Abstract: In one aspect, a film assembly is disclosed comprising a first optical film having a tab disposed outside a first viewable area and a second optical film proximate and parallel to the first optical film, the second optical film having a slot formed outside a second viewable area; wherein the tab and slot are arranged to permit the first and second films to be moveably interlocked. In another aspect, an interlock arrangement for an optical film stack having at least a first and second optical film is disclosed comprising a penetrating member formed on the first film and a receiving member formed in the second film, wherein the film stack is moveably interlocked when the penetrating member is moveably secured in the receiving member. In another aspect, a method of assembling optical films is disclosed, the method comprising moveably interlocking two or more optical films to form a film assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the gap between a horn and an anvil in an ultrasonic welding system includes the act of positioning a horn proximal to an anvil, so that a gap is established between the horn and the anvil. A force is applied to the horn, so as to urge the horn toward the anvil. A deformable stop is positioned at a location, such that application of the urging force causes a member operatively connected to the horn to abut the deformable stop, and to deform the stop. The urging force is iteratively adjusted during operation of the horn, so as to adjust the extent of the deformation of the deformable stop, and to maintain the gap between the horn and the anvil substantially constant.

Abstract: An ultrasonic rotary welding apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. The ultrasonic welding device includes an ultrasonic horn and an anvil. The ultrasonic horn is constrained by a mounting system. The mounting system permits the horn to exhibit two degrees of freedom. The first degree of freedom permits translational motion in a direct perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the horn. The second degree of freedom permits rotation about an axis perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis of the horn and the direction of translational motion.

Abstract: Described are methods of making microstructured (e.g., barrier ribs) articles employing a transfer apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for singulating thin and substantially porous material layers arranged in a stack. A pick head is positioned above the stack of material layers. An adhesive tape is stabilized against the pick head through use of a vacuum between the adhesive tape and the pick head. Contact is effected between the stabilized adhesive tape and the top material layer. The pick head is moved to move the top material layer from the stack to a predetermined location. While at the predetermined location, the adhesive tape is detached from the top material layer. The singulation apparatus and method are particularly well suited for destacking individual porous fluid transport layers (FTLs) from a magazine of FTLs during automated fuel cell assembly.