Abstract: Waveguide apparatuses and methods are provided. A waveguide method (700) can include stacking (710) a plurality of layers (110) to form a plurality of waveguides (120). Each of the plurality of layers can include at least one waveguide surface (140). The method can further include aligning (720) the plurality of layers using at least one alignment device (160). The method can also include trapping (730) the aligned, stacked plurality of layers between a first member (170) and second member (180).

Abstract: Systems for reducing a fracture in a bone, comprising a bone plate and a polyaxial fastener. In some examples the head of the polyaxial fastener has a deformable portion. As a fastener is inserted into an opening of a bone plate, threads located within the opening deform the deformable portion to secure the fastener in place at a desired angle within the opening. The head of the fastener also includes a bottom portion that bears against a portion of the opening to move the bone plate relative to the underlying tissue. A securing member or other structure may be included at the interface of the head and the deformable portion to secure the deformable portion to the head. At least one flute may be included on the deformable portion that provides a lead-in for the threads within the opening to cut into the deformable portion.

Abstract: An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

Abstract: An aircraft component and method of attaching an additional component to an aircraft component are described. The aircraft component includes an exterior surface exposed to external airflow during flight, an interior surface, and a locally thickened fastening portion between the exterior and interior surfaces. An area of the interior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion is substantially parallel to an area of the exterior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion. The thickness of the aircraft engine housing component between the exterior surface and the interior surface is greater at the fastening portion than at an area surrounding the fastening portion. When the additional component is fastened to the substantially parallel area of the interior surface on the fastening portion with mechanical fasteners, the mechanical fasteners do not penetrate the exterior surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mats, and in particular, to floor play mats for babies and children. The invention extends to uses of the play mat, and to methods of manufacturing such mats.

Abstract: A hybrid frame is fabricated by initially forming a stack of fibrous layers in an annular pattern. An annular metal trim is separately formed to conform with the annular pattern. The trim is trapped in a lower mold having a complementary lower mold channel. The stacked layers are trapped atop the trim in the lower mold channel. An upper mold is pressed atop the stacked layers for compression co-molding together in the lower mold the stacked layers and trim to co-form the hybrid frame.

Abstract: A touch screen display apparatus and a cover lens and an assembling method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus comprises the cover lens, a touch panel, a display panel and a backlight module. The cover lens comprises a plate body, a display area and a plurality of engage elements. The engage elements are disposed on one side of the plate body and around the display area for engaging with the backlight module. In the assembling method of the apparatus, the touch panel and the display panel are firstly disposed on the cover lens, and then the backlight module is engaged with the cover lens.

Abstract: Method for producing a capsule containing beverage ingredients designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule and to drain a beverage from the capsule, wherein the capsule includes a body with a sealing member attached thereto. The method includes providing the body with a main cavity, injecting at least one sealing material by injection-molding onto at least a portion of the external surface of the body to mold a sealing member sealingly attached to the body, filling the cavity with food ingredients and imperviously closing the cavity with a membrane to provide a closed capsule containing the food ingredients.

Abstract: Anaerobic adhesive and sealant compositions in film form, film spool assemblies containing such compositions in film form and preapplied versions thereof on matable parts are provided.

Abstract: Process for reinforcing a plastic fuel tank comprising a wall defining an internal closed volume, according to which a structural member is fixed to the wall of the tank outside the closed volume, in at least two points being located in two different portions of said wall where a deflection induced when the tank is filled with fuel, is low; and said structure having at least one contact point with the tank wall in a portion of said wall where the deflection is high.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for user-moldable sports equipment, for example, shin guards and sports shoes. The sports equipment includes an integral component having relatively rigid thin shell curved walls with a thermoplastic component sandwiched in between the thin shells. The thermoplastic transitions to a moldable state at a temperature between 150° F. and 210° F. The sports equipment is placed in a waterproof bag and into heated water to become moldable, and hardens to a rigid state when cooled. In a heel cup embodiment, a composite layer is applied directly to the shoe upper, and a pre-formed thermoplastic component is positioned over the composite layer. A second composite layer is then laid over the thermoplastic component and the assembly is cured. The heel cup may include arms that extend upwardly to engage the shoe closure structure.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for arranging a window foil to an electron exit window assembly of an electron beam generating device, comprises the steps of: arranging a foil support plate on a housing of the electron beam generating device, bonding a window foil to the foil support plate along a continuous bonding line, attaching a skirt of said window foil extending radially outside of the bonding line to the housing along a continuous attachment line. The invention also relates to an electron exit window assembly of an electron beam generating device.

