Abstract: A multilayer oriented film comprising at least one layer (a) comprising one or more polyesters and/or copolyesters characterized by a % of crystallinity higher than 15, an adjacent layer (b) comprising one or more polyolefin-based adhesive resins, and a layer (c) comprising one or more co-polyesters characterized by a % of crystallinity lower than 15, is positioned between said two layers (a) and (b) in such a way that one of the two principal surfaces of layer (c) is directly adhered to layer (a) and the other is directly adhered to layer (b). The presence of a co-polyester layer (c) of relatively low % crystallinity positioned between (co)polyester layer (a) and adhesive layer (b) remarkably increases the bond between the two layers (a) and (b) and prevents delamination problems in the oriented structure.

Abstract: A laminated film for a reflecting plate is provided that comprises a layer A and a layer B, the layer A comprising a polyester that comprises substantially no antimony element and preferably comprises 1 to 25 wt % of inert particles having an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 3.0 ?m and the layer B being in contact with the layer A and comprising a polyester which preferably comprises 31 to 80 wt % of inert particles having an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 3.0 ?m. This laminated film has a practically satisfactory capability of reflecting visible light, can be produced stably even if inert particles are added in high concentration, hardly has streak-like defects, and can be suitably used as a substrate for a reflecting plate for a liquid crystal display or an internally illuminating electrical billboard.

Abstract: To provide a polyimide film for molding that is light and has excellent surface smoothness, safety, moldability, heat resistance, and handleability and thus can be used as the reflector base material for illuminating devices. The polyimide film for molding is made of a thermoplastic polyimide obtained from a reaction between an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid or its dianhydride and an aromatic diamine. The lowest viscoelasticity of storage elasticity (E?) of viscoelasticity is 108 Pa or lower, and the tensile elongation at glass transition temperature (E?) A is 150% or higher.

Abstract: A method of reducing crimp in woven sailcloth comprising applying heat to warp yarn or fill yarn prior to the yarns being woven into fabric and a method of making a sail comprising assembling panels of sailcloth comprising warp yarns and fill yarns, wherein at least one panel of sailcloth is prepared by applying heat to the warp yarn or the fill yarn prior to the yarns being weaved into fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for molding and chrome plating a button having an integrated light pipe. The method utilizes a two shot molding process to create the button housing and the light pipe. The method includes the steps of injecting a first shot of resin A wherein resin A is a resin not allowing chrome to adhere to it, allowing resin A to cool, injecting a second shot of resin B into the mold, and continuing to chrome plate the entire button wherein chrome only adheres to resin B. A light pipe formed by resin A remains transparent or translucent allowing light to shine through from a light to the eye of a user. Chrome plating adheres to resin B providing for a polished finish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering (10) for a prosthetic hand. The covering (10) comprises a first layer (12) in the form of a glove or mitten configured to cover a prosthetic hand, with the first layer (12) comprising an elastomer. The covering (10) also comprises a second layer (14) disposed over at least part of a surface of the first layer (12), with the second layer being unitary and comprising polyurethane. At least one part of an interior surface of the first layer (12) is uncovered by the second layer (14).

Abstract: A method for making a macro-scale carbon nanotube tube structure includes the following steps. A linear structure and a carbon nanotube structure are provided. The carbon nanotube structure includes at least one carbon nanotube film or at least one carbon nanotube wire. The carbon nanotube structure is wrapped around the linear structure to form a carbon nanotube composite structure. The linear structure is removed from the carbon nanotube composite structure, thereby forming the macro-scale carbon nanotube tube structure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for a making a formed fibrous article and more specifically to method and apparatus for making a formed fibrous article useful as an absorbent core structure in a disposable sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, diaper or the like. The present invention also relates to a disposable sanitary article including a formed fibrous article according to the present invention as a core structure thereof.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a cantilever comprising a plurality of thin films arranged relative to one another to define a microchannel in the cantilever and to define at least portions of a dispensing microtip proximate an end of the cantilever and communicated to the microchannel to receive material therefrom. The microchannel is communicated to a reservoir that supplies material to the microchannel. One or more reservoir-fed cantilevers may be formed on a semiconductor chip substrate. A sealing layer preferably is disposed on one of the first and second thin films and overlies outermost edges of the first and second thin films to seal the outermost edges against material leakage. Each cantilever includes an actuator, such as for example a piezoelectric actuator, to impart bending motion thereto. The microtip includes a pointed pyramidal or conical shaped microtip body and an annular shell spaced about the pointed microtip body to define a material-dispensing annulus thereabout.

