Abstract: A connection element for adhering to a component surface of a first component, such that a second component can be secured to the first component by the connection element, including a base element having an adhesive side with an adhesive surface, and a mounting structure. The base element consists of a thermoplastic with a temperature of continued use of at least 130° C., which can be poorly irradiated or cannot be irradiated with light, and has at least one irradiation region. The base element can be irradiated with light in this region in such a way that light energy penetrates the base element. The irradiation region, in cross-section, has a smaller thickness and a transmittance at least 20% with a light wavelength between 320 and 500 nm. Alternatively, the irradiation region is formed by a through-opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) unit, the method comprising disposing a sealing composition around a periphery of first and second substantially parallel glass panes to define a cavity and form a pre-sealed VIG unit; flowing gas comprising a reactive oxygen species into the cavity; heating the sealing composition to a first temperature; and heating the sealing composition to a second temperature to form the peripheral seal and a sealed cavity between the first and second glass panes.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the beam parameter product and/or beam shape of a laser beam is adjusted by directing the laser beam across a path along the input end of a cellular-core optical fiber. The beam emitted at the output end of the cellular-core optical fiber may be utilized to process a workpiece.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided to remove powder from a web, for example, in a 3D printing apparatus. A flexible blade is provided to contact and move across a first portion of the web located between adjacent portions of the web to scrape powder from the first portion without removing powder deposited on the adjacent portions. A pair of edge vacuum nozzles and a central vacuum nozzle are also provided to move with the flexible blade to remove powder from both edges of the first portion and a central region of the first portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a three-dimensional object from a representation of the object stored in memory. The apparatus includes a build platform having a build gap defined therein. A base plate is initially supported along a lower surface of the build platform such that an edge of the base plate extends along and closes off the build gap. A powder delivery assembly is configured to supply powder to the build gap. At least one directed energy source is configured to apply directed energy to at least a portion of the build gap to form a layer of the three-dimensional structure. An advancement assembly configured to selectively engage with the base plate and/or the three-dimensional structure to hold the base plate and the three-dimensional structure in a fixed position during forming of a layer and to advance the base plate and the three-dimensional structure once the layer is formed.

Abstract: A system for laser processing includes a plate assembly having a first plate, a second plate secured to the first plate, and a pressure chamber located between the plates, a connector extending into and in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, and a fixture having a first end attached to the second plate of the plate assembly, a second end having surface having at least one opening and shaped to fit a part to be retained and laser processed, and a conduit extending therethrough in fluid communication with the pressure chamber and the at least one opening. During use, a pressure generated by a pump may be communicated to the conduit of the fixture through the pressure chamber to provide pressure (e.g., a suction effect) at the opening(s) to secure the part in place, e.g., with respect to another part, so they can be laser processed.

Abstract: A first resin member including a first contact surface and formed of laser beam-transmissive resin and a second resin member including a second contact surface, which contacts the first contact surface, and formed of laser beam-absorbing resin are arranged one upon the other. A laser welding apparatus includes a clamping unit abutting the second resin member and applying clamping force to the second resin member, a laser emitter emitting laser beam, a laser controller controlling output of the laser beam, a displacement sensor measuring displacement of the second contact surface in stacking direction of the resin members, and a control unit controlling the clamping unit to adjust the clamping force corresponding to displacement amount of the second contact surface continuously or intermittently obtained from the displacement sensor.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the beam parameter product and/or beam shape of a laser beam is adjusted by directing the laser beam across a path along the input end of a cellular-core optical fiber. The beam emitted at the output end of the cellular-core optical fiber may be utilized to process a workpiece.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a laminated vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (1), wherein the method comprises: providing a lamination assembly (10) comprising a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) comprising at least two glass sheets (11a, 11b) separated by a plurality of support structures (12) distributed in a gap (13) between the glass sheets (11a, 11b), and a lamination layer (2) arranged between one of the glass sheets (11a, 11b) of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) and a further sheet (3). The further sheet (3) may be subjected to a first heating temperature (T1) by means of a first heating arrangement (9a), and the glass sheet (11a) of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) facing away from the further sheet (3) may be subjected to a second heating temperature (T2) by means of a second heating arrangement (9b), wherein the first heating temperature (T1) is higher than the second heating temperature (T2).

