Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a right angle connector onto a tube end portion. The tube end portion is positioned in a mold cavity; an axially extending core is positioned in the mold cavity with the axis of the core at a right angle to the axis of the tube end portion and with an inboard end of the core positioned proximate the open end of the tube end portion; a molten plastic material is injected into the mold cavity in surrounding relation to the core and the tube end portion; and the core is removed to form a connector fixedly secured to the tube end portion and having a central axial bore communicating with the open end of the tube, extending at a right angle to the central axis of the tube end portion, and conforming to the configuration of the core.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a super-thin advertising and decorative zipper tab, comprising the following steps: 1) casting the first mold with one end of a soft string disposed therein; 2) providing a sprue on the first mold at a position under the soft string before closing the first mold and injecting plastic to conjunct the soft string within the first molding blank; and 3) placing the molding blank into a second mold such that a sprue is provided at a position above the soft string before closing the second mold and injecting plastic to conjunct half of the second molding blank with the soft string, in order to manufacture a super-thin advertising and decorative tab.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a dashboard subassembly comprising electrical and/or electronic components (1) connected to conductors (2) and attached to a rigid support (3). The invention is characterized in that it consists in: providing a flexible mat (4) provided with said conductors (2); mounting said components (1) on said mat (4), connected to said electrical conductors (2); rigidizing said mat (4) by overmoulding it with a material designed to form said support (3). The invention also concerns a dashboard subassembly, in particular a motor vehicle dashboard console, obtained by said method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a miniature hard disc drive having a metal base plate, an actuator assembly wherein the actuator assembly comprises a plurality of bearings, a shaft, and a housing; a spindle motor assembly comprising a stator with conductors, a shaft, a plurality of bearings, and a rotor; and a monolithic body of phase change material unitizing said actuator assembly housing and stator to the base plate. Methods of developing and constructing the hard disc drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a headliner assembly includes forming a main body blank having a periphery in a shape corresponding to a desired shape of the headliner assembly, the mold has a correspondingly shaped surface with a recess including an intermediate wall portion. The method includes introducing foam into the recess to simultaneously form at least one foam beam enclosing a selected component area, and join the at least one beam to the main body. The intermediate wall can be an accessory, and the beam may be formed to surround the component area. Additional foam application may be included to acoustically control the headliner's response to buzz, squeaks and rattles.

Abstract: A mold for casting a cover for a golf ball is disclosed herein. The mold is composed of a first mold half and a second mold half. Each mold half has an internal hemispherical cavity and a plurality of recesses in flow communication with the internal hemispherical cavity. The recesses are preferably concave on one side of the parting line and convex on the opposing side of the parting line. Preferably, the mold assembly is utilized to mold a polyurethane cover on a golf ball precursor product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing gross location, planarization, and mechanical restraint to one or more electronic components such as semiconductor dice to be subjected to stereolithographic processing. A double platen assembly including a first platen and a second platen mutually removably connected and configured and arranged to substantially secure an electronic component assembly in position therebetween. At least one of the platens is configured such that a portion of electronic components of a carrier substrate secured by the double platen assembly is viewable for exposure to an energy beam such as a laser beam used to cure a liquid into an associated dielectric stereolithographic packaging structure. Another embodiment includes the use of an adhesive-coated film for holding, locating and securing a plurality of individual electronic components for processing. A method of forming solder balls is 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 headliner assembly, for use with a vehicle having a roof, includes a headliner body that is positionable proximate the roof, and a support frame attached to the headliner body. The support frame cooperates with the headliner body to provide a sufficient structural characteristic such that the headliner assembly is self-supporting.

