Abstract: A flexible mat (1) for providing a dynamically reconfigurable double-curved moulding surface (40) in a mould. The flexible mat (1) comprises a system of rhomboid flat elements (10, 10?, 26, 26?) of an elastic deformable material arranged mutually movably in two or more relatively rotated layers (10, 10?), surrounded by a first upper cloth (6) of an elastic deformable material and a second lower cloth (8) of an elastic deformable material. The cloths (6, 8) are imperviously joined along their lateral limits and form an adjustable impervious chamber. The flexible mat (1) is adapted to be mechanically connected to the free ends (42) of a number of actuators (3) in such a way that the position of a given point on the surface (40) formed by the flexible mat (1) is determined on the basis of the position of the free end (42) of an associated given actuator (3). The mat (1) is capable of forming a uniform, continuous double-curved surface.

Abstract: The invention describes a device and method for making corrugated products. The device can be used with any substrate and includes, at least, first and second drive rollers for driving a middle substrate and a single wall corrugated product. In other embodiments the invention includes upper drive rollers, lower drive rollers and middle drive rollers for driving an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a middle substrate. The middle substrate is driven between the upper and lower substrates at a higher velocity to form flutes that are anchored between the upper an lower substrates thereby forming a corrugated product. The invention also provides for customized corrugated products having multiple fluted substrates in various desirable arrangements. Examples of such products include mattress, partition panels, other furniture and construction products.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for ultrasonic processing improved so as to prevent a fibrous web from being disfigured due to the ultrasonic processing. In an apparatus to ultrasonically process a fibrous web running in a machine direction MD, a first mechanical element defined by one of an ultrasonic horn and an anvil and a second mechanical element defined by the other of the ultrasonic horn and the anvil are moved forward or backward in a direction crossing the machine direction MD so as to pass transversely across the fibrous web.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable bladders for use in articles of manufacture. The method includes the steps of providing a first polymer film, applying a curable release coating to the polymer film in a pattern that corresponds to the configuration of the inflatable bladder, curing the release coating to the first polymer film, providing a second polymer film with the first polymer film to form a layered element such that the release coating is disposed between the polymer films, positioning the layered element between two plies of material, applying heat and pressure to adhere the polymer films together except in the area where the release coating has been applied to form an inflatable compartment surrounded by a sealed perimeter, and removing the plies of material from the adhered first and second polymer films.

Abstract: One embodiment of a wrapping film comprises a polymer film having, on at least one surface thereof, at least one sealing area comprising at least one varnished area; and a plurality of individual unvarnished areas; wherein, within the sealing area, the area ratio of the unvarnished areas to the varnished area (PV:V) is ?1; and wherein, within the sealing area, the largest individual unvarnished area is ?30 mm2. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl chloride composition comprising from 80 to 99.9 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride for use in extruding a first part and a second part, wherein a fusion joint between the first extruded part and the second extruded part is formed by: A) composition at least a portion of a first terminal edge of the first extruded part and a first terminal edge of the second extruded part; B) engaging the melted terminal edges; and C) maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges to create a fused joint having a strength that is at least 50% of the tensile strength of the extruded part as measured by ASTM D638-2a. The extruded parts can be pipe sections.

Abstract: A framing system to receive an item to be displayed is disclosed. The framing system may include a transparent front display plate to receive a support. The support may mount to the display plate to form a sleeve in spaced relation to the display plate and to receive the item to be displayed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for limiting sensor motion. An embodiment of the invention uses unattached stud bumps to create a shock cage between a spring-mounted pad and a base substrate or a stop ring.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a wrapping, comprising a first layer of synthetic polymeric material; a second layer of synthetic polymeric material; and a layer of natural material sandwiched between at least a portion of the first and second layers; wherein the first and second layers are wider than the layer of natural material and extend beyond opposing ends of the layer of natural material to form tabs, the tabs comprising said first and second layers sandwiched together without the layer of natural material therebetween. Methods of making and using are disclosed.

