Abstract: An apparatus and related method for manufacturing a full-fashioned glove from similar or dissimilar polymeric material includes a controller that actuates various components in the apparatus, a thumb mold that forms a thumb portion from two layers of a first material and a hand mold which forms a plurality of fingers and a cuff from the first material and a second material. Both the thumb mold and hand mold have appropriate cavities with apertures therethrough wherein a vacuum source, actuated by the controller, draws the appropriate material toward the surface of the mold prior to closure thereof. Upon closure of the molds, a fusing element is energized by the controller and the materials are fused to one another to form the appropriate portion of the full-fashioned glove. After the glove is removed from the remaining materials, it can be employed in various types of manufacturing industries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilizer block for stabilizing the position of a lamination book when being compressed between the platens of a lamination press. The stabilizer block includes a slide member that is slidably positioned within an outer housing so that the height of the stabilizer block reduces in response to pressure. A plurality of magnets are positioned within the stabilizer block to secure the stabilizer block to a carrier tray. In use, one or more stabilizer blocks are positioned around the periphery of the lamination book to act as walls that prevent the layers in the lamination book from undesirably moving when the lamination book is being pressed.

Abstract: A method for making a vehicle trim panel includes bonding an interior lining material to a preformable foam sheet and preforming the bonded lining material and foam sheet to provide a preformed blank, and joining the preformed blank to a second lining material and bonding both the preformed blank and the second lining material to a substrate to make the vehicle trim panel.

Abstract: A laminating machine has an upper platen which is laterally rigid but transversely flexible. The upper platen is adjacent to a lower platen. Two sheets of material to be laminated together to form a laminated structure, such as a membrane switch, are held respectively on the upper and lower platens. A press roller is mounted behind the upper platen. The press roller is connected to an actuator that can sweep the press roller across the back face of the upper platen. The laminating cycle includes moving the upper platen so that it makes a shallow angle with the lower platen and advancing the press roller to flex the lower platen. The press roller is then advanced to compress the upper platen against the lower platen along a narrow nip which sweeps across the face of the lower platen. The machine avoids entrapment of air between the sheets which is a problem in prior laminating machines.

Abstract: An in-line system for fabricating a double sided compact discs by bonding together an information bearing surface and another surface, has a prestressing station with means for deforming at least one of the surfaces in such away as to not disturb any of the data. It employs an adjustable spacer for maintaining an adjustable separation between symmetrical arcuate portions of the outer circumference of the information bearing surfaces in the bonding station. This adjustable spacer comprises two spacer arms that comprise wedge shaped portions for entry between the edges of said discs and maintaining a displacement of at least the outermost edges of said discs. There is also disc displacement means for bringing together the two information bearing surfaces by displacement of at least one of said information bearing surfaces orthogonal to the plane of the surfaces.

Abstract: A plastic laminated structural board is provided for use in a variety of applications such as furniture fabrication. The plastic laminated structural board utilizes a composite structure which includes a polymer layer adhered to an underlying paperboard core. The polymer layer masks surface imperfections in the underlying paperboard core, and the polymer layer is substantially free from imperfections and provides a strong and smooth surface for receiving a decorative paper layer. A polymer layer may by adhered to both sides of the paperboard core. Both sides of the composite structure may be finished with a decorative paper layer. The polymer layer may be impregnated with filler material to provide bonding sites and moisture permeability sites in the polymer layer.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a composite from a pair of parts via suspension lamination is disclosed. The device bonds members with opposed mating surfaces and has a base and a vertical column mounted on the base. The vertical column supports a vertical cylinder. A vertically adjustable head assembly for holding an upper part is located at the lower end of the vertical cylinder and is operatively connected to a drive motor at the upper end of the vertical cylinder. A vacuum generator generates a negative pressure to hold the upper part on the head assembly. A nest member is located below and coaxially with the head assembly for supporting a lower part. The upper and lower parts are optionally laterally aligned via an alignment means and a curing medium is provided to the aligned parts to cure an adhesive composition which is spread over the opposed mating surfaces of the parts to form a composite of the parts. Curing occurs while the lower part is suspended from the upper part via surface tension.

