Abstract: Apparatus has a body with a conduit defined therein. Body is mounted between, and connected to, a charging system containing pressurized fluid and a pressurized system. One apparatus has a retractable discharge tube inserted into a first end of the body. Once the body is connected to both the charging system and the pressurized system, a force is applied on the charging system toward the pressurized system. The force causes the charging system and the pressurized system to mate with the body urging the discharge tube to retract to release fluid into the conduit, and actuates the fitting to permit the fluid in the conduit to enter the pressurized system. Another apparatus has a manually deformable charging system and an adapter with a check valve to permit manual urging of fluid in the charging system through deformation of the charging system.

Abstract: A tank opening-closing device comprises a tank opening forming member having a fuel passage, a flap valve mechanism for opening and closing a fueling inlet, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism comprises a push member that receives an operating force manually, and an operating member for transmitting to an opening-closing member the operating force received by the push member, so that when the push member is pushed by a fueling gun, or the like, the opening-closing member opens the fueling inlet via the operating member.

Abstract: A tooth (30) for use in a grinding wheel is provided. The tooth comprises a main body (31) including a slot (32) comprising two substantially planar surfaces for, in use, engaging with a slot (24) in the rotor (20), and at least one cutting face (33, 34, 35, 36) connected to and extending away from the main body. In use, the force in the plane of the rotor is transferred from the tooth onto the rotor via one of the planar surfaces provided on the slot.

Abstract: A method of producing a virtually fireproof plywood from perennial grasses such as Arundo donax Ligneous, various bamboo strains, or a blend thereof, by first weaving the stalks of these plants into a mat and then layering these mats and binding each layer with any one of several commercial resins mixed with potash for the purpose of enhancing the board's fire retardant quality. The result is the formation of a finished product with structural board attributes and an exceptionally high flash point in relation to other manufactured board products made from forest materials.

Abstract: A control coupling of pressurized medium in a delimbing and cutting apparatus, provided for feeding members and for changing their feeding speed, said control coupling comprising at least: a first motor and a second motor that are coupled in parallel and drive a feeding member a third motor that is a multicapacity motor comprising a first half-motor and a second half-motor and that is coupled in series with the first motor and drives a feeding member; a fourth motor that is coupled in series with the second motor and drives a feeding member; first valve members that for the purpose of free rotation allow the feedback of the pressurized medium exiting the third motor to the first half-motor; and first control members that monitor the pressure of a first line and couple the first valve members to free rotation if said pressure is lower than the set value.

Abstract: An assembly and method is disclosed for providing an interlocking angular end joint. The interlocking angular end joint is capable of providing a virtually invisible end joint and comprises at least a first board capable of being longitudinally ripped from lumber to a predetermined width, at least a first angle cut at a predetermined angle into at least one end portion relative to the longitudinal length of the first board, and at least a first interlocking member capable of being machined into at least one end portion of the first board.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a power semiconductor device using a high-temperature lead-free solder material, the high-temperature lead-free solder material having the heat resistant property at 280° C. or more, and the bondability at 400° C. or less, and excellent in the suppliabilty and wettability of solder, and in the high-temperature storage reliability and the temperature cycle reliability. In the power semiconductor device according to the present invention, a semiconductor element and a metal electrode member were bonded each other by a high-temperature solder material comprising Sn, Sb, Ag, and Cu as the main constitutive elements and the rest of other unavoidable impurity elements wherein the high-temperature solder material comprises 42 wt %?Sb/(Sn+Sb)?48 wt %, 5 wt %?Ag<20 wt %, 3 wt %?Cu<10 wt %, and Ag+Cu?25 wt %.

Abstract: A high silicon steel that comprises (by wt.) 5-10% silicon, 0.007-1% carbon; less than 0.01% impurities consisting of one or more of Mn, P, S, Cr and Ni; and balance Fe. A process for producing the high silicon steel involves the steps of adding 0.01-1% carbon to a high silicon steel comprising 5%-10% silicon, subjecting the steel to a homogenizing heat treatment in a protective atmosphere i.e. a solutionizing treatment between 1200° C. and at a temperature below the melting point of the steel, so that the constant-temp annealing of the steel eliminates most of the second phase in the silicon steel. The tensile ductility and workability of the silicon steel is improved so as to allow for mass production of high silicon sheets with various thicknesses. The process produces high silicon steel sheets in which the microstructure is controlled. In addition, final carbon content can be controlled to obtain high silicon steel sheets with optimal soft magnetism characteristics.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid passivate composition for treating metal surfaces having dispersed therein solid particles which result in a transparent or translucent, preferably colorless, corrosion resistant coating, upon drying of the aqueous liquid passivate composition, the coating providing better resistance to heating by solar energy than the untreated metal surface at lower coating thicknesses than paint.

