Abstract: The present innovation is an innovative process for the manufacturing of jewelry or jewels with silver or gold adornments, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, among other artifacts, from the re-utilization of strings of tennis rackets disposed of by players, forming a polymer mass that is treated to generate the pieces, such as beads, which make up the final artifact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 3-D structures having high temperature stability and improved micro-porosity as well as processes of making and using same. The disclosed 3-D are advantageous because they have low densities and low permittivities. When compared to previous 3-D structures, the present structures maintain their low permittivities over a broader range of electromagnetic frequencies. Thus, when used in communication devices such as array antennas, can provided higher communication performance in high temperature environments.

Abstract: A gas barrier film including a substrate film containing a resin, and a gas barrier layer that has oxygen barrier properties and is in contact with at least one surface of the substrate film, a surface of the gas barrier layer has a flat portion, and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the flat portion. The number of protrusions that satisfy the following formula (1) is 0 to 200 per mm2, and the number of protrusions that satisfy the following formula (2) is 20 or more per mm2; d×2?f(1); and 0.2?f<d×2(2), where d represents a thickness (?m) of the gas barrier layer, and f represents a height (?m) of each of the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A thermoplastic prepreg includes a mat, web, or fabric of fibers and hollow glass microspheres that are positioned atop the mat, web, or fabric of fibers or dispersed therein. The thermoplastic prepreg also includes a thermoplastic polymer that is fully impregnated through the mat, web, or fabric of fibers and the hollow glass microspheres so that the thermoplastic prepreg has a void content of less than 3% by volume of the thermoplastic prepreg. The thermoplastic material is polymerized monomers and oligomers in which greater than 90% by weight of the monomers or oligomers react to form the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A process including shearing a first dispersion medium and a second dispersion medium under conditions that precipitate a plurality of polymeric fibers; and collecting the plurality of polymeric fibers at a rate of at least 300 grams/hour. The first dispersion medium is a solution including at least one polymeric component. The at least one polymeric component includes a polyetherimide component selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide homopolymers, polyetherimide co-polymers, polyetherether ketones homopolymers, polyetherether ketones copolymers, polyphenylene sulfones homopolymers, polyphenylene sulfones copolymers, and combinations thereof. Products produced by the process can be non-woven paper, medical implants, ultra-fine filters, membranes, hospital gowns, electrical insulation paper, honeycomb structures and personal hygiene products, dialyzers, blood, oxygenator filters, intravenous (IV) filters, diagnostic test filters, and blood/apheresis filters.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fabricating nanofibrous articles is disclosed. The method may include providing a double-walled nozzle with an inner tube coaxially disposed within an outer tube. In addition, the double-walled nozzle is secured in front of a collector and an electrical field is applied between a tip of the double-walled nozzle and the collector. The method further includes preparing a spinning solution by dissolving a polymer in a solvent, mixing a vapor stream of the solvent with a stream of a pressurized gas with a predetermined ratio to obtain a pressurized solvent/gas stream feeding the spinning solution through the inner tube of the double-walled nozzle, and concurrently feeding the pressurized solvent/gas stream through the outer tube of the double-walled nozzle. The spinning solution and the pressurized solvent/gas stream may concurrently be discharged from the double-walled nozzle and drawn toward the collector being collected as nanofibrous articles on the collector.

Abstract: A non-halogen insulating wire with excellent flame resistance as well as high mechanical characteristics (wear resistance) and electrical insulation characteristics is provided. A non-halogen two-layer insulating wire includes: a conductor; and an insulating layer having an insulating inner layer which covers an outer circumference of the conductor and an insulating outer layer which covers an outer circumference of the insulating inner layer. The insulating inner layer is made of a first non-halogen resin composition which contains metal hydroxide and a base polymer (A) including polyolefin, and has a thickness of 20% to 58% of an entire thickness of the insulating layer. The insulating outer layer is made of a second non-halogen resin composition which contains metal hydroxide and a base polymer (B) including polyester resin and/or polyester elastomer resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stretched polymer film made of a polyamide composition comprising a semi-crystalline semi-aromatic polyamide (PPA), wherein the PPA consists of repeat units derived from aromatic dicarboxylic acid comprising at least 80 mole % of terephthalic acid, relative to the total amount of aromatic dicarboxylic acid; and diamine comprising at least 5 mole % 1,4-butanediamine and at least 5 mole % 1,6-hexanediamine, relative to the total amount of diamine, the combined amount of 1,4-butanediamine and 1,6-hexanediamine being at least 60 mole % relative to the total amount of diamine; and 0-2 mole % of other monomeric units, relative to the total amount of aromatic dicarboxylic acid, diamine and other monomeric units. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the polyamide film by melt extrusion and stretching of the film.

