Orienting Or Aligning Solid Particles In Fluent Matrix Material Patents (Class 264/108)
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Publication number: 20100055385Abstract: Techniques for preparing PNCs are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer extruding device may include a barrel configured to accommodate a composite material, a shaft rotatably disposed in the barrel, and a motor coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft, thereby moving the composite material. The polymer extruding device may further include a die including one or more injectors configured to inject nano particles into the die to cause shear stress to be exerted to the composite material, thereby forming a layer of the nano particles on a surface of the composite material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATIONInventor: Youngtack SHIM
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Publication number: 20100047570Abstract: Techniques for preparing polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer extruding device includes a barrel configured to accommodate a raw material, a shaft disposed in the barrel, a motor coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft to move the raw material, and a die coupled to the barrel and including one or more first injector configured to inject nanoparticles into the die, thereby forming a layer of the nanoparticles on a surface of the raw material. The polymer extruder may further include a rotor disposed at one end of the die and configured to receive the raw material from the die.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: SNU R&DB FoundationInventor: Youngtack Shim
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Patent number: 7662321Abstract: Disclosed are a nano-composite composition and a method of making such a composite that is composed of a matrix material and dispersed reinforcement nano-scaled graphene plates (NGPs) that are substantially aligned along at least one specified direction or axis. The method comprises: (a) providing a mixture of nano-scaled graphene plates (NGPs) and a matrix material in a fluent state; (b) extruding the mixture to form a filament wherein NGPs are aligned along a filament axis; (c) aligning a plurality of segments of the filament in a first direction, or moving the filament back and forth along a first direction and its opposite direction, to form a NGP-matrix filament preform; and (d) consolidating the preform to form the nanocomposite material. Also disclosed is a method of making a nano-composite fiber.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Jiusheng Guo, Lulu Song, Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
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Patent number: 7641833Abstract: An object of the present invention is to economically produce a resin composition pellet with the degradation of resin suppressed, by using an ordinary extruder, the resin composition pellet being filled with a desired filling amount of a uniformly compounded fibrous filler, and having a required weight average fiber length, in particular, to produce a resin composition pellet used for a socket of a planar socket pin in which the pitch interval of a lattice area of a semiconductor device is 2.0 mm or less, the thickness of the lattice area is 0.5 mm or less, and the height of the socket is 5.0 mm or less.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Polyplastics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kei Aoki, Masayuki Sakai, Kazufumi Watanabe
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Patent number: 7611656Abstract: A method of fabricating a plastic molded article is disclosed. In the method, a compound liquid, including two component liquids insoluble in each other and having different dielectric constants, is supplied between two electrodes, and an electric field is applied between the electrodes. At least one of the component liquids is an un-cured curable resin liquid. Upon application of the electric field, the higher dielectric constant component liquid is extended along the direction of the electric field, thus forming a bridge structure linking the electrodes. When the curable resin is cured after the bridge structure is formed, a plastic molded article is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Daiki Minegishi, Hisaaki Koseko
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Patent number: 7601281Abstract: A flowable insulating resin 1 is placed in a sheet-like molding die space and conductive magnetic particles 2 are dispersed in the insulating resin 1. A first magnetic field G1 is acted in the sheet thickness direction on the position where a conductive path is to be formed in the die space, and conductive magnetic particles 2a are locally collected together to form a conductive path. Simultaneously, a second magnetic field G2 is acted in the sheet thickness direction on the intermediate region and the magnetic field G2 is moved in the lateral direction to move conductive magnetic particles 2b left in the intermediate region to join the collection forming the conductive path. As a result, the number of the conductive magnetic particles left in the insulating resin becomes smaller.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Toshiaki Masaki, Kenichi Ikeda, Osamu Maekawa, Yasuo Nakatasuka, Masataka Tada
