Abstract: A microfluidic device allowing for multiple discrete reactions sites and allowing for sequential reactions and sample analysis along with methods for device fabrication and use is provided. The microfluidic device provides a micro-total analysis system on a single substrate and has multiple reaction sites allowing for cascade reactions and analysis on a single chip using micro-quantities of sample and reagents. The microfluidic device provides discrete sites for immobilization of cognitive agents including enzymes, binding proteins, nucleic acids and the like as well as methods for quantitative analysis. The invention also provides methods for the fabrication of the device.

Abstract: A bow wave in a composite laminate generated during part consolidation is reduced by transmitting atmospheric pressure loads to a region of the part having low compaction pressure due to bridging of a vacuum bag at an edge of the part.

Abstract: A method for forming a profile for a hollow component is provided. A first composite fiber layer is laid out on a first surface corresponding to a first profile section of the component. A second composite fiber layer is laid out in a second surface corresponding to a second profile section of the component. A collapsed bag is laid out in onto the first composite fiber layer. The bag and the first composite fiber layer are fixed to the first surface. First and second mould elements are coupled such that the first surface and the second surface correspond to the first and second profiles. The bag is inflated such that the first composite fiber layer is pressed to the first surface and the second composite fiber layer is pressed to the second surface so that the first and second layers are coupled to form the profile.

Abstract: An impregnation mandrel for production of a gas turbine casing made from composite material, including: a mandrel having a central wall and two side plates; compaction bars, each including (i) a wedge configured to bear against a fibrous reinforcing part covering angles formed between the central wall and the side plates of the mandrel, and (ii) an attachment flange configured to be attached to the corresponding side plate of the mandrel; a flexible casing forming a vacuum bag and configured to be applied at least against the fibrous reinforcing part covering the central wall of the mandrel; and a mechanism for injecting resin into a space defined between the vacuum bag and the mandrel at one of longitudinal ends of the fibrous reinforcement and for extracting the resin at the opposite end.

Abstract: A stiffened composite panel is fabricated using modular tooling. Composite pre-preg is laid up and formed over forming block modules each of which is assembled by co-linearly arranging a plurality of forming block segments. The formed stiffeners are respectively transferred to individual cure tool modules that are assembled by co-linearly arranging a plurality of cure tool module segments. The stiffeners are assembled by arranging the cure tool modules side-by-side, and a composite skin is placed on the assembled stiffeners. The panel is vacuum bagged using a segmented vacuum bag.

Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby: the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the molding of a split or at least two-part parison.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a plurality of support elements, and each of the support elements include a shell and a core. The shell defines an interior void and is formed from a polymer material that extends around substantially all of the void. The core has a shape of the void and is located within the void, with at least a portion of the core being a polymer foam material. The polymer foam material of at least two of the support elements may have different densities.

Abstract: A design of a non-transistor memory core with corresponding shift register control logic may be all comprised of tunnel diodes and capacitors, and a method for fabricating such memories and control logic may use a stencil and non-lithographic self-aligning semiconductor processing steps to minimize cost. Designs and fabrication processes for I/O pads connected to the memory core and control logic are also presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stretch-forming multi-thickness composite skins are disclosed herein. The methods include locating a flexible support structure in a transition region that is defined by a charge of composite material and applying a vacuum to an interface between the charge of composite material and the flexible support structure to define a charge-support assembly. The methods also include separating the charge-support assembly from the layup surface and locating the charge-support assembly on a cure surface of a layup mandrel. The methods further include deforming the charge-support assembly on the cure surface to generate a conformed charge of composite material, releasing the vacuum, and separating the flexible support structure from conformed charge of composite material. The systems include systems that are configured to perform the methods.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array is formed with stealth dicing. A laser is used to form defects within the piezoelectric substrate and along the desired kerf locations. The substrate is fractured along the defects. A controlled expansion, such as using thermal expansion, may be used to establish the desired kerf width. Spacers may be used to maintain the desired kerf width. The kerfs are filled to create the ultrasound transducer array.

Abstract: A fluid transporter which transports fluid by pressing a plurality of radially disposed pressing shafts against a tube held in a circular-arc shape in directions from the inside of the circular-arc shape in accordance with rotation of a rotational pressing plate having a plurality of projections on the outer circumference thereof so as to allow flow of fluid includes: a first detecting section which detects the rotation angle of the rotational pressing plate; a second detecting section which detects the rotation angle of either a driving rotor for giving a rotational force to the rotational pressing plate or a reduction transmission mechanism for connecting the driving rotor and the rotational pressing plate; a data table which shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotational pressing plate and a cumulative delivery amount; and a controller which controls the drive of the driving rotor.

