Abstract: A multilayer container having enhanced gas barrier properties comprises at least two outer layers comprising a polymer matrix, and at least one barrier layer disposed between the at least two outer layers. The at least one barrier layer comprises a first polymer composition comprising a polymer matrix and a low molecular weight additive. In a particular embodiment, the low molecular weight additive comprises a purine derivative, such as caffeine, and is present in the multilayer container in an amount in the range of about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of the container.

Abstract: A relative density of a light-shielding film made of MoSi, which is given by relative density=(actual density/theoretical density)×100, is obtained using a density (actual density) calculated by an XRR method and a theoretical density obtained from a material composition. By obtaining a dense film having a relative density greater than 94%, the thickness of an alterated layer, caused by exposure light, at a surface of the MoSi film can be made not more than 2.0 nm so that the dimensional change of a transfer pattern can be made small.

Abstract: Provided are a cutting information determination method that can use a simpler process to improve yield, and a strip-shaped polarizing sheet manufacturing method using such a method, an optical display unit manufacturing method using such a method, a strip-shaped polarizing sheet, and a polarizing sheet material. A cutting position in the width direction A2, in which a polarizing sheet material MP is to be cut along its longitudinal direction A1, is determined based on the numbers of defects counted with respect to plural points in the width direction A2 of the polarizing sheet material MP. This makes it possible to determine the cutting position in such a way that a region with many defects does not fall within the cut width, so that a higher-yield cutting position can be determined. The cutting position can also be determined using a simple process in which defects are counted with respect to plural points in the width direction A2.

Abstract: A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example. Permanent bead material is preferably made of polyacrylonitrile, carbon fiber, or graphite.

Abstract: The method for producing and processing a preform comprises a preliminary process phase, in which silica grain is supplied into the interior space of a silica tube having an open upper end and a closed lower end, in order to obtain an unprocessed preform, and includes a final process phase, in which the interior space of the silica tube is closed, a condition of reduced pressure is generated, the unprocessed preform is heated with a final process temperature in order to fuse the silica tube and the silica grain. According to the invention the silica grain entering the interior space is thermally treated during the preliminary process phase with an intermediate process temperature that lies under the melting point of the silica grain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for producing dental shaped parts, comprising a blank body (1) made of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part can be machined using a tool (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) for removing material. The aim of the invention is to enable a reliable verification or recognition of the tool fitting or of the type and state of wear of the used tool of a machine tool for the blank. To this end, the blank has at least one gauge (4, 5), whose dimensions are such that the tool present for the machining can be identified by the gauge on the basis of its outer contour. The invention also relates to a method for producing dental shaped parts with a blank body made of tooth restoration material, from which the entire shaped part can be machined in a machining device by a tool for removing material.

Abstract: Molded preform for blow molding a plastic container for pressurized applications, the preform having a base with a multilayer wall for forming a delamination and crack resistant multilayer footed container base. The preform base forming region has an end cap portion with a non-spherical inner wall, including a flattened central section joined by arcuate corner sections to a generally cylindrical outer section. The inner wall sections provide a varying end cap thickness profile which enhances orientation in select portions of the footed container base for improved performance and/or lightweighting of the container base.

Abstract: A process for making a UHMWPE tape comprises providing a fluid composition comprising HMwPE and/or UHMwPE; extruding a fluid tape from the fluid composition from an extrusion die (100); cooling the fluid tape to obtain a solidified tape and drawing the solidified tape in at least one direction in at least one drawing step at a draw ratio of at least (3) in the machine direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw 1 comprising a thread-forming thread 2 for the creation of a metric thread, comprising a load-bearing thread portion 3 and a forming thread portion 4 which is tapered to the tip of the screw. The flights of the tapered thread portion 4 are sharp-edged and fully formed.

Abstract: A preform for an optical element is provided which involves less amount of deformation of glass in molding, and readily improves lifetime of the mold. The present preform for molding an optical glass element 10 exhibits an almost circular shape having a predetermined diameter in top view, exhibits a flattened semicircular shape having a predetermined overall height in side view, has a concave face on the top surface such that the predetermined overall height is attained at approximately the central position of the aforementioned circular shape, and has a concave face so as to fit along the convex face of the top surface such that a space is provided on the bottom face. The under surface may be either a concave face or a convex face. Also, the top surface may be either a concave face or a convex face.

