Abstract: Various sapphire and laminate structures are discussed herein. One embodiment may take the form of a sapphire structure having a first sapphire sheet with a first sapphire plane type forming the major surface and a second sapphire sheet having a second different sapphire plane type forming the major surface. The first and second sapphire sheets are fused together to form the sapphire structure.

Abstract: A method and system for observing and monitoring thermal characteristics of a machining operation, such as a surface finishing operation, performed on a workpiece is disclosed. The surface finishing operation can be performed on the workpiece in order to remove a surface defect, e.g. a parting line, on a surface of the workpiece and/or to provide a mirror-like finish to the workpiece. In one embodiment, an emissive layer is applied to the workpiece to increase a thermal emissivity of the workpiece. In some embodiments, a finishing surface, such as a polishing or buffing wheel, and/or a lubricant used in a finishing operation is monitored. A thermal profile of the surface of the workpiece, finishing surface and/or lubricant can be obtained. The finishing operation can be modified in response to the monitored thermal characteristics to prevent the occurrence of defects and improve the efficacy of the finishing operation.

Abstract: Coatings for filling cracks within anodic films formed from, for example, a laser marking process are described. The cracks generally have widths of nanometers in scale and can extend from an external surface of an anodic film to an underlying metal substrate. The coatings fill the cracks to prevent liquid and contaminants from entering the cracks and reaching the metal substrate, thereby preventing corrosion of the underlying metal substrate. The coatings can be hydrophobic such that water is wicked away from the cracks. In some cases, the coatings are fluoropolymer coatings. Methods include spray-on techniques that provide a thin and uniform layer of the coating. The spray-on technique can be configured to spray on a fluoropolymer precursor onto the anodic film such that the fluoropolymer precursor diffuses into and polymerizes into the fluoropolymer coating within the cracks.

Abstract: An electronic device has a camera assembly disposed in a housing of the electronic device that includes a light source assembly having a primary purpose for illuminating a subject during an imaging operation. The light source assembly includes a light source and a light window. A light block can be applied to lateral surfaces of the light window to prevent light passing through the light window from propagating along an outer surface of the housing, or other components of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the light block can include multiple layers having various reflective and absorptive characteristics.

Abstract: Coatings for filling cracks within anodic films formed from, for example, a laser marking process are described. The cracks generally have widths of nanometers in scale and can extend from an external surface of an anodic film to an underlying metal substrate. The coatings fill the cracks to prevent liquid and contaminants from entering the cracks and reaching the metal substrate, thereby preventing corrosion of the underlying metal substrate. The coatings can be hydrophobic such that water is wicked away from the cracks. In some cases, the coatings are fluoropolymer coatings. Methods include spray-on techniques that provide a thin and uniform layer of the coating. The spray-on technique can be configured to spray on a fluoropolymer precursor onto the anodic film such that the fluoropolymer precursor diffuses into and polymerizes into the fluoropolymer coating within the cracks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite parts that include anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions such that an interface between the anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions are free of visible defects are described. The non-anodizable portions can be made of anodizable metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. The non-anodizable portions are made of material that do not generally form an anodic film, such as plastic, ceramic or glass materials. In particular, the methods described relate to manufacturing methods that are compatible with anodizing processes and avoid defects related to anodizing processes. In particular embodiments, the methods involve avoiding trapping of anodizing chemicals within a gap between an anodizable portion and a non-anodizable portion, which prevents the anodizing chemicals from disrupting the uptake of dye in a post-anodizing dyeing process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite parts that include anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions such that an interface between the anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions are free of visible defects are described. The non-anodizable portions can be made of anodizable metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. The non-anodizable portions are made of material that do not generally form an anodic film, such as plastic, ceramic or glass materials. In particular, the methods described relate to manufacturing methods that are compatible with anodizing processes and avoid defects related to anodizing processes. In particular embodiments, the methods involve avoiding trapping of anodizing chemicals within a gap between an anodizable portion and a non-anodizable portion, which prevents the anodizing chemicals from disrupting the uptake of dye in a post-anodizing dyeing process.

Abstract: Methods for creating sapphire windows are provided herein. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a method of manufacturing sapphire windows. The method includes obtaining a polished sapphire wafer and applying decoration to the sapphire wafer. The method also includes cutting the sapphire wafer into discrete windows. In some embodiments, the cutting step comprises laser ablation of the sapphire.

Abstract: A method and system for observing and monitoring thermal characteristics of a machining operation, such as a surface finishing operation, performed on a workpiece is disclosed. The surface finishing operation can be performed on the workpiece in order to remove a surface defect, e.g. a parting line, on a surface of the workpiece and/or to provide a mirror-like finish to the workpiece. In one embodiment, an emissive layer is applied to the workpiece to increase a thermal emissivity of the workpiece. In some embodiments, a finishing surface, such as a polishing or buffing wheel, and/or a lubricant used in a finishing operation is monitored. A thermal profile of the surface of the workpiece, finishing surface and/or lubricant can be obtained. The finishing operation can be modified in response to the monitored thermal characteristics to prevent the occurrence of defects and improve the efficacy of the finishing operation.

