Abstract: A two-piece fastener, for example a bumper screw, includes a fastener and an overmolded resilient portion configured to avoid contact with a fastening tool.

Abstract: A ceramic article having improved interlaminar strength and a method of forming the article. The article may be a ceramic matrix composite article. The methods of forming the articles increase the interlaminar strength of the article by forming indentations in the article during processing. The indentations may be tabs that are formed such that they provide one or more beneficial features for ceramic articles, such as CMC articles and hybrid structures. The tabs may be any of a variety of shapes, orientations, spacings, and combinations. In an alternative embodiment, the indentations are formed by pulling one or more fibers from one side of the ceramic layer to the other side. The articles have increased surface area, which helps to increase the bonding strength between the ceramic layer and any thermal barrier coating layer and/or ceramic core in the ceramic article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical component having an optical element and a holder attached to the optical element, comprising the steps of: inserting a blank for the optical element into a through hole of the holder wherein the through hole has a narrowed portion at which the blank is prevented from passing through the through hole; sucking at least the blank from an upper side thereof in a state where the blank is inserted into the through hole; transporting the holder and the blank simultaneously to a molding device; placing the blank on a molding surface of the molding device; and heating and pressurizing the blank in the molding device so that the blank is deformed to obtain a predetermined optical surface and is press-fitted to an inner face of the holder.

Abstract: A method of forming a valve assembly for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal can include injection molding an upper member having a piercing member and injection molding a sealing member. The upper member has a fluid channel defined therethrough and forms, in an injection molding machine, a unitary member with the sealing member. The method can also include injection molding a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough. The base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The method can further include injection molding a stem member constructed and arranged to be disposed in part within the base fluid channel. The stem member has an actuation portion extending through a spring element. The stem member has a top portion having a lower surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a granular adsorbent, absorbent, chemisorptive, or catalytic material, particularly activated carbon is intermixed with (a) meltable polymer(s), and that the resulting mixture is heated under pressure and pressed into a molded piece (2). We propose to heat the mixture under pressure in a connecting part for a respirator or fan filter unit or in a connecting part (1) for an adapter for a respirator or fan filter unit, thereby positively and/or non-positively compacting it with said connecting part, and to make the connection between said connecting part (1) and said compacted mixture gastight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an apparatus for providing a high efficiency seal in an electrical connector. The seal provides an impediment to the passage of fluid at one end of the electrical connector to the environment at the other end of the electrical connector. The electrical connector may be incorporated into an over-mold that contains other components. The electrical connector achieves the highly efficient seal through a combination of a dual torturous path design, incorporation of melt ribs, and may further involve the technique of impregnation.

Abstract: The invention provides ceramic molded solid articles and methods for making these articles on the micron scale. Articles are molded from ceramic precursors, optionally using molds including at least one portion that is elastomeric.

Abstract: A process for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics during the manufacture of a plastic shell, especially a bearing shell for a ball-and-socket joint, wherein liquefied plastic is introduced between an inner mold (3) and an outer mold (2) in order to be cured therein, wherein the plastic is partially fixed on the outer mold (2) during the curing. This process can be preferably used in a device for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics, which has a casting mold, which accommodates at least one outer mold (2) and an inner mold (3) inserted into same, wherein the liquefied plastic (1) to be molded can be introduced between the mold parts (2, 3), wherein means for fixing the liquid plastic (1) are formed on the outer mold (2).

Abstract: Methods for molding a surround over a liner to form a composite shell are provided. The liner is placed in a mold and molten surround material is injected into the mold so as to surround the liner. A surface of a protrusion of the liner abuts the mold so that the surface is exposed and is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the surround after the composite shell is removed from the mold. Molten surround material flows into a slot in a perimeter of the protrusion so that when the surround material solidifies, a rib of surround material extends into the slot to form a pressure seal between the liner and the surround. An adhesive is applied to the liner before placing the liner in the mold for reducing relative movement between the liner and surround as the surround material solidifies and the liner and surround cool.

