Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for medical structure embellishments. The apparatus includes a medical structure that facilitates the mobility or healing of a patient. The apparatus also includes a heat source that outwardly radiates heat. Further, the apparatus includes a shrink-film structure cover that shrinks around a surface of the medical structure when the shrink-film structure cover is exposed to heat radiated from the heat source and a marking instrument adapted to mark the shrink-film structure with an embellishment.

Abstract: A shelf, particularly for a refrigerator or the like, including at least one panel and at least one attached plastic structure. The shelf is obtained by shrinking the structure after assembling the panel and the structure. The attached plastic structure can mate and/or exert lateral pressure on the edge of the panel.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic foam cup including a body which defines an open top end and a closed bottom end, wherein the top end has a greater diameter than the bottom end. The body includes a reinforced tapered side wall that extends from the bottom end to the top end. A substantial portion of the reinforced tapered side wall includes a plastic foam layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a rigid material layer. Such reinforced plastic foam cup provides an improved tactile feel and enhanced insulation and rigidity properties.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric, wherein a layer of nonwoven fabric is made up of a fiber mixture of at least two different types of fibers is formed. The single nonwoven fabric layer is solidified. The solidified single nonwoven fabric layer is then subjected to heat treatment subject to the condition that shrinkage of at least one of the types of fibers is activated.

Abstract: A shelf, particularly for a refrigerator or the like, including at least one panel and at least one attached plastic structure. The shelf is obtained by shrinking the structure after assembling the panel and the structure. The attached plastic structure can mate and/or exert lateral pressure on the edge of the panel.

Abstract: A waterproof method for a wire end joint includes expanding a heat shrinkable tube radially outwardly. The method then includes inserting the wire end joint and a melted thermosetting waterproofing agent through an opening at an end of the waterproof protection tube. A solidification starting temperature of the waterproofing agent is set higher than a shrinkage starting temperature of the heat shrinkable tube. The method then applies heating so that the heat shrinkable tube shrinks to the original diameter and so that the waterproofing agent is not solidified. The heating is continued to the solidification starting temperature after the heat shrinkable tube is shrunk to a set inner diameter, thereby causing the thermosetting waterproofing agent to be solidified.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding method includes the steps of disposing a flexible electromagnetic shielding film including a laminate of at least an insulating layer and a conductive metal layer to cover a portion to be electromagnetically shielded on a printed wiring board so that the insulating layer faces the printed wiring board, the conductive metal layer having a higher melting temperature than that of the insulating resin layer; and heating the electromagnetic shielding film to a temperature to melt and contract the insulating layer, thereby bonding the conductive metal layer to a grounding conductor of the printed wiring board and electrically connecting the conductive metal layer to the grounding conductor. The heating temperature is higher than the melting temperature of the insulating layer and lower than the melting temperature of the conductive metal layer.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for medical structure embellishments. The apparatus includes a medical structure that facilitates the mobility or healing of a patient. The apparatus also includes a heat source that outwardly radiates heat. Further, the apparatus includes a shrink-film structure cover that shrinks around a surface of the medical structure when the shrink-film structure cover is exposed to heat radiated from the heat source and a marking instrument adapted to mark the shrink-film structure with an embellishment.

Abstract: A cut-and-stack label includes a cut-and-stack sheet sized for feeding by cut-and-stack labeling equipment and labeling an individual container. The cut-and-stack sheet includes a first shrink film layer having a first face and a second shrink film layer having a second face. The first face of the first shrink film layer is laminated to the second face of the second shrink film layer. Printing is provided on at least one of the first and second faces. A method of producing cut-and-stack labels and a method of labeling a container are also provided.

Abstract: A protective film of plastic. The film is produced in a single-ply, unbacked form from a hot-melt adhesive.

Abstract: A hob for a fixed or portable cooker, the hob including an end face, an upper cooking surface, and a frame made of a plastic or a blend of plastics extending over at least part of the periphery of the hob. The frame cooperates with the cooking surface such that an internal wall of the frame is set back towards the center of the hob relative to the end face of the hob.

