Abstract: A system for sequential circumferential deposition of thermoplastic composite prepreg material to layer plies of prepreg tape, allowing the continuous processing of tubular shapes and rods, comprising a floating mandrel; a first heatable folding shoe configured to heat and wrap a first prepreg tape onto the floating mandrel; a first forming tube configured to heat and pultrude the first prepreg tape so as to form a first layer ply of prepreg tape on the floating mandrel; a second heatable folding shoe configured to heat and wrap a second prepreg tape onto the first layer ply of prepreg tape on the floating mandrel; a second forming tube configured to heat and pultrude the second prepreg tape so as to form a second layer ply of prepreg tape over the first layer ply of prepreg tape on the floating mandrel.

Abstract: A retaining device includes an elastic film extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plastics tape extending in the longitudinal direction having a base presenting a bottom face and a top face and including a plurality of retaining elements extending from the top face, the device being characterized in that the film, the base, and the retaining elements are formed integrally by extrusion.

Abstract: A method, apparatus for making, and a retroreflective traffic sign consists of a polymeric film having a front face and a rear face, wherein the rear face has a pattern of microprismatic retroreflective elements integrally formed as part of said film; a pattern of cell walls formed of an adhesive-containing polymer defining cells in which the microprismatic retroreflective elements are in the cells; and a substrate is adhered directly to the cell walls formed of the adhesive-containing polymer while leaving an air gap between the microprismatic retroreflective elements and the substrate in the cells.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic product including a support (30) having protruding stem parts (36) having at their free ends head parts (38) with a wider diameter compared with the stem parts (36). The stem parts and the head parts are formed in cavities (16) of a moulding screen (12) that are formed, on their sides facing away from the support (30) in a shaping zone of the moulding screen (12). The shaping zone is sealed off from the environment by a counter-face (20) such that a predefinable amount of air enclosed in the shaping zone exerts a counter-pressure on the plastic material introduced into the respective cavity (16) of the shaping zone to support the shaping process.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strap for mechanical fasteners has a series of hooks integrally formed on the strap, with each hook formed by a polygonal shape situated on top of an axis of a single stem, thereby forming a mushroom type hook having a polygonal head portion on the axis of the single stem, with protruding portions in substantially every direction for engaging fabric loops of a loop strap.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing and transferring a larger-sized graphene layer. A method of transferring a larger-sized graphene layer may include forming a graphene layer, a protection layer, and an adhesive layer on a substrate and removing the substrate. The graphene layer may be disposed on a transferring substrate by sliding the graphene layer onto the transferring substrate.

Abstract: An article, including disposable articles and durable articles, includes one or more shaped thermoplastic members, which can be at least partially impregnated into one or more fibrous substrates forming a composite material of the article having regions of breathability, elasticity, and/or stiffening to provide desired functions of the article. The shaped thermoplastic members have a profiled thickness and/or basis weight providing variation in material properties. A percent variation of the profiled thickness of the thermoplastic member can vary from about 5% to about 95%. A process for manufacturing the composite material of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, used for allowing a work insert to be pushed out of the work station laterally relative to the production direction, a chain guide be movable vertically to the tool insert.

Abstract: A drapery support assembly includes a head rail having a backing with an upper flange, lower flange and a channel slide holder. The backing, flanges and channel slide holder are integrally formed as the body of the head rail. The assembly includes a channel formed lengthwise within the channel slide holder of the body, and a plurality of channel slides laterally movable within the channel, the channel slides being configured to be attached to drapery hooks for supporting a drapery thereon.

Abstract: A separator spline formed of a foamed, halogen-free polymeric material for separating twisted pairs of conductors is described. The isolator may take the shape of an “X”, a +, a rod, a star configuration, a tube or a flat rectangular shape, with the isolator separating twisted pairs of conductors. In the case of the “X”-shape, the twisted pairs are separated by the arms of the X. The halogen-free polymeric material is preferably selected from a resin selected from the group of polyetherimide (PEI), polyetherimide/polysiloxane copolymer, elastomer-modified-polyphenylene-ether blend, and combinations thereof. The isolator and twisted pairs are preferably part of a communication cable and being covered with a sheath.

