Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for slicing a hard and brittle material having a crystal structure, such as a silicon ingot, and more particularly a hard and brittle material cutting method which solves the problem of worsening variance in thickness, nanotopography, and wafer warpage. The inventors perfected the present invention upon discovering that when retainer plates are bonded to or pressed against the ends of an ingot, and simultaneous slicing with a wire saw is performed along with the retainer plates, a portion of increasing variance in the warpage, nanotopography, and thickness will appear in the portions corresponding to the retainer plates, resulting in a decrease in variance in wafer warpage, nanotopography, and thickness at the ends of the targeted ingot.

Abstract: One leg of a connector connector is embedded inside a slot cut in a base panel structure. Adjacent laterally extensive legs overlap and are bonded to the face sheet of the base panel structure. Structural members can be attached to the remaining leg(s) of the connector. The legs bonded to the base panel structure enable loads to be transferred to or from the panel structure, and enable peel-off loads to be distributed through the base panel structure.

Abstract: An automated process of making a medical test implement, such as a LEAP Testing Implement, includes the steps of providing a handle element, providing a deformable test element, and mechanically mating the deformable test element to the handle element so that at least a portion of the deformable test element extends from the handle element. The deformable test element deforms when a predetermined load is applied thereto.

Abstract: The process for making a picture frame having printed border artwork on a transparent front panel with irregular outer and inner edges and having an attached rear panel having a picture frame folding stand therein. The process includes the printing of border art on a sheet of a material having a covered pressure sensitive adhesive backing and attaching it to the front panel. The front panel is then laser cut along the computer marked cut path to cut along the outside and inside edges of the printed border artwork while cutting a window therein. The cutout window is removed and a thin transparent polymer sheet is attached thereover. A picture frame back is cut with a foldout stand and is attached to the front panel to form the picture frame.

Abstract: A method for making a laminate adapted for decorating a substrate including providing (1) a sheet of pre-mask material including a cover layer and a layer of removable adhesive on one surface of the cover layer having an exposed surface defining a first major surface for the sheet of pre-mask material; (2) a supply length of decorative film tape comprising a length of decorative film having opposite first and second major surfaces, and a layer of adhesive along its second major surface; (3) a sheet of release liner having a first major surface adapted to be releasably adhered to by the removable adhesive on the cover layer and by the adhesive on the decorative film; and (4) a tape applicator.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a FCBGA (Flip-Chip Ball-Grid-Array) package without causing mold flash is proposed, which is characterized by the forming of a dummy pad over the back surface of the substrate to allow the portion of the solder mask formed over a vent hole in the substrate to be substantially raised to an elevated flat surface where a groove is then formed to surround the exit of the vent hole. During a molding process, when the encapsulation material infiltrates to the exit of the vent hole, it can be confined within the groove in the elevated flat surface over the dummy pad, thereby preventing it from flashing to nearby solder-ball pads.

Abstract: An improved method of countertop manufacture having a laminate or veneer horizontal upper surface and a laminate or veneer vertical face with a corner element with an arcuate surface that smoothly fairs into both the upper surface and the face. The countertop is manufactured by first mounting a piece of solid surface to a backer and finishing to a desired arc. The solid surface is then bonded to the vertical laminate surface and substrate to create a joined edge piece. The joined edge piece is finished to form a flat base. The finished edge piece with an arcuate corner element is then bonded to the horizontal surface to form a countertop with a rounded corner joining the vertical laminate surface and horizontal upper surface.

Abstract: A system is provided for synchronizing the end of order cutoff for a plunge slit order change on a corrugator that minimizes scrap and cuts the end order sheets to a length and width such that jam-ups at order change are eliminated. The system detects a transverse edge discontinuity immediately prior to end of order cutoff and, in conjunction with a prior calculation comparing sheet lengths and order end positions between upper and lower webs, positions an upstream transverse partial web slit at an optimum order end position such that the entire web is ultimately cut on the partial sever at an optimum position for scrap minimization and scrap sheet size and shape.