Abstract: A sheet blank for forming a collapsible field director structure comprises a sheet of nonconductive material having at least three panels thereon, one of the panels being a master panel and the other two panels being slave panels. Each panel is substantially rectangular in shape and has elongated upper and lower edges and two relatively shorter side edges. Each panel is connected to at least one adjacent panel along an elongated edge. A patch of adhesive material is disposed on: the first surface of a first one of the panels; and another patch of adhesive material is disposed on: the first surface on one of the other panels or the second surface of said first one of the panels. The slave panels are each foldable along an elongated edge thereof so that a surface of each of the slave panels is brought into confronting facial adjacency to and adhered against a surface of the master panel.

Abstract: Polymer blends are disclosed that comprise one or more polybutadiene homopolymers or copolymers having at least one functionality capable of entering into condensation reactions; one or more polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers or copolymers obtained using a catalyst system comprising aluminum atoms and one or more alkaline earth metal atoms, alkali metal atoms, or alkali compound residues, optionally obtained by a melt-phase polymerization process; and one or more transition metal atoms. The blends are useful for packaging, and exhibit improved oxygen-scavenging activity compared with blends made using many conventional polyethylene terephthalate polymers prepared with conventional catalyst systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous or discontinuous method for the production of highly condensed polyesters in the solid state, comprising a crystallization of a polyester material, wherein the crystallization is carried out in the presence of a gas with a dew point of (less than or equal to) ?approximately ?10° C. The invention also relates to a method for the production of polyester formed bodies using the polyester material obtained for the production of bottles, films and high strength threads.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct for preparing a food item having a periphery that is desirably browned and/or crisped comprises a substantially planar base and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from a periphery of the base. The base and side walls define an interior space for receiving the food item. The base includes a plurality of movable portions for being moved out of the plane of the base into the interior space towards the periphery of the food item. A microwave energy interactive material may be joined to at least a portion of the base including the movable portions. The microwave energy interactive material may be operative for converting at least a portion of impinging microwave energy into heat.

Abstract: A woven preform used to reinforce a composite structure which includes a central portion having a plurality of interwoven layers. The preform also includes first and second end portions having a plurality of independent woven layers that are integrally woven with the plurality of interwoven layers in the central portion and which extend along the entire length the preform. Interspersed between the plurality of independent woven layers in the first and second end portions are bias plies. The first and second end portions can have through thickness reinforcements comprising reinforcement fibers that traverse through the independent woven layers and the bias plies, locking them together.

Abstract: A finish for a plastic container and a preform adapted to be molded into the plastic container. The finish and the preform include an upper portion having a mouth defining an opening into the container. At least one groove is defined around a radial sidewall of the upper portion. The groove slopes gradually downward along the radial sidewall to a terminal end.

Abstract: A preform and a mold stack for producing the preform. For example, there is provided a preform suitable for subsequent blow-molding. The preform comprises a neck portion; a gate portion; and a body portion extending between said neck portion and said gate portion; the gate portion having a conical shape, wherein the conical shape terminates at a vestige portion having a size that substantially corresponds to the size of an orifice of a hot runner nozzle used in manufacturing the preform. In an example embodiment, the conical shape is selected such that to substantially homogenize angle of refraction of rays used during a re-heating stage of a blow-molding process.

Abstract: This invention provides a moldable, multiple-layer composite composition, which is a precursor to an electrically conductive composite flow field plate or bipolar plate. In one preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a plurality of conductive sheets and a plurality of mixture layers of a curable resin and conductive fillers, wherein (A) each conductive sheet is attached to at least one resin-filler mixture layer; (B) at least one of the conductive sheets comprises flexible graphite; and (C) at least one resin-filler mixture layer comprises a thermosetting resin and conductive fillers with the fillers being present in a sufficient quantity to render the resulting flow field plate or bipolar plate electrically conductive with a conductivity no less than 100 S/cm and thickness-direction areal conductivity no less than 200 S/cm2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for sealing a drain of any dimension, form and depth in a floor of a sanitary space or other spaces. By making use of a firm or flexible material layer dimensioned for the purpose of sealing a drain and a preprocessed firm or flexible material layer dimensioned for the purpose of sealing a drain it is readily possible to obtain a reliable seal.

