Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, a battery separator or separator membrane comprises one or more co-extruded multi-microlayer membranes optionally laminated or adhered to another polymer membrane. The separators described herein may provide improved strength, for example, improved puncture strength, particularly at a certain thickness, and may exhibit improved shutdown and/or a reduced propensity to split.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laminating fibers for direct manufacturing of a preform, in which rows of fibers are drawn at the same time and are arranged in the form of a preform. The apparatus for laminating fibers for direct manufacturing of a preform according to an aspect of the present invention is an apparatus which supplies reinforced fibers to a table 22 and laminating the reinforced fibers thereon, so as to manufacture a fiber preform by laminating the reinforced fibers on the table 22, the apparatus including: a reinforced fiber supply robot 30 configured to supply a predetermined length of a plurality of reinforced fibers, on which a thermoplastic resin is coated; at least one or more edge fixing robots 40 configured to press and fix an end of the reinforced fibers drawn from the reinforced fiber supply robot 30 to the table 22 while the reinforced fibers are adhered as the thermoplastic resin is melted.

Abstract: Described is a method of manufacture of 3D objects from composite materials. The method includes the use of an extrusion nozzle configured to extrude the composite material, including a multistrand filament with a thixotropic acrylic matrix material surrounding the multistrand filament. Extruding a 3D object surface segment spanning in the air over at least a segment of a discontinuous work surface and operating concurrently a source of curing energy to pin and enhance the strength of a 3D object surface segment spanning in air. The 3D object extruded surface segment spanning in the air is sufficiently rigid and maintains its shape without the use of a mandrel.

Abstract: A method for applying a sealing member to a capsule intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages, where the capsule includes a body having a bottom wall, a side wall and a flange-like rim which extends from the side wall, comprises a step of applying a charge of sealing composition in a viscous state on the flange-like rim and a step of compression moulding the charge of sealing composition against the flange-like rim.

Abstract: A power consumption detection system includes a controller, a rubber sampling module, a rubber calender, a temperature control module, a mooney sensor, and a power meter. The rubber sampling module samples a rubber material according to a weight value and obtains a rubber to be tested. The rubber calender continuously calenders the rubber to be tested at least six times. The temperature control module maintains the rubber to be tested with a temperature value. The mooney sensor obtains an actual viscosity index and the controller controls the calendaring number of the rubber calender until the target viscosity index is consistent with the actual viscosity index. The power meter records a power consumed by the rubber calender and obtains a power consumption value.

Abstract: To provide a power storage device whose charge and discharge characteristics are unlikely to be degraded by heat treatment. To provide a power storage device that is highly safe against heat treatment. The power storage device includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, an electrolytic solution, and an exterior body. The separator is located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator contains polyphenylene sulfide or solvent-spun regenerated cellulosic fiber. The electrolytic solution contains a solute and two or more kinds of solvents. The solute contains LiBETA. One of the solvents is propylene carbonate.

Abstract: Disclosed are hair-styling devices.

Abstract: A dielectric element includes a bottom surface, a top surface, and a plurality of cells formed vertically between the bottom surface and the top surface. Each cell of the plurality of cells includes a cell sidewall that extends below the top surface toward the bottom surface. The cell sidewall forms an aperture in the top surface and tapers from the top surface toward a center of a respective cell. Each cell sidewall is formed of a dielectric material.

Abstract: Provided is a power storage device whose charging and discharging characteristics are unlikely to be degraded by heat treatment or a power storage device that is highly safe against heat treatment. The power storage device includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, an electrolyte, and an exterior body. The separator is positioned between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and includes polyphenylene sulfide or cellulosic fiber. The electrolyte includes propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, and vinylene carbonate, lithium hexafluorophosphate, and lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)amide. A concentration of lithium hexafluorophosphate with respect to the electrolyte is more than or equal to 0.01 wt % and less than or equal to 1.9 wt % in a weight ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides: an epoxy resin molding material including; an epoxy resin having a mesogen structure, a phenolic curing agent, an inorganic filler, and a curing accelerator having a quaternary phosphonium cation represented by the following Formula (I); a molded product and a molded cured product using the epoxy resin molding material; and a method for producing a molded cured product. In Formula (I), each of Ra to Rd independently represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an aryl group, and the alkyl group and the aryl group may have a substituent.

