Abstract: Plastic parts are formed to have a relatively high wall stiffness by utilizing a pair of spaced plastic plates. One of the plates may be a simple plate. The other plate has a plurality of ribs extending from a base. The ribs are welded to the other plate. Use of the ribs provides a relatively high degree of stiffness to the final molded plastic part, for a relatively lightweight part.

Abstract: A circuit board cooler employs a closed fluid delivery system to transfer heat from electronic components to a cooling fluid. One or more channels embedded within the circuit board carry cooling fluid to the components where the fluid absorbs heat from the component, then away from the component to deposit the excess thermal energy in a thermal sink, such as a heat exchanger. The cooling system may employ conductive thermal transfer elements, such as “thermal vias”, to enhance heat transfer from electronic components to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Grippable cushioning devices which may be used as cushions, squeezables, toys, throwable toys, and novelty items are disclosed. Some of those devices include holes therein which may provide a relief function in that the holes may buckle or collapse when squeezed. The holes may be generally parallel longitudinal columns which may permit air flow therethrough when the grippable cushioning device is thrown.

Abstract: Hydrophilic protein adsorption resistant coatings for microfluidic devices are provided. Additionally, microfluidic devices and methods of manufacturing microfluidic devices that include the coatings are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent paper product with a basic weight ranging from about 20 to 80 g/m2 comprising an embossed ply including raised designs consisting at least partly of discrete protuberances oriented inwards of the structure and a non-embossed ply. The invention is characterised in that the embossed ply has at least over part of its surface at least 30 protuberances per cm2 whereof the top surface area is less than 1 mm2 preferably less than 0.7 mm2.

Abstract: A method for sealing graphite plates formed from mechanically processed graphite sheets of exfoliated graphite particles is provided. The graphites sheets are infused with a sealant to fill about 90 volume percent of the pores contained in the sheet. Upon curing the sealant, a substantially gas impermeable graphite plate is provides. Such a plate is useful in fuel cell construction.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet comprises a film substrate layer, a channel breathing layer and a breathing adhesive layer. The channel breathing layer has a plurality of convex parts and a concave part interposed between the convex parts that forms a channel communicating with the outside. When the adhesive sheet is applied to an adherend, gas generated from the adherend passes through the channel and swelling of the adhesive sheet is avoided.

Abstract: A laminate wiping product is disclosed. The wiping product includes a first outer ply that has a textured surface. For example, the first outer ply can be an uncreped throughdried paper web having a three-dimensional conformation. The second outer ply, on the other hand, can be a smoother and softer web. The plies are laminated together by any suitable process. In one embodiment, the plies are embossed and nested together to form the final product.

Abstract: A system according to the invention for mounting multiple media drives includes a housing and multiple modules that are insertable into and removable from the housing. Each module is adapted to hold a media drive. Furthermore, the system includes a resilient layer disposed between the housing and the modules when the modules are inserted into the housing for attenuating shocks and vibrations. The resilient layer includes a slot for inhibiting transmission of shocks and vibrations between at least two of the modules.

Abstract: Proposed are stamping foils and processes for the production thereof, which make it possible to form on a carrier film patches which are completely separate from each other and which can be transferred on to a substrate using the procedure which is usual when dealing with stamping foils, wherein the transfer operation can be effected in such a way that no flakes which interfere with subsequent overprinting are formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circular disk, comprising two material layers that are joined together, wherein said disk contains microfluidic structures formed of a channel and/or cavity system defined between the two material layers, the recesses which correspond to the channels and/or cavities, respectively, being formed in one or both of opposed layer surfaces.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to, the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: A composite material panel having alternating layers of wood veneer with recycled or waste material. The layers are sandwiched together. The technique involves forming the composite material layer by layer and employing materials in each layer that are suited to satisfy requirements for specific kinds of construction. The layer of recycled or waste material is preferably flexible and has memory. Some examples include plastic straw, bars from plastic, tires or metal, balls from plastic or tires, sheet from plastic, tires or metal, air bubble cushioning from plastic. The metal is exemplified by aluminum and tin.

