limited to, applications in the aerospace industry, such as the aircraft airframe assembly. The adhesive injection process may be used for the bonding of upper and lower skins to airframe structure as well as for structure-to-structure bonding.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching two substrates to one another includes a lower chamber that holds a first substrate and an upper chamber that holds a second substrate. The upper and lower chambers are brought together to provide a space in which an attaching process is performed. Chamber transportation mechanisms are located at corners of the lower chamber and serve to move the lower chamber up toward the upper chamber so that it can be coupled with the upper chamber. Guide parts are also formed on side surfaces of the lower chamber to guide movement, and to reduce deformation of the chamber when pressure differentials act to deform the sides of the chamber.

Abstract: The inventive laminator for laminating structural components, in particular solar module cells or laminated glass panes by combining pressing force and heat, wherein said laminator comprises at least one laminating chamber for receiving one or several structural components, which is provided with a support for said structural components, a heating unit and with a flexible compression membrane which is sealingly stretched in the chamber above the structural element support and is movable with respect thereto. Said membrane separates a lower part of the chamber from a top part thereof, thereby enabling each part to be void of air and aerated. The inventive laminator is characterised in that the copression membrane is embodied in the form of a multiple membrane consisting of a plurality of superimposed membranes.

Abstract: A device and a method for bonding a tape, by which a tape member may be preferably bonded to a work piece, and simplified processing, reduced cost, and improved bonding strength may be realized.

Abstract: A composite component such as a fan casing liner panel for a gas turbine engine comprises an abradable layer and a layer. The layer is provided with a septum layer, to which the abradable layer is bonded. The septum layer is perforated by holes, which enable air to be extracted from the region between the septum layer and the abradable layer during the process of bonding the components together, for example by a vacuum bonding process.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar panels with improved encapsulants and backsheets for greater power output and/or increased efficiency by using materials with higher thermal conductivity than conventional solar panels. According to certain embodiments the improved materials include fillers while maintaining sufficient dielectric properties. According to certain other embodiments, the invention includes a solar panel with the improved encapsulant between solar cells and the improved backsheet. The invention also includes a method of making a solar panel including the improved materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a fiber reinforced sandwich component (10) having a honeycomb core (12), the honeycombs of which are closed on both sides. The honeycomb core is closed at least on one side by a cover layer (14) made of fiber material, which is embedded in matrix material.

Abstract: A bonded-substrate fabricating apparatus capable of reducing defective bonded substrates fabricated. A transfer robot sucks the outer edge area of the bottom surface of a substrate and spouts gas toward the bottom surface of the substrate to carry the substrate into a vacuum process chamber of a press machine while keeping the substrate horizontally. A press plate holds the substrate, which is held by the transfer robot, by suction.

Abstract: A tape bonding device for bonding a tape member to a work piece: having a rubber sheet on the upper surface of which the work piece is mounted, a first vacuum chamber located on the side of the upper surface of the rubber sheet, a second vacuum chamber located on the side of the lower surface of the rubber sheet, a holding member which holds the rubber sheet without coming and going of the air between a first and a second vacuum chambers and, a tape holding unit which holds the tape member in a stretched state, and locates the tape member in the upper portion of the work piece, a first sucking unit which performs vacuum suction of a first vacuum chamber, a first air introducing unit which introduces the air into the first vacuum chamber, a second sucking unit which performs vacuum suction of a second vacuum chamber, a second air introducing unit which introduces the air into the second vacuum chamber.

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: An assembly and method is provided for improved vacuum retention in evacuated biological sample collection primary containers. Such primary containers include but are not limited to blood collection tubes, evacuated blood collection tubes, centrifuge tubes, culture bottles, and syringe barrels. In one embodiment an evacuated blood collection tube is enclosed within an evacuated secondary container which is made from a gas barrier material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module having long-term durability is obtained at low cost. A CIS based thin-film photovoltaic module 1 is obtained by bonding a cover glass 4 comprising, e.g., a semi-tempered white flat glass, which is inexpensive and durable, to a CIS based thin-film photovoltaic circuit 2 on a glass substrate 2A with a thermally crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate (hereinafter referred to as EVA) resin film 3 (or sheet) as an adhesive. Use of the EVA resin film 3 reduces the amount of an EVA resin to be used. In the crosslinking, a gas generating from the EVA resin film is removed by vacuum suction to prevent bubble generation or inclusion, etc. A high-capacity storage capacitor 9 is disposed on that side of the glass substrate which is opposite to the circuit side to store the electricity optically generated by the circuit.

