Embedding Of Laminae Within Face Of Additional Laminae Patents (Class 156/298)
  • Patent number: 6459462
    Abstract: There is provided an improved method for laminating the components of a tiled display such as an AMLCD tiled display. In conventional laminating processes, forces are applied to the two parallel glass plates (i.e., the cover and back plates) separated by a liquid adhesive film. The two plates are squeezed together over their entire area forcing liquid laterally out from between the glass plates and tiles until the desired spacing or gap (filled with liquid adhesive) between the cover and back plates and the tiles is obtained. However, this process may require several hours to complete for large panels and, in addition the process is susceptible to trapping air bubbles in the adhesive. Consequently, the traditional process is not well suited for the mass production of large panels. The “pseudo” rolling-like lamination process of the present invention replaces the traditional lamination process and requires significantly less time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Rainbow Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Seraphim, Dean Skinner, Ho Chong Lee, Kevin G. McKenna, Christopher D. Turock
  • Patent number: 6441736
    Abstract: A ultra-thin flexible durable radio frequency plastic of other substrate identification device, such as cards, tags, badges, bracelets and labels including at least one electronic element embedded therein and a hot or cold lamination process for the manufacture of radio frequency identification devices including a micro IC chip embedded therein. The process results in a device having an overall thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.033 inches with a surface suitable for receiving dye sublimation printing—the variation in the device thickness across the surface is less than 0.0005 inches. The hot lamination process of the present invention results in an aesthetically pleasing device which can be used as a sticker when adhesive is applied to the device. The invention also relates to a plastic device in all shapes and sizes formed in accordance with the hot lamination process of the present invention and can withstand harsh chemicals and various pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Keith R. Leighton
  • Patent number: 6438831
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interconnector that is interposed between a pair of terminal plates each having electrodes arranged in a predetermined pattern, for electrically connecting the electrodes of the terminal plates, including arranging positioning plates in a container and inserting conductive wires into through holes of the positioning plates. Then forming a stacked body by alternately forming stacked insulating sheet layers and synthetic resin layers, in the container and thereafter cutting the stacked body at a middle portion of each synthetic resin layer before separating the synthetic resin layers from the insulating sheet layers, thereby forming interconnectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Junichi Hagihara
  • Publication number: 20020108708
    Abstract: A metallized composite includes a thermoplastic sheet and at least one discontinuous layer of metal within the thermoplastic sheet. The discontinuous metal layer can be disposed between two thermoplastic layers that are bound together, such as by melting the layers together, pressing, or by use of an adhesive. The metallized composites of the invention can be employed as reflective surfaces, such as are used as mirrors or substitutes for chrome trim on automobiles. A particularly preferred metal as a component of the discontinuous layer of the composite is indium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Adam Murano
  • Publication number: 20020088533
    Abstract: A reinforced shrink wrap has been developed for use in all types of environments and products or applications. The shrink wrap is tear resistant and can be prepared to withstand exposure from the sun and corrosive elements. The shrink wrap includes a layer of a shrink film and a layer of polyolefin film. In addition, a reinforcing filamentous grid in an extrusion tie layer is disposed in between the shrink film and a polyolefin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Reef Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Juanita Mercure, Dave Michalek, Dennis Olheiser, Thomas Scarborough, Troy Taylor, Thomas Sifford
  • Patent number: 6409871
    Abstract: A business form includes a carrier sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, and defining a die cut opening there through, with a patch of liner material mounted on the lower surface of the carrier sheet. The patch extends over the opening. The liner material has an upper surface facing the die cut opening in the carrier sheet, and carries a release coating on the upper surface. A two ply label assembly is mounted on the patch of liner material in the die cut opening. The two ply label assembly includes a transparent ply mounted on the upper surface of the patch of liner material, and a label ply mounted on the transparent ply. The form is manufactured by: a.) die cutting an opening in a piece of carrier material; b.) adhesively affixing a patch of liner material to the piece of carrier material; c.) mounting a transparent ply on the patch of liner material within the die cut opening; and d.) mounting a label ply on the transparent ply. The form is used by: a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: David E. Washburn, Hugh B. Skees, Bryce Waggoner