Abstract: A covering is produced by placing a green web including an air-containing fabric layer having a first thickness and a surface layer in a mold having a predetermined shape, and compressing the green web into the predetermined shape such that the air-containing fabric layer and the surface layer unite to each other while the air-containing fabric layer reduces to a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. The resulting compressed green web has a solidity that holds the predetermined shape.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention enables the lamination of a plurality of planar and non-planar objects in a lamination apparatus where multiple frames per platen and multiple platens per cycle are used. With the preferred embodiment, lamination of multiple products of various thicknesses is achieved, while simultaneously maintaining the pressure uniformity across all stacks. The result is achieved by using a height equalizing lamination punch head, control logic and verification devices.

Abstract: A decorative laminate surface layer composition is prepared by selectively applying dissimilar thermoset or thermoplastic polymers to a decorative laminate facing sheet to achieve a brillant visual or pearlescent appearance.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a stack the manufacture of which involves pressing/clamping and curing where improved productivity is imparted to that system by improving upon a stack transfer system. The manufacturing system comprises a press machine 1 for pressing/clamping a stack and for unclamping the stack; a curing chamber 20 for curing the stack pressed/clamped; and first and second transfer device connecting said press machine and the curing chamber, the first transfer device being in charge of a step of transfer of the stack pressed/clamped by means of the press machine therefrom to the curing chamber, the second transfer device being in charge of a step to transfer of the stack cured in the curing chamber therefrom to the press machine. A waiting station may be provided between the press machine 1 and the curing chamber 20 to put a cured stack on standby at the waiting station and then deliver the cured stack to the press machine.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention enables the lamination of a plurality of planar and non-planar objects in a lamination apparatus where multiple frames per platen and multiple platens per cycle are used. With the preferred embodiment, lamination of multiple products of various thicknesses is achieved, while simultaneously maintaining the pressure uniformity across all stacks. The result is achieved by using a height equalizing lamination punch head, control logic and verification devices.

Abstract: Continuous process for manufacturing, in a cold press (11), plastic laminates with copper laminae and intermediate layers of prepreg, by multicomposition bands (78, 98,118) with copper laminae (62, 63, 82, 83, 103, 103) and bands (73-75, 93-95, 113-115) of prepreg continuously fed in from reels (60, 61, 70-72) which, placed one upon another, pass through the press (11),endothermic heating being provided by circulating electric current in the fractions of copper laminae (62, 63, 82, 83, 102, 103) which remain pressed in the press (11) during cyclic closing stages.

Abstract: It consists of continuous production of a woven or unwoven piece of textile fibers, to whose piece a layer that is going to be the middle one is affixed on the back surface. It is thick enough to offer resistance to the passing of a thermostable material that will be finally affixed to the same, wherein it will remain imbedded. The textile compound formed of the two layers referred to first of all, the second layer being an unwover layer, is subjected to a hot pre-forming process. Then it is inserted in a mold in which the thermostable material formed by a polyester-fiber glass mass is placed, hot pressing the whole and obtaining a rigid and resistance sheet-like body, whose visible surface is covered with the layer of textile compound that is highly resistant to vandalism.

Abstract: A workpiece comprising an aggregation body of platelike articles, sheet-like whose fibers have been opened by rolling, stick-like articles formed by finely tearing them from a single plate, flake-like articles, strand-like articles or the like is inserted between an upper heat plate 12 and a lower heat plate 13 of a heating press apparatus 10. A spacer 14 for surrounding the workpiece and determining the final thickness of the product is arranged on one or both of the heat plates before or after the insertion of the workpiece 11. The workpiece is compressed by the upper heat plate 12 and the lower heat plate 13 to thereby form an air tight compartment made of the upper heat plate 12, the lower the plate 13 and the spacer 14, and containing the workpiece. The air tight compartment is decompressed by vacuum for a predetermined period, then steam or heated gas is jetted onto the workpiece in the compressed air tight compartment.

Abstract: A working process for producing pockets at the ends of slats of a slat web made of a flexible material and to a device for carrying out this process. The essential feature is the arrangement of a feeding device, by means of which the section of a web-like welding flux needed for a welding process can be inserted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the slat from the side into the partially open slat pocket, and the welding flux is fed at a linear distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for forming cavities in semiconductor substrates without the necessity of using an insert. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus and a method for fabricating cavities in semiconductor substrates wherein a cured thick compressible elastic pad is placed over the cavity prior to lamination and caused to conform to the contour of the cavity, thus preventing collapse of, or damage to, the cavity shelves or corners during the lamination process. After the lamination process, the cured thick compressible elastic pad is conveniently removed from the cavity area without causing any damage to the cavity shelves or corners or having any paste pull-outs. This pad can be reused multiple number of times to form these MLC cavity substrates.

