Abstract: Generally, in situ core/skin nonwoven materials may be produced from polymer melt filaments with collection in a heated collector. an in situ core/skin nonwoven material produced with heated collectors may have, at least, a core comprising a plurality of polymer melt filaments and a skin on at least one side of the core, which may advantageously translate to unique structural characteristics, properties, and applications not previously realized.

Abstract: A manufacturing method uses a solid coating die for applying an insulation varnish around a flat wire conductor. The die includes a die body and a die hole formed through the die body, into which the conductor is inserted. The die hole includes an entry portion having a cross section monotonically decreasing along a conductor insertion direction, and a coating portion including at least a sub-portion having a constant cross section. The cross section of the coating portion is a rectangle having four straight sides and four rounded corners. Each inner surface of each straight side has an inwardly projecting protrusion, a top contour of each protrusion being a circular arc, an elongated circular arc, an elliptical arc or a combination of these arcs, the maximum curvature of the top contour of each protrusion being larger than the maximum curvature of inner surface of the rounded corners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing storage-stable polyurethane prepregs and molding bodies produced therefrom (composite components), which can be obtained by a method using a polyurethane composition in solution and by impregnation of fibre-reinforced materials such as of woven fabrics and laid scrim using reactive polyurethane compositions.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is related to biopolymer and biocomposite materials and structures, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to oriented collagen based biocomposite materials and structures, and methods of making.

Abstract: A touch fastener strip includes a sheet-form material substrate having a front face, an array of fastener elements integrally molded with a resin base layer on the front face of the substrate and an array of discrete regions of resin (e.g., gripping elements) integrally molded with a resin base layer through apertures in the sheet-form material on the back face of the substrate. The array of fastener elements forms a discrete band of fastener elements extending longitudinally along the front face of the fastener strip, and the array of gripping elements forms a discrete band of gripping elements extending longitudinally along the back face of the fastener strip.

Abstract: Techniques for preparing PNCs are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer extruding device may include a barrel configured to accommodate a composite material, a shaft rotatably disposed in the barrel, and a motor coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft, thereby moving the composite material. The polymer extruding device may further include a die including one or more injectors configured to inject nano particles into the die to cause shear stress to be exerted to the composite material, thereby forming a layer of the nano particles on a surface of the composite material.

Abstract: Methods are described for activating a glass fiber or flake to participate in polymerizing a resin. The methods may include sizing the glass fiber or flake with a sizing composition that includes a solution containing a polymerization initiator, and activating the polymerization initiator by forming a free radical moiety on the polymerization initiator that can initiate the polymerization of the resin. Additional methods of making a glass reinforced composite are described. The methods may include sizing glass fibers or flakes with a sizing composition that includes a solution containing a polymerization initiator, forming a free radical moiety on the polymerization initiator to make activated glass fibers or flakes, and contacting the activated glass fibers or flakes with a polymer resin. The activated glass fibers or flakes initiate the polymerization of the resin around the glass fibers or flakes to form the glass reinforced composite.

Abstract: An extrusion-molding apparatus for a loose tube includes: an extrusion head that includes a tip and a die concentrically arranged therewithin and extrudes a tube between the tip and the die; a needle that feeds at least one optical fiber and filler to be filled around the optical fiber into the tube being extrusion-molded; and a cylindrical bundling member provided within the needle. The bundling member has a bundling hole being smaller than an inner diameter of the tube at a center thereof and into which the optical fiber can pass through, and a flow pass penetrating along a feeding direction of the filler between the bundling hole and an inner circumferential surface of the needle. In an extrusion molding method using the extrusion-molding apparatus, the optical fiber is passed through a bundling hole to be bundled at an almost center of the tube. In addition, filler is passed through a flow path to be filled around the optical fiber.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing a molded product. The process comprises the steps of: (i) dispensing a molding material on a first molding belt comprising a first polymer layer; (ii) contacting the molding material with a second molding belt comprising a second polymer layer; and (iii) shaping the molding material between the first molding belt and the second molding belt to produce the molded product. A system for producing a molded product is also described.