Abstract: Medicinal container bags are presented. Bags can include openers capable of sealing an opening of the bag. Disclosed bags further comprise electronic assemblies configured to detect opening or closing events as the openers move along the rims of the bag opening. The assemblies can compile usage data based on opener movement, and then provide the data to remote monitoring systems.

Abstract: A panel construction including one or more pultruded box beams disposed between first and second outer sheets at selected locations. A core or filler material may also be disposed between the first and second outer sheets at selected locations. For example, the core material may be disposed between the first and second outer sheets and fill in the space between the box beams. In another example, the core material may include channels or recesses and the box beams may be positioned in the channels or recesses in the core material.

Abstract: A production method of a metallic decorative sheet (10) which is insert-molded integrally with a thermoplastic resin molded body (20) to constitute an insert molded body (1) has steps of: laminating a specular ink layer (12) on one surface of a transparent thermoplastic resin film (11) in a region except an edge region serving as an edge portion of the insert molded body (1) and in a region for displaying a metallic design on an outer surface of the insert molded body (1), and laminating a non-specular ink layer (13) on the specular ink layer (12) and on the surface of the transparent thermoplastic resin film (11) where the specular ink layer (12) is not laminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for manufacturing a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener. The method comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of plastic monofilaments (such as polypropylene (PP) monofilaments); forming a plurality of loops on each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments such that each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments has a plurality of loop portions and flat portions between adjacent loop portions; covering the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments with a web of substrate; fusing the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments to the substrate so as to fix the plurality of loop portions of the plastic monofilaments onto the substrate; and converting the plurality of loop portions into a plurality of hook elements to thereby producing the hook member that comprises a plurality of hook elements.

Abstract: Manufacturing line for manufacturing wind turbine blades having a composite shell structure comprising a matrix material and a fiber reinforcement material by use of a resin transfer molding process is used to assemble wind turbine blades formed in a number of molds, including at least a first mold part having a first mold cavity. A gantry moves along the manufacturing line, in which the manufacture includes a) arranging fiber reinforcement material in the first mold cavity of a first mold using the gantry means, b) moving the gantry means along the manufacturing line to a second mold, c) supplying curable matrix material into the first mold cavity of the first mold, while substantially simultaneously arranging fiber reinforcement material in the first mold cavity of a second mold using the gantry means. The manufacturing line comprises a plurality of molds for forming wind turbine blades.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixating a segment of a wind turbine blade to a mold in which the blade segment is manufactured, wherein the blade segment has a fixating portion. The fixing device comprises: a first portion for removably fixating the blade segment at its fixating portion to the mold; and a second portion for fixating the fixing device to the mold.

Abstract: A forehead pad for a breathing mask includes a substantially dimensionally stable first wall element and an elastomer second wall element coupled to the first wall element. The second wall element has a contact zone adapted to contact a surface of a user in use. The first and second wall elements define a filling-material-receiving chamber adapted to receive a filling material.

Abstract: A method for cladding of superalloy materials. A layer of powder (14) disposed over a superalloy substrate (12) is heated with an energy beam (16) to form a layer of superalloy cladding (10) and an overlying layer of slag (18). A filler material (44) of nickel, nickel-chromium or nickel-chromium-cobalt wire or strip is also added to the melt pool to combine with the melted powder via a submerged arc or electroslag heating process to give the superalloy cladding the composition of a desired superalloy material. The layer of powder includes a layer of powdered flux material (22) over a layer of powdered metal (20), or the flux and metal powders may be mixed together (36).

Abstract: A cone-shaped composite article may include an inner sublaminate containing at least four unidirectional plies having an inner stacking sequence with fiber angles of 0, 90, ?45, and +45 degrees such that the inner laminate has a quasi-isotropic layup pattern at any location on the inner laminate. The cone-shaped composite article may also include an outer sublaminate containing at least four unidirectional plies having an outer stacking sequence that is a mirror image of the inner stacking sequence. Each one of the unidirectional plies may be continuous along a ply arclength wrapping 360 degrees around the cone-shaped composite article and may have opposing ply ends terminating at a ply seam.

Abstract: Process for fastening an accessory to a hollow body obtained by molding a molten plastic parison, this fastening taking place by snap-riveting with the aid of a tool during the actual molding of the parison, according to which, before carrying out the snap-riveting, the parison is locally deformed so as to surround the snap-riveting zone with a dome, the snap-riveting zone being also in relief (hollow) compared to the rest of the accessory.

