Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for impregnation of fibers and their use in the fabrication of composite structures using two or more different but cooperative matrix components applied to separate tows of dry fibers to form single component prepregs. A single tow of dry fibers may also be impregnated with one matrix component and subsequently with at least one other matrix component. The first matrix component may predominantly comprise a substantially uncatalyzed component and the at least one other matrix component may predominantly comprise a substantially unreacted hardener component. Until the at least two components are combined, the tows impregnated with the at least two different matrix components have virtually infinite shelf life at room temperature. Only when at least two differently impregnated tows are combined during the composite fabrication process is an overall stoichiometrically correct matrix composition obtained to enable the final curing and hardening of the composite part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for placing indicia on a support for an imaging element comprising providing a support wherein the support comprises a closed cell foam core layer and adhered thereto at least one flange layer, wherein the closed cell foam core layer comprises a polymer that has been expanded through the use of a blowing agent, and placing indicia on the support, wherein the imaging element comprises the support and at least one imaging layer. The invention also relates to a method for placing indicia on a support for an imaging element comprising providing a support wherein the support comprises a closed cell foam core layer and adhered thereto at least one flange layer, wherein the closed cell foam core layer comprises a polymer that has been expanded through the use of a blowing agent, and placing indicia on the closed cell foam core layer.

Abstract: A process for production of a modified carbon black, at a cheaper cost, for rubber reinforcement having the superior tan &dgr; temperature dependency of silica and an excellent abrasion resistance and further having no problems arising due to a low electrical conductivity is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for continuously producing an artificial marble plate capable of simultaneously and uniformly hardening a raw material compound for an artificial marble plate, preventing the warpage of the artificial marble plate, and improving heat transmission efficiency and productivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a touch-and-close fastener element (18) comprising a multitude of hook means (16), which are provided with a support (26) as one piece. In order to form said support (26), a plastic material in a free-flowing state is fed to a gap (22) located between a pressing device (24) and a shaping device (10) that is provided with cavities (14) for shaping the respective hook means (16). A support (26) having a small thickness can be obtained and/or the removal of the support (26) from the shaping device (10) is facilitated by feeding the plastic material together with the supporting part (32) into the gap (22), whereby the supporting part bears the support (26) between the pressing device (24) and the plastic material.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A method for making an electrode for an electrochemical cell. The electrode is preferably made by mixing and heating an active electrode material with a polymeric binder in an extruder to form an active composition. The active composition is extruded out of the opening of the extruder as a sheet of material which may be affixed to a conductive support.

Abstract: An mandrel for extrusion of hollow bodies, such as, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hard, compact, and foamed pipes, includes an inner collar, an outer collar, and a middle collar, each of the collars being radially joined by webs to the particular adjoining collar. Each interior web and exterior web, relative to the middle collar, can form a web pair, the webs of the web pair being arranged to overlap at least partially in the radial direction in a particular embodiment.

Abstract: A process for producing plexifilamentary products by spinning a polyolefin in a solution of a primary solvent of dichloromethane or 1,2-dichloroethylene with a straight chain hydrofluorocarbon co-solvent, and a spin solution of a polyolefin dissolved in a primary solvent of dichloromethane or 1,2-dichloroethylene with a straight chain hydrofluorocarbon co-solvent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a stamping mold suitable for use in the formation of a tapered waveguide structure includes defining a stamping pattern upon the surface of a silicon wafer, and removing portions of the silicon wafer surface in accordance with the stamped pattern, thereby creating tapered vertical surfaces within the wafer.

Abstract: A dual component molding assembly for packaging hot melt adhesives wherein a mold, preferably in the form of an open top pan, includes a cavity which is lined with a thin film of plastic material. The mold has openings formed therein which communicate with the cavity to facilitate vacuum forming of the film to the cavity's interior surface. The second component is a carrier for the mold and is also preferably in the form of an open top pan. The carrier also includes a cavity for receiving the mold, and functions not only to support the mold when nested therein, but also to act as a heat sink to effectively and rapidly remove, dissipate or absorb the heat from molten adhesive dispensed into the mold. After filling the mold with a mass of adhesive, the exposed open top surface of the adhesive is covered with a second layer of thin film of plastic material which is then sealed to the first film lining the interior of the mold.

