Abstract: A thermally-conductive polymer composition suitable for making molded reflector articles having light-reflecting surfaces is provided. The composition comprises: a) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a base polymer matrix such as polycarbonate; and b) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermally-conductive carbon material such as graphite. The composition can be used to make reflector articles such as housings for automotive tail lamps, head lamps, and other lighting fixtures. A method for manufacturing reflector articles is also provided.

Abstract: A price improvement processor to effectuate more rapid matching of bids and offers of financial instruments by conducting a rapid automated auction in which certain market participants may provide price improvement in increments that are finer than the prevailing standard minimum price variation and are provided a certain allocation as an incentive for such price improvements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat pipe construction includes first providing a tubular pipe with an open end. A thermally conductive material, such as a metallic material or a filled polymer composite material is overmolded over or cast around the tubular pipe. Additional heat dissipating elements, such as insert molded pins, may be provided in the overmolded or cast material to enhance thermal conductivity of the heat sink assembly. The tubular pipe is then filled with heat pipe media, such as water or ammonia, and then immediately sealed therein to effectively form an embedded heat pipe within a thermally conductive cast or overmolded structure. With the method of the present invention, an heat pipes can be overmolded with or cast into other heat dissipating material structure to improve overall performance of the heat pipe without damaging the heat pipe.

Abstract: A system and method of allocating orders in an exchange configured for trading by a combination of electronic and open-outcry trading mechanisms is provided. One method includes permitting multiple quotes to be disseminated to the market, but limiting market making to only those entities having a physical presence on the floor of the exchange. Methods of enhancing the hybrid electronic and open-outcry exchange also include automatically eliminating crossed quotes and locked quotes while permitting certain orders to trade against locked quotes.

Abstract: The self-fastening handle assembly includes a carrier panel with an aperture. A base member has a central bore and a bottom surface. Fingers, which extend from the bottom surface of the base member, are in a first arrangement which has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the aperture and thereby capable of being routed therethrough. The fingers are expandable from the first arrangement to a second arrangement having a diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture. A spreader pin resides within the bore and within the fingers. The spreader pin is movable from a first position with the fingers at the first arrangement to a second position within the fingers to a second arrangement with the finger engaging surface in communication with the fingers. A handle, pivotally connected to the base member by a pivot; has an impact end which drives the spreader pin into the fingers upon rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A new die insert for an extrusion machine and a method of using the invention that includes a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing material to be statically drawn directly to the center of the molten flow of polymer base matrix. The insert is placed in line with the discharge end of an injection molding apparatus. A molten flow of polymer base matrix proceeds in a straight linear fashion through the die. A fiber feed tube is centered on the interior of the die. As the polymer flows past the feed tube the molten polymer draws a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing into the center of the flow. The polymer is then extruded and cooled and the extrusion is further pelletized to produce injection molding feed stock material having continuous fiber reinforcing. The result provides a continuous extrusion process that allows the formation of a continuous fiber-reinforced product employing brittle fibers in one-step process.

Abstract: A new die insert for an extrusion machine and a method of using the invention that includes a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing material to be statically drawn directly to the center of the molten flow of polymer base matrix is provided. The insert is placed in line with the discharge end of an injection molding apparatus. A molten flow of polymer base matrix proceeds in a straight linear fashion through the die. A fiber feed tube is centered on the interior of the die. As the polymer flows past the feed tube the molten polymer draws a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing into the center of the flow. The polymer is then extruded and cooled and the extrusion is further pelletized to produce injection molding feed stock material having continuous fiber reinforcing. The result provides a continuous extrusion process that allows the formation of a continuous fiber-reinforced product employing brittle fibers in one-step process.

Abstract: A highly thermally conductive and high strength net-shape moldable molding composition, with a thermal conductivity above 4 W/m° K. and a strength of at least 15 ksi includes a polymer base matrix of, by volume, between 30 and 70 percent. A first highly thermally conductive filler of high modulus PITCH-based carbon, by volume, between 15 and 47 percent is provided in the composition that has a relatively high aspect ratio of at least 10:1. Also in the composition mixture is a second high strength filler of PAN-based carbon, by volume, between 10 and 35 percent that has a relatively high aspect ratio of 10:1 or more. Optionally, a third filler material of thermally conductive material with a relatively low aspect ratio of 5:1 or less may be included in the composition, by volume less than 10 percent, to improve the thermal conductivity and strength of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a conductive injection molding composition. The thermally conductive composition includes a metallic base matrix of, by volume, between 30 and 60 percent. A first thermally conductive filler, by volume, between 25 and 60 percent is provided in the composition that has a relatively high aspect ratio of at least 10:1. In addition, an alternative embodiment of the composition mixture includes a second thermally conductive filler, by volume, between 10 and 25 percent that has a relatively low aspect ratio of 5:1 or less.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides a web-based user interface for providing customers with access to a full range of business services tailored to their specific needs. The system includes the ability to request business services. Additionally, information about the provided services may be quickly accumulated and organized to aid the provider and the customer in a variety of ways. For example, the customer is provided with the ability to analyze and track the frequency certain services are provided, the quality of the services, and the costs of the services over particular time frames. The provider is also given the ability to analyze the service information to determine if certain customer quality standards are being met. Customer management is also provided with the ability to control and monitor access to certain features by its employees, along with the ability to generate and view exception reports regarding certain activities.

