Abstract: An article of manufacture including a first adherend and a two-part adhesive mixed and dispensed on the first adherend, wherein the first part of the two-part adhesive includes a first fluorescent dye. The article of manufacture further includes a second adherend in contact with the two-part adhesive.

Abstract: An irradiated multilayer film has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is an outer heat seal layer containing a blend of a highly branched homogeneous polymer and a semicrystalline polymer. The highly branched homogeneous polymer has at least 40 branches per 1000 methylene groups, an Mw/Mn less than 3.0, and a density of less than 0.89 g/cc. The highly branched homogeneous polymer is present in an amount of from about 5 to 50 weight percent, based on layer weight. The semicrystalline polyolefin has a density of at least 0.90 g/cc. The semicrystalline polyolefin is present in an amount of from about 50 to 95 weight percent, based on total layer weight. The second layer contains a thermoplastic polymer in a crosslinked polymer network. A process for making a packaging article includes coextruding the first and second layers, irradiating the resulting multilayer film, and thereafter heat sealing the first layer to itself or another component of the packaging article.

Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano—plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.

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: An electronic circuit is made by printing a Parmod® composition on a temporary substrate and curing it to produce a pattern of metal conductors. The conductors are laminated to a substrate under heat and pressure to produce a laminate with the metal prepatterned into the desired circuit configuration. The conductor can also be coated with a polymer and cured to form a prepatterned substrate. Single and double-sided circuits or multilayers can be made this way.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of connecting substrates using light activatable film while preventing the deterioration of the substrate in the process. The present invention also provides a method for connecting circuits which includes irradiating a light activatable adhesive film, contacting the first surface of the activated anisotropically conductive adhesive film with the circuit on a first substrate, contacting the circuit on a second substrate with the second surface of said activated anisotropically conductive adhesive film, and compression bonding these substrates.

Abstract: An uncured epoxy adhesive comprising a resin component, a hardener component, and a microencapsulated accelerator component. The microencapsulated accelerator component comprises an infrared absorber, an accelerator and a wall that covers substantially the entire surface of the accelerator. The epoxy adhesive is cured by exposing it to infrared energy. The infrared energy is absorbed by the infrared absorber which disintegrates the wall and allows the accelerator to come into contact with the other adhesive components and initiate the curing polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning separate portions of a sample in elongate, parallel channels of a sample chamber and to irradiate a sample in the chamber to create a diffraction pattern where the sample and chamber differ in refractive index. The system also can measure absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a sample in the chamber, and can measure the absorption simultaneously with measurement of diffraction by the sample.

Abstract: A composite material collation machine and associated method for fiber tape placement and consolidation at a relatively high rate are provided. The composite material collation machine includes a laser diode array for heating at least one fiber tape, a compaction device for pressing the fiber tape against a workpiece, an inspection system for monitoring the fiber tape, and a controller. The inspection system produces an output representative of at least one characteristic of the fiber tape, and the controller is capable of receiving the output and, based on the output, automatically altering at least one system parameter defining an operational characteristic of the composite material collation machine.

Abstract: Single wafer processing methods and systems for manufacturing films having low-k properties and low indices of refraction. The methods incorporate a processing station in which both curing and post-cure, in situ gas cooling take place.

Abstract: A method of making a microstructure includes forming a pattern in a surface of a silicon-containing elastomer, oxidizing the pattern, contacting the pattern with a substrate; and bonding the oxidized pattern and the substrate such that the pattern and the substrate are irreversibly attached. The silicon-containing elastomer may be removably attached to a transfer pad.

Abstract: A range of damage and wear-susceptible articles, including such as drinkware and flatware, and heat-susceptible articles, have a tough, protective plastic coating applied in sealing, protective relation with a surface portion. The protective coating may hermetically seal underlying decorative material, including toxic materials. Digital ink jet printing may be applied directly or by transfer, including pad transfer. A plastic undercoating incorporating an adhesion promoting additive may first be applied by DIJ printing or by flow coating. The impact resistance of drinking glasses can be improved ten-fold with a hard, visually undetectible 5-mil outer coating selected from polyesters and other polymers, polyurethanes and acrylates having the desired visual, toughness and bonding characteristics. With u.v. curing, high speed economic automated line production, the process is applicable to a wide range of articles.