Abstract: A tabletop system having a metal frame with at least one horizontally oriented transverse member and a rim member defining a general shape of a tabletop. At least one fiber mesh layer, fabric felt and at least one layer of adhesive binder is affixed to the underside of spaced apart decorative elements. Vertical rim elements envelope the perimeter providing the outer surface of the tabletop. The metal frame has at least one C-channel with retention tabs defining an opening into a base cavity. The base cavity and opening are filled with adhesive binder material and cured before placing the frame assembly into the binder layer of the decorative elements where the rim of the frame member is smaller than the perimeter of the vertical element which is then interposed with a mesh strip and binder. The retention tabs mechanically secure the tabletop to the frame system.

Abstract: A low volatile organic emission method for making a door using a liquid hardenable flowable biofoam formulation. The liquid hardenable flowable biofoam formulation expands upon contact with a blowing agent forming a foam, wherein the liquid hardenable flowable biofoam formulation is formed from plant materials, and a door formed from the method. The method forms a door with sound deadening qualities, increased impact resistance, and resistance to burning and capable of sustaining at least hurricane force winds without deforming.

Abstract: A sterile packaging system having an inner sterile dome-shaped tray and cover and an outer sterile-on-inside-only, bowl-shaped tray for accommodating the inner sterile dome-shaped tray and cover, the bowl-shaped tray having an annular rim and a cover over the annular rim, the outer bowl-shaped tray having at least two gripping surfaces extending from an outer surface.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a medical catheter and an internal bolster. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter is an elongated, tubular structure preferably made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The catheter is shaped to include a generally cylindrical wall terminating in a first end and in a second end, the wall coaxially surrounding and defining a longitudinal bore preferably used to convey fluids, such as food and/or medications, to a patient in need thereof. The internal bolster is an elongated, semi-tubular structure preferably made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The bolster is resiliently and reversibly transformable between a generally planar shape, when at rest, and a straightened shape, when forcibly unfurled. The bolster has an inner end and an outer end, the inner end being generally centrally located.

Abstract: Method for fastening an accessory to a wall of a plastic fuel tank, this fastening taking place by snap-riveting using a tool at the same time as the tank is manufactured by molding, the accessory being, for this purpose, provided at at least one of its fastening points with an orifice through which the snap-riveting is carried out. According to the invention, a concave relief at least partially surrounds this orifice, the relief having a size and shape suitable for being able to cooperate with an excrescence of the tool during the snap-riveting.

Abstract: A microwavable container comprising a top cover, a middle pan having at least one hole, and a bottom basin. The top cover, the middle pan, and the bottom basin are biodegradable being formed from a processed and shaped Monocotylendon plant of the Poales order. The top cover fits on top of the middle pan, wherein the middle pan fits on top of the bottom basin. The middle pan is designed so that fatty meats are positioned on top of the middle pan and below the top cover during microwave operations for cooking the fatty meats. During microwave operations, the top cover prevents spatter from the fatty meats being cooked from gathering on an interior of a microwave. During microwave operations, the bottom basin catches liquid residue from the fatty meats being cooked. The liquid residue drips through the one or more holes of the middle pan.

Abstract: A footwear product includes a sole assembly and an upper and has an at least partially flexible construction. The sole assembly includes a number of sole sections with one or more connecting members disposed between adjacent sole sections.

Abstract: A liquid pressure-reducing unit having a first half body with a contact surface and first groove extending over the contact surface is disclosed. The unit has a flexible resilient sealing element having a floor layer lining the floor of the first groove. The unit has a second half body with a contact surface and first and second walls extending out of the contact surface and defining a second groove. The contact surfaces of the first half body and second half body join, wherein the first and second walls penetrate into the first groove so that the free end of the first and second walls forms a fluid-tight contact with the flexible resilient floor layer lining the floor of the first groove, defining a fluid-tight channel bringing in fluid communication a fluid inlet with a fluid outlet. The channel is non-rectilinear and/or having a cross-section varying over the length thereof.

Abstract: Various methods are described for manufacturing a plastic drum that includes injection-molding upper and lower drum body portions having sidewalls that terminate at an open end. The open end of each drum body portion includes a drum body welding platform. The platform is characterized by a thickening of the drum body portion sidewall. The methods also include aligning the upper drum body portion with respect to the lower drum body portion such that the upper drum body welding platform is aligned with the lower drum body welding platform at an interface, and joining the upper drum body portion to the lower drum body portion at the interface to form the plastic drum. Also described are plastic drums made by the noted methods.

