Abstract: An industrial-scale apparatus, system, and method for handling precisely aligned and centered semiconductor wafer pairs for wafer-to-wafer aligning and bonding applications includes an end effector having a frame member and a floating carrier connected to the frame member with a gap formed therebetween, wherein the floating carrier has a semi-circular interior perimeter. The centered semiconductor wafer pairs are positionable within a processing system using the end effector under robotic control. The centered semiconductor wafer pairs are bonded together without the presence of the end effector in the bonding device.

Abstract: A tool for forming a part includes a first tool portion including a first tool surface. The tool further includes a second tool portion comprising a second tool surface facing the first tool surface, wherein the first tool surface and the second tool surface define a tool chamber for forming the part. The tool further includes a bladder subassembly disposed in the tool chamber between the first tool surface and the second tool surface. The bladder subassembly includes a plurality of inner bladders disposed within tool chamber, wherein each inner bladder of the plurality of inner bladders includes an inner bladder chamber that is independently inflatable to selectively apply pressure to the part. The bladder subassembly further includes a bladder cover disposed over the plurality of inner bladders within the tool chamber to provide a barrier between the plurality of inner bladders and the part.

Abstract: A manufacturing method contemplates performing vacuum-assisted resin infusion to enclose an elongated core within a cured composite laminate without employing a mold. Not relying upon an external mold enables the process to be efficiently performed for core shapes that are manufactured in low volumes. Typical resin infusion processes utilize flow media that induces bag bridging during vacuum draw in order to provide gaps facilitating resin flow. However, popular flow media also tends to impart directional aggregate forces during vacuum draw, which forces can deform the core since no mold is being used. To avoid unequal and non-dispersed directional forces from deforming the elongated core, a flow media is employed that is configured to disperse and/or reduce such forces. Some such flow media may be knitted so as to allow overlapping strands to slide over one another.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vacuum press method and apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for laminating a laminating foil element onto a component having a profiled lamination plane using a lamination tool, by means of which tool the laminating foil element is laminated onto the component, the lamination tool comprising a first tool half and a second tool half, and the device comprising a deflection arrangement for deflecting portions of the laminating foil element out of the profiled lamination plane.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus is provided, which is capable of producing a laminate having a highly planarized surface. The laminating apparatus is arranged to laminate a film on an irregular surface of a substrate having irregularities, and includes a vacuum laminating device which brings the film into close conformal contact with the substrate under reduced pressure to form a first temporary laminate, a first flat press device which presses the first temporary laminate to form a second temporary laminate having a substantially planarized irregular surface, and a second flat press device which presses the second temporary laminate under different conditions from the first flat press device to form a product laminate having a planar surface.

Abstract: A method of making and operating a heat exchanger that includes introducing a first fluid into a fluid chamber of a membrane heat exchanger to change the membrane heat exchanger from a flat configuration to a non-flat configuration while the membrane heat exchanger is disposed within a chamber with the membrane heat exchanger extending from a first end to a second end of the chamber and generating a fluid flow of the first fluid within the fluid chamber of the membrane heat exchanger between first and second ends of the membrane heat exchanger, the first fluid generating heat exchange with a second fluid disposed within the chamber. The membrane heat exchanger includes sheets that form a fluid chamber.

Abstract: A tire vulcanizing method comprises: a step of causing a connecting body, at which an upper mold of a vulcanization mold is supported and that connects together upper end portions of upper tubes of a plurality of supporting pillars, the supporting pillars being disposed so as to be apart in a peripheral direction at a periphery of the vulcanization mold, which is formed from a lower mold and the upper mold, which is set above the lower mold, and the supporting pillars having lower tubes that are hollow and the upper tubes, which are hollow and are slidably engaged with the lower tubes, and the supporting pillars extending in a vertical direction, to, together with the upper tubes and the upper mold, approach the lower mold, and close the vulcanization mold; and a step of vulcanizing an unvulcanized tire that is accommodated at an interior of the vulcanization mold that is closed, wherein the causing the connecting body, the upper tubes and the upper mold to approach the lower mold is carried out by operating

