Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material, the method comprising: growing a layer of reinforcement; and impregnating the layer with a matrix. The reinforcement layer may be formed by a chemical vapour deposition process. The method can be used as an additive layer manufacturing technique to form a component with a desired shape and physical characteristics, or can be used to form a thin sheet material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sizing composition for threads, fibres and filaments. More specifically, the invention relates to threads, fibres and filaments which can be woven using a method that does not involve sizing or a washing step and which have the aforementioned composition on at least part of the surface thereof. The invention also relates to a method of preparing the aforementioned threads, fibres and filaments. The invention further relates to fabrics that are produced from said threads, fibres and filaments, using a method that does not involve sizing or a washing step, such as with a dry loom. In addition, the invention relates to the use of said threads, fibres and filaments and the resulting woven or knit fabrics for safety air bags.

Abstract: A method for producing a roll film provided with a coat layer comprising the steps of: (i) producing a roll film; (ii) applying a first embossing treatment along a longitudinal direction of the roll film on a part of a lateral direction of the roll film; (iii) applying a coat layer on the roll film; (iv) applying a second embossing treatment along a longitudinal direction of the roll film on a part of a lateral direction of the roll film; (v) heat treating the roll film at a temperature of 50 to 150° C. for a duration of 1 to 30 days while the roll film is rolled in a roll.

Abstract: Provided is a packaging for facilitating microwave heating arranged to contain a food product up to a fill level within the packaging, which packaging comprises: a) a first metallic microwave active component, extending above and below the fill level; and optionally b) a second metallic microwave active component, extending above and below a base level.

Abstract: A method of molding provides two molds (102, 104) formed of semiconductor material. The molds (102, 104) have substantially planar working faces (108, 110) into which recesses (106, 112) are formed. In use the molds (102, 104) are pressed together with the working faces (108, 110) opposed so the recesses (106, 112) form mold cavities. The molds (102, 104) only contact each other in the plane of the working faces (108, 110). A thermoplastic sheet placed between the molds is heated to deform the sheet into the mold cavities.

Abstract: A cementitious board and methods of making the same are disclosed by a cementitious board including a cementitious core, a plurality of warp yarns and weft yarns and a coating applied to produce a coating weight distribution ratio of less than about 2.0:1, based upon the weight of the resinous coating of the weft yarns, over the weight of the resinous coating on the warp yarns.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes with a uniform length includes the steps of: (a) forming an array of carbon nanotubes on a substrate; (b) submerging the carbon nanotubes in liquid macromolecular material; (c) solidifying the liquid macromolecular material; (d) cutting the solidified liquid macromolecular material; and (e) removing the macromolecular material to obtain the carbon nanotubes with a uniform length. The method is simple, and carbon nanotubes with a desired length can be easily obtained. The length of the carbon nanotubes can be precisely controlled. Furthermore, each carbon nanotube is open at both ends thereof.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of the present invention comprises first and second substrates; a first alignment layer on the first substrate, wherein the first alignment layer includes (spacer S is oxygen, m=10˜10,000), the functional group R includes photo-sensitive constituents and/or non-photo-sensitive constituents, the photo-sensitive constituent includes a material selected from the group consisting of cinnamoyl derivatives, the non-photo-sensitive constituent includes a material selected from the group consisting of CnH2n, CnH2n+1, CnH2nOH, COCnH2n+1, COCnH2n, CnH2n+1?xFx, CnH2n?(x?1)F(x?1), CnH2n?xFxOH, COCnH2n+1?xFx (n=1˜10, x=1˜2n+1), and a combination thereof; and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a patterned baking tray comprises steps of: removing dirt and grease from a first surface and a second surface of an unpainted flat plate; sandblasting said surfaces; spray-coating the first surface with a first primer and baking the first primer; spray-coating the first surface which has been spray-coated with the first primer with a fluorine-containing resin and baking the fluorine-containing resin; spray-coating the second surface of the flat plate with a second primer and baking the second primer; screen-printing the pattern onto the second surface which has been spray-coated with the second primer and baking the printed pattern; and stretch-forming the flat plate into the baking tray having the printed pattern on an outer surface thereof. The method allows a baking tray having an irregular shape to be formed with a pattern thereon and thus beautifies the baking tray.

