Abstract: The invention aims to provide a tape-shaped prepreg including unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin composition and being high in handleability during molding and high in adhesiveness to other members. The tape-shaped prepreg includes unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin composition and has an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) of 0.

Abstract: A pliable structure includes a first impermeable layer, a second impermeable layer opposed from the first impermeable layer to at least partially define an internal volume between the first impermeable layer and the second impermeable layer, and a flow media layer disposed in the internal volume.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic data line includes steps of providing a plurality of metal wires; forming a rubber layer around the plurality of metal wires, magnetizing the rubber layer to make the rubber layer magnetic; and baking the rubber layer that is magnetic within a predetermined time under a predetermined temperature to make magnetic poles of the rubber layer stable to obtain the magnetic data line. The rubber layer is made from a mixture containing at least rubber and magnetic powder.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatuses for welding together steel billets for forming endless bar for continuously rolling into a rolled product. In particular, the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are for use in welding together steel billets having down cut ends.

Abstract: A multi-material molding apparatus and method includes a single mold having, within a mold cavity, one or more movable partitions that segregate at least first and second molding materials. The first molding material is processed to form a first molded portion of the multi-material part. The second molding material is then flowed, through the movable partition, into contact with the first molded portion. That second molding material is then solidified to form a second molded portion of the multi-material part.

Abstract: Articles and devices comprising a multifunctional conductive wire having a first electrode including a first carbon nanotube composite yarn containing carbon nanotubes and secondary particles; a second electrode including a second carbon nanotube composite yarn containing carbon nanotubes and secondary particles; a first separator membrane surrounding the first electrode; a second separator membrane surrounding the second electrode; an electrolyte surrounding the first and second electrodes; a flexible insulator layer surrounding the electrolyte; and a flexible conducting layer at least partially surrounding the flexible insulator layer. Also provided are method of making and using the articles, devices, and multifunctional conductive wires herein.

Abstract: A composite wheel structure includes a single continuous fiber reinforcement layer extending axially between inner and outer ends of the wheel structure. The single fiber reinforcement layer is impregnated with different matrix materials at different axial portions of the reinforcement layer to account for specific locations where high strength or high temperature performance is needed, with other portions having different matrix materials where low temperature performance and/or low strength is sufficient. The matrix materials may be provided as separate resin films that are applied side-by-side on the single reinforcement layer, or they may be provided on a single resin film. The matrix materials may be applied to the reinforcement layer in a direct coating process. The reinforcement layer may be prepregged with the matrix materials prior to a wheel layup process, or the reinforcement layer and matrix materials may be consolidated by resin film infusion during the wheel layup process.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing ink composition includes a polysiloxane bearing a plurality of alkenyl groups and a crosslinking agent bearing a plurality of thiol groups. The polysiloxane and the crosslinking agent form an emulsion.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced device, such as an inflatable medical balloon, includes a cylindrical central portion. The balloon includes first and second tapered portions connected to the cylindrical central portion along a longitudinal axis extending from a first end of the balloon to a second end of the balloon. In one embodiment, the balloon includes at least one zone free of fibers extending in a longitudinal direction, such that each longitudinal fiber is discontinuous in a circumferential direction around the balloon. In another embodiment, the balloon includes alternating discontinuous and continuous longitudinal fibers. In yet another embodiment, the balloon includes discontinuous longitudinal fibers, with every other longitudinal fiber having a discontinuity aligned in a circumferential direction. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for composites, including short-fiber films and other composites. In certain aspects, composites comprising a plurality of aligned fibers are provided. The fibers may be substantially aligned, and may be present at relatively high densities within the composite. For example, the composite may include substantially aligned carbon fibers embedded within a thermoplastic substrate. The composites may be prepared, in some aspects, by dispersing fibers by neutralizing the electrostatic interactions between the fibers, for example using aqueous liquids containing the fibers that are able to neutralize the electrostatic interactions that typically occur between the fibers. The liquids may be applied to a substrate, and the fibers may be aligned using techniques such as shear flow and/or magnetism. Other aspects are generally directed to methods of using such composites, kits including such composites, or the like.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon nanotube product comprising: blending an unaligned carbon nanotube material with solid solvent particles; activating a nanotube solvent by liquefying the solid solvent particles; producing a nanotube dope solution by mixing the nanotube solvent and the unaligned carbon nanotube material; forming a carbon nanotube proto-product by extruding the nanotube dope solution; and forming an aligned carbon nanotube product by solidifying the carbon nanotube proto-product.

