Abstract: A building or structural panel has a core and outer skins. The core is formed from a stack of layers of building stock such as plywood. Multiple layers of building stock are connected, such as by adhesive at spaced intervals along the lengths thereof to form a stack. The stack is cut into a plurality of strips. Each strip is expanded to form the core. The core comprises a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings. Skins are connected to each side of the core, such as with adhesive, to form the panel. The panel may be cut to size. Anchors or other mounts may be connected to panel.

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 about seven. In addition, the multiple layer filter media further includes a plurality of corrugations.

Abstract: A bottom polyurethane foam slab is adhered to a middle viscoelastic foam slab that, in turn, is adhered to a top polyurethane foam slab to form a laminated foam block that is fed between rollers of a convoluting machine to form a pair of complementary convoluted laminated foam pads having laminated projections with parts of different density.

Abstract: An inventive lamination method for producing laminates from a plurality of layers of laminatable material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing panels, which, at least at one side, include a motif, which is formed by a print, and a relief, may involve matching the print to the relief.

Abstract: A vehicle floor tub is generally designed for attachment to a vehicle floor panel and may have a variety of uses. In one embodiment, the vehicle floor tub may include a sound damping patch applied to the base of the tub for improved vibration or sound damping purposes, thermal insulation, added structural integrity, etc. The vehicle floor tub may include a main panel, a sound damping patch, and an adhesive layer that are formed together from a main blank, a sound damping blank, and an adhesive layer. The sound damping patch may include one or more forming features located near complex stress regions.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer protective film. The method comprises: (a) forming a PU layer comprising an at least partially crosslinked polyurethane, the at least partially crosslinked polyurethane comprising at least one of a polyester-based polyurethane or a polycarbonate-based polyurethane; (b) forming a TPU layer comprising a polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane; (c) forming a PSA layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive; (d) bonding one major surface of the PU layer to one major surface of the TPU layer; and (e) bonding the PSA layer to an opposite major surface of the TPU layer; wherein the TPU layer is sandwiched between the PU layer and the PSA layer. The multilayer film may be used to protect painted surfaces of vehicle body parts.

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: Solid state draw a laminated polymer billet containing two or more polymer compositions laminated to one another to prepare an oriented polymer composition.

Abstract: A magnetic field source is provided comprising a support structure upon which is positioned a conducting surface path of superconductor material. The support structure has an at least partially radially overlapping layer of material arranged in a spiral. A corresponding conducting surface path of superconductor material is arranged on the surface of the support structure such that the conducting path has a first point for the introduction of current and a second point for the extraction of current.

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

Abstract: The waved wood assembly can have a flexible support layer onto the face(s) of which one or more wood sheet layer(s) are adhered by an adhesive. The waved wood product can maintain its waved shape when freestanding. It can exhibit significant elasticity characteristics. It can have very accentuated waves, i.e. waves that span a greater thickness for a given number of waves per unit of dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing composite board, and the said board is glass fiber reinforced magnesium cement board with wood grain. The process comprises two steps of preparing a mold with wood grain and preparing glass fiber reinforced magnesium cement board using the mold. The first step comprises forming film bearing wood grain, copying the wood grain onto mill rolls, and rolling the formwork with the mill rolls. The second step comprises steps of preparing MgCl2 solution, agitating the mixed raw materials to obtain slurry, conveying the molds, scratching the slurry, disposing the raw materials, rolling, separating, shelving, curing, impregnating the board into water to remove free MgCl2, cutting, spraying protecting-paint, and so on. The process can produce the board with three-dimensional appeal, wood grain similar to that of log, and beautiful appearance.

Abstract: The method of producing an electrically insulating thermally conductive sheet of the present invention includes the steps of (I) preparing a plurality of sheet materials consisting essentially of a fluororesin containing polytetrafluoroethylene, thermally conductive inorganic particles, and a forming aid; (II) stacking the plurality of sheet materials on one another and rolling the stacked sheet materials together; and (III) removing the forming aid. In the production method of the present invention, the step (I) and the step (II) may be repeated alternately. The sheet material that can be used in the production method of the present invention is, for example, a base sheet obtained by forming a mixture composed of a fluororesin containing polytetrafluoroethylene, thermally conductive inorganic particles, and a forming aid into a sheet, or a laminated sheet obtained by stacking a plurality of base sheets on one another and rolling them together.