Abstract: Bone tissue at the interface of a bone implant is shielded from stresses found in normal bone because of the higher stiffness or rigidity in the implant versus in bone. The resulting “stress shielding” of the bone by the implant eventually results in resorption of bone at the bone-implant interface and ultimately necessitates replacement of the bone implant. To overcome these problems, an implantable biomimetic prosthetic bone having a porous surface, a fiber-reinforced composite structure, and a polymer-based core is disclosed. The prosthetic bone is a good match for structure, stiffness, viscoelastic properties, specific weight and overall structure as real bone or host tissues adjacent to the prosthetic bone. The prosthetic bone may be formed as a total hip prosthesis.

Abstract: Labeled thin-wall containers molded from pre-expanded expandable thermoplastic particles having a label disposed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the container. The particles are coated with a composition that includes at least 2,500 ppm of a salt of a C8 to C32 carboxylic acid based on the weight of the particles. The label has a thickness of from 10 ?m to 1,500 ?m and the sidewall has a thickness of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. An aqueous beverage at 80° C. does not leak from the container after being left undisturbed for 24 hours and the container has a rim strength of at least 0.54 kg. The containers are made by placing a label against an inner surface of a female portion of a two-part mold; closing the mold to form a mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with the particles; and fusing the particles.

Abstract: A laminated sheet includes a surface layer having an optical surface that is of fire-polished quality and a core layer having a higher modulus than the surface layer to increase an overall stiffness or fracture toughness of the laminated sheet.

Abstract: Pollutant decomposition device comprising a flexible sheet-substrate provided with at least one photocatalytic surface wherein the sheet-substrate comprises one or more internal slits with a layout that provides formation of flow restricting means upon predetermined deformation of the sheet substrate. There is also provided a method of producing a pollutant decomposition device.

Abstract: Use of an aqueous polymer composition as a binder for fibrous and granular substrates

Abstract: A filter element has a fold arrangement and a shaped seal extending about at least one section of a circumference of the fold arrangement. The shaped seal consists of a thixotropic sealing material or at least contains such a thixotropic sealing material. The thixotropic sealing material is thixotropic PUR or thixotropic silicone or a mixture of both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gloss coated multifunctional printing paper that can be used with a variety of office printing equipment including inkjet and electrophotographic and to processes of making and using the paper. a paper substrate; and a pigmented composition coated on at least one surface of the substrate, said pigmented coating composition comprising (1) a first pigment having a BET surface area in the range of from about 50 to about 750 m2/g; (2) a second pigment having a BET surface area in the range of from about 5 to about 49 m2/g; and (3) a polymeric binder, Said coated paper having a coating gloss equal to or greater than about 30% at 75° and a Bristow Absorption length of less than about 180 mm. The coating compositions may contain other additives such as lubricants, optical brighteners and coating rheology modifiers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme electrode arrangement comprising a substrate with a surface roughness in the range of 20 nm to 10 microns, a metal electrode, an ultrathin semipermeable membrane with a thickness in the range of 10-100 nm and at least one enzyme membrane, a method for the fabrication of such arrangement and a biosensor arrangement comprising such electrode arrangement.

Abstract: A method of making an electron-emitting device including the steps of (A) preparing a member comprising first and second substances composed of carbon, wherein the substances have respective reaction rates different from each other for a gas, and (B) heating the member in an atmosphere containing the gas.

Abstract: A method (and system) of nanostructure placement using imprint lithography, includes applying a mixture containing an additive exhibiting predetermined properties, to a substrate, bringing one of the substrate and a template containing a relief structure into contact with the other of the substrate and the template containing the relief structure, transferring the relief structure of the template into the patternable material, one of curing and fixing the patternable material, and removing the template, thereby leaving a negative of the relief structure of the template.

Abstract: A method of performing imprint lithography of a surface substrate includes a stamper having a thin lubricant coating thereon to facilitate release of the stamper from the imprinted surface to reduce degradation of image replication. Embodiments of the invention include stampers suitable for use in patterning servo information on magnetic recording media having a lubricant coating of from about 1 nm to about 20 nm.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing a conduit for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber containing blood. The conduit includes first and second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a heart chamber and a target vessel. The conduit lies on the exterior of the myocardium between the blood source and the target vessel and delivers blood in multiple directions within the lumen of the target vessel. The conduit, which may be formed of any suitable synthetic vascular graft material, is generally T-shaped with the leg having two free ends disposed in the target vessel, preferably being secured thereto via a suture-free attachment. The conduit comprises vascular graft material and may be manufactured various ways, such as molding a conduit from any suitable biocompatible material or fabricating a conduit from one or more pieces of vascular graft material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hearing aid preferably includes the steps of: placing a moldable material in the ear canal of a patient to cast a form; using the form to form a hollow shell with an outer surface that approximates the shape of the patient's ear canal, the shell being of a soft polymeric material providing a mounting member; mounting electronic hearing aid components to the mounting member; joining the mounting member to the hollow shell to define a mold cavity; and filling the shell with a soft polymeric material that substantially encapsulates at least one of the electronic components and bonds to the mounting member, wherein the combination of shell, electronic components and soft polymeric material define a soft structure that is compliant to ear canal movement during use.

