Abstract: An inflatable face seal (1?;30?) for a respiratory mask, the inflatable face seal comprising an annular air-tight hollow portion (12?;40?) where a cross section through one section of the annular hollow portion (12; 40) comprises a bonded joint (11;41) which joins two overlapping flanges (6,7; 35,36). The two flanges are bonded together such that an inwardly facing surface (10; 39) of a first flange (6;35) of the two overlapping flanges is in contact with an outwardly facing surface (9; 38) of a second flange (7;36) of the two overlapping flanges. In this way, the bond is strong and only exposed to shear stresses when the annular air-tight hollow portion is exposed to increased pressure.

Abstract: Methods of sealing environmentally sensitive devices and vacuum insulation panels are described. One method includes: providing first and second substrates; placing the environmentally sensitive device between the first and second substrates; sealing the first and second substrates together with an adhesive, the adhesive having an exposed portion; and covering the exposed portion of the adhesive with a barrier layer, or with a barrier stack comprising at least one decoupling layer and at least one barrier layer.

Abstract: A method attaches a semiconductor chip to a substrate, applies a thermal interface material to a top of the semiconductor chip, and positions a lid over the semiconductor chip typically attached to the substrate with an adhesive. The method applies a force near the distal ends of the lid or substrate to cause a center portion of the lid or substrate to bow away from the semiconductor chip and increases the central thickness of the thermal interface material prior to curing. While the center portion of the lid or substrate is bowed away from the semiconductor chip, the thermal interface material method increases the temperature of the assembly, thus curing the thermal interface material and lid adhesive.

Abstract: In a process for making disposable wearing article, a composite web running in a machine direction is formed with a pair of rectilinear slits extending in a cross direction and a notch intersecting these paired slits. A region surrounded by these slits and notch is cut away from the composite web to form a gap. In a step before the composite web is formed with the gap, second fastener means supported on a fastener base sheet strip are engaged with the associated pair of first fastener means previously bonded to the composite web opposed to each other about the gap as viewed in the machine direction and thereby the fastener base sheet strip is attached to the composite web so as to stride over the gap.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for solar panel installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic panel system for use with a support grid is provided. The system comprises of a photovoltaic panel with at least one layer comprised of a glass layer; a compression mechanism configured to laterally compress the glass layer in at least a first axis in a plane of the glass layer when the panel is mounted to the support grid. In one embodiment, the glass layer comprises of an un-tempered glass material. In another embodiment, the glass layer comprises of a tempered glass material. Optionally, other substantially transparent material may be used with or in place of the glass.

Abstract: Nonwoven fibrous webs comprise fibers of uniform diameter that vary in morphology along their length. The variation provides longitudinal segments that exhibit distinctive softening characteristics during a bonding operation. Some segments soften under the conditions of the bonding operation and bond to other fibers of the web, and other segments are passive during the bonding operation. Webs as described can be formed by a method that comprises a) extruding filaments of fiber-forming material; b) directing the filaments through a processing chamber in which the filaments are subjected to longitudinal stress; c) subjecting the filaments to turbulent flow conditions after they exit the processing chamber; and d) collecting the processed filaments; the temperature of the filaments being controlled so that at least some of the filaments solidify while in the turbulent field.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an elastic web material having an aperture formed therein, and an absorbent unit attached to a wearer facing side of the elastic web material so as to cover the aperture. The elastic web material surrounds the absorbent unit on all sides thereof. The absorbent unit is attached to the elastic web material with the elastic web material being in an extended state of at least 30% in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture component (1) comprising a core (2), which is covered by a film (6) at least in the region of a narrow face (5; 11) and side surfaces (3, 4) of the core adjoining the same, and to a method for the production thereof. The aim of the invention is to enable the simple production of a smooth, stable and tight surface of the face of a furniture component covered with the film. This aim is achieved by a furniture component, wherein a smoothing layer (8; 12) for smoothing the surface of the face is provided between the face and the film, and by a method, wherein a smoothing material (8?; 12a, 12b, 12c) is applied to the face in order to form a smoothing layer, the film (6; 6?, 6?) is then applied to the face, and subsequently the film is applied to at least one first lateral surface adjoining the face and glued thereto.

