Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.

Abstract: Netting (100) comprising an array of polymeric strands (121, 122) periodically joined together at bond regions (113) throughout the array, and methods and dies for making the same. Nettings described herein have a variety of uses, including wound care and other medical applications, filtration, absorbent articles, pest control articles, and geotextile applications.

Abstract: A sole for article of footwear includes a midsole component having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A plurality of blind holes each extends from the outer surface toward the inner surface. The plurality of blind holes are arranged in an auxetic configuration in the outer surface. Each hole in the plurality of holes extends towards the inner surface. The plurality of blind holes is arranged in a pattern that provides a tunable performance characteristic. The patterns of blind holes vary between different regions of the midsole component to provide different types of responses in the different regions.

Abstract: An article of apparel includes a base layer and an auxetic layer. The base layer includes a four way stretch material. The auxetic layer is coupled to the base layer and includes an auxetic structure defining a repeating pattern of voids. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, each void has a reentrant shape and is at least partially filled with a foam or a hot melt material.

Abstract: A stretchable display is disclosed. In one aspect, the stretchable display includes a plurality of pixel substrates arranged in a matrix having row and column directions. Each of the pixel substrates includes an island and a flexible hinge connecting the island to at least one of the adjacent pixel substrates. The island of each of the pixel substrates includes a plurality of first sides and a plurality of second sides. The flexible hinge of each of the pixel substrates includes a plurality of first flexible sub-hinges respectively extending from the first sides in the row direction and a plurality of second flexible sub-hinges respectively extending from the second sides in the column direction.

Abstract: Fabrics made for watersports and outerwear apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that there is at least one metal layer, forming a radiant barrier to reduce heat loss via radiation, and insulating this metal layer from conductive heat loss, and a process for its manufacture.

Abstract: In a substrate, particularly in a substrate for a mirror support, in which recesses are introduced in one surface, preferably in the back side of the substrate, as a result of which, in particular, bridging pieces are defined between the recesses, in order to achieve the situation that despite a reduced weight, a high rigidity still remains, which means only a slight sagging after its correct uptake in a holding device provided for it, it is provided that at least one first portion of the bridging pieces has a width that is different than a second portion of the bridging pieces.

Abstract: A hybrid graphene-silicon optical cavity for chip-scale optoelectronics having attributes including resonant optical bistability for photonic logic gates and memories at femtojoule level switching per bit, temporal regenerative oscillations for self-pulsation generation at record femtojoule cavity circulating powers, and graphene-cavity enhanced four-wave mixing at femtojoule energies on the chip.

Abstract: A thermally insulating member includes a plane sheet having two ends spaced in a length direction and two sides spaced in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length direction. The plane sheet includes a plurality of rows of slits between the ends of the plane sheet. Each row of slits extends from one of the sides through the other side of the plane sheet. A first spacing between two adjacent rows of slits in the length direction is larger than a spacing between two adjacent slits in the same row of slits in a width direction perpendicular to the length and width directions by a second spacing. A thermally insulating strip is defined between two adjacent rows of slits. A stretchable rib is formed between two adjacent slits in the same row of slits. Each end of the plane sheet is a coupling portion free of the slits.

Abstract: An absorbent foam composite comprising a foam layer having open slits that define apertures on at least a portion of the foam layer and an absorbent layer. A heat set film may be sandwiched between the foam layer and the absorbent layer and have opened slits that define apertures that are at least partially congruent with the apertures of the foam layer. The absorbent layer may contain apertures or be aperture free. The absorbent foam composites can be used in a variety of applications, including personal hygiene articles, medical bandages, pet pads and agricultural pads.

Abstract: An elongate continuous material web is disclosed that includes a plurality of adjacent tabs arranged in a longitudinal direction of the web with connection regions between adjacent tabs. Each connection region includes three or more incisions that extend in the transverse direction of the web and are arranged in a manner such that at least one extensible connection member, extensible in the longitudinal direction of the web, is formed. At least one incision forms a side incision that travels through one longitudinal edge of the web, and at least one incision forms a further side incision that travels through the other longitudinal edge of the web. Also disclosed are a method for making such a web, a method for manufacturing a tab from such a web, a method for manufacturing an absorbent hygiene product with the help of such a web, and a cutting device to produce such a web.

