Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivery of a drug or compound into a fluid flowing within a tube or catheter. In one embodiment a catheter includes an inner surface coated with a polymer matrix such as a hydrogel. The hydrogel includes captured within it a therapeutic agent. The method of capture may be by various means, including photolabile bonds between the therapeutic agent and the hydrogel. The therapeutic agent is released from the hydrogel by the application of energy to the hydrogel, such as by a laser emitting a wavelength which resonates and breaks the photolabile bond. The released therapeutic agent diffuses out of the hydrogel into the liquid flowing within a lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: In a process of making a rotationally symmetrical article, such as rope pulleys, running wheels or the like, from plastic material such as cast polyamides, raw material melts of plastic material and predetermined amounts of catalysts, activators and stabilizers are prepared at different formulation and composition to impart the melts with different mechanical strengths after polymerization. The raw material melts are poured into a heated, rotating mold in succession in dependence on a polymerization pattern of the raw material melts. After complete polymerization of the melts, the mold is opened, and the finished article can be removed from the mold for optional refinishing procedure.

Abstract: The present invention's method for manufacturing the ball joint for automobile, consisting of a housing 2 connected to the end of rod 3, a round head 1a, a neck 1c and a screwed part 1b, which has a build-in ball stud 1 designed for the said round head 1a to go around the said housing, is composed of coating the said round head 1a of the ball stud 1 with a lubricant, moulding the housing 2 with the FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics), and then insert-moulding the round head 1a of the said ball stud 1 into the housing 2.

Abstract: A method of forming a carpeted plastic part includes positioning a carpet between first and second mold halves, wherein the carpet has a back surface. A non-reinforced plastic strip is positioned adjacent a portion of the back surface of the carpet. A hollow parison of reinforced plastic material is formed between the first and second mold halves. The first and second mold halves are then closed together to form a carpeted plastic part having a thinned-down region of the reinforced plastic material adjacent the plastic strip such that the plastic strip is sandwiched between the thinned-down region and the carpet to form a flexible living hinge.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the manufacture of shield cans and shield cans manufactured by said method. The shield cans comprising a plastic housing, a conductive inlay and a conductive gasket are manufactured by a multi-k procedure, preferably a 2-k procedure, in one single mold. The mold consists of a fixed mold part and a rotary mold part, having projections and recesses, respectively. The first step of the method is to place a preformed inlay on one projection and then forming the plastic housing on one side of the inlay. Then is the rotary mold part rotated, where after the gasket is formed on the side of the inlay opposite the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved microplate which is constructed of at least one frame part and at least one bottom part, where the bottom part has a maximum thickness of 500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim panel for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes the steps of loading a trim blank into a cavity of a mold and loading an edge of the trim blank on a movable slide of the mold. The method also includes the steps of depositing a molten thermoplastic material onto a core of the mold and partially closing the mold. The method further includes the steps of moving the slide into a channel of the core, completely closing the mold, and forcing the molten plastic material into a down-turned flange area of the mold to form the interior trim panel with a down-turned flange.

Abstract: A method and system for casting a thermoset layer over a golf ball precursor product is disclosed herein. The system includes multiple stations connected by a conveyor system. The thermoset flowable material is dispensed into a plurality of cavities on each of the mold halves. A plurality of golf ball precursor products are then centered and inserted into the first mold half cavities. The mold halves are mated, heated and cooled. Then, at a de-molding station, the mold halves are separated and the thermoset layered golf balls are removed from the second mold half. A preferred thermoset material is a thermoset polyurethane.

Abstract: A press die made of concrete having a surface layer bonded to the concrete, and a method manufacturing the same. A concrete member 60A is hardened through steam-curing. Thereafter, a surface material layer 70 is formed on a pressing surface of the concrete member 60A utilizing the aggregate 65 in the hardened concrete member 60A as an anchor.

Abstract: A template is placed over a mold cavity, with the template including a series of orifices which extend over substantially the entire surface of the mold cavity. Molten plastic is passed through the orifices in a pattern corresponding to the shape of the article to be molded, and the molten plastic is formed into a molded article having the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A laminated plate comprising a glass layer located in front and formed from a glass sheet and a resin layer located at the back of the glass layer and molded from a molten thermoplastic material spread at a low pressure over the glass layer, the glass layer and the resin layer being arranged in a laminated fashion. A method for producing the laminated plate wherein the glass sheet is first provided so as to be in close contact with the inner side of at least either one of dies used in a compression molding machine and then the dies are clamped for compression molding, with the molten resinous material to be supplied to a mold cavity being spread at a low pressure over the glass sheet, whereby the laminated plate comprising, in a laminated fashion, the glass layer composed of the glass sheet and the resin layer molded by spreading the molten resinous material at a low pressure can be formed.