Abstract: A method for forming a sensor includes providing a first and a second film and bonding an internal connection tab therebetween. The internal connection tab is positioned between the inner surfaces of the first and second films. Then a conductive adhesive is applied to either the tab or to the inner film surfaces such that the inner surfaces of the films and the tab are electrically connected. Finally, the films are pressed together to bond the films together with the internal connection tab inbetween.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a filter holder having a sealing surface and method of making a filter. The filter being made of a folded material of manufacture having a circumferential sealing rim and having a spacer to keep open the folded areas. The spaced being formed by at least one cover layer folded with the filter. The sealing rim being formed to be received in the sealing surface and with the folds formed by at least one cover layer and the filter material both along and transverse to the folds around the circumference of the at least one cover layer and filter material being pressed into said sealing rim at a temperature above the softening temperature of at least a thermoplastic resin provided in at least one of the layers of the cover and filter material.

Abstract: A handrail with or without a wedge for escalators and speedwalks involves a number of permanently connected molded layers wherein the lower outer layer of the handrail, in part, constitutes a slide layer and, in part, constitutes a conveyor layer, an inner layer having increased longitudinal strength constitutes a traction carrier, and the upper outer layer constitutes an uppermost elastic coating of said handrail, wherein said lower outer layer has at least two symmetrically arranged longitudinal grooves whose spacing is somewhat larger than the width of said inner layer having increased longitudinal strength. The tractor carrier of the handrail is always accurately centered so that it does not tend to lateral movement.

Abstract: Press-type apparatus for thermally bonding thermoplastic sheet material workpieces is provided with a pair of opposed platen assemblies which each include an inflatable set of compliant diaphragm members, a pair of opposed heat sources which may be brought into and retracted from contact with the diaphragm members, and a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the diaphragm sets and for cooling the heated workpieces. The method for operating the press-type apparatus basically involves both heating and cooling the assembled workpieces while they are simultaneously being retained in a condition of being clamped by the inflatable sets of the diaphragm members.

Abstract: A method for decorating a composite fiber/resin ski pole, by applying a pre-printed transfer sheet of sublimation ink graphics in a conforming fit around the resin surface of the shaft, heating the transfer sheet to transfer the graphics from the sheet to the surface of the ski pole shaft, and subsequently removing the decorated shaft. In a preferred form, the transfer sheet is a sleeve having a pole-receiving slot whose inner surface contains the sublimation ink graphics and which conforms to the surface of the ski pole shaft when the shaft is inserted in the slot. In a most preferred form the sleeve defines multiple slots so that multiple poles can be inserted and simultaneously decorated by placing the sleeve in a suitable heating die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a carpeted vehicle interior panel. A rigid backing having a carpeted surface and a mating surface is molded such that the backing mating surface is 3-dimensional and self-supporting after molding. The backing is overlaid atop the panel with the mating surface juxtaposed a mating surface of the panel. The backing is secured to the panel by linear welding.

Abstract: In the process for making plastic laminates a stack of prepreg bodies is provided with electrically insulated rigid flattening sheets between each pair of adjacent prepreg bodies. Two continuous metal bands are passed in a serpentine manner back and forth through the stack from one side to the other, while being spaced from each other, so that each metal band contacts only one side surface of each prepreg body and the bends formed in each of the two metal bands are distributed on opposite sides of the stack. After the stack is formed with the metal bands passing through it, an electric current is passed through both metal bands from one end of each band to its opposite end to heat the two metal bands and thus the prepreg bodies and pressure is applied to the stack. After heating and pressing the stack, the two metal bands are cut through at the bends to form the plastic laminates.

Abstract: A thin film membrane formed to a predetermined shape is produced by bending the membrane to create a loop and softening the membrane that makes up the loop with either thermal energy or a swelling solvent. The softened loop is then drawn between plates or about a mandrel to form a membrane with a predetermined fold radius. The fold region produced by the method of the instant invention does not require an adhesive sealant to prevent unfiltered liquid from diffusing through the membrane. The method is especially well suited for preparing membranes for use in the production of spiral wound filters.

Abstract: Decorated panels for automobile interiors, including method, apparatus and a manufacture of a formed decorative panel insert assembly with down turned edge and the decorative panel insert assembly attached to mounting panel stock by embedment of the down turned edge in a groove in the mounting panel stock and pimple protrusions and projecting flange edge coined into the groove sidewall of the mounting panel stock.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the design of backing dies utilized with front, decorative embossing dies for the simultaneous production and embossing of wood composite panels. The methods apply where more than one decorative pattern is embossed onto the wood composite panels during a single press cycle. The cross-sectional area or volume of the panels impressed with each different decorative pattern forms the basis for the methods of the design. Included are methods of forming wood composite panels using dies made according to the disclosed die design methods.