Abstract: A flex-rigid wiring board includes an insulative substrate, a flexible wiring board positioned beside the insulative substrate, and an insulation layer positioned over the insulative substrate and the flexible wiring board and exposing at least a portion of the flexible wiring board. The flexible wiring board has a tapered portion which is made thinner toward the insulative substrate at an end portion of the flexible wiring board positioned beside the insulative substrate.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a device for the production of a component from at least one first layer (1) and a second layer (2) with clamping frame elements (21,22), moving relatively towards each other to fix the layers in a given manner during the forming process outside the form range of the tool and a cutting device (300) arranged on the first clamping frame element, for cutting a projection of the second layer extending between the first and the second tool piece and method for carrying out the cutting process.

Abstract: A method of assembling and shaping a laminate panel. An intermediate member is mounted on a lay-up table and a lay-up is assembling by laying a series of plies onto the intermediate member on the lay-up table. The intermediate member and the lay-up are then removed from the lay-up table and placed them on a shaped surface. The lay-up is then forced against the shaped surface, via the intermediate member, in a manner that modifies the shape of the lay-up to form a shaped laminate panel. Finally the shaped laminate panel is removed from the intermediate member. The lay-up table can thus support the flexible intermediate member during assembly, and can be relatively flat to enable the lay-up to assembled by an automated process.

Abstract: A stacked display (20b) comprises superposed regions for changing between a reflective color state (R, G, B) and a transparent state, which regions form part of a˜bended substrate (20). The substrate (20) may comprise a sequence of portions (1-6) which forms regions having pre-defined color. Each portion (1-6) is electrically connected to a further portion in the sequence by interconnect regions (b?, c?, d?) which form an oversized loop between the regions (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) when the substrate (20) is bent. The regions (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) are filled with a suitable optoelectronic color material (R, G, B).

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is provided. The photovoltaic module comprises a first solar cell in an electrical series connection with a second solar cell. The first and second solar cells each have an first edge portion, a center portion, and a second edge portion. The photovoltaic module also comprises a flexible diode assembly having an anode side, a first diode, and a cathode side. The flexible diode assembly is in an electrical parallel connection with the first solar cell and positioned so that the cathode side, the diode, and a portion of the anode side are within an edge portion of the first solar cell. The portion of the anode side that is outside of the edge portion of the first solar cell is disposed for electrical connection with the second solar cell. A method of making a flexible photovoltaic module using a flexible diode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A closure tab is provided and includes a first substrate. A second substrate is adhesively attached to the first substrate. The second substrate has mechanical closure material formed thereon. A compression bond pattern is applied to the first substrate and the second substrate. The compression bond pattern includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion. The compression bond pattern may include, for example, circular bond points, stripes, or a decorative element. A method is also provided wherein the second substrate is compressed onto the first substrate by a patterned roller. The second substrate may be compressed onto the first substrate by a plurality of pins spaced in alternating offset rows.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with waist seals are disclosed. The seals are formed from folded stacks, discrete segments, or pleated material arranged to provide a resiliently compressible seal that can be located at one or more locations within the absorbent article, e.g., along a central portion of the rear waist region of a diaper. The seals may be constructed from relatively thin materials that (through folding, stacking, pleating, etc.) can provide a resiliently compressible seal that is thick enough and appropriately shaped to conform to the wearer's anatomy well enough to provide the desired sealing. At the same, time, the continuous web material used to form the seal is preferably thin enough to be economically delivered to the manufacturing line in roll form. The seals may be provided in the form of compressed seals that expand when one or more openings are formed in a sealed cavity containing compressed resilient material.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high specific gravity light reflecting chips capable of exhibiting a depth feeling and glittering, and a method for producing the chips and an artificial marble comprising the chips. The high specific gravity light reflecting chips for an artificial marble consists of a high specific gravity layer, a low specific gravity layer, and a light reflecting layer comprising a light reflective material laminated in this order from the top. Disclosed also are an artificial marble comprising light reflecting transparent chips composed of transparent materials and light reflective materials, and a method producing the artificial marble. The artificial marble comprises light reflecting transparent chips consisting of a transparent layer to be exposed to the outside from the surface of the artificial marble, and a light reflecting layer laminated under thereof.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate aesthetically pleasing decorative architectural resin panels having a thin or brittle veneer layer, such as thinly sliced natural wood or stone. In particular, at least one implementation includes a flat or curved decorative resin panel made with a natural wood veneer layer whose structural integrity has been maintained despite being subject to various heats and pressures. The resulting resin panel is at least partially translucent, and allows for a unique display both of the resin sheets used to form the panel and of the thin wood materials encapsulated therein. Additional implementations relate to the use of other brittle veneer layers, such as translucent stone, translucent metals, or the like, which also provide unique, decorative architectural, aesthetic features.