Abstract: A molding process for manufacturing a tubular molded article includes the steps of (a) preparing a mold that defines a mold cavity and that is formed with at least a protrusion protruding into the mold cavity, (b) placing a supporting member in the mold cavity, (c) introducing a first molding material into the mold cavity around the supporting member so as to form a first molded part around the supporting member and a decorating indentation in the first molded part, and (d) filling the decorating indentation in the first molded part with a second molding material so as to form a second molded part therein.

Abstract: The mold-in fastening member comprises a substrate having engaging elements on a top surface thereof and a foamed synthetic resin layer bonded to a rear surface of the substrate. The foamed synthetic resin layer has overhanging marginal portions or sealing portions extending outwardly beyond at least both lateral edges of the substrate. The foamed synthetic resin layer has a thickness of 1 to 10 mm and an initial compressive modulus of 0.02 to 1.0 MPa. The mold-in fastening member surely prevents a molding resin from entering through gaps between the mold-in fastening member and a recess formed in a mold.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid container closure includes the acts of providing a cap and molding a cap liner on an interior surface of the cap and a grip portion on an exterior surface of the cap.

Abstract: A method for producing a window glass for a vehicle provided with an ornamental braid comprises steps of setting an ornamental braid on a lower mold of an injection molding machine, fixing an ornamental braid connection member on the lower mold, setting a glass plate on the lower mold, closing an upper mold, thereby locking the molds, and injecting molten resin into a cavity formed between the lower mold and the upper mold, thereby integrally molding a resin frame, the ornamental braid and the ornamental braid connection member along a periphery of the glass plate.

Abstract: An electrical box for use with insulated concrete form building systems includes a main body having an electrical box cavity for housing electrical outlets, switches, and electrical connections. The insulated concrete form building systems utilize insulated forms to form concrete and the insulated forms are left in place after the concrete has been poured thereby creating an overall insulated concrete element that includes the concrete and the insulated forms. In accordance with the method and the arrangement of the invention, the electrical box includes an arrangement for attaching the electrical box to the insulated form without requiring the use of any additional fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing an article of manufacture. The method includes bringing at least a portion of a heated thermoplastic sheet into contact with at least a portion of the first surface of a support having a plurality of perforations. A vacuum is formed on the second surface of the support, and portions the heated thermoplastic sheet are drawn through the perforations of the support and to the second surface side of the support. Thermoplastic attachment heads are formed on the second surface side of the support, from the thermoplastic material of the sheet that is drawn through the perforations. The thermoplastic sheet and the support are fixedly attached one to the other by means of the edges of the perforations being embedded in the thermoplastic material of the sheet drawn therethrough, and the thermoplastic attachment heads. Also disclosed are articles of manufacture, such as interior and exterior automotive body panels and components.

Abstract: Pre-tension and post-tension processes for the manufacture of pre-stressed structures in which bonded carbon fiber cables are provided with burial anchors and temporary anchors outward of the burial anchors. The burial anchors are embedded in the structure. The temporary anchors enable stressing of the carbon fiber cables.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing an article of manufacture. The method includes bringing at least a portion of a heated thermoplastic sheet into contact with at least a portion of the first surface of a support having a plurality of perforations. A vacuum is formed on the second surface of the support, and portions the heated thermoplastic sheet are drawn through the perforations of the support and to the second surface side of the support. Thermoplastic attachment heads are formed on the second surface side of the support, from the thermoplastic material of the sheet that is drawn through the perforations. The thermoplastic sheet and the support are fixedly attached one to the other by means of the edges of the perforations being embedded in the thermoplastic material of the sheet drawn therethrough, and the thermoplastic attachment heads. Also disclosed are articles of manufacture, such as interior and exterior automotive body panels and components.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a fabric 1 on the surface of a mandrel 10, infiltrating the formed fabric with matrix, and leaving portions 12a, 12b of the mandrel as integral with the fabric and removing the mandrel before the fabric adheres to the mandrel by matrix infiltration. Subsequently, a remaining portion of the mandrel is used as a reference surface and machining is performed. Without possibility of adhesion to the mandrel and resulting breakage, machining bases (axial center and reference surface) during machining can accurately be provided, and this can largely enhance machining precision and yield of a final product.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a seal-integrated separator for a fuel cell is presented, with which seals can be accurately positioned and the assembling time for the fuel cell units may be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A first film plate 20 and a second film plate 40, each made of flexible resin film, are attached to a top surface and a bottom surface of a key top 30 made of mold-resin, respectively, so as to cover the key top 30. The first film plate 20 is pressed upward to form a recessed portion 23, the key top 30 is molded within this recessed portion 23. The second film plate 40 is arranged on the bottom surface of the key top 30. All of the first film plate 20, the key top 30, and the second film plate 40 are transparent. Decorative layers 21 and 41 are formed on the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40, respectively.