Abstract: A simple combination of conventional operations uses a twin press configuration of tandem stationary, vertically acting heating and cooling platen presses in separate frames of a laminating machine which is loaded by rollingly transferring a book into the heating press in either of two loading-paths. One is at right angles to the path in which the book is to be processed ("process-path") so as to avoid using an entrance station. The other uses an entrance station which provides a loading-path parallel to the processing path through daylight openings ("daylights") in the presses, so as to support each book on the edge-conveyor means while it is stationary and coplanar with the loading-path. The system operates with a minimum cycle time based on the physical properties of the sheets to be laminated.

Abstract: A simple combination of conventional operations uses a twin press configuration of tandem stationary, vertically acting heating and cooling platen presses in separate frames which share a fixed, hybrid bottom platen in a laminating machine. The machine therefore has aligned daylight openings ("daylights"). A set of sheets to be laminated is sandwiched between cover plates of a book which is loaded by rollingly transferring it with an edge-conveyor means, into the heating press. The path in which the book is processed ("process-path") starts at an entrance station and progresses linearly through the daylights. The system operates with a minimum cycle time based on the physical properties of the sheets to be laminated. Successive books may be loaded, in a machine using only two single daylight openings; or, in ganged single daylights; depending upon the capacity per unit time sought. A novel quick-locking carrier is provided in which a sandwich to be laminated is held.

Abstract: A process for forming decorative panels for automobile interiors uses a compression press, a grooved stationary platen die and a movable platen die with a metal blade edging mounted thereon. The blade edging has a peripheral shape matching the outer wall of the groove in the stationary platen die section, and the contour of the movable platen die matches the contour of the stationary die and a formed decorative panel having a downturned edge of the same peripheral shape as the groove and blade. This downturned edge becomes embedded in a sheet of mounting panel stock upon closing of the compression press.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to foil laminated tabletops and to methods for their manufacture. Tabletops according to the present invention can be laminated over their entire upper and side surfaces with a continuous sheet of thin foil, the foil typically comprising a plastic material. The foil layer ends at an angular lower edge where the side surface intersects the lower surface of the tabletop. By providing an angle preferably greater than about 120.degree. about the lower edge, the lower edge of the tabletop preferably does not feel sharp and the edge of the foil is at least partially hidden from view. The present invention also provides foil laminated tabletops having an upper surface provided with functional retaining recesses for retaining items on the tabletop.

Abstract: An upholstering apparatus is provided including a frame, a work-supporting plate operably mounted on the frame including a nest configured to support a sheet of upholstery material, especially fabric, and a substrate. A clamp on the frame is configured to rubbingly press the substrate against the upholstering material. In a first embodiment, a plurality of edge fold assemblies are located around the nest, each including a first subassembly having an edge fold blade operably attached to the work-supporting plate, and a second subassembly operably attached to the clamp for engaging the edge fold blade.

Abstract: A method of making an interior panel of an automotive vehicle door having an exterior surface which is to face toward the interior of the automotive vehicle when installed therein which comprises the steps of forming a bolster laminate including a textile outer layer, a flexible imperforate layer and an inner surface layer of a material which becomes tacky when heated, mounting the bolster laminate in a vacuum mold part, heating a sheet of predetermined material content presenting a vinyl surface, vacuum forming the heated sheet in the vacuum mold part so that the vinyl surface bondingly interengages the tacky material of the film inner layer of the bolster laminate, molding material between the vacuum mold part with the bolster laminate and the sheet therein and a cooperating opposed mold part to form an integrally molded panel having a content between an exterior bolster and vinyl surface and an opposed surface which includes a relatively hard substrate defining the opposed surface, a layer of sheet vinyl p

Abstract: A method for fabricating plastic interior trim components having an insert with openings therein joined to a composite member including a shell and a foam layer, the method including die punching a hole through the shell and foam layer and die punching an edge extension on the shell to a predetermined parametric form; providing a press that is operable to compress a part therebetween and including a first platen and a second platen moveable between opened and closed positions with respect to one another; providing an insert having an opening; supporting the insert on one of said first and second platens and applying adhesive on a surface of the insert; loading the composite member on the other of said first and second platens so that the foam layer thereof is facing the adhesive sprayed insert inboard of the die cut edge extension; closing the press to compress the adhesive sprayed surface against the foam layer of the composite member for adhering the insert only to the foam layer without leakage of foam thr