Abstract: A method of preparing a precursor for a composite having wet strength of 2 to 50 kgf/mm2 and a mean surface void diameter of 0.01 to 2 ?m by molding a solution of a rigid polymer having a concentration of 1 to 1.3 times the optical anisotropy lower limit solution concentration C2, thereafter rendering the solution non-flowable by absorbing a coagulant under a condition causing no solvent extraction and thereafter extracting the solvent, and a method of preparing a molecular composite having a mean thickness of 2 to 200 ?m by impregnating this precursor for a composite with a solution of a polymer or reactive molecules.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a method and apparatus for forming an imprinting tool are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming an imprinting tool comprises forming a first mold by use of one or more printing processes, forming a second mold from the first mold, and forming an imprinting tool from the second mold, where the imprinting tool is formed at least in part by metalizing at least a portion of the second mold.

Abstract: A method of preparing a molded article by means of an in-mold decoration process, is described. The method includes, providing a laminate (4) of a plurality of separate releasable thermoplastic labels (14) superposed over a carrier film (26). A decoration (86) is applied in-line to the exposed second surface (68) of the labels (14), thereby forming a decorated laminate (5). The decorated laminate (5) is forwarded and indexed into a mold (20) such that the exposed first surface (77) of the carrier film (26) abuts at least a portion of the interior surface of the mold, and the decorated second surface (68) of the label (14) faces the interior space of the mold. Plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic material) is injected into the mold against the decorated surface of the label, thus forming a molded article. The carrier film (26) is then separated from the molded article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded structure in a press that includes a first mold and a second mold is provided. The second mold has a plurality of pressure actuators, with each pressure actuator capable of independent operation. The method includes the steps of positioning a preform having a thickness in the first mold, placing a quantity of resin adjacent the preform so as to create a resin reservoir, and then selectively actuating one or more of the pressure actuators apply pressure to the resin reservoir to force at least a portion of the resin reservoir to infuse through the thickness of the preform. The method may also include curing the resin-infused preform, and then removing the cured resin-infused preform from the first mold.

Abstract: A process for the production of composite tubing, particularly for air conditioning, from a structure of mineral or organic fibers, natural or artificial. The structure of fibers is impregnated with a suitable resin, and after shaping in or on a mold, the temperature and possibly the pressure is raised for polymerization of the resin, a sealing of the wall of the shaped piece being carried out in the course of this process. The structure of fibers is constituted by a single ply of a unit weight of at least about 400 g/m2, which ply is impregnated with resin at an impregnation quantity of at least 40%, then there is emplaced on one of the surfaces of the single ply a coating of a sealing agent. The polymerization is carried out while the single ply and its coating have the desired shape in or on the mold.

Abstract: An ornamental article has a shape and a plurality of sides and angles. The sides are simultaneously patterned in the course of a process by which the ornamental article is made.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for use in forming an irregularly shaped part using in-mold labeling which includes receiving at least one of text and image information at a first computing unit. A mold is formed using a mold cutter controlled by a second computing unit based on the at least one of text information and image information. The mold has a cavity, an interior surface, and at least one aligning characteristic on the interior surface. A label is printed based on the at least one of text information and image information to provide the at least one decoration. The label is cut from a sheet of paper using a label cutter controlled by a third computing unit based on the at least one of text information and image information. The label is inserted into the cavity and aligned with the at least one aligning characteristic and moldable material is inserted into the mold to form the part and the label integral to each other.

Abstract: A vial pack cover, a vial pack kit, and a method for forming the vial pack cover is provided. The vial pack cover can simultaneously cover a plurality of containers while preventing the contents of the containers from degrading or permeating through the cover. In addition, the vial pack cover allows a user to access individual containers without having to remove the cover from the un-accessed containers.

