Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite part, the method comprising: placing a charge on a male tool having a convex surface region; debulking the charge on the male tool by applying pressure to the charge, the applied pressure varying over the surface of the charge so as to be intensified where the charge engages the convex surface region of the male tool; and curing the charge on a female tool having a concave surface region. The charge is formed and debulked in a series of stages to form a laminate. The charge is formed at a first temperature T1; debulked at a second temperature T2; and cured at a third temperature T3, wherein T1<T2<T3.

Abstract: Composite structures having an integral intelligent skin are made of one or more plies of a structural base material and an intelligent or smart film by molding one or more plies and the film into an integral unitary body with the intelligent film outermost. The intelligent or smart film contains or bears a functionally active or interactive component such as antennae, electronic sensors, electric and/or electronic circuitry, and/or spectrally tailored coatings. A method of making the composite structure in a very economical manner is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing vortex induced vibration are provided. An apparatus for reducing vortex induced vibration can include a first body at least partially disposed within a second body. The first body can be made of a material having more weight per linear foot than the second body. The apparatus can also include one or more helical fins.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-based composite material includes a polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix. The plurality of carbon nanotubes form a free standing carbon nanotube film structure. A method for fabricating the carbon nanotube-based composite material includes: providing a polymer matrix comprising a surface; providing at least one carbon nanotube film comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes; disposing the at least one carbon nanotube film on the surface of the polymer matrix to obtain a preform; and heating the preform to combine the at least one carbon nanotube film with the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method of making foamed articles that includes providing a copolymer composition, combining the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers, applying heat, mixing energy and pressure to the copolymer composition and cellulosic fibers mixture to form a foamable mixture, and forming the foamed article by placing the foamable mixture in a molding or extruding operation. The copolymer composition includes a copolymer of 51% to 99.9% of primary monomers, 0.1% to 49% of anhydride containing monomers, and 0% to 25% of other monomers and 0% to 30% of elastomeric polymers. This is combined at 30% to 99.99% copolymer composition with 0.01% to 70% by cellulosic fibers such that the copolymer anhydride groups react with the cellulosic fiber hydroxyl groups to produce a blowing agent byproduct to form a foamable mixture. The foamed article has a density of not more than 1.3 g/cm3.

Abstract: In a method for forming an injection molded manifold, the portion of the mold that forms a septum is modified to provide a substantially thicker septum, preferably about 8.5 mm or greater. In the molding operation, one or more removable slides are inserted through this region of the mold, each slide being preferably about 2.5 mm thick and about 30 mm wide. The septum is cast around the slides which are then withdrawn from the septum after the polymer composite is set, resulting in a septum that is substantially thicker than a prior art septum, comprising first and second plates, each about 3 mm thick, and a plurality of open core voids about 2.5 mm high and about 30 mm wide between the plates. The improved septum is stiffer than a single 4 mm thick prior art septum, has a higher natural frequency, and improves suppression of engine noise.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to composite articles, and in particular a composite face plate for a golf club-head, and methods for making the same. In certain embodiments, a composite face plate for a club-head is formed with a cross-sectional profile having a varying thickness. The face plate comprises a lay-up of multiple, composite prepreg plies. At least a portion of the plies comprise a plurality of elongated prepreg strips arranged in a predetermined criss-cross pattern in the lay-up. The prepreg strips create one or more areas of increased thickness where the strips overlap each other, thereby creating a desired profile for the plate. Metallic or polymer covers or cover layers can be used to define a striking surface.

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and composites and products produced therefrom are described. The preferred method of expanding the graphite is by microwaves or other radiofrequency wave treatment of intercalated graphite. The expanded graphite is preferably then crushed to nanometer (substantially all 200 microns or less). The expanded graphite is used in polymer composites. The expanded graphite is particularly useful for batteries, anodes and fuel cells.

Abstract: A method of making a composite prosthetic device, such as a hernia repair device, includes providing a support layer, juxtaposing a layer of an absorbable material with the support layer, and disposing an absorbable adhesive between the support layer and the layer of an absorbable material. The method includes heating the layers for melting the absorbable adhesive so as to bond the support layer with the layer of the absorbable material. Before the heating step, the moisture content of at least one of the layers is increased for improving thermal conductivity between the layers so as to enhance the strength of the bonds formed between the layers. The moisture content may be increased by exposing at least one of the layers to an environment having elevated relative humidity. In one embodiment, the support layer is polypropylene mesh, the layer of the absorbable material is oxidized regenerated cellulose, and the absorbable adhesive is polydioxanone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a radiator grill for a vehicle using a glossy metal film and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) resin having excellent weatherability by a film insert molding process. Accordingly, the present invention eliminates an existing plating process that is applied also to unnecessary portion so as to reduce manufacturing cost, simplify the process, shorten the process cycle, thus improving the productivity. Moreover, the present invention eliminates a black coating process by using the ASA resin having excellent weatherability instead of conventionally used acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin and then by performing an embossing process.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like product is provided. The product provides a plurality of components having active agents that are delivered in a single delivery entity or vehicle. The product allows for selective control of the release rates of each of the active agents while still being delivered in a single product.

