Abstract: Isothermal imprint embossing system. In one embodiment, the system includes a heater to pre-heat a disk substrate to an embossing temperature, a die assembly with an embossing foil to imprint the embossable film disposed on the disk substrate, and a heat tunnel disposed between the heater and the die assembly to maintain the embossing temperature.

Abstract: Method of producing an oblong shell member made of fibre composite material by means of vacuum infusion, where the fibre material is impregnated with liquid polymer. A mould is applied with a mould cavity, in which a fibre insertion (3) with a first lateral face (1) and a second lateral face (2) is placed, and where said fibre insertion includes a plurality of fibre layers and a distribution layer (4), said distribution layer allowing a higher rate of flow for the liquid polymer than the fibre layers.

Abstract: A method for making foam products steps of preparing variety of foam materials with different colors, mixing the materials in a final tank, feeding the materials in a mold, heating the materials which are then foamed to form a product which is then removed from the mold and cooled. The method is proceeded by a device which includes first tanks for receiving the variety of foam materials, second tanks for being fed with pre-set amount of the variety of foam materials, and a final tank which has mixture of the variety of foam materials. The mixture is then sent to a mold to be heated and foamed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for forming composite extrudates including at least a base polymer, a plurality of fibers dispersed in the base polymer, and one or more colorants forming a visible, multi-color pattern, e.g., mimicking the appearance of natural wood.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide method and apparatus for manufacturing a molded product in which a molded product having precise microstructure, high dimensional precision, low residual stress, low birefringence, high optical-transparency, and excellent mechanical strength can be provided in a three dimensional geometry, thin wall and large-area by a very low molding pressure molding process. The method and apparatus for manufacturing a molded product comprise a resin coating step of coating molten resin 12 onto a forming mold 11 having a minute uneven portion 10 on the surface thereof, a compressing step of pressing the molten resin 12 using the forming mold to thereby arrange the shape of the molded product, and a solidifying step of cooling and solidifying the molten resin 12.

Abstract: A method of making a hockey stick blade with a shank and a blade element having a front external surface and a rear external surface, the method comprising: (a)selecting a core made of thermo-expandable foam; (b) forming a preformed blade by wrapping the core with first and second layers of fibers pre-impregnated with resin; (c) selecting front and rear thermoplastic sheets for covering at least partially the second layer of fibers, for forming part of the respective front and rear external surfaces of the blade element and for increasing the impact resistance of the hockey stick blade; (d) placing the front and rear thermoplastic sheets and the preformed blade in a mold such that the preformed blade is between the front and rear thermoplastic sheets; (e) applying heat to the mold; and (f) when said resin is cured, removing the hockey stick blade from the mold.

Abstract: A process for producing lightweight thermoplastic composite products in a continuous manner is disclosed. An oven is provided for heating a dry unconsolidated fabric sheet of commingled fibers of thermoplastic and re-enforcing fibers or carbon fibers to a temperature sufficient to ensure melting and flow of the resin in the voids of the commingled fibers. The unconsolidated composite sheet is conveyed through the oven and then through a first pair of heated rollers at an outlet of the oven whereby to maintain the fabric sheet heated to prevent abrupt cooling at the surfaces while compressing it under pressure. A further pair of rollers at a further reduced temperature is provided whereby the heated sheet is gradually lowered in temperature and the pressure is maintained thereon during consolidation of the commingled fibers to ensure complete flow of the resin in the voids between the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing silicate-containing fiber, wherein silicon dioxide is added to viscose manufactured of cellulose, and the formed mixture of viscose and silicon dioxide is directed via nozzles to a regeneration solution, to which silicate is added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of die buildup associated with the production of polyolefin based elastic fiber and for improving the unwind or release characteristics of such fiber. In particular the method involves the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMSO) in the polyolefin resin.

