Abstract: Systems and methods of processing polymer foam materials are provided. The methods involve introducing blowing agent downstream of an extruder. For example, the blowing agent may be introduced into a static mixing device positioned between the extruder and a mold. The methods may be used in connection with injection molding systems to produce high quality injection molded polymer foam articles.

Abstract: A process for thermoforming a discrete section of an amorphous pliable thermoplastic sheet in a temperature-controlled thermoforming mold to provide a discrete thermoformed section having one or more discrete shaped articles formed therein and to heat the shaped articles to a temperature below the Tm but above the Tg of the polylactic acid polymer in the sheet to induce crystallization of the polylactic acid polymer in the shaped articles. While unconstrained by the thermoforming mold, the discrete thermoformed section is tempered at a temperature such that the polylactic acid polymer in the shaped articles achieves a degree of crystallization of at least about 5% (as measured by X-ray diffraction) to thereby increase heat resistance of the shaped articles.

Abstract: Implants for resurfacing or repairing one or more articular cartilage bearing surfaces of a biological organism include an engineered tissue and a biocompatible porous substrate secured to the engineered tissue for attaching the implant to a native bone of the biological organism. The engineered tissue includes a scaffold containing a biocompatible material, and a plurality of living chondrocytes supported by the scaffold. Methods for culturing chondrocytes for incorporation into a biocompatible implant are provided. A bioreactor for producing functional cartilaginous tissue from a cell-seeded scaffold and a system for producing functional cartilaginous tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by this invention is to control the above-described problem of delamination in the laminated and biaxially drawn, blow molded bottle.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus for spray containers and methods of manufacturing actuator apparatus for spray containers. The actuator apparatus includes a cover having a restraint structure, e.g., locatable below an aperture portion of a push button of a base, to restrict the push button from depression by a user when the actuator apparatus is in a locked position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vial transfer needle assembly including a first molding member and a second molding member. The first molding member includes a hub portion that has a proximal piercing tip and a distal portion. The hub portion defines a lumen that passes therethrough. The second molding member includes a central housing, a proximal skirt, and a distal skirt. The second molding portion is molded at least partially about the first molding portion to form a monolithic structure. The piercing tip is positioned to extend into a first cavity that is defined by the proximal skirt. The distal portion of the first molding member is positioned to extend through a second cavity that is defined by the skirt. The distal skirt is dimensioned to receive a medical device.

Abstract: A method for production of a joining component, the method comprising the steps of providing a metal section which is inductively heatable and defines an axial through aperture; and coating the metal element with a thermoplastic material by a single-component injection-moulding of a base body of the joining component around the metal section so that the base body includes: a holding section formed as a cylindrical shaft and a flange, the flange including a first and second sides, and an inner side of the metal section is joined to the flange and an exposed outer side of the metal section faces away from the flange; and a the second side of the flange is axially recessed within the aperture; and a joining surface is comprised of the outer side of the metal section and a portion of the second side of the flange radially outward of the metal section.

Abstract: An epoxy adhesive that is adapted to enable spray delivery and seamless polymerization during epoxy resin vacuum infusion techniques is disclosed. The epoxy adhesive can include one or more epoxy resins and one or more solvents that are used to dissolve the one or more epoxy resins. An adduct, a tackifier, and fumed silica can also be added to the adhesive.

Abstract: A process for curing a porous muffler preform defined by a plurality of glass fibers and a heat-curing thermoset or thermoplastic materials applied to the plurality of glass fibers is disclosed herein. The process includes the step of enclosing the muffler preform in a chamber. The process also includes the step of surrounding the muffler preform with steam. The process also includes the step of causing steam to enter the muffler preform from multiple directions.

Abstract: Item comprising thermoplastic polyurethane, which has, respectively, direct-contact adhesive bonding not only to rubber but also to engineering plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping plastics material pre-forms into plastics material containers has a movable carrier on which are arranged a plurality of shaping stations for shaping the plastics material pre-forms into the plastics material containers. Each shaping station has a stressing device which acts upon the plastics material pre-forms for the expansion thereof with a gaseous medium, and a pressure preparation device which prepares the gaseous medium. The pressure preparation device is arranged in a stationary manner and supplies the shaping stations with the gaseous medium for the expansion of the plastics material pre-forms by way of at least one connection line. A distribution device is provided which distributes the gaseous medium from the pressure preparation device shaping stations.