Abstract: A tape applying device for applying electrically conductive tape onto a board includes: a applying head for pressing the conductive tape; a tape holding unit including a reel section having a feed reel for feeding the conductive tape laminated with a separator and a wind-up reel to which the separator is to be wound up, and a tape guide section for guiding the conductive tape along with the separator to a position of pressing by the applying head; and a base section which has a tape guide driving unit for moving up and down the tape guide section, and to and from which the tape holding unit is fittable and removable. The tape guide section, while in a fitted state of being fitted to the base section, is separated from the reel section and moved up and down by driving force of the tape guide driving unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lightweight structural trim part is comprising the following steps: (A) inserting a plurality of layers into a molding tool comprising a first molding half (6) and a second molding half (7). The second molding half (7) comprises a plurality of cup-like indentation (8). The plurality of layers at least comprises a first air permeable skin layer (1) facing the first molding half (6), a second air tight skin layer (3,4) facing the second molding half (7), and a film layer (2) between the two skin layers. (B) Closing the molding tool and discharging gas from one side in order to press the first skin layer against the first molding half. (C) Shaping and consolidating the first porous skin layer. (D) Charging with pressurized air the first space in order to press the second skin layer against the second molding half. (E) Shaping and consolidating the second skin layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second.

Abstract: An inflatable laminated article is prepared by contacting a first film with a second film, and heating selected portions of at least one the first and second films to a temperature above a fusion temperature of the first and second films, so that the first and second films are heat sealed to one another. The heat sealing is carried out in a pattern which provides a plurality of inflatable chambers between the first film and the second film. The first and second films are forwarded at a speed of at least 120 feet per minute while coming into contact with one another. The heating is carried out by contacting the first film with a heated raised surface roller having a release coating thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing interleaved-dielectric joining of multi-layer laminates. First and second multi-layer laminates are provided, each having with a laminated portion and an unlaminated portion. The first and second multi-layer laminates are joined together at the unlaminated portions by interleaving a plurality of dielectric layers of the first and second multi-layer laminates. Respective conductors carried by adjacent dielectric layers are connected. The interleaved unlaminated portions are laminated together with heat and pressure, to create a larger laminate of the joined first and second multi-layer laminates.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a container and an unopened lid. The unopened lid includes a central planar region and a lid rim. The lid rim has a lid rim inner wall, a lid rim outer wall, a lid flange and a first tab. The first tab extends in a plane parallel to the central planar region. The first tab also extends outside the lid rim outer wall. A partially cut region is located on the lid rim outer wall, extends around most of the lid rim outer wall, and extends adjacent the first tab. The lid flange extends in a plane parallel to the central planar region. The lid flange also extends outside the lid rim outer wall. The container includes a container flange. The lid flange is welded to the container flange.

Abstract: A low-cost contour cuff for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: a sheath containing an inflatable bladder, the sheath having an arcuate shape, an outer surface and a centerline equidistant between first and second side edges; a securing strap non-releasably attached to the outer surface and formed of substantially inextensible material having a shape that is predetermined and substantially flat, wherein the strap includes a bending portion near a first strap end and a fastening portion near a second strap end, and wherein the bending portion is adapted to allow twisting of the bending portion out of the substantially flat shape to facilitate positioning of the fastening portion into any of a plurality of positions in the substantially flat shape; and fastening means for releasably attaching the fastening portion of the securing strap to the outer surface whenever the sheath is curved into a position for surrounding a limb.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sealing film layers to form a sealed portion and a notch within the sealed portion, comprising: providing film layers between sealing jaws comprising a heat sealing element, with a sealing face having a length and a protrusion extending partly along the length of its sealing face; inducing a temperature gradient along the of sealing face length, wherein the temperature proximate to the protrusion is higher than at a distance from the protrusion; closing the jaws and simultaneously clamping the film at a location adjacent to the sealing face; holding the jaws closed for a period of time; and opening the jaws to release the layers of film.

Abstract: A method of joining first and second stretchable fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration comprises the steps of sewing a first thread through at least one of the first and second fabric portions to define a first stitch formation looping a second thread within the first stitch formation such that the second thread and the first thread overlap one another to create a sewn seam, one of the threads being a fusible thread and the other of the threads being a non-fusible thread; positioning the first and second fabric portions relative to one another in a desired configuration; melting the fusible thread; and forming a plurality of discrete bonding element portions extending along a bonding path. The discrete bonding element portions retain the first and second fabric portions in the desired configuration.

