Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus for assembling triple pane insulating glass units from a plurality of insulating spacer frames having sealant or adhesive applied to opposite sides of said spacer frames.

Abstract: During manufacturing of a tire component that includes a process of adhering a sheet-like rubber member 8b that is held by a supply section 30 to a drum 22, positions of ends 7d1, 7d2 n a width direction of the sheet-like rubber member 8b are detected by using sensors 52, 54 provided between the supply section 30 and the drum 22, and the supply section 30 is moved in a width direction X of the sheet-like rubber member 8b in accordance with the detected positions, so as to adhere the sheet-like rubber member 8b to a specified position on the drum 22.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a bonding target member arranged on an upper side of a stage. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes a control device that changes a control parameter associated with the driving of a bonding tool based on information related to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A control method of an ultrasonic welding system comprises: detecting operation of the ultrasonic welding system immediately while the ultrasonic welding system is in a working state; acquiring a current working frequency of an ultrasonic generator in the ultrasonic welding system while the ultrasonic welding system is detected to complete a preset first operation every time; determining a current frequency searching range of the ultrasonic generator according to the current working frequency of the ultrasonic generator; controlling the ultrasonic generator to search for an anti-resonance point in the current frequency searching range; and adjusting the working frequency of the ultrasonic generator to be an anti-resonance point while the anti-resonance point is searched in the current frequency searching range.

Abstract: A method of controlling an additive manufacturing process in which a directed energy source is used to selectively melt material to form a workpiece, forming a melt pool in the process of melting. The method includes: using an imaging apparatus to generate an image of the melt pool comprising an array of individual image elements, the image including a measurement of at least one physical property for each of the individual image elements; from the measurements, mapping a melt pool boundary of the melt pool; applying Green's theorem to the melt pool boundary; and controlling at least one aspect of the additive manufacturing process with reference to the Green's theorem application.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a laminated product by positioning a veneer onto a substrate while on a moving conveyor, including an elongate conveyor having an infeed end, a downstream outfeed end and adapted for moving successive known lengths of substrates having an upper surface carrying an adhesive along a longitudinal axis from the infeed end to the outfeed end at a known rate. At least one veneer supply source is positioned in a known location laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the conveyor for supplying successive lengths of veneer to be applied onto a top surface of the moving lengths of substrate. A related method of operating the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses a needle for repairing an alignment layer on a liquid crystal display substrate. The needle includes a needle tip; and a flexible material coating surrounding the needle tip.

Abstract: A device (10?) for welding components by ultrasound. The device (10?) comprises a sonotrode (11?) having a sonotrode head (12?) which can be excited by a vibration generator to produce torsion vibrations with respect to a torsion axis (T). At least one welding surface (14?) is arranged on the peripheral side on the sonotrode head (12?) with respect to the torsion axis (T). The device (10?) also comprises a support device (15?) which supports the sonotrode head (11?) in a support area (16?), which contains a vibration node of the sonotrode head (12?). The support area (16?) and the welding surface (14?) at least partially extend along a common plane (E) which extends perpendicular to the torsion axis (T). A device (10?) for welding components by ultrasound by using a temperature control device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A die cutting method that cuts patterns in a label is provided. According an embodiment, a method adjusts temperature of a label sheet comprising a laminated layer and a liner layer. The method further separates the laminated layer from the liner layer prior to making the cuts on the laminated layer. The method further cuts one or more patterns on the laminated layer. The method further re-attaches, the laminated layer to the liner layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a composite structure includes a tape placement machine including a delivery head configured to dispose a composite tape and a backing plate coupled to the tape placement machine and selectively located relative to the delivery head to react to a placement force applied by the tape placement machine as the composite tape is being disposed.