Abstract: A luminous leather for a sports ball includes a base fabric, a polyurethane (PU) layer, a luminous layer and a film. The base fabric, the PU layer, the luminous layer and the film are sequentially bonded by glue from bottom to top. The luminous layer is a fluorescent coating. The luminous leather for the sports ball has an enhanced luminous effect while being wear-resistant. In the new luminous leather, the luminous layer is added, and the luminous layer is a fluorescent coating. In this way, sports balls made of the new luminous leather come in different surface colors to be more entertaining. Meanwhile, a film is immediately coated onto the luminous layer by a roller before the glue gets dry to enhance the luminous effect and the color brightness, while making the entire leather more wear-resistant.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device that includes a first plate that forms a first surface of the electronic device through which contents are output, a second plate that forms a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a side member that surrounds a space between the first plate and the second plate. The second plate includes a UV curable resin layer including a fine pattern that implements an interference effect and a prism effect of light and a metal nanoparticle layer printed on the fine pattern so as to have a specific orientation. Besides, it may be permissible to prepare various other embodiments speculated through the specification.

Abstract: An actuator system for fabricating a cavity within thermoplastic material includes a plurality of actuators arranged in an array. When dimensions of an item are determined, the actuator system may be programmed with data regarding such dimensions to fabricate a cavity for the item. A subset of the actuators, and distances by which each of the actuators is to be extended, may be selected based on dimensions of the item, in order to fabricate a cavity within the thermoplastic material that may accommodate the item therein. Additionally, the actuators and the distances may be selected based on intrinsic or extrinsic data regarding the item, and a cavity fabricated within the thermoplastic material may include one or more buffer zones or protective regions that are specifically formed with respect to aspects of the item.

Abstract: The invention provides a heavy-duty tire rubber composition excellent in wet grip performance and steering stability, and a tire tread, a bead filler, a tire belt and a heavy-duty tire which each partially include the composition. The heavy-duty tire rubber composition includes 100 parts by mass of a solid rubber (A), 0.1 to 50 parts by mass of a modified liquid diene rubber (B) having a functional group derived from a silane compound with a specific structure, and 20 to 200 parts by mass of a filler (C), the modified liquid diene rubber (B) satisfying the following (i) and (ii): (i) the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is not less than 1,000 and not more than 120,000, and (ii) the vinyl content is not less than 30 mol % and less than 70 mol %.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable thermoplastic starch-based article intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. In this method, the semi-crystalline starch granules are transformed into a homogeneous and almost amorphous material, called thermoplastic starch, by the addition of plasticizers at high temperatures and under shear. Thermoplastic starch is modified with organic acid during melt processing to prevent the retrogradation of starch. Moreover, cellulose derivatives are used as the reinforcement filler of thermoplastic starch. The article is produced using hot-pressing and then coating by immersion in a waterproofing solution.

Abstract: A dielectric lens, includes: a three-dimensional, 3D, body of dielectric material having a spatially varying dielectric constant, Dk; the 3D body having at least three regions R(i) with local maxima of dielectric constant values Dk(i) relative to surrounding regions of respective ones of the at least three regions R(i), locations of the at least three regions R(i) being defined by local coordinates of: azimuth angle(i), zenith angle(i), and radial distance(i), relative to a particular common point of origin associated with the 3D body, where (i) is an index that ranges from 1 to at least 3; wherein the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is configured to vary as a function of the zenith angle between a first region R(1) and a second region R(2) at a given azimuth angle and a given radial distance.

Abstract: In manufacturing an electrothermal heater mat, there is provided a preform which comprises a laminated stack of dielectric layers which are made of thermoplastic material and include a central layer or group of layers which include(s) reinforcement and first and second outer groups of layers which do not include reinforcement. The preform includes a heater element and the preform has a first configuration. The preform is then heated to a temperature (e.g. 180° C.) between the glass-transition temperature of the thermoplastic material and the melting point of the thermoplastic material, and the heated preform is formed into a second configuration which is different to the first configuration so as to produce the heater mat.