Abstract: A hot embossing auto-leveling apparatus which has an air-floating spherical bearing between a lower mold and a base, placed in a depression on the base, with the base housing an air inlet and an air outlet. A hot embossing auto-leveling method, comprising the steps of (1) performing an upward and downward coupling movement of the lower and upper molds; (2) adjusting the lower mold against the upper mold using the air-floating spherical bearing; (3) fixing the lower mold by under pressure in an orientation parallel to the upper mold; (4) placing a molded part on the lower mold; (5) evacuating, heating and pressurizing a working chamber; (6) cooling; and (7) opening.

Abstract: A process for the molding of an assembled object in at least two subsequent moldings and a machine for the performance of the process are provided. The object is molded in a mold comprising at least three mold parts. When the mold is open, at least one of the mold parts or a part thereof is rotatable about an axis which is parallel to the mutual direction of movement of the mold part in relation to the opposing mold part. In a mold consisting of three mold parts, the middle part may be rotatable in relation to the two outermost mold parts.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing molded products with an EMI/RFI/ESD shield. The apparatus includes shaping apparatus for automatically shaping a mesh blank into a mesh insert on a fixture, and a robot for removing the insert from the fixture and placing it in a molding machine in preparation for molding the insert into a molded product. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing molded products involving the steps of automatically forming the blank into a mesh insert and automatically transferring the insert to a molding machine using a robot. A holding tool may be provided for the robot to use in transferring the insert to the molding machine.

Abstract: This invention provides method for placing indicia on a support for an imaging element comprising embossing indicia, such as a logo, on a roller; providing a support wherein said support comprises a closed cell foam core and adhered thereto at least one flange layer, wherein said closed cell foam core comprises a polymer that has been expanded through the use of a blowing agent; and pressing said support against said embossed roller.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for making a plastic overcap using a mold tool stack. The mold tool stack has a core and a cavity plate forming a cavity therebetween. The core has a resin passageway therein with a gate in a top surface of the core. The gate has a valve proximate the top surface of the core to regulate resin flowing from the resin passageway and into the cavity. The steps of the mold method are as follows: the mold tool stack is closed to form the cavity; the valve is opened to allow resin to enter the cavity; the valve is closed; the resin is allowed to cool; and the mold tool stack is opened to allow removal of the plastic overcap from within the mold tool stack. The top side of the plastic overcap produced is blemish-free, facilitating placement of labels and other markings thereon.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a light transmitting plate comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A molding machine and associated process offers significantly reduced cycle time and increases production output. In one embodiment, an injection molding machine includes a rotatable turret block rotatable on an axis for rotating a plurality of movable platens thereof into alignment with a stationary platen. Each of the movable platens include at least one which can be mated with a die on the stationary platen for molding a molded article. The machine may include multiple, opposed stationary platens for alternately mating with the moveable platens. The rotatable turret significantly reduces cycle time and increases production output without an increase in required floor space.

Abstract: An improved take-off device for an injection molding machine that includes an extensible sleeve for extending a suction channel during transfer of parts from the mold core assembly to the take-off device, the tube being retractable after the parts have been transferred.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof. The method comprises the steps of providing a forming structure being moveable upon a forming drum and comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the forming structure, the protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1. The forming structure is disposed adjacent a vacuum chamber and vacuum is applied at a sufficient level to induce a sufficient partial pressure to conform a precursor web to the forming structure, thereby forming the polymeric web. The precursor web can be cast directly onto the forming structure, or it can be re-heated by re-heat means to elevate its temperature sufficiently to permit vacuum formation.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of forming ceramic articles comprising an oil component or extrusion aid, the improvement including removing a substantial portion of the oil component, prior to firing, by applying a solvent to the green ceramic article to dissolve the oil component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing mechanism of a feeding device for feeding lumps and/or powder to a moving-hearth heating furnace. The feeding device includes a vibrating feeder having a trough in which a hole for feeding the lumps and/or powder to the furnace is formed and a duct for guiding the lumps and/or powder dropped through the hole to a hearth of the heating furnace. The sealing mechanism includes a water sealing mechanism having a skirt plate, a weir plate, a side surface of the duct, and liquid. The skirt plate is provided on the lower surface of the trough. The weir plate is provided above a ceiling of the heating furnace. The liquid is kept in a tank serving as a pool of liquid which is formed by the side surface of the duct and the weir plate.

Abstract: An assembly wherein inexpensive and essentially maintenance-free disposable sensors may be used in conjunction with a metal making lance. The assembly contemplates the use of disposable sensors that are accommodated by a sensor feed tube disposed interiorly or exteriorly of a conventional metal making lance. The sensors may be selected to detect one or more characteristics of the metal being treated and/or operating conditions of a metal treatment vessel.