Abstract: A blow molded synthetic resin bottle has a body and an elongated neck with the body providing a shoulder extending about the base of the neck. The neck has a first collar extending thereabout spaced adjacent the shoulder and at least one additional collar extending thereabout adjacent the upper end of the neck. The resin in the neck is substantially unoriented. To produce the bottle, a synthetic resin preform is injection molded with a generally tubular body and the elongated neck. This preform is placed in a blow mold cavity having a body receiving portion and a neck receiving portion that has a recess extending thereabout seating the first collar therein. The additional collar is disposed outwardly of the mold cavity and is disposed on the upper surface of the mold.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing hexagonal ferrite magnetic particles, which includes providing hexagonal ferrite magnetic particles by conducting calcination of particles comprising an alkaline earth metal salt and an iron salt to cause ferritization; and further includes causing a glass component to adhere to the particles and then conducting the calcination of the particles to form a calcined product in which hexagonal ferrite is detected as a principal component in X-ray diffraction analysis; and removing the glass component from a surface of the calcined product that has been formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination reforming/reducing shaft furnace for the production of direct reduced iron that utilizes one or more burden uniformity enhancers, such as one or more rotating/reciprocating mixing shafts, one or more stationary flow aids, one or more wall structures/variations, one or more agitators, or the like for ensuring that reforming and reducing in the shaft furnace take place evenly across the width of and throughout the depth of the burden in the shaft furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering valuable metals and manufacturing multifunctional aggregate from slag. The apparatus includes a slag reforming processing pot 10 in which molten slag discharged from a converter or an electric furnace is stored, a reducing agent introducing part 20 which introduces a reducing agent into the slag reforming processing pot from above, the reducing agent recovering valuable metals from the molten slag, a reducing agent inflow part 25 which inputs a reducing agent into the slag reforming processing pot through a lower portion of a side of the slag reforming processing pot, the reducing agent recovering valuable metals from the molten slag, and cooling units 30 and 40 which create bubbles and perform controlled cooling in order to convert the molten slag, from which the valuable metals are recovered, into a light material having a porous structure.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes an unreinforced flexible wall formed from a polymeric material and an external reinforcing structure extending lengthwise along and around the periphery of the unreinforced flexible wall. The external reinforcing structure is capable of extending and collapsing together with corresponding extension and compression of the flexible wall. The gas spring assembly also includes opposing end members. The external reinforcing structure can be formed from a plurality of interconnecting wall segments that at least partially define a plurality of openings extending through the external reinforcing structure. A suspension system is also included.

Abstract: An end member for a gas spring assembly can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a plurality of reflector surfaces formed along the first end. A first reflector surface can extend from the first end toward the second end. A second reflector surface can extend from adjacent the first reflector surface toward the second end. One or more of the plurality of reflector surfaces can include a plurality of facets or reflector zones. A gas spring assembly including at least one of such end members and a suspension system including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric article and elastomeric thermal barrier system includes an elastomeric article that is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material susceptible to thermal degradation upon exposure to an external thermal energy source. An elastomeric thermal barrier extends around and along at least a portion of the elastomeric article. The elastomeric thermal barrier is spaced apart from the elastomeric article to form a thermal break. The elastomeric thermal barrier is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material having a thermal property that is different from the thermal property of the elastomeric article and is operative to provide at least one of reduced absorption, reduced conductivity, increased reflectance and reduced emissivity to reduce thermal energy transfer into the elastomeric article from the external thermal energy source. A gas spring and thermal barrier system and/or assembly and a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: Described the embodiments generally relate to bushings for vehicle suspensions. In particular, described embodiments relate to bushings for applications that can involve extreme articulation of the vehicle suspension, or for applications involving the transport of heavy payloads, off-road sporting vehicles and vehicles with modified suspensions. Described embodiments relate to one-piece bushings, as well as two-piece bushings.

Abstract: A kitchen apparatus including a combined utensil retainer member and drying rack member, encapsulated within a rotatably attached cutting board mechanism. The cutting board mechanism includes a containment apparatus on the underside such that food, liquids, debris and the like are deflected from entering the internal portion of the cutlery holding area. The overall apparatus combines an upper and lower portion, both of which utilize numerous embodiments interchangeably in order to retain utensils and provide cutlery ability.

