Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a structural element comprising a fiber-reinforced plastic. According to the invention, a flexible hose is provided with a tubular woven fabric and shaped into the desired form. A plastic that is preferably in liquid form is applied to the tubular woven fabric and is subsequently cured.

Abstract: A composite layup is formed on a tool and placed on a contoured part. The tool is contoured to substantially match the contour of the part. A set of location data is generated which represents the location of the part in space relative to the tool. An automated manipulator uses the location data to move the tool into proximity to the part and place the contoured layup on the part.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a substrate lamination system and method. A substrate lamination apparatus may comprise: (a) a vacuum chamber; (b) a flexible membrane; and (c) a substrate support. A system for laminating substrates may comprise: (a) a vacuum chamber; (b) a flexible membrane; (c) a substrate support; (d) a vacuum pump; (e) a compressor; and (f) a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out the steps: (i) evacuating the vacuum chamber; and (ii) applying pressure to at least one of a first substrate and a second substrate.

Abstract: A labelling unit movable along a given path for receiving labels and comprising a hollow receiving member having a lateral wall for receiving a relative label, extending around an axis transverse to the path and comprising a suction portion having through holes; a suction pneumatic device connected to the holes through the inside of the receiving member that can apply suction to retain a label on the outer surface of the lateral wall; and a hollow distributor member coaxially arranged inside the receiving member and provided with a number of angularly spaced opening sections having different heights parallel to the axis and correlated to the heights of different labels processed by the unit, and rotatable in at least two different angular positions, each corresponding to a selected opening section of the suction portion of the lateral wall such that only the holes facing the selected opening section are operative.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a method of applying a high temperature hybridized molecular functional group adhesion barrier coating to a surface of a structure. The method includes providing a structure having at least one surface to be bonded, preparing the at least one surface to expose active reactive surface sites, providing one or more liquid or solid phase chemical derivatization compounds, applying heat to the one or more liquid or solid phase chemical derivatization compounds to vaporize the one or more liquid or solid chemical derivatization compounds, depositing the one or more vaporized chemical derivatization compounds on the prepared surface to form a derivatized composite surface having hybridized molecular functional groups, and heat curing the derivatized composite surface to form a high temperature hybridized molecular functional group adhesion barrier coating.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a prepreg comprising superimposing layer of unidirectional fibrous reinforcement comprising a plurality of tows each comprising a plurality of parallel filaments onto a resin impregnated layer of unidirectional fibrous reinforcement comprising a plurality of tows each comprising a plurality of parallel filaments wherein the superimposed laminate of layers is compressed to the extent that the resin penetrates the interstices between the tows but penetrates the voids within the tows to less than 22 to 60% by volume of the tows.

Abstract: It comprises applying a mould release agent on a compaction tool (1), carrying out its curing and applying a layer with adhesive properties (2) on the mould release agent. It is characterized in that it also comprises extending an aerator blanket (4) along the layer (2) with dimensions larger than the adhesive layer (2), extending a membrane with resilient properties (5) on the entire surface of the tool (1) by applying vacuum to the membrane (5) for compacting the adhesive layer. This method reduces the number of stages required to perform the compaction and avoids the generation of waste materials thus reducing the cost of the process.

Abstract: An attaching method for attaching a support plate to a surface of a substrate with an adhesive involves the steps of applying an adhesive to the surface of the substrate, heating and thereafter cooling the substrate, positioning centers of the substrate and the supporting plate to coincide with each other, and forming a layered structure by pushing the supporting plate onto the substrate with the adhesive therebetween in a pressure-reduced atmosphere. In the positioning step, after the supporting late has been placed on the substrate, it is possible to finely adjust the alignment of the supporting plate and a semiconductor wafer when attached because the adhesive is applied to the surface of the substrate, and thereafter the substrate is heated and cooled.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric microfluidic structure in which two or more components (layers) of the microfluidic structure are fixedly bonded or laminated with a weak solvent bonding agent, particularly acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. In an aspect, acetonitrile can be used as a weak solvent bonding agent to enclose a microstructure fabricated in or on a non-elastomeric polymer such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic or other linear polymer to form a three-dimensional microfluidic network. The method involves the steps of wetting at least one of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric substrate components with the weak solvent bonding agent in a given, lower temperature range, adjacently contacting the opposing surfaces, and thermally activating the bonding agent at a higher temperature than the lower temperature range for a given period of time. The contacted polymeric substrates may also be aligned prior to thermal activation and compressed during thermal activation.