Abstract: An air spring includes essentially an air spring cover (2), a rolling-lobe flexible member (9) and a roll-off piston which conjointly define a variable air spring space. Air springs are increasingly provided with an additional volume (4) in order to configure the spring performance more comfortably. For this purpose, the air spring cover (2) includes two shells (2a, 2b) which function as a housing for the wanted additional volume (4). The half-shells (2a, 2b) are especially deep drawn or injected air spring covers. To produce a cost effective, air-tight and high-strength connection of the two shells (2a, 2b), the shells (2a, 2b), which are to be connected, are connected by a flanging operation to each other or, the connection of the two shells (2a, 2b) is established by flange connecting a flanging clamp (10) over the common edge of the two shells. The flanging clamp (10) is made of a plastic deformable material.

Abstract: An isolator apparatus is described to attenuate or isolate vibration. The isolator apparatus includes a fluid isolator assembly including a flexible diaphragm and a pressure chamber having a flow passage opened to the pressure chamber to provide a fluid spring. A floating isolator body including an elastomeric damping element is floatably interfaced with the flexible diaphragm of the fluid isolator assembly to isolate vibration.

Abstract: A fluid-filled vibration-damping device including: a first mounting member; a second mounting member; an elastic body elastically connecting the first and second mounting members and defining a fluid-sealing area filled with a non-compressible fluid; and a gas-retaining hole open to the fluid-sealing area through an opening thereof, and capable of retaining a predetermined volume of gas therein with the opening thereof facing vertically upward within the non-compressible fluid. A method of manufacturing the fluid-filled vibration-damping device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid-filled vibration damping device including: a rubber elastic body elastically connecting a first and second mounting member and partially defining a pressure-receiving chamber filled with a non-compressible fluid; a flexible layer partially defining an equilibrium chamber filled with the non-compressible fluid; an orifice passage permitting a fluid communication between the pressure-receiving chamber and equilibrium chamber; and a cushion surface situated opposite to an opening of the orifice passage to the pressure-receiving chamber in a first direction of flow of the fluid into and out of the opening, with a predetermined distance therebetween, while extending in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An antivibration element (1) is especially for a portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw or a brushcutter. The antivibration element includes a coil spring (2) and at least one guide. An end section (7, 8) of the coil spring (2) is fixed to the guide. In order to provide a progressive characteristic line of the coil spring (2) in a simple way, the coil spring (2) has a transition section (11, 12), which borders at the end section (7, 8) and is guided with play on the guide.

Abstract: This invention provides a mono-tube type shock absorber comprising: a spring receiver that holds a lower end of a suspension spring, the suspension spring urging the mono-tube type shock absorber in a direction of extending the mono-tube type shock absorber; a cylinder constituting the mono-tube type shock absorber; and a guide member to which the spring receiver is fixed, the guide member being fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, wherein: the guide member is disposed with a predetermined gap being provided between the guide member and the cylinder; an upper end portion of the guide member is fixed to an upper end portion of the cylinder; a lower end portion of the guide member is open with respect to the cylinder; and the spring receiver is fixed to the lower end portion of the guide member.

Abstract: A spring seat is disclosed which is employed on a spring that serves to absorb and attenuate torsional vibrations. The spring seat includes a seat body that serves to support an end portion of the spring, and a sliding portion that is fixed to an outer side of the seat body and composed of a material that is different from that of the seat body.

Abstract: The present invention involves a truss table including a frame; multiple spaced-apart panels supported by the frame and defining an elongated slot between the panels; and a stop member including a stop portion, a clamp portion and a fastener. The stop portion includes a cylindrical puck and a wedge body extending from the cylindrical puck and having a ramped surface, the wedge body disposable within the elongated slot, the stop portion defining a first bore extending through the cylindrical puck and the wedge body. The clamp portion is disposable within the elongated slot and has a ramped top surface complementary to the ramped surface of the wedge body. The clamp portion defines a second bore substantially aligned with the first bore. The fastener is insertable through the first bore and engageable to the second bore. The tightening of the fastener secures the stop member in a locked position in the elongated slot.

Abstract: A cutting board comprises a first member having a first predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness. The first member has at least two outer edges engageable with at least two radially opposed sides of a support member. The first member having sufficient cut resistant properties and heat resistant properties for cutting at least one of hot and cold food products thereon and having sufficient strength to support such food products to be cut. There is a first surface of the first member having a first predetermined size for holding such food products to be cut and a second surface of the first member having a second predetermined size. A means is provided for allowing juices from such food products to be cut to drain from the cutting board.

