Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: A soft mold includes a polymer layer having a printing pattern on at least a first surface thereof; and a back-plane attached to a second surface of the polymer layer.

Abstract: A profile-extruded article is disclosed, made of a fiber-reinforced polymer of vinyl-chloride monomer, wherein the article has a ratio of actual specific gravity to theoretical specific gravity of nearly unity. A method of making the article is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of foamed or foamable polymer particles employs a mixture of a polymer melt and a recycled polymer melt produced from recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles. The associated plant for the manufacture of the foamed or foamable polymer particles is provided with an apparatus for the processing of recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles.

Abstract: To fabricate a composite item from a layup of composite material, the layup is degassed, debulked, and cured. To degas the layup, an envelope pressure within an envelope that includes the layup is reduced, a chamber pressure within a chamber that includes the envelope is reduced, and the layup is heated. To debulk the layup, the chamber pressure is increased relative to the envelope pressure so that the envelope exerts a compressive force upon the layup in response to the relatively higher chamber pressure as compared to the envelope pressure. To cure the layup, the layup is exposed to radiation.

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

Abstract: A non-photosensitive flexographic liquid or paste precursor comprising a mixture of acrylate oligomers and acrylic or methacrylate monomers, infrared absorbing material, fillers and heat decomposable peroxide, which when heated forms a non-thermoplastic elastomeric solid material in the form of a flexographic printing blank engraveable by infrared laser ablation.

Abstract: A method of making a wood mosaic building material that involves making a mold, applying a release agent to an interior surface of the mold, adhering a series of wood pieces to the mold with an adhesive, applying a first layer of resin to the wood pieces, curing the first layer of resin, removing the mold, finishing an exposed surface of the wood mosaic building material, and coating the exposed surface with a second layer of resin. The method may also be used to make an organic building material by combining natural ingredients with resin in a mold, allowing the resin to cure, removing the mold, and finishing the organic building material. In one embodiment, the building material is a mixture of wood pieces sealed with an adhesive and coated with a resin. In another embodiment, the building material is an organic material mixed with a resin.

Abstract: Processes for producing blends of a first polymer component and a second polymer component are provided. The first polymer component and the second polymer component are blended in an internally agitated mixer such as a devolatizer in the presence of at least one solvent. Blending the polymers in this manner results in an intimate mixing of the first and second polymers, providing beneficial performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the first polymer incorporates at least 75 wt. % of propylene-derived units wherein the propylene-derived units have an isotactic triad fraction of about 65% to about 99% and wherein the first polymer has a heat of fusion of less than 75 J/g. In this embodiment, the second polymer is selected from polypropylenes, low density polyethylenes, high density polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polyesters.

Abstract: A method for making a gun barrel for soft projectiles includes providing a mandrel for the bore of the barrel. The mandrel is inserted into a barrel base that can be connected in use to the receiver of a soft-projectile gun. The connected barrel base and mandrel are inserted into a tube. A resin, preferably reinforced, is poured into the space between the inside of the tube and the mandrel. The barrel base, mandrel and tube are surrounded by a pressure chamber. A vacuum is applied to the pressure chamber to de-gas the resin. Then a positive pressure is applied to the pressure chamber to force the tube against the mandrel and resin to form the desired barrel. The mandrel may have rifling impressions. The tube may have a mold shape for forming an ornamental design in the outside of the barrel. Barrels made by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a thermal interface material includes: providing a CNT array on a substrate; providing a first solution with organic matter and ferric ion; soaking the CNT array into the first solution for a period of time; dipping a second solution into the first solution to form a ferric salt deposit; taking out the CNT array, and then heating the CNT array in inert gas; and cooling and peeling off the CNT array from the substrate, and finally achieving a thermal interface material. The thermal interface material made by the present method has a high heat conducting efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-quality multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material having excellent mechanical properties and drapeability in which a thermoplastic resin excellent in recycling efficiency and shock resistance is used as a matrix; a method for efficiently producing the multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material in a short time; and a thermoplastic-resin multilayer reinforced molding formed of the multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material, in which the high quality and the mechanical properties are maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vented extruder (1) for the devolatilization of a polymer material, encompassing at least one extruder barrel (2) with at least one rotatably driven extruder screw (3) mounted in the extruder barrel (2), and with at least one material feed and with at least one extrudate outlet, and also with at least one vent zone (9). A particular feature of the vented extruder (1) is that the gas output for the gas arising in the vent zone (9) has been provided upstream of the material feed, in relation to the direction of conveying of the polymer material.