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Publication number: 20090249883Abstract: A method and means for determining a critical elongation strain rate of a polymer melt, which make it possible to subject a polymer melt to elongation to prepare a bulk oriented melt, are established, and a process for producing bulk polymer oriented crystals and polymer oriented crystals are provided. In the critical elongation strain rate determination process or critical elongation strain rate determining method, a polymer melt (3) in a disc shape having a radius x0 and a thickness of ?z0 is held between transparent plates (an upper transparent plate (1) and a lower transparent plate (2)). The polymer melt (3) is cooled to a supercooled state and is press in a thickness direction at a constant rate v by using the transparent plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF CORP. HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITYInventors: Masamichi Hikosaka, Kaori Watanabe
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Publication number: 20090241439Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing precast components (1) that comprise a base (1?) and a wall element (1?) using a concrete casting mold (2) having the shape of the precast component (1). The aim of the invention is to produce precast components in a single processing step and to allow for a firm connection between the concrete (4) and a natural stone (5). For this purpose, the concrete casting mold (2) is filled with concrete (4) with the visible side (3) of the wall element (1?) of the precast component (1) to be produced facing upward. At least one natural stone (5) is brought into a defined position in the unset concrete (4) at a depth of immersion sufficient for a reliable connection with the concrete (4) using at least one retaining element (9) and is maintained in this position until the concrete (4) has attained strength sufficient to hold the position of the at least one natural stone (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2006Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventor: Juergen Rothermel
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Publication number: 20090246425Abstract: A method of aligning first and second mating surfaces includes: generating a random or pseudo-random function; convolving the random or pseudo-random function with a spread function to produce a correlated function; forming a pattern of bi-polar material on the first mating surface based on a quantization of the correlated function; and forming a complementary pattern of the bi-polar material on the second mating surface. The complementary patterns exert a force on each other toward a desired alignment of the first and second mating surfaces. A system includes a first member having a first correlated pattern of material disposed on a first mating surface; and a second member having a second correlated pattern of material disposed on a second mating surface, wherein the second correlated pattern is complementary to the first correlated pattern. The first and second correlated patterns interact to facilitate a desired alignment of the first and second members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: William Tong, Philip J. Kuekes, Duncan Stewart, Wei Wu, Michael Tan
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Patent number: 7591967Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for forming a concrete floor as a monolithic unit, wherein a wet concrete mix is deposited and worked to achieve a generally uniform flatness of concrete and adding to the top layer thereof a decorative aggregate material. Subsequently, the surface of the concrete is worked, allowed to partially cure and then ground and polished to substantially remove surface irregularities and reveal the decorative aggregate. The floor surface may then be coated with a sealant to achieve a terrazzo-like appearance.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Terr-Con Decorative Concrete Floors, Inc.Inventors: Ronald F. Palermo, Christopher F. Leva, Patrick T. Leva
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Publication number: 20090202810Abstract: A process for manufacturing an elongated panel formed of synthetic materials including a polymer resin matrix, a filler and a fiber reinforcement. The process includes depositing the curable composition on a conveyor belt, distributing and leveling the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compression apparatus in which the curable composition is partially cured as it is compressed to form the panel. The machine for manufacturing the composite panel includes a mixer for the polymer system, filler and fiber reinforcement, a distribution apparatus that distributes the curable composition prior to feeding the composition into a compacting apparatus. The process and machine may be used to form a composite siding board that includes a grain pattern on at least one side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: MICROPOSITE, INC.Inventor: Lawrence W. Kimberly
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Publication number: 20090140449Abstract: A self-wrapping dilatation balloon comprising a multiblock copolymer having high elasticity and elastic recovery from nominal strains greater than about 30% is described. Also described herein, is a polymeric extrudate for making a dilatation balloon comprising a multiblock copolymer having tensile strength in the range of about 50 MPa to about 450 MPa, strain at break in the range of about 50% to about 600% and substantially complete elastic recovery from nominal strains of at least about 30%. The extrudate has phase-separated microdomains that are macroscopically aligned in parallel, perpendicular, transverse or a combination thereof. Also described herein is a process for producing a polymeric extrudate for use as a dilatation balloon. The process comprises extruding a multiblock copolymer mixture or composition to form an extrudate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Ashish Varma, Kimberly A. Chaffin, Frank Bates, Marc Hillmyer, Lisa Lim, Tamotsu Harada
