Abstract: An object is to provide a device and method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic molded article, whereby two members can be accurately positioned with respect to each other upon integral molding of the members via a VaRTM method. A device for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic molded article includes a skin mold in which a skin, which is a cured fiber-reinforced composite member, is mounted; a stringer mold that is configured to accommodate a stringer, which is a fabric to be joined to the skin; and a folded plate that is configured to accommodate the stringer mold and includes a positioning portion for positioning with respect to a positioning portion provided on the skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring at least one component portion of an at least partially undercut injection molded plastic component, particularly a window frame trim component, from a first state, in which the at least one component portion has a geometric deviation from a component-specific reference state, to a second state, in which the at least one component portion has no geometric deviation from the component-specific reference state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a wearable article assembled by a front belt, a back belt, and a central chassis, the central chassis having a front waist region and a back waist region separated from each other by a crotch region, wherein at least one of the front belt and the back belt is formed by an elastic belt, the method may comprise making the elastic belt and joining to the central chassis by the steps of: 1) advancing a first layer of continuous sheet having a first surface and an opposing second surface in a machine direction and defining a width in a cross machine direction; 2) advancing a second layer of continuous sheet having a first surface and an opposing second surface in the machine direction and having a smaller width than the first layer of continuous sheet; 3) advancing a first group of elastic bodies in the machine direction in a stretched state; 4) joining the first group of elastic bodies between the first surface of the first layer and the first surface of the second layer of

Abstract: Systems and methods of thermoforming stone slabs are provided, such as by heating a stone slab while forming it to a mold. Curved stone slabs may be produced having low radii of curvature.

Abstract: A method for producing a sealing tape with interior barrier layers, each of which extends between opposite end surfaces of the sealing tape, the method includes the steps of providing a first foam web; applying a first barrier layer to a first surface of the first foam web to form a laminated foam web; introducing a plurality of first cuts into the top surface and a plurality of second cuts into a bottom surface of the laminated foam web in the transverse direction, the cuts being offset from each other in the longitudinal direction, to form strips arranged behind each other in a row; folding over the strips to produce a foam-barrier layer web, such that subsections of the top surface lie opposite each other and subsections of the bottom surface lie opposite each other; and forming a sealing tape roll from the foam-barrier layer web.

Abstract: A sealed and thermally insulating wall for a tank for storing fluid includes a heat-insulating panel and a sealing plate. The inner face of the heat-insulating panel has a stress-relieving slot.

Abstract: Joints for joining panels together, such as for joining honeycomb sandwich panels used in aerospace applications, and methods of joining said panels are disclosed. In some examples of disclosed joints, a first panel and a second panel can be joined together to form a joint. The first panel can be a flat panel that includes a rabbet formed along a first longitudinal edge, and the second panel can be a curved panel that includes a notch formed along a second longitudinal edge. In forming the joint, a portion of the rabbet can be positioned within the notch, and the flat panel and curved panel can be oriented at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle to one another. Adhesive can be applied along the rabbet and/or the notch in order to secure the joint.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing system includes a substrate support configured to hold a substrate, a polishing pad assembly include a membrane and a polishing pad portion having a polishing surface, a polishing pad carrier, and a drive system configured to cause relative motion between the substrate support and the polishing pad carrier. The polishing pad portion is joined to the membrane on a side opposite the polishing surface. The polishing surface has a width parallel to the polishing surface at least four times smaller than a diameter of the substrate. An outer surface of the polishing pad portion includes at least one recess and at least one plateau having a top surface that provides the polishing surface. The polishing surface has a plurality of edges defined by intersections between side walls of the at least one recess and a top surface of the at least one plateau.

Abstract: A contoured composite laminate stiffener is fabricated by assembling a substantially flat composite laminate charge and forming the charge into a substantially straight stiffener having a desired cross sectional shape. A contour is formed in the stiffener which has an inside radius and an outside radius. Ply wrinkling is substantially eliminated by reducing compression strain on the inside radius as the stiffener as being contoured.

