Abstract: A method of preparing a cured thermoplastic material includes curing a thermoplastic polymer having a thermal decomposition temperature greater than or equal to about 200° C., at a temperature of about 200° C. to about 400° C., for a total time of less than or equal to 200 hours. A method of making a shape memory material also includes curing a thermoplastic polymer to prepare a cured thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An additive three-dimensional fabrication process is improved by controlling deposition rate to obtain surface textures or other surface features below the nominal processing resolution of fabrication hardware. Sub-resolution information may be obtained, for example, from express metadata (such as for surface texture), or by interpolating data from a source digital model.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of a shaped composite material and the material obtained through that process. In particular it relates to a process for obtaining a disk of composite ceramic material for disc brakes in which the friction coefficient is varied by varying the composition of the surface layer.

Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced balloons for medical devices are prepared by applying a web of fibers to the exterior of a preformed underlayer balloon, encasing the web with a matrix material to form an assembly, and inserting the assembly into a preformed outer layer balloon to form the composite balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polycrystalline ultra hard material cutting elements, and more particularly to a method of forming a polycrystalline ultra hard material cutting element with a thicker ultra hard layer than cutting elements formed by prior art methods. In an exemplary embodiment, such a method includes pre-sintering the ultra hard material powder to form an ultra hard material layer that is partially or fully densified prior to HPHT sintering, so that the ultra hard layer is pre-shrunk. This pre-sintering in an exemplary embodiment is achieved by means of a spark plasma process, or in another exemplary embodiment by a microwave sintering process.

Abstract: A utility material can include microparticles, an organic binder and an inorganic binder. The microparticles can be present in an amount from about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on wet formulation. The inorganic binder can optionally include sodium silicate. The organic binder can optionally include a vinyl acetate. The utility material can be formed into a variety of different products or building materials, such as wallboard, shear panels. In addition, the building material may be particularly used to attenuate sound.

Abstract: A device for detecting a shifted position of a lever includes a sensor package, relative to which a magnetic carriage is displaceable, which sensor package is accommodated in a sensor housing. An air gap between the sensor package and the side of the magnetic carriage facing the sensor package is minimized using inserts which are integrated into the sensor housing.

Abstract: Reinforced polyimide compositions that include a reinforcing filler and a polyamide flow promoter improve flow promotion while maintaining other mechanical, thermal, flame and/or electrical properties of the compositions. The compositions may include an inorganic or organic reinforcing filler, a polyimide resin such as polyetherimide or polyamideimide and a small amount of an aromatic or aliphatic polyamide as the flow promoter. The resulting compositions may be used in thinner-wall applications while still retaining the advantageous physical properties of reinforced polyimide compositions not having the flow promoter. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed in one aspect is an anti-skid sheet comprising at least one contact layer selected from the group consisting of dynamically vulcanized alloys, propylene-?-olefin copolymers, and blends thereof; and at least one substrate layer comprising polyethylene having a density of from greater than 0.935 g/cm3. In one embodiment, the dynamically vulcanized alloy comprises a blend of one or more polyolefins and an at least partially vulcanized rubber. Disclosed in another aspect is a method of forming the anti-skid sheet comprising providing a melt-blending extruder for each of the sheet layers, at least one substrate layer as disclosed herein and at least one contact layer as disclosed herein, and co-extruding a melt of each component to form a co-extruded sheet. In a particular embodiment, the anti-skid sheet is thermoformed to form an article.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel one-piece pump or fluid dispensing apparatus having at least one hinge. The hinge allows for a streamlined manufacturing process which provides increased cost effectiveness. In addition, the hinge serves to orient or align the pump elements for easy, economical assembly of the finished device. The hinge may include one or more hinge elements or linkages.

Abstract: A method for automatically making conglomerated structures (6).

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective cover for a portable electronic device that includes a flexible cushioning cover, as well as a hard plastic removable cover to protect the touch screen of the portable electronic device. The plastic screen cover covers substantially all of the touch screen, while allowing a user to access a portion of the touch screen to answer an incoming call. The screen cover can remain in place while answering an incoming call to provide protection of the touch screen and allow the user to quickly answer incoming calls.

Abstract: A molding system including a component formed in a generally closed loop shape and having a plurality of radially extending teeth. The component includes a plurality of discrete segments coupled together.

