Abstract: A joining apparatus includes a fusing mechanism part that joins two thermoplastic sheet-like materials by fusing, a sticking mechanism part that sticks an adhesive tape along a joined portion of the sheet-like materials, a workbench having a placement surface on which the fusing mechanism part and the sticking mechanism part are disposed side by side, the placement surface allowing the sheet-like materials in an unfolded state to be placed thereon, and a guide that allows an end portion to be joined of one of the sheet-like materials and an end portion to be joined of the other sheet-like material to overlap each other while aligned along a plane intersecting the placement surface, each of the end portions to be joined of the sheet-like materials being placed on the placement surface, and to feed the overlapping end portions to be joined. The fusing mechanism part fuses and joins the end portions.

Abstract: A fusion splicer includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an optical fiber disposition unit, and a first conductive member. The first electrode has a first potential, the second electrode has a second potential lower than the first potential, and an arc discharge is generated therebetween. The optical fiber disposition unit has grooves in which first optical fibers and second optical fibers are accommodated. The first conductive member is provided apart from the grooves between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first conductive member has a third potential that is lower than the first potential and higher than the second potential, and is disposed at a position at which the shortest distance from one of the first electrode and the second electrode is shorter than the shortest distance from the other of the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for producing a hard-foam film, for use as a core layer in sandwich composite elements, having an increased compressive strength along a thickness extension extending perpendicularly to its surface extension, from a foam block (3) of a thermoplastic, extruded, in particular partially crystalline and/or closed-cell, plastic rigid foam material, PET.

Abstract: A device for welding thermoplastic tubes to a welding method, and to a welding knife. The device is provided for welding thermoplastic tubes, wherein the tubes are placed into tube holders and squeezed with the aid of tube clamps. A welding knife is moved between the first and the second tube holder and severs the tubes in the process. Cut ends and residual ends are thereby produced. The cut ends are aligned with one another by a relative movement of one tube holder with respect to the other tube holder and, by a horizontal movement of the two tube holders, are welded simultaneously to form continuous tubes.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis admixing and/or treatment devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The systems, methods, and devices provide high-level guarantees of sterility and employs relatively inexpensive disposable components to provide pumping. Disclosed systems, methods, and devices and features thereof are adapted for point of use generation of medicament. In particular admixing systems that employ independently-replaceable long term concentrate are disclosed. Features are directed to assurance of sterility and accurate admixing of water and concentrate to generate ready-to-use medicaments and other benefits.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to 3D printer inputs including filaments comprising separated layers or sections. These inputs particularly including filaments may be prepared by coextrusion, microlayer coextrusion or multicomponent/fractal coextrusion. These inputs and specifically filaments enable layering or combining different materials simultaneously through one or more nozzles during the so-called 3D printing process. These techniques facilitate smaller layer sizes (milli, micro, and nano) different layer configurations as well as the potential to incorporate materials that would otherwise not be usable in standard 3D printer methods.

Abstract: A skin patch for the UV protection is contemplated as being formed from a vulcanized silicone substrate, an adhesive gel coating adhered to the internal surface of the silicone substrate, and a release liner removably attached to the adhesive gel coating, wherein following removal of the release liner from the adhesive gel coating, the coating is operative to enable adherence of the skin patch to skin. The skin patch is further contemplated as being operative to at least partially absorb solar ultraviolet radiation via the vulcanized silicone substate or the adhesive coating additionally comprising at least one UV-blocking compound having an absorption peak in the ultraviolet spectrum.

Abstract: A garment station including a first guide separated from a second guide by a repositionable gap. The garment station further includes a head carrier disposed between the first guide and the second guide. The garment station further includes a first tool head and a second tool head attached to the head carrier and configured to join webs of fabric disposed across the gap. The head carrier is configured to maintain the first tool head and the second tool head aligned in the gap as the gap is repositioned.