Abstract: A method includes dispensing an underfill between a first package component and a second package component, wherein the first package component is placed on a lower jig, and the second package component is over and bonded to the first package component. A through-opening is in the lower jig and under the first package component. The underfill is cured, wherein during the step of curing the underfill, a force is applied to flatten the first package component. The force is applied by performing an action selected from the group consisting of vacuuming and air blowing through the through-opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding fastening hardware in place on a workpiece having an arrangement of through-holes. The apparatus includes a body having a first surface and a second surface on opposite sides of the body. The first surface has at least one projection extending from the first surface and a recess configured to hold the fastening hardware, with the recess being open to the first surface. A brace extends from the second surface of the body and is configured to hold the first surface in an installation position relative to the workpiece. The at least one projection is inserted in a first hole of the arrangement of through-holes when the first surface is in the installation position. The fastening hardware is held by the recess in a position to receive a complementary fastener through a second hole of the arrangement of through-holes when the first surface is in the installation position.

Abstract: The invention refines the standard cutting tool concept used in substrate manipulation systems, such as CNC applications. Aspects of the invention provide a novel substrate manipulation attachment that provides superior functionality and lower operating costs by utilizing standard utility knife blades and other off-the-shelf components.

Abstract: A spacer for a thermal plate in semiconductor processing includes a base substrate having a top surface defined thereon, a wafer having a bottom surface covering a portion of the base substrate, and a plurality of air passages formed in between the bottom surface of the wafer and the base substrate. The air passages connect the bottom surface of the wafer to an ambience.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a main body having a sheet feed path and an opening. A sheet placing part defined in the main body. The sheet inserted through the opening is placed on the sheet placing part. A supply roller arranged to face the placing part and feeds the sheet placed on the sheet placing part in a sheet feed direction toward the sheet feed path, a frame arranged to face the sheet placing part and configured to support the supply roller, the frame having a protruded part protruded on an opening side with respect to the supply roller. An image forming unit is provided inside the main body. An inclined surface is formed on a side of the protruded part facing the sheet placing part, and the protruded part has an inclined surface facing the sheet placing part and inclined such that a distance between the inclined surface and the sheet placing part becomes gradually smaller toward the supply roller.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet discharge unit which includes a tray which a first area and a second area, a discharge mechanism, a pendulum mechanism, a signal transmission mechanism which transmits a first signal and a second signal, a memory, and a controller. The controller judges whether or not a time interval of two sheets discharged consecutively exceeds the first time interval, and judges that the sheets loaded onto the tray up to a height not lower than the reference position, when the time interval of the two sheets exceeds the first time interval, and when the signal transmission mechanism continues to transmit the second signal exceeding the first time interval.

Abstract: Provided herein is sheet inverter apparatus which includes a diverter gate which diverts the sheet to one of at least two paths, a first paper path, and a second paper path. The first and second path each include a rotatable nip assembly, the rotatable nip assembly including a nip drive roll and a nip idler roll positioned so as to define a nip therebetween, the nip serving as a rotatable axis around which the nip drive roll and the nip idler roll rotate to invert the sheet.

Abstract: A multi-feed detection apparatus may include an ultrasonic transmission unit, arranged on one side of a conveyance path configured to convey a sheet-like member, for transmitting an ultrasonic wave toward the conveyance path, an ultrasonic reception unit, arranged on the other side of the conveyance path, for receiving the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transmission unit, and a multi-feed determination unit for determining, based on the reception result of the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic reception unit, whether multi-feed of sheet-like members has occurred. The ultrasonic transmission surface of the ultrasonic transmission unit is inclined with respect to the conveyance path, and the ultrasonic reception surface of the ultrasonic reception unit is arranged to be almost parallel to the conveyance path.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes: a guide surface which extends in a transport direction for transporting a medium and which is configured to guide the medium to be transported; a first roller which is a driving roller for transporting the medium; a second roller which is a driven roller arranged to face the first roller; and a roller support member which rotatably supports the second roller and which is configured to be pivotable about a support shaft perpendicular to an axis of a rotational shaft of the second roller between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a biasing unit that biases the second rotating member toward the first rotating member. The first and second rotating members pinch a sheet therebetween and convey the sheet in a sheet conveying direction. The second rotating member includes a small-diameter portion that faces a conveying portion of the first rotating member, and a large-diameter portion at a position axially displaced from the conveying portion. The second rotating member can change its orientation to an orientation where a rotating shaft of the second rotating member is tilted relative to a rotating shaft of the first rotating member as viewed in the sheet conveying direction, thereby moving a position of an end portion of the second rotating member on a side of the large-diameter portion away from the rotating shaft of the first rotating member.