Abstract: A resin laminate manufacturing method includes providing a pair of split mold blocks one of which has a cavity provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the other mold block, preparing two molten thermoplastic resin sheets each having an adjusted thickness, feeding the two molten thermoplastic resin sheets between the pair of split mold blocks with a predetermined gap left therebetween, forming a hermetic space between one of the sheets and the cavity of the one mold block opposed to an outer surface of the one sheet, sucking air in the hermetic space from the side of the one mold block, pressing the outer surface of the one sheet against the cavity of the one mold block to shape the one sheet, forming cup-shaped portions, and clamping the pair of mold blocks.

Abstract: A method for providing a matrix material between a bonded pair of substrates with a homogeneous distribution of anisotropic filler particles is provided. Functionalized anisotropic filler particles are mixed uniformly with a matrix material to form a homogenous mixture. A bonded assembly of a first substrate and a second substrate with an array of electrical interconnect structures is placed within a vacuum environment. The homogenous mixture of the matrix material and the anisotropic filler particles is dispensed around the array of electrical interconnect structures. A gas is abruptly introduced into the vacuum environment to induce an implosion of the homogenous mixture. The implosion causes the homogenous mixture to fill the cavity between the first and second substrates without causing agglomeration of the anisotropic filler particles. The mixture filling the space between the first and second substrates has a homogenous distribution of the anisotropic filler particles.

Abstract: Provided are a cover window and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the cover window. The cover window includes a film layer having at least one bent portion, a resin layer having at least one bent portion, and an adhesive layer disposed between the film layer and the resin layer and adhering the film layer and the resin layer.

Abstract: A bonding method including an adhesive layer forming process in which a thermoplastic adhesive is applied to a substrate or a support plate and an adhesive layer is formed; a heating process in which the adhesive layer that is formed on the substrate or the support plate is heated; and a bonding process in which the substrate and the support plate are pressed against each other via the heated adhesive layer, thereby bonding the substrate and the support plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an organic light emitting display panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes i) a first roll around which a film is wound to be continuously drawn, ii) a second roll arranged to face the first roll and around which the film is continuously wound, iii) a plurality of chambers disposed between the first and second rolls and through which the film passes, and in which laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) is performed on a substrate by forming a transfer layer on the film, and iv) a gate unit installed at least one of the chambers and disposed at at least one of a film inlet and a film output of the chambers that are installed, to maintain a substantially vacuum state in the chambers during passing of the film.

Abstract: A contoured glass sheet laminating system may include a glass-side vacuum bed, a laminate-side vacuum bed and a lamination actuator. The glass-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a mold-receiving side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the glass-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the mold-receiving side of the glass-side vacuum bed. The laminate-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a thin-film loading side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the laminate-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the thin-film loading side of the of the laminate-side vacuum bed.

Abstract: Flexible material transfer devices, flexible vacuum compaction devices that include the flexible material transfer devices, flexible vacuum chucks that include the flexible vacuum compaction devices, and systems and methods including the same. The flexible material transfer devices include a flexible substrate that is configured to selectively and repeatedly transition between a stowed conformation and a deployed conformation. The flexible substrate defines a material contacting surface that is configured to contact a charge of composite material and to selectively and operatively attach to the charge of composite material. The flexible substrate further defines a plurality of retention conduits that are at least partially defined by the material contacting surface and are configured to have a retention vacuum applied thereto. The flexible material transfer device further includes a retention manifold that provides fluid communication between the plurality of retention conduits and a vacuum source.