Abstract: An ink jet print head manufacturing method and an ink jet print head are provided in which a shape of an adhesive that bonds a support member and a print element substrate together is controlled to maintain a high level of ink ejection performance even if the print element substrate is reduced in size. The adhesive, after being disposed between the support member and the print element substrate, is elongated and then hardened. This process allows the shape of the adhesive to be controlled, securing a sufficient ink path between an ink supply port on the support member side and an ink introducing port on the print element substrate side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular packaging body formed from a laminate composed of at least one thermoplastic whose ends are fastened by welding and covered by a welded or bonded strip. The tubular body according to the invention is characterized in that said strip is at least partially embedded in the laminate. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing said tubular body.

Abstract: This face mask includes a right side sheet and a left side sheet which are mutually enantiomorphic. On a right side sheet and a left side sheet, a thermoplastic adhesive material is applied to the inner sides of ranges which include front edge strip portions which, during use, oppose the median line of the user's face; the right side sheet and the left side sheet are then laid together overlapping their inner sides; and heat is applied to areas of these front edge portions other than portions which, during use, oppose the nostrils and the mouth of the user, so that thereby the right side sheet and the left side sheet are joined together. By then opening out the right side sheet and the left side sheet in the direction to separate them, this face mask is caused to assume a three dimensional shape over its entire surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a complex microelectronic structure, in which two basic microelectronic structures are assembled at the two respective connecting faces thereof. The invention is characterized in that, before assembly, a difference is created in the tangential stress state between the two faces to be assembled, said difference being selected such as to produce a pre-determined stress state within the assembled structure under given conditions in relations to the assembly conditions.

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

Abstract: A holographic flexible tube laminate for packaging and a method of making the same. A flexible laminate substrate applied with an adhesive layer has a metalised holographic embossed pattern transferred onto the adhesive layer. The holographic side of the laminate substrate is further optionally applied with corona treatment, printed and applied with a protective transparent material coating. The edges of the laminate substrate without the adhesive layer are lap joined by heat sealing to form the tube laminate.

Abstract: By a method for manufacturing a flat image display device having a plate spacer, even if the center of the plate spacer is displaced from its initial assembly position, it can easily be corrected to the initial assembly position again, allowing stable production of high-quality image display devices. The present invention includes the process of forming a space between the plate spacer and a first substrate between the process of fixing the plate spacer to the first substrate and the process of tightly bonding the first substrate and a second substrate together.

Abstract: A tubular net arrangement is made by placing a tubular net on a transfer tube and inserting a support tube coaxially inside the transfer tube. The support tube has a support tube diameter that is smaller than the transfer tube diameter. The tubular net is then moved off the transfer tube and past the end of the transfer tube to fold the tubular net onto the support tube in the form of multiple successive concentric layers. The transfer tube then moves relative to the support tube to expose the support tube as the layers are formed on the support tube. The inner diameter of each layer is adjacent the support tube and is equal to the support tube diameter and the outer diameter of each layer is spaced away from the support tube and is greater than the support tube diameter and at most equal to the transfer tube diameter.

Abstract: Methods of forming shaped adhesive fillets are disclosed. The adhesive fillets may be made by stacking multiple layers of adhesive sheets, consolidating the stacked layers, cutting strips from the consolidated layers, and forming the strips into adhesive fillets having desired cross sectional shapes. The fillets may be formed by feeding the strips through an apparatus comprising opposing rollers and a catcher, which facilitates release of the adhesive fillets from the rollers. The formed adhesive fillets are useful for applications such as stiffened panels for aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus to prepare a preform for fabrication includes a mandrel, anchoring groove, anchoring device, tensioning groove, and tensioning device. The mandrel receives the preform. The mandrel has a first mandrel end and a second mandrel end. The preform has a first preform end and a second preform end. The anchoring groove is disposed at the first mandrel end. The anchoring device is configured and located to urge the first preform end towards the anchoring groove to secure the first preform end therebetween. The tensioning groove is disposed between the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end. The tensioning device is configured and located to urge a portion of the preform into the tensioning groove.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminate of polymeric tapes, characterised in that polymeric tapes of the core-cladding C) type are used, in which the core material has a higher melting temperature than the cladding material, which method comprises the following steps: i) biassing the polymeric tapes, ii) positioning the polymeric tapes, iii) consolidating the polymeric tapes to obtain the laminate.

Abstract: Described herein are several solutions that increase transducer lifetime by reducing or preventing tear propagation in a compliant electroactive polymer. One solution couples a compliant tear resistant treatment to a transducer proximate to an edge portion of the electroactive polymer. Another solution uses a tear resistant layer that couples to and covers a large surface area of the transducer.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for manufacturing a part or a part pre-form, for example, a vehicle part or vehicle part pre-form, as well as articles of manufacture incorporating pre-stretched paint films and substrates such as extruded sheet. Also described herein is an apparatus useful for the process described, which process includes providing a paint film having a length as measured along a longitudinal axis of the paint film; continuously stretching the paint film in the transverse and/or longitudinal directions of the film over the length of the paint film to form a pre-stretched paint film; and applying the pre-stretched paint film to a thermoformable substrate to form a part or part pre-form.

