Abstract: In one aspect, a multilayer material comprises a first layer formed from a thermoplastic elastomeric material, a second layer formed from a fabric and secured to a first side of the first layer, and a third layer formed from a fabric secured to a second side of the first layer. The multilayer material may be incorporated into a window shade for use in a vehicle, e.g., an aircraft or the like.

Abstract: A device is provided to produce an embossed multi-ply material, comprising: a first embossing-laminating unit (3) comprising a first embossing cylinder (5) equipped with first projections (5P) defining a first pattern, a first pressure roller (7) cooperating with said first embossing cylinder (5), a first laminating roller (9) and a first glue dispenser (11), disposed between said first pressure roller (7) and said first laminating roller (9); an embossing unit comprising at least a second embossing cylinder (25) provided with second projections (25P) defining a second pattern and a second pressure roller (27) cooperating with said second embossing cylinder (25); a first path (P1) through said first embossing-laminating unit (3); a second path (P2) for at least a second ply (V2) towards and through said second embossing unit (23); a third path (P3) for said third ply (V3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable module (100) for use in a device (300) for synthesizing radiopharmaceutical products starting with chemical reagents, said disposable module (100) comprising: a supporting plate (101) comprising rigid connection means (114) to at least one flask of chemical reagents (102, 103, 104, 105) in solution in a solvent, and a reactor (106); interface means (115) with a fixed module of said synthesis device (300), in contact with or integrated into said supporting plate (101), said interface means comprising at least one valve (V1-V8) and/or at least one fluid inlet (E1, E2) and/or at least one fluid outlet (O1, O2, O3); at least one conduit (1-20) connected to said at least one valve (V1-V8) or to said at least one fluid inlet (E1, E2) or to said at least one fluid outlet (O1, O2, O3), characterized in that at least one of said conduits (1-20) is integrated into the body of the disposable module (100).

Abstract: A structural panel includes a closed-cell foam core formed of a metallic material; a first carbon-fiber panel bonded to a first side of the closed-cell foam core; and a second carbon-fiber panel bonded to a second side of the closed-cell foam core such that the foam core is disposed between the first carbon-fiber panel and the second carbon-fiber panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of concurrently creating a frictional washing surface and joining the frictional washing surface to the surface of a housing material for a sealable waterproof bag for washing one or more textile items, the method including: i) applying a quantity of a polymer to the surface of the housing material for the sealable bag; ii) positioning a tool on the quantity of the polymer, the tool including a void region containing depressions and/or projections complementary to the shape of the frictional washing surface; and iii) applying heat and/or a current and/or a frequency to the tool to soften the polymer and allow it to form the shape of the frictional washing surface and concurrently join the frictional washing surface to the housing material for the sealable bag.

Abstract: A leather-based cover material for an inflatable sports ball that consists of a composite of a thin external layer, a filler, and an internal liner. The thin external layer is dimpled by using positive/negative embossing plates to create pebble projections on an exterior side and voids on the other or interior side. The interior side is coated with a filler material that fills the voids. The cover material is completed by attaching a liner layer to the cured filler material.

Abstract: A sports ball includes a barebone ball and an outer ball layer. The barebone ball includes an inflatable bladder body and a ball casing. The ball casing, which is formed in an integrated structure, has an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface to define an interior cavity to fittingly enclose the bladder body therein, and a plurality of pre-formed channels integrally and indently formed on the outer circumferential surface, such that the ball casing and the bladder body enclosed therewithin form a one piece integrated semi-product of the sports ball. The outer ball layer comprising a plurality of outer cover panels overlapping on the outer circumferential surface of the ball casing at a position that edges of each of the outer cover panels are aligned with the corresponding pre-formed channels respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an interior covering part (P) with a carrier component (1) of a fibre moulding material, in particular a natural fibre moulding material, and a decorative film (2), comprising the steps: in a first press tool (20) with two tool halves (22a, 22b), carrying out a first pressing together and forming of a semi-finished product (11) provided for forming the substrate (1) and of a semi-finished product (12) provided for forming the decorative layer (2) subject to forming a texture of a first surface of the decorative layer (2) and because of this forming an intermediate product (Z1, Z2) with a first forming state; and cooling down a decorative layer portion of the intermediate products (Z1, Z2), in a second press tool (70), forming a method end product (P; Z11, Z12; Z21, Z22) with a second forming state, and device (V) for producing an interior covering part (P) with a carrier component (1) and a decorative layer (2).