Abstract: A method for producing an injected moulded product includes producing a first injection moulded layer having an external and an internal surface, of which the external surface is directed towards a front face of the injection moulded product. A foil is attache to the first injection moulded layer. The foil has first and second sides, and there is at least one pattern on the foil. The foil is placed against the internal surface of the first injection moulded layer. The injection moulded product my include a second injection moulded layer so hat the first injection moulded layer, the foil and said second injection moulded layer constitute, in this order, an integral layered structure. The first side of the foil is next to the internal surface of the first injection moulded layer and said second injection moulded layer is next to the second side of the foil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a multi-layered molded synthetic part comprising a preformed elastomeric molded skin (5), a molded carrier (8) of a thermoplastic material and optionally an intermediate foam layer (6). In this method, the elastomeric skin (5) is molded in a first step and the thermoplastic material for the carrier (8) is subsequently molded in molten state to the back of said molded skin (5). According to the invention, the molded skin is made of a thermosetting synthetic material. Compared to a thermoplastic skin, such a thermosetting skin is less subjected to visible defects, in particular in case it has been provided with a superficial texture such as a leather grain, when the thermoplastic carrier is molded thereto. Molding of the thermoplastic carrier can be done by an injection molding, an injection pressure molding or a low pressure molding technique.

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 of casting a portion of a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a single component that is blocked and stable at a first predetermined temperature and becomes unblocked at a second predetermined temperature, wherein said second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature; and reacting said single component at the second predetermined temperature to form the surrounding layer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing an antiperspirant product that includes an application surface having two portions having different compositions, e.g., a product having two sections having the same composition but separated by a third section (for instance, a central stripe) having a different composition.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injection-molding plastic material articles, in particular articles consisting of a plurality of components, are disclosed. An injection molding machine has a mold, e.g. a stack mold. The mold is adapted to be temperature-controlled differently in different areas of the mold. A center platen of the stack mold on a first side thereof cooperates with a first mold portion via a first separation plane and, on a second side thereof cooperates with a second mold portion via a second separation plane. The stack mold is provided with a plurality of first, smaller cavities as well as with a plurality of second, larger cavities. A device are provided for injection-molding the first components of the plastic material article in first cavities located in the first separation plane and injection-molding the second components on the first components within the second cavities.

Abstract: A decorative door molding includes an elongated panel having a contoured top surface. The contoured top surface has at least a first and second raised portion extending along the top surface. The first and second raised portions have a first and a second predetermined height and form a recessed portion. A raised decorative portion is formed on at least a portion of the recessed portion and has a height that is less than the smaller of the first and second predetermined heights. A decorative door is also provided that includes a generally rectangular frame and an interior panel connected to the frame. The frame includes at least one panel having the contoured surface. The contoured surface has first and second raised portions having first and second predetermined heights. The first and second raised portions form a recessed portion. A raised decorative portion is formed on at least a portion of the recessed portion and has a height that is less than the smaller of the first and second predetermined heights.

Abstract: A tool handle having a central gripping portion joined with a pair of opposed fastening portions. The gripping portion has an internal shell with an overcoating. The overcoating is two-part having first and second external sections having at least one different characteristic. The first overcoating section is applied in a first mold and thereafter the resulting structure is placed in a second mold wherein molding material is flowed through a channel in the interior of said shell from an underside of the handle to an exterior surface of the shell. The first and second sections cooperate to produce a continuous overcoating having sections with different characteristics that are free from molding blemishes.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer insulator and an end processing apparatus utilized for the method. The insulator has a core, an overcoat member arranged on the core, and a fitting member for securing the core at its both ends, wherein the core and the fitting member are secured under pressure at both ends of the core by contacting a ring-shaped protrusion portion arranged at both ends of the overcoat member to an open inner end of the fitting member. The method includes the steps of: forming the overcoat member on the core; forming the ring-shaped protrusion portion integrally with the overcoat member by processing an end portion of the overcoat member, and securing the fitting member.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a wafer carrier including injection molding a wafer support structure. The wafer support structure has a plurality of wafer support shelves extending therefrom. The process further includes molding a wafer contact portion on each of the wafer support shelves. The wafer contact portions bond with the wafer support shelves without mechanical fasteners between the wafer contact portions and the wafer support shelves. The process also includes overmolding a shell over the wafer support structure to form the wafer carrier. The shell bonds with the wafer support structure without mechanical fasteners between the shell and the wafer support structure. The wafer contact portions define a plurality of slots for holding a plurality of wafers.

