Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shield for electrically shielding an electronic device. The shield includes a molded base and a first coating layer. The molded base includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion comprises a resilient material connected to the first portion by being molded or extruded onto the first portion. The first coating layer is deposited on the second portion. The first coating layer includes an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A thermoformed cover and related method for forming the thermoformed cover for an electronic device including at least one body element is made from a thermoplastic sheet having characteristics and properties to accommodate the mechanical requirements of the cover for the electronic device. The thermoplastic sheet has characteristics such that when the thermoplastic sheet is heated to a suitable temperature, the thermoplastic sheet becomes pliable and stretchable. At least a portion of the heated thermoplastic sheet is made to conform by vacuum, pressure or other suitable means to a mold arranged to substantially correspond to the desired cover for the electronic device. A thermoformed cover corresponding to the desired cover for the electronic device is formed in at least a portion of the thermoplastic sheet and the thermoformed cover is cut away or otherwise separated from the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A touch sensitive navigational surface functions as a user interface to a communication device such as a cellular telephone. An electromechanical dielectric (EMD) film coextensive with at least a portion of the surface of the cover of the device selectively functions as a sensor, microphone or speaker. The EMD film is placed behind a display to provide a user interface touch sensitive screen capable of sensing the direction of touching. At least a portion of the EMD film functions as a fingerprint recognition system to provide security means for controlling access and limiting call completion to an authorized user.

Abstract: A communication unit has a housing part provided with a component for entering information and a slide assembly. The housing part is provided with a set of tracks along which the slide assembly is moveable relative to the housing part. The slide assembly or the housing part includes a component for moving the slide assembly along the tracks on the housing part. This component could be a wire spring, a motor or a gear-provided spring box that moves the slide assembly. The communication unit also has a component for decreasing the friction on the sliding surfaces in a communication unit having a slide. This component could be linear bearings positioned between the moving parts or internally lubricated materials used on the sliding surfaces.

Abstract: A touch sensitive navigational surface functions as a user interface to a communication device such as a cellular telephone. An electromechanical dielectric (EMD) film coextensive with at least a portion of the surface of the cover of the device selectively functions as a sensor, microphone or speaker. The EMD film is placed behind a display to provide a user interface touch sensitive screen capable of sensing the direction of touching. At least a portion of the EMD film functions as a fingerprint recognition system to provide security means for controlling access and limiting call completion to an authorized user.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for providing a component customization and personalization function. The method comprises the steps of providing a user station including (a) a user interface, and (b) a manufacturing subsystem; enabling a user, via the user interface, to access a graphics subsystem to define a desired design to be placed on a consumer product; receiving, at the manufacturing subsystem, data descriptive of the desired design; and manufacturing, by the manufacturing subsystem at the user station, at least one component of the consumer product to have the desired design. A further step employs an e-commerce engine to conduct a financial transaction with the user in order to make an accounting for the manufactured component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel melt-processible poly(ester urethane) and a process and a prepolymer for the preparation thereof. The poly(ester urethane) contains structural units derived from a polyester and structural units derived from a diisocyanate and, according to the invention, the bonds between the structural units are at least mainly comprised of urethane bonds, the number average molar mass, M.sub.n, of the prepolymer is at least 10,000 g/mol, its mass-average molar mass, M.sub.w, is over 20,000 g/mol and its molar mass distribution, expressed as the ratio of M.sub.w /M.sub.n, is over 2, and the prepolymer is essentially free from free isocyanate groups. The poly(ester urethane) is hydrolytically decomposable and it can be used as a biodegradable polymer, e.g., for manufacturing injection molded pieces and thermoformed and blow molded packages, bags, sacks and bottles, for coating of sacks, bags and films made of paper or cardboard, and for manufacturing fibers and non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel melt-processible copolyester and a process and prepolymer for the preparation thereof. The copolyester contains structural units derived from a polyester and structural units derived from diepoxy, and the polyester units at least essentially consist of hydroxy acid monomers. The bonds between the structural units are ester bonds and the number average molar mass, M.sub.n, is at least 10,000 g/mol, its weight average molar mass, M.sub.w, is over 20,000 g/mol and molar mass distribution, expressed as the ratio M.sub.w /M.sub.n, is over 2. The copolyester is hydrolytically degradable and it can be used as a biodegradable polymer for the manufacture of injection moulded articles as well as thermoformed and blow moulded packages, pouches, sacks and bottles, for the coating of sacks bags and films made from paper or cardboard and for the preparation of fibres, fibre cloths and expanded polymer articles.

Abstract: Materials and methods are presented for the isolation of lipids from a mixture of lipids using a supercritical fluid extraction process. Lipids are isolated by methods according to the invention in an amount approximately equal to the amount of the specified material in the mixture prior to extraction.