  • Patent number: 6398901
    Abstract: A sharpening guide assembly for use in sharpening ski and snowboard edges includes an angle member and at least one riser member. The angle member includes at least a first outer surface and a second outer surface, an inner edge of the first outer surface adjoining an upper edge of the second outer surface. The riser member is positioned on the first outer surface of the angle member such that a top portion of the riser member extends above the first surface of the angle member. The angle member is formed of a first material and the riser member is formed of a second material, wherein the second material has a hardness which is greater than a hardness of the first material. During a sharpening operation, a sharpening tool is supported on the riser member such that the sharpening tool such as a file member is positioned above the first outer surface of the angle member so as to avoid potential wear causing contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Donald C. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20020059979
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding spine inserts for a machine for manufacturing book covers having a take-off roller system for withdrawing in clocked synchronism a material web cut to width by further means from a screening roll, having a cutting device for cutting off a portion of the material web as a flexible spine insert, having means of introducing the flexible spine insert into a board feed plane and having a board feed, which pushes the spine insert and further cover boards, for synchronous feeding of the boards onto a covering material, which has been coated with glue at a glue spreading roller and fed by means of a covering material cylinder a take-off roller system is provided, which inserts the material web counter to the board feed direction into the board feed plane and with which are associated guides for guiding the advanced spine insert and means of further guiding the cut-to-length spine insert as far as into the board feed plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Machon, Gunter Geldmeier, Peter Gross
  • Patent number: 6379760
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a process for producing laminated materials. The process comprises the steps of: (a) supplying material from a first supply roller; (b) supplying materials from a system comprising a plurality of further supply rollers; (c) tracking lateral movement of the material leaving said first supply roller; and (d) adjusting the lateral position of said system in response to said lateral movement, such that the lateral alignment of the plurality of further supply rollers remains constant with respect to the material leaving the first supply roller. The adjustment step (d) may be manual, or it may be automatic e.g. in response to tracking in step (c) by means of an electronic sensor which tracks a control line on the material leaving the first supply roller. By maintaining constant lateral alignment, it is possible to manufacture laminated materials comprising a layer made from strips of material which abut but which do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Tecksom International Limited
    Inventor: Luen Sing Tang
  • Patent number: 6372078
    Abstract: A method and resultant product for bonding a polyester resin to plastic. Preparation of a polyester resin bonded to plastic includes the steps of: (1) grinding the surface of a plastic body to create a plurality of fine plastic hairs protruding from the surface; (2) depositing liquid polyester reinforced with glass over the protruding plastic hairs, whereby the plastic hairs are substantially encapsulated and surrounded by the liquid polyester; and, (3) allowing the polyester resin to cure. Consequently, at the interface of the polyester resin and the plastic, a mechanical cohesive bond is created via the substantial encapsulation of the plastic hairs by the polyester resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Ronnie L. Melchert, Patrick W. Brady
  • Patent number: 6358351
    Abstract: A thermally conductive substrate having a structure in which inorganic filler for improving the thermal conductivity and thermosetting resin composition are included. The thermosetting resin composition has a flexibility in the not-hardened state, and becomes rigid after hardening. The thermally conductive substrate has excellent thermal radiation characteristics. The method of manufacturing the thermally conductive substrate includes: piling up (a) the thermally conductive sheets comprising 70 to 95 weight parts of an inorganic filler, and 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Nakatani, Hiroyuki Handa
  • Patent number: 6338767
    Abstract: A circuit component built-in module of the present invention includes an insulating substrate formed of a mixture comprising 70 wt % to 95 wt % of an inorganic filler and a thermosetting resin, a plurality of wiring patterns formed on at least a principal plane of the insulating substrate, a circuit component arranged in an internal portion of the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the wiring patterns, and an inner via formed in the insulating substrate for electrically connecting the plurality of wiring patterns. Thus, a highly reliable circuit component built-in module having high-density circuit components can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Nakatani, Kouichi Hirano
