Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the plastic shaping of a biaxially-drawn film, comprising at least one base layer, containing at least one polymer (I), made from at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid and ?0.2 wt %, based on the weight of the layer, of a thermoplastic polymer (II), different from polymer (I). Said film is plastically moulded by application of pneumatic and/or mechanical forces.

Abstract: A resilient structure having a fiber batt with coil springs disposed therein and respective coil spring paths. Each of the coil spring paths extending from a respective coil spring and having a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring. A method is also provided for heating the coil springs and inserting the coil springs into a side wall of the fiber batt to produce the coil spring paths that have a profile similar to a cross-sectional profile of the respective coil spring taken in a plane parallel to a length of the coil spring.

Abstract: Self-supporting pleated fluid filter medium and method of making the same wherein the filter medium and accompanying flow-through border frame are of coated thermobondable materials, which are heat bonded together.

Abstract: Sound absorbing/sound blocking products, including trim products formed from a porous fibrous layer backed by a sound absorbing layer and a sound blocking layer for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A porous fibrous layer structure including a fibrous layer backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to vacuum to draw air through the fibrous layer backing to create a porous structure. A layer of sound absorbing and a layer of sound blocking material may be applied to the porous fibrous layer backing to provide improved acoustic properties. An underlayment may further be included to provide selected areas of increased thickness and provide tailoring of sound attenuation.

Abstract: Light weight acoustic carpet including porous carpeting backed by a primary sound reducing layer and localized secondary insulators for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A porous carpet structure including a carpet backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to intense vacuum to draw air through the carpet backing to create a porous structure. A layer of sound absorbing or insulating material may be applied to the porous carpet structure to provide improved acoustic properties. Secondary sound reducing absorbers/insulators may further be included as part of the molding process to provide selected areas of increased thickness and provide tailoring of sound attenuation.

Abstract: Hot-melt webs are located on an outer surface of a pad member and an inner surface of a cover member, individually. The pad member and the cover member are heated to melt the hot-melt webs by means of heaters from the sides opposite the webs, individually. As fibrous hot-melt adhesive elements are cut at every turn and separated to insular pieces, they are distributed like mist drops in the outer surface of the pad member and the inner surface of the cover member. Thereafter, the pad member and the cover member are superposed and pressurized so that they are bonded to each other.

Abstract: A method of bonding an unsintered unexpanded PTFE feed film to a flexible PTFE coated substrate comprises providing a three roll calender comprising a metal surfaced roll coacting with two filled rolls to define first and second nips. The PTFE feed film is calendered in the first nip, with the thus calendered PTFE film remaining supported on the metal surfaced roll for transport to and through the second nip. The PTFE coated substrate is directed through the second nip for calendering with and bonding to the calendered PTFE film to thereby produce a laminated composite.

Abstract: A polyolefin resin drawn sheet 4 is laminated on at least one face of a sheet-form core material 6 having a density of 30 to 300 kgf/m3. At this time, a sheet or film 5 made of a bonding synthetic resin or rubber having a flow starting temperature lower than the thermal deformation temperature of the core material 6 and the melting point of the drawn sheet 4 is interposed between the core material 6 and the drawn sheet 4. The resultant stack product is heated to not less than the flow starting temperature of the synthetic resin or the rubber and not more than the thermal deformation temperature of the core material 6 and the melting point of the drawn sheet 4. At the same time of or after the heating, the stack product is pressed to apply a compression strain of 0.01 to 10% to the core material 6.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided forming a sound attenuating laminate that has a decoupler fiber layer and a mass layer in opposing relationship with each other. The decoupler fiber layer and mass layer of the laminate are heated to the selected temperature in substantially the same amount of time via a hot air source and a heated platen, respectively. The heated laminate is conveyed to a mold and formed into a predetermined three-dimensional configuration via the mold.

Abstract: A manufacturing line has a feeder for feeding a hoop substrate, a bake oven for heating and drying the fed hoop substrate, a die bonding device for applying an adhesive to a predetermined position on the dried substrate to mount an IC chip, and a cure oven for bonding the IC chip to the hoop substrate by heating and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming plastic frames. Frames are joined to bring heated, soften ends into engagement, causing some softened material to be forced out from between the engaged portions, forming a flashing. This flashing is trimmed by a pair of trimming blades moved along associated guide members. The trimming assembly is mounted directly upon clamps holding the frame members, enabling performance of the trimming operation and eliminating the need for moving to a separate trimming/finishing station remote from the joining equipment. Excellent cutting action is assured by locking the guide blocks preparatory to a trimming operation. Various combinations and sequences of repetitive trimming operations may be selected whereby the cooperating blades are moved in selective cooperating directions to provide a trimming operation which avoids the need for further finishing. Trimming may also be performed simultaneously on multiple stacks of members being joined using the above technique.

Abstract: An article of furniture is made from elongated polymer filaments. The polymer filaments may be monofilaments or plural filaments which are twisted together and heat set to prevent their untwisting during the subsequent weaving process. The heat setting of the polymer filaments is achieved by heating the polymer material either before or after the twisting process.

Abstract: A card package production system (100) for producing card packages (115) composed of cards (128) attached to carriers (113) has an adhesive label attachment station (358, FIG. 34) with a heating platen (361) having a width for heating at least two labels (148) simultaneously that are passed over the platen (361) and a labeler downstream from the heating platen (361) with a pressing member (372) for pressing the heated adhesive label (128) against a card (128) at an attachment position. The heating platen (361) heats only an intermediate section of the adhesive to activate the adhesive and leaves end portions of the label relatively unheated and unactivated to facilitate subsequent removal of the label (148) from the card (128).

Abstract: This invention relates to porous paper machine clothing (1, 11, 21) for de-watering a paper web in a paper machine, comprising a filament lay-up made of at least one layer (2, 12, 22) of longitudinal filaments (3, 13, 23) and at least one layer (4, 14, 24) of transverse filaments (5, 6, 7; 15; 25) which cross the longitudinal filaments (3, 13, 23), wherein the longitudinal and transverse filaments (3, 13, 23; 5, 6, 7; 15; 25) are single-component filaments, which is characterised in that the longitudinal and transverse filaments (3, 13, 23; 5, 6, 7; 15; 25) are fused at crossing points (8, 16, 27) to each other and/or to parts (17, 18, 19) joining them as a result of heating to the melting temperature which is restricted to said crossing points (8, 16, 27). The invention further relates to a method of producing porous paper machine clothing such as this.

Abstract: The present invention falls into the category of devices designed to print decoration onto objects in general and in particular onto containers. A non-stick film (1), onto which is deposited an image (5) produced using solid thermoplastic colours, moves between a pressing element (4) and an object (6). The action of a heat generator (7) causes the colour to change from a powdery state to a semi-liquid plastic state.

Abstract: In the process described, the surfaces of plastics are provided with electrical conductor tracks with the aid of laser beams. The process permits the production of moldings made from plastic with integrated conductor tracks which are less expensive and can be produced using simple apparatus. The products of the process may be used in the electrical and electronics industries, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a fibrous web. The fibrous web includes a microencapsulated material, such as a microencapsulated phase change material, adhered to the web. Preferably, the web is prepared in a melt-blowing or spun-bonding process. In the melt-blowing process, cooling water containing the microcapsules is used to cool melt blown fibers prior to collection on a collector. In the spun-bonding process, microcapsules are applied in liquid suspension or in dry form to a heated web, for instance, after the web has been calendared. The fibrous webs thus prepared have numerous uses, and are particularly suited to the manufacture of clothing.

Abstract: Waveguide assemblies and methods to manufacture waveguide assemblies are disclosed. An example method of manufacturing a waveguide assembly comprises: coating a surface of a waveguide with an adhesive layer; heating a substrate to a temperature above a melting point of the adhesive layer; placing the waveguide on the heated substrate when the adhesive layer is solid or semi-solid; and curing the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A mat (10) comprises a pile surface fabric (40) and a rubber or rubber-like backing layer (20). The pile surface fabric (40) is connected to and extends to the edges of the backing layer (20). The pile surface fabric (40) is provided with a border portion (22) having on its upper surface (26) a contrasting color and/or texture to the remainder (24) of the pile surface fabric and extending along at least a portion of the edge of said pile surface fabric. The mat (10) can be formed in a single cutting operation by cutting the mat from a roll of mat material (30) comprising a pile surface fabric having elongate areas (32, 34) of contrasting surface color and/or texture bonded to a rubber backing layer. The cuts (36, 38) are made along the elongate areas (32, 34). Since the border (22) is formed in the pile, colors and shapes can be selected to suit customer requirements, while the mat (10) serves to clean footwear over its entire area.

Abstract: A method of forming pieces of plastic and welding them together to form large plastic objects by heating plastic sheets until they soften, heating the inner surfaces until they reach their melting point, and pressing them together with a mold to form them to a given and weld them together to form a single object.

Abstract: Porous carpeting for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A carpet backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to intense vacuum to draw air through the carpet backing to create a porous structure. A layer of porous thermoformable material may be applied to the porous carpet structure to provide mechanical strength.

Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition, useful as an adhesive, is provided. The composition is particularly useful as an adhesive for bonding profile-wrap articles. Also provided are a method for making profile-wrap articles using the composition and the profile-wrap articles so made.

Abstract: A method of assembling a storage unit is disclosed. The method comprises applying heat to a groove separating a pair of walls to melt at least a portion of the plastic material, and pivoting the walls so that the surfaces of the groove contact and join as the melted plastic material solidifies.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: A single or multiwell plate using membrane, preferably an ultrafiltration membrane to filter selected solutes from a liquid is disclosed. In particular, a preferred construction and method of sealing the membrane to the interior of the well so as to form an integral seal between the top portion of the well and the bottom portion is disclosed. The preferred method is to use a heat seal device which secures the filter to the underdrain portion of the device.

Abstract: A laminate forming process includes installing a heater assembly in a processing chamber, the heater assembly having a lower diffusion screen; coupling a vacuum assembly to channels of a platform; conveying layers of titanium and solid adhesive at room temperature onto a workpiece on the platform heating the processing chamber to a predetermined temperature by the heater assembly through the diffusion screen for evenly applying heat to the layers of titanium and adhesive and the workpiece and melting the layer of adhesive; and activating the vacuum assembly for sucking the layers of titanium and adhesive onto the workpiece through a communication of the channels so as to secure the layers of titanium and adhesive onto the workpiece and smooth the layer of titanium.

Abstract: Self-supporting pleated fluid filter medium and method of making the same wherein the filter medium and accompanying flow-through border frame are of coated thermobondable materials, which are heat bonded together.

Abstract: A coated prepreg with high resin content and method of making such a prepreg, and a thermal dissipating printed circuit board and methods for manufacturing such a board. In particular, means to fill between circuit features with either a high Tg thermally enhanced dielectric or a non-thermally enhanced resin system.

Abstract: An adapter provides for mounting an object on plastic. The adapter comprises a body coupled with at least two feet. The feet are weldable to the surface of the plastic while the plastic is in a molten state. The adapter also includes a coupling mechanism coupled with the body. The coupling mechanism is operable to couple the object with the adapter.

Abstract: A method for securing thermoplastic pour spout fitments 22 to thermoplastic-coated containers 20, wherein at least a surface of the pour spout fitment 22 is heated remotely at heating stations 42-46 to a temperature significantly below the melting point of the thermoplastic fitment. When the heated fitment surface is applied to a selected surface of an erected, thermoplastic-coated container 20, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon cooling, the fitment 22 and the container surface are bonded together.

Abstract: In a method of mechanical processing in which mechanical processing is performed while a coolant 19 is sprinkled over a workpiece 13 fastened to a fixing surface using a coagulating agent, any agent having melting point equal to or higher than ordinary temperature from among calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, polyethylene glycol, and paraffin is used as the coagulating agent 12 for fastening the workpiece 13 to a workpiece-fastening stage 14 as the fixing surface, the coagulating agent 12 being solidified to thereby fasten the workpiece 13 to the workpiece-fastening stage 14, and a coolant 19 at an ordinary temperature is used.

Abstract: In a method of producing an interior trim material, a laminated structure is formed by laminating a skin material, a mat-like fiber structure, and a high-melting-point fiber sheet in this order. The mat-like fiber structure is prepared by blending thermoplastic fibers and inorganic fibers, and the high-melting-point fiber sheet is formed from fibers having a melting point higher than that of the thermoplastic fibers. At least the mat-like fiber structure is heated so that the thermoplastic fibers are melted. The laminated structure is then compressed under pressure by a hot press machine, and then expanded to restore at least part of the thickness thereof. The laminated structure thus expanded is then formed into a certain shape by a cold press machine, while the thermoplastic fibers of the mat-like fiber structure maintains plasticity.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a laminated thermoforming which consists of a thermoformable plastic resin, resin mixtures or a resin matrix as substrate material of the thermoforming and at least one deformable backing material. The pressure and temperature conditions of the thermoforming are adjusted so that the substrate material and backing material are undetachably connected to each other directly by incorporation and/or melting together, and increasing the pressing pressure by additional compressed air support.

Abstract: Method for sealing a bared section (10) in the wall of a hollow body based on a thermoplastic and on reinforcing fibers, the hollow body being especially intended for conveying or containing a pressurized fluid. The surface and the contours of the section (10) are coated with a protective thermoplastic (30) which is heated while it is being deposited and is compatible with the said thermoplastic of the hollow body in order to achieve complete adhesion.

Abstract: A lead abatement method approved for use by governmental agencies is described. The method id achieved by first applying a highly compliant protective film over a lead contaminated surface. The film includes an exposed layer and an adhesive layer composed of an adhesive material adapted for substantially permanent bonding to the contaminated surface. The exposed surface is then perforated and a topcoat is applied to the exposed surface. The topcoat is adapted for treatment of the exposed surface of the film so as to permit treatment of the topcoat in a desired manner.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for an apparatus for continuously molding small fastener elements integral with a base web from a flowable resin. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical mold roll rotatable about an axis and defining small fastener element-shaped mold cavities in the surface thereof, and pressure-applying means to apply operating pressure to force the resin into the cavities at a pressure zone. The pressure-applying means and mold roll define a mold gap therebetween for forming the base web. The advantageous use of relatively long mold rolls, to produce a correspondingly wide web, and the use of higher molding pressures, e.g. to form very small fastener elements, is enabled by various improvements, including means to maintain the mold gap at a desired thickness profile across the length of the molding region of the mold roll under operating pressure. In some cases the pressure-applying means includes a pressure roll, in other cases it includes a resin nozzle assembly or pressure head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward compositions that are chemically different after application to a substrate as compared to the composition prior to its application. A method of the invention comprises a method of transitioning a crosslinked polymer composition from a first chemical state to a second chemical state. Advantageously, compositions of the invention are relatively stable after transformation to their altered, or second, chemical state.

Abstract: The invention relates first of all to a method for covering areas of damaged protective coating on containers or the like, in which, according to the invention, protective coating material is stamped on to the zone in which the damaged areas occur. The invention also describes an apparatus for carrying out the method in which a carrier unit is provided for stamping protective coating material on to the damaged area. Apparatus is provided for positioning the carrier unit with respect to the container.

Abstract: A composition veneer that is extremely flexible, foldable and moldable, is provided by impregnating a wood veneer with a plastic film. The veneer has a smooth protective polymer surface without separate and distinguishable layers. As a result, the composition veneers of this invention exhibit moldability and shapeability properties similar to plastic sheeting, but contain natural wood and have the appearance of natural wood.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing articles utilizing a composite material having a high density of small particles such as microspheres in a matrix material is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least first and second layers of flanking material are disposed in a generally non-parallel relationship with respect to each other and then are pulled through a die. While the flanking material layers are being pulled through the die, a composite material is injected into a space defined between the at least first and second layers of flanking material. The composite material and the at least first and second layers of flanking material are heated as they pass through the die to cure the composite material and bond the at least two flanking material layers to the composite material, thereby forming a cured article.

Abstract: A process for the production of a composite film for use in laminated glazing assemblies comprising at least one layer of a flexible safety film together with one layer of flexible plastic carrier film includes the steps of drawing the layers from separated feed rolls (1, 2), heating to a bonding temperature, and pressing together to form a composite film, whereby the flexible safety film is not under tension when it is pressed together with the carrier film to form the composite film.

Abstract: A method for making sheets and/or plates that are thermoformable as of a temperature of 80-90° C. and heat-tackifiable as of 80-90° C., and suitable for use as a heat-tackifiable reinforcing material. According to the method, 30-70 wt % of granules of one or more polymers that have a low melting point (50-90° C.) and are thermoformable as of 80-90° C. are mixed with 70-30 wt % of one or more polymers with a higher melting or softening point, in the form of granules or a powder having a particle size greater than around 500 &mgr;m, and preferably of 500-1000 &mgr;m, both kinds of polymers being thermoplastic and at least partially compatible, and optionally with the usual additives; the mixture is extruded under low-shear conditions at low temperatures of 100-140° C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the production of a flat composite (5) from plastic parts by means of a thermal adhesion of two plastic parts (1,1′), heated on one side of their surfaces (1a,1a′), consisting of plastics A and B, wherein the surfaces (1a,1a′) are heated on the adhesion side to surface temperatures of 10 to 100° K.

Abstract: A polyethylene back-up plate is attached directly to the rear surface of a rotary foam buffing pad or to an intermediate polyethylene layer on the back of any of several types of rotary buffing pads utilizing a permanent heat bond.

Abstract: A method for the production of an elastic, air-permeable laminate film is disclosed, whereby material webs made of a fiber non-woven fabric are applied to both sides of an elastomer layer, and the multi-layered material subsequently runs through an ultrasound bonding station. The elastomer layer is melted to form point-shaped bonds at discrete locations by means of ultrasound, while maintaining the substance of the fiber non-woven fabric. An air-permeable structure is formed at the melted sites. According to the method, a melt film made of a thermoplastic elastomer is passed to a laminating unit and introduced, in the thermoplasticized state, between two material webs of fiber non-woven fabric that run into the laminating unit. The melted intermediate layer of the multi-layered material is cooled to solidification temperature, whereby a laminate with cover layers made of fiber non-woven fabric is produced. The laminate is subsequently passed to the ultrasound bonding station.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of sections of fiber-plastic compound materials is carried out by means of at least one draw nozzle (10). In this nozzle, fibers (41) which are impregnated with flowable plastic (42) are formed under pressure to a product (41) with a predetermined cross-section and consolidated with the withdrawal of heat. The cross-sectional surface of the draw nozzle is periodically increased and decreased in time in its entire shape imparting region, with a value for the frequency of the oscillating cross-sectional surface being chosen less than 1 kHz, preferably less than 100 Hz.

Abstract: A method of forming an animal hide-foam laminate is disclosed comprising the steps of placing a hide layer having a treated side and an untreated side over a portion of a first surface of a substrate layer, securing the treated side of the hide layer at a first end to the substrate layer, heating a first surface of a foam layer to a melting temperature, placing the first surface of the foam layer in a facing engagement with the untreated side of the hide layer; curing the facing engagement of the foam layer and the hide layer to secure the hide layer to the foam layer. Additionally, an animal hide-foam laminate for trim applications is disclosed consisting of a foam layer having a first surface, a hide layer having a treated side and an untreated side, wherein the untreated side is in a facing engagement with the first surface, and wherein the hide layer is bonded to the foam layer by flame lamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite film, a method of producing a lead frame with the composite film attached, and a method of bonding a semiconductor chip to this lead frame having the composite film attached. The composite film includes a base film and an adhesive layer on one or both sides of the base film. The composite film has a thickness of T (&mgr;m), the base film has an edge tearing strength of R (kg/20 mm), the adhesive layer has a total thickness of A, and the base film has a thickness of B, T being related to R by a numerical formula R>0.6T-8 when T≦60, or by a numerical formula R≧28 when T>60, and A/B being 0.5 to 1.4.

Abstract: A method of robotic assembly, for manufacturing plastic components from parts mounted upon a plastic shell, using an integrated system of material handling and robots following a programmed series of operations. The robot cells carry out the following steps: (a) scanning the pallet and identifying that the pallet is locked in the docked position of the cell; (b) scanning an assembly area of the shell and communicating location and planarity data to the robot of the cell; (c) selecting a plastic part from a part supply device with the robot; (d) welding the part to the assembly surface of the plastic shell using the robot to perform a spin or fusion welding process. The spin welding process includes: engaging a mounting surface of the part with the assembly surface of the shell; rotating the part until the mounting and assembly surfaces are heated; and applying pressure to the part sufficient to fuse the mounting and assembly surfaces together.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of polymer laminated base paper, said process comprising laminating a base paper web on at least one side thereof with at least one polymer layer by extrusion-coating at a coating speed of 300 m/min or more, wherein the said base paper web is heated prior to laminating.