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

Abstract: A flexible resilient member at least partially overlying an electrical switch, and attached to an external surface of the switch, comprises at least one signalling component operable on operation of the underlying switch. The member may be in the form of a membrane, for example, formed of an elastomeric material. The signalling component may emit wireless signals which may be received by a monitoring component.

Abstract: A supporting strut for supporting an intermediate deck (2) that is arranged in an aircraft fuselage (1), includes a hollow cylindrical rod body (3) that includes a fiber reinforced material, with the two ends of the rod body (3) being designed as attachment sections for detachable attachment to the aircraft fuselage (1) or to the intermediate deck (2), wherein the rod body (3) includes at least one first reinforcement layer (10a) made from a carbon fiber fabric with an identical number of warp- and weft threads in 45° alignment or 90° alignment, as well as at least one second reinforcement layer (10b, 10c) made from a carbon fiber fabric including a higher number of warp threads than weft threads in 0° alignment, as well as a final layer including glass fiber, which together with artificial resin form a compact fiber reinforced material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyimide film having improved adhesiveness to an adhesive and/or adherence to a metal layer. The polyimide film has at least a polyimide layer (b) and a polyimide layer (a) formed contacting the polyimide layer (b), wherein the polyimide layer (a) is a polyimide formed from a tetracarboxylic dianhydride component and a diamine component containing a diamine compound represented by general formula (1): wherein R1 denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an aryl group, and R2 denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an aryl group.

Abstract: A system including a seal is provided. The seal includes a first layer made of a first non-metallic, elastic material. The seal further includes a second layer made of a second non-metallic, heat resistant material. The second layer is configured to thermally protect the first layer from heat. The seal is configured to extend across a gap between first and second surfaces, and the first and second layers are formed into a bended structure configured to expand and contract in response to a dimensional change in the gap.

Abstract: A spiral fastener is provided. In another aspect, a spiral fastener, is made of layers of material and/or a light curable material. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener having a spiral formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a stratified cementitious body comprising placing a cementitious slurry comprising a cementitious binder, to form the body in a single pour and curing the slurry to form a stratified cementitious body. The method may also comprise the steps of mixing a cementitious binder and at least one aggregate material with water to form a slurry, pouring the slurry into a mold, allowing the slurry to stratify into layers under the influence of gravitational forces and/or buoyancy forces, optionally applying vibrations to the slurry to encourage the slurry to stratify into layers, and curing the slurry to form a stratified cementitious body.

Abstract: A silane-functional polyester of formula (I): wherein Y is an n-valent residue of a polyester P which is solid at room temperature and terminated by hydroxy groups, after removal of n hydroxy groups; R1 is a linear or branched, monovalent carbon residue having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, optionally having one or more C—C multiple bonds and/or having optionally cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic portions; R2 is an acyl residue or a linear or branched, monovalent hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, optionally having one or more C—C multiple bonds and/or having optionally cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic portions; R3 is a linear or branched, divalent hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, optionally having cyclic and/or aromatic portions, and optionally having one or more heteroatoms; the index a has a value of 0, 1 or 2; and the index n has a value of 1 to 3.

Abstract: A system for removing a cured composite object from a mandrel is provided. The system includes a collapsible shell, wherein an inner surface of the shell is configured to slide over an outer surface of the mandrel and an outer surface of the shell is configured to have the composite object formed thereon. The system further includes an extractor comprising a first and second disk disposed along a rod, and an adjuster, wherein the second disk is configured to engage an end of the mandrel and the adjuster is configured to move the first disk along the rod relative to the second disk. The system further includes a spacer configured to fit between the first disk and a first end of the shell when the shell is placed on the mandrel. The spacer pushes the shell and the composite object formed thereon off of the mandrel when the adjuster moves the first disk towards the second disk.

Abstract: A modular plastic floor tile has a body of a first polymer compound and features overmolded onto the body from a second polymer compound. The compounds may be different from each other in hardness and/or color. The features may include raised pads on the upper surface and/or skins on support member cores downwardly depending from the tile lower surface. The pads on the upper surface may be injection-molded from the lower surface through through-holes. Lateral edges of the tile are provided with latches which fit into loops with an interference fit. The loops flex in order to impose a compressive force on mating tile edges. The tile may have an overmolded peripheral seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to casting-mold imprints and synthetic reproductions of serous membranes for tissue engineering and organogenesis. The imprints and synthetic membranes disclosed herein may be composed of distinct biocompatible polymers, which provide a mechanism for separation. Further disclosed herein are methods for making imprints and synthetic membranes that mimic natural scrous membranes.