Abstract: An artificial bone forming method, comprising a) a powder layer forming step (32) for forming, into a flat powder layer (6), a powder bone material (5) having biocompatibility and hardening by hydration, b) a partial hardening step (34) for jetting an aqueous solution (7) with biocompatibility to a part of the powder layer to harden a jetted portion (6a) by hydration, and c) an artificial bone forming step (36) for repeating the steps a) and b) for lamination to form a specified artificial bone (9) of a predetermined three-dimensional structure in which the hardened portions (6a) are connected to each other.

Abstract: A method of producing an orthotic brace or prosthetic device comprising the steps of creating an anatomical mold or cast of that portion of the patient's anatomy upon which the orthotic brace or prosthetic device is to be applied, applying at least one layer of epoxy resin over at least a portion of the anatomical mold, applying at least one layer of carbon graphite fabric on at least a portion of the layer of epoxy resin, placing the anatomical mold with the epoxy resin and carbon graphite fabric in an enclosure having an interior, heating the interior of the enclosure to melt the epoxy resin and reducing the pressure in the interior of the enclosure causing the melted epoxy resin to impregnate the carbon graphite fabric, and allowing the melted epoxy resin to harden in the carbon graphite fabric forming the orthotic brace or prosthetic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.

Abstract: A hearing device including a foam, a foam insertable portion, a component, and a foam handle portion, and a method of forming the same. The component is nestable with and bondable with the foam such that the component is at least partially within the foam insertable portion and the foam handle portion. The hearing protective device includes earplugs attached to a flexible cord, under-the-chin element, or headband. A method of making a hearing protective device including disposing a component into a mold, introducing a foam or foamable mixture into the mold, causing the foam to rise such that the component is nested within and bonded with the foam.

Abstract: A fiber structure for forming the reinforcement of a part to be made is placed in a mold (22) having at least one wall formed by a flexible membrane, and then a resin composition is injected into the mold, the composition having a volatile material content of less than 25% by weight and being at a temperature of a value such that its viscosity lies in the range 0.1 Pa·s to 0.3 Pa·s. The resin is polymerized in the mold placed in an enclosure (20) with temperature being raised progressively and with polymerization including at least a final stage of polymerization under pressure in order to obtain a composite material part presenting residual porosity of less than 11% by volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered stone composite produced from a mineral aggregate, a synthetic resin and a binder using compression and vibration to obtain a high strength mineral composite with a high mineral content and a method for its preparation.

Abstract: A defoaming method for removing air bubbles from a curable resin material and a contact portion of the resin material with an irregular structure of a flat metallic mold. The mold includes a fine structural region having a fine irregular structure and a flat region in the periphery of the fine structural region. The curable resin material is applied to the irregular structure of the fine structural region, filling the irregular structure with the resin material.

Abstract: A process for extruding a thin positive electrode sheet having at least 40%/wt of solid content for a lithium polymer battery through a single or twin screw extruder is disclosed as well as a positive electrode sheet produced therefrom. A mixture of active cathodic intercalation material, lithium salt and electronic conductive material is mixed with a polymer of the polyether family in a ratio of at least 40% of total weight into the mixing chamber of an extrusion machine and extruded through a classical sheet die into a thin cathode sheet or film onto a substrate in sheet form.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially parallelepiped vacuum panel which has, in an outwardly gas-tight manner in a sleeve or envelope, a filling made of granular or powdered degassed support elements, preferably silica particles, the interior of the sleeve being evacuated and the support elements being moved closely together and being enclosed by the sleeve, the sleeve comprising an encapsulation by injection-molding or overmolding of a plastic material. For forming two sides of the sleeve remote from one another, metal plates are provided, between which the support elements are arranged. The peripheral rims of the metal plates are positively and non-positively embedded by the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Additionally, a permeation barrier layer may be provided on at least the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Moreover, getter materials may be provided between the support elements.