Abstract: A contoured wall and method is disclosed for creating the contour and appearance of a wall formed from individual assembled units such as stones. The wall is formed from a plurality of mating form liners each having a reciprocal contoured surface to that of the desired stone wall. The wall is formed from hardenable construction material such as concrete poured between two mold members with the form liners attached to at least one of the mold members. Each of the form liners has a lateral relief mold face adapted to provide a molded surface having the contour of a stone wall. Each lateral relief mold face of the form liners has a latticework non-linear mortar-forming interlocking portion surrounding stone-forming recessed portions. The form liners are positionable in a plurality of arrangements wherein the interlocking portions and recessed portions along the mating edge of each form liner mate along mating edge of the adjacent form liner to form a continuous lateral relief mold face.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel unit having a curved panel and a directly extruded molding. The peripheral edge of the curved panel is moved relative to an extrusion port of an extrusion molding die and a resin molding material is simultaneously extruded directly onto a peripheral edge of the curved panel. While extruding the molding material, the peripheral edge of the curved panel is tilted in response to movement of the curved panel relative to the extrusion port in order to maintain a constant angle between the peripheral edge of the curved panel and the extrusion port.

Abstract: A disc cable capable of preventing occurrence of fine pieces of a metal wire material caused by wear and damage of a metal wire and preventing mixing of the fine pieces into feed is provided. A cover layer 5 formed of synthetic resin is formed on the surface of a metal wire 4, and a groove-like part 6 to which the surface of the metal wire 4 is exposed is formed not forming a part of the cover layer 5 in a predetermined spacing relation in a longitudinal direction of a cable 2. Then, a disc 3 formed of synthetic resin is molded, and the synthetic resin is flown into the groove-like part 6 to form a protrusion 8 on the disc 3 to fixedly mount it on the cable 2 to produce a disc cable 1 having the discs 3 disposed in a predetermined spacing relation on the cable 2.

Abstract: An elastic doll capable of being bent at sites therein which are to be bent and kept from being bent at sites therein which are not to be bent, to thereby be deformed in a natural manner and capable of being downsized. The elastic doll includes a trunk (1), arms (2) and legs (3) in which a skeleton member (7) is embedded. The skeleton member (7) is constituted by first cores (8) made of metal and arranged at sites in the doll corresponding to joints and second cores made of rigid synthetic resin and arranged at sites in the doll corresponding to distal ends thereof and positions between joints adjacent to each other. The first cores (8) and second cores (9) are connected to each other, wherein the first cores (8) are covered with synthetic resin (6a) as required. The skeleton member (7) is covered with a skin/flesh member (6) made of soft synthetic resin.

Abstract: An illuminated cover and a method of making such a cover. An electroluminescent foil overlies a thin, rigid support base, and an insulating foil overlies the electroluminescent foil. A first opening allows insertion of an electrical connector for the electroluminescent foil. A second opening allows insertion of a control key of a device covered by the decorative cover. The covered electronic device further includes a printed circuit board having electronic components mounted on it, including the control key. A connector extends into the first opening to connect the electroluminescent foil to circuitry on the printed circuit board so as to provide electrical power to the electroluminescent foil. A graphic can be included between the electroluminescent foil and the insulating foil. The cover is made by a molding method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel unit including a panel and a directly extruded molding. The peripheral edge of a panel is moved along a predetermined orbital path with respect to an extrusion port of a molding die, and a resin molding material is simultaneously extruded directly onto the peripheral edge of the panel. The directly extruded molding has a predetermined external dimension, irrespective of the external dimension of the panel.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite molded article is described. The composite molded article includes: (i) at least one base body (1) having a contoured surface; (ii) at least one first thermoplastic part (4, 5, 6); and (iii) at least one second thermoplastic part (2, 3), each of the first and second thermoplastic parts being joined to the base body. The process includes, (a) providing a multicomponent injection molding tool (20) having at least two separate melt flow-way systems and at least two cavities in which each of the first and second thermoplastic parts are separately formed, each of the cavities are in separate communication with each of the separate melt flow-way systems. The base body is placed into the molding tool in a second step (b). The cavities of the mold are separated from each other by a combination of the contoured surface of the base body and sealing edges of the molding tool that abut the contoured surface of the base body.