Abstract: A method of making scrolls is provided that includes providing a tape having a first side and second side wherein the first side of the tape is has an adhesive disposed thereon and the second side of the tape has a release coating disposed thereon, affixing the adhesive to a solid surface, buff-coating exfoliatable particles on the release side of the tape to form a coating; and peeling the tape from the solid surface at an angle. The coating separates from the release side of the tape and curls inwards to form scrolls. The scrolls can include graphite. Also provided is a continuous method of making scrolls and an apparatus.

Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first electroformed unipolar plate disposed adjacent a second electroformed unipolar plate. The first and second unipolar plates are bonded by a plurality of localized electrically and thermally conductive plugs by electroplated material deposited within apertures formed in the substrates onto which the unipolar plates are electroformed. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank of plastic with a multilayered tank wall comprising at least one inner layer of thermoplastic material and at least one outer layer of a fibre composite material. The inner layer and the outer layer are connected to each other by a material bond.

Abstract: A preventative maintenance method of strengthening the connection between high pressure, in situ piping. An encapsulation mold is installed over a properly functioning, non-leaking coupling or joint interconnecting pipe sections carrying gas in excess of 60 psi. A resin sealant having tensile strength in excess of 3000 psi fills the mold, so that it circumscribes the coupling and adjacent portions of the pipe sections extending from the coupling, forming a permanent bond to the coupling and pipe sections. The method prevents high pressure pipe connection pullout, which otherwise could lead to catastrophic failure.

Abstract: A prefabricated column wrap assembly for wrapping around a column having a external surface with a predefined shape comprises a polymer form comprising (i) a internal surface having an internal shape that matches the predefined shape of the external surface of the column, and (ii) two opposing laminar edges. A fastening assembly can be provided for fastening the two opposing laminar edges of the polymer form around the column.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus of manufacturing high quality large area graphene in large quantities. The method includes placing a supporting belt, on which a catalyst layer is loaded, into a chamber; increasing a temperature of the catalyst layer by injecting a carbon source into the chamber; forming graphene on the catalyst layer by cooling the catalyst layer; and taking out the supporting belt, on which the catalyst layer, on which the graphene is formed, is loaded, from the chamber to an outside, wherein a ratio between a melting point of the supporting belt and a maximum temperature Tmax of the catalyst metal layer that the catalyst layer is heated in the chamber is equal to or less than 0.6.

Abstract: A paver may include a paver body and at least two slots running through the paver body from one side to another side. The slots may be parallel to an upper surface of the paver body. The slots further may be aligned according to the paver's orientation in a larger paver pattern such that, when multiple pavers are assembled according to the pattern, the slots of individual pavers cooperate to generate extended channels throughout the pattern. Thus, the principles of the present invention permit manufacturers to assemble paver mats made of a plurality of the pavers weaved together by a plurality of fastening cables that fit within one or more extended channels. In one embodiment, a core puller may be used to create slots in the paver body.

Abstract: A disposable assembly for use with a sensor assembly, the disposable comprising a body, a flow restricting element, and a fluid pressure membrane. The body has a lid portion and a base portion. The body defines a fluid flow passage that forms an inlet and an outlet. The flow restricting element is positioned in the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid pressure membrane is disposed along the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid pressure membrane is located between the lid portion and the base portion of the body.

Abstract: An EAS marker includes a rigid bottom piece of molded plastic having the shape of an open rectangular box. An elongated resonator is disposed in the bottom piece, the resonator being bowed downwardly about its longitudinal axis. A rigid separator of molded plastic is positioned over the open top of the bottom piece, thereby loosely encasing the resonator in the bottom piece. The method of making the EAS marker is preferably automated, with the top piece, the bottom piece and the separator being manufactured by rotary extrusion molding as part of a continuous web. The various continuous webs are automatically laminated to one another at nips between pairs of rollers.

Abstract: Direct-write techniques are provided for the high speed (up to millimeter per second) and continuous fabrication of elongated nanostructures such as nanofibers. The nanofibers may be of an ionic solid, a hydrated salt, a molecular solid, or aggregated colloidal particles such as semiconductor particles. The nanofibers may also be converted to other forms.

