Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to three dimensional (“3D”) printers having a configuration that prepares a three-dimensional object by using a feedstock comprising a metal or a polymer compound and a carbon coating formed on a surface of the compound. This disclosure also relates to such feedstocks and their preparation methods. This disclosure further relates to 3D composite objects prepared by using such printers and feedstocks. This disclosure also relates to carbon containing photocurable formulations and methods for their preparation. This disclosure further relates to electrically conducting 3D polymer composites prepared by using such carbon containing photocurable formulations.

Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensional molded parts by means of layering, the moisture content of the build material mixture being able to be regulated.

Abstract: Described herein are three-dimensional (3D) printer systems and methods, which may provide for “continuous pull” 3D printing. An illustrative 3D printer includes: a resin container, a base plate, a light source arranged below the resin container and operable to cure resin in the resin container; and a control system operable to: (a) receive model data specifying a 3D structure; (b) determine 2D images corresponding to layers of the 3D object; and (c) generate control signals to operate the light source and the base plate to sequentially form the layers of the 3D object onto the base plate, wherein the base plate moves a formed portion of the 3D object upward after formation of each layer, and wherein at least a surface of a formed portion of the 3D object remains in contact with the resin in the resin container throughout the formation of the layers of the 3D object.

Abstract: A method of controlling temperature in an apparatus for generating a three-dimensional object comprises performing a calibration test on a sample of build material that is to be used in generating a three-dimensional object, calibrating at least one temperature point from the calibration test, and using the at least one calibrated temperature point during subsequent temperature control of the apparatus.

Abstract: In 3-D printing a platen moves toward an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) to have a sheet positioned on the platen contact the ITB to electrostatically transfer a layer of different materials to the sheet, and then the platen moves to a heater to join the layer to the sheet. This processing is repeated to have the sheet repeatedly contact the ITB (with intervening heating at the heater) to successively form layers of the materials on the sheet. The sheet having the layers thereon moves to a rinsing station, where a liquid is applied to dissolve the sheet and leave a freestanding stack of the layers. The freestanding stack is fed to a platform to successively form a 3-D structure of freestanding stacks of the layers. Light and/or heat are applied to the 3-D structure to bond the freestanding stacks to one another on the platform.

Abstract: In 3-D printing a platen moves toward an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) to have a sheet positioned on the platen contact the ITB to electrostatically transfer a layer of different materials to the sheet, and then the platen moves to a stabilization station to join the layer to the sheet. This processing is repeated to have the sheet repeatedly contact the ITB (with intervening stabilization at the stabilization station) to successively form layers of the materials on the sheet. The freestanding stack is fed to a platform to successively form a 3-D structure of freestanding stacks of the layers. Heat and/or pressure and/or light are applied to the 3-D structure to bond the freestanding stacks to one another through the sheets of collapsible media on the platform.

Abstract: A screen protector installation tray can include an alignment tray and a screen protector retained within the alignment tray. Also, a method for applying a mobile device screen protector to a mobile device, including retaining a screen protector within an alignment tray, applying the alignment tray to the mobile device, interfacing the screen protector with a screen of the mobile device, transferring the glass screen protector from the alignment tray to the mobile device, and removing the alignment tray. Additionally, a mobile device screen protector installation kit, including an alignment tray, a screen protector, and instructions for applying a screen protector to a screen of a mobile device.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of edge sealing for a secondary lithium battery, including: (1) drawing a 3D model of a battery edge of a secondary lithium battery, and inputting it into a 3D printer; (2) positioning the secondary lithium battery in a 3D printing area, and fixing a relative position of the secondary lithium battery in the 3D printing area; (3) stimulating, by the 3D printer, the battery edge according to the 3D model and setting a printing path; (4) adding edge sealing glue in a printing head of the 3D printer, the printing head moves according to the set printing path and meantime performs at least one time of printing, so that printed edge sealing glue covers the battery edge; (5) solidifying the edge sealing glue. The method of edge sealing of this application has broader application, which can be applied to batteries of any shape.