Abstract: Techniques are described for fabricating multilayer structures having arrays of conducting elements or apertures in a conductive grid which can be used to form frequency selective surfaces (FSSs), antenna arrays and the like on flexible substrates. Fabrication techniques can include use of a polymer mask or direct dielectric molding. In embodiments utilizing a polymer mask, a temporary 3D polymeric relief pattern is formed on a substrate and used as a mask or stencil to form the desired pattern elements. In an additive process, the conductive material is deposited over the masked surface. Deposition can be followed by mask removal In the subtractive process, the conductive layer can be deposited prior to formation of the polymer mask, and the exposed parts of the underlying conductive layer can be etched. Other embodiments utilize dielectric molding in which the molded structure itself becomes an integral and permanent part of the FSS structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer 3D pattern manufacturing method includes the steps of forming a color film on a surface of a substrate or a third pattern structure by providing a chromogenic material by lithography, gravure, flexographic printing, screen printing and physical vapor deposition in a transcribed printing process. Using the color film to match with different 3D pattern structures to form a multilayer 3D pattern which can be applied to the housing of various different electronic products not only can improve the aesthetic appearance, it can also enclose the color film within the 3D pattern to prevent the 3D pattern from falling off or fading; thus, the lifetime of the pattern can be improved.

Abstract: A method of finishing a fan blade includes bonding a sheath and a cover to an aluminum fan blade with an airfoil, a root, a leading edge and a tip; imparting residual stresses onto the blade; coating the blade to protect exposed areas of the blade; and curing the blade in low-temperature cure cycles to preserve residual stresses imparted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing, for the depiction of a specified motif, a micro-optical depiction arrangement that exhibits a colored motif grid, composed of a plurality of micromotif elements, and a focusing element grid, composed of a plurality of microfocusing elements that reconstructs the specified motif when the micromotif elements are viewed.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A high bulk laminated board is produced using one or more embossed plies. A method of producing the laminated board comprises: embossing first and second plies to produce first embossed projections extending from first sides of the first and second plies; placing adhesive on the first embossed projections on the first side of each of the first and second embossed plies; bringing the first and second plies together such that the first embossed projections on the first and second embossed plies are aligned; applying pressure to the first side of each of the first and second embossed plies to cause the first and second embossed plies to adhere together to form a composite ply; and adhering first and second flat outer plies onto first and second sides of the composite ply. Corresponding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a packed electrode, an electrode is set between two separation layers that are made of resin, a heat-resistant layer is set between at least one of the two separation layers and the electrode, the two separation layers, the electrode and the heat-resistant layer, an overlapped portion of the two separation layers overlapped with the heat-resistant layer interposed therebetween is pinched, pressed and heated by a pair of heat sealing chips at an outside of the electrode, and the two separation layers are fastened by destroying the heat-resistant layer at the overlapped portion that are pressed and heated. According to the above manufacturing method, man-hours required for stacking can be reduced by integrating the heat-resistant layer with the packed electrode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional decoration piece that does not damage the tacky bonding or adhesion strength of the lower layer material of the decoration piece. The method includes putting an upper layer material on a first table operating as cathode; lowering an upper mold operating as anode onto the first table, emitting a high frequency wave for dielectric heating; stopping the high frequency dielectric heating; moving a second table carrying a lower layer material having a tacky bonding property to below the upper mold; and lowering said upper mold onto the second table. In the apparatus, the second table or the lower mold is provided on the top surface thereof with recessed sections that are transversally and inwardly separated from a position where an edge of the first machining means contacts, by 0.2 mm to 1 mm; and a cushion member being arranged in the respective recessed sections.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master and bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein and a surface area that is approximately the same as an outer embossing surface of the embosser drum to be formed. Advantageously, a single, one-piece metallic shim can subsequently be generated, appropriately shaped and welded at a single seam to form the embosser drum outer embossing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent core composite for a disposable absorbent article. The absorbent composite has a first fabric, a body side second fabric, and a plurality of aggregates of superabsorbent particles (SAP) situated between the first fabric second fabric. About each of a plurality of the SAP aggregates, an arrangement of spaced apart bond sites secure the second fabric to the first fabric and form a pocket in which the SAP aggregate is secured between the first fabric and the second fabric. The body side second fabric is a bulky nonwoven including fibers that entangle at least some particles in the SAP aggregate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lace tip includes: A glue layer, a pattern layer and a transparent layer are stacked in sequence on a predetermined location of a lace body. A surface of the pattern layer includes a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions which are alternately arranged on the pattern layer. The glue layer, the pattern layer and the transparent layer are fixed in sequence on the predetermined location of the lace body by thermal pressing. A plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions are formed on a surface of the transparent layer which are alternately arranged on the surface of the transparent layer, so that the concave portions or the convex portions can refract light through the first portions and the second portions in accordance with changes of user's view angle.