Abstract: Disclosed are mono-layer or multi-layer films, sheets, or coatings wherein at least on layer comprises a fringed surface microstructure (1), a process for making these items and uses thereof. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising such film, sheet, or coating.

Abstract: A receptor medium with a sheet having an optically transmissive microembossed imaging surface as one major surface thereof. The receptor medium can receive jettable materials, which include inks, adhesives, biological fluids, chemical assay reagents, particulate dispersions, waxes, and combinations thereof. The microembossed medium unexpectedly solves such common inkjet printing problems as feathering, banding, and mudcracking in inkjet printing systems by controlling how an inkjet drop contacts and dries on an inkjet receptor medium and also Moire' effects but also provides sufficient optical transmissivity to be useful as overhead transparency media, backlit signage, and the like. Clear lines of demarcation between adjoining colors of a pigmented inkjet image graphic can be obtained without creation of the Moire' effects. Methods of making and using the inkjet receptor medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating position at which an water sealing agent in an unsolidified condition is coated on an outer periphery of each wire is provided. A first mold formed with a groove and a second mold configured to be inserted into the groove are provided. The second mold has a molding face which defines a space between a bottom portion of the groove. The space has a cross section which is identical with a cross sectional shape of a through hole of a grommet through which the wires are inserted. The wires are conveyed one by one so as to pass through the coating position while coating the outer periphery of each wire with the water sealing agent. The wires coated with the water sealing agent are thrown into the groove of the first mold. The second mold is inserted into the groove to press the wires in the groove such that the unsolidified water sealing agent fills interstices of adjacent wires while solidifying the water sealing agent.

Abstract: A method of producing an antireflection structure for use on a display or a window surface or both in an electronic device, such as a mobile phone. The display can be an LCD with a top polarizer and a bottom polarizer. The antireflection structure is imparted on the top polarizer by a roller embossing process. In particular, the embossing is carried out in the same manufacturing process when the polarizer is produced. The antireflection structure has a plurality of sub-wavelength periodic grooves. The antireflection structure on the window surface can be imparted using an embossing process or an injection molding process.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: Disclosed are mono-layer or multi-layer profiles or moldings wherein at least one layer comprises a fringed surface microstructure, a process for making these items and uses thereof. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture comprising such profile or molding.

Abstract: A flexible composite release sheet providing a replicative surface with a desired surface effect and a method of manufacturing such a release sheet is disclosed. The release sheet is suitable for use in multicomponent reactive urethane casting systems. The invention further provides flexible composite release sheets having a first acrylic functional coating layer containing the desired surface effect and a second silicone release coating layer overlying the acrylic functional coating layer.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for the determination of various concentrations of one or more components within a fluid sample. The sensor includes an injection molded body, at least two electrodes, an enzyme, and if desired, an electron transfer mediator. The body includes a reaction zone for receiving a fluid sample. The electrodes are at least partially embedded within the plastic body and extend into the reaction zone. Also contained within the reaction zone is an enzyme capable of catalyzing a reaction involving a compound within the fluid sample. Additionally, the sensor incorporates fill detection which activates a meter, attached to the sensor, for measuring the electrochemical changes occurring in the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for capping a stem web including passing the stem web through a first nip against a first heated nip roll so as to partially cap the stems; cooling the web; and passing the stem web through a second nip against a second heated nip roll to completely cap the stems to a diameter “D”. In preferred embodiments the two nips are on opposite sides of a larger central cooled roll positioned between the heated rolls. Preferably, the reaction forces between the rolls are measured and controlled at each end of each other heated rolls. The invention is particularly adapted to making abrasive particles that are attached to a driving mechanism via headed stem fasteners formed by the method.

Abstract: A method of producing a substrate for a plasma display panel by providing a rib on a base, which comprises the steps of contacting a rib precursor containing a first photo-setting initiator having a first absorption edge and a first photo-setting component closely with said base; filling a mold, obtained by photo-setting of a second photo-setting initiator having a second absorption edge whose wavelength is shorter than a wavelength corresponding to said first absorption edge of said first photo-setting initiator, with said rib precursor; exposing said rib precursor to light having a wavelength longer than a wavelength corresponding to said second absorption edge, thereby setting said rib precursor; and removing said mold.

Abstract: A method for using a single injection molding apparatus to manufacture at least two and up to four different levels of automobile trim pieces as well as automobile trim level pieces manufactured by the methods of this invention.