Abstract: A pressure debulking system includes a debulking chamber having a debulking chamber interior, a pressure bladder having a bladder interior provided in the debulking chamber interior, a vacuum port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior and a pressure port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior. A pressure debulking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for maintaining vacuum of a panel module and a structure of the panel module. A sealing material is suspended inside the panel module right above an exhaust opening of the panel module connecting with an exhaust tube. After exhausting the inside of the panel module, the sealing material is heated and molten so as to drop down to seal the exhaust tube. As such, the panel module becomes vacuum-tight. During a subsequent annealing process to heat the exhaust tube to its melting temperature, ambient air is prohibited from flowing into the panel module.

Abstract: A ply placement device uses a ply guide to place plies on a curved substrate surface. The ply guide includes a guide surface and a guide edge that are each curved to match the contour of the substrate so that the ply transitions smoothly from its planar form to a curved form as the ply is placed onto the substrate. The ply guide may be flexible or segmented to allow reconfiguration of the guide surfaces to match various substrate contours.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric substrate comprises contacting a liquid crystalline polymer fibrous web having a thickness of 5 mils (127 micrometers) or less with a resin composition to form a dielectric composite. Contacting is carried out under vacuum, followed by pressure. The dielectric substrate is useful in circuit materials, circuits, and multi-layer circuits, economical to make, and has excellent dielectric strength.

Abstract: An fluid enveloping device includes a housing having a vacuum chamber; a valve for blocking off the communication of the vacuum chamber and atmospheric environment; a vacuum pump module connected to the vacuum chamber for extracting air until the vacuum chamber is close to a vacuum state; a die holder for locating a lower thin film and receiving the fluid at the lower thin film; a punch holder for locating an upper thin film; and a sealing nip in the vacuum chamber for hot-pressing the upper and the lower thin films to envelope the fluid therein.

Abstract: An assembly method for display panel comprises the following steps. First, a first substrate and a second substrate are placed inside a chamber, wherein the first substrate comprises a sealant disposed thereon, and the chamber has a first pressure. Next, the pressure inside the chamber is adjusted to a second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure. After that, the first substrate is aligned with the second substrate, and the second substrate is placed on the sealant, to form a closed space between the first substrate and the second substrate. The pressure inside the closed space is the second pressure. Thereafter, the chamber is pumped from the second pressure to a third pressure, to bond the first substrate and the second substrate together by the pressure difference between the third pressure of the chamber and the second pressure of the closed space. Finally, the sealant is cured.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for bonding a sputtering target to a backing plate. In one embodiment, a sputtering target is vacuum bonded to a backing plate using an elastomeric adhesive and a metal mesh. The vacuum pulls the backing plate and sputtering target together while also removing air pockets that inevitably form within the adhesive during adhesive deposition and backing plate attachment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for laminating glass articles without using an autoclave. The sandwich structure to be laminated is preheated than is placed in a controllable vacuum and subjected to electromagnetic radiation with specified frequencies and power. The final heating is provided by convectional heat source. Pressure that is applied continuously during the radiating, heating and cooling steps is also specified for achieving an appropriate bond. An apparatus appropriate for realizing the invented process is also provided. The apparatus includes a loading table, three furnaces, and a cooling chamber which are adjusted to and adjoined to each to other. These parts provide the necessary conditions for high-quality laminating simple and multi-sandwich structures with high production rate and efficiency. The apparatus is inexpensive and fits into the space of two glass article lengths.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an apparatus for securing a plurality of stringers to a mandrel during lay-up is provided, the plurality of stringers and mandrel forming a lay-up surface. The apparatus includes a vacuum source and a first vacuum attachment assembly comprising a first vacuum cup assembly and a first flexible tube assembly in communication with said vacuum source to tightly secure down against the lay-up surface. A second vacuum attachment assembly comprises a second vacuum cup assembly and a second flexible tube assembly in communication with the vacuum source to force it tightly down against the lay-up. A flexible spacer is in rigid communication with the second vacuum cup assembly and includes an extended end in communication with the first vacuum cup assembly such that the flexible spacer presses one of the stringers against the mandrel.