Abstract: A connection system has a first adhesion segment, on which a first connection region is formed, a second adhesion segment, on which a second connection region is formed, and a solidifiable liquid connection substance for connecting the two adhesion segments in a material fit, wherein at least one of the two connection regions is formed flexibly, such that, when the liquid connection substance is introduced between the two connection regions which are opposite one another in an assembly arrangement of the two adhesion segments, a material connection is formed between the two connection regions automatically as a result of the elastocapillary effect via the liquid connection substance.

Abstract: A joining element has an anchoring portion for in-depth anchoring in the object and a head portion arranged proximally of the anchoring portion with respect to an insertion axis. The head portion has a lateral outer surface that has a structure that is well-defined, especially within tight tolerances. The joining element is positioned relative to an object of a non-liquefiable material such that the anchoring portion reaches into an opening of the object or is placed adjacent a mouth thereof. Then, the joining element is pressed towards a distal direction, to press the anchoring portion into the opening, while mechanical vibration energy is coupled into the joining element by a tool, in an amount and for a time sufficient for liquefaction of a portion of the thermoplastic material to cause interpenetration of the thermoplastic material into structures of the object.

Abstract: A protective wrap material enclosing a stack of cut sheets of paper is folded so that overlapping flaps of the wrap material cover opposite ends of the stack. The overlapping flaps are secured and sealed together only at selected areas that comprise a minor portion of the overlapped flaps, wherein the sealed areas have sufficient burst strength to avoid inadvertent opening of the wrap but at the same time are relatively easy to separate when it is desired to open the wrap to gain access to the cut sheets of paper. In a preferred embodiment the wrap material is heat sealable, and a modified heat plate for applying heat only to the selected areas has a grooved front surface defining heat focusing bars that concentrate heat sufficient to fuse the wrap material only in the selected areas.

Abstract: In a method for the further processing of a product (30) that is preferably prefabricated in large numbers, the product has a surface (31) for an additive multi-dimensional application of material. Information for the additive multi-dimensional application of material is input into a device in which the multi-dimensional application of material is digitised from this information and is deconstructed into elements that are suitable for the additive application of the application of material to the surface (31). The prefabricated product (30) is introduced into a device (I) for additive application of the material application such that the elements for the additive multi-dimensional application of material on the surface (31) are assembled in accordance with the information using an additive manufacturing method.

Abstract: A hybrid reinforcement material (18) is disclosed that includes a plurality of reinforcement fibers (12) and a plurality of carbon fibers (14) comingled with the reinforcement fibers (12). The reinforcement fibers (12) are selected from natural fibers, organic fibers, and inorganic fibers and form a single hybrid assembled roving with the carbon fibers (14). The carbon fibers (14) are post-coated with a compatibilizer. The hybrid assembled roving (18) may be formed using a hybrid of glass and carbon fibers.

Abstract: According to aspects, provided is a method for displaying a three-dimensional geometry of a part to be 3D printed, comprising receiving the geometry of a part sliced into shells or layers, displaying the shells or layers, displaying, for a shell or layer, a representation of a distribution of a isotropic fill material, displaying, for an anisotropic fill subset of the set of shells or layers, a representation of a distribution of an anisotropic fill material having an anisotropic characteristic oriented relative to a trajectory of an anisotropic fill tool path, receiving a selection, from among the displayed shells or layers, of an editing subset, the editing subset including part of the anisotropic fill subset, and regenerating, for a shell or layer of the editing subset, one of a second representation of a distribution of isotropic fill material and a second representation of a distribution of anisotropic fill material.