Abstract: A structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure arranged within the composite joint. A method of producing a structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure and an aircraft structure comprising such structural composite parts.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a substrate carrier for use in electroplating a plurality of substrates. The carrier includes a non-conductive carrier body on which the substrates are placed and conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. A plurality of conductive clip attachment parts are attached in a permanent manner to the conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. A plurality of contact clips are attached in a removable manner to the clip attachment parts. The contact clips hold the substrates in place and conductively connecting the substrates with the conductive lines. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a plate placed behind a screen formed from a window and a display module to provide the screen with additional stiffness (e.g., to resist dropping events). The window may be maintained in the electronic device by trapping the window between a bezel and the display module. In some embodiments, the window may include a chamfered edge operative to be received by a recessed edge in the bezel. In some embodiments, the input mechanism of the electronic device may be metallic and need to be grounded, but may be surrounded by plastic components or other non-grounding components. The electronic device may include screws operative to pass through a circuit board to reach a frame, which may serve as a ground, where the screws are located in proximity of the button.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mounting deep-profile gemstones and crystals to a sheet of material. The method and apparatus may set a single stone or multiple stones simultaneously, either manually or in an automated process. A slit is formed in the material to receive the stone. A setting is positioned on the back side of the material with prongs extending through holes in the material, with the prongs being bent into engagement with the stone to retain the stone in the material, without the use of adhesives or thread.

Abstract: A mounted circuit card is disclosed that has a housing with a circuit card assembly (“CCA”) attached to the housing with adhesive along at least an edge portion of the CCA, where the assembly includes at least one jagged edge portion of the CCA in contact with the adhesive, or at least one channeled portion of the housing in contact with the adhesive, or a combination of both a jagged edge portion of the CCA and channeled portion of the housing in contact with the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of forming a rotorcraft blade is provided. A first support shaft (8) is secured to a rigid attachment filler (1) of the blade that is reversibly fastened to a mandrel (20). Fibers are placed around the assembly comprising said attachment filler (1) and said mandrel (20) in order to fabricate a spar of said blade, said spar (40) then including a succession of fiber layers (31, 32, 33) that hold said attachment filler (1) captive at the root (51) of said blade. Said first shaft (8) is removed after the spar has polymerized.

Abstract: In a method of producing a stabilizer for a motor vehicle, a stabilizer bearing portion of a stabilizer is chemically pre-treated by applying an adhesive. The stabilizer and two vulcanized elastomer-metal bearing half-shells are then placed in a joining apparatus for subsequent bonding of the bearing half-shells with the stabilizer bearing portion.

Abstract: A two-sheet fascial expander prosthesis for temporary use and method of using it to treat abdominal hypertension and associated organ system function impairment, in which each flat sheet is attached to the fascia only at opposite sides of an incision. One side of each sheet is armed with mating fastening elements that bond when united to bring about high tensile shear strength and low tensile peeling-off resistance permitting easy separation for diagnostic and therapeutic abdominal entry. The invention is useful because it expands the fascia and adds compliance to the envelope of the abdominal cavity by bridging the gap between free borders of the incised fascia containing intra-abdominal organs without strangulating their blood supply and retaining some tension on the fascia to prevent retraction and bringing the edges closer together as healing progresses, and permitting final removal of the patch and fascia-to-fascia closure.

Abstract: A guiding device for a device for producing fibre preforms by the TFP process, the guiding device guiding the fibre strand. The guiding device has an opening with a variable cross-section for leading through the fibre strand, wherein the guiding device is fitted in the region of a sewing head of the TFP process device. The width of the fibre strands to be laid and attached can be increased, for example in portions of the path curve with small radii of curvature, so that undesired local thickenings are avoided in these portions of the path curve. An open-loop and closed-loop control device undertakes the path control of the sewing head and the control of the variation of the cross-sectional geometry of the guiding device. Existing devices for producing fibre preforms for composite components by the TFP process can be retrofitted with the guiding device.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel assembly method includes fitting an end portion of a tubular member into an annular slot formed in an end cap. Sealant may be in the annular slot. The end cap includes an annular groove in an exterior surface of the end cap body portion. A first material layer is formed on an exterior surface of the tubular member. The first material layer includes a first composite material including fibers oriented circumferentially to the tubular member. A second material layer is formed on the first material layer with a portion of the second material layer being disposed into the annular groove, and includes a second composite material including fibers oriented axially to the tubular member. A third material layer is formed adjacent the second material layer and in the annular groove, and includes a third composite material including fibers having an orientation circumferential to the tubular member.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes an optical engine that emits a light according to image signal, a Fresnel lens on which the light emitted by the optical engine is incident and emitting the light as a parallel light, and a diffusion member that diffuses the parallel light emitted by the Fresnel lens. The projection type image display apparatus further includes a driving unit that moves the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member in a plane parallel to an emitting surface of the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member, a frame the supports the Fresnel lens, the diffusion member and the driving unit, a resilient supporting body that supports a weight of the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member with respect to the frame, and a holding unit that holds the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member so as to be movable in the plane parallel to the emitting surface of the Fresnel lens or the diffusion member.

