Abstract: Various embodiments include a continuous manufacturing method for producing a non-reinforced electrochemical cell component for an electrochemical conversion process, the method comprising: forming a web-form from a web-material suspension directly on a surface of a conveyor belt of a conveyor mechanism, wherein the web-material suspension comprises interconnecting entities suspended in a solution, the solution including an organic polymer binding material as a solute and a solvent for the solute, and a pore-forming material; advancing the web-form through a first non-solvent bath, wherein the first non-solvent bath comprises a first non-solvent configured to introduce a phase inversion in the web-form to form a web; detaching the web from the surface of the conveyor belt; advancing the web through a pore-forming bath to form the component; and collecting the component.

Abstract: A hitch step assembly comprises a first shot component injection molded from a first polymer compound with a high flexural modulus and a second shot component injection molded from a second polymer compound having a relatively low Shore D hardness but high elastic compression. A post and a step body core are molded from the first polymer compound. A shell of the step body is molded from the second polymer compound and is overmolded on the step body core. The shell forms a compression zone that provides some protection against rear impacts. The hitch step assembly exhibits satisfactory resistance to torsion around the hitch receiver axis and deflection, even when a width of the step body exceeds 10.7 inches and the weight of a large man is placed on the top surface of the hitch step near its end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite floor and a manufacturing method thereof. The composite floor comprises a coextrusion layer compression moulded by a coextrusion process. The coextrusion layer comprises a first PVC (polyvinyl chloride) equilibrium layer, a WPC (Wood/Plastic Composite) foaming layer, and a second PVC equilibrium layer sequentially arranged from top to bottom. In the composite floor of this invention, the WPC foaming layer is the main material layer, and thus the whole weight of the floor is reduced. The first PVC equilibrium layer and the second PVC equilibrium layer are arranged respectively at two sides of the WPC foaming layer so that the composite floor is more stable in performance. It is more friendly to environment and simple in manufacturing procedure to adopt the coextrusion process for compression moulding because of avoiding bonding using glue.

Abstract: Microporous polymer membranes and related methods of fabrication are provided. An asymmetric microporous membrane embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a thermoplastic polymer substrate defining a plurality of micropores, the thermoplastic polymer including one or more of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP), and a combination thereof; and a polymethylpentene (PMP) polymer skin positioned on the thermoplastic polymer substrate, wherein when the thermoplastic polymer substrate includes PMP, the PMP polymer skin has a crystallinity that differs from a crystallinity of the PMP in the polymer substrate.

Abstract: An asymmetric integrally-skinned flat sheet membrane comprising a miscible blend of an aromatic polyethersulfone (PES) polymer and an aromatic polyimide polymer is used for gas separations such as hydrogen purification, separation of hydrogen and methane and to separate other gases and liquids. UV radiation may be applied to the surface of the membrane for improved properties.

Abstract: A breathable laminate has a liquid-resistant backing film layer having varied vapor permeability that includes breathable thinned localized regions and thicker non-breathable regions, wherein the film layer is co-extensively directly joined with a liquid- and vapor-permeable nonwoven fabric. The breathable laminate can have unidirectional air permeability. The present invention also relates to disposable apparel and absorbent products which incorporate the breathable laminate, and methods of making the breathable laminate.

Abstract: A method of making a decorated extruded profile. An exemplary method includes the steps of extruding the profile, decorating at least one surface of the profile, coating the decorated surface of the profile, embossing the decorated surface of the profile, and cutting the profile into a plurality of profile members having a predetermined length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyolefin composition. The polyolefin composition can be in the form of a multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane comprising a first microporous layer containing 7% or less by mass of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 1×106 or more, and having a structure in which a pore size distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, and a second microporous layer containing 8% or more by mass of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer surface covering (1) comprising a PVC-free support layer (2), a decorative layer (5), a transparent wear layer (4) and a coating layer (3) between said support layer (2) and said decorative layer (5), said coating layer (3) having a thickness of at least 5 ?m and a surface tension equal or higher to the surface tension of the decorative layer.

