Abstract: A porous composite block includes a plurality of primary structures bonded to one to another. Each primary structure comprises adsorptive media particles bonded together by a polymeric binder. A filter assembly including the porous composite block, and a method of making the porous composite block are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low cost molded optical probe with astigmatic correction, fiber port, low back reflection, and highly reproducible in manufacturing quantities is provided. The molded optical probe, includes a fiber receiving portion defining a groove defined along a longitudinal axis for receiving an optical fiber; a spacer portion having a spacer portion surface non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the groove, the spacer portion surface configured to cooperate with a distal end of the optical fiber; a prism portion positioned adjacent the spacer portion and having a prism surface non-parallel to the spacer portion surface and non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and configured to reflect light transmit through the optical fiber off perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a lens portion positioned adjacent the prism portion and having a lens surface configured to focus light received through the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a casing includes steps of providing a film; attaching a strengthening plate onto the film; placing the film and the strengthening plate into a mold; and injecting a plastic material into the mold such that the plastic material and the strengthening plate are combined with each other.

Abstract: A method of bonding poly-crystalline diamonds to a wear surface, using commercially available poly-crystalline diamond cutters having poly-crystalline diamond buttons bonded to a carbide core. The poly-crystalline diamond cutters are cooled with cryogenic liquid. The poly-crystalline diamond cutters are crushed to form poly-crystalline diamond cutter fragments, with each of the fragments having a poly-crystalline diamond button fragment still bonded to a carbide core fragment. The carbide core fragment is then bonded onto the wear surface, such that the wear surface includes poly-crystalline diamond buttons fragments.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened panel which incorporates a network of fluid channels and passageways into the ribs and face sheet is described. The method is comprised of a base tooling assembly, an expansion tooling assembly, a composite prepreg, plugs, a face sheet and a network of valves and pumps, wherein the prepreg is draped over said expansion tooling and assembled with the base tooling assembly to form a rib structure. Channel plugs are placed therein such that gaps between adjacent expansion tooling blocks are filled, and the entire rib structure assembly is autoclaved. The face sheet may be comprised of a plurality of layers, whereby channels are machined into the lower layer(s). The upper layer(s) are bonded to the lower layer(s) to seal the channels, and said face sheet is bonded to the rib structure.

Abstract: A fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure and a method of manufacturing the bladder and reinforcing structure are disclosed. In general, the reinforcing structure extends around the bladder, and the reinforcing structure is bonded to an exterior of the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is recessed into the bladder and extends along side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: A method for producing baseballs and softballs, whereby a spherical core is independently formed and then a fiber material layer is attached, this fiber material layer is evenly brushed with a layer of polyurethane (PU), and this spherical core is placed in a ball cover mold made up of two or more mold pieces, and then heated, and finally the mold is removed to reveal the complete ball. Utilizing the production tool of this invention to produce the baseballs and softballs, whereby PU is brushed onto, and penetrates into the fiber material layer on the independently formed spherical core, resulting in the ball cover forming, the ball cover and spherical core attaches and fits firmly, and the porous construction of this fiber material layer attracts air, and therefore greatly avoids bubbles forming when the outer cover is formed, which affects the quality and lifespan of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device which is molded with a die and has a specimen inlet part. The microfluidic device has the specimen inlet part. The specimen inlet part has an inlet channel for introducing a specimen into the flow channel, wherein the inlet channel has a diameter which continuously and gradually increases as the inlet channel approaches the flow channel, or has a diameter which is constant in the vicinity of an inlet port and then continuously and gradually increases as the inlet channel approaches the flow channel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multilayer foam where easy generation of dead air and improvement in foam magnification is offered. Multilayer resin that has non-foam layer outside foam layer is pushed out, the innermost side of the multilayer resin is bonded mutually, and multilayer resin laminating body is formed. Multilayer resin laminating body is clamped in the empty space between outermost side of multilayer resin laminating body and cavity side with metal mold. Multilayer resin laminating body is molded in the shape along cavity side, and the multilayer foam is molded.