Abstract: A bonded composite joint may include a base having a foot configured to couple to a member. The base may include a flange extending outward from the foot. The joint further may include a panel having a core positioned between opposing skins, where the skins have inner walls proximate the core and the skins extend outward beyond the core on at least one end of the panel to define a recess between the skins. The recess between the skins may receive the flange. A bonding agent may be used to couple the flange to the inner walls of the panel.

Abstract: A spacer applicator assembly includes tooling having a plurality of spacer retention devices. Each of the spacer retention devices is movable in a first direction. An actuator is coupled to the spacer applicator tooling. The actuator is adapted to rotate the spacer applicator tooling about an axis. The spacer applicator tooling is adapted to move in a direction that is generally parallel to the axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to install an insert to reduce surface deflection, the method comprising the steps of: apply a release agent to a receptacle in a panel, install an insert in the receptacle, and apply an adhesive around the insert in the receptacle. Where the insert bonds to the panel, and the release agent configured to substantially prevent a bond between the insert and at least one side of a surface in the panel. The release agent, configured to release the surface tension between the insert and the panel surface. In another preferred aspect, a flex agent bonds the insert to the panel, where the flex agent configured to releases the tension between the panel surface and the insert; and the flex agent provides support to the panel surface.

Abstract: A connection method for interconnecting end portions of a thermoplastic resin long body in which conductive unstretchable members are embedded within the thermoplastic resin along a longitudinal direction, wherein the unstretchable members in each of specific sections in the both end portions of the thermoplastic resin long body are heated using an induction heating portion so that the thermoplastic resin coating the unstretchable members is removed by melting for the unstretchable members to be exposed, after which the both end portions are interconnected while they are held in a state where the unstretchable members being exposed in the respective end portions are butt-connected to each other.

Abstract: A process for preparation of a complex for resin impregnation includes the production of a sheet having at least one layer of a fibrous reinforcing structure and a layer of a thickening material that considerably thickens the sheet, the layers associated in a juxtaposed manner. The process also includes needle bonding of the sheet on the side of the fibrous reinforcing structure by means of barbed needles. The barbed needles pass through at least the layer of a fibrous reinforcing structure and at least partially through the layer of thickening material. The needles move in the direction of the sheet at essentially the same speed as the sheet when they pass through it, with an impact density ranging from 1 to 25 impacts per cm2. The invention also relates to the complex made by the process and to a composite material obtained by impregnation of the complex. The invention makes faster impregnation of the complex possible during manufacture of the composite.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes a diaphragm having a reflective element. The sensor has an optical fiber positioned relative to the reflective element such that light emitted from the optical fiber is reflected by the reflective element. A first end of the optical fiber and the reflective element form an optical cavity therebetween. The acoustic sensor further includes a structural element mechanically coupled to the diaphragm and the optical fiber. The structural element includes a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical fiber. For example, the material can be silica.