Abstract: A single or multiple lumen catheter is disclosed which includes an expandable lumen. The expandable lumen is movable from a collapsed or sealed configuration to an open or expanded configuration. In the open configuration, the expandable lumen is dimensioned to receive a guidewire or stylet or facilitate the introduction of fluids into a patient.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including a die and a mask are provided such that no slots feed directly into the longitudinal skin forming gap between the mask and the die. In a method of forming a die adapted to improve skin uniformity of extruded cellular ceramic substrates a slotted block of die material is provided including central slots adapted to form a cellular matrix of the substrate and peripheral slots located outwardly of the central slots designed to be covered by a skin former mask and adapted to extrude peripheral batch material. An arcuate skin former is cut corresponding to a target shrinkage so as to intersect the slotted block such that skin flow from tangent slots at 90 degree positions of the die is limited to the peripheral batch material.

Abstract: A method produces a supporting web made of a predeterminable amount of plastic material having a multitude of molded elements molded inside mold cavities (12) of a forming tool (5). While applying a negative pressure at least in one portion of the cavities (12), enough plastic material is always applied to the mold wall (13) of the respective mold cavity to form a cavity (22) inside the molded element. A supporting web has a multitude of molded elements produced by using this method.

Abstract: Rigid substrates having molded fastener projections, and methods of making the same are disclosed. A substrate has a beam stiffness, measured as a product of an overall moment of inertia of a nominal transverse cross-section and an effective modulus of elasticity of a material from which the substrate is made, that is greater than about 200 lb-in2 (0.574 N-m2). In situ lamination of hook, bands or islands on surfaces of a rigid substrate held in a planar orientation or presenting a planar surface.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate-supported process for continuous and automated manufacturing of microfibrous fuel cells and other electrochemical cells. Specifically, a removable substrate layer is formed around an inner current collector, followed by sequentially coating multiple structure layers, such as the inner catalyst layer, the membrane separator, and the outer catalyst layer, over such removable substrate layer, and subsequent removing such removable substrate layer, so as to form a lumen around the inner current collector, to allow passage of fluid therethrough. The removable substrate layer preferably comprises a water-soluble polymer, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Abstract: An in-mold reprint manufacturing system for thin film texture includes a texture reprint device having a first mold and a second mold and an injection molding machine having a foil feeder, a foil feeder rewinder, a cavity moving plate, and a core fastening plate. The first mold and the second mold of the texture reprint device are pressed onto a thin film to generate a texture on the thin film. The foil feeder and the foil feeder rewinder continuously make the thin film with the texture pass through the core fastening plate. The cavity moving plate has a repeated movement to the core fastening plate to produce a product with the texture by the injection molding way. An in-mold reprint manufacturing method for thin film texture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for mass production manufacturing of micro-mirrored balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches, etc. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. The mass production process utilizes laminate sheets containing reflective material, assembly rollers, and extrusion and die rollers. The micro-mirrored balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10?6 m) to 1 mm (10?3 m), and in one form are transparent in at least one hemisphere with a reflecting mid-plane mirror. In other forms the micro-balls vary in geometry from cylinders to oblate ellipsoids to disks. The term “elements” is used to encompass all these shapes, which have one thing in common—a flat specularly reflecting mirrored surface. These elements can track the light source, and aim and focus the reflected light.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a process for producing clear plastic films comprises creating a high resolution digital art file having a rendering of an image, wherein the image has one or more fill areas and one or more borders composed of a series of vector lines, lines, dots, or marks representing cutting paths of various depths or heights. The image from the art file is assigned depths or heights and converted into a relief file, and subsequently engraved into a die such that the die has one or more engraved paths creating a topography mirroring that of the image in the art file or relief file. A film is then extruded with the image from the die being infused into the film as it is extruded. The resulting film includes one or more engraved paths or lines making up the image, the paths or lines having a maximum depths or heights equal to, and/or greater than one third of the thickness of the film.

