Abstract: A molded composite structure and a method of manufacturing a molded composite structure are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aircraft wing panel and a method for manufacturing an aircraft wing panel are disclosed. In another embodiment, the method of manufacturing a molded composite structure uses a resin transfer molding process.

Abstract: A method for applying a thin-walled, flat substrate, such as a wafer, to an assembly carrier with a preferably level protective layer, for example a wax. With respect to the protective layer, the substrate is arranged at a spacing and is curved in a convex manner. The substrate is contacted with the protective layer. Finally, the substrate is laid over the entire protective layer from the contact point towards the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A heat bonding apparatus for manufacturing an ink-jet printhead, whereby a flexible circuit tape is heat-bonded on the an IC chip of an ink-jet printhead so that a signal from the printing apparatus can be transmitted to the IC chip of the ink-jet printhead to control the ink-jet printing operation. The heat bonding apparatus comprises a head seat; a heat bonding head seated in the head seat, the heat bonding head being movable along with the head seat to carry out a heat bonding process; and a heat bonding sheet of arc shape and in the form of an elastic metal sheet. The heat bonding sheet is deformable under pressure and one end of the heat bonding sheet is secured to the heat bonding head so that when the heat bonding sheet is pressed for heat bonding the flexible circuit tape and the IC chip, the heat bonding sheet undergoes deformation and in the mean time pushes the air away from between the flexible circuit tape and the IC chip to let them fully contact each other.

Abstract: The component (2) is first brought into point or line contact with the sheet (3) so as to avoid entrapment of air therebetween. The contact area between the component and the sheet is then gradually spread until the entire bottom surface of the component is adhered to the sheet.

Abstract: A process for reconstituting or reconstructing a composite object having a defect which affects at least its surface includes: (a) placing at least one added piece or material, the shape and dimensions of which are matched to those of the defect, in or on the defect, the piece or material including mechanically strong, continuous or staple fibers; (b) placing a polymer material in or on the defect to obtain a plastic matrix in which the fibers are distributed; (c) placing a gas-drain for draining the gases given off by the plastic matrix and a cover for extracting the gases, in succession and one on top of the other, on the added piece, which together with the rest of the object form an enclosure which is sealed with respect to the external atmosphere and circumscribes the defect and the added piece; and (d) while evacuating the sealed enclosure, heating the added piece using a radiant source, the emission from which includes infrared radiation, and placing the source with respect to the defect so as to irrad

Abstract: A method of forming a substantially planar, multi-layer, composite article that comprises a plastics materials reinforced with fibers that extend substantially continuously in one direction in the plane of each layer is provided. The majority of the layers are aligned in a main direction B and the article (20a) is disposed over a contoured surface of a forming tool (6). The article (20a) is constrained against movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main direction layers and forces applied to the article (20a) in the plain thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the fibers. The article (20a) is thereby urged into conformity with the contoured surface of the tool (6) while substantially maintaining the continuity of the fibers.

Abstract: Methods and devices that include the use of venting elements for enhancing bonded substrate yields and regulating temperature. Venting elements are generally fabricated proximal to functionalized regions in substrate surfaces to prevent bond voids that form during bonding processes from affecting the functionalized regions. Venting elements generally include venting channels or networks of channels and/or venting cavities.

Abstract: Adhesive films may be vacuum laminated on a circuit substrate by sheeting an adhesive film having the same size as or a smaller size than that of a circuit substrate in a state wherein the surface of a resin composition in the adhesive film is allowed to provisionally partially adhere to one surface or both surfaces of the circuit substrate and disposing a protecting film having an area larger than that of the adhesive film on the adhesive film provisionally adhering to the circuit substrate so that the center of the protecting film is disposed at substantially the same position as that of the center of the adhesive film, followed by vacuum laminating under heating and pressing conditions.

Abstract: A method of producing a multilayer LC display element including a plurality of LC display cells stacked together and each filled with an LC material, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a multilayer empty cell structure by stacking a plurality of empty cells each having a pair of substrates opposed together and having a peripheral portion sealed except for at least one LC material inlet opened externally; and (b) supplying the LC material by vacuum supply through the LC material inlet into each of the empty cells forming the multilayer empty cell structure, wherein said empty cells formed in the step (a) are provided at circumferentially different positions with the liquid crystal material inlets, respectively.

