Abstract: Disclosed are composite compositions well suited for forming shaped articles which comprise thermoplastic polymer, cellulose, a coupling agent comprising anhydride moities, and a lubricant comprising an alkyl ester of carboxylic acid. Preferably the lubricant is substantially free of zinc stearate.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hardenable dental articles, packaged hardenable dental articles, and methods of packaging hardenable dental articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the manufacturing may involve molding a hardenable dental material in a mold cavity that may be lined with a mold liner. The mold body may also form the package of the hardenable dental article formed within the mold cavity. In other embodiments, the hardenable dental articles may be provided in mold cavities located in sacrificial mold bodies that may be torn, stretched, softened, dissolved, etc. to release the hardenable dental articles in the mold cavities.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus and a method of the same which form a residual film including a uniform thickness all over a substrate. The imprinting apparatus includes a substrate support which supports a substrate which is coated with an imprint resin on an upper surface thereof, an imprint mold arranged on an upper side of the substrate support and which forms a predetermined pattern by molding the imprint resin coated on the substrate, a pressure roller which pressurizes the imprint mold to adhere closely to the substrate, a pressure roller control unit which controls the pressure roller to change a moving velocity and an applied pressure of the pressure roller according to a position of the imprint mold, and a resin curing unit which cures the imprint resin on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of strengthening a boundary region between a first portion and a second portion of a fibrous body for absorbent articles. This boundary region is provided with a pattern of compressed spots, the amount of compression being gradually increasing in a direction leading away from an edge of the first portion of the fibrous body. Also, an apparatus for performing the method and an absorbent body having a strengthened boundary region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a clay slab includes a frame, a front panel supported on the frame and a rear panel supported on the frame. An outer cable is attached to the rear panel at one end and to the rear panel and to the front panel at another end. A rotatable drive axle is configured to simultaneously wind and unwind the outer cable and thereby move the front panel and the rear panel from an initial position to an intermediate position to draw a block of prepared clay into a gap defined by the front panel and the rear panel. The drive axle is further configured to simultaneously wind and unwind the outer cable in the opposite direction and thereby move the front panel and the rear panel from the intermediate position back to the initial position to remove the clay slab from the slab roller.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plate-like structure, the method including a step of transferring concave and convex patterns on a master to a surface of a transferred substrate by sandwiching the master provided with the concave and convex patterns and the transferred substrate, between a press surface of a hollow cylindrical upper and a press surface of a lower mold, and pressurizing central parts of the upper and lower molds to apply pressure to the master and the transferred substrate, wherein a compressive load imposed on inner peripheral portions of the upper and lower molds is blocked and distributed toward outer peripheries of the upper and lower molds.

Abstract: Process for molding sheets possessing, locally, a three-dimensional projecting or recessed structure , in which a blank sheet is placed between the two parts of a mold, the surface of which corresponds to the negative of said three-dimensional structure. At least one portion of the surface of the mould surrounding said negative possesses a feature intended to form a local reservoir able to supply or receive material of the three-dimensional structure depending on whether it is projecting or recessed, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the magnitude of multiple harmonics of uniformity characteristics in a cured tire is claimed. A signal is generated which indicates the magnitude of the uniformity characteristic. A ring containing multiple plates is utilized to permanently deform portions of the carcass reinforcing member of the tire at locations indicated by the signal. The configuration of the plates is automatically determined based on the tire radial force variation waveform and the number of plates used.

Abstract: A panel or housing part of a vehicle is made by heating a semifinished product comprising at least one core layer in the form of a nonwoven fabric made of high melting-point and low melting-point fibers above a melting temperature of the low melting-point fibers and shaping the heated semifinished body under pressure in a mold having a mold gap to produce the panel or housing part. The semifinished product is compacted in the mold in some highly densified regions at the edge of the panel or housing part and/or at a spacing from the edge to produce monolithic regions that are substantially free of gas inclusions such that the material of the semifinished product in these highly densified regions flows along the mold gap, while maintaining in other regions the porosity of the nonwoven fabric of the core layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a shingle, together with the shingle made thereby, is provided, in which one or more thermoplastic materials are extruded or co-extruded to form an extrudate, with the extrudate being cut into a preliminary shingle shape, which is allowed to dissipate heat, and then is delivered to a compression mold, wherein the preliminary shingle shape is compression molded to substantially its final dimensions and is then discharged from the mold and allowed to cool.

