Abstract: The invention provides a pick and place assembly for transferring a film of material. The assembly comprises a collet having a substantially convex contact surface for contacting the film, the collet including a vacuum suction device operative to generate a force to hold the film. The film may comprise a thermoplastic adhesive tape or B-stage thermoset epoxy coated film.

Abstract: Moulding material comprising a core layer, a reinforcement layer provided on each surface of said core layer, and a layer of a surfacing material provided on a reinforcement layer. The core layer comprises a core resin material and a filler material. The reinforcement layer comprises a fibrous reinforcement material and a reinforcement resin material. The reinforcement layer further comprises a conduit to allow gases to pass out of the moulding material via the reinforcement layer during processing of the moulding material whereby the conduit structure is formed by said reinforcement material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum-laminating method for adhesive films where adhesive bleeding is reduced.

Abstract: A process for producing an arched pane arrangement for a motor vehicle, using a flexible die (24), a plastic film (22) being pressed onto the arched glass pane (18) in order to form a film combination (26) and the film combination being subjected to heat treatment at an pressure which is below atmospheric pressure in order to laminate the plastic film onto the pane. The die (24) is thin glass or a metal foil with a layer thickness of less than 1 mm each.

Abstract: Methods of applying film to substrates are provided wherein the film matingly conforms to the configuration of the substrate, including areas adjacent protrusions or depressions in the substrate. In certain embodiments, the film is punctured by a probe and a vacuum is applied to the probe in order to aspirate air and urge the film toward a position of compliance with the substrate. Optionally, the film is softened by heat in order to facilitate conformance with the shape of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for assembling a component of a liquid crystal display device is introduced. An adhesion step is performed to adhere a flexible film to a substrate to form an assembled component by using an adhesion material covered over the overlapping area between the flexible film and the substrate. A plurality of air bubbles are trapped between the substrate and the flexible film by the adhesion material. To expel the air bubbles out of the assembled component, the assembled component is placed in an airtight chamber and a heating-pressurizing step is performed in the airtight chamber for properly raising the temperature of the assembled component and the air pressure within the airtight chamber.

Abstract: A laminated deck for a skateboard comprises a plurality of layers of graphite cloth alternating with a plurality of layers of a laminating resin. The deck is formed after treating the layers of material for between one-half hour to six hours under a vacuum at a temperature ranging from ambient temperature to 600 degrees F., depending upon the manufacturing process, whether using a hand layup process, or multiple layers of graphite cloth containing a laminating resin (“pre-preg” material). An additional lower layer of fiberglass, which can become the deck bottom, may be used in both processes. The laminated skateboard deck has properties that are at least comparable to those of wooden skateboard decks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining composite structures, such as composite honeycomb structures, during manufacture are provided. The composite structure is cured on a mandrel that defines a layup surface with a grip feature. The grip feature is configured to engage the composite structure during manufacture and retain the structure in a predetermined configuration. A film adhesive can be provided between the grip feature and a tiedown ply that extends from the composite structure.

Abstract: A skateboard deck and a method of manufacturing a skateboard deck is provided without requiring the use of industrial-grade machinery. Precut layers of veneer or other suitable material are coated with adhesive and stacked on a one-sided, negative-contoured mold and placed in a flexible-walled, airtight container from which the air is evacuated, so as to place pressure on the container and force the layers to conform to the contours of the mold. The air evacuation may be accomplished by means of a hand operated, non-electric vacuum pump.

Abstract: A method of fabricating laminate articles. A plurality of support templates are arranged to define a part outline corresponding to the laminate article. An outer surface of a primary panel to is secured to the plurality of templates. A secondary panel is arranged in a desired relationship with the primary panel. A vacuum bag is secured to the primary panel to define a vacuum chamber. A vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber to remove air from between the at least one primary panel and the at least one secondary panel. Optionally, at least one locater peg may be secured to the primary panel and at least one locater hole may be formed in the secondary panel. In this case, the secondary panel is displaced relative to the primary panel such that the at least one locater peg enters the at least one locater hole.