Abstract: A system for securing first and second metal workpieces to a central metal workpiece located therebetween. The system includes clamps to secure the first and second metal workpieces in coaxial alignment with the central metal workpiece, which is rotatable about its axis. Heating elements heat opposed ends of the first metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, and opposed ends of the second metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, to a hot working temperature. While the opposed ends are at the hot working temperature, the opposed end of the first metal workpiece is urged against the end opposed thereto of the rotating central metal workpiece, while the central metal workpiece rotates. At the same time, the rotating central metal workpiece's end opposed to the second metal workpiece is engaged with the opposed end of the second metal workpiece. The workpieces are allowed to cool, for bonding the opposed ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite sheet, and a ballistic resistant article, comprising unidirectionally aligned high performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers and a polymeric resin, wherein said polymeric resin comprises a homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene and wherein said polymeric resin has a density as measured according to ISO1183 of between 930 and 980 kg/m3, and a peak melting temperature of from 115 to 140° C.; and said polymeric resin is present in an amount of from 5 to 25% by weight based on the total weight of the composite sheet. It further relates to a method for manufacturing a composite sheet comprising assembling HPPE fibers to a sheet, applying an aqueous suspension of a polymeric resin to the HPPE fibers, partially drying the aqueous suspension, optionally applying a temperature and/or a pressure treatment to the composite sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of resistance welding between composite articles. A conductive element is provided between faying surfaces, having a plurality of lower resistivity electrode portions spaced apart along the length of the contact area between the composite articles. The electrode portions can be used to spot weld across the electrode portions, and along a longitudinal portion of the conductive element between the electrode portions by application of an electrical current. Also disclosed are apparatus for use in the resistance welding methods and composite articles and structures and elements incorporating the conductive element.

Abstract: A system for securing first and second metal workpieces to a central metal workpiece located therebetween. The system includes clamps to secure the first and second metal workpieces in coaxial alignment with the central metal workpiece, which is rotatable about its axis. Heating elements heat opposed ends of the first metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, and opposed ends of the second metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, to a hot working temperature. While the opposed ends are at the hot working temperature, the heating elements are removed. The opposed end of the first metal workpiece is urged against the end opposed thereto of the rotating central metal workpiece, while the central metal workpiece rotates. At the same time, the rotating central metal workpiece is pulled against the second metal workpiece to engage the opposed ends thereof with each other. The workpieces are then allowed to cool.

Abstract: The invention relates to watch straps made of felt material. The method includes cutting out the strap from the felt material with a density of up to 0.5 g/cm3; forming the ends of the strap to be fastened to the watch body by adjusting the shape of the strap ends to the shape of a specific watch body and/or to strap fastening elements; impregnating the shaped ends of the strap with polymeric glue, preferably with liquid cyanoacrylate; precisely adjusting the fully dried and processed strap ends to the watch body or strap fastening elements; drilling the transversal apertures in the strap ends for inserting the watch pins to fasten the strap to the watch body. The watch strap thus obtained is eco-friendly, recyclable, non-allergenic and can be securely fastened to the watch body.

Abstract: A workpiece receiving and supporting device that is configured to sequentially contact a plurality of types of different non-flat surfaces provided on a plurality of workpieces, and subsequently support the workpieces, includes: at least one positioning member that contacts the workpieces and positions the workpieces; and a plurality of surface copying members that contacts the workpieces positioned by the positioning member, and provided so as to be rotationally movable and linearly movable in accordance with surfaces of the workpieces, wherein the positioning member and the surface copying member include at least a contact portion that contacts the workpieces and supports the workpieces, and at least a sliding portion that is slidable in accordance with surfaces of the workpieces when contacting the workpieces on both sides of the contact portion.

Abstract: A check fixture measures a total clamp force applied by a welder device. The welder device includes a welding horn having a plurality of weld pads and welding anvil having a plurality of weld pads. The check fixture includes a base member operatively supporting a plurality of force sensors. The base member and the force sensors are received between the weld pads of the welding horn and the anvil pads of the welding anvil. Each force sensor is configured to measure an individual clamp force applied thereto by corresponding weld and anvil pads when the base member is received between the welding horn and the welding anvil and the welder device is in the clamped position. The individual clamp forces are used to determine whether the weld and/or anvil pads are worn or misaligned.