Abstract: A backpack and frame are disclosed, as are methods of making the frame using composite materials and compression molding. The backpack frame is designed to be at least partially internal and is of unitary construction using a resin-impregnated material, such as resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets with selective reinforcement by interstitial layers. The frame has a mid-back portion that includes openings for independently positionable shoulder straps and a lower back portion that provides for a rotatable connection to a belt assembly. A pair of curved stay portions is contiguous with the mid-back portion of the frame and curves outwardly as the stay portions extend downwardly. The frame is preferably curved to match the curvature of the human back.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for forming films. In particular, the present invention relates to the formation of films on a substrate via the use of individual pumps to deposit individual wet film products onto a substrate. A method of forming film products includes: providing a reservoir housing a film forming matrix, pumps in association with the reservoir, and orifices; feeding the wet film forming matrix from the reservoir to the pumps; dispensing the film forming matrix from each of the pumps through an orifice; and depositing wet film products onto a substrate. An apparatus for forming film strips includes: (a) a reservoir for housing a film forming matrix; (b) pumps associated with the reservoir; (c) a plurality of orifices, with each orifice being associated with a pump; (d) a substrate; and (e) a means for moving the substrate through the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor nano layer structure includes: two substrates are provided; a plurality of semiconductor nanowires are formed on one of the substrates; an absorption surface is formed on the other substrate; one of the substrates is fixed on a cylindrical roller, the cylindrical roller is brought into contact with a surface of the substrate which is stationary and is not fixed on the cylindrical roller, and rolled with a constant velocity and pressure so that the semiconductor nanowires are break, detached, transferred and absorbed, and a semiconductor nano layer structure is formed on the stationary substrate; a de-laminating process is performed to separate the semiconductor nano layer structure from the second substrate; an electric Joule heat welding process is locally performed to bond each of the semiconductor nanowires of the semiconductor nano layer structure or each semiconductor nano layer structure.

Abstract: A multi-zone cementitious product, which includes a base zone made of a first cementitious material composition and forming a portion of the product. At least one facing zone is adjacent to and bonded to the base zone, the facing zone made of a second cementitious material composition and forming at least one exterior face of said product which is visible when the product is installed. A disrupted boundary layer is between the facing zone and the base zone, and includes material from both the facing zone and the base zone. The disrupted boundary layer bonds the facing zone to the base zone. The facing zone has a thickness sufficient to prevent the base zone from being visible when the product is installed.

Abstract: A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to film products containing desired levels of active components and methods of their preparation. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. Desirably, the films may be exposed to temperatures above that at which the active components typically degrade without concern for loss of the desired activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, complete and/or partially embedded nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a method that comprises the combination of two process technologies; a thin film solution casting process (tape casting, solvent casting) and an electrospinning process, in order to produce hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, completely and/or partially embedded electrospun nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In another embodiment of the present invention, fibers and/or nanofibers of a chosen material are spun directly on to substrates of polymer solutions and/or monomers solutions, were such solutions are located on a carrier belt that is electrically and/or ionically conductive.

Abstract: A friction transmission belt includes a belt body made of a rubber composition and wrapped around pulleys to transmit power. A thermoplastic resin film(s) adheres to a pulley contact-side surface of the belt body, and friction coefficient reduction powder particles dispersively adhere to the pulley contact-side surface of the belt body.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a coform fibrous materials comprising the steps of supplying a first fiber forming stream comprising a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas to a two-phase flow nozzle, supplying a separate second stream containing at least one secondary material to the two-phase flow nozzle, combining the first fiber forming stream and the second stream to form a composite fiber forming stream and fibrillating the composite fiber forming stream into a coform fibrous web. Superabsorbent and filtration coform fibrous materials for filtration and produced using the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a wood-fiber board, which has a pattern on the top, in that glued wood fibers are scattered at least one layer to form a fiber cake, and the fiber cake is subsequently compressed under pressure and temperature to form a board of the desired thickness, is characterized in that the pattern is applied to the fiber cake before compression. An installation for producing a wood-fiber board with a scattering device, by means of which a fiber cake comprising at least one layer of wood fibers glued with resin is scattered, and a conveyor device, which conveys the fiber cake in a process direction to a pressing device in which the fiber cake is pressed to form a board of the desired thickness, is characterized in that a printing device is arranged above the conveyor device between the scattering device and the pressing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer film made of a polyamide composition comprising at least 80 weight percentage (wt. %) of a semi-crystalline semi-aromatic polyamide with a melting temperature (Tm) of at least 270° C., wherein the wt. % is relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, wherein the polymer film has an average coefficient of thermal expansion in plane in the temperature range of 20° C.-Tg, measured in plane with the method according to ASTM D969-08, of at most 40 ppm/K. The said film can be made from a polyamide moulding composition comprising said polyamide by film casting followed by biaxial stretching. The film has properties suitable for carrier films in flexible printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A system for continuous High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam production. A (HIPE) is produced then extruded onto a carrier sheet positioned on a belt surface.

