Abstract: The present invention relates to a curved panel (3200) which is used to construct a tunnel in addition to an arch shaped underground or aboveground structure. The curved panel (3200) has a curved shape corresponding to the arch shape of the tunnel or the structure, thus increasing supporting force, thereby ensuring the structural stability, reducing the construction time, and enhancing the constructability and economic efficiency thereof. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing the curved panel (3200), an apparatus for manufacturing the curved panel (3200), a curved panel lining, and a curved panel construction method.

Abstract: A painting roller with a fabricating method thereof includes a main roller member, yarns and a flannelet layer. The main roller member made of a Polypropylene (PP) strip spirally wound with a winding machine. The yarns and the flannelet layer are spirally wound on the main roller with the winding machine and the main roller bonds the yarns and the flannelet layer together with a melted plastic liquid sprayed on the main roller. Hence, the painting roller is fast fabricated with low cost and high quality effectively.

Abstract: Described herein is a monolithic cementitious article with one or more pre-formed shaped regions. The shaped regions are generally channels that extend through a portion of the article or span the full article. The article includes one or more openings at least one of its ends. The article has a low apparent density with a high strength as well as high performance characteristics. The article when manufactured is suitable for use as a building product, such as siding, panel, trim, fascia, roofing, crown moulding, decking, and fencing.

Abstract: A method for forming a diesel particulate filter is presented. The method includes provided an extruder for receiving material to be extruded such extruder being configured to converting such material into a honeycomb structure having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion has a bottom surface and a pair of vertically extending sidewalls terminating along outer edges of the bottom surface. The upper portion has a pair of opposing, pitched, sidewalls having lower edges terminating along upper edges of the vertically extending sidewalls and upper edges terminating along a common edge.

Abstract: A prefabricated cover board has a high-density polymer or predominantly polymer material core layer having a density between 6 lbs/ft3 and 25 lbs/ft3. A prefabricated roofing panel composite includes the cover board and an insulation board that has a low-density polymer or predominantly polymer material foam core layer having a density less than 6 lbs/ft3. The cover board may have a waterproofing membrane forming the top major surface of the cover board. When making the roofing panel composite, the low-density foam core layer of the insulation board may be formed with the high-density core layer of the cover board being currently or subsequently formed over and bonded to a top major surface of the low-density foam core layer in the same operation or preformed insulation boards may be fed into a production line with the high-density core layer of the cover board being formed over and bonded to top major surfaces of the low-density foam core layers of the insulation boards.

Abstract: A long-fiber-reinforced, thermoplastic molding compound of plastics material has outstanding impact strength and notched impact strength if it contains 30 to 90% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polyolefin, 9 to 69% by weight of at least one glass-like reinforcing fiber and 1 to 30% by weight of at least one mineral filler of an average particle size in the range from 0.1 to 2 ?m. The molding compound is produced by the pultrusion method and is used in the production of domestic appliances such as washing machines or washer-dryers or electrical appliances such as coffeemakers or toasters or refrigerators or in automobile construction.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for ductile materials comprises a nozzle having a number of outlet openings separated from each other by separator webs. Next to the nozzle, a rotating cutting tool is provided, having a plurality of cutting knives for cutting off the strands of material discharged through the outlet openings of the nozzle. Each separator web is at least as wide as a cutting knife. For performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool is intermittently rotated. Between two cutting operations, the cutting tool is stopped, whereby its knives remain in a rest position behind the separator webs. For the next cutting operation, the cutting tool is rotated by such an amount that its cutting knives move from a position behind a first separator web to the next adjacent separator web.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and method for producing embossed paper or laminated metallic foil sheets (55) comprising means for feeding an elongate strip (20) of paper or laminated metallic foil, a pair of matched embossing rollers (5, 10) disposed to receive such a strip from the feeding means, and means for receiving such a strip from the embossing rollers after being embossed thereby, and for cutting such strip into sheets. The rollers have a plurality of embossing sectors (75) arranged on the surface thereof. At least one of the sectors imparts a first embossing, and at least another of the sectors imparts an alternate embossing different in appearance from the first embossing. The sectors are dimensioned similarly to the foil sheets. At least one group of the sheets carry the first embossing while at least another group of the sheets carry the alternate embossing.