Abstract: An amusement game having a cabinet wherein the cabinet is assembled by attaching cabinet pieces together using knock-down fasteners.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A playing area with one or more holes that allow game pieces to fall through the playing area into a mechanism that counts the game pieces until the count is equal to a predetermined number and reward the player a prize or additional playing pieces depending on the operators adjustments.

Abstract: A card recognition system comprises an imaging device configured to capture a raw image of at least a portion of a card, and a processor operably coupled with the imaging device. The processor is configured to perform an image processing analysis of the raw image to identify measurements of at least one of a rank area around a rank of the card, and a suit area around a suit of the card, and automatically generate a calibration file based, at least in part, on the image processing analysis. A card handling device comprises a card infeed, a card output, and a card recognition system. A method for tuning a card handling device comprises capturing a plurality of images from a deck of cards, storing the images in memory, analyzing the plurality of images for card identification information, and generating a calibration file including parameters associated with the card identification information.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating a calibration file for a card handling device comprises automatically generating a calibration file stored in memory of a main control system for a card handling device. Automatically generating the calibration file comprises identifying at least one parameter associated with a rank area around a rank of the at least a portion of the card, identifying at least one parameter associated with a suit area around a suit of the at least a portion of the card, and storing the at least one parameter associated with the rank area and the at least one parameter associated with the suit area in the calibration file. Additionally, a method of automatically generating deck libraries for one or more decks of cards comprises automatically generate a plurality of master images for the cards of the first deck type using the parameters from the calibration file.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a security apparatus for use on a playing card shoe to prevent the removal of playing cards from the splaying card shoe. Playing card shoes generally have an elongated body including a card cradle for supporting a plurality of playing cards. The card cradle has an outlet opening adjacent to a front end of the elongated body, through which playing cards can be removed from the playing card shoe, A cradle cover is removably attached to the elongated, body, covering the card cradle and playing cards therein. A faceplate is removably attach to the outer front, end of the elongated body, and defines a mouth through which playing cards can be drawn from the outlet opening. The security apparatus prevents the removal a playing cards from the shoe, where the security apparatus is removably attached to the playing card shoe to block and/or cover the outlet opening.

Abstract: A game for a plurality of players is disclosed herein. The game may include a plurality of pieces for each player. The game may also include a polyhedron having a plurality of faces, wherein each face has a plurality of spaces for holding pieces. The game may further include a random number generator for indicating the number of spaces to move at least one of the pieces at each player's turn.

Abstract: A bean bag toss device is provided that includes a rounded platform forming a bowl-like configuration and an elevated central section having an open upper. The rounded platform retains a bean bag that is thrown at the device to prevent the bean bag from sliding therefrom and onto the ground. The elevated central section requires a user to toss a bean bag directly into its open upper to score a “bulls-eye”. In one embodiment, a bulls-eye is noted by music from a speaker attached to the platform, whereby the central section includes a motion sensor to register a bulls-eye, which initiates the sound. The device further includes a pair of folding legs that elevate the platform along one end thereof to slope the device towards a user during use. When not in use, multiple platforms can be stacked on top of another in a nesting configuration to conserve storage space.

Abstract: A portable bean bag toss game having first and second target boards, a plurality of bean bags, a first set of target board legs and a second set of target board legs. Each of the target boards includes a planar top surface and a bottom face and a target hole. The first and second target boards are adapted to be clasped together with the bottom faces back-to-back and carried as a unit with the plurality of bean bags removably stored in pockets within the back-to-back bottom faces and the first and second sets of legs removably stored within mating recesses of the back-to-back bottom faces.

Abstract: A target for receiving projectiles is configured for mounting in a corner of a room.

Abstract: A sealed assembly includes a first component having a first flange, and a second component having a second flange matable with the first flange. The sealed assembly also includes a sealant disposed between and along the first flange and the second flange such that the first component is sealingly mated to the second component. The sealed assembly further includes a wire disposed within the sealant, wherein the wire is configured for unsealing the second component from the first component. A method of unsealing the sealed assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal for a duct having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the duct upstream portion and the duct downstream portion separated by a first gap, includes a first portion having a length greater than a width of the first gap between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion having a first thickness, a first upstream end and a first downstream end; a second portion having a length greater than a width of the gap between the first portion and the second portion, the second portion having a second thickness, a second upstream end and a second downstream end; and an attachment between the first portion and the second portion such that the first portion and the second portion move relative to each other, wherein the first portion is inside the duct and the second portion is outside of the duct.

