Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a solar cell module comprising an array of interconnected solar cells that are formed using an automated processing sequence that is used to form a novel planar solar cell interconnect structure. In one embodiment, the module structure described herein includes a patterned adhesive layer that is disposed on a backsheet to receive and bond a plurality of conducting ribbons thereon. The substantially planar bonded conducting ribbons are then used to interconnect an array of solar cell devices to form a solar cell module that can be electrically connected to one or more external components, such as an electrical power grid, satellites, electronic devices or other similar power requiring units. Embodiments of the invention may further provide a roll-to-roll system that is configured to serially form a plurality of solar cell modules over different portions of a backsheet material received from a roll of backsheet material.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite preform from tape material, including feeding a tape section into a tape section guide that suspends the tape across a tooling surface, moving at least one of the tape section guide and the tooling surface relative to each other to position the tape section at a desired location and orientation relative to the tooling surface, moving the tape section toward a pre-existing tape section disposed on the tooling surface, and tacking the tape section to the pre-existing tape section. A corresponding apparatus for manufacturing composite preforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resin impregnated overlay sheet is laid atop a wood veneer to create a concrete form. At a pre-press station, pressure is applied to a veneer assembly having an overlay sheet laid atop it. Thereafter, the pressed overlaid assembly is transferred for final hot pressing. The pre-pressing of the overlay sheet onto the wood veneer ensures the static adherence of the overlay sheet to the veneer prior to final hot pressing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyethylene material that has a plurality of unidirectionally oriented polyethylene monolayers cross-piled and compressed at an angle to one another, each polyethylene monolayer composed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and essentially devoid of resins. The present invention further relates to ballistic resistant articles that include or incorporate the inventive polyethylene material and to methods of preparing the material and articles incorporating same.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve the production efficiency in sealing a thin film integrated circuit and to prevent the damage and break. Further, it is another object of the invention to prevent a thin film integrated circuit from being damaged in shipment and to make it easier to handle the thin film integrated circuit. The invention provides a laminating system in which rollers are used for supplying a substrate for sealing, receiving IC chips, separating, and sealing. The separation, sealing, and reception of a plurality of thin film integrated circuits can be carried out continuously by rotating the rollers; thus, the production efficiency can be extremely improved. Further, the thin film integrated circuits can be easily sealed since a pair of rollers opposite to each other is used.

Abstract: A disposable diaper 1 includes a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4 between the sheets 2 and 3. A pair of leg flaps 5 each having an elastic member is provided along the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent member 4. Each of the leg flaps 5 is fixed at its front end portion 52 and rear end portion 53 to a portion C, one of longitudinally opposite end portions of the diaper, and to a portion B, the other end portion, in such a configuration that each of the leg flaps 5 may be folded back over the side of the backsheet 3 when the disposable diaper 1 is in a flat-out state with the elastic members stretched.