Abstract: Coinjection molding system control apparatus and method preferably includes flow control structure and/or steps configured to reduce pressure on a second melt, preferably causing a relatively small portion of a first melt to flow from a distal portion of a first melt channel in the coinjection nozzle into a distal end of a second melt channel in the coinjection nozzle. This prevents substantial amounts of the second melt from being dragged into the mold cavity when the next shot of the first melt is injected.

Abstract: Provided are ethylene-based polymer compositions, articles made therefrom, and methods of making the same. Ethylene-based polymer compositions include linear low density polyethylene prepared with metallocene catalyst, which may optionally have about 5 mole percent or less of monomer units derived from an alpha-olefin comonomer. Ethylene-based polymer compositions include blends of linear low density polyethylene and one or more very low density polyethylene compositions, one or more low density polyethylene compositions, one or more medium density polyethylene compositions, one or more high density polyethylene compositions, one or more differentiated polyethylene compositions, or other conventional polymers. Articles composed of such ethylene-based polymer compositions are prepared according to a process window, e.g., at a specific extrusion rates, which provides favorable physical properties, including tear resistance and dart drop properties.

Abstract: A tamper-proof closure for a tube includes a tab which is placed at a distance to an end face of a neck of a tube. Connected to the neck by a perforate line is a membrane for sealing a discharge bore of the neck. The membrane has a neck-distal side which is formed in one piece with a ring defined by an outer diameter which is smaller than an inner diameter of the neck. The tab is connected to the membrane by a hinge by which the tab can be pulled upwards to allow the membrane to be yanked out from the neck by a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing reinforced, formed fabrics, consisting in producing a continuous fabric alternated with a membrane (34) containing embedded reinforcing elements, which is prepared in overlapping portions on a conveyor belt (29) which passes over a preparation table (25). The membrane (34) and the reinforcing elements are then positioned under a press consisting of an upper air-filled chamber (1), the lower part thereof comprising a flexible element (4), and a lower water-filled chamber (14), the upper part thereof comprising a flexible element (17). According to the invention, a forming bar (10) is adjustably mounted in the upper chamber (1). When the aforementioned forming bar (10) is adjusted to adopt a particular shape, the different flexible elements can deform at the forming bar and the membrane and the reinforcing elements are hot pressed with a portion corresponding to the forming bar having a three dimensional shape, thereby defining the form of the fabric produced.

Abstract: The invention discloses a reduction apparatus having a main body made of silicon carbide-based material and collectively formed by a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side portion, wherein the bottom portion includes a slanted plane, and the main body has an inlet and a metallic vapor exit provided near the top portion and an outlet provided near the lowest end of the slanted bottom portion; an inlet closure connected with the inlet; an outlet closure connected with the outlet; and a metal collector or a condenser connected with the metallic vapor exit. The invention solved problems found in conventional reduction retorts, including: small capacity, low metal output, inconvenience in charging reactant material and discharging spent residue, and heavy workload for workers. The invention also shortened the time for reduction reaction, increased production efficiency and output of the reduction furnace, and reduced production cost.

Abstract: A bipolar plate made of a composition comprising at least an epoxy resin, graphite filler and a metal amine complex as a curing agent for the epoxy resin. The invention also relates to a method for producing a bipolar plate and to the use of the bipolar plates in PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A mould member for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials, which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, comprises a body having a porous structure and a plurality of mould cavities, which mould cavities each have a mould cavity wall defined by the body and an opening in a surface of the body, wherein the body comprises at least one essentially fluid tight barrier.

Abstract: A plurality of reversible active composite materials are disclosed, including composites based on a shape memory alloy member (SMA) and a shape memory polymer member (SMP), as well as composites based on two different SMP members. Each different member (SMA or SMP) will be trained to remember a specific shape at a specific temperature. Where two different SMP members are employed, the members exhibit different glass transition temperatures. Such composite materials can be implemented in many form factors, including two generally planar members, a single generally planar SMP member with SMA fibers distributed throughout the SMP, and a SMA fiber/wire coated with a SMP coating. In particular, the SMA fiber/wire coated with a SMP layer can be used to form helical coils that can be used in paired hinges to achieve reversible bending of a structure into which such paired hinges are incorporated.