Abstract: A belt welding apparatus is provided for joining together the ends of one or more monolithic conveyor belts. In one form, a belt support is configured to support the belt ends in spaced relation to each other and a non-contact heating device is provided for being disposed between the belt ends to generate thermal radiation for joining the belt ends together. In another form, a drive mechanism is operable to cause relative movement of a pair of platens, for supporting belt ends, toward and away from each other and a heating device between heating and stowed positions. An actuator of the drive mechanism is movable by an operator between at least three operation positions corresponding to three different operation positions of the platens.

Abstract: A molding compound for joining two moldings each made of a PA11 and/or PA12 molding compound contains at least 50% by weight of a polyamide component so chosen that it is preparable from linear aliphatic diamines and dicarboxylic acids and/or lactams or ?-aminocarboxylic acids, there being 11 to 12 carbon atoms present per carboxamide group in the repeating units, and, furthermore, this polyamide component containing not more than 80% by weight of either one of the polyamides PA11 and PA12. With this compound a firm weld is obtained both to a PA11 molding and to a PA12 molding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes: heating and melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; and butt fusing the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion, thereby creating a fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates seed layers and a process of manufacturing seed layers for casting silicon suitable for use in solar cells or solar modules. The process includes the step of positioning tiles with aligned edges to form seams on a suitable surface, and the step of joining the tiles at the seams to form a seed layer. The step of joining includes heating the tiles to melt at least a portion of the tiles, contacting the tiles at both ends of at least one seam with electrodes, using plasma deposition of amorphous silicon, applying photons to melt a portion of the tiles, and/or layer deposition. Seed layers of this invention include a rectilinear shape of at least about 500 millimeters in width and length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for welding profiled parts (8), in particular plastics profiled parts, having at least one welding head (1) that can be positioned in a predetermined or predeterminable target welding position (6) relative to another welding head (1, 9) and/or relative to a holding device. According to the invention the welding head (1) and/or a part of the welding head (1), that comprises at least one heating element, such as a heating plate, for melting the profiled parts, can be positioned and/or is movable in accordance with at least one dimensional variation of at least one of the profiled parts (8) from a target dimension in a spatial tolerance range (5) around the target welding position (6).

Abstract: Fluted core sandwich panels are joined together to form a composite structure. Variations in panel ends are accommodated by a core stiffener insert installed in a joint between ends of the panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a laminated article with an invisible seam. The laminated article, in accordance with the present disclosure, is a laminate tube or lamitube. The present disclosure also relates to a process for manufacturing of laminated articles with substantially invisible seam.

Abstract: A curved composite structure, comprises at least two curved composite panel segments joined together. Each of the panel segments includes a fluted core sandwiched between first and second facesheets. A layer of adhesive is used to rigidly bond the panel segments together.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The apparatus is used to join together thermoformable sheets by: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion.

Abstract: To provide a novel production method and a novel production system that are suitable for producing a cleaning member having an excellent cleaning performance and that realize efficient production. The present invention is a method of producing a cleaning member obtained from a multi-layer web comprising at least a fiber bundle and a belt-shaped nonwoven fabric, wherein the method comprises at least the step of connecting the ends of the at least two the fiber bundles by melt-bonding.

Abstract: A product sheet of composite material can be made by disposing composite materials of composite material in adjacent (side-by-side) relation with each other. The composite materials comprise fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The adjacent composite materials are bonded together to provide a product sheet of composite material. Preferably, a cross ply of composite material is disposed on the composite materials. The cross ply may be a unidirectional sheet and the fibers in the cross ply may be disposed in transverse relation to the fibers in the composite materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding ends of two separate articles or a single article to form a single welded article. The apparatus comprises first and second molds for supporting and clamping first and second ends of at least one article and an infrared heating element for thermally energizing over a prescribed period of time the first and second ends of the at least one article to a welding condition. The apparatus further comprises a regulator for altering the power supplied for energizing the infrared heater over at least a portion of the prescribed period of time to achieve increased electromagnetic radiation penetration into the body of the at least one article beyond the first and second ends. The apparatus also comprises an actuator for advancing the first and second ends into a contacting position to form a single welded article.