Abstract: A plastic barrier screen that is molded and drawn; the screen is formed from a process that uses the speed of injection molding to form a part that can be mechanically oriented in a second operation that is equally fast. The plastic barrier screen is first formed from injection molding a part with multiple square or hexagonal holes ½ to ? opening size in a uniform pattern, including longitudinal dividers between such holes of 2 to 6 times the final desired screen barrier cross sectional area of the longitudinals respectively. The molded part is then stretched along the longitudinal elements of the mold to molecularly orient at elevated temperature to produce a larger planar dimension of 2 to 6 times the original plastic screen with high strength molecularly oriented monofilament longitudinal elements.

Abstract: In order to provide a lightweight structure which can take up relatively large loads, the invention provides for a surface component for an aircraft, having at least one shell and a reinforcement grid structure, wherein the shell has a preliminary buckling structure which, under a load which acts on the shell in a direction parallel with the shell, brings about a buckling of the shell in a predetermined direction. A production method is further described.

Abstract: The Present Invention discloses a slit web material, substantially longer than it is wide, with specially shaped slits that permit relatively easy expansion upon deployment. The specially shaped slits are referred to in the Present Application as “tilde-slits,” because they resemble a tilde mark. The cuts are arranged in continuous rows of tilde-slits. In any given row, the tilde-slits follow one-after-the-other in a linear direction. Adjacent rows of slits are parallel to each other, but are offset from one another such that a line drawn between adjacent tilde-slits in adjacent rows is not perpendicular to the direction of the rows. The invention contemplates that the material dispenses from a continuous roll. If the slits are arranged in the longitudinal direction, then the web material expands in the width direction only upon deployment.

Abstract: An assembly of a member, made of a first material in an aperture of a part, made of a second material having no plastic domain, using an intermediate part made of a third material, mounted between the member and the part. The intermediate part includes a hole for receiving the member. The part includes pierced holes forming a deformation mechanism distributed around the aperture thereof. The elastically and plastically deformed intermediate part radially grips the member and stresses the elastic deformation mechanism of the part so as to secure the assembly in a manner that is not destructive for the part. Such an assembly can for example be used in the field of timepieces.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an ion-conducting membrane comprising an ion-conducting region and a non-ion-conducting region. The ion-conducting region is formed by a plurality of ion-conducting passageways that extend through the membrane. The passageways are filled with ion-conducting material and may be surrounded by non-ion conducting material. The membrane may comprise a substrate of non-ion-conducting material that is penetrated by openings, each opening providing a corresponding one of the passageways.

Abstract: Fabrics made for watersports and outerwear apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that there is at least one metal layer, forming a radiant barrier to reduce heat loss via radiation, and insulating this metal layer from conductive heat loss, and a process for its manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intrinsically stable shirred, tubular, single-layer or multilayer food casing that preferably has a sigma-5 value (longitudinal/transversal, measured in a moist state) of less than 20/20 N/mm2. Said casing is preferably shirred at a ratio of 100:1 or more, preferably 120:1 to 500:1, and is essentially made of synthetic polymers. The shirred casing can be stored and transported without using a net-type envelope and is particularly suitable for processing on fully automatic sausage stuffing, portioning, clipping, and twisting devices.

Abstract: A stab and ballistic resistant material and method of preparing the same, comprising a stab-resistant layer and a ballistic resistant layer, wherein the stab-resistant layer comprises at least one layer, wherein each layer is constituted of two structural units, each of which is formed from perpendicularly combined high strength and high module unidirectional fiber prepreg strips, adjacent structural units are rotated 45°, and the stab-resistant layer has membranes adhered to both sides; the ballistic resistant layer comprises at least one layer, wherein each layer is constituted of two structural units, each of which is formed from perpendicularly combined unidirectional fiber prepreg strips, adjacent structural units are rotated 90°, and the ballistic resistant layer has membranes adhered to both sides. The stab and ballistic resistant material of the invention makes stab and ballistic resistant vests lighter, more efficient in protection, and easy to produce.