Abstract: A preform for forming a structural assembly that defines a complex contour is provided. The preform and, hence, the structural assembly includes first and second skin members and a cellular core member between the first and second skin members. The skin members and/or the core member can be formed to a shape that corresponds to the desired contour of the structural member before the preform is assembled, e.g., by superplastic forming. That is, the first skin member can be disposed against a contour surface of a die to restrain the preform to the contour defined by the surface. A pressurized fluid is provided against the second skin member to urge the preform against the contour surface. A pressurized fluid is also injected in the first chamber to support the cellular core member. The preform is heated to a bonding temperature before or after being disposed against the contour surface so that the core and skin members are bonded to form the structural assembly.

Abstract: Preform for the blow moulding of a container comprising a neck section (1) including a pouring opening (20), an adjacent wall section (2) and a bottom section (3). It consists of a primary plastic raw material in a primary area (A1, A2, A3) and at least one secondary material in at least a secondary area (B1, B2, B3) both having a mutually different coloration. Said preform is remarkable in that said bottom section (3) is composed of a multi-layer structure with primary layers composed of said primary plastic material, and additional secondary layers (6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The latter are composed of said secondary material, two surface secondary layers the one of which (6) is directed outwardly respective the preform, whereas the other one (10) is directed inwardly, and an intermediate secondary layer between them (7, 8, 9), which constitutes a core layer, which is located between two said primary layers.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite structure comprising fibre reinforced material and having a longitudinal direction is described.

Abstract: A preform for manufacturing plastics material bottles or wide-necked vessels is described, having a rigid, substantially elongate, frustoconical body portion that is closed at one of its longitudinal ends by a dome-shaped end portion and at its opposite longitudinal end adjoins via a preform collar a neck portion provided with a pouring opening. The preform possesses in the body portion an external diameter that is reduced from the preform collar to the end portion. The body portion has a wall thickness which changes over its longitudinal extension substantially constantly by up to +2 mm. For this purpose, it possesses an internal diameter which decreases substantially constantly from a transition to the preform collar up to a transition to the dome-shaped end portion.

Abstract: A preform for manufacturing plastics material bottles or wide-necked vessels is described, having a rigid, substantially elongate, frustoconical body portion that is closed at one of its longitudinal ends by a dome-shaped end portion and at its opposite longitudinal end adjoins via a preform collar a neck portion provided with a pouring opening. The preform possesses in the body portion an external diameter that is reduced from the preform collar to the end portion. The body portion has a wall thickness which changes over its longitudinal extension substantially constantly by up to +2 mm. For this purpose, it possesses an internal diameter which decreases substantially constantly from a transition to the preform collar up to a transition to the dome-shaped end portion.

Abstract: A container comprising a polyester composition with enhanced carbon dioxide and oxygen barrier properties is provided. The polyester composition comprises a polyester and a purine derivative. In a particular embodiment, the purine derivative comprises a purine dione, such as caffeine.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a preform (300, 400, 900) and a mold stack (600, 1000) for producing the preform (300, 400, 900). For example, there is provided a preform (300, 400, 900) suitable for subsequent blow-molding. The preform (300, 400, 900) comprises a neck portion (302, 402, 902); a gate portion (306, 406, 906); and a body portion (304, 404, 904) extending between said neck portion (302, 402, 902) and said gate portion (306, 406, 906); the gate portion (306, 406, 906) being associated with a substantially conical shape. In an example embodiment, the substantially conical shape is selected such that to substantially homogenize angle of refraction of rays (206) used during a re-heating stage of a blow-molding process.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful as a barrier layer in, for example, packaging products. The compositions generally comprise a blend of (i) a polyester material, preferably an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and (ii) a vinyl alcohol material. The blend optionally may further comprise (iii) a polyolefin material (preferably a functionalized polyolefin material, e.g., a BYNEL material); and/or (iv) a polyamide material (preferably an amorphous polyamide material, e.g., a GRIVORY material), that optionally further comprises an oxygen scavenging material. The present invention also provides containers (e.g., containers formed by expansion of preforms) having a multilayered body-forming portion including: a core layer comprising the aforementioned blend, and inner and outer layers of a formable polymer composition. The present invention also provides methods of making such containers.