Abstract: An embossed multiple ply paper product which displays aesthetically pleasing decorative attributes. The embossed multiple ply paper product also exhibits the functional characteristics of softness, absorbency, and drape. The decorative attributes comprise embossed patterns of indicia displaying a high quality cloth-like appearance for a softer, more quilted look.

Abstract: A cushion having an underlying polyurethane foam or flexible layer which includes a non-plane surface, and an overlying visco-elastic foam layer positioned adjacent to the non-plane surface of the underlying layer, the cushion being adapted for suitably supporting a load, such as a human body, positioned thereon.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent paper product with basic weight of about 36 to about 105 g/m2 comprising at least three pleats, a first and second outer embossed pleats each comprising raised patterns consisting at least partially of discrete protuberances oriented towards the inside of the structure and a non-embossed central pleat, the pleats being associated by linking the distal surfaces of at least part of the protuberances of each of the outer pleats to the central pleat. The invention is characterised in that each of the embossed outer pleats is linked by means of an adhesive to said central pleat, and at least one of the pleats has a pattern density more than 30 protuberances per cm2.

Abstract: Synthetic polyolefin films of one or more layers, wherein each layer may be of a different thickness and a different formulation. The films consist of a polyolefin resin and a suitable mineral filler of at least three microns in particle size. The films are particularly useful as a masking material in paint overspray protection systems and may be used to protect a finished surface from moisture and/or ultraviolet radiation. The films posses the advantage that their use does not result in staining or ghosting on the protected or masked surface.

Abstract: A method for increasing the yield of functional microchannel structures per microfluidic device in the manufacturing of microfluidic devices each of which comprises a plurality of enclosed microchannel structures, said manufacturing comprising the manufacture of a microfluidic device which comprises enclosed microchannel structures by joining a substrate surface I of a first generally planar plastic substrate I to a substrate surface II of a second generally planar substrate II via a bonding material.

Abstract: A liquid-impervious backsheet for body fluids disposal article having upper and lower surfaces made of thermoplastic synthetic resin, the sheet includes a plurality of independent concave zones depressed downward from the lower surface and a smooth zone extending around these concave zones, each of the concave zones being formed in its region except its peripheral edge with at least one micropore.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard container is disclosed including a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall with the one side wall including a base layer and an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer, preferably on an inside surface of the side wall. The insulating layer being selectively adhered to at least a portion of the base layer such that the selective adhering of the insulating layer to the base layer creates air pockets between the insulating layer and the base layer with the air pockets being expandable in response to contact with a heated liquid. Such a container is formed from an insulating stock material comprising a paperboard base layer and an insulating layer overlying at least a portion of at least of one surface of the base layer with the insulating layer being selectively adhered to the surface of the base layer forming enclosed regions between the base layer and the insulating layer.

Abstract: A laminate structure (e.g., hot or cold wrap) formed from outer substrates that are bonded together to form at least one pocket is provided. The pocket is separated by an inner substrate such that the pocket defines an upper pocket region and a lower pocket region, each of which contains a reactant. Due to the presence of the inner substrate, the reactants do not intermix prior to activation of the laminate structure. To activate the laminate structure, a tension force is exerted so that the inner substrate ruptures, thereby allowing the reactants to freely intermix and produce the desired result. For example, in some instances, the reactants undergo and exothermic or endothermic reaction so that the laminate structure may be utilized as a hot or cold wrap.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: A sheet material web assembly includes a plurality of layers of sheet material web, with each layer having a plurality of embossments arranged in a pattern. The embossments in each layer are raised in the same direction and nest within the plurality of embossments in the other layers. A portion of the pattern of embossments further comprises a plurality of crimped embossments that bind the plurality of layers together.