Abstract: A laminated electronic component whose internal electrode has sufficient cross-section area to achieve lower resistance, while also achieving a narrower pitch to accommodate more windings, is manufactured by forming a resist film on a conductive base plate; forming an opening of specified pattern in the resist film by photolithography; filling a conductor in the opening, by plating, to a level lower than the height of the resist film to form a conductor pattern; removing the resist film; transferring the conductor pattern from the base plate onto an insulation sheet; and laminating pattern-transferred insulation sheets obtained as above and then heating to obtain insulator layers from the insulation sheet, while obtaining internal electrodes from the conductor patterns.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a monolayer touch screen, which comprises: a transparent cover glass; a transparent emboss adhesive layer coated on a surface of the transparent cover glass, wherein the transparent emboss adhesive layer has multiple grooves that are located at non-visible region; a metallic mesh layer embedded in the transparent emboss adhesive layer, and the metallic mesh layer are located at a visible region; a hairline finishing layer deposited on the surface of the multiple grooves; and an ink layer coated on the hairline finishing layer. Hairline finishing layer of such monolayer touch screen deposits directly on the surface of multiple grooves of transparent emboss adhesive layer, compared to the traditional touch screen, such monolayer touch screen is thinner and has a hairline finishing effect. The present invention also discloses a method for manufacturing the monolayer touch screen.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for bonding a first substrate and a second substrate. During operation, the system starts by treating a first surface of the first substrate and a second surface of the second substrate with a hydrophilic treatment. The system then transfers a first oligomer layer onto the treated first surface and a second oligomer layer onto the treated second surface. Next, the system treats the first oligomer layer and the second oligomer layer for hydrophilic activation. The system subsequently brings the first oligomer layer into contact with the second oligomer layer, thereby allowing the two oligomer layers to adhere and form a single bonding layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. In particular, each of the first oligomer layer and the second oligomer layer is a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer.

Abstract: A device and a method for coating a printing material include a foil engaged with a printing material on an impression cylinder using guide rollers. The foil and the printing material are guided together in an engagement area and a functional layer, such as glue or varnish, is dried, i.e. activated or polymerized, through the foil in the engagement area using a drier. The guide rollers are disengaged from the impression cylinder to avoid contact between the foil and grippers of the impression cylinder. To improve a detachment behavior of the foil from the functional layer, an angle of detachment between the foil and the sheet is varied by pivoting the guide rollers about an external geometrical pivot axis or an internal geometrical pivot axis, or at least assisting the disengagement of the foil from the impression cylinder by a change of a pneumatic condition of a foil-guiding element.

Abstract: Process for providing a laminate product comprising a substrate and a printed film, the process comprising an embossing step synchronized with a decoration of the printed film and carried out continuously, through the passage of the laminate product between an engraved embossing cylinder, and a pressure counter-cylinder; the registration of the engraved cylinder, for keeping the synchronism between embossing and decoration, comprises suitable displacements of the engraved cylinder and is carried out with a temporary separation of the counter-cylinder from the engraved cylinder, or with a reduction in the embossing pressure existing between the engraved cylinder and the counter-cylinder.

Abstract: A method of preventing a handheld electronic device from slipping in relation to a smooth hard surface having a low coefficient of friction is disclosed. The method includes forming a decorative layer from a label stock; forming a contoured surface on an anti-slip layer; bonding the decorative layer and the anti-slip layer together to form an anti-slip skin; and adhering the anti-slip skin to the handheld electronic device. The contoured surface prevents the handheld device from slipping on the hard surface.

Abstract: Provided are a color display film and a method for manufacturing the same, and a display apparatus. The color display film includes a base material layer, a high-refractive resin layer on which an optical pattern is formed, and a low-refractive light diffusion layer including a light diffuser in a stacked configuration. The optical pattern is formed in one surface of the high-refractive resin layer facing the low-refractive light diffusion layer. The method of manufacturing a color display film includes forming a high-refractive resin layer by coating a high-refractive transparent resin on one surface of a base material layer and forming an imprinted optical pattern on the coated high-refractive transparent resin, forming a low-refractive light diffusion layer by dispersing a light diffuser into a low-refractive transparent resin, and bonding one surface of the low-refractive light diffusion layer on a surface on which the optical pattern is formed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a glue-free anti-slip polyvinyl chloride floor brick which includes a polyvinyl chloride anti-slip layer having a bottom surface formed with a flexible thermal-pressed pattern by thermal pressing. The thermal-pressed pattern includes a plurality of continuously and repetitively connected, closed and non-equilateral hexagonal protruded ribs, which are characterized with a required flexibility by utilizing a special ingredient amount of the anti-slip layer and provided with an anti-slip coefficient of 1.5 by incorporating with non-equilateral hexagonal anti-slip patterns with special sizes and shapes, thereby enhancing the slip resistance of the floor brick to overcome the bottlenecks in plastic floor brick industries.

