Abstract: An apparatus for forming a structural member includes a tool platform and a pressure platform that may be movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus may include a tool against which the member may be pressed. The tool may be supported by the tool platform and may have an inner surface. The apparatus may include a pressure bladder configured to be pressurized for applying pressure to the member. The pressure bladder may be supported by the pressure platform for pressing the member against the tool. Also included may be a heating system for heating the tool and a tool liner in thermal contact with the inner surface for distributing heat thereto.

Abstract: A fabric, such as a loop fastener material, is finished by applying a foam to a surface of the fabric, the foam containing both a liquid binder and a powder. The binder is allowed to flow into pores of the fabric and coat fiber interstices of the fabric as the foam collapses, and is dried to stabilize the fabric. The powder is of a particle size selected to cause most of the powder to remain on the surface of the fabric while the binder is dried to bond the powder to the fabric surface. The powder, as bonded to the fabric surface, is activatable, such as by heat or RF or UV energy, to adhere the stabilized fabric to another surface or to provide a desired surface property.

Abstract: This invention relates to a technology for bonding pieces of nonwoven material to each other by fluid entanglement or needling technology.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roofing shingle includes applying an asphalt coating to a substrate to define an asphalt coated sheet, the asphalt coated sheet including a headlap portion and a tab portion. Reinforcement material is applied from a spool to the asphalt coated sheet, wherein the reinforcement material is wound in a waywind pattern on the spool. The reinforcement material is then secured to the headlap portion of the asphalt coated sheet.

Abstract: A method of repairing delaminated plies of a composite includes drilling a plurality of holes in the plies, stitching one or more tows into the plurality of holes, and tensioning the tows. The holes are disposed across an area of the plies that is delaminated. The method introduces a resin into the area of the plies that is delaminated and cures the resin. Curing of the composite can be performed prior to the stitching and the tensioning of the one or more tows and can be performed by the tensioning of the one or more tows. Optionally, one or more additional plies can be applied to the repaired area and/or a portion of the one or more tows that extends above a surface the plies can be removed.

Abstract: There is provided a method for repairing a member comprising a fiber-reinforced plastic, which method can repair a through hole easily at a low cost. When a through hole 20 is repaired, a temporary hole 11 is formed, a fabric sheet 30 comprising reinforcing fibers is rolled into a cylindrical shape and inserted into the temporary hole 11, the fabric sheet 30 is impregnated with a resin, the resin is cured, and a new through hole 20? is formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roofing shingle includes applying an asphalt coating to a substrate to define an asphalt-coated sheet, the asphalt coated sheet including a headlap portion and a tab portion. Reinforcement material is secured to the headlap portion of the asphalt-coated sheet, and the amount of the asphalt coating that penetrates into the reinforcement material is controlled.

Abstract: An ornamental rod-like body includes a strap-shaped ornamental body 1 for ornamental purposes includes a multiple granular ornamental bodies 2 selected from the group consisting of jewel, artificial jewel 2A, bead, noble-metal ball, and metal ball; a connecting member 3 configured to arrange the granular ornamental bodies in a plurality of rows and connect them to each other; and an adhesion member having a adhesive layer 4 made of hot-melt adhesive configured to be adhered to a backside of the connecting member. The strap-shaped ornamental body is adhered and secured via the adhesion member in a state where granular ornamental bodies are wound and exposed radially outward of the adhesion member.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable and automated apparatus and method for wrapping edges of a panel with a protective and/or decorative laminate material comprises conveying means for moving the panel from an entry end of the apparatus to an exit end of the apparatus, lifting means for transversely deflecting the flap upward to a position substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the panel as the panel is conveyed, adhesive application means for applying an adhesive to a back surface of the panel proximate the edge substantially throughout the length of the panel as the panel is moved past the adhesive application means, a folding bar positioned downstream from the adhesive application means at an angle of about 135 to 170 degrees relative to a trailing part of the edge to transversely deflect the flap downward toward the adhesive on the back surface of the panel, and a roller positioned downstream from the folding bar and arranged to spin inwardly over the flap at an angle of about 130 to 150 degrees relat