Abstract: A labeling unit for applying labels to containers includes a label removing device, a vacuum drum, and a gluing device. The vacuum drum receives labels at a first transfer position and delivers them to a second transfer position. The gluing device is arranged within an angular region of rotary motion of the vacuum drum between the first and second transfer positions. The vacuum drum moves labels past the gluing device. The label removal device removes either labels or label residues that remain on the vacuum drum in the angular region.

Abstract: A document (2) containing: electronic components (14) and/or diffractive security elements; at least one protective layer (4, 5) being arranged on one side or two protective layers (4, 5) being arranged on both sides of the electronic components (14) and/or of the diffractive security element, said protective layers being formed of a first base polymer, polymer layers (8, 9, 12, 13), being formed of a second base polymer being different from the first base polymer, into which the electronic components (14) and/or the diffractive security element with the protective layers (4, 5) are laminated; and adhesive layers with a latent-reactive adhesive (10, 11) being arranged at least between the polymer layers (8, 9, 12, 13) and the protective layers (4, 5), and wherein the core layer or protective layers are formed of a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Composite parts such as plastic laminates are formed using a pre-assembled, integral double bag to vacuum bag the part. The double bag is formed of two sheets of bag material that are cut to pre-determined width dimensions, with the width of one sheet being less than that of the other. The bag sheets are prealigned and then attached to each other by spaced apart bonds between the sheets which hold the bag sheets in registered relationship to each other when the double bag is placed over the part and sealed to a tool base. The attachment bonds may be formed by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or an adhesive.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced fuselage shell for an aircraft, which fuselage shell for the purpose of reinforcement comprises several stringers that are spaced apart from each other, wherein the device includes a base frame comprising several supporting walls of different lengths for forming a curved mounting surface for the fuselage shell to be manufactured, wherein several actuators that extend radially outwards and that are longitudinally adjustable are affixed to the mounting surface, at the distal ends of which actuators in each case mold channels for receiving the stringers are attached, which mold channels are interconnected by means of flexible intermediate elements and/or further mold channels for forming a vacuum-tight closed mold surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a structural component, particularly in the aerospace sector. An unhardened prepreg fabric is formed from a composite fiber material, hardenable at a first hardening temperature, into a predetermined shape. The unhardened prepreg fabric is then connected to at least one hardening part of a composite fiber material partially hardened at a second hardening temperature for holding the unhardened prepreg fabric in the predetermined shape, wherein the second hardening temperature is lower than the first hardening temperature. In a further method step the unhardened prepreg fabric connected to the at least one holding part is hardened at the first hardening temperature to form the structural component.

Abstract: A unitary reflector system and methods for forming that include a reflector and support structure. These two structures can form a single unitary structure. Such a reflector system can be constructed from composite laminate materials that are laid up or formed in during a single manufacturing process. The composite support structure can be formed on the back of the reflector using standard laminate techniques. An extractable tool, can include a rigid core, one or more foam blocks, which may be shape a memory polymer foam, an elastic membrane, and a nozzle. The foam blocks can be shaped to provide a mold of the composite structure being manufactured. This mold may require the extractable tool to be trapped by the composite structure after manufacture. Use of the foams can allow the extractable tool to shrink in at least one dimension in order to extract the tool from the trapped configuration.

