Abstract: First and second joint members are connected to one another. A reinforcing member that has an outer surface that defines a plurality of cavities is located in at least one of the joint members. Foam is located in the joint members and engages the reinforcing member and is located in the cavities of the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A joint assembly that includes first and second joint members is provided. The joint assembly includes a reinforcing member that has an outer surface that defines a plurality of cavities. Foam is located in the joint members and engages the reinforcing member such that the foam is located in the cavities of the reinforcing member. Additionally or alternatively, the joint assembly may be constructed so that the inner surface of the first joint member defines a plurality of cavities. Foam is located in the joint members and engages the inner surface of the first joint member so that it is located in the cavities of the first joint member. Various methods of manufacturing and treating the joint assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A handrail assembly is provided which may be attached to a wall or stairwell using conventional mounting hardware. The handrail consists of a substantially flat panel having a series of grooves on opposite sides of an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel. Within the respective oppositely spaced grooves, a thermoplastic extruded slit tube is inserted into the grooves providing a curved gripping portion of a handrail. The substantially flat panel has exterior surfaces of a thermoplastic polymer, thereby providing a handrail assembly having outer surfaces of a damage resistant, easily repair, long wearing polymer.

Abstract: A printed film laminate is provided. The printed film laminate includes a top layer that is made of a thermoformable polymer. An ink layer and a film layer and also present. The ink layer is located between the top layer and the film layer. The ink is protected by the top layer and the film layer. The top layer, ink layer and film layer are attached to one another for subsequent application to a base layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a transducer suitable for a fluidic drive for a miniature acoustic-fluidic pump or mixer that includes an acoustic transducer attached to an exterior or interior of a fluidic circuit or reservoir. The transducer converts radio frequency electrical energy into an ultrasonic acoustic wave in a fluid that in turn generates directed fluid motion through the effect of acoustic streaming. The method includes depositing a piezo-electric thin-film onto a platinum coated silicon wafer or substrate with capping electrodes, defining each separate transducer; and dicing said piezoelectric tin-film to provide individual transducers.

Abstract: This invention pertains to transfer of a solid target material onto a substrate by vaporizing the material by irradiating it with intense light of a resonant vibrational mode of the material and depositing the vaporized material on a substrate in a solid form.

Abstract: The fluidic drive for miniature acoustic-fluidic pump and mixer is comprised of an acoustic transducer attached to an exterior or interior of a fluidic circuit or reservoir. The transducer converts radio frequency electrical energy into an ultrasonic acoustic wave in a fluid that in turn generates directed fluid motion through the effect of acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming results due to the absorption of the acoustic energy in the fluid itself. This absorption results in a radiation pressure and acoustic streaming in the direction of propagation of the acoustic propagation or what is termed “quartz wind”.

Abstract: A process and resulting thermoplastic article is provided suitable for use in constructing furniture. The thermoplastic article contains hardened particulates such as powders of alumina oxide which brings about an improved cut and scratch resistance to the surface of the articles. The hardened particulates may be integrally mixed with the extruded product or applied post-molding to a surface of the shaped article.

Abstract: A multicomponent film on a substrate can be annealed at higher temperatures in oxygen by using a specifically designed annealing vessel. The vessel is formed of a multicomponent material which has at least all of the components of the first multicomponent material of the film or, in the case where there are nonvolatile components, then the vessel is formed of a second multicomponent material which has at least the same composition of relatively volatile components as the first multicomponent film. As the multicomponent film is annealed for a sufficient time within the vessel the multicomponent film remains in contact with a vapor of the first multicomponent material and the vessel material. This process called bomb annealing prevents loss of volatile components from the film and roughening of the film surface and leads to films with lower dielectric loss. Preferred thin film materials are ferroelectric materials although any material could be used.

Abstract: This invention pertains to transfer of a solid target material onto a substrate by vaporizing the material by irradiating it with intense light of a resonant vibrational mode of the material and depositing the vaporized material on a substrate in a solid form.

Abstract: The fluidic drive for miniature acoustic-fluidic pump and mixer is comprised of an acoustic transducer attached to an exterior or interior of a fluidic circuit or reservoir. The transducer converts radio frequency electrical energy into an ultrasonic acoustic wave in a fluid that in turn generates directed fluid motion through the effect of acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming results due to the absorption of the acoustic energy in the fluid itself. This absorption results in a radiation pressure and acoustic streaming in the direction of propagation of the acoustic propagation or what is termed “quartz wind”.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of foam laminates suitable for use in the construction of furniture and case goods are provided. The panel has an upper surface formed from a thermoplastic sheet of material such as PVC. A cavity formed by the interior surfaces of the sheet have suspended therein attachment or mounting hardware which is subsequently encapsulated by an in situ structural foaming step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of foam laminates suitable for use in the construction of furniture and case goods are provided. The panel has an upper surface formed from a thermoplastic sheet of material such as PVC. A cavity formed by the interior surfaces of the sheet have suspended therein attachment or mounting hardware which is subsequently encapsulated by an in situ structural foaming step. The resulting laminated panel is useful as a table top, shelving, and as a structural component in a variety of case goods and furniture.

Abstract: A multicomponent film on a substrate can be annealed at higher temperatures in oxygen by using a specifically designed annealing vessel. The vessel is formed of a multicomponent material which has at least all of the components of the first multicomponent material of the film or, in the case where there are nonvolatile components, then the vessel is formed of a second multicomponent material which has at least the same composition of relatively volatile components as the first multicomponent film. As the multicomponent film is annealed for a sufficient time within the vessel the multicomponent film remains in contact with a vapor of the first multicomponent material and the vessel material. This process called bomb annealing prevents loss of volatile components from the film and roughening of the film surface and leads to films with lower dielectric loss. Preferred thin film materials are ferroelectric materials although any material could be used.

Abstract: The fluidic drive for miniature acoustic-fluidic pump and mixer is comprised of an acoustic transducer attached to an exterior or interior of a fluidic circuit or reservoir. The transducer converts radio frequency electrical energy into an ultrasonic acoustic wave in a fluid that in turn generates directed fluid motion through the effect of acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming results due to the absorption of the acoustic energy in the fluid itself. This absorption results in a radiation pressure and acoustic streaming in the direction of propagation of the acoustic propagation or what is termed “quartz wind”.

Abstract: Microbolometers can be made with a thin film composition of matter having a large temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) as compared to the same material in the bulk form. The composition is a manganite of the formulaRE.sub.x M.sub.1-x Mn.sub.y O.sub..delta.whereRE is Y and the rare earths such as La, Ce, Pr, Nb, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and combinations thereof,M is a divalent metal such as Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, and combinations thereof,x is less than l,y is from about 0.75 to about 1.5, and.delta. is from about 2.5 to about 4.0.The microbolometer is made by applying a thin film of the composition on to a substrate such as SiN.sub.x and annealing the deposited film to remove inhomogeneities and to decrease the defects so as to increase the TCR.

Abstract: The improved swivel hook assembly of the invention features fixed mounting of a housing portion to a ceiling or other extended surface area, as by a screw assembly or the like, and releasable mounting of a hook portion to the housing for rotation therein. The hook portion can be connected to and rotated in the housing so as to adjustably position an article when connected to the hook portion. Means may be provided for engaging and disengaging the hook portion and housing while the hook portion is in the housing so as to prevent or permit free rotation of the hook relative to the housing.The hook may be divided into a plurality of segments spring biased towards each other into an openable closed loop to releasably secure an article on the hook. Limit means may also be provided on the hook and a push-pull handle may be provided on a closure for releasably sealing the hook in the housing. The assembly thus has improved utility and convenience.