Abstract: A honeycomb containing a thermoplastic material, high modulus fiber and thermoset resin has process steps of fracturing the thermoset resin, bending, molding or forming the honeycomb in a mold or over a form, heating to allow flow of thermoplastic material and cooling of the honeycomb to retain the shape of the mold or form.

Abstract: A mould for moulding braking bands with ventilation ducts with the use of composite material and, in particular, of C/SiC ceramic material, comprises two half-moulds with respective impression surfaces which face one another and lie perpendicular to an axis of symmetry and which, together with outer and inner cylindrical walls, define a moulding cavity in the shape of the braking band to be moulded. The mould also has pin elements which have the shape of the ventilation ducts and which can be transferred by secondary actuating means from a rest position to a working position and vice versa, the pin elements being outside the moulding cavity in the rest position and the pin elements being inserted in the moulding cavity in the working position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator barrel having a fingergrip with one or more gripping structures that have an acute edge for improved gripping. Preferably, the one or more gripping structures are one or more embossed ring-like structures. The present invention also provides a method for forming the one or more gripping structures on the applicator barrel. The method preferably includes forming at least one embossed ring-like gripping structure on the barrel such that the radial compressive strength of the applicator barrel is not compromised.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfabricated ultrasonic transducer with curvature. The curvature is made possible by thinning the substrate such that it is flexible enough to be mounted on an assembly with the desired curvature. In one aspect of the invention, the substrate can contain electronic circuits. In another aspect, the assembly mounting can incorporate curved damping materials that serve to remove undesirable substrate modes.

Abstract: A decorating sheet comprises a transparent resin substrate sheet 1 and a glossy layer 2 laminated to the back surface of the transparent resin substrate sheet 1, and the front surface of the transparent resin substrate sheet 1 is divided into high-gloss portions H and low-gloss portions L. The transparent resin substrate sheet 1 is thick at the high-gloss portions and thin at the low-gloss portions, and, owing to these portions, the decorating sheet can provide a pattern that is visually sensed as if it were a three-dimensional pattern. This transparent resin substrate sheet 1 is composed of two layers, a crystalline resin layer 11 and a non-crystalline resin layer 12. A decorated molded product Pd can be obtained by laminating this decorating sheet to a resin molded product 5.

Abstract: A manufacturing process that comprises placing an article within a particulate medium (4), the article being provided with a molded body (8) of small ceramic particles. On application of heat and pressure the small ceramic particles are pushed between the particulate medium (4) to permit localized deformation of the article (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for distributing tablet blanks to the dies of a tablet press. The present invention moreover relates to a system consisting of the device according to the invention and a tablet press and to a method for forming tablets from tablet blanks.

Abstract: The invention provides a preform insulating end cone suitable for forming the end cone of a pollution control device. The preform insulating end cone includes a cone shaped intumescent or non-intumescent sheet material. The sheet material has a plurality of slits enabling the sheet material to be cone shaped. A shape retaining element is in intimate contact with the intumescent sheet material. The shape retaining element enables the intumescent sheet material to maintain a cone shape. The invention also provides methods of making preform insulating end cones of the invention.

Abstract: A mold for forming, molding or welding thermoplastic tubing extends through the aperture of an apertured spool supporting an RF energized coil to inductively heat a center section of the mold. A source of air is channeled through a manifold to flow about the center section of the mold and through the space between the mold and the aperture in the spool to rapidly cool the mold. Thermal chokes on each side of the center section of the mold impede heat transfer and a heat sink connected to each thermal choke serves to dissipate any heat build up. The spool may be translated along the center section of the mold to a predetermined location commensurate with a predetermined heat profile. The mold includes a passageway extending therethrough for receiving the tubing; by appropriate dimensioning, the passageway will accommodate the use of a mandrel to support the tubing to be formed, molded or welded.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the stacking height of stackable products during compression molding off stops includes slides that are movable into and out of an end of blind pockets in a compression mold in which the stack height surfaces are formed during the molding cycle. The slides are held in a retracted position until after the mold is closed and the molding compound flows to the shape of the molding cavity inside the mold including the blind pockets. Then the slides are extended into the ends of the respective blind pockets the same distance to compress the molding compound and obtain the desired height of the stack height surfaces formed by the blind pockets.