Abstract: To provide a preform, a bottle and a preform molding apparatus capable of preventing lowering in the mechanical strength of a preform, reducing the amount of a resin material, as well as improving productivity. A preform mold 1e used in the preform molding apparatus has a mouth neck part mold 2, a body part mold 3e and a core mold 163, and the body part mold 3e has, on the outer edge of the upper surface of a cylindrical protrusion part 31e, an annular protrusion 33 which controls the moving direction of a solidified film 118 and a solidified film 117 which have been peeled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container (2) having an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container wherein the same polymer is in contact on either side of the interface between the inner (11) and outer layers (12). It also concerns a preform(1, 1?) for blow-moulding a bag-in-container, having an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the preform forms a two-layer container upon blow-moulding, and wherein the thus obtained inner layer of the container releases from the thus obtained outer layer upon introduction of a gas at a point of interface between the two layers. The inner and outer layers are of the same material.

Abstract: The invention is an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container (2) and preform (1) for making it. The bag-in-container (2) has an inner layer (21) forming the bag and an outer layer (22) forming the container, and a mouth (5) fluidly connecting the volume defined by the bag to the atmosphere. The container further has at least one interface vent (3) fluidly connecting the interface (14) between inner and outer layers to the atmosphere, wherein the at least one vent (3) runs parallel to the interface between inner and outer layers (21) (22) and opens to the atmosphere at a location (4) adjacent to, and oriented coaxially with the bag-in-container's mouth (5). Processes for manufacturing a preform and a bag-in-container as defined above are defined too.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container (2) and preform(1, 1?) for blow-moulding the bag-in-container. An inner layer (11) and an outer layer (12) are used, wherein the preform forms a two-layer container upon blow-moulding, and wherein the obtained inner layer of said container releases from the thus obtained outer layer upon introduction of a gas at a point of interface (14) between the two layers. At least one of the inner and outer layers includes at least one additive allowing both inner and outer layers to reach their respective blow-moulding temperatures substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: An overmolded preform and a container blow molded from the same are disclosed, wherein the overmolded preform and the overmolded container include an inner foamed layer.

Abstract: A mill blank mandrel may rigidly secure machinable material for a machining process. The mandrel may be freely and easily inserted in a corresponding mandrel socket and secured without the use of a tool. The mandrel may be detected and verified when inserted in the mandrel socket.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide an apparatus for feeding resin capable of extinguishing angular traces formed at both end portions of the cutter mark or of preventing the angular traces from extending up to the side wall of the body portion of the preform at the time of forming a preform. [Means for Solution] An apparatus for feeding molten resin to a compression-molding machine, including a holding unit 17 that rotates on a track, the holding unit 17 having a pair of holders 22 and 23 capable of holding and releasing the molten resin. When the molten resin is cut by a cutter, a linear cutter mark 29 is formed on the cut surface of the resin in a direction at right angles with the direction in which the molten resin is cut. Protruded portions 32 and 33 are formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of the holders 22 and 23 to deform the end portions of the cutter mark 29 toward the inside of the cutter mark when the molten resin is held by the pair of holders 22 and 23.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for coupling light into an optical wave guide, a laser system with such an apparatus, and a preform to manufacture the apparatus for coupling light into an optical wave guide with the aid of a pumping fiber to guide the light, whereby the optical wave guide comprises a core with a cladding and an initial length segment with a second length segment immediately connected to it, whose cross section increases in tapered form with respect to the first length segment.