Abstract: An inside-type mechanical seal is mounted between a rotating shaft and a housing, and adapted for preventing leakage of a sealed fluid from an outer circumference of a sliding surface in the direction of an inner circumference thereof, wherein provided are a rotary-side sealing ring mounted on a rotating shaft side, a stationary-side sealing ring mounted on a seal case side, an annular packing for pushing the stationary-side sealing ring toward the rotary-side sealing ring, a holding part on the outer circumferential side being fitted in the seal case, and a seal lip part on the inner circumferential side being in close contact with the stationary-side sealing ring, and wherein provided to the seal case is a ring-shaped projection abutting against a back surface of the packing during assembly of the mechanical seal, and adapted for pushing the packing toward the stationary-side sealing ring.

Abstract: The present application provide a seal for use between components engine facing a high pressure cooling air flow and a hot gas path in a gas turbine. The seal may include a first shim, a second shim with an air exit hole, one or more middle layers positioned between the first shim and the second shim, and one or more cooling pathways extending through the middle layers for the high pressure cooling air flow to pass therethrough and exit via the air exit hole into the hot gas path.

Abstract: A plug-in piece for sealing connection of two mutually assigned cylindrical surfaces includes an essentially tubular support body which on its ends exhibits annularly encircling sealing elements with a spherically curved sealing surface with a fluting formed therein.

Abstract: A plug-in piece 1 for sealing connection of two mutually assigned cylindrical surfaces includes an essentially tubular support body 2, which on its ends exhibits annularly encircling sealing elements, which can be made to engage to produce a sealing connection with the cylindrical surfaces to be sealed, wherein at least one of the sealing elements is configured as an annularly encircling sealing bead 3, 30 on the outer surface of the support body 2, with a spherically curved sealing surface. Provision is made that the spherical radius of the sealing surface (3, 30) is chosen so that the center of the sphere is roughly at the axis of support body (2) symmetry. Thus, the compression forces are ensured to remain largely constant, independent of the angular setting over the entire surface of the sealing bead.

Abstract: An assembly that includes first and second housing members, a gasket and a plurality of bolts that exert a clamp force to clamp the gasket between the first and second housing members. The gasket includes a plurality of tab members that engage the interior of one or both of the first and second housing members. The gasket tabs can resist a force exerted by a pressurized fluid within one or both of the first and second housing members. A gasket that is resistant to side loading due to a pressurized fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A seal assembly for separating a relatively high pressure area from a relatively low pressure area includes a first seal carrier having a circumferential body that has a land thereon and a seal. The seal has a circumferential body located within the first seal carrier, the seal having a first surface for sealing against the first land and a second surface and wherein one of the first surface or the first land has an unmachined wear coating that resists fretting and vibration.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus of a touch panel provided in a portable terminal including a body and the touch panel, wherein the sealing apparatus is attached and coupled to a coupling area between the body and the touch panel to seal the coupling area while the touch panel is suspended over the body by a resilient member.

Abstract: A chuck table holds a workpiece having a warp. The chuck table includes a suction holding member having a suction holding surface for holding the workpiece under suction, and an annular seal member provided around the outer circumference of the suction holding member for supporting a peripheral portion of the workpiece. The annular seal member is formed from an elastic member. The upper surface of the annular seal member is set higher in level than the suction holding surface according to the warp of the workpiece. In holding the workpiece on the chuck table under suction, vacuum leaking from the gap between the workpiece and the suction holding surface due to the warp of the workpiece is applied to the space defined by the workpiece and the annular seal member, thereby elastically deforming the annular seal member to flatten the upper surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A upper arm 4b of a suspension for a vehicle is constructed by: a casing 12 that is supported by the vehicle so as to be able to pivot in the up-down direction; a pair of screw shafts 20 that are supported by the casing 12 so as to be able to move only in the axial direction; a pair of screw nuts 21 that engage around the pair of screw shafts 20, and are supported by the casing so as only to be able to rotate; a worm reduction gear 14 that rotates the screw nuts 21; and a pair of link arms 29, where the base end sections respectively connect to the tip end sections of the pair of screw shafts 20 and the tip end sections respectively connect to knuckle 3 so as to be able to rotate around a shaft in the up-down direction of the vehicle. The screw shafts 20 are moved out in opposite directions from each other in the axial direction, which causes the opening angle of the pair of link arms 29a to change, and thus changes the overall length of the upper arm 4b in the width direction of the vehicle.