Abstract: Provided is a system and method of making a door having first and second door skins and an internal frame. The top and bottom surfaces of the frame are coated with an adhesive and the frame is placed on a first door skin. The second door skin is then placed on the opposite surface of the frame. The assembled components are then pressed to bond the first and second door skins to the frame.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a smooth finish composite structure and methods for making the composite structure. In particular, in one embodiment, a method is provided that includes creating a first layer of a composite structure. The creation of the first layer includes positioning the first layer in a mold and curing the first layer. Additional layers of the composite structure are created and bonded to the first layer.

Abstract: Under one aspect, an interventional device includes a balloon having a flexible wall. The flexible wall includes a composition including between 0.005 wt. % and 0.20 wt. % of carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymer. Under another aspect, a method of making an interventional device includes contacting a plurality of polymer particles with a plurality of nanotubes; extruding the polymer particles and the nanotubes to form a composition comprising the polymer and the nanotubes; and blow-casting the composition into a balloon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly of the present invention includes: a reinforcing member disposing step of disposing a reinforcing member (104A, 104B), whose frame portion is formed to surround an opening of the reinforcing member, on a polymer electrolyte membrane (102) such that the frame portion covers a peripheral portion of at least one surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane; a catalyst layer applying step of applying a coating of a catalyst layer (109A, 109B) on at least an entire surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (102) which surface is exposed from the opening of the reinforcing member (104A, 104B); and a gas diffusion layer disposing step of disposing a gas diffusion layer (114A, 114B) such that the gas diffusion layer covers the catalyst layer (109A, 109B).

Abstract: Aircraft fuselage made out with composite material and manufacturing processes. The structure of the fuselage (11) comprises a skin (13), a plurality of frames (17) positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis (9) of the fuselage (11) and a plurality of longitudinal stiffening elements (14, 15) that can be either stringers (14) or beams (15), being the ratio between the distance (X) between frames (17) and the distance (Y) between longitudinal stiffening elements (14, 15) is less than one. If the stiffening elements are stringers (14) the manufacturing process is based on assembling the fuselage section (11) joining the skin (13) with the stringers (14) to the frames (17). If the stiffening elements are beams (15) the manufacturing process is based on joining the skin to an internal structure made up with frames (17) and beams (15).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminate of polymeric tapes is provided. Polymeric tapes of the core-cladding type are used, in which the core material has a higher melting temperature than the cladding material. The method includes pretensioning the polymeric tapes, and positioning the polymeric tapes and consolidating the polymeric tapes to obtain the laminate. The positioning is carried out in two, three, four or more planes. The polymeric tapes are arranged in each plane in a parallel, side-by-side relationship in a first direction, the polymeric tapes of each plane are offset in a second direction relative to the polymeric tapes in an adjacent plane, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The polymeric tapes of the laminate are unidirectionally arranged in a single direction in all of the two, three, four or more planes.

Abstract: A panel assembly for use in any number of different applications, including a variety of vehicle applications, that reduces noise or vibrations, provides thermal insulation, and/or improves structural integrity. According to an exemplary embodiment, the panel assembly includes a main panel made from a metal, one or more sound damping patches also made from a metal, and an adhesive layer that joins the patches to the main panel in a constrained layer construction. The sound damping patches may include one or more forming features, which are designed to improve the formability of the panel assembly without significantly impairing its sound damping characteristics. There are different types of forming features, including internal forming features (e.g., openings, holes, slits, slots, etc.) located within the interior of the patch and external forming features (e.g., projections, fingers, recesses, waveforms, etc.) located along the perimeter of the patch.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a taping tool for taping gaps, seams, and/or joints between wallboard members that includes a simplified tape advance/actuation assembly. The taping tool has an elongate body portion with first and second ends, and a connected head portion that directs dispensed tape toward a joint between wallboard members. The tape advance/actuation assembly has a control member forming part of the tool's elongate body portion and a tape engagement member housed by the tool's head portion. The tape engagement member moves in substantial unison with and in response to movement of the control member. The tape engagement member engages or disengages the tape depending at least in part on the position and/or direction of movement of the control member. The extent of the engagement between the tape engagement member and the tape may be adjusted though manipulation of a single fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a molded part which comprises a base part consisting of a plurality of layers and a thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material bonded therewith, the bond of the base part with the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material being formed such that the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material is deformed under a pressure to become flowable, or that it is introduced already liquefied under pressure and forms a bond with the base part. According to the invention, the production of the base part and the production of the bond of the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material with the base part is carried out in the same die.