Abstract: A method of producing an interior trim part of a vehicle. The method includes forming a carrier having a carrier surface. The carrier surface is at least partially uneven. The method further includes applying a decorative paper layer on the carrier surface. The decorative paper layer is selectively folded at predetermined locations during or before being applied onto the carrier surface.

Abstract: A universal door skin blank comprises an exterior side and an interior side for securing to a frame member, first and second molded, spaced stiles, and a flat planar portion disposed between the stiles and lying on a plane spaced from the plane of the stiles. An interface portion is disposed between and contiguous with the stiles and the flat planar portion. The invention also relates to a door having at least one universal door skin blank, with at least two separately formed rails secured to the planar portion of the blank at opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cover structure is provided. A first insulating layer is provided. The first insulating layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. A second insulating layer is provided. The second insulating layer has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other and an opening passing through the third surface and the fourth surface. A thickness of the second insulating layer is greater than a thickness of the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are laminated to each other, so that the third surface of the second insulating layer connects to the second surface of the first insulating layer. A cavity is defined by the opening of the second insulating layer and the first insulating layer. A metal layer is formed on the cavity.

Abstract: A method for forming an electronic device on a flexible substrate conditions a surface of the flexible substrate to increase its malleability and to provide a conditioned substrate surface. A master surface is impressed against the conditioned substrate surface. The master surface is then released from the conditioned substrate surface, thereby forming a circuit-side surface on the substrate. The electronic device is then formed on the circuit-side surface. The substrate may be supported on a carrier during the method.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim element has at least one substrate layer covered with a skin having an outer surface containing a plurality of asperities, regularly distributed on the outer surface. The outer surface of the skin defines an outer surface of the trim element that is visible within the vehicle interior. The trim element may be processed by applying a heat source on part of the outer surface forming a decorative area, the application of the heat source being arranged to at least reduce the height of the asperities in the decorative areas such that the decorative area has a different appearance from the rest of the outer surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to systems, articles, materials, and methods for roofing a structure including, for example, hybrid shingles comprising a first material and a second material. A hybrid shingle may comprise, in some embodiments, a first layer comprising a metallic substrate or a polymeric substrate and at least partially defining a headlap region of the shingle, a buttlap region of the shingle comprising one or more tabs interspersed with inter-tab openings, an outward-facing surface of the first layer, and a substrate-facing surface of the first layer; and a second layer comprising a base and asphalt, having a smaller area than the first layer, and at least partially defining a buttlap region of the shingle, wherein the second layer is fixed to the substrate-facing surface of the first layer.

Abstract: A profile carrier includes a base profile of metal and a reinforcement member of fiber-reinforced plastic material that reinforces the base profile. The reinforcement member and the base profile are connected to each other by at least one wall-side positive-locking element that is provided on a profile wall of the base profile and that extends in a transverse direction of the profile wall. The at least one wall-side positive-locking element and the reinforcement member engage one inside of the other in the transverse direction of the profile wall with a positive-locking connection between the reinforcement member and the base profile formed substantially parallel to the profile wall.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for implementing embedded hybrid electrical-optical printed circuit board (PCB) constructs. The embedded hybrid electrical-optical PCB construct includes electrical channels and optical channels within a single physical PCB layer. The embedded hybrid electrical-optical PCB construct includes an electrically conductive sheet or a copper sheet, and a reflective mesh adhesive layer provided with the electrical channels and optical channels within the single physical PCB layer.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a fiber-reinforced resin material capable of mitigating damage to and defects in reinforcement fibers and of performing lamination with the reinforcement fibers positioned with ease, while at the same time causing them to conform to the shape of the mold with ease at the time of molding.

Abstract: The invention proposes an embossed sheet (10) comprising at least one ply (12) of tissue having an embossing pattern comprising at least one series of protuberances (18) formed projecting from one surface of the said ply (12) of tissue, and at least one ply joined to the said at least one ply (12) of tissue and located opposite the said surface of the ply (14) of water-soluble material, characterized in that the ply (14) of water-soluble material is joined to the said at least one ply (12) of tissue at the summits (18a) of at least part of the protuberances (18). The invention also proposes a method for manufacturing such a multi-ply sheet (10).