Abstract: An automated inspection system for monitoring a manufacturing process includes a core platform to operatively connect a plurality of systems or subsystems via one or more interfaces. A sensor system operatively coupled with the core platform to monitor one or more characteristics of a manufactured article. An actuation system operatively coupled with the core platform to implement the manufacturing process based on instruction from the core platform. The core platform is configured to receive a first measurement of the one or more characteristics of a composite article from the sensor system after application of a plurality of layers of one or more raw materials; receive data regarding a second measurement of the one or more characteristics from the sensor system after curing the composite article; and generate an alert in response to a determination that a defect exists in the composite article based on the first or second measurement.

Abstract: An improved method of edge modification such as edge banding comprising placing a roller in contact with an edge and measuring a first position of the roller. Subsequently moving the contact roller along the edge to a second position and measuring the second position before calculating a desired force direction from the first and second position measurements, applying a force via the pressure roller in the desired force direction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for managing nonconformances in laminates. A nonconformance management system comprises a sensor system and an analyzer in a computer system. The sensor that records layup information about the layup of layers on a workpiece platform and records inspection information about the laminate located on an inspection platform, wherein the laminate is formed from curing the workpiece. The analyzer in the computer system identifies a laminate nonconformance in the laminate using the inspection information, generates nonconformance information about the laminate nonconformance, and displays the nonconformance information about the laminate nonconformance on the laminate using a display system for an augmented reality display.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for inspecting a label for proper application thereof. The system includes a label application apparatus and an inspection apparatus associated with said label application apparatus. The method includes inspecting a spent carrier web for the presence of labels, or portions thereof, that did not transfer to articles being labeled.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, in a substrate bonding apparatus a first chucking stage includes a first stage base, a plurality of first cylindrical members, and a plurality of first drive mechanisms. The first stage base includes a first main face facing a second chucking stage. The plurality of first cylindrical members are disposed on the first main face. The plurality of first cylindrical members are arrayed in planar directions. The plurality of first cylindrical members protrudes from the first main face in a direction toward the second chucking stage to chuck the first substrate. The plurality of first drive mechanisms are configured to drive the plurality of first cylindrical members independently of each other. The substrate bonding apparatus further comprises a first pressure control mechanism configured to control pressure states of spaces in the plurality of first cylindrical members independently of each other.

Abstract: A method of accelerating the reduction of residual stress in a bonded structure is provided. The method can include: providing a bonded structure having at least two substructures, wherein the substructures are bonded together with an adhesive; and submitting the bonded structure to a high-humidity environment having a relative humidity of at least 75%. The method can also include a step of submitting the bonded structure to an low-humidity environment having a relative humidity of at most 20%. According to the method, the bonded structure can have a first residual stress at a first time and a second residual stress at a second time, wherein an absolute value of the first residual stress is greater than an absolute value of the second residual stress. According to the method, the residual stress at the second time can be about zero.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a discharge head for discharging fluidic raw material through a nozzle; a shaping table on which a shaped product is to be molded; a linear motion mechanism; and a rotation unit. The linear motion mechanism moves the shaping table relative to the discharge head in three mutually orthogonal axial directions. The rotation unit tilts the shaping table relative to the discharge head. An operation of curing, on the shaping table, the raw material discharged through the nozzle is repeated while the relative position between the discharge head and the shaping table is being changed by the linear motion mechanism and the rotation unit, thereby molding a shaped product in which the cured raw material is stacked in layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for thermal inspection of tape layup. One embodiment is a method for performing inspection of a tape layup. The method comprises laying up tape onto a surface of a laminate, applying heat to tack the tape to the surface, and generating thermographic images of the tape as applied to the surface.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a welding process to produce a weld joint having a predetermined strength includes measuring a plurality of melt layer thicknesses of weld joints for a plurality of sample assemblies formed by the welding process, measuring a plurality failure loads of weld joints for the plurality of sample assemblies, each of the measured plurality of failures loads being associated with one of the measured plurality of melt layer thicknesses, selecting a first failure load from the plurality of measured failure loads responsive to determining that the first failure load corresponds to a predetermined weld strength, and selecting a first melt layer thickness from the plurality of measured melt layer thicknesses that is associated with the selected first measured failure load.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrode stack for an energy store of a motor vehicle; as electrodes, cathodes and anodes being alternately stacked on top of one another with the interposition of a separator strip, the separator strip first having the cathodes and anodes laid thereon, thereby forming an electrode strip, and, subsequently thereto, the electrode strip being folded numerous times to stack the cathodes and the anodes on top of one another. It is provided that the electrode strip be oriented in a horizontal plane for the folding process, and, on that basis, be folded in sections or, as a whole, between the electrodes.