Abstract: A system and method for vacuum bag assembly fabrication via the vacuum bag method which reduces the amount of trapped air. The inventive system includes a chamber adapted to contain a vacuum bag and first and second evacuating mechanisms. The first evacuating mechanism serves to evacuate the bag and vent to atmosphere. The second evacuating mechanism serves to evacuate and vent the chamber to atmosphere. Thus, generally, the inventive method includes the steps of placing a vacuum bag lay up in an air tight chamber; and evacuating the vacuum bag lay up and the air tight chamber at the same time. In practice, the assembly would consist of at least two components and a heat curable composition. The components can be parts to be bonded together or layers of cloth to be made into a laminate. In this case, the heat curable composition would be a catalyzed adhesive or resin.

Abstract: A method of adhering a first panel, such as an OLED assembly, to a second panel, such as a protective cover plate, is disclosed. An adhesive is applied to a face of at least one of the first and second panels. The first panel is positioned to be responsive to movement of any of a plurality of independently controlled expandable elements. The second panel is held adjacent the first panel. At least one of the expandable elements is selectively expanded so that a first edge of the first panel contacts a first edge of the second panel. The expandable elements are further selectively expanded so that the adhesive fully contacts the first and second panels.

Abstract: A process for debulking a fiber reinforced composite structure prior to curing includes forming a stackup of a breather pad on a vacuum plate, a mandrel on the breather pad, a first release layer on the mandrel, a plurality of prepreg plies on the release first layer, a second release layer on the top ply, a breather sheet on the second release layer, and an impervious flexible vacuum bag sealed over the breather sheet to the vacuum plate; sealingly enclosing the stackup within a pressure vessel including an impervious flexible membrane which engages the vacuum bag; drawing a vacuum from within the vacuum bag through the breather pad and the vacuum plate; pressurizing the pressure vessel between the shell and the membrane; and maintaining the combination of vacuum and pressure for an interval of time to remove voids and porosity from the laminated prepregs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing vacuum insulation panels by envelopment of a shaped body comprising open-celled foam with a gastight film and subsequent evacuation and gastight welding shut of the films wherein the shaped body comprising open-celled foam is compressed after curing and before evacuation.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid crystal display device. A first substrate having a liquid crystal dripped thereon, and a second substrate, are arranged in a vacuum chamber. The first substrate is held by a first electrostatic chuck and the second substrate is held by a second electrostatic chuck. The second substrate is urged onto the first substrate to bond the first substrate and the second substrate together. The bonded first and second substrates are then peeled off from the electrostatic chucks. A resin sheet is arranged on the second electrostatic chuck, so that the bonded first and second substrates do not cling to the second electrostatic chuck when peeled off.

Abstract: A solar panel apparatus and method. The apparatus has an optically transparent member comprising a predetermined thickness and an aperture surface region. The apparatus has a solar cell coupled to a portion of the optically transparent member. In a specific embodiment, the solar cell includes a transparent polymeric member and a plurality of photovoltaic regions provided within a portion of the transparent polymeric member. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic regions occupies at least about 10 percent of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member and less than about 80% of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member.

