Abstract: The present invention provides a new monomer and methods of using the monomer to fabricate robust polymer surface coatings with controlled thicknesses between 1 and 5 nanometers. The coatings are composed of a new material containing polymerized monomers of 4-vinylbenzenepropanethiol. The polymer surface coating may be applied to metal and silicon. The method includes exposing a metal substrate to a solution of the monomer in hexanes in order to deposit a monolayer of the monomer onto the metal surface. The substrate is then irradiated with ultraviolet radiation in order to graft a thin polymer coating onto the surface. The procedure can be repeated in order to control the thickness of the coating between about 1 nm and 5 nm. Alternatively, thermally initiated polymerization or deposition of partially oligomerized monomers onto the surface provides nanothin coatings with identical performance.

Abstract: A method for forming a nano/microstructure includes applying a release coating having a transition temperature to a mold, the release coating promoting adhesion thereto at temperatures below the transition temperature and release at temperatures above the transition temperature. A cast material is adhered to the release coating at a first temperature below the transition temperature and released from the mold by exposing the release coating to a second temperature greater than the transition temperature.

Abstract: A system and method (10) for heating objects (O) during a thermal treatment process in a production line (P) is described. The system (10) comprises a transport system (11), a minor arrangement (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) comprising a first mirror surface (21, 21?, 21?) and a second minor surface (22, 22?, 22?) arranged at opposite sides, so that the objects (O) may be transported between the minor surfaces (21, 22, 21?, 22?, 21?, 22?) along the production line and a radiation device (30) comprising a number of lasers for generating light (L).

Abstract: An active energy curing type composition for an in-place shaping gasket is provided which is capable of providing an in-place shaped gasket superior in heat resistance, weather resistance, oil resistance, curability, compression set, and the like. An active energy curing type composition for an in-place shaping gasket, comprising the under-mentioned components (A) and (B) as essential components, wherein the viscosity of the composition is 400 Pa·s or less at 23° C. and the compression set of a cured article which is prescribed in JIS K 6262 is 30% or less: (A) a vinyl polymer having two or more (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule at the molecular ends, and (B) a vinyl polymer having one (meth)acryloyl group per molecule at the molecular end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preform for a carbon-carbon composite. The preform comprises a consolidated stack of two or more two-dimensional fibre layers having between the layers a carbon nanotube and/or nanofibre network. Carbon-carbon composites made from the preform have application in a wide range of fields, e.g. as friction discs in braking systems, especially aircraft braking systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.

Abstract: Polymer/carbon nanotube composites including single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes incorporated into the matrix of a polymer are provided. These composites can be used in environments exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. Accordingly, the composites are useful in deep space applications like space vehicles, space stations, personal equipment as well as applications in the biomedical arts and atom splitting research. The composites can be modified with organic dyes containing at least one phenyl ring and the resulting doped composite is useful as a radiation detector. The preferred polymer is poly(4-methyl-1-pentene). At low nanotube concentrations (i.e., about 0.5 wt % or less), the composites exhibit transparent optical qualities. At higher nanotube concentrations (i.e., about 0.6 wt % or more), the composites are non-transparent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a moulded body having microstructures from moulding material. The method for producing a moulded body having microstructures on a carrier out of moulding material is effected by inputting a moulding material into a container (10) comprising a mould cavity (14), wherein at least one micro-structured mould (12) is provided in the mould cavity. Furthermore, the centrifugation of a container (10) is carried out until the moulding material has completely entered into the structure of the mould (12). Thereafter, the curing of the moulding material is carried out to form a moulded body having microstructures, which is then removed from the mould (12) and the container (10).

Abstract: A method or procedure for the construction of a laminated compound or mould made up of a number of layers of particle material on top of each other, which are hardened and joined to each other in predetermined onsite areas, which can differ from each other depending on position and expansion, so that from the predetermined hardened areas of the laminated compound at least one mould is formed. The layers are deposited individually one after another in predetermined layer thickness by the dispensing of particle material from a dispensing device during its movement above a working field and according to computer data in predetermined areas.