Abstract: The method for making a reinforced balloon for a balloon catheter involves blending a polymer with a nano composite to form a composite matrix, extruding a parison from the composite matrix, blow molding the parison into a balloon and orienting the nano composite generally axially with respect to the balloon. The balloon formed has a high strength for resisting bursting. The nano composite may be carbon nanotubes, nano-ceramic fibers or a nano clay.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable packaging film providing moisture barrier, sealability, and flex-crack resistance characteristics and is ideal for use in packaging of carbon dioxide respiring food products, such as Swiss cheese, to increase shelf life thereof

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member containing a layer of a siloxyfluorocarbon networked polymer. A method of preparing an intermediate transfer member including mixing a coating solution containing siloxyfluorocarbon precursor materials; applying the coating solution as a sol on a substrate; curing the coating solution on the substrate to form an intermediate transfer member containing a layer of a siloxyfluorocarbon networked polymer. The surface free energy of the intermediate transfer member may be from about 10 mN/m to about 40 mN/m. A method of printing an image to a substrate includes applying an inkjet ink to an intermediate transfer member containing a layer of a siloxyflurocarbon networked polymer; spreading the ink onto the intermediate transfer member; inducing a property change of the ink; and transferring the ink to a substrate.

Abstract: In the process for producing a tread (4) for a vehicle tire: a tread strip made of rubber (4) is extruded; at least one furrow (44) is formed in the tread strip, the tread strip exhibiting material that is contiguous with the furrow; at least one string (8) is supplied from a coil; the string is inserted into the one furrow or each furrow; and the furrow is reclosed over the string using material of the tread strip that is contiguous with the furrow.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrodeionization device comprising providing in a sequential arrangement: an anode, membrane cell assembly, cathode; wherein the membrane cell assembly comprises at least one sequential arrangement of: a cation exchange membrane, concentrating chamber, anion exchange membrane, diluting chamber, cation exchange membrane, concentrating chamber and anion exchange membrane. The method includes locating an ion exchange spacer in at least one chamber of the membrane cell assembly wherein an ion exchange spacer comprises an ion exchange resin and a dissolvable binder.

Abstract: Sorbent substrates for CO2 capture and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for forming a sorbent substrate for CO2 capture may include forming a plurality of matrix rods from a sorbent material and forming a plurality of channel rods from a support material. The plurality of matrix rods may then be co-extruded with the plurality of channel rods to form a plurality of sorbent filaments comprising a matrix of the sorbent material in which channels of support material are positioned such that the channels extend in an axial direction of each of the plurality of sorbent filaments. The plurality of sorbent filaments may then be stacked to form a filament assembly in which the plurality of sorbent filaments are axially aligned. Thereafter, the plurality of sorbent filaments of the filament assembly may be bonded to one another to form the sorbent substrate.

Abstract: A method of vacuum-assisted RTM includes disposing a resin distribution medium on one surface of a reinforcing-fiber substrate, covering the whole with a bag material, reducing the pressure inside the bag material, and injecting a resin into the resin distribution medium to distribute the resin substantially in in-plane directions and then impregnate the resin into the reinforcing-fiber substrate in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride free flooring, including: an upper decorative nonwoven fabric layer bonded without the use of adhesive to an intermediate extruded polymeric layer, and a extruded lower base layer bonded without the use of adhesive to the intermediate polymeric layer to provide a composite flooring that is free of polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A membrane comprises a sheet of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The sheet includes a first extrudate made from a first PTFE fine powder resin mixed with processing lubricant at a first lube rate. A second extrudate is made from the first PTFE fine powder resin mixed with processing lubricant at the first lube rate. The first and second extrudates combined into an integrated tape structure that is stretched in first and second directions. The sheet is porous and has a gas permeability of at least 0.1 CFM according to ASTM D737. The sheet has an average Mullen Hydrostatic Burst pressure in the range of 135 psi to 175 psi according to ASTM D751.