Abstract: A method of making a polycrystalline diamond compact including providing a layer of graphene on top of a sintered PCD and transforming the graphene at high pressure and temperature into diamond that is free of metal catalyst. A method of making PCD by providing a layer of graphene powder on top of a layer of diamond powder and sintering at high pressure and temperature to transform the graphene into diamond that is free of metal catalyst at the surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a seal ring includes heating an extruded rod to a temperature above a glass transition temperature. The extruded rod has first and second ends. The method further includes bending the extruded rod into a circular structure while the temperature is above the glass transition temperature, joining the first and second ends of the extruded rod to form a semi-finished ring, and annealing the semi-finished ring.

Abstract: A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of joining sheet members together that is capable of joining two sheet members together without causing a stepped portion on a joined portion. Provided is a method of joining a first sheet member and a second sheet member together, which includes bringing an end face of the first sheet member into abutment with an end face of the second sheet member to provide an abutted portion, heating the abutted portion via a heating medium to thermal-fusion-bond the end faces with each other, and peeling off the heating medium from the first and second sheet members after the thermal-fusion bonding.

Abstract: A method includes rotating a drum about an axis and rotating an anvil roll about an axis adjacent to the drum so as to form a nip there between. The drum includes a fluid nozzle and a press member, the press member having an outer surface. The anvil roll includes a compliant outer circumferential surface. First and second substrates are advanced in a machine direction onto the drum. The fluid nozzle moves radially outward and a jet of heated fluid is directed onto the substrates. The fluid nozzle retracts radially inward and the press member is shifted radially outward. The substrates are advanced through the nip and compressed between the press member and the anvil roll such that the press member deforms the compliant outer circumferential surface of the anvil roll.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to the use of laser energy to weld or melt selected locations in papermachine clothing (“PMC”) and other industrial and engineered fabrics. The invention also relates to an improved seam for a papermaker or other industrial fabric that has properties such as strength, durability, openness, adequate number of support points, and fiber support index (FSI) essentially the same as the fabric body. The invention also relates to a fabric having a durable seam, wherein the seam width as measured in the MD is a fraction of the width of a normal seam or a seam that is formed using a conventional technique of equal strength.

Abstract: A process that is faster than conventional processes for manufacturing a film tube from a polymer and/or metal film material includes moving the film tube in relation to the joining tools during the joining process. Before the joining process of the film tube, the metal film material exists in the form of at least one film web. The edges of this film web are joined to one another in a joining process forming at least one longitudinal joint seam. During the joining process the film tube is moved in relation to the joining tools.

Abstract: A medical catheter for inserting into a body includes a bump tubing section with proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end is configured to mate with a hub. The bump tubing section has an intermediate portion extending away from the proximal end with a substantially constant outer diameter and thickness, and a taper portion adjacent the distal end with generally decreasing inside and outside diameters to provide a gradually increasing flexibility toward the distal end of the bump tubing section. The bump tubing section is comprised of a polymer having a predetermined flexural modulus. A tip section is disposed distally of the distal end of the bump tubing section comprising a distal liner and a distal cover such that at least a majority of the tip section has a substantially constant stiffness and a flexural modulus substantially equal to or greater than the predetermined flexural modulus.

Abstract: A method for butt joining a band (W) of flexible material, heat-sealing on at least one side and pre-printed on the opposite side, the band (W) being unwound from a parent reel (10), cut longitudinally into strips (W1, W2) and rewound into reels or rolls (20), the method consisting in overlaying the tail edge (L1) of a finished parent reel on top of the leading edge (L2) of a new parent reel, so that the printing of the one coincides with that of the other, cutting the band transversely along a line (R) in the area of overlaying of the edges (L1, L2), removing the ends (E1, E2) trimmed from the edges (L1, L2) and heat sealing on the heat-sealing side of the band (W), along the cutting line (R), a strip of heat-sealing material (S).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a structural member includes a tool platform and a pressure platform that may be movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus may include a tool against which the member may be pressed. The tool may be supported by the tool platform and may have an inner surface. The apparatus may include a pressure bladder configured to be pressurized for applying pressure to the member. The pressure bladder may be supported by the pressure platform for pressing the member against the tool. Also included may be a heating system for heating the tool and a tool liner in thermal contact with the inner surface for distributing heat thereto.

