Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an elastic nonwoven material generally includes a rotary ultrasonic horn and a rotary anvil positionable in close proximity to the ultrasonic horn. The anvil has a face with a width and a circumferential axis. The face has a plurality of ridges each of which defines a plurality of interspaced lands and notches.

Abstract: A temperature uniformity device controls the temperature and temperature uniformity of an object such as a photovoltaic module undergoing testing. The temperature uniformity device includes a thermal conductivity device and a pliable thermally conductive interface material inserted between the object and the thermal conductivity device.

Abstract: A structural insert with a cellular core as a holder for filler materials, in combination with other dense or porous material types arranged in the structural insert, to achieve a desired shear strength and stiffness in desired locations. The insert having metal within any areas of open porosity and the insert capable of being used as a component in a composite system such as a light weight armor.

Abstract: Mold components comprising soluble cores, metal matrix composite articles, and methods of making metal matrix composite articles.

Abstract: Digital images are captured on a digital camera, automatically formatted, and uploaded to a server for review and collaborative modifications. An on-line web gallery is automatically generated by the server whereby low resolution versions of the images are transferred to the server and appear in the gallery within seconds from capturing the images. Among other things, a viewer located remotely from a photographer can observe new images in the gallery in real time as they are captured, place a request for post-production modifications to selected images and download a high resolution version of selected images.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention comprises a polymer matrix pushrod comprising a composite rod having an annular collar affixed over each end portion of the composite rod and an endcap affixed at each end. The composite rod comprises a thermosetting polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers within the polymer matrix.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention comprises a polymer matrix pushrod comprising a composite rod having an annular collar affixed over each end portion of the composite rod and an endcap affixed at each end. The composite rod comprises a thermosetting polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers within the polymer matrix.

Abstract: Mold components comprising soluble cores, metal matrix composite articles, and methods of making metal matrix composite articles.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing absorbent article workpiece segments, in a bonding nip. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus, horn support apparatus, closure apparatus, a load cell support member, and a load cell. The ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll collectively are mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll can be brought together, via the closure apparatus, to define the nip therebetween. The load cell is mounted to the load cell support member such that force representative of force exerted on the anvil roll at the nip is detected by the load cell. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes outputting information from the load cell and adjusting force in the nip in response to the information received from the load cell.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for intermittently creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing work piece segments, in a nip. The work piece segments are up to about 0.25 inch thick. The apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus supporting an anvil, and horn support apparatus supporting an ultrasonic horn. The ultrasonic horn and anvil are collectively mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and anvil can be brought together to define the nip. The frame, anvil support apparatus, and horn support apparatus collectively are sufficiently rigid that the horn and anvil can be brought together with interference levels of about 0.000 to about 0.008 inch at a raised bonding portion in combination with defining sufficient nip pressure to develop ultrasonic bonds in work piece segments passing through the nip. The method comprehends bringing a back-up roll, mounted above the ultrasonic horn, into engagement with the ultrasonic horn, to directly support the horn.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing absorbent article workpiece segments, in a bonding nip. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus, horn support apparatus, closure apparatus, a load cell support member, and a load cell. The ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll collectively are mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll can be brought together, via the closure apparatus, to define the nip therebetween. The load cell is mounted to the load cell support member such that force representative of force exerted on the anvil roll at the nip is detected by the load cell. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes outputting information from the load cell and adjusting force in the nip in response to the information received from the load cell.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for intermittently creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing work piece segments, in a nip. The work piece segments are up to about 0.25 inch thick. The apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus supporting an anvil, and horn support apparatus supporting an ultrasonic horn. The ultrasonic horn and anvil are collectively mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and anvil can be brought together to define the nip. The frame, anvil support apparatus, and horn support apparatus collectively are sufficiently rigid that the horn and anvil can be brought together with interference levels of about 0.000 to about 0.008 inch at a raised bonding portion in combination with defining sufficient nip pressure to develop ultrasonic bonds in work piece segments passing through the nip. The method comprehends bringing a back-up roll, mounted above the ultrasonic horn, into engagement with the ultrasonic horn, to directly support the horn.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting an operation on at least one moving substrate web is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotatable bonding roll that is located adjacent the substrate web and configured to rotate about a bonding axis. A rotatable anvil roll has an anvil surface and is configured to rotate about an anvil axis to press the substrate web against an outer peripheral bonding surface of the bonding roll thereby bonding the substrate web. At least three support wheels are configured to contact the bonding surface of the bonding roll and to hold the bonding roll in a substantially fixed position.