Abstract: The invention relates to a preform for a carbon-carbon composite. The preform comprises a consolidated stack of two or more two-dimensional fibre layers having between the layers a carbon nanotube and/or nanofibre network. Carbon-carbon composites made from the preform have application in a wide range of fields, e.g. as friction discs in braking systems, especially aircraft braking systems.

Abstract: A method of producing an embedded recycled container sheet includes: (a) providing a plurality of empty recycled plastic containers; (b) flattening the plurality of empty recycled plastic containers to reduce their width by at least 80%; (c) providing a base substrate of plastic; (d) placing the plurality of flattened, empty recycled plastic containers on the base substrate; and, (e) applying a molten top layer of plastic on the plurality of flattened, empty recycled plastic containers and on the base substrate, and cooling the molten top layer, so as to embed the plurality of empty recycled plastic containers between the top layer and the base substrate. A method of producing product from the resulting sheet involves creating the product using a processing step selected from the group consisting of molding, casting, cutting, machining, and combinations of these.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for constructing a filter element, having enhanced structural capabilities, through use of a molded end cap having first and second foam portions of differing physical properties meeting at a common juncture of the first and second foam portions and simultaneously cured with one another.

Abstract: There is described a closure for a sealed container of a pourable food product, comprising a pouring spout defining a pour opening externally closed by a cover portion, a cap fitted to the pouring spout in a removable way, an opening member interposed between the cap and the cover portion of the pouring spout and joined to the cover portion, and a driving mechanism carried by the cap to engage and pull the opening member along a direction transversal thereto upon removal of the cap from the pouring spout so as to detach the cover portion from the neck portion and free the pour opening when the closure is first unsealed by the user.

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: An optical waveguide includes a layer A and a plurality of cores enclosed in a cladding. During production of the optical waveguide, a layered film including alternate layers of a core layer and a cladding layer is cut so as to form a groove that penetrates through the layered film in a thickness direction and so as to form a plurality of core portions, and the layer A is provided so as to partially fill the groove depthwise and so as to maintain spacing between the plurality of core portions before the core portions is enclosed by the cladding.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a weighted mounting platform, the method including: of a first injection moldable material, injection molding a substantially rigid body structure further comprising a substantially central hub with a plurality of legs projecting therefrom and an enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs distal from the hub; of a second injection moldable material, injection molding a flexible skin covering at least a portion of the body structure between each enlarged mass and the central hub; and subsequent to the injection molding a flexible skin, freeing the enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs for motion relative to the central hub.

Abstract: A guiding catheter for use in coronary angioplasty and other cardiovascular interventions which incorporates a plurality of segment of selected flexural modulus in the shaft of the device. The segments which have a different flexibility than the sections immediately proximal and distal to them, creating zones in the catheter shaft which are either more or less flexible than other zones of the shaft. The flexibility and length of the shaft in a given zone is then matched to its clinical function and role. A mid-shaft zone is significantly softer than a proximal shaft or distal secondary curve to better traverse the aortic arch shape without storing too much energy. A secondary zone section is designed to have maximum stiffness to provide optimum backup support and stability.

Abstract: A magnetic water activator resistant to corrosion such as rusting while soft on the outside, and exhibiting excellent portability also from the view point of a profile. The magnetic water activator comprises a pair of magnetic circuit constituting members formed of a high magnetic permeability material and forming a partial annular shape in which one end of each member is coupled to each other rotatably with each recess side facing each other, a permanent magnet arranged along the recess side of each magnetic circuit constituting member, and a substantially annular elastic resin shell partially provided with a slit extending in the radial direction, and internally burying and holding the magnetic circuit constituting member and the permanent magnet in an airtight state.

Abstract: A method of making drainage elements from recycled thermoplastic plastics materials comprising the steps of: providing chopped waste plastics to a screw extruder having a screw. In the extruder, the waste is compressed and delivered to a twin-plate agglomerator. One plate is closely adjacent to, and rotates with respect to, the other plate. Between the plates the waste plastics is agglomerated and the mechanical energy imparted by the extruder screw and plates heats the plastics material to about the melting point of the thermoplastic material. Hot noodles of melted plastics material extrudes from an outlet of the plates. The noodles are conveyed to a chute of a compactor funnel which has an outlet disposed closely above an output conveyor belt.