Abstract: A computing device for controlling the operation of an additive manufacturing machine comprises a memory element and a processing element. The memory element is configured to store a three-dimensional model of a part to be manufactured, wherein the three-dimensional model defines a plurality of cross sections of the part. The processing element is in communication with the memory element. The processing element is configured to receive the three-dimensional model, determine a plurality of paths, each path including a plurality of parallel lines, determine a radiation beam power for each line, such that the radiation beam power varies non-linearly according to a length of the line, and determine a radiation beam scan speed for each line, such that the radiation beam scan speed is a function of a temperature of a material used to manufacture the part, the length of the line, and the radiation beam power for the line.

Abstract: A system for providing covers for surface areas of built structures; the system including a film of heat shrinkable material for stretching and heat shrinking over one or more of the surfaces of the built structure; the film formed as a sheet comprising an assembly of lengths of the heat shrinkable material prepared on a supporting surface; characterized in that the sheet is prepared by applying heat to overlap portions between adjoining lengths of the heat shrinkable material while the overlap portions are secured in contact between the supporting, surface and a guide rail assembly laid over the overlap portions; the overlap portions welded together by a heat gun moveable along the guide rail assembly at a predetermined distance above the overlap portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and guide system for the transport of containers or container components, in particular, preforms and/or closure caps, in industrial systems for container production and/or product filling, wherein the containers/container components are transported along at least one guide element. By generating an air cushion between the guide element and the containers/container components by flowing through a microporous layer formed on the guide element, even container components which are lightweight and/or do not slide well can be reliably slidingly transported along the guide elements, and containers can be reliably supplied to dividing worms or similar using dynamic pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a welding structure including a first member, and a light-transmissive second member. The second member includes a surface having an indented area. The first and second members are welded to each other at closely contacted surfaces thereof by projecting a spot light from the second member side in a state where the second member is in close contact with the first member. A curvature radius of the indented area existing on the surface of the second member, to which the spot light is projected, is at least two times a width of a welding portion.

Abstract: Apparatus has a receptacle (1) for two workpiece parts (21, 22) which extend two-dimensionally in X and Y directions and which are to be joined along a weld. The apparatus includes a laser beam source (30) comprising a plurality of individually controllable laser beam emitters (31) which collectively form a line array which is oriented in X direction, a transporting device (6) for transporting the laser beam source (30) relative to the receptacle (1) in Y direction, and a homogenizer (50) arranged downstream of the laser beam source (30) in the radiating direction. The homogenizer (50) has a carrier (52) in which is provided at least one reflection channel (51) with a channel cross section (QS) which is adapted to the course of the weld and a channel width (b) which is adapted to the width of the weld.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for manufacturing a composite wood product. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of forming a mat from a plurality of wood elements and an adhesive, the mat having a width W measured substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mat and an initial thickness T1. The mat is then moved in a machine direction, the machine direction being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the temperature across the width W of the mat is adjusted. The mat is then compressed into a billet having a final thickness T2. In some embodiments, the system includes a continuous movement mechanism, a side preheat assembly, and a press assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices with which, for example, narrow surfaces of preferably plate-like workpieces can be provided with a coating material. The device includes a laser for outputting a lease beam to a lase bean emitter, wherein the laser beam is directed onto the coating material or onto the workpiece in such a manner that the laser beam forms a plane of reference with solder on the surface of the coating material or the workpiece.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for sealing a first substrate and a second substrate by a sealant includes: a stage which supports the first and second substrates, where the sealant is interposed between the first and second substrates along edges of the first and second substrates, and the stage includes a concave portion defined to correspond to the sealant; and an optical head configured to irradiate light onto the sealant, where the first substrate and the second substrate are fixed together by the light irradiated onto the sealant such that a space surrounded by the sealant between the first substrate and the second substrate is sealed.

Abstract: A flexible solar module strand manufactured by a method including providing a first conveyor track for applying flexible solar cells; guiding the first conveyor track around two or more deflecting means; providing individual flexible solar cells; applying the individual solar cells to the first conveyor track; deflecting the first conveyor track by guiding the first conveyor track over a first one of the deflecting means; separating the first conveyor track from the at least one deflected solar cell strip in such a manner that the solar cells are released, with their respective first or second sides facing the first conveyor track, from the first conveyor track; and applying the at least one deflected solar cell strip to a first film web in such a manner that the solar cells are oriented, with their respective first or second sides separated from the first conveyor track, away from the first film web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for depositing one- or two-dimensional fiber structures in order to form a two- or three-dimensional fiber structure, in particular a fiber structure in the form of a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) or FRP semi-finished product, using a production machine including at least one depositing device and at least one fiber support. The one- or two-dimensional fiber structures have at least one unidirectional fiber layer. The depositing device deposits the one- or two-dimensional fiber structures onto the fiber support in a depositing direction in a controlled manner such that the fiber directions of the deposited one- or two-dimensional fiber structures assume an angle ?>20°, preferably ?>60°, and a maximum of ?=90°, relative to the depositing direction. The one- or two-dimensional fiber structures are deposited on the fiber support in a substantially tension-free manner with respect to the fiber direction of the fiber structures.

Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes a nozzle part disposed over a donor film in a vacuum chamber so as to be spaced apart from the donor film, and configured to spray an inactive gas onto an upper surface of the donor film. Also included is a shielding layer disposed on the upper surface of the donor film to make contact with the donor film and shaped so as to be positioned along a circumference or outer edge of the donor film.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for coating workpieces (2) which are preferably made at least in sections of wood, wood materials, plastic or the like, comprising a feed apparatus (10) for feeding a coating material, an activation region (20) for activating the fed coating material (2), and a pressing apparatus (40) for pressing the activated coating material (2) onto a workpiece (3). The apparatus according to the invention is characterised in that at least the activation region (20) with the pressing apparatus (40) and the workpiece (3) can be moved and/or rotated relative to one another in a plane of movement perpendicular to the coating plane in the course of the coating process.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a friction stir operation, such as friction stir welding (FSW) or friction stir processing (FSP). The apparatus may have a rotating tool adapted to be plunged into a material, where the material is susceptible to being softened by heating. The rotating tool may further be adapted to be advanced along a surface of the material. An optical energy generating subsystem may be used to heat a portion of the material using optical energy as the tool is advanced along the material.

Abstract: A method and a device for applying a microstructured coating to the surface of a substrate, using a prepolymerized curable resin tape in the pasty state of which at least the face that is to be applied to the substrate is initially covered with a protective film, which protective film is peeled off during the course of the method so as to apply the resin tape directly to the substrate. The use of a prepolymerized resin tape makes it possible to avoid the risks of runs and variations in quality which are associated with the use of a liquid material and makes it possible to avoid the problems associated with the ageing of a microstructured matrix in the form of a reusable tape.

Abstract: Methods and systems for three dimensional large area welding and sealing of optically transparent materials are disclosed, including generating a beam of ultra-short pulses from an ultra-short pulsed laser; directing the beam to an acoustic-optic modulator to control the repetition rate of the beam; directing the beam to an attenuator after passing through the acoustic-optic modulator to control the energy of the beam; directing the beam to a focusing lens after passing through the attenuator to focus the beam between a top substrate and a bottom substrate in order to weld the top substrate to the bottom substrate, wherein the top substrate and the bottom substrate are in intimate contact; and controlling the position of the top substrate and the bottom substrate relative to the beam using a three-axis stage in order to weld the top substrate to the bottom substrate at different points. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite structure is described. The apparatus comprises a localised heat source arranged to heat a portion of a stack of fibre reinforced thermoplastic material layers and an ultrasonic transducer arranged to locally introduce ultrasonic energy waves to the heated portion of the fibre reinforced thermoplastic material layers. The apparatus makes it possible to achieve ultrasonic consolidation of the layers occurs.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for laser welding of two joining members of plastic material in which a focussed laser beam is emitted into a welding zone in the region of the boundary surfaces of the joining members arranged in such a way as to face one another so as to form a weld seam having a particular seam depth between the joining members, it is provided that the laser power density is modulated during the welding process in a direction of the seam depth in the welding zone.

Abstract: A system for laminating glass having an infrared heating module that includes at least two heating zones for heating a laminated material under vacuum where the two heating zones heat different section of a glass laminate. The system has a convection heating module that includes a heating coil that heats the glass laminate at atmospheric pressure and a cooling module. A system for laminating glass having at least one infrared heating unit, the at least one infrared heating unit arranged to provide three concentric heating zones for heating a laminated material, the three concentric heating zones heating different sections of the laminated material, and operation of the first heating module promotes the removal of air and moisture from the laminating glass.

Abstract: There are provided a method and device for thermocompression bonding of possibly preventing any warping of a resin member to be caused by thermocompression bonding, and of possibly reducing the time to be taken for processing. The method for thermocompression bonding, includes: preheating a resin member using an infrared radiation section; and subjecting the resin member to thermocompression bonding using a heating section and a pressurization section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for welding tube segments to a tubular shaped body, and to a laser welding method for connecting a tube segment to a tubular shaped body, in which the tube wall of the tube segment is constructed from at least two material layers that differ from each other, and one of these layers contains, at least portionally, an absorber for laser radiation, comprising the steps of provision of a PVC-free tube segment and a tubular shaped body, positive insertion of tube segment and tubular shaped body into one another with the result that surface regions of the tube segment and of the tubular shaped body overlap, irradiation of the overlapping surface regions with laser radiation of defined wavelength, wherein it is unnecessary, in the case of the laser welding method, to move either the joint partners or parts of the apparatus.