Abstract: An article includes a cover tape, which includes a base film layer, tear enabling features, and an adhesive. The base film layer has opposed longitudinal edges and top and bottom surfaces. The tear enabling features are substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges and at the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A composite of a metal and a resin, in which a shaped metal and a shaped thermoplastic resin are integrally joined by injection molding, and in which the perpendicular precision of the thermoplastic shaped body with respect to the shaped metal is improved, as well as a method for manufacturing the composite. A composite 40 of a metal and a resin is composed of a shaped metal 20 and a shaped thermoplastic resin that is integrally joined to this shaped metal 20 by injection molding. The shaped thermoplastic resin comprises a seat 42 and a boss 41 that protrudes from the seat 42. A runner 43 is provided which communicates with the seat 42 via two sprues and through which a molten thermoplastic resin that has been injected through an injection gate 45 flows into the boss 41 and the thermoplastic resin injected through the injection gate 45 flows through the sprues 47 to opposite locations of the boss 41 substantially uniformly, thereby filling the locations.

Abstract: Expandable surfaces made from sheet materials with slits distributed on the surface of sheet material where the surfaces expand by application of force along or/and across the surface of sheet material. The unexpanded surfaces are flat sheets, or closed surfaces like cylinders, spheres, tubes, or custom-designed organic shapes marked with pre-formed or post-formed slit designs. The expanded surfaces can be single units or modules which can be attached to one another through various means. The sheet materials range from hard surfaces like metals, to softer materials like papers and plastics, or pliable materials like fabrics, rubbers, synthetic surfaces or bio-surfaces. The slits are arranged in patterns ranging from periodic, non-periodic to irregular designs. The slits can be straight, bent, curved or irregularly shaped with even or uneven spacing. Slitting can be achieved by digital cutting or punching devices like laser-cutting, water-jet cutting, digital punching, automated dies, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stretchable webs having a plurality of elongated cells, and a retractive force mechanism to provide increased retractive force of the web when stretched in a given direction. The stretchable webs are useful in disposable garments such as diapers, bandages and other hygiene material so that the material fits closely without slipping off.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sandwich panel which is capable of securing its flexural or its shear rigidity as a whole and securing a compression rigidity of a core material itself, while at the same time of readily reducing the weight of the sandwich panel.

Abstract: A magnetic material is disclosed including a two-dimensional array of carbon atoms and a two-dimensional array of nanoholes patterned in the two-dimensional array of carbon atoms. The magnetic material has long-range magnetic ordering at a temperature below a critical temperature Tc.

Abstract: Method for preparing a NiO nanosheet structure possessing (111) crystallographic planes as a primary surface with hexagonal holes, comprising the following steps: a) preparing a methanol solution of a nickel salt selected from the group consisting of nickel nitrate, nickel sulphate, nickel chlorate, nickel acetate, and nickel phosphate or a mixture thereof; b) adding benzyl alcohol (BZ), optionally substituted with alkyl, nitro, halo or amino, or a mixture thereof and urea to the solution of (a) in a ratio of Ni to BZ or substituted BZ of at least 1; c) solvent removal and calcination in air of the mixture, plate-like NiO nanosheet precursors therefore, NiO nanosheet structures obtainable by that method as well as various novel uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven web material (10) comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The web material has properties desirable for use on machinery having conventional heat sealing stations (26). Also, disclosed is a nonwoven infusion web material comprising thermoplastic fibers or filaments and a method of manufacture thereof. The infusion web material has properties desirable for use in making infusion packages.

Abstract: The invention provides a functional laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such fabric. The functional laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. The functional laminate may include vias through which the functional element may be exposed. Generally, the functional laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.

Abstract: The present invention involves porous polymer membranes, suitable for use in medical implants, having controlled pore sizes, pore densities and mechanical properties. Methods of manufacturing such porous membranes are described in which a continuous fiber of polymer is extruded through a reciprocating extrusion head and deposited onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. When cured, the polymeric material forms a stable, porous membrane suitable for a variety of applications, including reducing emboli release during and after stent delivery, and providing a source for release of bioactive substances to a vessel or organ and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A gutter cover distributing water across the face of the cover and controlling the rate of water ingress through the cover into the gutter thereby assisting in the separation of water and shedding of debris from the passing runoff water and debris, and preventing debris from building up on the gutter cover.

