Abstract: A business promotion system and method which encourages customers to visit a business together to redeem a promotion. The business promotion system and method generally includes a system and method which encourages users to share first-tier promotions with a minimum number of recipient users via a plurality of user devices to unlock a virtual badge and a second-tier promotion. Badged users who have earned a virtual badge may visit the business individually to redeem the second-tier promotion or may unlock a third-tier promotion by visiting the business with other badged users displaying a virtual badge on their badged user devices. In such a manner, customers may be encouraged not only to share promotions with other potential customers, but also to visit the business as a group to receive greater discounts and/or other incentives.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a process for making fibers comprising a high heat polymer are provided. In one embodiment, a process for producing polymer fiber includes extruding molten polymer having a melt temperature ranging from about 180-500° C., passing the molten polymer through a plurality of openings of a spinneret to produce a fiber bundle, and contacting the fiber bundle with a cooling medium having a substantially uniform flow distribution across the width of the fiber bundle where the cooling medium has a temperature that ranges from about 0° C. to about 80° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered article, the method comprises thermoforming a substrate sheet to form a shaped substrate, wherein the shaped substrate is a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a void content sufficient to allow a vacuum to be applied through the shaped substrate; pulling a vacuum through the shaped substrate; and pulling a film layer onto a surface of the shaped substrate to form the layered article.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered article, the method comprises thermoforming a substrate sheet to form a shaped substrate, wherein the shaped substrate is a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a void content sufficient to allow a vacuum to be applied through the shaped substrate; pulling a vacuum through the shaped substrate; and pulling a film layer onto a surface of the shaped substrate to form the layered article.

Abstract: A continuous process of making polyetherimide foam materials and articles that include these foam materials. The continuous process is a foam extrusion process that uses selected blowing agents, equipment design and processing conditions to continuously produce extruded foam with a substantially uniform cell size in a wide range of cell densities. Subsequent heating may be used in certain embodiments to remove any residual components from the foam, such as any blowing agents or nucleating agents. Due to the greater densities as well as the characteristics inherent in polyetherimide articles, the resulting foam materials are suitable for a much broader range of applications. The continuous process provides a more cost effective product while also avoiding the use of Freon and/or other agents potentially harmful to the environment.

Abstract: Polyetherimide foam materials, articles that include these foam materials and methods of making these foam materials and articles. The foam extrusion process uses selected blowing agents, equipment design and processing conditions to produce continuously extruded foam with a substantially uniform cell size in a lower density PEI foam, such as 25 to 50 g/L or a higher density PEI foam, such as 120 to 300 g/L. Due to the greater densities that can be produced as well as the characteristics inherent in polyetherimide articles, the resulting foam materials are suitable for a much broader range of applications.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a process for making fibers comprising a high heat polymer are provided. In one embodiment, a process for producing polymer fiber includes extruding molten polymer having a melt temperature ranging from about 180-500° C., passing the molten polymer through a plurality of openings of a spinneret to produce a fiber bundle, and contacting the fiber bundle with a cooling medium having a substantially uniform flow distribution across the width of the fiber bundle where the cooling medium has a temperature that ranges from about 0° C. to about 80° C.

Abstract: A method for forming an plurality of paths on a substrate includes drilling an opening for a via to a depth to expose a first pad and a second pad, lining the opening with a conductive material, and insulating a first portion of the lining in the opening from a second portion of the lining in the opening to form a first electrical path contacting the first pad and a second electrical path contacting the second pad.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer article assembly comprising (i) a coating layer comprising a block copolyestercarbonate comprising structural units derived from at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, (ii) a second layer comprising a polymer comprising carbonate structural units, (iii) an adhesive layer comprising a polyurethane, and (iv) an uncured thermoset or uncured cyclic oligomer substrate layer, wherein the coating layer is in contiguous contact with the second layer, and the adhesive layer is in contiguous contact with the second layer and the substrate layer. Also disclosed is a method for preparing said multilayer article assembly.

