Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a sensor without a traditional substrate. In the disclosed embodiments, a substrate may be omitted and the sensor may be mounted on, and/or incorporated into, a functional element of an electronic device such as a cover glass for a touch screen or a display of a computing device. As a substrate may be used during formation of the sensor, the substrate on which the sensor is actually mounted on during use can be configured to have certain properties or characteristics, such as transparency, a certain thickness, and the like. In other words, the parameters of the substrate used to mount the sensor may not be constrained by the requirements of the manufacturing process of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of a cladding element for a passenger cabin of a vehicle, in particular of a land vehicle, an aircraft, or a watercraft, comprising the following steps: introducing a first layer, which is provided with first fibres and impregnated with a resin, into a forming shell, layering of a support layer, which is sheet-like and reinforced with second fibres, onto the first layer, such that the first layer extends beyond at least one edge of the support layer, layering of an elastic material strip onto that portion of the first layer that extends beyond the support layer, such that the material strip bears flushly against the edge of the support layer, layering of a second layer, which is provided with the first fibres and impregnated with the resin, onto the support layer, such that a portion of the second layer extends beyond the edge and lies over the material strip, and closing the forming shell and exerting a pressure on the layer arrangement, which is ac

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: An aspect of the present invention relates to a lacrosse pocket comprising a preformed composite material including an outer edge for attaching to a lacrosse head and an interior channel within the outer edge having a desired concave shape and depth, wherein the interior channel, for receiving and releasing a lacrosse ball, permanently maintains the desired concave shape and depth.

Abstract: A method and processing station for producing a veneer having two parallel opposed faces and including at least one lignocellulosic layer made of lignocellulosic fibers having a grain extending along the opposed faces of the veneer. The processing station carries out the method by applying a compressive force to the veneer along at least one direction extending along the opposed faces of the veneer so as to mechanically compress the lignocellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A method for producing a steering wheel (10) including a multilayered decorative trim (16) comprises the following steps: providing a multilayered body composed of flat layers joined to each other, the body being bent transversely or perpendicular to the plane of the layers into a shape adapted to the geometry of a steering wheel body part (14), cutting off a thin arcuate decorative layer (26) from a lateral surface of the body, in particular essentially perpendicular to the bending axis, and adapting said decorative layer (26) to and applying it onto said steering wheel body part (14).

Abstract: Wet carbon paper processing, wet carbon papers, electrodes prepared from such wet carbon papers, and capacitors prepared from such electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an article made of a multilayer composite material comprising a central element (I) arranged between a first and a second reinforcement layer (B) to form a structure (B)-(I)-(B), said central element (I) comprising: a first and a second structural layer (A) each comprising at least one mat of needle punched fibres of the thermoplastic and/or natural type or else a mat of expanded thermoplastic polymer, said structural layers (A) being impregnated with a thermosetting resin; a third reinforcement layer (B) arranged between said two structural layers (A), said first, second and third reinforcement layer (B) consisting of a fibrous material, comprising one or more types of fibres selected from the group consisting of glass fibres, natural fibres, carbon fibres, basalt fibres, kevlar fibres, aramid fibres or a mixture of such fibres.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a composite sheet metal part having at least one metallic region from a composite sheet metal blank which has two outer cover sheets of metal and at least one layer which is arranged between the cover sheets and consists of plastics material. The invention provides an apparatus and method by which complex formed composite sheet metal parts can easily be produced in a few steps and which still have metallic regions which can be used for joining to further parts.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to make an environmentally friendly polyurethane molded article (100) comprising at least 20 percent renewable materials and molded articles made therefrom. Specifically, the method provides for molding a polyurethane coated sandwich structure (40) comprising a honey comb core (30) having fiber reinforcing layers (10, 20) to provide an environmentally friendly polyurethane molded article with a desired shape such as an automobile load floor. The polyurethane coating is derived from a polyurethane—forming mixture comprising an isocyanate component and a polyol component. Specifically, the polyol component comprises one or more natural oil based polyol, preferably comprising at least one of a hydroxymethylated fatty acid or a hydroxymethylated fatty acid (methyl) ester.