Abstract: A tool defines a piston/cylinder with first and second chambers on either side of the piston. A sealable port couples the first chamber to ambient environment. One end of the tool (i) defines a volume that is open to ambient environment, and (ii) has a cartridge coupled thereto such that the volume remains open to ambient environment. The cartridge defines (i) a chamber filled with a meltable material, and (ii) a channel coupling the material-filled chamber to ambient environment. A melting device in thermal communication with the meltable material simultaneously heats an air/water mixture in the second chamber and melts the meltable material. An element releasably coupled to the tool spans a region within the cartridge that lies within the channel. The element incorporates a check valve separating the volume defined by the tool and ambient environment.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are provided for adhering steering ribs to an intermediate transfer belt (ITB). These steering ribs (one or more) are applied to the ITB by placing the rib material around a cylindrical fixture. The rib material is held in place by a vacuum that is applied to the rib material to hold it against the fixture. An ITB may be separately held in place on the fixture by another vacuum until the rib material is adhered to the inside surface of the ITB through application of compressed air to force the rib material outward against the ITB. Once the rib material is adhered to the ITB, a series of apertures directs compressed air against the rib and the ITB to release them from the fixture.

Abstract: A room temperature bonding apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a load lock chamber having an internal space which is pressure-reduced; and a cartridge arranged in the load lock chamber. The cartridge includes an island portion formed to contact a substrate when the substrate is put on the cartridge. A flow passage is formed for the island portion to connect a space between the cartridge and the substrate to outside when the substrate is put on the cartridge. Therefore, in the room temperature bonding apparatus can prevent making the substrate is moved to the cartridge due to gas when the internal space is pressure-reduced.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus is provided which causes a resin film to completely conform to protruding and recessed portions of a substrate, and which makes the film thickness of the conforming resin film uniform on a stricter level. To this end, the laminating apparatus includes a laminating mechanism including: an enclosed space forming receiver capable of receiving a provisionally laminated body therein; and a pressure laminator for applying pressure to the provisionally laminated body in non-contacting relationship in an enclosed space formed by the enclosed space forming receiver to form an end laminated body from the provisionally laminated body.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method to form a composite part comprises joining a first structural element and a second element to form a fillet at an intersection of the first structural element and the second element, positioning an inflatable radius filler in the fillet, positioning the composite part in a vacuum chamber, venting the inflatable radius filler to an environment external to vacuum chamber, drawing a vacuum in the vacuum chamber, and curing the composite part. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: A method for producing an analysis tape for fluid samples, in particular body fluids, is proposed. In the method, diagnostic auxiliary labels are transferred to a carrier tape, wherein at least one vacuum roller is used for the transfer of the diagnostic auxiliary labels. The diagnostic auxiliary labels are detected on the vacuum roller. At least one tape position of the carrier tape is furthermore detected. The transfer of the auxiliary labels to the carrier tape is effected in accordance with the detected auxiliary labels and the tape position.

Abstract: The use of a heat idler moveable along a path provides speed and flexibility in the heat labeling of containers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum suction control mechanism apparatus capable of accurately bonding a film to a bonding object with a simple structure. A vacuum suction control mechanism apparatus according to the present invention includes a first member including a plurality of suction holes formed in a surface thereof, the plurality of suction holes being connectable to a decompression source, and a second member capable of contacting the plurality of suction holes, the second member being movable relative to the first member, wherein the second member includes connecting member connecting some of the suction holes, the number of which corresponds to a relative position between the first member and the second member, to the decompression source.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for bonding at least two substrates, for example made from glass, silicon, ceramic, aluminum, or boron, by using an intermediate thin film metal layer for providing the bonding, said method comprising the following steps of: a) providing said two substrates; b) depositing said thin film metal layer on at least a part of a surface of a first substrate of the two substrates; c) bringing a surface of the second substrate into contact with said thin film metal layer on said surface of the first substrate such that a bonding between the second substrate and the thin film metal layer on the first substrate is provided; and d) at least locally strengthening the bonding between the second substrate and the thin film metal layer on the first substrate. The invention also relates to a device comprising two substrates, for example made from glass, silicon, ceramic, aluminum, or boron, and an intermediate thin film metal layer.

