Abstract: A collapsible and removable roof-like structure or enclosure is provided. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of collapsible sections, each section having two vertical support members having lower end portions and two longitudinal side panel members. Each side panel member has a top edge and side edges. The collapsible structure includes a longitudinal top panel member having opposed edges with each of the longitudinal opposed edges hingedly attached to the adjacent top edge of the each side panel member. The top panel member includes two longitudinal panel members being hinged together at adjacent end edges. Each of the plurality of collapsible sections is of a steadily varying size so that when assembled, they form an extended longitudinal structure. The collapsible structure includes tube members which can be embedded in the ground for receiving the lower end portion of the vertical support members.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module is basically constituted in a double-stage structure for arranging thermoelectric elements between insulating substrates, one of which has at least a pair of recesses and prescribed patterns of conduction layers. Herein, terminal conduction layers are formed inside of recesses, which reliably ensure electrical conduction between conduction layers formed on surfaces of the insulating substrate. In manufacture, cutting areas are defined on an insulating material plate, in which through holes are formed at prescribed positions on boundaries between cutting areas or at corners of cutting areas, wherein conduction layers are formed in prescribed patterns, and terminal conduction layers are formed inside of through holes and are interconnected with conduction layers selectively formed in proximity to through holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar powered backlighted building and home identification system for use in outdoor ambient areas exposed to sunlight. The system includes a substantially closed container having at least one lighted area with opposing rails that define opposite sides of the lighted area. Sliding indicia, used to identify the home or building, are placed between the rails. A solar cell is disposed on the container such that said solar cell is exposed to ambient sunlight during daylight hours. The solar cell charges a battery which is used to energize at least one light bulb disposed within the container to illuminate the lighted area of the container during periods of darkness. A photoelectric cell may be utilized to energize the light bulb only during periods of darkness. The sliding indicia may be changed to display pertinent home or building information.

Abstract: Known methods of producing large-surface integrated thin-film solar modules with an amorphous, poly- or microcrystalline absorber layer always comprise division and conversion structuring processes which can cause instabilities in the structuring and which are relatively expensive. According to the inventive method which can be used to fabricate substrate solar cells (116) and superstrate solar cells, the mask (100) which is used provides for structuring itself during the deposition of layers for the rear electrode (106) and the absorber layer (11) through its geometrical form. The use of a mask (110) which can be reused as an independent element after use in this method allows for a relatively free range of possible geometric forms. This also makes possible applications inside and outside of buildings, including in the area of a window, from an esthetic and informal point of view.

Abstract: The Photocatalytic film of semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3), contains an n-dopant, or a mixture of n-dopants, or a p-dopant or a mixture of p-dopants. Electrode consists of a substrate, with one or more films or photocatalytic arrangements of film of semiconducting n-doped or p-doped iron oxide (Fe2O3) e.g. on the surface of one side of the substrate or on the surface of different sides. The photoelectrochemical cell comprises electrodes with a film or with films of the n-doped or p-doped semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3). The semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3) film can be manufactured with a spray pyrolysis process or a sol gel process. The system for the direct cleavage of water with visible light, into hydrogen and oxygen the system comprises one or more of the photoelectrochemical cells with photocatalytic films. The system can be a tandem cell system, comprising the photoelectrochemical cell with the doped iron oxide (Fe2O3) film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion device that improves photoelectric conversion efficiency with the interaction between a transparent substrate with a transparent conductive film, an antireflection film, and a photoelectric conversion unit. The antireflection film contains fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 1.0 &mgr;m and has an uneven surface derived from the fine particles. The glass sheet with a transparent conductive film has a light transmittance of 75% or more in the wavelength region of 800 nm to 900 nm. The photoelectric conversion unit includes at least a photoelectric conversion unit including a photoelectric conversion layer having a band gap of 1.85 eV or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing a layer structure on an especially fragile flat substrate. In order for thin, fragile flat substrates to be able to be subjected to refinement or construction of semiconductor components, a process is proposed with the steps: Applying an inorganic ceramic phase to the fragile substrate and subsequent heat treatment for hardening and sintering the inorganic ceramic material.