Abstract: There is provided a laser beam processing method in which generation of foreign substances from cut can be suppressed and contamination of a surface of a work can be decreased when performing the processing method using a laser beam on the work made of a polymer material, and a laser processed product. Further, the present invention is to provide a laser beam processing apparatus that is used in the laser beam processing method. The present invention relates to a laser beam processing method for processing the work made of a polymer material using a laser beam, wherein the work is irradiated with a laser beam in a state that the optical axis of the laser beam is tilted in the advancing direction of processing by a prescribed angle with respect to the vertical direction of the work.

Abstract: An artificial skin system for use with a robotic assembly such as to provide an animated robot head with realistic skin movement. The skin system includes a receiving component for contacting the manipulator mechanism of the robotic assembly and also includes an exterior skin component that extends over the receiving component. An inner surface of the exterior skin component is integrally bonded to the receiving component such that the exterior skin component moves with the receiving component when a manipulator mechanism or robotics anchored to the receiving component moves or applies a force. The exterior skin component is formed of an elastic material with a second hardness that differs from a first hardness of elastic material of the receiving component, e.g., is less than the first hardness. The skin system includes a backing component bonded to the other components with a third hardness less than the first and second hardnesses.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a gable top comprising two top panels at a top of the carton. The gable top comprises at least one gusset foldably connected to a side flap and one of the top panels. The first and second top flaps angle inwardly from a respective front panel and back panel of the carton.

Abstract: An assembly of fibrous support preforms that makes it possible to obtain a composite-material part that includes a space (30) that originates from the assembly in which a long-member profile (32) of organic or inorganic fibers is housed and whose purpose is to fill the space (30), is characterized in that the long-member profile includes at least one metal fiber that extends over the entire length of the profile (32) so as to ensure the function of a marker that can be detected by detection element (38) that emit waves that can be modified by the marker (36).

Abstract: A substantially two-dimensional sheet material is configured for bending along a bend line to form a three-dimensional article. The sheet material includes a sheet of elastically and plastically deformable material, one portion of the sheet material located on one side of the bend line and another portion located on the opposing side of the bend line, one portion being displaced relative to the another portion in the direction of the thickness of the sheet material, and/or a plurality of shear lengths extending along the bend line separating the one and another portions of the sheet material. At least a pair of adjacent shear lengths define a strap interconnecting the one and another portions of the sheet material.

Abstract: A baseball bat has a core section formed exclusively of bamboo fibers fused together and an outer section substantially surrounding the core section. In a method for fabricating a blank from which a baseball bat is fabricated, a core section is fabricated through harvesting elongated bamboo pieces, removing the epidermis or skin from the bamboo pieces, cutting the bamboo pieces into a predetermined length, fiberizing the bamboo pieces, fusing the bamboo fibers to form a solid and unitary core blank, and processing the solid core blank to provide a core section have a substantially square cross section having opposite front and rear sides and opposite top and bottom sides.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of molded components including (a) providing a carrier to a manufacturing assembly; (b) forming the molded components on the carrier, the molded components having a sacrificial portion secured to the carrier and being movable along the carrier, and a functional portion extending from the sacrificial portion, adjacent sacrificial portions are spaced from one another by a first distance; (c) winding the carrier in a forward direction onto the uptake device; and (d) unwinding the uptake device in a reverse direction such that the carrier and molded components move toward the source device, one of the molded components contacts the latch preventing the molded components from moving in the reverse direction such that adjacent sacrificial portions are moved closer together to a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A wood member for a musical instrument, which is capable of preventing occurrence of damage, such as cracking, to thereby ensure smooth and stable operation of the musical instrument and maintain excellent appearance of the same over a long time period. The wood member has compressive internal stress remaining at least in an outer peripheral portion thereof by being subjected to heating processing, cooling processing, and moisture conditioning processing, in advance. A wood workpiece as a workpiece for the wood member is heated at a predetermined temperature, and the heated wood workpiece is cooled. The cooled wood workpiece is subjected to moisture conditioning such that compressive internal stress is generated at least in an outer peripheral portion of the wood workpiece.

