Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus includes a bonding stage, a capillary, a clamp provided with the capillary rotatably installed thereon, and a bonding arm. The clamp includes a housing having an internal space, a first member fixedly installed at an upper end of the internal space of the housing and provided with a first gear unit on a lower surface thereof, a second member fixedly installed at a lower end of the internal space of the housing to be spaced apart from the first member, and provided with a second gear unit on an upper surface thereof, a third member, the third member being provided with a third gear unit corresponding to the first gear unit and a fourth gear unit corresponding to the second gear unit. The capillary is fixedly installed on the third member and rotates in conjunction with the third member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for making elastomeric laminates that may be used as components of absorbent articles. The elastomeric laminates may include a first substrate, a second substrate, and an elastic material located between the first and second substrates. During assembly of an elastomeric laminate, a beam is rotated to unwind the elastic strands from the beam, wherein the strands may include a spin finish. First bonds are applied to bond discrete lengths of the stretched elastic strands with and between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the discrete first bonds are arranged intermittently along the machine direction. In addition, second bonds are applied between consecutive first bonds to bond the first and second substrates directly to each other, wherein the second bonds extend in the machine direction and may be separated from each other in a cross direction by at least one elastic strand.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods of making a fabric laminates including depositing a first and a second columns of discrete adhesive masses on a first layer of fabric, wherein the first and second columns of discrete adhesive masses are separated by a first gap area, and placing a second layer of fabric on the first layer of fabric sandwiching the first and second columns of discrete adhesive masses, and applying pressure to all layers to form a fabric laminate structure while maintaining the first gap area unobstructed and forming a tunnel area between the first gap area and the first and second fabric layers. In some embodiments, ribbons may be pulled through the tunnels. In some embodiments, the tunnels include batting material. In some embodiments, films are placed on the first or second fabric layer and they imprint their surface finish onto the discrete adhesive masses wetting the surface of the fabric layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for preparing a porous antibacterial fiber brush. Fiber masterbatch made of ultra-fine reaming silica gel, silver-based antibacterial agent and other materials is melted, drawn, cut, polished and then dried to make the porous antibacterial fiber brush. A large number of micropores are distributed on the surface of the porous antibacterial fiber brush, which absorb cosmetic residues on the skin surface and tiny dirt in the pores, and realize efficient cleaning of the surface of human skin.

Abstract: An example method of filling epoxy in a fiber optic connector includes: applying the epoxy to a ferrule of a first connector at a first pressure for a first period of time; applying the epoxy to the first connector at a second pressure for a second period of time until the epoxy is sensed to exit a hole defined by the ferrule of the first connector; comparing the second period of time to a threshold; when the second period of time is greater than the threshold, increasing the first pressure, the first period of time, or the second pressure; and when the second period of time is less than the threshold, decreasing the first pressure, the first period of time, or the second pressure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus joins metal pieces, such as wires, which are placed in a weldment zone where the metal pieces are subjected to pressure through a compressive height anvil and an adjustable width anvil, and intimate contact is made with a sonotrode of an ultrasonic stack. A first electric motor actuates movement of the height anvil to develop a compressive force for ultrasonic welding of the metal pieces. A second electric motor can position the width anvil before and during welding. A sensor, such as a load cell, measures the compressive force developed. The sensor directly can measure the load on the height anvil independent of the ultrasonic stack. A software algorithm can compensate for deflection of the load cell sensor and lost motion in the first electric motor actuating movement.

Abstract: A system and a method for stud fixation with the aid of mechanical vibration energy that is applied to the stud and that is used for local liquefaction or at least plastification of a material, which is based on a thermoplastic polymer and includes the stud (at least distal stud end) and/or by the object (at least in a fixation location), wherein simultaneously the distal stud end is pressed against the fixation location of the object. Depending on the material pairing of stud (distal stud end) and object (fixation location), this results, on re-solidification of the liquefied or plasticized material, in an embedding of the distal stud end in the object (e.g. positive fit connection), in a welded connection between the distal stud end and the object, or in a local penetration of stud material into the object (e.g. positive fit connection).

