Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices that comprise a 3-D microfluidic network of microchannels of arbitrary complexity and to a method for fabricating such devices. In particular, the invention relates to a method of forming microfluidic devices having 3-D microfluidic networks that contain open or closed loop microchannels using a single-step molding process without the need for layer-by-layer fabrication, and to the resultant microfluidic devices. The networks of such microfluidic devices may comprise one or more microchannel circuits which may be discrete or interconnected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded part with an improved convenience and a high degree of efficiency in molding is provided, the molded part containing a biodegradable resin composite, which has the heat resistance in a wide temperature range and which is provided with the flexibility and the elongation in accordance with the use. A kneaded product of a biodegradable resin component and a cross-linkable monomer is prepared. The biodegradable resin component is cross-linked and ground to prepare a biodegradable resin cross-linking product powder. An impregnant at a temperature of 60° C. or higher, and lower than or equal to the melting point or degradation temperature of the biodegradable resin component is impregnated to prepare a molding material composed of a biodegradable resin composite powder. The molding material is heated to a temperature higher than or equal to the melting point of the biodegradable resin component to mold into pellets.

Abstract: Viscoelastic resin compositions are provided, comprising aliphatic polyamide, polyamide 6T6I, and select plasticizers, all in advantageous weight percentages. Structural laminates including such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative sheet having a base film made of a thermoplastic polyester resin and a decorative layer on the base film, and provides a decorated resin molding produced by using the decorative sheet. The base film is not broken in both of MD (a flow direction of film-forming) and TD (a direction perpendicular to MD) and has a stress of 20 N/cm2 or less in any of MD and TD under a 200% elongation at 80° C. The decorated resin molding includes a resin molding and the decorative sheet which is unitedly laminated to the resin molding. The decorative layer of the decorative sheet faces toward the resin molding. The decorative sheet is suitable for producing the decorated resin molding by a decorating injection molding method.

Abstract: A cushion body is provided with a core material formed by a melamine resin foam body, and a surface layer material formed by a polyurethane resin foam body in which an expandable graphite is dispersed, and covering a periphery of the core material. A through hole extending along a thickness direction of the cushion body is formed at a predetermined position of the core material. A surface layer material fills the through hole, and the core material and the surface layer material are integrally formed. The cushion body increases a lightweight property of the cushion body by the core material formed by the melamine resin foam body, increases a fire retardant property of the cushion body by the expandable graphite, and increases cushioning and durability properties of the cushion body by the polyurethane resin foam body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for crystallizing a polymer having at least 20 mole percent of hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, comprising admixing the polymer and a compound of the formula R1—C(O)N(R2)2, R1—C(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)—R2, R1—NHC(O)—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—C(O)NH—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)—R1, or a combination thereof, at a first temperature, which is from about 5° C. to about 15° C. above the melting point of the polymer; and cooling the polymer at a second temperature, which is from about the glass transition temperature of the polymer to about the melting point of the compound.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, thermal cycle molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via novel transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms.

Abstract: A micro-fluid reaction vessel includes an upper plate formed of an elastomer, a lower plate adhered to the upper plate, a micro-chamber and a micro-channel formed on an inner surface of the upper plate facing the lower plate and an inlet hole and an outlet hole formed in the upper plate and through which a fluid flows into or out of, respectively. The micro-channel is constructed to be closed by pressure applied to the upper plate and elastically restored when the pressure is not applied. A micro fluid reaction method uses the micro fluid reaction vessel and a method of manufacturing forms the microfluid reaction vessel.

Abstract: Crystallizable polyester compositions containing an aliphatic polyamide crystallization nucleator exhibit controllable and adjustable crystallization rates upon cooling from the melt and are thermoformable in melt to mold processes.

Abstract: The use of a molding die having a die cavity configured to define a shape of a resin-product having a shaft bore extending along the central axis to a predetermined depth and a bottom portion at one end thereof, a center pin having an axis thereof and configured to form the shaft bore and disposed in the die cavity, and a resin flow runner extending toward the die cavity on an extension line of the center pin, which extends in the axial direction, being formed outside the cavity, allows provision of a molding method enabling the resin-product to be mold of molten resin which is injected from a gate into the die cavity of the molding die through the resin flow runner and is solidified therein. A resin of the portion connecting to the gate in a resin-product member having been solidified in the die cavity is torn off, thereby forming a hole in the bottom portion of the shaft bore in the resin-product.