Abstract: A metallized composite includes a thermoplastic sheet and at least one discontinuous layer of metal within the thermoplastic sheet. The discontinuous metal layer can be disposed between two thermoplastic layers that are bound together, such as by melting the layers together, pressing, or by use of an adhesive. The metallized composites of the invention can be employed as reflective surfaces, such as are used as mirrors or substitutes for chrome trim on automobiles. A particularly preferred metal as a component of the discontinuous layer of the composite is indium.

Abstract: An injection molding method includes a holding step, a cavity forming step, a first injection step, a compression molding step, and a second injection step. In the holding step, a skin layer is held under tension by tension pins. In the cavity forming step, a male mold and a female mold are disposed in facing relation to each other, forming a molding cavity therebetween with a gap between the male and female molds being grater than the thickness of a door trim (body of synthetic resin) by a predetermined distance. In the first injection step, a molten synthetic resin is injected from a first injection gate into the molding cavity. In the compression molding step, the male mold and the female mold are displaced toward each other by the predetermined distance, compression-molding an upper portion (first portion) of the door trim of the molten synthetic resin.

Abstract: A method is used to make a vulcanized elastomer capable of combining with Polyurethane to form a product without the use of an adhesive. The method includes the formation of the mixture of an vulcanizable elastomer. The mixture is stabilized in a nitrogen-containing chamber before the mixture is vulcanized. The vulcanized elastomer is formed in a molding tool and is subsequently degreased with a liquid containing a non-ionic interfacial agent. The degreased elastomer is dried by baking before being coated with the acetoacetate solution containing chloro cyanuric acid. The coated elastomer is dried again by baking before being stabilized in a dustproof environment for 48 hours. Upon completion of the dustproof stabilization, the elastomer is ready for combining with Polyurethane without the help of an adhesive.

Abstract: In a method of producing a composite insulator having a core member, end fitting members fixed to both end portions of the core member, and an overcoat member including a sheath portion formed on an outer surface of the core member and shed members, the overcoat member and the end fitting member are connected by curing. Moreover, a clamping operation is performed or a packing member is used for preventing a flow of an overcoat forming material into a seal portion. In this manner, it is possible to improve a seal performance of a connection boundary between the end fitting member and the overcoat member.

Abstract: The upper and lower mold plates of a transfer molding machine are configured for one-side encapsulation of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator. A buffer member, optionally with cut-outs or apertures, may be placed between the two back-to-back substrates for protecting the grid-arrays and enabling encapsulation of devices with varying thicknesses without adjustment of the molding machine. Alternately, the upper and lower plates are configured for one-side encasement using covers of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator.

Abstract: A composite sheet material, in which at least either one of opposed surfaces is composed of a glass layer for the purpose of surface protection from scratching, can be easily produced without causing bonding defects and stress-strain. A method of such a material is also disclosed. This material comprises (a) a glass layer made of sheet glass and constituting one of the opposed surfaces of the composite sheet material; and (b) a resin layer constituting the other surface of the material and molded by applying a uniform pressure to an entire molten resinous material introduced onto the glass layer so as to be elongated, spreading over the glass layer, these glass layer and said resin layer being laminated.

Abstract: A blank (2) is molded for the manufacture of a multi-layer preform (1). The blank possesses protrusions (5). After the protrusions (5) have been brought to a plasticized state under the action of heat, those surfaces that contain protrusions (5) are covered by a layer of plasticized material. The blank (2) becomes connected to the layer (6) in the area of the protrusions (5). After cooling of the preform created from the blank (2) and the layer (6), the blank (2) will be connected with the layer (6) by means of microweld positions (7) in the area of the said protrusions (5). With that, delamination of the preform (1) during further processing or use-will be effectively prevented.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a panel unit having a panel and a frame in which a first molding piece is formed by engaging an extrusion port of an extrusion molding die with a peripheral edge of the panel and extruding an extruded molding material along the peripheral edge of the panel. The extruded molding material preferably simultaneously bonds to the peripheral edge. Waste pieces may be eliminated from the first molding piece after bonding the first molding piece to the peripheral edge and the frame may be completed by adding an additional molding piece to provide a continuously formed frame around the peripheral edge. The first molding piece may be formed by continuously moving the peripheral edge relative to the extrusion port in a predetermined orbital path. The peripheral edge of the panel may be subjected to a primer treatment before engaging the extrusion port.