Abstract: A process for in-line laminating a heavy-gauge transparent polymer sheet with a pre-pre-formed polymer film to produce a laminated polymer sheet. The pre-formed polymer film can impart one or more aesthetic or functional elements to the heavy-gauge polymer sheet. The resulting laminate can have equivalent, or enhanced, properties as compared to conventionally-prepared laminates and can be formed into a variety of articles with multiple end uses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a rubber liner of a composite pressure vessel. At first, rubber is located in a mold. The rubber and the mold are located in a vacuum bag, heated and pressed so that the rubber is vulcanized and molded into a semi-product of the rubber liner. Sand is filled in the semi-product. The sand is tamped and heated so that it is hardened and molded. A reinforcement element in the form of a wire or tape is wound around the semi-product. Two semi-products are brought into contact with each other. An un-vulcanized rubber band is provided around and attached to the semi-products. The rubber liners and the reinforcement elements are heated and vulcanized with composite resin. Finally, the water soluble sand mold is dissolved and removed so that the final product of the rubber liner is made, and so is the composite pressure vessel.

Abstract: A label dispensing device is disclosed for dispensing labels from a web that has a web path extending through the label dispensing device. The label dispensing device includes a dispensing member and a transition member. The dispensing member is shaped to effectuate a flexure of the web and includes a peel edge disposed along a portion of the web path. The transition member has a web control surface disposed along a portion of the web path. The web control surface is downstream of the peel edge and is configured to engage the first side of the web, thereby reducing the flexure of the web effectuated by the dispensing member.

Abstract: Provided is a method of reusably separating two adhered plates, including step 1 for firmly adhering two plates adhered to each other via a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet or a curable resin layer to a first jig and a second jig, respectively, step 2 for detaching the two plates by moving at least one of the first jig and the second jig to produce a shear stress causing breakage of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet or the curable resin layer, and step 3 for removing the two plates after detachment from the jigs, wherein, in the aforementioned step 1, one or both of the plates is(are) firmly adhered to the jig(s) via a silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet or porous pressure-sensitive is adhesive sheet. Using the method, two plates adhered to each other via a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet or a curable resin layer can be stably and reusably detached by certainly fixing them by using jig fixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage process for producing hollow plastic articles, encompassing the following steps: a) producing a tubular plastic parison by means of extrusion or coextrusion; b) cutting open the plastic parison to produce two planar-surface parts; c) molding the planar-surface parts in two mold halves to give half shells, where a removable intermediate frame separates the mold halves from one another at least along the peripheral edges, so that the semifinished products/half shells are not in contact with one another; d) opening the mold halves and removing the intermediate frame; e) closing the mold halves, with the result that the half shells come into contact with one another along a peripheral rim; and f) bonding the half shells to give a hollow article.

Abstract: A hand-tearable masking tape, comprising a plastic backing with a low adhesion backsize on the first major side of the backing and a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the second major side of the backing; wherein the second major side of the backing comprises a microstructured hand-tear pattern and wherein the low adhesion backsize comprises the reaction product of a mercapto-functional silicone macromer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resonator is disclosed in which a sleeve insert is placed into a fixture within a blow molding apparatus. The sleeve insert has a wall with a first plurality of apertures in the wall at a first axial distance and a second plurality of apertures in the wall at a second axial distance. A parison is slid over the sleeve insert; the mold is clamped over the parison causing the parison to press into the sleeve insert at three locations: near the ends of the sleeve insert and at a location between the pluralities of apertures; and air is blown into the sleeve insert, via a blow pin, to expand the parison into the walls of the mold to form cavities proximate the first and second pluralities of aperatures. After cooling, the mold opens to release the newly formed resonator.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wiring substrate having excellent connection reliability which has a front surface and a back surface and allows a semiconductor chip to be mounted on the front surface is provided. The method includes a step of forming build-up layers on a front side toward the front surface and a back side toward the back surface, respectively, by laminating one or more conductive layers and one or more resin insulation layers, the build-up layers on the front and back sides having at least one connection terminal on their surfaces, and a step of forming a first solder resist layer by laminating a first solder resist film on the build-up layer on the front side, and forming a second solder resist layer by laminating a second solder resist film thicker than the first solder resist layer on the build-up layer on the back side.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to robust semi-transparent coatings that are suitable for use in a wide variety of display-on-demand mirror applications, and methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a coating supported by a glass substrate. A reflective metal-inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the glass substrate. A silicon oxide inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the reflective metallic layer. A titanium oxide inclusive layer is formed, directly or indirectly, on the silicon oxide inclusive layer. The metal-inclusive layer is formed so as to reflect incoming light away from the glass substrate such that substantially less incoming light would be reflected away from the glass substrate if lighting were provided on a side of the glass substrate opposite the coating than if no lighting were provided. The surface of the coated article need not necessarily be conductive.