Abstract: High tenacity, high elongation multi-filament polymeric tapes as well as ballistic resistant fabrics, composites and articles made therefrom. The tapes are fabricated from multi-filament fibers/yarns that are twisted together, bonded together, compressed and flattened.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber composite laminate, including the steps of applying pressure and/or heat to a first preform, which has one or more dry fiber layers and a thermoplastic elastomer, such that the thermoplastic portion of the thermoplastic elastomer completely impregnates the dry fiber layers of the first preform in at least one first region and only partially impregnates the dry fiber layers in at least one second region and, in a thermosetting polymer matrix, impregnating and curing the fiber layers of the second region of the first preform that are still dry and have not been impregnated with the thermoplastic portion of the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The application discloses a conformable support structure for use in fiber composite precursor; a resin impregnated conformable fiber composite precursor, which may surround the support structure, for being manually manipulated and plastically deformed into a desired shape before being cured into a final product having the desired shape; the corresponding final product, which may be an orthosis or other product; and methods of making the final product or orthosis. The support structure is typically plastically deformable by hand to form the desired shape, may be substantially planar and may have various voids to promote controlled plastic deformation of the frame in one or more desired directions. The core may comprise a wire or tube and may include packing or filler material. The precursor includes a fiber layer impregnated with a thermoset resin and includes a compressor around the fiber layer. The fiber layer is supported internally or externally by the conformable support member.

Abstract: A method includes disposing fibrous material with a first mandrel, a second mandrel and a first mold section, the first mandrel including a first base, the second mandrel including a second base, and the first mold section including a support surface; arranging the first base on the support surface; arranging the second base on the support surface adjacent a first side of the first base, the arranging including moving the second base along a first trajectory that is substantially coincident with a corner between the first side of the first base and the support surface; arranging a second mold section with the first mold section to provide a mold, where the first mandrel and the second mandrel are between the first and the second mold sections; injecting resin into the mold to engage the fibrous material; and curing the resin to form a composite component.

Abstract: Thermal curing of a potting material within a hole in a surface of a composite material is described utilizing a flexible vacuum compression device that includes a chemical-based heating pack. The vacuum compression device includes an internal compartment within a cavity that retains the chemical-based heating pack, and a vacuum port having a passage into the cavity. An end of the vacuum compression device includes an interface that forms an air-tight seal between the cavity and the surface when applied to a surface of the composite material. Drawing a vacuum via the vacuum port collapses the vacuum compression device and positions the chemical-based heating pack proximate to the surface, enabling heat from the chemical-based heating pack to thermally cure the potting material.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire having sufficient sealing performance. The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire including a sealant layer located radially inside an innerliner, the sealant layer being formed by applying a sealant to the inner periphery of a tire from which mold release agents have been removed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for manufacturing contact lenses employing dissolvable mold structure. The apparatus and methods involve approaches to dissolve at least portions of a mold and to separate a lens from the mold to present the lens for collection.

Abstract: Molding optical components with fine (e.g., micron-scale) features from optical adhesive or polymer can be difficult because the optical components often stick to the mold. If the component sticks to the mold, then either the component or the mold may be damaged or destroyed as the component is removed from the mold. This damage can be reduced or avoided altogether by illuminating the interface between the component and the mold with ultraviolet (UV) light before releasing the component from the mold. The UV light reduces the adhesive forces that cause the component and the mold to stick together, making it easier to remove the component from mold without damaging either the mold or the component.

Abstract: What is described is a method of manufacturing a lens (2) for spectacles, comprising the steps of providing a lens blank (1) made from plastic material, obtaining, by cutting the blank (1), a corresponding lens having a final shape and profile suitable for mounting in a mounting frame, removing material from the lens (2) in predetermined areas of the lens to produce a first lens portion (3), inserting the first lens portion (3) into a mould (4) for overmoulding, injecting material into the mould (4) to produce at least a second lens portion (5) overmoulded on the first lens portion (3), and removing the lens (2), in which the first and second lens portions (3, 5) are integrated with one another, from the mould (4).

Abstract: A bead core covering method for covering an annular bead core with a belt-like rubber sheet includes winding the rubber sheet extruded by an extruding machine via a mouth piece around an outer peripheral surface of a rotary drum from a leading end portion, attaching a part in a width direction of the rubber sheet on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum to an outer surface of the bead core, which rotates, from the leading end portion before the rubber sheet is wound over an entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum, and wrapping a remaining portion in the width direction of the rubber sheet attached to the outer surface of the bead core along a cross-sectional shape of the bead core.