Abstract: An article comprising (a) a curved substrate having a surface energy below about 38 dynes/cm2; (b) flexible retroreflective sheeting; and (c) a crosslinked pressure-sensitive adhesive adhering the sheeting to the curved substrate. The adhesive contains sufficient polar monomer and tackifier, and is sufficiently crosslinked, to (i) have a glass transition temperature less than −15° C., (ii) permit the sheeting to remain firmly bonded to a low density polyethylene barrel without buckling when cooled from 49° C. to −1° C., and (iii) provide an adhesive bond to the barrel that exhibits increased energy absorption when tested for impact resistance at 0° C. according to ASTM D4272. The adhesive can be manufactured by partially polymerizing some of the ingredients in a pouch using UV radiation, dispersing the pouch and its contents in the other ingredients using an extruder, extrusion coating the adhesive and then UV crosslinking the coating.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an optical disc 16 is composed of a first process of forming at least a first recording layer 5 over a first embossed pit 2 of a first substrate 1, a second process of forming at least a separative layer 9 and a second recording layer 11 sequentially over a second embossed pit 8 of a second substrate 7 having light transmittability, a third process of laminating the second substrate 7 over the first substrate 1 after coating an ultraviolet curable resin 14 over the first recording layer 5 and facing the second recording layer 11 toward the ultraviolet curable resin 14, and hardening the ultraviolet curable resin 14 by irradiating an ultraviolet ray on the ultraviolet curable resin 14 through the second substrate 7, a fourth process of transferring the second recording layer 11 over the first recording layer 5 by separating the second substrate 7 from the first substrate 1 together with the separative layer 9, and a fifth process of forming a thin cover layer 15 having light transmitt

Abstract: Method and device for heat treatment of a disc, whereby the disc (1) is placed on a carrier (14) after which the disc is irradiated. During the radiation the carrier is kept on a desired temperature. The desired temperature of the carrier is about the temperature of the disc prior to placement on the carrier. The disc comprises two disc elements and an adhesive layer between the disc elements, whereby the adhesive layer is cured by the irradiation with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A rubber tire component (10, 20, 30, 40) is laden with a mixture of fibers (12). The fibers (12) being sensitive to induction heating can be rapidly cured using a variety of methods. The preferred method permits a selective induction curing of the fiber laden component (10, 20, 30, 40) in combination with conventional curing presses.

Abstract: An optical disk having a recording layer on a substrate, a bonding layer which is made of an ultraviolet cured resin bonding the recording layer, a transparent layer which is bonded to the bonding layer, and an overcoating layer which is formed on the transparent sheet and is made of the ultraviolet cured resin further has a mixed layer which is formed by mixing the ultraviolet cured resins of the bonding layer and the overcoating layer. Consequently, the bonding layer, the overcoating layer, and the mixed layer are integrally cured, so that the substrate is entirely covered with the ultraviolet cured resin having transparency, which allows a light transmitting layer A to be protected with sufficient strength.

Abstract: An optical disk includes a reflective layer, a recording layer, an optical-transparent bonding layer and an optical transparent sheet laminated on a substrate in this order. The total thickness of the optical-transparent bonding layer and the optical transparent sheet is 0.1 mm. The peak-to-peak height of wrinkles formed on the sheet is 2.5 &mgr;m or lower. The optical disk is produced as follows: A first ultraviolet ray is radiated to an optical transparent sheet at a first energy level in the range from 500 mJ/cm2 to 3000 mJ/cm2, a wavelength of the first ultraviolet ray being in the range from 250 nm to 300 nm. Prepared next is a substrate laminated on which are a reflective layer and a recording layer in this order. Ultraviolet hardened resin is applied on the recording layer to form an optical-transparent bonding layer thereon. An optical transparent sheet is provided on the optical-transparent bonding layer.

Abstract: Adhesive systems are useful for bonding wrap-around labels using an overlap adhesive in their application to blown plastic containers, more particularly plastic bottles. The adhesive system includes reactive contact adhesives based on multifunctional macromonomer compounds curable in steps by different reaction mechanisms, which may also be present mixed with one-stage reactive mixture components.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a decorated substrate comprising the steps of: submitting the substrate to a treatment to prepare its surface for the application of a coating; applying a coating to the surface of the substrate in one or more cycles; covering the surface of the substrate with a sheet comprising a decoration which is to be transferred to the surface of the substrate; and heating the substrate and the sheet comprising the decoration to effect the transfer of the decoration from the sheet onto the substrate. In this process, the coating is cured using electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than 400 nm, until a coating is obtained having a Tg between 50 and 130° C. and a scar resistance at 200° C. of at least 3N and wherein the temperature during the transfer of the decoration to the substrate is from 180 to 220° C. The process is particularly suited to the decoration of heat sensitive substrates, like MDF or wood.