Abstract: In the case of a catch arm for a door locker unit, in particular of a vehicle door, with at least one elongated body with at least one catch arm head, arranged at its first end, as an end stop element and at least one opening, arranged at its second end, for articulated pivoting with respect to a bearing on which the catch arm is mounted, the catch arm is formed at least partially from at least one fibre-reinforced plastics material, wherein continuous fibres are provided as fibres of the fibre-reinforced plastics material and at least one thermoplastic material is provided as a matrix material of the at least one fibre-reinforced plastics material and the fibres are arranged as an insert in at least one overmoulding material of the catch arm in the form of at least one thermoplastic prepreg, and wherein layers of fibres in the prepreg comprise two or three-dimensional textile reinforcing composite within the thermoplastic matrix material.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite part. According to the method, a substrate is provided, the substrate having an integrated mixing portion for mixing a component system close to the substrate. The substrate provided is introduced into a cavity of a coating tool in an additional step. The substrate is then coated by flooding the cavity with the component system. The component system is mixed inside the cavity by means of the mixing portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a partially contoured, fiber-reinforced plastic profile includes providing a plurality of first reinforcing fibers. The first reinforcing fibers are combined to produce a uni-, bi-, or tridirectional fiber bundle. The fiber bundle is impregnated with a first plastic matrix. The impregnated fiber bundle is supplied to a unit for at least partial shaping or for at least partial shaping and at least partial curing of the first plastic matrix to produce a fiber-reinforced plastic base element. Second reinforcing fibers are provided for at least partial application to the fiber-reinforced plastic base element. The fiber-reinforced plastic base element is provided with the second reinforcing fibers for at least partial fiber-reinforced profiling and/or shaping to produce an at least partially contoured, fiber-reinforced plastic strand and the at least partially contoured, fiber-reinforced plastic strand is cut to produce an at least partially contoured, fiber-reinforced plastic profile.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling optical transmissivity of a polish pad material are provided. The method and systems may include adjusting control parameters to determine the optical transmissivity of a polish pad material. The control parameters may also include pre-processing controls, casting controls, and/or curing controls. Methods and systems also provided for assembling a polish pad that controls the optical transmissivity of the polish pad. Additionally, a polish pad with a controlled optical transmissivity is provided.

Abstract: An injection-molding machine (10) has a static mold (14), a mold shaft (15) inserted into an inner space (14a) of the static mold (14) and having a central axis (15a), a rotation mechanism (17) which rotates the mold shaft (15) around the central axis (15a), and a raw material injection mechanism (1) which injects as a raw material, a composite material containing resin and fiber into the inner space (14a) of the static mold (14). The raw material is injected from a tip section of the mold shaft (15) into the inner space (14a) of the static mold (14) along the mold shaft (15). A technique of properly controlling the fiber orientation in the injection molding of the composite material part is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite reinforcing fibers infused or compounded with pulp fibers and/or nano-fibers. The composite reinforcing fibers are composed of polymer, e.g., polymer resin. The pulp fibers and/or nano-fibers impart improved tensile strength to the composite reinforcing fibers, as well as a resulting product formed by the fibers. The composite reinforcing fibers may be used in a variety of cementitious applications, wherein traditional reinforcing fibers are typically used.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon nanotube product comprising: blending an unaligned carbon nanotube material with solid solvent particles; activating a nanotube solvent by liquefying the solid solvent particles; producing a nanotube dope solution by mixing the nanotube solvent and the unaligned carbon nanotube material; forming a carbon nanotube proto-product by extruding the nanotube dope solution; and forming an aligned carbon nanotube product by solidifying the carbon nanotube proto-product.

Abstract: An insulated metal substrate (IMS) includes a metal substrate, an insulating layer, a plastic frame, and a plurality of conductive metal pads. The insulating layer is located on the metal substrate. The plastic frame is located on the insulating layer and has a plurality of aperture areas. The conductive metal pads are located on the insulating layer and are respectively located in the aperture areas, and the conductive metal pads have sidewalls are in contact with the plastic frame.

Abstract: A blow molded article obtained by blow molding of a preform made via parallel flow coinjection, having a wall formed by 3 layers in at least a region wherein the outside layer is transparent and the inner layer comprises an effect pigment visible through the transparent layer. Articles according to the invention have an improved gloss, low haze and higher resistance to delamination than previous articles. The invention relates also to preforms for making articles as described and to methods for making preforms and articles.

Abstract: An ophthalmic light instrument includes a plug (1) and a light guide (7) for guiding light (10) to a surgical site in the eye. The plug (1) is configured to be magnetically attractable or attractive and can be positioned and connected releasably with respect to a light source in such a way, that coupling of the light (10) into the light instrument takes place at the focal point (14) of the light source (12). An ophthalmic illumination system includes such a light instrument and a socket of the light source. The socket of the light source (4) is configured to be magnetically attractable or attractive and can be positioned and connected releasably with respect to the light source in such a way, that coupling of the light (10) into the light instrument takes place at the focal point (14) of the light source (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising composite materials comprised of discontinuous fibers and one or more polymers and/or oligomers. The invention relates to methods of making the same. The composite materials can be in the form of compositions, composite sheets, laminates, pellets, and/or shaped composite products.