Abstract: A sash frame is provided having a first mounting surface for a first glazing pane and a second mounting surface for mounting a second glazing pane substantially parallel to the first glazing pane. The first and second mounting surfaces are spaced apart to provide an insulating space between the glazing panes. An evacuation opening is provided in communication with the insulating space. The first glazing pane is adhesively mounted to the first mounting surface and the second glazing pane is adhesively mounted to the second mounting surface. Air is allowed to exhaust through the evacuation opening as the insulating space is formed between the glazing panes. A vacuum is drawn from the evacuation opening to draw the first and second glazing panes closer together after the panes have been mounted on their respective mounting surfaces. Mounting of the glazing panes may also be facilitated using a roll press.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for bonding a component, such as a bushing, into a part, such as a panel. The method broadly comprises attaching a vacuum chamber to a surface of the part, seating the component into a slot in the part, and applying an adhesive material about a circumference of the component while drawing a vacuum in the vacuum chamber to allow the adhesive material to flow between the part and the component.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for vacuum laminating an article to a substrate. The apparatus comprises a movable assembly engaged with a support surface for the substrate and movable relative thereto. The movable assembly comprises a manifold for receiving vacuum force from a source of vacuum, and a fin member for translating the vacuum force across substantially a width of the printing plate. A holder for the article is positioned such that an end of said article to be laminated is engageable with the support surface. A moving device is provided for passing the movable assembly and the article over the printing plate as the vacuum force is translated across the printing plate, such that the article is laminated to the printing plate without substantial air entrapment.

Abstract: A method for laminating glass sheets wherein laminating film is placed over one surface of a first glass sheet and the film is heated with microwave radiation to a bonding temperature. Heated areas of the film are successively pressed to the glass sheet in a continuous manner for purging air from between the film and the first glass sheet and for applying bonding pressure. The pressed film areas are then cooled whereby an appropriate bond is attained between the film and the first glass sheet. Thereafter the first glass sheet with its bonded film is subjected to a partial vacuum and a second glass sheet is positioned on the film and the second glass sheet is pressed to the film. The film is then reheated with microwave radiation to a bonding temperature and thereafter cooled whereby an appropriate bond is obtained between the film and the second glass sheet to provide a glass lamination.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a structural body comprising: a structural body formation step of forming the structural body by combining a plurality of constituent members through a bonding adhesive; a closed space formation step of disposing the structural body into a pressurizing or heating unit, forming a closed space with at least one of the structural body and the pressurizing or heating unit, and charging an elastic body into the closed space; a hardening step of fixing or hardening the bonding adhesive through the elastic body by the pressurizing or heating unit; and a discharge step of discharging the elastic body from the closed space.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture of joining a stringer to a wing or tail panel and curing a wing or tail panel is disclosed. A sheet of titanium is placed between a cured stringer and an uncured wing or tail panel. The stringer, wing or tail panel and sheet are then placed within a vacuum bag, and gas is pumped out of the bag. The bag is then placed in an auto-clave to cure the wing or tail panel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plate-like body formed of first and second members stuck together through liquid includes the steps of (a) applying the liquid on a surface of the first member and (b) feeding gas between the first and second members at an instant of initial contact of the liquid with the second member when the second member is superimposed on the first member.

Abstract: In order to reduce cycle times for assembling at least two substrates (3,4) in order to form an optical data carrier in a low-pressure chamber (8), a method and a device are disclosed wherein an opening (11) of the low-pressure chamber is sealed in relation to the surrounding environment, the low-pressure chamber is pumped out, a transfer chamber (64) is formed between a first handling device (16) arranged in the low-pressure chamber and a second handling device (24) arranged outside the low-pressure chamber by respectively sealing the opening (11) of the low-pressure chamber (8).

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for de-bulking a composite material preform laid up in a mold. In detail, the apparatus includes a flexible cover adapted to fit over the mold and preform and attach to the sides of the mold. The cover includes an inlet port located in the cover such that when the cover is fit over the mold and preform, the inlet port positioned over the preform. A stretchable cord seals the peripheral portions of the cover to the sides of the mold forming a chamber over the preform. A hot air pump is coupled to the inlet port of the cover for pumping hot air into the chamber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a belt having a region comprising a non-woven material on a pulley engaging surface. The non-woven region has a random coverage of the non-woven material to reduce natural frequency harmonics, control frictional characteristics, permeation and thermal resistance. The non-woven may comprise a combination of softwood and hardwood pulp, as well as synthetic fibers applied in a random matrix to a body having a fiber loading.

Abstract: A device for connecting two wafers in a planar manner for grinding down and cutting up a product wafer has a vacuum chamber, a chuck for receiving a carrier wafer, a heating device for heating up the chuck and a vacuum-chamber cover with a vacuum-holding device, on which a product wafer can be arranged suspended above the carrier wafer. After the evacuation of the vacuum chamber, the active surface of the product wafer is dropped onto a double-sided adhesive film on the carrier wafer and is pressed into place by the rising pressure during air admission. The result is that the wafers are connected together.