Abstract: A filtration device including a base filtration material having openings for fluid flow there through and a filtration medium. The filtration medium includes a plurality of patterned nanofibers formed on the base filtration material. The filtration medium has a figure of merit greater than 30 kPa?1, where the figure of merit is given by ?Log (Pt)/?P, where Pt is the fractional penetration of a specific aerosol particle diameter and ?P is a pressure drop across the filtration medium corresponding to a face velocity of 5.3 cm/s and particle size of 0.3 microns.

Abstract: A forming apparatus and method of using the apparatus with a concave mandrel to form composite materials is presented where the apparatus has a forming head with an outer surface having a contour that matches the interior surface of the concave cavity of a matching mandrel. A handle and a grip surface to allow an operator to use the forming apparatus to exert a compaction force to successive plies of prepreg to conform the laminate of plies to the interior surface of the concave cavity. Each ply is heated before contact with the forming head of the apparatus.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter shaft. An expandable member may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The expandable member may be capable of shifting between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration. A plurality of flexible elements may be attached to the expandable member, with a plurality of electrode assemblies disposed on the flexible elements. The flexible elements may have a grooved substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bend in composite panel. A method for forming a bend in a composite panel comprises forming a slot having a curved flange in the composite panel, inserting a sheet into the curved flange, and bending the composite panel with the slot and the sheet within the curved flange about a longitudinal axis of the slot to form the bend.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing system includes a substrate support configured to hold a substrate during a polishing operation, a polishing pad assembly include a membrane and a polishing pad portion, a polishing pad carrier, and a drive system configured to cause relative motion between the substrate support and the polishing pad carrier. The polishing pad carrier includes a casing having a cavity and an aperture connecting the cavity to an exterior of the casing. The polishing pad assembly is positioned in the casing such that the membrane divides the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber and the aperture extends from the second chamber. The polishing pad carrier and polishing pad assembly are positioned and configured such that at least during application of a sufficient pressure to the first chamber the polishing pad portion projects through the aperture.

Abstract: A plastic component includes a main part and a holding element having an anchoring portion and a holding portion. The diameter of the anchoring portion is greater than that of the holding portion and is embedded in or integrated into the main part in an interlocking and/or integrally bonded manner. The holding portion protrudes from the main part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a trim component includes the following steps: (a) forming an outer skin layer in the shape of a trim component; (b) applying an inner skin layer on the outer skin layer; (c) spraying a foam layer on the inner skin layer; (d) disposing a substrate on the foam layer; and (e) wrapping portions of the inner skin layer, the outer skin layer, and the foam layer around at least one edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A container structure having a sealing cap that is heat-sealed on a lid film. In the container structure, a locking rib that can be locked and unlocked to the locking unit is formed on an edge of the sealing cap, and the container includes a lid film that is thermally attached to an upper surface of the sealing cap and an edge of which protrudes outwards from the edge of the sealing cap, and the edge of the lid film is heat-sealed onto the flange of the container.

Abstract: A tray which is provided so as to be detachable from a support unit of an ink jet textile printing apparatus, and includes a main body having a setting surface on which a material to be printed is set; a positioning pin which is provided in a protruding manner on the mounting surface on the opposite side to the setting surface of the main body, and is used when mounting the main body on the support unit; and a leg portion which is provided in a protruding manner on the mounting surface of the main body, and has a protruding dimension which is longer than the positioning pin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of welding a gasket to a spigot portion of a pipe section. The method includes supporting the gasket in a recess on the spigot portion of the pipe section. The gasket includes a seating portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. A first bonding portion extends from the first shoulder portion and a second bonding portion extends from the second shoulder portion. The first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are provided to bond the gasket to the spigot portion. The method further includes heating a portion of the gasket and an adjacent surface of the spigot portion and applying a force onto the portion of the gasket following the application of heat to fuse the gasket onto the spigot portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bend in composite panel. A method for forming a bend in a composite panel comprises forming a slot having a curved flange in the composite panel, inserting a sheet into the curved flange, and bending the composite panel with the slot and the sheet within the curved flange about a longitudinal axis of the slot to form the bend.