Abstract: A cutting board comprising a first member having a first predetermined shape and a predetermined thickness and formed from a predetermined material. The predetermined material having sufficient cut resistant properties and heat resistant properties for cutting at least one of hot and cold food products thereon and sufficient strength to support such food products to be cut. There is an upper surface of the first member that has a first predetermined size for holding such food products to be cut and a bottom surface that has a second predetermined size and a predetermined plurality of legs engageable with the first member adjacent the bottom surface for supporting the first member.

Abstract: A workpiece assembly jig is provided with a plurality of first brackets provided around the perimeter of an aluminum jig main body for mounting thereon and assembling a long aluminum workpiece. A plurality of second brackets are provided around the perimeter of a steel jig base and are connected together via connecting members having first and second male threaded portions extending in opposite directions from a middle flange. The first male threaded portion of the connecting member is screwed into a female threaded portion formed in the second bracket, and the second male threaded portion runs through a long hole formed longitudinally (perpendicular to the plane of the paper) in the first bracket which is secured between the flange and a nut.

Abstract: A top registration transport mechanism and method for a mailing machine is provided. The transport mechanism includes one or more displaceable rollers that have a diameter larger than the drive/idler rollers. A semi-elastic belt is looped around the drive/idler rollers and displaceable rollers. The larger diameter of the displaceable rollers causes a portion of the transport belt in the area of the displaceable rollers to be slightly raised. The registration plate can contact the raised portion of the belt to displace the belt and displaceable rollers, thereby ensuring that very thin mail pieces can be effectively processed by the transport. As thicker mail pieces traverse the transport, the displaceable rollers can be further displaced before the entire transport mechanism must be displaced to maintain registration of the mail piece against the bottom of the registration plate.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus the feeding of a printing medium is fed such that before a paper sensor detects a trailing edge of a preceding printing medium, a paper feeding roller begins the feeding of a succeeding printing medium, and after the paper sensor detects the trailing edge of the preceding printing medium, a leading edge of the succeeding printing medium arrives at a location of the paper sensor. Thus, the feeding of a printing paper is performed rapidly and the printing apparatus can perform recording rapidly accordingly.

Abstract: A compact driving unit for an automatic banknote receiving and storing unit. The banknote receiving and storing unit includes a banknote accepting unit, a safe unit, a transporting unit for moving an accepted banknote to a position adjacent the safe unit, a translating unit for non-rotationally displacing the accepted banknote into the storing section of the safe unit, and a driving lever pivoted by a driving crank in the transporting unit to operate the translating unit. The safe unit and the transporting unit are removable from a chassis.

Abstract: A method measures the location of a sheet and then moves the sheet to a registered position. By measuring the actual location of the sheet and then moving the sheet to the registered position, the invention saves a substantial amount of time. An elongated array of LED sensors 130 stretches over several inches and is aligned with a collimated light source 110. Each sensor in the array is spaced from its adjacent sensor by a known amount. This amount can be as small as a few tens of thousandths of an inch. The edge of a sheet covers the sensors. The sheet edge is measured and the registration device moves the edge of the sheet to the registered position for receiving the developed image.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive and predictive analysis of sensor readings to track documents in a document processing system. The system comprises: a plurality of sensors for sensing a document, wherein each sensor includes an associated filtering system for filtering sensor readings, and a performance tracking system for collecting performance data; and a control system that and adjusts filtering characteristics of the filtering system based on the collected performance data. In addition, a correlation system is provided for using data from at least one upstream sensor to interpret an ambiguous downstream sensor signal.

Abstract: An interactive game for teaching children the concept of matching and the skills of writing and drawing. The game includes a plurality of game pieces having game piece indicia thereon, and at least one game board having game board indicia thereon. A player may select a game board and a game piece from the plurality of game pieces, match the game piece indicia of a selected game piece with a corresponding game board indicia. The player may then trace a symbol associated with the matched indicia within a tracing area or write or draw something associated with the matched indicia within a drawing area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a educational board game and in particular to an educational board game which teaches religious subject matter based upon real life situations. The board game includes a game board, a plurality of games pieces, game money, a deck of prayer cards, a deck of evangelism cards, a Bible, a timer and a spindle or dice. The game board is divided into a number of game spaces. The game spaces include three categories of real life situations. Category 1 situations require players landing on those game spaces to draw a prayer card. The prayer cards require one of the other players to pray for the current player. Category 2 game spaces require the player to draw an evangelism card. The evangelism card requires another player to encourage the current player. Category 3 game spaces allow the player to draw either a prayer or an evangelism card. The first player to reach salvation which is the end game space wins.