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Publication number: 20090110901Abstract: A method for making composite fasteners includes the provision of a mold containing an elongated cavity having a long axis and the shape of the fastener body, an elongated insert comprising a plurality of long, interwoven or intermingled first reinforcing fibers, and a hardenable liquid matrix that may include a plurality of short, second reinforcing fibers suspended therein. The insert is placed in the cavity such that the long reinforcing fibers are disposed generally parallel to the long axis of the cavity. The mold cavity is then filled with the liquid matrix such that the short reinforcing fibers are distributed generally uniformly throughout the mold cavity, and the liquid matrix of the suspension is then hardened so as to form a hardened fastener body encapsulating the first and second reinforcing fibers. The molded fastener is then removed from the mold, either for immediate use or for subsequent processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Kevin O. Gaw, Randall A. Rogers
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Publication number: 20090075062Abstract: A toughened composite material, having a first phase defining a matrix and a plurality of typically second phase particles dispersed in the first phase matrix. Each respective particle is characterized by a predetermined geometric architecture, such as a spiral shape. The presence of the geometrically distinct dispersed second phase operates to deflect and attenuate crack propagation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Greg Hilmas, William Fahrenholtz, Jeremy Watts
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Publication number: 20080315449Abstract: 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 system. Each of the parallel laminated flow streams are subjected to repeated steps in which the flows are divided, and overlapped to amplify the number of laminations. The parallel amplified laminated flows are rejoined to form a cumulated laminated output with nano-sized features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: GUILL TOOL & ENGINEERING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard Guillemette, Glen Guillemette, Roger Guillemette
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Publication number: 20080290020Abstract: Nano-composite membranes and methods for making them are described. The nano-composite membranes a made from a layer of oriented carbon nanotubes fixed in a polymeric matrix. Methods for efficient, facile, and inexpensive fabrication of the nano-composite membranes using a filtration method are also described. The carbon nanotubes may also be modified with chemical functional groups to promote their orientation in the carbon nanotube layer or to confer to them other properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Eva MARAND, Sangil KIM
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Publication number: 20080286519Abstract: A molded cementitious architectural product for use in building construction has a cementitious body made of a molded cementitious material, the surface of which is polished (i.e., burnished) to better resemble natural stone. The polished surface is formed by exposing a portion of the molded cementitious material while in a green condition, more particularly after initial set but before final hardening of the hydraulic cement binder, and burnishing the surface before final hardening. Burnishing the surface of the green cementitious material before final hardening aligns the cement particles at the surface and seals the surface. The inclusion of an organic polymer binder within the cementitious material, such as an acrylic or latex polymer, assists in creating a polished surface resembling natural polished stone. The extent of cement hydration may be determined by monitoring the temperature of the cementitious material within the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLCInventors: Dave Nicolson, Marc J. Stephenson, Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
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Patent number: 7452492Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetic coder device, the method being of the type consisting in making a mixture of ferromagnetic particles or ferrites in a matrix, in molding the matrix, and in subjecting the molded matrix to a magnetic field so as to obtain a continuous alternation of north and south magnetic poles, which method consists in using a matrix having viscosity that is sufficiently low to enable the ferrites to migrate, in applying a magnetic field during the molding operation while maintaining the matrix at a given temperature in order to reduce its viscosity and thereby making it easier to cause the ferromagnetic particles to migrate and become oriented in their direction of easy magnetization, and to obtain discontinuous shapes having high particle concentration, and in suddenly cooling the matrix while the magnetic field is maintained so as to freeze the particles in the matrix.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: HutchinsonInventors: Pascal Sautier, Gilles Argy