Abstract: A method to prepare a terminal assembly for different varieties of bamboo, required to form a system of nodes useful in construction, with which points or ends of bamboo such that they can be joined together easily and with great precision; and so that the bamboo can be joined to any other type of material, incorporating it into all kinds of structural system.

Abstract: A female member of a snap fastener with tape comprising a female button made of synthetic resin which is integrally molded on front and back faces of the tape so as to hold a peripheral edge of an attachment hole of the tape having at least one attachment hole and which has an engaging opening to be engaged with a male button at a substantially center portion of the female button. The female button has at least one mold hole extending in a front and back direction of the tape, and at least one portion of the tape extends to an inside of the female button across the mold hole. At least one cut-out recessed in a diameter direction of the female button is defined in a portion of an inner peripheral engaging face of the engaging opening, and a gate burr is formed at a bottom face of the cut-out.

Abstract: The tongue material (2) is shaped, in a hot state, immediately after the extrusion thereof, preferably by means of a gear wheel acting upon the tongue material. The tongue material (4) is preferably longitudinally drawn after cooling below the solidification point thereof, with preferably a doubling in length. The final tongue profile (7) is thus achieved which displays a higher stiffness due to the stretching and may be adjusted to length or cut to length. The tongue (7), produced in the above manner, is finally mounted on the base body (8) of the drawn seal (1) by a spray application and forms the final drawn seal (1), together with the sealing body, also preferably mounted to the base body (8) by a spray application. The above is characterized not only by the good stability, but by the adjustable length of the tongue (7) and also a high security on manipulation. The final drawn seal (1) cannot be cut and resealed after installation, without leaving traces on the object to be sealed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor laser package in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: providing a housing (20) with a top portion (21), the top portion defining an optical cavity (23) composed of a window (231) and a sprue (232); disposing the housing in a cavity of a mold (not shown); closing the mold and injecting a melted transparent plastic resin into the sprue to fill the sprue and the window, thereby forming an integrated optical element; and taking the package out of the mold after curing of the injected plastic resin. The optical element is integrated with the housing, permitting light to pass therethrough. The package has a strong structure and is not as easily damaged when subjected to impacts. The optical element is made of a plastic material which is comparatively inexpensive. Therefore, the manufacturing cost is further reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a lens cap (20) for an optical module. The lens cap includes a housing (21) and an optical lens (22). The housing includes a sidewall (23) and a top wall (24) connecting with the sidewall. The top wall has an inclined portion (241) defining a through-hole (243) therein, and the through-hole includes a window (244) and an injection void (245) connecting with the window. The optical lens is made of optical plastic and is formed in the through-hole using insert-molding. The optical lens transmits and reflects light.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for forming a fascia assembly that is to be mounted on a front or rear end of a partially completed motor vehicle. The method comprises (1) molding and solidifying a molten first material so as to form an exterior fascia panel having a first connecting portion integrally molded therewith, and (2) molding and solidifying a molten second material so as to form a fascia assembly component having a second connecting portion integrally molded therewith and molded and solidified to the connecting portion of the exterior fascia panel in an interconnected relationship.