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: 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, 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: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

Abstract: Provided are (1) a method of producing a laminate that is based on an application mode in which the laminate is formed by one application process, by preparing a plurality of solutions by dissolving components for forming layers in solvents, laminating the plurality of solutions thus obtained, transferring the solutions onto a substrate, and drying the solutions, and (2) a laminate that can be produced by the production method. Specifically, provided are (a) a laminate having at least one pair of layers adjacent to each other, the laminate showing a detected peak having a full width at half maximum of 0.01 to 0.7 ?m at a depth where an interfacial region between the layers adjacent to each other exists in elemental quantitative analysis in its depth direction by a glow discharge optical emission spectrometry, and (b) a method of producing the laminate.

Abstract: A textured film, a process for manufacture of the textured film, and a light management stack, a backlight, and a display using the textured film are described. Generally, the surface texture of a polymeric film, such as a polymeric optical film, is controlled by incorporation of a fracturable coating that fractures upon stretching the film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite article is described that includes a step of impregnating a reinforcing fabric with a semi-aromatic polyester composition in the molten state, having a melt viscosity ? of 20 Pa·s to 200 Pa·s. The reinforcing fabric can be maintained at a temperature of plus or minus 50° C. relative to the melting temperature of the polyester.

Abstract: An escalator step has: a first surface (1) in a steppable area having a material with a coefficient of friction between 0.3 and 0.8 for increasing passenger stability. A bearing structure (2) of the first surface (1) supports the first surface (1); housing first connection devices (3) to drive systems (30). The step makes it easier to disassemble the components, reduce operating noise, improve the strength of the step and provide a skirting board that is more rigid against side loads.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming curved thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up are used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition according to the invention comprise those that facilitate continuously providing polymerizable composition comprising one or more monomers to an angled plane at an elevated position thereon; irradiating the polymerizable composition to form the partially polymerized composition; and continuously removing the partially polymerized composition from the angled plane at a lower position thereon, wherein the angle of the angled plane facilitates free flow of polymerizing composition from the elevated position to the lower position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreatment of slider layer for extruded handrails has a slider layer source, a means of conveying the slider layer to a heating module which subjects the slider layer to an elevated temperature for a residence time, and a means of conveying the slider layer to an extrusion die head. One or more control feeders may be implemented for maintaining portions of the slider layer in a substantially tension-free loop as the slider layer is conveyed from the slider layer source to the extrusion die head. A cooling zone may be included to ensure adequate cooling between the heating module and the extrusion die head. Means for reducing heat transfer between the extrusion die head and the slider layer is also provided.

Abstract: A co-extrusion process for making decorative moldings having a simulated wood appearance and a given profile includes mixing a base material and color particles to form a mixture, the base material having a rigid polymer and the color particles having a different color from the base material and a higher melt temperature than the base material. The mixture is heated and displaced using a feed screw such that the color particles move helically along the trajectory of the feed screw while avoiding backflow and melting to create corresponding helical vein segments within the base material. The mixture is forced through a tubular channel while controlling heat and shear conditions such that the helical vein segments remain substantially intact.

Abstract: Press roll for a laminating machine for producing a packaging material which comprises a carcass layer consisting of paper or carton, and which carcass layer exhibits crease lines, through holes, openings or slits, which carcass layer exhibits, on one of its sides, a barrier layer, a plastic lining which is arranged outside the barrier layer, and film of laminant thermoplast which is arranged between the carcass layer and the barrier layer, with the press roll exhibiting a circular-cylindrical jacket surface having a facing consisting of an elastic material. According to the invention, the facing comprises sections in the jacket surface, which sections exhibit local deformation ability in relation to the surrounding facing. The invention also relates to a method for producing packaging material and to packaging material which has been produced using this method.