Abstract: A caul body for forming a composite structure comprises a laminate having at least one carbon layer and at least one silicone layer. The at least one silicone layer defines an outer surface of the laminate. The laminate has a first region and a second region. A thickness of the at least one carbon layer in the first region is greater than a thickness of the at least one carbon layer in the second region. The first region has a hardness value greater than a hardness value of the second region.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The method may include directing a continuous reinforcement into a print head, and coating the continuous reinforcement with a first matrix component inside of the print head. The method may further include coating the continuous reinforcement with a second matrix component, discharging the continuous reinforcement through a nozzle of the print head, and moving the print head in multiple dimensions during the discharging. The first and second matrix components interact to cause hardening of a matrix around the continuous reinforcement.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for combined wafer and photomask inspection are provided. In some embodiments, chucks are provided, the chucks comprising: a removable insert, wherein the removable insert is configured to support a wafer so that an examination surface of the wafer lies within a focal range when the chuck is in a first configuration, wherein the removable insert is inserted into the chuck in the first configuration; and a first structure forming a recess that has a depth sufficient to support a photomask so that an examination surface of the photomask lies within the focal range when the chuck is in a second configuration, wherein the removable insert is not inserted into the chuck in the second configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for transporting an arrangement of flexible circuit substrates produced on a transport substrate during the production of a laminate from the arranged circuit substrates, as well as—building thereon—a method and a device for producing a laminate of flexible circuit substrates. In the method, a film is applied to the arranged circuit substrates on the side thereof opposite the transport substrate, with the result that the film comes to lie over the transport substrate in at least two sections that are separate from each other and are not covered by a circuit substrate, and runs between them continuously over at least one of the circuit substrates.

Abstract: A system for producing a component from a fibre composite material includes a moulding tool, a control unit and a plurality of mutually independent material application units, each of which includes a material store for providing fibres, a material delivery apparatus for delivering fibres from the material store and a drive device, and is configured, with the aid of the drive device, to follow a predetermined path on the moulding tool, while delivering fibres as required. The control unit controls the material application units by specifying a plurality of individual paths, so that they move autonomously along the paths. The control may, in particular, be carried out by optical projection onto the moulding tool.

Abstract: A process and system for improving surface quality of composite structures, including laying up a first set of composite plies including a first outer ply of a first composite structure. A first intermediate surface of the first outer ply is measured to form a first set of measurements. A laydown surface for a tool path of a composite placement machine is modified to form a modified tool path, wherein modifying the laydown surface comprises modifying the laydown surface such that a laydown surface of the modified tool path matches the first set of measurements. A composite ply is laid down using the composite placement machine and the modified tool path.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a screen protector to a portable handheld electronic device or cell phone with a user facing surface comprises a mold having an outer surface matching a user facing surface. A stack of layers including the screen protector is disposed over the outer surface of the mold. A vacuum bag receives and surrounds the stack of layers disposed over the mold. The vacuum bag is sealed and evacuated of air. The screen protector is heated and/or cured while in the vacuum bag to shape the screen protector over the mold to have curved lateral edges matching curved lateral edges of the outer surface of the mold and the user facing surface of the display screen of the cell phone. The vacuum bag maintains the curved lateral edges of the screen protector against the curved lateral edges of the outer surface of the mold.

Abstract: A membrane heat exchanger comprising a first planar sheet and a second planar sheet coupled to the first planar sheet to form at least one fluid chamber defined by the first and second sheets and a first and second end that respectively communicate with a first and second port defined by at least one of the first and second sheet.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing composite parts has been developed which offers the ability to produce composite parts in an infusion resin process without the use of expensive preforms or tools. In addition, the methods of manufacturing composite parts described herein offer the ability to produce composite parts having complex structures without the need for complex tooling. The method of manufacturing and systems described herein typically include printing a part skeleton using an additive manufacturing process followed by infusing the part skeleton with resin and curing the resin infused part skeleton to form the composite part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar panel includes preparing a laminated body including a plastic protection cover that is light-transmissive and is curved in a convex manner, a flat plastic back cover, a photovoltaic battery cell, and an encapsulant that holds the photovoltaic battery cell in an encapsulated state, mounting the laminated body on a laminating jig such that the back cover abuts the laminating jig, and heating the laminated body with the laminating jig and compression-bonding the laminated body by holding the laminated body between a diaphragm and the laminating jig, thereby obtaining a solar panel from the laminated body. The laminating jig is curved in a convex manner toward the laminated body.

Abstract: A method for repairing a structure comprising at least one zone to be heated and which comprises the steps of inflating a frame to form a framework, attaching panels removably to the frame to form an enclosure referred to as a heating enclosure, positioning the enclosure over the zone, heating the interior space of the enclosure using a heating device.