Abstract: A method for laying carbon nanotube film includes following steps. A carbon nanotube film is provided. The carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotube strings substantially parallel to each other and extending along a first direction. The carbon nanotube film is stretched along a second direction substantially perpendicular with the first direction to form a deformation along the second direction. The carbon nanotube film is placed on a surface of a substrate. The deformation along the second direction is kept.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for producing nanofibers and non-woven nanofibrous materials from polymer melts, liquids and particles using a two-phase flow nozzle. The process comprises supplying a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas stream to a two-phase flow nozzle; injecting the polymer melt and the pressurized gas stream into a mixing chamber within the two-phase flow nozzle wherein the mixing chamber combines the polymer flow and pressurized gas into a two-phase flow; distributing the two-phase flow uniformly to a converging channel terminating into an channel exit wherein the converging channel accelerates the two-phase flow creating a polymeric film along the surface of the converging channel and fibrillating the polymeric film at the channel exit of the converging channel in the form of a plurality of nanofibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing and/or applying a substantially planar material combination which is formed from at least two surface regions and has a predefined combined width, combined height, and/or combined length. Said device comprises a conveying unit that defines a direction of travel and has a conveying surface. The device also comprises an application unit including an application nozzle which has a slit-shaped outlet extending substantially transverse to the direction of application and which allows the first surface region made of a first extrudate and the second surface region made of a second extrudate to be extruded onto the conveying surface. The application nozzle (8) comprises at least one conveying unit (22; 22?) for conveying an extrudate onto the conveying surface. The conveying unit allows the conveyed volume, the conveyed mass, the conveying speed, and/or the conveying time of at least one of the extrudates to be controlled.

Abstract: A method of making scrolls is provided that includes providing a tape having a first side and second side wherein the first side of the tape is has an adhesive disposed thereon and the second side of the tape has a release coating disposed thereon, affixing the adhesive to a solid surface, buff-coating exfoliatable particles on the release side of the tape to form a coating; and peeling the tape from the solid surface at an angle. The coating separates from the release side of the tape and curls inwards to form scrolls. The scrolls can include graphite. Also provided is a continuous method of making scrolls and an apparatus.

Abstract: Fabrication of fibers using links of nanotubes including slicing a first nanotube rope from a nanotube forest. The method further includes wrapping the first nanotube rope in a first plurality of circuitous turns to create a first link. The method further includes slicing a second nanotube rope from the nanotube forest. The method further includes wrapping the second nanotube rope in a second plurality of circuitous turns to create a second link, wherein the second link is interconnected to the first link in a chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press felt for use in the press section of a paper machine. Said felt comprises a nonwoven layer lying on one of its surfaces, the surface of said layer being connected and fixed to the felt by a thermoplastic binding material. According to the invention, the surface of the nonwoven layer is smoothed by the application of pressure from a smooth surface during the cooling of said layer surface from a temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the thermoplastic binding material to a temperature below the melting temperature. To manufacture the press felt, an untreated press felt, which contains the nonwoven layer and the thermoplastic binding agent is first produced, the thermoplastic binding agent being distributed in the nonwoven layer in the form of thermoplastic adhesive fibres and/or a thermoplastic adhesive component of bicomponent fibres.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on fibers and on a crosslinkable resin, by continuous winding and superposition of several layers of a tape of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising a crosslinkable resin. The process comprises from upstream to downstream, the following steps: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcement fibers (11) and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement (12) of fibers by the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating said arrangement (12) of fibers under vacuum with said resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to make said pre-preg into the form of a tape (21) composed of reinforcement fibers (11) in their liquid resin (17) matrix, the thickness of said tape being less than 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: A method of making a substrate having multi-layered structures thereon, the method comprising the steps of (a) applying a mold having an imprint forming surface to the substrate to form an array of imprint structures that projects from the substrate; and (b) applying a lateral force that is substantially normal to said projecting imprint structures to cause said imprint structures to move angularly towards said substrate and thereby form a pattern of multi-layered structures thereon.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer comprising a polyimide polymer and a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene. A method of manufacturing a fuser member containing a polyimide polymer and a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene is presented.

Abstract: Retardation expressibility of a transparent polymer film can be easily controlled by heat treatment of the film at a temperature T (unit, ° C.) satisfying a condition of the following formula (1): Tc?T<Tm0??Formula (1) wherein Tc represents the crystallization temperature (unit, ° C.) of the film before the heat treatment; and Tm0 represents the melting point (unit, ° C.) of the film before the heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tubular body, includes: attaching a first member to an outer or inner peripheral surface of one end in an axial direction of a cylindrical core, along a circumferential direction of the peripheral surface thereof; applying a first resin solution on the peripheral surface, to cover it and the peripheral surface of one end of the first member closer to the center of the core, and to form a coating (first coat film); attaching a second member to the peripheral surface of the end of the first coat film on the side where the first member has been attached; applying a second resin solution on the peripheral surface of the first coat film, to cover it and the peripheral surface of the end of the second member closer to the center, and to form a coating (second coat film); peeling off the first and second members.