Abstract: A window decal form is suitable for laser printing and enables ready installation of a decal to the inside of a vehicle window or the like. The window decal form construction includes a liner sheet having a front side and a back side. An adhesive release coating is disposed on the back side of the liner sheet framing a decal area. The decal area and the adhesive release coating define a label area. The label is affixed to the back side of the liner sheet covering the label area via a permanent adhesive. The decal area on the front side of the liner sheet is die cut such that the decal area is removed when the label is peeled from the back side of the liner sheet.

Abstract: An in-line, single pass, multi- or single-web process for producing resealable multi-ply labels is disclosed which includes automation of an inclusion of intermediate label plies having dimensions different from final individual label dimensions.

Abstract: A sign for posting on the interior or exterior of a transparent or opaque surface without the use of any secondary adhesive material, such as any variety of tape, Velcro, suction cup or any other secondary adhesive device, apparatus or method. The sign can be printed on either or both sides using a desktop printer or other printing device. If printed on both sides and affixed to a transparent surface such as glass, a single sign then yields two signs. The sign can be cut into a variety of shapes using virtually any type of paper stock or adhesive.

Abstract: A label product such as a coupon is adhered to a release liner using a temporary adhesive. A layer of pressure sensitive laminate film, preferably transparent, is applied over the coupon, extending beyond the outer edges of the coupon so that the laminate is also adhered to the release liner. When the release liner is removed, the laminate can be applied directly to a product, without the base label common in conventional label products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attaching microelectronic devices, circuit boards and the like to a surface, and is particularly suitable for attaching a plurality of a semiconductor chips to an ink jet pen body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a T pipe for connecting a reduced branch pipe to a main pipe and to a method for producing such a pipe. The invention is characterized in that said T pipe comprises a thermoplastic connection piece (1) including a connection (2) for the branch pipe as well as a base part (3) essentially matching with the curvature of the main pipe and being essentially rectangular viewed in the direction of the central axis of said connection (2), said base part being butt welded to a pipe ring (4) having a size similar to that of the main pipe and a width similar to that of the base part (3), instead of a piece removed from said ring pipe and having a size similar to that of the base part (3).

Abstract: A stamp dispenser for dispensing one or more stamps from a roll of stamps, such as a roll of liner-less adhesive-backed stamps, may include a hub member for rotatably receiving the roll of stamps and a separation member spaced apart from and coupled to the hub member. In preferred embodiments, a user may grasp the leading portion of the stamp web, pull it across the separation member, permit the underside of the stamp web to adhere to the separation member, tension the leading portion of the roll across the separating surface, and then tear the leading stamp(s) from the web. The stamp dispenser may further include a substantially cylindrical sleeve disposed between the roll of stamps and the hub member, or the roll may include a substantially cylindrical core, wherein the roll of stamps is wound around the core.

Abstract: A method of making a pant having a front-to-back crotch seam includes providing a flat web. The flat web can be cut into separate pieces or cut to provide interconnected pieces and the center portion of each separate piece is removed. Slits are cut in each separate piece or each interconnected piece and the remaining attached segments are drawn away from each other in opposite directions to bring first and second seam edges together for the purpose of forming a garment shell with a crotch seam. The method may be applied to a single piece of material representing a single garment or to an interconnected web of garments. After forming the crotch seam, the garment shell can be folded and side seams formed. The pant may include an absorbent structure.

Abstract: A non-woven fiber pad having a convoluted surface formed by cutting a non-woven fiber batt having a plurality of low melt synthetic fibers. The non-woven batt is compressed generally toward a cutting device by a pair of counter-rotating drums having convoluted surfaces.

Abstract: A resilient fibrous insulation blanket is compression-cut longitudinally at one and typically a plurality of laterally spaced apart locations to form a form a pre-cut fibrous insulation blanket having a plurality of blanket sections that can be separated from each other by hand. The compression cutting of the blanket to form the blanket sections causes a first major surface of the blanket to become temporarily deformed and destabilized. When the blanket is faced, the facing is applied to the other major surface of the blanket while the first major surface is still deformed. Where the blanket is formed from a wider blanket, the wider blanket is at least partially cut prior to the compression-cutting operation to reduce lateral stresses in the blanket when the blanket is compression-cut.