Abstract: First, second and third dopes 114, 115 and 116 each of which contains a solid electrolyte and an organic solvent are cast from a casting die 81 provided with a feed block 119 to a moving belt 82. A three-layer casting membrane 112 is peeled off from the belt 82 as a three-layer membrane 62 containing the organic solvent. After being dried in a tenter device 64, the membrane 62 still containing the organic solvent is contacted with a liquid which is a poor solvent of the solid electrolyte and having lower boiling point than the organic solvent. Thereafter, the membrane 62 is transported to a drying chamber 69 and dried while being supported by the plural rollers.

Abstract: In a molded composite article formed by directly joining a resin member comprising a polyamide-series resin to a resin member comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane-series resin, as the polyamide-series resin, a polyamide-series resin having an amino group of not less than 10 mmol/kg is used. The molded composite article may be produced by heating at least any one of the polyamide-series resin and the thermoplastic polyurethane-series resin to join to the other resin.

Abstract: A structure having a pattern is manufactured. An elastically deformable process target is elastically deformed in an inplane direction from a first state. A first pattern is formed on the process target deformed. The elastically deformed process target is made close to or returned to the first state, thereby to form a second pattern having a size and a shape at least one of which differs from those of the first pattern.

Abstract: A reduction retort (11) for use in a vacuum smelting reduction furnace, including: a reducing portion (12) made of silicon carbide-based material; a condenser (13) disposed at one end of the reducing portion; an inlet closure (14) hermetically-connected to the condenser (13); and an outlet closure (15) disposed at the other end of the reducing portion (12), wherein the reduction retort (11) is disposed at an angle in the reduction furnace, with the end of the reduction retort (11) with the condenser (1 3) facing upward and the end of the reduction retort (11) with the outlet closure (15) facing downward. The reduction retort can save discharging time of spent residue, increase material load, enhance output, and improve heat utilization rate. The invention has a significantly prolonged service life in comparison to the conventional reduction retort made of nickel-chrome-steel alloy.

Abstract: A composite member with a reinforced rampdown or taper has a composite noodle bonded to an end of a core to fill the taper.

Abstract: A primary dope is obtained by mixing solvent and polymer, and an additive is added to the primary dope so as to prepare three sorts of dopes. The dopes are cast from a casting die onto a casting belt to form three-layer film. The thickness of the first layer t1 is the same as the thickness of the third layer t3 or less, and the thickness of the third layer t3 is the same as the thickness of the second layer t2 or less. After the film is peeled from the casting belt, both side edge portions of the film are clipped by clips. The film is stretched in a widthwise direction and dried. The film is excellent in smoothness and optical properties.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a brittle layer, e.g. a ceramic and an underlayer to accommodate dimensional changes as the endoprosthesis is flexed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an end plate for a fuel cell stack and a method of manufacturing the same, in which the end plate connected to each of both ends of a fuel cell stack is manufactured in a hybrid structure using two kinds of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, thus providing a uniform surface pressure in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a linker of the type having an injection molded jacket radially confining a preformed tablet. The method includes grasping the tablet about the outer surface with a plurality of pincers and positioning the grasped tablet and the pincers with respect to a molding apparatus. The method also includes supporting the tablet via the pincers and injecting jacket material to cover the outer tablet surface and the pincers. The method further includes extracting the jacketed tablet from the molding apparatus and removing the pincers from the jacketed tablet. The method may also include supporting and longitudinally positioning the tablet within the mold via a plurality of additional pincers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet comprising a plurality of drug-containing parts and at least one connecting part adhered to the drug-containing parts, and having a scored line capable of dividing the whole tablet on the connecting part; particularly, a coated tablet in which a connecting part and a coating layer have the same or different drug release controlling functions; a tablet having an insoluble coating on a drug-containing part having a scored line, wherein the drug-containing part has a structure or composition such that the drug is substantially released after the tablet is divided along the scored line and then ingested; and a tablet comprising a plurality of drug-containing parts and at least one connecting part adhered to the drug-containing parts, wherein at least two drug-containing parts have different compositions.

Abstract: A solids collector for collecting solids in waste water that are heavier than water includes a roto-molded plastic container having a cylindrical sidewall and a downwardly sloping bottom. An inlet and outlet are connected to the sidewall substantially above the sloping bottom so that solids that are heavier than water in the waste water coming into the container through the inlet have residence time in the container long enough to gravitationally separate towards the bottom. Waste water depleted of solids that are heavier than water discharge from the container through the outlet.