Abstract: A beaded composite panel is fabricated using composite plies. An opening is formed in each of plies, and each ply is laid up on a bead feature and drawn down over the bead feature in the area of the opening so as to widen the opening into a gap allowing the ply to conform to the contour of the bead feature. Patches are fabricated and placed on the plies overlying over the openings. The laid-up plies are compacted and cured.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite preform from tape material, including feeding a tape section into a tape section guide that suspends the tape across a tooling surface, moving at least one of the tape section guide and the tooling surface relative to each other to position the tape section at a desired location and orientation relative to the tooling surface, moving the tape section toward a pre-existing tape section disposed on the tooling surface, and tacking the tape section to the pre-existing tape section. A corresponding apparatus for manufacturing composite preforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming gas barriers on electronic devices is provided. The fabrication method includes: providing a first substrate having at least one electronic device thereon; providing a second substrate and forming a gas barrier over the second substrate; disposing the second substrate over the first substrate, wherein the gas barrier faces the electronic device; providing an electromagnetic wave light source over the second substrate; and irradiating the second substrate by the electromagnetic wave light source to transfer the gas barrier to the electronic device and cover the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent article with a waist relief area includes providing a web of outer cover material moving in a machine direction; cutting a plurality of first relief holes in the web of outer cover material; at least partially covering the plurality of first relief holes with an overlay material to define a fringe; and cutting the web of outer cover material in a cross-machine direction to define a plurality of discrete absorbent articles wherein each cut extends through each first relief hole. The fringe may be made from the waist elastic material, liner material, fastening material, or facing material. The fringe may also be cut with a plurality of second relief holes having an area smaller than the area of the first relief holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a pre-cured composite strip to a composite component. A pre-cured composite strip having a thermoset resin may be placed on a surface of a portion of the composite component where a caul plate seam may be expected. Caul plates may be placed on the composite component after placing the pre-cured composite strip to form the caul plate seam. The composite component may be cured after placing the caul plates on the composite component.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed in which an absorbent body intervenes between a liquid permeable front sheet and a back sheet. A middle-height portion is provided by thickening a front surface of an approximately center area of the absorbent body with respect to a standard portion absorbent body. The article includes leakage preventing grooves which extend to a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article are provided on both sides which sandwich a body fluid discharge portion area in the area of the middle-height portion, respectively.

Abstract: A system for hermetically sealing devices includes a substrate, which includes a plurality of individual chips. Each of the chips includes a plurality of devices and each of the chips are arranged in a spatial manner as a first array. The system also includes a transparent member of a predetermined thickness, which includes a plurality of recessed regions arranged in a spatial manner as a second array and each of the recessed regions are bordered by a standoff region. The substrate and the transparent member are aligned in a manner to couple each of the plurality of recessed regions to a respective one of said plurality of chips. Each of the chips within one of the respective recessed regions is hermetically sealed by contacting the standoff region of the transparent member to the plurality of first street regions and second street regions using at least a bonding process to isolate each of the chips within one of the recessed regions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mount includes dispensing a predetermined amount of molten thermoplastic adhesive on a release liner, attaching a tab to the adhesive while the adhesive is at a temperature above its softening point, and cooling the adhesive to a temperature below its softening point.

Abstract: A method for assembling a main wing having an upper skin and plurality of spars is disclosed. The front spar and rear spar are fastened to a back surface of the upper skin using an adhesive agent without using rivets, whereby the front surface of the upper skin becomes smooth.

Abstract: A cargo trailer includes a floor, a roof and a side wall extending vertically upward between the floor and roof. The side wall includes a substantially gas impermneable outer liner panel and a substantially gas impermeable inner liner panel. The inner liner panel includes at least one glass and polymer layer and one gas impermeable barrier layer. The inner liner panel can also be used to form the roof and replace the outer liner panel.

Abstract: Adhesive antiskid material suitable for use with traction sensitive applications (such as a skateboard deck) is described herein. The adhesive antiskid material includes pieces that are visually distinguishable from each other. An adhesive patch layer of the adhesive antiskid material maintains the pieces in a single sheet for handling and application to the object of interest. The adhesive antiskid material may include a graphics layer and a clear or translucent filler grip piece that is applied over the graphics layer. This option allows stickers, advertisements, company logos, pictures, or any design element to be incorporated into the adhesive antiskid material itself.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes forming a groove in at least one of opposing planar surfaces of a cellular thermoform plastic substrate. The groove is formed at an edge region of the substrate. A stiffener is positioned in the groove, and a fiber matt is laid on the at least one planar surface containing the groove. The stiffener and fiber matt are embedded in a thermoset resin. The thermoset resin is cured to form a fiber reinforced thermoset plastic reinforcement. The substrate is then cross-sectionally cut to form a profile. The profile can be further finished to form a beveled siding for buildings.

Abstract: A heated laminated assembly includes a first layer having an electro-conductive film provided thereon. A first conductor having a thickness of at least 0.15 mm is positioned on the electro-conductive film. A second conductor having a thickness of at least 0.15 mm is positioned on the electro-conductive film in spaced-apart relation to the first conductor. A second layer is positioned on the electro-conductive film between the first conductor and the second conductor. A third layer is positioned on the second layer.