Abstract: A backing sheet for use in a wound dressing, comprising a semipermeable continuous film laminated to an adhesive-coated apertured layer, wherein the apertured layer comprises a solid substrate coated with a medically acceptable adhesive. Also provided is a method of making a backing sheet for use in a wound dressing, said method comprising the steps of: forming an adhesive-coated apertured layer by coating a medically acceptable adhesive onto an apertured solid substrate, followed by laminating the adhesive-coated apertured layer to a semipermeable continuous film.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern (700) on a work piece (1260) includes placing a pattern mask (1210) over the work piece, placing an aperture (100, 500, 600, 1220) over the pattern mask, and placing the work piece in a beam of electromagnetic radiation (1240). The aperture includes three adjacent sections. A first section (310) has a first side (311), a second side (312), and a first length (313). A second section (320) has a third side (321) adjacent to the second side, a fourth side (322), a second length (323), and a first width (324). A third section (330) has a fifth side (331) adjacent to the fourth side, a sixth side (332), and a third length (333). The first and third lengths are substantially equal. The first and third sections are complementary shapes, as defined herein.

Abstract: An optical film for use in a side-light type lighting device of a liquid crystal display or the like includes a plurality of tilted column-shaped transparent film cells extending from a light entrance surface to a light exit surface of the optical film. Light-reflecting layers are provided on a part of side surfaces of each film cell. Light from an LED light source enters a light guide plate, exits the top surface of the light guide plate, and enters the film cells. The light is reflected by the light-reflecting layers of the cells to exit therefrom as directed light.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flow drilling and tapping method for assembling thin metal sheets. A tubular extension (12) produced on said metal sheet comprises a conical mount (18) at said metal sheet (10). Through said mount (18), advantageously provided with a hexagonal base (24), the loads are transmitted along the tubular extension (12), and it is possible to fix a perforated element (1) on a metal sheet (10) having a thickness less than 1.5 mm and to apply a standard tightening torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst with large surface area structure, in particular for steam-reforming catalysts, which is characterised in that the large surface area structure is formed of a large number of round or parallel penetrating holes of polygonal cross-section, wherein the catalyst carrier is prepared in the injection moulding process, coated with a washcoat and then impregnated with the active component. The catalyst carrier includes at least one sinterable material and has a lateral pressure resistance of at least 700 N. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of such catalysts and the use thereof in a reactor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional film for use as an acquisition distribution layer in an absorbent article comprising a first surface with drains extending downward from the first surface, the drains being capable of transmitting fluid by gravity; and protrusions extending upward from the first surface to an upper surface with at least one capillary extending downward from the upper surface, the capillaries being capable of transmitting fluid in contact with the upper surface by capillary action. The drains rapidly transmit fluid through the film, particularly fluid that is dynamically-deposited. The capillaries transmit statically-retained fluid that is in contact with the upper surface of the protrusions.

Abstract: A prophylactic system that reduces or eliminates damage to resources on the side of a structure opposite the side on which a dynamic force is imposed. The system comprises an elastic membrane or sheet, with reinforcement of a toughness tailored to a user's requirements incorporated in the membrane and an adhesive for installation. In one embodiment, the reinforcement is comprised of bundles of fibers aligned in a scrim comprising warp fiber bundles and weft fiber bundles arranged so that fiber bundles are non-parallel to each axes defining the length and the width of the membrane. The fiber bundles are aligned to create spacing between each fiber bundle and an adjacent parallel fiber bundle. An adhesive is used to affix the reinforced membrane to the side of the structure away from the expected force. No protective gear specific to application or use of the adhesive is required to install the system.

Abstract: An enhanced polymeric void board for placement between adjacent horizontal layers of masonry materials to maintain an opening in a lower of the layers, the enhanced void board comprising a relatively thin planar element having a plurality of ribs extending along the length of the planar element and a plurality of holes through the planar element.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an ion-conducting membrane comprising an ion-conducting region and a non-ion-conducting region. The ion-conducting region is formed by a plurality of ion-conducting passageways that extend through the membrane. The passageways are filled with ion-conducting material and may be surrounded by non-ion conducting material. The membrane may comprise a substrate of non-ion-conducting material that is penetrated by openings, each opening providing a corresponding one of the passageways.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing assays on materials, particularly biological materials, are provided. The devices and methods make use of self-sealing members, which can be applied to a flat surface to form wells to facilitate immobilization of materials on the flat surface, then removed to yield a flat surface that facilitates the performance of processes on and/or detection of the immobilized material.

Abstract: Paper incorporating a wide elongate impermeable element with regions at least partially exposed at one surface of the paper at two sets of windows at spaced locations has its windows formed by two sets of raised portions on the support surface of the papermaking machine. A first set of raised portions has a width transverse to the machine direction in which the paper travels during manufacture which is narrower than the width of the elongate element. A second set of raised portions has a width transverse to the machine direction which is at least equal to the width of the elongate element. During manufacture of the paper the elongate element is brought into contact with both sets of raised portions, with edges of the elongate element being supported by the second set of raised portions.