Abstract: A selective modification method of a base material surface includes subjecting at least a part of a surface of a base material to at least one surface treatment selected from the group consisting of an oxidization treatment and a hydrophilization treatment. The base material includes a surface layer and includes an oxide, a nitride or an oxynitride of silicon, or a combination thereof in a first region of the surface layer. A nonphotosensitive composition is applied directly or indirectly on the surface of the base material after the surface treatment. The nonphotosensitive composition includes: a first polymer containing a nitrogen atom; and a solvent. It is preferred that the base material contains a metal in a second region which is other than the first region of the surface layer. In the surface treatment step, an O2 plasma treatment is preferably conducted.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabricating an oral appliance are described for correcting malocclusions on a dentition of a subject. A three-dimensional representation of the dentition may be captured and a free-form structure having a lattice structure which matches at least part of a surface of the dentition is generated. The lattice structure defines a plurality of open spaces such that the free-form structure is at least partially transparent. The lattice structure may then be manufactured by impregnating or covering a coating into or upon the lattice structure such that the oral appliance is formed.

Abstract: A material melting device (10) for melting a work material, and discharge of the melted work material, is described. The material melting device (10) comprises a cold part (12) and a hot part (30), and a work material duct (22) for supplying said work material. The work material duct (22) extends at least partially through the cold part (12) to a melting chamber (33) arranged in the hot part (30). The hot part (30) comprises a nozzle duct (34) extending from the melting chamber (33) to a nozzle opening (35) such that melted work material can be flowed from the melting chamber (33) and discharged from the nozzle opening (35). The melting chamber (33) has a cross-sectional area which is larger than the cross-sectional area of the work material duct (22).

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a synthetic opaque quartz glass where flame processing can be performed in high purity with a simple way and even a large sized one can be produced, and the synthetic opaque quartz glass. A method for producing a synthetic opaque quartz glass which comprises the step of heating and burning a quartz glass porous body under a pressure of from 0.15 MPa to 1000 MPa at a temperature of from 1200 ° C. The quartz glass porous body is prepared by depositing quartz glass particles which are produced by hydrolyzing a silicon compound with an oxyhydrogen flame.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an interdental cleaner includes providing a rod-shaped carrier made of plastic, into which laterally protruding bristles are embedded. In this case, a filament array formed of a plurality of filament strands is inserted into a holding cassette and is fixed in a predefined alignment in the holding cassette by means of a holding device. The holding cassette is then inserted into an injection-molding device and the filament array is coated with plastic in the injection-molding device, forming a plurality of rod-shaped carriers arranged spaced apart next to one another. Finally, the filament strands forming the filament array are separated at least in the sections located between adjacent rod-shaped carriers. In addition, a device for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low or zero-tack composite materials such as pre-pregs and their use in automated manufacturing, particularly robotic pick and place. The present invention further relates to an automated process for preparing an article, particularly a molded article, from a fiber-reinforced composition material. The molded articles prepared by the process described herein are particularly suitable as components for transport applications, and particularly the automotive industry. The automotive components prepared by the present invention are particularly suitable as mid- or high-volume automotive parts, in which cost and speed of production are paramount. The present invention provides a process in which the cutting and handling of pre-preg materials is greatly simplified, providing advantages of efficiency and economy.

Abstract: Caul plates and related methods are disclosed herein. An example caul plate for use in a composite laminate layup includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The example caul plate includes protrusions extending from the first surface. The protrusions are disposed over a tool surface of the composite laminate layup. The protrusions are to define a gap between the first surface and the tool surface to limit a thickness of a preform disposed between the tool surface and the first surface when a pressure is exerted on the second surface.

Abstract: A system handles the sterilization of thin-body, pouch-type, flexible containers (1) and provides for applying sacrificial closures (200) to the pouches. The system loads the provisional closed pouches to be sterilized on a transport device (300) for collective transport, to perform the sterilization of the transport device (300) carrying the provisional closed pouches. The system separates in a sterile chamber, the sacrificial closures (200) from the pouches, performing filling and applying an inviolable cap (100).