Abstract: A method for producing an analysis tape for fluid samples, in particular body fluids, is proposed. The method comprises providing a laminate tape having a laminate carrier tape and at least one diagnostic functional layer, and cutting the laminate tape in such a way that a diagnostic auxiliary label arises; transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a vacuum roller; and transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a carrier tape. In general, at least one vacuum roller is used for the transfer of the diagnostic auxiliary label to the carrier tape. The cutting of the diagnostic functional layer is effected in such a way that a free end of the diagnostic functional layer is lifted off from the laminate carrier tape by guiding the laminate carrier tape around a cutting edge with a small radius, wherein the diagnostic functional layer is cut at a predetermined distance from the lifted off free end by means of a cutting device.

Abstract: Provided are a laminating apparatus and a laminating method using the same. In an aspect, the laminating apparatus includes a stage, a heating bar, and a press part. In an aspect, the laminating may be performed in a state where the donor film is closely attached to the substrate to prevent defects of the donor film from occurring during the laminating, thereby improving reliability of the laminating apparatus.

Abstract: Polarizing beam splitters, methods of making such beam splitters, and systems incorporating such beam splitters are described. More specifically, polarizing beam splitters, methods of making such beams splitters, and systems with such beam splitters that incorporate multilayer optical films and reflect imaged light towards a viewer or viewing screen with high effective resolution are described.

Abstract: Method and system for bonding two or more CVD SiC articles together without the use of interface materials using applied forces from about 0.0035 MPa to about 0.035 MPa. The articles are pretreated for bonding. Graphite or other fixtures are used to apply forces in a vacuum or inert gas environment. Temperatures from about 1900° C. to about 2200° C. are used to initiate a ??? transition in the SiC to create bonded CVS SiC articles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part comprising fiber material impregnated with cured resin is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first mold part having a first forming surface with a contour that defines at least a part of an outer surface of turbine blade shell part, b) arranging fiber material in the first mold part, the fiber material comprising fibers of a magnetizable material, c) providing a resin in the first mold part simultaneous with and/or subsequent to step b), and d) curing the resin in order to form the wind turbine blade shell part or wind turbine blade. The fiber material is retained against the first forming surface by use of magnet means during step b) and/or step c).

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for providing a flexible shape low volume autoclave are disclosed. In one embodiment, an autoclave includes an elongated pressure vessel that is sealed on both ends and has a circumferential joint between a first portion and a second portion. The autoclave further includes the portions defining an interior configured for accepting an elongated part, the joint being configured to create an angle between the portions and further creating an opening with a seal, the opening facilitating an insertion of the part into the interior, and the seal enabling pressurization of the interior.

Abstract: A flywheel includes a wheel having a composite rim structure with multiple radial layers of steel material. Epoxy type adhesive can bond the multiple layers of stainless steel together.

Abstract: An adhesive assembly is provided in particular for assembling a novel element on a structure or further for reinforcing a structure. The adhesive assembly includes a substrate, a rigid element placed with an interval relative to the substrate, at least one seal compressed between the substrate and the rigid element and defining a sealed space within said interval, and a hardened adhesive occupying said space. The seal is compressed by the rigid element that is held on the substrate by the hardened adhesive.

Abstract: A stand-up paddle board is formed by a core surrounded by a skin. The core is manufactured by creating an upper core member mold and a lower core member mold, corresponding to the top and bottom of the core. The upper core member and lower core member includes a concave surface filled by a lattice-shaped matrix. The core members and the matrices are molded to be complimentary in shape, such that the surface of each matrix and the surrounding upper and lower core members adjoin each other and are connected by an adhesive to create an air-tight core having air-tight matrix chambers. The completed core is then surrounded by a conventional paddle board skin.

Abstract: An image display device includes a light source unit emitting light, a light shutter arranged on the light source unit and selectively causing light received from the light source unit to exit therefrom, and a phosphor substrate arranged on the light shutter such that light from the light shutter enters and including a phosphor. The phosphor substrate is arranged such that the phosphor faces the light shutter. The phosphor and the light shutter are arranged to face each other with an air layer interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A method for producing acoustical panels with a three-dimensional surface bonds stacks of design pieces to a flat panel. A layer of adhesive is applied over the assembly, and then a fabric layer is applied over the assembly to bond the fabric over the panel and design pieces.