Abstract: A method of producing a divided conduit comprising forming a strip-shaped substrate having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The strip-shaped substrate is a strip-shaped textile or a strip-shaped film. Then extruding a molten thermoplastic into the form of a conduit and placing the one strip-shaped substrate within the extruded conduit during or directly after conduit formation. The first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of the strip-shaped substrate adhere to or embed into the inner surface of the conduit.

Abstract: In an electrolyte membrane (10) for a solid polymer fuel cell, sealing ribs (12) of a predetermined height made of an electrolyte resin is formed integrally with the electrolyte membrane (10). Using the electrolyte membrane, a membrane-electrode assembly (20) is formed, which is further processed into a fuel cell (30). Thus, an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly which are capable of improving the sealing characteristic when incorporated into a fuel cell are obtained. Besides, a fuel cell improved in the sealing characteristic is obtained.

Abstract: A method for producing a foil composite material, in particular for use as a layer in a card body, preferably in a card body of a portable data carrier, whereby using a coextrusion process, at least a first plastic melt of plastic including a thermoplastic elastomer and at least a second plastic melt of plastic without a thermoplastic elastomer, are joined in such a fashion that a foil composite material is formed. This foil composite material contains one or several outer first layers of plastic without a thermoplastic elastomer, one or several middle second layers of plastic including a thermoplastic elastomer and one or several outer third layers of plastic without a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a catheter for insertion into a patient for providing treatment is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion. The proximal portion has a plurality of first lumens formed therethrough and at least one septum separating the first lumens in non-coaxial relationship with each other. The first lumens each have an associated flow area for providing the treatment through the proximal portion. The distal portion has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumens. The septum terminates distally in the proximal portion to merge the first lumens with the second lumen. The second lumen has a second flow area that is greater than any one of the associated flow areas of the first lumens for providing the treatment to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a multi-layered armor. The multi-layered armor includes a stack of layers, each layer including a mesh of fibers of first polymer molecules, surfaces of the fibers being functionalized by at least one of hydroxyl, ketone, and amine groups. The multilayered armor also includes second polymer molecules being hydrogen bonded to the fiber surfaces, some of the second polymer molecules having hydroxyl, ketone, amine or carboxylic acid groups. The multilayered armor further includes a composition of third polymer molecules molded over the stack.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an impact-resistant material is described. Embodiments of the method includes hydrating a reinforcing material, which can be, for example, a fabric comprised of para-aramid fiber, infusing the hydrated reinforcing material with a resin, and curing the infused reinforcing material. Certain embodiments include hydrating the reinforcing material by exposing the reinforcing material to humidity and infusing the material by with a prepolymer-based diisocynate, for example, methylene diphenyl 4, 4? diisocyanate.

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: Method of producing an elastic composite material comprising the step of impregnating a fiber fabric with a liquid epoxy system comprising a non-aromatic epoxy resin and a hardener, and curing the impregnated fabric, whereby the epoxy system exhibits a tensile modulus lower than 15 MPa after cure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gypsum board forming device which provides improved slurry spread. The device includes a forming table with an arcuate or angled profile that promotes a uniform slurry spread. An arcuate or angled hinge plate can also be included to further promote the uniform distribution of slurry prior to an extrusion plate. As a result of the improved slurry spread, gypsum board with increased strength and durability can be created.

Abstract: A nanofiber spinning method and device for producing a high strength and uniform yarn made of nanofibers. The device includes: a nanofiber producing unit (2) which produces nanofibers (11) by extruding polymer solution, prepared by dissolving polymeric substances in a solvent, through small holes (7) and charging the polymer solution, and by allowing the polymer solution to be stretched by an electrostatic explosion, and which allows the nanofibers to travel in a single direction; a collecting electrode unit (3) to which an electric potential different from that of the charged polymer solution is applied, and which attracts the produced nanofibers (11) while simultaneously rotating and twisting the nanofibers, and gathers them for forming a yarn (20) made of the nanofibers (11); and a collecting unit (5) which collects the yarn (20) passed through the center of the collecting electrode unit (3).