  • Patent number: 6326053
    Abstract: Retroreflective article (10), e.g., in the form of a pavement marking, having raised, nonintegral protuberances (16) that exhibit good dry retroreflectivity and recover retroreflectivity quickly after exposure to water. The protuberance comprise a thermoplastic polymer body. Partially embedded in the protuberance are optical elements (14) which are in optical association with a light scattering agent. The protuberance is disposed on top of a conformable base sheet (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Stump, Gregory F. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20010017186
    Abstract: The invention is an edge densified lumber product of improved strength and stiffness and the method of its manufacture. The method is based on the parallel lamination of multiple plies of wood veneer. Narrow longitudinal reinforcing strips are laid along each edge of the veneer assembly between at least some of the veneer plies. Additional spaced apart veneer strips, about twice the width of the edge strips, are laid up at preselected locations in the mid-portion of the veneer assembly. These strips in the mid-portion are preferably spaced so that the distance between their centerlines corresponds to standard lumber widths. Appropriate adhesives are used to bond the assembly. The assembly is pressed to a uniform thickness so that the areas along the narrow veneer strips are densified relative to the adjacent portions. Longitudinal saw cuts are then made along the centerlines of the interior veneer strips to separate the assembly into multiple units of lumber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Gerald N. MacPherson, Kendall H. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20010008169
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anisotropic conductive adhesive having an adhesive layer and conductive particles individually adhered to the adhesive layer, the conductive particles being arranged in an ordered array. The size of the conductive particles is at least somewhat smaller than the thickness of the adhesive layer. Also disclosed is an anisotropic conductive adhesive having an adhesive layer, conductive particles individually adhered to the adhesive layer, and a release liner having an ordered array of dimples. The conductive particles reside in a single layer in the dimples. The anisotropic conductive adhesive is made by placing the conductive particles in an ordered array of dimples on a low adhesion surface. An adhesive layer is then laminated on top such that the conductive particles individually adhere to the adhesive layer. The anisotropic conductive adhesive may be used to electrically connect fine pitch electrodes on opposing circuit layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: GLEN CONNELL, BERRY S. CARPENTER, PETER B. HOGERTON, HIROAKI H. YAMAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 6248199
    Abstract: Cards, labels and the like containing embedded microcircuits or other elements are fabricated in a continuous process by introducing microcircuits between ribbons of extruded material, pressing the ribbons into adhesion with each other while in a plastic state thereby to make a continuous composite sheet containing the microcircuits, cooling the composite sheet to solidify the extrudate material, and cutting out cards from the composite sheet, each card containing a microcircuit. The microcircuits may be introduced between the extruded ribbons on a continuous carrier sheet which may also serve as a printed circuit substrate for the microcircuits. Alternatively, the microcircuits are inserted as discrete units between the extruded ribbons by a suitable robotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Soundcraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel R. Smulson
  • Patent number: 6248677
    Abstract: A ceramic fiber blanket is inserted into a mold, and ceramic fiber slurry, preferably made with refractory ceramic fibers, binders, and water, is deposited on the blanket. Vacuum pressure is created under the blanket to pull the fibers of the slurry toward the fibers of the blanket to entangle them together. The slurry and blanket is then dried to form a rigid yet surface compliant ceramic fiber composite product with superior thermal insulating and acoustic dampening properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Rex Roto Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Leroy D. Dowding, Steven R. Schenck, John D. Vandermark, Robert W. Price
  • Publication number: 20010001976
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new method and apparatus to enable high yielding double sided and/or multipass screening in the manufacture of multilayer ceramic packages. Also, the present invention enables the screened features to be buried partially or fully with flat surface being available for high yielding post-sinter operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: GOVINDARAJAN NATARAJAN, EDWARD JAMES PEGA
  • Patent number: 6235139