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Publication number: 20080233342Abstract: A method of producing a panel having at least one feature comprising a discontinuation in curvature of surface in the surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first reinforced layer of long and/or continuous parallel fibre reinforced thermoplastic of a first polymer (102a, 104a); providing a core layer of thermoplastic with at least roughly 70% by volume of a second polymer which is compatible with the first polymer (106); providing a second reinforced layer of long or continuous parallel fibre reinforced thermoplastic of the first polymer (102b, 104b); stacking the layers such that the reinforced layers are separated by the core layer; introducing the stack into a panel mould and heating the mould to at least the melting point of the predetermined polymer to consolidate the layers and form the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventor: Michael Ian Birrell
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Publication number: 20080217802Abstract: Powder-particle material in compression molding is transferred using air suction power and filled thinly, evenly and rapidly in a female mold. An adsorption pad 21 which is held so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction is provided at a movable cylinder 7, which can move in the horizontal direction in a space between a metal supply hopper 2 and a female mold 34 and rotate 180°, and powder particle material is laid in a scraped manner at the adsorption pad 21, adsorbed by actuating a vacuum pump 14, transferred to the female mold 34 in this state, turned around and caused to fall into the mold by terminating adsorption.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2005Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicants: MATSUI MFG.CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA MEIKI SEISAKUSHOInventors: Harumoto Kimura, Kazunari Hanaoka, Yousuke Oyama, Riichi Nakano
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Patent number: 7413691Abstract: A method is provided for forming a net shape molded component that includes an integral metallized coating or layer on the exterior surface thereof. The method includes injecting a carefully matched mixture of a molten polymer resin and a molten metallic alloy into a mold cavity under pressure. Due to the differential in material viscosities, the metal tends to migrate to the outer surface of the molded part when placed under pressure, ultimately creating a net shape molded part having a polymer core with a metallic layer at the exterior surfaces thereof. Further, the present invention provides for the compounding of a feedstock suitable for use in conjunction with the method described above.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
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Patent number: 7402265Abstract: Techniques for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture includes uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium, with the liquid filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition. To create mobility, a small excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture. Transition to the stable condition is caused by extraction of the transition liquid, removing the clearance between bodies and causing them to make stable, consolidated contact.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: 2Phase Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Theodore L. Jacobson
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Patent number: 7399443Abstract: Carbon particles, such as, carbon fibrils and carbon nanotube molecules, may be assembled into substantially pure aligned fibers by a) dispersing the carbon particles within a curable liquid, b) aligning the carbon particles by flowing the mixture of curable liquid and carbon particles down a tapering tube, and c) curing the flowing mixture of curable liquid and carbon particles in the general vicinity of the end of the tapering tube to form a fiber. The curable liquid may be cured using ultraviolet light. The solidified mixture may be further processed by d) heating the fiber so as to cause the volatile elements of the solidified curable liquid portion to substantially dissipate from the fiber, e) twisting the fiber to increase its density, f) heating the fiber to sinter the carbon particles within the fiber, and g) cladding the fiber. The resulting fiber may then be spooled onto a take-up drum.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dennis S Greywall, Bernard Yurke
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Publication number: 20080118753Abstract: A method of manufacturing composite fibers comprising two distinct layers having different compositions and physico-chemical properties and controlled, homogenous thicknesses, wherein one of two layers comprises carbon nanotubes and the composite fibers are obtained from carbon nanotube fibers and a first solution of a selected concentration of colloidal particles intended to constitute the second layer, comprising the following steps: placing the fibers in contact, by lateral surfaces thereof, with a surface of a second solution which is adapted to chemically cause aggregation of the colloidal particles and is completely or partially immersed in the second solution, the immersed thickness of the fibers defining the immersion area, placing the thus pre-coated fibers in contract, on the same lateral surface, with a surface of the first colloidal particle solution and immersed in it at most up to the immersion area to locally form a colloidal gel with a fixed thickness determined by the concentration of the firType: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2005Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: CENTRE NATINAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE-CNRS, A CORPORATION OF FRANCEInventors: Philippe Poulin, Thibaud Vaugien