Abstract: An exhaust air guiding assembly for a pneumatic tool includes a base with a recess defined therein and a plurality of notches are defined in an inner periphery of the recess. An opening is defined through the cap for releasing the exhaust air of the tool, and a cap is rotatably engaged with the recess. A biasing piece is connected to the cap and engaged with one of the notches. The user may push the biasing piece and rotate the cap till the biasing piece is engaged with another notch so as to change the position of the opening of the cap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-excluding valve assembly for a diving snorkel which can easily be attached to an existing, simple, low cost snorkel giving it features of a more expensive snorkel. This water-excluding valve assembly for a diving snorkel uses a single ball float mechanism to seal off the snorkel airway in the event that the upper end of the snorkel airway tube goes below the water line.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly includes an inlet portion having a passageway through which liquid passes through the assembly. The assembly includes a plunger movable within the housing to selectively engage the inlet portion or the housing to control the path of liquid through the assembly.

Abstract: A bias spring structure for pressure regulators for increasing flow capacity. The inventive device includes a specially shaped metal disc. The bias spring is a circular, thin, conically shaped, metal disc, with a center through hole, and having specifically controlled height and thickness values.

Abstract: The device has a collecting receptacle (14), which is disposed inside the storage tank (10) and from which a delivery unit (20) aspirates fuel and delivers it to the engine (12). A jet pump (22) is provided, which delivers the fuel from the storage tank (10) into the collecting receptacle (14). The jet pump (22) is disposed close to a bottom (16) of the collecting receptacle (14) and feeds fuel into it through an ascending line (32) that extends up into the vicinity of the upper rim of the collecting receptacle (14). A separate component (30) is disposed on the outside of a peripheral wall (18) of the collecting receptacle (14). The outside of the peripheral wall (18) and/or the side of the component (30) oriented toward the peripheral wall (18) has an open channel (24; 34). The component (30) is tightly connected to the peripheral wall (18) to cover the open channel (24; 34) and to form the ascending line (32).

Abstract: A joystick controller is provided in a hydraulic circuit having a pair of hydraulic actuators and oriented with respect to the operator so that movement of a control lever of the joystick controller relative to a reference axis oriented perpendicular to the operator results in control signals being generated and delivered to the first and second main control valves so that the respective cylinders are moved in a direction that is intuitive to the operator. For example, forward movement of the control lever results in both hydraulic actuators moving in the same forward or downward direction and movement of the control lever rearwardly results in both actuators moving in the rearward or upward direction. Likewise, movement of the control lever along an axis that is oriented forty five degrees from the reference axis results in control of one of the actuators independent of the other one.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a pressure balance faucet. It is mainly made up of a control valve body, a check valve block, a pair of positioning pins, two seal rings, a pair check valve sets and a valve mount. The check valve sets are secured to the check valve block which is housed between the control valve body and the valve mount that are in threaded engagement with each other. As the valve sets are worn out, they can be easily and quickly replaced by first dismantling the control valve body from the valve mount and then the check valve block being picked out by pincers to get the valve sets replaced with ease, speed in a DIY manner.

Abstract: The invention is related to an improved faucet water diversion device which is mainly comprised of a body, wherein the said body includes a ring nut, a filtering spout, a water filtering unit, a water output coupling, a water input coupling and a revolvable liquid rechannelling shaft. The revolvable liquid rechannelling shaft is pivotally connected with the body, wherein the said shaft has formed a slotted plug on the end thereof so as to lock with a knob. A first bore and a second bore are provided on the said shaft; a first stepped through-hole and a second stepped through-hole are installed crosswise with the first and second bores respectively, wherein each of the through-holes and each of the bores is perpendicular to the axis of the revolvable liquid rechannelling shaft; emplaced inside each of the first and second stepped through-holes are a spring and a steel ball.