    Abstract: A mailer type business form is constructed from an intermediate having a plurality of pressure activated cohesive cooperating patterns, and a card is mounted on or with the intermediate. Despite the fact that a card is included, because of the provision of surface manifestations in the intermediate, and/or because of the relative thicknesses of the card and the intermediate, the mailer may be sealed by steam rolling rather than requiring selective edge sealing. A surface manifestation may comprise a cutout with a patch, or a folded over portion of the intermediate, retaining the card with the intermediate during processing. Alternatively, first and second thinned portions of the sheet of paper, disposed on opposite sides of a fold line so as to cooperate and hold the card when the sheet is folded about the fold line, may be provided, the thinned portions provided by embossing, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Moore U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Vichinsky, Jr., Wayne Peterson, Will Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6214155
    Abstract: A plastic card, such as a radio frequency identification card, including at least one electronic element embedded therein and a hot lamination process for the manufacture of radio frequency identification cards and other plastic cards including a micro-chip embedded therein. The process results in a card having an overall thickness in the range of 0.028 inches to 0.032 inches with a surface suitable for receiving dye sublimation printing—the variation in card thickness across the surface is less than 0.0005 inches. A card manufactured in accordance with the present invention also complies with all industry standards and specifications. Also, the hot lamination process of the present invention results in an aesthetically pleasing card. The invention also relates to a plastic card formed in accordance with the hot lamination process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Keith R. Leighton
  • Patent number: 6153041
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including a plurality of superimposed screens, channels on the edges of the screen assembly, and a plurality of hollow plastic channeling strips fused into the plurality of superimposed screens. The hollow channeling strips may have metal rods therein, and the plurality of superimposed screens may be bonded to an apertured plate. A method of fabricating a screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including the steps of laying a plurality of plastic tubes into grooves of a fixture, superimposing the plurality of screens over the plastic tubes, and applying a heated platen to the screens to thereby cause the plastic tubes to fuse into the screens. The hollow plastic tubes may have metal rods therein, and the plurality of screens may be bonded to an apertured plate before the hollow plastic tubes are bonded to the screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Bakula, Keith F. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 6143119
    Abstract: A method of making composite strips for mouldings, frames and the like, including the steps of providing a first elongate panel of a first material and a second elongate panel of a second material, laminating the first and second panels onto one another to provide a laminated panel, making a plurality of parallel cuts or slots in the second panel, adhering a filler strip to the first and second panels in each of the cuts, and gang sawing the laminated panel into composite strips by cutting the laminated panel at each of the filler strips. The filler strips may be formed as single pieces and may be formed as a pair of pieces not joined together. A composite panel having first and second elongate panels of different materials laminated together, with a plurality of parallel cuts in the second panel, and with filler strips in the cuts and adhered to the first and second panels. Several alternative embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Marc A. Seidner
  • Patent number: 6129804
    Abstract: A system for aligning and attaching together a plurality of thin film transistor tiles for constructing a flat panel display. A coverplate loading station where a coverplate that the tiles are to be attached to is arranged on a coverplate support. A coverplate bonding material dispensing station where a bonding material for bonding the tiles to the coverplate is applied to a surface of the coverplate. A tile placement station where the tiles are arranged on the coverplate. A tile aligning and securing station where the tiles are aligned relative to each other and the coverplate by the tile aligner and where the tiles are at least partially bonded to the coverplate. A tile assembly bonding material dispensing station where a bonding material is applied to a surface of the tiles opposite the side that the coverplate is bonded to. A backplate placement station where a backplate is arranged on the tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gaynes, Allan O. Johnson, Ramesh R. Kodnani, Mark V. Pierson, Edward J. Tasillo
  • Patent number: 6099684