Abstract: Aqueous polyurethane dispersions made from aromatic polyisocyanates and mixtures of aromatic polyisocyanates and compositions thereof are provided. Advantageously, the methods disclosed herein provide aqueous polyurethane dispersions which are produced more economically with no added organic solvent in the aqueous polyurethane dispersions. Such polyurethane dispersions are environmentally friendly and are useful as adhesives, sealants and coatings for laminating or bonding substrates such as paper, wood, metals, plastics and other synthetic materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming spacers is provided. A plasma processing chamber is provided, comprising a chamber wall, a substrate support, a pressure regulator, an antenna, a bias electrode, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet. A gas source comprises an oxygen gas source and an anisotropic etch gas source. A controller comprises a processor and computer readable media. The computer readable media comprises computer readable code for placing a substrate of the plurality of substrates in a plasma etch chamber, computer readable code for providing a plasma oxidation treatment to form a silicon oxide coating over the spacer layer, computer readable code for sputtering silicon to form silicon oxide with the oxygen plasma, computer readable code for providing an anisotropic main etch, computer readable code for etching the spacer layer, computer readable code for removing the substrate from the plasma etch chamber after etching the spacer layer.

Abstract: An improved gas delivery system and method delivers a sequence of pulses of prescribed amounts of at least two gases to a process chamber of a process tool in accordance with a predetermined recipe of steps of a gas delivery process. The system comprises: a plurality of channels, each including a control valve connected so as to control each pulse of gas flowing through the corresponding channel into the process chamber of the process tool; and an exhaust valve for controlling the pressure within the process chamber, the exhaust valve including a valve controller for controlling the operation of the gas delivery system including the control valves and the exhaust valve in accordance with the predetermined recipe of steps.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate treating apparatus, which includes a plasma generating part configured to generate plasma, a housing disposed under the plasma generating part, and having a space therein, a susceptor disposed within the housing and supporting a substrate, and a baffle including injection holes injecting the plasma supplied from the plasma generating part, to the substrate. The baffle includes a base in which the injection holes are formed, and a central portion of the base is thicker than an edge thereof.

Abstract: A processing chamber including multiple plasma sources in a process chamber top. Each one of the plasma sources is a ring plasma source including a primary winding and multiple ferrites. A plasma processing system is also described. A method of plasma processing is also described.

Abstract: A process including a main etching step under a first pressure using a gas containing at least HBr as an etching gas. The main etching is ended before a silicon oxide film is exposed. An over-etching process is effected under a second pressure higher than the first pressure using a gas containing at least HBr so as to completely expose the silicon oxide film. In such a way, the selectivity of a silicon-containing conductive layer with respect to the silicon oxide film is improved. Without etching the silicon oxide film layer, which is an underlying layer, and without marring the shape of the silicon-containing conductive film layer formed by etching, only the desired silicon-containing conductive film layer is removed by etching reliably.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method, by which plasma damage is reduced during processing. At the time of performing desired plasma processing to a substrate (5), a process chamber (2) is supplied with an inert gas for carrying in and out the substrate (5), pressure fluctuation in the process chamber (2) is adjusted to be within a prescribed range, and plasma (20) of the inert gas supplied in the process chamber (2) is generated. The density of the plasma (20) in the transfer area of the substrate (5) is reduced by controlling plasma power to be in a prescribed range, and the substrate (5) is carried in and out to and from a supporting table (4).