Abstract: A method for molding a connector which includes a connecting element having a cylindrical body and, one arm extending along an arm axis for the L-shaped connector or, two arms extending along two different arm axes for the T-shaped connector, the body being capable of being connected to an injector, and each arm being capable of being connected to the end of a pipe. The molding method includes a) providing a mold having a cavity for a T-shaped connecting element, the cavity including a cavity for a body and two cavities for arms and b) arranging an insert in the cavity for one of the two arms when an L-shaped connecting element is to be molded.

Abstract: The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.

Abstract: A client terminal checks whether there is information indicating that forming is impracticable with reference to content of data for a forming apparatus to form a 3-dimensional object and acquires a feature amount and forming setting related to 3-dimensional forming of the data if it is determined that there is no information indicating that the forming is impracticable. The client terminal transmits the acquired feature amount and forming setting to a server and supplies information regarding forming evaluation which is based on the feature amount and the forming setting and is acquired from the server.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabricating an oral appliance are described for correcting malocclusions on a dentition of a subject. A three-dimensional representation of the dentition may be captured and a free-form structure having a lattice structure which matches at least part of a surface of the dentition is generated. The lattice structure defines a plurality of open spaces such that the free-form structure is at least partially transparent. The lattice structure may then be manufactured by impregnating or covering a coating into or upon the lattice structure such that the oral appliance is formed.

Abstract: The compression molded tooth used for practicing dental cutting treatment of the present invention comprises a composition containing a powder or powders of saccharide, polysaccharide, protein, and/or glycoprotein each having a particle size of 1 to 100 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating a virtual model of a customized impression tray and for manufacturing such a customized impression tray. A 3D digital representation of a patient's set of teeth is obtained and a virtual model of the customized impression tray is generated, where the generating comprises shaping the virtual model of the customized impression tray according to the 3D digital representation.

Abstract: A footwear insole shape is generated by supplying a core reinforced filament having a matrix material impregnating reinforcing strands aligned along the filament, as well as a fill material separately from the core reinforced filament and depositing at least one shell of fill material within an insole shape upon a print bed. The core reinforced filament is deposited to fuse to the fill material within a first reinforcing region formed with respect to the insole shape. A cutter upstream of the nozzle tip cuts the core reinforced filament, and a remainder of the core reinforced filament is deposited to complete the first reinforcing region. A nozzle tip applies pressure to continuously compact the core reinforced filament toward the insole shape as the core reinforced filament is fused to the fill material.

Abstract: A tissue sample container including a base having a plurality of sample holding sections, which are configured to receive a plurality of tissue samples in a given orientation and are demarcated by section walls; and a lid configured to sealingly engage the base. The sample holding sections are sized and shaped to correspond to a specific tissue sample size and shape such that the base in cooperation with the section walls, maintain the given orientation and identity of the tissue samples within respective sample holding sections.

Abstract: A method for producing a structural component from an organometallic sheet includes a first step in which the organometallic sheet is preheated, introduced into a tool and subsequently re-formed. In a second step, a region of the re-formed organometallic sheet is heated. In a third step at least the heated region of the re-formed organometallic sheet is re-formed further in such a way that it enters into a material bond with a further region of the organometallic sheet to form an at least partly closed hollow profile. A device for carrying out the method for producing a structural component from an organometallic sheet and a structural component produced by the method also are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a strong, flexible catheter shaft for use in a catheter system. The flexible catheter shaft includes a nitinol tube having one or more sets of cuts therein in combination with one or more outer jacket layers. The flexible catheter shaft provides a shaft having sufficient stiffness and kink resistance to allow an operator to advance an electrode basket connected to the flexible catheter shaft through a guide catheter to a target ablation site without causing vessel trauma. The distal tip of the flexible catheter shaft is designed to have sufficient flexibility to reduce any risk of kicking out a guide catheter when tracking the electrode basket around turns in the vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.

Abstract: A method of and fixture for molding a product with an embedded ring. A system for molding a ring into a product including a rotational molding mold with an opening formed in the rotational molding mold sized to fit a ring. A fixture is removably couplable to the ring, wherein the ring and the fixture when coupled are removably couplable in the opening. The fixture is removed from the ring after the ring is molded into a product. A method of manufacturing a product with an embedded ring includes: coupling a ring to a fixture; clamping the fixture and the ring in an opening in a mold top; clamping the mold top to a mold bottom; rotomolding a product; unclamping the fixture from the mold top; uncoupling the fixture from the ring; unclamping the mold top and the mold bottom; and removing the product from the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing foamed molded bodies comprising the steps of A) providing a mold, and B) introducing a foam-forming reaction mixture into the mold under variable pressure of injection, wherein the method is characterized in that the foam-forming reaction mixture has a fiber time of ?20 s to ?60 s.