Abstract: The method of forming a field joint around the bare joint of two joined insulation covered pipes includes providing a first angular cut back in the coating to expose the end of a pipe and providing a second cut back in the coating to provide an annular band of the coating of a lesser diameter than the coating on the pipe. A thin coating of polyurethane may then be applied over the first and second cut backs and a recess provided in the band of coating. A mould may then be secured around the lesser diameter band, and polyurethane pumped into the mould in a sufficient amount to form a field joint which extends into the second cut back and lies flush with the coating of the pipes so as to allow for reeling and laying of the pipe without snagging. The field joint can be located around the bare joint and includes a polyurethane infill recessed into the insulated coating of the pipes such that infill lies flush with the surface of the coating on the pipes.

Abstract: Conventional plastic mouldings with several fields of which at least one is laminated with a covering material are produced in a single operation. In order to prevent the covering material from becoming warped in the laminated region, the plastic substrate of the known plastic part is injected into all fields under a low pressure, to the detriment under certain conditions of the quality of the blank fields. The invention therefore proposes to produce during one step the plastic substrate of the blank field from plastics injected under high pressure, and to produce the plastic substrate of the laminated field during another step from plastics injected under a relatively low pressure. Also disclosed is a corresponding moulding tool for producing the disclosed plastic moulding in a conventional press.

Abstract: A method of making a speaker comprises providing a pair of dies which define between them a cavity. A first portion of the cavity receives a diaphragm of the speaker. A second portion of the cavity adjacent an outer perimeter of the diaphragm receives a fluid thermoplastic elastomer for forming a diaphragm surround. The second portion includes a perimetrally inner first region adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally inner flange for bonding to the diaphragm adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm. The second portion includes a central second region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a connecting arch of the surround. The second portion also includes a perimetrally outer third region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally outer flange for attachment to a diaphragm support. A diaphragm is placed between the dies. The dies are closed.

Abstract: A preform and container each having a crystallized neck finish and method of making the same, wherein the method involves introducing a first thermoplastic material into a first mold section to form a substantially crystallized neck portion of a preform, and introducing a second thermoplastic material into a second mold section to form a substantially amorphous body-forming portion of a preform. The first material may have a substantially higher crystallization rate than the second material, and/or the first mold section may be at a higher temperature than the second mold section. In one embodiment, an indexer carrying two core sets is movable between first and second cavity sets for sequentially molding the neck portions on the first core set in the first cavity set, and then transferring the cores and neck portions to the second cavity set for molding the body-forming portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for manufacturing an electromagnetic interference shielding metallic foil cladded plastic product.

Abstract: A method for bonding a tube into a device each of which is formed from a thermoplastic polymer. The device has first and second solid members in spaced apart relationship to form a hollow cavity therebetween. At least one linear channel extends through each of said solid members in an aligned relationship, such that a tube may be passed through in sliding engagement, including through the hollow cavity. Molten polymeric composition is injected into the hollow cavity at a temperature lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer so as to bond to the thermoplastic polymer and to the tube to form fluid-tight bonds therewith.

Abstract: In a method and device for molding a laminated molded assembly by simultaneously forming a resin core member and integrally joining a surface skin member in a die assembly for mold press forming comprising an upper die and a lower die, the moldability of the surface skin member is improved by softening the surface skin member by blowing hot air against the surface skin member from air holes provided in the upper die which is associated with the surface skin member. As a result, the surface skin member can favorably conform to the surface contour of the die surface and the resin core member. Optionally, vacuum suction may be applied to the surface skin member to draw it against the corresponding die surface so as to eliminate the possibility of creating localized gaps between the surface skin member and the corresponding die surface.