Abstract: It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having thereon photoresist patterns and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, with the applied film of the over-coating agent being removed substantially completely to form or define fine trace patterns, further characterized by containing a water-soluble polymer and a water-soluble fluorine compound (e.g. a fluoroalkyl alcohol or a fluoroalkyl carboxylic acid). Also disclosed is a method of forming fine-line patterns using the over-coating agent. According to the invention, one can reduce microfoaming and defects to produce fine-line patterns that have good leveling and coating properties and which also present satisfactory profiles and meet the characteristics required of today's semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are hot-melt adhesives prepared from aromatic-aliphatic polyesters containing terephthalic acid in combination with adipic acid, glutaric acid, or a mixture thereof, as diacid components and a diol component containing 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or a combination thereof. These adhesives set up rapidly within a well-defined temperature window. The hot-melt adhesives can be used in a variety of applications, but are especially suited as seaming adhesives for roll-applied labels. These adhesives have melting temperatures and crystallization properties that allow their application at temperatures cool enough to prevent curling and premature shrinkage of the shrink label during seaming, and yet produce strong label seams that can withstand the elevated temperatures of a shrink tunnel without sacrificing line speed. Also disclosed are labeled containers and a process for applying a roll-on, shrink label to a container using the hot-melt adhesives of the invention.

Abstract: A fixing roller/fixing belt having an elastic layer and a surface layer formed on a substrate material in the enumerated order, wherein the surface layer is a layer formed by thermally shrinking a PFA tube, and the surface layer and the elastic layer are bonded together through a PFA-containing adhesive material. In particular, a fixing roller/fixing belt in which the ratio of heat shrinkage of the PFA tube forming the surface layer is 3 to 20%. Also, a fixing roller/fixing belt, in which the quantity of PFA contained in the PFA-containing adhesive material is 20 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: A guide catheter shaft is formed from an inner tube structure and a multilayer sheath around the inner tube structure. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate sheath and a shrink tube layer. The intermediate sheath is disposed around the inner tube and realized from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material. The shrink tube layer is disposed around the intermediate sheath and realized from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material) having a shrink temperature range greater than a melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material. The resulting structure is heated at a temperature within the shrink temperature range such that the outer shrink tube layer shrinks and the intermediate layer melts to thereby bond the multilayer sheath to the inner tube.

Abstract: Axial row of lateral cuts is formed in a heat-shrinkable shape retaining tube, each of the cuts extending through the wall thickness of a substantially half of the periphery of the tube. Cable harness is passed through the tube. The harness, passed through the tube, is curved by an external force being applied to the harness with the lateral cuts positioned on the outer side of the harness. The tube is then heated to a predetermined heat shrinkage temperature and hardens to present a predetermined rigidity. Thus, the harness can be retained in a desired curved shape by the tube.

Abstract: An optical package includes one or two or more film-like or sheet-like optical elements, a plate-like support which supports the one or two or more optical elements, and a film-like or sheet-like packaging member which covers the one or two or more optical elements and the support. The one or two or more optical elements and the support form a stack, the stack and the packaging member are in close contact with each other, and the packaging member has a shrinkage property or a stretching property and contains voids and a filler disposed in the voids.

Abstract: A cut-and-stack label includes a cut-and-stack sheet sized for feeding by cut-and-stack labeling equipment and labeling an individual container. The cut-and-stack sheet includes a first shrink film layer having a first face and a second shrink film layer having a second face. The first face of the first shrink film layer is laminated to the second face of the second shrink film layer. Printing is provided on at least one of the first and second faces. A method of producing cut-and-stack labels and a method of labeling a container are also provided.

Abstract: A process for at least partially enveloping a pharmaceutical dosage form, in which the dosage form is surrounded by a shrinkable film, and the film is subsequently shrunk is described.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic substrate in which an active element and a passive element are surface-equipped over the outermost surface on one side is provided. The multilayer ceramic substrate comprises a plurality of laminated ceramic substrate layers, a surface layer terminal electrode provided in a via hole of an outermost ceramic substrate layer on at least one side and having a surface layer via electrode and a metal plating layer deposited over an end surface of the surface layer via electrode, and a via conductor which connects the surface layer terminal electrode and circuit patterns over the ceramic substrate layer at the inside, wherein a via hole size of a surface layer terminal electrode for connection of the active element is smaller than a via hole size of a surface layer terminal electrode for connection of the passive element.