Abstract: With regard to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibrocompression for manufacturing slabs of composite stone, the binder consists of a dispersion of colloidal silica in water and the rough-formed article resulting from the vibrocompression step, undergoes a drying step in order to remove the water present in the vibrocompacted slab. Subsequently the pores of the slab are filled with methyl methacrylate and hardening of the resin is performed by means of heating in hot water.

Abstract: A method disclosed for producing polymer-based cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy in a batch process. The method includes forming a mold in a mold material, for example PDMS, using a master cantilever, removing the master cantilever from the mold material to reveal a mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with plastic, for example polystyrene, to form a plastic cantilever in the mold, and removing the plastic cantilever from the mold, for example using adhesive tape or flexing the mold. At least one surface of the plastic cantilever can be coated with a reflective metal, such as gold. The plastic cantilever can be functionalized for use in magnetic force microscopy by attaching a probe tip formed of magnetic metal, for example a 10 ?m nickel sphere.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and a system of expelling a gas positioned between a substrate and a mold, the substrate and the mold further having a liquid positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A vacuum infusion laminate adhesive that holds the laminate layers together as the catalyzed resin is sucked into a laminate structure. The adhesive includes properties that cross-link with polyester present in the laminate structure as it cures. Generally, the laminate layers include the assembly of polyester or vinyl ester resins that are reinforced with fiberglass.

Abstract: An electroconductive resin composition, comprising at least: a multi-component polymer-type resin binder (A) comprising a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, and having a number-average particle size of dispersed phase of 0.001-2 ?m, and an electroconductive material (B) in the form of powder and/or fiber. The electroconductive resin composition may preferably be used for a fuel cell separator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of expelling a gas positioned between a substrate and a mold, the substrate and the mold further having a liquid positioned therebetween.

Abstract: The inventive laminator for laminating structural components, in particular solar module cells or laminated glass panes by combining pressing force and heat, wherein said laminator comprises at least one laminating chamber for receiving one or several structural components, which is provided with a support for said structural components, a heating unit and with a flexible compression membrane which is sealingly stretched in the chamber above the structural element support and is movable with respect thereto. Said membrane separates a lower part of the chamber from a top part thereof, thereby enabling each part to be void of air and aerated. The inventive laminator is characterised in that the copression membrane is embodied in the form of a multiple membrane consisting of a plurality of superimposed membranes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for portioning and dispensing a frozen product. The apparatus may comprise a storage container for the frozen product and, in some embodiments, multiple storage containers for storing a plurality of different frozen products. A portion of the frozen product in the storage container may be transferred to a portioning container by movement means, such as a belt drive. The portion may be separated from the rest of the frozen product as a first forming block in the portioning container approximates to a second forming block in the portioning container. The frozen product in the portioning container may be pressed between a first and second forming block as the first and second forming blocks are approximated, to thereby form a substantially spherical dispensable frozen product portion. The second forming block may separate to allow the formed frozen product to be dispensed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A solid state foaming process permits the use of up to 100% recycled pre- and post-consumer polymer for the manufacture of foamed polymer material and thermoformed foamed polymer articles. The process enables the optional formation of integral unfoamed skins of controllable depth and crystallinity on foamed polymeric materials suitable for a wide variety of applications. Because this process does not alter the underlying chemistry of the material all scrap from the manufacturing process may be reused without additive to form new foamed polymeric materials and articles.

Abstract: A scraper pig for cleaning tubes and pipelines comprising a flexible core provided with a casing in which scraper studs are embedded in a manner whereby they protrude sufficiently to perform a cleaning action when they are propelled through the tube. A method for the manufacture of the pig and the design of the stud is also provided.