Abstract: Solution casting of polymer film (76, 102) is provided. A dope (22, 115-117) containing a polymer of cellulose triacetate and solvent is cast on a casting support band (34, 121) which moves, to form a cast film (69, 122), and then the cast film is stripped from the casting support band and dried, to produce the polymer film. In the solution casting, the cast film is cooled shortly before stripping the cast film from the casting support band. Preferably, a cooling temperature to which the cast film is cooled is set lower than 6 deg. C. The cast film is cooled within a predetermined cooling region, disposed to start at a stripping point for the cast film, and to extend upstream therefrom with a length equal to or less than 25% of the length of the casting support band. The cast film is blown by cooling gas caused to flow for cooling.

Abstract: Compositions for fabricating architectural works wherein the compositions utilize one or more cement materials, additives, fibers and recycled glass. Exemplary cement materials include Portland cement, calcium aluminate, fly ash and/or E glass. Exemplary additives include boric acid, citric acid, lithium, plasticizer and/or methylcellulose ethers. Exemplary fibers include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and/or micro-fibers. Crushed recycled glass is used as an aggregate or non-reactive material. Other ingredients may be used including: sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and hydrated lime to alter the PH; ferrous sulfate, mono-potassium phosphate, or manganese carbonate and magnesium sulfate as color enhancements; and/or pozzolans (Vcas) to neutralize the ASR efflorescence.

Abstract: A filter element is removably positionable within a filter housing defining a filter chamber for said filter element. The filter housing comprises a standpipe extending within the filter chamber. The filter element includes a tubular filter media circumscribing the standpipe, a first end cap supporting the filter media at one end thereof, a second end cap longitudinally spaced from the first end cap and supporting the filter media at the opposite end thereof, and a center tube extending between the first and second end caps. The center tube has at least one inlet opening therethrough at a first end thereof adjacent to the first end cap and a standpipe opening therethrough at a second end thereof adjacent to the second end cap. The second end cap has at least one intake opening therethrough radially spaced from the standpipe opening in the center tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of production of polyamide compounds with natural fibers and polyamide compounds with natural fibers, establishes the fact of using natural fiber to obtain a compound with mechanical properties close to the one obtained with inorganic loads by means of continuous process with extrusion and molding by injection process; the processes presented allows the obtainment, by means of injection, of finished products with precise dimensional and complex features; the fact that the compound with natural Curauá fiber presenting suitable mechanical properties combined to a lesser density than the compound with inorganic load is interesting to the automotive industry as vehicles manufactured with lighter parts consume less fuel.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus includes an apparatus body and a nozzle for extruding melted resin, a primary hot air passage formed around the nozzle, and a secondary hot air passage formed in a zone outside of the primary hot air passage, which are formed in the apparatus body. The primary hot air passage discharges primary hot air onto fibers of the melted resin extruded from the nozzle. The secondary hot air passage discharges secondary hot air to maintain the temperature of the primary hot air. The discharge angle of the secondary hot air from the secondary hot air passage is set in a range of 0° to 50° with respect to the direction of the melted resin extruded from the nozzle. The secondary hot air forms an air curtain that blocks the atmospheric air.

Abstract: A wipe includes a generally flat piece of material (10) made of paper, cloth or the like. The generally flat piece of material (10) is formed into a non-planar form having a three-dimensional shape, for example conical, for storage and dispensing.

Abstract: A stent formed from a bioabsorbable polymer matrix including at least one bioabsorbable polymer and at least one therapeutic agent dispersed therein, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article, the method comprising the steps of molding a melt of thermoplastic material thereby forming said article and cooling the article to a temperature below the glass temperature of said thermoplastic material, characterized in that the method further comprises a post treatment of applying a stress on the article.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cushion (1) for a respiratory mask, to a method of manufacturing such a cushion (1) as well as to a respiratory mask including a cushion (1) and an apparatus for manufacturing a cushion (1) for a respiratory mask. It is particularly referred to a method of manufacturing a cushion (1) for a respiratory mask, comprising the steps of providing a mold comprising at least two mold halves (11, 13) and at least one core (12) therein, closing the mold, injecting a first material into the mold to form the cushion (1), wherein the core (12) is enclosed by the cushion (1) thereby forming at least one cavity (4), opening the mold, removing the core (12) from the cushion (1) to provide the at least one cavity within the cushion (1), and sealing the cavity (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for producing plastic products with an integrated reinforcing structure. To do so, a flexible fabric is first placed onto a surface of a cavity of a mold and is successively coated with plastic on the various sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydrolyzing polyphosphoric acid in shaped articles.

Abstract: Injection molding of a part having a nonuniform thickness is provided. One disclosed embodiment of an injection molding device includes one or more side walls, a first mold surface intersecting the side walls and being stationary with respect to the side walls, and a second mold surface intersecting the side walls so as to define with the side walls and the first mold surface a cavity configured to receive a metered amount of injected molten thermoplastic material. The second mold surface is moveable toward the first mold surface in such a manner that a first end of the second mold surface moves a larger physical travel distance toward the first mold surface than does a second end of the second mold surface during a molding process.

Abstract: A method for forming an extracellular matrix material (ECM) material includes providing at least an ECM composition containing ECM particles varying in their capacity for migration through a fluid medium, including at least one population of expanded ECM particles. The ECM composition is combined in a fluid medium to form a flowable ECM composition. The flowable ECM composition is subjected to a centrifugal force in a mold for a period of time sufficient to distribute the ECM particles according to differences in their physical characteristics. The ECM composition is dried to form a dried ECM material having a density gradient extending from a less dense region to a more dense region. The dried ECM material may formed as a porous, substantially acellular ECM material expandable in an aqueous fluid environment by at least 100% in volume.

Abstract: Metal-organic framework (MOF)-polymer mixed matrix membranes (MOF-MMMs) can be prepared by dispersing high surface area MOFs into a polymer matrix. The MOFs allow the polymer to infiltrate the pores of the MOFs, which improves the interfacial and mechanical properties of the polymer and in turn affects permeability. These mixed matrix membranes are attractive candidates for practical gas separation applications such as CO2 removal from natural gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing porous structures, particles or matrixes, which may be comprised of one or a plurality of components, an apparatus for carrying out the method and particles formed in accordance with the method. The method is particularly suitable for producing porous composite or pure particles for pharmaceutical applications. In accordance with the method, a composite comprising a material such as a pharmaceutical, a biodegradable polymers and/or a biological agent is formed. The composite must further comprise a material that is soluble in supercritical fluid. Extraction of the supercritical fluid soluble material produces porous structures, which may be in the form of particles or matrixes.

Abstract: A method of making a ball glove includes molding a plastic material to form a single-piece front palm lining that has a palm lining portion and five front finger lining portions, forming a back lining that has five rear finger lining portions, stitching together the front palm lining and the back lining to form a glove lining that has five inner finger stalls, tailoring a front ply that has a palm cover portion and five front finger cover portions, molding a plastic material to form a single-piece back ply that has five rear finger cover portions, assembling the front ply and the back ply to form an outer shell, forming a web, and assembling the web, the outer shell, and the glove lining to form the ball glove.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-soluble film (WSF) system with embedded/entrapped water-soluble films (WSF). More particularly, the invention relates to a WSF system with actives embedded/entrapped therein such as to provide precise and desired release of actives there from and its method of manufacturing for diverse applications, in which a variety of substances such as detergents, enzymes, softeners, perfumes, pesticides, fungicides, active ingredients, dyes, pigments, hazardous chemicals, active agents for cleaning laundry, dishes, floorings, walls, furniture, fluffs, pulp, etc., and the like can be so embedded/entrapped for such purpose. The invention further discloses novel online and offline process for the manufacture of such multi-layered WSF with or without liners and of desired shapes to selectively entrap interacting/non-interacting materials and their combinations. The process also provides options for the use of a wide range of raw materials, liners such as paper, film, foil, fabric, etc.

Abstract: A novel method for the preparation of a pre-filled plastic syringe, and preferably the preparation of a plastic syringe pre-filled with a diagnostic contrast agent wherein said syringe comprises as components a barrel, a tip seal capable of sealing the nozzle of the barrel and a piston capable of sliding in the barrel and sealing the open end of the barrel opposite the nozzle, comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one component of said syringe which is molded under conditions which are substantially free of pyrogens and viable and non-viable particulates; and (b) filling and assembling said syringe.

Abstract: A composition for a slurry for manufacture of a building panel includes one or more fillers, one or more binders and water. One or more fillers is an expanded perlite at least partially covered with a film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating Some embodiments use calcined or uncalcined gypsum as a binder or filler. One embodiment is a building panel that includes a solid matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals bound to expanded perlite. A method of making the panel includes acquiring expanded perlite and coating it with film-forming, thermoplastic polymer coating. After the expanded perlite is prepared, it is combined with water other optional fillers and one or more binders to form a slurry. The slurry is shaped into a panel and allowed to dry.

Abstract: A microfluidic cell includes a compressible block and a cantilever. The compressible block includes a first horizontal surface, an opposite second horizontal surface and a plurality of vertical surfaces therebetween. A gasket structure depends downwardly from the second horizontal surface. The gasket structure defines an open cavity therein. The compressible block defines a fluid inlet passage and a fluid outlet passage each in fluid communication with the cavity and opening to a selected one of the first horizontal surface and one of the plurality of vertical surfaces. The cantilever includes body portion and a beam extending laterally therefrom. The body portion is embedded in the compressible block and a portion of the beam extends into the cavity defined by the gasket structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polypropylene articles with improved response to a surface energy increasing treatment, wherein the polypropylene comprises a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene. The present invention further relates to the use of metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene as an additive for improving the response of polypropylene to surface energy increasing treatments.

Abstract: Method for making ceramic particles. Embodiments of ceramic particles made according to the present invention can be are particularly useful as abrasive particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation with the addition of low density additives of volcanic ash, hollow ceramic microspheres or a combination of microspheres and volcanic ash or other low density additives into cementitious cellulose fiber reinforced building materials. This formulation is advantageously lightweight or low density compared as compared to current fiber cement products without the increased moisture expansion and freeze-thaw degradation usually associated with the addition of lightweight inorganic materials to fiber cement mixes. The low density additives also give the material improved thermal dimensional stability.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance comprising a polymer grafted with a compound having sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid such as water, water vapor or both. There is further provided a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid, the process includes processing a polymer into a desired form, activating at least a portion of the polymer, and grafting the activated portion of the polymer with a compound having groups adapted to be sulfonated.

Abstract: A female condom and an improved method for manufacturing a female condom is disclosed. The invention provides a device that is effective in both acting as a contraceptive and inhibiting the transmission of disease during coitus. The invention employs synthetic latex in an efficient and cost effect manufacturing method that results in an improved product.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel methods of producing a composition, such as, but not limited to, a polyimide composition. The methods in their most general form comprise providing a workpiece, suspending the workpiece and subjecting the suspended workpiece to processing such that the workpiece undergoes a transformation from a first state to a second state. By maintaining the workpiece in a suspended state during processing, processing-related defects are reduced or eliminated. Using such methods, the present disclosure provides compositions that are have no or reduced processing-related defects. In addition, the compositions are more consistent in chemical and physical properties and are cheaper and more economical to produce (since less product is rejected as unsuitable).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for attaching a micro bubble array on a plate surface, and more particularly, to a method for attaching micro-sized bubbles on a plate surface so as to reduce fluid frictional resistance caused by flow on the plate surface that encounters with liquid. The method for attaching a micro bubble array on a plate surface according to one aspect of the present invention includes a micro groove forming step and a hydrophobic treatment step. In the micro groove forming step, a plurality of grooves with a size of 1 to 1,000 micrometers are formed in a plate surface to be arranged therein. In the hydrophobic treatment step, the plate surface having the grooves formed therein is coated with a material having a hydrophobic property. Since the plate surface has the plurality of grooves arranged therein and also is treated with a hydrophobic material, micro bubbles are formed on the micro grooves when the plate surface goes under water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane wherein said membrane comprises a continuous non-porous layer comprising a polymerized composition that comprised prior to polymerization at least one type of compound having a molecular weight of at least 1500 Da and comprising at least 75 weight % of oxyethylene groups and at least two polymerizable groups each comprising a non-substituted vinyl group. The invention further relates to the use of this membrane for separating polar gases and vapors.