Abstract: A stretch composite fabric comprises a sintered expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene film and a stretch cloth laminated to each other while maintaining a flat state. The stretch composite fabric has a tensile stress at 10% elongation, as measured in at least one direction, of 1.8 N/15 mm or less. When a 5 cm-width test piece of the stretch composite fabric is stretched in a length direction under a load of 300 g and then released from the stress, an elongation recovery R of the stretch composite fabric, which is given by the following equation, is preferably 70% or more. R=(L2?L3)/(L2?L1)×100 (In the equation, L1, L2, and L3 represent the lengths of the composite fabric before the load is applied, when the load is applied, and after the load is removed, respectively.

Abstract: A method of bonding at least a first ceramics structure (101) to a second ceramics structure (102), which includes the steps of applying a pressure to the first ceramics structure (101) and the second ceramics structure (102) in such a direction that these structures move close to each other with a bonding material layer (110) interposed between the first ceramics structure (101) and the second ceramics structure (102) (FIG. A), removing a bonding material (111a) extruded from the bonding material layer (110) to an end face of a stacked body including the first ceramics structure (101) and the second ceramics structure (102) by the application of the pressure thereto (FIG. B), drying a bonding material (111b) near the end face of the stacked body (120) after the extruded bonding material (111a) is removed (FIG. C), and drying the entire part of the stacked body (120).

Abstract: A method for making a tubular device includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, rolling the sheet such that side edges of the sheet are disposed adjacent one another with the coating disposed inwardly, creating a longitudinal seam along the side edges to create a sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the sleeve. In another embodiment, the method includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, wrapping the sheet partially around a mandrel with the coating disposed inwardly, positioning a slotted tube around the sheet and mandrel, attaching the tube to the thin, and trimming any excess material of the sheet. In another embodiment, the method includes coating an outer surface of a thin sleeve, inverting the sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the inverted sleeve, thereby providing a tubular device including a lubricious, hydrophilic, and/or otherwise coated inner surface.

Abstract: It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine-line patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having thereon photoresist patterns and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, further characterized by comprising a water-soluble polymer which contains at least methacrylic acid and/or methyl methacrylate as the constitutive monomer thereof. Also disclosed is a method of forming fine-line patterns using the over-coating agent.

Abstract: An optical element covering member, and a backlight and a liquid crystal display device which use the optical element covering member are disclosed. The optical element covering member includes an optical element stacked member including one or more optical elements and a support medium for supporting the one or more optical elements, and a covering member for covering the optical element stacked member. The optical element stacked member covered with the covering member has at least one hole portion formed in an outer edge portion thereof.

Abstract: In a method and device for mounting an elongated member inside an elongated, elastic, flexible tubing, initially having an inside cross-sectional dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the outside cross-sectional dimension of the elongated member, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the flexible tubing is expanded by applying a pressurized fluid to the inner bore of the tubing, and inserting the elongated member into the tubing while the pressurized fluid is being applied.

Abstract: A tubing system (or construction) comprising an inner wall composed of a thermo-conductive adhesive composition, wherein the thermo-conductive adhesive composition comprises a thermo-conductor admixed with an adhesive, and the thermo-conductor is at least about 45% of the weight of the thermo-conductive adhesive composition; and an expanded polymeric outer jacket surrounding and in contact with the inner wall, wherein the expanded polymeric outer jacket recovers (i.e., shrinks) at a predetermined temperature, e.g., when heat is applied.

Abstract: A device for personalizing a predetermined object is provided. Such device includes a covering member having pre-selected indicia thereon for at least one of encircling and covering a predetermined portion of such predetermined object. Such covering member is manufactured from a predetermined material, and has a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. Such device also includes a securing mechanism for securing such covering member at least one of to and around such predetermined portion of such predetermined object.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fixing a part and a part support for mounting the part by use of adhesive via an intermediate member are disclosed. The adhesive is implemented by photocuring adhesive while the intermediate member is formed of a material transparent for light. The intermediate member is free from coloring and deformation when illuminated by light for curing the adhesive. The adhesive is prevented from dropping or turning round to other portions during assembly.