Abstract: A sol-gel process for the manufacture of moulds for use in photocatalysis. The process also relates to industrial pultrusion, extrusion and moulding processes in which use of moulds manufactured using the sol-gel process. The process provides for the provision of a sol which is gelled, drying of the gel with solvent extraction and then densification/sintering of the gel by heating with the formation of a transparent mould having a glassy consistency which is capable of permitting the passage of UV rays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing an embossed shrink film having one or more embossed devices such as optical devices, optical lenses, holographic images, holographic textures, static images, textured patterns, and graphical text. An embossing tool is provided having a raised image corresponding to the embossed device and a film is embossed by extruding the film across the embossing tool to form the embossed devices in the film. The embossed film is tentered, proportionally stretching the embossed devices along with the film. The tentered film is stored for subsequent forming into a sleeve of film that can be placed about a product and shrunk by heating to form a contoured shrink film on the product, the film retaining the embossed devices in proportion to the shrinkage of the film.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing a solid filament from a liquid in a vacuum chamber, comprising the following steps: a gas is liquefied in a heat exchanger apparatus to produce the liquid; and the liquid is delivered into the vacuum chamber via a supply duct and through a nozzle. Liquefying of the gas in the heat exchanger apparatus encompasses adjusting a p-T operating point of the liquid at which the liquid is transformed into the solid aggregate state and forms a collimated and stable jet after being discharged from the nozzle into the vacuum chamber. Also disclosed are nozzle arrangements for producing solid filaments in a vacuum.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a three dimensional emblem is disclosed. An indentation is formed in the back surface of a piece of transparent material. Multiple colors are printed to form a pattern or emblem in the indentation. After printing, the indentation is filled with resin to make the back surface of the piece of transparent material flat. A second indentation is then formed in the filled indentation. When the front surface of the transparent material is viewed, the emblem appears as a three dimensional emblem. Since the emblem is under the front surface of the transparent material, the three dimensional emblem is protected and cannot be inadvertently dislodged from the transparent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate-supported process for continuous and automated manufacturing of microfibrous fuel cells and other electrochemical cells. Specifically, a removable substrate layer is formed around an inner current collector, followed by sequentially coating multiple structure layers, such as the inner catalyst layer, the membrane separator, and the outer catalyst layer, over such removable substrate layer, and subsequent removing such removable substrate layer, so as to form a lumen around the inner current collector, to allow passage of fluid therethrough. The removable substrate layer preferably comprises a water-soluble polymer, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Abstract: A process for the production of catalyst coated membranes, especially catalyst coated membranes for use in fuel cells, that includes applying followed by drying of an electrocatalyst coating composition, a polymeric dispersion and a second electrocatalyst coating composition onto the surface of a temporary substrate, followed by separation of the temporary substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a universal coating for a medical device comprising a medical device component, the medical device component having an outer surface and an inner surface, the universal coating applied to at least the outer surface or the inner surface of the medical device component, wherein the coating is made from a material selected from the group consisting of diamond, diamond-like, borosilicate glass, carbides and nitrides. The medical device can further be a smart medical device by incorporating a sensor placed capable of measuring chemical and/or electrical conditions. A method of applying the coating inside complicated 3D structures without the need for bonding diamond to diamond or DLC to DLC layers is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an article, such as a blow-molded bottle, formed from a polymer blend composition. In one aspect, the article is formed by blow-molding techniques. In one aspect, the article is a blow-molded container having a Bruceton Mean Drop Height of 3.8 feet or above. In another aspect, the article is a blow-molded container having a volume of 60 fluid ounces or greater. In general, the polymer blend composition comprises polypropylene and an impact modifier of metallocene-produced very low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene. In one embodiment, the polypropylene polymer comprises a random copolymer. In one embodiment the metallocene-catalyzed linear very low density polyethylene polymer has one or more of the following: (a) a density of less than 0.916 g/cm3, (b) a composition distribution breadth index of 50 to 85% by weight, (c) a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of 2.0 to 3.0, (d) a molecular weight distribution Mz/Mw of less than 2.

Abstract: A non-slip, nocoat drywall finishing system for finishing inside and outside corners of any angle, the finishing system being a pre-formed, continuously extruded trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that can be relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge. An outer finishing layer of fibrous material that directly receives paint or texture. A pattern of protrusions, ridges, or grooves on the inner surface of the semi-rigid member to avoid the need for an inner material layer. To install one of the pieces, it is selected from stock and cut to length. A flat coat of mud is applied to both sides of an exterior or interior angle, and the trim piece is placed over the mud and smoothed into place. Once, the piece is in place, the edges are feathered once with a small amount of mud and a wide blade. At that point the corner is complete except for drying.