Abstract: A device for laminating labels disposed upon a continuous strip of liner. The device includes a plurality of spindle structures for supplying a continuous strip of protective film and the continuous strip of liner to a laminating structure, which adheres the continuous strip of protective film to the continuous strip of liner over the labels disposed thereon to form a single continuous strip of laminated liner. The laminating structure has a drive wheel with a plurality of teeth arranged upon the surface of the drive wheel so as to engage a plurality of tractor feed holes formed into the continuous strip of the laminated liner. The drive wheel rotates to bring the continuous strip of laminated liner into contact with a plurality of laminate cutting blades that rotate in registration with the drive wheel so as to cut the protective film in registration with the labels disposed upon the strip of liner.

Abstract: A lamination method, which is a method in which a dry resist film, formed by providing a color resist layer on a base film, is cut based upon the length of a substrate in the feeding direction, and press-bonded onto the substrate, and then the color resist layer is transferred onto the substrate by separating the base film, is provided with the following steps: in the cutting process, cutting the film so that the rear end of the dry resist film, after the press-bonding, extrudes from the rear end of the substrate by a predetermined width; and cutting the dry resist film again at a position inside the rear end of the substrate prior to separating the base film after the dry resist film has been press-bonded so as to eliminate the portion of the dry resist film extruding from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for storing a particle-containing liquid. The storage apparatus comprises a microfluidic convoluted flow channel having a plurality of particle capture regions. The storage channel is preferably an isotropic spatially periodic channel. Sedimented particles can be resuspended following storage. This invention further provides a microfluidic analysis cartridge having a convoluted storage channel therein. The sample analysis can use optical, electrical, pressure sensitive, or flow sensitive detection. A plurality of analysis channels can be included in a single cartridge. The analysis channels can be joined to reagent inlets for diluents, indicators or lysing agents. A mixing channel can be positioned between the reagent inlet and the analysis region to allow mixing and reaction of the reagent. The cartridge can include additional valves and pumps for flow management.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a panel (1, 1′, 1″), wherein a hoard (6) is coated with a flexible layer (2) on a first side (7), said board (6) having a plurality of grooves (8) for facilitating the bending of the panel (1) to a curved shape. The invention also relates to a panel (1, 1′, 1″) manufactured by such a method.

Abstract: The process is used for making individual wood boards (52) from a plurality of wood pieces (10). In this process, wood pieces (10) of similar length and are joined side by side so as to form a panel (30). The panel (30) is then cut in a longitudinal direction with reference to the wood pieces (10) into panel sections (40) having a similar width. These panel sections (40) are jointed end to end to form a continuous wood board (50), which is then cut into individual wood boards (52). This process allows to manufacture wood boards (52) with a high degree of structural integrity and dimensional stability. It also allows to efficiently use small wood pieces (10) that could have been considered otherwise waste or low-grade materials, thereby increasing the yield of the sawmill.

Abstract: PZT crystals are peripherally coated in manufacture by cutting a series of intersecting first kerfs in a wafer comprising a plurality of PZT crystal precursors, filling the kerfs with a coating resin, and cutting a second, narrower kerf in the locus of the first kerfs to separate the crystals while providing them a peripheral coating of the coating resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wood board for use as flooring panels and a method of making the wood board. The wood board has the strength and outer surface finish of hardwood boards, increased flexibility, and a lower cost than hardwood boards. The wood board of the present invention comprises a core layer having plural veneer layers oriented such that longitudinal grain structures of adjacent layers are perpendicular with respect to each other, and each veneer having longitudinal pierced slots placed therein oriented in parallel with their respective longitudinal grain structures; and a longitudinally sliced face layer placed upon the inner core layer. This wood board and flooring panel of the present invention have high strength, high flexibility and superior surface smoothness. Further, the present invention provides lower manufacturing costs and thus lower costs for the consumer.