Abstract: A web can comprise a substantially continuous fiber mass and a separation means dispersed into the fiber. The web having a preferred thickness resulting from forming a polymer material and a particulate into a fine fiber layer can have a variety of end uses. A filtration media can include a structure comprising such a web of fine fiber and a substantial volume of particulate embodiment of the separation means. The resulting fine fiber structure provides an improved filtration medium having substantial depth, thickness, and a layered structure. The improved properties of the web results from inclusion of the separation or spacer particulate.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator is made of a rubber latex foam which has been solidified by microwave irradiation. The foam satisfies (i) a bubble fineness corresponding to 9 bubbles/mm2 or more, (ii) flexibility of 0.7 N/cm2 or less in initial Young's modulus indicated by 50% compressive stress, and (iii) bulk density of 0.14 g/cm3 or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active substance composition containing a high portion of one or more light-protecting products, such as multifunctional stabilizers, UV absorbers, nicker-quenchers and stabilizers on the basis of sterically hindered amines (HALS) and several polyolefin waxes, wherein one or more metallocene polyolefin waxes are used and optionally further waxes, for example polar or nonpolar non-metallocene polyolefin waxes are present. All polyolefin waxes together made up at least 10% by weight of the formulation and melt in the temperature range between 50 and 170° C. The inventive active substance composition has reduced dusting and is particularly used for the masterbatch production for producing stabilized and light-resistant plastic materials.

Abstract: A method for separating a portion of extruded material from the continuous strip leaving an extruder, consisting of passing in front of the extrusion nozzle a withdrawal device associated with at least one cutting member; said withdrawal device and said at least one cutting member are made to move independently of each other with velocities, in the sense of vectors, which differ from each other and differ in relation to the material portion separated.

Abstract: A molded body cutting apparatus according to the present invention comprising a first conveyer member that conveys an extrusion-molded pillar-shaped ceramic molded body a cutting member that moves in a direction parallel to a movement direction of the above mentioned first conveyer member while moving also in a vertical direction, and cuts the above mentioned ceramic molded body to a predetermined length by passing through the interior of the above mentioned ceramic molded body and a second conveyer member that conveys a cut ceramic molded body cut to a predetermined length by the above mentioned cutting member, wherein a conveyance speed of the above mentioned first conveyer member and a movement speed of the above mentioned cutting member in the above mentioned parallel direction are almost the same, before the above mentioned ceramic molded body is cut, and each of the conveyance speed of the above mentioned first conveyer member, the movement speed of the above mentioned cutting member in the above mentio

Abstract: Various methods are provided for forming tissue holding devices having predetermined shapes suitable for use in surgical applications, and devices formed in accordance with such methods are also provided. These methods include press forming methods, and press forming methods in combination with profile punching. Tissue holding devices formed in accordance with such methods include various configurations for a core and a plurality of tissue holding elements extending outwardly from the core.

Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A method that includes coextruding two or more thermoplastic resin streams through a profiled die plate, which die plate is shaped to form a nonplanar film (three dimensional) preferably with a regularly oscillating peak and valley structure that oscillates from a top surface to a bottom surface forming longitudinally extending ridges on both faces of the film. The film is formed by coextruding the film through the oscillating die plate opening causing partitioning of the resins in different zones in the width direction of the film. Flattening of the film results in a film with side-by-side zones formed of different polymers or relative proportions of polymers.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for producing a flexible grommet for use against edges of an aperture. The exemplary method may involve producing a straight piece of flexible material with a U-shaped profile having two wall portions coupled by a central portion wherein an interior U-shaped profile is sized to produce a frictional fit with the edge of the aperture. Multiple slits may be produced in the wall portions at location of curves when the grommet is positioned within the aperture. The straight piece of flexible material may be bent along the slits. The grommet may be positioned within the aperture.