Abstract: Multilayer composites are obtained from a molding composition which contains the following components: a) 100 parts by weight of polyamide and b) from 0.005 to 10 parts by weight of a compound having at least two carbonate units by coextruding with a molding composition based on a high-melting-point polymer whose crystallite melting point Tm is at least 255° C. and/or whose glass transition temperature Tg is at least 180° C.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite material which includes a carbon-based material and a particulate or fibrous metal material Z. The method includes steps (a) to (c). In the step (a), at least a first carbon material and the metal material Z mixed into an elastomer, and dispersing the first carbon material and the metal material Z by applying a shear force to obtain a composite elastomer, the metal material Z having a melting point lower than a melting point of the first carbon material. In the step (b), the composite elastomer is heat-treated to vaporize the elastomer to obtain an intermediate composite material including a second carbon material and the metal material Z. In the step (c), the intermediate composite material is heat-treated together with a substance including an element Y having a melting point lower than the melting point of the metal material Z to vaporize the substance including the element Y.

Abstract: The invention provides foams of desired cell sizes formed from metal or ceramic materials that coat the surfaces of carbon foams which are subsequently removed. For example, metal is located over a sol-gel foam monolith. The metal is melted to produce a metal/sol-gel composition. The sol-gel foam monolith is removed, leaving a metal foam.

Abstract: A clip retains eyeglasses to a cap. The clip includes an inner blade, outer blade, and bottom segment connected to the inner and outer blades. The bottom segment separates the inner blade from the outer blade forming a slot, and biases the inner blade towards the outer blade. An arm connected to the outer blade wedgingly retains a temple arm of eyeglasses. A display device is connected to the outer blade where visible to an observer, and provides promotional emblems, logo, picture, photo, colors, team symbol and the like. The display device may be removable and replaceable.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing laminated nano-composite material. The apparatus comprising: a plasticizing-and-feeding device assembly consisting n plasticizing-and-feeding device; a current collector having n inlets, one outlet and a conjunction runner; k laminated composite generators connected in series, wherein generator comprises one melt inlet channel, m branch laminated runners and one melt outlet channel, while in vicinity of each melt inlet channel is provided with m distributary openings, and each branch laminated runner can make each equal composite melt flown out from each distributary opening rotates approximately 90 degrees and extends m times in width as it flows forward, and then joins together and forms laminated structure melt, and the laminated structure melt which joins together at the melt outlet channel of the last laminated composite generator has n×mk layers; and a forming device connected in series to the melt outlet channel of the last generator.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The present invention provides a water gel in the form of, for example, flakes with which the defects, such as malodor, discoloration, and hydration, associated with conventional water gels have been eliminated. [Solution] The water gel 1 according to the present invention is provided by using, as raw materials, an alkaline solution, and a monomer, such as acrylic acid, acrylate, or acrylamide, which is added to the alkaline solution, the content of the monomer being approx. 10% to 20%; making a pH-value adjustment; adding a crosslinking agent, a photoprimer and a photosensitizer; and making a UV photo-curing treatment at a wavelength of 320 nm to 400 nm for photocrosslinking the monomer to produce a water gel in the form of, for example, flakes.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermal insulation sheets fashioned from certain unseparated mixtures of post-consumer plastic articles and the article, itself, is disclosed. The mixtures of such articles contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) and optionally also articles made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). An unseparated mixture of such articles is provided. This mixture is crushed and shredded to form plastic flakes, and these plastic flakes are then homogenized. Homogenization of the flakes can be carried out either by melt-blending them or by further comminution to produce very fine particles of the mixed plastics. The resulting homogenized mixture of plastic types is then compression molded into sheets ranging in thickness from about 3 to 10 mm.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing stand-alone multilayer thin films is provided. The process includes providing a substrate, depositing a sacrificial layer onto the substrate and the depositing multilayer thin film onto the sacrificial layer. Thereafter, the substrate, sacrificial layer and thin film structure are exposed to chemical solutions. The chemical solution selectively reacts with the sacrificial layer to remove the sacrificial layer, thereby affording for an intact multilayer stand-alone thin film to separate from the substrate. The color and optical properties of the multilayer thin film are not affected by the removal of the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a case, a cover member that includes a first layer, and a second layer made of a material different from that of the first layer, and an electronic component accommodated between the case and the cover member, wherein the second layer includes a first adhesion area that is adhered to the first layer, and a second adhesion area that is located closer to a center than the first adhesion area, adhered to the first layer, and recessed closer to the case than the first adhesion area, a step being formed between the first adhesion area and the second adhesion area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite materials with a high dielectric constant and high dielectric strength and to methods of producing the composite materials. The composite materials have high dielectric constants at a range of high frequencies and possess robust mechanical properties and strengths, such that they may be machined to a variety of configurations. The composite materials also have high dielectric strengths for operation in high power and high energy density systems. In one embodiment, the composite material is composed of a trimodal distribution of ceramic particles, including barium titanate, barium strontium titanate (BST), or combinations thereof and a polymer binder.