Abstract: A trim panel formed from natural fibers and a protective material, and a method of forming the trim panel. The natural fibers are environmentally-friendly and the protective material may be sufficiently adhered to the natural fibers without the use of hot melts or adhesives. The protective material is configured to be permeable to gasses and water vapor during application and once applied impermeable to UV light and liquids such as water and soda.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel, the panel comprising a composite skin and at least one composite stiffener, the method comprising: positioning first and second mandrels on opposite sides of the stiffener; positioning first and second compaction tools on opposite sides of the skin; and compacting the skin between the first and second compaction tools by moving one or both of the compaction tools, wherein the movement of the compaction tool(s) causes the first and second mandrels to move towards the stiffener along inclined paths so as to compact the stiffener between the mandrels.

Abstract: Multilayer absorbent pads for nappy/diaper pants are manufactured on a unit (1) comprising a first device (3a) and a second device (3b) by which respective first and second layers (4a, 4b) of absorbent material (5) are taken up from two infeed stations, shaped, and transferred to two release stations. The devices (3a, 3b) are synchronized in operation, and associated by way of a transfer station (8) at which the first layer (4a) of absorbent material is joined directly to the second layer (4b), positioned selectively and with the second layer still retained by suction on the second device (3b); the two layers are thereupon compressed simultaneously to form an absorbent pad (2) that emerges from the unit as a stable, one-piece core.

Abstract: A method and a device for manufacturing hollow components out of a composite material, such as sections of an airplane fuselage, that include a skin and possibly strengthening elements. The method may include inserting a multi-articulated arm fitted with a fiber placement head inside a female mold of elongated shape. The female mold includes a longitudinal slit. A support for the multi-articulated arm is received through the slit. The method may also include applying fibers to the inner molding surface of the female mold using the placement head to form the composite material skin, by displacement of the application head using the multi-articulated arm and relative displacement in translation of the support for the multi-articulated arm along said longitudinal slit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade is described. Composite material is placed around a moulding core arrangement. The moulding core arrangement includes a first moulding core and a second moulding core. The composite material is set forming a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade includes a root portion and a shoulder portion. The first moulding core is removed from the wind turbine rotor blade through an opening at the root portion. The second moulding core is removed from the wind turbine rotor blade through an opening at the shoulder portion.

Abstract: Stiffener tool positioning apparatus and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base, a first flipper member and second flipper member. The first flipper member is slide-ably attached to the base. The first flipper member is also configured to selectively attach a first mandrel thereon and to rotate the first mandrel. The second flipper member is also slide-ably attached to the base. The first and second flipper members are slide-ably positioned select distances from each other on the base in embodiments. The second mandrel is further configured to attach a second mandrel thereon and to rotate the second mandrel.

Abstract: A spool winding assembly for winding a composite strip onto a spool having a hub is disclosed. The strip includes an elongate plastic strip having a flat base portion and a plurality of laterally spaced apart lengthwise extending rib portions upstanding from the base portion; and a plurality of elongate reinforcing members extending lengthwise within respective rib portions, the rib portions and the reinforcing members forming composite ribs. The assembly includes: a main frame, a spool holder for rotatably supporting the spool relative to the main frame, a spool drive unit for driving the spool with respect to the main frame, a carriage mounted for lateral movement with respect to the spool, a bender mounted to the carriage for receiving the strip as it is fed towards the hub of the spool and for deforming the strip to give it a curved base portion, and a bender drive unit operably connected to the bender for driving the strip through the bender.