Abstract: An implantable annuloplasty suture guide is intended to lie against at least a portion of an annulus surrounding a human heart. The implantable annuloplasty suture guide is made of an elongated ribbon of braided, heat setable material. The braided, heat-setable material is heat-set in a curved lengthwise configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the annulus of the human heart valve. A method of making an implantable annuloplasty suture guide configured to lie against at least a portion of an annulus defined by tissue surrounding a human heart. The method includes the steps of providing an elongate biocompatible ribbon comprising a braided, heat setable material. A fixture is provided, with the fixture comprising a heat conducting material defining an elongate cavity having a curved length-wise configuration corresponding to at least a portion of the annulus defined by the tissue surrounding the human heart.

Abstract: A method of making a removable refrigerator storage assembly is provided. The method includes feeding a polymeric or metal material into an extruder and directing the material through a die having an aperture with a first and second leg formed therein, thereby forming an intermediate shelf extrusion. The intermediate shelf extrusion is cut into a predetermined length to form the shelf extrusion having a bottom wall integrally formed with a side wall. The shelf extrusion is painted or plated to a specific finish. The method also encompasses attaching to both ends of the shelf extrusion end walls having brackets formed thereon for removably engaging supports formed on the door of a refrigerator.

Abstract: A method of forming an engineering component comprising the steps of: subjecting a workpiece or blank formed from polyolefin to gamma radiation at a total dose sufficient to cause a predetermined degree of crosslinking, wherein the total dose is applied at a dosage rate of less than 5 kGy/hour to cause crosslinking of the polymer and forming an engineering component from the crosslinked material.

Abstract: Embolic protection filters and methods of making and using such devices are disclosed. An illustrative method of making a device for filtering embolic debris from a body may include the steps of molding a filter assembly that includes a distal tip and a filter portion, forming a plurality of apertures within the filter portion, and coupling a support member to the filter assembly that is adapted to shift the filter portion between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: Coated zinc oxide particles in which the surfaces of zinc oxide particles are coated with a metallic soap exhibit excellent dispersibility in resin. A thermoplastic resin composition containing the particles and a molded product formed from the composition are endowed with excellent visible light transmission property and ultraviolet light shielding property.

Abstract: A process for producing a catheter having a head, a shaft, a distal end, and a tip member wherein the tip member is secured onto the distal end of the catheter during production of the tip member. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a process for producing a catheter. The process including providing a catheter with a proximal end, a shaft, an interior, an exterior, and a distal end; and producing a balloon member having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the distal end of the balloon member is attached to the distal end of the catheter during production of the balloon member.

Abstract: A device is described for measuring a fluid, to be used advantageously in mixing devices for ingredients of liquid drinks. The device comprises an impeller, a diffuser upstream from the impeller and detecting means for the impeller (46). The diffuser (41) has a core (42), a ring-shaped peripheral portion (43) and one or more separators (45A, 45B) extending between the core (42) and the peripheral portion (43) and developing so as to define helical channels for fluid passage (44A, 44B). The invention also describes an advantageous method for carrying out said diffuser (41).

Abstract: A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 ?m to about 250 ?m, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.

Abstract: A recloseable bag with slider end stops prevents sliders from slipping off the end of fastener elements and being lifted off the end of the fastener elements. The recloseable bag includes a bag, slider end stops, fastening elements and a slider. The fastener elements are configured to interlock when pressed together. The slider includes flanges and a pair of slider ends. The slider slides along the length of the fastener elements to interlock and unlock the fastener elements. The flanges prevent the slider from being lifted from beneath the fasteners elements and the end stops. The slider ends are configured to receive and engulf end stops. The end stops are configured to protrudes above the slider to abut slider 110 while also allowing entry into slider.