Abstract: An elongated electrical cable or flexible circuit board includes an electrically conductive path and an insulating body encompassing and electrically isolating the conductive path, the insulating body including an exposed surface having an array of fastener elements extending therefrom, the fastener elements arranged and constructed to engage mating fastener elements associated with a supporting surface to selectively secure the cable or flexible circuit board to the supporting surface. The fastener elements can be loop-engageable fasteners and/or loops.

Abstract: A unitary fastener of a thermoplastic resin comprising a base film layer having generally parallel upper and lower major surfaces, arranged in a first direction the base film layer being oriented at least in the first direction. The backing layer having on at least one surface separated surface elements extending at an angle to said first direction. The invention is also related to a method of forming a unitary fastener. The method includes the steps of extruding a thermoplastic resin in a machine direction through a die plate having a continuous base portion cavity and one or more rib cavities extending from the base portion cavity, forming a strip having a base layer and one or more continuous ribs. Scoring or cutting the ribs and at least a surface layer of the base layer forms predetermined separable elements. Inelastically stretching the strip forms separated projections and separated separable surface elements across the strip.

Abstract: A coating composition for use as a surface coating for polymer release films for use in at least one of high temperature and high humidity applications, which comprises a solution of at least one hydroxypropyl methylcellulose having hydroxypropyl molar substitution of from 0 to about 0.82 in combination with at least one water-borne fluorochemical additive selected from perfluoralkyl methacrylic acid copolymers.

Abstract: An improved process for the pelletization of polymers is disclosed, using a die in which the die holes incorporate a reverse taper along at least a portion of the length thereof. Conditions for operation of an under melt cutter incorporating this die are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multicomponent fiber and fabrics made therefrom are provided, wherein the multicomponent fibers may incorporate one or more elastomers or additive-containing polymers in a bicomponent core. The fiber includes a multilobal sheath fiber component surrounding the bicomponent core, wherein the components are sized such that the fiber can be fibrillated to expose the core fiber components and split the fiber into multiple microdenier fibers.

Abstract: Provided herein are apparatus and systems for fabricating highly aligned arrays of polymeric fibers having isodiameters ranging from sub 50 nm to microns with lengths of several millimeters. The approach disclosed herein uses (e.g.) a micropipette to deliver polymeric solution which is collected in the form of aligned fibers on a rotating and linearly translating substrate. The methods deposit polymeric fibers on spherical surfaces and gapped surfaces with precise control, thus heralding new opportunities for a variety of applications employing polymeric fibers. The design workspace for depositing fibers disclosed herein is dependent upon processing parameters of rotational/linear translational speeds and material properties of solution rheologies. Techniques for fabrication of multilayer fiber arrays, for fabrication of cell growth scaffolds and for attachment of particles to the fiber arrays are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a polymeric film hook netting comprising a continuous film backing having a net section formed of plurality of a first set of thermoplastic strands extending in a first direction and a second set of integral strands extending in a second direction at least one of which strands has upstanding hook elements and a second integral non-net film section.

Abstract: A prepreg base material includes reinforcing fibers arranged substantially in one direction and a matrix resin between the reinforcing fibers, wherein the prepreg base material has substantially throughout its entire surface incisions, each incision extending in a direction substantially crossing the reinforcing fibers, wherein substantially all of the reinforcing fibers are divided by the incisions, a length (L) of each of reinforcing fiber segments formed by the incisions is in the range of 10 to 100 mm, a thickness H of the prepreg base material is in the range of 30 to 300 ?m, and a fiber volume content by Vf of the reinforcing fibers is in the range of 45 to 65%.

Abstract: A polymer composite multiend roving material used to make structural composite parts includes a bundle of fibers held together by a high integrity sizing composition and surrounded by a powder coating polymer material. The powder coating material is approximately 10-80% of the dry weight of the multiend composite roving weight. The multiend composite roving material may then be easily processed further to form a molded composite part having good mechanical properties and high fiber content.