Abstract: A heat-seal device generally includes a heat source, a thermal conductor, which encapsulates at least a portion of the heat source and is capable of transferring heat from the heat source, and a thermal insulator, which substantially surrounds the thermal conductor but leaves a portion thereof exposed, the exposed portion of the thermal conductor providing a heat-seal contact surface, which is adapted to be brought into contact with a material to be sealed.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a sealing structure (9) including a substantially rectangular ring-shaped first gasket portion (9a) and a substantially rectangular ring-shaped second gasket portion (9b), the first gasket portion (9a) being positioned outward of a peripheral portion of a first gas diffusion layer (5) and between a first separator (7) and a first catalyst layer (2) positioned at a peripheral portion of a polymer electrolyte membrane 1, the second gasket portion (9b) being positioned outward of the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and between the first separator (7) and a second separator (8); and at least the first catalyst layer (2), a second catalyst layer (3), and a swellable resin portion (II) formed of a swellable resin whose volume expands when water is added thereto, the swellable resin portion (11) being positioned between the first gasket portion (9a) and the first catalyst layer (2) positioned at the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte mem

Abstract: Membrane elements that use multiple membrane leaves may have a limited total active membrane area due to an increased diameter at the ends of the element. Membrane leaves may comprise a permeate carrier positioned between one or more membrane sheets. Adhesive may be used to seal one or more edges of the membrane leaf. The membrane sheets, permeate carrier and the adhesive contribute to the thickness of the edges of the membrane leaf and the diameter at the ends of the element. A reduced thickness of the edges of the permeate carrier may reduce the diameter at the ends of an element. Another permeate carrier sheet may also be used that is distanced from at least one edge of the membrane sheet so the permeate carrier sheet does not contribute towards the increased diameter at the ends of the element.

Abstract: An aqueous adhesive composition intended for assembly of corrugated cardboard, consisting of a primary part and a secondary part, wherein the secondary part is made from a mixture including at least one legume starch and at least one cereal and/or tuber starch. A process for preparing corrugated cardboard using such a composition, and the corrugated cardboard thus obtained are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a blood filter assembly is provided that includes the steps of providing a first housing sheet and a second housing sheet. The method includes locating and sealing at least one port onto each of the first and second housing sheets. The method includes locating the filtration medium between the first housing sheet and the second housing sheet. The method includes applying heat and pressure to form at least one seal that commingles the first and second housing sheets along with the filtration medium, wherein the periphery of the seal commingles only the first and second housing sheets.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce plastic film packagings for packaged items, in particular containers. In order to achieve said aim, a layer (2, 3) of plastic film is welded with a laid-on layer (1, 4) of plastic film with a transversal weld seam (13, 14, 20) in order to form compartments between the one layer (2, 3) and the laid-on layer (1, 4). According to the invention, a part of the one layer (2, 3) and/or a part of the laid-on layer (1, 4) is designed as a label (16) for the packaged item, wherein the shape of the labels (16) is in each case applied, in particular punched, before the transversal welding, said label remaining on the packaged item after removal of the packaged item from its compartment.

Abstract: A laminator comprises a laminating head and a processor. The laminating head comprises a plurality of heating elements. Each heating element has an activated state, in which the heating element is powered by a current, and a deactivated state, in which the heating element is not powered by a current. The processor selectively places the individual heating elements in the activated or deactivated state. The selective activation and deactivation of the heating elements is used to bond at least a portion of an overlaminate material to a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Crosslaminates of thermoplastic films have at least one of the films formed as a fluted structure, and two films are laminated to one another in such a manner that pockets are formed which contain gas. The pockets allow passage of gas between at least two adjacent flutes, whereby the product has an improved handle, and bags formed of the laminate have good stacking properties when filled with coarse particulates. The flute pitch is generally no more than 3 mm, while the pocket length is less than 50 mm. The bonding method involves spot bonding between the films, achieved by adhering the films together between crown portions of bosses on one film with molten material on the other film under a low pressure process, for instance achieved by provision of air pressure through adaptation of production apparatus, for instance die portions.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for products, for example, an absorbent article such as infant training pants, in which the mechanical fastening system is a hook-and-loop type fastening system on the garment in which the loop material is a nonwoven material laminate which has been post bonded after the laminate has been constructed.

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

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for bonding protective tapes to the cut edges of an electrode plate within a short period to prevent short circuit in an electrode assembly. An electrode plate cutting & tape bonding process includes (1) cutting an electrode plate into pieces 100a and 100b, (2) forming a gap W between edges 106 and 107 of the pieces 100a and 100b, (3) bonding protective tapes 51 and 52 to both sides of the pieces 100a and 100b, covering the edges and the gap, and (4) conveying the pieces 100a and 100b connected together. Next, the tapes 51 and 52 are cut into pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b. Then, the electrode plate piece 100a with the tape pieces 51a & 52a and 51b & 52b is wound together with a negative electrode plate, with a separator sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: Methods for forming bound electrophotographic prints are provided. In one aspect a method comprises the steps of applying a toner to a receiver to form a toner image with having toner in a binding area and in an image area. The binding area is proximate to a binding edge of the receiver and the image area that is separated from the binding area by an separation area. The toner image is fused to form a print, and a sheet and the prints are stacked with the toner in the binding area of the print confronting the sheet along a binding edge of the sheet. Heat is applied at the binding edges to cause the toner in the binding area to fuse for a second time. A residual portion of the applied heat heats the separation area but the separation area does not heat the image area to an extent sufficient to fuse toner in the image area.