Abstract: A device for the intake or manipulation of a fluid, in particular, a liquid, and a method for the production of a device of this type in which a flat, non-preformed covering film is laminated onto a carrier, a three-dimensionally shaped or convex chamber wall being formed solely by means of the laminating process. The chamber wall which forms a boundary of a chamber for the fluid is partially deformable. The device is simple to produce and can be used universally.

Abstract: A framing corner joint includes first and second framing rails of fiberglass-reinforced resin construction. The first and second framing rails have hollow mitered ends. A pair of thermoplastic plugs are received in the mitered ends of the respective framing rails. Each of the plugs includes a body inserted into the hollow interior of an associated framing rail and a flat plug flange at an angle of 45° to the body. The plug flanges extend outwardly from the peripheries of the bodies between the rail ends and have flat end faces that are bonded to each other. The bodies of the plugs preferably are hollow, and preferably are received by interference press-fit within the ends of the rails. The plug flanges of the plugs preferably are welded to each other.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of silicon seed rod in which two silicon seed rods are joined into one long silicon seed rod by welding, having: an upper seed rod holding part holding an upper silicon seed rod vertically; an elevating device holding a lower silicon seed rod which faces a lower end of the upper silicon seed rod in a state in which the lower silicon seed rod is movable vertically; an induction-heating coil being arranged around the lower end of the upper silicon seed rod; a preheating ring being disposed below the induction-heating coil; and a moving device of the preheating ring that moves the preheating ring between a heat position in which the preheating ring is induction-heated around an upper end of the lower silicon seed rod by the induction-heating coil and a wait position which is distant from the heat position.

Abstract: A belt having stretch reduction features is provided, along with a method for producing a belt having reduced stretch characteristics. The belt is formed of a jacket and a stretch reduction element. The stretch reduction element is formed of a material having a greater modulus of elasticity than the jacket. Additionally, the stretch reduction element is formed by bathing the stretch reduction element to a reactive fluid in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A reinforced multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing the same. An assembly for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter includes a proximal catheter body substrate including a septum, a first and second distal catheter body substrate, a first and second mandrel, a reinforcing element and a sleeve. The reinforcing element is positioned over the proximal catheter body substrate and at least a proximal region of the first and second distal catheter body substrates.

Abstract: Thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness and/or curved sections are manufactured in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up is used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Some or all of the plies may be continuously fed from spools of single or multiply ply material. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: A method for coupling corrugated pipe segments is disclosed. The method includes providing first and second thermoplastic corrugated pipe segments arranged to form a fluid flow path and aligning ends of the pipe segments adjacent one another to form a joint. The method further includes providing a coupling assembly having a thermoplastic sheet with a flexible weld rod of a thermoplastic material attached thereto and circumferentially contacting the coupling assembly with the first and second thermoplastic pipe segments. An electrical current is applied to the weld rod to cause the weld rod, sheet and pipe segments to fuse to one another and form a circumferential weld seam on each side of the joint.

Abstract: A fitting for use in fusion welding mating thermoplastic components includes a weld bead chamber to capture and conceal a bead formed as a result of the fusion weld. The weld bead chamber integrates the bead into the fitting so that the joined parts have a finished look without mechanical polishing or grinding of the completed piece. A stop ledge included in the weld bead chamber prevents over insertion of a pipe or other component into the fitting. A view window in the fitting permits inspection of the finished bead.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a bonded joint between fiber-reinforced thermoplastic parts to be joined, in which fiber-containing plastic material is mixed into the joining zone while friction stir welding the parts to be joined in the form of a butt joint. A device for carrying out such a method for a joined component is also provided.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable sleeve (3) made of a self-releasing material and having a linear seam is disclosed along with methods of employing a heat-shrinkable sleeve (3) in a process of manufacturing composite parts, either as a release layer between the composite part (9) and tool (7), or on a composite material to provide a consolidation force to the composite part (9).