Abstract: Methods related to efficient processing of sapphire are discussed which are expected to both speed manufacture of corundum for applications and make the use of conundrum cost effective. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a method of cutting a hard transparent material having a polished surface. The method includes roughening the polished surface, directing a laser beam at the hard transparent material to melt the material and removing the melted hard material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved window mounting on electronic devices are provided. A window mounting assembly can include a heat activated adhesive, such as a heat activated film (“HAF”), which can be used to secure a window to an enclosure. In some embodiments, heated air can be blown in from a bottom side of the window, which can provide better offset control in the assembly. In some embodiments, an undercut can be made in the enclosure that can act as a trap for HAF overflow. An overhang that is created by the undercut can reduce the visibility of HAF overflow from a user. In addition, the heated air that is applied to the window can create a high pressure region in an area underneath the window. The high pressure region can direct the HAF overflow away from this area and towards the undercut in the enclosure.

Abstract: An electronic device has a camera assembly disposed in a housing of the electronic device that includes a light source assembly having a primary purpose for illuminating a subject during an imaging operation. The light source assembly includes a light source and a light window. A light block can be applied to lateral surfaces of the light window to prevent light passing through the light window from propagating along an outer surface of the housing, or other components of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the light block can include multiple layers having various reflective and absorptive characteristics.

Abstract: A method of preparing lignocellulosic fiber aggregates from a densified mass of lignocellulosic fiber, such as densified bales, for use in manufacturing high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fiber and thermoplastic composites, or articles made of the high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fiber and thermoplastic composites is provided. The method includes: (a) feeding densified forms of lignocellulosic fiber into a size reduction device; and size reducing the lignocellulosic fibers so as to produce dense lignocellulosic fiber aggregates having an average size profile suitable for use in manufacturing high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fiber and thermoplastic composites, or articles made of the high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fiber and thermoplastic composites. The density of the lignocellulosic fiber is generally maintained throughout the method.

Abstract: Methods related to efficient processing of sapphire are discussed which are expected to both speed manufacture of corundum for applications and make the use of conundrum cost effective. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a method of cutting a hard transparent material having a polished surface. The method includes roughening the polished surface, directing a laser beam at the hard transparent material to melt the material and removing the melted hard material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved window mounting on electronic devices are provided. A window mounting assembly can include a heat activated adhesive, such as a heat activated film (“HAF”), which can be used to secure a window to an enclosure. In some embodiments, heated air can be blown in from a bottom side of the window, which can provide better offset control in the assembly. In some embodiments, an undercut can be made in the enclosure that can act as a trap for HAF overflow. An overhang that is created by the undercut can reduce the visibility of HAF overflow from a user. In addition, the heated air that is applied to the window can create a high pressure region in an area underneath the window. The high pressure region can direct the HAF overflow away from this area and towards the undercut in the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods for creating sapphire windows are provided herein. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a method of manufacturing sapphire windows. The method includes obtaining a polished sapphire wafer and applying decoration to the sapphire wafer. The method also includes cutting the sapphire wafer into discrete windows. In some embodiments, the cutting step comprises laser ablation of the sapphire.

Abstract: A method of preparing lignocellulosic fibre aggregates from a densified mass of lignocellulosic fibre, such as densified bales, for use in manufacturing high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites, or articles made of the high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites is provided. The method includes: (a) feeding densified forms of lignocellulosic fibre into a size reduction device; and size reducing the lignocellulosic fibres so as to produce dense lignocellulosic fibre aggregates having an average size profile suitable for use in manufacturing high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites, or articles made of the high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites. The density of the lignocellulosic fibre is generally maintained throughout the method.

Abstract: Various sapphire and laminate structures are discussed herein. One embodiment may take the form of a sapphire structure having a first sapphire sheet with a first sapphire plane type forming the major surface and a second sapphire sheet having a second different sapphire plane type forming the major surface. The first and second sapphire sheets are fused together to form the sapphire structure.

Abstract: A method of preparing lignocellulosic fibre aggregates from a densified mass of lignocellulosic fibre, such as densified bales, for use in manufacturing high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites, or articles made of the high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites is provided. The method includes: (a) feeding densified forms of lignocellulosic fibre into a size reduction device; and size reducing the lignocellulosic fibres so as to produce dense lignocellulosic fibre aggregates having an average size profile suitable for use in manufacturing high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites, or articles made of the high performance, recyclable and moldable lignocellulosic fibre and thermoplastic composites. The density of the lignocellulosic fibre is generally maintained throughout the method.