Abstract: A method, composition, and article are disclosed relating to the formation of a hump seal on an aircraft transparency. The method includes applying to the aircraft transparency an adhesive composition having a Part A and a Part B. Part A includes a plasticizer, a cross-linking agent, and an adhesion promoter. Part B includes a moisture resister and an abrasion resister, with the adhesive composition being substantially sulfide free. In one example, the moisture resister includes polybutadiene. In another example, the adhesion promoter includes an epoxy silane.

Abstract: In a disposable absorbent article structured such that an article body is composed of at least a top sheet arrange in a front face side, a back sheet arranged in a back face side and an absorber interposed between both of top sheet and back sheet, and a feces pocket is provided in a hip contact portion of the article body, wherein an opening portion of the feces pocket is covered with a mesh sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cake decorating accessory and the decorating accessory, which is used in producing a more dramatic and attractive atmosphere at a celebratory event by displaying a congratulatory message using heat. The method includes a step (S100) of preparing a base paper (77), a step (S200) of preparing a thermo-chromatic film (80), a step (S300) of writing or drawing a desired letter or picture for congratulatory messages on the base paper (77); a step (S400) of attaching the base paper (77), and a step (S500) of attaching the thermo-chromatic film (80) over the base paper (77). The base paper (77) has a raw paper layer (76) and a first bonding agent layer (72). The thermo-chromatic film (80) has a second bonding agent layer (82), a transparent synthetic resin film layer (84) and an oil-based microcapsule ink layer (86).

Abstract: A multi-use real estate closing card is described. A real estate closing card may be used as an advertising tool, a closing gift from real estate vendors to new home owners, and a moving announcement for the homeowner. The real estate closing card has at least two information blocks that can comprise an announcement block and an advertising block. Information may be text or visual representation, such as photographs or drawings of the home or family.

Abstract: Apparatuses, assemblies and methods for decreasing the frequency and severity of bubble defects in a photovoltaic module laminate. The apparatuses, assemblies and methods utilize at least one clamp having a plurality of grooves sized to apply pressure on the back surface of the glass substrate in the direction of the top glass layer and pressure on the top glass layer of the module directed toward the glass substrate to apply compressive force to the module without causing damage to the module.

Abstract: [Subject] To provide a decorative part having a hardening layer containing Au on the surface, particularly a gold colored decorative part having gloss and color tone inherent in gold, high brightness and high quality. [Means for Problem the Subject] The decorative part of the present invention comprises a substrate and, superimposed on the substrate, a hardening layer wherein the hardening layer comprises a primary layer comprising a nitride, a carbide or a carbonitride of one or two or more metals selected from Ti, Zr and Hf, a finishing layer comprising Au or an Au alloy having an arbitrary composition such as an Au—Ni alloy, an Au—Cu—Pd alloy etc. and, disposed between the primary layer and the finishing layer, a reflecting layer comprising a metal having a higher reflectance than one constituting the finishing layer, such as Ru, Pd, Rh, Ag, Os, Ir pr Pt. Thus, the gold colored decorative part having gloss and color tone inherent in gold, high brightness and high quality can be efficiently prepared.

Abstract: A method of forming an internal structure in a hollow component that includes the steps of forming an assembly having first, second, and third plates the first and second plates each with a substantially planar surface and a surface that includes at least one protrusion and is on the exterior facing surfaces of the assembly. The third plate is sandwiched between the first and second plates. The method also includes the steps of selectively bonding portions of the third plate to sections of the first and second plates substantially opposite the at least one protrusions of the first and second plates; and forming the assembly against a die such that the at least one protrusions of the first and second plates are transferred from the exterior facing surfaces to the interior facing surfaces of the first and second plates.