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) product having a label that includes information pertaining to the type of material of the product for recycling purposes. The label is covered on its back surface side with a transparent surface mat. The product is formed by coating a surface of a mold with a gel coating to become an outer surface through a mold release agent, laying a glass mat of unsaturated polyester resin-impregnated reinforced fiber on the gel coating, further laying a glass mat of the same material and applying pressure of a roller or a brush on the gel coating, laying a label with printed material for indicating the material at an arbitrary position on one of the glass mats, laying, for example, a transparent surface mat of unsaturated polyester resin-impregnated glass fiber by pressure of a presser such as a roller or a brush or the like on the label, and consolidating each of the components to form the final product.

Abstract: A method of making a composite board comprising (a) applying a layer of a first composition comprising a thermosetting resin and a catalyst therefor to the surface of a mould; (b) allowing the thermosetting resin to polymerize; (c) applying a layer of a connecting composition comprising an adhesive or a second composition of thermosetting resin and catalyst to the layer (a); and (d) placing a structure comprising one or more laminae on the connecting composition, each lamina comprising first and second sheets of material fibre material and a corrugated sheet or a cellular core of natural fibre material sandwiched between the first and second sheets, the lamina being impregnated with thermosetting resin, extender and catalyst; the thermosetting resin being polymerized on the layer of step (c); (e) allowing the connecting composition to set and removing the composite board from the mould.

Abstract: A method of forming a lightweight, contoured, structurally stable, self-supporting laminate comprises laying down, in succession, a finish lamina, a first heat activated adhesive, a first thermoformable scrim lamina, a second heat activated adhesive, a high density polymeric foam lamina, a third heat activated adhesive, and a second thermoformable scrim lamina thereby forming an unbonded laminate. This unbonded laminate is then uniformly heated in an oven to a temperature sufficient to make the adhesives bondable thereby forming a heated, substantially unbonded laminate. This heated, substantially unbonded laminate is then quickly transferred to a contoured die press and permanently bonded and formed, under pressure. The laminate is permanently bonded utilizing the residual heat in the laminate to form a contoured, structurally stable, self-supporting, impact resistant laminate.

Abstract: A method of joining end portions of a weatherstrip consists of introducing the end portions to openings in a mold such that a seal portion of the weatherstrip is compressed substantially to the shape of a seal lip of the seal portion. The end portions are separated in the mold by a predetermined gap and a rubber material is injected into the gap for mutually bonding the end portions of the weatherstrip. Such a method of joining allows the weatherstrip to be installed on complexly shaped openings with no degradation of sealing characteristics over the perimeter covered by the weatherstrip. A molding apparatus for joining said end portions includes a clamping member for assuring correct positioning of a sealing edge of the weatherstrip.

Abstract: A play ball has visually distinctive colored patches distributed over its exterior. Portions of the ball exterior may be uncovered with patches, and have a color distinct from the color of patches. Regions of different tactile patterns are impressed on the ball, and these regions may match all or parts of differently colored patches. A method of making a game ball with patches on its exterior is provided.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a movable window pane which is raisable or lowerable in a vehicle window opening includes a one-piece, closed-loop construction which is formed from two molded sealing elements secured together to form a sealing member adapted to be secured along the periphery of a window opening and to provide continuous sealing engagement with the interior and exterior periphery of the movable window pane. The one-piece seal assembly replaces a plurality of individual sealing components which are conventionally used to provide the weather seal between a vehicle window opening and a movable window pane which slides up or down to open or close the window opening.

Abstract: A flexible fluoroplastic laminate comprising a plurality of unsintered oriented PTFE films laminated under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. At least one of the films has its direction of orientation disposed angularly with respect to that of at least one other of the films. The films retain their orientation following lamination.