Abstract: A method for making a TEM micro-grid is provided. The method includes the following steps. A carrier, a carbon nanotube structure, and a protector are provided. The carrier defines a first through opening. The protector defines a second through opening. The protector, the carbon nanotube structure and the carrier are stacked such that the carbon nanotube structure is located between the carrier and the protector. The second through opening at least partly overlaps with the first through opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a drywall finishing method. The method may include the steps of taping one or more drywall joints with drywall tape and allowing drying; applying a coat of joint compound composition covering substantially all of the drywall tape and allowing to dry; and applying a finishing coat of joint compound composition to substantially all of a drywall surface and allowing to dry. The invention further provides a joint compound composition suitable for use in the method of finishing drywall, wherein the joint compound composition comprises a composition compatible with conventional jointing compound material and exhibits improved properties of thickness, self leveling, elasticity, durability, photographing and/or mold resistance over that of conventional joint compound compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attaching a flat electronic component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42), in particular a photovoltaic cell, onto a flexible surface structure (1; 11; 21; 31), to the use of a programmable embroidering machine, to a flexible surface structure (1; 11; 21; 31; 41) comprising at least one electronic component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42) and to a solar module. At least one conduction path (4, 5; 14, 15; 24, 25; 34, 35; 44, 45) is embroidered onto the flexible surface structure, wherein a first conduction path (4; 14; 24; 34; 44) only contacts a first surface segment, in particular the bottom side (16; 36; 46), of the component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42) and a second conduction path (5; 15; 25; 35; 45) only contacts a second surface segment, in particular the top side (7; 17), of the same component (2, 2a; 12; 22; 32; 42).

Abstract: A system for providing an anchor member on a fabric portion of a tent, such as a tent body or a tent fly, includes an anchor member and an anchor patch sewn to at least a portion of the anchor member with threads. The anchor patch is laminated to the fabric portion of the tent without the threads extending through the fabric portion of the tent. A tent including such a system is also disclosed, as well as the method of providing the anchor member on the fabric portion of the tent.

Abstract: A system and method to attach an object to a support structure, the system including a fastener having an anti-rotational member, a mounting plate having a raised portion adapted to receive the fastener, and an elastic membrane. The fastener is sandwiched between the mounting plate and the elastic membrane. The raised portion forms a cavity having an inner surface. The inner surface abuts against the surfaces of the fastener, which in turn restricts movement.

Abstract: A chemical two-component mortar compound including a resin component (A) that contains at least one radically curable, ethylenically unsaturated compound (a) as the curable component, and including a separately arranged so as to inhibit reaction curing component (B) that contains a curing agent for the resin of the resin component (A), with improved adhesion to the surface of partially cleaned and/or moist holes in mineral substrates, characterized by a content of 0.

Abstract: A transmission line structure for propagating electromagnetic energy includes a transmission line conductor trace, a first dielectric foam layer and a second dielectric foam layer. The conductor trace is sandwiched between the first foam layer and the second foam layer. A first ground plane layer and a second ground plane layer sandwich the first foam layer, the conductor pattern and the second foam layer.

Abstract: A sign support includes a mounting bracket and a sign holder. The mounting bracket selectively engages an associated fixture. The sign holder has a mounting bracket engaging member and a sign holding member that engages and holds a sign. An adhesive fastens the mounting bracket engaging member to the mounting bracket. The adhesive is an upstream adhesive such that the user receives the mounting bracket already bonded to the sign holder.

Abstract: A sign support includes a mounting bracket and a sign holder. The mounting bracket selectively engages an associated fixture. The sign holder has a mounting bracket engaging member and a sign holding member that engages and holds a sign. An adhesive fastens the mounting bracket engaging member to the mounting bracket. The adhesive is an upstream adhesive such that the user receives the mounting bracket already bonded to the sign holder.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a panel (1) comprising a core (10) made of honeycomb material provided with a plurality of cells (13) and encased by top and bottom outer walls (20, 30), which method comprises, during a preparation stage (P1): fabricating the top outer wall (20); fabricating the bottom outer wall (30); fabricating said core (10), and perforating one internal orifice (11) per fastener element (50) in said core (10) so as to provide a space (12) for receiving said fastener element (50); and then coating at least one layer of a film of an intumescent adhesive (60) on a connection side wall (51) of said fastener element (50) that is to be connected to said core (10). After performing an assembly stage on a bench (70), the assembly comprising the top outer wall (20), the core (10) provided with said fastener element (50), and the bottom outer wall (30) is polymerized in order to obtain said panel (1) provided with said fastener element (50).

Abstract: Building members useful to easily produce massive or laminated wooden chalets and a method producing the same.