Abstract: A method and system for binding of sheets includes providing an adhesive layer supported on a first side of a backing material. Plural sheets are accumulated against the adhesive layer, and heat is applied to a side of the adhesive layer adjacent the backing material to locally melt only a portion of the adhesive layer in a vicinity of an additional sheet accumulated against the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method for affixing covering products to building structures is described. The covering product includes a thermoplastic membrane, a layer in which a fabric that includes an adhesive coating, and a release liner. The layer is affixed to a primary surface of the membrane. After the covering product is transported to the building structure, the release liner is removed, and the covering produce is adhered to the building structure.

Abstract: A display assembly comprises a backplane assembly comprising a plurality of spaced backplane areas, each backplane area comprising a plurality of electrodes, the backplane areas being separated by gutter areas free from electrodes; an adhesive layer overlying the plurality of spaced backplane areas; and a layer of a solid electro-optic medium overlying the adhesive layer in the plurality of spaced backplane areas. The display sub-assembly can be produced via a single lamination and severed to form a plurality of separate electro-optic displays. Processes for producing the display assembly are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding parts. An adhesive and a plurality of beads may be applied onto a first surface of a first part to form a layer of adhesive and beads. The first surface of the first part with the layer of adhesive and beads may be placed in contact with a second surface of a second part to form a structure, wherein the structure may be cured.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate aesthetically pleasing decorative architectural resin panels having a thin or brittle veneer layer, such as thinly sliced natural wood or stone. In particular, at least one implementation includes a flat or curved decorative resin panel made with a natural wood veneer layer whose structural integrity has been maintained despite being subject to various heats and pressures. The resulting resin panel is at least partially translucent, and allows for a unique display both of the resin sheets used to form the panel and of the thin wood materials encapsulated therein. Additional implementations relate to the use of other brittle veneer layers, such as translucent stone, translucent metals, or the like, which also provide unique, decorative architectural, aesthetic features.

Abstract: The present application discloses a composite pad structure that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a mouse with capacitance sensors, a method for manufacturing the mouse and a method for constructing an algorithm for processing an input corresponding to force applied by a user's finger to the mouse. The mouse with capacitance sensors includes a bottom plate having a center point, a plurality of electrodes formed at regular intervals on the top face of the bottom plate and arranged apart from the center point of the bottom plate by an equal distance, a top plate bonded to the top faces of the electrodes and deformed by force applied by a pointing object, and an adhesive layer formed around the top plate and the bottom plate to combine the top plate and the bottom plate. When the pointing object touches the top plate, capacitance sensors are formed between the pointing object and the electrodes to recognize a travel distance, a travel direction and a moving speed of a cursor through the magnitude and direction of force applied by the pointing object.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a solar cell layer and a sheet comprising at least one layer of a sodium ionomer composition, wherein the sodium ionomer composition consists essentially of a sodium ionomer that is an ionic, neutralized derivative of a precursor ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer, wherein about 10% to about 35% of the total content of the carboxylic acid groups present in the precursor ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer have been neutralized with sodium ions, and wherein the precursor ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer comprises (i) copolymerized units of an ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbons and (ii) about 20 to about 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer, of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8.

Abstract: A laminated treadmill deck insert includes a wear surface formed of a phenolic impregnated paper laminated to an isocyanate resin bonded MDF insert core less than about 5/16 inch thick. A low moisture content isocyanate resin bonded wood fiber MDF core enables dimensional stability and high internal bonding strength even at reduced insert thicknesses. The deck insert is disposed on a support deck adjacent the upper run of an endless treadmill belt. The insert is provided with wear surfaces on each broad side and is easily removable and reversible to expose the second wear surface.

Abstract: A one-way see-through illumination system is constructed from a light guide panel, a front-illuminable image film, and a light injector. The light injector injects light into the light guide panel at a suitable angle for total internal reflection of the injected light at the surfaces of the light guide panel. The image film includes a half-toned front-illuminable image pattern that extracts light from the light guide panel. When active, light from the light guide panel front illuminates the image pattern for viewing by a front-side view, while a back-side viewer can see through the image pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a pre-cured composite strip to a composite component. A pre-cured composite strip having a thermoset resin may be placed on a surface of a portion of the composite component where a caul plate seam may be expected. Caul plates may be placed on the composite component after placing the pre-cured composite strip to form the caul plate seam. The composite component may be cured after placing the caul plates on the composite component.