Abstract: A method for forming a passage in a ceramic matrix composite component includes forming a core for a ceramic matrix composite component; embedding a hollow member into the core at a desired location for a passage in the ceramic matrix composite component; wrapping the core with a ceramic material; and inserting a rod through the hollow member and into the core.

Abstract: A method of bonding a second object to a first object includes: providing the first object having a thermoplastic liquefiable material in a solid state; providing the second object having a surface portion that has a coupling structure with an undercut, so that the second object is capable of making a positive-fit connection with the first object; pressing the second object against the first object with a tool that is in physical contact with a coupling-in structure of the second object while mechanical vibrations are coupled into the tool; continuing to press and couple vibrations into the tool until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material of the first object is liquefied and flows into the coupling structures of the second object; and letting the thermoplastic material re-solidify to yield a positive-fit connection between the first and second objects by the re-solidified flow portion interpenetrating the coupling structures.

Abstract: The solid state laser with conjugated oligomer active material uses a lasing medium including a conjugated oligomer embedded in a transparent crystal matrix. The lasing medium preferably also includes a thermally conductive material. A pump laser generates a pump laser beam to impinge on the lasing medium, causing the lasing medium to generate at least one amplified spontaneous emission laser beam. The transparent crystal matrix may be formed from an epoxy thermosetting plastic, such as that formed from a hardener and an epoxy, such as isobornyl acrylate, ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, ethyl 2-cyano-3,3-bis(methylthio)acrylate, ethyl cyanoacrylate, ethyl cis-(?-cyano)acrylate, poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin) or bisphenol A. The conjugated oligomer may be 1,4-bis(9-ethyl-3-carbazo-vinylene)-9,9-dihexyl-fluorene (BECVH-DHF). The thermally conductive material may be molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) or [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM 60).

Abstract: A method of bonding a second object to a first object includes: providing the first object having a thermoplastic liquefiable material in a solid state; providing the second object having a surface portion that has a coupling structure with an undercut, so that the second object is capable of making a positive-fit connection with the first object; pressing the second object against the first object with a tool that is in physical contact with a coupling-in structure of the second object while mechanical vibrations are coupled into the tool; continuing to press and couple vibrations into the tool until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material of the first object is liquefied and flows into the coupling structures of the second object; and letting the thermoplastic material re-solidify to yield a positive-fit connection between the first and second objects by the re-solidified flow portion interpenetrating the coupling structures.

Abstract: The present invention defines a pultrusion apparatus. The apparatus comprises a portion for receiving fibres, a portion for injecting resin into the fibres, a portion for impregnating the resin injected fibres, and a portion for shaping the impregnated fibres, wherein the fibres, following their passage through the receiving portion, converge in the resin injection portion to receive the resin and the resin flows outwards following injection as the fibres progress from the injection portion through the impregnation portion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing and drawing-off a woven fabric web (2) with a weaving machine (1) make use of two clamp carriers (7.1, 7.2) with clamps (10.1, 10.2). The clamp carriers are driven back and forth parallel to a drawing-off direction of the fabric web. The clamp carriers are respectively drivable with a pair of drive spindles (14.1, 14.2) arranged so that the web center of the fabric web within the apparatus extends in an area between the two drive spindles of the respective clamp carrier. The fabric web is produced with successive main sections (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) and auxiliary sections (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5). The clamps are actuated so that the opening and closing of the clamps takes place only in the time segments of the production in which an auxiliary section of the fabric web is being produced.

Abstract: An active anvil assembly for use in forming a looped suture is provided. The active anvil assembly includes an anvil member, a first sensor operably connected to the anvil member, and a control assembly. The first sensor is configured for measuring at least one of force, torque, and distance feedback. Also provided are systems and methods for forming a looped suture including an active anvil assembly.

Abstract: A method for contactless charging of a battery of an electric motor vehicle by magnetic induction using a transmitter coil of a charging device and a receiver coil of the vehicle, the method including: controlling electrical power supply and instructions of an inverter at terminals of which the transmitter coil is connected, according to a variable frequency; measuring, in an analog circuit, at least one analog signal relative to a current or to a voltage at terminals of the transmitter coil; digitally processing at least two incoming digital signals by a control board, a first incoming signal being relative to the voltage and a second incoming signal being relative to the current; transmitting output signals from the control board to the inverter to lock the inverter to a value of a phase difference calculated between the current and the voltage.