Abstract: A defoaming method for removing air bubbles from a curable resin material and a contact portion of the resin material with an irregular structure of a flat metallic mold. The mold includes a fine structural region having a fine irregular structure and a flat region in the periphery of the fine structural region. The curable resin material is applied to the irregular structure of the fine structural region, filling the irregular structure with the resin material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of controlling a turbulent flow of a fluid between a substrate and a template, and more specifically, controlling a turbulent flow of a fluid between droplets disposed on a substrate and a template. To that end, the method further comprises the ingression and egression of the fluid through a first and second aperture, and in a further embodiment, a plurality of apertures, to create such a turbulent flow of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing rectifier parts which are made from a laminate composite material comprising reinforcing fibers that are embedded in a heat-polymerized polyimide resin matrix. The aforementioned parts comprise an inner platform, an outer platform and at least one solid blade which connects said platforms.

Abstract: A molding die apparatus and a method thereof are provided, which ensures for air and gas (or fluid) present in a resin filling space to be exhausted so as to be able to fill molten resin into the cavity smoothly and uniformly thereby enabling production of a high quality molded resin product suitable as an optical disc substrate or the like having optimum optical properties required therefore. The molding die apparatus for obtaining the molded product by injecting the molten resin into a cavity that is formed between dies includes a vacuum apparatus which is disposed in proximity to the cavity, the vacuum apparatus including a vacuum tank, an exhaustion channel and a vacuum valve which controls open and close of a channel between the vacuum tank and the exhaustion channel, and the cavity is exhausted efficiently and rapidly by the vacuum apparatus.

Abstract: The mold comprises a stationary mold half (31) and a movable mold half (32). An annular groove (33) surrounding a cavity (30a) formed by the stationary mold half (31) and the movable mold half (32) is formed in one of the stationary mold half (31) and the movable mold half (32), and a mold seal member (36) formed of a silicon rubber is disposed in the annular groove (33). A mold seal groove (37) opposed to the mold seal member (36) is formed in the other of the stationary mold half (31) and the movable mold half (32). The mold seal member (36) is projected from the contact surface of the stationary mold half (31) or the movable mold half (32) and comprises a fitting part (36a) fittedly installable in the mold seal groove (37). The cross sections of the fitting part (36a) and the mold seal groove (37) are formed in an approximately same shape.

Abstract: In a method for producing injection-molded parts, PET material is processed and/or plasticized by means of a twin-screw extruder having a plurality of processing zones. At least two processing zones are implemented as degassing zones. The processed and/or plasticized material is transferred to a transfer reservoir and then further processed by a piston unit.

Abstract: Thermosetting or thermoplastic arrangement for the manufacturing of pipes (1), made up of a pile of plies (3) in composite materials, characterized in that it comprises at least one structural ply (5) and at least one rigidity ply (7). More specifically, the said at least one rigidity ply (7) takes the form of a perforated or meshed ply and is placed on at least part of the length of the said pipe (1). Further, the said at least one rigidity ply (7) is placed last while forming the pile. Alternatively, the arrangement according to the invention comprises reinforcement means (2) and/or sealing means (6).

Abstract: A vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet comprises an evacuation system for evacuating an insulation space of the cabinet when pressure inside such space is higher than a predetermined value. It comprises a sensor device having an insulation reference element located on one side of said insulation space and temperature sensors for assessing the differences of temperature across the insulation space) and across the insulation reference element, such sensor device being suitable for providing the evacuation system with a signal related to the ratio of the above differences of temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluid transfer and evacuation structures formed in a vacuum bag operable for use in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, debulking, compaction, or similar processes. A reusable vacuum bag can be provided including an elastomeric membrane having a preform-contact surface and at least one textured surface formed in the elastomeric membrane. The textured surface can define a fluid transfer channel. At least one fluid extraction port can be provided in communication with the fluid transfer channel, the fluid extraction port being adapted for engagement to a vacuum pump to remove fluids from the fluid transfer channel. The textured surface defining the fluid transfer channel can be adapted to permit the flow of fluids between the elastomeric membrane and a base mold in communication with the elastomeric membrane when the fluid extraction port is engaged to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A pattern is created in an engineered stone by creating a void in an initial mineral particle/binder composition prior to curing and solidification of the binder. The void is filled with a separate mineral/binder composition and cured at the same time as the initial composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a covering for a motor vehicle interior is disclosed, wherein a skin is disposed in a mold between a male part and a female part having an item disposed thereon and a vacuum is created in the mold to form the skin against the item.