Abstract: A chip handling apparatus, unit and method is presented. The chip handling apparatus comprises a chip supply station; a chip mounting station; and one or more chip handling units configured to pick a chip from the supply station, transport the chip to the mounting station, and place the chip at a mounting location; wherein each chip handling unit is configured to temporarily retain the chip in a defined position relative to the chip handling unit. The chip handling apparatus further comprises means for inducing sonic vibrations in the chip when retained by one of the chip handling units; and means for measuring the vibrations induced in the chip.

Abstract: An absorbent structure manufacturing apparatus has a feeder that includes a measuring roller provided with a filling region to be filled with absorbent discrete material, a material feeding space to reserve and feed the absorbent material to the filling region, a scraper located downstream of the material feeding space to scrape surplus amount of the absorbent material fed to the filling region, a feed chute to receive and retain temporarily the absorbent material from the filling region, and an open-close movable shutter on a peripheral wall of the feed chute. The measuring roller is rotary driven by a rotary drive and the shutter is opened-closed by an actuator. The rotary drive is rotated at a velocity corresponding to a conveyance velocity of a continuous sheet and the actuator controls the shutter in timing corresponding to the conveyance velocity. The absorbent material is fed onto the continuous sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (21) for welding a first thermoplastic membrane (12) to a second thermoplastic membrane (13), in which at least the first thermoplastic membrane (12) or the second thermoplastic membrane (13) is absorbent. The invention is characterised in that the welding device (21) comprises at least one die (1) including a plurality of laser diodes (2) for emitting a laser beam (F) forming direct, simultaneous and uniform illumination on the illumination surface (23) of the first thermoplastic membrane (12).

Abstract: A protection sleeve includes a heat shrinkable tube and an adhesive tube and a reinforcing rod housed inside the heat shrinkable tube. The heat shrinkable tube, the adhesive tube, and the reinforcing rod are adhered together in a section spanning across a lengthwise section of the heat shrinkable tube. A protection sleeve manufacturing apparatus includes a jig for securing protection sleeves and a heating device. The jig is contrived to hold a plurality of protection sleeves (each including a heat shrinkable tube, an adhesive tube and a reinforcing rod housed inside the heat shrinkable tube) in a parallel arrangement with spaces in-between. The heating device includes a plurality of hot air vents, means for setting a first distance between the jig and the hot air vents, and means for setting the jig and the hot air vents to a second distance that is closer than the first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing bodily exudates absorbent structures has a rotating drum to convey a first continuous sheet, a feeding mechanism, a second conveying mechanism to convey a second continuous sheet and a sealing mechanism to join the first and second continuous sheets. The rotating drum is formed on its peripheral surface with depressions, leaving a non-depressed peripheral surface segment. Each of the depressions is formed in a central region with a central through-hole extending through each depression from an outer surface to an inner surface of the rotating drum. Within the rotating drum, a suction mechanism is installed to provide a suction effect directed from the outer surface toward the inner surface of the rotating drum so that the first continuous sheet is formed with a first concave region having been deformed along each depression and a second concave region having been deformed toward the central through-hole.

Abstract: Device for stripping a product substrate off a carrier substrate connected to the product substrate by an bonding layer by means of a film frame, a flexible film which is connected to the film frame and which has an adhesive layer for holding the product substrate in a contacting surface section of the film, the film being connected to the film frame in an attachment section of the film which surrounds the contacting surface section, as well as a solvent reservoir formed by the film frame and the film, especially of variable volume, for holding the solvent for detaching the bonding layer, and the product substrate and the bonding layer can be accommodated in the solvent reservoir, and by delivery means for delivering the solvent into the solvent reservoir and by stripping means for stripping the product substrate off the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A device (1) for locking wheel rims for vehicles on repair workshop machines, particularly tyre-changing machines or the like, includes a fastening apparatus (2) associable in a removable way with at least a supporting arrangement (B) of the rim of a wheel (A) in a vehicle repair workshop machine or the like, a stop element (3) engageable on a rim arranged on the supporting arrangement (B) for locking the rim itself and a simultaneous movement apparatus (4) associated with the fastening apparatus (2) and with the stop element (3) and suitable for simultaneously moving the fastening apparatus (2) and the stop element (3) between a release configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is released from the supporting arrangement and the stop element is substantially disengaged from the rim, and a locking configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is associated with the supporting arrangement and the stop element is engaged on the rim.