Abstract: Solid imaging apparatus and methods for use are disclosed that reduce the amount of uncured solid imaging build material remaining on a completed build object following the completion of the solid imaging build process. The amount of uncured build material is reduced through the use of either an uncoating web that removes excess build material from the build object during the course of the building process or an ink jet source of build material that uses only as much build material as is necessary for the fabrication of the build part. Also disclosed is an imager assembly for use with such a solid imaging apparatus that incorporates two or more individual imagers in an array and accounts for variations in the intensity and alignment of adjacent imagers. The apparatus can be modified for semi-continuous operation and for integrating into a manufacturing operation, if desired.

Abstract: To provide a method of making a film of organic material excellent in moisture barrier property and/or oxygen barrier property and also to provide an electronic device excellent in long term stability, in which the film obtained by such film making method is utilized to form a protective film for protecting an electronic device, and particularly an organic electronic device, to avoid deterioration of the performance, which would otherwise be brought about by moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere. The film is formed by depositing and solidifying, on a substrate, an evaporant formed by irradiating a liquid crystal polymer capable of exhibiting an optical anisotropy with pulsed laser.

Abstract: A reflector capable of suppressing contrast reduction caused by retro-reflection of outside light, a display device having the same, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The reflector includes: a base having first and second opposed surfaces, the second surface being provided with a reflective element; and a light absorbing film formed in a region other than the reflective element in the second surface.

Abstract: In a method for synthesizing polymeric microstructures, a monomer stream is flowed, at a selected flow rate, through a fluidic channel. At least one shaped pulse of illumination is projected to the monomer stream, defining in the monomer stream a shape of at least one microstructure corresponding to the illumination pulse shape while polymerizing that microstructure shape in the monomer stream by the illumination pulse.

Abstract: The method comprises differentiated separation of the strips holding the silicone cores with respect to the honeycomb produced, by simply curving one of the strips corresponding to one of the faces of the honeycomb and by progressive action of pulsed magnetic fields in the other of the strips holding the silicone cores, progressively separating the honeycomb and preventing breakages in the walls of the same. In a device equipped with an alignment of electromagnets which act on the strip bearing the elastic cores to be separated and which exert an action of pulsed magnetic fields on the same, progressively separating the strip from the honeycomb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: An ion flux is directed to a carbon nanotube to permanently shape, straighten and/or bend the carbon nanotube into a desired configuration. Such carbon nanotubes have many properties that make them ideal as probes for Scanning Probe Microscopy and many other applications.

Abstract: In a method for producing a three-dimensionally shaped object, (i) a solidified layer is formed by irradiating a light beam on a specified portion of a powder layer to sinter or melt the specified portion. Further, (ii) another solidified layer is formed by placing a new powder layer on the solidified layer obtained in step (i), and irradiating the light beam on a specified portion of the new powder layer to sinter or melt the specified portion of the new powder layer. The steps (i) and (ii) are repeated to produce a three-dimensionally shaped object. In the method, a gas is supplied to a mirror used in scanning the light beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.