Abstract: An R-T-B—C rare earth sintered magnet (R?Ce, Pr, Nd, Tb, or Dy; T=Fe) is obtained by mixing an R-T-B—C magnet matrix alloy with an R fluoride and an R-rich R-T-B—C sintering aid alloy, followed by pulverization, compaction and sintering. The sintered structure consists of an R2T14B type crystal primary phase and a grain boundary phase. The grain boundary phase consists essentially of 40-98 vol % of R—O1-x—F1+2x and/or R—Fy, 1-50 vol % of R—O, R—O—C or R—C compound phase, 0.05-10 vol % of R-T phase, 0.05-20 vol % of B-rich phase or M-B2 phase (M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta or W), and the balance of an R-rich phase.

Abstract: Assemblages of particles of a magnetic alloy that are suited to magnetic recording are represented by the formula [TXM1-X] containing T and M in a composition ratio where X in the formula is in the range from 0.3 or greater to 0.7 or less, where T is one or two members of the group consisting of Fe and Co and M is one or two members of the group consisting of Pt and Pd, and metallic elements other than T and M that constitute no more than 30 at. % (including 0 at. %) of (T+M) as a percentage of atoms, and the remainder consists of impurities that are unavoidable from a production standpoint, wherein: the face-centered tetragonal fraction is 10-100%, the average grain size as measured by TEM observation (DTEM) is in the range from 5-30 nm, the x-ray crystal grain size derived by x-ray diffraction (DX) is no less than 4 nm, the particles of are dispersed from each other at a distance, and the dispersion on the composition of the individual particles is kept within a stipulated range.

Abstract: The invention concerns a steel for lightweight construction, consisting of a multiphase structure. In the case of a duplex steel, it consists of mixed ferrite (?) and austenite (?) crystals. In the case of a triplex steel, it comprises, additioally to said two phases, martensitic (?) and/or (?) phases. The volumetric weight of the inventive steel is low as a result of the high proportion of light alloys A1, Si Mn, Mg, Ga and Be. The inventive alloys have a volumetric weight of less than 7b/cm3.

Abstract: A spring steel wire rod according to the present invention is a spring steel wire rod wherein: the spring steel wire rod contains C: 0.35% to 0.7% (by mass, the same is hereunder applied), Si: 1.5% to 2.50%, Mn: 0.05% to 1.0%, Cr: 0.05% to 1.9%, Cu: 0.05% to 0.7%, Ni: 0.15% to 0.8%, P: 0.02% or less (excluding 0%), S: 0.02% or less (excluding 0%); and the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein the ratio of Si to Cu (Si/Cu) is in the range of 4 or more; and the difference between the concentration of Cu in the surface layer and the concentration of Cu in the steel is 0.50% or less and the difference between the concentration of Ni in the surface layer and the concentration of Ni in the steel is 1.00% or less. The present invention makes it possible to improve pickling performance in a spring steel wire rod containing Si abundantly and further Cr, Cu, and Ni.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high strength spring steel wire with excellent coiling properties and hydrogen embrittlement resistance. The steel wire comprises, by mass, 0.4 to 0.60% of C, 1.7 to 2.5% of Si, 0.1 to 0.4% of Mn, 0.5 to 2.0% of Cr, 0.015% or less of P (exceeding 0%), 0.015% or less of S (exceeding 0%), 0.006% or less of N (exceeding 0%), 0.001 to 0.07% of Al, and the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The steel wire has a structure wherein prior austenite has an average grain size of 12 ?m or less, and retained austenite exists in an amount of 1.0 to 8.0 vol. % with respect to a whole structure of the steel wire. The retained austenite has an average grain size of 300 nm or less and a maximum grain size of 800 nm or less. The steel has a tensile strength of 1,900 MPa or more.