Abstract: An optical packaged body capable of preventing generation of a wrinkle, deflection, and warpage, capable of being thinned is provided. The optical package body includes a support medium and a packaging film that covers the support medium in a state of being applied with shrinkage force. The packaging film has an optical function section that acts on light from a light source in at least one of a first region into which the light from the light source enters and a second region from which the light from the light source is emitted after passing through the optical packaged body when the light source is arranged on one face side of the optical packaged body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for attaching and peeling a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including: attaching on a semiconductor wafer a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet having a heat shrinkable material having a heat shrinkability in at least a uniaxial direction, a restriction layer having a property of opposing a shrinkage deformation of the heat shrinkable material, and an energy-beam-curable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer laminated in this order; subjecting the semiconductor wafer on which the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is attached to a predetermined treatment, followed by irradiating the semiconductor wafer with an energy beam to thereby cure the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; and heating the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet after the curing of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to thereby peeling off the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet from the semiconductor wafer, in which, in the attaching process, the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is attached on the semiconduc

Abstract: In order to produce a nonwoven fabric having elastomeric properties spun filaments (1), consisting preferably (but not essentially) of cellulose material such as cellulose acetate or solvent spun rayon, not in yarn formats, are corrugated or crimped in an overfeed process, as in stuffer box (6), into stabilized three dimensional batts. A proportion of filaments (3) of a thermal memory material, such as modified polyester, in a stretched format are included. The resulting batt is then subjected to controlled hydroentangling and a controlled heat treatment to yield three dimensional nonwoven fabrics with elastomeric properties due to contraction of the stretched filaments. Elastomeric memory material activated to shrink by ultrasonic treatment may be used in place of thermal memory material. The elastomeric properties can be adjusted to suit end-use requirements and applications are envisaged in the medical and hygiene areas.

Abstract: A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising at least one heat shrinkable adhesive layer stitch-bonded with yarns, which shrink less than the adhesive layer or do not shrink, when the adhesive layer is exposed to heat. The stitch-bonded yarns form loops upstanding from the shrunk adhesive layer and the loops create a textured surface on the composite, and the composite is substantially inelastic after the adhesive layer is shrunk. The composite may further comprise at least one fibrous layer stitch-bonded to the shrinkable adhesive layer, and the fibrous layer is less shrinkable than the adhesive layer or is substantially non-shrinkable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a sleeve from a flat tube and applying the sleeve to a container. A length of flat tube is advanced from a supply to a position between a pair of movable grippers. The grippers are extended to contact and hold the tube, and a cutter severs the length of flat tube from the supply. A vacuum is applied to the grippers, and the grippers are retracted to open the cut flat tube into a round configuration. A second length of flat tube is advanced, pushing the open cut length tube onto a container that is being moved therebeneath on a conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a sleeve from a flat tube and applying the sleeve to a container. A length of flat tube is advanced from a supply to a position between a pair of movable grippers. The grippers are extended to contact and hold the tube, and a cutter severs the length of flat tube from the supply. A vacuum is applied to the grippers, and the grippers are retracted to open the cut flat tube into a round configuration. A second length of flat tube is advanced, pushing the open cut length tube onto a container that is being moved therebeneath on a conveyor.

Abstract: A method of applying fiscal indicia, such as a tax stamp, to an article wherein the article is enclosed at least in part by a film packaging material with an associated tear tape, the tear tape comprising a base film of oriented thermoplastic having a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive on one side of the film and with a coating of release agent on an opposed side of the film and wherein the tear tape carries the fiscal indicia such as a tax stamp thereon.

Abstract: A structure of retaining cut-processed components includes a first base (18A). The structure includes cut-processed components (1A) removably fixed to the first base, with the cut-components aligned with each other in a longitudinal direction of the first base. The cut-processed components have first and second cut surfaces (1Aa, 1Ab) parallel to each other. First cut surfaces are positioned flush with each other. Second cut surfaces are positioned flush with each other. The cut-processed components are fixed to the first base by a dissoluble adhesive (20).

Abstract: A textile laminate for covering diverse substrates includes a backing layer to be placed adjacent to the substrate, a substantially non-shrinkable fibrous layer coextensive with the backing layer and an adhesive component to bind the fibrous layer to the backing layer. The adhesive component is activated to adhere the fibrous and backing layers only at selected bonding points in a pattern bond. The backing layer is a material adapted to irreversibly shrink by at least about 25% such that after the backing layer shrinks, the fibrous layer separates from the backing layer at locations away from the bonding points and forms pile-like loops that protrude in a direction normal to the plane of the textile laminate.

Abstract: A method for producing an apertured structured material for accommodating passage of fluids, particularly high viscosity fluids, through the apertured structured material. In one embodiment, the apertured structured material is a composite material formed by differential shrinkage of a shrinkable second layer, for example an ethylene-propylene copolymer, which is laminated to a first layer, for example a polypropylene polymer. During the differential shrinkage process, a plurality of slits which are formed in the second layer open to form uniformly-shaped apertures. In another embodiment, an apertured structured heterogenous material is made of a heterogeneous mixture of at least two homogeneous fiber sets or components having different shrinkage extents.