Abstract: A camouflage net, in particular for covering persons and articles in the desert against detection in a thermal image, has a knitted fabric with a hole structure. The knitted fabric in this case has condensed and/or sealed-off regions.

Abstract: A tape barrier consisting of flexible material, has generally parallel edges and substantially greater length than width. Cuts are made into the tape at intervals along the tape forming slits that define cross members that extend generally along the length of the tape. The slits may be completed cuts so that the cross members are free to fall away from the tape or perforations that enable the cross members to be separated from the tape by tearing along the perforations. When the tape is deployed generally horizontally, the cross members will fall vertically so as to provide cross members along the length of the resulting tape structure.

Abstract: A bulk modulus elastomeric element is employed in the present invention. The material from which the invention is fabricated is formed as a sheet, which has a plurality of channels that run through, or partially through it. The holes in the sheet are angled such that the remaining material may be of a parallelogram shape. The top and bottom surfaces of the particular element may be rectangular, circular, hexagonal, or other shapes, since the shape of the end surface is not important to the invention. An edge of an upper end surface is displaced from a remote edge of the lower surface so that a vertical line from one edge normal to the upper surface, is displaced from the remote edge of the lower surface, so that it preferably does not intersect any part of the lower surface when no forces are applied to the surfaces. However, in some instances, under load, a small overlap at the cross-sectional areas of the upper surface and lower surfaces, may be desirable.

Abstract: A smart film or material which automatically controls its porous properties in relation to changes in its local environment thus allowing fluids to pass through the film or material in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is the development of a support strip, which lends a seal, made from a rubber material, a stiffness adequate for production and assembly, has good extension and compression properties, has an adequate mobility in order to be able to follow the given directional curves of the chassis components and lends the seal a clamping force sufficient for a secure and durable seating of the seal on the attachment flange of the chassis components. Said aim must be achieved with the proviso of a lowest possible weight and low production costs for said support strip. The aim is achieved by means of an asymmetric arrangement of short (2) and long (3) wedge-like recesses and slots (4) in the support strip as in FIG. 1, permitting a low weight and low production costs in fulfilling the said aims. The invention further relates to an asymmetric strip which can be used as reinforcing support for a seal made from rubber material in chassis production of automobiles.

Abstract: A method and system of reversibly absorbing liquid penetrations into electronic devices having a body and circuitry is described. The method and system comprises providing an absorbent sponge membrane structure in sheet-like form. The structure contains a hydrogel-forming core integrated into a blown polymer foam. The method and system includes placing the absorbent structure within the electronic device such that the hydrogel-forming core and blown polymer foam at least partly covers the electronic circuitry to be protected. A method and system in accordance with the present invention has the further advantage that due to the inclusion of the crystals into the open cells of the sponge, that structure is much easier to manufacture into various templates by punching or stamping holes where the keys and other mechanical obstructions such as bosses and supports must be accommodated.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a three-dimensional protective pad which is constructed from a laminate structure having a first top layer of a neoprene/nylon skin combination which is stretchable in all directions. There is a second layer of a non-stretchable neoprene adhered under the first layer. Then there is a third layer of a polyurethane foam of a viscoelastic nature adhered under the second layer. Finally, there is a fourth layer of a neoprene/nylon skin combination which is stretchable in all directions adhered under the third layer. This laminated material is now structured into a three-dimensional shape. Therefore, prior to laminating all of the layers, the second and the third layers are adhered to each other first and then a sectional cut is made through layers, the cut surfaces are then closed by cross stitching through the second layer into the third layer and the cut edges are now glued together.

Abstract: A stereolithographically fabricated marking for a semiconductor device component, such as a packaged or unpackaged semiconductor device or another substrate. When formed on a semiconductor device with a stereolithographically formed package structure, the marking may be integral with the package. The marking may be formed as apertures through or recesses in one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers of material, or the marking may include one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers that protrude from a surface of a semiconductor device component. Raised markings may also be formed on the surfaces of packaged or bare semiconductor device components. Alternatively, the marking may be fabricated separately from a semiconductor device component, then secured thereto. Methods for stereolithographically marking semiconductor device components are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.