Abstract: A process for forming an artificial reef includes forming a form having a geometric shape, applying at least one blockout onto a surface of the form such that the blockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form, applying a sprayable concrete over the form and over a portion of the blockout, curing the sprayable concrete on the form for a period of time such that the sprayable concrete adheres to the blockout, and removing the cured sprayable concrete and the blockout from the surface of the form. The blockout is of a cast concrete material such as a cinder block. The blockout has openings therein so as to open to an interior of the artificial reef.

Abstract: A permanently lubricated film gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a corrugated pipe and a smooth annular section of an outer pipe or section when the corrugated pipe and the outer pipe or section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship. A first portion of the gasket is shaped to fit within a groove or recess of the corrugated pipe. A second portion of the gasket extends from the first portion. The second portion is at least partially comprised of permanently lubricated film for facilitating in the connection of the pipes along a single direction.

Abstract: An organic transistor including at least one lower substrate made of plastic material, two electrodes, respectively a source electrode and a drain electrode, deposited on the plastic substrate, a semiconductor layer made of an organic semiconductor material and deposited on the electrodes and the plastic substrate, a dielectric layer deposited on the semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode formed on said dielectric layer. It further includes a porous layer extending between the plastic substrate and the semiconductor layer, said porous layer extending at least between the source and drain electrodes, to decrease the dielectric constant of the surface of said plastic substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a molded article having a curved surface, such as plates or serving trays, and the resulting molded articles. The in-mold label (IML) is a laminated film that includes a backing layer, a printed surface incorporating one or more designs thereon, a protective film layer, and one or more notches each having adjacent edges separated by a gap of predetermined distance and configured to intersect to ensure conformance of the IML to the angled or curved peripheral portion of the article. The article has front and back sides and a central portion bounded by a peripheral portion having a perimeter that is raised on the front side of the article wherein the peripheral portion transitions from the perimeter to the central portion by an angled surface, a curved surface or combinations thereof, with the article including the IML at least peripheral portion of the molded article.

Abstract: A reshapable retention device for insertion at a dental site and contact with adjacent dental surfaces, for the controlled delivery to the dental site of at least one material having a predetermined intraoral activity. The retention device comprises at least one matrix containing the material. The retention device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site for at least a predetermined time period correlated to the delivery of a predetermined portion of the at least one matrix to the dental site in a controlled single, bi or multiphase pattern. The retention device comprises a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site. The first configuration is reshapable to a second configuration in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced to enable physically affixing the retention device at the dental site.

Abstract: A process for forming an artificial reef includes the steps of forming a form having a geometric shape, applying at least one blockout onto a surface of the form such that the blockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form, applying a sprayable concrete over the form and the blockout, curing the sprayable concrete on the form for a period of time, removing the blockout from the surface of the form and from the cured sprayable concrete, and removing the form from the cured sprayable concrete. A base is formed having an upper surface. The lower end of the form is positioned upon the base. The sprayable concrete is sprayed over the upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A process for forming an artificial reef includes the steps of forming a form having a geometric shape, applying at least one blockout onto a surface of the form such that the blockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form, applying a sprayable concrete over the form and the blockout, curing the sprayable concrete on the form for a period of time, removing the blockout from the surface of the form and from the cured sprayable concrete, and removing the form from the cured sprayable concrete. A base is formed having an upper surface. The lower end of the form is positioned upon the base. The sprayable concrete is sprayed over the upper surface of the base.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making one or more tubular components of medical catheters or other tubular bodies using a strip of polymer material including a length, a width, and a first surface including a lubricious or other coating or surface modification. The strip is directed adjacent an elongate mandrel, such as beading, such that the length of the strip extends along the mandrel and the coating is disposed towards the mandrel. The strip is rolled at least partially around the mandrel such that the coating or surface modification is disposed inwardly towards the mandrel, and one or more strip-constrainment members are wrapped around the rolled strip. The directing, rolling, and wrapping steps may be substantially continuous to create one or more strip-mandrel-constrainment member subassemblies.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite molded article including: preparing a main body member to which a through hole is formed to a peripheral wall by removing a protruding portion protruding from a face of the peripheral wall surrounding a hollow space in the main body member having the hollow space formed therein along the longitudinal direction; setting the main body member in an injection molding die; forming a cushion member molding cavity by the main body member and a molding die face formed inside the injection molding die in the longitudinal direction of the main body member and allowing the through hole to communicate with the cavity; and filling a heated and melted elastic polymer material injected from an injection gate into the cavity and the hollow space from the through hole, thereby forming a cushion member and a filling portion.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter body with a lumen and a distal lumen opening. The catheter's lumen extends through the catheter body along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. A splittable feature is formed within a wall of the catheter body.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to drag the filament from the conduit nozzle.

