Abstract: Real-time alignment of substrates is conducted by way of placing a first substrate together with a second substrate located over the first substrate in a fixed relative position onto a first substrate holder. The first substrate holder is operative to support the first substrate. A second substrate holder is operative to contact and control the position of the second substrate relative to the first substrate. A pattern recognition system is operative to view reference marks on the first and second substrates for determining their relative alignment, and a positioning mechanism coupled to the first substrate holder and/or the second substrate holder will align the first substrate relative to the second substrate based on their relative alignment as determined by the pattern recognition system. Thereafter, the substrates are fully laminated to secure them to each other.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming conductive vias in a substrate by filling preformed via holes, preferably through via holes, with conductive material. The method includes providing a plurality of preformed objects at least partly including ferromagnetic material on a surface of the substrate; providing a magnetic source on an opposite side of the substrate with respect to the plurality of preformed objects, thereby at least partly aligning at least a portion of the preformed objects with a magnetic field associated with the magnetic source; and moving the magnetic source relative the substrate, or vice versa, thereby moving the at least portion of the preformed objects into at least a portion of the via holes.

Abstract: A composite structure containing an out-of-tolerance area is restored using an automated material removal method. The location of an out-of-tolerance area within the structure is determined by non-destructive inspection and a volume of the structure to be removed is selected based on the location of the out-of-tolerance area. An automatic material removal tool is programmed and used to remove the selected volume of material. The volume of removed material may be is replaced by an integrated patch.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for curing a liner of a pipeline where the liner includes a resin which is curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range. The apparatus comprises a housing defining opposite first and second ends, an outer wall of a substantially cylindrical configuration, and an inner wall defining a substantially unobstructed through-going passage extending longitudinally through the housing between the first and second ends, and further comprises a pair of power supply wires for the supply of electrical power to the apparatus and extending from the first end of the housing, and a plurality of LED's irradiating electromagnetic radiation of the specific wavelength or the specific wavelength range. The plurality of LED's is positioned and substantially evenly distributed at the outer wall of the housing, and is connected through an electronic circuit to the pair of power supply wires.

Abstract: A method for controlling a labelling device, that is part of a block system including a supply device for supplying articles to be labeled, includes supplying, by the supply device, a predetermined number of the articles such that the labelling device and the supply device are each operated at a first operating speed. The predetermined number of the articles are delivered, in an automated manner, to the labelling device. A drive of the labelling device is decoupled from a corresponding drive of the supply device. The labelling device is then operated at a second operating speed.

Abstract: A surrogate patch assembly for a rework area of a structure comprises a surrogate patch body which may be formed of a material for drawing moisture from the rework area. The patch assembly may include a sensor mounted to the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a thermal sensor for sensing the temperature of the rework area and the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a moisture sensor for sensing moisture drawn into the surrogate patch body.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching substrates includes a first chamber for supporting a first substrate and a second chamber for supporting a second substrate. A main seal member is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain a seal and a gap between the chambers. An alignment control part is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain the seal, and also to allow the second chamber to move with respect to the first chamber in order to align the substrates. The alignment control part may also control a gap between the chambers, to thereby maintain a uniform gap between the substrates.