Abstract: A veneer laminated material formed by improving a laminated material formed in a plate or column shape by stacking a plurality of sheet-like veneers overlapping with each other and adhering them to each other, and a method of manufacturing the veneer laminated material. The method comprises the steps of forming the veneers into parquet-like veneers formed by longitudinally arranging the plurality of divided small veneer pieces in a parquetry pattern continuously with each other, intersecting the fiber directions of the parquet-like veneers aslant with the longitudinal side ends of the parquet-like veneers, and laminating and forming the veneer laminated material by arranging the fiber directions of the parquet-like veneers adjacent to each other in a laminated layer cross section so as to be reversed to each other and intersected with each other.

Abstract: Laminate material having a first liquid-permeable material layer and discretely-arranged material pieces of a second liquid-permeable material, wherein the material layer and the discrete material pieces are joined internally. The laminate material also has a second liquid-permeable material layer joined to the first liquid-permeable material layer and the discretely-arranged material pieces.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a wiring circuit board, which comprises the steps of: (A) forming a conductor layer of a predetermined pattern on an insulating layer; (B) forming a photosensitive solder resist layer on the insulating layer and the patterned conductor layer formed on the insulating layer; (C) disposing a transparent protective film on the photosensitive solder resist layer; and (D) exposing the photosensitive solder resist layer to a light through the transparent protective film.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microfluidic structures, and more specifically, to microfluidic structures and methods including microreactors for manipulating fluids and reactions. In some embodiments, structures and methods for manipulating many (e.g., 1000) fluid samples, i.e., in the form of droplets, are described. Processes such as diffusion, evaporation, dilution, and precipitation can be controlled in each fluid sample. These methods also enable conditions within the fluid samples (e.g., concentration) to be controlled. Manipulation of fluid samples can be useful for a variety of applications, including testing for reaction conditions, e.g., in crystallization, chemical, and biological assays.

Abstract: A process of making an improved sheet/card laminate for packaging, signage, displays, transaction cards, ID cards and the like. The process comprises registering flat sheets to a film and then laminating the film or transferring coating(s) from the film to the individual, generally flat sheets via an adhesive. The film or coating(s) may include layered security, functional and/or decorative features.

Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate having a through hole formed therein, and an optical element mounted on the substrate with its optical section being placed to face the through hole, and a light transmissive member disposed at the through hole. Light transmissive under-fill material is provided between the substrate and the optical element and between the light transmissive member and the optical element.

Abstract: Disclosed are automated processes and systems for the assembly of composite doors, and doors made using such processes and systems. The automated process may comprise a continuous series of steps allowing individual doors to be made in tandem, rather than in batch. The process may allow for the automation of individual steps such that the need for coordinating separate assembly steps may be substantially reduced.

Abstract: Laminate structures and methods for forming same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a laminate structure includes a metal-polymer composite lamina. The metal-polymer composite lamina has a first face and a second face spaced apart, and extends to a terminal edge. The lamina includes a ply of fiber-reinforced polymer that extends between the first face and the second face and has an interior edge. The interior edge defines at least one cutout. A ply of metal foil extends between the first face and the second face substantially from the interior edge filling the at least one cutout.

Abstract: Structural components are disclosed that are fabricated from unidirectional carbon fiber composite materials into compound contour profiles along a longitudinal axis thereof without wrinkling of composite material plies oriented in various directions relative to the longitudinal axis. Methods of stacking, sequencing, and applying the material plies to fabricate the components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.

Abstract: A flexible material includes a plurality of separate resilient elements joined to a flexible, resiliently stretchable substrate. Such a material is suitable for providing protective war for human and animal bodies. Preferably, the elements includes a foam material such as a closed cell polyethylene foam and the substrate includes a knitted fabric. In an advantageous embodiment, a second flexible substrate is bonded over the elements to sandwich them between the two layers of substrate.