Abstract: A new game is provided that involves strategy and racing through the use of game units comprising a plurality of game pieces, wherein the game promotes teamwork and cooperation. This game is governed by at least one rule requiring that the plurality of game pieces of each game unit be within a predetermined number of spaces. Although this rule is a constraint on the movement of the game pieces, this game preferably gives players the opportunity to use this rule as a shield or sword. The game can be played in solitude, but is preferably played with multiple persons. The game ends when a game unit returns to a home position, but the player with the greatest number of points, preferably treats, is the winner.

Abstract: An entertaining psychological war attack/defense chess game structure including a main body, two chessman drawers, several attack chessmen, ace chessmen and defense chessmen. The main body is formed with multiple passages for placing the attack chessmen or ace chessmen therein. Two end faces of each passage are respectively formed with slits for inserting the defense chessmen therein. The chessman drawers are respectively transversely disposed at two ends of lower side of the main body. The chessman drawer is formed with receptacles for respectively accommodating the chessmen. When the chessman drawers are drawn out, the game is going to start. When stored, the chessman drawers are pushed back into the main body. A rest space is arranged under each end of the passage. After a chessman of an opponent successfully attack in, the chessman will automatically drop out of the passage into the rest space and be located therein.

Abstract: A numbers game somewhat similar to bingo has features of player-selected numbers, a field of numbers for each number position, and a geometric pattern formed by the number positions. Played on either a card or on a video monitor, the game prompts the player to select preferably one number from each of a plurality of fields of numbers, each being in a different number position and a different part of the pattern. Numbers are randomly selected by the game provider, and a win is determined by matching the winning numbers in one or more number positions so as to form a segment of the pattern, or a group of positions which have been pre-designated as a winning combination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a word game apparatus and a method of playing said game. The word game apparatus comprising one or more sets of word units having a front, wherein said front has indicia identified thereon comprising an original word, one or more amended words and one or more location identification positions; a plurality of playing pieces having a front having indicia identified thereon representing a letter of an alphabet or a symbol, wherein during play of the game said playing pieces are arranged to form words and a particular formed word is assigned to a particular word unit and said particular word unit is assigned to a particular player, and a playing surface providing a means for displaying said word units such that only an original word is visible. The word game is played according to a playing procedure which provides for the stealing a word unit assigned to an opponent.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a base for receiving a miniature figurine having distinct characteristics. The base may include at least one attachment member for interconnecting the base with an adjacent base. The gaming system may include a tracking member on each base for recording changing characteristics of the associated figurine. The gaming system includes a movable counter that may be integral with the game pieces and allows for easy measurement of various ranges. Structural units and structural unit guides allow for building a variety of structures used in the game.

Abstract: A children's game comprising a plurality of game tiles is provided. According to one preferred embodiment, each tile is substantially identical. Each tile includes a design on a first face and a design on a second face that is substantially identical to the design on the first face, but comprises a reverse color scheme. According to one preferred embodiment, the design comprises an arc that intersects opposite corners of a square tile. A first side of the arc defines a first color and a second side of the arc defines a second color. A method of arranging the tiles to form geometric shapes and spatial relationships is also provided.

Abstract: A player makes a wager to play a draw poker game a wager to play a stud poker game which is allocated over one or more stud poker hands. The player is dealt a draw poker hand. The player is then dealt one or more stud poker hands depending on the number of stud poker hands selected to be played. The player wins or loses depending on the poker hand ranking of each of the stud poker hands. The amount won for each winning hand is based on the poker hand ranking and the amount wagered according to a stud poker pay table. The player plays out the draw poker hand in accordance with the conventional manner of play of draw poker. The amount won for each winning hand is based on the poker hand ranking and the amount wagered according to a draw poker pay table.

Abstract: A brush seal assembly including a bristle strip having a plurality of bristles mounted at an angle to at least one rail, and an annular holder for supporting the bristle strip is provided. In one embodiment, the bristle strip is flexible such that the strip can be readily bent by hand and the annular holder is preferably U-shaped. The brush seal assembly may be utilized with conventional mounting techniques, and may be mounted within a unitary or segmented holder.