Abstract: Components having a ceramic base the surface of which is covered in at least one area by a metalized coating, wherein the material on the surface of the ceramic base is chemically and/or crystallographically and/or physically modified with or without addition of suitable reactants across the entire surface or on partial surfaces of the metalized areas and forms at least one nonporous or porous layer, joined to the ceramic base, that has the same or different thickness of at least 0.001 nanometers, the layer containing at least one homogeneous or heterogeneous new material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a method for creating pre-stressed zones in concrete. In one embodiment, a circular blade is coated with a chemical which retards the setting of the concrete. The circular blade is then rolled through the wet concrete, thus transferring the retarding chemical from the blade into the concrete. The region of wet concrete that has the retarding chemical introduced into it does not set until after the surrounding concrete has set and shrunk, thus creating a pre-stressed zone which typically manifests itself as a crack, visible upon setting of the wet concrete. Other embodiments describe alternative ways of introducing the chemical into the wet concrete.

Abstract: A method for making a heater is provided. A carbon nanotube structure is made, and a first electrode and a second electrode are provided. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: A method for making a fog resistant thermoplastic article includes conditioning a thermoplastic article by exposing it to an aqueous environment sufficient to result in fog resistance.

Abstract: A continuous process for minimizing the agglomeration of freshly manufactured polyolefin pellets comprising the steps of: feeding an aqueous stream containing polyolefin pellets to a tower, cooling said polyolefin pellets during their upward flow along said tower by means of a downward flow of a cooling agent having a density higher than said polyolefin, collecting the cooled pellets from the top of said tower after a residence time in the tower comprised between 2 and 20 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polyurethane system, comprising (a) polyisocyanates, (b) at least one compound reactive with isocyanate, (c) at least one reactive chain extender having at least two groups reactive toward isocyanates, where at least one group reactive toward isocyanates is a free, primary NH2 group, (d) at least one catalyst, and (e) if appropriate, further additives, for production of polyurethane sandwich components. The present invention further relates to a process for production of polyurethane sandwich components, and to polyurethane sandwich components obtainable by this process.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a shaped article having a first surface with a first surface profile and a second surface with a second surface profile is provided. The apparatus includes a first end mold having a cavity formed therein, where the cavity is defined by a surface having at least a portion of the first surface profile. The apparatus includes an intermediate mold having a hole formed therein. The intermediate mold is distinct from the first end mold and is configured for stacking against the first end mold such that the hole is aligned with the cavity. The apparatus includes a second end mold having a protuberance formed on a surface thereof. The protuberance is defined by a surface having at least a portion of the second surface profile and is sized for insertion into the hole and cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: A method of making a smooth surfaced, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite includes the steps of providing a fiber preform, the preform having a surface containing voids; placing fibers into the voids; coating the preform fibers and the void fibers with a coating material to create a weak interface; and infiltrating the coated fibers with a matrix material to infill the voids and preform, and form strongly bonded networks within the voids. Alternatively, the resulting smooth surfaced, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite may include, in addition to the first coating material on the preform fibers and the void fibers and the matrix material within the coated fibers and the preform to infill the voids and preform, a second coating material on the preform fibers and the void fibers, creating a second coating of substantially uniform thickness on the fibers and forming strongly bonded networks within the voids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separator for fuel cell, which is a molded article including a resin and a conductive filler, wherein a contact angle of water on a surface of the separator for fuel cell is from 20 to 85°, and a process for producing the separator for fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides for concentrated aqueous silk fibroin solutions and an all-aqueous mode for preparation of concentrated aqueous fibroin solutions that avoids the use of organic solvents, direct additives, or harsh chemicals. The invention further provides for the use of these solutions in production of materials, e.g., fibers, films, foams, meshes, scaffolds and hydrogels.

Abstract: Curing blanket having a clear or transparent first layer and a second layer airlaid on the first layer. Another embodiment has a first layer, a second layer airlaid on the first layer, and a third layer disposed on the said second layer, with the second layer interposed between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer and said second layer are thermally bonded and/or latex bonded. The third layer includes a polymer release agent composed of bi-component fibers.