Abstract: A fitting, particularly a tap cock, for receptacles such as tank trucks or containers, which includes a housing (2), having an inlet opening (12) and an outlet opening (14), and a rotatable body (4) with a through passageway (48), having an inflow opening (50) and an outflow opening (52). The rotatable body (4) is rotatably disposed in the housing such that when rotated into an open position it facilitates fluid communication between the inlet opening (12) and the outlet opening (14) and when rotated into a closed position, it shuts off such communication. The fitting of the invention enables a large throughput during loading and unloading of the receptacle with little structural change by providing the rotatable body (4) with a second inflow opening (54) having a cross-section at least approximately the same size as the first inflow opening (50), and by providing the housing (2) with a bearing ring (46) or a seat ring (82) in the vicinity of the second inflow opening (54).

Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.

Abstract: A rolling air flow sluice valve is installed in an air passage of an air supply apparatus, and consists of a plurality of plate elements connected together. The air flow sluice valve is pliable and may be rolled. It is movable across the cross section of the air passage, and may be driven by a traction mechanism to selectively block or alter the air flow passage to achieve the objects of blocking air flow, and changing air flow direction and air outflow patterns.

Abstract: A flow meter including at least one flow valve used to performance test system compressors is described. The flow meter includes a pressure vessel including at least one exit port. A flow valve is coupled to each vessel exit port, and each flow valve discharges fluid from the vessel at a pre-determined flow rate. The flow valve includes a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough. The bore includes an entrance portion and an exit portion. The bore entrance portion is frusto-conical and curves outwardly from the bore exit portion such that a diameter of the bore entrance portion is variable and larger than a diameter of the bore exit portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure. The tubular member is anchored to the preexisting structure and an expansion member is pulled through the tubular member to radially expand the tubular member.

Abstract: A flexible, armoured pipe has an impermeable inner liner (3), which is surrounded by at least two reinforcement layers (5, 6, 7, 8). Between the reinforcement layers an impermeable membrane (10) is provided, which ensures that fluids do not permeate into the inner reinforcement layers (5, 6) from the pipe's outer reinforcement layers (7, 8). The outer layers are not isolated from influence from the surrounding environment. Moreover, the outer layers (traction reinforcement layers) are protected against the damaging effect of gases, which are diffused out through the flexible pipe. On the outside of the outer traction reinforcement layers (7, 8) a layer (11) can be applied, which is easily permeated by the surroundings, and which protects the traction reinforcement layer against mechanical influences. In this way it is ensured that the pressure reinforcement can absorb forces both from inner as well as outer pressure.

Abstract: A resinous tube which has a low permeability for alcohol-contained fuel in addition to usual gasoline and is sufficiently high in adhesiveness between a barrier layer (permeation-interrupting layer) and a protecting layer (layer covering the permeation-interrupting layer), is easy in reuse of marginal materials and the like, and is a low cost material arrangement is furnished. This resinous tube is formed by laminating pipe-shaped resin layers, in which a main component of at least one layer of layers constituting the tube is a resin such as PBT, PBN, PET, PEN or the like, and a main component of a layer other than the above-mentioned layer is PBT copolymer. The PBT copolymer contains an acid component and a glycol component.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for rapidly and accurately dispensing fluids, in which at least one component is dispensed into the reaction vessel in two or three stages. In this process, the amount of fluid dispensed in the second and third stages is determined on the basis of the mass flow rate calculated in the preceding sub-step.

Abstract: A tire pressure balance apparatus for balancing a left tire with a right tire of a car is proposed. The tire pressure balance apparatus comprises: a first air pumping head for connecting to the left tire; a second air pumping head for connecting to the right tire and stopping an air of the left tire before connecting to the right tire; and a pipe having two sides, the one side connecting to the first air pumping head and the another side connecting to the second air pumping head, a pressure of the left tire and the right tire being balanced after the first air pumping head being connected to the left tire and the second air pumping head being connected to the right tire.

Abstract: A cover structure is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The cover structure includes a closure mechanism that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The cover structure is attached to the filler tube assembly by frangible connections, and will separate from the filler tube assembly in the event of a crash.