Abstract: A patch packaging method and device are provided. The method includes sucking, by a suction mechanism, a loaded cover plate; carrying, by the suction mechanism, the cover plate to move in a direction toward a cavity of a patch packaging mechanism, wherein a substrate to be attached with a patch is placed within the cavity; placing, by the suction mechanism, the cover plate into the cavity, wherein the cover plate, the substrate and side walls of the cavity form an enclosed chamber; extracting, by an air-extraction mechanism, air from the enclosed chamber via an air-outlet hole arranged in the side walls; supplying, by a gas-supply mechanism, a light gas having a density lower than that of the air into the enclosed chamber via a gas-inlet hole arranged in the side walls; and pressing, by a pressing mechanism, the enclosed chamber in such a manner that the cover plate is completely pressed onto the substrate after the light gas is extracted.

Abstract: A method for retreading a tire casing is disclosed herein. The method includes a tread is disposed on a casing carcass with a bonding layer being interposed in between, and a strip is tensioned through several circuits on the tread. Also disclosed herein is a tire employing the a method of retreading disclosed herein.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of structures formed co-bonding second structural components to a first structural component. The method comprises the following steps: a) preparing for each second structural component an ensemble wherein a preform of the second structural component, surrounded by a band of a suitable material to form a vacuum bag, is disposed between curing tools which are thus in contact with the bag and not with the preform; b) positioning the ensembles on the first structural component and forming the vacuum bag for the complete structure joining the bands and complementary pieces; c) applying to the resulting assembly an autoclave cycle.

Abstract: A method for fabricating vacuum tooling is disclosed using porous granular media. A sheet of steel webbing is affixed to a frame. A plurality of layers of fiberglass is affixed to the webbing. A vacuum port is installed through the webbing and plurality of layers of fiberglass. A granular media is mixed with epoxy to form a granular mixture. The granular mixture is layered over the plurality of layers of fiberglass to form a flat surface and machined for uniformity before sealing.

Abstract: A hydraulic heating and/or cooling system hydraulic manifold is constructed in a modular manner with a main module (2). At least one load module (4) is connectable to the main module (2) and includes a hydraulic connection (22, 24) for a load circuit, and a closed-loop control device (26, 28) controlling flow through the load and for connection to an identically configured further load module (4). The at least one load module (4) includes a circuit board (44) which extends between a first (34) and a second axial end (36) of the load module (4) and which at its first (34) and second end (36) have electrical couplings (50, 52) which correspond to one another. The electrical coupling (52) at the second end (36) of the circuit board (44) can electrically conductively engage with an electrical coupling (50) at the first end (34) of the further identical load module (4).

Abstract: Method for reversible bonding between a first element and a second element, comprising the implementation of the following steps: a) producing at least one oxide layer on at least one first face of the first element or of the second element; b) joining the first face of the first element with the first face of the second element such that the oxide layer forms a bonding interface between the first element and the second element; c) disjoining the second element with regard to the first element by the application of a heat treatment under controlled humid atmosphere physically and/or chemically degrading the oxide layer.

Abstract: A method of debonding a temporarily adhesive-bonded carrier-workpiece pair employs a stream of a solvent at a high pressure. The carrier and the workpiece are bonded with an adhesive that is dissolvable in a selected solvent. The workpiece such as a device wafer may have been thinned and processed. The solvent is applied to the adhesive at a high pressure to debond and dissolve the adhesive with high throughput. The dissolved adhesive can be recycled and later reused, thus lowering the cost of the whole bonding and debonding process.

Abstract: A high efficiency airflow management system can be used to reliably and consistently draw air through palletized product stacks with a minimum of energy expenditure. A racking system is provided with a grid of pallet bays separated from an air plenum/chamber by a wall having an airflow opening for each pallet bays. An air seal is formed at the periphery of each opening by resiliently flexible side seals and a top seal to form a highly airtight interface between the pallet assembly and the adjacent airflow opening. When a pressure differential is developed between the chamber and the pallet bay, air is efficiently drawn substantially exclusively through the pallet assemblies with minimal leakage. The flexible sealing arrangement accommodates pallet assemblies with unevenly stacked rows of cases without significant loss of system efficiency.

Abstract: Vacuum lamination methods for forming conformally coated articles having a preformed lamination layer conformally coated to or on an object such as an LED array are provided. These vacuum lamination methods utilize a single heating step to heat a middle portion of the preformed lamination layer to a flowable condition prior to the preformed lamination layer being conformally coated over the article, such as the array of light emitting diodes disposed on an inner portion of a first side of a submount wafer.