Abstract: In a method for forming a micro-pattern on a substrate (200), polymer material having a solvent is coated on the substrate, thereby forming a polymer film on the substrate. Then, a mold (204) having a predetermined shape is compressed into the polymer film (202) on the substrate by employing a predetermined compression technique to entail a plastic deformation of the polymer film, thereby patterning the polymer film. This compression procedure is performed at a room temperature, e.g., of about 10 to about 30° C. In the present invention, before the mold (204) is pressed into the polymer film (202), a free volume in the polymer film is previously increased so that a pressure applied on the polymer material needed to plastically deform the polymer film is reduced. Thereafter, etching is performed on the substrate through the use of the patterned polymer film as an etching mask, thereby forming a micro-pattern on the substrate.

Abstract: There are provided methods for fabricating baby bottle nipples which mimic the function of the human breast nipple. In the human breast nipple, milk is delivered to the baby through 15-25 fluid-delivery capillaries called lactiferous ducts. These ducts are 2-4 centimeters in length and 500-900 microns in diameter. Baby bottle nipples fabricated in accordance with the methods of this invention have the common feature of at least one hydrophilic fluid delivery passage. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery passage is a microtube. In another embodiment, the fluid delivery passage is a microchannel. In yet another embodiment, the fluid delivery passage comprises a porous reticulated foam with interconnected pores. In each of these embodiments, the fluid delivery passage has at least one dimension in the range of 1-2000 microns.

Abstract: In a thermoforming system for masked polymer substrate sheets, a temperature resistant, non-stick coating is applied to a sheet of a polymer substrate material. The coated sheet is positioned on a flexible platen positioned over a mold having a predetermined shape. Heat is applied until the polymer reaches a thermoforming temperature and softens, whereupon the platen is lowered to stretch over and cover the mold. When the sheet begins to conform to the mold, the heat is withdrawn and a second platen is lowered over the sheet to urge it into conformance with the mold. The temperature resistant coating can be applied over an existing polymer film masking, and rapidly cures to form a non-stick surface which prevents adhesion of the masked polymer sheet to the platen surfaces.

Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for producing heavy-duty yarn prepregs of glass fibers or aramide fibers or carbon fibers, wherein the fibers are soaked in a PTFE dispersion, subsequently conveyed through a nozzle and simultaneously pressure-impregnated, and wherein the air that is still situated between the individual filaments of the fibers is pressed out and the individual filaments are completely encased with PTFE and then dried. The objective of the invention consists of achieving an additional increase in the strength of the yarns, in particular, in the resistance to abrasion, with a method of this type.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of partially galvanizing a piece obtained by injection molding, and a partially galvanize product produced by the method. The method of the present invention includes inserting a film of non-galvanizable material into a mold and then injecting a galvanizable material into the mold. After injection, the piece is taken out of the mold and the entire piece is run through a galvanizing process. Because of the film, a portion of the piece is galvanized, while the portion having the film is not galvanized.

Abstract: A hearing aid instrument of the in-the-ear type (and preferably CIC) provides a receptacle with electronic hearing aid components mounted thereto. The receptacle has a cavity for holding electronic components (eg. battery, microphone, amplifier). A soft polymeric body is preliminarily formed by encapsulating a plurality of the electronic hearing aid component shaped inserts. The body is soft and is shaped to conform to the ear canal of the user. After forming, the insert is removed to provide an insert cavity that can carry electronic components. The soft polymeric body and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components define a soft structure compliant to the ear canal during use and that is substantially solid and free of void spaces between at least some of the components and the ear canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of manufacturing a preform for a RTM molding process that will increase both the handling capability of the preform and the final part quality. The invention consists of applying a patterned discontinuous layer of liquid resin over at least one side of a layer of reinforcing fibers. The resin film can consist of a homogeneous liquid, an aqueous dispersion or a melted resin applied at an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, there is present a roller having a patterned surface. Liquid resin is applied to the surface of the patterned roller via a second roller. The layer of reinforcing fibers is passed by the roller in such a fashion that the resin from the pattern on the surface of the roller is transferred to the layer of reinforcing fibers. The contact of the roller with the layer of reinforcing fibers is sufficient to force some of the resin into the fibers themselves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing bar for mineral building materials, particularly for cement. The inventive reinforcing bar (10) is made of a bar of plastic material reinforced by fibre, which has a central, elongate core (12) and several ribs (14) which extend along the length of the core, which are disposed at an angular distance from each other, which form a cross or a star in the cross section thereof and which are twisted around the core axis (16) in a helical manner.