Abstract: A process for laminating multi-layer pre-forms into laminated glazing assemblies is provided. The pre-forms are first subjected to a vacuum in an inlet lock. Then, the pre-forms are heated to an assembly or bonding temperature in a heating chamber, while still being subjected to vacuum. Next, the pre-forms are pressed using pressing pieces in a pressing chamber, which is also subjected to vacuum. A greater pressure is exerted along the edges of the laminated glazing assemblies so as to bond the edges, preferably by using membranes. In an outlet lock which follows the pressing chamber, the laminated glazing assemblies are again vented to atmospheric pressure. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process is also provided. The apparatus has chambers which are connected together by conveyors so as to achieve a quasi-continuous flow of material.

Abstract: A process for laminating multi-layer pre-forms into laminated glazing assemblies is provided. The pre-forms are first subjected to a vacuum in an inlet lock. Then, the pre-forms are heated to an assembly or bonding temperature in a heating chamber, while still being subjected to vacuum. Next, the pre-forms are pressed using pressing pieces in a pressing chamber, which is also subjected to vacuum. A greater pressure is exerted along the edges of the laminated glazing assemblies so as to bond the edges, preferably by using membranes. In an outlet lock which follows the pressing chamber, the laminated glazing assemblies are again vented to atmospheric pressure. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process is also provided. The apparatus has chambers which are connected together by conveyors so as to achieve a quasi-continuous flow of material.

Abstract: The present document describes a process for manufacturing a pane of laminated glass without recourse to an autoclave. The pack of layers are composed of stacked layers (6, 7, 8), is raised to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic interlayer of the pack of layers in a preheat channel (1). The preheated pack of layers is put under vacuum in a vacuum assembly station (2) for the purpose of extracting the gas from the spaces separating the layers (6, 7, 8). After the gas has been extracted, the edge of the pack of layers, which is held under vacuum, is mechanically compressed inside the vacuum box and is thus sealed. Finally, the pack of layers is brought to atmospheric pressure and its temperature further increased in a postheat channel (4).

Abstract: A method of depositing a thin membrane so that it conforms to an irregular shaped surface of a scintillator includes the steps of aligning the membrane in a desired position with respect to the irregular surface so that the membrane is in contact with at least some protruding portions of the scintillator, and drawing the membrane down over the irregular surface so that the membrane is conformingly disposed around substantially all protrusions without deforming or bending the needle-like protrusions. The membrane is drawn down by applying a substantially uniform differential pressure across the thin membrane so as to urge the membrane into conformal contact with irregular surface. An imager array fabricated with this process includes a scintillator having an irregular surface and a monolithic reflective layer disposed thereover in conformal contact with the irregular surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a semiconductor element, characterized in that said semiconductor device comprises a stacked body obtained by providing a laminate comprising said semiconductor element and a sealing resin which are interposed between a front surface member and a back face member, evacuating said laminate at a vacuum of 5 Torr or less for 5 to 40 minutes, subjecting the laminate thus treated to thermocompression bonding at a vacuum degree of 5 Torr or less, and cooling the laminate subjected to said thermocompression bonding so as to engage in contact bonding. The laminated semiconductor device is free of the air bubbles therein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing an optical disk with multiple layers efficiently with improved reliability. An optically transparent sheet is laminated on a first information recording surface, and an ultraviolet light hardened resin is formed thereon which has a second information recording surface.

Abstract: An optical disk pasting apparatus 1 for pasting two disks by overlapping the second disk D2 on the first disk D1 on which an adhesive agent 4 is coated, is featured in that said second disk D2 is overlapped on the first disk D1 while adsorbing and holding said second disk D2 by warping so that the second disk is swelled in a direction (the direction of the arrow X) opposite to the first disk D1 side opposed the second disk D2, wherein closed space 5 formed between both disks D1 and D2 is vacuumed and attracted by bringing the outside areas of the first disk D1 and the second disk D2 in contact with each other.

Abstract: A method for coupling electrically conductive bushings in a bus, including alternating layers of dielectric material and patterned, electrically conductive bus bars and having through holes therein with each through hole having a surface exposing a portion of a respective one of the bus bars, includes: applying a polymer mixture to the surface of each through hole; inserting the bushings in the respective through holes; and curing the polymer mixture by positioning the bus and bushings in a curing chamber, applying a vacuum to the curing chamber, and applying pressure to reduce voids in the polymer mixture and minimize further void formation.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.

Abstract: A method of renewing worn tread portions of reinforced rubber tracks which is particularly applicable to the heavy reinforced tracks used on mechanical diggers, mobile cranes and other vehicles, such method involving placing a previously buffed track circumferentially around a correspondingly dimensioned holding ring (4) so that the metal lugs (3) of the track are supported by the holding ring (4); inserting two correspondingly shaped rings (8), one on each side of the row of lugs (3), so as to conform to the space between the track and the holding ring; applying pre-vulcanized tread (5) to the track with a layer of unvulcanized rubber between the tread and the track; surrounding the thus-formed assembly with a generally airtight envelope; creating a vacuum within the envelope (9)and vulcanizing the said unvulcanized rubber so as to bond the tread (5)to the track (1).