Abstract: A coaxial connector assembly for interconnection with a coaxial cable with a solid outer conductor is provided with a monolithic connector body with a bore. A mating surface with a decreasing diameter toward a connector end is provided on an outer diameter of the connector body proximate the connector end. An overbody may be provided overmolded upon a cable end of the connector body. An interface end may be seated upon the mating surface, the interface end provided with a desired connection interface. The interface end may be permanently coupled to the mating surface by a molecular bond interconnection. In a method of interconnection, the interface end is coupled to the mating surface by application of radial ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electronic textile (1) is provided. The electronic textile comprises an electronic structure (3) including conductive wires (4) being at least partly spaced apart from each other and one or more electronic components (5) connected to the conductive wires. One or more gaps (14) are formed in the electronic structure between the at least partly spaced apart conductive wires. The electronic textile further comprises a fabric structure (2) including two fabric portions (10), wherein the electronic structure is sandwiched between the two fabric portions. Further, the two fabric portions are joined together according to a bonding pattern including bonding segments (8), the bonding segments being arranged in one or more of the gaps of the electronic structure such that the electronic structure is held in place in the fabric structure by the bonding pattern.

Abstract: A disposable hygiene article (2), such as an incontinence diaper or incontinence pad has a composite non-woven fabric (38) that is provided with at least one cuff element (16) and a non-woven fabric or film component (10, 12). The cuff element (14) is attached to the non-woven fabric or film component (10, 12) in at least some areas by means of a joining pattern (36) encompassing discrete ultrasonic welding points (30) in order to form the composite non-woven fabric (38). At least some sections of the joining pattern (36) are curved. The joining pattern has a maximum index (I) of variation of the ultrasonic welding points of 40 percent. An area seized by the welding points has a density within the joining pattern which decreases in rear and front end portions along endwards directed and inwardly curved extensions of the joining pattern.

Abstract: A method for constructing an area array waveguide power splitter includes preparing a reflective layer on a substrate and forming a core of an area array waveguide layer and alignment features for an optical fiber input and a plurality of optical fiber outputs atop the reflective layer, wherein the core of the area array waveguide layer and the alignment features are formed concurrently. The method also includes applying a reflective layer to the top and side surfaces of the core of the area array waveguide layer and exposing an input and exposing a plurality of outputs in the reflective layer.

Abstract: An industrial fabric, belt or sleeve and a method of making the fabric, belt or sleeve are disclosed. The industrial fabric, belt or sleeve is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, around two rolls in a side-to-side manner in which a gap between adjacent edges is formed. A second material, for example a gap filler material, is placed between the adjacent edges, and the adjoining edges are joined by melting the filler material, strips of polymeric material, or both. The gap filler material can have a specific cross-sectional shape corresponding to the gap.

Abstract: A method for producing fibre fill for use as filling material in clothing, sleeping bags, pillows and duvets from a fibre rope (3) e.g. containing 30,000-80,000 fibres or filaments with a fibre thickness of 0.9-30 dtx, that the fibre rope (3) is divided into fibre bundles or fibre cords with a relatively large number of fibres or filaments of the magnitude 200-2000 pcs, determined by the dtx of the filaments, and then passing a gluing or welding unit (18), e.g. an ultrasound welding head, performing a punctiform gluing or welding together of the filaments, spaced apart about 6-20 mm, the bundles subsequently passing a cutter or scissors (20) which e.g. is/are controlled synchronously with the welding head (18) and which shortens the filaments into lengths of about 6-20 mm, after which the shortened fibre down (22) is either packed in shipping bales or are used directly for blowing into pillows or duvets as filling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a pultrusion system (1) for producing a cord-shaped compound element (10) from a fiber bundle (11) and at least one filling component (12, 13), wherein the fiber bundle is guided into an injection box (14) having at least two supply channels (29) and an injection chamber (15), into which chamber die filling component (12, 13) is injected in a fluid state, such that the fiber bundle (11) is saturated with the filling component (12, 13) and whereby a material compound (16) is formed. According to the invention, energy is introduced in the injection chamber (15), such that the fiber bundle (11) is saturated with the filling component (12, 13) while energy is supplied.