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminate material for hook and loop closures, particularly for diaper closures, comprises laminating a textile material onto a carrier film having a surface structure that is suitable for forming a connection with the hooks of a hook and loop closure. The textile material is not connected with the carrier film over its entire area, and the textile material forming the cover layer of the laminate material is brushed after lamination.

Abstract: A process for assembling an airbag for use in vehicle applications is disclosed. The airbag has a seam made from two or more different materials (102, 104). The combination of the materials and the process for assembling the airbag minimize the need for sewn seams.

Abstract: A structural composite laminate and method of making the same are provided. The laminate includes first and second skins or laminas, and a core positioned between the first and second laminas. The core contains thermoplastic and/or substantially inelastic polymeric particles with inter-particle interstices between the polymeric particles. Optionally, the polymeric particles are arranged discontinuously to establish gaps between adjacent particles along at least one dimension of the laminate.

Abstract: An elastomeric laminate that does not require mechanical activation comprises an elastomeric polymer film layer bonded to one or more other substrate layers. The elastomeric film composition, physical properties of the substrate, and bonding conditions are selected and controlled to form an elastomeric laminate that is stretchable and recoverable without the use of excess material or post-lamination mechanical activation. The resulting elastomeric laminate may be manufactured on relatively simple high-speed equipment at lower cost and with improved physical properties.

Abstract: A laminated stretchable sheet and a method for producing the same of the present invention include: a step of shrinking the continuous sheets W1 and W2 in a width direction Y along folding lines WL extending in the flow direction of continuous sheets W1 and W2 thereby forming slack portions W1b and W2b that can be stretched; a step of placing an elastic member F that can be stretched in the width direction Y on the continuous sheets W1 and W2 while the elastic member F is aligned with the slack portions W1b and W2b; a step of attaching at least opposite end portions of the elastic member F in the width direction Y to the continuous sheets W1 and W2, during the placement, thereby forming a composite sheet; a step of stretching the slack portions W1b and W2b and the elastic member F in the width direction Y; and a step of attaching together the continuous sheets W1 and W2 and the elastic member F intermittently in an intermediate portion between the opposite end portions.

Abstract: A building or structural panel has a core and outer skins. The core is formed from a stack of layers of building stock such as plywood. Multiple layers of building stock are connected, such as by adhesive at spaced intervals along the lengths thereof to form a stack. The stack is cut into a plurality of strips. Each strip is expanded to form the core. The core comprises a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings. Skins are connected to each side of the core, such as with adhesive, to form the panel. The panel may be cut to size. Anchors or other mounts may be connected to panel.

Abstract: A packaging system has a peelable seal section which includes a first sealing layer and a second sealing layer such that the first sealing layer contacts the second sealing layer to form a peelable seal. The first sealing layer includes thermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers, an organoclay dispersed within the thermoplastic polymer, a first additional inorganic additive component dispersed within the thermoplastic polymer and a second additional inorganic additive component dispersed within the thermoplastic polymer. The first additional additive component and/or the second additional additive component is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, hydrated magnesium silicate (talc), magnesium carbonate, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, barium sulfate, barium aluminates, barium borate, barium silicate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stack of fibrous materials including at least two unidirectional carbon fiber layers, each extending in different directions, wherein each one of the unidirectional layers is connected by means of at least one of the surfaces thereof to an adjacent web of thermoplastic fibers, at least one web being inserted between two consecutive unidirectional layers, characterized in that the link between each unidirectional layer and each adjacent web is provided by the web, by weld points which produce an intermittent overall weld, and in that said weld points also guarantee the cohesion of the stack, as well as the method for manufacturing same.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a bond between a first, relative hydrophilic nonwoven and a second relatively less hydrophilic nonwoven by use of a construction adhesive, by applying the adhesive only to the first more hydrophilic nonwoven; also provided are absorbent cores for absorbent article comprising such bonded nonwovens, and such absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a display panel is provided. The method includes steps of: disposing a seal on a first substrate, in which a first side of the seal connects in approximately perpendicular to a second side of the seal and has at least one liquid crystal inlet; forming at least one block on the first substrate and between the liquid crystal inlet and the connection of the first side and the second side of the seal, in which there is a space between the block and the first side of the seal when the block is formed; and pressing a second substrate against the first substrate having the seal and the block thereon, such that the block adjoins the first side of the seal after the second substrate is pressed.