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.

Abstract: The present document describes a process for manufacturing a pane of laminated glass without recourse to an autoclave. The pack of layers are composed of stacked layers (6, 7, 8), is raised to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic interlayer of the pack of layers in a preheat channel (1). The preheated pack of layers is put under vacuum in a vacuum assembly station (2) for the purpose of extracting the gas from the spaces separating the layers (6, 7, 8). After the gas has been extracted, the edge of the pack of layers, which is heid under vacuum, is mechanically compressed inside the vacuum box and is thus sealed. Finally, the pack of layers is brought to atmospheric pressure and its temperature further increased in a postheat channel (4).

Abstract: A seat, which is covered with a surface material and has a multilayer with different hardness, the air permeability, a good feeling on the surface and such a hardness that a weight of a person can be supported, is provided. The seat (1) is covered with a surface material (2) having the air permeability and comprises a foamed body having an outline generally corresponding to an outline of the seat. The foamed body comprises a first foamed body (10) as a base of the foamed body and a second foamed body (6).

Abstract: The release member has a thermoplastic layer sandwiched between stripping films such that it flows toward the hole upon melting when it is heated under pressure and the stripping film in contact with the laminate has a breaking elongation of not less than 600% and a 100% elongation load of not more than 350 gf per unit width of 1 cm at the temperature to which the laminate is heated.

Abstract: This invention is a low viscosity high reactivity unsaturated resin composition useful for making car and truck parts having superior surface smoothness. The parts are made under slight vacuum so that monomer fumes are reduced in comparison with other molding processes.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing a curved, laminated safety glass sheet from a first curved glass sheet (1), a first laminated layer (2), a thermoplastic substrate sheet (4) with a biaxially drawn thin-layer system (3), a second laminated layer (5), and a second curved glass sheet (10) conforming to the first one.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining two optical discs into a disc assembly having multiple layers of data has a disc processing chamber for supporting the first and second discs, wherein each of the discs has a layer of data on a first side thereof. The processing chamber is fluidly connected to a tank containing a bonding fluid. A vacuum pump is selectively connectable to the processing chamber and the tank for selectively evacuating air out of each. An actuator is operatively mounted within the processing chamber and supports the first disc. The actuator moves the first side of the first disc into contact with the first side of second disc after the processing chamber has been evacuated and a bonding fluid is placed on one of the first and second discs, thereby forming a disc assembly having multiple layers of data.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a first continuous web to a second continuous structure includes a plurality of rollers arranged for cooperative rotation, each of the plurality of rollers having a first circular end, a second circular end and a cylindrical middle surface. The plurality of rollers are positioned to define a first inlet nip and a second inlet nip. A first roller of the plurality of rollers is positioned adjacent a second roller of the plurality of rollers to define a primary outlet nip. The first roller includes at least one void formed in its cylindrical middle surface. First and second sealing panels engage the first and second circular ends of each of the plurality of rollers, wherein the first and second sealing panels and the plurality of rollers define a chamber. A first pressure source is fluidly coupled to the chamber to pressurize the chamber with a fluid. A differential pressure source is fluidly coupled to an interior of the first roller to evacuate the at least one void.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube comprises a metal tube having an outer surface and a zinc layer bonded to the metal tube outer surface, wherein the zinc layer is selected from the group consisting of zinc plating, zinc nickel alloys, zinc cobalt alloys, zinc aluminum alloys, and mixtures thereof. A surface treatment layer is bonded to the zinc layer, wherein the surface treatment layer is selected from the group consisting of a zinc/aluminum/rare earth alloy, phosphate, chromate and mixtures thereof. A first polymeric layer is bonded to the surface treatment layer, wherein the first polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer, an ionomer, a nylon, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof. A second polymeric layer is bonded to the first polymeric layer, wherein the second polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a nylon, a thermoplastic elastomer, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A filler material for the exterior surface of a high voltage coil having Roebeled strands is described. The filler material comprises an epoxy resin impregnated felt which is wrapped in a low resistance conductive tape. The conductive tape reduces potential gradients across the filler material, thereby reducing the occurrence of unwanted electrical discharges in the filler voids.

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

Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.