Abstract: A toothed belt connector for making an endless belt has two leaves, adapted to be connected to each other by knuckles along one or more teeth. Each knuckle has at least one hole extending through tooth portions so that when the holes are in registry, a pin can be extended through the holes to connect the leaves at the teeth. The leaves can be adjoined to the ends of a belt to make the belt endless. The tip end of each knuckle can be beveled or it can have a stepped finger that fits into a cutout on the opposite leaf to keep the end of the knuckle from protruding as the belt wraps around a sprocket.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laminated molding having high strength and reduced possibility of layer separation, a multiaxially reinforced laminated molding capable of reducing the production time and the production cost, and a method for producing the same. A multiaxially reinforced laminated molding (F) is formed of fiber-reinforced layers (SR1 to SR3), each including reinforcing fiber sheets stacked on top of each other such that reinforcing fibers of the reinforcing fiber sheets are oriented in three axial directions. Resin layers (TP1 and TP2) are disposed among the fiber-reinforced layers. The resin layers (TP1 and TP2) are formed of many particles of a thermoplastic resin material that are substantially uniformly distributed and heat-sealed together. The distributed thermoplastic resin material is adhered to the adjacent fiber-reinforced layer through heat-sealing.

Abstract: A cap is formed within the flash of a molded polymeric article. Desirably, the material of the flash, and hence the cap, has the same properties as the molded article. In one embodiment, the molded article is a multi-layer plastic fuel tank having a vapor barrier layer sandwiched between structural and/or adhesive layers and the cap has the same general construction and may be fixed or welded to the fuel tank over an opening through the tank. Advantageously, the cap is formed in the same process used to form the molded article and reduces the scrap or waste material by utilizing a portion of the flash which is removed from the molded article after it is formed. Therefore, the cost and time to produce a molded article and one or more caps is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for partitioning the plastic parisons to give at least one semifinished open-surface product (6), where the device encompasses at least one means of partitioning (3) the plastic parison and one means of drive (2). The means of drive may be composed of one, but preferably of two, driven rolls. It has been found that use of the device of the invention can reduce or prevent the production of creasing and irregularity at the margins, i.e. at the cut edges, of the partitioned parisons, i.e. of the resultant semifinished sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing composite ring frames for aeronautical fuselages by means of the application of the RTM technology to two preforms with C- and L-shaped sections manufactured using two tools (21, 55) in the following steps: providing the material; hot-forming planar rectangular laminates (41); hot-forming laminates of right angle section (51) on one part of right angle section of the first tool (21), placing an elastic membrane (55) and applying a temperature and vacuum cycle; hot-forming the preforms into a C shape (11) and L shape (13) on a second curved tool (55) by deforming said laminates of right angle section (51) thereon, and applying a temperature and vacuum cycle. The invention also relates to said tools (21, 55).

Abstract: In one embodiment or the present invention, a non-vinyl flooring is described comprising a flooring substrate having a non-vinyl composition comprising a terpolymer comprising ethylene, methyl acrylate and acrylic acid and a copolymer comprising ethylene and methacrylic acid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-vinyl flooring comprises a resilient non-vinyl floor tile comprising a non-vinyl composition comprising a terpolymer and a copolymer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the non-vinyl flooring comprises a resilient non-vinyl sheet flooring comprising a non-vinyl composition comprising a terpolymer and a copolymer. Methods for making the non-vinyl tile and non-vinyl sheet flooring are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the separation of a plastic clay strand (2), movable longitudinally of a transport passage (3), into green bodies (2a), having at least one notching device (1) for notching of the clay strand (2) and a cutting device for cutting the clay strand (2) in the notches, wherein the notching device (1) has notching strips (4) arranged on all sides of the transport passage (3). In order to improve the device with regard to the notching device (1), all notching strips (4) are mounted independently of one another and they are movable at the same time out of a release position into a notching position offset towards the middle axis (3a) of the transport passage (3), and back again.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing SMC components from an appropriately adapted amount of a fibrous reactive synthetic resin which is provided in the form of defined blanks of prepregs. The prepregs are placed in a defined position into a heated mold of a molding press, the heated resin/fiber mass is flow-molded in the closing mold to form the SMC component, said component is thermally cured and subsequently removed from the mold. Two different approaches are taken, one being intended for introducing the resin mass into the mold as multiple layers and the other for introducing the resin mass as a single layer.