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Publication number: 20080113153Abstract: A stretch film particularly for palletizing, constituted by strips of plastic film which are arranged side-by-side and are contoured so as to have regions where their edges overlap the adjacent edges of the nearby strips; the joining of the overlap regions allows to form the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: Eugenio Gobetto Tiozzo
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Patent number: 7316789Abstract: Conducting liquid crystal polymer matrix comprising carbon nanotubes aligned in the matrix is provided, along with use thereof and method of fabrication.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Minhua Lu
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Patent number: 7301232Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes a die mounted on a substrate, an integrated heat spreader set above the die, and an array of carbon nanotubes mounted between the die and the integrated heat spreader. The integrated heat spreader is fixed on the substrate, and includes an inner face. The array of carbon nanotubes is formed on the inner face of the integrated heat spreader. Top and bottom ends of the carbon nanotubes perpendicularly contact the integrated heat spreader and the die respectively. Each carbon nanotube can be capsulated in a nanometer-scale metal having a high heat conduction coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Charles Leu, Tai-Cherng Yu, Chuan-De Huang, Wen-Jeng Huang, Jhy-Chain Lin, Ga-Lane Chen
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Publication number: 20070269644Abstract: A method of fabricating a porous, fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheet having increased lofting properties is provided. The method includes adding reinforcing fibers having an average length of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, and thermoplastic resin powder particles to an agitated aqueous foam to form a dispersed mixture, laying the dispersed mixture of reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin particles down onto a support structure, evacuating the water to form a web, generating a z-axis orientation of a portion of the reinforcing fibers, heating the web above the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin, and pressing the web to a predetermined thickness to form a porous thermoplastic composite sheet having a void content of about 1 percent to about 95 percent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Coray Avery Harper, Charles William Peterson, Venkatkrishna Raghavendran
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Patent number: 7172001Abstract: A tread portion has blocks that are provided with a plurality of sipes having a zigzag part. A tread rubber is formed of short fiber mixed rubber comprising 1.5 to 25 parts by weight of short fibers in 100 parts by weight of rubber component. The sipes comprise a three dimensional sipe in which each wall surface forms bumps and dips whereby the short fibers are three dimensionally arranged. The three dimensional sipe comprises the zigzag part extending from the tread face to a certain depth, while (1) gradually moving towards a direction and then the opposite direction thereto or (2) changing the length of the segments of the zigzag.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Susumu Tanaka
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Patent number: 7172714Abstract: Techniques for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture includes uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium, with the liquid filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition. To create mobility, a small excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture. Transition to the stable condition is caused by extraction of the transition liquid, removing the clearance between bodies and causing them to make stable, consolidated contact.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: 2Phase Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Theodore L. Jacobson
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Patent number: 7160123Abstract: An anisotropically conductive connector, not causing permanent deformation by contact of target electrodes to be connected with pressure and deformation by abrasion even if the target electrodes are projected, and achieving stable conductivity over a long time period even when pressed repeatedly, a production process thereof, and an inspection circuit board equipped with the connector. The connector includes (1) anisotropically conductive film, with plural conductive path-forming parts each extending in a thickness-wise direction of the film arranged insulated by insulating parts and including at least 2 elastic layers, which are each formed by an insulating elastic polymeric substance, and (2) conductive particles exhibiting magnetism in portions of the respective elastic layers, at which conductive path-forming parts are formed. The connector satisfies H1?30, and H1/H2?1.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: JSR CorporationInventors: Daisuke Yamada, Kazuaki Mayumi, Kiyoshi Kimura