Abstract: A trim covering for a seat assembly of a vehicle, the trim cover having an inner and outer surface and a bonding tape applied to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces. The bonding tape is used to bond portions of the trim cover together, provide additional structural integrated to the trim cover and provide improved craftsmanship in closing-out certain areas of the trim cover. A method of performing a trim cover assembly for use in a seat assembly of a vehicle. The method includes applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to bonding tape arranged at a joint between at least two trim components, placing such bonding tape and trim components in a mold, and applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to such trim components having the bonding tape arranged at a joint, to form a one-piece trim assembly.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is provided comprising a non-solid core layer surrounded by a solid-state material, wherein light can be transmitted with low loss through the non-solid core layer. A vapor reservoir is in communication with the optical waveguide. One implementation of the invention employs a monolithically integrated vapor cell, e.g., an alkali vapor cell, using anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguides, or ARROW waveguides, on a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a consolidated or densified composite article comprising polymer, particularly fluoropolymer, and carbon fiber.

Abstract: A photoelectric lens module is utilized to focus a light source. A fabrication method comprises steps of providing a first substrate; positioning a plurality of gap units on the first substrate, and forming a plurality of gap regions amongst the gap units on the first substrate; providing a second substrate comprising a plurality of photoelectric lens units, in which the positions of the photoelectric lens units are corresponding to the locations of the gap regions; and filling a transparent rubber in the gap regions in such that the first substrate and the second substrate are adhered closely.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multimaterial component or construction, whereby a body is formed in said method of a basic material and at least one piece formed of a wear resistant material being joined to said body at a temperature of not more than 80% of the lowest melting temperature of the materials to be joined. The invention also comprises the use of a multimaterial component or construction manufactured by means of said method.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: A production apparatus 100 of a skin 150—fitted foam molding member 300 of the present invention includes: a first mold 111 where an internal surface 142 of a core material 140 is so disposed as to face a mold face 115 of the first mold 111; a second mold 112 so disposed as to open and close relative to the first mold 111 where an external surface 152 of a skin 150 having a roll portion 155 bendably formed is so disposed as to face a mold face 116 of the second mold 112; a bender 120 for bending, in a state that the first mold 111 and the second mold 112 are closed, the roll portion 155 to allow the roll portion 155 to face an external surface 147 of an end portion 145 of the core material 140; a welder 130 for forming a seal portion 200 which prevents a leak of a foam body 180 filled between an internal surface 141 of the core material 140 and an internal surface 151 of the skin 150 where the preventing operation of the leak of the foam body is implemented by welding the end portion 145 of the core material

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing a wood coating layer on a pre-shaped decorative surface of a three-dimensional article. In order to expand the range of articles coated with natural wood layer, the method includes the production of a three-dimensional wood coating matching the shape of the decorative surface of the article, the wood coating is being produced from a three-dimensional wood blank on which the surface has to be made matching an inverted copy of the decorative surface of the article, the wood blank is immovably attached to the decorative surface of the article and then, by removing an unnecessary wood layer from the wood blank, the wood coating layer of appropriate thickness is produced which exceeds a minimal permissible processing thickness applied for the kind of wood used.

Abstract: A beam of fibre-reinforced curable thermosetting composite material is preliminarily assembled in an uncured condition. The beam is placed between two forming tools, namely a lower and an upper tool, shaped in such a way as to give the lower and upper flanges a predetermined shape, at least one of the flanges having a non-rectilinear profile viewed in a longitudinal vertical plane. Two longitudinally elongate rigid inserts are placed between the flanges at the sides of the web and are covered in respective airtight tubular bags. The spaces between the upper tool and the lower tool on the two opposite longitudinal sides are sealed. The open opposite ends of the tubular bags are also sealed in such a manner that the pressure applied in an autoclave during the step of curing causes the tubular bags to swell and presses them against the two opposite faces of the web and against the flanges of the beam. On completion of curing, the upper forming tool is removed and the inserts are extracted sideways.