Abstract: A beaded composite panel is fabricated using composite plies. An opening is formed in each of plies, and each ply is laid up on a bead feature and drawn down over the bead feature in the area of the opening so as to widen the opening into a gap allowing the ply to conform to the contour of the bead feature. Patches are fabricated and placed on the plies overlying over the openings. The laid-up plies are compacted and cured.

Abstract: An inertia wheel including a storage ring and a hub connecting the storage ring to a rotation shaft of the wheel, the hub including a central part forming a hub body for connecting to the shaft, a peripheral part forming a rim for connecting to the storage ring and an intermediate part formed by a disk between the hub body and the rim. The hub is made from a composite material and includes a module having a stiffness that decreases from the hub body to the rim. A method for producing such an inertia wheel is also provided.

Abstract: A contoured composite structure is fabricated by laying up a composite charge that includes at least one ply formed by uni-directional fiber pre-preg ply segments having substantially constant widths. The ply segments are placed in side-by-side, overlapping relationship with their longitudinal centerlines aligned in a polar orientation related to the contour of the structure. The charge is formed into the shape of the structure and cured.

Abstract: A curved display panel manufacturing method for manufacturing a curved display panel having a curved shape using a flat display panel having a first substrate and a second substrate facing one another includes: paring partially outer portions of the first substrate and the second substrate so as to reduce thicknesses thereof to predetermined thicknesses; and forming fixing layers at edge areas which are not bent in a state of being bent to the desired curved shape among the edge areas of the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: The method comprises an automated technique for making and inserting flexible laminate film barrier liners into the shoulder/nozzles of product tube packaging. The shoulder/nozzles are made and oriented with the shoulder opening to be facing the laminate film. The film is fed to a station that forms the nozzle aperture, die cuts the laminate film to fit into the shoulder of the shoulder/nozzle, and inserts this laminate film into the shoulder/nozzle. The laminate film can be heat bonded to the shoulder nozzle at this station or in a subsequent sealing station. After the shoulder/nozzle leaves the station that forms and inserts the laminate film into the shoulder/nozzle there can be a detection station to determine if the laminate film is properly aligned in the shoulder/nozzle. There also can be a detection station after a subsequent sealing station. Shoulder/nozzles with sealed laminate film liner are then sent to tube making.

Abstract: A method of forming a containment system for an absorbent article that includes a front end region, rear end region, a first elasticized leg cuff and a second elasticized leg cuff. The method includes providing a first containment flap and a second containment flap that can each include a stem, an inner flap projection, and an outer flap projection. The method can further include securing the outer flap projection of the first containment flap in at least a portion of at least one of the front end region and the rear end region and securing the outer flap projection of the second containment flap in at least a portion of at least one of the front end region and the rear end region.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure comprising a plurality of substantially planar sections and an adhesive layer. The planar sections are oriented in stacked relation with one another. The adhesive layer binds the sections in substantially fixed relation with one another. In exemplary embodiments, the sections may be formed from a single piece or from plural pieces. The three-dimensional structure is formed by positioning the respective sections on a retainer and affixing them in place in relation to one another.

Abstract: A process of making a multi-layered product from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having parallel upper and lower walls (130) and a plurality of spacers (134) extending between the upper and lower walls (130) is provided. Portions of the extruded web or extrudate (42) are removed in selected areas. The lightened web is then folded. Outer skins are then applied to the folded web. The extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14) may have one or more openings (34), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14) and reducing the weight of the product (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new bevel or grinding for a punch-reducing cannula, i.e. a cannula which reduces punching particles, and, in particular, to a punch-reducing cannula having a beveled or ground end as well as to a method for manufacturing a cannula which reduces punching particles.

Abstract: A flex circuit including a plurality of layers folded on a first fold line and folded on a second fold line is disclosed. The plurality of layers may include a first conductive layer, an insulating layer adjacent the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer adjacent the insulating layer. The flex circuit may include a plurality of slits extending through each layer of the plurality of layers, the plurality of slits disposed on the first fold line and the second fold line.