Abstract: A method for producing a load introducing element for a control surface of an aircraft or a spacecraft, includes cutting to size preformed fibrous substructures out of a fibrous material. The method also includes draping the fibrous substructures to mold at least one first component, at least one second component and at least one first flange in the form of a single semi-finished product. Further, the method includes inserting the semi-finished product into a mold, injecting matrix material, and curing said semi-finished product to form a finished product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a retainer ring for a chemical mechanical polishing device. Insert pins are coupled to an insert ring member. The insert ring member is thereafter disposed in a mold such that a space is defined around the insert ring member in the mold. Subsequently, molten shell material is injected into the mold to form a shell member. Thereby, the retainer ring is manufactured, having a structure such that the insert ring member is completely covered with the shell member.

Abstract: A sprayed article is prepared by thermally spraying ceramic particles of rare earth oxide or fluoride or metal particles of W, Mo or Ta onto an outer or inner surface of a cylindrical carbon substrate to form a sprayed coating, and burning out the carbon substrate, thus leaving the ceramic or metal-base sprayed coating of cylindrical shape having a wall thickness of 0.5-5 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique capable of manufacturing a resin stamper at a low cost. A method of manufacturing a plate-shaped resin stamper includes: pressing a resin composite base material against a mother stamper having a pattern formed on the surface thereof by compression molding to transfer the pattern of the mother stamper to the composite base material; and punching the composite base material. In the manufacturing method, the resin composite base material includes at least one curing resin. In addition, during the compression molding, a portion of the composite base material is cured by active energy beams or heat, the pattern is transferred to the composite base material, and the composite base material is punched, thereby manufacturing the resin stamper.

Abstract: A polishing film for a polishing head for plastic spectacle lenses, for polishing zones on a front side or rear side of the spectacle lens, having a polishing surface which can be positioned against the spectacle lens and is bounded by a peripheral surface, wherein an edge is provided between the polishing surface and the peripheral surface, wherein the edge either has a radius r of at least 0.5 mm to 10 mm or has a chamfer f with an extent f1×f2, where the extent f1 or f2 is at least 0.5 mm to 10 mm, or the polishing film, when not in use, has a basic curvature G with a radius RG?75 mm and, in addition to this, a peripheral curvature G with a radius Rg?0.5 G, wherein the peripheral curvature g is limited to the peripheral zone, or the polishing film is formed without any basic curvature G and has a peripheral curvature g with a radius Rg?35 mm, wherein the peripheral curvature g is limited to the peripheral zone.

Abstract: A socket to interface a lower limb which has undergone amputation and a modular element, includes a proximal portion allowing the lower limb that has undergone amputation to be inserted; a distal portion allowing the modular element to be fastened; an internal deformable layer made of silicone rubber, designed to be in contact with the lower limb that has undergone amputation; an external deformable layer made of silicone rubber; a structure made of rigid material arranged between the internal layer and the external layer, comprising at least two posts, each post extending substantially axially from a base on the distal side towards an end on the proximal side, the ends of the various posts being not linked, so as to separate from or approach each other due to the effect of deformation of the internal layer and of the external layer.

Abstract: A brush holder is held between a flange of a yoke housing and a gear housing of a speed reduction unit and fastened by a fastening screw. A link of the brush holder is located between a screw fastening portion of the flange and a screw fastening portion of the gear housing. A connector is linked to a holder main body by the link. The link includes a screw insertion hole and first and second bridges. A metal terminal, which electrically connects the holder main body and the connector, is embedded in each of the first and second bridges.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.