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 fiber-reinforced vehicle body structure includes a first frame made of fiber-reinforced plastic or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and having multiple sections, and a second frame that continuously extends from any one of the multiple sections of the first frame.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite material (11) is constructed by laminating a plurality of fiber bundle layers formed of a reinforced fiber to form a laminated fiber bundle layer and further impregnating the laminated fiber bundle layer with a matrix. At either side of a neutral surface (16), the number of +? layers which are fiber bundle layers having a fiber orientation angle of +? and the number of ?? layers which are fiber bundle layers having a fiber orientation angle of ?? are the same, the order of laminating the fiber bundle layers is inversely symmetrical with respect to the standard surface, and the number of other fiber bundle layers disposed between the +? and ?? layers at either side of the standard surface is the same.

Abstract: A carbon fiber composite material and a method for preparing the same are provided. The method includes providing a first carbon fiber layer and a second carbon fiber layer; binding a first surface of the first carbon fiber layer with the second carbon fiber layer to obtain a laminated article, wherein a resin containing carbon nanotubes is formed on the first surface or a second surface of the first carbon fiber layer and the carbon nanotubes have functional groups on the surface thereof; and shaping the laminated article.

Abstract: A resilient floor tile includes a base layer, a film layer, a decorative film layer, and a topcoat. The resilient floor tile has a shaped edge formed on an upper surface thereof that extends about at least a portion of a perimeter of the resilient floor tile. In order to make the resilient floor tile, a continuous sheet of a base layer is conveyed into a press die. The press die is actuated from an open position to a closed position. The continuous sheet is cut with a blade of a cutting tool of the press die to form side surfaces of the resilient floor tile when the press die is in the closed position. A shaped edge is formed on at least a portion of a perimeter of an upper surface of the resilient floor tile with a forming tool of the press die when the press die is in the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a natural material applied three-dimensional (3D) panel for providing mood illumination and a method for manufacturing the 3D panel, in which press processing is used and a transparent material is applied on a top side of a natural material. Thus, moldability and reliability of a part to be molded is increased.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structural part including at least two wings extending in intersecting planes made of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite material including at least two plies of continuous fibers. The fibers extend from one wing to another. The method includes cutting the at least two plies in a fabric and/or a tape of fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin; assembling the plies to create a preform; and compacting the preform to a final shape of the part by subjecting the preform to a defined cycle of temperature and pressure. A toolset can implement the method described above. Such a toolset includes a rigid punch and die such that closing the tool creates a sealed chamber in a shape of the part between the punch and the die.

Abstract: A method of producing a gaseous diffusion electrode, including the provision of a stack comprising successively a diffusion layer for a gas, a catalytic layer and a diffusion layer for an electrolyte, the deformation of the stack in such a way as to place opposite one another first and second portions of one of the two diffusion layers, and the bonding of the first and second portions with the aid of a polymer material. A gaseous diffusion electrode is furnished with a stack comprising successively a diffusion layer for a gas, a catalytic layer and a diffusion layer for an electrolyte. Two portions of one of the two diffusion layers are disposed opposite one another and separated by a first layer of polymer material.

Abstract: Provided is a cover structure used for a touch panel, including: a substrate and a masking layer buried in the substrate. The region where the masking layer is located defines a non-visible region of the touch panel. In addition, a method for fabricating the cover structure and a touch panel including the cover structure are also provided.

Abstract: A simplified manufacturing technique to directly form a unitized composite structure with at least one relatively flat surface and at least one sinuous element in an internally-bonded unitized composite is provided. A matrix of fibrous and or other materials is deposited in layers which are subsequently formed into corrugated or wave-like shapes and exposed to an activation step. At least one element is composed of a contractive material which shrinks when activated, such as by heating in an oven, to become relatively flat and optionally bonded to at least one other non-contractive layer which remains in a sinuous shape after the activation step.

Abstract: A multiple layer HEPA filter media includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a first layer that includes a nonwoven synthetic fabric formed from a plurality of bicomponent synthetic fibers with a spunbond process, and having a bond area pattern of a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area. The filter media also includes a second layer laminated onto the first layer. The second layer is formed from a micro-porous membrane. Further, the filter media includes a third layer laminated onto the second layer, with the third layer including a synthetic nonwoven fabric formed from a plurality of synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers include at least two different synthetic fibers having different melting points. The third layer has a cover factor of less than seven millimeters. In addition, the multiple layer filter media further includes a plurality of corrugations.