Abstract: To produce a hydrogen storage alloy by melting a hydrogen storage alloy having a body-centered cubic crystal structure without using a refractory crucible and solidifying a molten alloy by a unidirectional solidification process. The unidirectional solidification is carried out by a cold crucible induction melting method at a moving speed of a solid-liquid interface in the range of 10 to 200 mm/hr by using a water-cooled metal crucible in a vacuum or an inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: This aims to provide a wear-resistant copper-based alloy, which is advantages in not only enhancing wear resistance in a high temperature range but also enhancing crack resistance and machinability and which is especially suitable for forming a cladding layer. The wear-resistant copper-based alloy comprises, by weight, 4.7 to 22.0% nickel, 0.5 to 5.0% silicon, 2.7 to 22.0% iron, 1.0 to 15.0% chromium, 0.01 to 2.00% cobalt, 2.7 to 22.0% one or more of tantalum, titanium, zirconium and hafnium, and the balance of copper with inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A method of removing an oxide layer from a surface of a metallic component, includes: contacting the surface with an alkaline cleaner, followed by contacting the surface with an acidic solution. The method is especially useful for removing oxide layers from the interior of hollow gas turbine engine components. The cleaned surface may be provided with an oxide-resistant coating by a pack aluminide coating process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a casting having increased crashworthiness including an an aluminum alloy of about 6.0 wt % to about 8.0 wt % Si; about 0.12 wt % to about 0.25 wt % Mg; less than or equal to about 0.35 wt % Cu; less than or equal to about 4.0 wt % Zn; less than or equal to about 0.6 wt % Mn; and less than or equal to about 0.15 wt % Fe, wherein the cast body is treated to a T5 or T6 temper and has a tensile strength ranging from 100 MPa to 180 MPa and has a critical fracture strain greater than 10%. The present invention further provides a method of forming a casting having increased crashworthiness.

Abstract: Memory metal plugs adapted to seal tubes are formed with a central post and laterally extended disks or rings. The plugs are formed from memory metal that is machined and heat treated to establish favorable temperature profile for the memory metal. The plugs are deformed in an apparatus that holds the plugs and cools the plugs to transform them into the martensitic state. A ram is used to force the cooled plugs through a die to decrease their diameter. These plugs can then be inserted into a tube and heated, causing them to return to their original state and thereby plug the tube.

Abstract: Ultra-high-strength linepipes having excellent low-temperature toughness manufactured by welding together the edges of steel plates comprising C of 0.03 to 0.07 mass %, Si of not more than 0.6 mass %, Mn of 1.5 to 2.5 mass %, P of not more than 0.015 mass %, S of not more than 0.003 mass %, Ni of 0.1 to 1.5 mass %, Mo of 0.15 to 0.60 mass %, Nb of 0.01 to 0.10 mass %, Ti of 0.005 to 0.030 mass %, Al of not more than 0.06 mass %, one or more of required amounts of B, N, V, Cu, Cr, Ca, REM (rare-earth metals) and Mg, with the remainder consisting of iron and unavoidable impurities and having a (Hv-ave)/(Hv-M) ratio between 0.8 and 0.9 at 2.5?P?4.0, wherein Hv-ave is the average Vickers hardness in the direction of the thickness of the base metal and Hv-M is the martensite hardness depending on C-content (Hv-M=270+1300C) and a tensile strength TS-C between 900 MPa and 1100 MPa; P=2.7C+0.4Si+Mn+0.8Cr+0.45(Ni+Cu)+(1+?)Mo?1+? (?=1 when B?3 ppm and ?=0 when B<3 ppm).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cryogenically heat treating steel work-pieces to cause the super-strengthening (higher strength, ductility, better fatigue properties, etc.) of same is disclosed. The apparatus includes a retort having a cavity containing a fluidized bed of particles. A cryogenic liquid cools the fluidized bed of particles and a fluidizing gas activates the fluidized bed. Steel work-pieces placed within the fluidized bed are rapidly and continuously cooled from their austenite phase through their martensitic phase transformation causing the work-pieces to have a finer martensitic structure, with higher dislocation density, than that which occurs in work-pieces that are hardened by other heat treating apparatus and/or methods, and which exhbit better physical properties (e.g., higher strength, ductility, better fatigue properties, etc.).

Abstract: A high strength and high toughness magnesium alloy, characterized in that it is a plastically worked product produced by a method comprising preparing a magnesium alloy cast product containing a atomic % of Zn, b atomic % of Y, a and b satisfying the following formulae (1) to (3), and the balance amount of Mg, subjecting the magnesium alloy cast product to a plastic working to form a preliminary plastically worked product, and subjecting the preliminary plastically worked product to a heat treatment, and it has a hcp structure magnesium phase and a long period stacking structure phase at an ordinary temperature; (1) 0.5?a<5.0 (2) 0.5<b<5.0 (3) 2/3a?5/6?b.