Abstract: A device and a method for curing plastic moldings are particularly suited for curing hearing aid housings. A light source emits curing light and a holder, at least partially transparent to curing light, holds the plastic moldings. The holder has an elongate light guiding element, which is transparent to curing light, which has an emission portion for emitting curing light in a number of spatial directions, and which is formed in such a way that at least the emission portion can protrude into a convex curvature or an interior space of a plastic molding that is being held by the holder. The light guiding element guides curing light emitted from the light source to the emission portion and emits from there. The light guiding element may have a holding portion for holding the plastic molding. The holding portion and the emission portion may spatially overlap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method or producing a container from a thermoplastic blank (2), comprising: a step in which the blank (2) is heated using at least one beam (22) of coherent electromagnetic radiation, and a step in which the container is formed from the bank (2) thus heated. The invention also relates to an installation (1) which is used to produce containers (2) and which comprises a unit (16) for heating the blanks (2) in order to form containers from the blanks (2) thus heated. The inventive installation (1) defines a path (23) along which the blanks (2) travel inside the heating unit (16). In addition, the heating unit (16) comprises at least one coherent electromagnetic radiation source (26) which is directed towards a zone (25) that is located on the aforementioned path (23).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filter device having filter means, in particular hollow-fibre membranes, arranged in more than one filtration compartment within a filter housing. For example a dialysis type filtration process such as haemofiltration or haemodiafiltration or haemodialysis may be carried out at the same time as an ultrafiltration process or as another haemofiltration, haemodiafiltration or haemodialysis process. A split shell is bonded or welded together along longitudinal seams. Internal separating walls within the housing are formed integrally with the shell portions of the housing to form adjacent filtration compartments when the housing portions are joined together.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hardness enhancing apparatus for use in a nanoimprint mold, comprising a female mold, a male mold and a hardness enhancing portion. The male mold composed of a first material is used to imprint a female mold so as to produce a nano structural pattern on the female mold. The female mold is composed of a second material, and the hardness of the first material is higher than the hardness of the second material. The hardness enhancing portion that utilizes a nano-indentation apparatus above the female mold applies the nano-indentation technique to the female mold in order to enhance the surface hardness of the second material.

Abstract: A method for processing thermoplastics in a shaping device, whereby before and/or during its passage in the shaping device the thermoplastic is submitted to a static electrical field.

Abstract: There is provided fluorescent photopolymerizable resins for use in biological studies and image acquisition. In particular the photopolymerizable resins are useful in studying the properties of cells. The resins are also useful for the calibration of microscopic measurement systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoforming pack made of top and bottom web films and to a method of forming said pack.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: In the present invention, a manufacturing process is provided in which a complete multi-component synthetic closure is achieved which incorporates printed indicia formed thereon, in a continuous, in-line manufacturing operation. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core member of the synthetic closure is formed by a continuous extrusion process which enables the core to be manufactured as an elongated, continuous length of material. As the continuous elongated length of extruded material forming the central core is advanced from the extruder towards an outer skin forming station, the central core passes through a printing station for forming any desired indica on the outer surface of central core prior to the application of the outer skin layer.

Abstract: A method for making composite fasteners includes the provision of a mold containing an elongated cavity having a long axis and the shape of the fastener body, an elongated insert comprising a plurality of long, interwoven or intermingled first reinforcing fibers, and a hardenable liquid matrix that may include a plurality of short, second reinforcing fibers suspended therein. The insert is placed in the cavity such that the long reinforcing fibers are disposed generally parallel to the long axis of the cavity. The mold cavity is then filled with the liquid matrix such that the short reinforcing fibers are distributed generally uniformly throughout the mold cavity, and the liquid matrix of the suspension is then hardened so as to form a hardened fastener body encapsulating the first and second reinforcing fibers. The molded fastener is then removed from the mold, either for immediate use or for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A filtering device has a filter cup made from plastic material, a filter element inserted into the filter cup, and a filter lid closing off the filter cup. At least one labeling surface is provided on the filter cup. The at least one labeling surface is a plastic film provided with at least one labeling and is applied to the filter cup by in-mold labeling.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polyacrylate-based shaped article, a polyacrylate being polymerized by a conventional method, wherein the polyacrylate comprises copolymerized comonomers having thermally crosslinkable groups and comonomers having attached photoinitiators, and the polyacrylate is crosslinked thermally in a first step and by irradiation with UV light in a second step.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for producing a cross-linked, tubular film or “tape” that uses a motor driven nip roll assembly and a product driven idler roll to pump gases contained within the film in a desired direction. The process eliminates the need to create slits to vent gases that are trapped within the film. The motor driven roll comprises a driven nip roll and a driven peristaltic roll that cooperate to drive the film forward and nip the film. The driven peristaltic roll includes a pumping section that comprises a plurality of pumping rollers that pump gases contained within the film in a direction that is the reverse direction of film travel. The product driven roll comprises a spool roller and a plurality of pumping rollers that are circumferentially spaced around the spool roller. The pumping rollers trap and pump gases contained in the film in the reverse direction of film travel.