Abstract: Film structures containing a biaxially oriented film with an extruded polyolefin layer on each side of the biaxially oriented film are obtained. One polyolefin layer may, for example, be fin sealed to exhibit a peelable heat sealable performance. The other polyolefin layer may exhibit a paper like appearance and may be lap sealable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage process for producing hollow plastic articles, encompassing the following steps: a) producing a tubular plastic parison by means of extrusion or coextrusion; b) cutting open the plastic parison to produce two planar-surface parts; c) molding the planar-surface parts in two mold halves to give half shells, where a removable intermediate frame separates the mold halves from one another at least along the peripheral edges, so that the semifinished products/half shells are not in contact with one another; d) opening the mold halves and removing the intermediate frame; e) closing the mold halves, with the result that the half shells come into contact with one another along a peripheral rim; and f) bonding the half shells to give a hollow article.

Abstract: A method for making a laminate includes: extruding a core layer, and advancing the same along a processing line; advancing upper and lower metal layers, and bending the upper metal layer to form a raised bent structure; laminating the upper and lower metal layers with the core layer by passing through a nip of a pair of laminating rollers, one of which has an embossing groove that is shaped to complement the raised bent structure and that permits the raised bent structure to pass therethrough; and embossing the core layer to protrude into the raised bent structure while the core layer and the upper and lower metal layers are passed through the nip. The upper metal layer is inclined with a tangent line that passes through the nip by an angle of less than 15 degrees when at a position immediately upstream of the nip.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure-sensitive adhesives, acrylic foam tape, or screws.

Abstract: A method for providing an insulated electric high voltage DC cable or a high voltage DC termination or joint. A polymer based insulation system including a compounded polymer composition is provided. The polymer based insulation system is subsequently exposed to a heat treatment procedure while the outer surface of the polymer based insulation system is covered by a cover impermeable to a substance present in the polymer based insulation system in a non-homogenous distribution, thereby equalizing the concentration of the substance in the polymer based insulation system.

Abstract: A metal member (3) is bonded with an adhesive (6) to have a bond strength higher than the basic material strength of the metal member (3). A metal insertion coupling has a socket portion (4) in which an insertion hole (2a) for inserting the end portion of the metal member (3) is formed. The socket portion (4) has a tapered outer surface extending from the opening end to the back side. The tensile strength of the socket portion (4) at the deepest position along the center line of the insertion hole is equal to or higher than the tensile strength of the metal member (3) in the direction of the center line. The insertion hole (2a) has a width 0.2 mm-0.6 mm larger than that of the end portion of the metal member (3). The end portion of the metal member (3) is pressed into the insertion hole (2a), and an adhesive exists densely between the end portion of the metal member (3) and the surface of the insertion hole (2a), by quenching or cold working the end portion of the metal member (3).