Abstract: A shape-memory saddle structure, particularly for pedal driven vehicles, comprising a substantially rigid or semirigid support frame (2), means (4) for connecting said frame (2) to a vehicle, a yielding pad (7) secured to the upper face (S) of the frame (2), and a cover layer (5) laid over the yielding pad (3). The frame (2) has one or more portions (6, 6?, 6?) having a different deformability from that of the rest of the frame (2). The portions (6, 6?, 6?) include at least one membrane of fibrous material, which is susceptible to permanent deformation in response to a compression stress by a user, so as to take a deformed configuration. The membrane (7) is closely joined to at least one layer of elastomeric material (8), which is adapted to locally change the rigidity of the membrane (7) by elastically holding it at least partly in the deformed configuration, to customize the frame (2) to the specific user's body.

Abstract: In a manufacturing system for tobacco products, a cigarette maker and a cigarette packer are linked by a transfer device consisting in a flat top chain conveyor that comprises a plurality of modular molded plastic elements connected one to the next by way of hinge elements and fashioned with respective tops combining to create a transport surface on which a layer of cigarettes advances en masse from one machine to the other; the flat tops of the single modular elements present a soft outer layer having a high coefficient of friction, which is co-molded with the relative modular element.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a laminated sheet for thermoforming, including a thermoplastic resin film layer; a decoration layer; and a support base resin layer, wherein the thermoplastic resin film layer, the decoration layer, and the support base resin layer are sequentially laminated, and the support base resin layer contains one or more linear low density polyethylene layers. Also, the object of the resent invention is to provide a formed product obtained by thermoforming the laminated sheet, and a method of producing the same. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an injection-molded product obtained by loading an injection resin onto the backside of the molded product, and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a functional cornstalk board and a preparation method thereof. The functional cornstalk board of the present invention includes 1 to 10 parts by weight of a curing agent, based on the total weight of the mixture of 6 to 10 parts by weight of cornstalk and 0.2 to 2 parts by weight of a binder or silicate, wherein the functional cornstalk board is obtained by molding the raw material at a molding temperature of 120 to 210° C. and a molding pressure of 10 to 30,000 kgf/cm2 for a molding time of 0.5 to 20 minutes using the semiautomatic or multistage automatic heat press device. The functional cornstalk board of the present invention is a cornstalk plywood material having a bending strength of 300 to 750 kgf/cm3, a density of 0.5 to 0.

Abstract: A load support member includes spaced apart beam members, a linking member and a stop member. In another aspect, the beam includes a support surface defining first and second landing regions, which are in contact with and support a membrane. In another aspect, a brace member is secured between laterally spaced beams, with the brace member having a greater height than width at the end thereof and a greater width than height at the middle thereof. In another aspect, a pair of armrests are joined to a cross member and a pair of spaced apart beams in a releasable engagement. In yet another aspect, a pair of beam members are fixedly joined with a cross member, which is pivotally connected to a link pivotally connected to the beams. A method of assembling a load support structure is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator having a surface layer on one side or both sides thereof. The surface layer includes at least two layers, wherein the surface layer includes a low-elastic modulus layer (1) having a bending elastic modulus of 1.0×10<sp>1</sp>-6.0×10<sp>3</sp> MPa, and a bending strain of 1% or more; and a high-elastic modulus layer (2) having a bending elastic modulus exceeding 6.0×10<sp>3</sp> MPa, as at least one layer constituting the surface layer, other than the low-elastic modulus layer (1).

Abstract: A method of forming a polymeric component (41, 50, 51, 55) on a body (100, 200, 400) provides an open mould (501, 502) having an inner surface (503, 504). The mould is placed onto a surface (401) of the body (400 so that a closed cavity (505) is formed by the inner mould surface and the body surface. A fluid polymeric material is introduced into the closed cavity which is caused to harden to form the polymeric component as a casting on the body.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward a product, such as a trash bag or other flexible, walled container, that is manufactured using a tubular film of biodegradable material. The product is a biodegradable bag being manufactured by folding at least one time along a longitudinal line, and sealing together the plurality of layers of the folded tubular film of biodegradable material. The tubular film is also provided with a first and second transverse cut. The first transverse cut is adjacent to the seal on a first side of the seal to define the bottom of the bag. The second transverse cut is spaced away from the seal on a second side of the seal to define the upper opening of the bag.