Abstract: A process for producing a fiber-reinforced molded article and the resulting article such as a cantilevered battery tray. In the process, thermoplastic material in its solid state having a melt flow index above 25 g/10 minutes is fed into a suitable processing machine simultaneous with the addition of reinforcing fibers having a length of at least 0.375 inch or greater and sized with a material such as polyurethane, polyurea, and isocyanate derivatives thereof. The introduced materials are subjected to orientational agitation such that the reinforcing fibers are filamentized in an essentially homogeneous dispersion throughout the solid polymeric material. Once filamentization and dispersion are achieved, the resulting admixture is subjected to knead melting operations for an interval sufficient to achieve melting of the polymeric material introduced into a suitable plasticizing apparatus where the introduced material can be subjected to suitable knead melting operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for use in forming an irregularly shaped part using in-mold labeling which includes receiving at least one of text and image information at a first computing unit. A mold is formed using a mold cutter controlled by a second computing unit based on the at least one of text information and image information. The mold has a cavity, an interior surface, and at least one aligning characteristic on the interior surface. A label is printed based on the at least one of text information and image information to provide the at least one decoration. The label is cut from a sheet of paper using a label cutter controlled by a third computing unit based on the at least one of text information and image information. The label is inserted into the cavity and aligned with the at least one aligning characteristic and moldable material is inserted into the mold to form the part and the label integral to each other.

Abstract: A rotary tablet press comprises a rotary system constituted by a turret and a drive shaft arranged in a housing for rotation of the turret. The turret includes a die table and a number of punches are guided in the turret. The turret is connectable to the drive shaft by a coupling including a first coupling part and a second coupling part which are interconnectable by clamping elements engageable between the coupling parts by at least one pneumatic actuator situated in the rotary system.

Abstract: The substrates of the present invention comprise a polyimide base polymer derived at least in part from non-rigid rod monomers together with optionally rigid rod monomers where the substrates are cured under low tension. The resulting polyimide materials have been found to provide advantageous properties (e.g. balanced molecular orientation, good dimensional stability, and flatness) particularly useful for electronics type applications.

Abstract: A method for making a crystallized bottleneck of a polyester beer bottle is provided. The bottleneck has no machined screw threads and a length of 0.5-35 mm. To manufacture the crystallized bottleneck, an uncrystallized blank of the bottle is placed in an air-condition environment and a crystallizer is preheated before crystallization. A bunker is loaded with the uncrystallized blank, which is delivered to a blank horse's head via a conveyor belt. A bottleneck portion of uncrystallized bottle blank is then sent into a crystallizer to heat it at high temperature and crystallize it via an arbor transmission chain. The polyester bottle blank having a crystallized bottleneck portion is discharged through output blank horse's head and delivered to another conveyor belt to cool and shape it.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a method of patterning a surface or layer in the fabrication of a micro-device. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first mask structure is formed by depositing a layer of a first material onto the surface or layer and embossing the layer with a micro-stamp structure. The layer is preferably embossed as a liquid, which is solidified or cured to form the first mask structure. The first mask structure can be used as an etch-stop mask which is removed in a subsequent processing step or, alternatively, the first mask structure can remain a functional layer of the micro-device. In further embodiments, unmasked regions of the surface or layer are chemically treated through the first mask structure and/or a second material is deposited onto the unmasked regions of the surface or layer through the first mask structure to form a second mask structure and/or a second functional layer of the micro-device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of shaping hollow boards (11) that consist of a thermoplastic material and that have at least one cavity (17) in the interior of the board that is open towards the board edge (18). According to the inventive method, said cavity (17) is sealed at the board edge (1), thereby closing the cavity towards the exterior in a substantially gas-tight manner. Once the cavity (17) is closed in this manner, the hollow board (11) that has been softened by heating is shaped by a shaping pressure to which it is subjected from the exterior. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method. The invention provides a method and a device which prevents the interior structure of the hollow board being deformed in an undesirable manner during the shaping process.

Abstract: A method of fabricating shoe insole is disclosed. The method comprises mixing the material including rice husk and wheat husk about 35 to 60%, natural rubber about 25 to 45%, artificial rubber of 10 to 20%, and occupied 92% above of the insole; mixing product of (a) with an appropriate amount of additive including rubber curing additive and activitized promoter for less than 8%; treating the product of (b) to form plate-like structure as environment friendly material plate; and molding and fixing at elevated temperature to form an insole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of shaped bodies containing metal-organic frameworks. Said metal-organic frameworks comprise at least one metal ion and at least one at least bidentate organic compound and contain at least one type of micro- and mesopores or micro- or mesopores. Said shaped bodies comprise at least one metal-organic framework material and may optionally contain further substances, in particular at least one supporting material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid initiator for carrying out anionic lactam polymerization. The liquid initiator contains a conversion product of isocyanate (1) with a protic compound (P) and a base (B) in an aprotic solvation agent (S).