Abstract: A fibrous product (10, 20, 20b, 30), especially tissue paper product, non-woven products or a hybrid thereof, and preferably hygiene and cleaning product has at least one first ply (42; 62; 84; 104) with at least one embossing pattern including embossed depressions starting from a base plane of the ply; the embossed pattern being characterized by the following features: the embossing pattern has a minimum motive surface area of at least 3 cm×3 cm; the pattern includes a high number of embossed depressions which are sized and/or positioned such as to form a motive element covering the motive surface area; wherein at least some of the embossed depressions are sized and/or positioned such that minimum distances between pairs of consecutively arranged embossed depression vary. A method for producing such a fibrous product is also described.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a filter end disc (7), for example for a fluid filter (14) of a motor vehicle, a first plastic molding material (M1) and a second plastic molding material (M2) are injected in succession into a tool mold (1) in a monosandwich method or co-injection method in such a way that the second plastic molding material (M2) is substantially surrounded by the first plastic molding material (M1). To manufacture a fluid filter, the filter end disc (7) is further irradiated by a radiation beam (L) having pre-determined beam characteristics for melting the first plastic molding material (M1), and a filter material (15) is applied to the at least partially melted first plastic molding material (M1). A filter end disc (7), in particular for a fluid filter (14) of a motor vehicle, said disc being manufactured according to a monosandwich method or co-injection method, comprises a first outer plastic molding material (M1) and a second inner plastic molding material (M2).

Abstract: A catheter having an elongated shaft and a balloon on a distal shaft section, the elongated shaft comprising an outer tubular member, and an inner tubular member which has a bonded portion along which an outer surface of the inner tubular member is bonded to an inner surface of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has a proximal portion proximal to the bonded portion, and a distal portion distal to the bonded portion with higher axial compression stiffness and column strength than the proximal portion thereof. The catheter has improved trackability, axial collapse resistance, pushability, and crossability, for improved ability to position the balloon at a desired location in a patient's body lumen.

Abstract: An appliance is provided having a panel formed of a magnetizable material and a polyester lamination film adhered to an outer surface of the panel, wherein the polyester lamination film provides a stainless steel appearance to the panel. The polyester lamination film may be a polyester film layer with a backside brushed, a vacuum metallized aluminum layer deposited on the backside of the polyester film layer, and a tinted coating layer provided on a front side of the polyester film layer. The tinted coating layer may be colored to provide a correct color rendition of the metallized aluminum layer as stainless steel, as seen through said polyester lamination film. A strippable film layer may be applied over the polyester lamination film to protect the panel during manufacture. The magnetizable material of the panel may be rolled steel. The panel may have bends in its surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. A first sheet of flexible material is placed against a surface of a form. The first sheet bears an adhesive on one side. A second sheet of flexible material is brought into contact with the adhesive and the two sheets are pressed into conformant contact with the surface of the form. The first and second sheets are thus bonded to form a rigid or semi-rigid entity having a cross-sectional shape in accordance with the surface contours of the form.