Abstract: The present invention describes a die to manufacture pieces of plastic materials, molded by injection, projection or blowing processes that does not need end finishing during its construction, and that does not need to employ additional demolding agents during its whole useful life to release the objects molded. Said die is specially useful to obtain pieces of plastic materials that must be painted or must be dealt superficially with the purpose of being employed in various industries, such as the automobile industry, electro-domestic accessories manufacturing, communications, computers, or decoration, etc. This die is also specially useful to obtain pieces that must be adhered in an efficient and substantially permanent way to others as are the soles for the industrial manufacturing of shoes and of sports shoes.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing decorative panels includes the steps of forming a first continuous fiber reinforced resin layer, laying a continuous decorated sheet on the first fiber reinforced resin layer, forming a second continuous fiber reinforced resin layer on the continuous decorated sheet, eliminating a substratum of the decorated sheet so that the first and second fiber reinforced resin layers can join one another to form a continuous consolidated strip of fiber reinforced resin with an image suspended therein, curing the continuous consolidated strip, and cutting a panel from the continuous consolidated strip. The first fiber reinforced resin layer is preferably at least partially cured in a first curing step before the second fiber reinforced resin layer is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for laminating a dry film using a microwave which are capable of quickly transforming a photosensitive substance of a dry film to a semi-liquid state by vibrating a water or acryl group copolymer molecular in a dry film for thereby implementing a laminating operation. The apparatus for laminating a dry film includes a microwave oscillating apparatus which includes an interior surrounded by a reflection film, for thereby heat-oscillating a water and acryl group copolymer molecular in a dry film, a caterpillar belt clean apparatus for removing foreign substances formed after pressurizing the film heated by the oscillating apparatus, a frame for performing a laminating work with respect to the substrate fed by the feeding apparatus, and a discharging apparatus for discharging the PCB photosensitive-processed by the microwave oscillating apparatus.

Abstract: A surface covering has a base to which is laminated a rigid vinyl film. The film is precoated with an electron beam cured wearlayer. The preferred wearlayer composition is a polymerizable organic urethane-polyester wearlayer coating. The coated printed film is prepared by application of a polyester urethane acrylate composition to a printed sheet of rigid vinyl film and the coating is exposed to a low accelerating energy Electro-curtain to form an abrasion resistant topcoat with no apparent degradation of printed rigid vinyl film.

Abstract: Embodiments of optical discs and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical disc comprises: at least two plastic substrates comprising a bonding layer and a data layer disposed therebetween, wherein at least one of the substrates is a read side substrate comprising greater than or equal to about 0.05 wt % colorant, based upon the total weight of the read side substrate, and wherein the read side substrate has a UV Bonding Index of greater than or equal to about 0.5. One method for making the optical disc comprises: forming a first plastic substrate comprising greater than or equal to about 0.05 wt % colorant, based upon the total weight of the first plastic substrate, wherein a UV Bonding Index of the first plastic substrate is controlled to be greater than or equal to about 0.5, disposing a data layer between the first plastic substrate and a second substrate, bonding the first plastic substrate to the second plastic substrate with a bonding layer, and curing the bonding layer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing parts with intimate connection of least two material phases, of which at least one is a solid body phase. Prior to intimate connection, at least the surface of the solid body phase to be connected is pretreated by a plasma-activated gas that contains nitrogen. The method is used, for example, for connecting integrated circuits with an HLST or for the electrical connection of the printed circuits by wire bonding or for the sheathing of electrical circuits joined with HLST and connected by wire bonding, with a potting compound.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to completely cure a resin composition highly capable of screening energy radiation, such as a carbon fiber-reinforced composite material (CFRP), simply by exposing the resin composition to UV radiation in the presence of a specific photopolymerization initiator system (reaction catalyst system) comprising at least two components. To this end, the present invention provides a resin curing method wherein, when a resin composition is exposed to energy radiation typified by UV radiation, another kind of first energy than the energy from an energy radiation source is autogenously generated within the resin, and the same kind of second energy is successively generated by the autogenously generated energy, so that the resin composition is cured by means of the first and second energies, or both the first and second energies and the energy from the energy radiation source, whether or not the resin composition contains a substance capable of screening energy radiation.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being specially processed to reduce curl and distortion, and increase resolution, strength, accuracy, speed and economy of reproduction even for rather difficult object shapes, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite filters and methods for preparing same. More specifically, it is directed to filter laminates of multiple discreet layers of material bonded together, with at least one of the layers being an asymmetric membrane.