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: Disclosed is an automatic bonding system for an LCD device. The automatic bonding system includes a bonding unit configured to perform a process of bonding a first substrate to a second substrate, a first substrate supply unit configured to include an inverting arm and supply the first substrate to the bonding unit, a second substrate supply unit configured to include an adhesive resin coating unit and supply the second substrate to the bonding unit, a pre-hardening unit configured to perform a process of pre-hardening an adhesive resin that adheres the first and second substrates, and a hardening unit configured to perform a process of hardening the adhesive resin that adheres the first and second substrates. A gap between the first and second substrates bonded to each other by the bonding unit is a bonding gap controlled by a gap variable control stage.

Abstract: Provided is a laser beam apparatus for sealing a first substrate and a second substrate by irradiating a sealant between the first substrate and the second substrate using a laser beam, the laser beam apparatus including a controller, wherein the controller is configured to defocus the laser beam and to move a scanning central axis of the laser beam across a sealing path of the sealant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus and method. According to the invention, an additive manufacturing apparatus includes a material supply system. The material supply system delivers layers of partially sintered pulverant material to an additive manufacturing device.

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 thin film processing apparatus assembles a substrate and an auxiliary plate tightly and the substrate is coated with a thin film whereon the auxiliary plate is situated. Since the substrate or the auxiliary plate is transparent for thermal radiation, the thin film heated by thermal radiation symmetrically in thickness direction will be available. Consequentially debonding, warping and cracking of thin film are thus prevented and outgassing from thin film is eliminated as well.

Abstract: A device for the laser transmission welding of two plastic assembly parts is provided, wherein at least one of the plastic assembly parts contains an absorber for laser light, comprising a processing head with a processing side, with a processing-side discharge shaft for at least one laser beam and with a laser-transparent pressing means for pressing together the plastic assembly parts, wherein the laser-transparent pressing means is guided decoupled from the processing head in the discharge shaft. Furthermore, a method for producing a welded joint between two plastic assembly parts by laser transmission welding is specified.

Abstract: A method of dispersing semiconductor chips from a wafer of semiconductor chips onto a substrate while preserving the neighboring relationship of each chip to each adjacent chip is disclosed. The method includes dispersing the wafer into sequential columns of semiconductor chips with a first pitch between columns while preserving the neighboring relationship and sequentially dispersing the columns of semiconductor chips into rows of individual chips with a second pitch between rows onto a substrate while preserving the neighboring relationship.

Abstract: A superalloy substrate, such as a turbine blade or vane, is fabricated or repaired by laser beam welding to clad one or more layers on the substrate. Laser optical energy is transferred to the welding filler material and underlying substrate to assure filler melting and adequate substrate surface wetting for good fusion. Energy transfer is maintained below a level that jeopardizes substrate thermal degradation. Optical energy transfer to the filler and substrate is maintained uniformly as the laser beam and substrate are moved relative to each other along a translation path by varying the energy transfer rate to compensate for localized substrate topology variations.

Abstract: Methods for controlling deformation of laminated display assemblies are described. The laminated display assemblies can include flexible layers. In some embodiments, the flexible layers are sensor layers. Methods involving the use of a thermal press and ultra violet (UV) curing procedure are described. In one embodiment, a thermal press method can be performed by placing a laminated display assembly including the flexible substrate, an ink layer, an adhesive, and a cover on a temperature controlled fixture. A mechanical press can apply pressure to the top of the laminated display assembly. The mechanical press can remove any planar deformity of the flexible layer and can redistribute portions of the adhesive. Following the mechanical pressing, the laminated display assembly can be exposed to UV light to cure the adhesive and thereby fix in place the planar state of the laminated display assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for generating a label for use in a medical application. Label content specified by a user that is to be applied to a surface of the label is received. The label content, which includes a machine-generated character, is printed on demand onto the surface of the label. The label bearing the label content is dispensed in a condition suitable for use in the sterile environment.