Abstract: A core layer is formed by bonding a plurality of wooden plates together by using an adhesive. The core layer is cut into a predetermined shape having notches. The core layer is placed on a die of a pressing machine by being positioned by using the notches and pins placed on the die. The core layer is press molded to firmly hold the pin by the outer edge of the notch and to harden the adhesive.

Abstract: Stents and methods of manufacturing a stents with enhanced fracture toughness are disclosed.

Abstract: A chair and method of construction with the chair being comprised of a single flat sheet of a bendable material capable of supporting a human body. A longitudinal slit extends between the upper and lower edges and is spaced from the upper edge. The slit is offset from an adjacent side edge wherein the slit separates portions of the sheet into a large area portion and a small area portion. The large area portion is bent with alternating bends, to provide a chair configuration with support of a back, hips, thighs, and knees of a person seated thereon. The small area portion of the sheet is bent with alternating bends to provide an armrest support for the person seated on the chair. The chair is directly supported on the ground at the bend configured for supporting the hips and at the lower edge of the sheet, without any separate leg elements.

Abstract: A removable, reusable support stand for generally planar objects such as photographs, cards, signs, compact disc jewel cases or the like is disclosed, which includes a flat card stock formed into a generally triangular shape with a first fold across the base; a slit from fold line to the center of the base of the triangle forming two flaps or attachment tabs that are covered with an adhesive material and are folded along a fold line to expose the adhesive; and is folded along a line from the apex of the triangle to the top of the slit; and which may then be affixed to the back of the generally planar object to be displayed. The stand can generally be removed and repositioned, or affixed to another object to be displayed.

Abstract: A method of making an implantable medical device includes extruding a first ePTFE tube and a second ePTFE tube, cutting a plurality of slits in the first ePTFE tube, positioning a radially expandable support layer between the first and second ePTFE tubes so that the slits span portions of the support layer, and laminating the first ePTFE tube to the second ePTFE tube through openings in the support layer.

Abstract: A contoured wood sheet and a method of making a contoured wood sheet are provided. The contoured wood sheet has a length, a height, and a width, and a top side that is spaced apart from a rear side by the height. The width of the contoured wood sheet varies across at least a part of the length to define the contour of the contoured wood sheet. The contoured wood sheet comprises a plurality of wood elements that have the same length and height as the contoured wood sheet, and the width of at least one wood element varies along its length. The wood elements are joined together along the edges extending in the direction of the length of the wood elements.

Abstract: A method for the production of protection devices is provided. The method includes the step of providing a tile package. The provision of the tile package includes the steps of: laminating at least one board of a tile material onto a polymer foil; scoring the board on the side which is opposite to the polymer foil; and fracturing the board along the scoring lines for achieving a plurality of tiles which are fixed on the polymer foil.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced composite structures having curved stepped surfaces are fabricated by laying up plies of fiber reinforced material over a tool having a stepped tool feature. The plies are rotated about a fixed axis as they are laid up to substantially form a fixed axis rosette pattern. The plies are angularly oriented such that at least certain of the plies have fiber orientations other than 0, +45, ?45 and 90 degrees. Potential bridging of the fibers over the stepped tool features is reduced or eliminated by cutting slits in the plies in the area of the stepped features, so that the plies can be fully compacted.

Abstract: The invention proposes a collar intended to be placed around a portion of a tube and in contact with a separator between a first space and a second space. The collar has a generally annular shape and comprises a superimposition of alternating layers of silicone adhesive and fabrics and an upper layer of silicone elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of manufacturing ultra-thin and elastic keypad, especially comprising the processing of the elastic film, silicone adhesive, and plastic film. Wherein, the present method simply takes advantage of the steps of printing, oil pressing, and trimming to easily finish the keypad, which favorably avoids the complex process of spraying P+R, deviation from the forming of IMD products, and defectiveness of spraying and cutting applied on silicone products. Manifestly, the present invention simplifies the intricate processes, and only oil-pressing die and punching die are involved, namely less equipment and fewer personnel as well as places are required. Therefore, the present invention is uncomplicated and low-cost.