Abstract: A multi-component three dimensional energetic device and the method of maacturing it. The method includes the steps of forming a quantity of an energetic material into a plurality of sheets having relatively no appreciable thickness, and then cutting at least one required shape from the surface of a portion of each of the plurality of sheets to define an opening for at least one inlay of a different material. An inlay of the different material is placed in the openings to form a plurality of stackable shapes that are then bonded together to form the multi-component three dimensional energetic device. The preferred embodiment includes forming the inlay from an energetic material that is different from the sheet energetic material. Optionally a bonding agent may be admixed with at least one of the materials to facilitate bonding to form the device. The bonding agent may or may not be an energetic material, as desired.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is proposed a laminating apparatus for laminating materials to be laminated. The apparatus includes at least one laminating section (9). Each laminating section (9) comprises an upper chamber (5) and an under chamber (6) wherein both chambers are divided with a diaphragm means (4). The apparatus further includes a heating stage (10) for heating the materials put on the stage in the under chamber (6). The stage (10) is movable between an upward position and a downward position. Further the apparatus includes a supporting means (13) which can support the materials in a position above and apart form the upper surface of the stage (10) when the stage locates in its downward position.

Abstract: A process for the production of extruded profiles and shaped sheets, variously decorated, especially from aluminium alloy to be used in the building field, for domestic appliances and the like, comprising the steps of preliminary preparation of the surfaces of the article (1), the application of preliminary painting cycles or other surface treatments, the wrapping of the article with a transfer support (2) carrying the decorations wished, the covering of the part so wrapped within a membrane (5) of rubber or the like and the creation of vacuum through holes (6) between the membrane and the piece covered by the same, on prior interposition of means (3) suitable to ensure the flow and the exhaust of the air so as to cause the adhesion of the support to the shape of the article, as well as the possible interposition of yielding means (4), suitable to equalize the pressure exercised by the membrane and lastly the heating for the transfer of the pattern and the polymerization of the colors.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, drillable, reduced CTE laminate and circuitized structures comprising the reduced CTE laminate, is provided. The reduced CTE laminate comprises: from about 40% to 75%, preferably from about 55% to 65%, by weight resin; from about 0.05% to 0.3%, preferably from about 0.08% to 0.10%, by weight curing agent; from about 25% to 60%, preferably from about 30% to 40%, by weight, woven cloth; from about 1% to 15%, preferably from about 5% to 10%, by volume, non-woven quartz mat. The present invention also generally relates to a method for reducing the CTE of circuitized structures, and to methods for making reduced CTE laminate and circuitized structures comprising reduced CTE laminate.

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

Abstract: A method of preparing a vacuum insulation panel is disclosed. In the method of the present invention, a plurality of metal oxide-containing compacts, each of which contains less water than the amount of water contained therein at atmospheric equilibrium, are enclosed in a film that retards the passage of moisture therethrough. The film is breached and the metal oxide-containing compacts are positioned in an air-impermeable container at atmospheric pressure. The pressure is reduced in the air-impermeable container, and the air-impermeable container is sealed to form the vacuum insulation panel. Also disclosed is a vacuum insulation panel comprising a plurality of metal oxide-containing compacts disposed in an air-impermeable container, wherein the metal oxide-containing compacts contain less water than the amount of water contained therein at atmospheric equilibrium.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing sheet molding compound comprising a fiber processing unit for forming a fiber web. The apparatus also includes a precompaction unit for squeezing air out of the fiber web and a resin mixture paste dispenser for applying paste to the fiber web. The apparatus functions to minimize entrapped air from the resin mixture paste and fiber web.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell module including a photovoltaic cell between a surface covering material and a back-surface covering material is disclosed that includes the steps of sequentially laminating a member elastically deformable in the direction of the thickness and a member having a flexural rigidity on the surface covering material and/or the back-surface covering material, and providing an external pressure to the member having the flexural rigidity to cover the photovoltaic cell with the surface covering material and the back-surface covering material. According to the above-described manufacturing method, by providing the member elastically deformable in the direction of the thickness, it is possible to prevent deformation and breakage of the photovoltaic cell and rupture of the covering materials.

Abstract: An improved process for sealing at least one ultracapacitor which includes a multi-layer structure is disclosed. The process includes the step of applying a substantial vacuum to press together an uppermost layer of the structure and a lowermost layer of the structure and to evacuate ambient gasses, wherein a sealant situated in a peripheral area between the facing surfaces of the layers forms a liquid-impermeable seal for the structure under the vacuum. In some embodiments, a press is used to apply pressure to the peripheral area on which the sealant is disposed. Usually, the ultracapacitor would be situated within an enclosable region of the press, and a collapsible membrane would be fastened over the ultracapacitor to fully enclose the region and transmit the vacuum force to the multi-layer structure. The force applied by the press itself causes the sealant to flow, thereby ensuring a complete seal upon curing of the sealant.