Abstract: A multi-functional stack of flexible sheet material containing a plurality of flexible sheets printed with sequential images and stacked with high peel adhesion along alternate opposite edges. The stack functions like a recreational accordion-like toy and animation flip pad.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a composite material comprising an array of piezoelectric fibres, the method comprising: (a) providing: (a1) a plurality of first strips comprising a piezoelectric material or a precursor to a piezoelectric material, and a first carrier, and (a2) a plurality of second strips comprising a decomposable material, and a second carrier; (b) placing said pluralities of said first and second strips alternately on top of one another to form a stack in which at least a portion of said first strips is separated from adjacent first strips by a second strip; (c) a heating step comprising heating said stack to remove said first and second carriers and said decomposable material; (d) impregnating said stack with a filler material to form a composite stack of piezoelectric strips; and (e) cutting said stack to form a composite material comprising an array of piezoelectric fibres. In an alternative method the cutting (e) is performed before the heating step (c).

Abstract: Procedure for manufacturing a multilayer composite material for decorative objects and multilayer composite material obtained by this procedure. The procedure comprises the following steps, namely, placing a first decorative sheet (1) of flexible material on a work surface, applying a first layer of adhesive material (2) on the facing surface of the first decorative sheet (1), placing a structural sheet (3) of malleable semirigid material on the first layer of adhesive material (2), applying a second layer of adhesive material (4) on the facing surface of the layer of moldable semirigid material (3), placing a second decorative sheet (5) of flexible material on the second layer of adhesive material (4) and exerting even pressure on the surface of the sheets for a tight joining together. The composite material comprises a first (1) decorative sheet of flexible material, a structural sheet (3) of malleable semirigid material and a second (5) decorative sheet of flexible material.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer protective film. The method comprises: (a) forming a PU layer comprising an at least partially crosslinked polyurethane, the at least partially crosslinked polyurethane comprising at least one of a polyester-based polyurethane or a polycarbonate-based polyurethane; (b) forming a TPU layer comprising a polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane; (c) forming a PSA layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive; (d) bonding one major surface of the PU layer to one major surface of the TPU layer; and (e) bonding the PSA layer to an opposite major surface of the TPU layer; wherein the TPU layer is sandwiched between the PU layer and the PSA layer. The multilayer film may be used to protect painted surfaces of vehicle body parts.

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

Abstract: A method and a tool component for forming in an article of fiber-reinforced composite material at least one locally placed, sharply curved portion. A separate, substantially rigid pressure-transferring element configured with a profile corresponding to the at least one curved portion is placed over the laminate at the location of the at least one locally placed, sharply curved portion of the mold surface. A flexible membrane placed over the laminate and over outer, separated surfaces of the pressure-transferring element is evacuated to depress the laminate to fully conform to the shape of the mold surface.

Abstract: The method comprises fabricating a layer stack on a substrate, the layer stack comprising at least two electrically conducting layers and at least one electrically insulating layer arranged between the two electrically conducting layers, and displacing a first portion of the layer stack away from its original position, the first portion comprising an edge portion of the layer stack, and bending the first portion back towards a second portion of the layer stack. The bending may comprise a rolling-up of the first portion of the layer stack.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a composite structure for epitaxy, including at least one crystalline growth seed layer of semiconductor material on a support substrate, with the support substrate and the crystalline growth seed layer each having, on the periphery of their bonding face, a chamfer or an edge rounding zone. The process includes at least one step of wafer bonding the crystalline growth seed layer directly onto the support substrate and at least one step of thinning the crystalline growth seed layer. After thinning, the crystalline growth seed layer has a diameter identical to its initial diameter.