Abstract: A separator material suitable for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and a method of producing the same. The separator material exhibiting gas impermeability, strength, dimensional stability during long-term use, and only a small degree of dissolution of organic substances which hinder the cell reaction. The separator material includes a graphite/cured resin molded product produced by binding a graphite powder using a mixed resin prepared by mixing an epoxy resin with a specific epoxy equivalent and a phenolic resin with a specific hydroxyl equivalent at a specific equivalent ratio and adding an imidazole compound without an amino group as a curing accelerator. The graphite/cured resin molded product has, when immersed in hot water at 90° C., a water absorption elongation percentage after 500 hours of immersion of a specific value or less and an amount of ammonium ions dissolved and an amount of TOC dissolved after 50 hours of immersion of specific values or less.

Abstract: Novel polymer shrink tubes, such as fluoropolymer shrink tubes and novel uses thereof. The polymer shrink tubes include at least one three-dimensional pattern formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube. The polymer shrink tubes can be used for, for example, embossing a pattern into a polymer tube. Further use includes, for example, forming a catheter with at least one channel located in the catheter wall.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a stabilized product from a pledget, including the steps of providing a pledget, a transfer member having an expandable portion, and a stabilization mold having an interior surface defining an interior cavity. The pledget is pushed into the mold by the transfer member so that the expandable portion is within the interior cavity of the mold. The pledget is compressed in the mold by the transfer member to form a compressed pledget. The expandable portion of the transfer member is expanded to form a seal with the interior surface of said mold. The compressed pledget is stabilized to form a stabilized product, while the compressed pledget is maintained in compression and the expandable portion of the transfer member remains expanded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device delivery system. The delivery system includes an introducer sheath having an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and is configured to receive a medical device moveably disposed therein, where at least a portion of the inner surface of the inner tube comprises a non-uniform surface configured to reduce surface contact between the inner surface and the medical device. The delivery system includes an inner catheter configured to slidably extend throughout the passageway of the introducer sheath. A prosthesis is disposed within a distal portion of the introducer sheath, where the prosthesis is supported within the introducer sheath by the inner catheter.

Abstract: A method for making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method can include a number of steps where various molds are used to attach or mold a tread element onto a substrate or matrix lining. The tread element can be formed by compressing a rubber block between various molding members to liquefy and cause the resulting rubber material to flow into at least one lug cavity disposed near the matrix lining. The rubber material eventually enters the lug cavity and becomes attached to the matrix lining.

Abstract: A method for making a fog resistant thermoplastic article includes conditioning a thermoplastic article by exposing it to an aqueous environment sufficient to result in fog resistance.

Abstract: A method of molding an optical component which includes providing a first mold and a second mold which mold the optical component, a cylindrical body whose rotational symmetry axis is identical with a second symmetry axis about which a second mold is rotationally symmetric, a trunk mold whose rotational symmetry axis is identical with a first symmetry axis about which a first mold is rotationally symmetric, a supporting means which supports the first mold in such a way that the first mold moves relatively to the trunk mold in parallel with the first symmetry axis, and a second tapered surface and a first tapered surface which contacts the second tapered surface, which connect the cylindrical body with the trunk mold in such a way that the second symmetry axis is identical with the first symmetry axis.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A sealing frame for a breathing mask is provided that can be adapted to the contours of the face of a mask user in a simple manner. The sealing frame (1), includes a soft plastic material (5) with embedded metal strips (6).

Abstract: The invention describes a method for production of a three-dimensional structured surface with haptically and/or optically detectable microstructures, in which the microstructures are fixed as a dataset, with the steps: a) preparation of at least a virtual or real elastic film; b) determination of the elongations and compressions produced in the elastic film in the shaping process of the structured surface; c) modification of the datasets so that the elongations and compressions are at least partially compensated; d) checking of an elastic film structured with the modified dataset for distortions in the microstructures; e) if necessary, repetition of steps b) to d), until a final dataset is obtained; and f) structuring of the elastic film, so that at least a structure-supporting surface is produced on the film.