Abstract: A method for fabricating structural building blocks having a cured binding material dispersed within block forming media thereof comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for depositing a volume of block-forming media within a media receiving cavity of block forming equipment. The block-forming media includes a curable binding material dispersed therein and curing of the curable binding material is caused by contact with a prescribed activation material. After or in conjunction with depositing the volume of block-forming media, an operation is performed for depositing the prescribed activation material into the media receiving cavity. Such depositing of the prescribed activation material causing at least a portion of the prescribed activation material to be dispersed within the volume of the block-forming media.

Abstract: The device for conditioning preforms in plastic material comprises a rotating turret (20), having a group of conditioning cavities (22) for inserting preforms, partly through an opening on a first side (A) of the turret and partly through an opening on a second side (B) of the turret. The conditioning cavities (22) which open on the first side (A) are disposed in such a way that for part of their length (L1) they are situated side by side with the cavities which open on the second side (B). In this way the turret becomes more compact. There is also described a conditioning method for the preforms.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expandable curing bladder for use in curing rubber products; the bladder comprising an inner layer and an outer layer bonded to the first layer; the inner layer comprising a rubber composition comprised of, based on parts weight per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr): an isobutylene copolymer rubber selected from butyl rubber and/or halobutyl rubber, wherein said butyl rubber comprises a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene which contains from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent units derived from isoprene; wherein said halobutyl rubber is a halogenated butyl rubber comprises a chlorinated or brominated copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene which contains from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent units derived from isoprene; and the outer layer comprising a rubber composition comprising a silicon rubber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sequentially delivering multiple shots of polymer material to a plurality of mold cavities to form multilayer articles. A first shot of greater than 50% of the total article weight of a first polymer material is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of mold cavities using, at each cavity, a chamber of predetermined volume that is prefilled with the first polymer material. A second shot of no greater than 10% of the total article weight of a second material is simultaneously delivered to all of the cavities beginning subsequent to the step of delivering the start of the first shot delivery step. The second shot of second material is delivered through a manifold channel that fluidly communicates with each cavity, and is injected to all cavities under pressure exerted by a source of the second material that is common to all of the plurality of cavities.

Abstract: An improved injection molding method and valve gating system are provided for a mold cavity using a valve gated nozzle wherein a valve stem is stationary with respect to a nozzle and the mold gate may be positioned to move relative to the valve stem to open and close the gate.

Abstract: A method for producing components including preparing an aqueous suspension of solids including calcium oxide CaO and silicon dioxide SiO2 with a molar ratio of Ca:Si that is between 0.5:1.0 and 2.5:1.0. Nanocrystalline C—S—H phases are produced by grinding the aqueous suspension and keeping its temperature at or below 100° C. The aqueous phase is separated out from the suspension to form a residue containing the nanocrystalline C—S—H phases. The residued is removed and a powdery product is made by drying the residue. A mold is filled with the powdery product and pressure is applied to form the component. The component is removed from the mold.

Abstract: Ablation of holes having diameters as small as 82 nm and having clean walls was obtained in a poly(methyl methacrylate) on a silicon substrate by focusing pulses from a Ne-like Ar, 46.9 nm wavelength, capillary-discharge laser using a freestanding Fresnel zone plate diffracting into third order is described. Spectroscopic analysis of light from the ablation has also been performed. These results demonstrate the use of focused coherent EUV/SXR light for the direct nanoscale patterning of materials.

Abstract: Presently described is a microstructured mold prepared from a photocured polymeric material that comprises at least one (i.e. first) photoinitiator having certain absorption characteristics. The mold is suitable for use in methods of molding a (e.g. barrier rib) microstructure precursor composition that comprises at least one (i.e. second) photoinitiator. The second photoinitiator of the microstructure precursor preferably has similar absorptions characteristics as the first photoinitiator. Thus, the polymeric material of the mold the microstructure precursor can be cured with the same wavelength range of light.

Abstract: A polymer blend has a base and blend components. The base and blend components could be a branched slow crystallizing PET and a faster crystallizing PET, respectively. The ratio of base and blend components result in a block copolymer, the melt processing time and branching or chain extender levels can be can be tailored to impart the polymer blend with sufficient melt strength and crystallization rates, such that it is slow enough during the blow molding process to produce a clear article and yet fast enough during the subsequent PET recycling process making it suitable for extrusion processes as well as for recycling. The combination of materials can be used to form monolayer or multilayer articles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing sub-micron fibers, and more specifically a process and apparatus for effecting formation of sub-micron fibers by fibrillation of polymer films, and nonwoven materials and articles incorporating them.