Abstract: A continuous reinforcement is disclosed for use in additive manufacturing. The continuous reinforcement may include a plurality of continuous primary fibers oriented in a general axial direction of the continuous reinforcement. The continuous reinforcement may also include a plurality of secondary fibers interspersed with the plurality of continuous primary fibers and oriented generally orthogonal to the plurality of continuous primary fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a micro LED structure and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a micro LED structure having an anisotropic conductive film between a micro LED and a target substrate to which the micro LED is bonded for electrically connect the micro LED and the target substrate together, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A system and method are presented in which a flow of plastic is extruded to obtain nano-sized features by forming multiple laminated flow streams, flowing in parallel through the non-rotating extrusion system. Each of the parallel laminated flow streams are subjected to repeated steps in which the flows are compressed, divided, and overlapped to amplify the number of laminations. The parallel amplified laminated flows are rejoined to form a combined laminated output with nano-sized features. The die exit is formed to provide a tubular shape.

Abstract: The described incandescent tension annealing processes involve thermally annealing twisted or coiled carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns at high-temperatures (1000° C. to 3000° C.) while these yarns are under tensile loads. These processes can be used for increasing yarn modulus and strength and for stabilizing both twisted and coiled CNT yarns with respect to unwanted irreversible untwist, thereby avoiding the need to tether torsional and tensile artificial muscles, and increasing the mechanical loads that can be moved by these muscles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a melt impregnation device and a melt impregnation method. Through an impregnation chamber with a corrugated shape, when a resin melt-distributing runner is connected with a peak position of the impregnation chamber, a chamber vertical height of the peak position of the impregnation chamber is larger than a chamber vertical height of a trough position of the impregnation chamber, and when the resin melt-distributing runner is connected with the trough position of the impregnation chamber, the chamber vertical height of the trough position of the impregnation chamber is larger than the chamber vertical height of the peak position of the impregnation chamber. The present invention can balance an impregnating effect of a continuous fiber band, can carry a broken fiber hairiness which is generated during the impregnation out of an impregnation area, avoids a broken yarn, and enhances a production stability and a production efficiency.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of colors of bulked continuous carpet filament from a single multi-screw extruder which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) passing PET through an extruder that melts the PET and purifies the resulting PET polymer melt; (B) splitting the extruded polymer melt into a plurality of melt streams and adding a colorant to each of the plurality of melt streams; (C) using one or more static mixers (e.g., thirty six static mixers) to substantially uniformly mix (e.g., homogeneously mix) each of the plurality of melt streams with its respective added colorant; and (D) feed each of the uniformly mixed and colored plurality of melt streams into a respective spinning machines that turns the polymer into filament for use in manufacturing carpet, rugs, and other products.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive sheet including: a sheet body including a material having an insulation property; and a plurality of conductive portions each including a material having a conductive property, each of the plurality of conductive portions being provided so as to penetrate one surface side and another surface side of the sheet body is provided. Each of the plurality of conductive portions includes a plurality of conductive fibrous members. In the plurality of conductive fibrous members in the conductive portion, a longitudinal direction (Q) of each conductive fibrous member is along a direction that is substantially same as a penetration direction (P) of the penetration between the one surface side and the other surface side and the conductive fibrous members are in contact with one another, providing electrical connection from the one surface side toward the other surface side.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method may comprise heating a composite material into a viscous form, wherein the composite material comprises a thermoplastic and a plurality of reinforcement fibers, wherein the plurality of reinforcement fibers is randomly arranged within the thermoplastic. The method may further comprise extruding a plurality of strands of the composite material, wherein extruding the plurality of strands causes the plurality of reinforcement fibers within each strand to align. The method may further comprise arranging the plurality of strands of the composite material to form an assembly fixture, wherein the assembly fixture comprises an anisotropic thermal expansion property, and wherein the anisotropic thermal expansion property is based on an orientation of the plurality of reinforcement fibers within the assembly fixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of extruding sleeves extruded of collagen for encasing sausages, wherein a collagen fluid is fed to an extrusion head; the collagen fluid is guided through the extrusion head; and the collagen fluid is discharged from the extrusion head. The invention also relates to an extrusion head for performing such a process as well as a co-extrusion sausage line. Finally also the sleeve extruded with this method or devices is part of the invention.

Abstract: A composite material structure including a matrix material layer; and a plurality of one-dimensional nanostructure distributed in the matrix material layer and having an electrical conductivity which is greater than an electrical conductivity of the matrix material layer, wherein the plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures includes a first one-dimensional nanostructure and a second one-dimensional nanostructure in contact with each other.