Abstract: A submersible pump drop pipe and casing assembly and method of manufacture is disclosed. The drop pipe/casing has a seated connector and base. The seated connector has a first and second cylinder section, the first cylinder section being used to align and direct the base into the seated connector and to provide lateral strength to the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-dimensional laminate which can be used to make a rubber-based glove with improved transversal extensibility and elasticity, a method for the manufacture thereof, and said glove which is water-tight and also tight in relation to most household liquids. The inventive laminate defines an internal volume and comprises an internal support and at least one external rubber layer which adheres to said support. The internal support comprises an elastic non-woven structure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for assembling desired die-cuts from individual die-cut components. Each individual die-cut component may consist of films of various materials, diverse adhesive tapes, diverse foam materials, fabrics, metals and others. Individual die-cut components are assembled onto liners that function as carriers or platforms. The liners may be in individual panels or continuous rolls. Individual die-cut components are assembled onto the liner using computer controlled pick and place equipment with a high degree of accuracy and speed. The liner may consist of a film with controlled adhesive strength to maintain the x-y position of placed individual die-cut components. The die-cut comprising the liner and assembled die-cut components is then used for various purposes, such as holding two parts together, in the assembly of various products, such as cell phones.

Abstract: Methods of making fibrous materials are disclosed that include shearing a fiber source to provide a first fibrous material, and passing the first fibrous material through a first screen. Also, composites are disclosed that includes a fibrous material, a resin and a dye.

Abstract: A display module including a display panel, a chassis on a non-image-displaying surface of the display panel, and a double-sided tape between the display panel and the chassis, the double-sided tape including a foam layer, a top adhesive layer on an upper surface of the foam layer, and a first bottom adhesive layer on a lower surface of the foam layer.

Abstract: A method of making an article includes the steps of feeding fiber yarn, bundle or roving into a chopping device, chopping the fiber yarn, bundle or roving into fiber segments, texturizing the fiber segments, simultaneously introducing the fiber segments and a binder into a mold and molding the article.

Abstract: A soft plastic “origami” block comprised of an isosceles triangle shaped soft plastic first sheet on one surface of which two isosceles triangle shaped soft plastic second sheets are symmetrically arranged across a vertical bisector of a bottom side of the soft plastic first sheet, wherein outer edges of the soft plastic second sheets are melt fused to outer edges of the soft plastic first sheet, the outer surfaces of the two soft plastic second sheets and soft plastic first sheet form two tapered insert legs and the insides form tapered insert slots smaller than the insert legs, and the remaining not melt fused single sides of the two soft plastic second sheets and the soft plastic first sheet form an insert opening connecting to the insert slots and also an “origami” block assembly using the same.

Abstract: A container suitable for storing and transporting photomasks and including a container body, a cover, first and second cushions and left and right channels disposed in slots formed in the container body. In one embodiment, the container of this invention is formed in a one-piece design by rotomolding. The cover is subsequently separated from the body and machined so as to provide a slidingly sufficient seal and disposed therein.

Abstract: A method of making a helmet comprises the steps of cutting a plurality of substantially rectangular, preferably square, blanks from a sheet of resin-impregnated fabric, making curved cuts (1) in each blank to form a crown portion (5) and lobe portions (3) therefrom, arranging a stack of said sheets into a helmet preform such that the lobe portions of any blank partially overlap adjacent lobe portions of the same blank, and molding the helmet from the preform.

Abstract: A process is described for making gourd molds useful in the production of decorative ceramic and other articles which bear the textures of the gourd interior. Articles produced may also serve as models for use in the manufacture of production molds. Steps in making the gourd molds include selection, cutting, and removal of pulp; steps in using the gourd molds include treating with a release agent, casting, and removal of the gourd mold from the molded article.