Abstract: Methods of bonding glass and silicon-containing articles are disclosed. Bonding is achieved without use of adhesives or high temperature fusion. A wide variety of glass and silicon-containing articles may be bonded by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of forming plastics sheets, comprises the steps of supporting a die (or substrate 12) between plastics sheets 36 in an enclosure, heating the plastics sheets 36 by infra-red heating element 28, evacuating air from the enclosure, and urging the plastics sheets 36 into contact with opposite faces of the die (or substrate 12) while maintaining a vacuum or a substantial vacuum between the plastics sheets 36. Apparatus for performing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a radome includes the steps of placing a first dry fiber preform into a female mold having a mold surface contoured as a negative image of a desired contour to be imparted to an exterior surface of the radome, and placing a polyetherimide foam core in the mold on top of the first dry fiber preform, the foam core having first been thermally formed to generally match the contour of the mold surface prior to being placed in the mold. Next, a second dry fiber preform is placed on top of the foam core so as to form a sandwich structure having the foam core sandwiched between the dry fiber preforms, and the dry fiber preforms are vacuum infused with a fluid heat-curable resin to impregnate the preforms with the resin. The sandwich structure is then heated to cure the resin.

Abstract: A method provides for full or partial infusion of resin into three-dimensional, woven textile preforms. Resin film is placed at selected locations adjacent the preform, and the resin film may be separated from other areas of the preform using separator sheets or other materials. The preform is heated and may be vacuum-bagged to apply pressure, or may be rolled or fed through a die. The heat and pressure cause the resin to infuse into the selected areas of the preform adjacent the resin films. The amount of resin in the partial infusion is the same as is necessary to fully infuse the preform, but the resin remains localized in the selected areas until heated again at cure to cause the resin to flow throughout the preform. The method may also be used to fully infuse the preform with resin by providing sufficient temperature and time at that temperature during the initial infusion.

Abstract: A hollow core composite assembly 10 is provided, including a hollow core base 12 having at least one open core surface 14, a bondable solid film 22 applied to the open core surface 14, at least one dry face ply 30 laid up dry and placed on top of the solid film 22, and a liquid resin 32 applied to the at least one dry face ply 30 and then cured.

Abstract: Films are closely conformed to substrates by reducing the air pressure to a subatmospheric level in at least one airflow pathway that is present in the film or the substrate. The reduced air pressure enables the film to tightly contact the substrate in locations where protrusions or depressions on the substrate are present. The method is particularly useful for conforming film containing graphics to a variety of substrates such as the sides of semi-trailers or concrete block walls, even in instances where the semi-trailer sides include rivets and/or grooves and where the concrete block wall is relatively rough.

Abstract: The inventive method concerns a process of transferring resin into reinforcing material used in the manufacture of composite articles. A first step in the method involves positioning at least one layer of the reinforcing material on the surface of an open mold. Subsequently, a sealant layer is applied in liquid form over the reinforcing material to create an airtight chamber encapsulating the reinforcing material between the sealant layer and the mold. After the sealant layer is allowed to cure, resin is drawn through the reinforcing material.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a three-dimensional, Pi-shaped, woven preform to assemble first and second composite components. The preform is infused with resin, and at least one surface of the preform is adhered to at least one surface of the first component using a film adhesive. The preform is cured while an oversized tool coated with non-stick material is located within a clevis formed by two legs of the preform. A removable peel ply is located between the tool and the clevis, and semi-rigid over-presses are used during curing. After curing, the tool, over-presses, and peel ply are removed, and adhesive is injected into the clevis. The second component is inserted into the clevis, the adhesive adhering to an inner surface of the clevis and to at least one surface of the second component for retaining the second component within the clevis, the second component having a smaller width than the tool.

Abstract: A flexible insulation blanket having a smoothly surfaced, secondarily bonded, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) outer layer, and a method of producing a flexible insulation blanket having a secondarily bonded CMC layer by forming a CMC prepreg layer comprising a woven ceramic fabric layer impregnated with a pre-ceramic slurry and layering the prepreg layer with a flexible insulation blanket. The blanket and prepreg layer are then compressed such that the prepreg layer abuts a rigid smoothly surfaced plate and the ceramic material is cured by heating while under compression. Pressure is then released and the insulation is fired to sinter the ceramic material of the CMC layer.