Abstract: A safety tile (1) is for use with other like tiles in paving a playground area and is made of a resilient polymeric material. A multiplicity of tongues (12) of said polymeric material project from the periphery of said layer (3), the tongues being spaced apart so as to define gaps (14) therebetween for receiving the tongues of adjacent like safety tiles. A respective through passageway (16) is provided in each tongue (12), running substantially parallel to the first face (5), and so located that the passageway in a tongue of an adjacent like tile, when the last-mentioned tongue is received in one of said gaps, aligns with the passageways of the tongues next to the said one of said gaps to permit the insertion of an elongate member (20) through said aligned passageways.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A process for preparing diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments comprises conducting the elementary steps of pigment synthesis (reaction and hydrolysis) in a miniaturized continuous reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to fibrous absorbent articles containing particles useful in the manufacture of disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins and the like, scrubbing pads, scouring pads and cleaning pads that contain a detergent or soap and the like, and pads that contain coffee, tea, and the like More particularly, the invention is directed to an absorbent articles having sealed lateral edges to contain loose fibers and particles within the structure. Additionally, this invention is related to airlaid methods to manufacture unitary absorbent products.

Abstract: A glass substrate for liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of zig-zag type exhausting ports for exhausting the inner gas in the cells of the glass substrate to the outer region of the glass substrate when the cells are laminated to each other. Opening regions of the glass substrate except for the exhausting port are blocked by the residuum being generated when the substrate is etched by the etchant.

Abstract: The invention regards a material having a three-dimensional surface built up by bulgings arranged regularly or irregularly mutually adjacently, and which have approximately conical form. It is thus accomplished that the brightness of the material is little dependent on the view angle, in contrast to what is the case with plane surfaces, even if painted with matte camouflage paint.

Abstract: An article including at least one first layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces is a structured surface; and a cap layer in contact with a structured surface of the first layer.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an absorbent paper product including at least three plies, and a method of manufacture therefore. The absorbent paper product is of an approximate specific surface weight between 36 and 105 g/m2, and includes at least three plies, namely a central ply and two embossed upper and lower outer plies each including salient patterns composed of at least in part discrete protrusions. The plies are joined by joining at least part of the protrusions of each of the outer plies to the central ply. At least one of the outer plies has a pattern density larger than 30 protrusions/cm2. The embossed lower outer ply (2) includes combined high and low patterns (5 and 7) of respective heights (H) and (h). The central ply (4) and the embossed upper outer ply (3) are joined in the nested mode to the embossed lower outer ply (2) at the level of at least part of the tops of the high pattern (5) of height (H) of the embossed lower outer ply (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a flattened tubular film (1) made of thermoplastic material, in which the inner faces are not welded or glued, and are in mutual contact only over a part of their surface, thus forming a plurality of cells (3) of determined shape, essentially hermetic, containing a gas. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a film, by extruding a preform, introducing a gas into the preform and flattening using at least one cylinder (2) whose surface has a relief such that, during the flattening, the two inner faces of the film come into mutual contact only over a part of their surface, thus forming a plurality of cells of determined shape, substantially hermetic, in which the said gas is imprisoned.

Abstract: A multi-layer ceramic matrix composite structure (40) having a plurality of fiber-reinforced cooling passages (42) formed therein. The cooling passages are formed by the removal of a fugitive material (24). The fugitive material is part of a wrapped fugitive material structure (28) containing a layer of reinforcing ceramic fibers (26) that is used to lay-up the multi-layer structure. An intermediate layer of ceramic fabric 56 may be placed alternately over and under the wrapped fugitive material structure to separate the cooling passages into alternating upper (54) and lower (52) cooling passages. The transversely oriented fibers surrounding the cooling passages serve to increase the interlaminar strength of the structure when compared to prior art designs. An airfoil member (112) incorporating such reinforced integral cooling passages (120) is provided.

Abstract: A film or tape has one of its major surfaces defined by microstructured features including a plurality of channels defined by spaced apart protrusions. The microstructured film is able to acquire liquids and to control the directional transport of such liquids for subsequent removal therefrom. The transport can be passive or active (i.e., caused or enhanced by an applied potential). The inventive microstructured films and tapes have applications in laminate floor assemblies (for spill removal) and industrial articles such as computer keyboards and other devices and assemblies that benefit from fluid removal. The invention also has application in evaporative and condensation applications. In one embodiment, at least one cross-channel is formed on the microstructured surface to join adjacent channels for liquid flow therebetween.