Abstract: A method for using a tow incorporating a large number of fibers to form a composite part that has the quality of parts made with tows incorporating a small number of fibers is described. The method includes spreading the tows incorporating a large number of fibers to form a relatively wide, flat, and continuous, unidirectional fabric, holding the fabric under tension to maintain the orientation and flatness, subjecting the flattened fabric to melt-bonding while held under tension to maintain the flattened configuration, and slicing the melt-bonded, unidirectional fabric into a plurality of narrow fiber tows and subsequently using these to produce braided, woven, and other fabric forms.

Abstract: An intermediate product for the manufacture of a hollow fiber-composite component having a shape and dimensions, includes a three-dimensional, hollow preform of reinforcing fiber material corresponding to the shape and the dimensions with a three-dimensional reinforcing fiber structure which is formed from at least one planar, single- or multi-layer blank of two-dimensional, web-like reinforcing fiber material matching the dimensions, and a closable total cross-sectional profile with at least two hollow chambers located adjacent to each other and separated from each other by a rib-like partition. The partition is formed by an overlap region of the at least one blank which is stitched in two dimensions by a compacting seam which fixes the shape and dimensions of the rib-like partition as well as its position relative to adjacent regions of the blank and prefixes, precompacts and reinforces the reinforcing fiber material in the region of the partition.

Abstract: A filter element in the form of a nonwoven self-supporting filtration web having rows of folded or corrugated spaced-apart pleats, the web containing continuous thermoplastic fibers a majority of which are aligned at 90°±20° with respect to the row direction. The filter element can be made by forming rows of pleats in such a nonwoven web and cutting the web to a desired size and shape. The filter elements can provide improved mechanical and filtration properties and can exhibit reduced susceptibility to pleat deformation and the loss of space between pleats.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a new method for manufacturing tires, an apparatus used with the new method and the article manufactured by the new method. The article is called the reinforced liquid elastomer tire (RLET). The method of manufacture includes placement of reinforcing materials inside a tire molding cavity and subsequently surrounding the reinforcement with a liquid elastomer which encapsulates the reinforcement and takes the outside shape of the tire mold. The liquid elastomer is solidified and the completed RLET is removed from the mold and ready for service.

Abstract: There is provided a production method of a weather strip for an automobile, comprising a rubber-made installation base member 1 which embeds a plastic-made insert 4, and a holding lip 2 provided inside the groove portion 10, which comprises the following steps. An extrusion-molding process 101 wherein a whole weather strip 100 is integrally extrusion-molded in a state that a portion of a lid member 3 wider than an opening of the groove portion 10 is connected to an end portion of either side wall portion 12. A holding lip manufacturing process 102 wherein the holding lip 2 is processed by inserting a manufacturing tool 8 in the groove portion 10 through the opening. A lid closing process 103 wherein another portion of the lid member 3 is connected to the end portion of the other side wall portion 13 to cover the opening of the groove portion 10 with the lid member 3. A vulcanization process 104 wherein the weather strip 100 is vulcanized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dowel that is composed of a strand arrangement comprising at least one first strand (12) which extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and at least one second strand (14) which extends at an angle (Y) to the at least one first strand (12) and intersects said at least one first strand (12) at intersection points. The at least one first strand (12) and/or the at least one second strand (14) is/are wound around the longitudinal axis (L) at a certain distance (171, 172) while the at least one first strand (12) is connected to the at least one second strand (14) at the intersection points. The strand arrangement is embodied such and/or is made of such a material that the strand arrangement can be expanded at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L). Such a dowel has the particular advantage of evenly distributing the pressure which acts upon the wall surface (102) of a bore. A single-size dowel can be used for several screw diameters.