Abstract: A flexible implement grip is formed with an underlist of one rubber compound wrapped with a skin of a second rubber compound with multi-colored rubber based paint or ink air dried thereon and the assembled grip vulcanized in a mold. In one version, the skin pattern is cut from a sheet of cured rubber and curable adhesive employed with the wrapping. In another version, the multi-colored ink or paint is air dried on an uncured sheet prior to cutting the skin pattern; and, no adhesive is employed with the wrapping and bonding to the underlist occurs during final vulcanizing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a rubber liner of a composite pressure vessel. At first, rubber is located in a mold. The rubber and the mold are located in a vacuum bag, heated and pressed so that the rubber is vulcanized and molded into a semi-product of the rubber liner. Sand is filled in the semi-product. The sand is tamped and heated so that it is hardened and molded. A reinforcement element in the form of a wire or tape is wound around the semi-product. Two semi-products are brought into contact with each other. An un-vulcanized rubber band is provided around and attached to the semi-products. The rubber liners and the reinforcement elements are heated and vulcanized with composite resin. Finally, the water soluble sand mold is dissolved and removed so that the final product of the rubber liner is made, and so is the composite pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method is presented. The method comprises identifying a desired shape of a ply on a tool, in which the ply has a fiber orientation; identifying a cut shape for the ply, in which the cut shape is different than the desired shape; cutting a composite prepreg ply to have the cut shape, the composite prepreg ply having the fiber orientation; using a deformable carrier to apply the composite prepreg ply having the cut shape to the tool such that the composite prepreg ply has the desired shape on the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interior trim part, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a base component, a decorative layer made of leather or a leather-like material, and a spacing layer between the base component and the decorative layer, said spacing layer being made of a material that is softer than the material of the base component. The base component, the decorative layer and the spacing layer each have a localized area of weakened material, which allows the interior trim part to break away in a controlled manner when a predefined amount of force is applied to the base component, wherein, at least in the area of weakened material, an intermediate layer lies between the decorative layer and the spacing layer, which intermediate layer does not have a localized weakened area. The invention further provides a method for producing the interior trim part.

Abstract: A personal care implement is disclosed having a flexible, apertured plastic shell and a resilient polymeric mesh sponge material held inside and in pressing engagement within the shell. In use, a sufficient quantity of a suitable liquid cleansing composition is introduced inside the implement. The implement produces copious quantities of lather foam and cleansing with sensory properties of a conventional toilet bar but with none of its disadvantages.

Abstract: A variable optical device array includes: a transparent substrate; an addressing layer including an electrode wire arranged on the transparent substrate; a barrier wall portion disposed on the addressing layer to define cell regions and including conductive barrier walls that are electrically connected to the electrode wire, wherein pairs of the conductive barrier walls are arranged to form double walls; an insulation material filling a region between each pair of conductive barrier walls; a conductive first fluid and a nonconductive second fluid disposed in each of the cell regions, wherein the first and second fluids are not mixed; an insulation coating layer disposed on a top surface of each of the conductive barrier walls and on side surfaces of each of the cell regions; a transparent electrode layer covering the cell regions; and a voltage applying unit to apply a voltage between the transparent electrode layer and the addressing layer.

Abstract: A button matrix is disclosed. The button matrix includes a base portion. A button body extends from the base and is formed from a translucent material. A button top formed from an opaque material is connected to the button body.

Abstract: A process for producing a panel for acoustic treatment including a resistive porous layer, an alveolar structure, a reflective layer with openings, and a drainage plate having a furrow for delimiting at least one evacuation pipe when the drainage plate is flattened against the free surface of the reflective layer, includes: shaping the reflective layer according to its final geometry, affixing a demolding film on at least one portion of the free surface of the reflective layer, positioning on the demolding film a core whose cross-section is adapted to that of the evacuation pipe so that the core covers the openings of the reflective layer, molding the drainage plate on the demolding film and the core, demolding the drainage plate and removing the core and the demolding film, and making the drainage plate integral with the free surface of the reflective layer.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, at least one placeholder is inserted into a recess in a molding tool, wherein the unfinished component is subsequently produced, the placeholder is removed, at least one lifting pad is inserted into the recess and the unfinished component is removed from the molding tool by inflating the lifting pad. In a system for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, the component removal process is monitored and controlled by a computer unit in order to prevent predetermined maximum component loads from being exceeded. The gentle component removal process makes it possible to avoid consequential costs for repairing or reworking the components.