Abstract: A color coated article is formed by applying a color coated material to an injection mold having mold halves, a mold cavity edge and a mold cavity therein for the formation of an injection molded article, and injecting molten plastic into the mold cavity to form a laminated article with the color coated material bonded to the injected plastic. The process uses a color coated blank having a roughened surface, said blank adapted to be placed into at least one mold half and transferring the blank into registry with at least one of the mold halves. The molten plastic is injected against the roughened surface of the blank to enhance bonding of the blank to the injected plastic.

Abstract: A graphic image is applied to a candle by depositing paper having a preprinted image atop a pool of molten wax for a few moments so that air is driven from the paper. The air-free paper is then positioned inside a candle mold and molten wax is poured into the mold. When the wax has cooled and the candle is removed from the mold, the paper is air bubble-free and is therefor transparent and not visible. The image is as clear as if it had been printed onto the candle. In a second embodiment, the image-bearing paper, after having been deposited atop a pool of molten wax for a few moments, is rolled into a cylindrical shape and placed concentrically into a candle mold having an interior diameter greater than the external diameter of the cylinder. Molten wax is then poured into the mold and the candle is removed when the wax has cooled.

Abstract: A method for applying molded silicone design elements onto substrates is provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention use a cold-mold injection molding process to apply molded silicone design elements onto substrates, including delicate substrates such as fabrics and paper. A cold-mold injection molding process is used to avoid tearing, burning or otherwise damaging the substrates. The molded silicone design elements are preferably multi-colored and three-dimensional. The design elements may include foreground elements and background elements of varying colors and dimensions, which together form an overall artistic design in relief. The molded silicone design elements may also be textured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf ball core constructions and methods for forming the golf ball core construction. The golf ball comprises a molded spherical core having a soft skin integral therewith, and a cover molded over the core. The soft skin is formed by controlling exothermic molding temperatures. A slug is placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. A steam set point is set, and steam is applied for a 25-30 minute period such that a maximum mold temperature exceeds the steam set point. In the alternative, the core surface may be softened by first immersing a slug in water prior to subjecting the slug to conventional molding conditions.

Abstract: A three dimensional molded body which is thin and has an excellent shape-maintainability and a method for manufacturing the three dimensional molded body, which is low in cost and high in productivity. An urethane elastomer (33), which comprises a non-foamable type of a reactive mixture, is integrally pressurized and compressed by an upper portion of a mold and a lower portion thereof, which have predetermined shapes, respectively, when the urethane elastomer is still in a visco-elastic flowing condition during the reaction thereof. The urethane elastomer is transformed into a solid body and is fixed on a back surface of the surface material. A backing material (34) is provided on a whole of a back surface of the urethane elastomer so that the backing material can be completely fixed on the urethane elastomer during the reaction thereof. A natural leather or a synthetic leather is used for the surface material (32).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal at a cylinder head of a vehicle motor includes providing a bearing groove at a cylinder head of a vehicle motor and providing a mold member for cooperating with the bearing groove to form the seal. The seal material is introduced into the mold member so as to provide a defined excess surpassing the volume of the sealing material required for filling the bearing groove. Curing of the seal material enclosed in the bearing groove and the mold member is achieved under pressure. The pressing device for performing the method includes a mold member with receiving groove for cooperation with the bearing groove of the cylinder groove.

Abstract: A masking tool (60) for use in combination with a shaped-workpiece (30.sub.S) in the manufacture of a precision gear (10), which shaped workpiece (30.sub.S) defines a plurality of gear teeth (12) and tooth space surfaces (68) defined by and between adjacent gear teeth (12). The masking tool (60) is, furthermore, operative to mask the tooth space surfaces (68) during surface deposition of a masking material (28) while facilitating deposition of the masking material (28) upon the top lands (14) of the gear teeth (12). The masking tool includes a flexible back-plate (64) and a plurality of compliant masking segments (62) bonded to and integrated by the flexible back-plate (64). Each of the compliant masking segments (62) define a surface geometry (66) which is substantially complementary to the respective tooth space surface (68). Furthermore, adjacent compliant masking segments (62) define an open-ended channel (70) therebetween.

Abstract: A decoration sheet is retained on the cavity periphery by a sheet clamp in such a state that it is projected into a molding cavity of a female die. Then the decoration sheet is heated and softened by a curved hot platen, and thereafter it is drawn through suction ports of the female die to bring the sheet into close fit to the inner periphery of the molding cavity. The deformation amount of the decoration sheet heated and softened is decreased in premolding the sheet into the molding cavity surface of the female die. Therefore, distortion of the decoration sheet, appearance of wrinkles, and breakage thereof become little. Next, the female die and the male die are coupled with each other to effect die clamping, and a molten resin is poured to fill the molding cavity to effect injection molding.