Abstract: A lead-free solder paste comprises an Sn—Zn based lead-free solder powder mixed with a flux. The flux contains at least one aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of aromatic carboxylic acids having one hydroxyl group in a meta position (such as 3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid) and aromatic carboxylic acids having at least two hydroxyl groups (such as dihydroxynaphthoic acid or dihydroxybenzoic acid) in an amount of 0.1-10.0 mass %. The flux may further include 0.5-20 mass % of an aliphatic hydroxy carboxylic acid (such as hydroxyoleic acid).

Abstract: A method of initializing a magnetic sensor having two antiferromagnetic layers is described. The method takes advantage of the spin flop effect such that the two antiferromagnetic layers may be orthogonally initialized. The signal polarity of the sensor is well controlled.

Abstract: A grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet having a multiplicity of fine grains having a diameter of about 3 mm or less on the surface of the steel sheet, in a numerical ratio of about 65% or more and of about 98% or less relative to the constituting grains that penetrate the sheet along the direction parallel to its thickness, and a method for producing the same. The fine grains are artificially created and regularly disposed with a random orientation in the steel sheet, and contribute to decreasing the strain susceptibility of the steel. More preferably, a treatment for finely dividing magnetic domains is applied on the surface of the steel sheet.

Abstract: A method of stress inducing transformation from the austenite phase to the martensite phase by conducting cold working on material of austenite stainless steel in the temperature range from the point Ms to the point Md. The above cold working is a biaxial tensing. An intermediately formed hollow body is made, which includes a ferromagnetic portion and a non-magnetic portion contracting inward. Then, the intermediately formed body is subjected to a stress removing process in which residual tensile stress is removed from an intermediately formed body. In the stress removing process, it is preferable that a punch is press-fitted into the intermediately formed body so as to expand a non-magnetic portion and then the intermediately formed body is drawn with ironing while the punch is inserted so that the residual tensile stress can be changed into the residual compressive stress in the non-magnetic portion.

Abstract: A chromium- and nitrogen-free brightening and passivating treatment for metal surfaces, particularly iron and steel, comprises: at least one acid; at least one substance containing a peroxy moiety; and at least one organic substance selected from the group consisting of: molecules that contain both at least one ether moiety and at least one hydroxyl moiety; molecules that contain at least to ether moieties; and molecules that contain in each molecule both at least one ether moiety and one nitrogen atom that is covalently bonded to at least three carbon atoms. Preferably part of the acid contains phosphorus, which has been found to act synergistically with the organic substance to stabilize peroxy compounds against decomposition, particularly in the presence of metal ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conversion coating solution containing polymetalates and/or heteropolymetalates to oxidize the surface of various metal substrates. The polymetalates have the general formula MxOyn−, where M is selected from the group comprising Mo, V and W. The heteropolymetalates have the general formula BMxOyn−, where B is a heteroatom selected from P, Si, Ce, Mn or Co, and M is again selected from Mo, V, W or combinations thereof. The concentration of polymetalates and/or heteropolymetalates anions is preferably between about 1% and about 5% by weight. Examples of typical anions used include, but are not limited to, (PMo12O40)3−, (PMo10V2O40)5−, (MnPW11O39)5−, (PW12O40)3−, (SiMo12O40)4−, (SiW12O40)4−, (Mo7O24)6−, (CeMo12O42)8−and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A processing solution for forming a hexavalent chromium free, corrosion resistant trivalent chromate conversion film on zinc or zinc alloy plating layers comprises a silicon compound; trivalent chromium and oxalic acid in a molar ratio ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, wherein the trivalent chromium is present in the form of a water-soluble complex with oxalic acid; and cobalt ions, which form a hardly soluble metal salt with oxalic acid and are stably present in the processing solution without causing any precipitation, wherein the solution reacts with zinc when bringing it into contact with the zinc or zinc alloy plating to form a hexavalent chromium free, corrosion resistant, trivalent chromate conversion film containing zinc, chromium, cobalt, oxalic acid and silicon on the plating. This solution can provide a corrosion resistant trivalent chromate conversion film excellent in the corrosion resistance after heating.