Abstract: Apparatus for the customization of footwear, in particular sports footwear, having an element made of thermoplastic material is provided. A method for the customization of footwear using the apparatus is also provided. The apparatus has a heating assembly, for heating the thermoplastic element above a predetermined threshold temperature, and a shaping assembly, for shaping the thermoplastic element while its temperature is above the threshold value, which assemblies are both carried by a common frame. Due to the fact that the heating assembly and the shaping assembly are carried by a single, common frame, it is possible to ensure proper heating and subsequent shaping of the element made of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A production method of glueless pasted integrally modeling sole comprising the following steps: taking a rubber outsole compound in a mold to perform partial vulcanization; taking a midsole compound in the mold to simultaneously perform pressurizing and heating together with the rubber outsole compound that has been partially vulcanized to simultaneously generate more vulcanization of the rubber outsole compound and foaming reaction of the midsole compound and occurring adhesion; and completing glueless adhering and pasting for the rubber outsole and the foaming midsole after the mold is cooled down so as to obtain a sole finished product. Accordingly, it can greatly reduce the procedure of forming soles, decrease labor force at great quantity and energy use, and reduce the proportion of producing waste and also achieves the efficacies of reducing costs and energy saving and carbon reduction at the same time.

Abstract: Layers of build and support material on an intermediate transfer surface are exposed to a solvent using a solvent application station to make the build material tacky, without affecting the support material. Then, the intermediate transfer surface moves past a transfuse station (the transfuse station is positioned to receive the layers after exposure to the solvent) and a platen moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface to contact the platen to one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build material and the support material to the platen each time the platen contacts the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfuse station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers of build and support material on the platen.

Abstract: A paper crumpler has a dispenser with a bottom, a top, a side wall between the bottom and the top, and a cavity defined by the bottom, the top, and the side wall. A hole is formed in the top of the dispenser. A shelf is positioned within the cavity below the top of the dispenser. Uncrumpled paper is stored in the cavity beneath the shelf. An orifice is formed in the shelf. The orifice has protrusions that extend radially inward toward one another and that are configured to contact the uncrumpled paper when the uncrumpled paper is passed through the orifice from the cavity to thereby form crumpled paper above the shelf. The crumpled paper can be dispensed from the dispenser through the hole.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to reinforcement assemblies for matrix materials, and more specifically to reinforcement assemblies for continuous loop members with reinforced matrix materials.

Abstract: A system and method of a structural panel includes a first outer sheet and a second outer sheet, the first outer sheet and second outer sheet including a polygon shape; a core arrangement sandwiched between the first outer sheet and the second outer sheet, the core arrangement comprising two or more discrete members arranged adjacent each other, the discrete members shaped or structured to reduce crack initiation and propagation within the core arrangement.

Abstract: A polymeric film is provided, the film comprising one or more land portions that are substantially coplanar in a base plane and a plurality of distended portions separated from one another by the one or more land portions. The distended portions bow distally outward from the base plane. The polymeric film further comprises a plurality of annular micro-protrusions extending outward from the distal film surface, each protrusion having an apex. A portion of the plurality of annular micro-protrusions extends from each of the one or more land portions of the polymeric film and from each of the distended portions of the polymeric film.