Abstract: Improved extruded polypropylene sheets containing a high level of beta crystallinity and a process for making such sheets are disclosed herein. The polypropylene sheets comprise a resinous polymer of propylene and an effective amount of beta spherulites. Uniaxially or biaxially oriented mesh structures produced from the disclosed sheets exhibit lower density, higher strength, and higher torsional rigidity than polypropylene meshes without beta spherulites. Thus, lighter weight mesh structures which meet all of the physical property requirements for end-use applications, such as reinforcing grids to stabilize concrete and soil in civil engineering and landfill applications, are produced. The lighter weight extruded beta-nucleated sheet can also be stretched at higher line speeds, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a plurality of spacers comprising: (a) providing a carrier medium; (b) applying one or more stripes of a first material on a first face of the carrier medium; and (c) applying a layer of a second material over the first face of the carrier medium; so as to form a substrate on the carrier medium comprising first material and second material; wherein one of the first and second materials is a material that, in the end spacer product at room temperature, is a tacky material that will readily hold the spacer in place during its intended use, and the other of the first and second materials is a material that, in the end spacer product at room temperature, is a non-tacky material that will substantially not stick to the glass or other material to be separated; and wherein the stripes of the first material are spaced apart such that when the substrate formed by the first and second materials is cut into strips of a width corresponding to the width of the spacers bein

Abstract: Carbon-nanotube arrays, yarns, films and composites, and the methods for preparing the same are provided. The substrate used is non-flat and has a radius of curvature of at least about 10 ?m. The length of the carbon-nanotube yarns and films is at least about 1 cm. The method for preparing the carbon-nanotube composites includes the step of contacting a carbon-nanotube yarn or film with a polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane filter unit for liquid or gaseous media, comprising a bundle of capillary membranes which are open on at least one front surface side and which are cast in an area which is close to the end of the open membrane ends, in a sealing layer forming a hardened head part. The open membrane ends protrude on the outer side of the sealing layer. The sealing layer is arranged on a spacer element which has a layer which is penetrated by the capillary membranes and which is non-permeable in relation to the casting material which hardens in order to form the sealing layer. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a membrane filter unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for generating foam shapes that float in air having a container, a gas source, an aeration nozzle for aerating a gas from the gas source, an outlet, and a separator for separating extruded foam into individualized foam shapes.

Abstract: Improved fibrous structural reinforcements (16) for castable compositions (14) are provided and methods for making the same. In one implementation, the improved fibrous structural reinforcements rely 16) on an amorphous crystalline component (10), an isotactic crystalline component (12) and profiled terminal ends (20, 22) to improve flexural properties. The isotactic crystalline component (12) provides an initial strength to the fiber (16) and the amorphous crystalline component (10) provides a latent strength once the fiber (16) is subjected to tension and flexural input in the castable construct (14). The profiled terminal ends (20, 22) lock into a cured keyway (301) in the castable construct (14), thereby providing further enhancement to the tensile strength.

Abstract: A resilient wall base member manufactured with pre-scored grooves to allow relatively short, straight lengths to be used for both flat walls and wall corner junctures without on site scoring operations or equipment. The lengths can either be pre-cut during manufacturing to convenient lengths or can be cut after manufacturing from coils.

Abstract: A two part retaining ring is described that has a lower ring and an upper ring. The lower ring contacts a polishing surface during chemical mechanical polishing. The upper surface and the lower surface of the lower ring have thick and thin subportions to increase the flexibility of the lower ring.

Abstract: Air cargo pallets having polycarbonate and other polymer and synthetic cores are disclosed herein. An air cargo pallet configured in accordance with an embodiment includes a structural panel having a cargo support surface extending between opposing edge portions. The structural panel can include a polymeric core sandwiched between first and second facesheets. In one embodiment, the polymeric core can include a first piece of polymeric material attached to a second piece of polymeric material.

Abstract: A method for separating a portion of extruded material from the continuous strip leaving an extruder, consisting of passing in front of the extrusion nozzle a withdrawal device associated with at least one cutting member; said withdrawal device and said at least one cutting member are made to move independently of each other with velocities, in the sense of vectors, which differ from each other and differ in relation to the material portion separated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a synthetic resin core material having a substantially U-shaped cross section which is used in are extruded molding product for holding an opening portion of a vehicle body such as a door or a trunk of an automobile comprises the steps of extruding a synthetic resin to form a core material having a substantially U-shaped cross section, moving the U-shaped core material toward a cutting machine, rotating opposed rotors having blade-shaped portions in the cutting machine, and cutting and forming cut portions or cut slot portions on both lateral sides of the U-shaped core material.