Abstract: The three dimensional configuration of an article is generated from a plurality of sheets of polymer material having a base resin constituent, a reactive diluent constituent and a reaction modifying constituent which effects a latent change in chemical reactivity of the polymer material in an area of each sheet imaged with actinic radiation in the configuration of an incremental heighth of the article, successive sheets are exposed to actinic radiation corresponding to the configuration of successive incremental planar heighths of the article and are stacked in a matrix. The imaged areas of all sheets are thereafter simultaneously cured with heat or aging, the configuration of the article is separated from the remainder of the matrix by altering the dimensional stability of the uncured polymer material. The sheets may be initially positioned on a carrier web for transport through an apparatus for constructing the shape of an article.

Abstract: A method and system of manufacturing an air bag cover assembly utilizing infrared radiation is disclosed. The assembly includes a front panel, a back plate, a switch and infrared-absorbing material. Initially, the front panel and the back plate are positioned so that inner surfaces of the front panel and the back plate define a switch pocket therebetween. Then the switch is positioned in the switch pocket. Thereafter, infrared radiation is directed at the infrared-absorbing material for a time sufficient to heat the infrared-absorbing material to a desired temperature. The amount of heat applied to the infrared-absorbing material by the infrared radiation is controlled by a controller. Finally, the heated material cools to fixedly secures the back plate to the front panel. The heated material may be forced to flow prior to cooling.

Abstract: A bonded laminate structure which is obtainable by bonding a PBN layer (or PBT layer) to a thermoplastic resin layer without the use of an adhesive material. The bonded laminate structure comprises: a first layer comprising at least one of polybutylene naphthalate (PBN) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as an essential component and having a surface subjected to an electric discharge treatment such as a plasma treatment; and a second layer comprising an amine-rich resin as an essential component and bonded to the surface of the first layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a latent polymer composite which contains a heat-sensitive polymer material and a microwave sensitizer. The latent polymer material is inelastic in the latent state but can be made elastic with the addition of heat. The microwave sensitizer is a solid material blended uniformly into the latent polymer composite. The sensitizer absorbs microwave radiation and heats the heat-sensitive polymer material. The polymer composite becomes elastic under microwave radiation or thermal energy. The latent polymer composite can bonded to a fibrous sheet to form a latent laminate material. When exposed to microwave radiation, the latent laminate material becomes an elastic laminate. The latent polymer composite of the laminate shrinks and returns to an elastic state creating an elastic laminate material. The polymer composite of this invention has a rough surface created by the sensitizer particles.

Abstract: A method for bonding composite wood products comprises using a PMDI adhesive modified with a polar compound such as a lower alkylene carbonate or triacetin with a combination of conductive thermal heat and radio frequency energy. Propylene carbonate is a preferred modifier. Press temperatures and pressing times may be significantly reduced from those using either unmodified PMDI adhesives or the modified adhesives without radio frequency energy. Laminated veneer products 38 mm in thickness can be pressed at 110°-120° C. in as little as 7 minutes using radio frequency energy at a level of about 32 kw/m2.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for continuously coating at least a metal strip with a crosslikable polymer fluid film free of non-active solvent or diluent and whereof the softening temperature is higher than 50° C. The method consists in continuously unwinding the metal strip (1) on at least a back-up roll (3); forming, on a roll (20) by forced flow, a layer of said crosslinkable polymer in melted state; forming, from said layer (30), said crosslinkable polymer film (31); and transferring entirely in thickness said film onto the metal strip (1) and, between the zone forming the layer (30) on the roll (20) and the zone applying the film (31) on the metal strip, in thermally conditioning the crosslinkable polymer to reduce its viscosity. The invention also concerns a coating device for implementing said method.

Abstract: A method for decorating a vitreous substrate with a radiation curable ink composition, comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate; and a method for decorating a vitreous substrate with hot stamping foil comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate, pressing a sheet of hot stamping foil against the substrate with a die heated to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the hot stamping foil to adhere to the heated, cured, ink design but not to t

Abstract: This invention relates to a UV curable system of the type for continuously applying a UV curable adhesive to labels, at least partially curing the adhesive on the labels to render the adhesive tacky and thereafter applying the labels to discrete containers through the tacky adhesive layer. Most preferably the labels are cut and stack labels retained in a dispensing magazine prior to the application of the UV adhesive to the labels, and most preferably both the labels and the UV curable (and cured) adhesive are clear, and the clear labels with the clear tacky adhesive thereon preferably are adhered to clear glass containers, e.g. soda bottles, beer bottles and the like.