Abstract: A method of removing an out-of-tolerance area in a composite structure comprises determining the location of the out-of-tolerance area and selecting a volume of the composite structure to be removed based on the location of the out-of-tolerance area. The method may further include programming a machine tool to remove the volume and to pause after removal of each one of a quantity of layers of the volume. The method may additionally include removing one of the layers using the programmed machine tool. The method may further include restoring the volume removed using the programmed area removal digital definition.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first substrate and a second substrate includes the steps of rotating first substrate with an adhesive mass thereon, and second substrate contacting the mass and overlying the first substrate, controlling a vertical height of a heated control platen spaced apart from and not contacting the second substrate so as to control a temperature of the adhesive mass, so as to at least one of bond the first and second substrates in alignment with one another, or achieve a sufficiently planar adhesive interface between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: Methods and systems for on demand, customized manufacture of vehicle tires at a point-of-sale are disclosed. At a point-of-sale, tire casings and tire treads that have been manufactured separately to enhance certain performance characteristics are assembled to provide a final customized tire.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stenting are provided comprising a stent attached to a porous biocompatible material that is permeable to endothelial cell ingrowth, but impermeable to release of emboli of predetermined size. Apparatus and methods are also provided for use at a vessel branching. The present invention further involves porous polymer membranes, suitable for use in medical implants, having controlled pore sizes, pore densities and mechanical properties. Methods of manufacturing such porous membranes are described in which a continuous fiber of polymer is extruded through a reciprocating extrusion head and deposited onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. When cured, the polymeric material forms a stable, porous membrane suitable for a variety of applications, including reducing emboli release during and after stent delivery, and providing a source for release of bioactive substances to a vessel or organ and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An optical film laminate that has predefined slit lines for enhancing both product accuracy and manufacturing speed in liquid-crystal display element manufacturing to radically improve manufacturing yield. The optical film laminate formed as a continuous web with the predefined slit lines for use in a continuous manufacturing system by laminating optically functional film sheets to liquid-crystal panels. The optical film laminate having defect-free regions having a predefined length corresponding to the dimension of a liquid-crystal panel and defective regions having a predefined length different from the defect-free region, based on the detected position of defects. The optical film laminate having a carrier film releasably laminated to an adhesive layer, wherein defect-free normal polarizing sheets and a defective polarizing sheets are formed on the carrier film by forming slit lines corresponding to above regions along the transverse direction of the optical film laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for the application of a strip material to a substrate. Particularly, the present invention relates to a automatic application of an elongate strip of elastic material to a substrate. The present invention further relates to a device and a method for applying a seal strip such as a weatherstrip seal to a substrate. The elongate strip is advanced by drive means and positioned on a substrate by means of an application unit. The stress of the elongate strip is controlled by a stress control unit which is positioned in the area between the drive means and the application unit.

Abstract: Methods are provided for strengthening (e.g., repairing, structurally reinforcing, etc.) a fluid-system component by installing, as a circumferential wrap or a patch, a radiation-curable composite laminate. Kits including composite repair materials and equipment for implementing the methods are also provided. Examples of fluid-system components that may be strengthened include pipework, pipelines, transmission pipelines, distribution pipelines, gathering lines, oil risers, gas risers, process piping, girth welds on pipelines or vessels, tanks, vessels, elbows, tees, flanges, and high-pressure injection lines.

Abstract: The application of image transfer paper and a wrap to a curved surface of a container is described. A device for affixing the image transfer paper and wrap includes a base, a support member to support the container, and two wrap applicator arms coupled to the base in a pivoting manner. The support member includes a shoulder and, when the container is placed upon the support member, an edge of the container around an opening of the container rests upon the shoulder and a perimeter of the shoulder extends beyond a perimeter of the edge of the container. The shoulder receives the image transfer paper and aligns the image transfer paper with the edge of the container. Each wrap applicator arm is configured to receive a respective end of the wrap. Rotating the wrap applicator arms about the support member stretches the wrap around the container and image transfer paper.

Abstract: A system for aligning and connecting components including a support structure and a measuring apparatus coupled to the support structure. The measuring apparatus is arranged to spatially analyze a first tubular component with respect to a second tubular component for determining an adjustment vector therebetween. An alignment apparatus is coupled to the support structure and in data communication with the measuring apparatus. The alignment apparatus includes a plurality of actuators operatively arranged in parallel for moving at least one of the first or second tubular components relative to the other for coaxially arranging the first and second tubular components in accordance with the adjustment vector. A connection apparatus is coupled to the support structure and operatively arranged for connecting the first and second tubular components together.

Abstract: The present invention provides die bonder and bonding method by which a bonding load from a high load to a low load is obtained or high-speed mounting is attained. In a die bonder or a bonding method in which a bonding head is ascended/descended by a first ascending/descending drive shaft unit, a die is picked up, the picked-up die is installed onto a workpiece, and after installed, a load is exerted on the die by the bonding head to bond the die to the workpiece, whether the load is higher/lower than a predetermined load is determined, and in bonding, when the load is higher than the predetermined load, the high load is exerted by the first ascending/descending drive shaft unit, and when the load is lower than the predetermined load, the low load is exerted by a second ascending/descending drive shaft unit.

Abstract: A roll of a continuous web of an optical film laminate with predefined slit lines for use in a continuous manufacturing system by laminating optically functional film sheets to liquid-crystal panels. The optical film laminate with predefined slit lines comprises an optically functional film having an adhesive layer which is subjected to a preliminary inspection, and a carrier film releasably laminated to the adhesive layer. Defect-free normal sheets and defective or defect-containing sheets having predefined length corresponding to the dimension of the liquid-crystal panel are formed on the carrier film by sequentially forming slit lines along the transverse direction with respect to the lengthwise direction of the optical film laminate.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system includes a power shaft defining a power shaft axis and including a first eccentric portion and a first power transfer portion, a power transfer rod engaged with the first power transfer portion, an actuator assembly operably coupled with the power transfer rod and configured to move the power transfer rod axially along the power shaft axis, a crank including a second eccentric portion operably coupled with the first eccentric portion, and a second power transfer portion engaged with the power transfer rod, the linear friction welding system configured such that axial movement of the power transfer rod causes rotational movement of the crank with respect to the power shaft about the power shaft axis, a cam follower operably connected to an outer surface of the second eccentric portion, and a ram operably connected to the cam follower and configured to vibrate along a welding axis.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus is equipped with a first table that holds one wafer of two wafers, a stage device that holds the other wafer in an orientation capable of opposing to the one wafer and that is movable at least within an XY plane, an interferometer system that measures positional information of the stage device within the XY plane, a first mark detection system that can detect subject marks including alignment marks on the other wafer held by the stage device, and a second mark detection system fixed to a part (the second table) of the stage device that can detect subject marks including alignment marks on the one wafer held by the first table.

Abstract: An insulated glass secondary edge sealing device that dispenses sealant to insulated glass units including at least two panes of glass separated by a spacer, including a fixed sealant dispensing head, a table that supports the insulated glass units, a fence, a depth sensor, a linear motion encoder, a metering device. The sealant dispensing head has a dispensing nozzle and a corner dam. The dispensing nozzle includes a floating insulated glass unit contact surface and the corner dam is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position. A control unit receives signals from the depth sensor and the linear motion encoder and controls the metering device to dispense a measured flow of sealant based on the depth of the inset of the spacer and the movement of the insulated glass unit parallel to the fence and relative to the encoder.

Abstract: A heat-seal device generally includes a heat source, a thermal conductor, which encapsulates at least a portion of the heat source and is capable of transferring heat from the heat source, and a thermal insulator, which substantially surrounds the thermal conductor but leaves a portion thereof exposed, the exposed portion of the thermal conductor providing a heat-seal contact surface, which is adapted to be brought into contact with a material to be sealed.

Abstract: A manufacturing device of a stereoscopic image display panel includes a first unit for transferring a display panel provided in a display panel preparation space to an attachment space, a second unit for transferring a control film provided in a control film preparation space to the attachment space, and a drum unit positioned in the attachment space. The drum unit adsorbs the control film transferred to the attachment space by the second unit in a non-vacuum manner and rotates so as to attach the control film to a display surface of the display panel.

Abstract: A tire building apparatus includes a tire building drum having a radially expanded position for building a tire carcass, and having a radially contracted position for releasing the tire carcass. A carcass release member is mounted on the drum such that the carcass release member moves from a retracted position when the drum is in its expanded position, to an extended position when the drum is in its contracted position, so that the carcass release member aids in releasing the tire carcass from the drum when the drum moves from its expanded position to its contracted position.

Abstract: The shear bonding method is configured to facilitate bonding of structures in an out-of-autoclave environment. The shear bonding method includes bonding a plurality of frame members to the interior of a tapered tailboom. The frames are located on a bayonet type tool. An adhesive pack is applied to each frame. The bayonet type tool is inserted into the tailboom until the adhesive packs come into contact with the interior walls of the tailboom. Conductive heating tiles are applied to the tailboom. The conductive heating tiles are controlled to achieve and maintain viscosity of the adhesive packs. During this period the bayonet tool is actuated so that the frames are translated in relation to the tailboom. The heating tiles are then controlled to achieve and maintain the adhesive at a requisite curing temperature.

Abstract: There are provided a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus which can adjust adhesive strength by a simple configuration. A toner image for adhesive strength adjustment is formed on a toner image of a sheet to be bonded by an image forming portion provided in a copying machine body. An adhesive is applied onto a bonding portion of the sheet by a gluing device provided in a finisher. The bonding portion of the sheet onto which the adhesive is applied and the toner image having the toner image for adhesive strength adjustment of the sheet are bonded together by a second pushing-out member and a pair of second folding rollers provided in the finisher. The amount of toner forming the toner image for adhesive strength adjustment formed by the image forming portion is adjusted to adjust the adhesive strength of the adhesive.

Abstract: A vibration welding system includes a controller, welding horn, an anvil, and a passive damping mechanism (PDM). The controller generates an input signal having a calibrated frequency. The horn vibrates in a desirable first direction at the calibrated frequency in response to the input signal to form a weld in a work piece. The PDM is positioned with respect to the system, and substantially damps or attenuates vibration in an undesirable second direction. A method includes connecting the PDM having calibrated properties and a natural frequency to an anvil of an ultrasonic welding system. Then, an input signal is generated using a weld controller. The method includes vibrating a welding horn in a desirable direction in response to the input signal, and passively damping vibration in an undesirable direction using the PDM.

Abstract: A vibration welding system includes a controller, welding horn, an active material element, and anvil assembly. The assembly may include an anvil body connected to a back plate and support member. The element, e.g., a piezoelectric stack or shape memory alloy, is positioned with respect to the assembly. The horn vibrates in a desirable first direction to form a weld on a work piece. The element controls any vibrations in a second direction by applying calibrated response to the anvil body in the second direction. A method for controlling undesirable vibrations in the system includes positioning the element with respect to the anvil assembly, connecting the anvil body to the support member through the back plate, vibrating the horn in a desirable first direction, and transmitting an input signal to the element to control vibration in an undesirable second direction.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an optical display device includes an optical display unit feeding apparatus with a counting section counting the number of optical display units fed, an optical film feeding apparatus with a roll exchanging section exchanging a roll of a previous category for a roll of a latter category and joining the optical films on each, a bonding apparatus bonding a cut optical film onto a surface of an optical display unit, and a controller storing the number N of optical display units that are bonded correspondingly with the optical films that are present from a joining position to a bonding position of the optical film, and stops the apparatuses when the number of remaining sheets of the optical display units of the previous category prior to bonding becomes substantially equal to the number N at the time of exchanging categories based on information from the counting section.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a reinforced fiber cement article comprising a fiber cement piece and a reinforcing fixture bonded to a portion of the fiber cement piece for improving the performance, strength and durability of the fiber cement piece. The reinforcing fiber cement article could be used as or in conjunction with a siding plank assembly, which further comprises an interlocking feature that allows the siding plank to be stacked with other siding planks in a manner such that a uniform and deep shadow line is created. The interlocking feature sets the gauge of the exposed plank face and allows for leveling of the plank during installation. The reinforcing fixture could also serve as a thick butt piece or a plastic spline that produces a deep shadow line. A cementitious adhesive is used to bond the reinforcing fixture to the fiber cement piece.

Abstract: A method for producing an analytical consumable is proposed. The analytical consumable comprises at least one carrier and at least one analytical aid connected to the carrier. At least one optically sensitive material is applied to the carrier, said material being designed to carry out at least one optically detectable alteration in the event of action of an electromagnetic radiation. In at least one coding step, at least one function information item about the analytical consumable is introduced into the optically sensitive material by means of electromagnetic radiation. The function information item is designed to enable at least one analytical instrument to use the analytical consumable correctly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes: heating and melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; and butt fusing the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion, thereby creating a fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection both before and after application of component patches to a traveling web to create a product. Web defect detection may be provided by way of at least one visual inspection station located upstream from the patch applicator. Patch defect detection may be accomplished by way of a visual inspection station located proximate the patch applicator. If defects are detected in either the traveling web or the component patch prior to patch application, patch application may be prevented until both a satisfactory web and patch are provided. If defects are detected after patch application, the resulting product may be culled. Furthermore, the apparatus may be provided with diagnostic software to warn against extant or imminent machine complications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material application system for applying material to a wrapper. The material application system comprises a material applicator means and an electronic application control means. Also provided is a rod making machine comprising a rod making section and the material application system. The invention also provides a method of applying material to a wrapper used in the tobacco industry comprising supplying a wrapper and applying a material to the wrapper using a material applicator and an electronic applicator control means therefore, which electronic applicator control means ensures accurate location of material application in an electronically adjustable variable manner.

Abstract: Provided are a method and system for manufacturing optical display device that can make a previous category of an optical film remain less in the device at the exchange time of categories of optical films.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching substrates includes a first chamber for supporting a first substrate and a second chamber for supporting a second substrate. A main seal member is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain a seal and a gap between the chambers. An alignment control part is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain the seal, and also to allow the second chamber to move with respect to the first chamber in order to align the substrates. The alignment control part may also control a gap between the chambers, to thereby maintain a uniform gap between the substrates.

Abstract: The operation of tow cutters in an automatic fiber placement machine are monitored to determine if inconsistencies in fiber placement are related to cutter operation. A machine vision system detects inconsistencies in tow placement, and timing signals are generated that represent the actuation of the cutters. The timing signals are correlated with recorded images of the placed tows to determine if the inconsistency in tow placement is related to cutter operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a laser unit and a controller. The laser unit is configured to generate a number of laser beams. The controller is configured to operate the laser unit to generate the number of laser beams resulting in a desired level of heating of a composite patch that cures the composite patch on a composite structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a plurality of independently formed solid components is provided thereby forming a single delivery vehicle for a pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical-like product. The solid components can be held and fed to the apparatus via a plurality of magazines. Pusher rods and the like can be used for positioning each of the solid components. Where the components are connected via a bonding liquid, a sprayer is provided and compression pins or the like press the components with the bonding liquid together to form the final product. A rivet or other connection structure can also be used and driven through holes in each of the solid components to form the final product.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a tag label producing apparatus comprising: at least one feeding roller; a printing device; and an apparatus antenna; and a coordination control portion that controls in coordination the feeding roller, the printing device, and the apparatus antenna, such that information transmission/reception is performed between an RFID circuit element and the apparatus antenna when an IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element provided to a tag medium is fed downstream in a transport direction from a segment from a nearest roller to the apparatus antenna along a feeding path.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for use in an in-mold labeling application utilizes a rolled label sheet having a multiplicity of pre-printed non-adhesive labels and a pre-printed registration mark associated with each of the labels, a sensor for detecting each of the registration marks to enable alignment of the label sheet in a predetermined longitudinal position before labels are cut therefrom; a set of driven pinch rolls for moving it forward or backward; a circumferential die cutter for cutting one or more labels from the label sheet; a passive float roll following the die cutter for creating a controlled loop in the label sheet that permits the die cutter to operate independently of a vacuum conveyor that follows the float roll, the vacuum conveyor including a sensor to detect each of the registration marks for enabling alignment of the label sheet in a position of registration thereon; and a plurality of vacuum plenums along the vacuum conveyor for selectively receiving hold down vacuum from an external sourc

Abstract: A method includes positioning a layer of adhesive between a first structural component and a second structural component, positioning a first evaluation film between the first structural component and the layer of adhesive, curing the adhesive at least partially, separating the first structural component and the first evaluation film by a relative movement therebetween, and inspecting bond line quality of the adhesive.

Abstract: A labeling unit having a label holder for at least one first size or format of label, at least one transfer-plate shaft which is at least drivable in rotation and which carries at least one transfer plate for the first size or format of label, a gripper cylinder at least able to be driven in rotation which carries controlled grippers set at least to the first size or format of label, and having pressure-applying members on the gripper cylinder which are associated with the grippers. The label holder, the transfer plate and the gripper cylinder are three main sub-assemblies of the labeling unit which define a transfer path for labels, which co-operate with one another at positions for co-operation and which can be converted for a change of size or format.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for arranging double-sided adhesive foil on a cylindrical holder for a flexible printing plate, wherein the device comprises a frame, at least one shaft bearing placed in the frame for bearing-mounting of a shaft connected to the cylindrical holder, and foil roll bearings for a roll of foil, and a support plate with a support surface for the foil, and the projection of the axis between the foil roll bearings onto the support surface extends at an angle differing from 0° relative to the projection of the axis between the shaft bearings onto the support surface. The projection of the foil axis onto the support surface preferably extends transversely of the projection of the axis. The foil is hereby moved in the direction of the axis of the shaft bearings and the foil is fixed in this direction on the cylindrical holder.

Abstract: A jamming detection method and a sheet laminating apparatus using the jamming detection method are provided. The sheet laminating apparatus includes a laminating channel, a laminating roller assembly, a distance sensor, a document sensor and a controller. The distance sensor is used for measuring a moving distance of a document. The document sensor is used for detecting a transmitting status of the document. According to the moving distance of the document and the transmitting status of the document, the controller discriminates whether a jamming condition of the sheet laminating apparatus occurs.

Abstract: Provided is a friction stir welding apparatus which performs friction stir welding on a work piece by bringing a tool into contact with a surface of the work piece and rotating and moving the tool about the axis thereof, the friction stir welding apparatus including: a hot air and cool air separating unit which separates a supplied gas into hot air hotter than the gas and cool air cooler than the gas and ejects the hot and cool air, wherein at least one of the hot air and the cool air is supplied to the surface of the work piece.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) for and method of manufacturing helically wound tubular structures (116) includes a rotating faceplate (74) upon which are mounted a plurality of diameter defining rollers (78) which, in operation, cause a strip material (80) to be plastically deformed into a helical winding which may be lain down in abutting or self-overlapping relationship to form said tubular structure (116).

Abstract: A pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention includes a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container having a communications device are also provided.