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer belt for image-forming devices and a method for producing the intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate transfer belt having excellent image transfer to rough paper and resistance to abrasion and being free from problems such as filming, by forming a surface layer that has excellent resistance to abrasion and in which defects such as pinholes are not likely to occur even when the surface layer is thinned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles and non-absorbent articles which comprise at least one improved double-sided soft and elastic material composite. The composites according to the invention may also be breathable. The composites are produced by incrementally stretching a laminate of an elastic layer between two non-elastic cloth-like layers. The non-elastic cloth-like layers tear during stretching such that the elasticity of the laminate after stretching is substantially the same as the elasticity of the film elastic layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a vinylidene fluoride resin film having excellent transparency, weather resistance, chemical resistance, break resistance and formability is provided. The film is shaped by sandwiching a vinylidene fluoride resin in a molten state between rollers or metal belts so as to let them cool down, thus realizing polyvinylidene fluoride with a fine average spherocrystal diameter. Thus, the vinylidene fluoride resin film having the above-stated properties can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a preassembly of built in sealant useful in tire manufacturing. The method of making the preassembled sealant includes extruding a center strip and at least two axially outer strips of a sealant onto a first conveyor belt; wherein the center strip and the axially outer strips are in a side by side adjacent relationship. Conveying the center strip onto a second conveyor while the axially outer strips are conveyed on the first conveyor belt towards the end of the belt, wherein the center strip has two outer edges, wherein a divider strip is applied to each other edge in a continuous manner, wherein the center strip is then conveyed onto the axially outer strips and then stitched together forming a preassembled component.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer belt for image-forming devices and a method for producing the intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate transfer belt having excellent image transfer to rough paper and resistance to abrasion and being free from problems such as filming, by forming a surface layer that has excellent resistance to abrasion and in which defects such as pinholes are not likely to occur even when the surface layer is thinned. An intermediate transfer belt for image-forming devices and a method for producing the same, the intermediate transfer belt comprising at least the following three layers laminated in the described order: (a) a base layer formed from resin, (b) a rubber-elastic layer formed from a rubber or elastomer, having a thickness of 200 to 400 ?m and (c) a surface layer formed from resin, having a thickness of 0.

Abstract: A method for forming a large diameter and very long pipe comprises forming a plurality of pultruded segments via pultrusion and joining the segments along the lengthwise edges thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing extruded coiled tubes for medical purposes is provided which includes rotary shafts protruding from a spindle, each rotary shaft being coupled to a respective flexible shaft resting on a series of supporting elements substantially equidistant to each other and supported by a main central shaft; at least an extrusion head to extrude a ribbon, and at least an extrusion head to extrude a rib; the ribbon and the rib being co-extruded, side by side, and being wound on an ideal surface formed by the external surfaces of the flexible shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that for changing the pitch with which the rib is wound on a base tubular element, formed on its turn by the winding coil of the ribbon, at least two twisting bars operated by a crank are used to rotate the supporting elements with a pre-defined angle.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of plastics manufacturing. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to a system and method for manufacturing co-extruded plastic film and products using same. In one embodiment, a first plastic layer having a relatively high melting temperature is co-extruded with a second plastic layer having a relatively low melting temperature. Embodiments of the invention also disclose manufacturing processes for end products that exploit the improved co-extruded film. One embodiment is a process for manufacturing a bag stack with releasable bonds between adjacent bags in the bag stack. Another embodiment is a process for manufacturing a stack of plastic sheets with releasable bonds between adjacent sheets in the sheet stack.

Abstract: The invention discloses double-sided metal clad laminates and fabrication methods thereof. A plurality of polyamic acid coatings is co-extruded on a first metal foil and heat imidization to provide a multilayer polyimide film. A second metal foil is hot pressed on the multilayer polyimide film, thus providing a double-sided metal clad laminate. The polyamic acid coatings include a first, a second, and a third polyamic acid coating with surface tensions of S1, S2, and S3, respectively, satisfying relations of S1>S2>S3, wherein the first polyamic acid coating is the coating directly applied on the first metal foil.

Abstract: A wall panel for a bathing system includes a first layer, a second layer, and an adhesive. The first layer is thermo-formable and includes first and second sub-layers. The first sub-layer includes poly(methyl methacrylate), and the second sub-layer includes acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The first and second sub-layers are co-extruded together. The second layer is fastened to the first layer, and includes a poly-isocyanurate foam sheet, as well as first and second metal faces fastened to the sides of the poly-isocyanurate foam sheet. The adhesive binds the second sub-layer of the first layer to either the first or the second metal face of the second layer.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices for stimulation of living tissue are provided. Multimodal stimulation may be mechanical, electrical, chemical, sensory and combinations thereof. The devices have a matrix sufficiently elastic so that when attached to the tissue, the matrix is capable of applying force upon the tissue and compliantly responding to force resultant from motion of the tissue. The devices also have an electrically conductive region contained within the matrix, so that, selectable locations of the device are capable of being in electrical communication with a power source and with the tissue. Methods of stimulating tissue as well as methods of making the devices are also provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional filter includes a filter frame having a three-dimensional skeletal structure with a filter media connected to the skeletal structure. The filters are nestable. The skeletal structure may be trimmed and provided with walls to create standard sized filters. Methods for making the three-dimensional filter include injection molding of the skeletal structure onto the filter media, injection molding the filter media and the filter frame together in a single molding process, thermoforming a molded or extruded skeletal structure and the filter media, and needle punching a molded or extruded skeletal structure to create filter media within the skeletal structure.