Abstract: A particulate reusable sorbing coalescing agent facilitating the separation of a non-aqueous phase from an aqueous phase. The agent has a desired shape and properties, sheared from a block of matrix material and presents a higher coalescing rate relative to existing sorbing coalescing agents. Also, a method of manufacturing the particulate reusable sorbing coalescing agent and a method of use the particulate reusable sorbing coalescing agent are disclosed.

Abstract: A molding system includes a top mold, a first post mounted to the top mold, a bottom mold, a second post mounted to the bottom mold, and a holding pin mounted to one of the first post or the second post. The first post is configured to contact an outer surface of a reinforcement shell when the molding system is in a closed configuration. The second post is configured to contact the outer surface of the reinforcement shell when the molding system is in the closed configuration. The holding pin is configured to secure the reinforcement shell in place when the molding system is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: Electro-dynamic loudspeakers typically include a diaphragm having a conductor applied to one of its surfaces where the diaphragm is secured to a frame. The conductor is connected to a power supply for providing electrical current through linear traces of the conductor that interact with magnetic fields generated by magnets that are mounted to the frame. The diaphragm is driven by a motive force created when current passes through the conductor within the magnetic field. The electrical current is varied to create an acoustical output from the electro-dynamic loudspeaker. Different methods of attaching the diaphragm are provided for simplifying the manufacturing process and for obtaining a robust electro-dynamic loudspeaker.

Abstract: Laboratory fluid handling devices such as reagent reservoirs, pipette tips, centrifuge tubes, test tubes, vials, and the like are used in high demand and generally are disposable and not recycled. Provided herein are biodegradable fluid handling devices that reduce negative environmental and economic effects of non-degradable plastic devices.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (i) expanded or expandable polystyrene beads or particles (ii) an intumescent, and (iii) a fire-resistant binder the weight of (i) being in the range 20-75% by weight based on the total weight of (i), (ii) and (iii) is disclosed. The fire-resistant binder is an inorganic material chosen from the list comprising metal, silicates, metal aluminates, metal amminosilicates and zeolites preferably an aqueous solution of sodium silicate. A method of preparing a fire-retardant polystyrene is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imprinting a patterned layer on a substrate are described. Features of patterned layer may be concentrically imprinted in relation to a shaft positioned on a substrate chuck. The substrate may be biased using a radius difference between a diameter of the shaft and an inner diameter of the substrate in relation to a point on an inner edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a flat composite charge into a contoured composite part reduces wrinkles in the part as the charge is being formed. Dies are used to form a portion of charge to the steepest contour of the part, while tension is maintained on the charge as the remaining portions of the charge are formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-step process for transferring a pattern from a template (1) to a target surface of a substrate, by creating an intermediate flexible polymer stamp (5) from the template in a primary step, and then using the polymer stamp to make an imprint in a radiation-sensitive moldable layer on the target surface in a secondary step. In the secondary step, the process steps of pressing the polymer stamp and the substrate against each other, UV exposure of the moldable layer through the polymer stamp, and postbaking of the radiated moldable layer, are all performed at a control constant temperature, in order to eliminate damages to the pattern created in the moldable layer caused by thermal expansion effects.

Abstract: An imprint lithographic method for making a polymeric structure comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mold having a shape forming a mold pattern; (b) providing a substrate having a higher surface energy relative to said mold; (c) providing a polymer film on said mold, said polymer film having a selected thickness, wherein the selected thickness of the polymer film on the mold pattern is capable of forming at least one frangible region in the polymer film having a thickness that is less than the remainder of the polymer film; (d) pressing the mold and the substrate relatively toward each other to form said frangible region; and (e) releasing at least one of said mold and said substrate from the other, wherein after said releasing, said frangible region remains substantially attached to said mold while the remainder of said polymer film forms the polymeric structure attached to said substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing a molded part that is preferably configured as a heat insulating and/or sound absorbing element, particularly a press-molded part made of mineral fibers, for example stone and/or glass fibers. The invention further relates to a molded part as a heat insulating and/or sound absorbing element, particularly as a lining part in vehicle construction, produced using a generic method, made of mineral fibers, particularly stone and/or glass fibers.