Abstract: A method for making expandable slats of two different colors for blinds includes a step of rolling overlapped a first strip and a second strip in a direction to make the first and second strips have flat upper and bottom surfaces; a step of connecting two respective longitudinal sides of the first and second strips to each other by an high-frequency machine; a step of expanding the first and second strips from a center of the combination strip and squeezing the two connection sides toward each other by a second roller set; a step of adding adhesive along one of the longitudinal connection sides to form an adhesive portion; a step of wrapping the combination strip on a polygonal frame and the adhesive portion facing inward to form multiple laminated sections on multiple sides of the polygonal frame, and a step of cutting the laminated sections into sub-sections.

Abstract: A paper or plastic surface material of appropriate thickness and stiffness which can be coated with or laminated to asphaltic or non-asphaltic adhesives. The surface material can have a plurality of individual slits formed in substantially parallel spaced rows extending transversely from one end to the opposing end of the surface material. The flexible surface material is expandable by extending the opposing ends of the surface material whereby the slits form an array of openings. The length, width and spacing of the cuts can be varied to achieve desired stretch ratios. The surface material can be easily stored in the non-expandable position and easily expanded to be stretchable and conformable around windows, skylights or other suitable uses.

Abstract: A stretch releasing pressure-sensitive adhesive article that includes a backing that includes a layer of foam having a density of from about 7 pounds per cubic foot to about 15 pounds per cubic foot, a caliper of from about 0.01 inch to less than 0.020 inch, a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive composition disposed on the first major surface of the layer of foam and in direct contact with the layer of foam. The article exhibits at least about 40% surface contact to a standardized textured surface.

Abstract: A sprocket includes a hub and a plurality of teeth projecting radially outwardly from the hub. At least one cushion ring is located adjacent the teeth, and the cushion ring defines a plurality of compression pads separated from each other by transverse grooves. Each of the compression pads is defined symmetrically about a circumferential mid-point. When part of a sprocket with symmetric tooth spaces, the cushion ring is being operable identically in first and second opposite rotational directions. In one arrangement, the compression pads each include a planar outer surface having a leading and a trailing end, wherein the leading end and trailing end are located a common radial distance from a center of the hub about which the sprocket rotates. The tooth spaces of the sprocket can be symmetric, asymmetric and the root surface can be relieved. The sprocket can include multiple tooth profiles distributed randomly about the hub.

Abstract: A fabricated microstructure includes a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are capable of providing substantially parallel adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2000 nano-Newtons. A flexible shaft supports the protrusions, and a flexible member or beam is attached to the shaft to form a manipulator or gripper device.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate possesses excellent elasticity, softness, water resistance, fuzz resistance and curl resistance, and has less stickiness. The nonwoven fabric laminate includes at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer and mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers on both surfaces of the at least one meltblown nonwoven fabric layer, the mixed-fiber spunbonded nonwoven fabric layers each comprising mixed fibers including 10 to 90 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic elastomer (A) and 90 to 10 wt % of continuous fibers of a thermoplastic resin (B) other than the thermoplastic elastomer (A) ((A)+(B)=100 wt %).

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for manufacturing a filtering screen, a frame of plastics coated metal or reinforced plastics material is located in a jig and at least two sheets of wire cloths are placed over the frame and their edges gripped by pneumatically operated clamps carried by the jig. The clamps are pneumatically driven outwardly of the frame to tension each cloth in orthogonal directions. The tensioned cloths are pressed against the frame and heated in order to bond the cloths to the frame. The heated material is allowed to cool, and after completion of the bonding step the clamps are released, allowing the frame to be removed from the jig. Where necessary the cloths are trimmed back to the edges of the frame. A separate set of pneumatically operated clamps may be provided for gripping all four edges of each wire cloth layer to allow each layer to be individually tensioned.

Abstract: A method for mounting a film, used to fabricate a mask for use in screening an electronic device, to a common carrier frame. The common carrier frame has an outer edge along an outer periphery and an opening in a central portion of the frame. The method includes applying external pressure to the frame outer edge to compress the frame inward and reduce the opening, securing a film to the frame, the film covering the frame opening, and releasing the pressure on the frame to expand the opening and place the film in tension.