Abstract: A fixation device according to one of embodiments includes a first and second fixation units. The first fixation unit includes: a first belt; a first pad with a first elastic layer; and a first roller provided downstream of the first pad in a conveyance direction of a medium. The second fixation unit includes: a second belt; a second pad including a second elastic layer and pressed against the first pad with the first and second belts interposed in between; and a second roller provided downstream of the second pad in the conveyance direction and pressed against the first roller with the first second belts interposed in between. A thickness of at least one of the first and second elastic layers is smaller on a downstream side in the conveyance direction than on an upstream side in the conveyance direction.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the field of implants comprising soft tissue for use in implantation in humans. The soft tissue implants of the present application are preferably obtained from xenograft sources. The present application provides a chemical process that sterilizes, removes antigens from and/or strengthens xenograft implants. The present techniques yield soft tissue implants having superior structural, mechanical, and/or biochemical integrity. The present application is also directed to processes for treating xenograft implants comprising soft tissues such as dermis, and to implants produced by such processes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tread band includes providing a mold having one or more protrusions extending outward in a first direction away from a bottom surface of the mold. At least a first one of the protrusions includes a tip feature extending outward in the first direction. Rubber material is introduced into the mold. A first surface of the rubber material opposite the bottom surface covers the tip feature. The rubber material is compressed into the mold. The compressed rubber material covers the tip feature. The mold is released from the rubber material to form a tread band. The tread band has one or more grooves in a second surface opposite the first surface. The one or more grooves correspond to the one or more protrusions in the mold. A first groove corresponding to the first protrusion includes a vent corresponding to the tip feature in the mold.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, the invention is directed to a watercraft that includes a buoyant core, an upper shell bonded to the core and a lower shell bonded to the core, wherein at least one of the upper shell and the lower shell includes a plurality of bonded shell material layers, and wherein the plurality of shell material layers include a polycarbonate-based material layer and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-based material layer.

Abstract: A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

Abstract: A relief structure is formed on a surface of a carrier provided for accommodating a wafer, which is fastened to the carrier by a removable adhesive contacting the carrier. The relief structure, which may be spatially confined to the center of the carrier, reduces the strength of adhesion between the wafer and the carrier. If the adhesive is appropriately selected and maintains the connection between the wafer and the carrier at elevated temperatures, further process steps can be performed at temperatures of typically 300° C. or more. The subsequent mechanical separation of the adhesive joint is facilitated by the relief structure on the carrier.

Abstract: An overlapping device which is configured to detect the center positions of a substrate and a support which are held in a center position detecting portion, carry the substrate and the support from the center position detecting portion to an overlapping portion, and overlap the substrate and the support such that the detected center positions of the substrate and the support are overlapped in the overlapping portion.

Abstract: In a method for processing a fiber compound structure, an unhardened fiber layer is arranged on a surface section of the fiber compound structure. A pressure cushion is arranged above the surface section. The pressure cushion has a pressure cap and a pressure-tight cap mat pressure-tightly connected to a circumferential border of the pressure cap such that the cap mat limits a pressure area together with the pressure cap. An overpressure in the pressure area is generated. The pressure cushion is pressed onto the fiber compound structure such that the overpressure presses the cap mat against the fiber layer while supporting the fiber compound structure on a side of the fiber compound structure that is opposed to the surface section.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in formation of a composite structure about a mandrel. A generally flexible pneumatic tool and a generally rigid insert are inserted end to end in a cavity of the mandrel. A first end of the insert is positioned in the cavity, adjacent the pneumatic tool, and defines an interface therebetween. The retainer is connected to the insert proximate the first end of the insert. The retainer has an end that extends outwardly from the first end of the insert across the interface and over a portion of the end of the pneumatic tool. The uppermost surfaces of the insert, retainer, and pneumatic tool are generally flush with one another and facilitate a smooth surface being formed over such uppermost surfaces as the composite material is wound about the mandrel in the formation of the composite structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.

Abstract: In a method for correlating magnetic resonance images with histological sections, a target tissue of a living animal is embedded in an enclosed matrix of an optical cutting temperature compound to obtain a packaged specimen on a platform oriented in a first guiding plane. The packaged specimen on the platform is subjected to an MRI examination by scanning along imaging planes parallel to the first guiding plane, and then subjected to a frozen sectioning procedure along sectioning planes in parallel with a second guiding plane which is parallel to the first guiding plane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite by means of a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, comprising the steps of placing a fiber material in a mold, placing a flow distribution medium onto the fiber material, and covering the fiber material (1) and the flow distribution medium with a vacuum foil for forming a closed mold cavity between the mold and the vacuum foil is described. It is characterized in using a flow distribution medium with a thickness depending on a pressure gradient over the vacuum foil.