Abstract: A composition for shielding living tissue from cosmic radiation exposure during air and space flights, using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes incorporating metals with high neutron capture cross-sections. Methods for incorporation of such compositions into textiles, garments, and skin lotions are described.

Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine has an airfoil with internal cooling channels for delivering air from a radially outer end of the airfoil toward a radially inner end of the airfoil. The cooling channels are separated from adjacent cooling channels by sets of at least two disconnected wall segments.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for assisting in retaining at least two elongated photovoltaic modules includes a carrier having at least first and second adjacent receptacles. Each receptacle is engageable with at least one elongated photovoltaic module and the carrier is moveable between the first and second receptacles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for isothermally thermoforming a thermoplastic composite, which composite comprises a matrix and a reinforcement, both issued of a semi-crystalline polymer of the same class, comprising the steps of: i) placing a stack of said thermoplastic composite, having a temperature below the sealing or melting point of said matrix, in a mould;, which mould has a temperature between the sealing or melting point of said matrix and the melting point of said reinforcement; ii) closing said mould; and iii) opening the mould after a dwell time; wherein the temperature of said mould is between the sealing point of said matrix and the melting point of said reinforcement, at least for a period of time after step ii).

Abstract: A light-weight gypsum-based composition is provided which is particularly suitable for use in the production of wall panels. The composition comprises: (i) gypsum; (ii) glass, ceramic or polymer microspheres; and (iii) a coupling agent preferably selected from a silane or metal coupling agent. The resultant panel has good strength properties and has good performance with respect to nailability and cutability. Further, the paper backing commonly used on traditional commercial drywall panels can be optionally eliminated. The composition can also be cast into thicker products. A lightweight wall panel material is provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: A process of continuously producing a more isotropic, electrically conductive composite composition is provided. The process comprises: (a) continuously supplying a compressible mixture comprising exfoliated graphite worms and a binder or matrix material, wherein the binder or matrix material is in an amount of between 3% and 60% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture; (b) continuously compressing the compressible mixture at a pressure within the range of from about 5 psi or 0.035 MPa to about 50,000 psi or 350 MPa in at least a first direction into a cohered graphite composite compact; and (c) continuously compressing the composite compact in a second direction, different from the first direction, to form the composite composition in a sheet or plate form. The process leads to composite plates with exceptionally high thickness-direction electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A method of casting a cover layer about a golf ball core utilizing a single cavity mold that moves on a continuous conveyor, and the cover layers are cast without any “stop and go” or batch methods being involved. The continuous motion conveyor system is a closed loop system that provides for the automatic pre-heating of top and bottom mold halves and the depositing of a core into the bottom mold halve after a layer material such as urethane has been dispensed into the molds by an articulating module comprising of a plurality of dispensing nozzles. The nozzles translate in a tangential motion with the moving conveyor and dispense the cover material without any stoppage of the conveyor line. The method then assembles the mold halves into a single cavity mold without the use of bolts, but only employing clamping pins that use spring force for compression, and releasable retainers to lock the mold for the curing stage, and then unlocking he mold for the disassembling and product removal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a construction board includes mixing a first cement mixture comprising magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride, mixing a second cement mixture comprising magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, a binding agent, and at least one filler, the second cement mixture being thicker in consistency than the first cement mixture, dispensing a first layer of the first cement mixture onto a mold, and dispensing a first layer of reinforcing mesh onto the first layer of the first cement mixture, the reinforcing mesh being sized to allow the first cement mixture to at least partially pass through the reinforcing mesh layer.

Abstract: Polymer composite roofing materials are provided which contain resin, and about 20-75 wt. % fillers and additives, in which the fillers contain at least one bulk filler for reducing the amount of resin needed to make the roofing material, and at least one aesthetically functional filler for providing the roofing material with an aesthetic appearance. The bulk filler and the aesthetically functional filler of this embodiment are non-toxic, resistant to microbial attack, and have a Mohs hardness of less than about 5.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a replica diffraction grating includes the steps of: forming a metal thin film on a grating surface of a master diffraction grating, adhering a replica substrate to the metal thin film via an adhesive, and removing the replica substrate so that the metal thin film in a reverse state is adhered on the replica substrate. In the method, before forming the metal thin film on the grating surface of the master diffraction grating, the grating surface is coated with a fluorine surface treating agent as a release agent. Then, the metal thin film is formed with vacuum vapor deposition.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method of forming a housing that locates an internal element. This method is instigated by firstly the steps of locating an internal element within a mould, and then introducing a plastic material into the mould. Next the mould is rotated to form a plastic exterior surface of a housing on the internal surface of the mould with said internal element being located inside the exterior surface of the housing formed.