Abstract: An inorganic board is obtained by extrusion molding of raw material composition, contains cement and silica-containing material in weight ratio ranging from 45:55 to 55:45, contains 3 to 8 wt %, with respect to total solids, of organic fibers. In the inorganic board, specific gravity ranges from 1.4 to 2.0, flexural strength is not lower than 20 N/mm2, dimensional change rate upon ten-day moisture release at 80° C. is not greater than 0.1%, dimensional change rate upon seven-day moisture absorption is not greater than 0.1%, seven-day dimensional change rate in an environment having carbon dioxide concentration of 5% is not greater than 0.1%. A method for producing the inorganic board comprises the steps of producing raw material composition that comprises cement, silica-containing material and organic fibers; producing mat by extrusion molding of the raw material composition; and subjecting the mat to autoclave curing at 140 to 200° C.

Abstract: A system and method for building on a worksite utilizing compressed masonry blocks is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a block machine at or near a worksite for the structure, providing reusable material at or near the worksite as block material for forming a plurality of compressed blocks, manufacturing each of the plurality of compressed blocks by the block machine by compressing a measured portion of the block material under a pressure in the range of 2500 to 5000 psi, and forming the structure on the worksite from one or more of the plurality of compressed blocks. The reusable material includes common clay, foundry sand, coal ash, construction debris, demolition debris, waste road asphalt, or waste roof shingles.

Abstract: Aspects of the methods herein relate to the fabrication of absorbent articles wherein a continuous topsheet web is advanced in a machine direction. A liquid acquisition layer and an absorbent core are combined with the continuous topsheet web. The combined continuous topsheet web, liquid acquisition layer, and absorbent core advance through the embossing nip to emboss a pattern in the continuous topsheet web. As the combined continuous topsheet web, liquid acquisition layer, and absorbent core advance through the embossing nip, the rotating patterned embossing roll contacts the continuous topsheet web. And the rotating anvil roll contacts the absorbent core. By advancing the topsheet together with the acquisition layer and absorbent core through the embossing nip, a relatively deep pattern can be embossed into the topsheet than otherwise might be possible when embossing relatively thin topsheet web materials.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fiber profile (32) that is designed to fill in a space with a nail-head-shaped or half-nail-head-shaped cross-section that originates from the assembly of preforms in a T shape, of which at least one includes a curvature radius at the junction zone of the preforms, includes: supplying powder-coated fibers (28) to a preforming station (30) where the powder is activated and the fibers (28) move into a passage whose shapes are adapted to those of the desired profile, and then making the preformed fibers move into a shaping station (34) where the fiber profile (32) is cooled and shaped by circulating in a cavity whose shapes are adapted to those of the desired profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure for a diffused aeration system. More particularly, the invention encompasses a diffuser membrane where at least a portion of the surface has been treated with at least one layer of fluorine, to form a fluorinated elastomeric gas diffuser membrane. The invention also includes the deposition of fluorine atoms on the surface of a non-fluorine containing membrane to create a permanent fluoro-elastomeric surface layer. Tubular and disc diffuser members are also disclosed that have at least a portion of them treated with at least one layer of fluorine. A process of making the inventive diffuser membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Product compositions, product walls, and molding processes are described. According to one aspect, a product composition includes a polyester layer and an N-polymer layer coupled to the polyester layer.