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Patent number: 7132071Abstract: A method of molding reinforced polymer compositions using a molding machine with a tapered bore is provided. The method has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine used in the method includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.Inventor: Lyle James Smith
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Patent number: 7122090Abstract: The present invention provides a studless tire excellent in performance on ice and snow in which digging friction is improved without losing adhesion friction. The studless tire has a tread comprising specific short fiber or plate-like material dispersed in diene rubber so as to be oriented in the tread thickness direction, wherein when measured at 25° C. the tread has a complex elastic modulus E1 in the tread thickness direction, and the sheet has a complex elastic modulus E? in the extrusion direction and a complex elastic modulus E? in a 90° direction from the extrusion direction, when the rubber composition is made into 2 mm sheets with a roller and these moduli fulfill the following equation, 60?(E1?E?)/(E??E?)×100?100 and the tread has a specific tread rubber hardness.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Isamu Tsumori, Akira Minakoshi, Naohiko Kikuchi, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Takuzo Iwata, Norio Taniguchi
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Patent number: 7097795Abstract: Waste wood is recycled into a large cross-section wood board without using a hazardous material as a binder. The invention provides a method for manufacturing a recycled wood product, and includes the steps of atomizing, to a wood material containing small wood chips, a mist of high-polymer agent having a natural component as the chief ingredient thereof, pressuring the wood material sprayed with the high polymer mist with the wood material aligned in the length direction thereof, and steam heating the wood material under a high-pressure environment to bond the adjacent wood chips together. A high-polymer agent containing tannin as a chief ingredient is used in one example. A high-polymer agent may be applied on the wood material.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Inventor: Shinji Gotou
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Patent number: 7094371Abstract: A process for preparing artificial bone is described which comprises: (i) preparing a mixture of a finely divided bio-compatible ceramic powder, an organic binder and a pore-forming agent in an inert liquid to form a body and causing at least some of the pore-forming agent to align along a common axis; (ii) optionally shaping the resulting body; (iii) allowing the pore-forming agent to form a porous structure in the body; (iv) heating the shaped body to a temperature sufficient to fix the porous structure and; (v) further heating the body to eliminate residues of organic binder and pore-forming agent and to fuse it.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Orthogem LimitedInventor: Wei Jen Lo
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Patent number: 7026026Abstract: Balloons for use on medical devices such as catheter balloons are formed from polymer blend products which include a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), a crystallizable thermoplastic polymer, especially thermoplastic polyesters such as PET, and a compatabilizer. The compatabilizer may be an ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, an ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer, an ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer, an ethylene-methyl acrylate-maleic anhydride terpolymer, an ethylene-methyl-methacrylic acid terpolymer, an acrylic rubber, an ethylene-ethyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer or a mixture of two or more such polymers.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: David A. Ferrera, George C. Michaels, Ralph J. Barry, Lixiao Wang, Jianhua Chen
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Patent number: 7018575Abstract: A method for assembly including the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of microstructure components with each of the components having a bottom with the same three dimensional shape; (b) forming a mold with at least one protuberance from a surface thereof so that the at least one protuberance has the same shape; (c) molding a moldable substrate with the mold to form a molded substrate having a surface with at least one recess having the same shape; and (d) positioning a first of the plurality of microstructure components into said at least one recess. Each of the microstructure components may be formed by a masking and etching process, with the mold being formed by the same masking and etching process. The positioning step may consist of mixing the microstructure components with a fluid to form a slurry; and depositing the slurry on the surface of the molded substrate to cause the first of the plurality of microstructure components to self-align in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Peter D. Brewer, Andrew T. Hunter, Luisa M. Deckard