Abstract: A frangible fiberglass insulation batt includes a frangible plane defined by a series of cuts in the batt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decorative panel cover and to a method of manufacturing a decorative panel cover. The invention provides a method of manufacturing a decorative panel comprising the steps of molding a first cover material to produce a first molded cover. Molding a second cover material to produce a second molded cover. A seam is formed when the first molded cover is attached to the second molded cover. In order to further enhance the aesthetic look of the decorative panel cover, topstitching is applied to one side of the seam.

Abstract: A closed ring fiber reinforced frame structure is produced by first preparing a prepreg. A section of the prepreg is formed into a flange preferably after impregnation by folding the flange section along a folding line. The folding line is formed by securing a deformable or drapable fiber ribbon material, for example by sewing or stitching to a carrier substrate which is preferably also a fiber material. The sewing seam or stitching line becomes the folding line. The ribbon material is so secured to the carrier substrate that the fiber orientation of the ribbon material is uniformly distributed all around a ring component that is formed of the ribbon material on the substrate. The impregnated ring component with its substrate is then cured after the folding of the flange to complete the ring frame structure.

Abstract: A frangible fiberglass insulation batt includes a pair of fiberglass strips arranged to lie in side-by-side relation to one another and a frangible polymerized binder bridge spanning a gap between the fiberglass strips and retaining the fiberglass strips in side-by-side relation. To produce such a batt, a stream of uncured fiberglass insulation is cut along its length to form two side-by-side fiberglass strips and then passed through a curing oven to cause heat generated in the oven to polymerize (cure) binder associated with the strips in the gap to form the frangible polymerized binder bridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing hollow plastic articles, encompassing the following steps: a) producing a tubular plastic parison on a blow molding plant or coextrusion blow molding plant b) cutting open the extruded or coextruded plastic parison to give at least one semifinished open-surface product c) thermoforming the resultant semifinished open-surface product to give half-shells d) welding the thermoformed half-shells to give a hollow article.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing hollow plastic bodies, especially motor-vehicle fuel tanks, from an extruded parison of closed cross section, in which at least one cut is made in the parison which is then formed by molding.

Abstract: Polymeric films including a layer of propylene polymer resin having microvoids therein, the microvoids having been formed by stretching a web containing the beta-form of polypropylene, have shown low static cling when being unwound from rolls in labelling operations and also during destacking of pre-formed labels. The invention provides labels formed from such films.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank from two shells formed by molding, which are joined together, at least one shell being produced by compression-molding a portion of a plastic sheet between a mold and a punch and by the remaining portion of the sheet being blow-molded in the region not compression-molded.

Abstract: A handled container includes: a container body formed by blow molding in a blow mold and having an inwardly depressed portion in a bottom portion; a carrying handle formed integrally with the container body by blow molding at a position corresponding to the depressed portion in the blow mold; and an insertion space formed between the handle and the bottom of the container body for inserting two or more fingers. The container body has a ground-contact portion which has a continuous shape and is formed in an outer periphery of the bottom portion; the depressed portion is formed by depressing the bottom portion of the container body inwardly from the ground-contact portion; and the handle is formed to be positioned inwardly from the ground-contact portion within the depressed portion of the container body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a silicon balloon catheter in which a first tube having its outer diameter slightly smaller than that of a desired catheter is formed by an extruding method, mold lubricant is coated at a portion of a balloon injection opening, a thin film type second tube is formed at the coated outer surface of the first tube by a second extruding, and then the catheter is vulcanized and cut. As a result, when liquid is injected to an expansion tube, the second tube is separated from the first tube, thereby performing a function as a balloon.

Abstract: Decorative surface material having a decorative pattern in which a combination of domains of varying sizes and colors are defined by shading variations at the interfaces of adjoining domains, the decorative pattern being provided by a process in which a flowable thermosettable molding formulation having orientable particles mixed therein is divided into fragments which are mixed together, the mixture is fed into a hot mold and pressure is applied to form the solid surface material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a studless tire excellent in performance on ice and snow in which digging friction is improved without losing adhesion friction. The studless tire has a tread comprising specific short fiber or plate-like material dispersed in diene rubber so as to be oriented in the tread thickness direction, wherein when measured at 25° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic rubber ring comprises: providing an unvulcanized rubber containing rubber materials and magnetic powers; using an extruding machine to extrude the unvulcanized rubber into a rubber band having a nearly round cross section; cutting the rubber band into a strip of rubber band of a predetermined length; forming a rubber band ring by joining opposite ends of the strip of rubber band together, wherein the opposite ends of the strip of rubber band have respective meeting slanted faces cut at a predetermined angle such that a joint of the rubber band ring obtained by joining the opposite ends of the strip of rubber band become thinner in a direction of compression when the rubber band ring is compressed in a direction of its center line; and compressing the rubber band ring under applied heating in the direction of the center line.