Abstract: Breathable materials comprise a fabric layer and a polymer film layer thereon, the polymer film layer comprising a polymer composition and a filler, wherein the breathable material has undergone a physical manipulation to render the polymer film layer microporous such that the WVTR of the breathable material is greater than about 50 g/m2·24 hr, and wherein the breathable material has a first length dimension and a first width dimension before said physical manipulation and a second length dimension and a second width dimension after said physical manipulation, wherein the second length dimension is no more than about 2% greater than the first length dimension and the second width dimension is no more than about 2% greater than the first width dimension.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a printing sheet provided with a cushioning layer required for suppressing wrinkles due to the elongation of an ink ribbon during thermal transfer and reducing color omission, and provides a method for producing the same. The printing sheet according to the presently disclosed subject matter includes a transparent substrate, a first resin layer formed on one surface of the transparent substrate, a second resin layer formed on the first resin layer, an absorbing layer which is formed on the second resin layer and absorbs a dye in a coloring material of a thermal transfer sheet, a third resin layer formed on the other surface of the transparent substrate sheet, and a lens layer formed on the third resin layer, wherein the first resin layer and the third resin layer have an adhesive function and a cushioning function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a patterned linoleum sheet, comprising the steps: a) application of a non-linoleum material to at least a part of the surface of a green linoleum and/or introduction of a non-linoleum material into given recesses in the green linoleum, or a?) application of a non-linoleum material in the form of a solution, a paste, a suspension or a dispersion onto the scraped linoleum mixture and calendering of the scraped linoleum mixture provided with the non-linoleum material to give a green linoleum, b) cutting the green linoleum thus obtained into pieces of given length, c) overlaying the cut green linoleum pieces to give a tiled stack of sheets and d) calendering the tiled stack of sheets to give a patterned linoleum sheet. The invention further relates to a patterned linoleum sheet obtained by said method and the use thereof.

Abstract: A metallized laminate film exhibiting improved moisture barrier property as well as maintaining a high bio-polymer content and degradability property is disclosed. The laminate film includes a first core layer of polylactic acid polymer and a second skin layer comprising a polyolefin metal receiving layer. The metal receiving layer or the core layer, or both, may be blended with an amount of polar-modified tie-resin to improve bonding. Alternatively, a discrete tie-resin layer may be interposed between the polyolefin metal receiving layer and the crystalline polylactic acid polymer core layer. The polyolefin metal receiving layer may be discharge-treated on the side opposite the core layer and metallized.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the sheet, comprises: a cap layer comprising an acrylic polymer; and a base layer, wherein the sheet is thermoformable. The base layer comprises a cycloaliphatic polyester copolymer and an optionally, an aromatic polycarbonate. The cycloaliphatic polyester copolymer can comprise greater than 10 wt % cycloaliphatic diol or acid or combination thereof, based upon a total weight of the cycloaliphatic polyester copolymer.

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

Abstract: An optical film comprising a thermoplastic resin and having a tilt direction, which is such that, when a sliced section of the optical film having both a tilt direction and the thickness direction of the film in the sliced plane thereof is placed between two polarizers set in a crossed Nicols configuration, and the two crossed Nicols polarizers are rotated from 0° to 90° while irradiated with light in the direction perpendicular to the polarizer plane, and when the sliced section is analyzed sequentially from one end to the other end in the thickness direction, then all the detected extinction positions are from more than 0° to less than 90° and the birefringence varies in the thickness direction.