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Patent number: 7014799Abstract: A low-cost, efficient method of preparing hierarchically ordered structures by filling a minimold with a microsphere-containing latex suspension, forming an close-packed array of microspheres within the minimold and filling void space in the array with a self-assembling mixture of hydrolyzed inorganic species and amphiphilic block copolymers. A macroporous and mesoporous material can be produced by subsequent thermal removal of the microspheres and copolymers.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventors: Peidong Yang, Tao Deng, George M. Whitesides, Galen Stucky, Dongyaun Zhao, Bradley Chmelka, David Pine, Pingyun Feng
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Patent number: 7005022Abstract: A method of manufacturing a strip of unvulcanized rubber compound including short fibers oriented towards specific directions is disclosed, and the method comprises: extruding a mixture of unvulcanized rubber and short fibers to form a strip of the mixture and to orient the short fibers towards the extruding direction; and piercing the strip with needles in a thickness direction of the strip to orient the short fibers towards the piercing direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kyoko Sasaki
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Patent number: 6977103Abstract: An inflatable medical balloon comprises a polymer matrix material and a plurality of fibers distributed in the matrix material. The plurality of fibers operatively adhere to the matrix material and provide reinforcement thereof. The fibers may be parallel or angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal balloon axis, and may be helically disposed thereabout. The fibers may be composed of material which has a greater tensile strength than the matrix material. The fibers may be microfibers formed by phase separation of a melt blend material during extrusion or polymer cores coextruded with the matrix material and surrounded thereby. The balloon may be formed of alternating layers of fiber-free polymer and layers of fiber-containing polymer.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Boston Scientific SciMed, Inc.Inventors: John Jianhua Chen, Lixiao Wang, Yiqun Wang, Albert C. C. Chin
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Patent number: 6972156Abstract: A body (5) of set, initially pasty material, such as concrete, includes an electrically conducting path formed by a concentrated layer (6) of electrically conducting magnetizable elements, such as fibers (F) or granules (G), embedded in the initially pasty material and extending through at least a portion of the body (5). Electrically conducting terminal members (9) may be connected to the electrically conducting layer (6) at spaced-apart positions along the layer (6). A method of providing such a body (5) includes the steps of: (a) forming a body of the pasty material in which electrically conducting magnetizable elements (F) are dispersed, (b) applying a magnetic field to the body of pasty material to form from the magnetizable elements an electrically conducting layer embedded in the body of pasty material and extending at least through a portion the body (5), and (c) causing the body of pasty material containing the layer (6) to set.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Readymix Technologies LimitedInventor: Björn Svedberg
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Patent number: 6911169Abstract: A method of making a composite article of a graphite-filled polymer mixture that is robust during high shear mixing and compounding, and that exhibits relatively low electrical resistivity after molding. The mixture is formed by shear mixing a liquid polymeric material, graphitized carbon fibers having diameters of less than one micrometer, and glass fibers longer than the carbon fibers. The carbon and glass fibers constitute up to about 25 volume percent and up to about 50 weight percent, respectively, of the mixture, though the addition of as little as about 1 weight percent of the glass fibers has been shown to dramatically reduce resistivity. The mixture is then introduced into a mold so that the glass fibers are substantially oriented parallel to the direction of flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Choongyong Kwag, Gary George Tibbetts, D. Gerald Glasgow
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Patent number: 6908646Abstract: An anisotropic scattering film, wherein said film has a sea-island structure comprising a matrix phase consisting of at least one polymeric material, and a dispersed phase consisting of at least one polymeric material, wherein the dispersed phase is rod-like, the dispersed phase substantially orientates to one direction, the refractive index of the dispersed phase in the major axis direction differs from the refractive index of the matrix phase in the corresponding direction, the diameter of the dispersed phase is 200 nm or less, and the length of the dispersed phase is 800 nm or more.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Kazunori Akiyoshi, Shigeaki Chika, Koichi Fujisawa
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Patent number: 6905743Abstract: A medical balloon composed of a micro-composite material which provides for radial expansion of a balloon to a predetermined extent, but which has minimal longitudinal growing during balloon inflation. The micro-composite material includes a fibril component, a matrix component, and optionally, a compatibilizer. The fibril component may preferably be liquid crystal polymer fibers randomly scattered through out the balloon material. The liquid crystal polymers are created by extrusion at high speed. An alternative fibril component may be a PET fibers which are uniformly spaced about the balloon material and extend through out the length of the balloon material tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Boston Scientific SciMed, Inc.Inventors: John Jianhua Chen, Lixiao Wang, Yiqun Wang, Albert C. C. Chin