Abstract: A die bonding sheet sticking apparatus and a method of sticking a die bonding sheet which, in the production of small electronic components, for example, semiconductor chips, effect sticking to a back surface of wafer a die bonding sheet capable of functioning not only as a protective tape at the time of dicing but also as an adhesive for die bonding at the time of die bonding of semiconductor chips after dicing onto a lead frame.

Abstract: A laminator for lamination to a substrate by use of continuous laminated material is provided. The laminated material includes a support, and a photosensitive transfer layer overlaid on the support. A heat/pressure roller attaches the laminated material to the substrate with heat and pressure with the transfer layer opposed to the substrate. A cooler cools the substrate with the laminated material. A peeler peels the support from the transfer layer on the substrate from the cooler, to transfer the transfer layer to the substrate.

Abstract: Laminated devices and methods of making same are provided. A fluidic channel is formed in the inner layers of a laminate such as multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) and a hole is opened to the outer layers to allow fluid's access to a chip which contains chemical sensors. Several diaphragms are formed on each side of the chip access hole using the PCB as their substrate. Electromagnetic actuation of these diaphragms by solenoids housed inside the PCB drives or pumps fluid through the channel in a peristaltic fashion. By employing various channel geometries and/or the deposition of hydrophobic/hydrophillic layers, valves are provided in the channels.

Abstract: A technique for preventing unauthorized access to a hidden code on a prepaid telephone card. A technique for preventing an undetected access to a hidden number or code on a lottery ticket, prepaid telephone card, game piece, or other type of item. A structure is provided to prevent the embezzlement and viewing of the hidden number on a prepaid card by attaching an opaque film label over the hidden number to conceal the hidden number, attaching a holographic image over the film label, and attaching a transparent film over the holographic image. The transparent film, holographic image, and film label must be removed in order to view the hidden code. When the transparent film, holographic image, and film label are removed, certain marks are left on the card which clearly demonstrate that the hidden number has been accessed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing laminated material which can remove ear portions of a resin film extruded from an extruding machine and can directly laminate the resin film to a substrate and can make the processing of end portions of a laminated material after lamination unnecessary. The present invention also provides an apparatus used for such a manufacturing method. In the method for manufacturing laminated material which laminates a resin film formed by extruding molten thermoplastic resin from a T-die to a substrate, a laminating film is formed by cutting ear portions of the resin film before lamination and the laminating film is laminated to the substrate.

Abstract: A fabrication process for ferrite toroids which utilizes ferrite ceramic tape having an improved elongation characteristic. The process utilizes a set of rigid mandrels which are employed in the final lamination to support the rectangular cross section of the internal cavity of a respective ferrite tube, thereby reducing stress concentration and permitting the highest lamination pressure to be used in the final step. The mandrels are removed prior to panel densification. The tape and mandrels operate together to minimize cracks and pores in the toroids and provide an added advantage of maintaining high tolerances in the internal cavity dimensions as well as the cavity-to-cavity alignment.

Abstract: A decorative jewelry stone and process for developing the stone. The process includes providing a primary stone and defining a cutting plane on the primary stone. The primary stone is then cleaved at the cutting plane to produce first and second portions, each of the first and second portions having a planar surface. A cavity is then bored into the planar surface of one of the first and second portions of the primary stone. A secondary stone is then placed within the cavity and a bonding agent is applied to the planar surface of one of the first and second portions. The planar surfaces of the first and second portions are then placed against one another allowing the bonding agent to cure and thereby permanently fix the first and second portions together sealing the secondary stone therebetween.

Abstract: A stretchable tape includes a nonextensible layer having a separation line, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, an extensible layer and an adhesive inhibiting masking between adjacent portions of the extensible layer and adhesive layer to enable relative movement and tape stretchability. The tape is especially useful in the manufacture of diaper tabs. The tape stock and diaper tabs may be manufactured using conventional web processing equipment.

Abstract: A method for making in a single step a multiple-ply panel comprising the steps of forming and sandwiching a raw mat assembly of resinated furnish between two sheets of green incised wood veneer, applying a layer of thermosetting high-moisture tolerant adhesive at interfaces between the green veneer and core mat, and applying pressure and heat to cure the consolidated panel assembly for a duration sufficient to secure good internal bond within the substrate panel.