Abstract: A method of inserting z-axis reinforcing fibers into a multi-layer composite laminate. Layers of material made up of z-axis fiber and y-axis fibers are automatically transported into a z-fiber deposition machine having a housing with upper and lower surfaces. Z-axis apertures are formed in the respective upper and lower surfaces. An elongated solid rod having a tapered front tip is aligned in close proximity to the aperture in the bottom surface. The rod is first rotated by a motor and then actuated upwardly completely through the thickness of the layer of x-y material by an actuator. A first hollow tube having a z-axis is axially aligned with the aperture in the top surface and a fiber bundle is threaded downwardly through a first hollow tube to a position adjacent its bottom end.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device, and a harness manufactured by such method. There is provided a method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device for use in a diving application, the method including the steps of: providing polymeric material; moulding the polymeric material into separate components of the harness; and connecting the components to one another so as to form the harness. A harness including a plurality of moulded polymeric components interconnected is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Z-direction reinforcement of composite laminates is disclosed. Discrete fibers (25) are pulled through a fiber composite preform (11) in the Z-direction by needles (27) having bars (29) thereon to insert the Z-direction reinforcement (31) into the composite preform (11) from a discrete fiber mat (23) having discrete fibers (25) therein.

Abstract: In the ultrasound transducer of the present embodiment, front surface electrodes and rear surface electrodes are provided for a plurality of ultrasound vibrators. A circuit board is disposed on the rear surface side of the ultrasound vibrators, and connected to the rear surface electrodes. An electronic circuit is connected to the surface opposite to that of the rear surface electrodes side on the circuit board, and has signal paths to each ultrasound vibrator through the circuit board. A backing material is disposed on the rear surface side of the ultrasound vibrators, and is provided so as to sandwich between it and the ultrasound vibrators the circuit board and the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A surgical access system includes a tubular member defining a longitudinal axis and having an axial lumen. The tubular member includes a braided material adapted to expand from a first initial condition having a first cross-sectional dimension to a second expanded condition having a second-cross sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension. The tubular member defines an oblique end surface. An access housing is mounted to the tubular member. The access housing is dimensioned for engagement by the user. A process for manufacturing a surgical access device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for attaching a door leaf to an automobile body including: at least one plate combined with at least one hinge of the door leaf and mounted on a framework of the door leaf so that at least one screw connected to the plate interacts with a hole combined with the hinge and protrudes through the door leaf framework; a bonding mechanism provided between each plate and the door leaf framework, for making the position of each plate on the framework permanent during a paint processing of the door leaf framework; and an adjustable attachment mechanism for each plate so that each plate is mounted on the door leaf framework with a sliding mounting clearance for adjusting the position of each plate relative to the framework when the door leaf is mounted on the automobile body and before the paint processing.

Abstract: A method relaxing a strained thin film, secured via a first main face of an initial support, the second main face of the thin film being a contact face. The method supplies an intermediate support including a polymer layer having a main free contact face, the polymer's thermal expansion coefficient being greater than that of the thin film, adhesively brings into contact the contact face of the strained thin film with the contact face of the polymer layer, eliminates the initial support, realizing relaxation of the thin film through formation of wrinkles and revealing the first main face of the thin film, increases the polymer layer temperature to stretch the relaxed thin film and eliminate the wrinkles, secures the first main face of the thin film with one face of a receiving substrate, and eliminates the intermediate support to obtain a relaxed thin film integral with the receiving substrate.

Abstract: A joint between a pair of aircraft components comprising a first component; a second component bonded to the first component over a bonded area, the bonded area terminating at an edge; a non-bonded area located between the edge of the bonded area and an edge of the second component, the components not being bonded over the non-bonded area; and one or more fasteners passing through the non-bonded area and fastening the first component to the second component.

Abstract: A method for making a pocket filter assembly is provided. Two side and two end header elements each having a pair of longitudinally extending side walls and a longitudinally extending bottom wall forming a longitudinally extending channel are joined at ends forming a rectangular header with two opposing sides and two opposing ends. The bottom wall and side walls of each of the opposing sides and the bottom walls and said side walls of each of said opposing ends become adjacent forming a rectangular header with a continuous bottom wall and continuous inner and outer side wall having a continuous channel therein. An upstream perimeter portion of a pocket filter element is inserted in the continuous channel and a liquid polymeric material is placed therein. The polymeric material is solidified forming a header frame having the upstream perimeter portion of the filter element unitary therewith.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaker screen includes forming a frame, and attaching a first sealing element to at least one side of an outer perimeter of the frame, wherein the attaching comprises aligning a first mating surface of the frame to a second mating surface of the first sealing element, and wherein the first mating surface of the frame includes an extension, and the second mating surface of the first sealing element includes a groove configured to align with the extension. A system of sealing shaker screens includes a first screen and a second screen disposed adjacent the first screen, wherein a first sealing element of a first frame and a portion of the second screen interact to provide a seal between the first screen and the second screen.