Abstract: A tire with a sensor attachment reservoir is provided. The tire includes a pair of bead areas, a sidewall extending from each respective bead area to a tread, a carcass extending toroidally between each of the bead areas, and an innerliner disposed inwardly of the carcass. A compound ring is secured to the innerliner, and the compound ring defines a reservoir upon being secured to the innerliner. A sensor adhesive is disposed in the reservoir and a sensor is secured to the tire innerliner by the sensor adhesive. A corresponding method of attaching a sensor to a tire is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and processes that integrate thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials to form an adaptive composite structure capable of changing its shape. For example, the adaptive composite structure may be designed to serve as a multifunctional adaptive wing flight control surface. Other applications for such adaptive composite structures include in variable area fan nozzles, winglets, fairings, elevators, rudders, or other aircraft components having an aerodynamic surface whose shape is preferably controllable. The material systems can be integrated by means of overbraiding (interwoven) with tows of both thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials or separate layers of each material can be consolidated (e.g., using induction heating) to make a flight control surface that does not require separate actuation.

Abstract: A method for checking a continuous elongated element during the building of a tyre for vehicle wheels. A beam of an electromagnetic radiation is projected on a section of the continuous elongated element dispensed by a dispensing head and interposed between the dispensing head and a first contact area of the continuous elongated element with a radially outer surface of a tyre being processed. An image of a radiation reflected by the section is acquired. A first parameter related to the image is detected, and the first parameter is compared with a second reference parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for systems and methods for calibrating a label applicator for improved accuracy and/or precision on moving objects. In one example, a system may be configured to receive a height of a package on a conveyor path prior to the package reaching a label applicator. The system can be configured to determine a predicted tamp time for the package based on the height. The predicted tamp time can represent an estimated period of time for a tamp head to apply a label on the package. The system also can instruct a controller operating a label applicator to activate the tamp head for the package based on the predicted tamp time. The system can receive an actual tamp time from the controller after the label has been applied to the package and update the modeling coefficient based on a tamp time error.

Abstract: A method for reworking a composite laminate comprising a plurality of tapes, comprising the following steps: detecting the occurrence of a defect on a tape of composite material while the tape is being laid up; continuing the lay-up of the defective tape until a tape length is formed which surpasses a manufacturing length of the tape; catching the part of the defective tape that surpasses the manufacturing length of the tap; cutting the defective tape in the part of the defective tape that surpasses the manufacturing length of the tape; removing from the laminate the caught defective tape by the catching system, and laying-up a replacement tape in the place of the removed defective tape.

Abstract: An optical article provided in a form suitable for simultaneous lamination of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and of a thermoplastic film, the said optical article comprising a convex and a concave optical surface, wherein the convex and/or the concave optical surface is a receiving surface intended to receive the pressure sensitive adhesive on which the thermoplastic film is intended to be arranged and wherein the said receiving surface has an arithmetic average profile roughness greater or equal to 0.01 ?m and less or equal to 0.3 ?m and/or wherein the said receiving surface has a profile roughness root mean square slope greater or equal to 0.2° and less or equal to 1.2°. A method for manufacturing an optical device using said optical article.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects by 3D-inkjet printing technology are provided. The methods utilize curable materials that polymerize via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) for fabricating the object. Systems suitable for performing these methods and kits containing modeling material formulations usable in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a composite structure using a multi-piece tool. The pieces are assembled, including making a connection, such as a mortise-and-tenon connection, between pieces using an adhesive mixed with an induction heatable material, such as iron filings having a unit size of between 5 microns and 600 microns, and an amount of between 5% and 50% by volume. Plies of a material are applied around the connection between the pieces, and the plies are cured to create the composite structure, which results in the pieces being trapped within the composite structure by the connection. The adhesive is exposed to electromagnetic induction from an electromagnetic induction coil which generates heat in the induction heatable material and thereby loosens the connection. The tool can then be disassembled by individually pulling at least some of the pieces from within the composite structure.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus creates an electrode laminate in which an electrode is sandwiched between first and second separators. A first sensor detects a first lateral positional displacement amount in a width direction of the first separator with respect to a predetermined reference position. An electrode supply unit supplies the electrode to a predetermined electrode supply position. A second sensor detects a second lateral positional displacement amount in a width direction of the second separator with respect to a predetermined reference position. A control unit corrects a position of the first separator based on the first lateral positional displacement amount and corrects a position of the second separator based on the second lateral positional displacement amount.

Abstract: An alignment mark, a semiconductor device, and fabrication methods of the alignment mark and the semiconductor device are provided. The method includes providing a first base substrate, and forming a plurality of alignment marks on the first base substrate. The method also includes dicing the first base substrate to form a plurality of alignment dies. Each alignment die includes a diced first base substrate and at least one alignment mark diced from the plurality of alignment marks on the diced first base substrate. In addition, the method includes providing a second base substrate for aligning, and forming a bonding film on the second base substrate. Further, the method includes attaching an alignment die of the plurality of alignment dies to the bonding film on an alignment region of the second base substrate using a die attach process.

Abstract: An airtight connection device capable of receiving at least one product from at least one product discharge pipe and transmitting the product to a storage tank. The device includes a first part including at least one coupling for connecting to the product discharge pipe in an airtight manner; and a second part including a coupling for mounting the device to the storage tank in an airtight manner. The second part is coupled to the first part in an airtight manner and is capable of receiving the product from the first part and discharging the product to the storage tank. The device also includes a position sensor that can be operated during the airtight coupling to the storage tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite object. A first plurality of tows is laid up over a tool according to a first path. A second plurality of tows is laid up over the tool according to a second path. A first portion of the first plurality of tows runs non-parallel to a second portion of the second plurality of tows. First ends of the first portion of the first plurality of tows and second ends of the second portion of the second plurality of tows meet at a merge zone along the tool to form a ply of a composite laminate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection in deposition of acquisition material, which on current machines frequently flips and is difficult to detect when it has flipped causing manufacturers to scrap thousands of products. Using the present invention, defects are able to be detected by discerning a difference in the appearance from side to side with a vision camera, and an acquisition inverter can flip the material to a correct orientation.

Abstract: A method of installing a liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement includes: pulling a prepared liner assembly into position in the pipeline, the liner assembly including an outer tubular liner and an inner inflatable bladder positioned longitudinally within the tubular liner, the tubular liner being wetted with a curable compound; introducing fluid into the inflatable bladder so that the inflatable bladder expands to bring the tubular liner into firm contact with an interior surface of the pipeline; flowing the fluid continuously through the bladder and discharging the fluid into the pipeline, while maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition for a time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure; and deflating the inflatable bladder and retrieving at least a portion of the liner assembly from the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and system for expanding the range of working environments in which a 3-D or depth sensor can operate without damaging or degrading the measurement performance of the sensor are provided. The sensor has a rigid support structure and a plurality of optoelectronic components fixedly supported on the support structure. The system includes an enclosure for enclosing the support structure and the supported optoelectronic components within an interior of the enclosure. A temperature control circuit includes a controller to monitor interior temperature within the enclosure and to regulate temperature within the enclosure to be within an operational temperature range of the sensor based on the monitored temperature.