Abstract: Laminated structures include a thin glass sheet with a thickness of less than 600 ?m being attached to a metal sheet with an adhesive layer including a thickness of about 100 ?m or less. These laminated structures can include planar or curved shapes. Methods of manufacturing a laminated structure are also provided including the step of attaching a glass sheet with a thickness of less than 600 ?m to a metal sheet with an adhesive layer including a thickness of about 300 ?m or less.

Abstract: A caul plate system for a laminate structure includes a plurality of layers of curable caul plies disposed over a laminate structure and substantially conforming to a surface of the laminate structure. A resin is applied to the plurality of layers of caul plies. Co-curing of the plurality of layers of caul plies with the laminate structure hardens the plurality of layers of caul plies such that a normal pressure is applied to the laminate structure during cure of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A method for the manufacturing of thin 3D glass window is described. The method includes layering a plurality of thin films. The plurality of thin films includes at least one glass film. The method also includes molding the plurality of thin films to form a three dimensional shape and laminating the plurality of thin films in the three dimensional shape. The 3D glass window and apparatus including the 3D glass window are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a curved section piece from a rectilinear preform of preimpregnated fibre layers includes stacking layers on a deformable mandrel and winding the mandrel and bending the stacked layers on a bending tool on a rotation axis in a single phase and polymerizing the bent layers. The section piece includes a stack of N layers, at least a first portion of which is placed in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis (X) and at least one second portion parallel to the axis (X) including at least one layer of fibres oriented at 0° along the length of the perform. The N fibre layers are stacked on the mandrel. A neutral fibre is placed on a portion of the mandrel closer to the rotation axis (X) than the last layer of fibres oriented at 0° stacked on the second portion parallel to the rotation axis (X).

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a composite filler includes at least one die and a device for moving a stack of reinforced ply strips through the die. The die has peripheral die face adapted for forming the ply strip stack into a desired cross sectional shape. The cross section of the die face may vary around the periphery of the die.

Abstract: A method for producing a flat prepreg material blank impregnated with at least one matrix resin in an at least partially automated production system. The method includes cutting the fibrous material in a blanking station to the geometry of the particular prepreg material blank to be produced. The resultant fibrous blank is subsequently impregnated in an impregnation station. Then, the resultant single prepreg layer is joined in an assembly station with at least one further single prepreg layer, which was previously impregnated in the impregnation station, to form a multiple-layer prepreg material blank.

Abstract: A molded product and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed, in which the insulating layer of uniform thickness is formed in a narrow clearance between plural metal bodies. Surroundings of metal plates spaced at specified intervals are covered with insulating polymer to insulate them electrically. A spacer polymer which consists of insulating polymer whose melting point is T1 is arranged between the metal plates, and a molded part which consists of insulating polymer whose melting point is T2 (<T1) covers surroundings of the metal plates and the spacer polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing a friction body, in particular a wet friction disk in a motor vehicle, the friction body turning about a rotational axis during operation. The friction body has a friction area and a connection area and the connection area of the friction body is connected to a friction body carrier. A friction body, in particular a wet friction disc in a motor vehicle, is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing moldings, comprising the method steps of laminating an upper material layer onto a carrier layer to generate a first layer composite, placing an upper layer on the first layer composite to generate a second layer composite, wherein the upper layer is substantially as thick as the first layer composite, and forming the second layer composite into a predetermined target shape.

Abstract: Method forming a composite structure (9) comprising a main body and a flange. The composite structure is manufactured by laying-up a preform (7) on a mould (6). The preform (7) does not have the first and second bends and comprises a first part which corresponds to the main body of the composite structure and a second part which corresponds to the flange of the composite structure. The second part of the (preform (7) has a proximal portion which corresponds to the wall portion of the flange and a distal portion which corresponds to the lip portion of the flange. The preform (7) comprises a plurality of plies and uni-directional ply material extends from the first part of the preform (7) to the distal portion of the second part of the preform (7).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved profile from a rectilinear preform of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The method includes stacking plies on a deformable mandrel and winding the deformable mandrel and the stacked plies on a bending tool along a rotation axis, the profile comprising a stack of N plies. At least one first section of the profile is arranged along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and at least one second section is arranged in a plane parallel to the axis. The method includes the steps of stacking the N plies of fibers on the deformable mandrel, bending in a single step the N plies sandwiched between the deformable mandrel and the bending tool and polymerizing the bent N plies. The curved profile comprises M plies with fibers oriented at A° relative to a longitudinal direction and M+/?5% plies with fibers oriented at ?A°.