Abstract: The invention related to a flat, rolled semi-finished product made of an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloys has the following alloy proportions in weight percentages: 2?Mg?5, Mn?0.5 Cr?0.35, Si?0.4, Fe?0.4, Cu?0.3, Zn?0.3, Ti?0.15, other elements totaling no more than 0.15 and separately not exceeding 0.05, and the remainder consists of Al. The semifinished product is rolled from a bar (4) and, during the rolling process, is subjected to at least one intermediate tempering between two cold reduction passes and to a final soft-annealing in a chamber furnace (7, 9). The invention also relates to a method for producing said semi-finished product. A semi-finished product or this type doles not have any flow lines after shaping or deep-drawing if, according to the invention, the degree of reshaping before the first intermediate tempering is equal to at least 50% and, before the final soft-annealing, is no greater than 30%, and the semifinished product is drawn by 0.1 to 0.5% after the final soft-annealing.

Abstract: A plurality of conductive rubber members each having an electric resistance value lower than that of a tread rubber body is embedded in the tread rubber body from a peripheral surface of the tread rubber body at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of a pneumatic tire. An outer end surface of each of the conductive rubber members in the radial direction of the pneumatic tire is exposed on a peripheral surface of a tread part. An inner end of each of the conductive rubber members in the radial direction is brought into contact with a steel belt layer formed at an inward position of the tread part in the radial direction or with a conductive rubber layer formed between the tread rubber body and the steel belt layer.

Abstract: A tread (1) comprising a plurality of grooves of longitudinal and transverse general orientation (2b, 2c, 31, 32), the grooves of longitudinal orientation comprising main grooves (2b, 2c) of depth G and secondary grooves (31, 32) of depth G? less than the depth G of the main grooves, the central part (C) of the tread, defined axially by two grooves of longitudinal orientation, and of a width of between 0.25 and 0.5 times the width W of the tread, being provided with at least one main groove (2c) of longitudinal orientation and of average depth G. The depth G? of the secondary grooves (31, 32) is between 0.4 and 0.6 times the depth G of the main grooves (2b, 2c). The transverse grooves (5c) of the ribs of the central part (C) comprise over at most half of their length a connecting bridge (6c), the surface radially to the outside of which is at a distance Hc from the running surface of between 0.4 and 0.8 times the depth G of the main grooves.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire has a carcass and a tread. The carcass has at least one carcass reinforcing ply and opposing bead portions. Each bead portion has a bead core and a bead apex radially. The apexes in each bead portion having the same radial height (HA), as measured from a bead base line (B). The tire has a bead reinforcing ply comprising carbon fiber reinforcing cords located in only one bead portion of the tire, with the bead reinforcing ply being adjacent to the carcass reinforcing ply.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire has a carcass and a tread. The carcass has at least one carcass reinforcing ply and opposing bead portions. Each bead portion has a bead core and a bead apex radially. The apexes in each bead portion having the same radial height (HA), as measured from a bead base line (B). The tire has a bead reinforcing ply comprising chopped carbon fiber in the amount of 0.5 to 30 parts per hundred rubber located in only one bead portion of the tire, with the bead reinforcing ply being adjacent to the carcass reinforcing ply.

Abstract: An inner tube apparatus and method of use are provided. In one form, an inner tube apparatus includes a hermetically sealed annular compartment including an inner wall, an outer wall, a wall thickness, a diameter, a first sealed termination, and a second sealed termination. The annular compartment includes a threaded valve stem disposed on a surface of the compartment and a threaded valve stem cap, operable to provide a hermetic seal when coupled to the valve stem. The inner tube apparatus may be used to replace a motorcycle tire inner tube without necessitating the removal of the motorcycle from its wheel assembly by separating the sealed terminations and placing the apparatus on the motorcycle wheel. When filled with air, the sealed terminations abut, forming a strong, contiguous, annular hermetically sealed compartment.