Abstract: A method of making films surface imprinted with nanometer-sized particles to produce micro- and/or nano-structured electron and hole collecting interfaces, include providing at least one transparent substrate, providing at least one photoabsorbing conjugated polymer, providing a sufficient amount of nanometer-sized particles to produce a charge separation interface, providing at least one transparent polymerizable layer, embedding the nanometer-sized particles in the conjugated polymer, applying the polymerizable layer and the conjugated polymer/nanometer-sized particle mixture on separate substrates where the nanometer-sized particles form a stamp surface, imprinting the stamp surface into the surface of the polymerizable film layer to produce micro- and/or nano-structured electron and hole collecting interfaces, polymerizing the polymerizable film layer to form a conformal gap, and filling the gap with at least one photoabsorbing material to promote the generation of photoexcited electrons and transport to

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of forming a seal device. The method includes forming a laminate construction including a flexible material layer and a rigid material layer, patterning the rigid material layer after forming the laminate construction, and shape forming the laminate construction into the seal device.

Abstract: A cushion forming apparatus includes a frame with a pivoted hold down member and a pneumatic bladder below the hold down member. The bladder is alternately connectable with a source of pressure and to atmosphere through control valve. The components of a cushion sub-assembly are loaded onto the deflated bladder, the hold down member is lowered to the locked position, the bladder is inflated to force a cover around foam blocks and adjacent a base, the cover is attached to the side edges of the base, the bladder is deflated, the hold down member released and the assembled structure removed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a board for gliding over snow comprises producing a decorative and protective exterior assembly with at least one additional piece. At least one opening is made in the exterior assembly. The additional piece or pieces are placed on an outer surface of the exterior assembly, each piece having at least one through-fixing zone, passing through the opening or openings. The through-fixing zone or zones penetrate an inner structure of the board and constitutes one or more securing means for the piece or pieces.

Abstract: A method of making a composite intermediate layer by forming a resilient three dimensional apertured formed film; forming a nonwoven web of fibers; joining the nonwoven web with the apertured formed film; and aperturing the joined nonwoven web and formed film to create large scale apertures in the joined nonwoven web and formed film.

Abstract: A method of laminating and forming a non-planar composite part from a pair of metal skins having an intervening paper layer in a single operation maintains a uniform pressure between die faces. The paper layer may be degassed prior to the lamination/forming process.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuator comprises making a piezoelectric fiber sheet by providing a plurality of wafers of piezoelectric material, bonding the wafers together with an adhesive material to form a stack of alternating layers of piezoelectric material and adhesive material, and cutting through the stack in a direction substantially parallel to the thickness of the stack and across the alternating layers of piezoelectric material and adhesive material to provide at least one piezoelectric fiber sheet having two sides comprising a plurality of piezoelectric fibers in juxtaposition to the adhesive material. The method further comprises bonding two electrically conductive films to the two sides of the piezoelectric fiber sheet. At least one conductive film has first and second conductive patterns formed thereon which are electrically isolated from one another and in electrical contact with the piezoelectric fiber sheet.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite article is disclosed that involves providing a press having first and second platens, a cellulosic fiber substrate having a first thickness, and a layer of material such as a wood veneer, foil, or non-creped paper, where the layer of material has a thickness less than the thickness of the cellulosic fiber substrate. A layer of bonding material is placed onto the cellulosic fiber substrate or the layer of material, and the layer of material is placed onto the cellulosic fiber substrate so that the bonding material is between the layer of material and the cellulosic fiber substrate.

Abstract: A skateboard deck and a method of manufacturing a skateboard deck is provided without requiring the use of industrial-grade machinery. Precut layers of veneer or other suitable material are coated with adhesive and stacked on a one-sided, negative-contoured mold and placed in a flexible-walled, airtight container from which the air is evacuated, so as to place pressure on the container and force the layers to conform to the contours of the mold. The air evacuation may be accomplished by means of a hand operated, non-electric vacuum pump.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow section grid-stiffened panel comprises providing a tool (10) having a surface (12). The stiffened skin composite panel is preassembled comprising laminating a composite outer skin (14) on the surface, placing a separator outer layer (16) on the composite outer skin (14), and laminating a composite stiffener (20) on the mandrel (18), the mandrel being positioned on the separator layer (16), wherein the separator layer (16) separates the stiffener (20) and the mandrel (18) from the outer composite skin (14). The preassembled outer skin composite panel is cured on the tool. The separator layer (16) and mandrel (18) are removed from the preassembled stiffened skin composite panel. The stiffened skin composite panel is reassembled, comprising applying an adhesive between the composite outer skin (14) and the composite stiffener (20). The reassembled stiffener skin composite panel is cured on the tool to bond the stiffener skin to the outer skin.

Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic stack is provided, including the steps of providing at least a first ceramic green sheet to be formed into a long ceramic plate and having a principal surface, providing at least a second ceramic green sheet to be formed into a short ceramic plate and having a length that is less than a length of the principal surface of the first ceramic green sheet, and laminating the second ceramic green sheet to the principal surface of the first ceramic green sheet to form a ceramic green sheet laminate having a lamination border defined between at least a side surface of the second ceramic green sheet and the principal surface of the first ceramic green sheet. The method also includes the steps of forming a member having a curved surface at the lamination border by applying a paste to the lamination border such that the curved surface includes at least one inflection point when viewed in cross-section, and sintering the laminate into an integral unit to form the ceramic stack.

Abstract: Cover pads for use on upright walls, wherein the pad provides an improved internal support which is of simplified construction, for example the center support and the surrounding frame being made of a one-piece monolithic support structure which permits a flexible covering or fabric to be attached to the center support and the exterior side surfaces of the edge frame while the fabric and support structure are in a flat and planar condition, following which the edge frame is folded and secured into position around the center support. The internal support structure for the pad, when in a flat condition, has voids at the corners so that the fabric can be easily tucked into the corners prior to the edge frame being folded into its closing or frame-defining position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite frame for a side gusset of a bag. The composite frame has a peripheral raised region and a depressed central region. The composite frame is made up of a moldable substrate, e.g. ethyl vinyl acetate foam, an outer layer of wear-resistant material, e.g., high-denier nylon, or poly/nylon combination, and, preferably, an inner adherent layer, e.g., the loop half of a hook-and-loop fabric. During the manufacturing process, a flat sheet of substrate is covered on one side by the wear-resistant material and, preferably, on the other side by the adherent layer. Incisions are cut through a central region of the substrate-adhered materials composite. The composite is then molded to provide the peripheral raised region and the depressed central region, with the raised surface being covered by the wear-resistant material.

Abstract: Paper webs are wound up or supplied to units of a rotary printing press, such as a longitudinal fold former. Flexible endless or open ended traction devices are used. Paper webs are secured to the traction devices in a positive manner. The paper webs or their starting ends can be secured together only for purposes of being fed through the longitudinal fold former.

Abstract: A method for producing an intermediate product made of a fiber-reinforced composite composed of a reinforcing fiber impregnated with a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, comprising: (a) the first process where a plurality of sheets made of the fiber-reinforced composite are laminated to each other, heated under a pressure, and cooled under a pressure to provide a flat plate-shaped laminate; (b) the second process where the flat plate-shaped laminate is cut into a plate; and (c) the third process where the plate is softened by heating, placed on a forming tool, and formed by cooling under a pressure.

Abstract: The process in accordance with the invention for producing a three-dimensional surface structure in a paper poster or paper photograph is used especially for the plastic reproduction of paintings. A paper poster or paper photograph is thereby placed face down onto a structured matrix and fixed, the paper poster or paper photograph being equal in size to or smaller than the matrix. A canvas is then adhered onto the back surface of the poster or photograph and the resulting stack of layers cold pressed. After the pressing, the structured laminate of paper poster or paper photograph and adhered canvas is then removed from the matrix, mounted under tension onto a frame, and sealed. In the preferred embodiment, the matrix is an imprint of the original painting and the paper poster is a print of the original painting in the original size.

Abstract: A presently-preferred process for bending a workpiece includes placing a first portion of the workpiece on a substantially flat surface so that a second portion of the workpiece overhangs an edge of the substantially flat surface, and securing the first portion of the workpiece on the substantially flat surface by clamping the workpiece between the substantially flat surface and a substantially v-shaped end portion of a male die. The presently-preferred process also includes causing the second portion of the workpiece to pivot around a tip of the substantially v-shaped end portion by rotating a bending die around the tip while the bending die contacts the second portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: The female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the “entanglement” zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the spacing zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone. The present invention also provides a fastening device having a hook fastening component and a female component that comprises the multi-layer female component of the present invention. The present invention also relates to disposable articles and more particularly to a disposable diaper having such an improved fastening device.