Abstract: A process for producing a component from a fiber-reinforced plastic with a thermoset matrix. The process includes the steps providing a first and second thermoset prepreg layer, producing a cutout in the first thermoset prepreg layer, providing a thermoplastic layer in the semifinished product between the first and the second thermoset prepreg layer in the region of the cutout, and manufacturing the component with a first and second thermoset layer and a thermoplastic layer in the region of the cutout, where the thermoplastic layer is locked between the two thermoset layers. The component may be used in a vehicle, where the component has been produced from a fiber-reinforced plastic with a thermoset matrix by the abovementioned process.

Abstract: There is provided a bonding apparatus for bonding substrates together, which includes: a first holding part configured to adsorptively hold a first substrate by vacuum-drawing the first substrate on a lower surface of the first substrate; a second holding part provided below the first holding part and configured to adsorptively hold a second substrate by vacuum-drawing the second substrate on an upper surface of the second substrate; a pressing member provided in the first holding part and configured to press a central portion of the first substrate; and a plurality of substrate detection parts provided in the first holding part and configured to detect a detachment of the first substrate from the first holding part.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element, a base body, a conductive adhesive member, and a sealing member. The semiconductor element includes a substrate, a semiconductor element structure provided on the substrate, and p-electrode and n-electrode provided on the semiconductor element structure. The semiconductor element is disposed on the base body. The conductive adhesive member electrically connects the p-electrode and the n-electrode to the base body. The sealing member is provided to cover the semiconductor element on an upper surface of the base body. The conductive adhesive member contains particles selected from a group of (i) surface-treated particles having a particle diameter of 1 nm or more and 100 ?m or less and (ii) particles that coexist with a dispersing agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically managing heater position for an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine. One embodiment is a method that includes retrieving distance data indicating predicted distances of a heating surface of a heater of the AFP machine to a surface of a laminate being laid-up by the AFP machine, for each of multiple locations along a path. The method also includes directing the AFP machine to lay up the laminate in accordance with a Numerical Control (NC) program, identifying a current location of the heater in the path, determining a speed at which the heater of the AFP machine is moving, correlating the current location of the heater with a predicted distance, and adjusting an amount of power for the heater at the current location based on the predicted distance that was correlated with the current location, and the speed at the current location.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a composite laminate. A layup plan is generated for laying up a plurality of plies having a plurality of merge zones, each ply of the plurality of plies having a corresponding merge zone at which ends of a first plurality of tows for each ply and ends of a second plurality of tows for each ply meet. The locations of the plurality of merge zones are offset relative to each other through a thickness of the composite laminate. The plurality of plies is then laid up according to the layup plan to form a composite laminate.

Abstract: A dual roll laminating film cartridge includes a body defining a first end supporting first ends of first and second rolls of continuous translucent laminating film. The body further defines a second end supporting second ends of the first and second rolls, wherein facing surfaces of the films extended from the first and second rolls in an advancing direction are coated with a heat-activated adhesive. A bridge extends between the first and second ends of the body at a position between the first and second rolls, the bridge defining an article chute for the reception of articles to be laminated by the films of the first and second rolls. The cartridge further includes a code indicative of one or more characteristics of the film of the first and second rolls, the code comprising a predetermined flag pattern of coding tabs that project outward from the body.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a foil supply drum, a melting energy source, and a processor. The foil supply drum is configured to be rotated for dispensing a foil sheet over a substrate surface supported by a build element. The melting energy source is configured to direct at least one melting energy beam onto a non-melted region of the foil sheet located over the substrate surface. The processor is configured to execute computable readable program instructions based on a three-dimensional digital definition of the object, and control the melting energy beam to selectively melt at least some of the non-melted region into melted portions forming a material layer of the object onto the substrate surface while separating the melted portions from non-melted portions, and command rotation of the foil supply drum for dispensing the foil sheet during manufacturing of the object in correspondence with the digital definition.