Abstract: A highly thermally conductive and high strength net-shape moldable molding composition, with a thermal conductivity above 4 W/m° K and a strength of at least 15 ksi includes a polymer base matrix of, by volume, between 30 and 70 percent. A first highly thermally conductive filler of high modulus PITCH-based carbon, by volume, between 15 and 47 percent is provided in the composition that has a relatively high aspect ratio of at least 10:1. Also in the composition mixture is a second high strength filler of PAN-based carbon, by volume, between 10 and 35 percent that has a relatively high aspect ratio of 10:1 or more. Optionally, a third filler material of thermally conductive material with a relatively low aspect ratio of 5:1 or less may be included in the composition, by volume less than 10 percent, to improve the thermal conductivity and strength of the composition.

Abstract: A Variable Optical Attenuation Collimator (VOAC) is disclosed to achieve a variable degree of optical power attenuation through the collimator by adding an Attenuation Control Element (ACE) between a lens element and fiber pigtails of a traditional fiber optical collimator. The body of the ACE can be implemented in many different ways such as a polymer-network liquid crystal light scattering and absorbing material, a Refraction Index Gradient Controllable Material (RIGCM) capable of controllably swerving the direction of light propagation, a Refraction Index Controllable Material (RICM) capable of controllably defocusing an incident light power and a transparent Length Controllable Material (LCM) capable of controllably changing the spacing between the lens element and the fiber pigtails causing a defocusing of an incident light power.

Abstract: A method of making a thermally-conductive casing for an optical head in a disc player is provided. The method involves molding a polymer composition comprising: i) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a polymer matrix such as polyphenylene sulfide, and ii) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermally-conductive material such as carbon graphite into a casing for the optical head. A reinforcing material, such as glass, and other additives, such as flame retardants, can be incorporated into the polymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of constructing a heat pipe that includes providing a heat pipe with phase change media therein and injection overmolding the heat pipe with a conductive composition. The thermally conductive composition absorbs or reflects electro magnetic interference waves and prevents their transmission into and through the heat pipe to the electronic components being cooled by the heat pipe.

Abstract: A net-shape molded heat sink is provided which includes a thermally conductive main body and a number of thermally conductive fins integrally connected to and emanating from the main body. The heat sink is formed by overmolding a carbon-carbon matrix core plate with a thermally conductive polymer composition that is filled with thermally conductive filler material. The molded heat sink is freely convecting through the part which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration.

Abstract: A financial instrument in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides a passive total return index based on writing the nearby call option against that same underlying asset portfolio for a set period on the day the previous nearby call option contract expires. The call written will have that set period remaining to expiration, with an exercise price just above the prevailing underlying asset price level (i.e., slightly out of the money). The call option is held until expiration and cash settled, at which time a new call option is written for the set period.

Abstract: A financial instrument in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides creating an underlying asset portfolio and implementing a passive total return strategy into the financial instrument based on writing the nearby call option against that same underlying asset portfolio for a set period on or near the day the previous nearby call option contract expires. The call written will have that set period remaining to expiration, with an exercise price just above the prevailing underlying asset price level (i.e., slightly out of the money). The call option is held until expiration and cash settled, at which time a new call option is written for the set period.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved electrolytic capacitor device and a method of constructing the same. The capacitor includes a central support post that is inserted into an arbor hole in the center of the active element. The present invention provides a capacitor post that has a core material of metal or thermally conductive polymer that has an outer protective layer formed thereon. The outer protective layer is net shape insert molded over the core using a thermally conductive, electrically insulative polymer material that protects the support core from interfering with the electrical operation of the capacitor while increasing the capacitor's ability to transfer waste heat from the active element to the exterior of the device. The outer layer further includes an integrally formed thermal transfer pad that resides adjacent to the outer can of the capacitor when the capacitor post is installed.

Abstract: A thermally conductive and electrically insulative polymer composition and a method for creating the same is provided. Thermally conductive filler material is coated with a thermally conductive and electrically insulative coating material and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The electrically insulative coating material prevents the transfer of electricity through the filler material thus resulting in an electrically insulative composition.

Abstract: An electric heater element, that is injection overmolded with a thermally conductive polymer having a thermal conductivity of at least 3 W/m° K, includes surface enhancements to increase the overall outer surface area of the element that is in contact with a fluid to be heated, thereby enhancing the efficiency of heat transfer into the fluid. The heater element has a solid core having a resistance heating element spirally wound about its outer surface. An outer covering is injection overmolded onto the core sealing the heating element and shielding it from the exterior environment. While the outer covering seals the heating element it also includes surface enhancements such as concentric fins, pins or discs that increase the contact surface area of the outer cover, further enhancing the heat transfer properties of the heating element.