Abstract: A method of making polymeric composite particles from polymeric scrap material, virgin polymeric material, or mixtures thereof and glass particles by subjecting a mixture of the polymeric particles and glass particles to a solid state shear pulverization and in-situ polymer compatibilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved concrete elements, particularly to self-prestressed, high-performance concrete elements (SP-HPC elements); to cementitious compositions suitable, for producing such concrete elements; to methods of manufacturing such concrete elements and such cementitious compositions; to the use of specific components in concrete elements and cementitious mixtures. The compositions and elements described herein comprise an effective amount of expansive agents in combination with superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRA), and optional further components as defined in the claims. The present invention further provides for improved tendons, suitable for SP-HPC elements.

Abstract: A magnet roller includes a magnet portion for generating magnetic force such that a plurality of peaks are formed in a magnetic force distribution. The magnet portion includes a plurality of magnetic poles. A cross section of the magnet portion includes a portion in which a distance from an axial center of the magnet portion to an outer edge of the magnet portion continuously changes in the circumferential direction. The magnetic force on a surface of a developing sleeve at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of magnetic poles is determined by (i) a distance from each of the plurality of magnetic poles to the developing sleeve in a radial direction of the developing sleeve and (ii) a magnitude of magnetic force in each of the plurality of magnetic poles. The distances from the plurality of magnetic poles to the developing sleeve in the radial direction are different.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube threads are coated with a coating solution such as dimethylformamide (DMF), ethylene glycol (EG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG200 (PEG with an average molecular weight of approximately 200 grams per mole (g/mol)), PEG400 (PEG with an average molecular weight of approximately 400 g/mol), aminopropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (DMS 100 cP),polymide, poly(methylhydrosiloxane), polyalkylene glycol, (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, hydride functional siloxane O resin, platinum (0) -1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-disiloxane, moisture in air, acetic acid, water, poly(dimethylsiloxane) hydroxy terminated, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane or a combination thereof. The coated carbon nanotubes may be used to stitch in a Z-direction into a composite such as a polymer prepreg to strengthen the composite. The stitching may occur using a sewing machine.

Abstract: An illustrative example elevator traveling cable includes a plurality of conductors configured for conducting at least one of electrical energy and communication signals. A jacket covers the plurality of conductors. At least one load bearing member supports a weight of the traveling cable and comprises liquid crystal polymer.

Abstract: A method of extracting oil from oilseed comprising pressing seeds within a screw press including a screw auger rotatably mounted within a cylindrical expeller body, wherein the expeller body comprises a feed section, a compression section, and a discharge section, wherein at least one outlet is provided in the expeller body, preferably in or adjacent the feed section of the expeller, said method comprising the step of controlling the temperature of at least the compression section of the expeller by means such that the temperature of the material within the compression section does not exceed the glass transition temperature of the seeds.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a crosshead die for the extrusion of a profile, such as a uniform ply coat for a tire. The crosshead die is used with an extruder, and includes a body. An inlet is formed in the body, and is in fluid communication with the extruder. An outlet and a flow channel are also formed in the body. The flow channel extends between the inlet and the outlet, and is bounded by an upper wall, a lower wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The flow channel is formed with a bend and a cross section that includes a trapezoidal shape to align the flow of elastomer with the center of the flow channel.

Abstract: A fiber grating sensor insert, implanting system and method of an intelligent plastic pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of mixed-signal substrates comprising a plurality of photo-defined through substrate vias and methods of making the same. In an embodiment, a mixed-signal substrate can comprise a plurality of trenches embedded in a substrate, a photodefineable polymer within at least a portion of each trench, the photodefineable polymer defining one or more channels within each of the plurality of trenches, and a conductive material filling at least a portion of the one or more channels within the photodefineable polymer to form one or more through substrate vias. The photo-defined through substrate vias can comprise a variety of arrangements, numbers of vias, shapes, and dimensions across a single substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a biological disc graft. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating back or neck pain. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating any joint pain. The invention also provides a method of implanting said biological disc graft in a way that is minimally invasive and less dangerous.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a reference design at a computing device. The reference design includes first geometrical information associated with a first set of composite materials to form a reference surface. The method includes receiving second geometrical information at the computing device. The second geometrical information is associated with a second set of composite materials associated with a second design. The method includes determining, based on a comparison of the first geometrical information and the second geometrical information, an offset surface relative to the reference surface. The method further includes generating a model of a surface of the second design based on the reference surface and the offset surface.