Abstract: Pressureless sintering of silicon carbide with fracture toughness in excess of about 4 MPa-m1/2 as measured by the single-edge precracked beam (SEPB) technique while maintaining a density greater than 3.1 g/cc for compositions with SiC greater than about 94 wt. % is made possible through the use of metallic Al to promote sintering and grain growth. Boron and carbon may be used as traditional sintering aids, with nitrogen to suppress grain growth, and additions of yttrium and/or lanthanide elements to promote intergranular fracture.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing an average discharging time in a molten metal vessel, such as a converter, having a molten-metal discharge nozzle particularly a molten-metal discharge nozzle comprises a sleeve-shaped refractory member so as to achieve enhanced operational efficiency of the molten metal vessel. A discharge nozzle comprises an upper sleeve mounted in a refractory lining of a converter and a lower sleeve adapted to be detachably attached to a lower end of the upper sleeve, wherein a hole sectional area of the lower sleeve is set in the range of 60 to 98% of a hole sectional area of the lower sleeve in its used state requiring replacement.

Abstract: An improved exothermic cutting system is presented mounted upon a standard Alice pack frame reduced by three inches for additional comfort and safety to the wearer. A lightweight aluminum plate is welded to the Alice pack for stability while serving as a rigid platform upon which the cylinders, manifold, battery ignition and rod compartment is secured. The backpack design provides oxygen via an oxygen hose to the cutting torch. The design also provides a dual extruded electrical cable connected to a 12 volt battery at one end, and an igniter head at the other end, necessary to initiate the exothermic reaction. Overall, the improved backpack system allows for greater comfort and convenience. The improves system also protects the components from damage during deployment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic spring shock absorber unit having working chambers (2, 3), which are filled with compressed air and which are partially delimited by rolling or folding bellows (7, 8, 9). These working chambers are situated one above the other and are interconnected via throttle valves that can be flowed through. Both working chambers are located inside a common pot-shaped housing (4) and are separated by a piston (6) so that one working chamber (2) is located on the front side of the piston and the other working chamber (3) is located on the rear side of the piston and at least partially surrounds the piston rod (5) so that the piston and the piston rod are sealed and guided inside the housing by rolling bellows (7, 8).

Abstract: An air spring spacer for use in mounting an associated air spring in spaced relation to an associated vehicle component. The air spring spacer includes a spacer body, a first indexing feature, and a second indexing feature complementary to the first indexing feature. The indexing features providing for self-alignment of the spacer in a predetermined orientation upon the application of an axial force. A kit is also described.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of providing a bed using a plurality of interchangeable adjustable firmness springs to provide localized comfort and support to the user of the bed. The plurality of interchangeable springs may have a plurality of different firmnesses to provide customizable local comfort to a user.

Abstract: A fluid-filled type vibration-damping device wherein first and second mounting members are connected by a main rubber elastic body defining a pressure receiving chamber connected via an orifice passage to an equilibrium chamber defined by a flexible diaphragm. A partition member dividing both chambers is elastically supported by the second mounting member such that an outer rim of the partition member is pinched between a first support rubber elastic body and a second support rubber elastic body, while being spaced away radially inwardly from the second mounting member, whereby the partition member is displaceable relative to the second mounting member due to elastic deformation of the first and second elastic support bodies to provide a fluid pressure absorbing mechanism to check pressure fluctuation in the pressure receiving chamber to the equilibrium chamber.

Abstract: The invention solves the problem of designing and manufacturing springs made of elastic materials, particularly steel springs, with prescribed characteristic (dependence of flex on external load) given by a smooth (i.e. differentiable) non-linear function. The method according to the invention consists in forming an elastic body with suitably shaped regions of diversified stiffness and (possibly) diversified initial internal stresses (this suitable shape of the regions lies at the hart of the invention and is covered by separate patent claims).