    Abstract: A procedure for assembling ends of optical fiber into a sheet where adhesive is deposited into parallel grooves in a top surface of a substrate. The optical fibers are placed into the grooves with one optical fiber per groove. A portion of each of the optical fibers, including the ends, extends beyond an edge of the substrate. A plate is pressed against the substrate to hold the optical fibers in the grooves. The plate has a flat surface which extends beyond the edge of the substrate and over the portion of each of the optical fibers extending beyond the edge of the substrate. A lip is contacted with and pressed against each of the optical fibers extending beyond the edge of the substrate to press the optical fibers against the flat surface of the plate. The adhesive is allowed to harden during the lip press to adhere the optical fibers and the plate to the substrate to form the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Thierry L. Dannoux
  • Patent number: 6077378
    Abstract: A resilient structure such as a seat cushion, mattress, furniture back or the like has enhanced resiliency and support at strategic locations due to the use of coil springs interlocked and held within a densified heat bonded low melt fiber batt used as the core or cover of the resilient structure. The densified fiber batt core includes low melt fibers which, when heated to the melting point and then cooled, intersect and interlock with the coil springs. The coil springs function as an integral part of the fiber batt, eliminating the need for lattice wires and the like to interlock the springs in the structure. The invention also increases the capability of manufacturing resilient structures in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Larry I. Bullard, James P. Whitaker, Sidney A. Hiatt
  • Patent number: 6054006
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling a metallic container, such as an aluminum collapsible tube (empty and open-ended for filling by the purchaser) with a flexible label, which is especially suited to short production runs and in such a manner that the label is bonded to the container such that it is able to withstand physical abuse without peeling or breaking away from the container. Both the label and unlabeled container may be manufactured in advance and stored until needed. The container comprises an enamel coating which is bonded to the surface of the container, the coating comprising an adhesive which is activated within a predetermined temperature range, and the label comprises a transparent film having reverse printing on the lower surface thereof. The enamel coating is heated to a temperature within the activating temperature range to cause the adhesive to activate. The lower surface of the label is contacted to the heated enamel coating under sufficient pressure to cause the label to bond thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Great Pacific Enterprises, Inc., through its division, Montebello Packaging
    Inventors: Betty Jean Pilon, Gilles Fournier, Terrence Doherty
  • Patent number: 6051093
    Abstract: A mounting method of a semiconductor element capable of joining an electrode of a semiconductor element and a circuit board at high reliability. The method includes a step of forming an external electrode terminal by filling a hole formed in circuit board with a conductive paste, a step of positioning the external electrode terminal and a protruding bump formed on an electrode of a semiconductor, and a step of pressing the semiconductor element to contact between the conductive paste in the hole and the protruding bump thereby electrically connecting the electrode of the semiconductor element and the external electrode terminal of the circuit board. An adhesive sheet of a thermosetting resin, a thermoplastic resin, or a mixed thermosetting and thermoplastic resin may be disposed on the circuit board where the bump breaks through the sheet to contact the paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihito Tsukahara
  • Patent number: 6022442
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a card product including a sheet with at least one cut-out and a card which is disposed in the cut-out of the sheet, wherein the sheet and the card are held together by at least one adhesive strip which is coated on one side with contact adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: MTL Modern Technologies Lizenz GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Seidl
  • Patent number: 6022617
    Abstract: The laminated non-slip liner or mat comprises a first laminate layer of nonwoven material having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface having printed thereon a pattern of relatively high friction material; a second laminate layer of material having a first surface and a second surface; and an adhesive between the first and second layers, bonding the first layer first surface to the second layer second surface. The first laminate layer of nonwoven material acts as a barrier between the pattern of relatively high friction material and the adhesive. Preferably, the pattern of relatively high friction material is a high density matrix of printed latex or polyvinyl chloride projections. The second laminate layer may be a printed vinyl sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kittrich Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Calkins
  • Patent number: 5975575
    Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels on a length of release material, which method comprises the steps of:(a) applying a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive to a surface of a length of release material;(b) applying a succession of individual folded sheets to the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive so as to adhere the folded sheets to the release material, each folded sheet having an upper panel and a lower panel;(c) applying to the succession of folded sheets on the release material a web of a self-adhesive laminar material whereby the laminar material is adhered by the self-adhesive surface thereof over the succession of folded sheets;(d) cutting through the laminar material, the folded sheets and the pressure-sensitive adhesive as far as the release material thereby to form the self-adhesive labels, the cutting step being carried out whereby the upper panel of the folded sheet with the laminar material adhered thereto can be pulled away from the lower panel thereby to open the label;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: David John Instance
  • Patent number: 5944928
    Abstract: A method of fabrication with the formation of a receiving panel which defines a plurality of spaced-apart parallel plows extending longitudinally. The panel has an open surface along which the plows are exposed and an opposing surface from which the plows are not accessible. The plows may be formed by adhering substrates to a separate veneer layer to define the plows between the substrates. It is preferable that the veneer layer be formed of wood, but the substrates can be formed of a less expensive material, such as composite material. Once the receiving panel has been fabricated, it is bowed to form an arc about an axis parallel to the plows. This can be done by passing the panel, carried by a belt, between two rollers that are configured to define between them a profile corresponding to the arc of the panel. While the panel is in this bowed condition, strips, made of wood, are inserted in the plows. The strips can be formed by opposing laminations that are not adhered to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Marc A. Seidner
  • Patent number: 5942077
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing laminated materials is provided, having a first supply roller, a system comprising a second and a third supply roller, and an electronic sensor which tracks lateral movement of a control line in material leaving the first supply roller, wherein the lateral positioning of said system is adjusted in response to said lateral movement such that the lateral alignment of the second and third supply rollers remains constant with respect to said material. By maintaining constant lateral alignment, it is possible to manufacture laminated materials comprising a layer made from strips of material which abut but which do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Tecksom International Ltd.
    Inventor: Luen Sing Tang
  • Patent number: 5916393
    Abstract: A method for applying adhesive on a porous substrate with improved bonding between the adhesive and the substrate. The adhesive is applied on a surface of the substrate. The applied adhesive is impinged with a fluid such as air to force a first portion of the adhesive to flow and penetrate the substrate while a second portion of the adhesive remains on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Shaffer, Jeffrey A. Tilton, Randall E. Nyhart, Frederick R. Ernest
  • Patent number: 5916659
    Abstract: A composite of thermally non-adherent fluoropolymeric and non-fluoropolymeric components is created through the agency of a non-woven, fibrous binder interposed between and portionally embedded into both components. The fibers of the non-woven binder have a substantial portion of their length extending into both components and cross the interface at an angle that is substantially normal to the plane of embedment. The composite possesses good peel strengths of greater than 5 pounds/linear inch between the otherwise thermally non-adherent components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Chemfab Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Gordon Koerber, James Michael McMartin, John Walter Verbicky, Jr., John Effenberger, J. George Drobny
  • Patent number: 5879502
    Abstract: A method is described by which it is possible to obtain modules comprising a body of synthetic material, including an electronic circuit, having two main faces absolutely smooth and without swellings at the place where the circuit is enclosed in the body. The body includes two sheets having either an impregnating resin or a certain quantity of gas or air, the electronic circuit being disposed between the two sheets and these being pressed together at a predetermined temperature. A module is thus obtained having at least one electronic circuit which can include a coil serving as an antenna, the module being able to be cut in credit card format and being able to serve as an identification badge. The same method and the same substances can be used to make a module having an electronic circuit with a housing, contact tracks being flush on one of the main faces of the module. Composite modules having the two types of circuits can also be made using the same method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Ake Gustafson
  • Patent number: 5865935
    Abstract: A method of packaging image sensors using an optical grade adhesive and cover plate over the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Ozimek, Terry Tarn
  • Patent number: 5865934