Abstract: As illuminated cover, a method of making such a cover, and a covered electronic device. An electroluminescent foil overlies a thin, rigid support base, and an insulating foil overlies the electroluminescent foil. A first opening allows insertion of an electrical connector for the electroluminescent foil. A second opening allows insertion of a control key of an electronic device covered by the decorative cover. The covered electronic device further includes a printed circuit board having electronic components mounted on it, including the control key. A connector extends into the first opening to connect the electroluminescent foil to circuitry on the printed circuit board so as to provide electrical power to the electroluminescent foil. A second base cooperates with the support base to enclose the electronic device. A graphic can be included between the electroluminescent foil and the insulating foil. The cover is made by a molding method.

Abstract: A method of forming a trade mark decoration on a soft ribbon stripe comprising the steps of thermal pressing a combination end of the ribbon stripe to cure the texture of the ribbon stripe and increase the gaps of the texture; fastening the combination end onto a mold; mixing ejection molding material with a material similar or alike the material of the ribbon stripe so that these materials can form as one unit when melt; high pressure ejection molding the ribbon stripe to combine with a primary blank plastic material and a produced trade mark pattern being formed on the primary blank plastic material; placing the first ejection molded primary blank plastic material into the mold for second ejection molding and the protruded trade mark pattern being located at a recess of the second mold; and processing to a second ejection molding to enclose the primary blank plastic material at the exterior thereof to form an ornamental article.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to interior trim parts such as door panels that are attached to an interior sheet in a motor vehicle. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming the trim part having an outer surface and an inner surface is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate having a first side and a second side and disposing the substrate in a molding tool, the molding tool has an upper mold and a lower mold. Engaging the first side of the substrate with the upper mold and the second side of the substrate with the lower mold. The first side is subject to compression molding such that the first side forms the outer surface of the trim part and injection molding an attachment surface to the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for a hand tool and a method for the manufacture of the handle. The problem of the invention is to provide a handle for a hand tool, whose surface is formed from areas of distinguishable materials and which simultaneously has a good and pleasant grippability. A handle according to the invention for a hand tool, particularly a turning tool, is made from plastic. It has a surface from flush-connected areas of distinguishable materials. The two materials can be distinguished from one another.

Abstract: A chip-on-flex HDI module is fabricated by dispensing encapsulant material onto the components of a populated dielectric film or sheet in an interrupted pattern which leaves the backsides of selected components free of encapsulant. The dispensing is accomplished by relative motion of the dispenser tip and the populated film, with the dispenser tip at a height slightly above the desired liquid fill height during dispensing. At the locations of the components which are to be free of encapsulant, the dispensing stops, and the tip may be raised to prevent residual viscous matter on the dispenser tip from contacting the backside of the exposed component.

Abstract: A method of using a multi-purpose processing apparatus for simultaneously performing an injection molding operation and a cutting/forming operation. The multi-purpose apparatus places a forming operation into unused space within the injection molding machine, thereby utilizing the already present injection molding clamping pressure to pressure form parts. The apparatus results in a method that combines the three steps of forming, cutting, and injection molding into one continuous operation performed within the injection molding machine, as well as eliminating the need for numerous pre-injection molding steps.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing an antiperspirant or deodorant product within a container, the product having an application surface that includes first and second portions having different compositions. The methods generally include (a) delivering to an open end of the container, through a first delivery nozzle, a first composition that will form the first portion, and, through a separate second delivery nozzle, a second composition that will form the second portion, the first and second compositions being in molten form during delivery, (b) providing a barrier between the first and second compositions to prevent intermingling thereof, (c) allowing the first and second compositions to solidify to form the product; and (d) removing the barrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a golf ball comprising a core and polyurethane cover. The present invention relates to a method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of: (a) forming a core, and (b) putting polyurethane cover composition into a first half mold and allowing the composition to be made to a given gel state; turning the first mold upside down so as to position it above a core half mold placing the core therein; clamping the molds and press molding to form an intermediate molded article of golf ball; putting the composition into a second half mold and allowing the composition to be made to a given gel state in the same manner as the step (i); positioning the second mold below the first mold; clamping the molds and press molding to cover the other half of the surface of the core with the polyurethane cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of composite insulators consisting of a shank in the form of a bar or a tube, which is provided with a covering and which comprises plate-like screens which are distanced from each other. The covering and the screens are made of an elastomer material with high insulating qualities. As a result, the number, distance, form and size of the screens can vary from insulator to insulator. According to the invention, at least one injection mould (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) for injecting a screen (2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 20, 21, 22) is arranged downstream from a device which is used to provide the shank (1) with a covering. The injection mould can be advanced in order to inject a screen upon the shank and opened in order to unmould said screen. An advancing device is also provided in order to displace (16) the shank (1) or the screen mould.