Abstract: The recoiling temperature of a metal strip from a continuous heat treatment line is controlled by continuously passing the metal strip through an accumulator system where it passes around spaced accumulator rolls. While travelling through the accumulator, the metal strip is subjected to ambient cooling air and the length of aluminum strip travelling through the accumulator determines the amount of cooling that takes place. The length of the metal strip in the accumulator is in turn controlled by varying spacing between the accumulator rolls around which the metal strip travels. The spacing is preferably controlled by a programmed controller in response to temperature signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to manufacture a clad strip, preferably <1.

Abstract: A copper alloy suitable for an IC lead pin for a pin grid array provided on a plastic substrate, which copper alloy is a Cu—Zn—Mg alloy, a Cu—Sn alloy, a Cu—SN—Ag alloy, a Cu—Fe—Zn—P alloy, or a Cu—Cr alloy, each having a given alloy composition, in which the copper alloy has conductivity of 50% IACS or more and tensile stress of 400 MPa to 650 MPa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the effective production of very wear-resistant layers in the thickness range of 0.2 to approx. 3 mm by means of inductively supported surface layer finishing. It can be used particularly advantageously for the protection of components of hardenable steels and cast iron with abrasive, corrosive, high-temperature corrosive or mineral sliding wear strain.

Abstract: Ferritic stainless steel that can be used for ferromagnetic parts, characterized in that it comprises in its composition by weight:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steel sheet that consists essentially of 0.10 to 0.37% C, 1% or less Si, 2.5% or less Mn, 0.1% or less P, 0.03% or less S, 0.01 to 0.1% sol.Al, 0.0005 to 0.0050% N, 0.0003 to 0.0050% B, by mass, and balance of Fe, [14B/(10.8N)] being 0.5 or more, average particle size of precipitate BN being 0.1 &mgr;m or more, and grain size of prior austenite after the hardening treatment being 2 to 25 &mgr;m. The steel sheet according to the present invention allows an inexpensive hardening treatment method to be applied to improve the strength to a level required for the structural components and the functional components of automobiles, while providing excellent toughness after the hardening treatment.

Abstract: A weldable structural steel product having TiN and ZrN precipitates, which contains, in terms of percent by weight, 0.03 to 0.17% C, 0.01 to 0.5% Si, 0.4 to 2.0% Mn, 0.005 to 0.2% Ti, 0.0005 to 0.1% Al, 0.001 to 0.03% Zr, 0.008 to 0.030% N, 0.0003 to 0.01% B, 0.001 to 0.2% W, at most 0.03% P, at most 0.03% S, at most 0.01% O, and balance Fe and incidental impurities while satisfying conditions of 1.2≦Ti/N≦2.5, 0.3≦Zr/N≦2.0, 10≦N/B≦40, 2.5≦Al/N≦7, and 6.8≦(Ti+Zr+2Al+4B)/N≦17, and having a microstructure essentially consisting of a complex structure of ferrite and pearlite having a grain size of 20 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: Inflator device assemblies wherein an igniter composition used to ignite an associated gas generant material is provided on a selected surface, such as on a damper pad, within the inflator device. Suitable igniter compositions may include a silicone resin additive effective to adhere the igniter composition to a surface within the inflator device.

Abstract: A purse or handbag which can be used as a usual purse or as a purse for carrying objects which are not to be seen. The purse may include separate side and end pouches for containing different objects. The purse can have VELCRO strips, buttons or snaps on a side and/or end surfaces to which a separate pouch having similar attaching elements thereon can be secure within the purse. The purse can be used in a casino with a separate pouch secured to an inner surface for carrying a casino cup which is hid from view.