Abstract: An air passage switching system includes a switching door that is disposed rotatably in a case to open and close an air passage of the case. The switching door includes a door body, a rotation shaft provided in the door body, and a seal member made of an elastomer and adhering to an outer peripheral portion of the door body. The seal member contacts on a sealing surface of the case when the switching door closes the air passage. A plurality of recess portions are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the door body to be arranged in an outer peripheral direction. Thus, adhesion between the door body and the seal member can be strengthened.

Abstract: Cable tie and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises continuously forming a length of strap material using a rotary extrusion process, the strap material having laterally-extending teeth disposed along its entire length. The continuous length of strap material is then cut into individual straps of desired length, with the ends of each strap being shaped to desired profiles. A transverse hole may also be formed in the strap proximate to its front end. A front portion comprising a head is then insert-molded around the front end of the strap and, if present, the transverse hole in the strap. The head is provided with a transverse channel through which the tail end of the strap may be inserted and a locking tang lockably engageable with the teeth once inserted therepast.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film key sheet with a key top protruding from a resin film which allows a further reduction in thickness and provides a sufficient degree of clarity in visually recognizing a display portion thereof, and a method for manufacturing such a film key sheet. The film key sheet has a film removal hole piercing through the resin film, with a hole edge portion raised from the surface of the resin film being secured to the side surface of the key top. Thus, no resin film exists on the upper and bottom surfaces of the key top, so that it is possible to achieve a further reduction in thickness independently of the foldability of the resin film and drawing accuracy and to provide clarity in visual recognition of a display portion at the bottom of the key top.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of articles comprising at least a rigid element (1) and at least an element (2) made of a thermoplastic material obtained by moulding. The rigid element (1) has a profiled transverse section defining a concave space, wherein is positioned at least partly an element made of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A vent apparatus (10) includes a tank mount (12) made of a weldable plastics material and a fuel system component such as a valve assembly (13). Valve a assembly (13) includes a valve housing (14) made of a nonweldable plastics material and a valve (21) movable in a valve chamber (24) formed in valve housing (14) to open and close an aperture (23) leading to a venting outlet (22). Tank mount (12) supports valve housing (14) in a position in a mounting aperture (16) formed in a fuel tank (18). Valve housing (14) is made by injecting on-weldable plastics material into a mold containing the pre-molded tank mount (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling large concrete retaining wall blocks and the like. The blocks are cast in a form with the front face down, a lifting loop extending from a rear face and with grooves extending in sides from a rear face to adjacent the front face. A spear hook is secured to one of two fork lift tines to extend to one side of the tine away from the other tine. The spear hook engages the lifting loop on the block for lifting the block from the form and for rolling the block into an upright position. The fork lift tines then engage the side grooves from the rear of the block for lifting and moving the blocks and for stacking the blocks to construct a retaining wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moulding opening devices onto a packaging material sheet at respective holes provided in the sheet includes first and second mould tools arrangeable in a closed position so as to be in contact with opposite sides of the sheet and in an open position so as to be positioned distally from the sheet. In the closed positions a mould cavity is formed between the first and second mould tools for accommodating a hole edge in the sheet. One of the mould tools includes a pair of half mould tools which are simultaneously moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa such that the direction of movement of each of said half mould tools between the open and closed positions have a directional component extending substantially parallel to the extension plane and a directional component extending substantially perpendicularly to the extension plane, for reducing wear of the mould tools.

Abstract: Division members (31, 32) separately molded to form a hollow component are brought into contact with each other and are arranged in dies (14, 24). The peripheral edge of the contact parts is formed with a peripheral edge path (330) to be filled with a molten resin. In the peripheral edge path (330), protrusions (316, 326) are projected from the division members (31, 32) continuously over the whole periphery of the peripheral edge path (330). The molten resin is filled in the peripheral edge path 330, and is welded with the protrusions (316, 326). As a result, a weld structure is obtained in which portions having a high welding strength are continuously formed over the whole periphery of the peripheral edge path (330).

Abstract: Polypropylene is one of the most commonly used plastics in furniture and various structures (such as for example plastic warehouses) due to its cheap price, friendliness to the environment (in terms of degrading in a reasonable time when thrown away as waste), and good strength per weight factor. However, one of its biggest disadvantages is that like Teflon it is very inert, and therefore it is very hard to paint it after production or to connect other materials to it for example through chemical means, ultrasound, or with heat. Although it is possible to add various patterns or textures, such as for example wood-like patterns to the cast, and although is possible to add for example more colors without mixing them or with only partial mixing in order to get more than one color, such a mixing cannot be precisely controlled and cannot be made to fit with the texture, whereas for example wood texture would require proper color changes in correlation with the texture.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite article which includes at least one part fabricated from metal and/or plastic material is described. The process includes: (a) placing a part (1, 1′) into a mold (not shown); and (b) closing the mold and concurrently deforming at least a portion of the edge region (2, 2′) of at least one part (1, 1′), thus forming a deformed edge region (11, 14, 17). The deformed edge region may be selected from: (i) at least one aligned edge region (17) which includes at least two edge portions (6, 6′) that are aligned side-by-side; and/or (ii) at least one abutting edge region (11, 14) which includes two edge regions (2, 2′) abutting one over the other. In a subsequent step (c), plastic material (4) is introduced (e.g., injected) into the mold and over the deformed edge region (11, 14, 17).

Abstract: A thin film keypad includes a retainer sheet and a plurality of keycaps molded onto keycap attachment regions on the retainer sheet such that the keys are mechanically secured to the retainer sheet. The retainer sheet is made of a thin film material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, and each keycap attachment region includes at least a hole and/or at least one retainer anchor portion. The keycaps are molded from a plastic material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend. The thin film material is placed in a molding tool and the plastic material is injected into a keycap mold cavity such that the plastic material flows through the holes and/or around the retainer anchor portions, thereby anchoring the keycaps to the retainer sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for linking a first plastic component (6) with a second plastic component (9). According to the inventive method, the first component (6) is introduced into an injection mold with at least one connecting section (12) at which the link with the second component (9) is to be established. The second component (9) is formed by injection-molding plastic material onto the connecting section. A surface of the connecting section (12) is at least partially covered by the plastic material of the second component (9). At least one of the components may consist of a plastic material that requires only a relatively narrow temperature range to be moldable in the molten state. At least one binder body is formed at the surface intended to be covered by the injection-molded plastic material which binder is firmly linked with the surface. Said binder melts when contacted with the heat energy of the injection-molded plastic material and fuses with the injection-molded plastic.

Abstract: A mold to make a plastics material piece includes two parts defining a cavity corresponding to the piece to be made, each part has a peripheral zone for coming into contact with the other part's peripheral zone to define the mold's joint face. One part is made up of two blocks, namely a central block and a peripheral block, the two blocks suitable for sliding relative to each other in the mold closure direction, and the peripheral block capable of movement so as to move the peripheral zone away from the edges of the sheet. A method of making a plastics material piece includes placing a sheet in a part of a mold, moving a peripheral block, closing the mold, and moving the peripheral block to a molding position while keeping the first and second peripheral zones in contact.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite molded article is described. The composite molded article includes: (i) at least one base body (1) having a contoured surface; (ii) at least one first thermoplastic part (4, 5, 6); and (iii) at least one second thermoplastic part (2, 3), each of the first and second thermoplastic parts being joined to the base body. The process includes, (a) providing a multicomponent injection molding tool (20) having at least two separate melt flow-way systems and at least two cavities in which each of the first and second thermoplastic parts are separately formed, each of the cavities are in separate communication with each of the separate melt flow-way systems. The base body is placed into the molding tool in a second step (b). The cavities of the mold are separated from each other by a combination of the contoured surface of the base body and sealing edges of the molding tool that abut the contoured surface of the base body.