Abstract: A process for separation of solid and liquid components in a distillation whole stillage utilizing airless spray drying is disclosed, which is more efficient and economical than conventional processes. In the process, distillation whole stillage resulting from distillation of fermented biomass is first subjected to an evaporation step for separating the whole stillage into a condensate and a concentrate including water, dissolved solids and suspended solids. The concentrate is then subjected to airless steam spray drying for converting the concentrate into dried solids, steam and vapors. All steam and vapors resulting from the airless steam spray drying step are then redirected as energy source to a processing step upstream of the airless spray drying step. At least some of the steam generated in the airless spray drying step is airless steam.

Abstract: Inside a glass-enclosed chamber is a Venetian blind connected to internal elements for operating it, the elements being workable from outside to raise, lower and incline the slats. The raw slats of the blind are obtained by moulding a rolled strip of aluminium alloy hardened by magnesium. The strip has not been lapped in order to maintain a degree of roughness on both surfaces, ready to receive a reflecting layer. Reflective stratification includes a layer of pure aluminium adherent to the body of the slat that serves to fix a reflective type of interferential dielectric multilayer. Average thickness of the layer of sputtered aluminium depends on the diffusivity of reflected radiation required in relation to the maximum height of the peaks of surface roughness on the body of the slats. Useful multilayers increase reflectance to levels averaging over 85% on a wide interval of wavelengths from near infrared to ultraviolet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller shutter system for a motor vehicle body, in particular for a fire brigade vehicle, with a roller shutter armor (26) formed by slats (25) connected in an articulated manner to one another. Guide arrangements (27) extend on both sides of the roller shutter armor (26) between a floor virtually as far as a ceiling of a machine body. The roller shutter armor (26) is provided with an opening and locking device on an end slat facing the floor. The guide arrangement (27) is formed by a first guide profile (34) which is connected to the machine body and forms at least one guide track (51). A further guide profile (52) is detachably connected to the first guide profile (34). An end profile (65) which, by means of at least one elastic sealing lip (68), covers an end region of the slats (25), is arranged on the further guide profile (52).

Abstract: An arrangement for a screen with a number of sections, which are foldable and/or pivotal in relation to one another and which together form a screen-off, includes a fixed section and two sections pivotal in relation thereto, or one fixed section and a number of sections which are foldable or pivotal in relation to one another and which are pivotally mounted on the fixed section, the fixed section being mounted on a foot which includes a supporting base plate and the base plate is covered by a hood in order to prevent direct contact of at least the upper side of the base plate and possibly also the major portion of the edges of the base plate.

Abstract: A door structure designed for use with a temporary shelter that has a frame and a material covering the frame with an opening for entry into and exit out of the temporary shelter, the door structure having first and second side members with at least one vertical groove formed therein, a roller extending across an upper portion of the opening, the roller being rotatably journaled at either end, a flexible fabric having one end secured to the roller and a second end having a weight secured thereto, a guide member extending outwardly from the flexible fabric fitting in the vertical groove of the side members, and a device connected to the roller to rotate the same, and clamp members to secure the door structure to the frame of the shelter.

Abstract: A stored energy emergency barrier release device comprising a barrier and a barrel member for storing the barrier thereon. The barrel member is rotatable on a stationary counterbalance shaft and a push down shaft. The release device further includes a push down spring coupled to the push down shaft for storing potential energy in order to exert a closing force on the barrier when the release device is positioned from an engaged position to a released position. The release device includes a reset mechanism interfaced with the push down spring for transmitting a lifting torque to the push down spring in response to moving the barrier from a first position to a second position to store energy within the push down spring.

Abstract: A door machine of a fireproof door comprises an input end to be actuated by an input axle; an output end loaded with weight of door panels, the loading force of which is transmitted back to a central axle through an output axle; a clutch mechanism normally connecting the central axle with the input axle together; a brake mechanism including a torsion spring which is integrated with the input axle of the input end and one end of which bears the loading force came from the central axle to shrink the inner diameter thereof so that the input axle is in an immobilized state; when an external force is applied to the input end, the other end of the torsion spring resisting against the weight of the door panels to expand the inner diameter thereof so that the input axle is rotated.