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Patent number: 6905644Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for producing components and semi-finished products from synthetic graphite or from ceramic granules, in particular for producing graphite tubes, involving shaping of a material to be mixed preferably containing petroleum coke or graphite granules, by means of an extrusion press (22) or an extruder, wherein the process provides the following steps: a) Pre-pressing the material (20) to be mixed in static or quasi-static manner, flow movements of the material (20) to be mixed being stopped or impeded in such a way that particles previously irregularly arranged in the material to be mixed are initially aligned transversely to the direction of pressing, b) Pressing out of the pre-pressed material (20) to be mixed through an outlet opening (28) of the extrusion press (22) or the extruder in such a way that owing to adjusted flow properties of the material (20) to be mixed, the particles within the pre-compressed material (20) to be mixed realign, starting from theiType: GrantFiled: November 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: SGL Carbon AGInventors: Holger Müller, Jürgen Künzel, Manfred Schmid
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Patent number: 6899782Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously processing fiber into an elastomeric component uses an expanding die (11, 11a) for orienting fibers in other than the processing direction of the extrusion. In one embodiment, an injection mold (50) is used with the expanding die (11), and in another embodiment, an extruder (30) is used with expanding die (11a). Processing parameters may be alteredto control the direction of orientation of fibers (20) in the elastomer component. Orientation of fibers (20) in an extrudate (17) is dependent on the processing speed viscosity of the elastomer, pressure of extrusion, the length l1 and l2 and height h1 and h2 of gate (12) and expansion cavity (14), respectively, of the expansion die (11, 11a).Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Ching-Chian Chang, Robert Henry Vogliano, Cheng Shaw
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Patent number: 6899932Abstract: A block-shaped baked molded article having little block deformation amount is obtained in order to reduce a loss of materials until a stable film or sheet can be cut from a block-shaped molded article. After a polytetrafluoroethylene powder is compression-molded to form a preform, the resultant preform is baked while being rotated, thereby to produce a polytetrafluoroethylene molded article.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Ishiwari, Tatsuro Uchida, Masahiko Yamada
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Patent number: 6848897Abstract: This invention pertains to technology of fabricating thin films featuring anisotropic properties such as: optical, magnetic, electric conductivity and others. In particular, this invention is related to devices for obtaining polarizing films from liquid-crystalline solutions of organic materials, for example organic dyes. The disclosed method and device permits the fabrication of anisotropic films from liquid-crystalline solution with high characteristics and high degree of perfection of the oriented structure with significant reproducibility of results. The device makes use of a mechanical element for receiving and guiding the liquid crystal solution onto a substrate and then providing an orienting action to the kinetic elements as they are delivered.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Optiva, Inc.Inventors: Pavel I. Lazarev, Michael V. Paukshto
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Patent number: 6841230Abstract: A long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet comprises short strands, each of which has a width of from 0.2 to 5 mm and a length of from 10 to 150 mm and is made of a unidirectionally long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. The short strands are oriented at random and are fixed together at intersections thereof. The long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet has a basis weight of from 30 to 500 g/m2 and is provided with openings therein. The long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet can be produced by evenly spreading and piling up short strands of substantially circular or elliptical sections, and subjecting the short strands to pressureless hot-melt adhesion or to hot-melt compression bonding under pressure such that the sheet has a basis weight of from 30 to 500 g/m2 and is provided with openings therein. The short strands of the substantially circular or elliptical sections have an average diameter of from 0.1 to 1.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuji Yokoo, Toru Mizukami, Kengo Ozaki, Takashi Shimizu, Yukiko Takei
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Publication number: 20040238991Abstract: A method of molding reinforced polymer compositions using a molding machine with a tapered bore is provided. The method has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine used in the method includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Lyle James Smith