Abstract: An electrical plug device is configured for the connection of a magnet coil and/or of a sensor element to a contact partner of a counterpiece cooperating with the electrical plug device. The electrical plug device has at least one first portion, which comprises the magnet coil and/or the sensor element and at least one electrical contact element. The magnet coil and/or the sensor element and the at least one electrical contact element of the first portion are non-detachably interconnected. The electrical plug device also has a second portion, which is produced separately from the first portion and is type-specific in relation to the counterpiece. The second portion is joined to the first portion and surrounds the electrical contact element, at least in part.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided capable of having various characteristics based on having an aggregated layer core. The golf ball includes an inner core, an outer shell enclosing the inner core, and an intermediate core enclosing the inner core. The intermediate core includes sublayers thermoplastically fused together to form an aggregated intermediate core layer having overall characteristics formed as a combination of the sublayer characteristics. A method of forming a golf ball core having an aggregated layer core can include forming a first and second stack of nested cups, thermoplastically bonding each of the stacks to each other to form first and second aggregated cups, arranging the aggregated cups around a golf ball inner core, and bonding the aggregated cups to each other. In some configurations, the sublayers can include ultrathin sublayers less than 20 microns thick, and in some configurations, the sublayers can include injection molded sublayers.

Abstract: A grinding disk is provided with a support plate with anchoring projections. A drive connector is connected to the support plate. An elastically deformable pad in the form of an injection molded part of un-foamed elastomeric thermoplastic synthetic material is provided and has a first face and an opposite second face. The pad has a chamber structure provided on the first face. The chamber structure has chambers laterally delimited by intermediate walls. The chambers have a top side that is open and is facing in a direction of the first side. The pad has a substantially closed support surface provided on the second face and facing away from the chamber structure. A working element is to be attached to the support surface. The support plate is connected to the first face of the pad to support the pad. The anchoring projections of the support plate are embedded within the pad.

Abstract: A pool stencil pattern includes a frame anchoring hard curing decorative material in a swimming pool plaster coat. The frame includes a perimeter wall with an exterior surface and interior surface, both having ridges near their centerlines. The frame also includes interior walls circumscribed by the perimeter wall defining compartments for different hard curing decorative materials. The interior walls also have opposing ridges near the centerline. The ridges hold cured decorative material in the stencil frame. The perimeter wall and the interior walls are the thickness of the plaster coat making the finished decoration flush with the surface of the swimming pool.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing an artificial marble containing amethyst and vermiculite. The artificial marble includes amethyst representing superior performance in terms of a far-infrared emission effect and an antimicrobial property with a fine appearance, and vermiculite serving as an inorganic filler material and representing a superior adiabatic effect with a light weight. The artificial marble has a structure in which the first base layer including amethyst and the second base layer including vermiculite are laminated on each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a three-dimensional stretchable electronic device and a manufacturing method comprising the same, wherein the three-dimensional stretchable electronic device is configured such that a connection line is positioned therein and thus can be protected from the outside, and the connection line is made of a liquid metal so there is no change in volume of the connection line upon stretching. Additionally, elements can be transferred to both sides of the substrate, thus increasing the degree of integration.

Abstract: A slide fastener including a pair of first and second stringers each including a tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on one longitudinal edge of the tape; wherein each of the coupling elements includes a first non-connecting portion and a second connecting portion and wherein the second connecting portion includes a head portion and a body portion; and wherein the first non-connecting portion includes an attachment surface to which a decorative element is attached and the attachment surface has a first surface and a second surface lower than the first surface. The decorative element is attached to the second surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique which can disassemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, easily and efficiently. The disassembling method comprises, in the mandrel adhesively attached with a composite material structure on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a rotation step of rotating the pair of support rings along with the mandrel to position a segment which is a detached target to an uppermost portion; and a segment detaching step of detaching the segment which is the detached target positioned at the uppermost portion, from the pair of support rings; wherein in the segment detaching step, the segment which is the detached target is moved in a vertically downward direction to a position inside of the mandrel, between the pair of support rings, and is carried out from between the pair of support rings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro flow-channel chip formed of two or more parts, wherein a first part has a through hole that forms a flow-channel connection portion, a second part has a projecting portion, the projecting portion of the second part is inserted into the through hole of the first part, thereby a volume of the flow-channel connection portion is reduced, and furthermore, both of the first part and the second part are molded with a die.

Abstract: A fluid storage system for a vehicle includes a splash shield formed to at least partially define a wheel cavity of the vehicle. At least one reservoir structure is integral with the splash shield. The at least one reservoir structure includes an interior cavity defining a volume for storing fluid. The splash shield and reservoir structure can be molded integrally or can be separate parts that are welded or otherwise coupled together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for joining materials as well as articles manufactured using such processes. The invention pertains to a process for joining a first substrate to a second substrate. The process includes irradiating a portion of a first substrate with a laser beam having a first wavelength and intensity sufficient to increase the absorbance of the first substrate to light having a second, different wavelength. The laser beam may carbonize at least a portion of the irradiated portion of the first substrate imparting a higher absorbance to light than non-irradiated portions of the first substrate. A second substrate is then placed in contact with the irradiated portion of the first substrate. The first substrate is then irradiated with a second laser having a second wavelength, different to the first wavelength; with a sufficient intensity to heat and, preferably melt, the irradiated portion of the first substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a combustible heat source having a barrier, the method including providing a mould defining a cavity; placing a particulate component in the mould cavity; placing a laminar component, adjacent the mould, to cover the cavity opening; and compressing the particulate component to form the combustible heat source, wherein, during the compression step, the barrier is formed by punching the laminar component using a punch and the mould, the punch acting on the barrier to compress the particulate component and affix the barrier to the combustible heat source.

Abstract: A composite enclosure for housing electronic devices, and methods related thereto, are provided. In particular, in some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a composite enclosure for housing electronic devices includes winding composite material about a mandrel and curing the composite material to create a composite hoop. A panel is formed in a separate process that includes stacking a plurality of composite layers in a mold and curing the composite layers to create a composite panel. The composite hoop and the composite panel are bonded together to form the composite enclosure.

Abstract: A laminate nanomold includes a layer of perfluoropolyether defining a cavity that has a predetermined shape and a support layer coupled with the layer of perfluoropolyether. The laminate can also include a tie-layer coupling the layer of perfluoropolyether with the support layer. The tie-layer can also include a photocurable component and a thermal curable component. The cavity can have a broadest dimension of less than 500 nanometers.

Abstract: A subfloor component comprises a hardboard panel having first and second opposing faces and a plurality of intersecting grooves to define, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals having walls that extend into the panel from the first face generally toward the second face. At least one of the pedestals has at least one wall that is undercut. The subfloor component also comprises a film of substantially moisture-impervious material attached to the first face of the panel and that conforms to the tops and walls of the pedestals and to the bottoms of the grooves.

Abstract: A fabrication method for providing a relatively smooth surface associated with lightning strike protection for composite materials joined with fasteners recessed below the surface is described. The method includes coating at least one of a head of the fastener and a preformed dielectric insert with an adhesive, inserting the preformed dielectric insert into the recess such that the adhesive engages both contours of the recess and the preformed dielectric insert, and removing any excess adhesive from the surface area of the composite material and a top surface of the insert.

Abstract: A composite tube is made by applying a mixture of individual reinforcing fibers and a resin onto the interior cylindrical wall of the spinning mandrel.

Abstract: Device for 3D cell culture using an extracellular matrix including a substrate having at least one interior chamber, at least one opening providing access to the interior chamber for introduction of an extracellular matrix, and at least one channel disposed through at least a portion of the extra cellular matrix.

Abstract: A tooling system may include a cure tool and a biasing element. The cure tool may have a cure tool coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and may be configured for curing a composite article formed of two or more components having dissimilar component CTEs. The biasing element may be fixedly attached to the cure tool and has a biasing element CTE that may be different than the cure tool CTE. The biasing element may be configured such that a combination of the cure tool CTE and the biasing element CTE causes a heat-up displacement in the cure tool when heated and the composite article is cured in a distorted shape. When the cured composite article is cooled, the cured composite article may substantially assume an as-designed shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pultrusion process in which a continuous reinforcement profile is formed by canting of at least one prepreg strip composed of a fiber-reinforced plastics material. The first shaping of the profile takes place in a preform device, which is downstream of a pressure-molding device for final shaping and prehardening. The movement of the profile takes place synchronously with respect to the operating cycle of the pressure-molding device by means of a traction device. By using a cutting device, it is possible to cut the profile to length and/or to subject edges to subsequent mechanical operations to ensure that correct dimensions are maintained. A continuous (pultrusion) gusset is inserted between the prepreg strips in a radius region of the profile. The gusset has an approximately triangular cross sectional geometry and it is formed by a plurality of continuous fibers braided with one another.