Abstract: A method for patterning a material onto a substrate including the steps of: providing a micro-mold having a plurality of non-communicating independent channels and having a plurality of reservoirs for receiving a micro-molding fluid each of which reservoirs communicates with a channel, the micro-mold including an elastomeric master having a surface with a plurality of recesses therein and a substrate; introducing a micro-molding fluid into the micro-mold reservoirs filling said communicating channels; and solidifying the fluid in the micro-mold and removing the elastomeric master thereby generating a pattern of material on the substrate. The micro-mold is formed by contacting the surface of the elastomeric master with the substrate such that the recesses in the surface form the plurality of reservoirs and channels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a slip-resistance mat includes the following steps: (1). providing a sheet of textile having patterns on one side thereof and then treating the other side of the sheet of textile so as to be provided with woolen yarns; (2). providing a rubber plate; (3). placing the sheet of textile and the rubber plate into a mold in a manner that the side of the sheet of textile having woolen yarns is corresponding to the rubber plate, the surface of the mold in contact with the sheet of textile being formed with pattern-shaped hollows and the surface of the mold in contact with the rubber plate being formed with sucking-disk-shaped hollows; (4). pressing the mold under high temperature so that the rubber plate is melted and the melted rubber is infiltrated into the woolen yarns and the fibers of the sheet of textile so that the sheet of textile is coupled securely to the rubber plate to form a slip-resistance mat.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated molding, such as an air current control valve used in an air conditioner for a vehicle, is made to be united with an facing material having the flexible surface of a basic plate made of resin. When the above laminated molding is produced, a used mold should be split into a stationary mold portion and a movable mold portion. Also, a compression core is provided in the movable mold portion. The facing material is temporarily fixed on a mold-face of the stationary mold portion and a mold-face of the compressive core of the movable mold portion opposite the mold-face of the stationary mold portion, during the aforementioned state, a melting synthetic resin is fed into a mold and then the fed melting synthetic resin is compressed by moving the compression core toward the stationary mold portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to molded golf ball core constructions and methods for improving the molded golf ball core construction. The molded golf ball comprises a molded spherical core having a soft skin integral therewith, and a cover molded over the core. The soft skin is formed by controlling exothermic molding temperatures. A slug is placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. A steam set point is set, and steam is applied for a 25-30 minute period such that a maximum mold temperature exceeds the steam set point. In the alternative, the core surface may be softened by first immersing a slug in water prior to subjecting the slug to conventional molding conditions.

Abstract: Methods for pre-shaping paint film laminates and co-molding processes using such laminates are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of providing (e.g., forming or procuring) a plastic paint film laminate, softening the paint film laminate with heat such that one or more localized portions of the member absorb more heat than the remainder, and deforming the plastic film member to form a pre-shaped article. The formation of different heat absorption areas on the paint film laminate is referred to as the provision of heat sink areas. These heat sink areas can be provided for example by surface coating of heat retention means such as black paint or ink pigments on localized areas of the surface of the laminate followed by uniform heating of the laminate in an oven or the like or the sheet can be heated in localized areas to a greater extent (i.e. time and/or temperature) than in remainder portions by the means of heat guns or the like.

Abstract: Improvements in a method for extruding plastic members includes a joint connection for splicing glass fiber rebars together in end-to-end relation for use as reinforcing elements in an extruded plastic member. The extruded plastic member is cut into predetermined lengths at the locations of the splices or joint connections so that the reinforcing rebars in the extruded members are joint- or splice-free. A device for locating the position of the splices in the extruded plastic member is suspended above the extrusion apparatus and is adjustable for any predetermined length of reinforcing rebars to be used in the extruded plastic member. After the extruded member is cut, a chilled plate is inserted into the cut to cool and solidify any molten plastic that may remain at the confronting surfaces of the cut to prevent leakage of molten plastic from the cut ends of the extruded plastic member.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards several methods for forming liquid filled centers from thermoplastic materials, including methods for sealing the liquid filled centers subsequent to filling with liquid. The methods exploit the beneficial processing characteristics of thermoplastic materials so as to provide efficient methods for producing liquid filled center cores.