Abstract: Insulating unit are disclosed which are prepared by a cavity-filling, fast-gelling rigid polyurethane foam based on a formulation comprising a polyol component which contains at least 5 weight percent of an amine-initiated polyols and 1.4 to 4 parts by weight of a catalyst package whereby the catalyst package contains at least one amine catalyst and the weight percent nitrogen present in the amine-initiated polyol to weight percent nitrogen present in the catalyst system is from 2 to 8. The formulation is injected into the cavity and the pressure in the cavity is subjected to reduced atmospheric pressure to achieve the rigid foam having a thermal conductivity of less than about 19 mW/mK at 10° C. average plate temperature.

Abstract: In a method for producing a shaped part, a closing movement is executed by displacing at least one of two mold halves of a high-pressure resin transfer tool from an open position into a pre-closure position of the resin transfer tool such that an opening gap between the mold halves is sealed air-tight by a sealing device of the resin transfer tool to thereby enclose a cavity. The cavity is evacuated by pumping air out of the cavity, and the closing movement is continued by displacing at least one of the two mold halves from the pre-closure position into a final closure position, in which the mold halves are sealed against one another by a further sealing device to allow filling of the cavity, enclosed by the two mold halves, with resin without leakage during a high-pressure resin transfer molding process.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses leveling screws with tactile feedback to assist a user in properly orienting a build platform within a working volume.

Abstract: A heated tool assembly for forming a structural member may include a heated tool and a pressure bladder for mounting the structural member. The tool may have an inner surface, a liner in thermal contact with the inner surface of the tool, and a heating system for heating the tool. The heating system may include a heater for heating a heated medium, a blower for blowing the heated medium, and a plurality of nozzles for directing the heated medium over the tool liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a permanent connection of a polymer electrolyte membrane to at least one gas diffusion electrode, wherein it is possible to create a particularly long-lasting connection therebetween by pressing the membrane and gas diffusion electrode and exerting external pressure, also enabling a particularly high degree of proton conductivity to be obtained between the membrane and the at least one electrode. In order to create the pressing movement, the pressure of a fluid is increased. The fluid enters into contact with the membrane and/or gas diffusion electrode(s) in a direct manner or via an elastic intermediate element.

Abstract: A composite tool for vacuum bag processing composite parts comprises a plurality of laminated composite plies, including a facesheet adapted to have a composite part placed thereon. A gas impermeable barrier layer sandwiched between the composite plies prevents air leaks through the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in formation of a composite structure about a mandrel. A generally flexible pneumatic tool and a generally rigid insert are inserted end to end in a cavity of the mandrel. A first end of the insert is positioned in the cavity, adjacent the pneumatic tool, and defines an interface therebetween. The retainer is connected to the insert proximate the first end of the insert. The retainer has an end that extends outwardly from the first end of the insert across the interface and over a portion of the end of the pneumatic tool. The uppermost surfaces of the insert, retainer, and pneumatic tool are generally flush with one another and facilitate a smooth surface being formed over such uppermost surfaces as the composite material is wound about the mandrel in the formation of the composite structure.

Abstract: A film sticking device includes a pressing part configured to press a film by contacting a surface of the film and pressing the film. A supporting part is coupled to the pressing part and supports the pressing part. A guiding part is configured to guide the supporting part and move the supporting part between a first position and a second position. The second position is separated from the first position. A body has one end coupled to the guiding part. The supporting part is positioned at the first position when a center part of the pressing part contacts the surface of the film.

Abstract: An installation assembly and an associated method for forming a bonded join are provided to permit the adhesive attachment of a first workpiece, such as a patch, to a portion of a second workpiece. The installation assembly and the associated method provide for at least partial debulking of the adhesive prior to curing of the adhesive such that the resulting bondline may have improved mechanical properties as a result of having fewer voids and/or porosity. The installation assembly may include an installation stand and a carrier plate supported by the installation stand and including an attachment surface configured to carry the first workpiece. The installation stand also includes an adjustment mechanism for positioning a carrier plate to a first predefined position to define a gap between the first and second workpieces and also to a second predefined position such that a predetermined bondline thickness is defined between the first and second workpieces.

Abstract: A method for laminating a substrate component to a thermally deformable decorative layer in a tool in which, for laminating, the decorative layer is held so as to be pre-tensioned in a holding device or in the tool and is placed on a substrate layer that rests on the tool, where prior to placing the decorative layer on the substrate component the second side of a molding contour piece that can be moved relative to the decorative layer is made to contact the pre-heated decorative layer, and by way of a further relative movement of the decorative layer relative to the holding device deforms the decorative layer in one section.