Abstract: Improved methods and articles used to fabricate flexible circuit structures are disclosed. The methods include depositing a release layer or a dielectric film on a substrate, and then forming a conductive laminate on the release layer or the dielectric film. The conductive laminate may be easily separated by the substrate to eventually form a flexible circuit structure. Plasma may be used to treat a surface of the release layer or the dielectric film to produce a plasma-treated surface to lower the peel strength of any film or layer bound to the plasma-treated surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fixing a part and a part support for mounting the part by use of adhesive via an intermediate member are disclosed. The adhesive is implemented by photocuring adhesive while the intermediate member is formed of a material transparent for light. The intermediate member is free from coloring and deformation when illuminated by light for curing the adhesive. The adhesive is prevented from dropping or turning round to other portions during assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of polymer laminated base paper, said process comprising laminating a base paper web on at least one side thereof with at least one polymer layer by extrusion-coating at a coating speed of 300 m/min or more, wherein the said base paper web is heated prior to laminating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a labeling system for continuously applying a layer of a radiation curable adhesive, e.g., a UV curable adhesive, to plastic, sheet fed, cut and stack, labels, irradiating the adhesive on the labels to render the adhesive sufficiently tacky to effectively adhere the labels to containers in a commercial labeling machine and thereafter applying the labels to discrete containers through the sufficiently tacky adhesive layer. The plastic labels can be clear, opaque (including metallized) plastic films and can be retained in a dispensing magazine prior to the application of the radiation curable adhesive to the labels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiation curable system for continuously applying a layer of a radiation curable adhesive, e.g., a UV curable adhesive, to plastic, sheet fed, cut and stack, labels, irradiating the adhesive on the labels to render the adhesive sufficiently tacky to effectively adhere the label to a container in a commercial labeling machine and thereafter applying the labels to discrete containers through the sufficiently tacky adhesive layer. The plastic labels can be clear, opaque (including metallized ) plastic films and can be retained in a dispensing magazine prior to the application of the radiation curable adhesive to the labels.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for treating a metallic surface, other than a clean aluminum or aluminum alloy surface, which comprises treating the surface with an organosilane and exposing the surface to a laser.

Abstract: Process for the radiation crosslinking of double-sided adhesive tapes, in which a backing material coated on both sides with adhesives is irradiated asymmetrically from both sides with different doses in an irradiation means.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for calibrating the control of a radiation device producing electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation in a rapid prototyping system.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing tape includes a permanent backing and a layer of a nonpressure sensitive adhesive. The tapes are useful for wafer grinding and/or wafer dicing applications. The nonpressure sensitive adhesive includes a copolymer of at least one of a first monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one of a second monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, and at least one copolymerizable nonionic crosslinking agent; wherein the second monoethylenically unsaturated monomer is a reinforcing monomer having a homopolymer glass transition temperature higher than that of the first monoethylenically unsaturated monomer. A method of processing semiconductor wafers is also provided.

Abstract: Process for the radiation crosslinking of double-sided adhesive tapes, in which a backing material coated on both sides with adhesives is irradiated asymmetrically from both sides with different doses in an irradiation means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating the surface of an object, especially the surface of a car bumper (1) with a plastic film (2). During and/or after application of the plastic film to the surface, the coating is irradiated with infra-red radiation in order to heat at least parts of the coating and/or optionally residual moisture between the surface and the plastic film (2). This enables slight inequalities of the plastic film to be compensated, the adhesive coating is distributed in a homogeneous manner and the optionally residual moisture is collected in the form of bubbles following infrared radiation. Defects or irregularities in the coating can thus be identified during or shortly afterwards.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes by which a polymeric hydrogel can be securely adhered to a substrate to form a hydrogel laminate with greatly improved delamination resistance. The laminate is formed by casting onto a polymeric adhesive-coated substrate an aqueous solution of hydrophilic polymer, then exposing this composite to ionizing radiation which cross-links the hydrophilic polymer to form a hydrogel and also induces copolymerization of the hydrophilic polymer and the adhesive polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for melt-bonding a molded article of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester with a metal, which comprises activating or irradiating a surface of a molded article of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester resin and melt-bonding the surface with a metal at or above the flow temperature of the thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester.