Abstract: Multi-material membranes for use in vat polymerization printers. The membranes include a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or polyolefin polymer film bonded to a layer of silicone rubber. The layer of silicone rubber is coated to reduce its surface energy. Coatings such as a silicone elastomer or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based material may be used. The coatings are preferably sprayed on and allowed to cure or dry after the FEP or other film has been bonded to the layer of silicone rubber.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte fuel cell that includes a fuel electrode contact layer in contact with a fuel electrode layer and an air electrode contact layer in contact with an air electrode layer. The fuel electrode layer includes a first single metal or a first alloy, the fuel electrode contact layer includes a first conductive oxide, the air electrode layer includes a second conductive oxide, and the air electrode contact layer includes a second single metal or a second alloy.

Abstract: A roller nanoimprint apparatus is disclosed which is capable of preventing a workpiece film with nanostructures having been transferred from the mold roller from being uneven in thickness and allowing easy replacement of the mold roller. At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a roller nanoimprint apparatus including a mold roller and continuously transferring nanosized protrusions to a surface of a workpiece film by rotating the mold roller, wherein the mold roller is a cylindrical body having an outer circumference surface with nanosized recesses formed thereon, the roller nanoimprint apparatus further includes a fluid container having an elastic film inflatable by injecting fluid into the container, the fluid container being arranged in a region defined by an inner circumference surface of the mold roller, the mold roller is mounted or demounted when the elastic film is shrunken, and the mold roller is supported from the inside when the elastic film is inflated.

Abstract: The present invention provides monolithic supports produced from linear aliphatic polyamides. It also provides a method of producing said monolithic supports by dissolution/precipitation of linear aliphatic polyamides. Finally, the invention provides using said supports in chromatography as well as chromatography columns containing said supports.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tubular body, includes: attaching a first member to an outer or inner peripheral surface of one end in an axial direction of a cylindrical core, along a circumferential direction of the peripheral surface thereof; applying a first resin solution on the peripheral surface, to cover it and the peripheral surface of one end of the first member closer to the center of the core, and to form a coating (first coat film); attaching a second member to the peripheral surface of the end of the first coat film on the side where the first member has been attached; applying a second resin solution on the peripheral surface of the first coat film, to cover it and the peripheral surface of the end of the second member closer to the center, and to form a coating (second coat film); peeling off the first and second members.

Abstract: A tubular member manufacturing method includes coating the surface of a rotating core body with a resin solution to form a coating film thereon while rotating the core body with the axis direction set to be horizontal, drying the coating film by blowing air to the core body with a saturated air volume with which a drying rate of the coating film is saturated, and stripping the dried coating film from the core body.

Abstract: To provide a method and a device for replicating structure which was capable of accurately replicating structure, even if a composition which was an object to be molded, has a relatively high viscosity. [Means for Solving] A method for replicating structure comprising the steps of: providing a film-form production tool having a front surface and a back surface, with a reversed shape of structure which is an object to be replicated, on the front surface; applying decompression to the front surface of the film-form production tool; sealing the reversed shape to keep decompression degree applied; filling a composition which is an object to be molded, with applying sufficient fluid pressure, in the reversed shape; and solidifying the object composition and transferring it on a substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mold assembly system include a mold defining at least one trench along a surface of the mold and two or more hook fastener elements disposed on the surface of the trench in an end-to-end relationship. Each hook fastener elements includes: (1) an elongated base, (2) a plurality of hooks extending upwardly from an upper surface of the base, and (3) a magnetic material disposed within the base. The hook fastener elements are unattached to each other and are separately disposed within the trench, and the magnetic portion of the trench is configured to attract the hook fastener elements toward the magnetic portion and hold the hook fastener elements adjacent thereto in an end-to-end relationship substantially along the length of the trench. In one embodiment, the hook fastener elements are substantially the same length and are usable in straight trenches, curved trenches, or trenches having various lengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing oxide thin films with high sensitivity and reliability, which can be advantageously used in the fabrication of articles such as gas sensors. The present invention establishes a high reliability process for preparing large area microsphere templates which may be applicable to silicone semiconductor processes by simple plasma surface treatment and spin coating. The present invention achieves remarkably enhanced sensitivities of thin films of gas sensors by controlling the nanostructure shapes of hollow hemisphere oxide thin films by using simple plasma treatment. In particular, the gas sensor based on the nanostructured TiO2 hollow hemisphere according to the present invention exhibits higher sensitivity, faster response and recovery speed to CO gas over conventional TiO2 gas sensors.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite tower, includes at least partially filling a form with a curable resin; at least partially curing the resin in the form; raising the form partly over the at least partially cured resin; and at least partially filling the raised form with more curable resin applied against the cured resin.

Abstract: An oriented thermoplastic elastomer film having reduced permeability and improved fatigue resistance comprising a dynamically vulcanized polymer blend of (A) a halogenated isobutylene elastomer and (B) polyamide, the film is produced by casting or blowing the above polymer blend under the condition such that a shear rate at a die lip for casting or blowing is regulated to control the molecular arrangement in the film, whereby the planar birefringence (PBR) of the resultant film becomes greater or equal to 0.002 and a production process of the same.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for synthesizing macro-sized nanostructures. The method in one embodiment comprises the steps of mixing an amount of TiO2 powders with a volume of an alkali or alkaline solution to form a mixture, and heating the mixture at a temperature higher than 160° C. for a period of time effective to allow TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form, wherein the TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures form in an environment that has no presence of a substrate that comprises Ti. These TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures can be utilized to form a free standing membrane, and/or a three-dimensional (3D) structure.

Abstract: A process of producing a polyimide film including applying a polyamic acid solution composition to a substrate to form a coating layer and heating the coating layer, wherein the polyamic acid solution composition contains a mixed solvent system of at least two solvents selected from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, each solvent being present in a proportion ranging from 7% to 93% based on the total mixed solvent system, and a polyamic acid composed mainly of s-BPDA and PPD. The process enables a film with a thickness exceeding 40 ?m to be formed without involving bubble formation.

Abstract: Method for production of candles wherein at least two fuel components are mixed together which before mixing each have a different temperature and which are the same or different in chemical composition. The first fuel component has a high temperature, wherein this is too plastic or fluid to be able to be processed or packed as a candle. The second fuel component has a lower temperature and is preferably granular whereby this functions as a cooling means to bring the first fuel component to hardening or setting.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: Improved integrally skinned asymmetric membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration, and their methods of preparation and use are disclosed. Membranes are formed from polyimides by phase inversion and are then crosslinked by addition of amine crosslinking agents that react with the imide groups of the polyimide, creating amide bonds. These stabilise the membranes and allow solvent nanofiltration to be maintained even in the solvents from which the membranes were formed by phase phase inversion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for making a seamless tube from a liquid. A mandrel may be provided having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a length. A liquid material may be applied to the outer surface of the mandrel by one or more doctor blades, spaced apart from the mandrel outer surface and inclined at an angle ? with respect to the mandrel longitudinal axis, which may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel while rotating the mandrel around its longitudinal axis. One or a plurality of fingers may overly the mandrel and be positioned upstream of the one or more of blades, relative to the direction of movement of the blades along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The liquid material may then be converted to form a seamless tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a hollow fiber membrane bundle having an end fixed with a casting material wherein the ends of hollow fiber membranes are fixed with the casting material in a condition that an insert is placed inside a hollow fiber membrane bundle at a position inner than a region where a fixing portion is formed, and then the insert is removed from the inside of the hollow fiber membrane bundle; and relates to a method of producing a hollow fiber membrane filter element through this method. The hollow fiber membrane bundle produced by the method of the present invention can be used in various types of filtration treatment such as external pressure filtration.

Abstract: A casting drum is rotated around a shaft. A peripheral surface of the casting drum moves in an X direction. A dope is discharged through a casting die onto the peripheral surface. A casting bead is formed so as to extend from a discharge port of the casting die to the peripheral surface. A decompression chamber decompresses an upstream side from the casting bead. Air flowing toward the casting bead is generated at the vicinity of the peripheral surface. A lateral labyrinth plate is disposed at a clearance between the decompression chamber and the peripheral surface. The lateral labyrinth plate is provided with a labyrinth groove extending along a width direction of the casting bead. An edge portion for forming the labyrinth groove has a cross section with an acute angle in a direction of air flowing between the decompression chamber and the support.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for making a seamless tube from a liquid. A mandrel may be provided having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a length. A liquid material may be applied to the outer surface of the mandrel by one or more doctor blades, spaced apart from the mandrel outer surface and inclined at an angle ? with respect to the mandrel longitudinal axis, which may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel while rotating the mandrel around its longitudinal axis. One or a plurality of fingers may overly the mandrel and be positioned upstream of the one or more of blades, relative to the direction of movement of the blades along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The liquid material may then be converted to form a seamless tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a candy drinking straws includes a system for arranging a soft mass of sugar composition around a solid mold having a support cord extending from an end thereof, rolling the sugar composition along a surface of the solid mold using a plurality of rotating scrolls rotating around the solid mold to shape the sugar composition into a hollow tube, the sugar composition being pushed along the solid mold onto the support cord, pulling the sugar composition along the support cord to form hollow cylindrical candy, and cutting the hollow cylindrical candy into a plurality of hollow candy segments.

Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a submergible machine protector bag comprising providing a tubular woven sleeve of reinforcing material, fitting the sleeve over a mandrel, embedding the sleeve in a waterproof elastomeric material to form a bag body and removing the bag body from the mandrel.

Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and systems for manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions deposited into one or more depressions on a forming tool. The forming tool is maintained at a temperature that is below the melt processing temperature of the thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A decoratively embossed panel of a molded form includes an exterior design that preferably reflects some aspect of the services advertisement. For example, a bricklayer may choose an embossed panel having a three-dimensional brick design in addition to a logo, service and/or trademark and other pertinent information to aid potential customers in understanding the services provided in conjunction with the servicemark and contact information. The embossed panel is removably attachable to any portion of a vehicle by any attaching mechanism such as double stick foam tape.

Abstract: A method is provided that uses half-period translations, ply-upon-pin repositions, and shape-maintaining pins with a bolster plate, with insertable nodal heating elements that provide heat at their rectangular ends and when driven under pressure against opposing pins with rectangular faces cure portions of a pre-impregnated fabric to make honeycomb core composite articles.

Abstract: In a method and a device for continuously manufacturing films, webs, and sheets of plastics capable of forming optical images a melted plastic mass, pre-shaped as a sheet, is guided into a roller gap of a calender, the roller gap formed between a shaping engraving cylinder roller and a smoothing strip surrounding partially the shaping engraving cylinder roller. The shaping engraving surface of the cylinder roller is heated to melting temperature in the roller gap, wherein the melted plastic mass is applied directly onto the shaping engraving surface of the heated cylinder roller. A profiling is provided by cooling the melted plastic mass in the roller gap by heat removal on a side facing the shaping engraving surface.

Abstract: A method employing a casting head having a variably displaceable cavity surface. The casting head comprises a cavity, at least partially formed by plurality of surfaces, including a carrier surface adjacent the cavity, and a variably displaceable drive surface for controlling a pressure of a viscous casting material in a region proximate the carrier surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the casting head further comprises a doctor blade, disposed proximate the carrier surface, forming a gap therebetween for egress of the casting material. In another embodiment of the casting head, the variably displaceable drive surface is comprised of a piston. The piston is actuated by a driver-controlled motor according to a pre-determined displacement program, or according to the level of the casting material in the cavity.

Abstract: A papermaking belt comprises a reinforcing element and a resinous framework joined together. The resinous framework is formed by a plurality of resinous beads which mutually contact or cross-over. Super-knuckles extending outwardly from the reinforcing element are formed at points of contact. A preferred continuous process for making the belt comprises extruding, in a pre-selected pattern, a plurality of beads of a resinous material onto the forming surface thereby forming the resinous framework thereon, joining the resinous framework and the reinforcing element together, and then solidifying the resinous framework. The resinous material may comprise at least two chemically-active materials capable of cross-linking upon contact.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a pipe coupling which comprises a body portion including a socket (9) and an internal seal (43) located within said socket and which is for making sealing contact with the pipe end received in the socket. The method comprises, in a first stage, injection moulding the body portion using a first internal core and, in a second stage, injection moulding the seal within the socket using a second internal core. Seal material is injected in molten form through the wall of the body portion to a space defined by the body portion and said second core. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fixing closure element comprising a plurality of interlocking means which are configured with a support (17) as one piece. According to the inventive method, a thermoplastic material is fed to the slit between a pressure tool (3) and a shaping tool (5). A sieve (11) comprising continuous cavities is used as a shaping element on the shaping tool (5). The interlocking means are formed such that the thermoplastic material is at least partially hardened in the cavities of the sieve (11). A shaping tool which comprises a second shaping element (11), said element interacting with the cavities of the sieve, is used on the side of the sieve (13) facing away from the pressure tool (3). The thermoplastic material is shaped using said second shaping element.

Abstract: Several methods and machines for continuously forming a fastener product having an array of fastener elements extending from a continuous, sheet-form base, employing a mold belt on which the sheet-form base of the product is formed and from which it is subsequently stripped. The belt defines an array of cavities extending from its outer surface, for molding either the array of fastener elements or an array of preform stems that are subsequently reformed into the fastener elements. In some cases the cavities are blind, such as for forming hook-type fastener elements; in other cases, the cavities extend through the belt, such as for forming mushroom-type fastener elements. Various belt constructions and fastener element shapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mold for a chemically curable composition including a first shell component, a second shell component and a honeycomb core interposed therebetween. The invention further relates to providing an essentially adiabatic environment for chemically cured compositions using the previously described mold.

Abstract: The method comprises a first step of applying liquid wax to a mold formed by a plurality of projections conjugate with the cells of the honeycomb in a manner such that the filling of the spaces of the mold with molten wax is complemented by the formation of an upper plate interconnecting the various cells, then proceeding with the molding of the half honeycomb and subsequent cooling to enable the half honeycomb to be removed from the mold. The apparatus has two parallel, endless belts separated by a space slightly larger than the height of a half honeycomb and driven in a manner such that the adjacent passes have the same speed and direction of movement, a mold constituted by a plurality of rows of silicone projections of a shape conjugate with the cells being fitted on one of the belts.

Abstract: A parpermaking belt comprises a reinforcing element and a resinous framework joined together. The resinous framework is formed by a plurality of resinous beads which mutually contract or cross-over. Super-knuckles extending outwardly from the reinforcing element are formed at points of contact. A preferred continuous process for making the belt comprises extruding, in a pre-selected pattern, a plurality of beads of a resinous material onto the forming surface thereby forming the resinous framework thereon, joining the resinous framework and the reinforcing element together, and then solidifying the resinous framework. The resinous material may comprise at least two chemically-active materials capable of cross-linking upon contract.

Abstract: An interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell comprises a gas separator plate and at least one fill material. The gas separator plate includes at least one via extending therethrough. The at least one fill material is positioned within the at least one via, and operatively associated with at least one of a cathode or anode. The invention likewise includes a method for manufacturing the interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing printed patterns on retroreflective material is disclosed, wherein a partially cured pattern is printed on a roll of film and partially cured cube-corner prisms are bonded to the film over the printed matter thereby encapsulating the printed matter to protect the printed matter from the environment.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing printed patterns on retroreflective material is disclosed, wherein a partially cured pattern is printed on a roll of film and partially cured cube-corner prisms are bonded to the film over the printed matter thereby encapsulating the printed matter to protect the printed matter from the environment.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved release coating for use on a variety of elastomeric structures, such as printer rollers and belts. The coating of the present invention is a thin expanded polytetrafluoroethylene skin that has a porous surface attached to a substratum and an impermeable surface exposed as the contact surface. This use of dual surfaces on a single thin coating provides both an excellent bond to substratum materials, such as a silicone elastomer layer, as well as being highly wear resistant and resistant to chemical attack.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting having a multiplicity of discrete, cube-corner elements cured in situ on a transparent, polymeric overlay film deformed into a three-dimensional structure so that base edges of a plurality of cube-corner elements are non-planar with respect to one another. The retroreflective article preferably has at least one target optical property. The present invention is also directed to a method of deforming the retroreflective sheeting to form a retroreflective article in which the base edges of a plurality of cube-corner elements are non-planar with respect to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved release coating for use on a variety of surfaces, such as printer rollers and belts. The coating of the present invention is an thin expanded polytetrafluoroethylene skin that has a porous surface attached to a substratum and an impermeable surface exposed as the contact surface. This use of dual surfaces on a single thin coating provides both an excellent bond to substratum materials, such as a silicone elastomer layer, as well as being highly wear resistant and resistant to chemical attack.

Abstract: A composite web structure utilizing a thin first layer of material having a plurality of structural fibers arranged to lie essentially in a unidirectional orientation. A thin second layer of material is positioned adjacent the first layer and includes a plurality of structural fibers. First and second layers are impregnated with a matrix material for binding fibers within the first and second layers and for binding the first and second layers together. The web may be formed into a composite structure such as a honeycomb core for fabrication into a panel.

Abstract: Certain polyester-based polyurethaneureas in solutions of organic solvent at a 12 to 20% concentration are particularly suited for use in a mandrel-dipping process for producing thin-walled elastic articles, such as surgical gloves, which are more resistant to puncture and tear than conventional surgical gloves made from rubber latex.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing flexible cube corner retroreflective sheeting comprising the steps of:a) providing a tool having a molding surface;b) applying to the molding surface a volume of a flowable resin composition;c) contacting the resin composition with a first major surface of an overlay film;d) minimizing excess resin composition;e) curing the resin composition to form a sheeting comprising an array of cube corner elements bonded to the overlay film;f) removing the sheeting from the tool; andg) applying mechanical stress to the sheeting so as to cause a fractured separation of substantially each individual cube corner element from surrounding cube corner elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming retroreflective sheeting with improved daytime whiteness performance is described in which air spheres are encapsulated into the prism structure when the prism base body is laminated to the prisms in a mold.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for generating complex shapes without the use of dies, molds, or other fixed tooling. A continuous length or flow of a malleable or fluent material is provided to a forming apparatus which shapes the material, producing a contiguous series of smoothly blended, properly contoured portions of the desired shape. The formation of a shape relies on continuous control of shape-determining variables: the instantaneous cross-section of the shape in a virtual transition surface between the formable and formed material, the rate-of-change of cross-sectional dimensions between sequential cross-sections, the instantaneous angle of movement of the material at any point on the cross-section in the transition surface, and the rate of movement away from the transition surface of the just-stabilized portion of the shape. The material is stabilized as these shape-determining variables achieve the proper values in each portion of the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming "seamless" retroreflective sheeting is described. At least two mold surfaces are used, each having alternate areas of arrays of prism recesses and spaces. In a first step, prisms are formed in one of the mold surfaces and applied to a base film or web. Next, prisms are formed on the second mold surface and applied to the spaced areas left in the first step.

Abstract: A retroreflective structure having prism elements and a method for making the structure are disclosed. The retroreflective structure is formed of an extensible, elastomeric film and a rigid, non-extensible array of retroreflective prism elements. The array is bonded to the elastomeric film, thereby forming a retroreflective structure which can be significantly stretched without significantly diminishing the retroreflective properties of the structure.