Abstract: A packaging box and a method for fabricating the packaging box are provided that reduces a defective fabrication rate from reduced wrinkling and cracks. A V-shaped cut groove is formed to extend in one direction by cutting an outer surface of an inner layer, a curved groove having a curved surface is formed to extend in parallel with the cut groove by pressing an inner surface of the inner layer, and the inner layer is bent with respect to the curved groove. The curved groove is at an offset position with respect to the cut groove.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an elongated shaft having an inflation lumen, a guidewire lumen, a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with a balloon on the distal shaft section, the distal shaft section formed by an outer tubular member having an opening in a sidewall, and an inner tubular member having a distal portion in the outer tubular member and a proximal portion extending through the sidewall opening and along an outer surface of a portion of the outer tubular member located proximal to the sidewall opening, with polymeric filler material around the outer surface of at least the proximal portion of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member preferably comprises a polymeric tube having a reinforcing coiled member embedded therein. Preferably, a crescent shaped portion of the inflation lumen extends along side the proximal portion of the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer separator plate assembly and a method of making the same. In such an assembly made up of a stack of alternating wet side plates and dry side plates with a membrane disposed between them, a humid fluid such as that found in a fuel cell cathode exhaust flows against one side of each membrane such that at least some of its moisture content travels across the membrane to a lower humidity fluid on the opposite side of the membrane. The lower humidity fluid, such as that found in a fuel cell cathode entrance, experiences an increase in its humidity by the operation of the moisture flow across the membrane. At least a portion of the assembly may be made thinner by removing diffusion media and reinforcing structure of the dry side plates such that the overall assembly is simplified.

Abstract: A fireshield fastener hood and method of bonding a cover to a substrate therefor.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes a light guide plate configured to guide light and including at least one light incident surface for receiving light, and a light exit surface for directing the received light toward a display panel, a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward the light incident surface, and an optical member disposed at a light exit surface of the light guide plate to direct light output from the light guide plate. The optical member may include at least one sheet, which may have a first portion positioned over the light exit surface of the light guide plate, and a second portion positioned over the light incident surface.

Abstract: Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film or similar type of material laminated with triacetate or similar type material on one or both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths. Thermoforming and press polishing techniques may be used to fabricate/curve the blanks into lenses. The lenses (optical elements) may be used in an injection molding process to add thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a heat insulator, including: a frame having a feeder provided at front side of the frame for feeding a cross-linked foam polyethylene sheet and a winder provided at rear side of the frame for winding a completed heat insulator; a cutting part provided at a leading side of the frame, a widening part provided at a rear side of the cutting part, which is for transforming the cutoff slots into cells by widening a width of the cross-linked foam polyethylene sheet formed with the cutoff slots; a cooling part provided at a rear side of the widening part, which has cooling rollers to continuously maintain a widened width of the cross-linked foam polyethylene sheet and a shape of the cells transformed from the cutoff slots; and a sheet-attaching part provided at a rear side of the cooling part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dressed headliner for vehicles with a finished perimeter and a method for obtaining it method, without the addition of any adhesive or joining means where the finished perimeter obtained is a high quality finished perimeter with sharp contour.

Abstract: Decorated three-dimensional articles (64, 78, 82, 86) may be produced having wall structure (66-72) with distortion-free images (40a, 40b) appearing through the inner and outer surfaces of the wall structure (66-72). Preferably, a sheet of paper stock (38) is imprinted on both faces with mirror images (40a, 40b), and the stock (38) is applied to a light-transmitting substrate (44) so that the image (40b) appears through the substrate (44), thereby yielding a blank (50). A plurality of lines of weakness (54) are formed in the blank (50) by laser ablation extending through the image (40a) and stock (38), but not through the image (40b), in order to define spaced apart bend areas (56). The substrate (44) is then heated along the bend areas (56), and the blank (50) is formed about a mandrel (62). If desired, the formed blank (50) may be completed by addition of a base (74).

Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.