Abstract: An adhesive-applying method is disclosed herein. The method comprises: providing a film comprising pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a major surface thereof; heating the film to a softening point of the film; and pressing the film against a substrate with an application device, the application device comprising a film-contacting portion, the film-contacting portion comprising a foam material and having a thermal conductivity of less than 1.8 BTU/hr-in-ft2-° F.; wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive on the major surface of the film adheres to the substrate. Application devices and kits that may be used in conjunction with the method are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device is provided having a holder region including a first holder for a first thread and at least one further holder for at least one further thread, at least one contact area for contacting the first thread and the at least one further thread. At least one radiation source is provided between the holder region and the contact area.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a floor covering comprising a primary backing having a fibrous face and an underside; optionally a cured precoat layer on the underside of the primary backing; and a microwave cured thermoplastic backing layer fixed to the primary backing. There is also provided a method of making a floor covering comprising tufting or implanting a fibrous material or yarn into a primary backing; optionally precoating the underside of the primary backing layer by applying a precoating composition followed by curing the precoating; applying a thermoplastic backing layer to the optionally precoated primary backing layer; and microwave curing the thermoplastic backing layer. An apparatus for curing a thermoplastic backing layer of a carpet is also described.

Abstract: Two workpieces composed of a resin workpiece and a resin workpiece, or composed of a resin workpiece and a glass substrate are bonded to each other such that troubles, such as an alignment shift and breakage etc. are not generated, while ensuring bonding uniformity. A first workpiece is placed on an inverting stage of an inverting stage unit, a second workpiece is placed on a work stage of a pressurizing stage unit, and UV light is radiated from a light irradiation unit. Then, the inverting stage is inverted 180°, the workpieces are overlapped each other on the work stage, and the workpieces are pressurized and pre-bonded to each other. Then, the workpieces in the pre-bonded state are transferred to a heating stage by a transfer means, the temperature of the workpieces is increased to a predetermined temperature by heating the workpieces, and the temperature is maintained until bonding is completed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method for LCD panel by coating the first sealant having electrical conductibility on the PSVA testing pad of the lower substrate or on the position of the upper substrate corresponding to the PSVA testing pad of the lower substrate such that the PSVA testing pad electrically connects to the transparent electrode through the first sealant. The present invention also provides a manufacturing method for the LCD device and a manufacturing equipment for the LCD panel. By the above ways, the present invention can improve the uneven phenomenon around the screen of the active viewing area of LCD panel and reduce the occurrence of broken bright spot and realize narrow frame design of the LCD panel.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus includes: a bonding head including a bonding tool, on which a suction surface for a chip is formed, and a heating unit; a chip supply unit; a bonding stage on which a substrate is arranged; a head movement unit configured to move the bonding head between a chip supply position by the chip supply unit and a bonding position on the bonding stage; and a cooling unit configured to cool the bonding tool. The bonding tool is configured such that the chip is supplied at the chip supply position, then is heated and bonded on the substrate at the bonding position, and is then cooled by the cooling unit. The cooling is performed by making the suction surface come in contact with a cooling surface of the cooling unit.

Abstract: An attachable optical component is aligned with a base optical component. The attachable optical component has a mounting surface interfacing with the base optical component and an exposed surface opposed to the mounting surface. Laser light is directed to the exposed surface of the attachable optical component for delivery to the mounting surface. The attachable optical component guides and homogenizes the laser light delivered to the mounting surface and uniformly heats a bonding feature between the mounting surface and the base optical component.

Abstract: In a machine for making absorbent sanitary articles, such as nappies for babies or incontinence pads for adults, sanitary towels or the like, a plurality of operating stations are equipped with cutting and/or sealing devices for the materials of which the articles (2) consist; all or some of the operating stations each being equipped with at least one laser unit for performing the cutting and/or sealing operation; the laser units all being connected to the same laser source (60).

Abstract: Vacuum processing, such as a backside metallization (BSM) deposition, is performed on a taped wafer after a gas escape path is formed between a base film of the tape and the wafer frontside surface following backgrind. Venting provided by the gas escape path reduces formation of bubbles under the tape. The gas escape path may be provided, for example, by a selective pre-curing of tape adhesive, to breach an edge seal and place the wafer frontside surface internal to the edge seal in fluid communication with an environment external to the edge seal. With the thinned wafer supported by the pre-cured tape, BSM is then deposited while the wafer and tape are cooled, for example, via a cooled electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: Disclosed are a display apparatus including a display panel on which an image is displayed, a cover including a side portion configured to cover upper and lower side surfaces and left and right side surfaces of the display panel and a rear portion configured to cover an outer peripheral region of a rear surface of the display panel, and a rear cover coupled to the middle cover and configured to cover the rear surface of the display panel, and a hot stamping system for the same. A thin film having a particular color is attached to the side portion via the hot stamping system, which enables easy manufacture of the display apparatus having various colors of covers.