Abstract: The invention is a wane-free engineered wood product and the method of its manufacture. Lumber having wane along one or more edges is first milled to produce rectangular notches along each of the four edges. The notches are sized to remove all or most of the wane. The notched piece is then ripped lengthwise to produce two strips. These are rotated 180° and placed adjacently so that the notched edges face each other and form longitudinal channels. Strips of oriented strand board or a similar material are then affixed into the channels, preferably by gluing, reuniting then again into a unitary wane-free structural member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microdialysis catheter, comprises the steps of extruding a flexible material to form an elongate catheter body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of continuous internal channels extending in the longitudinal direction of said catheter body; sealing a free end of said catheter body; providing in said surface at a distance from said free end an opening extending into said catheter body to communicate with a portion of a first of said channels; providing communication between said first channel and a second of said channels at a distance from said free end shorter that said distance; and covering said opening by a microdialysis membrane.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate structure comprises providing a first substrate and a second substrate each having first and second substrate surfaces respectively, and wherein the surfaces are present in an opposed spaced apart relationship; contacting at least one of the first or second substrate surfaces with a release material such that a portion of the first or second substrate surface is covered with the release material while the remainder of the first or second substrate surface is not covered with the release material; bringing the first and second substrate surfaces of the first and second substrates into contact with each other; and subjecting the substrates to conditions such that the portions of the first and second substrate surfaces not covered with release material become bonded to one another and a laminate structure is formed.

Abstract: Laminated resealable booklets on labels having an unadhered pull tab are made on a label press or the like by separating release material from label material in a web of label stock, neutralizing the adhesive on the label material in predetermined locations, and adhering the active adhesive on the label material to the release material. A succession of initial bases are die cut, and the resulting waste matrix is removed. Booklets are then laminated over a portion of the initial bases, and of course the laminate also covers the spaces between adjacent initial bases. The laminate and initial bases are then die cut to form the label products. Each label product includes a booklet, a base label portion of the initial base which the booklet covers, and a portion of the adjacent initial base which is not adhered to the release liner. The unadhered portion of the adjacent initial base forms the pull tab.

Abstract: A LOC die assembly is disclosed including a die dielectrically adhered to the underside of a lead frame. The lead frame has stress relief slots formed in the undersides of the lead elements proximate the adhesive to accommodate filler particles lodged between the leads and the active surface of the die during transfer molding of a plastic encapsulant. The increased space created by the slots and flexure in the leads about the slots reduces point stresses on the active surface of the die by the filler particles. The increased flexure in the leads about the slots further enhances the locking of the leads in position with respect to the die.

Abstract: A friction material has a plurality of connected sections defined by a plurality of notches therebetween. Each notch has an apex which compensates for tear and compression of the friction material when the friction material is circumferentially placed on a flat surface of an annular core plate. In certain embodiments, a multiple linked loading device places the notched friction material adjacent a core plate to form a clutch plate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for cutting a laminate made of a brittle material and a plastic with a cutting tool is described. The plastic is heated up, thereby lowering its viscosity, at least in the region of a predetermined cutting line. A cutting tool is placed onto the plastic side of the laminate, the loading pressure being adjustable. By moving cutting tool relative to the laminate along the predetermined cutting line, the plastic is severed; at the same time the brittle material is scored, thereby inducing a mechanical stress. If appropriate, the mechanical stress along the cutting line is subsequently increased to exceed the rupture strength of the scored brittle material. A preferred application is the cutting of thin glass or glass-ceramic/plastic laminates.

Abstract: Web processing apparatus (10, 66, 122) for accurate, rapid laser cutting of label stock is provided. The apparatus (10, 66, 122) includes a laser cutting station (12, 68), an adjacent elongated vacuum conveyor (18, 80), and a cut segment attachment station (16, 72, 126) spaced from the cutting station (12, 68). A composite web (20) made up of a preprinted web (22) having a series of axially spaced apart images or segments (58) on one surface and an opposed adhesive-bearing surface (60) and a release-coated liner web (24) is fed to the apparatus (10, 66, 122) and first separated, with the liner web (24) being collected in a takeup roll while the preprinted web (22) is directed along the conveyor (18, 80) through the laser cutting station (12, 68). The individual preprinted segments (58) are laser cut and individually conveyed to the attachment station (16, 72, 126) where they are applied to a liner web (24, 24a).