Abstract: A rotary security seal assembly is disclosed for sealing container closures, meters, equipment and various other articles. The assembly is configured to reveal surreptitious entry or attempted access into or to a sealed area or article and comprises a housing body and a locking filament. The housing body includes a socket and a housing locking filament receiving bore extending at least in part through the housing body and intersecting the socket. The locking filament has a first end area and a second end area. The first end area of the locking filament is permanently secured to the housing body by hardened molding material forming the housing body. The second end area of the locking filament is dimensioned and configured to be received in and extended at least in part through the housing locking filament receiving bore leaving a continuous locking filament loop outside the housing body when so received.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rope includes providing at least one pre-manufactured elongated load bearing member for the rope and at least one pre-manufactured elongated surface part for the rope, guiding together said at least one pre-manufactured elongated load bearing member and said at least one pre-manufactured elongated surface part such that their sides lean against each other, and fixing said at least one pre-manufactured elongated load bearing member and said at least one pre-manufactured elongated surface part to each other. A rope obtained with the method, and an elevator including the rope obtained with the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint between a first preform component and a second preform component that are constructed for ultimate use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. A plurality of extended fibers may be integral with the first preform component and be at least partially enveloped by the second preform component. A method for making the component is also disclosed. In one embodiment the method provides a first preform component having extended fibers integral therewith, and supplying a second preform component. The method further includes inserting the extended fibers at least partially into the second preform component body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the amelioration of a recess (8) e.g. a recess in a (human) bone (7). The device comprises an element (2) for producing or coupling mechanical energy, and a cylindrical collar (4) comprising a cylindrical lateral surface having an outside diameter and having a central recess (26) for accommodating a guide pin (3). The guide pin (3) is provided to be inserted substantially down to the base of the recess (8) before applying oscillations, and in the region of the end thereat facing the base of the recess it is surrounded by an amelioration sleeve (6) made from a material that can be liquefied by way of ultrasonic oscillations.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an end effector includes a welding device having a welder positioned adjacent to a base, and a die coupled to one end of the welder. The base and the welder are movable relative to each other. The welder, base or die includes a source of heat that is applied to a portion of the suture disposed between the welder and the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thread (4, 5) for producing a sheet material (2), having a mesh structure, for an insect screen (1), the thread being composed essentially of a carrier material that is triboelectrically chargeable by an air stream, it is proposed that the thread is provided, in particular completely, with a coating (11) containing a hydrophobic coating material.

Abstract: A tubular support for use with a hollow fiber membrane is made with an apparatus that comprises a forming machine and an ultrasonic welding machine. The apparatus may also include a coating nozzle for depositing a dope on the support. In operation, filaments are formed into a tubular structure in which the filaments cross each other in radial and circumferential directions, for example a braid. The filaments are ultrasonically welded together at intersections between them. The support is combined with a polymeric membrane wall to form a hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses transitional lengths of build material to facilitate changes from one color to another during a fabrication process, and more generally to achieve multi-color objects corresponding to color patterns on the surface of a three-dimensional model. The transitional lengths of build material may be positioned inside a fabricated object, such as for infill, or outside the fabricated object where undesirable aesthetic properties of the transitional lengths will not impact the desired distribution of colors on the surface of the fabricated object.

Abstract: Provided are adjustable sutures comprising a suture thread 1 attached to one or more tension-releasing portion(s) 2, wherein the suture thread 1 and the tension-releasing portion(s) 2 are joined together at two or more joining zones 3, and a spanning segment 4 extends between the joining zones 3, and wherein the adjustable suture is breakable, mechanically or by applying laser energy. The adjustable sutures may be used in surgical methods where intra-operative and/or post-operative adjustment of the suture is required.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a heater wire and a method of manufacture. The heater wire is made of an electrically conductive material and may be ultrasonically welded to a substrate, such as a trim cover assembly or a seat cushion.