Abstract: For the production of a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, having a closed and open side, possessing a carrier film (e) provided on both sides with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (c,c?), the carrier film (e) being a filmlike carrier film not based on rubber, and there bring at least one release film located on the closed side, on the one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (c), it is envisaged that, from the melt, two identical or different pressure-sensitive adhesives for the pressure-sensitive adhesive layers (c,c?), a film-forming polymer for the carrier film (e), and a film-forming polymer for the release film be formed, that these components be combined to form a composite, and the at the pressure-sensitive adhesives be crosslinded by means of physical and/or radiation-chemical treatment.

Abstract: A bonded part with a press-fit, vulcanized rubber member residing in compression between two rigid members and bonded thereto. The rubber member is a laminate with a core layer sandwiched between and bonded to two self-bonding rubber layers. The bonded part may be, for example, a vibration damper, isolator or absorber. The core layer and the self-bonding layers may have the same primary elastomer and cure system type, and the self-bonding layers have an adhesion promoter not present in the core layer. The adhesive layers may be from 0.05 to 1 mm thick or from 5% to 10% of the laminate thickness. The method includes forming a rubber core layer, curing it, applying a rubber adhesive layer on each side to form a laminate, inserting the laminate between two rigid members under compression, and post-curing to form a bonded part. The adhesive layers may be partially cured before inserting.

Abstract: Provided are multilayer laminates having one or more layers comprising twisted nematic liquid crystals and one or more layers of a polymeric sheet comprising a polymer with a modulus of 20,000 psi (138 MPa) or less. The twisted nematic liquid crystal layers reflect infrared radiation. Thus, the multilayer laminates are useful to reduce the transmission of infrared energy. For example, in some embodiments the multilayer laminates are useful as windows to reduce energy consumption necessary to cool the interior of a structure such as an automobile or building. Preferably, the multilayer laminates retain the beneficial properties of safety glass. The multilayer laminates may include additional layers such as infrared absorbing layers, half wave plates, and the like, to minimize the transmission of infrared energy. The multilayer laminates may also include further additional layers such as polymeric films, polymeric sheets, rigid sheets, and the like.

Abstract: Process for the production of a multilayer composite material with a plastic layer that has release properties with respect to adhesives, where the materials producing the release properties are located within the plastic layer, where a first web is provided in production of the composite materia on the one side of which a layer of adhesive is located, after which the plastic layer with the release properties follows, which is in turn bonded to a second web.

Abstract: A method for forming a laminated synthetic leather includes engaging a textile carrier onto a carrying roll, extruding one or more materials with an extruder machine into a film, and feeding the film downwardly onto a lamination roll to have the film carried on a portion of an outer peripheral portion of the lamination roll and to have the film to be suitably cooled by the lamination roll. The film and the textile carrier are then compressed together with the rolls, to form the laminated synthetic leather, and to prevent the film from penetrating into the textile carrier to a greater extent, and to form a soft or flexible laminated synthetic leather.

Abstract: The present invention involves porous polymer membranes, suitable for use in medical implants, having controlled pore sizes, pore densities and mechanical properties. Methods of manufacturing such porous membranes are described in which a continuous fiber of polymer is extruded through a reciprocating extrusion head and deposited onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. When cured, the polymeric material forms a stable, porous membrane suitable for a variety of applications, including reducing emboli release during and after stent delivery, and providing a source for release of bioactive substances to a vessel or organ and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to: a label for in-mold forming having excellent suitability for delabeling which comprises a thermoplastic resin film base layer (I) and a heat-sealable resin layer (II) and in which the heat-sealable resin layer (II) has an adhesion strength as measured at 23° C. of 300 gf/15 mm or higher and an adhesion strength as measured at 90° C. of 290 gf/15 mm or lower; and a labeled resin container having the label bonded thereto.