Abstract: A cord ply construction for a tire is provided formed by a series of spaced single line cord paths, each extending along a path from an originating side of the tire across the crown region to an opposite terminal tire side, the cord paths each creating a loop at the terminal tire side and returning to the originating side and wherein the series of spaced single line cord paths combine to form a completed cord ply layer. Each cord path forms a cord angle that changes in magnitude from the originating side to the terminal tire side, the cord angle being at a highest magnitude at a tire tread centerline and decreasing toward the originating tire side.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for securing a device are provided. The device may be an electronic device, an input device, an output device, a portable media storage unit, a portable electronic device and/or the like. An apparatus and a system for securing the device may attach and/or may connect the device and/or a detachable element of the device to a housing. A flap may attach to, secure to and/or connect the housing to the device. A light emitting element may indicate that the housing is attached to and/or secured to the device and/or the detachable element of the device. Attaching, securing and/or connecting the housing to the device may depress a plunger. Removing and/or separating the housing from the device may move the plunger outward with respect to the housing. A circuit may be closed, opened and/or activated by the plunger. The circuit may attach to, may connect to and/or may communicate with a security system which may be an alarm, an alarm box, an alarm board and/or the like.

Abstract: A film attaching method for attaching a film on a substrate is provided. The film attaching method includes the following steps. First, a film is disposed on the substrate. Then, gas between the film and the substrate is driven out. Ultimately, an airtight joint is formed between the edge of the film and the edge of the substrate so that the film is attached to the substrate. The film attaching method is applied to the screen of a rear projection television to provide the rear projection television with good optical characteristics.

Abstract: A hand-grippable adhesive tape applicator is provided for building construction and other environments. Pressure feedback and integrated slidable cutting mechanism features are included which provide improved tape application performance. Unique tape supply spool and take-up reel assemblies also are provided which enhance tape applicator performance. A patterned applicator roller also is provided to allow tape application to be performed with reduced user-applied force.

Abstract: A hand-grippable adhesive tape applicator is provided for building construction and other environments. Stabilization brace and pressure feedback features are included which provide improved tape application performance. Static dissipative shield components and slip-resistant nubs for the applicator frame are also provided.

Abstract: A moving handrail is provided on a railing of a passenger conveyor. A surface portion of the moving handrail is made of a thermoplastic material. A moving handrail repairing device has heating means for melting the surface portion through heating. When the surface portion is damaged, a target spot to be repaired of the surface portion is melted through heating. After that, the target spot is cured again.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel includes the steps of arranging a sealant on a main surface of at least two substrates to be bonded together, dropping a liquid crystal on one of the two substrates, and bonding the two substrates together, wherein the step of bonding includes the step of setting the sealant after the liquid crystal sandwiched between the two substrates is spread to contact the sealant along substantially a whole periphery of the sealant while both of the two substrates contact the sealant along the whole periphery of the sealant.

Abstract: A ply application station for applying a tire carcass cord ply to an annular surface includes a plurality of applicator heads disposed at respective spaced apart circumferential locations about the annular surface, each applicator head proximally positioned to a respective assigned region of the annular surface. The system coordinates the application of at least one ply cord by each head to the annular surface region assigned respectively to each head. The plurality of applicator heads operate independently within their respective assigned regions while the core annular surface is rotatably indexed in order to achieve a desired cord ply pattern.

Abstract: A tooling head for bi-directional tire cord application to an annular surface reciprocates in a forward and a reverse direction across the annular surface. The tooling head includes a housing; a nose block assembly coupled to the housing and reciprocating in an axial direction relative to the tooling head housing; a pair of cord engaging rollers mounted to a remote end of the nose block assembly and moving therewith in a forward and a reverse direction across the annular surface, the rollers positioning at least one cord against the annular surface in the forward and reverse directions; and a biasing element engaging against the nose block assembly for alternatively biasing the rollers against the annular surface.

Abstract: A synchronous drive system and method for tire cord application to an annular core surface includes an arm that moves laterally about a first axis in a forward and a reverse direction across the annular surface. A cord application head is coupled to the arm and positions one or more cords on an on the annular surface in the forward and reverse directions. First and second ring motors are coupled to synchronously move the arm and rotate the core. The cord application head may further reciprocate about a second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A cord tensioning mechanism for a tire cord applicator head includes a closed loop timing belt extending between spaced apart pulleys and a tension adjustment pulley pressuring the cord laterally against the timing belt sufficiently to place the cord into a desired tension.