Abstract: A composite bubble-pack assembly comprising (i) a first bubble-pack having a first thermoplastic film having a plurality of portions wherein each of the portions defines a cavity and a second thermoplastic film in sealed engagement with the first film to provide a plurality of closed cavities; (ii) a second bubble-pack having a third thermoplastic film having a plurality of portions wherein each of the portions defines a cavity, and a fourth thermoplastic film in sealed engagement with the third film to provide a plurality of closed cavities; (iii) and a film selected from the group consisting of a thin foil of metal or a metallized thermoplastic film interposed between and bonded to the first bubble-pack and the second bubble-pack.

Abstract: A reusable, fluid-swellable absorbent composition is disclosed. The composition generally includes a superabsorbent polymer, a gum, a film-forming resin and gelatin. The composition may further include a colorant and/or reflective particles, and it is particularly well-suited for use with amusement devices, such as for use by children. The device includes at least one sample of the invented composition, preferably including colorant and/or glitter, a volume of water and a structure including a base and a closed perimeter extending outwardly from the base. The structure includes a plurality of discrete regions, and may collectively resemble an object, scene or other image. Then upon placement of a small quantity of the composition into a particular region and addition of water to the quantity, the composition swells, expands and generally conforms to the shape of the region.

Abstract: An extrusion die has a distributing tool; a profiling nozzle; and at least three melt-flow ducts; a first melt-flow duct is routed around a second melt-flow duct or the distributing tool using a branch and is merged again downstream from the branch; and a third melt-flow duct opens into the second melt-flow duct. The extrusion die is suitable for extrusion of a hollow-chamber profiled panel of a thermoplastic plastic with a layered structure which comprises a top and bottom layer of a first plastic melt; and an intermediate layer of a second plastic melt disposed in an interior of a hollow chamber profile. The first plastic melt is allocated to the first melt-flow duct and to the second melt-flow duct and the second plastic melt is allocated to the third melt-flow duct. During the extrusion the second plastic melt is deposited onto the first plastic melt upstream from or in the region of the branch, and a distribution of the deposited second plastic melt is regulated using the distributing tool.

Abstract: A packaging filler product and machine for making the product wherein the product includes an air-filled pouch having sealed edges and spots connecting the opposing sheets of the pouch together. The machine includes a frictional belt system for gripping a bulk supply of pouched package material and that urges the bulk material past an inflation device for serially introducing air to the interior of each pouch of the package material followed by employing a heater that heat seals the opening into the interior of each pouch. A trim cutter eliminates unnecessary material and individual pouches are separated from the bulk supply by using perforations provided between adjacent pouches. A feed mechanism including the belt system is provided for moving the bulk supply of pouches from a supply spool past the heater and through the trim cutter. Tensioning and idle rollers guide the bulk supply of pouches through the machine in an in-line series.

Abstract: A textile complex is provided including at least a fabric, a textile lap, made of inflammable material, designed to form the external surface of the complex, and a comfort and hygiene lining designed to form the complex internal surface. On the fabric internal surface and/or the lining external surface folds are provided having substantially the same orientation with respect to each other, fixed on the fabric and/or the lining, and defining between the fabric and the lining air-filled passages.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a layer having carpeted upper surface and/or other rubber-like padding material covered by a translucent, elastomeric sheet. The upper elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage the carpeted upper surface of the inner padding layer, thereby reducing the likelihood of the upper elastomeric layer from slipping relative to the inner padding layer. The upper elastomeric layer is sewn or otherwise affixed to the carpeted surface to prevent slipping and creasing of the upper elastomeric layer relative to the padding during use. In addition, in a preferred embodiment for use on carpeted surfaces, the lower elastomeric layer may have downwardly depending projections that engage in the underlying carpet surface to reduce slipping of the device relative to the underlying surface. An overcovering material may be provided to further protect the upper elastomeric layer from excessive soiling.

Abstract: A retroreflective article that exhibits suitable retroreflective luminance under dry and dynamic wet conditions. The article includes an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheeting that, under dry conditions, exhibits a coefficient of retroreflective luminance of about 40 (millicandela/m2)/lux as measured by ASTM D 4061-94 and, under dynamic wet conditions the sheeting increases in coefficient of retroreflective luminance. The article further includes a plurality of retroreflective elements partially embedded in a light transmissible bonding layer on the front, reflective surface of the retroreflective sheeting.