Abstract: Decorative panel for automobile interiors including method and apparatus of a compression press, and a groove in stationary platen die and a movable platen die with a metal blade edging mounted therein, and the blade edging having a perimeter matching the outer wall of the groove in the stationary platen die section, and the contour of the movable platen die to match the contour of the stationary die and a formed decorative panel with down turned edges of the same perimeter as the groove imbedded in mounting panel stock on closing of the compression press.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure which includes upper and lower skin structures, first and second honeycomb core structures, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second honeycomb core structures. The intermediate portion comprises a composite laminate, a barrier member and a foaming adhesive layer disposed between the composite laminate and the barrier member. The foaming adhesive layer is of a type designed to expand when exposed to an elevated temperature. The composite laminate and the barrier member operate to limit the expansion of the foaming adhesive layer into the open cells of the first and second honeycomb core structures. The foaming adhesive layer, upon expansion, applies pressure against the composite laminate. This pressure, acting concomitantly with the applied curing pressure and the elevated temperature, cures the laminate. Furthermore, the expansion of the foaming adhesive urges the composite laminate and the barrier member apart so as to fill any core discrepancies, i.e.

Abstract: A planar lining part for motor vehicles, and a method of manufacture thereof, such as motor vehicle inside roof linings or the like, comprising a one-ply or multi-ply core layer and two outside layers of natural fiber fleece covering said core layer which are connected to the core layer by respective adhesive layers. The adhesive layers are composed of foamed epoxy resin and the outside layers are composed of loosely woven material.

Abstract: A display and seat cushion for use at arenas, stadiums, and the like, has a generally hand-shaped foam polymer member having a plurality of finger portions thereon and a ductile frame extending through the foam polymer member plurality of finger portions so that the foam finger portions can be shaped as desired. A fabric covering covers the foam polymer member and a glove compartment is formed in the foam polymer member for hand holding the display. The foam polymer member is shaped and sized to act as a stadium cushion as well as a hand-held display having changeable, positionable finger portions.

Abstract: A die assembly for holding a bas-relief military decoration to a ribbon while gluing the two together. The die assembly has mating top and bottom halves, and sandwiches both the ribbon and the decoration therewithin. The decoration is placed in a die which conforms to the front, or visible side, so as to hold the same immovably. The die is held in a recess formed in the bottom half. The ribbon is placed in a slide groove located in the top half. Glue is applied to the exposed rear surface of the decoration. The two halves are then pressed together, and the ribbon and decoration are also pressed together, and united. Precise alignment of the decoration and ribbon, and between die assembly upper and lower halves, is provided by cooperating guides formed in the die assembly. A hole is formed in the top half, to accommodate prongs formed in the decoration. This enables retention of these prongs, rather than requiring bending them back or removing them prior to mounting the decoration.

Abstract: The stretchable and water resistant laminated fabric composition comprises two layers of stretchable fabrics bonded together by a heat activated adhesive comprising a urethane polymer suspended in a toluene containing solvent, in a proportion of about 40% by weight of urethane polymer. Such an adhesive leaves stretchability properties of the fabrics of the layers substantially intact and provides a water resistant bond between said layers.

Abstract: A method for forming a globe map on a rubber basketball having an inner ball base comprising steps of a) providing plural pieces of particularly shaped rubber pieces which can be put together to form a spherical piece, b) printing plural globe map elements, which are respectively corresponding to said rubber pieces and can be gathered together to constitute said globe map, respectively on said rubber pieces, c) respectively adhering said rubber pieces on said inner ball base, d) providing a mold, e) putting said ball base adhered with said rubber pieces in said mold, and f) vulcanizing said rubber pieces adhered to said ball base in said mode for permitting said rubber pieces to be integrally formed. Such method can permit an exquisite and delicate globe map to be printed on a basketball satisfactorily/economically/easily.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for making optical limiters having a graded axial distribution of a reverse saturable absorber compound, such as a buckminsterfullerene, in a host matrix, such as polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate. The process of the invention includes: (a) dissolving the reverse saturable absorber and the host matrix in a suitable solvent to form a solution having a preselected ratio of reverse saturable absorber to host matrix; (b) casting the solution onto a surface to form a film; (c) evaporating the solvent to form a free-standing film; (d) performing steps (a)-(c) for each different desired ratio of reverse saturable absorber to host matrix; (e) stacking the free-standing films in a desired order; and (f) hot-pressing the stack to form the optical limiter having a graded distribution of the reverse saturable absorber in the host matrix. If desired, the stack of films can be placed in a die for hot-pressing. The films can be pre-cut to the shape of the die.

Abstract: A sound dampener for a disk brake assembly comprising a composite of vinyl ester and glass. Preferably, the composite is comprised of a region of woven glass sandwiched between a layer of vinyl ester and another layer of vinyl ester in which random strands of glass are embedded. The composite dampens the vibrations induced by the friction associated with the disk brake assembly to eliminate brake squeal. The composite also has low rates of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion which aid in reducing break squeal.