Abstract: An optical film comprising: a resin material; and an additive in an amount of at least 0.3% by mass based on the resin material, wherein when the optical film is divided into 10 equal portions in a thickness direction of the optical film, an amount of the additive existing in each of 8 portions excepting the two outermost layer portions of the 10 equal portions is from 80 to 120% based on a mean additive amount in an entire optical film; a method for producing it; an optically-compensatory film, a polarizing plate and a liquid-crystal display device that comprise the optical film.

Abstract: A process for electroblowing a multiple layered sheet using multiple spinning beams to produce different component webs wherein the sheet doesn't stick to the forming screen and has improved web stability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition according to the invention comprise those that facilitate continuously providing polymerizable composition comprising one or more monomers to an angled plane at an elevated position thereon; irradiating the polymerizable composition to form the partially polymerized composition; and continuously removing the partially polymerized composition from the angled plane at a lower position thereon, wherein the angle of the angled plane facilitates free flow of polymerizing composition from the elevated position to the lower position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreatment of slider layer for extruded handrails has a slider layer source, a means of conveying the slider layer to a heating module which subjects the slider layer to an elevated temperature for a residence time, and a means of conveying the slider layer to an extrusion die head. One or more control feeders may be implemented for maintaining portions of the slider layer in a substantially tension-free loop as the slider layer is conveyed from the slider layer source to the extrusion die head. A cooling zone may be included to ensure adequate cooling between the heating module and the extrusion die head. Means for reducing heat transfer between the extrusion die head and the slider layer is also provided.

Abstract: A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A surgical product being a swab or sponge (10, 40), the surgical product including a nonwoven sheet (81, 42, 44) made up of multiple layers of a non-woven synthetic material and including a detectable element in the form of an X-ray- or radio-detectable element (50, 52, 60).

Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing preform materials for impact-resistant composite materials suitable for liquid molding. Interlayers formed of nonwoven, continuous fibers, such as spunbonded, spunlaced, or mesh fabric, are introduced between non-crimped layers of unidirectional reinforcing fibers to produce a preform for use in liquid-molding processes to produce a composite member. Curing of the preform provides increased impact resistance by increasing the amount of energy required to propagate localized fractures due to impact.

Abstract: A system for forming a spun bond nonwoven web from extruded polymer filaments includes a spinneret including a plurality of orifices to extrude a plurality of continuous polymeric filaments, and a pressure quench chamber including a top located proximate and below the spinneret and bounded peripherally by surfaces. The quench chamber includes an ingress opening extending substantially across the width of a top of the quench chamber to receive filaments from the spinneret and a chamber exit nozzle extending substantially across the width of a bottom of the quench chamber.

Abstract: A method for controlling positive birefringence in an optical compensation film (positive C-plate) having high positive birefringence throughout the wavelength range 400 nm<?<800 nm is provided. The method includes selecting polymers with optically anisotropic subunits (OASUs) that exhibit the buttressing effect, wherein the OASUs may be disks, mesogens or aromatic rings substituted with birefringence enhancing substituents. The method further includes processing the polymer by solution casting to yield a polymer film with high birefringence without the need for stretching, photopolymerization, or other processes. These optical compensation films may be used in LCDs, particularly IPS-LCDs.

Abstract: A material layering device. A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. The distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of an substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical film having a reduced thickness and an increased width, which is free from bleedout with the elapse of time (during storage) in a continuous wound state, a method for manufacturing an optical film, and a polarizing plate using the optical film. The optical film is a plasticizer-containing optical film having an overall width of 1500 mm to 4000 mm produced by a solution casting method. The amount of the plasticizer present in the center portion in the surface side of the optical film is determined as value A by TOF-SIMS. The amount of the plasticizer present in the center portion in the back side is determined as value B by the TOF-SIMS. Value X is determined by formula 1 based on the values A and B. The amount of the plasticizer present in the end portion in the surface side of the optical film is determined as value A? by TOF-SIMS, and the amount of the plasticizer present in the end portion of the back side is determined as value B? by the TOF-SIMS.

Abstract: A roofing panel, a roof, an array of roofing panels, and a method of manufacturing a roofing panel by transporting a capstock layer of the roofing panel through a moving belt mold, and forming a polymeric material in situ against the outer layer while in a mold cavity of the moving belt mold. The capstock layer is vacuum formed to shape and form a plurality of roofing shingles and to impress the shingles with surface topography features simulating natural materials.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.