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include polymeric fibers and microspheres entrapped within the fibers, the compositions being capable of controlled delivery of one or more agents while also maintaining their structural properties. Also provided are related methods of fabricating these compositions and methods of utilizing the compositions to deliver agents to a subject.

Abstract: A novel composition of materials that can be extruded into sheets to form panels to create a sustainable roofing system wherein the panels are formed to interlock with like panels in order to provide a substantially weatherproof covering on a roof. The sheet member has a top layer made of NHFR TPO (Non Halogenated Flame Resistant Thermoplastic Polyolefin) or TPP (thermo-polypropylene) and a bottom layer made of TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)or TPP (thermo-polypropylene). The two layers are co-extruded. Then the materials are thermoformed to resemble more popular types of roof coverings such as shake or shingles or tiles.

Abstract: A release liner web has thermoplastic membranes coated on opposite sides of the release liner web that are thermoplastically fused proximally to an edge of the release liner web, nearly doubling the width of thermoplastic membranes that can be prepared using conventional equipment. Also described are geomembranes prepared from an amorphous or semi-crystalline thermoplastic sheet material and having a high gloss surface, and methods of manufacture and use of same.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cable, the cable including at least one transmissive element and at least one coating layer made of a polymeric material and arranged at a radially outer position with respect to the transmissive element. The method includes the steps of: a) feeding the polymeric material to an extrusion apparatus including an extrusion head, the extrusion head including a male die; a female die coaxially arranged with respect to the male die; a conveying channel, at least one portion of which is defined between the male die and the female die; and b) controlling a cross-sectional area of the at least one portion of the conveying channel in response to a detected quantity, the quantity being caused to vary during the manufacturing of the cable as a function of the actual extrusion speed. An extrusion apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube composite wire structure comprises the following steps. A supply unit, a collecting unit, and a wrapping unit are provided. The wrapping unit comprises a hollow rotating shaft, and a face plate mounted on the hollow rotating shaft. A linear structure is provided by the supply unit. The linear structure passes through the hollow rotating shaft and is fixed on a collecting unit. A carbon nanotube structure is drawn from a carbon nanotube array. The carbon nanotube array is loaded on the face plate. One end of the carbon nanotube structure is adhered to the linear structure. The face plate is rotated, and the linear structure is pulled along a fixed direction.

Abstract: A process for sheathing at least one cord with a plastic or thermoplastic material using a cord sheathing device comprising a guiding device for the at least one cord arranged at an inlet of the cord sheathing device and leading to a central chamber connected by a duct to an extrusion device that can deliver the material under pressure in a viscous condition, an outlet die having a given calibration section S1 for at least one sheathed cord, and at least one mobile die having a calibration section S2 smaller than the given calibration section S1, wherein each mobile die is moved in the travel direction of the at least one cord by an actuator that passes through the central chamber and has a passage that allows the central chamber to communicate with the interior space of the mobile die.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite posts are produced having high strength and high radiopacity. In a method of manufacturing the fiber-reinforced composite posts, fibers are pulled through filled resin and heat is applied at various steps in the process to provide high strength and optimal radiopacity.