Abstract: A tooling head for bi-directional tire cord application to an annular surface is mounted to reciprocally move in a forward and a reverse direction across the annular surface. The tooling head includes a plurality of rollers for positioning one or more cords on an elastomeric layer on the annular surface in the forward and reverse directions and a tilt mechanism for angular repositioning the rollers into alternative engagement with the annular surface in the forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: Assemblies for the adhesive attachment to the skin or mucosa of a host are disclosed. The assembly or transdermal patch includes an outer backing layer, a first layer of adhesive on the inner surface of the outer backing layer, an inner backing layer, and an intermediate release liner between the first layer of adhesive and the inner backing layer. The intermediate release liner includes a releasable surface on both its inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing engineer wood floor for indoor decoration, and in particular to a manufacturing method that does not release any dissociated formaldehyde. The manufacturing steps are as the followings: Mix the adhesive agent; pour the mixed adhesive agent on a glue spreader at the linear velocity of ?20 meters/minute; deliver the wooden middle boards to the glue spreader to carry out spreading glue; superimpose wooden middle boards having been coated with glue longitudinally and latitudinally, and deliver them to a cold press for cold press; put the rough middle boards having been coldly pressed on a hot press for hot pressing, in order to make them become base material of engineer wood floor; Stick decorative surface material on the base material of engineer wood floor in order to make them become a engineer wood floor; and form, paint, and pack the engineer wood floor finally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt-type wrinkled band used for healing a hernia of intervertebral disk or protection the intervertebral disk. In particular, the expansion and contraction by air-injection can be achieved, without using a rubber tube for the contraction and expansion.

Abstract: A plurality of vertically spaced-apart microsprings are provided to increase microspring contact force, contact area, contact reliability, and contact yield. The microspring material is deposited, either as a single layer or as a composite of multiple sub layers, to have a tailored stress differential along its cross-section. A lower microspring may be made to push up against an upper microspring to provide increased contact force, or push down against a substrate to ensure release during manufacture. The microsprings may be provided with similar stress differentials or opposite stress differentials to obtain desired microspring profiles and functionality. Microsprings may also be physically connected at their distal ends for increased contact force. The microsprings may be formed of electrically conductive material or coated with electrically conductive material for probe card and similar applications.

Abstract: A method for maintaining filaments in position when manufacturing composite parts through a filament winding process. In its most basic form the method includes a first step of applying resin impregnated filament (16) onto an elongate mandrel (12). A second step is involved of winding yarn (32) onto the elongate mandrel (12) overlying the resin impregnated filament (16), to maintain the resin impregnated filament (16) in position and under tension.

Abstract: a reinforced elongate element (12) comprises a core (22) of elongate shape covered by at least one layer (33) of composite material comprising a plurality of tapes (32) wound at a settable winding angle around said core (22), each of the tapes (32) being made using glass or carbon threads or fibers (35) embedded in a matrix (34) of thermoplastic resin. The elongate element may be in the form of very long tubes suitable for use off-shore.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosed welding process comprises providing plural heterogeneous materials, such as plural polymeric laminae, that form at least a part of a microfluidic device. Electromagnetic energy, such as laser or microwave energy, is applied to the materials for a period of time sufficient to effectively bond the heterogeneous materials together. For certain embodiments such method comprises providing plural laminae made from a first material, such as a substantially rigid material, positioned to substantially encompass at least one additional lamina made from a second, less rigid material.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative laminated article comprising an image bearing thermoplastic interlayer wherein the image has been printed on the interlayer using an ink jet printing process, wherein the pigment comprises at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of: PY 120; PY 155; PY 128; PY 180; PY 95; PY 93; PV19/PR 202; PR 122; PB 15:4; PB 15:3; and PBI 7. The interlayer material of the present invention can be, for example, PVB, PET, or polyurethane.

Abstract: Particles attached to the back surface of a substrate are removed easily, reliably and quickly. An adhesive sheet is placed with an adhesive portion thereof up on a support base, and a substrate is placed thereon. Thereafter, the air pressure on the back surface side of the substrate is reduced lower than the air pressure on the front surface side to allow the adhesive sheet and the substrate to firmly adhere to each other. Then, the pressure difference is removed, and an elevating pin lifts the substrate from below the support base through a hole formed in each of the support base and the adhesive sheet to strip off the substrate from the adhesive sheet. Accordingly, the particles on the back surface of the substrate can be removed quickly, reliably and easily.

Abstract: A method of producing a stretch laminate exhibiting reduced defects from a mechanical activation process can include providing a nipping member. The nipping member can have a first nip region and a non-nip region adjacent to the first nip region. A first substrate and an elastic element are provided to the nipping member. The first substrate and the elastic element are joined in a face to face relationship with adhesive therebetween, thereby creating an intermediate laminate. The intermediate laminate has a first tack down region and an activation region adjacent the first tack down region. A portion of the first tack down region passes through the first nip region, and a portion of the activation region passes through the non-nip region of the nipping member. The activation region of the intermediate laminate is mechanically activated, thereby creating the stretch laminate.