    Abstract: There is provided a method for arranging conductive bumps at predetermined positions penetrated through an insulating layer during a press integration stage to ensure electrical and thermal conductivities between a wiring pattern and a conductive metal as well as electrical connections between the wiring patterns. More specifically, the sharp tip of the conductive bump is subjected to plastic deformation to form the interconnections between the wiring patterns or between the wiring pattern and the conductive metal. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board. A synthetic resin sheet is sandwiched by the surface on which conductive bumps are formed into a laminate. The laminate is heated until the resin component of the synthetic resin sheet being is in a plastic state or up to a temperature not lower than the grass transition temperature of that resin. At that time, the conductive bumps are forced against the synthetic resin sheet and are penetrated therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yuichi Yamamoto, Yoshizumi Sato, Tomohisa Motomura, Hiroshi Hamano, Yasushi Arai
  • Patent number: 5849132
    Abstract: A contact for a semiconductor device or passive substrate is made up of an array of conductive balls, the individual balls of the contact being a compressible material coated with a metal conductive material. The balls in the array are compressed while being bonded to the contact area to provide a larger bond area between the ball and the contact area to which it is bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Anthony M. Chiu
  • Patent number: 5843266
    Abstract: A formable reinforcement bar, a process for producing a formable reinforcing bar and a supported structure including a formable reinforcement bar are provided. The reinforcement bar includes a body portion of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. The process involves laminating multiple layers of thin strips or bundles of fiber reinforced thermoplastic to produce the formable rebar. The formable rebar may be produced at remote locations such as a construction site. The supported structure includes a composite material having a formable rebar embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 5834091
    Abstract: This has a plurality of nubs which incorporate preset multicolored decorative designs in their bodies, created by a machine able to apply this manufacturing process, on a multilayered monobloc composed of a base, support and seating layer and another or other upper ones, some of which are on the same level and in which cavities are formed, giving rise to the nubs which define images that change according to their three dimensional structure and different locations, alignments and possible quincunx formation, as well as the different perspective of observers and the variations in the distance of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Miguel Zubigaray Irazabal
  • Patent number: 5833788
    Abstract: SBR and natural rubber articles which can be marked with indicia are formed by curing the SBR or natural rubber under heat and pressure in contact with a fabric material. The curing conditions force the fabric into the cured rubber article. The fabric can then be marked with a heat-activated, indicia-bearing transfer. This provides for unique decoration of articles such as mud flaps and the like, and also permits providing identification for other rubber articles such as tires and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Specialty Adhesive Film Co.
    Inventors: John Mahn, Jr., John Mahn, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5824390
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing retroreflective sheeting useful for marking or the like of signs such as road signs and construction signs; number plates of vehicles such as motorcars and motorcycles; materials for safety such as clothes and life jackets; signboards, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsura Ochi, Osamu Tanaka, Masaki Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 5817207
    Abstract: A plastic card, such as a radio frequency identification card, including at least one electronic element embedded therein and a hot lamination process for the manufacture of radio frequency identification cards and other plastic cards including a micro-chip embedded therein. The process results in a card having an overall thickness in the range of 0.028 inches to 0.032 inches with a surface suitable for receiving dye sublimation printing--the variation in card thickness across the surface is less than 0.0005 inches. A card manufactured in accordance with the present invention also complies with all industry standards and specifications. Also, the hot lamination process of the present invention results in an aesthetically pleasing card. The invention also relates to a plastic card formed in accordance with the hot lamination process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Keith R. Leighton
  • Patent number: 5798163