Abstract: A method of forming a waist band on an absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes forming stretchable front and back panels and attaching an elastic band to at least one of the panels. Each elastic band is cantilevered outward from a distal end of the panel to which it is attached. An absorbent assembly is also secured between the front and back panels. The method further includes folding one panel over the other panel so that the outer ends of the elastic bands are aligned approximately even to one another. The first and second side edges of the front panel, back panel and elastic bands are then joined together by a pair of seams to form an absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching an elastic member and applying it to an article web include a pair of wheels that rotate the elastic member. In particular, the pair of wheels engages the elastic member at an entry location on the pair of wheels and rotates the elastic member from the entry location to an exit location on the pair of wheels. In addition, an absorbent article may include at least one elastic member provided by the method and apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-layer composite sheet comprising a shrinkable layer intermittently bonded a to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and wherein the shrinkable layer can shrink and at the same time gather the gatherable layer between the bonds. A process for preparing multi-layer composite sheets by intermittently bonding a shrinkable layer to a gatherable layer with the bonds separated by a specified distance and causing the shrinkable layer to shrink while at the same time gathering the gatherable layer between the bonds. Preferably, the shrinkable layer comprises an array of fibers or nonwoven web comprising fibers having latent spiral crimp.

Abstract: A method of making a boxer-style pant having side seams, a contracted crotch region and hanging legs. A flat web is provided. Portions are removed from the flat web to define leg openings. The flat web is then contracted either elastically or inelastically in selected areas along the flat web between the leg openings. The flat web is cut into separate pieces, folded and side seams are formed. The pant may include an absorbent.

Abstract: A curved surfaces for adhering to contact surfaces is provided. The structure includes a curved surface with a plurality of nano-fibers disposed thereon. When the curved surface is in a first position, at least one of the plurality of nano-fibers contacts the contact surface and provides an adhesive force at the contact surface. When the curved surface rotates to a second position from the first position, the at least one of the plurality of nano-fibers is leveraged way from the contact surface.

Abstract: A method for making absorbent pads for various absorbent articles is provided. A strip of the absorbent web material is conveyed along a machine direction, the absorbent web material having a generally first constant cross-direction width and generally first uniform basis weight. Longitudinally defined portions of the web material are stretched in the cross direction so as to define longitudinal sections having a wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight alternately spaced between longitudinally extending sections of the web material having a lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight. The web is released eventually cut in a cross direction into individual absorbent pads such that each pad has a crotch section corresponding to the longitudinal section having the lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight and at least one of a front section and back section corresponding to the wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight.

Abstract: A method for applying an elastic member on an elastic web of material includes providing an elastic web of material running in a traveling direction; applying adhesive in a predetermined adhesive pattern on the web of material; applying a continuous elastic member in an elastic pattern on the adhesive, wherein the elastic member is applied in a direction of extension which deviates from the traveling direction at least within portions of the elastic member; applying a non-elastic web of material over the elastic web of material, wherein the non-elastic web of material is brought to cover the adhesive pattern, whereby the elastic member is locked between the elastic web of material and the non-elastic web of material in the applied position on the adhesive pattern. The non-elastic web of material is given a band shape with a first non-linear edge and a second non-linear edge, wherein the shape of the non-elastic web of material is brought to generally coincide with the shape of the adhesive pattern.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing engagement between fastening components of a pre-fastened garment upon initial assembly thereof, the fastening components are arranged by the apparatus in at least partially opposed relationship with each other and then engaged with each other to define an engagement seam. The garment is then mechanically handled by the apparatus to subject the engagement seam to a shear stress to promote increased engagement between the fastening components during initial assembly of the garment.

Abstract: By a method for manufacturing a flat image display device having a plate spacer, even if the center of the plate spacer is displaced from its initial assembly position, it can easily be corrected to the initial assembly position again, allowing stable production of high-quality image display devices. The present invention includes the process of forming a space between the plate spacer and a first substrate between the process of fixing the plate spacer to the first substrate and the process of tightly bonding the first substrate and a second substrate together.

Abstract: A method of producing a polarizing plate, including the step of laminating a pair of curled protective sheets onto opposite surfaces of a polarizer respectively so that respective curling directions of the pair of curled protective sheets are reverse to each other, wherein the laminating index of the pair of protective sheets is selected to be not higher than 60 in order to restrain the polarizing plate from being curled.

Abstract: Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catemenial garments, baby bibs, and the like, and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.