Abstract: An assembly method for a vehicle anti-theft key having an embedded resistor pellet is provided. The resistor pellet includes a flange at one end which abuts one side of the key blade when the opposed end of the pellet is inserted into a through opening formed in the shank portion of the key blade. With the resistor pellet loosely positioned within the through opening, a second flange is attached to the end of the pellet that was inserted through the through opening, thereby capturing the pellet within the through opening by the two opposed flanges. In one embodiment, the second flange is formed in place by employing a polymeric molding process, such as a thermoforming injection molding process. A handle for the key is efficiently formed substantially simultaneously with the second flange using the same polymeric molding process.

Abstract: A method for mounting interior vehicle trim parts in which two trim parts are supported adjacent one another and in which a bead of buffer material is disposed between mating surfaces of the two trim parts. The bead is included to reduce noises such as buzzes, squeaks and rattles produced by contact and relative motion between the first and second trim parts at their mating surfaces. The bead is mechanically locked into a recess in one of the mating surfaces by forming a recess in the mating surface then applying buffer material in the recess. The buffer material is applied in such a way as to form the bead. The bead is allowed to mechanically connect to the first trim part as a result of the hardening of the buffer material within the recess.

Abstract: A preferred process comprises providing a pre-formed, substantially transparent window for a cover of an electrical-energy meter, and molding the cover from a molten resin that, when solidified, is substantially opaque. Molding the cover from a molten resin comprises causing a portion of the molten resin to contact a periphery of the window and allowing the portion of the molten resin to cool and thereby solidify so that the portion of the molten resin, upon solidifying, is molded over the periphery of the window and thereby seals and secures the window to the cover.

Abstract: A composite structural reinforcement device to be applied to structural members by wrapping in successive overlying layers includes a body formed of a first ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a second ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a magnetically detectable ply disposed and bonded between the first and second plies, an interlock means for mechanically interlocking successive layers as the device is applied to a structural member, and an alignment means for aligning successive layers of the device in overlying relation. Various alternative embodiments and various combinations of features are disclosed.

Abstract: An energy attenuation restrictor device for use in an energy attenuation apparatus for a conduit adapted to convey a liquid under pressure, particularly, in the power steering system of a vehicle wherein said energy attenuation restrictor device includes a tuning cable composed of a first organic polymer and a fitting member composed of a second organic polymer, and a method for molding the energy attenuation restrictor device are described.

Abstract: A tile, made for example of leather, having a first face, a second face, side edges and a plurality of holes that bring into communication first face with second face. In a lining made with such tiles like this, the holes lead the air from below to above the tiles. To improve further the air flow through the tile, on the second face a plurality of grooves are made that extend from a central zone up to the side edges of the tile. This way, an air path is formed between the lining and the floor leading the air to holes and then into the room at the side of first face. A favorable exchange rate through a floor lining made with them is obtained, combined with a heat exchanger embedded in the floor.

Abstract: A method for preparing a colorful sole for a shoe, which laminates a membrane with patterns on the sole. The membrane is made of a polymer to merge with the sole to firmly combine with the sole. Additionally, the patterns are printed on the membrane, thus the patterns can be complicated and special to make a variety of changes in appearance to the colorful sole.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic body, alternative to a ferrite core, on a printed circuit board is provided. A printed circuit board is set in a mold and injection molding is conducted. The mold comprises a fixed plate, an intermediate plate and a movable plate. A cavity in the intermediate plate is filled with a melted material (i.e., mixture of resin and magnetic filler) supplied via a sprue and a runner. A cavity in the movable plate is also filled with the material supplied to the cavity in the intermediate plate through a hole in the printed circuit board. When a magnetic body for noise control is directly injection molded onto the printed circuit board in such a way, no gap appears between the magnetic body and the printed circuit board. As a result, the magnetic body functions well as desired.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of attaching plastic to a metal substrate and a part made by the method. A hydroformed metal section having top and bottom openings is provided. A plastic component is molded about the metal component and through the bottom opening. The plastic component includes a flange on one side thereof to secure the plastic component with the metal component.