Abstract: A one-piece garden tool, and process for manufacturing a one-piece garden tool such as a shovel, in which the head of the garden tool and its rod are made from two pieces of plastic. The head further contains a joint portion into which the rod is inserted and axial force and rotational speed are applied with sufficient force to create friction that melts a layer of the rod and joint so the plastic of each mixes. The rod and head are then cooled, and the plastics merge into a single one-piece plastic garden tool. Alternately, ultrasonic waves may be used to melt the rod and joint layers.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods employing ultrasonic bonding to form filter elements for smoking articles are provided. Ultrasonic bonding can be employed to bond the fibers of filter material defining bloomed tow. Use of a plasticizer may not be necessary. Further, filter materials such as polylactic acid, which may not be bonded via a plasticizer, may be employed. However, triacetin or other additional components may be employed to provide the filter element with a desirable sensory attribute in some embodiments. Ultrasonic bonding may be conducted by an ultrasonic bonder that includes an anvil defining a pattern thereon that is selected to define a desired degree of bonding, and thereby a resulting desired firmness and/or pressure drop associated with the filter element.

Abstract: A joining process for an endless or seamed press fabric, the joining process including the step of providing a woven base fabric having a plurality of monofilament yarns including warp yarns extending in a machine direction and weft yarns extending in a cross machine direction, the woven base fabric being cut along one of the weft yarns and having two opposing ends and two side edges. A predetermined number of the weft yarns are removed along each of the two opposing ends to free a plurality of cut ends of the warp yarns, fringing the ends. The plurality of free cut ends of the two opposing ends are interdigitated with each other and the cut ends opposing and adjoining one another are heat bonded to define a joint area.

Abstract: A method of forming a loop in a thread is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a loop forming system including, a base for securely retaining a thread to be formed and a welding assembly for forming a loop in the thread, contacting at least a portion of the thread with a super-critical fluid and securing the previously immersed portion of the thread to the base such that a first section of the previously immersed portion is maintained adjacent to a second section of the previously immersed portion. The method further includes the steps of approximating the welding assembly and the base towards each other, and approximating the welding assembly and base away from each other. Also provided is a medical device formed from the method.

Abstract: A glazing and a process for manufacturing such a glazing, the glazing integrating a conducting wire, wherein a surface of the glazing includes a substrate made of a polymer material wherein the conducting wire is partly sunken and at the very most flush with the surface of the polymer material, or a substrate made of mineral glass or made of a polymer material onto which the conducting wire is adhesively bonded. The glazing can be applied in a transport vehicle, building trades, street furniture, interior fittings, electrical goods or electronics.

Abstract: A seaming area for a woven industrial fabric, a fabric, and a method of providing a seaming area and seam. The fabric comprises at least a first set of warp yarns interwoven with weft yarns, either in a single layer, or multiple layers in which the warp yarns can optionally be stacked. At each seaming area, yarns of a first group pass around and in contact with the fabric edge, and yarns of a second group pass around the fabric edge to form protruding loops. Free ends of the warp yarns are bonded to the fabric body, over warp yarns or weft yarns, or combinations thereof. Opposing fabric ends are brought together, and the loops interdigitated to be joined by a pintle or coil to render the fabric endless. The seaming area and the method provide increased seam strength and reliability, with significant reduction of time and costs of manufacture.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing jaw (1) is used for sealing portions of plastic film to a tube so as to form a sealing engagement of the portions of plastic film around the circumference of the tube. The sealing jaw (1) includes a concave film-tube welding portion (7) for receiving the tube covered by the plastic films the film-tube welding portion (7) to form the film-tube attachment. Adjacent to at least one side of the film-tube welding portion (7) of the sealing jaw (1), is a substantially flat film-film welding portion (3, 4) for engaging the plastic film and sealing adjacent portions of plastic film to each other in an area adjoining the tube. A film-film welding portion (3, 4) defining a top plane (10) of the sealing jaw (1) has at least one recess with a surface (11) so as to form a cavity (12) and forms a cavity (12) with an opening towards the film-tube welding portion (7).

Abstract: A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread.