Abstract: A water repellent film (200) according to the present invention includes a first layer (10) having a plurality of fine protrusions (100) on the surface thereof, a second layer (20) covering the fine protrusions (100) and having a water repellent property, and a third layer (30) provided on the surface of the first layer (10) on the opposite side of the fine protrusions (100). When a modulus of elasticity of the first layer (10) is defined as E1, a modulus of elasticity of the second layer (20) is defined as E2, and a modulus of elasticity of the third layer (30) is defined as E3, a definition of E2>E1>E3 is fulfilled. Accordingly, the water repellent film having excellent resistance to abrasion in which a fine structure is not easily abraded and damaged by an external friction force or the like can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin-laminated board by preparing a pair of first and second split molds each of which is provided with a cavity; positioning two sheet materials made of a thermoplastic resin between the first and second split molds with the cavities of the first and second split molds opposed to each other; forming a plurality of recesses by recessing a first sheet material toward a second sheet material with use of a plurality of protrusions provided to the first split mold; and welding bottoms of the recesses to the second sheet material by clamping the pair of first and second split molds to obtain a resin-laminated board with a hollow structure. A mold includes a plurality of piece members, disposed at the cavity of the first split mold; and includes the protrusions and male screws provided to base ends of the protrusions.

Abstract: A process for forming defect-free fibrous composite materials. More particularly, a process for forming blister-free fibrous composites without having to actively monitor or control blister formation during molding of a stack of plies, and to blister-free composite materials fabricated therefrom. Fibrous plies are coated with a dry, particulate binder without impregnating the plies with the binder. Gaps between fibers/tapes allow air to diffuse out of the stack without affecting the binder coating, thereby avoiding blister formation.

Abstract: A method for covering a portable structure, the portable structure having a frame and a covering, includes the step of: providing the covering, the covering includes a nonwoven having a densified portion on a first face of the nonwoven and a lofty portion on a second face of the nonwoven, and a skin laminated on the nonwoven, or a first nonwoven having a densified portion and a lofty portion, a second nonwoven having a densified portion and a lofty portion, and a skin laminated on the first nonwoven or the second nonwoven.

Abstract: Composite gypsum panels and methods of making thereof are provided. The composite gypsum panels can include one or more gypsum panel substrates having one or more urethane layers applied thereto. The urethane layers can be or can include foamed urethane layers, provided for structural integrity while being lighter than conventional gypsum panels having the same overall thickness. The panel can have a dense coating layer, a foamed coating layer, or both a dense coating layer and a foamed coating layer. The dense coating layers and foamed coating layers can each offer certain advantages over conventional gypsum panels. Additionally, in various aspects, the composite panel includes a water-resistant barrier and increased nail and screw retention.

Abstract: A fireproof structure includes: a first heat-absorbing material that includes an inorganic porous formed body that has absorbed water, or a second heat-absorbing material that includes particles that include magnesium phosphate hydrate and a binder; and a fibrous heat-insulating material that includes inorganic fibers having a shrinkage ratio of 5% or less when allowed to stand at 1,100° C. for 24 hours.

Abstract: A fibrous component for a vehicle exterior includes a skin layer having a multilayer structure comprising a laminated web including a reinforcing fiber and a binder fiber, the skin layer including pores that absorb sound; a sound absorbing pad layer disposed on an inner side of the skin layer and absorbing sound; and an adhesive layer disposed between the skin layer and the sound absorbing pad layer. The adhesive layer adheres the skin layer and the sound absorbing layer to each other.

Abstract: A fender for straddled vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base made of a crystalline resin and disposed above a wheel, and a film which is in close contact with the back side of the base facing the wheel. The hardness of the surface of the base is lower than the hardness of the interior of the base. The hardness of the film is higher than the hardness of the surface of the base.

Abstract: A panel apparatus is described that includes a first sandwich panel and a second sandwich panel arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the first sandwich panel and the second sandwich panel each include a core material inserted between at least two skin layers. The panel apparatus also includes at least one mechanical fastener mechanically embedded into the first sandwich panel and the second sandwich panel. The at least one mechanical fastener at least extends through one skin layer and into the core material of the first sandwich panel and at least extends through one skin layer and into the core material of the second sandwich panel, and the at least one mechanical fastener is configured to accept insertion of an item. Methods of assembling the panel apparatus are also described.