Abstract: A fuel cell composed of a plurality of cell function assemblies of each of which includes a set of spaced electrolytic membranes, two pairs of electrode plates in contact with opposite surfaces of each of the electrolytic membranes, a set of separators, and a set of six support frames assembled to retain the electrolytic membranes and separators in position. In the fuel cell, the separators each are in the form of a flat plate of synthetic resin integrally provided with a plurality of spaced projections made of pressed carbon powder and retained in contact with the electrode plates to form a pair of reaction chambers at opposite sides of each of the electrolytic membranes.

Abstract: A durable ultraphobic surface that is capable of retaining ultraphobic properties at liquid pressures of one atmosphere and above. The surface generally includes a substrate portion with a multiplicity of projecting regularly shaped microscale or nanoscale asperities disposed so that the surface has a predetermined contact line density measured in meters of contact line per square meter of surface area equal to or greater than a contact line density value “?L” determined according to the formula: ? L = - 10 ? , ? 330 ?cos ? ( ? a , 0 + ? - 90 ? ° ) where ? is the surface tension of the liquid in Newtons per meter, ?a,0 is the experimentally measured true advancing contact angle of the liquid on the asperity material in degrees, and ? is the asperity rise angle in degrees.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing razor cartridges are provided. One method includes loading a support portion of a supported blade into an elongated blade slot defined by a core member, the core member being configured to define a portion of a molding cavity defining the shape of the cartridge housing; and delivering a resin to the molding cavity to form the housing and capture a portion of the blade in the resin. In another method, a plurality of razor cartridges are manufactured substantially simultaneously by (a) removably mounting each blade on a core member; (b) placing each core member in a molding cavity; and (c) delivering a resin to the molding cavities to form at least a portion of the cartridge housing and capture a portion of the blade in the resin.

Abstract: A method of making a motorcycle backrest which has a back support cushion with a handhold aperture, and a support arm for mounting the backrest on a motorcycle saddle or frame uses a mold with a cavity and central post. A rigid frame is encapsulated in a rigid resin base and a cushion layer is formed thereon. The base and cushion layer have an aperture extending therethrough. The flexible cover is formed about the cushion layer and about the periphery of the backrest structure and through the aperture, and it is secured to the surface of the rigid base. A protective cover plate is secured over the cover on the rigid base.

Abstract: Devices and methods of stressing anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) sheet material that defines a plurality of electrical pathways through its thickness. The perimeter of the sheet is mechanically gripped, while leaving an interior portion of the sheet free. A surface over which the interior portion of the sheet is to be stretched is provided, and the sheet and the surface are contacted. The sheet and the surface are then relatively moved, to stretch the sheet over the surface, and thereby stress the interior portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter in which the balloon is a thin film and can be compactly folded up when the balloon is deflated, while the thin film has high strength so that the balloon has excellent pressure resistance when inflated, and which is safe and easy to manipulate, and also provides a method for manufacturing a balloon for use in the balloon catheter.

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: This invention provides for an integrated device having a lance and analytic device in a single disposable unit where the lance releases fluid from skin and the analytic device collects and analyzes the fluid without the user removing an instrument housing which holds the disposable unit. In addition to the device, this invention provides for methods of using and manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A method for storing nuclear fuel in a container (10) including a concrete body and a fuel receiver embedded in the concrete body, comprises the steps of: providing formwork (62) for the concrete body and supporting the fuel receiver within the formwork; placing the formwork in an immersed position in a pool (54) containing a body of water; placing concrete in the immersed formwork (62); and removing the formwork with the concrete body cast therein from the pool (52).

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer body by coalescence, wherein the method comprises the steps of a) filling a pre-compacting mould with polymer material in the form of powder, pellets, grains and the like, b) pre-compacting the material at least once and c) compressing the material in a compression mould by at least one stroke, where a striking unit emits enough kinetic energy to form the body when striking the material inserted in the compression mould, causing coalescence of the material. A method of producing a polymer body by coalescence, wherein the method comprises compressing material in the form of a solid polymer body in a compression mould by at least one stroke, where a striking unit emits enough energy to cause coalescence of the material in the body. Products obtained by the inventive methods.