Abstract: A solid surface product having a thickness of 3 cm or greater is provided which is substantially free from warping, has a homogeneous surface appearance, and is substantially free from entrapped air bubbles or voids. The solid surface material includes from about 25 to about 95 wt %, i.e. weight percent, of a polymer resin and from about 0 to about 70 wt % of a filler. A method for producing the solid surface material is also provided and includes forming a mixture of from about 25 to about 95 wt % of a polymer resin and from about 0 to about 70 wt % of a filler; casting the mixture into an open mold to a thickness of 3 cm or greater; applying a vacuum to the molded mixture to release entrapped gases therein; and curing the molded mixture to produce a thick solid surface material.

Abstract: A solid surface material which exhibits a pearlescent visual appearance and method of making it are provided. The solid surface material includes a polymer resin, optionally, a filler, and oriented anisotropic pigment particles dispersed substantially throughout the polymer resin to provide the pearlescent visual appearance. The solid surface material is made by forming a mixture of polymer resin, optional filler, and anisotropic pigment particles; dispersing the pigment particles substantially throughout the mixture; casting the mixture into an open mold; applying a vacuum to the molded mixture to release entrapped gases therein to cause the pigment particles to become oriented in the mixture; and curing the molded mixture to produce the solid surface material.

Abstract: Plastic material is injected into a chamber defined between a female mold member and a male mold member, while air is evacuated from the chamber. In the evacuation step, the air contained in the forming chamber progressively exits from the mold under the pressure of the melted plastic material through a multiplicity of slits made on the female element at different heights along the above-mentioned central axis. The slits have dimensions such as to allow the passage of the air and at the same time to block the flow of the melted plastic material from the forming chamber.

Abstract: A pipe for supplying a dope to a co-casting die consists of a goose neck portion connected to a feed block of the co-casting die, and a straight pipe portion connected to the goose neck portion. The goose neck portion has a radius of curvature of 50 mm to 400 mm, and the straight pipe portion forms an angle of 0 to 20 degrees to the horizontal plane. Venting valves are opened up at the beginning of dope feeding, and are closed to some extent as the dope comes out. After the air is completely vented out, the venting valves are completely closed. Thereby, an air collection is completely let out from the pipe, a plastic web discharged from die lips of the co-casting die would not contain any air bubbles, it is prevented that the web splashes to put on the die lips, causing streaks on the produced film.

Abstract: A gas purging block for use with injection molding and die casting systems comprises a stationary-side block for connecting to a stationary mold or die half, and a movable-side block for connecting to a movable mold or die half. The stationary-side block comprises a recessed cooling face having a first smooth contour extending between a first side and a second side of the stationary-side block to increase the surface area of the recessed cooling face. The movable-side block comprises a protruding cooling face having a second smooth contour extending between a first side and a second side of the movable-side block to increase the surface area of the protruding cooling face.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a membrane for use as a vacuum bag, a natural rubber vacuum bag made using such methods, and methods for using such a natural rubber bag to form a composite article. One method can include providing a substantially non-porous working surface having a desired shape for forming a vacuum bag, spraying at least one layer of a natural rubber liquid over at least a portion of working surface, and solidifying the natural rubber liquid to form a membrane having a shape substantially corresponding to that of the working surface. The membrane formed being elastically deformable and substantially impermeable for functioning as a vacuum bag in Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding, debulking, compaction, or similar processes.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a co-cured vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding manufacturing method includes providing a tool base, disposing a prepreg skin panel outwardly from the tool base, disposing one or more tooling details outwardly from the prepreg skin panel, and disposing one or more preforms proximate the one or more tooling details. The one or more preforms are either dry or binderized. The method further includes disposing a high permeability medium between the one or more tooling details and the one or more preforms, enclosing the prepreg skin panel, the one or more tooling details, the one or more preforms, and the high permeability medium with at least one vacuum bag, pulling a vacuum on the vacuum bag, infusing the one or more preforms with a resin, and curing the one or more preforms and the prepreg skin panel.