Abstract: In a method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic components made of dry fiber composite preforms by an injection method for injecting matrix material, the arrangement of the fiber composite preform on one surface of the preform resulting in a flow promoting device, on a tool, creates a first space by a gas-permeable and matrix-material-impermeable membrane surrounding the preforms. Formation of a second space arranged between the first space and the surroundings by a foil, which is impermeable to gaseous material and matrix material, is provided, with removal by suction, of air from the second space resulting in matrix material being sucked from a reservoir into the evacuated first space and with the flow promoting device causing distribution of the matrix material above the surface of the preform facing the flow promoting device, thus causing the matrix material to penetrate the preform vertically.

Abstract: A method for applying a thin-walled, flat substrate, such as a wafer, to an assembly carrier with a preferably level protective layer, for example a wax. With respect to the protective layer, the substrate is arranged at a spacing and is curved in a convex manner. The substrate is contacted with the protective layer. Finally, the substrate is laid over the entire protective layer from the contact point towards the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum-laminating method for adhesive films where adhesive bleeding is reduced.

Abstract: A thin film bonding method for bonding a thin film to an target surface by using an adhesive agent includes the steps of: applying the adhesive agent on the target surface and mounting the thin film on the adhesive agent; applying a a fluid pressure on the target surface and the thin film from a central portion to an circumference according to lapse of time, so as to allow the thin film and the target surface to be bonded partially; and hardening the adhesive agent. The compressive force using the fluid having a magnetic force in the thin film bonding proceeds in a spiral form from the central portion to the circumference of the disk according to lapse of time, so that the air trap existing in the adhesive agent can be effectively removed, and thus, the flatness of the disk can be prevented from degradation due to the air trap.

Abstract: A high quality optical disc with extremely tiny bubbles or bubble less present in both disc-shaped substrates when they are laminated by means of an adhesive sheet in a operation process. The method includes bonding the adhesive agent to the surface of the lower disc-shaped substrate placing the upper disc-shaped substrate on the adhesive applied to lower disc-shaped substrate, pressurizing the upper disc-shaped substrate against the lower disc-shaped substrate by means of the pressing body, and exposing both the disk-shaped substrates to a high-pressure atmosphere. In a next operation process in which both the disc-shaped substrates are left to the inside of a high pressure atmosphere, firstly pressing body is permitted to press against the disc-shaped substrates to so enlarge or magnify the contact portion from the center side to the outside to render high-pressure atmospheric.

Abstract: A flat non-porous unitary solid surface structure is formed. A texture is imparted to a first flat non-porous unitary thermoplastic polymeric sheet having first and second planar aspects, the texture is imparted to the first planar aspect. A decorative material is arranged on the first planar aspect. A second flat non-porous unitary thermoplastic polymeric sheet is placed in contact with the decorative material in opposition with the first planar aspect; whereby a lay-up sandwich is formed. A predetermined amount of heat and pressure is applied by contact with cauls of a press to the lay-up sandwich for a predetermined period of time. Opening the press allows air and gases to escape from the lay-up sandwich. The press is closed and is applying a predetermined amount of heat and pressure to the lay-up sandwich for a predetermined period of time whereby the first and second polymeric material sheets melt together.

Abstract: A belt press use a combination of vacuum and atmospheric pressure to provide the majority of the compressive force between platens. A first platen has a substantially rigid proximal side and a plurality of vacuum ports communicating therewith. The compressive force is generated by pulling a vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen while allowing atmospheric pressure to act against its distal side. Heat may be applied via at least one of the platens while generating the compressive force. Evolved gases are vented via the vacuum ports while applying the heat by continuing to pull the vacuum during heating. When the now-joined belt ends have cooled after the application of heat, the compressive force is relieved by ceasing the pulling the vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen. The second platen of the belt press may be similar to the first platen.

Abstract: Methods of bonding glass and silicon-containing articles are disclosed. Bonding is achieved without use of adhesives or high temperature fusion. A wide variety of glass and silicon-containing articles may be bonded by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An exemplary method of manufacturing a polymer matrix composite electromagnetic shielding structure includes pretreating a dry fiber reinforcement with a composition including a carrier and a conductive element, laying out the pretreated reinforcement to form a pre-form structure, applying a resin to the pre-form structure, and curing the resin at room temperature. Another exemplary method of manufacturing a polymer matrix composite electromagnetic shielding structure includes laying out a plurality of dry fiber reinforcements, placing at least one ply between any two of the plurality of dry fiber reinforcements, the ply having a non-woven including a conductive material, applying a resin to the plurality of dry fiber reinforcements and the at least one ply, and curing the resin.