Abstract: A tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, and a tread band. The tread band pattern includes a central zone and two axially-opposite shoulder zones. The central zone is delimited between axially-inner circumferential grooves and includes at least two intermediate circumferential grooves and a plurality of first transverse recesses inclined relative to a circumferential direction of the tyre. The first transverse recesses are connected to at least one of the intermediate circumferential grooves. The shoulder zones are each delimited between axially-inner and axially-outer circumferential grooves. The shoulder zones include a plurality of second transverse recesses inclined relative to the circumferential direction. The at least one of the intermediate circumferential grooves includes a substantially V-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A resilient tire that supports a load without internal air pressure includes a ground contacting tread portion and sidewall portions extending radially inward from said tread portion and anchored in bead portions adapted to remain secure to a wheel during rolling of the tire. A bias ply carcass extends between the beads to support the sidewalls. A reinforced annular band is disposed radially inward of the tread portion. The band comprises an elastomeric shear layer at a radially outer side of the bias ply carcass and a membrane adhered to a radially outward side of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of the bias ply and membrane has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of the shear layer so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire has a tire meridian cross-sectional configuration of a tread surface portion on at least one side of the tire center line which is arranged such that, when a position A is an intersection of the tire center line and the tread surface, and when a position B is an intersection of a straight line P drawn orthogonal to the tire axis from an edge of an innermost belt layer and the tread surface, an angle &agr; between a straight line X connecting the positions A and B and a straight line Y drawn perpendicular to the tire center line from the position A is set in a range of 8 to 10 degrees, when the pneumatic radial tire is attached to a standard rim specified in JATMA with its air pressure being 180 kPa and with no load applied thereto.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire allowing to improve the high speed endurance and the road noise considerably. The pneumatic radial tire has a carcass layer mounted between a pair of right and left bead portions and a belt layer embedded in the outer peripheral side of the carcass layer in a tread portion, and a belt cover layer comprising fiber cords made of filaments of polyolefin ketone having a structure represented by the following formula (1) is disposed around the outer peripheral side of the belt layer, and an elongation rate of the fiber cords composing the belt cover layer is equal or inferior to 2.5% in the tire.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing process is disclosed which includes a test process capable of minimizing the test time for a single wafer, thus capable of reducing the test cost and improving the throughput. A test system is used in the semiconductor device test process. The test system is made up of a wafer which comprises plural chips formed with flash memories, a wafer level whole-surface contact device for contact with the whole surface of the wafer, a tester for testing electric characteristics of the wafer, and a BOST board interposed between the tester and the wafer level whole-surface contact device and with chip-by-chip control circuits mounted thereon. In the case where the test time differs depending on each chip in the wafer, the BOST board controls each test item for each chip so that in a parallel manner for the chips, upon completion of a preceding test, a shift is made to the next test.

Abstract: A decorative article is made by depositing first objects on an adhesive-coated, patterned area of an intermediate material, and by curing the adhesive to adhere the first objects together in the shape of the coated area. The first objects are then positioned over a selected area of a base material coated with an adhesive substance, the adhesive substance being exposed in an unselected area that is contiguous with the selected area. Second objects are deposited on the adhesive substance exposed in the unselected area. The adhesive substance is cured to adhere the second objects to the unselected area in contiguous relation to the first objects in the selected area to decorate the article. The objects have different characteristics, such as color, size, shape, and constituency.

Abstract: A method for temporary surface protection or surface modification using a sheet material is disclosed. In the inventive method, a selectively activated adhesive is provided on one side of a three-dimensional sheet material for maintaining the sheet material in place for uses such as the dental bib, tool tray liner, or providing desired optical effects on a surface to which the sheet material has been adhered.

Abstract: A method of fusing a component to a sterilized storage or delivery device formed of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes forming the storage or delivery device from a cyclic olefin polymer, forming a second member or component having at least a surface layer formed of the second polymer, wherein the Hansen relative energy distance Ra/Ro of the second polymer relative to the cyclic olefin polymer is equal to or less than 0.7, applying the second member to the storage or delivery device, and heating the assembly to the sterilization temperature, thereby causing the second polymer to chemically interact with the cyclic olefin polymer, fusing the second component to the storage or delivery device. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a medical container, such as a vial, wherein the vial is formed of a cyclic olefin polymer and the cap, closure or collar is formed of a second polymer heat fused to the vial or container.

Abstract: An absorbent article including one or more images disposed thereon and a method for making the same are provided according to the present invention, wherein an ultrasonic assembly is used to impart sufficient energy to a deformed web to either partially or fully melt the web either in the deformed areas, or non-deformed areas to thereby form an image. The method can be used to print graphics directly on an absorbent article after its formation, or it can be used to print graphics on an appliqué layer that is subsequently placed on a predetermined portion of the absorbent article.