Abstract: A compacted particulate polymer additive composition in a dry granular form formed from a substantially uniform mixture of the following components: (a) at least one particulate sterically-hindered phenolic compound; and (b) one or more particulate polymer additives other than a sterically-hindered phenolic compound; wherein the particles of said composition are held together in compacted dry granular form exclusively or substantially exclusively by contact with dried surfaces of in situ desolvated particles from particles of one or more at least partially solvated components of (a), and optionally by contact with dried surfaces of in situ desolvated particles from particles of one or more at least partially solvated components of (b). Compositions of this type except that there is no component (b) are also described.

Abstract: This specification discloses fiber additives for reinforcing matrix materials and an apparatus for forming the same, said fibers having flattened shanks terminated with egg-shaped nodules. The apparatus comprises a roller-former-cutter assembly that forms the fibers in a single operation from continuous filaments using compressive force and a unique cut-out and blade assembly. The fibers described are designed to have an increased pull-out resistance compared to other fiber morphologies.

Abstract: A composition is provided that, in one aspect, may be used in the production of sealing materials, such as gaskets. The composition includes a polytetraflouroethylene matrix and a Boron Nitride filler. In one aspect, the Boron Nitride filler may be provided as a hexagonal, close-packed, Boron Nitride filler that is homogeneously dispersed within the polytetraflouroethylene matrix. In at least one embodiment, the composition is formed by combining quantities of polytetraflouroethylene, Boron Nitride filler, hydrocarbon liquid, and solvent. The liquid and solvent may be removed through various processes prior to sintering the composition to form a full-density, Boron Nitride filled, polytetraflouroethylene matrix that exhibits improved sealability, greater resistance to permeation, and less color contamination.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing chopped rock fibers, such as basalt. A furnace is preferably used to melt rocks, and a drawing assembly is used to draw the melted rocks into fibers. Prior to chopping the fibers to selected lengths, a preconditioning assembly operates to induce mechanical defects in the drawn fibers. Preferably, the preconditioning assembly comprises a shock cooling stage and/or a fiber twisting stage. The shock cooling stage significantly reduces the temperature of the drawn fibers, such as by the application of a stream of fluid such as water or steam to the drawn fibers. Additionally or alternatively, the shock cooling stage preferably comprises a liquid coolant bath through which the drawn fibers pass. The fiber twisting stage preferably utilizes a twisting assembly such as a roller to induce a torsional force upon the drawn fibers to continuously twist the fibers about an axis thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a combined laminating, cutting and applying apparatus and method to manufacture time temperature indicator (TTI) labels for sensitive commodity items, wherein a chemical reaction occurs within the labels. The combined apparatus comprises a plurality of rollers withdrawing layers with chemicals that are being brought in contact by a presser. When the reactants are being pressed together, a temperature or time or both sensitive reaction starts between the layers. The label is being cut and immediately adhered on a commodity item that is also sensitive to time/temperature parameters so as to visually indicate the conditions to which the label had been exposed.

Abstract: A method for producing foam insulation board, the method comprising forming a foam product as part of a continuous process, and monitoring on-line the compressive strength of the foam product.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing a sound absorbing tile made from a slurry including, quick setting cement, water, fibers and foaming agent, the process including the steps of (i) mixing cementitious material, water, foaming agent but without incorporation of prefabricated foam with fibers into a slurry; subsequently; (ii) injecting and distributing air into the slurry of step (i) to form a cellular slurry; subsequently; (iii) forming tiles or precursor products of tiles from the cellular slurry; and finally; (iv) allowing the cellular slurry to set into the desired tile or a precursor thereof.