Abstract: A procedure for making glass frames obtained from boards made of a plastic or composite material includes a step for deforming a pre-heated single-layer or multilayer board along one or two curvature planes transverse to each other, wherein this deformation step is carried out before the board is milled to create the shape of a glass frame. The equipment suited to implement the above procedure includes a half-mold, an element configured to close the upper opening of the half-mold, and a deformable membrane, wherein the injection of air into an air space causes the expansion of the deformable membrane, which compresses a board against the half-mold, thus deforming the board accordingly.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric laminated wafer comprising different film materials that are softenable and formable at different softening temperatures corresponding with the film materials. Also disclosed is a laminated wafer wherein a first layer has different thermal properties than a second layer of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative laminated article comprising an image bearing thermoplastic interlayer wherein the image has been printed on the interlayer using an ink jet printing process, wherein the pigment comprises at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of: PY 120; PY 155; PY 128; PY 180; PY 95; PY 93; PV19/PR 202; PR 122; PB 15:4; PB 15:3; and PBI 7. The interlayer material of the present invention can be, for example, PVB, PET, or polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stack-type lithium-ion polymer battery wherein: the battery capacity is not being degraded; the generation of the wrinkles and fracture of the separator is being suppressed; the battery has gas releasing paths; the displacement of an electrode stack hardly occurs; and the workability at the time of placing the electrode stack in a package body is improved by fixing the electrode stack. A stack-type lithium-ion polymer battery of the present invention comprises: a cathode 13; an anode 14; a separator 15; and a gel electrolyte; wherein an electrode stack 23 in which the cathode 13 and the anode 14 are stacked through the separator 15 is enclosed and fixed by insulating porous sheets 21 and 24, and is packaged with a laminate material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a component comprising at least one layer having a fiber-reinforced composite material that absorbs microwaves is disclosed. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) arranging the at least one layer in a shape, b) treating a first surface section of the at least one layer with microwaves, wherein a temperature limiting mechanism of the at least one layer cooperate with at least one adjacent second surface section, at least part of the time. The method may be carried out in such that steps a) and b) are carried out for a plurality of components and that the components are further treated according to at least the following steps: c) positioning a plurality of components with respect to one another such that each second surface section forms at least one overlapping area at least partially, d) treating the at least one overlapping area with microwaves.

Abstract: A decorative casing including a base material having a surface that includes at least one uneven region and a multilayer film having a plurality of thin films laminated together alternately of different refractive indexes from each other, which is adhered to the surface of the base material. The multilayer film includes at least one first region and at least one second region, wherein each thin film of said multilayer film in the first region has only smooth surfaces and one or more of the plurality of thin films of said multilayer film in the second region have uneven surfaces that each correspond positionally to the at least one uneven region of the surface of the base material. The multilayer film generates interference color in the first region.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices may be fabricated from thermoplastics using, for example, hot embossing techniques. In some embodiments, the devices feature non-uniform surface modifications.

Abstract: A PCB strip and a method of manufacturing an electronic component embedded printed circuit board are disclosed. The PCB strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a unit area, which has a plurality of substrate units provided therein, and a dummy area, which is provided on an outer side of the unit area. Here, an electronic component can be embedded in the substrate unit, and an electrostatic discharge preventing component for protecting the electronic component from an electrostatic discharge can be embedded in the dummy area.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing screen elements for use with vibratory separators are disclosed. The screen elements include a curved structural frame with perforations therein, the perforations designed to maximize both open area and process liquid throughput. At least one layer of screen cloth is attached to the curved structural frame by means of fluidized powdered epoxy resin.

Abstract: A latent solvent-based microfluidic apparatus and method involves laminate bonding of two non-elastomeric, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) components having opposing surfaces to be bonded, wherein in a contacted state there is at least one interstitial space between the contacted surfaces, applying an organic latent solvent to at least one of the opposing surfaces, wherein the latent solvent is in an inactive state, contacting the two opposing surfaces together, actively removing the latent solvent from the at least one interstitial space; and adjusting a latent solvency parameter to activate the latent solvent, wherein the opposing contacted surfaces become bonded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a curved product, wherein the process comprises positioning a plurality of drawn polymeric reinforcing elements onto a mandrel, locally adhering at least a part of the elements to each other, and removing the product from the mandrel. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a curved article, preferably an armour article, from the curved product, the process comprising positioning the curved product in a mould and compressing said product at an elevated temperature and pressure. The curved armour article has good antiballistic properties and is substantially free of wrinkles.