Abstract: An adhesive composition, which exhibits excellent adhesion to base films made from polyimide resins and the like or copper foils, as well as superior electrical properties, and a laminate having an adhesive layer, which is low in warpage when the adhesive layer is in the B stage, and which is excellent in storage stability of the laminate, are provided.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method and apparatus is described for the printing of three-dimensional (3D) objects. The approach is based on a composite-based additive manufacturing process, except it uses commercial printing methods to achieve even higher speed and throughput. By using the invention, a prototyping and/or production process may be completed in hours rather than months, and the risks and problems of molds is eliminated. There is substantial improvement in the number and type of geometries that can be produced compared to injection molding, and the range of materials is enlarged as are the material properties. The method involves printing a substrate having at least one sheet using a printing technology, and stacking or folding the at least one sheet to form multiple layers consistent with that formed by a 3D model. The printing step is done using a printing technology such as flexography, lithography, offset, gravure, waterless printing, and silkscreen.

Abstract: A multilayer flat steel product may include a multitude of mutually bonded steel alloy layers. A steel of a first steel alloy may be provided in at least one of the steel alloy layers, and a steel of a second steel alloy different than the first steel alloy may be provided in at least one of the other steel alloy layers. The steel of the first steel alloy may have high strength, and the steel of the second steel alloy may have lower strength and lower carbon content. To enable function-optimized modelling of local material properties in all directions, at least one steel of the first steel alloy and at least one steel of the second steel alloy may be present at least within one layer of the flat steel product. Further, a component, such as for a motor vehicle body, may be comprised of a corresponding flat steel product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sandwich structure is presented. A sandwich structure comprises a metallic core layer and a thermoplastic layer on a first side of the metallic core layer. The thermoplastic layer is consolidated against the first side of the metallic core layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a structure for a downhole application comprises forming an interfacial material comprising at least one of self-reinforced polyphenylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, and polyphenylsulfone between opposing surfaces of a first substrate and a second substrate. A downhole structure and a downhole assembly are also described.

Abstract: A decorative sheet which ensures good incombustibility, processability and weatherability along with weatherability, contamination resistance and solvent resistance. An incombustible decorative sheet having incombustibility includes a weather-resistant resin layer and a fluorine resin layer laminated on a substrate layer in this order, wherein the weather-resistant resin layer is made of a mixture of an acrylic resin and an acrylic resin-based rubber having a ratio by mass between the acrylic resin-based rubber and the acrylic resin within a range of 30:70 to 60:40. The ratio between the fluorine resin layer and the weather-resistant resin layer is within a range of 10:90 to 40:60.

Abstract: A laminated glass article includes a core layer and a clad layer directly adjacent to the core layer. The core layer is formed from a core glass composition. The clad layer is formed from a clad glass composition. An average clad coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is less than an average core CTE such that the clad layer is in compression and the core layer is in tension. A compressive stress of the clad layer decreases with increasing distance from an outer surface of the clad layer within an outer portion of the clad layer and remains substantially constant with increasing distance from the outer surface of the clad layer within an intermediate portion of the clad layer disposed between the outer portion and the core layer.

Abstract: There is provided a resin film for bonding glass plate members with which, when bonded to a glass plate, breakage of the resulting glass plate-containing laminate due to impact can be suppressed. The resin film for bonding glass plate members according to the present invention is a resin film bonded to a glass plate to be used and includes a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer, and the tensile elongation at 25° C. under a stress load of 50 N is 120 mm or more in a tensile test in accordance with JIS K7113.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a laminated automotive glazing having an obscuration area produced by printing the obscuration on a film laminated between at least two layers of plastic interlayers or directly on the interlayer rather than printing and firing an enamel frit onto the glass. This results in a laminate having superior optical quality, higher strength and a lower probability of breakage as compared to a laminate with a black enamel frit obscuration.

Abstract: Provided is a conductive sheet including a transparent conductive layer and a brightness enhancement film, in which interlayer peeling hardly occurs. A conductive sheet of the present invention includes a brightness enhancement film, a resin layer, and a transparent conductive layer in the stated order. In one embodiment, the transparent conductive layer contains metal nanowires. In one embodiment, the metal nanowires include silver nanowires. In one embodiment, the transparent conductive layer further contains a binder resin.