Abstract: Closed-loop systems and methods for controlling the temperature at the compaction point as an automated fiber placement (AFP) machine is placing material over complex surface features at varying speeds. The closed-loop system starts with multiple infrared temperature sensors directed at the layup surface in front of the compaction roller and also at the new layup surface behind the compaction roller. These sensors supply direct temperature readings to a control computer, which also receives speed data and a listing of active tows from the AFP machine and is also programmed with the number of plies in the current layup. In accordance with one embodiment, the heater control system uses a proportional-integral-derivative loop to control the temperature at the compaction point (e.g., at the interface of the compaction roller and a newly laid tow) and regulate the heater power to achieve the desired temperature.

Abstract: A high-speed print-and-apply label applicator includes a conveyor system, a control and monitoring system, a label web feeding assembly, a label printer and encoder system, and a tamp pad assembly driven by a linear motor having a shaft that is formed at least partially by a composite material. The tamp pad assembly includes a tamp pad having an upturned label ramp at the trailing edge of the tamp pad, an upturned anti-catch ramp at the leading edge of the tamp pad, and a flexible applicator. The flexible applicator may be secured to the leading edge of the tamp pad and extends at least partially over the generally horizontal surface.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method by a controller that includes: executing a model of a material based on a geometric template of the material defined by geometric parameters and at least one geometric constraint of the material; determining a value of an objective function based on differences between a three-dimensional representation of the material based on measurements of the material and the model of the material based on the geometric template of the material; and determining updated values of the geometric parameters of the geometric template. The method further includes iterating the executing the model of the material, the determining the value of the objective function, and the determining the updated values of the geometric parameters until a parameter associated with the objective function satisfies a criterion and, outputting the updated values of the geometric parameters associated with the objective function that satisfies the criterion.

Abstract: An infrared camera is directed aft of a compaction roller of a composite laying head. Heat is applied to a substrate by a heater mounted forward of the compaction roller. Infrared images are captured of composite tows laid down on a substrate by the compaction roller. Whether the composite tows have sufficient contact is determined using the infrared images.

Abstract: A method of providing a camera sub-assembly for a vehicular camera includes providing a lens barrel, a lens holder and a printed circuit board, and dispensing an adhesive in an uncured state at one or both of (i) an annular attaching surface at an outer end of a receiving structure of the lens holder and (ii) an annular attaching surface of an annular flange of the lens barrel. With the adhesive contacting both of the annular attaching surfaces, the lens optics are aligned with respect to the imaging array at the printed circuit board by utilizing a multi-axis positioning device. After aligning the lens optics with respect to the imaging array, the adhesive is cured to a first cure level and the lens barrel and the lens holder joined together by the adhesive are moved to a further curing station, where the adhesive is further cured to a second cure level.

Abstract: An inspection device. The inspection device includes a gas dispenser aimed at a workpiece; and a camera aimed at a gas impingement point on the workpiece.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a thin film capacitor a silicon substrate having a silicon dioxide layer; an adhesion layer on the silicon dioxide layer, wherein the adhesion layer is a polar dielectric; a first electrode layer on the adhesion layer; a dielectric layer on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer on the dielectric layer. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Invention relating to a method for controlling an ultrasonic machining, in which an ultrasonic vibration is transmitted via a sonotrode into the material to be machined. During the first machining interval, a first welding variable of the group S, consisting of the frequency f and the amplitude ü of the ultrasonic vibration, the force F, which the sonotrode exerts on the material to be machined, the power P, which the generator delivers, and the speed v, with which the sonotrode is moved in the direction of the material to be machined, is kept constant until a first target variable of the group Z adopts a predetermined value. During an adjoining second machining interval, a second welding variable of the group S is kept constant until a second target variable of the group Z adopts a predetermined value, wherein the first and the second target variable differ.