Abstract: Shaped load-carrying structures are fabricated using bamboo linear fibers with a compatible bonding material and synthetic polymers such as polyesters, epoxies, and polyolefins. The structures are manufactured by coating at least one of bamboo culms, split bamboo culms, bamboo fiber tape, or prepared bamboo fibers with a bonding material to produce a core. The core is then combined with a polymer matrix and extruded or molded to form a structure having the desired shape. The structures compare favorably with wood, steel, and concrete regarding strength, longevity, price and ability to withstand earthquakes. The structures may be used as beams, columns, telephone poles, and marine piles.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method for providing a composite structure and the composite structure formed thereby. The method broadly comprises the steps of: providing a core structure formed from a non-metallic composite material in a substantially uncured state; applying a fluoroelastomer film in a substantially uncured state over surface portions of said core structure; placing a metallic structure over a portion of said core structure, said metallic structure having inner surfaces which contacts said fluoroelastomer film; and molding said composite structure under conditions of heat and pressure for a time sufficient to co-cure said fluoroelastomer film and said non-metallic core structure material and to form a bond between said fluoroelastomer film and said inner surfaces of said metallic structure. The method of the present invention may be used to manufacture original metal/composite structures as well as to refurbish metal/composite structures such as fan exit guide vanes for jet engines.

Abstract: The composite vane is molded by injecting resin into a preform of layers of reinforcing fibers according to the RTM method. The skins of its main vane section as well as of its root and tip via which it is connected to the flow-straightener central body and to part of the duct are laminated with a pile of at least three layers of reinforcing fibers, and complementary piles at the root and tip exhibit at least one fastening tab. The central body is made of metal or composite and the composite vanes are interchangeable, or the vanes and the central body are injection-molded as a single piece using the RTM method.

Abstract: A method and jig for loosing electric wires of a wire harness passed through a grommet are disclosed. A wire harness is clamped at the front and rear of a grommet. One clamping portion of the jig is rotated to twist the wire harness and thereafter inverted to loose it. Otherwise, the one clamping portion is moved in a direction of compressing the wire harness. The jig includes a fixing-side clamping portion for clamping the one end of a wire harness, a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction of the wire harness, a bearing slidably engaged with the guide rail; a lock portion for locking said bearing to the guide rail, a circular rotating member, supported by said bearing, for rotating the wire harness in a circumferential direction of the wire harness; and a movable-side clamping portion, integrally attached to the rotating member, for clamping the other end of said wire harness.

Abstract: A window module has a fixed-pane window which is encapsulated by a molded trim piece having an integral portion which extends around an adjacent movable window opening. The integral trim is formed of EPDM. The window module is constructed by placing a window pane, a division post and the end of an extruded EPDM trim strip into a mold into which EPDM is injected to integrate and encapsulate the inserts.

Abstract: A casing for use in the manufacture of a resilient joint, the casing having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an internal cavity, wherein the casing has at least one frangible wall section which is adapted to fracture upon the application of a compressive force to the outer surface of the casing such that after such fracture the volume of the internal cavity of the casing is reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle window including a relatively thin sheet of clear plastic material having opposed surfaces, an electrically operable defrosting grid adhered to one surface of the relatively thin sheet, and a relatively thick substrate layer of clear plastic material having opposed surfaces curved into a vehicle window configuration.

Abstract: Processes are set forth for forming high strength thermoplastic polymer bone fixation devices used, for example, in orthopedic surgery, where "strength" is quantified in terms a given device's pullout strength, tensile modulus, shear strength and breaking torque strength. Products of the aforementioned process are contemplated by the invention as well, with both "bioabsorbable" devices, for example, screws which are absorbable in an animal body and do not need to be removed after the bone in which they are inserted has healed; and non-bioabsorbable devices being described.

Abstract: A single-sided gasketed panel assembly for use as a flush-mounted panel or window in vehicles, buildings, or other structures, as well as a method and apparatus for making such panel assemblies, wherein the panel assembly comprises a sheet-like panel having; a primer layer and at least one polymeric gasket molded to the panel on the primer layer. The primer applied to the panel has a predetermined transition temperature above which improved adhesion properties are exhibited for polymeric gaskets molded thereon when the primer is at or above such temperature.