Abstract: A repair fixture for supporting large cylindrical objects such as a generator rotor, to facilitate field maintenance operations. The fixture has two spaced Vee-blocks that are supported by and moved within vertical channels formed within peripheral stanchions. Clevises are rotatably connected at one end to both lateral sides of the Vee-block and at the other end to a hydraulic piston that is employed to raise and lower the Vee-blocks in unison to accommodate various maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A method for assembling a book on a finishing line. The method includes generating a book assembly order of signatures, providing a feeder associated with a printer operable to print at least one of the signatures, providing multiple feeders each having at least one respective signature of the remaining signatures loaded therein, providing a controller in communication with the feeder associated with the printer and the multiple feeders, and controlling with the controller the delivery of the signatures to the finishing line based upon the assembly order such that when the controller signals to the feeder associated with the printer to deliver the one of the signatures to the finishing line, the printer prints the one of the signatures and the feeder associated with the printer delivers the one of the signatures to the finishing line.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a printable medium; a casing to accommodate the image forming unit; a feeding cassette coupled to the casing and arranged so as to move between a feeding position where the feeding cassette is separated from the casing and used to store the printable medium and a waiting position where the feeding cassette is folded up against the casing; a pick-up roller to feed the printable medium from the feeding cassette to the image forming unit when the feeding cassette is in the feeding position; and a pick-up roller cover coupled to the casing so that the pick-up roller cover can rotate between an open position exposing the sub feeding roller and a closed position covering the pick-up roller.

Abstract: A drum for conveying a sheet has a cohesive sheet-guiding surface provided at little effort or cost and includes a drum body, a jacket forming a circumferential surface and a device for fixing the jacket onto the drum body. The jacket is located above a gap formed in the drum body so as to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis. The device for fixing the jacket includes at least one tensioning body that acts on the jacket in the region of the gap and is adjustable in radial direction.

Abstract: A label feeder unit associated with a machine for packing tobacco products holds a stack of labels placed in a channel presenting an infeed end, and an outfeed end from which the labels are released to a take-up station, then picked up singly and transferred to a further unit of the machine. The outfeed end of the channel incorporates a transfer mechanism comprising a pair of contrarotating rollers placed on either side of the channel at a distance less than the width of the stack in such a way as to intercept the labels and transfer them to the take-up station, which is movable relative to the outfeed end of the channel under the pressure transmitted to the station by the labels taken up between the rollers. The transfer mechanism forms part of a feedback control loop by which the pressure registering through the labels at the take-up station is kept within prescribed limits.

Abstract: A sheet feeding unit and an image forming apparatus having the same. The image forming apparatus includes a body and the sheet feeding unit to supply sheets into the body. The sheet feeding unit includes a sheet feeding cassette coupled to the body, a sheet lifting plate positioned in the sheet feeding cassette to stack sheets thereon, a pick-up device to feed the sheets piece by piece from the sheet feeding plate, and an adjustment unit to vary a sheet feeding force by which the sheets are fed from the sheet lifting plate. Accordingly, the sheets can be smoothly fed into the body without skewing through adjustment of a sheet feeding force of the pick-up device.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning over piles of items, comprising a forming station (1), adapted for defining the above mentioned piles of items (20), each consisting of one or more items (10), and for pulling the piles towards a relevant outlet section according to a feeding direction (A); conveying means (2), adapted for receiving the above piles of items (20) from said outlet section and, in the order, conveying the piles according to a direction substantially equal to the above mentioned feeding direction (A), turning them over relative to a median axis perpendicular to the feeding direction and finally, conveying the piles according to a forwarding direction (B), substantially opposed to the feeding direction (A), into a receiving station (3), adapted for inserting the pile of items into corresponding envelopes (11).