Abstract: A flexible substrate structure includes a supporting carrier, a flexible substrate, and a release layer. The flexible substrate is disposed on the supporting carrier. The release layer is disposed between and in contact with the supporting carrier and the flexible substrate. The release layer includes a bonding region with adhesion property, the bonding region is for bonding the flexible substrate and the supporting carrier together, and a release region without adhesion property, the release region is for supporting the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A laminated panel (23) comprises a fusible layer (23A) having an upper surface. A mesh layer (23A, A1) has an encapsulated portion enclosed in the fusible layer so as to be below the upper surface of the fusible layer (23A). An embossed portion (A1) protrudes from the upper surface of the fusible layer (23A). A method (10) of forming a laminated panel with the fusible layer and the mesh layer comprises the steps of: i) heating the fusible layer (23A) to fuse a portion of the fusible layer; and ii) pressing only selected portion of the mesh layer against the fusible layer to provide for the formation of an embossed pattern (A1) on the resulting laminated panel (10).

Abstract: A method includes: preparing a transfer base material to have repellency against a silicone material- and conductive particle-containing liquid material; applying the liquid material to a transfer base material surface to form a liquid coating, and drying the liquid coating to obtain a bonding film; imparting energy to the bonding film to develop adhesion near a surface thereof, bonding the transfer base material to a first base material, and then separating the transfer and first base materials to transfer the bonding film to the first base material; thereafter imparting energy to the bonding film to develop adhesion near another surface of the bonding film, and bonding the first base material to a second base material to obtain a temporarily bonded structure; and applying pressure to the temporarily bonded structure to finalize the bonding and electrically connect a first terminal and a second terminal via the conductive particles.

Abstract: A method of forming a compression sleeve for being wrapped around a leg of a wearer includes securing two layers of flexible material together to at least partially define first and second adjacent flexible sections. The sleeve includes a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder disposed more proximally than the first inflatable bladder when the sleeve is wrapped around the leg. The method further includes securing a structural component to the sleeve such that the structural component extends generally between the first and second adjacent flexible sections to maintain a spacing between the sleeve sections lengthwise of the leg when the sleeve is wrapped around the leg. The bladder layers are joined together at least at two weld points on opposite sides of the structural component to locate the structural component on the sleeve so as to maintain the spacing of the adjacent sleeve sections.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl chloride composition comprising from 80 to 99.9 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride for use in extruding a first part and a second part, wherein a fusion joint between the first extruded part and the second extruded part is formed by: A) composition at least a portion of a first terminal edge of the first extruded part and a first terminal edge of the second extruded part; B) engaging the melted terminal edges; and C) maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges to create a fused joint having a strength that is at least 50% of the tensile strength of the extruded part as measured by ASTM D638-2a. The extruded parts can be pipe sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making holes in a layer (1) of heat-fusible material. According to the invention a layer of absorbent material (2) is placed in contact with a layer (1) of heat-fusible material, following which the layer of heat-fusible material is heated locally so that holes are formed in the material.

Abstract: Included are bonded laminate constructions that have a modulus which approaches the sum of the modulus of the individual components of the laminate. By reducing variation in the modulus, the stretch or elasticity of the bonded or laminated fabric or garment is maximized. The bonded laminates include a bonding component that may be an elastomeric film, an adhesive, or a combination of a film with adhesive.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including tip sections distal to a dividing point, the tip sections releasably joined by a method that produces a variable separation force between the tip sections along a length thereof. An increasing separation force may be imparted to the tip sections by providing an increasing bond strength in fusion zones from a distal portion of the tip sections toward the dividing point.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating multi-layered lightly-laminated provide films with increased or maintained strength. An increased level of strength is achieved by bonding adjacent layers of the multi-layer film together in a manner that the bond strength of the laminated layers is less than a strength of a weakest tear resistance of the individual first and second film layers. The inventors have surprisingly found that such a configuration of light bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer film as compared to a monolayer film of equal thickness or a multi-layer film in which the plurality of layers are tightly bonded together.