Abstract: A method of producing an elasticized member having two different degrees of stretch, to be used in an absorbent product. The method involves stretching an elastic member by a first amount and securing part of it in the stretched condition to an inelastic web, while a second portion of the elastic member is stretched by a second amount and secured in the stretched position to the first web or to a second web. Differentially stretched products produced by the method can be used to provide advantages in terms of material savings and elasticity effects in absorbent products.

Abstract: A process for making a disposable wearing article for securing an elastic member to the wearing article without reducing a comfortable feeling of touch with a wearer's skin of the wearing article. A production line of the wearing article includes a step of securing elastic member to a sheet material using an adhesive. The elastic member is coated on its peripheral surface with the adhesive in a pattern of substantially continuous line and then the elastic member secured to sheet material of the wearing article. The continuous line runs in a longitudinal direction of the elastic member so that the curved line undulates on a plane defined by developing the peripheral surface of the elastic member with a height of undulation substantially corresponding to or being larger than a circumferential length A of the elastic member.

Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive force includes removing a seta from a living specimen, attaching the seta to a substrate, and applying the seta to a surface so as to establish an adhesive force between the substrate and the surface. The seta is applied to the surface with a force perpendicular to the surface. The seta is then pulled with a force parallel to the surface so as to preload the adhesive force of the seta.

Abstract: A method for producing a wearing article of the present invention includes the steps of: supplying an elastic member; stretching the elastic member; placing the stretched elastic member so that the elastic member spreads across a plurality of first webs divided in a transport direction; making a part of a second web loose in the transport direction while transporting the second web, thereby forming a loose portion; placing the first webs, on which the elastic member is disposed, on non-loose portions before and after the loose portion of the second web; and cutting the elastic member between adjacent first webs of the plurality of first webs.

Abstract: A single crystal piezo (SCP) apparatus and method of forming same. The apparatus is ideally suited for actuator and energy harvesting applications. The apparatus includes an SCP layer bonded to a surface of a flexible metal layer while the metal layer is held flattened within a press or other tool. Once the bonding process is complete, the metal layer imparts a compressive strain to the SCP layer bonded thereto. A layer of uniaxial graphite may also be bonded to the SCP layer to eliminate the poison's ratio tension that would otherwise be created in the SCP layer.

Abstract: An apparatus secures ventilation cloth to a screen frame. A screen frame is oriented in an approximately vertical position. The screen frame has a plurality of segments. Each segment has a mounting surface on a face thereof. At least one of said segments has adhesive on the mounting surface thereof. A ventilation cloth is hung across the mounting surface of said one segment. The adhesive in said one of the segments is melted. The ventilation cloth is inserted in the adhesive across a length of said one of the segments.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for registering a plurality of discrete components to a continuously moving first layer of material produces a disposable absorbent garment with improved alignment of the components on the first layer of material. The first layer has a plurality of reference marks positioned thereon. Various devices are used to compare distances between the reference marks to distances between corresponding components and synchronize a feed rate of the components to a feed rate of the first layer. After adhering the components to the first layer, the positions of the components relative to the reference marks are once again checked and, if necessary, the setpoint for the feed rate of the components is adjusted.

Abstract: A screen assembly apparatus and method for making the same are disclosed. The screen assembly apparatus comprises a plurality of adjustable guides for positioning a screen frame in a pre-assembly position along a base, a vacuum device for removably securing the screen frame to the base located within the screen assembly apparatus in alignment with dispensing heads, and a screen advance for moving the screen along the base in order to attach the screen to the screen frame. The dispensing heads are configured to engage the screen frame as it moves from the pre-assembly position to a post-assembly position and perform multiple functions thereon. The functions include positioning the screen within a slot extending at least substantially along a front side of the screen frame, applying an ultraviolet curable adhesive into the slot, curing the ultraviolet curable adhesive with ultraviolet light, and trimming excess screen material along the front side of the screen frame.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven laminate and a process for producing the elastomeric nonwoven laminate are proved. The elastomeric nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and a plurality of elastic strands. The plurality of elastic strands is attached to the first nonwoven while under a strain producing a corrugated intermediate laminate once the strain is relieved. A second nonwoven is joined to the corrugated intermediate laminate and subsequently mechanically activated forming an elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite sheet by joining a second of thermoplastic synthetic fiber and capable of inelastic extension to at least one surface of a first web capable of elastic strech and contraction in an intermittent manner. The process includes a step of extending the first web, a step of joining the second web to the extended first web and a step of extending the joined first and second webs.