Abstract: A method for joining together constructional parts which are made of a composite material and extend transversely to one another, such as a flange and a web of a profile, includes the steps of: placing the constructional parts in the desired position with respect to one another so as to form a connecting region in which one of the constructional parts abuts against or in proximity to the other constructional part, causing a thermoplastic material to flow out into the connecting region, fusing together the constructional parts under the influence of heat and pressure.

Abstract: A wide-mouth container (1) has a body and a rim (3) defining an opening for the container, and is made of a material such as PET or PEN. The first step in its manufacture comprises injection moulding a preform (15) which has a rim (3) formed at its mouth and a continuous body-forming portion (120) extending across the preform from the inner periphery (21) of the rim. An injection-moulded handle (90) is then attached to the preform, with the handle having two opposed ends received respectively at different locations around the rim and being pivotable on the rim. The preform can then be stored or transported in this condition. In the final step, the preform after heating is placed in a moulding cavity (61) of a blow moulding apparatus (60) with the preform being located by means of the rim (3). The mould includes a recess (115) around the rim to accommodate the handle (90) attached to the rim (3) during the operation of the blow moulding apparatus.

Abstract: An injection molded preform for making a stretch blow molded container having an overall stretch ratio of from about 12 to about 16, wherein the overall stretch ratio is a product of a hoop stretch ratio and an axial stretch ratio, wherein the hoop stretch ratio is from about 5.6 to about 6.5, wherein the axial stretch ratio is from about 2.4 to about 2.7, and wherein the preform comprises a CG PET Copolymer having a free blow volume of from about 650 to about 800 ml measured at 100° C. and 90 psi using a 25 gram weight preform designed for a 500 ml container with a maximum diameter of 65 mm and a height of 200 mm from below the container finish and having a hoop stretch ratio of 5.5 and an axial stretch ratio of 2.6. This invention also relates to a method of making such preforms and stretch blow molded containers and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A method of processing waste containing an amount of thermoplastic material and an amount of non-thermoplastic material as constituent materials to produce an output material capable of being used as an ingredient or component in a subsequent manufacturing process, said method comprising the steps of: increasing the temperature of the waste; supplying said waste to a densifier to cause densification of the waste and heat transfer contact between the constituent materials such that the thermoplastic materials soften to at least partially surround said non-thermoplastic materials; and extruding the densified waste to produce an extruded material.

Abstract: A processing aid is used in the processing of thermoplastic polyurethanes to give various articles including a self-supporting film. The processing aid contains a) 10-50% by weight of hydrophobized, at least partially aggregated, metal oxide particles selected from the group consisting of aluminium oxide, silicon dioxide and mixtures thereof, b) 20-75% by weight of one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, c) 0.5-25% by weight of one or more isocyanates, d) 0.5-15% by weight of one or more compounds which act as lubricant and dispersant, the sum of the constituents a) to d) amounting to at least 90% by weight, based on a total weight of said processing aid.

Abstract: A preform (1) of plastic material for manufacturing bottles through a blow-moulding process includes a substantially cylindrical central body (3) having an open end (2) and a closed end (4). In correspondence of the central area of the closed end (4) there is provided a hollow appendix (5), projecting outwards of the preform, capable of internally housing the tip end of a stretching rod of the preform (1). Both the hollow appendix (5) and the remaining side portion of the closed end (4) of the preform may be spherical, conical, elliptical or parabolic.

Abstract: A method of making alkali-metal vapor cells by first forming microscale-wax micropackets with alkali metals inside allows fabrication of vapor cells at low cost and in a batch fabricated manner. Alkali metals are enclosed in a chemically inert wax to preform alkali metal-wax micropackets, keeping the alkali metals from reacting with the ambient surroundings during the vapor cell fabrication. This enables the deposition of precise amounts of pure alkali metal inside the vapor cells. Laser ablation of the alkali metal-wax micropackets provides a simple and effective way of releasing the enclosed metal. The method reduces the cost of making chip-scale atomic clocks and allows shipping of alkali vapor packets without contamination issues, thereby creating a technology for alkali-metal vendors to provide small packets of alkali metals.