Abstract: Disposable hygiene pants with a front portion (2), a rear portion (3) and a crotch portion (4) provided with two leg openings (5, 6), the longitudinal edge portions (21, 22) of the front portion being connected by longitudinal weld seams (7, 8) to the longitudinal edge portions (31, 32) of the rear portion (3) in order to form a waist opening (9) and two leg openings (5, 6) in the crotch portion, which leg openings are outwardly delimited in the transverse direction by the inner end portions of the weld seams as seen in the longitudinal direction of the hygiene pants. The hygiene pants have an outer cover (10) and comprise an absorption unit (11). The cover is preferably made of an elastic laminate. The weld seams (7, 8) are each reinforced by at least one reinforcing strip (15, 16) containing thermoplastic fibers and have a tensile strength, in a direction transverse to the weld seam, in excess of 5 N/25.4 mm at least in the portions reinforced with said nonwoven strip (15, 16).

Abstract: A stretch article comprising: a substrate comprising a substrate material, and at least one stretch yarn comprising an elastomeric propylene-based polymer, wherein the stretch yarn is bonded to the substrate and wherein the stretch yarn is capable of being mechanically bonded directly to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A geogrid using fiber-reinforced polymeric strips and its producing method are disclosed. The geogrid of a lattice shape includes plural longitudinal fiber-reinforced polymeric strips longitudinally arranged in parallel at regular intervals and formed by reinforcing fiber in a thermoplastic polymer resin, and plural lateral fiber-reinforced polymer strip laterally arranged in parallel at regular intervals and formed by reinforcing fiber in a thermoplastic polymer resin. Each longitudinal fiber-reinforced polymer strip has at lease one first contact point crossed with the lateral fiber-reinforced polymer strip on the upper surface and at least one second contact point crossed with the lateral fiber-reinforced polymer strips on the lower surface. The contact points are fixed by welding the longitudinal and lateral fiber-reinforced polymer strips.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a cable, a connector comprising an outer housing comprising a resin, a cable insertion hole into which an end portion of the cable is inserted, and a concave portion formed on an insertion side of the cable insertion hole, and a welding member comprising a resin to provide air-tightness between the outer housing and the cable by being welded to the outer housing by ultrasonic welding. The welding member is formed around the cable so as to surround the cable while allowing a gap portion to have a predetermined clearance from the cable, and fitted into the concave portion of the outer housing.

Abstract: A method and a device to be used in the process of manufacturing plates, such as fiberboards or the like boards, where the raw material in form of biomass particles, such as wood fibers or the like, applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a forming belt to form a mat, and where said mat by means of a hot press is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the invention the thermosetting binder is applied to the dried biomass particles in an airborne process, where the intense and homogeneous contact of the biomass particles and the droplets of fluent binder are facilitated by the use of ultrasound generated by the use of compressed air, water steam or another gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane for Western blotting which has a three-dimensional open pore structure, an average pore diameter of 0.1-1.0 ?m and a thickness of 30-200 ?m, wherein the membrane for Western blotting is manufactured by subjecting nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of 50-1000 nm, obtained by electrospinning, to a hot-plate calendering process, and a method for manufacturing the same. The method comprises the steps of: dissolving a hydrophobic material in a solvent to prepare a spinning solution; subjecting the spinning solution to a spinning process to obtain a hydrophobic polymer nanofiber web; and calendering the obtained nanofiber web to obtain a membrane for Western blotting.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A support unit for a microfluidic system includes a first support; a first adhesive layer provided on a surface of the first support; and a hollow filament laid on a surface of the first adhesive layer to have an arbitrary shape and functioning as a flow channel layer of the microfluidic system.

Abstract: A system for forming a looped suture is provided. The system includes a suture supply assembly configured for supplying thread, a flipper gripping assembly configured for forming a loop in the thread, a carriage assembly configured for advancing the thread through the forming process, and a welding assembly configured for securing the loop in the thread.

Abstract: A knotless suture device including at least one fusible suture for securing or ligating living tissue structures. The device also includes a generally U-shape fusible coupling member for receiving end portions of the fusible suture. Energy applied to fusible portions of the coupling member cause localized heating and plastic flow so as to fuse the coupling member and the end portion of the suture together. The coupling member can include one or more energy directors on a contact surface to direct and focus energy to particular regions so as to efficiently effect coupling member-to-suture welding.