Abstract: A method of bonding a MEMS device to a substrate to form a MEMS device assembly. A thickness profile of the MEMS device and/or the flatness of the mating surface of the substrate is determined. An adhesive is deposited onto a mating surface of the MEMS device and/or the mating surface of the substrate. The mating surfaces of the MEMS device and substrate are brought together, such that the adhesive can bond the MEMS device to the substrate. The volume of adhesive deposited at particular locations on the mating surface is varied to compensate for local variations in the thickness profile of the MEMS device and/or the flatness of the mating surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A cover plate of a portable electronic device has an outer plate, an inner plate, and a protective layer. The protective layer is arranged between the outer plate and the inner plate, and the protective layer is a uniform reticulated structure. The outer further includes first a plating, a second plating and a third plating. Moreover, the method for fabricating the cover plate is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: In a pairing arrangement, a first half-disc and a second half-disc of an optical disc are bonded together by dispensing a bonding material onto the second half-disc and the first half-disc and second half-disc are placed in a chamber. The pressure within the chamber is reduced to a pressure below an ambient pressure and the first half-disc and the second half-disc are brought together within the chamber to distribute the bonding material between a surface of the second half-disc and a corresponding surface of the first half-disc and thereby form a paired disc. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A first substrate (11a) is positioned on a support surface (7) in a vacuum chamber with an upward-facing first bonding surface (12a) spin-coated with adhesive while a second substrate (11b) is held with downward-facing second bonding surface (12b) to a cover (3) by suction. While the vacuum chamber is being evacuated to a pressure of between 0.1 mbar and 2 mbar, a support pin (9) is extended through central openings (14a, 14b) of the substrates (11a, 11b) and then retracted with the second substrate (11b) released from the cover (3) and carried by radially extended balls (10). The support pin (9) is lowered to a position where the balls (10), acting against the first bonding surface (12a), deform the first substrate (11a). The first bonding surface (12a) being therefore slightly concave, the first and second bonding surfaces (12a, 12b) only touch close to their circumferences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a TFT panel with a glass support plate without the need to touch an active area of the TFT panel. To accomplish this result, a touchless vacuum lamination chuck secures the TFT panel by its outer margins that do not carry TFTs. To facilitate lamination of the TFT panel, a pressure chamber is formed within the laminating chuck to provide support to the center region of the TFT panel as it is brought into contact with the glass support plate.

Abstract: A sealing-object (4) is fixed to a base-object (10). The sealing-object comprises a through-hole (5). The objects are fixed to each other in the following manner. In a preparation step, a fixing layer (1, 2, 3) is provided between the base-object and the sealing-object. In addition an evacuation device (6) equipped with an evacuation channel (7) is placed onto the sealing-object. The through-hole of the sealing object has a first extremity opening out on the evacuation channel and a second extremity opening out on the fixing layer. In a fixing step, the fixing layer is heated which causes the fixing layer to release gas. The gas is at least partially evacuated via the through-hole of the sealing-object and the evacuation channel of the evacuation device.

Abstract: When two structural components are to be joined, for example, when an aircraft skin section is to be secured to a stringer by an adhesive bonding, it is important that the joining surface areas are well-fitted to each other to avoid the formation of air inclusions in the joint because air inclusions weaken the mechanical strength of the joint. Thus, a surface topography that is not smooth or well-fitted must be smoothed out prior to the joining. For this purpose the surface areas to be joined are optically scanned to provide topographical information for each surface area that needs to be smoothed out. The topographical information is processed to ascertain the configuration and volume of the surface topography that needs to be filled with a filler material to produce a smooth surface without hills and dales. A respective control signal is produced and fed to a dosing equipment which supplies the exact volume of filler material required for smoothing the surface topography.

Abstract: A method of joining two components utilizes a fibrous preform at the joint. The preform has two lateral portions and a longitudinally extending flow path. The preform is sandwiched between the two components and enclosed within a vacuum bag. Resin is introduced at an inlet of the flowpath while a vacuum pump creates a suction at an outlet end and along the lateral side edges. The flow path has greater permeability than the remaining portions of the preform, causing the resin to flow to the outlet end. When the resin reaches the outlet end, the suction at the outlet end is reduced, but the suction at the lateral edges remains without reduction to cause the resin to flow laterally into the preform.

Abstract: A method for helmet construction by applying vacuum and fluid-pressure technologies is disclosed. Different types and sizes of exterior and interior helmet shells are press-formed from general engineering plastics. Conventional adhesive is applied on the inside surface of the exterior shell for fastening the interior and exterior shells together to form an integral shell unit. The shell unit is set on the base of a vacuuming apparatus moulded to adapt and to receive the inside surface contour of the interior shell. The vacuuming apparatus and the shell unit setting thereon are placed inside a conventional plastic film bag for vacuuming clear of any air pockets in the space between the two shell layers. The vacuumed film bag containing the vacuuming apparatus and the shell unit is then submerged under heated fluid contained in an airtight and pressure-resistant vessel. Pressure is subsequently applied to the vessel to further pressurize and complete the fastening process of the interior and exterior shells.