Abstract: A room temperature bonding apparatus includes: an angle adjustment mechanism that supports a first sample stage holding a first substrate to a first stage so as to be able to change a direction of the first sample stage; a first driving device that drives the first stage in a first direction; a second driving device that drives a second sample stage holding a second substrate in a second direction not parallel to the first direction; and a carriage support table that supports the second sample stage in the first direction when the second substrate and the first substrate are brought into press contact with each other. In this case, the room temperature bonding apparatus can impose a larger load exceeding a withstand load of the second driving device on the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: Aspects relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool is comprised of a vacuum tool and an ultrasonic welder as a unified manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool may be used to pick and position a manufacturing part that is then welded with the associated ultrasonic welder.

Abstract: A vacuum device includes a main body and an adjustment assembly connected to the main body. The main body includes a frame, a loading member, and an elastic film. The loading member and the elastic film are arranged at opposite end surfaces of the frame. A chamber is cooperatively formed by the frame, the loading member, and the elastic film. The adjustment assembly adjusts the inner air pressure of the chamber. The loading member includes an absorption area connecting the chamber to outside the main body. The absorption area changes the air pressure inside the chamber. Also provided is a bonding apparatus using the vacuum device.

Abstract: A sensor device for sensing wetness in an absorbent article worn by a subject includes one or more sensing elements; and a coupling for communicating sensor signals between the one or more sensing elements and a receiver. A change in environmental parameter causes a change in electrical behaviour of at least one of the sensing elements, which behaviour can be analysed to determine occurrence of a wetness event in the absorbent article. The changes in electrical behaviour are communicated in the sensor signals to the receiver. The analysis may be by the receiver or a processor in communication with the receiver. Ideally, the sensing elements include capacitive elements and preferably, resonance circuits.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber composite component having an integral structural design includes positioning a sheet-like fibrous semi-finished product in a mold that defines an outer contour of the fiber composite component. Dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished products, each having dimensions corresponding to a respective portion of the manufactured fiber composite component, are arranged on the sheet-like fibrous semi-finished product. The dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished products are stabilized and fixed in place using mold cores. The semi-finished products are resin infiltrated using one of a first or a second gating process so as to form a construct. The first gating process includes gating via the mold cores at a head of each dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished product and performing extraction in an area of the mold.

Abstract: A vacuum lamination system and a vacuum lamination method are provided in which, when a laminate film and laminate base items are laminated and an excessive portion of the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon, a high precision lamination is enabled and the cutting process including a conveying device for cutting the excessive portion of the laminate film can be simplified. In the vacuum lamination system, a laminate film and laminate base items that are conveyed on the carrier film are laminated by the batch type vacuum laminating device, and the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon.

Abstract: A method of attaching armoring sheets for a wire harness includes following steps. In a first armoring sheet setting step, one of a pair of the armoring sheets is set in a positioning recess formed in a setting jig to fit side end surfaces of the one of the armoring sheets to insides of opposing inner side surfaces of the positioning recess. In a wire setting step, wires are set in the positioning recess. In a second armoring sheet setting step, the other of the armoring sheets is set in the positioning recess so as to cover the wires. In a vacuum bonding step, vacuuming is performed to bond the armoring sheets to each other so that side end portions of the armoring sheets are in close contact with each other.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the manufacture of a battery cell. The battery cell includes a first set of layers including a cathode with an active coating, a separator, and an anode with an active coating. The separator may include a ceramic coating and a binder coating over the ceramic coating. During manufacturing of the battery cell, the layers are stacked, and the binder coating is used to laminate the first set of layers within the first sub-cell by applying at least one of pressure and temperature to the first set of layers. In addition, uniform pressure is applied to the cell stack to laminate the first and second sets of layers.