Abstract: The apparatus for cutting a laminate, which is made of a brittle material and a plastic, has a cutting tool for severing the plastic along a predetermined cutting line and simultaneously scoring the brittle material; a heating device for heating the plastic along the cutting line; a device for pressing the cutting tool with an adjustable pressure on the laminate; a device for moving the engaged cutting tool along the cutting line to simultaneously sever the plastic and score the brittle material and a controller for controlling the heating device so that during the severing and scoring a temperature of the cutting tool is maintained constant and the heating is sufficient to lower viscosity of the plastic along the cutting line so that a predetermined loading pressure of the cutting tool on the laminate necessary for simultaneously scoring the brittle material and severing the plastic is not exceeded, whereby uncontrollable fracture of the brittle material does not occur.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional film structure having controllable contact properties comprises making separable surface elements on a top portion of a film structure and stretching the film structure to separate the separable surface elements, thereby obtaining a desired surface structure which delivers a certain contact property such as a pressure sensitive adhesive property. The separable surface elements are provided using a cut film surface, a stemmed film, or a layer of particles.

Abstract: A uniquely shaped plate may be transmitted through a card printer designed to print on only a card having a standard size and shape. The plate includes a laminate including a card having a sheet of backing material affixed thereto, preferably by an easy release adhesive. For example, the card may have a backing, such as release paper. If the plate is a flexible material, the backing material is a rigid sheet. The standard card is kiss cut through its thickness to form segments having contours for making said unique shape. However, the kiss cut does not cut the sheet of backing material, which continues to hold the segments in place. Therefore, the card retains its standard size and shape so that it may be sent through the card printer with the segments in place. Then, the segments are separated.

Abstract: An eye-catching bold sign and method of making same wherein the sign has a digital, near-photographic image applied, using a digital file, to a transparent polymeric substrate. The sign further incorporates solid block or defined shapes that may be transparent, translucent, semi-translucent, or opaque. The shapes are defined by the same digital file and may be formed by layers of metallic or non-metallic paint, adhesive vinyl sheet, or discreet portions of either paint or vinyl sheet. The shapes are defined by selective removal of areas of an opaque backing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus automatically fabricates a three dimensional object from individual layers of fabrication material having a predetermined configuration. Successive layers are stacked in a predetermined sequence and affixed together to form the object. The fabrication material is carried on a substrate to a stacker. At the stacker the layers are stacked together, with each layer being successively affixed to the stack of previously affixed layers, and with the substrate removed from each layer after it is affixed.

Abstract: A film or tape has one of its major surfaces defined by microstructured features including a plurality of channels defined by spaced apart protrusions. The microstructured film is able to acquire liquids and to control the directional transport of such liquids for subsequent removal therefrom. The transport can be passive or active (i.e., caused or enhanced by an applied potential). The inventive microstructured films and tapes have applications in laminate floor assemblies (for spill removal) and industrial articles such as computer keyboards and other devices and assemblies that benefit from fluid removal. The invention also has application in evaporative and condensation applications. In one embodiment, at least one cross-channel is formed on the microstructured surface to join adjacent channels for liquid flow therebetween.

Abstract: An adhesive label manufacturing apparatus including a tack sheet feeder, a unit for forming a releasing region on a tack sheet, a unit for overlaying of laminated sheet on a tack sheet, a unit for punching out the laminated sheet, and a unit for punching out portions of a tack sheet.

Abstract: A modeling apparatus for producing a model by lamination of sheet material including a support platform which can be raised and lowered, a sheet feed mechanism for feeding sheet material over the platform, a superstructure mounted over the platform, a cutting mechanism for cutting the sheet material to form shaped portions, an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the shaped portions, and a control mechanism.