Abstract: A method of recording on an optical recording medium which comprises a multi-photon absorption material and fine particles which have an sensitizing effect of enhancing a multi-photon absorption process of the multi-photon absorption material by a plasmon-enhanced field having anisotropy, the method including: deactivating the sensitizing effect of a part of the fine particles by deforming the part of the fine particles.

Abstract: A process of continuously producing a more isotropic, electrically conductive composite composition is provided. The process comprises: (a) continuously supplying a compressible mixture comprising exfoliated graphite worms and a binder or matrix material, wherein the binder or matrix material is in an amount of between 3% and 60% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture; (b) continuously compressing the compressible mixture at a pressure within the range of from about 5 psi or 0.035 MPa to about 50,000 psi or 350 MPa in at least a first direction into a cohered graphite composite compact; and (c) continuously compressing the composite compact in a second direction, different from the first direction, to form the composite composition in a sheet or plate form. The process leads to composite plates with exceptionally high thickness-direction electrical conductivity.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter describes the use of fluorinated elastomer-based materials, in particular perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based materials, in high-resolution soft or imprint lithographic applications, such as micro- and nanoscale replica molding, and the first nano-contact molding of organic materials to generate high fidelity features using an elastomeric mold. Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter describes a method for producing free-standing, isolated nanostructures of any shape using soft or imprint lithography technique.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for supplying powder for solid free-form fabrication from a powder supply reservoir (2) that is movable from a servicing position to a dispensing position. The powder supply reservoir may be supported by a horizontally retractable support arm (4). It may also be supported by a support pivot (22), and the support pivot may comprise a horizontally retractable support arm. These features add the convenience of permitting the powder supply reservoir to be serviced outside of a housing that encloses the solid free-form fabrication apparatus during the article-building operation.

Abstract: A fuel cell, having improved sealing against leakage, includes a sealant disposed over the peripheral portions a membrane electrode assembly such that the cured sealant penetrates a gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly. The sealant is applied through liquid injection molding techniques to form cured sealant composition at the peripheral portions of the membrane electrode assembly. The sealant may be thermally cured at low temperatures, for example 130° C. or less, or may be cured at room temperature through the application of actinic radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile complex (1) intended to be used as reinforcing layer for the manufacture of three-dimensional composite parts by resin injection or infusion processes, comprising at least one fibre-based reinforcing layer (2). It is characterized in that it comprises on one of its faces, a fixing layer (3) based on a thermoplastic having an almost zero cold elongation and a melting point below the melting point of the other materials of the complex, and in that the said fixing layer (3) is apertured to allow the passage of the injected or infused resin. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible preform, during which the shape of the reinforcement is maintained by the presence of a fixing layer joined to the reinforcement in a preformed mould.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel anisometric mesoparticles and nanoparticles in the form of anisometric mesofibers/nanofibers, mesopipes/nanopipes, mesobands/nanobands, mesocables/nanocables, and the curved and branched or superimposed variations thereof as well as a novel method for the production thereof. The invention particularly relates to anisometric mesoparticles and nanoparticles which have an aerodynamic diameter <5 ?m, the production thereof, loading thereof with active substances if the same cannot directly be utilized as an active substance, and the use thereof especially for producing medicaments against lung diseases or systemic diseases in humans and animals if the particles cannot directly be utilized as medicaments without carriers.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 ?m, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 ?m to 15 ?m, and a sintering aid, wherein the composition, after firing, has a strain rate of less than about 1×10?6/hr. A method for making a green body comprising contacting a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 ?m, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 ?m to 15 ?m, and a sintering aid, and then forming the mixture into a desired shape is disclosed.