Abstract: A cost effective manufacturing process encapsulates a light emitting polymer (LEP) device between two flexible sheet materials, where one sheet may act as the substrate for the LEP device and the other sheet may act as a cover for the LEP device, and at least one of the sheets is transparent. Both encapsulating sheets and, as required, an adhesive system binding the sheets together provide sufficient environmental barriers with low moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) and oxygen transmission rates (OTR). The encapsulating sheets may, for example, be laminated together, sandwiching the LEP device in a vacuum, or oxygen/moisture free, and inert gas environment. Prior to encapsulation the LEP device may be heated and placed in a vacuum to remove moisture, air and residual solvents.

Abstract: An improved method for embossing expanded graphite sheet material including removing at least a portion of the gas from within the material by exposing the material to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and then embossing the material.

Abstract: A covered roll is disclosed. Under an exemplary embodiment, the covered roll includes a roll core base, an under-layer formed of densely packed fibers and a covering layer. The under-layer, which may include straight and directionally oriented fibers, is infused with a thermoset resin and circumferentially surrounds the roll core base. The covering layer, which may be formed of a rubber, urethane, thermoset resin or other plastics, circumferentially surrounds the under-layer. The resin infused under-layer provides improved strength to the resulting covered roll and improves adhesion between the covering layer and the metal roll core.

Abstract: Method for forming a cover layer on a disk. The method includes a coating step, in which an uncured cover layer is coated on the surface of the disk, and the average thickness of the cover layer is enough to support to the requirement of a predetermined laminating thickness, a laminating step, where a transparent capping board of amorphous olefin polymer is laminated on the uncured cover layer whose thickness is maintained at a predetermined thickness to obtain a smooth surface, an illuminating step, where a UV light source is shined onto the cover layer to harden and cure the cover layer, and a stripping step, where the capping board is stripped from the cured cover layer.

Abstract: A method for assembling a component of a liquid crystal display device is introduced. Firstly, an adhesion step is performed to adhere a first part to a second part so as to form the component. Second, a heating-pressurizing step is performed in an airtight chamber for properly raising the temperature and the pressure of the airtight chamber to expel bubbles from the component.

Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: A method for tensioning unrolled donor substrate to facilitate transfer of organic material to form a layer on the unrolled donor substrate, comprising the steps of: delivering of a portion of the unrolled donor substrate from a roll to a frame disposed in an organic coating chamber, such frame defining an aperture; engaging the unrolled donor substrate and tensioning such material using a first clamp assembly associated with the frame; coating the tensioned donor substrate with an organic layer in the organic coating chamber; and cutting the unrolled tensioned portion of donor substrate into a sheet before or after it has been coated with organic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed embossing and adhesive printing process, said process comprising the steps of (a) applying an adhesive to a conformable heated glue application roll; (b) applying said adhesive to a first patterned embossing roll, having an outer surface, which is engaged with a second patterned embossing roll having a complementary pattern to said first embossing roll; (c) passing a web of sheet material between said first and second embossing rolls at a tangential line speed to simultaneously emboss said web and apply said adhesive to said web, such that said adhesive forms an adhesive pattern between embossments; and (d) applying a renewable release agent to the outer surface of the first patterned embossing roll.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for bonding a coating to a web of cloth or foam without sacrificing the characteristics of the spandex mesh or foam. The coating and the cloth or foam are bonded and heated and then conveyed to an aspiration device for removing air between the coating and the cloth, thereby providing a thorough bonding therebetween.

Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged area, referred to as the repair area, of a composite structure comprises steps of: making alignment markings on the repair area; fabricating a pair of alignment templates; preparing the repair area for a hot bonded, vacuum bagged repair; assembling a repair patch; consolidating the repair patch; heating the repair patch; transferring and aligning the repair patch to the repair area; vacuum bagging, heating, and cooling the repair patch for a partial cure at the repair area; heating and cooling the repair patch in an oven; and bonding the repair patch to the repair area.

Abstract: An optical disk is manufactured by bonding a resin stamper having, on a principal plane, asperity pits on which a thin film is formed and a second substrate having a thickness of 0.3 mm or less with radiation cured resin such that the asperity pits face to the second substrate. The resin stamper is peeled off after curing the radiation cured resin to form asperity pits on the second substrate. A metal film is formed on the asperity pits on the second substrate to attain an information recording layer on the second substrate. A first substrate having an information recording layer and the second substrate having the formed information recording layer are bonded such that the both information recording layers face each other.