Abstract: A vehicle trim element that includes a complex formed from at least one layer of ligneous material and a reinforcing layer that extends over an inner face of the layer of ligneous material. The trim element further includes a substrate made from a first plastic material and at least one insert made from a second plastic material. The insert is located between the reinforcing layer of the complex and the substrate so as to space the substrate away from the reinforcing layer. The substrate is overmolded by injection on the insert.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising a polymer sheet having desirable surface properties, and more specifically, the present invention is in the field of multiple layer glass panels comprising poly(vinyl butyral) having a finished surface of relatively low waviness and high roughness disposed in contact with poly(ethylene terephthalate) and/or other poly(vinyl butyral) type layers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for forming an integrated component, which includes the following steps: bonding a transparent member and a substrate member together through an adhesive; placing the transparent member and the substrate member which are bonded together in a mould; and forming a housing member at a periphery of the transparent member and the substrate member which are bonded together, through an insert moulding technology, so that the housing member and the transparent member are jointed together tightly to form the integrated component. The disclosure also provides an integrated component formed by the above method. The integrated component formed by the method of the disclosure can better achieve a tight and stable connection between the transparent member and the housing member, achieve an interlocking and seamless connection between the transparent member and the housing member, and guarantee that the quality of the transparent member is not affected.

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: Fuel tank attachment, composed of a blend of a first plastic and a second plastic, wherein the first and second plastics are not miscible, wherein the blend contains a compatibilizer to render the first and second plastics miscible, wherein the first plastic is a fuel-resistant plastic, and wherein the second plastic is a non-fuel-resistant plastic, wherein the fuel tank attachment relates to a neck fitting, in particular, to a filler neck or a valve, in particular, a tank venting valve, or a cap element, wherein the fuel tank attachment is molded from a blend as one piece.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for molding a continuous fiber prepreg part whereby a continuous fiber prepreg part comprising thermoplastic prepreg tape can be molded in a shape that allows the exhibition of desired physical properties without the sacrifice of productivity. Prepreg tape 11 is wound around a plurality of rods 21 so as to form a rolled continuous fiber prepreg part 12, slack is removed from the prepreg tape 11 by shifting the plurality of rods 21 in opposite directions so as to generate tension in the continuous fiber prepreg part 12, the continuous fiber prepreg part 12 is pressed with a press jig 41 so as to mold the prepreg part into the final shape, and the continuous fiber prepreg part 12 is cured by heating and cooling after heating.

Abstract: A detachable and foldable integrated organ includes a keyboard and a host mounted detachably thereon, the keyboard includes a flexible substrate on which flexible keys are provided, a flexible circuit board is provided between the substrate and the keys to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an action of the keys in response to the action, and an elastic arm for enhancing the resiliency of the keys are provided between the flexible circuit board and the key; the host is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board and adapted to process the electrical signal corresponding to the action of the key, and drive a speaker to sound. The detachable design between host and keyboard results in a more flexible and higher productivity; the keyboard is made of flexible material and thus is foldable, which can effectively reduce the volume of the organ and make it easy to carry.

Abstract: A system for storing an internal combustion engine exhaust gas liquid additive, and including a tank for storing the additive, the tank including two halve shells manufactured as two separate parts that are assembled, at least one of the shells including an active component fixed inside of it.

Abstract: A composite part charge having an internal cavity is placed on a tool and covered by a vacuum bag for autoclave curing. A bladder is placed in the cavity to react autoclave pressure on the charge. The bladder is coupled with a flexible fluid reservoir located beneath the vacuum bag. The bladder is pressurized by autoclave pressure applied through the vacuum bag to the flexible fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with antenna structures. The antenna structures may include an antenna support structure covered with patterned antenna traces. An antenna support structure may be mounted in an electronic device so that a surface of the antenna support structure that is covered with patterned antenna traces lies flush with a planar surface of the electronic device housing. A display cover layer or other planar structure may be attached to the surface of the antenna support structure and the planar surface of the housing adhesive. Injection molding and extrusion techniques may be used in forming a support structure with elongated parallel cavities. An injection molding tool may have a mold core supported by a support structure at one end, supporting engagement features at the ends of mating mold core structures, or support pins. Molded interconnect devices may be soldered to laser direct structuring components to form antennas.

Abstract: A process and method for retreading a heavy duty tire with a polyurethane tread where, after a tire carcass is inspected, cleaned and the worn tire tread is removed, the tire carcass receives a tube fitted therein and is installed in a mold cavity, between top and bottom mold rings. The mold rings each include spaced segments that inter-digitate and will form equal spaced tread voids in a finished recapped tire. The bottom mold ring inner edge top includes a continuous sealing lug, and the top ring is open to pass a flow of polyurethane materials, that is received off of a lower edge of a cone shaped spreader positioned onto the tire carcass top side wall and slides, as a sheet, into the mold, filling the mold cavity from bottom to top, forcing air from the mold ahead of the fill and forming the recapped tire tread.

Abstract: A slide-room for installation in a recreational vehicle or other structure is disclosed. The slide-room comprises a shell, which can be constructed from fiberglass. The shell comprises an end wall, a ceiling, a floor, two opposing side walls, and a flange extending from the end wall, wherein the end wall, the ceiling, the floor, the side walls and the flange comprise a one-piece, unitary construction. Also disclosed are methods for molding composite components, such as slide-room. In one specific implementation, the shell for a slide-room is formed from fiberglass using a vacuum assisted resin transfer process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cylinder channel having a sawtooth-shaped cross section, a method for manufacturing same, a coaxial channel including same and a method for manufacturing a microfiber or a microparticle having a sawtooth-shaped cross section using same.

Abstract: A preformed decorative element, which can be injection-overmolded with a plastic material and comprises a transparent plastic foil, on which a decoration is printed. The foil is provided, at least partially on both sides, with a non-surface-covering decoration, the decoration on the inner side being printed with a surface-covering color coating layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing process, and related products, for fabricating translucent articles in the form of tiles is disclosed. The manufacturing process includes holding together a stack of corrugated cardboard pieces and saturating the cardboard pieces with an impregnating agent. Additional steps may include machining the cardboard pieces to define a block of a desired shape, slicing the block into tile components, and/or coating one or more tile components with a coating material to produce the article. Articles include translucent tiles made of corrugated cardboard pieces saturated with an impregnating agent. The tiles may be arranged to define a surface, such as a floor, a wall, a roof, a lighting installation, an architectural construction element, an architectural aesthetic element, or a solar panel.

Abstract: A catheter tip assembly (50) is provided with a catheter tip (56) and an inner catheter (54). The catheter tip (56) has a tapered proximal end, an elongate center portion, and a tapered distal end. The inner catheter (54) includes a narrow proximal portion, a narrow elongate center portion (66), and a wide distal end (68). The catheter tip (56) is disposed within the wide distal end (68) of the inner catheter (54). One advantage of the catheter tip assembly is that no proximal-facing edge is formed at the transition between the narrow elongate center portion of the inner catheter and the catheter tip, which may help reduce the risk of the catheter tip snagging on a stent during use.

Abstract: A method of making prosthetic knee menisci to be implanted in place of deteriorated or damaged native menisci, said prosthetic menisci being internally reinforced and sequentially moulded in open form from a suitable biocompatible elastomeric polymer material, said prosthetic menisci subsequently being transformed into closed, hollow forms; said hollow forms being sized for femoral and tibial condylar surfaces and filled or inflated after implantation by injection into them of a gel or settable polymer to shape them into congruence with the femoral and tibial condyles, the surfaces of said menisci being chemically and/or physically treated to improve the efficiency of lubrication by synovial fluid and to provide enhanced wear characteristics, and said prosthetic menisci being restricted in translation within the interarticular space by anchorage of their anterior and posterior horns to the tibia and by the provision of secondary locating elements.

Abstract: A method for waking a wind turbine rotor blade half shell includes arranging a fibrous material in a mold, which has an inner side predetermining an aerodynamic surface of the half shell and has a pinching edge defining the profile of a trailing edge of the half shell. A liquid plastics material surrounding the fibrous material is cured. An insert is arranged in relation to the mold in a predetermined position, in which a surface of the insert and a bordering portion of the inner side of the mold conjointly define an acute angle tapering toward the pinching edge, so that a thinly tapering trailing edge of the half shell is formed between the surface of the insert and the bordering portion.

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

Abstract: A vacuum forming machine includes a holder arranged to hold a decorative sheet, upper and lower boxes separated by the decorative sheet and the holder, a pressure reducer arranged to reduce pressures inside the upper and lower boxes, a first valve arranged to adjust a degree of pressure reduction inside the upper box, a second valve arranged to adjust a degree of pressure reduction inside the lower box, a heater arranged to heat the decorative sheet, a temperature information collector arranged to collect temperature information about the temperature of the decorative sheet, and a controller programmed to control opening/closing operations of the first and second valves by reference to the temperature information while the pressure reducer is operating.

Abstract: Methods for making armor and armor articles with transformed nanomaterial. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tip for lithography, includes forming a mold having at least one recess; disposing a first polymer in the recess to form an apex of the tip; curing the first polymer in the recess; and disposing a second polymer in the recess to form a base of the tip. The Young's Modulus of the second polymer is lower than the Young's Modulus of the first polymer. The tip structure for lithography includes a substrate, and a layered structure including a tip having an apex of a first polymer and a base of a second polymer. The first polymer is less resiliently deformable than the second polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates a sheath that is affixed to a body lumen, proximal to an anastomosis site. The sheath includes a sleeve defining a passage. A grasping structure is positioned distally of the distal opening of the sheath to facilitate elongation of the sleeve from a first length to a second longer length. A method for using the sheath is also disclosed.

Abstract: A contour caul including two or more higher Tg regions that follow geometries of a composite structure and an expansion region located between the higher Tg regions. The expansion region has a lower glass-liquid transition temperature than the higher Tg regions. Also, a method making a composite structure.

Abstract: Process for fastening an accessory to a hollow body obtained by molding a molten plastic parison and using a plastic connector comprising coupling means for the accessory and a stop surface intended to limit the penetration of the connector into the molten plastic, according to which the stop surface is provided with a curved double lip (or one-piece part having two concentric curved edges, i.e., two protuberances located preferably at its periphery, which are concentric and are in relief relative to the remainder of the part) and the connector is welded to the inner wall of the parison using this double lip.

Abstract: Method of creating a copied fine structure producing a diffractive optical effect onto the target surface, includes using a transfer foil manufactured from thermoplastic, on the surface of which is first created an original fine structure producing a diffractive optical effect; placing the transfer foil on the target surface with the original fine structure is in contact with the target surface; heating the transfer foil to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature of the material of the transfer foil; simultaneously during the heating or immediately after the heating lightly pressing the transfer foil against the target surface, whereby material from the transfer foil adheres to the target surface; and removing the transfer foil from the target surface, whereby the adhered material makes up a copied fine structure, which is a mirror image of the original fine structure of the transfer foil.

Abstract: An embedded electronic device and a method for manufacturing the same wherein the embedded electronic device is composed of a printed circuit board, having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of circuit components attached to the top surface of the printed circuit board having a plurality of standoffs on the bottom surface of the printed circuit board, a bottom overlay attached to the bottom surface of the printed circuit board, a top overlay positioned above the top surface of the printed circuit board and a core layer positioned between the top surface of the printed circuit board and the top overlay.

Abstract: A medical balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal portion of the catheter shaft. One or more cutting blades are secured to the inflatable balloon by a first polymeric adhesive material forming a mounting pad encasing a base portion of the cutting blade therein, and a second polymeric adhesive material adhesively bonding the mounting pad to a surface of the balloon. The first polymeric adhesive material has a first ductility and the second polymeric adhesive material has a second ductility greater than the first ductility.

Abstract: A propeller blade includes a foam core and a structural layer that surrounds at least a portion of the foam core and includes a face side and a camber side is disclosed. The propeller blade also includes an insert disposed in the foam core in operable contact with the face side and the camber side of the structural layer and one or more bulkheads disposed in the form core and oriented normal to the insert.

Abstract: A propeller blade includes a foam core and a structural layer that surrounds at least a portion of the foam core and includes a face side and a camber side is disclosed. The propeller blade also includes a bulkhead disposed in the foam core in operable contact with the face side and the camber side of the structural layer and extending in a chord wise direction of the propeller blade.