Abstract: A liquid-proof seamed article including an elastic laminated panel and a corrugated elastic laminated panel joined at the sealing regions of the laminated panels is provided. In exemplary embodiments, both of the laminated panels are corrugated. The laminated panels each include a textile layer and a protective layer. At least one of the textile layer and protective layer is elastic. An adhesive pre-treatment may be applied to the elastic laminate panel and/or the corrugated laminate panel along respective sealing regions prior to forming a seam. Additionally, the laminate can be stretched to substantially flatten the corrugations prior to forming a seam. By substantially flattening the surface of the corrugated laminated panel(s), an adhesive may be applied such that there are no gaps in the adhesive. The corrugated laminates may be used as material for making garments. An apparatus and a method for making a liquid-proof seamed article are also provided.

Abstract: A housing includes a fiber layer, an adhesive layer, and a plastic film bonding the fiber layer by the adhesive layer. The fiber layer is made of fiber woven fabric impregnated with resin. A method for making the present resin-and-fiber composite is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a novel composite textile laminate (composite fabric) and manufacturing method for the same is provided. The composite textile is particularly suitable for outdoor apparel that protects the wearer from outdoor elements such as sunlight, wind, and cold. In a preferred embodiment, the textile consists of an outer layer of elastane having a sun protective factor, an intermediate layer of polyurethane-ester open-cell foam, and an inner lining of synthetic micro-suede material or brushed nylon that contacts the skin. The outer and inner layers are flame bonded, with the intermediate foam layer in between them. The composite textile can be embossed and the perimeter is defined and sealed by laser cutting, which act against de-lamination. The result is a composite synthetic textile with improved comfort and protection. The outer elastane surface can also be sublimated with a desired image.

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: A conductive adhesive sheet includes a conductor layer including a projecting region that projects curvedly toward at least one side in the thickness direction; a low-melting-point metal layer that is formed on at least one surface in the thickness direction of the projecting region; and an adhesive layer formed on at least one surface in the thickness direction of the low-melting-point metal layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to make an environmentally friendly polyurethane molded article (100) comprising at least 20 percent renewable materials and molded articles made therefrom. Specifically, the method provides for molding a polyurethane coated sandwich structure (40) comprising a honey comb core (30) having fiber reinforcing layers (10, 20) to provide an environmentally friendly polyurethane molded article with a desired shape such as an automobile load floor. The polyurethane coating is derived from a polyurethane—forming mixture comprising an isocyanate component and a polyol component. Specifically, the polyol component comprises one or more natural oil based polyol, preferably comprising at least one of a hydroxymethylated fatty acid or a hydroxymethylated fatty acid (methyl) ester.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up are used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: A self supporting curved laminate product resulting from curving of a planar precursor, wherein the planar precursor is a self supporting laminate of two sheets of an acrylic thermoplastic, or of sheets including an acrylic thermoplastic, spaced by, but attaching to, an interposed thermoset polyester system, and wherein curving has involved heating of the laminate sufficient to allow its curving without any substantial degradation of the lamination or its component layers.

Abstract: Thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness and/or curved sections are manufactured in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up is used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Some or all of the plies may be continuously fed from spools of single or multiply ply material. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a translucent rigid substrate laminate which can improve a thickness precision while decreasing the risk of fractures. In the method for manufacturing a translucent rigid substrate laminate according to the present invention, translucent rigid substrates are placed opposite to each other such that bonding surfaces thereof are parallel to each other, both rigid substrates are brought toward each other while being kept parallel, the both rigid substrates are preliminarily bonded using a photo-curable fixing agent, the bonded translucent rigid substrates are roll-pressed, and the fixing agent is then cured.