Abstract: A shaped composite article is prepared by a process wherein an aesthetic laminate having a clear outer arylate layer and a colored compatible resin layer is thermoformed into a desired shape, and then compression molded together with a reinforced resin material containing compatible resin to form a color composite of the desired shape having an outer layer of clear arylate polyester polymer with the compatible resin layer forming an adherent bond with the compatible resin in the resin reinforced material.

Abstract: A method of forming a device associated with a via includes forming an opening or via, and forming at least a pair of conducting paths within the via. Also disclosed is a via having at pair of conducting paths therein.

Abstract: A system includes a device having at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit further includes a first layer of conductive material, a second layer of conductive material, and a via having multiple electrical paths for interconnecting the first layer of conductive material and the second layer of conductive material. A method for forming a via includes drilling an opening to a depth to expose a first pad and a second pad, lining the opening with a conductive material, and insulating a first portion of the lining in the opening from a second portion of the lining in the opening to form a first electrical path contacting the first pad and a second electrical path contacting the second pad.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes providing a substrate, providing a coverlay blank, laminating the coverlay blank to the substrate, and forming at least one opening in the coverlay blank by photolithography.

Abstract: A shaped composite article is prepared by a process wherein an aesthetic laminate having a clear outer arylate layer and a colored compatible resin layer is thermoformed into a desired shape, and then compression molded together with a reinforced resin material containing compatible resin to form a color composite of the desired shape having an outer layer of clear arylate polyester polymer with the compatible resin layer forming an adherent bond with the compatible resin in the resin reinforced material.

Abstract: This invention provides a carrying case made up of two sections of molded plastic which are identical except at their outer edges which meet when the case is closed. One edge includes a tongue with reinforcing ribs which enters a groove in the outer edge to engage a gasket and form a fluid seal as well as strengthening the case. Nothing penetrates the wall of the case, the latches being connected to supports spaced outwardly from the case wall. Sockets on the bottom of the case receive spaced support members projecting from a luggage cart, and can receive connecting elements to enable the cart to carry more than one case. The sockets also can receive wheel units so that a single case may be mounted on wheels, or a plurality of cases may be connected and supported on a set of wheels. The case includes integral feet on the bottom wall to support it, and bosses on the inner walls for connecting items to the interior of the case.

Abstract: This invention provides a hanger supporting device for a garment bag which will accommodate both ordinary hangers and luggage-type hangers. The device includes a plate attachable to a garment bag, a first channel connected to the plate, a second channel carried by the first channel, a third channel pivotally connected to the second channel, and a rail connected to the second channel. The rail is adapted to engage luggage-type hangers. A pad having a notched surface is carried by the third channel and adapted to support ordinary hangers. A latching arrangement releasably holds the third channel adjacent the first channel to retain the hanger in the notches in the pad.

Abstract: This invention provides a carrying case made up of two sections of molded plastic which are identical except at their outer edges which meet when the case is closed. One edge includes a tongue with reinforcing ribs which enters a groove in the outer edge to engage a gasket and form a fluid seal as well as strengthening the case. Nothing penetrates the wall of the case, the latches being connected to supports spaced outwardly from the case wall. Sockets on the bottom of the case receive spaced support members projecting from a luggage cart, and can receive connecting elements to enable the cart to carry more than one case. The sockets also can receive wheel units so that a single case may be mounted on wheels, or a plurality of cases may be connected and supported on a set of wheels. The case includes integral feet on the bottom wall to support it, and bosses on the inner walls for connecting items to the interior of the case.

Abstract: A flexible folding garment bag having a detachable cowl is described. The cowl covers the open upper ends of the front panels of the bag and is provided with an interior compartment and means for hanging the cowl in either a vertical or horizontal orientation while removed from. Alternatively, the cowl can be attached to the rear of the bag or folded to expose the closure means on the front of the bag.