Abstract: An injection molded component having at least one structural layer of material and at least one fuel vapor barrier layer carried by the structural layer, and a method of making it utilizing separately injection molded structural and fuel vapor barrier layers. The vapor barrier layer may be trapped between two other interconnected layers, or may be bonded to a structural layer by an adhesive. In one form, a fuel vapor barrier layer and a structural layer are separately molded onto a preformed adhesive layer. Desirably, the heat generated during the steps of molding both the vapor barrier layer and the structural layer onto the adhesive layer is sufficient to activate the adhesive and bond the layers together. In another form, a fuel vapor barrier layer is bonded to a layer comprised of a blend of structural and adhesive materials. In yet another form, a fuel vapor barrier layer is disposed and captured between two interconnected structural layers.

Abstract: A housing member for an actuator assembly for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in a mirror assembly provides integral weather seals and noise dampeners. The weather seals and noise dampeners are injection molded with or onto a base wall of the housing member to thereby form seals and dampeners that have superior adhesion or mechanical retention to the housing member and, therefore, are not subject to degradation from noise. In addition, the integral seals and dampeners reduce the time and cost of assembling and servicing the actuator assembly. The housing member includes a base wall, and a sidewall which connects to the base wall and extends around the perimeter of the base wall. The side wall includes connectors for securing the first housing to the second housing.

Abstract: In an automobile interior component which is upholstered in a side-panel of a vehicle and its manufacturing method, in order to suppress the generation of sharp edged fragments in a collision for improving safety for vehicle occupants, high-impact-resistant core members with a rubber base ingredient are placed in an impact area and an interference area to interfere with other parts of the interior component. This avoids sharp-edged fragments being generated in a collision because of ductile breakdown of the high-impact-resistant core members enabling increased shock absorbing function and the use of inexpensive surface skin members as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vehicle cup holder arm, and a vehicle cup holder assembly produced thereby. The method includes injection molding a first material to form a base including an attachment feature adapted for engagement within an aperture adjacent a cup holder opening in a vehicle. A second material is injection molded to form an arm cup around the base and includes an arm. The second material does not chemically bond to the first material so that the arm cup and arm are rotatable with respect to the base for adjustably securing a cup in the cup holder opening. A third material is injection molded onto the arm to form a soft rubber grip for engaging a cup. The cup holder arm may be movable vertically for adjustment with respect to differently-sized cups.

Abstract: A process for forming a molded plastic layer on a metal plate includes the steps of forming a plurality of posts that extend through and that are bonded to the metal plate in a first mold, placing the metal plate with the posts in a mold cavity of a second mold such that the posts abut against inner wall of the second mold and such that the metal plate partitions the second mold cavity into upper and lower mold sub-cavities, and introducing a resin into the upper and lower mold sub-cavities to form the molded plastic layer which encloses the metal plate.