Abstract: For an arcuate structural member (10) of a fuselage frame, tapes of resin pre-impregnated unidirectional fibers are used. The member (10) includes a web (11) lying in a radial plane and a radially outer cylindrical flange (12). An elongate, arcuate forming mandrel (M1) having a flat radial surface (F) forming an angular edge (D) with a radially outer, convex cylindrical surface (S) is used and a series of promontories (P) radiating outwardly with respect to the cylindrical surface (S) are provided. Layers of pre-impregnated composite material are laid on the mandrel (M1) to form a first flat arcuate laminate (20?), with a part (20?) of the laminate projecting radially outwardly beyond the angular edge (D). The mandrel (M1), the laminate (20?) and the promontories (P) are covered with a membrane (E). A vacuum is then applied to urge the projecting part (20?) of the laminate against the cylindrical surface (S) and against the promontories (P).

Abstract: A display device includes a flexible display panel for displaying an image, a flexible functional plate on the flexible display panel, and a thermosetting resin layer between the flexible display panel and the flexible functional plate, wherein the thermosetting resin layer is cured while the flexible display panel and the flexible functional plate are bent.

Abstract: A method for fabricating and processing a flexible substrate is provided, which mainly includes: providing at least one first medium of a flexible material; providing at least one second medium of a thermoplastic plastic material; binding the first medium and the second medium to form a sheet; and curing the sheet into a plate of a predetermined shape by hot pressing. In addition, the plate is subjected to secondary processing to form a secondary composite medium of another predetermined shape. Thereby, a predetermined shape of the plate is achieved by primary processing, and is in turn changed by secondary processing.

Abstract: A leaf spring made of a fiber composite material having integrated bearing holes and a method for producing is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of cutting prepreg strips of a predetermined length from a prepreg strand, removing cut-outs from the particular prepreg strip in the axial ends where a bearing hole should be formed, laying a plurality of prepreg strips one over the other in a prepreg stack in alternation so that the surfaces of the prepreg strips are flush to form a raw leaf spring forming a bearing hole by deforming an axial end of the prepreg stack in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (L) and perpendicular to the transverse extension (B) of the prepreg stack, setting the raw sheet spring to form the finished leaf spring in a mold with a suitable setting pressure and a suitable setting temperature.

Abstract: A form with an integrated folding card comprising a flat substrate and a multi-layer material adhesively bonded to at least one part-region of the rear of the substrate with a first adhesive layer. The multi-layer material comprises, as viewed from the substrate, the first adhesive layer, a first dividing layer, a carrier layer, a second dividing layer, a second adhesive layer, and an at least partially transparent top layer. The folding card comprises two core parts and two covering parts. The form, in the region of the multi-layer material, has a first punch made from the front which forms the two core parts. The form, in the region of the multi-layer material, has a second punch made from the rear as far as the carrier layer at the most which forms the two covering parts.

Abstract: Methodology and tooling arrangements for increasing interlaminar shear strength in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure are provided. The CMC structure may be formed by a plurality of layers of ceramic fibers disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface of the composite structure. A plurality of surface recesses are formed on the surfaces of the structure. For example, each of the surfaces of the composite structure may be urged against corresponding top and bottom surfaces of a tool having a plurality of asperities. The plurality of surface recesses causes an out-of-plane sub-surface fiber displacement along an entire thickness of the structure, and the sub-surface fiber displacement is arranged to increase an interlaminar shear strength of the structure.

Abstract: Methods for producing cost effective and reliable antennas and circuits for wireless devices are disclosed. The antennas and circuits are formed by applying a conductive layer to one side of a carrier sheet and attaching a second carrier sheet to encapsulate and protect the conductive layer. The combination of the two carrier sheets and the conductive layer are then formed into one or more three-dimensional antenna structures or circuits in a thermoforming process. This technique enables high volume production of antennas and RF circuits in a fast, reliable, and cost-efficient manner that provides for encapsulation of the conductive layer. The plurality of antennas and circuits formed in this fashion may then be separated by a cutting apparatus to obtain individual devices that are ready for integration into myriad communication devices.

Abstract: A contoured composite part is made by assembling a preform charge, including aligning a plurality of plies along a preselected contour. The assembled aligned preform charge is then placed in a forming tool, where the charge is formed and cured.