Abstract: A shrink wrap material for protecting articles includes at least one non-woven fabric and a woven scrim defining apertures. A sufficient portion of the fibers from the non-woven fabric being forced into the apertures of the scrim such that the scrim reinforces and supports the non-woven fabric, thus increasing their strength. A shrinkable, stretchable film is intermittently bonded to at least one non-woven fabric. The material is used by placing the material around the article to be protected and then shrinking the film.

Abstract: A method for producing a structured material for accommodating passage of fluids, particularly high viscosity fluids, through the structured material. In one embodiment, the structured material is a composite material formed of a first layer, for example a polypropylene polymer, having a first shrinkage extent and a second layer bonded to the first layer, for example an ethylene-propylene copolymer, having a second shrinkage extent different from the first shrinkage extent. In another embodiment, a structured heterogenous material is made of a heterogeneous mixture of at least two homogeneous fiber sets or components having different shrinkage extents.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing stretchable multiple-component bonded composite sheets which involves bonding a fibrous layer of spirally-crimpable multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers to one or more non-spirally-crimpable layers using an array of intermittent mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds, and heating the bonded composite to activate the spiral crimp of the fibers in the spirally-crimpable layer. Multi-layer nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of strength, aesthetics, stretch-recovery properties, and textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular film includes the steps of: winding a thermoplastic sheet film on a columnar member with at least two turns so that leading and trailing ends of the film are placed approximately on one normal line of an outer surface of the columnar member without overlapping each other; fitting a tubular molding member on the wound film; and connecting the leading and trailing ends of the film by heating at least the film, thereby forming the sheet film into the tubular film. The resulting tubular film has a high film thickness uniformity and suitable for a fixing film of an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: To produce a green composite laminate 11, a green multilayer collective substrate 13 containing low-temperature sinterable glass ceramic powder as a main ingredient is disposed between first and second shrinkage-restraining layers 14a and 14b containing alumina powder as a main ingredient. Grooves 16 are formed on one main surface 11a of the green composite laminate 11 such as to pass through the first shrinkage-restraining layer 14a and the green multilayer collective substrate 13 and reach the second shrinkage-restraining layer 14b, but not to reach the other main surface 11b of the green composite laminate 11. The green composite laminate 11 provided with the grooves 16 is sintered under conditions where the low-temperature sinterable glass ceramic powder is sintered and the green first and second shrinkage-restraining layers 14a and 14b are removed to prepare a plurality of ceramic multilayer substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical vascular catheters adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel from an incision through the skin of a patient for introducing other devices or fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and particularly to an improved distal soft tip or segment attachment with a relatively stiff proximal catheter shaft. A tubular sleeve is bonded through the application of pressure and heat to a distal portion of the catheter shaft and a proximal portion of the distal segment of soft distal tip bridging the attachment junction. In the preferred method, the catheter shaft distal end is aligned with the distal segment or soft tip proximal end and the sleeve is fitted over the attachment junction. A heat shrink tube is fitted over the sleeve and adjoining portions of the catheter shaft and the distal segment or distal soft tip and heat is applied.

Abstract: A process for making a prefastened and refastenable pant includes providing a plurality of discrete articles having side panels and waist regions including an activatable retractive material. The side panels can be folded parallel to a longitudinal centerline to overlap at least portions of first and second fastening components. The fastening components are then engaged to form a prefastened and refastenable pant. The retractive material can be activated subsequent to engagement of the fastening components, or subsequent to obtaining position control of the side panels, to provide the pant with a waistband-to-hip circumference ratio of about 95 percent or less. The prefastened and refastenable pant and apparatus for its manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A textile laminate for covering diverse substrates includes a backing layer to be placed adjacent to the substrate, a substantially non-shrinkable fibrous layer coextensive with the backing layer and an adhesive component to bind the fibrous layer to the backing layer. The adhesive component is activated to adhere the fibrous and backing layers only at selected bonding points in a pattern bond. The backing layer is a material adapted to irreversibly shrink by at least about 25% such that after the backing layer shrinks, the fibrous layer separates from the backing layer at locations away from the bonding points and forms pile-like loops that protrude in a direction normal to the plane of the textile laminate.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.