Abstract: A decorative material having a pattern on a surface thereof and exhibiting a difference in gloss according to the pattern which is visually recognized as a concave portion, the decorative material further exhibiting not only a good surface strength such as abrasion resistance but also good marring resistance and oil resistance. The decorative material includes at least a substrate, a low-gloss pattern ink layer formed on part of the substrate, and a surface protective layer which is present on and contacted with the low-gloss pattern ink layer so as to cover a whole surface including both a region where the low-gloss pattern ink layer is formed and a region where no low-gloss pattern ink layer is formed.

Abstract: A micro-channel chip is produced while preventing a resinous film from sagging into the channel. The chip hence inhibits a liquid specimen from residing therein. With the chip, quantitativeness and reproducibility are heightened. A process for producing a micro-channel chip is provided which comprises bonding a resinous film 020 to that side of a resinous substrate 010 which has channel grooves 011 formed. The deflection temperature under load of the resinous substrate 010 Ts (.degree. C), and the deflection temperature under load of the resinous film 020, Tf (degree. C), satisfy Ts>Tf The process includes a pressing stage in which the resinous substrate 010 and the resinous film 020 are press-bonded at a bonding temperature, T (.degree. C), satisfying Tf?5 (.degree. C)<T<Tf+5 (.degree. C) and at a pressing pressure in the range of 10-60 kgf/cm2.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module including a frontsheet, a front encapsulant layer, a formable photoactive cell layer, a support layer, and a backside mounting surface. The formable photoactive cell layer includes a flexible substrate and at least a first photoactive cell including a photoactive surface. An orientation of the photoactive surface is different than an orientation of the backside mounting surface. A formable photoactive cell layer including a flexible substrate and an array of photoactive cells. The photoactive cells are spaced apart to form both a photoactive area and a non-photoactive area of the formable photoactive cell layer. The non-photoactive area is sufficiently large to allow the flexible substrate to be shaped to form the formable photoactive cell layer into a non-planar structure.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an adhesive film which is used for producing, by a laminating method, a flexible metal-clad laminate in which the change in dimensions is suppressed, a flexible metal-clad laminate including the adhesive film, and a production method therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid channel device capable of easily opening the liquid channel from the closed mode, including a base plate in which a liquid channel, through which a liquid containing at least one of a sample and a reagent, flows, and a metering chamber for holding the liquid, are formed to at least one side thereof, the metering chamber has a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid inside the chamber downstream, and this liquid transport section is operated by means of external pressing on a cover plate in the area opposite the metering chamber.

Abstract: A diaphragm (20) for a diaphragm valve is described. The diaphragm (20) has a body (22) comprising a first elastomer and a resistant layer (24) comprising a second elastomer having a different composition or formulation. Diaphragms described in examples have good flexibility with a high level of chemical resistance and low surface adhesion. A fixing attachment for fixing the diaphragm in the valve is also described.

Abstract: An optical wiring board and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes providing a base substrate having an optical waveguide layer with a mirror groove formed on one surface thereof and a first insulation layer stacked on one surface of the optical waveguide layer and having a through-hole connected with the mirror groove formed thereon, forming a metal mirror layer connected from the mirror groove to an inner wall of the through-hole and forming an electrode pad on a side of the other surface of the optical waveguide layer, in which the electrode pad is disposed in accordance with the position of the metal mirror layer.

Abstract: A curved composite element is laid up over a tool having first and second curved tool surfaces possessing differing radii of curvatures. A plurality of composite fiber ply segments are arranged in substantially side-by-side relationship into a group. The ply segments are formed as a group onto the first curved tool surface, and the group is then formed from the first curved tool surface onto the second curved tool surface.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate sheet which is excellent in oxygen-barrier property and moisture resistance, biodegradable as a whole and therefore suitable as a base material for packaging materials, such as food containers. The laminate sheet is formed by laminating a water-containable and biodegradable polymer substrate sheet or a precursor thereof in a water-containing state with a layer of polyglycolic acid resin having a residual monomer content below 0.5 wt. % to form a laminate, and subjecting the laminate to bonding and forming under heat and pressure.