Abstract: A method for plugging a selected subset of cell channels of a honeycomb structure having a multiplicity of mutually adjoining cell channels which have open ends at and extend throughout the structure between opposing end faces thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a high-tension insulator comprising an elongated central solid or hollow body (1), a synthetic material shield layer (6) and one or more synthetic material weathersheds (3) by the following steps:

Abstract: A multi-component button and a method of making it. The button includes a plastic core having a top surface with a projection in the shape of an icon upstanding on the top surface. A thin piece of metal is seated on the top surface of the core and receives the icon. A plastic shell engages the outer edges of the thin piece of metal and forms side and end walls around the core. The method includes forming the core, positioning the metal piece on the top of the core and molding a plastic shell around the outer edges of the metal sheet and the side and end walls of the core.

Abstract: A lead-free super-highly conductive plastic is formed of a conductive resin composition which includes a thermoplastic resin, a lead-free solder that melts during plasticization, and metal powder or a mixture of metal powder and metal short fibers that promotes the fine dispersion of particles of the lead-free solder within the thermoplastic resin. In the lead-free super-highly conductive plastic, since particles of the lead-free solder are connected with each other via solder melted within the plastic, the particles of the lead-free solder are mutually joined, so that high conductivity is attained.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to reduce irregularity of the amount of applying of the conductive paste applied for forming the side face electrode so as to be extended from a part of the side face of the component body up to a part of the face adjoining the side face, wherein the conductive paste is filled into the slit provided on the slit plate, and the component body is disposed with its side face toward the first principal face side of the slit plate, followed by allowing the shutter member to undergo elastic deformation toward the inside of the slit by compressing the shutter member comprising an elastic material with a projection on the compression member, thereby the conductive paste is applied so as to extend the paste from a part of the side face of the component body up to a part of the faces adjoining the side face while supplying the conductive paste on in the slit so as to swell on the first principal face.

Abstract: A molding tool for producing several assembly injection molded components, especially assembly injection molded switching dampers, which are combined into a subassembly by inserting an insertion part, and a method for producing such a subassembly from several components using the molding tool of the invention. The insertion part is encapsulated at least partially by one or more of the components to be injection molded, as a result of which a completely assembled subassembly is produced in the original molding process. This can be, for example, a switching damper assembly 18, which results from a common actuating shaft 17. In this way, assembly injection molded components 14, 15 with a complicated structure can be produced, for which a molding tool with only a single molding cavity would not be usable. The individual components 13 are produced in different mold cavities, which preferably are mounted rotatably on a carousel.

Abstract: A composite wafer carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an operative portion formed of a first thermoplastic material and a support portion formed of a second different thermoplastic material. One of the operative portion and support portion is overmolded onto the other to form a gapless hermitic interface that securely bonds the portions together. The operative portion may be a transparent window, a portion of a latching mechanism or a wafer contact portion. Preferred embodiments of the invention include wafer carriers with said features, process carriers with said features and a process for manufacturing wafer carriers with said features.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a wafer carrier including injection molding a wafer support structure. The wafer support structure has a plurality of wafer support shelves extending therefrom. The process further includes molding a wafer contact portion on each of the wafer support shelves. The wafer contact portions bond with the wafer support shelves without mechanical fasteners between the wafer contact portions and the wafer support shelves. The process also includes overmolding a shell over the wafer support structure to form the wafer carrier. The shell bonds with the wafer support structure without mechanical fasteners between the shell and the wafer support structure. The wafer contact portions define a plurality of slots for holding a plurality of wafers.

Abstract: A method which forms a part by molding and applies a coating by thermal spray in one operation, thereby reducing the time to make the composite part and extending the physical properties of the part. A molding machine (56) is coupled with a thermal spray system (24) so that a mold cavity (16) may be coated while the separable mold (10) is apart. The sprayed coating (28) may be any material suitable for thermal spray. The sprayed coating (28) is deposited with low bond strength to the mold and a high surface roughness for adhesion to the material being molded. After the thermal spray system (24) and mask (30) are retracted, the mold components are assembled and the molding material is introduced into the mold as in conventional molding. After solidication of the molding material, the part is ejected from the mold as a composite, consisting of a low melting point material bonded to a coating of either high or low melting point.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a transfer member suitable for use in an image forming system. A liquid polymer is applied to an internal surface of a rotating drum, spun flat, and cured in place. Additional components of the belt are applied to the rotating mold to form a multi-layered transfer member.