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for accumulating sheets having a horizontal transport deck. Inserts are fed from an insert feeder positioned above the deck. Driven accumulator nip rollers are positioned to receive accumulations of sheets transported on the horizontal deck, and they are also positioned close enough to the insert feeder to receive inserts fed from the insert feeder. A recessed accumulation deck is positioned immediately downstream of the accumulator nip rollers. When a first sheet rests in the recessed accumulation deck, a subsequent second sheet will be placed on top of the first sheet when it enters the recessed deck. The process is controlled whereby insert sheets are released by the insert feeder prior to arrival of an accumulation on the deck. The released insert is driven by the accumulator nip rollers onto the recessed accumulator deck. Then when the accumulation arrives, it is deposited on top of the insert resting there.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which can efficiently align a paper supplied to a printing unit of a main body from a paper feeding unit that is removably mounted to the main body, includes a paper aligning unit, integrally provided with a paper container of the paper feeding unit, to align the paper supplied to the main body and thereby prevent paper misalignment. The paper container to automatically feed paper, the paper supply case to manually feed paper, and the paper aligning unit to align the supplied paper and to supply the paper to the main body are integrally provided within the paper feeding unit to reduce the number of components and thereby decrease manufacturing costs, increase efficiency, and increase productivity.

Abstract: An air hockey game apparatus includes a playing surface having at least one banked portion thereon. The air hockey game apparatus further includes a table frame assembly and a hollow interior region formed by the table frame assembly and the playing surface. An air blower is included and is configured to blow air through the apertures formed in the playing surface to decrease friction between a puck and the playing surface. The banked surface increases the challenge level of the air hockey game.

Abstract: A House Game of chance using both tangible and electronic Gaming Media having a plurality of Gaming Pieces displaying one of at least two recognizable Characteristics and a single Ranking Element such that at least two Game Pieces can be ranked one in respect to the other. In accordance with the play, a Dealer and at least one Player receive Game Piece(s) in a manner such that at least the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece is initially not perceivable by any Player. Each Player may Wager prior to receiving his Game Piece or after receiving his Game Piece, but prior to seeing at least the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece against which the Wager is made. A winning Hand is defined by the Player having a Game Piece of the same Characteristic(s) as that of the Dealer and having a Ranking Element either greater or less than the Ranking Element of that of the Dealer depending on the Rules for that Hand.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a dice releasing unit, a game section, a player terminal, and a controller. The dice releasing unit sequentially releases a plurality of dice. The game section has a stopping plate that causes the dice released from the dice releasing unit to rest. The player terminal has a display through which a player can place a bet on predicted dots to appear on tops of the plurality of dice. The controller is configured with logic to (i) control the dice releasing unit to release the plurality of dice, (ii) control the player terminal so as to perform a bet operation, and (iii) control a payout of game media in accordance with an award. The controller receives, from the player terminal, a signal indicative of placing the bet on the predicted dots in combination with an order of release of the plurality of dice.

Abstract: An enclosed container that is used as a card cover while playing any game of poker. The container is preferable in cylindrical form. The card cover is enclosed and has a see-through cover. Objects are permanently enclosed in the card cover. Objects inside the card cover can be shaken. The type and size of the objects are only limited by the size of the Enclosed Poker Card Cover.

Abstract: A card dealing structure that is preferably handheld and allows a user to manually advance a top card from a supply of cards provided in a recess of the structure. The user advances the top card to a card dispensing slot. A rotatable drive member in the card dispensing slot is activated to eject the card through the dispensing slot. Preferably the rotatable drive member is a foam wheel that allows some slippage of a card if the user exerts a drag force. Preferably, the user, by exerting a drag force, can control the speed of the ejected card. In addition, by being handheld, the angle of ejection can be used to aim the ejected card and indirectly control speed, as well as the orientation of the ejected card when it comes to rest.