    Abstract: A temporary tarp-like barrier assembly which includes a plastic sheet thermally and mechanically fastened to loop-like hangers made from reclosable fasteners. The plastic sheet is sandwiched between engaging portions of the interlocking members of the hanger so that the plastic sheet is supportable from a pole or rod from the loop-like hanger. In addition, disclosed is a kit for providing a temporary tarp-like barrier which includes a plastic sheet and at least one loop-like hanger. The hanger is made from a reclosable fastener having a first portion and a second portion with each respectively having a plurality of interlocking members. The plastic sheet is sandwichable between engaging portions of the interlocking members of the hanger so that the plastic sheet is supportable from the loop-like hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Peter N. Gold
  • Patent number: 5785790
    Abstract: A transfer with durable images comprising a support sheet having a monolayer of transparent microspheres that are partially embedded in the support sheet with a specularly reflecting layer covering the parts of the surfaces of the microspheres which are exposed above the support sheet. One or more coatings of two-component colors can be printed imagewise on top of the layer of microspheres. The two-component colors are based on a polyester resin an isocyanate hardener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ulf N. Olsen, Erik Franke, Eilif Strand
  • Patent number: 5783008
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for embedding conductors in a structure having a signal distribution function associated therewith such as a vehicle instrument panel are disclosed. The apparatus includes an embedding tool which can be positioned in three dimensional space to embed conductors in non-planar surfaces. A method for such embedding is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Belke, Jr., Robert Bush, Brian Daugherty, Paul James Mardeusz, John Trublowski
  • Patent number: 5779846
    Abstract: A machine for embedding copper nuts in pasted holes of a workpiece, including a machine base holding two horizontal sliding rails and four upright guide rods, a mold carrier reciprocated along the sliding rails, a mold carried on the mold carrier and having upright heating elements for holding and heating copper nuts, a slotted workpiece carrier reciprocated along the upright guide rods, a holding down plate moved along the upright guide rods and controlled to hold down the workpiece on the slotted workpiece carrier, a first air cylinder controlled to move the mold carrier and the mold into the working position, a second air cylinder controlled to lower the workpiece, permitting pasted mounting holes of the workpiece to be respectively forced into engagement with heated copper nuts on the heating elements of the mold, and two third air cylinders controlled to move the slotted workpiece carrier relative to the holding down plate for loading/unloading of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Kan-Tsang Fan
  • Patent number: 5743981
    Abstract: Optical security articles and methods of making same are described comprising a first layer substantially transparent to visible light and having a first refractive index, the first layer having a relief pattern on a first surface thereof and a substantially smooth second surface, and an adhesive layer coterminating with the first layer. The adhesive layer substantially completely fills and makes contact with a first portion of the plurality of geometric concavities, the adhesive layer having a second refractive index which is substantially similar to the first refractive index of the first layer. A second portion of the plurality of geometric concavities are precluded from contact with the adhesive layer by a corresponding plurality of separation layers, each separation layer having a separation layer refractive index which is different from the refractive index of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Shih-Lai Lu
  • Patent number: 5735105
    Abstract: A continuous solvent free gelatin encapsulation apparatus and process includes an oil roll back assembly (20) for applying a controlled amount of a food-approved lubricant to a first side of the gelatin ribbon and an applicator guide bar assembly (40) for applying a controlled amount of food-approved lubricant to a second side of the gelatin ribbon. Two opposing food-approved lubricant coated gelatin ribbons are then united in a die assembly (50) to form gelatin capsules which are then dried and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: R. P. Scherer Corporation
    Inventors: Norman S. Stroud, David J. Walker, Kelvin R. Garnett, Arthur J. Burnett, Anthony J. Wood
  • Patent number: 5723195
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of installing wall to wall carpeting of a selected width over an underpad of a selected thickness by attaching hooked tapes of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the underpad along the perimeter of the area to be covered by the carpeting. The underside of the carpeting, which is substantially covered with loops, is then attached to the upper surface of the tapes through hook and loop technology. The hooked tape and the underpad are of substantially equal thickness so that the loops on the underside of the carpet will attach to the hooks on the upper surface of the tape. In a further aspect, the underpad has loops substantially covering its lower surface so that the underpad is attached to the floor by a second hooked tape of lower profile than the carpet tape which is used to attach the underpad to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph Rocco Pacione