Abstract: An air bag door construction in which the air bag develops smoothly and securely, the skin can be easily produced. The skin is formed by a mold including an endless and annular wall provided on a molding surface to be inclined relative to the molding surface. A groove portion of the skin formed by the wall is cut at a bottom portion to separate the skin into a general portion and a door portion which are made flush with each other. When the surfaces of the general portion and the door portion are flush the gap between the general portion and the door portion can be narrowed, and gap on the surface is narrowed. When the skin is disposed in the mold for foam forming, the skin can position the general portion and the door portion in the desired position easily, and will not scatter a skin chip in the development of the air bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a mineral fiber comprising one or more shaped cavities and a mineral fiber panel prepared by the method and an apparatus for preparing mineral fiber panels comprising one or more shaped cavities. Furthermore the invention relates to uses of the mineral fiber panel comprising one or more shaped cavities.

Abstract: A method of forming a resin composite part utilizing a mold surface for mitigating post-cure machining of the resin composite part. The method provides for forming a resin preform having a peripheral geometry similarly sized and configured as a configuration of the mold surface. The mold surface is sized and configured to receive the resin preform. The resin preform is then cured to form the resin composite part with the resin composite part being confirmed to the configuration of the mold surface for mitigating post-cure machining of the resin composite part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and design of a fusion welded pipe wherein the effects of an inner bead of the fusion weld are minimized. The internal shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured in several different shapes so that the beads or lips produced by the fusion welding process are unobtrusive and do not interfere with the function of the pipe. In a likewise manner, the outer shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured so that the lips are unobtrusive on the external surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A debris-catching system for preventing debris from falling into the pipe opening at the bottom of a manhole catch basin. The debris-catcher comprises two semi-circular halves hinged together such that the two halves may be folded and inserted into a manhole opening. The debris-catcher comprises aligned apertures that allow it to be hooked and lowered into a manhole. The two halves are opened up to form a circular blocker which sets on the manhole bottom flat base. The debris-catcher allows normal effluent flow through the manhole while in place. The debris-catcher floats and will do so during an overflow condition. Further, the debris-catcher will resume its protective function after an overflow condition has subsided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing balloon catheters, and the catheters manufactured thereby. In accordance with the method, a workpiece comprising a tube-within-a-tube is placed within a mold, and a first region of the outer tube is distended into contact with the mold to form a seamless balloon of a desired configuration. The distension of the first region of the outer tube may be facilitated by electron beam irradiation, heating and/or longitudinal drawing of the workpiece concurrently with the introduction of a pressurized fluid into the space between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube so as to exert the required outwardly distending pressure against the first region of the outer tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stiffening a panel provides a composite waffle stiffener and the method for constructing the stiffener. A plurality of fabric plies pre-cut to a selected pattern are laid on a tool having a waffle configuration, the plies overlapping each other to maintain continuity of the structure. The resulting waffle stiffener is then bonded to a panel requiring stiffening. The stiffener is flexible and may be bonded to curved panels. Holes in the stiffener allow access to the volume between the stiffener and the panel for minimizing volume loss within, for example, a wing structure containing fuel and for ventilating air or moisture trapped in the volume.

Abstract: A composite structural element (10) includes one or more tyre tread portions (16) encapsulated in a casing (14) preferably formed from a settable liquid, and being of a rigidity sufficient for said tread portions (16) to be held substantially straight by the casing and is adhesively engaged with the tread portions. The method of forming the composite structural element (10) includes removing the tread portion from a tyre, cutting the thread portion at least once across its tread, forming or holding the cut tread portion substantially straight, encapsulating the straightened tread portion in a settable liquid, and allowing or causing the settable liquid to set to form the casing with the straightened tread portion encased therein.