Abstract: An operating device for rotating a winding roller of a window blind, includes an upright rotating shaft rotatable to cause rotation of the winding roller and having a thread segment, a sleeve shell movably surrounding the thread segment, a carrier disposed within the sleeve shell to be movable axially between pressed and non-pressed positions to hold a force transmitting member that is engaged with the thread segment, and a rotation preventing unit disposed between the sleeve shell and the carrier so as to transmit an axially manual force applied to the sleeve shell to move the carrier axially so as to rotate the rotating shaft through engagement of the force transmitting member with the thread segment in the pressed position, thereby winding up a window covering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming fiber webs, including those suitable for use as filter media and battery separators, are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve a first system for forming a fiber web (e.g., a wet laid system or non-wet laid system) and additionally one or more coating units. The first system for forming a fiber web may be used to form one or more fibrous layers of the fiber web, and the coating unit may be used to form an additional fibrous layer of the fiber web. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can be used to form fiber webs having a gradient in a property across a portion of, or the entire, thickness of the fiber web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an oxidised cellulose pulp fibrillar network and a composite with lignocellulosic fibres comprising the following steps: (a) oxidising a cellulose pulp to obtain about 0.3 to 2.5 mmol carboxylic groups per gram cellulose pulp; and about 0.1 to 5.0 mmol aldehyde groups per gram cellulose pulp; (b) homogenisation of the cellulose pulp of step (a) wherein the cellulose fibres are refined to provide a cellulose pulp comprising 0-50% of fibres having an average length 0.7 mm-2.1 mm; and 50-100% of fibres having a particle size of 0.05-500 micrometer (?m); and optionally (c) combining with lignocellulosic fibre. Also step (d) drying of the cellulose pulp obtained by step (b) or step (c) may be included in the process.

Abstract: A method for individualizing a trichome from an epidermis of a non-seed portion of a trichome-bearing plant in the Stachys genus to form a fibrous structure is provided. The method comprises contacting the plant with a device to separate the trichome from the epidermis and incorporating the separated trichome into a fibrous structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming fiber webs, including those suitable for use as filter media and battery separators, are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve designs which allow improved control of the fiber web forming process. For example, in certain embodiments involving the flowing of more than one fiber mixtures, the amount of mixing of the fiber mixtures may be controlled to produce fiber webs having different structural and/or performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can be used to form fiber webs having a gradient in a property across a portion of, or the entire, thickness of the fiber web.

Abstract: A rapid manufacturing method includes forming tooling in a rapid manufacturing process. The tooling is coated with a conductive material.

Abstract: A rigging system for casting railcar coupler knuckles is provided. The rigging system comprises cope and drag portions of a mold, a down sprue defined in said cope portion, at least one riser defined in said mold, at least two ingates defined at least partially in said mold and connected to said at least one riser, at least two knuckle mold cavities defined in said mold, and wherein said ingates have a non-circular shape.

Abstract: A method of molding a platform opening includes the steps of providing a main body core and a platform core, with the main body core having a portion that forms a portion of the platform. The platform core has at least one side portion that will form a side opening. Molten metal is directed around the cores within a mold and solidifies. The cores are removed, leaving cavities where the cores were within the molten metal, and includes an opening in a side face formed by the side portion of the platform body core. Lost core components are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method of making an article adapted for use as a wear resistant working surface of a roll includes positioning hard elements in predetermined positions on a bottom surface of a mold. The hard elements comprise a first end and an opposed second end. The second end of each hard element rests on the bottom surface, partially filling a void space and defining an unoccupied volume in the mold. Inorganic particles are added to the mold to at least partially fill the unoccupied volume and provide a remainder space. The hard elements and the inorganic particles are heated to an infiltrating temperature and infiltrated with a matrix material. The matrix material is cooled and solidified and binds the hard elements and the inorganic particles in the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming magnetic metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, sheet forming, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second.