Abstract: A process for producing tyres for vehicle wheels includes the following steps: manufacturing a green tyre including at least one element made of crosslinkable elastomeric material, the element being obtained by unwinding a semi-finished product in strip form from a storage reel and then coiling the product onto a building drum; moulding the green tyre in a moulding cavity defined in a vulcanizing mould; crosslinking the elastomeric material by heating the tyre to a given temperature for a given time; wherein the element made of crosslinkable elastomeric material includes at least one copolymer of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof with at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing at least one polyoxyalkylene side chain.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a lateral dimension of a microscale device on a substrate is reduced or adjusted by the steps of providing the device with a soft or softened exposed surface; placing a guiding plate adjacent the soft or softened exposed surface; and pressing the guiding plate onto the exposed surface. Under pressure, the soft material flows laterally between the guiding plate and the substrate. Such pressure induced flow can reduce the lateral dimension of line spacing or the size of holes and increase the size of mesas. The same process also can repair defects such as line edge roughness and sloped sidewalls. This process will be referred to herein as pressed self-perfection by liquefaction or P-SPEL.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a closure having (i) a top portion, and (ii) a latch member that includes an actuator portion and a follower portion, the follower portion including a blocking structure. The process includes providing a mold assembly that defines a space therein which corresponds to the closure, the mold assembly including (i) a first mold portion that defines a first subspace which corresponds to the actuator portion, and (ii) a second mold portion that defines a second subspace which corresponds to the blocking structure. The process further includes advancing a material into the space so as to form the closure. The process also includes moving the second mold portion in relation to the first mold portion after the advancing step so as to remove the actuator portion from the first subspace.

Abstract: A method of producing a speaker which is manufactured by bonding a plurality of speaker components, including steps of humidifying a joint portion which bonds at least two speaker components among the plurality of speaker components; and bonding the speaker components by humidifying the joint portion and thereafter painting a moisture-curable adhesive on the joint portion, to thereby reduce a time for bonding the speaker components by easily and quickly drying regardless of materials of the speaker components.

Abstract: A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a preform comprising an uncured polybutadiene composition; coating the preform with a cure-altering material comprising an organosulfur compound, an inorganic sulfide compound, or a metal-containing organosulfur compound; curing the coated preform at a predetermined temperature to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness greater than the first to define a negative hardness gradient; and forming a cover layer about the core to form the golf ball.

Abstract: A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a preform comprising an uncured polybutadiene composition; coating the preform with a first cure-altering material; curing the coated preform at a predetermined temperature to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness greater than the first to define a negative hardness gradient; and forming a cover layer about the core to form the golf ball.

Abstract: An elastomeric stamp is used to deposit material on a non-planar substrate. A vacuum mold is used to deform the elastomeric stamp and pressure is applied to transfer material from the stamp to the substrate. By decreasing the vacuum applied by the vacuum mold, the elasticity of the stamp may be used to apply this pressure. Pressure also may be applied by applying a force to the substrate and/or the stamp. The use of an elastomeric stamp allows for patterned layers to be deposited on a non-planar substrate with reduced chance of damage to the patterned layer.

Abstract: A guide catheter shaft is formed from an inner tube structure and a multilayer sheath around the inner tube structure. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate sheath and a shrink tube layer. The intermediate sheath is disposed around the inner tube and realized from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material. The shrink tube layer is disposed around the intermediate sheath and realized from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material) having a shrink temperature range greater than a melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material. The resulting structure is heated at a temperature within the shrink temperature range such that the outer shrink tube layer shrinks and the intermediate layer melts to thereby bond the multilayer sheath to the inner tube.

Abstract: Amorphous sheets of PLA resins are thermoformed by heating the sheets until they become semicrystalline, and then forming the sheets on a relatively cold mold. Semicrystalline formed articles having improved heat resistance are made by the process.

Abstract: A method for producing a formed wooden article by cutting out a primary blank member from a raw wood and forming the same into a final three-dimensional shape having a substantially uniform thickness, comprises: a primary compression step in which the primary blank member is compressed by primary molding dies, and the primary blank member is processed into a primary compressed article having a high compression portion in a vicinity of portions of the primary blank member corresponding to a die surface; a secondary blank processing step in which the primary compressed article is cut and processed into a secondary blank member; and a secondary compression step in which the secondary blank member is compressed by using secondary molding dies and the final three-dimensional shape is transferred onto the secondary blank member.