Abstract: Polymer blends that exhibit good impact resistance comprise a crystalline polypropylene matrix and a partly crystalline copolymer impact modifier with a molecular weight lower than that of the matrix polymer. The matrix polymer can comprise any crystalline propylene homo- or copolymer. The impact modifying copolymers are characterized as comprising at least about 60 weight percent (wt %) of units derived from propylene and, in certain embodiments, as having at least one, preferably two or more, of the following properties: (i) 13C NMR peaks corresponding to a regio-error at about 14.6 and about 15.7 ppm, the peaks of about equal intensity, (ii) a B-value greater than about 1.4 when the comonomer content of the copolymer is at least about 3 wt %, (iii) a skewness index, Six, greater than about ?1.

Abstract: A method of making a fastener product having discrete regions of fastener element stems extending from a strip-form base includes providing a gap formed along a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, the mold roll having a plurality of cavities exposed about the peripheral surface. A sleeve is introduced to the gap. The sleeve is positioned about the mold roll and covers selected cavities. Molten resin is introduced to the gap such that the resin forms at least a part of the strip-form base of the product at the peripheral mold roll surface and at least partially fills a plurality of the cavities to form fastener element stems as projections extending from the strip-form base, while the resin remains blocked from said selected ones by the sleeve. The resin is solidified and stripped from the peripheral surface of the mold roll by pulling the projections from their respective cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous and nondestructive production of plastic panels which are provided with undercut anchoring studs, web profiles or other forms of attachment (28) on one or both surfaces comprises a temperature-controlled chill roll (11), which has peripheral cooling bores (15) in the roll body (17). The roll body (17) is formed at the circumference as a polygon with flat supporting surfaces (25), against which the molding/demolding strips (13) are placed or from which they are lifted. The molding/demolding strips (13) are moved by means of piston/cylinder arrangements (16) and piston rods (18). The piston rods (18) move through transverse bores through the roll body (17). The melt is filled into molds (27) of the molding/demolding strips (13) by the counterpressure between the shaping roll (11) and a counterroll (10) and is cooled down. During the filling of the molds (27), the molding/demolding strips (13) are pressed against the flat faces of the roll body (17).

Abstract: A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.

Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and apparatus for mechanically embossing a surface covering. The apparatus includes an embossing tool comprising a slurry. The slurry includes both a filler and binder. The method includes printing a slurry onto a surface covering and compressing the slurry onto the surface covering to create a mechanically embossed texture onto the surface covering.

Abstract: The manufactured product obtained by pultrusion and made from composite material having phenolic resin-based matrix in at least one portion thereof has a cellulose-based coating.

Abstract: A process for the production of catalyst coated membranes, especially catalyst coated membranes for use in fuel cells, that includes applying followed by drying of an electrocatalyst coating composition, a polymeric disopersion and a second electrocatalyst coating composition onto the surface of a temporary substrate, followed by separation of the temporary substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for fabricating polymeric hollow fibers. Specifically, a removable solid core fiber is provided for coating one or more layers of a polymeric membrane-forming material thereon. After treating the polymeric membrane-forming material layer to form a solidified polymeric membrane having a permanent tubular shape, the solid core fiber is selectively removed, leaving an elongated lumen inside the solidified polymeric membrane, which forms a high quality polymeric hollow fiber that is substantially free of deformation defects. The solid core fiber can be made of a removable substrate material, such as water-soluble polymers polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or polyethylene glycol (PEG), which are subsequently and selectively removable by water. Alternatively, the solid core fiber can be coated with a removable substrate material, which imparts removability to such solid core fiber.

Abstract: A liquid sorbent material is made from a blend of fibrous component and plastic-containing bonding fibers. The fibrous component may be inorganic fibers, such as, scrap or virgin rotary fibers, organic fibers, or both. The plastic-containing bonding fibers may be bi-component thermoplastic polymer fibers, mono-component thermoplastic polymer fibers, thermoplastic-coated mineral fibers, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of marble conglomerate slabs, starting from marble sand and/or granulates, additivated with binders, of the kind comprising a step of mixing the raw materials, a step of placing the mixture on a conveyor belt or on moulds, an under vacuum vibro-compaction step and a following step of polymerisation of the binder, further comprising a step of placing a protective sheet on said conveyor belt or on the base of said moulds, before pouring the mixture, and on said mixture, said protective sheet being comprised of hydrosoluble plastic material in such a way to coat the mixture above and at the bottom before the vibro-compaction step, said hydrosoluble material sheet beeing automatically removed, after the binder polymerisation step, from the water of the slab finishing workings.