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: An array of aerodynamic riblets incorporates a high elongation elastomeric layer having spaced tips and optionally a protective cladding. The elastomeric layer may be adhered to an aerodynamic surface directly or as an appliqué in combination with one or more of an adhesive layer, one or more supporting polymer layers and a metal foil layer.

Abstract: Finishing set for a floor covering, whereby this finishing set at least consists of, on the one hand, a finishing profile and, on the other hand, a holder with at least an attachment portion for attaching said finishing profile at the holder, characterized in that the holder comprises an underlay portion, which at choice can or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder as well as a stop-forming positioning portion.

Abstract: An improved pressure sensitive flashing tape that is conformable over uneven or irregular surfaces for use in the construction industry, where a moisture and air seal having full adhesive contact to the adherend is required. The subject tape includes a topsheet layer and an adhesive underlayer. The topsheet is stabilized dimensionally as to tape length and width for ease in application, but is preconditioned with a plurality of diaphragm elements embossed into the topsheet and compacted under pressure so as to enable the tape to conform to raised and indented features, including lap joints, protruding screw heads, dents, holes, cracks and the like, in surfaces associated with flashing and associated building surfaces; thus improving weathertight sealing. The topsheet may also have fold lines disposed relative to the diaphragm elements so as to be complementary in function, the fold lines serving to further enhance conformability and adaptability during and after application.

Abstract: A production method of three-dimensional pattern is disclosed. First, an adhesive layer is applied on a three-dimensional workpiece. Next, a film is vacuum adsorbed on the adhesive layer so that the film is impressed onto the adhesive layer to form the three-dimensional pattern on the adhesive layer. Finally, the adhesive layer is cured by implementing a plurality of heat treatments thereon. A workpiece of three-dimensional pattern and a production device of three-dimensional pattern are also disclosed.

Abstract: A keepsake arrangement comprising a cavity defined by at least one cavity wall and having an opening, an impressible material disposed in the cavity, a seal, sealingly coupled to a lip about the cavity, for sealing the impressible material in the cavity and for maintaining moisture in the impressible material while the seal is sealingly coupled to the lip about the cavity, a frame releasably coupleable to at least a portion of the lip that extends about the cavity, the frame comprising a shoulder section that extends over the opening when the frame is coupled to the at least one cavity wall, wherein the shoulder section is dimensioned to assist in retaining the impressible material in the cavity when the seal is removed from the lip about the cavity and the moisture is removed from the impressible material. A method of making a keepsake utilizing a keepsake arrangement as disclosed herein is also provided.

Abstract: Some select variations may include methods, devices and systems for simultaneously treating a substrate and adhering or applying a bonding agent thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for creating a textured graphic or stripe on the game ball, specifically on a panel of natural full-grain leather. Briefly, the full-grain leather panel is stamped with a textured plate to form a textured area. A graphic or stripe is then applied on the textured area. The resulting game ball has textured graphics or stripes with improved wear and good grip and handling characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protection of cosmetic surfaces on electronic devices and adhesive overflow prevention are provided. In particular, an assembly for protecting a cosmetic surface can include a heat activated adhesive, such as a heat active film adhesive (“HAF”), which can be used to secure a mesh to the cosmetic surface. In some embodiments, a protective layer having a center layer laminated between two layers of heat activated adhesive can be used to protect the cosmetic surface from scratches caused by the mesh. In some embodiments, one or more hot shoes can be used to cross-link the heat activated adhesives to the mesh and the cosmetic surface. Because the shape of a shoe can influence the flow of heat activated adhesives during cross-linking, different shoes can be selected in order to minimize overflow in certain locations in the assembly.

Abstract: A method for forming a longitudinal edge region of a transport/drive belt having at least two layers of a thermoplastic material and at least one layer of a woven fabric web includes positioning a mat at one longitudinal edge of the transport/drive belt. The method further includes transferring heat and pressure to the transport/drive belt so as to melt and merge at least a region of the at least two layers of thermoplastic material without adding any additional material, solidifying the at least two layers of thermoplastic material, and removing the mat.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first surface, a second surface positioned to face the first surface, and a plurality of reflecting surfaces arrayed in a first region defined by the first surface and the second surface, wherein the reflecting surfaces have a first length in a first direction vertical to the first surface and are arrayed at a pitch in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, light incident on one of the first surface and the second surface is reflected by the reflecting surfaces toward the other surface, and predetermined parameters satisfy predetermined relational formulae representing conditions for ensuring total reflection at the reflecting surfaces and for avoiding total reflection at a light emergent surface.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.