Abstract: A wet shaving system is disclosed including a blade member and a skin-engaging portion in proximity to said blade member, the skin-engaging portion comprising a solid polymeric shaving aid composite including an exposed portion containing a water-soluble shaving aid dispersed in a water-insoluble polymeric matrix, the water soluble shaving aid being coated with mineral oil.

Abstract: A method produces a flexible convertible-top cloth for a convertible top, an outside of which convertible-top cloth is provided with a decoration. The cost-effective production method is distinguished in that use is made of a convertible-top cloth which has plastic fibers, and in that the decoration is produced on the convertible-top cloth in the form of a permanent depression deforming the plastic fibers by a stamp having a negative of the decoration. The convertible-top cloth is heated to a predetermined temperature and the stamp is pressed onto the convertible-top cloth with a predetermined force.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, having at least one height-adjustable foot. According to an embodiment the invention, the foot comprises sections with essentially different coefficients of static friction.

Abstract: A pressure control valve assembly including a valve body with a valving cavity, a metal insert, a member and ball, a plastic internal ball guide, and a plug. The metal insert, which is received within the valving cavity, includes an exhaust port, a pressure control port, a supply port, and a plug-receiving end. The plastic internal ball guide is included within a portion of the metal insert. The member extends within a portion of the insert and is movable with respect to the exhaust port, the member moving a ball with respect to a supply port. In an embodiment, a plug is received within the plug-receiving end of the insert. A method for making a valve body for a valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite of a metal and a resin, in which a shaped metal and a shaped thermoplastic resin are integrally joined by injection molding, and in which the perpendicular precision of the thermoplastic shaped body with respect to the shaped metal is improved, as well as a method for manufacturing the composite. A composite 40 of a metal and a resin is composed of a shaped metal 20 and a shaped thermoplastic resin that is integrally joined to this shaped metal 20 by injection molding. The shaped thermoplastic resin comprises a seat 42 and a boss 41 that protrudes from the seat 42. A runner 43 is provided which communicates with the seat 42 via two sprues and through which a molten thermoplastic resin that has been injected through an injection gate 45 flows into the boss 41 and the thermoplastic resin injected through the injection gate 45 flows through the sprues 47 to opposite locations of the boss 41 substantially uniformly, thereby filling the locations.

Abstract: A fixation device, comprises an elongated element extending along a central axis, having a total length L and including a proximal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within a preselected wavelength range and a distal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within the preselected wavelength range in combination with a middle section axially arranged between the proximal and distal sections, the middle section formed of a material that is substantially absorbent for electromagnetic radiation in the preselected wavelength range.

Abstract: A device for supplying a patient with breathing gas, which has a housing provided with gas ducts and a corresponding cover (5), shall be improved such that the cover (5) can be manufactured in a simple manner and possesses good sealing properties. To accomplish the object, provisions are made for the cover (5) to consist of a one-piece, plate-like elastomer material and for groove-like depressions (10) extending in the direction of partitions (6) to be present as a seal for the gas ducts (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curved rear pressure bulkhead (1) made of a composite material, comprising three layers: an outer layer (2) and an inner layer (3) symmetrical with one another, which are made of a fiber laminate, and the intermediate layer or core (4) made of a lightweight material. With such a sandwich-type shape, the resulting bulkhead (1) is able to withstand the bending loads coming from the strain and pressurization of the fuselage without having to increase its stiffness by means of using some type of stiffener. The bulkhead (1) comprises a ring (6) that is attached to the ends of the sandwich shape. This ring (6) is split into several parts (8) to facilitate the assembly of the bulkhead (1) made of composite material to the fuselage skin (5).

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for forming elongated composite structural members are provided. One disclosed method includes providing a substantially elongated mandrel having an exterior surface exhibiting a desired geometry. A plurality of plies of fiber material preimpregnated with a thermosetting resin are laid up and pressed onto the mandrel, Pressing the plies of material may include passing one or more rollers over the mandrel and over the plurality of plies along a length of the mandrel. The roller or rollers may be at least partially complementary in shape with the mandrel while maintaining the plies of material in a substantially uncured state during the pressing. The method may include sequentially passing a plurality of rollers over the mandrel and the plies of material. The method may also include configuring a first roller to partially complementarily engage the mandrel and configuring another roller to substantially fully complementarily engage the mandrel.

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.