Abstract: A device for continuously sheathing a ply of threads, said ply being formed by an array of approximately mutually parallel threads. The device includes a thread guide, a coating chamber into which a first feed channel and a second feed channel run, which are independent of each other, connected to a first feed device and to a second feed device respectively and capable of delivering a first material and a second material under pressure and with a defined flow rate, and the outlets of which channels are placed above and below the plane of the ply of threads, and an output die. Pressure-measuring device, connected to a controller for controlling the pressure of each of the feed devices, are placed in the coating chamber facing and in line with each other, on either side of the plane of the ply and in the immediate vicinity of the outlet for the feed channels.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a multi-component handle, and method of manufacturing the same. The invention can be an oral care implement having a handle which comprises at least four components constructed of different materials. The invention may also be an oral care implement having a handle comprising a core structure constructed of a first rigid material and an elongated handle body constructed of a second rigid material, the core structure disposed within a through slot of the elongated handle body; and a grip cover constructed of a resilient material that covers a front surface, a rear surface and a proximal end surface of the elongated handle body. The grip cover may be used to conceal through-holes in the elongated handle body that result from supporting the core structure during the injection molding of the elongated handle body about the core structure.

Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes at least one elongated tension member (32). A jacket covers at least some of the tension member (32). The jacket comprises a polymer material (64, 68) including a friction stabilizer (62) that facilitates maintaining a desired friction characteristic of at least an exterior surface on the jacket.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic film or a composite film, and the film obtained by such method. The film has barrier properties and is made at least of a biodegradable basic plastic material and a second plastic material having barrier properties. The film is useful in particular for packaging sensitive goods.

Abstract: In a fiber there is provided a fiber matrix material having a fiber length; and an array of isolated in-fiber filaments that extend the fiber length. The in-fiber filaments are disposed at a radius in a cross section of the fiber that is a location of a continuous filament material layer in a drawing preform of the fiber. As a result, there is provided a fiber matrix material having a fiber length; and a plurality of isolated fiber elements that are disposed in the fiber matrix, extending the fiber length, where the plurality is of a number greater than a number of isolated domains in a drawing preform of the fiber.

Abstract: TRXLPE-type cable sheaths are prepared by a method in which a solid polymer is mixed with a liquid water tree-resistant agent either by dosing or direct injection. In the dosing method, the solid polymer, e.g., high pressure LDPE, is sprayed or otherwise contacted with the liquid agent, e.g., PEG, the agent is allowed to absorb into the polymer, and the polymer with absorbed agent is then fed to an extrusion apparatus for extrusion over a sheathed or unsheathed wire or optic fiber. In the direct injection method, the solid polymer is first fed to an extrusion apparatus, and the liquid agent is sprayed or otherwise contacted with the polymer before the two are blended with one another through the action of the mixing elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for producing a support belt for an elevator system includes steps of: placing at least one cable-shaped tension support in position; embedding the tension support in a first belt layer made from a first plasticizable material to produce a partial belt having a first outer surface and a surface which forms a connecting plane, wherein parts of the tension support project out of the connecting plane and at least parts of the projecting portion of the tension support are covered by the first plasticizable material; and integrally forming a second belt layer made from a second plasticizable material on the connecting surface of the partial belt and the projecting portions of the tension support so as to produce a support belt having the first outer surface on the side of the first belt layer and a second outer surface on the side of the second belt layer.

Abstract: Insulated electrically conductive continuous fibers or microwires of sizes on the order of 1 mil (25 microns) diameter, so as to be suitable for processing into yarns or multi-microwire bundles, for example, for incorporation into conformable fabric products or for use as wearable electronic circuitry are made by coprocessing a core of a lower-melting-point metal within a sheath of a higher-melting-point polymer.

Abstract: A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example.

Abstract: A cable guide system and method are disclosed for a mold forming and extruding machine. The machine has a pair of spaced apart vertical members. The cable guide system includes a support shaft secured to the pair of vertical members. The support shaft retains a first stop member, a tensioning device, a spool loaded with a flexible reinforcement cable, and a second stop member. The spool cooperates with the tensioning device to prevent the cable from prematurely unraveling. The cable guide system further includes a guide member located below and forward of the spool and in horizontal alignment with a plunger. The guide member is capable of changing the direction of the flexible reinforcement cable as it is unwound from the spool. The plunger is capable of extruding a moldable substance from the machine while allowing the flexible reinforcement cable to pass through an aperture formed therein.

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.