Abstract: A plurality of layers of nonfully cured composite material are joined by a unique combination of steps including debulking and precuring the layers using vacuum followed by pressure and heating. Then spaced apart holes through the layers are generated with a pointed tool using ultrasonic energy which at least softens and smooths the hole wall. The layers are stitched through the holes prior to final curing.

Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all the components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.

Abstract: A method is provided for making ophthalmic lenses by vacuum lamination wherein a front lens wafer (20) is laminated to a back lens wafer (22) with a layer of adhesive (24) disposed within the interface between the two wafers forming a composite lens (18). An upper flexible, transparent sheet (12) is located on the top side of the composite lens (18), a lower flexible, opaque or transparent sheet (14) is located on the bottom side of the composite lens, and an approximately air-tight enclosure (16) is formed between the sheets for receiving the composite lens. A vacuum pump (36) draws the upper and lower flexible sheets into engagement with the composite lens to press the wafers together. A UV lamp (38) transmits radiation through the upper flexible sheet (12) and into the adhesive layer to cure the adhesive and form the composite lens (18).

Abstract: A flying web splice apparatus and method for splicing a moving web of material to another web of material without tape or adhesives being used at the splice. Two splicer assemblies are provided which each have a rotatable parent roll feeding web material into the splicer apparatus. Each splicer assembly has a series of substantially parallel vacuum belts and a series of vacuum boxes therein. The vacuum boxes for each splicer assembly are evacuated by a vacuum blower, which creates a vacuum causing a suction through holes within a portion of the vacuum belts in order to hold web material to the vacuum belts. The series of belts for each splicer assembly are preferably rotatable about a top pivot to bring a bottom portion of each series of belts together.

Abstract: A method of making a flangeless seam for a disposable article including the following steps: A first member of the disposable article is provided. A conductive member is provided on the first member. The first member is folded about the conductive member providing opposing first proximal and first distal portions of the first member, the conductive member being disposed at least partially between the opposing first proximal and first distal portions. A second member of the disposable article is provided in a folded configuration juxtaposed at least a portion of the first member to form a laminate including the first member and the second member. An electromagnetic field is applied across at least a portion of the laminate to heat the conductive member to a temperature which joins at least a portion of the first member and at least a portion of the second member. The resulting seam can be opened to provide the article with a flangeless seam.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus used to prepare a thermoplastic composite from a plurality of plies of thermoplastic resin prepregs. The prepregs are formed into a composite structure under two chambers; a rigid outer chamber (of any convenient size or shape) and a second flexible inner chamber containing a prepreg lay-up. The absolute pressures are reduced concurrently in a stepwise method in both chambers. This concurrent, stepped pressure reduction is accomplished at a rate which prevents the vacuum bag from moving far from the prepregs, and prevents wrinkles from forming in the prepregs. Pinching off the diffusion paths required for the removal of unwanted gases is eliminated. The lay-up is then heated and the absolute pressure in the outer rigid chamber is increased. This pressure constrains the flexible inner chamber during out-gassing of the thermoplastic resin, preventing wrinkles from forming in the prepregs.

Abstract: A vacuum laminating apparatus includes a laminating space formed by a base member, a tube having deaeration holes, and a flexible lid member. A vacuum laminating method places the material to be laminated within the laminating space and heats the material while creating a vacuum in the space.

Abstract: A method for preparing a laminate including pressing a heater against the upper and lower surfaces of a veneer during which an inner portion of the veneer in the thickness direction is dried to the smallest extend then the surfaces so that a water content of the inner portion is kept higher than that of the surfaces, dividing the veneer in terms of its thickness into two counter veneers, placing a ligneous board between the counter veneers using an adhesive so that the surfaces resulting from the diving are disposed as outer surfaces, and pressing a heater against the outer surfaces to effect bonding of the counter veneers and the ligneous board.

Abstract: A method for producing optical disks each by bonding two disk substrates to each other through an adhesive sheet, which comprises the steps of: preparing a tape which includes a release tape, and a plurality of disk-like adhesive sheets arranged under a lower surface of the release tape at predetermined intervals; pressing the tape against an upper surface of a first disk substrate by an elastic material to thereby temporarily bond the first disk substrate to one of the adhesive sheets under the lower surface of the tape so as to form a temporarily bonded article; separating the release tape from the temporarily bonded article to expose the adhesive sheet; putting a second disk substrate on the exposed adhesive sheet and pressing the second disk substrate against the exposed adhesive sheet by the elastic material to thereby stick the second disk substrate to the temporarily bonded article so as to form a stuck article; and keeping the stuck article under a pressure or heat and pressure atmosphere to thereby b