Abstract: A roll to roll microreplication apparatus is described. This apparatus forms a microreplicated article including a web having first and second opposed surfaces. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, first nip roll and first coating die; the first coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate first side and the web substrate is disposed between the first patterned roll and first nip roll. The first nip roll touches the web substrate second side and the first patterned roll touches the web substrate first side. The apparatus includes, a second patterned roll, second nip roll and second coating die, the second coating die is disposed adjacent the web substrate second side and the web substrate is disposed between the second patterned roll and second nip roll. The second nip roll touches the web substrate first side and the second patterned roll touches the web substrate second side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite powder of polymer powder and porous glass beads, and to the use of this composite powder for shaping processes, and also to mouldings produced from this composite powder.

Abstract: A method is provided for annealing a polymer for an orthopaedic implant by immersing the polymer in a liquid bath.

Abstract: An atomic force microscopy polymer nanolithography method is described. The method of the present invention enables rapid creation of raised or depressed features in a polymer film. The features are generated by mass transport of polymer within an initially uniform, planar film via localized softening of attoliters of polymer by Joule heating. This localized softening of the polymer is accomplished by current flow between the AFM tip and a conductive wafer upon which the layer of polymer is mounted.

Abstract: A cross-linked material of polylactic acid produced by preparing a polylactic acid composition by mixing polylactic acid with at least a plasticizer containing either a rosin derivative or a dicarboxylic acid derivative and/or a glycerin derivative and cross-linking monomer, and kneading the resulting mixture; preparing a polylactic acid molded product by molding the composition into a desired shape; and then cross-linking the molded product by irradiation of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A transparent component portion includes a first weld surface and a first taper locking surface formed opposite from the first weld surface. An absorbing component portion includes a second weld surface and a second taper locking surface formed opposite from the second weld surface. The first and second taper locking surfaces cooperate to force and lock the first and second weld surfaces into abutting engagement for laser welding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a protective cap for a device. Typically, the device would be formed on a silicon wafer and is, for example, a MEMS device. The method involves the steps of locating thermosplastic material between a first wafer including a first recess and a second wafer including two second recesses. The first and second wafers are positioned relative to one another so that the first recess is in register with the two second recesses and the thermoplastic material is heated. The first and second wafers are pressed together so that heated thermosplastic material enters the first and second recesses and thereby forms the cap. A method for forming a plurality of protective caps for devices is also provided.

Abstract: A molding composition and a method of forming an pattern. The method includes forming on a substrate a molding layer of a molding composition of aromatic divinyl ethers; pressing the template into the molding layer, the template having a relief pattern, the molding layer filling voids in the relief pattern, the template not contacting the substrate; exposing the molding layer to actinic radiation, the actinic radiation converting the molding layer to a cured molding layer having thick and thin regions corresponding to the relief pattern; removing the template; filling the thin regions of the relief pattern with a backfill material; removing regions of the molding layer not protected by the backfill material to expose regions of the substrate; forming trenches in the exposed regions of the substrate; and removing any remaining molding layer and backfill material. A transfer layer may be used between the molding layer and the substrate.

Abstract: Novel transparent composites composed of single wall carbon nanotubes incorporated into the matrix of a polymer are utilized in services wherein the composites are exposed to ionizing radiation, including galactic cosmic radiation. Accordingly, the composites are useful in deep space applications like space vehicles, space stations, personal equipment as well as applications in the biomedical arts and atom splitting research. The composites can be modified with organic dyes containing at least one phenyl ring and the resulting doped composite is useful as a radiation detector. The preferred polymer is poly(4-methyl-1-pentene).

Abstract: To fabricate a composite item, an infrared heat source is energized and a composite material is dispensed. The composite material includes a reinforcement and a resin. In addition, the composite material is applied to a substrate of previously applied composite material. The infrared heat source is configured to emit a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by the resin to a relatively greater extent than the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the reinforcement.

Abstract: Nanoscale molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) having polymer features wherein the size, shape and position are predetermined can be fabricated using an xy piezo stage mounted on an inverted microscope and a laser. Using an AMF controller, a solution containing polymer precursors and a photo initiator are positioned on the xy piezo and hit with a laser beam. The thickness of the polymeric features can be varied from a few nanometers to over a micron.