Abstract: Compositions containing core-shell particles having a core polytetrafluoroethylene-based polymers (PTFE) and shell styrene-based polymers (PS), wherein the particles contain an amount by weight of PTFE from 3 to 50%, preferably from 5 to 30% by weight, wherein the core PTFE particles have an average diameter from 5 to 100 nm, preferably from 10 to 70 nm, the core-shell particles having an average diameter from 10 to 170 nm, preferably from 20 to 100 nm.

Abstract: Nonwoven substrates suitable for use as wet wipes are disclosed. The nonwoven substrates comprise at least one first region and at least one second region. The second region comprises reinforced protruding elements. In a preferred embodiment, the second region of the nonwoven substrate is reinforced by means of thermal bonding during the creation of the protruding elements of the second region. A liquid can be added to the nonwoven substrate prior to packaging or prior to use to make wet wipes. The reinforced second regions of the nonwoven substrates of the present invention make it possible to retain thickness of the wipe when wet without increasing the dry basis.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a body for a hard disk carriage assembly from polyphenylene sulfide 40% glass fill. An injection mold is heated to approximately 130° C.; then a volume of polyphenylene sulfide 40% glass fill is injected into the mold to form the body of the carriage assembly. The polyphenylene sulfide 40% glass fill is then cooled within the mold for approximately 45 seconds before the body is ejected from the mold cavity. The body is then heated to approximately 130° C. for at least 2 hours in a post-bake operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material which consists essentially of sand and polymers as well as optionally, a small quantity of aggregates. The invention also relates to a method for producing this material, comprising the following steps: producing a hot molten mixture consisting of sand and polymers; introducing said molten mixture into a mould; cooling the molten mixture under pressure until the molten mixture hardens in the mould. The material can be used e.g. for producing building blocks, pavement slabs, manhole covers, housings in electrical engineering and insulators for high-voltage applications.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate film is produced from a solution of a cellulose acylate in a mixed solvent. The mixed solvent comprises a main solvent and an alcohol. The mixed solvent essentially does not contain chlorine atom. The main solvent comprises an ester and a ketone. The ester has a solubility parameter of 16 to 23. The ketone has a solubility parameter of 16 to 23. The alcohol has a solubility parameter of 20 to 30. The mixed solvent comprises the ester in an amount of 58 to 96 wt. %, the ketone in an amount of 2 to 15 wt. %, and the alcohol in an amount of 2 to 40 wt. %.

Abstract: A process for producing microstructured tool insert for injection molding a part, the part being fabricated of a synthetic material, a metal or a ceramic material and including an arrangement of microstructures which are formed on an outer surface of the part and have two different predetermined depths.

Abstract: An article including a panel-like structure mountable in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the vehicle interior thereof, and a process for making the same are disclosed. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane and a heat-activated crosslinking agent onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a composition comprising (i) a poly(vinyl chloride) resin and at least one plasticizer and/or (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane resin material is gelled onto an inner surface of the outer layer while on the outer layer is retained on the mold surface. The gelled composition is then fused to form an inner layer interfacially chemically bonded to the outer layer.

Abstract: To produce a composite building unit having a polymer-cladded surface, a polymerizable resin binder and a blend of filler particles are combined to provide a resin binder/filler mixture which is deposited in a mold. A concrete substrate is then positioned in the mold with a face surface contacting a transition layer comprising a lightly filled resin binder/filler layer portion of the deposited mixture overlying a highly filled resin binder/filler layer portion of the deposited mixture. The resin binder in the transition layer migrates into pockets and pores in the substrate face surface to create mechanical locks when the resin binder is cured. These locks, in addition to chemical bonding, serve to permanently affix the cured resin binder as a surface cladding to the substrate. Initiators may be added to the resin binder to promote thermal and/or UV radiation cures thereof.

Abstract: A laminate composite material comprises a layer of an open weave supporting fabric having a layer of breathable resin adhered thereto by an extruded layer of a thermoplastic resin blended with a high temperature volatile particulate. The resultant composite material is substantially impervious to air and water and permeable to water vapor and having a water vapor transmission rate exceeding one (1) perm of water vapor.