Abstract: A protector pad (10) for a sportsman includes and outer protector (11) adapted to at least partially assume the shape of the area to be protected and an inner shock absorbing pad (12) in the form of an air cushioned pad. The outer protector (11) is formed from moulded plastics material and has longitudinal ribs (13) which permit the protector to achieve a curvature fit around the area to be protected.

Abstract: The invention concerns a web of absorbent paper, in particular of cellulose cotton, including on one side protrusions of which the top surfaces are less than 1 mm2 each and which correspond to cavities on the other side, the web being characterized in that the protrusions are distributed at a rate of more than 30/cm2 along mutually parallel lines in a manner such as to bound cells of which the total surface takes up at least 30% of the web surface, the cells per se being unembossed or embossed only slightly.

Abstract: An inflatable, conformable, cushioning, packaging product comprises a plurality of individual inflatable strips of multiple bubble cushioning structures. Each individual inflatable strip has a plurality of bubble chambers with each bubble chamber interconnected to an adjacent bubble chamber by an interconnecting passageway which is smaller in size and internal volume than the bubble chambers, but which is sufficiently large to enable air volume and pressure in one inflated bubble chamber to be transmitted to adjacent bubble chambers for distributing a shock load on one bubble chamber along the entire length of the individual inflatable strip of interconnected bubble chambers. Each individual inflatable strip is defined between two laterally extending spaced apart peripheral seal line which have an undulating configuration free of corner shapes which could concentration stresses.

Abstract: A rigid three-dimensionally shaped fiber network structure having improved post-yield dimensional recovery is provided. The fiber network structure is formed from a fabric containing (A) at least one oriented, semi-crystalline monofilament yarn made from a first thermoplastic polymer, and (B) a second thermoplastic polymer which effects bonding of the monofilament cross-over points. The fiber network structures are useful in a variety of articles, including sandwich panels, various spacers, drainage systems, and energy absorption structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered, air-gapped sheet of chitosan, which comprises a plurality of films of chitosan. The each film of chitosan is between 0.1 &mgr;m and 50 &mgr;m in thickness. Said each film of chitosan is stacked next to one another with a gap of 1 &mgr;m to 10,000 &mgr;m therebetween with the lower film surface facing the upper film surface of an adjacent film. The each film of chitosan is arranged in the direction substantially perpendicular or horizontal to the top surface of the multi-layered, air-gapped sheet, or slanting against the top surface of the sheet. Some multi-layered, air-gapped sheet of chitosan comprises a plurality of sub-sheets of chitosan. The each sub-sheet of chitosan itself is a multi-layered, air-gapped sheet of chitosan, and any two sub-sheets next to each other are not identical each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building having a roof with structured roof tiles and a structure projecting out from the roof surface, such as a chimney, a window, a wall, or ventilating pipe and to a method of constructing a roof of a building covered with structured roofing tiles and a structure projecting out from the roof surface, such as a chimney, a window, a wall, or ventilating pipe and also the gap between a ridge, an arris or hip covering.

Abstract: A platform is provided for the manufacture of microwave, multilayer integrated circuits and microwave, multifunction modules. The manufacturing process involves bonding fluoropolymer composite substrates into a multilayer structure using fusion bonding. The bonded multilayers, with embedded semiconductor devices, etched resistors and circuit patterns, and plated via holes form a self-contained surface mount module. Film bonding, or fusion bonding if possible, may be used to cover embedded semiconductor devices, including embedded active semiconductor devices, with one or more layers.

Abstract: A webstock device for providing a signaling function while being relatively camouflaged includes sheet-like webstock material, a cavity in the webstock material, a signaling device at least partly contained in the cavity, and means for retaining the signaling device at least partly in the cavity. The cavity in the webstock material is closed by respective layers of material and a cover layer can be printed with desired information, instructions, etc. The signaling device may be an accousto-magnetic signaling device, an RF device or other signaling device. The invention also includes methods and apparatus for making the webstock device and methods for using the device.