Abstract: A modifiable game according to the present invention includes a magnetic base, at least one game token, a plurality of user tokens, and a plurality of overlays. Each overlay may include starting and ending indicia, segmented path spaces, and indicia, such as artwork, representing different themes. Each overlay is preferably uniquely different from any other overlay so as to present unique game experiences. Game tokens may be positioned on the game board or overlay prior to the start of game play and each game token may correspond with another indicia on the board. If a player's user token lands on a path space adjacent the game token, he may advance immediately to a path space adjacent the corresponding indicia. The modifiable game may also include means for advancing user tokens along the path spaces, such as one or more die, a spinner, or even an electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing a game conventionally based purely on skill comprising the steps of: providing a board divided into squares having light and dark colors; providing a set of ordinary playing pieces selected to move conventionally in selected paths; providing denoted squares constituting home squares for additional playing pieces known as stop pieces; providing a random device in addition to the said board and the said set of playing pieces; wherein each of the players making consecutive moves one at a time starting each move by using the random device for selecting either a conventional move or a stop piece move followed by a conventional move; wherein each stop piece blocks each moving path of any other piece on the board.

Abstract: A ball tossing game consists of a tossing device that is thrown at a target device. The tossing device may consist of a string or other flexible connector, having a ball on each end thereof. The target has at least one and preferably multiple horizontally-oriented rungs, onto which the tossing device may be wrapped. Additional targets are provided, including a target defined by a vertically oriented post positioned proximate an end of a horizontal rung and perpendicular thereto. In another embodiment, a reduced-length horizontal rung is coupled to at least one of the rungs, and is oriented either above or below the rung. It may be desired to provide, for a single rung, vertically oriented posts and at least one reduced-length horizontal rung.

Abstract: A portable, self-erecting sports goal has a frame sufficiently flexible to be re-positioned between a goal configuration and a storage configuration without requiring disassembly of the frame. The frame includes first and second goal posts interconnected at upper ends thereof by a crossbar, a first base bar extending rearward from a lower end of a first goal post, a second base bar extending rearward from a lower end of a second goal post, and a base rail interconnecting the ends of the first and second base bars opposite the goal posts. In the goal configuration, the base bars and base rail support the sports goal on an underlying ground surface and the goal posts and crossbar cooperate to define a substantially rectangular goal mouth extending upright from the underlying ground surface. In the storage configuration, the frame is twisted and folded upon itself into a substantially flat and compact position enabling the sports goal to be readily carried and stored.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for a rotating machine comprising a shaft (2) rotating with respect to a housing (4) containing a fluid (7). The sealing is provided between the shaft (2) and the housing (4). The sealing device comprises a first labyrinth (12) arranged between the shaft (2) and the housing (4), fins (20) secured to the shaft (2) and arranged in the first labyrinth (12), the fins (20) being intended to discharge the fluid (7) entering the first labyrinth (12) toward the inside of the housing (4). The invention makes it possible to prevent any leak of fluid (7) without friction at the junction between the shaft (2) and the housing (4).

Abstract: A mechanical seal in which cooling and cleaning of each seal ring and, in addition, lubrication of a slide seal surface are improved, which can be reduced in size, and whose assembly and disassembly are facilitated.

Abstract: Flat seal, comprising at least one metallic layer, which is to be supplied with several passages, spaced by bridges, whereby at least one corrugation and/or at least one wavelike contouring is to be set out at least in the area of one of the layers, on the passage side and at least for part of the area; characterised by the profile surrounding the pertaining passage with an approximately constant cross-section and by the provision of a different profile for the area of the pertaining bridge at a specified circumferential angle (?) to increase compression in this area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallic flat gasket (1) having at least one gasket layer (2), in which at least one through opening (3) is located, which is enclosed by a sealing element (4) and at least partially has a surface structure (6) on one of its surfaces in the region of the sealing element (4). The surface structure comprises multiple depressions (7) which are positioned neighboring one another and are obtainable by irradiating the surface using laser radiation. The surface structure (6) is outstandingly suitable as a substrate for a coating (11) or an elastomeric sealing element (4). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the gasket (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gasket structure for use in a fuel cell having a separator which defines at each of the both ends thereof a hydrogen manifold, an air manifold, an antifreezing solution manifold between the hydrogen manifold and the air manifold, the structure comprising a plurality of gasket parts a portion of which is open toward the outside of the separator so as to prevent antifreezing solution leaked from the antifreezing solution manifold from flowing into the hydrogen manifold and the air manifold.